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MUNICH—In an effort to ease concerns in Kyiv, U.S. officials assured Ukraine that it would be directly involved in negotiations with Russia. This reassurance came after President Volodymyr Zelensky made it clear that Ukraine would not accept a peace deal imposed without its consent. During a meeting of foreign ministers from the Group of Seven nations at the Munich Security Conference, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized to his Ukrainian counterpart that Washington had no intention of sidelining Ukraine in diplomatic discussions. According to diplomats present, Rubio stated that it would be unwise to exclude Ukraine from negotiations. Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, the Trump administration’s envoy for Ukraine, later expanded on the U.S. approach, explaining that direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine would be the foundation of any peace deal, with the United States serving as a mediator. However, he offered a stark message to European leaders, asserting that they would not have a direct role in the negotiations. “I think that’s not going to happen,” Kellogg said, though he acknowledged that European countries could provide input. These statements concluded a week that had unsettled trans-Atlantic relations and left Ukrainian officials questioning Washington’s intentions. The uncertainty began on Tuesday when President Trump informed Russian President Vladimir Putin of impending negotiations before publicly announcing them. Additionally, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated that Ukraine’s membership in NATO was off the table and ruled out a direct U.S. role in enforcing a future peace agreement. Following backlash from European allies, Hegseth later seemed to soften his stance. However, the unease deepened on Friday when Vice President JD Vance spoke at the Munich conference. Instead of outlining the U.S. strategy for Ukraine, as many European leaders had anticipated, Vance sharply criticized European governments, accusing them of suppressing free speech and disregarding public opinion. The series of events left European leaders deeply concerned about the stability of the trans-Atlantic alliance, which is crucial to Europe’s security and economy. Zelensky, too, expressed doubts about Washington’s commitment to Ukraine’s cause. When asked in Munich whether he believed the Trump administration fully grasped the stakes of the war, he responded, “I will be honest. We have to work on it…There are a lot of different voices around the new American administration and I am not sure that all these voices are on our side.” European leaders are now formulating a response to Washington’s approach, emphasizing that their involvement is essential for a sustainable resolution. Their argument is that European financial support will be crucial in strengthening Ukraine’s defenses and rebuilding the war-torn nation. The Trump administration has suggested that European troops may be required to help implement a peace deal, but European governments are unlikely to commit to such a role without a say in shaping the agreement. European Council President António Costa underscored this point during his speech in Munich. “In a nutshell: There will be no credible and successful negotiations, no lasting peace, without Ukraine and without the European Union,” he declared. Costa further stressed that any lasting resolution must recognize that the Russian threat extends beyond Ukraine. He warned against a ceasefire that would allow Russia to renew hostilities in the future. “It must guarantee that Russia will no longer be a threat to Ukraine, to Europe, to its neighbors,” he stated. Discussions among European officials are now focused on coordinating a response to Washington’s position. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has called an emergency meeting of foreign ministers in Munich on Sunday. Additionally, leaders from France, Britain, Poland, Germany, and other European nations are scheduled to meet in Paris on Monday to explore ways Europe can contribute to securing peace. One option under consideration is deploying European troops to Ukraine, potentially extending beyond peacekeeping to include military training. This would ensure Europe has a stake in Ukraine’s security, particularly in the event of future Russian aggression. Despite the U.S. dominating recent headlines, some European leaders argue that Washington is merely filling a void left by Europe’s failure to articulate a comprehensive strategy for ending the war on terms favorable to Kyiv. Finnish President Alexander Stubb voiced this sentiment, urging Europe to take decisive action. “Europe needs to get its act together. Europe needs to talk less and act more,” he said. Criticizing U.S. pronouncements was not enough, he argued. “OK, what are you going to do about it?” While European leaders remain divided on their next steps, some have cautioned against an overreaction to Washington’s rhetoric. Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics emphasized the complexity of the negotiations, warning against premature conclusions. “We are at the very beginning,” he said in an interview in Munich. “I view this week, especially the communication coming out from the White House or the Kremlin or President Zelensky’s office, only as the opening of the opening” of the talks. As diplomatic maneuvering intensifies, all sides recognize that the coming weeks will be critical in determining the future of Ukraine, European security, and trans-Atlantic relations. Based on a report by WSJ 2025-02-17

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has established a new cost-cutting unit modeled after Elon Musk’s efficiency drive in the U.S., aiming to root out wasteful spending within the Home Office. The ‘DOGE’ division—short for Department of Government Efficiency—has already begun freezing contracts that are deemed an unnecessary use of taxpayer money. Inspired by Musk’s approach to streamlining the U.S. civil service, the unit will scrutinize every expenditure, with a particular focus on curbing the use of external consultants. One of its immediate targets is the practice of holding costly ‘away days’ at hired venues. A government insider revealed that such events, like a recent Home Office gathering in an extravagant central London ballroom, would likely be banned. “We have a lot of spaces the Government owns across Whitehall. These can be used instead of spending money on hiring external venues,” the source said. The DOGE unit is set to meet weekly to review all proposed contracts, rejecting any that appear excessive. It is headed by Home Office minister Lord Hanson and former Gordon Brown adviser Damian McBride, known for his no-nonsense approach to government spending. The unit was formed after Cooper discovered the department had allocated £3 million over three years for digital graphics and filming from a Soho-based PR firm, along with £100,000 for leadership training from Deloitte. Insiders said these planned contracts were “the last straw,” prompting Cooper to halt both immediately. The Home Office’s efforts to cut spending align with broader government financial pressures. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is facing shrinking fiscal headroom ahead of the upcoming Budget, increasing the likelihood of public-sector cuts. Departments are under mounting pressure to find savings, and the Home Office is no exception. Lord Hanson has already conducted two spending reviews that identified millions in savings, which have since been redirected to support neighborhood policing. Previously, only contracts exceeding £5 million required ministerial approval. However, under the new system, all contracts, regardless of value, must be signed off by the DOGE team. Sources confirmed that the unit held its first meeting last Wednesday. One of its key priorities is ending the use of external headhunters for departmental hiring, as well as preventing managers from excessive year-end spending to exhaust remaining budgets. A government source explained that Lord Hanson is determined to curb this habit, stating, “We are living in fiscally straitened times. We are trying to drive much better planning and management.” Labour MP Jake Richards, a member of the Home Affairs Select Committee, backed the initiative, saying, “It’s right the Home Secretary is getting a grip so that more money can be directed towards the Government’s plan for more police and secure borders.” As the government braces for potential cuts, the DOGE unit’s mission is clear: eliminate waste and ensure that taxpayer money is spent efficiently, with a focus on delivering frontline services rather than funding unnecessary extravagances. Based on a report by Daily Mail 2025-02-17

Donald Trump will support Israel in its efforts to "finish the job on Iran," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday during a visit from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Speaking at a joint appearance, Netanyahu emphasized that both Israel and the United States share the belief that Iran must not be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons and that its regional influence must be curtailed. "Iran fuels terror and instability across the region," says Rubio in Israel, as he reaffirms U.S.-Israel cooperation on Gaza, Iran, and hostage negotiations. On the subject of Hamas, Rubio fully backed Netanyahu, asserting that the group "must be eradicated, it must be eliminated," and cannot continue to function as either a governing or military force. His visit coincided with the arrival of a large shipment of U.S. military aid to Israel. On Saturday night, a vessel carrying 1,800 heavy MK-84 2,000-pound bombs docked at the Port of Ashdod, following an order by President Trump. Since the start of the war, over 76,000 tons of military equipment have been delivered to Israel via hundreds of airlifts and sea shipments. Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz described the latest munitions shipment as a significant boost for the Israeli military and proof of the strong alliance between Israel and the United States. "The munitions shipment that arrived in Israel tonight, released by the Trump administration, represents a significant asset for the Air Force and the IDF and serves as further evidence of the strong alliance between Israel and the United States," Katz said. Many view the shipment as a direct warning to Iran. Rubio and Netanyahu also discussed the ongoing negotiations regarding the remaining 14 hostages in Gaza as part of the first phase of a potential ceasefire. According to Hamas and Israeli sources, only six of the 14 hostages are still alive. Based on a report by Daily Telegraph 2025-02-17

@MalcolmB yet another highly antisemitec post of yours has been removed.

UPDATE: The Jew-Hating Australian nurse who claimed to have killed Israeli patients may not have been bluffing. Ahmad Nadir, who admitted to killing patients, asked a former coworker to clean out his locker. • Inside, police have found a bottle of morphine, likely stolen from the hospital, which could have been used to overdose and kill patients.

A horrifying knife attack in the Austrian city of Villach has left a 14-year-old boy dead and four others injured. Authorities have arrested a 23-year-old Syrian asylum seeker in connection with the random stabbings, which occurred in the city center just before 4 p.m. on Saturday. Rainer Dionisio, a police spokesman, confirmed the shocking nature of the assault. “A man randomly attacked passers-by with a knife,” he stated. “One victim, a 14-year-old boy, died.” The other victims, all men, sustained varying degrees of injuries. Two suffered serious wounds, while the other two received less severe injuries. The oldest victim is 32 years old. Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos and terror. A food delivery rider, witnessing the attack unfold, intervened by ramming his vehicle into the attacker, allowing the police to apprehend him immediately. Authorities have confirmed that the suspect holds a valid residence permit and has no prior criminal record. However, images from the arrest show him appearing to smile as officers surrounded him with their weapons drawn. This tragic event comes just two days after another violent attack in neighboring Germany. In Munich, a 24-year-old Afghan asylum seeker was arrested after allegedly driving a car into a trade union demonstration. The attack, which took place on Thursday, resulted in the deaths of a two-year-old girl and her mother, while 37 others were injured. German authorities are investigating the possibility of Islamist extremist motives behind that incident. As Austria reels from the Villach attack, questions are being raised about public safety and the motivations behind such violent acts. The police continue to investigate, while the nation mourns the loss of a young life and the trauma inflicted upon the victims. Based on a report by Daily Telegraph 2025-02-17

@MalcolmB an off topic and insensitive troll post has been removed. Please comment on the topic not deflect to tourists and expats in Thailand

After enduring 498 harrowing days in Hamas captivity, Israeli hostages Sagui Dekel-Chen, Sasha Troufanov, and Iair Horn have finally returned to Israel. Escorted out of Gaza by Israeli special forces following their handover by the Red Cross, the three men were brought to a secure facility near the border for initial medical evaluations and to reunite with their families. Despite their joy, they acknowledged the painful reality that he may not yet know his father was murdered on the same day. "This knowledge – or lack thereof – will completely transform his homecoming from a day of great joy to one of deep mourning for his beloved father," they said. Iair Horn’s family also expressed both relief and continued anguish. "Now we can breathe a little. Our Iair is home after surviving hell in Gaza. Now, we need to bring [hostage brother] Eitan back so our family can truly breathe," they said. Their focus remains on securing the release of all remaining hostages, with a commitment to "continue working to bring Eitan and all other hostages home." For Sagui Dekel-Chen, the moment of freedom carried additional emotion as he learned he had become a father for the third time while in captivity. "I’m great," he responded upon hearing the news that his daughter was born two months after his abduction. Their return comes amid tensions between Israel and Hamas over the implementation of hostage agreements. The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office condemned Hamas’s actions, stating, "This week too, Hamas attempted to violate the agreement and create a false crisis with baseless claims. Thanks to the deployment of our forces inside and around Gaza, and thanks to President Trump’s clear and unequivocal statement, Hamas backed down, and the release of the hostages continued." The government reaffirmed its commitment to recovering every hostage, both the living and the fallen. "We are working in full coordination with the United States to rescue all our hostages as quickly as possible, and we are fully prepared for what comes next, in every respect," the statement continued. The three freed men will now begin the difficult process of rehabilitation, both physically and emotionally, with the full support of their families and the Israeli government. The moment of their return was met with cheers and tears from loved ones and the wider public, but the struggle is not over. Families of other captives vowed to keep pushing until every last hostage is safely back home. Based on a report by AP | TOI 2025-02-15

A post with false claims has been removed @Chomper Higgot. As stated in the OP. Hamas still officially governs Gaza and as such all departments of government are under Hamas and its political wing control.

From afar, the Ivanpah solar plant appears like a shimmering mirage in the vast Mojave Desert. Up close, it reveals itself as an otherworldly collection of hundreds of thousands of mirrors, each meticulously positioned to reflect sunlight toward three towering structures, each surpassing the height of the Statue of Liberty. When it launched in 2014 near the California-Nevada border, it was heralded as the future of solar energy. Just over a decade later, the facility is set to close. Co-owner NRG Energy confirmed in January that it had begun unwinding contracts with power companies and, pending regulatory approval, would commence shutting down the plant in early 2026. The site may ultimately be repurposed for a different type of solar technology. To critics, Ivanpah has become a gleaming symbol of wasted taxpayer dollars and environmental mismanagement. Advocacy groups have long condemned its impact on desert wildlife. Supporters, however, argue that setbacks like these are an inevitable part of the search for effective renewable energy solutions. When first conceived, Ivanpah’s technology—known as concentrated solar power or thermal solar—was considered revolutionary. The concept relied on an intricate system: thousands of computer-controlled mirrors, called heliostats, tracked the sun’s movement and directed its rays onto the three towers. Atop each stood boilers filled with water, heated by the concentrated sunlight until they produced steam, which then powered a turbine to generate electricity. A key advantage of this approach was its ability to store heat, enabling power generation even when sunlight was unavailable, without the need for batteries. The project secured $1.6 billion in Department of Energy loan guarantees and agreements with utility companies Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) and Southern California Edison to purchase its electricity under long-term contracts. By the time it commenced operations in 2014, Ivanpah was the world’s largest solar thermal plant, spanning roughly five square miles of federally managed desert. “This project is a symbol of the exciting progress we are seeing across the industry,” then-Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz declared during the facility’s dedication ceremony in February 2014. Despite such optimism, problems soon emerged. According to Jenny Chase, a solar analyst at BloombergNEF, the technology was finicky and never quite performed as intended. “These kinds of plants are just technically really difficult to operate,” she explained, noting that they incorporate the complex mechanical components of fossil fuel plants, such as turbines and moving parts, alongside the challenges of managing a distributed energy source. The system depended on precisely aligned mirrors that tracked the sun’s movements flawlessly—something that proved challenging to maintain. However, Ivanpah’s greatest obstacle was the rapid decline in the cost of photovoltaic (PV) solar panels, which convert sunlight directly into electricity. Chase noted that PV technology became remarkably affordable in just a few years. “In some parts of the world, you can basically buy a solar module for the price of a fence panel,” she said. When Ivanpah was built, few could have predicted that PV solar and battery storage would become so inexpensive so quickly. NRG acknowledged that when power purchase agreements were signed in 2009, the pricing was competitive, but subsequent advancements in solar technology ultimately made alternative solutions far more cost-effective. In January, NRG reached a deal with PG&E to terminate contracts that were originally set to run until 2039. This move, according to an NRG spokesperson, “will provide significant savings for California ratepayers.” Southern California Edison confirmed it remains in discussions with the plant’s owners and the Department of Energy regarding its contract. For critics, Ivanpah’s impending shutdown is proof that the project was doomed from the start. “It was a financial boondoggle and environmental disaster,” said Julia Dowell, senior campaign organizer at the Sierra Club. She emphasized the environmental cost, stating, “The project’s construction destroyed irreplaceable pristine desert habitat.” The Mojave Desert, while an ideal location for harnessing solar energy, is also home to the threatened desert tortoise. Despite efforts by developers to mitigate harm by relocating the animals, many environmentalists argued the plant should never have been approved. Another major concern was its impact on birds. Reports emerged of birds, dubbed “streamers,” being incinerated midair by the plant’s intense beams of light, further fueling opposition. NRG declined to comment on the plant’s effect on wildlife. Some have pointed to Ivanpah as an example of why government subsidies for renewable energy projects should be reconsidered. This perspective aligns with the approach taken by former President Donald Trump, who, early in his administration, halted approvals for new renewable energy developments on federal land. However, clean energy experts argue that government investment in various technologies is essential. While some projects may fail, others, like photovoltaic solar, have thrived. Kenneth Gillingham, an economics professor at Yale School of the Environment, emphasized the unpredictability of technological success. “Picking winners is extremely difficult,” he said. “And it’s not a problem that some technologies are outcompeted by others, as long as innovation continues occurring.” Though the Ivanpah plant’s days are numbered, its story underscores both the challenges and rapid evolution of the clean energy industry. While one vision for the future fades, another is already on the horizon. Based on a report by CNN 2025-02-15

Last Saturday, Adrián Simancas and his father, Dell, were kayaking in Bahía El Águila near the San Isidro Lighthouse in the Strait of Magellan when the massive marine mammal surfaced. Without warning, the whale engulfed Adrián and his yellow kayak for a few harrowing seconds before spitting him out. “When I came up and started floating, I was scared that something might happen to my father too, that we wouldn’t reach the shore in time, or that I would get hypothermia,” Adrián recalled. Despite the chaos, Dell remained focused, continuing to film while ensuring his son was safe. Within seconds, Adrián reached his father’s kayak and was assisted back to safety. Both father and son made it to shore without injury, though visibly shaken by the extraordinary event. Located about 1,600 miles (3,000 kilometers) south of Santiago, Chile’s capital, the Strait of Magellan is a well-known tourist destination in Chilean Patagonia. The area attracts adventurers eager to explore its stunning landscapes and encounter its diverse marine wildlife. However, as Adrián’s experience proves, nature can be as unpredictable as it is awe-inspiring. Based on a report by AP 2025-02-15

A source close to the situation has revealed that Bianca Censori has finally had enough. "The swastika shirt was the last straw," the insider told the New York Post on Thursday. "She told him that’s not who she is, and that she can’t be associated with that." Kanye West, however, reportedly responded by asserting his control over the situation, saying, "he has dominion over" and that "he's selling those shirts." The source added, "It reflects on her, and she doesn’t want any part of that circus. He believes that she’ll come back to him, he’s saying that she’s just ‘mad at him,’ but right now she’s told him that she’s completely done." The Daily Mail was the first to break the news that the couple has split and is expected to file for divorce in the coming days. Both sides are said to be searching for divorce attorneys, according to *TMZ*. Following the reports, West, 47, appeared to react to the situation on Instagram with an eerie post on Thursday, just an hour after the news broke. The post, which he captioned "Is the coercion," contained a definition of the term, reading, "Yes, coercion is illegal. Coercion is the act of forcing someone to do something against their will through threats or intimidation. It can involve physical harm, psychological abuse, extortion, blackmail, or sexual assault." The post was mysteriously deleted just minutes later. The reported split comes only 11 days after Censori's controversial appearance on the Grammys red carpet, where she followed West’s instructions to remove her fur coat in front of photographers. While she complied, witnesses noted she appeared visibly uncomfortable. Sources suggest the pair have already discussed financial arrangements, with Censori allegedly set to receive a $5 million payout following their brief marriage, which began in December 2022. She is currently staying at their $35 million Beverly Park North home in Los Angeles. As for West, his whereabouts remain uncertain, though some speculate he might return to Tokyo, Japan, where he spent much of last year. The split marks another turbulent chapter in West’s personal life, with Censori seemingly determined to distance herself from the controversies surrounding him. Whether this break is final or just another pause in their unpredictable relationship remains to be seen. Based on a report by NYP 2025-02-15

Two brothers have denied charges of assaulting police officers in a widely publicized incident at Manchester Airport. The altercation, which occurred at the airport's Terminal Two on July 23, was captured on video and rapidly circulated online. Authorities also claim he assaulted a member of the public, Abdulkareem Ismaeil, at a nearby Starbucks café prior to the airport incident. His brother, Muhammad Amaad, 25, also from Rochdale, has been accused of assaulting PC Marsden, likewise resulting in actual bodily harm. Both men appeared before Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday, where they entered not guilty pleas to all charges. The court has scheduled their trial to begin on June 30, with proceedings expected to last three weeks. In the meantime, the brothers remain on unconditional bail as they await the upcoming trial. Based on a report by Sky News 2025-02-15

The once-chaotic U.S.-Mexico border has seen an unprecedented drop in illegal crossings, reaching levels that could soon mirror those last recorded in the late 1960s. President Donald Trump’s swift and aggressive policies on illegal immigration have led to a dramatic shift, with the number of border apprehensions plummeting to record lows. According to leaked Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data, an average of just 359 illegal migrants have been apprehended daily across the southern border in February, marking a staggering 90% decrease compared to the same period in 2024. If this trend holds, February could record the lowest number of crossings in at least 25 years. Experts predict that if sustained, these numbers could reflect figures last seen in 1968—nearly six decades ago. Mark Krikorian, executive director at the Center for Immigration Studies, emphasized the historical significance of the decline, stating, “If you kind of break down the numbers, divide them by 365, we haven’t had numbers this low since the 1960s. So we’re talking 60-year lows if it’s sustained, obviously.” So far, CBP agents have reported just 3,953 apprehensions from February 1 through February 11. If this pattern continues, the total for the month could be around 10,000—a number not seen since CBP began tracking monthly crossings in 1999. The last time crossings came close to such a low figure was in April 2017, shortly after Trump’s first term began, when monthly apprehensions were recorded at slightly over 11,000. John Gramlich, associate director at the Pew Research Center, noted that illegal crossings had already been declining over the past year following former President Joe Biden’s tightening of asylum policies. However, the dramatic shift under Trump’s leadership has taken the decrease to an entirely new level. Just one year ago, an average of 4,850 migrants were being apprehended at the border every day—more than ten times the current rate. The impact of these policy changes has been felt across the entire southern border. In Terrell County, Texas, Sheriff Thaddeus Cleveland, whose department is usually overwhelmed by migrant crossings during the cooler months, acknowledged the stark difference. “It’s a relief,” Cleveland said. “We’ve gone from one extreme to the other extreme—historic levels of people crossing to historic levels of low apprehensions. It’s very surprising.” Trump’s crackdown extends beyond border apprehensions. The administration has significantly ramped up Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations, leading to 11,000 arrests of illegal migrants across the country within the first 18 days of his new term. In addition, Trump has revived deportation flights to Venezuela, which had been stalled for nearly a year due to opposition from the Maduro regime. His administration has also implemented a controversial policy of transferring illegal migrant criminals to Guantanamo Bay. Border Patrol Chief Mike Banks emphasized the need for strong leadership in securing the nation’s borders. Speaking on “Fox & Friends,” Banks credited Trump’s approach for empowering agents. “US Border Patrol knows how to get the job done, we know how to secure the border,” Banks said. “All we needed was a president that was going to empower us—a strong leader like President Trump—and a secretary like Secretary Noem that knows exactly what we need to do to secure the border.” With illegal crossings at historic lows and enforcement efforts ramping up, the border landscape has transformed dramatically. If the downward trend continues, the U.S. could witness a level of border security not seen in nearly 60 years. Based on a report by NYP 2025-02-15

A transgender woman accused of sexually abusing children has appeared in court to face multiple charges, including the rape of a young girl. Maddison Wilson, 37, who was born male but now identifies as a woman, attended Southampton Magistrates’ Court dressed in black and wearing a pink headband. During the brief hearing, Wilson spoke only to confirm preferred pronouns as “she/her.” The allegations date back over a decade and involve multiple victims. According to court documents, Wilson is accused of raping a girl under the age of 13 in Hull, East Yorkshire, in 2011. The charge sheet specifies that the alleged abuse was carried out using “your penis.” In addition, Wilson faces charges of causing or inciting a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity. Separate allegations relate to offences in Southampton between 2017 and 2020, in which Wilson is accused of sexually assaulting a boy under 13 and causing or inciting him to engage in sexual activity. Despite the defendant's transition, the official court charge sheet identifies Wilson as female. Wilson, who resides in Portsmouth, is set to appear at a crown court hearing later this month to enter a plea. Based on a report by Daily Telegraph 2025-02-15

A far-right extremist group, operating under the guise of a fitness club, has been secretly training for what they term a "race war." An undercover investigation by ITV News has exposed 'Active Club England' as an emerging white supremacist network, using fitness as a tool for recruitment and radicalization. Following a well-documented blueprint from neo-Nazi groups in the US and Europe, the organization has rapidly expanded, especially in the wake of the 2024 summer riots. Capitalizing on the unrest, the group managed to grow its membership to over 100, with some branches, including one in Vauxhall, south London—mere steps from MI6 headquarters—holding regular training sessions. One of its newest members is Jay Barlow, a 28-year-old convicted violent offender previously jailed for a knife attack in a supermarket. Barlow, who joined under the alias ‘Glenn,’ was recruited in December—mere weeks after being sentenced for separate offences. Despite being under probation and required to attend a 'thinking skills programme,' Barlow denied any affiliation when confronted by ITV News. After six months of covert filming, ITV News uncovered that Active Club England has become one of Britain’s largest white supremacist groups, with at least eight branches nationwide. Secretly recorded meetings between October 2024 and February 2025 revealed a shift from racist "jokes" about Adolf Hitler to explicit discussions about weapons and the strategic pursuit of power. The group has been making plans to rent a permanent indoor training space in London for "practicing knife defense without getting arrested." Members have also discussed pooling resources to purchase ten acres of land for the group’s activities. While the group publicly insists on being "peaceful and legal," counterterrorism experts have expressed deep concerns. Neil Basu, former head of UK counterterrorism policing, warned, "These are people preparing to commit acts of violence." Unlike traditional far-right organizations, Active Club England operates in a highly decentralized manner, designed to maintain secrecy and resilience. The group demands rigorous vetting before allowing new recruits to attend training. Only after proving their commitment are they granted access to a private group on the encrypted messaging app Telegram. ITV News’ undercover journalist was interrogated over the phone by the group’s national leader, ‘Lance,’ who questioned their religious beliefs, ethnic background, and views on the state of the country. Security is paramount within the organization. Internal directives from October advised members to buy "a secondary phone" for communications, use Faraday pouches to block signals, and transition to the encrypted app 'Threema' to protect their anonymity. Even among members, trust is limited, with identities often concealed. In November, a rented village hall in Buckinghamshire became the setting for one of Active Club England’s rituals. After a boxing session, members gathered for a group photo, with several instinctively raising their arms in a Nazi salute—referred to among them as a 'Roman salute.' Their leader, ‘Lance,’ quickly intervened, instructing, "No Romans, no Romans." This calculated approach is part of their broader strategy to maintain a sanitized public image while embracing extreme ideologies in private. Observers have drawn comparisons between Active Club England and the radical Islamist group al-Muhajiroun, which managed to evade legal repercussions for years through careful adherence to the law. "If you are inciting racial hatred online and in a public place, with the intention of being abusive or insulting someone, you have committed a criminal offence," warned Neil Basu. "They know that, and they are being careful. They are clearly being coached in how to stay the right side of the law." Based on a report by ITV News 2025-02-15

Elon Musk has called for a drastic reduction of the United States federal government, stating that entire agencies should be eliminated rather than merely downsized. Speaking at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, the billionaire entrepreneur emphasized the need for structural change, warning that without completely removing these institutions, bureaucratic inefficiency would persist. "If we don't remove the roots of the weed, then it's easy for the weed to grow back," Musk said, reinforcing his belief that deep systemic cuts are necessary for government reform. Wearing a black T-shirt with the words “Tech Support,” Musk humorously referred to himself as the White House’s unofficial technical advisor, a nod to his profile on X, the social media platform he owns. Since taking leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency under President Donald Trump’s administration, Musk has consolidated significant influence over government operations. His tenure has seen career officials sidelined, access granted to sensitive federal databases, and a growing debate over the extent of presidential authority. His remarks in Dubai highlight his continued push for aggressive government streamlining, a stance that could set the stage for further political and constitutional debates in Washington. Musk, whose vast wealth stems from his leadership at SpaceX and Tesla, has long been vocal about the inefficiencies of government bureaucracy. His comments are likely to fuel discussions about the role of government oversight and whether such extreme measures are viable or necessary. However, critics argue that dismantling entire federal agencies could lead to significant disruptions in essential services and governance. As Musk continues to influence both the private and public sectors, his call for eliminating government agencies raises questions about the future direction of U.S. federal operations. Whether his vision gains traction or meets resistance, it is clear that his role in shaping government policy is growing stronger. Based on a report by The Independent 2025-02-15

A graduate student at Georgetown University has been identified as the daughter of a high-ranking Hamas adviser, with her own ties to the organization coming under scrutiny. Mapheze Saleh, a first-year master’s student in Arab Studies at Georgetown University’s Center for Contemporary Arab Studies, has been linked to Hamas through her father, Ahmed Yousef. Yousef previously served as an adviser to Hamas under the leadership of Ismail Haniyeh. According to Saleh’s biography on Georgetown’s website, she has also worked with government agencies affiliated with the Hamas regime. Hamas, designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the U.S. State Department in 1997, has controlled the Gaza Strip since 2007. The group, which is committed to armed resistance against Israel, was responsible for the October 7, 2023, attack that resulted in nearly 1,200 deaths. Saleh’s father, Yousef, has been widely quoted in media coverage of the Israel-Hamas conflict. He also served as director of the U.S.-based think tank United Association for Studies and Research (UASR), which The Wall Street Journal has described as a front for Hamas. UASR was founded by Musa Abu Marzook, a senior Hamas official currently based in Doha, Qatar, who is now the group's second-in-command. Yousef led the organization until 2005 before returning to Gaza to advise Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. Archived social media posts attributed to Saleh and published by the National Review, citing CAMERA, reportedly show her expressing support for Hamas’s October 7 attack. The posts allegedly included videos of Israeli hostages being paraded through crowds and criticism of the United States. Saleh's professional background includes working for the Qatar Embassy in New Delhi and contributing articles to Middle East Monitor, Al Jazeera, and Palestinian media outlets. This revelation comes amid heightened scrutiny of pro-Palestinian activism on U.S. campuses. Georgetown University is currently investigating a student event organized by Georgetown Law Students for Justice in Palestine, which had planned to feature Ribhi Karajah, a convicted terrorist. According to Fox News, Karajah was involved in the killing of a 17-year-old Israeli girl. Campus flyers for the event described it as "Palestinian Prisoners, an evening with Ribhi Karajah, student activist and former political prisoner." Former President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order on January 30 to revoke student visas of individuals who have shown support for Hamas, as part of a broader crackdown on anti-Semitism in American universities. Based on a report by Daily mail 2025-02-15

During a press conference at NATO headquarters in Brussels, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth strongly pushed back against criticism of Washington’s approach to negotiations with Russia over the war in Ukraine. He cautioned European allies against placing excessive security burdens on the United States, making it clear that President Trump would not tolerate America being taken advantage of. "Make no mistake, President Trump will not allow anyone to turn Uncle Sam into 'Uncle Sucker,'" Hegseth stated. He emphasized that European nations should take primary responsibility for their own defense. Defending his stance, Hegseth described his comments as a recognition of the realities on the battlefield. He also left open the possibility of U.S. flexibility in negotiations, including reconsidering American military support to Ukraine and the presence of U.S. troops in Europe. "I think it would be fair to say that things like future funding, either less or more, could be on the table in negotiations," he said, while emphasizing that he would not speak ahead of President Trump on the matter. The situation intensified following Trump’s direct engagement with both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Wednesday. Trump instructed U.S. officials to initiate discussions aimed at ending the war, now approaching its third year. His decision to approach Putin unilaterally, without consulting NATO allies, raised concerns in Kyiv and across Europe. Many fear that the U.S. might negotiate a deal that compromises Ukraine’s interests and regional security. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy made it clear that any agreement reached without Ukraine’s direct involvement would be unacceptable. "We, as a sovereign country, simply will not be able to accept any agreements without us," he stated firmly. European leaders echoed this sentiment, warning that any rushed settlement could result in an unstable and unfavorable outcome. "Any quick fix is a dirty deal," European foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas remarked at NATO headquarters, reinforcing the necessity of a collective approach. Hegseth, however, dismissed accusations that the U.S. was undermining NATO or weakening European security. Instead, he reiterated the importance of strengthening the alliance by ensuring that European nations take on more responsibility for their defense. "NATO is a great alliance, the most successful defense alliance in history, but to endure for the future our partners must do far more for Europe's defense. We must make NATO great again," he declared. His comments signal a shift in U.S. policy under the Trump administration, one that seeks to reassess long-standing defense commitments and encourage European nations to take greater ownership of their security. While the path forward remains uncertain, the tension between Washington and its NATO allies continues to build, reflecting deeper divisions over how best to approach the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Based on a report by Reuters 2025-02-15

//Locked// If you send me a PM with credible links to those claims I can edit it and re open it again for you

@MalcolmB enough of the antisemitic rants and unattributed claims

@newbee2022 a foreign language link posted that additionally does not back claims and a troll post have been removed

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., one of President Donald Trump’s most debated cabinet selections, has officially been sworn in as the U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary. The former presidential candidate will now oversee key health agencies, managing approximately 80,000 employees and a budget of nearly one trillion dollars. His confirmation comes despite widespread skepticism from both sides of the political aisle due to his history of controversial health claims and vaccine skepticism. Kennedy was confirmed in a narrow 52-48 Senate vote on Thursday, with no Democrats supporting his nomination. Among Republicans, former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell was the only one to vote against him. Trump personally swore Kennedy in at the Oval Office, marking another key victory in his broader effort to restructure multiple levels of government. The Senate is working long hours to finalize the president's cabinet, with lawmakers also confirming Brooke Rollins as head of the Department of Agriculture in a 72-28 vote. Kennedy becomes the second contentious cabinet pick to be confirmed this week, following Tulsi Gabbard’s appointment as Director of National Intelligence in another closely contested vote on Wednesday. He will now take charge of vital health agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. His responsibilities will extend across food safety, pharmaceuticals, public health, and vaccinations. Having previously run for president in 2024 as an independent, Kennedy eventually withdrew from the race and endorsed Trump. His appointment to the top federal health position has raised concerns among both Republicans and Democrats. Many lawmakers have questioned his past statements on vaccines, his association with organizations that promote unverified health claims, and his shifting stance on abortion. Kennedy is the founder of Children's Health Defense, an anti-vaccine group that has gained prominence by casting doubt on childhood immunizations and promoting the widely discredited claim that vaccines are linked to autism. Despite this, Kennedy has denied being anti-vaccine, emphasizing that his own children are immunized. During his confirmation hearings, he argued that he merely advocates for stricter safety testing and more comprehensive research on vaccines. Some Republicans have expressed support for Kennedy, particularly for his criticism of food additives and his stance against the pharmaceutical industry. However, his confirmation hearings were marked by intense scrutiny, including sharp questioning on his promotion of health misinformation and his qualifications to oversee the nation’s healthcare system. One of the most contentious moments came when Kennedy was asked about his stance on abortion. While he has previously indicated support for abortion rights, he told lawmakers that he agrees with President Trump in leaving abortion policy to individual states and stated that "every abortion is a tragedy." His comments drew backlash from Democrats, who accused him of abandoning his pro-choice position to secure the nomination. The hearings were not without public spectacle, as protesters interrupted proceedings with shouts of opposition. However, Kennedy also received applause when he vowed to "make America healthy again," echoing a slogan frequently used by the Trump administration. Based on a report by BBC 2025-02-14

@bannork please cease copy and pasting articles and text blocks that are well over fair use policy and additionally contain no credible link to them. 27. You will not post any copyrighted material except as fair use laws apply (as in the case of news articles). Only post a link, the headline and three sentences from the article. Content in the public domain is limited to the same restrictions.

A Nigerian woman who had her asylum claims rejected eight times has finally been allowed to stay in the UK after joining a terrorist organisation to strengthen her case. Despite acknowledging that her political beliefs were not genuine, a judge ruled that her association with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) meant she could not be safely returned to Nigeria. The 49-year-old woman first arrived in the UK in 2011 and began her involvement with IPOB in 2017. The group, which has been blamed for violent acts against the Nigerian state, is banned as a terrorist organisation in Nigeria but is not proscribed in Britain. In her ninth attempt to claim asylum, she argued that her membership in IPOB and participation in protests placed her at risk of persecution if deported. Upper Tribunal Judge Gemma Loughran accepted that the woman had only joined IPOB “in order to create a claim for asylum” and that her political activism was not genuine. However, the judge ruled that her actions had led to an “imputed” political opinion, meaning the Nigerian authorities could still perceive her as a threat. As a result, she was granted asylum under human rights laws. The case, disclosed in court documents obtained by *The Telegraph*, is one of several controversial immigration rulings that have sparked debate over the UK’s asylum system. Other recent cases include an Albanian criminal avoiding deportation due to his child’s dietary preferences and a Pakistani man convicted of child sex offences who was allowed to stay because deportation would be “unduly harsh” on his children. During Prime Minister’s Questions, Sir Keir Starmer addressed concerns over judicial decisions in immigration cases, calling them “wrong” and emphasizing that Parliament should set immigration laws, not judges. He pledged that Home Secretary Yvette Cooper would take steps to close legal loopholes that allow such rulings. Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, condemned the decision in the Nigerian woman’s case, calling it “patently absurd.” He argued that judges were exploiting broad interpretations of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) to prevent deportations. “This is an abuse of the power judges have been given to interpret vague ECHR articles,” he said. “It is clear to me that a radical overhaul of human rights law is needed in order to end this abuse by the judiciary – who have taken for themselves what amounts to legislative powers.” The controversy also echoes previous instances where asylum seekers have reportedly converted to Christianity or falsely claimed persecution based on their sexuality to strengthen their cases. The Nigerian woman’s previous asylum claims spanned a decade, including appeals based on family life under ECHR Article Eight and allegations of being a trafficking victim. All were rejected. However, in her final appeal, she argued that Nigerian authorities monitored IPOB protests, including those held at the Nigerian High Commission in London. Her claim was supported by IPOB’s UK-based medical director, who confirmed her involvement in the organisation. While Lower Tribunal Judge Iain Burnett initially dismissed her claim due to insufficient evidence of her activism, Judge Loughran later overturned the decision. She acknowledged that the woman had no genuine political commitment to IPOB but ruled that Nigerian security forces would likely perceive her as an activist and target her upon her return. “The security services act arbitrarily and arrest, harm, and detain those it believes may be involved with IPOB without conducting an assessment of the extent of their involvement or their motivation,” Judge Loughran stated. “The appeal is allowed on the basis that [the Nigerian woman] has a well-founded fear of persecution on account of her imputed political opinion arising from her involvement with IPOB in the UK.” This ruling has intensified calls for reforms to prevent asylum seekers from manipulating the system through questionable claims, with critics arguing that UK immigration laws need urgent tightening. Based on a report by Daily Telegraph 2025-02-14