President Biden sent a message on Sunday for the start of Passover, a Jewish holiday. He talked about the war between Israel and Hamas, a group in Gaza, and said he supports Israel strongly.
He said, “Even when people are being treated badly, if we keep believing, we can get through it.” He also criticized Hamas for their actions.
Biden repeated his support for Israel’s safety and its right to exist as a country. He also said he’s trying to make a temporary agreement to stop the fighting and free people held by Hamas.
Joe Biden
Biden wants a solution where both Israelis and Palestinians are safe and have a chance for a good life.
He also talked about a recent attack on Israel by Iran and said he’s against antisemitism, which is hate against Jewish people. He said everyone should speak out against it.
Representative Ro Khanna from California spoke up for Speaker Mike Johnson from Louisiana on Sunday. He said Johnson should keep his job, even though some want to remove him because he supported aid for Ukraine and Israel.
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene from Georgia leads a group of three Republicans who want to remove Johnson. This could cause chaos in the House, like what happened last year.
Khanna is one of the Democrats who said he wouldn’t support removing Johnson because he helped pass a $95 billion aid package for Ukraine and Israel.
In an interview on ABC’s “This Week,” Khanna praised Johnson for getting the aid package passed. He said they’ve been in Congress together and Johnson has always cared about being civil.
RO Khanna (Credits: House.gov)
Khanna added, “I would actually vote to table any motion to vacate him.” He said other progressive Democrats might also support keeping Johnson in his job.
Khanna said, “I disagree with Speaker Johnson on many issues and have been very critical of him. But he did the right thing here, and he deserves to keep his job until the end of this term.”
Greene hasn’t set a date for the vote on removing Johnson yet. She said she could do it soon, putting more pressure on Johnson as fewer Republicans support him in the House.
Representative Tom Cole from Oklahoma said on Sunday that the effort to remove House Speaker Mike Johnson from his position isn’t a big worry. He mentioned it’s only a few Republican lawmakers who want Johnson gone.
When asked on CBS News’s “Face The Nation” if he thinks the move by Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene to remove Johnson is serious, Cole said, “Well, I take anything seriously. But no, I don’t.”
Cole compared it to last fall when former Speaker Kevin McCarthy was removed, saying only eight Republicans were involved then. He doesn’t think there’s strong support from Democrats to remove Johnson either.
He said, “Both sides now see how dangerous and irresponsible this is.”
Tom Cole (Credits: KFOR)
Cole believes Johnson has done a lot and is respected by many. He said, “Every single Republican voted for him. I don’t think that any other person could have done that at the time other than Mike Johnson. So the reservoir of goodwill is enormous.”
Greene introduced a motion to remove Johnson as Speaker last month after the House passed a spending package. She said on Sunday that she still plans to bring the motion, calling on Johnson to resign.
She said on Fox News’s “Sunday Morning Futures,” “Mike Johnson’s Speakership is over. He needs to do the right thing to resign and allow us to move forward.”
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said that Chicago is all set to host the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in August, even with worries about big protests against how President Biden has handled the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The DNC is happening from August 19th to 22nd. It’s where the Democratic Party will officially pick President Biden as their choice for president. People are expected to protest a lot against Biden’s actions regarding the war in Gaza. They want him to push for a complete cease-fire.
Pritzker talked about these worries on a CNN show called “State of the Union” with Dana Bash.
He said, “We need to understand that Joe Biden is trying to make peace in the Middle East. He’s trying to stop the fighting between Israel and Gaza and send aid there. When you think about the protests, it’s Joe Biden who wants peace. The Republicans, on the other hand, would rather have more war in the Middle East.”
J. B. Pritzker and Joe Biden
Pritzker mentioned that protest groups who want a cease-fire blocked a highway near Chicago’s O’Hare Airport last week as part of a bigger protest across the country. But the Chicago Police quickly got them off the road faster than other places.
He said, “Our Chicago Police Department got those people off the highway faster than any other city in the United States. And they’re ready for the Democratic Convention.”
Pritzker also said, “We believe in free speech, and we’ll let people protest and say what they want. But we’ll also make sure they can come and go safely.”
Some people worry that the protests against the war might turn into something like what happened in 1968 during the Democratic Convention in Chicago. There were protests against the Vietnam War, and things got violent with the police.
Pritzker said he’s focusing on how the convention went in 1996 in Chicago, which was a good one. He said, “We had a great convention in 1996. It was one of the best in my lifetime. So, I think this one will be more like that.”
He added, “In the Democratic Party, we support people’s right to protest and speak up.”
Arizona’s House Speaker Ben Toma is having a tough time as he tries to deal with the aftermath of Arizona’s Supreme Court decision. The court recently upheld a very old law from 1864 that bans most abortions in Arizona.
Since the court’s decision, Toma has helped stop Democrats in the House from trying to get rid of the ban, saying they can’t do it because of the rules.
National Republicans, including former President Trump and Kari Lake, want the old ban removed. If it goes away, a newer law from 2022 would take its place, allowing abortions up to 15 weeks into pregnancy.
Ben Toma with Attendeed (Credits: AZCentral)
But Toma also wants to win a Republican primary for Congress. In that race, voters and groups against abortion might not like it if he gives in and supports a less strict ban on abortion.
Toma and other Republicans in Arizona have always thought abortion is wrong and should be against the law. But the Supreme Court’s decision to change things has made it tricky for both Republicans and Democrats.
Last year, Toma supported the 1864 law in a document he sent to the state Supreme Court.
But now, Toma is learning that being against abortion might not be the best idea politically. If people get really mad about the old ban, it could hurt Republicans’ chances of winning in Arizona.
Toma says there’s no hurry to decide on getting rid of the ban because the Legislature still has other work to finish first.
Ben Toma (Credits: AZCentral)
Arizona is now in a big fight over abortion rights because of the court’s decision. The law from 1864 says almost all abortions are illegal in Arizona, and doctors who do them can go to jail.
Before the court’s decision, Trump said each state should make its own rules about abortion. But after the decision, he said it went too far and needed to be changed.
Kari Lake, who wants to be a senator, also doesn’t like the court’s decision. She’s trying to get lawmakers to change the law.
But Toma has stopped two attempts in the House to talk about getting rid of the old law. Only one other Republican voted with Democrats to try to talk about it.
In the Senate, two Republicans joined Democrats to try to change the law.
Toma told a news website that he doesn’t think anything will happen with the old law in the House.
Another Republican, David Cook, thinks there are enough votes to change the law next week, even if Toma doesn’t want to.
Ben Toma (Credits: AZCentral)
Republicans who know Toma say he will probably keep saying no to changing the old law because that’s what people who might vote for him want.
Kirk Adams, who used to be the Speaker of the House in Arizona, says Toma is trying to do what’s best for him personally and for the Republican Party.
But if Toma doesn’t change the law, it could mean Republicans lose their majority in the Legislature.
Some Republicans say Toma should find a way to change the law a little bit, even if he doesn’t want to, because otherwise, it could hurt Republicans in the election.
A consultant who works with Republicans says that might be true, but Toma might also want to show voters he really cares about stopping abortion.
Some Republicans say abortion isn’t like other issues where you can change your mind. Matt Salmon, who used to be in the Legislature and Congress, says it’s a very serious issue for some people, not just a political game.
Tesla has once again slashed its prices in several key markets, including the US, China, and Germany, amid declining sales for the electric car titan led by billionaire Elon Musk.
This move follows a significant drop in global vehicle deliveries during the first quarter of this year.
Chinese EV manufacturers fiercely compete
Competition among electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers has escalated, with Chinese companies particularly vying fiercely for market share.
Tesla is set to announce its financial results for the first quarter of 2024 after the US market closes on Tuesday.
Elon Musk took to the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, stating that “Tesla prices must change frequently to match production with demand”.
Elon Musk, co-founder and chief executive officer of Tesla Inc. (Credit: Robyn Beck / POOL / AFP)
In China, the company reduced the starting price of the revamped Model 3 by 14,000 yuan ($1,934; £1,562) to 231,900 yuan.
Meanwhile, prices of the Model Y, Model X, and Model S vehicles in the US were cut by $2,000 (£1,616) on Friday.
According to Reuters news agency, there were also price reductions in numerous other countries across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
An EV price war
Tesla initiated an EV price war over a year ago when it aggressively lowered prices, sacrificing profit margins in the process.
While rivals in China, such as BYD and Nio, have been rolling out cheaper models, Tesla has been slow to refresh its aging lineup. Additionally, Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi recently launched its first EV last month.
Tesla initiated an EV price war (Credit: Stock photo/Getty Images)
Last week, Tesla announced plans to lay off over 10% of its global workforce.
Over the weekend, Musk announced the postponement of his planned trip to India, where he was scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing “very heavy Tesla obligations”.
On Friday, the company issued a recall for thousands of its new Cybertrucks due to safety concerns. The recall was prompted by the risk of accelerator pedals becoming trapped by the interior trim, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Tesla’s shares have plummeted by more than 40% since the beginning of this year.
The recent report of Consumer Reports reveals that among the tested fruits and vegetables, about 20% had a lot of harmful pesticides in them.
Consumer Reports released the report, calling it their most thorough review of pesticides in food ever. They looked at 59 common fruits and vegetables, including fresh, canned, dried, and frozen ones.
“Our new findings are concerning. Pesticides were a big problem in 20% of the foods we looked at,” said Consumer Reports.
The report included bell peppers, blueberries, potatoes, and strawberries. It also mentioned green beans, which had pesticides that hadn’t been allowed in the U.S. for over ten years.
Consumer Reports pointed out that produce from other countries, especially Mexico, often had high levels of pesticides.
Consumer Reports studied seven years of data from the Department of Agriculture. Every year, the department tests a selection of fruits and veggies grown in or brought to the U.S. for pesticide residue, both conventional and organic.
A dozen foods raise bigger concerns, with limited servings recommended for kids and pregnant women. (Credits: Shutterstock)
Farmers use certain chemicals to keep bugs, fungi, and weeds under control. However, some of these chemicals can be harmful to health.
Consumer Reports mentioned that some well-known pesticides, like DDT, are banned in the U.S. However, they argued that regulators are slow to ban others. Also, when a dangerous chemical gets banned, some companies and growers switch to other options that could also be harmful.
Consumer Reports has been watching pesticide use on produce for a long time and has noticed this happening again and again.
However, they found that nearly two-thirds of the foods, especially organic ones, had very little to worry about in terms of pesticides.
Their analysis showed that most of the risks come from just a few pesticides, mainly found in a small number of foods grown on a small part of U.S. farmland.
The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) mentioned that pesticides are important for ensuring we have enough affordable food, especially fruits and veggies. (Credits: Gao.gov)
The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) mentioned that pesticides are important for ensuring we have enough affordable food, especially fruits and veggies.
When the EPA decides if a pesticide is safe or not, they rely on the best available science. But they noted that science is always changing, and new info can change our understanding of how pesticides affect us.
The EPA said that out of over 29,000 food samples tested by the USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture), more than 99% had levels of pesticides below what the EPA considers safe.
For the remaining 1%, the EPA explained that many of these detections were for pesticides not meant for use on those foods or were canceled in the U.S., which is a problem with enforcement.
The Risk Use of Pesticides Involves
Consumer Reports found that about 16 out of 25 fruits and about 21 out of 34 vegetables had low levels of pesticide risk. This means that kids and pregnant women can safely eat more than three servings a day of these foods, according to food safety experts at Consumer Reports.
Ten foods were at a moderate risk level. This means it’s safe to eat up to three servings a day.
However, a dozen foods raised bigger concerns. For these, kids and pregnant women should have less than one serving a day of high-risk fruits and vegetables. They should also have less than half a serving per day of very high-risk ones, as suggested by Consumer Reports.
Kids and pregnant women can safely consume more than three servings daily. (Credits: Shutterstock)
Consumer Reports also recommended that everyone else should limit their consumption of these foods too. They made a list of six conventionally grown fruits and vegetables where pesticides are a serious problem and suggested possible substitutes for them.
When it comes to choosing fruits and vegetables with lower pesticide risks, Consumer Reports suggests some alternatives to certain commonly consumed items. For blueberries, they recommend opting for organic ones, while domestic strawberries are also considered a safer choice.
Bell peppers are best chosen in organic form, or they should be eaten sparingly. Additionally, hot peppers carry a high risk. Sweet potatoes are suggested as a low-risk alternative to regular potatoes.
For green beans, snap peas or organic domestically grown green beans are recommended. When it comes to kale and mustard greens, going organic is advised, and broccoli is another very low-risk option.
While fresh spinach is a better choice, it still poses a moderate risk. Lastly, for watermelon, choosing organic varieties is the safest option, and cantaloupe is also considered to have a very low risk.
According to a new report, the cost of buying a new house just reached a new high as mortgage rates went up to the highest level this year.
A report from Redfin shows that because of high mortgage rates and expensive home prices, the median monthly housing payment has gone up to a record $2,775 – an 11% increase compared to the same time last year.
“Buying a home is getting more expensive with mortgage rates going up and home prices staying high,” said Ben Ayers, a senior economist at Nationwide. “Even though there’s a strong demand for homes because of demographics and a good job market, many people buying for the first time can’t afford it because of high financing rates and increasing prices.”
Home supply is down 34.3% since pre-pandemic levels. (Credits: Home Supply)
Several factors are driving the affordability crisis. First, there’s been a shortage of homes in the country due to years of not building enough. This problem got worse when mortgage rates went up quickly and construction materials became expensive.
Higher mortgage rates in the past three years have made it tough for sellers. Some locked in very low mortgage rates, like 3% or less, during the pandemic and don’t want to sell now. This makes the supply of homes even smaller and gives fewer choices to people wanting to buy.
Some homebuyers rush due to fear of further rate increases. (Credits: iStock)
Economists think mortgage rates will stay high for the first half of 2024. They might start dropping only when the Federal Reserve lowers rates. But even then, rates probably won’t go back to the very low levels we saw during the pandemic.
Also, investors aren’t sure if the Federal Reserve will raise rates this year because of several reports showing higher inflation than expected.
“Some house hunters are hoping to buy now because they’re concerned rates could rise more, and others have grown accustomed to raised rates and pushed down their home-price budget accordingly,” the Redfin report said.
Freddie Mac, which buys mortgages, announced Thursday that the average rate on a 30-year loan this week went over 7% for the first time this year, going up from 6.88% to 7.1%. Although this is lower than the peak of 7.79% in the fall, it’s still much higher than the lows of just 3% during the pandemic.
According to another report from Realtor.com, the supply of available homes is still down by a shocking 34.3% compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic started in early 2020.
A separate survey by Zillow found that most homeowners are much more likely to sell their home if their mortgage rate is 5% or higher. Right now, about 80% of people with mortgages have a rate below 5%.
Bill Gates recently sold one of his homes in Medina, Washington. The house is 2,430 square feet and was listed for sale at almost $4.989 million in March.
The exact selling price hasn’t been disclosed. Gates worked with RE/MAX Northwest to sell the house, and it was marked as “pending” on their listing.
The house offers stunning views of Lake Washington, the Seattle skyline, and the Olympic Mountains. It’s situated on a 0.61-acre lot and includes a large deck and a zen garden.
It boasts stunning views of Lake Washington, the Seattle skyline, and the Olympic Mountains. (Credits: Realtor.com)
Inside, there are four bedrooms and three full bathrooms. The house features radiant heated floors as well.
Bill Gates still owns another home in Medina, which is famously known as “Xanadu 2.0.” This massive house spans 66,000 square feet and was built with an investment of tens of millions of dollars by the tech billionaire.
The property includes a large deck, a zen garden, four bedrooms, and three full bathrooms. (Credits: Realtor.com)
Medina is located in King County, where Microsoft has its headquarters.
Gates, who spent 15 years as CEO of Microsoft until 2000, stepped down from the company’s board in 2020 to focus more on his philanthropic work, particularly in global health, development, education, and addressing climate change.
According to Bloomberg, Gates still holds about 1% of Microsoft shares even after his step down.
Some small farms are facing difficulties, with inflation cutting into their profits. Some owners fear their farms may not survive to be passed down to the next generation.
“I might be the generation that loses [the farm]. It’s not just my fault, but the world around me might change so much that I can’t hold onto it anymore,” said Andrew Boerding, a 6th generation farmer at Boerding Farm. He and his father Jim noted that rising costs are making farming much more expensive than it used to be.
Garrett Hawkins: Missouri Farm Bureau president, highlights tough competition for land, impacting small farms. (Credits: Kyle Hill, Alpha Ag Network)
“My dad retired about 20 years ago, and he just can’t believe how much things cost now compared to when he was farming,” said Jim Boerding to Fox Business, who currently manages the family farm. He explained that higher input costs mean much lower profits.
“The input costs are outrageous… fuel costs, machinery costs, and when the price of grain goes up, everything else does too,” Jim said.
In 2023, the average value of U.S. farm real estate reached $4,080 per acre, which is $280 more per acre compared to before.
Nationwide, 7% decrease in family farms, making it hard for new farmers.
Garrett Hawkins, the president of the Missouri Farm Bureau, said it’s hard for farms to grow because there’s a lot of competition for land. He mentioned that this competition is causing small family farms to disappear, with Missouri losing 300 of them just last year.
“We’ve noticed a 7% drop in family farms nationwide,” Hawkins added. Because of this, it’s getting harder for families to keep their farms or for new farmers to start.
“In Missouri, we made a new state law to encourage new farmers to find land, hopefully connecting them with those who are retiring or leaving farming,” Hawkins explained.
Both Hawkins and the Boerding family are committed to keeping their community strong, even if it takes extra work. “Farming has been a part of my life, my dad’s life and I hope it’ll be part of my children’s lives too,” said Andrew Boerding.
Elon Musk opposes banning TikTok in the United States, even though it could help his platform, X. He believes banning TikTok goes against freedom of speech, which is a core American value.
House Republicans introduced a bill this week that would ban TikTok in the U.S. if its Chinese owner, ByteDance, doesn’t cut ties with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
House bill proposes banning TikTok unless ByteDance cuts ties with the Chinese Communist Party.
ByteDance has one year to sever these connections under the proposed bill, which is part of a foreign aid package for Israel and Ukraine. The bill might be voted on as soon as Saturday.
A similar bill passed the House last month with bipartisan support but faced challenges in the Senate. The House is now proposing a revised bill that either bans TikTok in the U.S. or requires ByteDance to separate from the CCP.
The Senate Commerce Committee Chair supports the bill and extends the ByteDance divestment period from six months to one year.
Senate Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell, a Democrat from Washington, now supports the legislation, especially after ByteDance was given a year instead of six months to separate from the CCP.
“I’m pleased that Speaker Johnson and House leaders listened to my suggestion to extend the time ByteDance has to divest from six months to a year,” Cantwell said on Wednesday.
“Extending the divestment period is important to give potential buyers enough time to make a deal. I fully support this updated legislation.”
Musk has previously described himself as a “free speech absolutist,” saying it’s one of the reasons he acquired Twitter, which he renamed X.
Former President Donald Trump’s new company, Trump Media & Technology, could be the focus of market tricks, according to CEO Devin Nunes. He wrote a letter to Nasdaq CEO Adena Friedman on Friday about it.
Since becoming public on March 26, the stock, listed as D-J-T on the Nasdaq, has seen big changes. Nunes mentioned that by April 3, 2024, DJT was the priciest U.S. stock to bet against, meaning brokers had a big reason to lend stocks that didn’t exist.
Data suggests that only four market players have made over 60% of the unusual trading volume for DJT shares: Citadel Securities, VIRTU Americas, G1 Execution Services, and Jane Street Capital. Citadel is led by billionaire hedge fund investor Ken Griffin.
Trump’s company plans a livestream service for Truth Social and may sell more stock.
Short selling is when an investor makes money if a stock’s value drops by borrowing against its purchase and buying it back at a lower price.
Citadel responded to FOX Business, saying, “Devin Nunes is blaming ‘naked short selling’ for his falling stock price. He’s the type of person Donald Trump would have fired on ‘The Apprentice.’ If he worked for Citadel Securities, we would fire him, as we value ability and integrity.”
Since the IPO, DJT shares have reached as high as $79 each, giving Trump a short-lived paper net worth of over $9 billion. But it’s now down to about $3 billion as of Friday.
DJT, unlike others, hasn’t generated revenue, and lost $58 million in 2023, according to reports.
The shares have become popular on social media, joining other actively traded stocks like AMC and GameStop. They often see big swings without any specific news.
These stocks are more liked by individual traders rather than big institutions, according to experts.
The company has been making moves since it started. This week, it said it’s starting a livestream service for Truth Social, which is run by the parent company. Also, it might sell more stock, potentially 146 million shares, of which Trump owns over 114 million, according to an SEC filing.
Unlike some other popular stocks, DJT hasn’t made any money yet, according to its IPO prospectus. It lost over $58 million in 2023, as stated in its Annual Report.
These accusations come as Trump is being tried in New York City for payments to former porn star Stormy Daniels. Jury selection is happening now.
Tesla recently slashed prices on three of its five models in the United States, signaling the challenges the electric vehicle giant, led by Elon Musk, is currently facing. The reductions apply to the Model Y, Model X, and Model S, while the prices for the Model 3 sedan and Cybertruck remain unchanged.
The decision came after Tesla’s stock price plummeted below $150 per share, wiping out gains from the past year, amid declining sales and heightened competition in the electric vehicle market.
Tesla stock falls lowest in ten months.(Credit: Finbold)
Elon Musk took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to highlight that with federal tax credits and savings on gas, the entry-level price for a Tesla could be as low as $29,490.
However, industry analysts had been anticipating the release of a smaller electric vehicle, dubbed the Model 2, priced around $25,000. Reports suggesting Musk might abandon the project added to uncertainty about Tesla’s future direction.
The price adjustments followed a tumultuous week for Tesla, which announced a global workforce reduction of 10%, affecting around 14,000 jobs.
Additionally, the company issued a recall for nearly 4,000 2024 Cybertrucks due to a potential accelerator pedal issue that could lead to unintended acceleration and crashes.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk and Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussing Tesla’s developments in battery technology.(Credit: Mint)
Elon Musk revealed that he postponed a planned trip to India to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi due to “very heavy Tesla obligations,” expressing hopes to reschedule for later in the year.
Tesla is set to reveal its first-quarter earnings soon, following a sharp decline in worldwide sales during the period, attributed to increased competition and slowing growth in electric vehicle sales, despite previous price cuts.
This marked Tesla’s first year-over-year quarterly sales decline in nearly four years, underscoring the ongoing challenges facing the company amidst a rapidly evolving automotive landscape.
The upcoming United Nations climate talks, to be presided over by Mukhtar Babayev, Azerbaijan’s environment minister, in November in Baku, Azerbaijan, are seen as a crucial step in global efforts to combat climate change.
Babayev emphasizes the significance of building upon last year’s successful agreement to transition away from fossil fuels and aims for this year’s meeting to lay the groundwork for strengthened plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2025.
Babayev highlights Baku’s role as a nexus for bridging the gap between developed and developing nations, particularly concerning financial assistance for climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts in poorer countries.
Mukhtar Babayev, COP29 President-Designate, met with Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, COP28 President. (Credit: Açar sözlər)
Despite the challenges posed by the short preparation time due to geopolitical considerations, Babayev remains optimistic about the conference’s prospects.
The overarching goal of COP29 is to secure increased financial support for developing nations to transition to cleaner energy sources and address the escalating impacts of climate change.
Babayev underscores the urgency of the situation by pointing to recent extreme weather events and record-breaking temperatures, emphasizing the need for immediate action.
During his visit to Washington, Babayev engaged with various stakeholders, including financial institutions and the private sector, urging them to play a more active role in climate finance. He believes that collaboration with the private sector is essential in driving meaningful progress towards sustainability.
While acknowledging his background in the oil industry, Babayev and his counterpart, Sultan al-Jaber of Dubai, assert that their industry connections can facilitate constructive engagement and tangible outcomes in climate negotiations.
Azerbaijan’s Minister for ecology and natural resources and formerly an executive at state oil company SOCAR Mukhtar Babayev (C) visits at the Norm cement plant in Baku, on February 23, 2023. (Credit: TOFIK BABAYEV/AFP/Getty Images)
Despite Azerbaijan’s historical reliance on fossil fuels, Babayev aims to showcase the country’s transition towards renewable energy, particularly wind power, as a model for sustainable development.
However, challenges remain, as Azerbaijan has seen an increase in carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel combustion in recent years, underscoring the ongoing need for concerted efforts to address climate change.
Tributes pour in following the passing of Mandisa Lynn Hundley, the Grammy-winning American Idol singer, at the age of 47.
Paula Abdul, who served as a judge during Mandisa’s Idol season in 2006, hailed her as a “true beacon of light” in a statement to People.
Another Idol alum, Danny Gokey, expressed being “devastated” in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
Mandisa performs at The Palace of Auburn Hills on March 5, 2017, in Auburn Hills, Michigan. (Credit: Scott Legato/Getty Images)
Mandisa’s publicist confirmed to BBC News that she was discovered deceased in her home on Thursday.
“At this time, we do not know the cause of death or any further details,” they added. “We ask for your prayers for her family and close-knit circle of friends during this incredibly difficult time.”
Known simply as Mandisa, the singer clinched a Grammy in the best contemporary Christian music category for her album “Overcomer” in 2014. She rose to prominence through her participation in season five of American Idol in 2006, securing the ninth spot.
Hosts Matthew West and Mandisa speak on stage during the 7th Annual K-LOVE Fan Awards at The Grand Ole Opry House on June 2, 2019. (Credit: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images)
She subsequently enjoyed substantial success in Christian music, with her albums, including “What If We Were Real” (2011), “Freedom” (2009), and “True Beauty” (2007), earning Grammy nominations.
In her 2022 memoir, “Out of the Dark: My Journey Through The Shadows To Find God’s Joy,” Mandisa openly discussed her battles with depression and grief.
An Instagram statement on her page commemorated her as “a voice of encouragement and truth to people facing life’s challenges all around the world.”
Assembling an impartial jury for the case against Donald Trump, one of the most polarizing figures in US politics, proved to be a challenging endeavor. After numerous challenges, both the prosecution and defense have finalized the panel.
“Those who are blatantly biased are out,” remarked Jeremy Saland, a former Manhattan prosecutor. “They’ve done their homework and done their job to pick a jury.”
Former US President Donald Trump holds a stack of news articles while speaking to members of the media at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York, US, on Thursday, April 18, 2024. (Credit: Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post)
To safeguard their identities, New York Judge Juan Merchan imposed restrictions on the amount of information reporters can disclose about the 12 jurors.
The jury panel comprises five women and seven men, all highly educated individuals. Among them are a civil litigator residing in the Upper East Side, an investment banker with an MBA, a security engineer from the West Village, and a retired wealth manager.
According to Mr. Saland, an independent legal expert, having highly educated jurors is crucial for this case. “You need someone capable and intelligent enough to parse out what happened and apply the law,” he remarked.
Trump’s Opening Statements: Jury Panel Consists of Five Women and Seven Men (Credit: Stock Photo via Getty Images)
However, these jurors might encounter significant external pressure due to the high-profile nature of the felony trial, especially amidst Mr. Trump’s presidential campaign.
“This isn’t your run-of-the-mill or average criminal case,” noted Mr. Saland. “That’s going to weigh heavy on their minds.”
Here are insights into the 12 individuals entrusted with deciding the legal fate of the former president, drawn from their responses during the selection process:
Juror 1- Foreman
Juror number one, originally from Ireland, serves as the jury foreperson. Currently employed in sales and married, he enjoys outdoor activities in his free time and gathers news from sources like the New York Times, the Daily Mail, and Fox News.
Juror 2- Investment Banker
Juror number two, an investment banker with an MBA residing in Hell’s Kitchen with his wife, finds enjoyment in music and concerts. He’s familiar with “quotes” from Mr. Trump’s book, “The Art of the Deal.” Despite lacking firmly held opinions or strong beliefs, he keeps abreast of current events due to his work in capital markets.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump (R) sits with his attorney Todd Blanche (L) during his criminal trial(Credit: Mark Peterson – Pool/Getty Images)
Juror 3- Lawyer
Juror number three, a resident of Chelsea, works in corporate law and indulges in hiking and running for leisure. Like many, he stays informed through the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal.
Juror 4- Security Engineer
Juror number four, a West Village resident of 15 years, works as a security engineer and finds pleasure in wood and metal working, as well as comedy podcasts. While he served on a previous jury for a criminal case, he doesn’t recall the verdict.
During the jury selection process, when asked by prosecutors if he harbored any concerns about rendering a guilty verdict, he replied with a straightforward “No.” Additionally, he expressed neutrality towards the former president.
Juror 5- School Teacher
Juror number 5, a Harlem native, now works as a school teacher and considers herself a “creative at heart”, finding joy in theatre, writing, and travel. Despite having friends with strong opinions about Mr. Trump, she asserts her lack of political inclination and disinterest in news.
“President Trump speaks his mind and I’d rather that than someone who’s in office who you don’t know what they’re thinking,” she remarked during the jury selection process.
Trump’s Opening Statements: Jury Panel Includes School Teacher (Credit: Stock Photo/Getty Images)
Juror 6- Software Engineer
Juror number six, residing in Chelsea, recently completed college and pursues a career in software engineering. Her leisure activities include socializing with loved ones and dining out. She keeps informed through the New York Times, Google, and TikTok.
Juror 7- Litigator
Juror number seven, an Upper East Side resident, practices civil litigation but admits limited knowledge of criminal litigation. He values family time outdoors and relies on the New York Times, the Washington Post, and the New York Post for news. Additionally, he tunes into the podcast Car Talk. He acknowledges having “political views” regarding Mr. Trump’s presidency, appreciating some policies while disliking others.
Juror 8- Wealth Manager
Juror number eight, a retired wealth manager, has been a fixture of the Upper East Side for decades, holding an MBA. He prioritizes his well-being with a daily yoga routine and stays informed through outlets like the BBC, the New York Times, and CNN. He is a proud parent of a son and a daughter.
Diverse Jury Panel Featuring E-commerce Worker, Speech Therapist, Wealth Manager, Teacher, and Engineer for Trump’s Opening Statements(Credit: Stock photo/Getty Images)
Juror 9- Speech Therapist
Juror number nine, residing on the Upper East Side and working as a speech therapist, holds a master’s degree. Her leisure activities include dining out and watching TV, particularly enjoying reality TV podcasts. Despite not closely following the news, she expressed confidence in her ability to remain fair and impartial during the selection process.
Juror 10- Employed in E-commerce
Juror number 10 hails from Ohio and is employed in e-commerce. He finds interest in behavioral psychology podcasts and harbors a deep affection for animals. Although he doesn’t closely track current events, he keeps up with the New York Times.
Juror 11- Product Development Manager
Juror number 11, originally from California, serves as a product development manager. In her free time, she delights in discovering the city and indulging in culinary delights. She made her stance clear on Mr. Trump’s persona, expressing disagreement with some of his politics while assuring the court of her capacity for impartiality. Her humorous analogy drew laughter from the courtroom.
Juror 12- Physical Therapist
Juror number 12, another resident of the Upper East Side, works as a physical therapist and is happily married. Her interests span from running and tennis to live music and sports podcasts. She stays informed through the New York Times, USA Today, and CNN.
The transition in the West African nation will shift from a presidential to a parliamentary system.
Advocates of President Faure Gnassingbé argue that the adjustments diminish his authority by converting the presidency into a ceremonial position.
Faure Essozimna Gnassingbe, President of Togo (Credit: Inga Kjer/Photothek via Getty Images)
However, the opposition contends that the reforms eliminate term limits, potentially extending President Gnassingbé’s tenure until 2031. They assert that thereafter, he would assume the newly created role of “president of the council of ministers,” essentially functioning as prime minister, thus perpetuating his family’s 57-year rule.
Gnassingbé has held power since 2005
President Gnassingbé ascended to power in 2005 following the passing of his father, who had held the presidency since 1967.
Although lawmakers ratified the constitutional amendments last month, Mr. Gnassingbé announced a pause in the reforms in response to growing public discontent, stating that further consultations would be conducted.
Parliament Building in Lome, Togo(Credit: Getty Images)
Minister of Human Rights Yawa Djigbodi Tségan expressed optimism that the initiative would “enhance democracy within the nation”.
However, Brigitte Kafui Johnson, leader of the opposition CDPA party and former presidential contender, criticized the proposed constitutional amendments as a “bid for increased power”.
“Don’t Touch My Constitution”- Opposition
In recent weeks, lawmakers supportive of the government have embarked on nationwide visits purportedly aimed at “engaging with and educating citizens on the constitutional reforms”.
Opposition’s Rally Against Constitutional Amendments: ‘Don’t Touch My Constitution'(Credit: Getty Images)
These discussions primarily targeted customary leaders and select groups, yet no alterations were implemented following these engagements.
There exists a pervasive atmosphere of apprehension surrounding public expression of dissent, with concerns heightened due to the authorities’ crackdown on anti-government demonstrations.
Just last month, a press conference organized by the opposition under the slogan “Don’t Touch My Constitution” was forcefully dispersed by police wielding batons.
Trump’s hush-money trial enters its fourth day as 12 jurors were selected on Thursday, marking progress despite the complexities of the jury selection process.
The jury selection process had been complicated due to the polarizing and high-profile nature of the defendant. Prospective jurors were extensively questioned about their political affiliations, social media activity, and various aspects of their personal lives.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump talks to the media following the second day of his criminal trial at Manhattan Criminal Court on April 16, 2024 (Credit: Mary Altaffer-Pool/Getty Images)
Juror Voices Identity Concerns
On Thursday, a juror expressed concerns about the potential discovery of her identity, particularly after being mentioned in the media. Subsequently, she was excused from the trial, prompting Judge Juan Merchan to rule that certain identifying details, such as a juror’s workplace, should not be disclosed publicly.
Throughout the proceedings, Trump has been present in court, mostly observing quietly. However, his activity on his Truth Social media platform has drawn significant attention, leading prosecutors to accuse the former president of violating a gag order and potentially facing contempt of court charges.
Attorney Todd Blanche sits with former US President Donald Trump as they attend Trump’s trial for allegedly covering up hush money payments linked to extramarital affairs, at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City on April 19, 2024. (Credit: Mark Peterson / POOL / AFP)
A hearing regarding this matter is scheduled for April 23. The focal point of the case revolves around a $130,000 payment made by Trump’s former lawyer and confidant, Michael Cohen, to Stormy Daniels during the 2016 election campaign, aimed at preventing her allegations of an affair with Trump from surfacing publicly.
Allegations and Legal Battles
According to prosecutors, Trump allegedly obscured the true nature of payments in internal records when his company reimbursed Cohen, who pleaded guilty in 2018 and is expected to be a key witness for the prosecution. Trump has consistently denied any affair with Daniels, with his legal team arguing that the payments to Cohen constituted legitimate legal expenses.
Participants were seen holding signs outside the New York Criminal Court. (Credit: Erik McGregor/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Trump is now facing 34 felony counts related to falsifying business records. This trial marks the first instance of a former US president facing criminal charges in an American courtroom.
However, there are three other significant issues at play, including Trump’s actions during the January 6 insurrection, the handling of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago residence, and alleged attempts to undermine the 2020 election in Georgia. Despite these legal challenges, Trump’s legal team has thus far managed to postpone these cases.
Despite the ongoing legal battles, Trump remains the front-runner for the Republican presidential nomination and is expected to face off against Joe Biden in November. Recent polling suggests Trump holds a narrow lead over Biden, particularly in key swing states crucial for securing the presidency.
Two individuals have been apprehended in Poland under suspicion of assaulting Leonid Volkov, a prominent associate of the late Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny, as stated by the president of Lithuania. Volkov endured a brief hospitalization last month subsequent to an ambush outside his residence in Vilnius, Lithuania’s capital.
The assailant shattered Volkov’s car window and proceeded to strike him with a hammer, resulting in a broken left arm and damage to his left leg before fleeing. President Gitanas Nausėda, addressing reporters in Vilnius, acknowledged Poland’s efforts and expressed gratitude.
Vehicle of Navalny Ally Volkov Removed After Hammer Attack in Vilnius (Credit: PETRAS MALUKAS / AFP)
Nausėda Commends Poland for Cooperation
“Two individuals have been detained in Poland on suspicion of assaulting Russian opposition leader Leonid Volkov,” Nausėda stated. “I extend my appreciation to the Republic of Poland for their commendable efforts. I have conferred with the Polish president, expressing gratitude for their exceptional cooperation.”
Lithuanian prosecutors confirmed that the two suspects, who are Polish citizens, have been charged with intentionally harming Volkov due to his political beliefs. They stated that the suspects will be extradited to Lithuania in May.
Lithuania’s President Gitanas Nausėda (Credit: Thierry Monasse/Getty Images)
Previously, Nausėda had attributed the attack to Russia, a sentiment echoed by Lithuanian counterintelligence, which implicated Russian special services.
In a message on X platform, Volkov expressed gratitude towards the Lithuanian and Polish law enforcement agencies, emphasizing the importance of uncovering the entire chain of command, “from Putin to the guy with the hammer.”
As one of Russia’s leading opposition figures, Volkov had been a close associate of Navalny, serving as his chief of staff and chair of his Anti-Corruption Foundation until 2023.
The assault marked the first direct targeting of Navalny’s allies since their departure from Russia over three years ago. It occurred roughly a month following Navalny’s mysterious demise in a remote Arctic penal colony.
Volkov and other members of the Navalny team have been residing in Lithuania since Russian authorities designated Navalny’s organizations as extremist entities in 2021.
Yulia Navalnaya Hires Bodyguard After Assault
Yulia Navalnaya, widow of Alexei Navalny, revealed in a recent Time magazine interview that the assault on Volkov compelled her to enlist the services of a bodyguard.
Yulia Navalnaya, widow of late Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny. (Credit: LUKAS BARTH / AFP)
There seems to be a surge in covert activities by Moscow across Europe. Recently, Germany disclosed the detention of two German-Russian individuals suspected of orchestrating sabotage missions, including targeting US military installations. This was described by officials as a significant attempt to erode military assistance for Ukraine.
Simultaneously, Poland announced the apprehension of Polish nationals accused of assisting a Russian intelligence scheme to assassinate Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.
Indigenous leaders from 35 nations have raised concerns about the lack of consultation regarding mining activities on or near their territories. This issue has become more pressing due to the growing demand for minerals essential for the transition to cleaner energy sources.
In a recent declaration, these leaders expressed support for the shift away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy. However, they highlighted the failure of the current energy transition to uphold principles of justice, social equity, and environmental sustainability, particularly concerning Indigenous rights and well-being.
The declaration emerged from the Conference on Indigenous Peoples and the Just Transition held in New York, where representatives from countries such as the U.S., Canada, Brazil, Kenya, Australia, and Norway participated.
Members of the Mura tribe in a cleared section of unmarked Indigenous territory within the Amazon rainforest on August 20, 2019. (Credit: Ueslei Marcelino / Reuters)
Minerals like lithium, nickel, cobalt, copper, and aluminum are crucial for renewable energy technologies like batteries and electrical grids, but mining activities have historically caused environmental harm.
The statement also drew attention to the escalating persecution and attacks against Indigenous leaders. It criticized organizations like the International Council of Mining and Metals and the International Seabed Authority for neglecting Indigenous rights.
Research published in the journal Nature Sustainability revealed that around half of energy transition mineral projects are situated on or near Indigenous and subsistence farmer lands.
Ruth Alipaz Cuqui, an Indigenous leader from the Bolivian Amazon, emphasized the need for comprehensive Indigenous participation in the energy transition process to ensure fairness.
Alipaz speaking at a UN Human Rights Council hearing in 2019, where Indigenous community representatives shared the problems, they face in their territories (Credit: CEDIB)
Cuqui cited conflicts in Bolivia’s Uyuni region, where local communities oppose water-intensive lithium production. The project, a joint venture between Bolivia and China, has faced opposition from Indigenous communities. Despite this, the Bolivian Ministry of Energy did not respond to inquiries.
The conference was organized by Indigenous Peoples Rights International, with support from organizations like Nia Tero, The Christensen Fund, the Henry Luce Foundation, the Waverley ST Foundation, and the Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment.
