Stephanie Grisham, who used to speak for former President Trump, talked about how Melania Trump, the former first lady, is watching her husband’s hush money trial. Grisham said Melania probably isn’t happy with what’s being said.
Trump had to be in court while Melania celebrated her birthday. The trial is about Trump allegedly lying about money paid to Stormy Daniels, a film actress, to keep quiet about an affair.
David Pecker, a former magazine boss, spoke in court about Daniels and another woman, Karen McDougal, who says she was also with Trump. Trump says these affairs never happened.
Melania Trump, the former first lady (Credits: She Knows)
Grisham said it was new to hear that Trump talked about Melania in the White House and that White House staff talked to Pecker about keeping the secrets. She thinks Melania wouldn’t like hearing these things.
But Grisham also said Melania isn’t sitting at home feeling sad about it. But like any married woman, it’s not nice to hear these kinds of things.
People close to Melania think she won’t be a big part of Trump’s campaign for president again. They say it’s a loss because first ladies usually help during campaigns, especially with women and undecided voters. But they know Melania doesn’t like being in public much.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently visited China, but it seems like the trip didn’t solve any big problems.
Before Blinken even arrived, China showed it was unhappy by launching a missile from a submarine. This was seen as a message to the U.S. that the talks would be tough.
The missile launch wasn’t the only unfriendly thing. It seems like China isn’t in the mood to talk seriously with the U.S. right now.
China’s leader, Xi Jinping, has been saying things that make China seem strong and powerful. This makes China think it can control what the U.S. does.
The U.S. keeps trying to talk to China, but this might be making China think it’s even stronger than before.
Also, China sees the U.S. and its allies as weak because they don’t agree on everything, especially when it comes to Ukraine.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken (Credits: Money Control)
Blinken talked about China helping Russia, but it seems like Europe is still doing a lot of trade with China, even after Russia invaded Ukraine.
The U.S. doesn’t seem to have a plan to punish China for helping Russia, even though it’s been warning China about it.
Some people still think the U.S. and China can work together, but that might not be true.
China and Russia have been clear that they’re working together, but some people in the U.S. don’t want to admit it.
Before Blinken’s visit, China said it didn’t want the U.S. to talk about Ukraine, showing that it doesn’t take Blinken’s visit too seriously.
Chinese media even said Blinken’s visit seemed like begging, and China didn’t give him a warm welcome at the airport.
And then, during Blinken’s visit, China launched a missile. This shows that China wasn’t very respectful to Blinken or the U.S.
The Federal Election Commission (FEC) fined the campaign of former Rep. Rodney Davis from Illinois for not giving back extra money from supporters on time.
The FEC sent a letter to Rodney for Congress campaign and its treasurer, Thomas Charles Datwyler, as reported by The Associated Press.
They were told to pay $43,475 because they didn’t return extra money from the 2021-2022 election cycle on time, according to the AP.
Former Rep. Rodney Davis from Illinois (Credits: Roll Call)
The FEC says if a candidate gets too much money and doesn’t use it for their campaign, they have to give it back within 60 days.
The FEC found that one person gave $3,625 too much, and in the general election, there were extra donations of $479,784 that weren’t given back within 60 days.
Davis served in Congress for five terms. But when the districts were changed, he had to compete against Rep. Mary Miller in the 2022 GOP primary, and he lost.
The AP tried to call Davis but got no answer. His campaign told the FEC they would close after fixing the problem.
Donald Trump often speaks about having many enemies, but it seems that David Pecker, the former publisher of the National Enquirer and a key witness in the Manhattan district attorney’s case against Trump, is not one of them.
In recent testimony, Pecker revealed details about his long-standing relationship with Trump, including instances where he helped suppress negative stories about the former president and his opponents. Despite this damaging testimony, Trump has remained surprisingly positive about Pecker.
Pecker’s positive sentiments towards Trump are reciprocated. During his testimony, Pecker expressed no ill will towards Trump and even referred to him as a mentor.
Their friendship dates back to the late 1980s when they first met at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort. Over the years, Pecker supported Trump by providing advance notice of potentially damaging stories and assisting in silencing allegations, as seen in cases involving a doorman’s story and former Playboy model Karen McDougal.
Donald Trump and David Pecker
However, their relationship faced strains when Pecker refused to pay Stormy Daniels to keep quiet about her alleged affair with Trump. Despite this, Pecker still acknowledges helping Trump’s campaign by suppressing stories that could harm his presidential bid.
Pecker’s immunity deal with the Manhattan DA’s office in late 2019 protected him from prosecution in Trump’s New York hush money case. Unlike other former allies who have faced legal troubles, Pecker has largely remained in Trump’s good graces.
In contrast, individuals like Michael Cohen, once a loyal aide to Trump, turned against him after facing legal repercussions. Cohen’s relationship with Trump soured as he became embroiled in legal troubles related to the hush money payments.
Despite not speaking with Trump since early 2019, Pecker still considers him a friend, showcasing a stark contrast to the fallout between Trump and other former allies like Cohen.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an independent candidate for president, talked about how a part of an interview where he said there’s “no vaccine that is safe and effective” was “misused” on Friday.
“I said that on Lex Fridman[’s] podcast,” Kennedy said on HBO’s “Real Time with Bill Maher” on Friday. Host Maher agreed with him.
Kennedy explained, “And, it was an answer to a question that Lex had asked me about, ‘Are there any vaccines’ — and if you go back and look at this, ‘cause that statement has been misused, I would never say that.”
He continued, “What I said was, he asked me ‘Are there any vaccines that are safe and effective?’ And I said, ‘It appears like some of the live virus vaccines, appear to be both safe and effective.’”
RFK Jr. (Credits: Salon.com)
“And then I said, ‘There are no vaccines that are safe and effective,’ and I was gonna continue that sentence, ‘If you ask for the product to be measured against other medical products with placebo-controlled double-blind studies.’ Lex interrupted me.”
In a podcast episode from July 2023, Kennedy said that “some of the live virus vaccines are probably averting more problems than they’re causing,” when asked if he could “name any vaccines that” he thinks “are good.”
“There’s no vaccine that is safe and effective,” Kennedy continued before Fridman started speaking again.
Kennedy has been criticized in the past for his anti-vaccine views, even by his own family. His niece, Maeve Kennedy McKean, and siblings former Maryland Lt. Gov. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend (D) and former Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy II (D-Mass.) wrote in a Politico column from 2019 that his anti-vaccination work is “wrong” and “dangerous.”
Kennedy told Maher during the Friday night appearance that he is not “anti-vaccine,” but that the label is a “way of silencing” him.
“I’m called that because it’s a way of silencing me, but I have said for 17 years, I’m not anti-vaccine. I just want good science. People should be able to make informed choices,” Kennedy said.
Ships that wanted to go from Turkey to Gaza with help from people have been told they can’t go, said The Associated Press.
“The Freedom Flotilla Coalition got a call from the Guinea Bissau International Ships Registry (GBISR) on Thursday, asking to check our main ship – Akdenez,” said the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the group in charge of the ships, in a press release on Saturday.
“We were surprised because our ship had already passed all the checks needed, but we said okay,” they said. “An inspector came on Thursday evening. But on Friday afternoon, before the check was finished, the GBISR, for a political reason, said they were taking away the Guinea Bissau flag from two of our ships. One of them was our cargo ship, which already had over 5000 tons of aid for the people of Gaza.”
Ships Turkey to Gaza (Credits: Times of Israel)
The Freedom Flotilla Coalition said in the release that “without a flag, we can’t sail.” They also accused Guinea-Bissau of helping Israel hurt the people in Gaza.
Last week, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) told The Hill that they will work with the United Nations’ World Food Program (WFP) to send help to Gaza by sea.
“This is a hard thing to do that needs many groups to work together, and we’re still talking about it. Making sure aid workers are safe is really important for getting help to Gaza, and we’re asking for ways to do that,” said a spokesperson from USAID.
U.S. and WFP officials are figuring out how they can give help to Palestinian people “in a fair and neutral way,” they said.
The Biden administration is taking a big step to fight climate change by making new rules for power plants.
These rules will finally reduce the amount of carbon pollution coming from the biggest source of pollution in the country, which is great for the environment and for investing in clean energy.
President Biden has been doing a lot to fight climate change. Besides fixing the power plants, he’s also encouraging clean energy manufacturing in the heartland, setting rules to reduce other types of pollution, and making cars and trucks cleaner.
If we do all of this right, we could cut greenhouse gas emissions a lot by 2030, which is really important for our planet’s future.
But things weren’t looking so good when Biden first became president. The previous president didn’t care about climate change and actually made things worse by supporting fossil fuels.
Biden has worked hard to change that, making the United States a leader in fighting climate change instead of being left behind.
President Biden
There’s still more to do, though. The new rules for power plants are a good start, but we need to do something about existing gas-burning plants too. And Biden needs more time to finish what he’s started because the other option isn’t good for the planet at all.
The last president didn’t care about climate change and even said he would make things worse if he got elected again.
Biden has been using science to guide his decisions about climate change, which is really important. Climate disasters like heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires are getting worse, and we need to act fast to stop them.
Biden’s plan to invest in clean energy is working, but there’s still more to do to make sure our planet stays safe for the future.
U.S. intelligence agencies are saying that Russian President Vladimir Putin might not have planned for Alexei Navalny to die when he did, according to a new report.
The Wall Street Journal said that U.S. agencies believe Putin probably didn’t give the order for Navalny to be killed in February, but it doesn’t completely let him off the hook.
Officials at the Central Intelligence Agency, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and the State Department’s intelligence unit have all agreed on this.
Navalny was a Russian opposition leader known for fighting corruption and Putin. His death at 47 in a remote Arctic penal colony shocked the world, and many blamed Putin right away.
The Russian Federal Prison Service said Navalny felt sick after a walk and passed out. An ambulance came, but they couldn’t save him.
Alexei Navalny
Navalny had been in prison since 2021 when he returned to Russia after being poisoned, which he said Putin did. Putin denied it.
Leonid Volkov, a longtime ally of Navalny, disagreed with the U.S. intelligence assessment. He said those who think Putin didn’t know about Navalny’s death “clearly do not understand anything about how modern-day Russia runs.”
The Journal said the U.S. intelligence assessment looked at a mix of information, including secret intelligence, public facts, and how Navalny’s death affected Putin’s reelection.
The sources didn’t say if the U.S. figured out how Navalny died, but it was reported that he died from “sudden death syndrome,” which is a general term for various heart problems.
The big question on everyone’s mind: Can the president, or specifically, Donald Trump, be prosecuted for a crime? This seems like an easy one. According to those who closely analyze texts, there’s nothing in the Constitution that says the president is above the law. The people who wrote it knew how to give immunity if they wanted to, but they didn’t. Simple, right?
Even those who study history agree. Back in 1789, the idea wasn’t to have a president who could do whatever he wanted. The president was meant to follow the law, not break it. That’s what the founders believed, case closed.
The only relevant case is from 1982 when Richard Nixon was sued. Nixon fired someone for telling the truth, and the court said Nixon couldn’t be sued for money but could still face criminal charges. So, there’s a precedent, end of story.
But during the recent Supreme Court discussion, it felt less like a legal debate and more like a political showdown. The case is supposed to be about Trump trying to change election results illegally, but Justice Alito didn’t want to talk about that. Justice Gorsuch talked about making rules for the future, which scared people.
Donald Trump, 45th U.S. President
Then Justice Thomas joined in, even though his wife was linked to the January 6th riot. It’s confusing why he didn’t step back. He seemed to excuse Trump’s actions by bringing up past presidents’ shady plans. It’s moments like these that make people see judges as politicians in robes.
The justices seem worried about how their decision will affect future presidents, even though nothing like this has happened before. Trump says if presidents can be prosecuted, they’ll be scared to make tough decisions. But in over 200 years, no president except Trump has faced charges while in office.
Even Nixon knew he wasn’t above the law, despite saying otherwise. Some think it’s better for the country to pardon a former president than to put them on trial. But letting Trump off the hook sets a bad precedent.
If the Supreme Court doesn’t act soon, Trump could use this as a win. Legal experts think if the case goes back to a lower court, it might never see the light of day again. This would be a blow to democracy and the rule of law. And without saying it directly, the Supreme Court would be protecting Trump.
If the court’s discussion is anything to go by, history might remember them as the ones who let a dictator take over our democracy.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and other federal groups are checking what happened on Friday when a freight train derailed on the border of Arizona and New Mexico.
The NTSB says the BNSF freight train had gasoline and propane with no smell when it derailed near Manuelito, New Mexico.
The train that derailed caught fire, making dark smoke come out of the cars. The nearby highway had to close because of this. Thankfully, no one got hurt.
“The road I-40 EB is still closed at US 191. Expect to wait and find a different way. We don’t know when the road will open again,” the Arizona Department of Transportation said on a social media site.
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is leading the check. NTSB workers are on their way to the place, according to the NTSB.
Freight train derailed on the border of Arizona and New Mexico
FRA safety workers got to the place on Friday night and will work with state, Tribal, and local groups.
The Apache County Sheriff’s Office, which was one of the police groups that helped with the problem, said the derailment is being treated as a dangerous stuff problem.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs (D) is worried about what happened.
“I am very worried about the train accident on the border between Arizona and New Mexico and am watching it carefully,” Hobbs said. “My group is talking to Secretary [Pete] Buttigieg and the New Mexico government. When we find out more about what’s going on, Arizona will be ready to send help to keep our towns safe.”
Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren said his group is worried about the safety and health “of our people and those directly hit by this problem.”
Nygren said he talked with Buttigieg about the problem.
“My group is working with the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Federal Railroad Administration, and BNSF to find out exactly what happened,” Nygren said. “These experts will join the help from the Navajo Department of Health, Navajo Police Department, and other tribal help that’s already at the place keeping it safe.”
Russia has fired missiles at Ukraine, aiming at the country’s energy sites, officials said.
Ukraine’s air force reported on Saturday that Russia fired 34 missiles. They managed to stop and destroy 21 of them, according to The Associated Press.
Herman Halushchenko, the energy minister, said that energy places in Dnipropetrovsk in the south and Ivano-Frankivsk and Lviv in the west were hit. One worker got hurt.
DTEK, a company managing energy, said four of its six thermal power plants got badly damaged. One worker went to the hospital, and the company is checking how much harm was done.
“Since the big attack started, #DTEK thermal power plants have been attacked over 170 times,” the company posted on X, a social media platform. “The enemy already hit our thermal power plants in big attacks on March 22, March 29, and April 11, trying to stop energy for millions of homes and businesses.”
Russia has fired missiles at the Energy Sector in Ukraine (Credits: Atlantic Council)
Earlier this month, Russia destroyed one of Ukraine’s biggest power plants with many missile strikes.
This news comes a few days after President Biden signed a law to give Ukraine $61 billion in help, while the war in Eastern Europe keeps going. The State Department also agreed to sell $138 million in stuff to Ukraine to fix its HAWK missile defense systems, to cope with Russia’s attacks, more than two years after the invasion started.
Russia also attacked in and near Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-biggest city, hurting one person and killing another, according to the AP.
But Ukraine was fighting back at the same time.
The Defense Ministry said Russian air defense systems stopped 66 drones over the southern Krasnodar region. No one got badly hurt, the region’s governor said.
Amidst the glitz and glamour of the Disneyland Resort in sunny Southern California, Zach Elefante’s story is emblematic of a lesser-known reality for those who bring beloved characters to life within the park’s magical confines.
For three years, Elefante has donned various costumes, adding enchantment to parades and shows, but behind the scenes, he’s juggled multiple jobs just to make ends meet.
Unlike their counterparts in Florida’s Disney parks, where character performers enjoy more stable schedules due to a smaller talent pool, Elefante and his fellow performers in California often find themselves grappling with uncertain work hours.
Disney characters Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse. (Credit: MN Chan/Getty)
Despite Disney’s insistence on full availability, actual work hours don’t always follow suit, leaving performers like Elefante scrambling to cobble together a living.
This precarious situation has prompted California’s character performers to take action, with the backing of the Actors’ Equity Association, filing a petition for union recognition.
It marks a departure from the past, as California performers seek representation in an era and union distinct from the rocky history between Florida performers and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.
The timing of this movement is no coincidence. Unlike Florida, where character performance is often a full-time occupation, many California performers pursue a patchwork of gigs, from Hollywood productions to entertainment hosting.
Angela Nichols, for instance, moved to California to pursue a career in TV writing but also finds herself assisting character performers at Disneyland while navigating the uncertainties of the industry.
Disney workers and union employees march for higher wages at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Ca., in June 2018. (Credit: MediaNews Group/ Getty Images)
The upheavals brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and recent strikes in the entertainment sector have only heightened the performers’ resolve for more consistent scheduling and improved safety measures at Disneyland.
Concerns over health and safety, particularly in light of close guest interactions and costume cleanliness, have become paramount in their demands for better working conditions.
In contrast to their Florida counterparts, California’s character performers find solace in being represented by a union dedicated to performers’ needs.
The Actors’ Equity Association understands the unique challenges faced by theme park performers and advocates for their well-being, from costume safety checks to addressing long-standing issues like unclean costumes.
For Elefante and his fellow performers, union representation signifies more than just a seat at the table; it’s about having a voice in decisions that directly impact their livelihoods and well-being.
As they strive to carve out a brighter future within the domain of Disney magic, they hope that their efforts will pave the way for a fairer and more sustainable path for all performers.
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, a potential running mate for Donald Trump, is drawing criticism after revealing in her upcoming memoir that she euthanized her dog, Cricket, whom she deemed “untrainable” and “dangerous.”
In an excerpt from her memoir, titled “No Going Back: The Truth on What’s Wrong with Politics and How We Move America Forward,” Noem recounts the difficult decision to put down Cricket, leading the dog to a gravel pit and shooting her. She described the task as unpleasant but necessary.
(L-R) Former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump listens as North Dakota Governor Kristi Noem speaks during a Buckeye Values PAC Rally in Vandalia, Ohio, on March 16, 2024. (Photo by KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI / AFP)
The revelation sparked condemnation online, with the Democratic National Committee seizing the opportunity to criticize Noem’s actions, stating, “If you want elected officials who don’t brag about brutally killing their pets… vote Democrat.” Meghan McCain also weighed in, asserting that such actions would be difficult to overcome in politics.
Noem defended herself on Twitter, explaining that tough decisions like euthanizing animals are commonplace on a farm. She teased more candid anecdotes in her book, promising “real, honest, and politically incorrect stories.”
Ms Noem says the story shows she is willing to do things that are “difficult, messy, and ugly” both in politics and life (Photo by Kent Nishimura/Bloomberg via Getty Images
In her memoir, Noem reflects on her attempt to train Cricket, a wirehaired pointer, and her frustration with the dog’s behavior, culminating in an incident where Cricket attacked a neighbor’s chickens. Noem concluded that euthanizing Cricket was the only option.
The memoir also details another difficult decision Noem faced that day – putting down a male goat that posed a danger to her children. Despite the backlash, Noem believes in sharing these stories, emphasizing her willingness to confront challenging situations.
While Noem’s revelation has stirred controversy, it remains to be seen how it will impact her political future, particularly as speculation swirls about her potential role in Trump’s presidential campaign. Noem, who served in the House of Representatives before becoming governor in 2018, faces scrutiny over her actions as she steers the political sphere.
In response to the intensifying conflict with Russia, the Pentagon has announced plans to swiftly deploy Patriot air defense missiles and artillery ammunition to Ukraine as part of a new military aid package.
However, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin clarified that while the missiles and ammunition would be rushed, the Patriot systems for launching the missiles would not be included.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the urgent need for Patriots to counter the increasing Russian air threat, asserting that they could save lives immediately. The urgency of the situation was underscored by reports of another massive air attack by Russia, resulting in damage to a hospital in Kharkiv and energy facilities in multiple regions.
German soldier drives an M983 HEMTT carrying a Patriot launcher module part of the US-made MIM-104 Patriot surface-to-air missile (SAM) system on an open field on February 18, 2023, in Zamosc, Poland. (Photo by Omar Marques/Getty Images)
The assault reportedly involved cruise missiles, S-300 surface-to-air missiles, and Iskander ballistic missiles, with Ukraine claiming to have downed 21 enemy aircraft using various defense systems. Additionally, Ukrainian forces purportedly struck two Russian oil refineries, although the extent of the damage remains disputed.
In a press conference, Secretary Austin outlined the US commitment to its largest security assistance package to date, utilizing $6 billion of a $60 billion aid package recently signed into law by President Joe Biden. This aid encompasses air defense munitions, counter-drone systems, and artillery ammunition, but notably excludes Patriot missile systems.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky highlights the critical need for Patriot missiles amidst reports of devastating Russian air attacks, as damage to vital infrastructure escalates. (Photo by Ukrainian Presidency via Getty Images)
General Charles Brown, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, asserted that the assistance package should alleviate the need for Ukrainian forces to ration shells on the frontline. Furthermore, efforts are underway to bolster Ukraine’s defense industry, enabling domestic production of essential ammunition.
Secretary Austin cautioned against viewing Patriots as a panacea, stressing the importance of various defense capabilities. He expressed confidence that more missile systems would become available to Ukraine through ongoing conversations with European partners.
Secretary Austin announces historic US security assistance package, allocating $6 billion from a $60 billion aid bill signed by President Biden. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP)
Highlighting the broader implications of the conflict, Secretary Austin warned of the severe security threat posed to Europe and the United States if Russia prevails in Ukraine. He acknowledged that the aid delivery process would take time but assured that it would significantly enhance Ukraine’s defensive capabilities.
As Ukraine faces heightened attacks on its railways, there are concerns that Moscow aims to disrupt military logistics. Despite challenges in acquiring additional Patriots, efforts from European allies such as Germany and Spain are contributing to bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
Amid escalating tensions and urgent appeals for assistance, the swift deployment of defensive resources underscores the gravity of the situation and the commitment of Western allies to support Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression.
In a bid to counter the growing challenges posed by what Chancellor Rishi Sunak describes as an “axis of authoritarian states,” the UK government has announced a significant boost in defence spending. This move comes amidst escalating tensions with countries such as Russia, Iran, North Korea, and China, which Sunak asserts are displaying a “new assertiveness” and increasing collaboration.
During a visit to Poland, Sunak revealed plans to raise UK military spending to 2.5% of national income by 2030, a step up from the previous commitment. Emphasizing that the UK is not on the brink of war, Sunak clarified that the increased funding aims to place the country’s defence industry on a “war footing.”
Sunak announces plans to boost UK military spending to 2.5% of national income by 2030, emphasizing readiness without imminent conflict. (Photo by Peter Summers/Getty Images)
Labour, too, has committed to the 2.5% target, aligning with the Conservatives on this front, pending favourable economic conditions.
The additional funding, which amounts to £87.1 billion by 2030, aims to address various needs within the Ministry of Defence. It will facilitate the stockpiling of critical ammunition, support ongoing defence programs, and modernize Britain’s nuclear weapons systems. Notably, this investment does not intend to expand the size of the UK armed forces or reverse previous cuts.
The funding will be gradually increased over the next six years, with Downing Street assuring that it will not lead to higher borrowing. Instead, existing plans to shrink the Civil Service and allocate a portion of government research spending will be utilized.
£87.1 billion infusion into UK defence. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)
Former Defence Secretary Ben Wallace suggested that the funding increase would involve reprioritizing expenditures, favouring defence over other commitments.
Labour’s Shadow Defence Secretary John Healey expressed scepticism about the Conservatives’ track record on defence spending but reiterated Labour’s commitment to review armed forces resources if elected.
Former Defence Secretary Ben Wallace hints at reprioritizing spending, prioritizing defence over other commitments with funding increase. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)
Sunak’s announcement also aims to set a new benchmark for NATO, which has been urging member states to increase defence spending. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg praised the UK’s leadership in this regard.
The decision to bolster defence spending comes after pressure from Conservative MPs and ministers, highlighting the government’s acknowledgement of the need for a credible plan to address the Ministry of Defence’s financial challenges.
As global threats evolve and tensions rise, the UK’s commitment to strengthening its defence capabilities reflects a proactive stance in safeguarding national security interests.
A federal judge in California ruled this week that a plan devised by federal agencies to replenish the Pacific sardine population had not been effectively executed, leading to continued overfishing.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Virginia DeMarchi’s decision on Monday marked a win for environmental advocates who argued that officials had failed to ensure the recovery of sardine stocks within the legally mandated timeframe.
In 2021, the nonprofit organization Oceana filed a lawsuit against the National Marine Fisheries Service, asserting that Pacific sardines had experienced a staggering decline of over 98% between 2006 and 2020.
Freshly caught sardines awaiting sorting at West Bay Marketing in Astoria, Ore. (Credit: Alex Pajunas/The Astorian/AP)
These small, oily fish are not only a culinary delight for humans but also serve as vital sustenance for various marine creatures including whales, dolphins, sea lions, pelicans, and salmon. Environmentalists emphasized that the depletion of sardines could trigger cascading problems throughout ocean ecosystems.
Judge DeMarchi mandated that the Fisheries Service formulate a comprehensive plan to facilitate sardine rebuilding efforts, while also establishing firm, science-based limits on annual fishing quotas. The agency declined to comment on the ongoing litigation.
Logo of nonprofit organization Oceana. (Credit: Oceana)
Dr. Geoff Shester, a senior scientist at Oceana, expressed gratitude for the court’s decision, underscoring the necessity of implementing enforceable catch limits to restore Pacific sardines and promote ocean health.
While DeMarchi denied certain requests from Oceana, such as ordering a new environmental impact assessment, she instructed all involved parties to engage in discussions and submit proposals for potential remedies by May 6.
Like pairs of animals boarding Noah’s Ark, corals were carefully introduced to their new habitat at Burgers’ Zoo in the Netherlands this Monday. Divers delicately placed these self-bred corals, part of the World Coral Conservatory project, into Europe’s largest coral reef.
The significance lies in their known origin, a crucial aspect highlighted by Nienke Klerks, a biologist at the Royal Burgers’ Zoo. With precise knowledge of their source, these corals hold the potential for reintroduction into the wild, offering hope amidst the struggles faced by their counterparts in natural habitats.
Coral reefs worldwide are under immense pressure, primarily due to bleaching triggered by rising sea temperatures. While these conservation efforts won’t single-handedly counteract the impacts of climate change, they represent a step towards broader solutions.
The World Coral Conservatory initiative aims to establish a repository of corals across European aquariums, providing a lifeline for struggling reef ecosystems.
This underwater photo taken on April 5, 2024, shows bleached and dead coral around Lizard Island on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. (Credit: David Gray/AFP /Getty Images)
In collaboration with zoos in France and the Monaco Scientific Center, the Dutch zoo received over a dozen coral fragments from the Seychelles.
Since 2022, the Dutch zoo has been nurturing these corals, meticulously cultivating them in a controlled environment to ensure their growth and adaptability. Pascal Kik, a zookeeper, emphasized the importance of understanding their needs to facilitate their integration into the reef.
During the transfer, each coral was showcased for reporters, resembling a mushroom or decorative cookie, before being carefully positioned in the tank.
Coral makes popular additions to aquariums. (Credit: BBC)
While most corals at the zoo are not sourced from the wild, their origins are crucial for successful reintroduction efforts, contrasting with the challenges posed by coral poaching.
Corals serve as a cornerstone species in marine ecosystems, supporting a myriad of marine life. Mark Eakin, executive secretary for the International Coral Reef Society, stressed the urgency of conservation efforts, given the integral role of coral reefs in sustaining marine biodiversity.
Despite differing opinions on the scale of restoration efforts, the consensus remains that every contribution counts.
Ronald Osinga, a marine biologist at Wageningen University, acknowledges the gravity of the situation and views projects like the Dutch Zoo initiative as a viable backup plan in safeguarding coral reef ecosystems from collapse.
The countdown has begun for Manhattan’s congestion pricing plan, set to launch on June 30, as transit officials have confirmed.
This initiative will introduce a $15 toll for the majority of drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street during daytime hours. Different rates will apply for larger vehicles, while nighttime entries and motorcycles will enjoy reduced fees.
Envisioned to generate $1 billion annually, the congestion pricing program aims to bolster public transportation for the city’s sizable daily ridership of 4 million.
The MTA Board holds a public hearing on congestion pricing at MTA Headquarters on the evening of Thursday, Feb 29, 2024. (Credit: Marc A. Hermann / MTA)
Janno Lieber, CEO of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), emphasized New York’s reliance on mass transit, with over 90% of commuters accessing the central business district via walking, biking, or public transit. The goal is to enhance New York’s status as a mass transit hub.
Advocates highlight the dual benefits of congestion pricing: not only will it raise funds for improving buses and subways, but it will also curb pollution by discouraging car travel into Manhattan.
Julie Tighe, president of the New York League of Conservation Voters, stressed the urgent need to address the climate crisis through measures like congestion pricing.
NYLCV & Other Environmental Groups Rally for Congestion Pricing. (Credit: NYLCV)
However, critics argue that the fees will burden commuters, who already contend with bridge and tunnel tolls, and could drive up prices for essential goods transported into the city by trucks.
Despite opposition, congestion pricing is set to make history as the first program of its kind in the United States. A lawsuit filed by New Jersey over the plan remains pending, but Lieber expressed optimism about its resolution.
The tolling system will kick off at 12:01 a.m. on June 30, with a late-night fee of $3.75 for early entrants, before escalating to the full $15 toll at 9 a.m. Low-income drivers can seek congestion toll discounts via the MTA website, while exemptions are available for disabled individuals.
Conservative writer Jonah Goldberg said Vice President Kamala Harris was the “worst political decision” made by President Biden. He shared this during a talk on CNN’s “The Chris Wallace Show.”
Wallace talked about findings from focus groups. One group by Republican Voters Against Trump found swing voters don’t like Harris. Another group by the Democratic National Committee said some people don’t like her.
Goldberg, from “The Dispatch,” thinks Harris’s likeability issue could hurt Biden’s chances in the next election. He said, “She’s a big drag. She was arguably Biden’s worst political decision.” Goldberg also mentioned concerns about Biden’s age, saying people worry if he can complete his term. So, the Vice President’s role is crucial.
Vice President Kamala Harris
Goldberg suggested that Democrats shouldn’t pick candidates from strong blue states unless they’re like Obama. He thinks Harris struggles to connect with the center or right, only speaking to the party’s base.
Tech journalist Kara Swisher, part of the discussion panel, said Harris’s approval rating might not matter much because she won’t be replaced. She mentioned that people didn’t think much about Mike Pence or Dan Quayle.
Wallace added that Harris’s role might become more significant due to Biden’s age. Swisher thinks Harris won’t be swapped out, and replacing her would cause a big issue.
