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Emily Damari, British-Israeli who was held hostage by Hamas for 15 months in Gaza, has revealed to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer that she was detained in a United Nations facility and denied medical treatment throughout her captivity. The 28-year-old was kidnapped from her home on October 7, 2023, by Hamas gunmen, who shot her in the hand and leg and killed her pet dog. During a phone call with her mother, Damari disclosed that she had been held for a period in facilities belonging to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) but was never given access to medical care. She explained that the only medical aid provided to her was a single bottle of expired iodine, despite her severe injuries, including the loss of two fingers on her left hand and an unhealed wound in her leg. Following the conversation, her mother, Mandy Damari, took to X to share the harrowing details. "Hamas held Emily in UNRWA facilities and denied her access to medical treatment after shooting her twice. It's a miracle that she survived, and we need to get aid to remaining hostages now," she wrote. Rihards Kols MEP: UNRWA's complicity in Hamas' crimes is undeniable. Israeli hostages were held captive on its premises—funded in part by the EU budget. Along with colleagues, I urge @antonioguterres to shut down UNRWA. The UN must uphold its own values, not enable terrorism. In response to the allegations, UNRWA issued a statement to Sky News, expressing relief over the release of the hostages. "We at UNRWA are relieved that hostages have been released. We hope all others will be released too. It is also a relief that Ms. Damari has finally been reunited with her family," the agency said. Addressing the claims that hostages were held in their premises, the agency added, "Claims that hostages have been held in UNRWA premises, even if previously vacated, are very serious. We have repeatedly called for independent investigations into claims of misuse and disregard of UN premises by Palestinian armed groups, including Hamas." The revelation about Damari’s captivity comes as a new Israeli law goes into effect, banning UNRWA operations on Israeli land, including in East Jerusalem, and cutting off contact with Israeli authorities. Israel has long been critical of the agency, arguing that it perpetuates the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by conferring refugee status to the descendants of refugees—a classification not given to any other group of refugees worldwide. Additionally, Israeli authorities have accused UNRWA of fostering anti-Israel sentiment in its schools and of enabling Palestinian dependence on aid for decades. Furthermore, Israel has alleged that some UNRWA employees have been involved in acts of terror, including participating in the October 7 attacks, while hundreds more have ties to terrorist organizations. Based on a report by Sky News 2025-02-03 Related Topics: January 30 Deadline Approaches for UNRWA to cease Operations in Jerusalem UK Pledges Additional £13m to UNRWA Amid Controversy Over Alleged Terrorist Ties We did not know’: Hamas data center directly under UNRWA Gaza City HQ European Parliament Denounces UNRWA Role in Inciting Violence, Antisemitism UNRWA neutrality must be strengthened, independent review finds UNRWA textbooks were pivotal in radicalizing generations of Gazans — watchdog Victims of October 7 Attack Sue UNRWA for $1 Billion, Accusing It of Aiding Hamas

Donald Trump has sent a strong message to America’s enemies following precision military airstrikes on senior Islamic State (ISIS) operatives in Somalia. “We will find you, and we will kill you,” the former president declared in a statement released on social media. Trump announced that he had personally ordered the strikes against a senior ISIS attack planner and other terrorists under his command. “This morning I ordered precision military air strikes on the senior Isis attack planner and other terrorists he recruited and led in Somalia,” he stated. In his statement, Trump took aim at President Joe Biden and his administration, claiming that they had failed to act decisively in eliminating this particular threat. “Our military has targeted this Isis attack planner for years, but Biden and his cronies wouldn’t act quickly enough to get the job done. I did!” Trump closed his remarks with a final warning to terrorist organizations: “The message to Isis and all others who would attack Americans is that ‘we will find you and we will kill you!’” His words echoed a famous line from the 2008 action film *Taken*, in which Liam Neeson’s character delivers a similar warning to his enemies. Despite Trump's criticism of Biden, the recent strikes align with U.S. counterterrorism efforts under the current administration. In December, the U.S. launched airstrikes against ISIS targets in Syria, responding to concerns that the terror group might regain strength as the situation in the region remains unstable. Biden addressed these operations by reaffirming the U.S. commitment to preventing ISIS from regaining a foothold. “We’re clear-eyed about the fact that Isis will try to take advantage of any vacuum to re-establish its capabilities to create a safe haven,” Biden said. “We will not let that happen.” Those strikes, which involved B-52 bombers, F-15 fighter jets, and A-10 ground attack aircraft, successfully targeted ISIS leaders, operatives, and training camps, according to CNN. The U.S. military remains active in the fight against the group, ensuring that ISIS is unable to rebuild its networks or threaten global security. As Trump and Biden exchange words over their approaches to combating ISIS, the U.S. continues to employ precision military tactics to prevent the resurgence of terrorist organizations. Based on a report by Daily Telegraph 2025-02-03

If Britain is to avoid becoming a world leader in energy failure, urgent changes must be made. Norway’s government collapsed this week over flawed energy policies driven by extreme climate agendas, but it is not the first to fall victim to such mismanagement. Northern Ireland holds that distinction, having suffered political turmoil in 2017 after the botched rollout of the UK’s renewable heat scheme, which led to widespread abuse and ultimately brought down the power-sharing agreement between Sinn Féin and the DUP. However, Norway’s crisis could have even greater consequences for the UK. The populist, Eurosceptic Centre Party, alongside other right-wing factions, has taken issue with the fact that Norwegians are being forced to pay higher prices for their own energy due to international demand for their hydropower. They are particularly outraged by EU directives that threaten Norway’s ability to reserve energy for domestic use or shield itself from an energy crisis. Their frustration is exacerbated by what they see as reckless decisions made by neighboring countries—especially Germany—which have only worsened the situation. With the Labour Party now left in charge without a functioning majority, Norway is heading for a general election no later than September, and current polling suggests a nationalist populist coalition is likely to take power. The UK faces a similarly precarious situation. Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, has pledged to decarbonize Britain’s power grid by 2030. Given the slow pace of nuclear power development, this will almost entirely rely on renewable sources, particularly offshore wind, along with a massive expansion of pylons to transport electricity. At the same time, the government has maintained a ban on domestic fracking, extended restrictions to new North Sea oil and gas projects, and removed legal protections for previously approved ventures like Rosebank. These decisions not only undermine the UK’s energy security—since wind power is inherently intermittent—but also increase reliance on energy imports. At present, the only feasible solution to balance the grid during periods of low wind is to keep gas turbines on standby, ready to be fired up at enormous expense using imported gas, much of which comes from Norway via pipeline. While the electricity interconnector (NSL) between the UK and Norway has the capacity to power 1.4 million homes, it would be entirely useless if Norway decided to limit exports during critical low-wind periods. At present, it is electricity, rather than gas, that is most at risk of being withheld. However, rising populism in energy policy is not about technology—it is about price. Norway’s vast North Sea wealth follows the same economic rules as its power supply: as global demand rises, prices increase. If Norway’s energy nationalism escalates, the UK’s next best option is liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments from the United States, which proved vital during the 2022 crisis. Yet, Donald Trump’s policy agenda prioritizes cheap fracked gas for American manufacturing over British energy needs, and this tension will only grow if Britain continues to emulate Germany’s failed energy policies under Angela Merkel. Other energy alternatives are even less reliable, and the risk extends beyond Norway and the US. If these trends continue, France and Belgium could also impose restrictions on energy exports, further isolating the UK. The next five years could see a catastrophic convergence of problems: stalled progress on renewables and nuclear power, capital and talent fleeing Aberdeen, mounting costs to keep aging gas plants operational, and skyrocketing import prices—assuming suppliers do not ban exports altogether. The warning signs are unmistakable, yet the UK’s response so far has been dangerously complacent. If Britain is to avoid a future where people sit in the dark, too poor to heat their homes, the government must act decisively and abandon its current energy trajectory before it is too late. Based on a report by Daily Telegraph 2025-02-03

Judge Alison Raeside, who placed ten-year-old Sara Sharif back in the custody of her abusive father, has a history of judicial failings, it has now emerged. The press successfully challenged a gag order that had previously prevented her identity from being disclosed. The order, imposed by Mr. Justice Williams, sought to protect her and two other judges from what was described as a potential "social media pile-on." Sara was returned to her father, Urfan Sharif, despite multiple allegations of domestic violence, including threats with a knife and habitual physical abuse of his children. The decision to grant him custody was based on a report by an inexperienced social worker, which described Sharif as not posing a threat to his daughter. Judge Raeside endorsed the report, calling it a "very thorough" and "very good piece of work." In December, Sharif and his wife, Beinash Batool, were sentenced to life in prison for the brutal murder of Sara, who had endured years of horrific abuse before her death on August 10, 2023. An autopsy revealed she had suffered more than 71 injuries, including fractures, burns, and bite marks. Evidence suggested she had been repeatedly restrained with packing tape and beaten with a metal pole and a cricket bat. Judge Raeside’s controversial decision to grant Sharif shared custody in 2019 came despite her prior involvement in cases revealing a documented history of domestic violence. In hearings between 2013 and 2015, extensive evidence of Sharif’s abusive behavior was presented. Despite this, social services concluded that Sharif and Batool were capable of caring for Sara without "physically chastising" her, leading to Judge Raeside’s ruling in their favor. The revelation of Judge Raeside’s identity has also brought renewed scrutiny to her judicial record. In 2018, a High Court judge, Mr. Justice Newton, criticized her for conducting a "fundamentally flawed hearing" that lacked transparency. She had engaged in undisclosed discussions with a youth charity about a child’s welfare, leading to allegations of procedural irregularity. Newton noted that her actions raised serious concerns about fairness and transparency, allowing the mother involved in the case to appeal the residency decision. Sara’s case dates back to 2010 when Surrey County Council first raised concerns about her family’s history of neglect. Social services intervened multiple times over the years, placing Sara and her siblings in foster care intermittently. In 2014, one of her siblings was found with an adult bite mark, leading to their removal from the home. However, in 2015, Judge Raeside returned Sara to her mother’s sole care, despite ongoing concerns about her father’s influence. In a now-deleted episode of the *Women Who Work* podcast, Judge Raeside expressed frustration over the lack of feedback in her role. "You don’t get any feedback as a judge," she said. "I’ve never had an appraisal. Imagine that. No one tells you if you are any good." She also stated that her greatest satisfaction came from learning that children from her cases were "doing well and happy" years later. Judge Raeside has had other challenges in her career, including being the target of an online harassment campaign. In 2019, Nyron Warmington was jailed for sending her threatening messages over a nine-month period after she barred him from contacting his daughters. Warmington referred to her home address and children in his posts and was given a five-year restraining order. The two other judges involved in Sara’s hearings, Sally Williams and Peter Nathan, have also faced scrutiny. Judge Nathan, who retired in 2019, placed Sara in foster care on an emergency basis before Judge Raeside later returned her to her father. Judge Williams previously ruled against keeping a child in care based on faulty laboratory evidence, later acknowledging that had the mistake not been discovered, the child would have been wrongly placed for adoption. Sir Geoffrey Vos of the Court of Appeal recently criticized the initial decision to grant judicial anonymity in the Sara Sharif case, stating that even judges handling terrorism and organized crime trials are not given such protections. He ruled that Mr. Justice Williams had "undoubtedly behaved unfairly" by attempting to shield the judges from public scrutiny. The lifting of the gag order now allows for full accountability regarding the decisions that ultimately led to Sara’s tragic fate. As public concern over the handling of her case continues to grow, calls for greater transparency and oversight in family court proceedings are mounting. Based on a report by Daily Telegraph 2025-02-03

A NASA astronaut who has been stranded aboard the International Space Station since last June admitted she is struggling to remember the sensation of basic human activities like walking and lying down. Suni Williams made the comments during a call with students at Needham High School in Massachusetts on Monday. As she and fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore continued their prolonged orbit around Earth, Williams explained the strange experience of living in a zero-gravity environment for such an extended period. “I’ve been up here long enough right now I’ve been trying to remember what it’s like to walk,” the Massachusetts native told the students from her alma mater. “I haven’t walked. I haven’t sat down. I haven’t laid down. You don’t have to. You can just close your eyes and float where you are right here,” she added, describing the unusual reality of her weightless surroundings. The 59-year-old astronaut and Wilmore, 62, were originally supposed to stay in space for only eight days. However, their mission has now stretched to over eight months due to ongoing technical issues that have prevented their return. “It was a little bit of a shock actually,” Williams admitted during her conversation with the students. “We knew that it would be probably a month or so, honestly. But the extended stay was just a little bit different.” Williams also shared how the prolonged mission has impacted her personal life, particularly her relationship with her family. “My mother’s getting a little bit older, so in that regard, I just try to stay in touch with them and those guys as much as possible,” she said. “I think I talk to my mom practically every day. Just check in with her and call her and see how she’s doing. So it’s just a little bit different relationship than we had potentially planned on for the last couple months. But we’re managing.” Despite the challenges of their extended stay, Williams and Wilmore were able to move around outside the station on Thursday during their first spacewalk since their unintended prolonged mission began. The two astronauts were assigned to remove a damaged antenna and collect samples from the station’s exterior to check for surviving microbes that may have endured the harsh conditions of space. During this mission, Williams achieved a new milestone, setting the record for the most spacewalking hours by a female astronaut over a career. This marked her ninth spacewalk in total. The two astronauts are currently expected to return to Earth in late March or April, when their replacements will arrive aboard a planned SpaceX Crew-10 flight. However, the delay has sparked political commentary, with former President Donald Trump criticizing the Biden administration over the astronauts' prolonged stay in orbit. Elon Musk addressed the situation on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “The @POTUS has asked @SpaceX to bring home the 2 astronauts stranded on the @Space_Station as soon as possible. We will do so.” Trump echoed this sentiment on his social media platform Truth Social, writing, “The 2 brave astronauts who have been virtually abandoned in space by the Biden Administration. They have been waiting for many months on @Space Station. Elon will soon be on his way. Hopefully, all will be safe. Good luck Elon!!!” As the astronauts continue their extended stay aboard the space station, their journey serves as both a testament to human endurance and a reminder of the complexities and unpredictability of space travel. Based on a report by NYP | CNN 2025-02-03

A senior aide to Prince Andrew privately acknowledged that the Duke of York’s BBC Newsnight interview was a serious misstep, describing it as “hugely ill-advised and unsuccessful,” newly released court documents have shown. Dominic Hampshire, a close associate and adviser to the Duke, conveyed these sentiments in a letter to Yang Tengbo, an alleged Chinese spy, in the wake of the controversial November 2019 interview, which led to Prince Andrew stepping back from public duties. Hampshire thanked Yang for his unwavering support during a turbulent period for the Duke. In March 2020, Hampshire wrote to Yang on Buckingham Palace letterhead, stating, “We have dealt with the aftermath of a hugely ill-advised and unsuccessful television interview, we have wisely navigated our way around former private secretaries and we have found a way to carefully remove those people who we don’t completely trust. Moreover, in what originally seemed like a lost cause, you have somehow managed to not only salvage but maintain and then incredibly, enhance the reputation of my principal in China. Under your guidance, we found a way to get the relevant people unnoticed in and out of the house of Windsor.” Hampshire also revealed the pair’s efforts to bolster the Duke’s standing in China, stating, “We orchestrated a very powerful verbal message of support to China at a Chinese New Year’s dinner and between the three of us, we have written, amended and then always agreed a number of letters at the highest level possible.” As a token of appreciation, Yang was invited to the Duke’s 60th birthday celebration as someone who had remained steadfast in his support. Yang, who came to the UK as a student in 2002, was banned from returning to the country in February 2023 on national security grounds. During his appeal before the Special Immigration Appeals Tribunal in December, hundreds of pages of documents were disclosed, including two witness statements from Yang, dated June 2023 and May 2024. In his statements, Yang recounted his initial meeting with Prince Andrew at a dinner at St James’s Palace in 2014, after being introduced to the Duke’s private secretary, Amanda Thirsk, by Formula 1 executive Sir Ron Dennis. He later became involved in Pitch@Palace, Prince Andrew’s business initiative, and was appointed to lead its Chinese branch when it launched in 2016. Yang described the difficulty of promoting the venture, stating, “The Duke’s reputation was fairly negative and based on reporting taken from the British media.” However, he said everything changed following the infamous Newsnight interview. “Following that interview, all international partners of Pitch pulled out or distanced themselves from it… Amanda asked me if we would continue to support Pitch, especially given the success we had achieved in China. At a significant risk for me and my business reputationally, I agreed to continue to support Amanda and Pitch.” In October 2020, Hampshire again wrote to Yang, confirming that Prince Andrew had given him “authorisation to represent him in China” to secure investors for a project called the Eurasian Fund. However, Hampshire stressed the need for secrecy, writing, “This relationship remains confidential and this letter is not to be circulated digitally. I also ask that a record be kept of who has been informed privately of this arrangement.” Despite being ordered to keep a low profile and abstain from public duties, Prince Andrew was still actively working to revive his Pitch@Palace initiative under a new name, Innovate Global, according to Yang. He stated that discussions were ongoing to secure partnerships in countries such as Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, the UAE, and China, with no plans to hold events in the UK. Yang also claimed that he was recognized as a valued member of the Chinese business community and had played a key role in supporting British businesses in China. He lamented that his exclusion from the UK had negatively impacted his health, particularly his diabetes treatment. “I should add that my trips to the United Kingdom are not simply for business,” he said. “I have suffered from diabetes for a long time… by the end of 2019, it had become much more serious, enough that it has had an impact on my sight. My intention was to return regularly for treatment in the United Kingdom as it is of a higher standard than treatment in China. This has not been possible due to my exclusion.” Yang also disclosed that Liu Xiaoming, the Chinese ambassador, had expressed interest in understanding the situation regarding Prince Andrew and Pitch@Palace following the Newsnight interview. The ambassador reportedly wanted to meet the Duke and report back to Beijing but was concerned that Andrew’s poor reputation could prove damaging. To ensure discretion, Hampshire arranged for Yang to enter the Duke’s Windsor residence without attracting media attention by pre-registering his vehicle’s number plate to avoid scrutiny at the gate. Based on a report by Daily Telegraph 2025-02-03

TEL AVIV, Israel — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss key regional issues, including the ongoing conflict with Hamas, countering Iran, and expanding diplomatic ties with Arab nations. The meeting, scheduled for Tuesday at the White House, marks Trump's first sit-down with a foreign leader since returning to office. It coincides with efforts by U.S. and Arab mediators to navigate the next phase of a fragile agreement aimed at de-escalating the war in Gaza and securing the release of hostages held by militants. Since the ceasefire took effect last month, Hamas has quickly reasserted control over Gaza and has made it clear that it will not release additional hostages unless Israel agrees to a full withdrawal and a permanent end to the war. Netanyahu, however, remains under pressure from far-right members of his coalition, who insist that Israel must resume its military campaign once the current phase of the deal ends in early March. Despite the ongoing negotiations, Netanyahu has reaffirmed his government’s stance. "Victory over Hamas, achieving the release of all our hostages, and dealing with the Iranian terror axis in all its components" will be at the center of his discussions with Trump, he stated before departing for Washington. Trump’s position on the matter remains somewhat uncertain. While he has long been a vocal supporter of Israel, he has also expressed a desire to bring conflicts in the Middle East to an end and has taken credit for helping to broker the ceasefire deal. That agreement resulted in the release of 18 hostages who had been held for more than 15 months, along with the exchange of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Netanyahu has welcomed Trump’s approach, embracing his call for "peace through strength." The Israeli leader is expected to push for continued U.S. support against Iran and its network of allied militant groups, including Hamas. Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, played a key role in the final negotiations that secured the ceasefire agreement last month. He met with Netanyahu in Israel last week and will formally begin discussions on the next phase of the deal in Washington on Monday. As Netanyahu and Trump prepare for their talks, the broader regional dynamics remain uncertain, with both leaders looking to balance military strategy, diplomatic efforts, and domestic political pressures. Based on a report by NPR 2025-02-03

A topic clean up with a number of posts have been removed due to off topic bickering. @Will B Good one of your posts removed for extremely offensive name calling of a political figure. Please discuss the topic: Trump Moves Forward with Tariffs on Canada and Mexico, Citing Trade Deficit and Border Issue

The White House on Friday called on House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) to apologize after he made comments vowing to resist the Trump administration’s policies. During a press briefing, Jeffries emphasized the importance of standing up for everyday Americans, arguing that they were being harmed by what he described as an "extreme MAGA Republican agenda" that prioritizes tax cuts for billionaires and large corporations while shifting the financial burden onto New Yorkers and working-class citizens. “We are gonna fight it legislatively. We are gonna fight it in the courts. And we’re gonna fight it in the streets,” Jeffries declared. The White House communications office swiftly issued a statement condemning his remarks, calling them “a sick call for violence.” The statement questioned whether Jeffries would apologize for what it labeled “this disgusting threat” or “double down on the same calls for violence that have plagued the country for years.” House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) also weighed in, taking to social platform X to demand that Jeffries “promptly apologize for his use of inflammatory and extreme rhetoric.” Emmer further argued that while “President Trump and the Republicans are focused on uniting the country; Jeffries needs to stop trying to divide it.” During the press conference, Jeffries also criticized the now-rescinded federal funding freeze and condemned Trump for implying that federal diversity initiatives were responsible for this week’s tragic collision between a military helicopter and an American Airlines plane near Reagan Washington National Airport. Based on a report by The Hill 2025-02-03

President Donald Trump officially imposed long-anticipated tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China on Saturday, following through on his pledge to push America’s top trading partners to contribute more. The new measures will see Canada and Mexico hit with a 25% tariff on all imports, while Chinese goods will face a 10% tariff. Additionally, a 10% tariff will apply to energy imports from Canada, covering natural gas, oil, and electricity. The Executive Orders include a retaliation clause, which allows for even higher tariffs if these nations respond with countermeasures. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt stated on Friday that the tariffs were introduced in response to the three countries’ handling of illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking, which she claimed had caused the deaths of “tens of millions” of Americans. “We need to protect Americans, and it is my duty as President to ensure the safety of all. I made a promise on my Campaign to stop the flood of illegal aliens and drugs from pouring across our Borders, and Americans overwhelmingly voted in favor of it,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. The tariffs are being enacted under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEA), which grants the President authority to regulate imports during a declared national emergency. Last month, Trump invoked the National Emergencies Act (NEA), citing the crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border. The move has sparked strong criticism from Democrats, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer condemning the tariffs as harmful to American consumers. “It would be nice if Donald Trump could start focusing on getting the prices down instead of making them go up,” he told CNN. Schumer argued that the tariffs “will likely hit Americans in their wallets” and insisted that the focus should be on countering unfair trade practices by China rather than punishing allies. Schumer also took to X, warning in a series of posts that these tariffs could drive up costs on everyday items, even joking that “Wait till Trump’s tariffs raise your pizza prices.” The first phase of Trump’s trade war with Canada is set to take effect on Tuesday, implementing the 25% tariff on nearly all Canadian imports. The result could be significant price hikes for ordinary Americans across a wide range of products. One of the hardest-hit industries will be automobiles. In 2024, the U.S. imported over $100 billion worth of vehicles and parts from Mexico, with an additional $34 billion coming from Canada. The tariffs will likely lead to higher car prices in the short term, until domestic suppliers can ramp up production to compensate. Food prices will also be affected. The U.S. imported $46 billion worth of agricultural goods from Mexico in 2024, including $9 billion in fresh fruit. Grocery store prices on these products are expected to rise as the tariffs take effect. Tequila and margaritas could also become more expensive due to increased costs on Mexican imports. Consumer electronics will not be spared either. The Consumer Technology Association (CTA) estimates that these tariffs could reduce American spending power by $90 billion on items such as smartphones, laptops, TVs, gaming consoles, and headphones. Ed Brzytwa, vice president of international trade at CTA, told CBS News that price hikes will be swift. “The likelihood of retailers or any importer absorbing the tariff cost is very low, so the pass-through to consumers will be quick. On all the products we looked at, there are going to be price increases.” Laptops and tablets could see a 45% jump in prices, while smartphones and video games may also experience double-digit cost increases. A report from the Peterson Institute estimates that Trump’s proposed tariffs could end up costing the typical American household over $2,600 per year. As the new measures take effect, the full economic impact remains to be seen, but many experts warn that U.S. consumers will bear the brunt of these policies. Based on a report by NYP 2025-02-03

Posts removed for deliberate misspelling along with replies and further trolling posts. Posts using derogatory and toxic nicknames or intentional misspelling of people’s names will be removed. If you don’t want your post to be removed, spell people’s names correctly, this applies to both sides of the political debate.

Number of off topic posts have been removed. One of the usual suspects has also been removed. This topic is not about Palestinian prisoners, trolling and false accustions that they are also hostages or accusations of Biden lying. Freed Thai Hostages in Israel Are in Stable Condition

Prosecutors have expanded on their case against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, filing a revised indictment on Thursday that details accusations of sex trafficking involving at least three women and claims that the hip-hop mogul once dangled someone from a hotel balcony as part of an alleged two-decade-long racketeering conspiracy. The updated indictment was submitted in Manhattan federal court, but Combs’ attorney, Marc Agnifilo, emphasized that no additional charges had been filed. Combs, 55, who was arrested in September on sex trafficking charges, has pleaded not guilty. He remains incarcerated without bail as he awaits his trial, which is scheduled to begin on May 5. The latest indictment extends the timeline of the alleged racketeering conspiracy, now stating that it spanned from approximately 2004 to 2024. The initial charges had indicated that the conspiracy began around 2008. The document also identifies at least three female victims, referred to as “Victim-1,” “Victim-2,” and “Victim-3.” According to prosecutors, Combs leveraged his status and influence in the music industry to manipulate, threaten, and lure women into his circle, often under the guise of romantic relationships. Once under his control, they claim he used force, intimidation, and coercion to pressure them into engaging in commercial sex acts. The indictment further asserts that Combs inflicted physical abuse and issued threats of violence, financial ruin, and reputational harm against his victims. “On multiple occasions, Combs threw both objects and people, as well as hit, dragged, choked and shoved others,” prosecutors stated. “On one occasion, Combs dangled a victim over an apartment balcony.” Earlier this month, defense attorneys dismissed the allegations in legal filings, arguing that the case was a result of what they described as a “sexist and puritanical” reaction from prosecutors to consensual sexual encounters between adults. Combs’ trial is set to proceed in May, where the court will determine the validity of these serious accusations. Based on a report by AP 2025-02-01

More details have emerged regarding allegations against Russell Brand following a BBC review into his conduct. The broadcaster has apologized to staff who believed the actor and comedian "would always get his way and therefore they stayed silent." The review, which examined his time as a presenter for BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music between 2006 and 2008, found that many employees “felt unable to raise” concerns about his behavior. It concluded that Brand was perceived to have “great sway” at the station, which led to a culture of silence. The review considered eight complaints of alleged misconduct, including two made during his time at the BBC, one formally and one informally. Brand, 49, has denied the allegations and stated that all his sexual relationships were “absolutely always consensual.” The review was launched after an investigation by *The Sunday Times*, *The Times*, and *Channel 4 Dispatches* revealed accusations from four women, spanning from 2006 to 2013, that included claims of rape, sexual assault, and emotional abuse. One woman alleged she had been in an abusive relationship with Brand when he was in his 30s, while she was still a 16-year-old schoolgirl. Another woman claimed he raped her against a wall at his Los Angeles home without a condom. A third woman said he threatened her with legal action after sexually assaulting her, while a fourth alleged he had been both physically and emotionally abusive towards her in the UK. Among the incidents investigated in the review was a formal complaint made by a BBC employee in 2007 regarding Brand urinating in a cup during a BBC Radio 2 recording and in a bottle during another show. The complaint also included claims of aggressive behavior, such as throwing objects at a screen in anger over production mistakes. At the time, the BBC appeared to dismiss the concerns, responding to *The Independent* with a statement that “someone has shown him [Brand] where the toilet is.” The review now acknowledges that “regrettably, this incident was not taken seriously at this time.” In 2016, the same employee raised the issue again, along with rumors that Brand had brought groups of girls onto BBC premises. However, an investigation was not pursued, as it was deemed “too long after” the original events. Additional misconduct allegations uncovered in the review included claims that Brand engaged in sexual activity at the BBC and exposed himself in the studio. Some of these incidents were even referenced in his own autobiography. One competition winner claimed she had consensual sex with Brand on BBC premises, while another described a sexual encounter in a disabled toilet but later felt he had “abused his position and taken advantage of them.” A separate incident at the BBC’s Los Angeles bureau alleged that Brand followed a woman into a bathroom and exposed himself, later referencing the act on air during his radio show in 2008. The woman did not initially report the incident but was encouraged to do so in 2019. The review found that the BBC’s handling of the complaint was “inadequate.” Another complaint examined in the report was from a woman named Alice, who alleged that a BBC car collected her and took her to Brand’s home when she was a 16-year-old schoolgirl and he was in his 30s. The report stated it could not verify the claim but suggested that if Brand had convinced a pre-booked BBC mini-cab to make additional trips, it was likely done without staff knowledge. The report criticized the BBC’s workplace culture at the time, noting that “many BBC staff and freelancers, especially in more junior roles, found Russell Brand demanding and difficult to work with and his behavior extreme, but all felt that there was no point in complaining as they believed they would not be listened to and, rightly or wrongly, that Russell Brand as a high-profile presenter had the support of the station management.” It highlighted an “apparent power dynamic and hierarchy” that allowed Brand and other presenters to have direct access to senior management. The review, conducted by BBC director of editorial complaints and reviews Peter Johnston, cost £662,062. Johnston noted that “the processes for raising any concerns were also not as developed as they are now.” The BBC has since implemented several changes, including a strengthened anti-bullying and harassment policy, a specialist case management process for serious allegations, and a dedicated support team for workplace misconduct cases. Channel 4, where Brand also worked, released its own review in March 2024, apologizing to a former employee after finding that a “serious” complaint against him in 2009 had not been investigated. Brand has consistently denied the accusations, describing them as “very, very hurtful” in an interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson. He declined to participate in the BBC’s review. Since September 2023, he has been interviewed three times by police. In November, the Metropolitan Police submitted a file of evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service, but a decision on charges has yet to be made. Based on a report by The Independent 2025-02-01

Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk has been nominated for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize by Branko Grims, a European Parliament member from Slovenia, citing Musk’s unwavering advocacy for free speech. Grims took to social media platform X on Thursday to announce the nomination, stating, "The proposal that Mr. Elon Musk, for his consistent support for the fundamental human right of freedom of speech and thus for peace, receives the Nobel Peace Prize 2025, was successfully submitted today." He also expressed gratitude, adding, "Sincere thanks to all the co-proposers and everyone who helped with this challenging project!" An established political figure in Slovenia, Grims has previously made controversial statements regarding immigration policies in Europe. Along with his announcement, he shared an email from the Norwegian Nobel Institute confirming that the nomination had been formally submitted. Grims has long championed Musk’s efforts to promote open dialogue, and in December, he emphasized Musk’s impact on free speech. "I propose that Elon Musk receives the Nobel Peace Prize for the next year because he did much more for the freedom of speech, which is a basic human right, much more than anybody else in the third millennium," he told Brussels Signal News. He further praised Musk’s acquisition and transformation of Twitter, now rebranded as X, stating it was "the best of what [could have] happened for Western civilization in the last few years." This is not the first time Musk has been put forward for the prestigious award. Last year, Norwegian libertarian Parliament member Marius Nilsen also nominated him, highlighting Musk’s "adamant defense of dialogue, free speech and [enabling] the possibility to express one’s views in a continuously more polarized world," as he told Norwegian newspaper Agderposten. While the Nobel Peace Prize committee does not officially disclose nominees until 50 years after submission, those eligible to make nominations are allowed to share their choices publicly. Musk joins a list of high-profile figures who have been put forth for the honor. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has also been nominated, with Republican Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.) submitting his name last year in recognition of his role in brokering the Abraham Accords. Additionally, in 2019, Trump claimed that then-Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had nominated him for the award. Musk’s nomination underscores the growing debate surrounding free speech, technology, and their impact on global peace and stability. Based on a report by The Hill 2025-02-01

Carolyn Harris, the MP for Swansea East and newly appointed trade envoy to New Zealand, has announced her departure from social media, citing relentless abuse over her appearance rather than her work or political views. Harris, a long-time Labour MP and Deputy Leader of Welsh Labour, made the announcement to her 35,000 followers on X, formerly known as Twitter. "In recent months, I have been monitoring this platform and have been criticised not for my work, my views or my actions but for my gender, the colour of my hair, glasses and even my choice of clothing," she wrote. She concluded, "As of today, I will no longer be monitoring this account." The comments section on her post was disabled, but this did not prevent users from resharing the message and adding their own opinions. Author Peter Lloyd mocked Harris’s exit, writing, "Labour MP Carolyn Harris has announced she's leaving X. How will we cope without her astute, keenly-observed musings on the world?" He included a widely shared image from 2021 in which Harris appeared to be asleep during a parliamentary session. However, not all responses were critical. One user defended Harris, stating, "It is a shame that Carolyn Harris feels she must leave X. Abuse is unacceptable." Harris has previously spoken about the impact of online trolling, particularly after the 2021 image surfaced. She claimed it had "opened the floodgates" to "relentless abuse," both online and in person, even recounting an incident where someone shouted at her outside her home, "Did you enjoy your snooze?" Harris has firmly denied ever falling asleep in Parliament, stating, "I categorically did not – and would never – go to sleep during any session in work." Beyond her parliamentary work, Harris is known for her advocacy on women’s health issues. As chair of the UK Menopause Taskforce, she has campaigned for a "national formulary" to ensure menopause-related medications can be prescribed consistently across the country. She has also held roles as Shadow Minister for Safeguarding and Vulnerability from 2016 to 2017 and Junior Shadow Minister for Women and Equalities from 2017 to 2020. Her resignation from social media comes shortly after Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer announced a new cohort of trade envoys, a cross-party group of 32 MPs and peers tasked with promoting British trade and investment across 79 international markets. However, some of Starmer’s appointments have drawn scrutiny. Among those named was Labour MP Kate Osamor, who was appointed trade envoy to East Africa. Osamor made headlines in 2020 when she was ordered to apologise to the House of Commons for threatening a journalist, telling them, "I should have come down here with a f****** bat and smashed your face open." Despite the controversy surrounding some of the appointees, Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds defended the programme, stating, "Trade and investment are key to delivering economic growth, the number one mission of this Government and a key part of our Plan for Change. That's why I've launched a new team of Trade Envoys, who will use their experience, expertise and knowledge to unlock new markets around the world for British businesses, drumming up investment into the UK and ultimately driving economic growth." While Harris’s role as trade envoy is set to continue, her withdrawal from social media highlights the ongoing issue of online harassment faced by public figures, particularly women in politics. Whether her departure from X will shield her from further abuse remains to be seen, but it marks yet another example of how toxic online discourse has driven high-profile individuals away from digital platforms. Based on a report by Daily Mail 2025-02-01

The recent killing of U.S. Border Patrol agent David Maland near the Canadian border has uncovered a disturbing web of violence linked to an extremist trans militant cult known as the “Zizians.” Federal authorities had been monitoring two suspects—German national Felix “Ophelia” Bauckholt and University of Washington student Teresa “Milo” Consuelo Youngblut—before the fatal encounter on January 20. The duo was spotted in Vermont with firearms and tactical gear just days before the shooting. During a traffic stop in Coventry, Vermont, Youngblut allegedly opened fire on Maland, killing him instantly. In the ensuing gunfight, border agents shot and killed Bauckholt, while Youngblut was taken into custody. Investigators now say the firearms used in the attack are linked to other homicides and a mysterious leftist trans-led cult known as the "Zizians," whose members follow an elusive leader named Jack LaSota, also known as “Ziz.” Bauckholt, a biological male who identified as female, was a highly intelligent mathematician from Freiburg, Germany. After graduating from the University of Waterloo, he worked as a quantitative trader in New York before becoming involved with the radical group. Youngblut, a biological female identifying as trans, had studied computer science at the University of Washington. Before her arrest, her family had reported her missing, stating she was in a controlling relationship and had cut off contact. Further investigations have linked the Zizians to at least four murders. The group is composed of highly educated trans vegan “rationalists” who hold extreme views on transhumanism and animal rights. Their leader, LaSota, is a biological male identifying as a woman and has been accused of encouraging followers to commit acts of violence. Though some claim LaSota died in 2022, authorities suspect this is a fabricated cover story to evade law enforcement. One of the most shocking revelations in the case is the connection between Youngblut and another alleged cult member, Maximilian Bentley Snyder, a computer science prodigy from Seattle. Snyder was arrested in Vallejo, California, for allegedly murdering 82-year-old Curtis Lind, a key witness in a separate attempted murder trial involving the Zizians. Lind had survived a brutal sword attack in 2022, in which he killed one of his assailants, but was set to testify against two other cult members. Prosecutors allege Snyder killed him to silence him before the trial. Investigators are also scrutinizing Michelle Jacqueline Zajko, a bioinformatics researcher and self-identified nonbinary trans person, for their possible role in supplying firearms to Youngblut and Bauckholt. Zajko’s parents were found dead in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, in 2023 under suspicious circumstances, and Zajko has documented ties to LaSota and the cult. The discovery of a box truck used as a makeshift commune in North Carolina further highlights the group’s secretive lifestyle. Bauckholt and Youngblut had been living there with other members before their trip to Vermont. At their Airbnb rental, police discovered night-vision goggles, body armor, ammunition, and electronic devices wrapped in foil—possibly to evade surveillance. As details of the cult’s activities emerge, some trans activist groups are pressuring members not to cooperate with law enforcement. Online supporters have even cheered the deaths of victims, with one social media post responding to Lind’s murder by declaring, “Ladies and gentlemen, we got him.” The Zizian cult’s ideology, combined with its members’ technical expertise and militant tactics, makes it a growing concern for law enforcement. With Youngblut in custody and Snyder facing trial, investigators are racing to uncover the full extent of the group’s activities before more lives are lost. Based on a report by NYP 2025-02-01

Elon Musk has dismissed the notion that Donald Trump could halt the growth of electric vehicles, asserting that their success is "inevitable." The billionaire entrepreneur likened the decline of traditional internal combustion engines to the historical transition from horse-drawn transport to automobiles. Musk, the CEO of Tesla, stated that the primary challenge once holding back electric vehicles—their range—has now been resolved. Addressing investor concerns over Trump’s intent to reverse Joe Biden’s electric vehicle policies, Musk remained firm in his confidence. “At this point, I think that sustainable transport is inevitable,” he said. “I’m highly confident that all transport will be autonomous electric, including aircraft, and that it’s simply – it can’t be stopped any more than one could have stopped the advent of the external combustion engine, steam engine, or one could have stopped the advent of the internal combustion engine.” Drawing a parallel to the past, he added: “Like even if you’ve been the biggest horse advocate on Earth, like ‘horses are the way, not these newfangled car automobiles,’ you can’t stop the advent of the automobile. It’s going to happen. And you can’t stop the advent of electric cars. It’s going to happen. The only thing holding back electric cars was range, and that is a solved problem.” Musk’s stance has raised questions about his support for Trump, given concerns that the former president’s opposition to electric vehicle mandates and subsidies could negatively impact Tesla’s sales. On his first day in office, Trump signed an executive order revoking Biden’s plan for 50% of all car sales to be electric by 2030. He also called for the elimination of tax credits that effectively provided a $7,500 (£6,000) subsidy on new electric cars, though doing so may require legislative approval from Congress. Despite this, Musk has publicly opposed such subsidies, arguing that removing them would primarily benefit Tesla. The company is widely considered to be in a stronger position than many of its competitors, which have made slower progress in the electric vehicle sector. Tesla’s long-term advantage, according to Musk, lies not just in its electric vehicle technology but in its advancements in self-driving capabilities. “There is a path where Tesla is worth more than the next top five companies combined ... and that is overwhelmingly due to autonomous vehicles and autonomous humanoid robots,” he told investors. However, Tesla faced a slight decline in sales in 2024 as the electric vehicle boom showed signs of slowing. In the U.S., electric vehicle sales increased by just 7.3% last year to 1.3 million, accounting for 8.1% of total car sales—only a marginal increase from 7.8% in 2023. Tesla’s chief financial officer, Vaibhav Taneja, acknowledged that tariffs could impact the company’s profitability. Nevertheless, he pointed out that Tesla has made strides in improving manufacturing efficiency, which has helped lower production costs and keep the company in a strong competitive position. Based on a report by Daily Telegraph 2025-02-01

Britain today is not merely experiencing a crisis of politics, but a deeper crisis of legitimacy. The challenge isn’t finding examples to illustrate this—it’s narrowing them down. Take immigration: despite multiple electoral mandates to reduce numbers in 2010, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2019, Boris Johnson’s administration introduced policies that saw net migration soar to 906,000. Or consider the asylum system, where Channel-crossing migrants are placed in taxpayer-funded hotels and given priority access to the NHS, while waiting lists for British citizens have ballooned to 7.5 million cases. Then there is the disturbing reality of grooming gangs operating for years with the full knowledge of authorities who feared intervention might incite social unrest. Some parents attempting to rescue their daughters were even arrested, while police found time to pursue individuals making “offensive” online comments about convicted criminals. Crime more broadly presents a dismal picture, with law enforcement failing to solve a single burglary, personal theft, or stolen bike case in 30% of the country. Economic underperformance may be the most pressing concern of all. Real wages remain below their 2008 peak, inflation has battered economies worldwide, the tax burden has reached a 70-year high, and house prices have skyrocketed. The median home in England and Wales now costs over eight times the average income—compared to 3.5 times in the late 1990s. According to the Resolution Foundation, a young household in 1997 could save for a deposit in around three years with 5% of their income; today, two young graduates would need closer to 14 years. Given this reality, young people’s growing disillusionment with democracy should not come as a shock. Support for democratic governance has been declining across the Anglosphere for decades, both within and between generations. Generation Z finds itself governed by a system that appears indifferent to their interests and incapable of meaningful change. The democratic process is functioning as designed—just not in their favor. So far, the backlash has largely been limited to disgruntled polling responses and online rhetoric. However, an increasingly frustrated generation shut out of homeownership and burdened by rising costs poses a long-term risk to stability. With little to lose, they may be more willing to take a chance on radical alternatives. If liberal democratic capitalism is mired in stagnation, a system that is less liberal and less democratic could become more appealing. This could manifest as support for a strong American-style leader, inspired by Donald Trump’s executive orders. It might lead to another surge in support for a Jeremy Corbyn-like figure, promising sweeping nationalizations and council housing. Or it could take an even more drastic form. If politicians want to prevent this, they should stop asking what young people can do for the state—and start asking what the state has done for them. Based on a report by Daily Telegraph 2025-02-01

The notion of the United States purchasing Greenland is no laughing matter, according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who reinforced former President Donald Trump’s push for acquiring the Danish territory. In one of his first media appearances since taking office, Rubio made it clear that the idea was not a joke, but rather a matter of national interest. “This is not a joke,” Rubio stated during an interview on *The Megyn Kelly Show* on SiriusXM. “This is not about acquiring land for the purpose of acquiring land. This is in our national interest and it needs to be solved.” While Trump had previously suggested that military force against Denmark, a NATO ally, could be an option to secure Greenland, Rubio sought to downplay that possibility. However, he stopped short of ruling it out completely. He defended Trump’s approach, describing it as a strategic negotiation tactic. “He is not going to begin what he views as a negotiation or a conversation by taking ... leverage off the table, and that’s a tactic that’s used all the time in business,” Rubio explained. “It’s being applied to foreign policy and I think to great effect in the first term.” The former president had a tense conversation with Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen earlier this month regarding his interest in purchasing the vast Arctic island. Frederiksen reaffirmed Greenlandic Prime Minister Múte Egede’s stance that the territory was not for sale. Despite this firm position from Greenland’s leadership, Rubio argued that the United States must not back down, emphasizing Greenland’s strategic importance. He pointed to the region’s changing environment as a key factor, predicting that the Arctic would become crucial for global shipping routes as ice continues to melt. Rubio also warned that failure to act could lead to China gaining a foothold in Greenland, a scenario he deemed dangerous for U.S. interests. “So the question becomes, if the Chinese begin to threaten Greenland, do we really trust that that is not a place where those deals are going to be made?” Rubio asked. “Do we really trust that that is not a place where they would not intervene, maybe by force?” His comments underscored a broader concern about geopolitical influence in the Arctic. As the region becomes more accessible due to climate change, the competition for control and influence over its resources and strategic location is intensifying. While Greenland’s leaders have repeatedly made it clear that they are not interested in selling the territory, the discussion remains a point of contention between the U.S. and Denmark. Whether the Trump-era idea will be revived in the future remains uncertain, but Rubio’s statements signal that it is far from being dismissed as a mere passing remark. Based on a report by Politico 2025-02-01

Former President Donald Trump announced that his administration will proceed with imposing 25 percent tariffs on goods imported from Mexico and Canada, making good on a threat he first issued during the final days of his 2024 campaign. The decision, set to take effect on Saturday, is aimed at addressing what Trump described as unfair trade practices, an influx of migrants at the southern border, and the flow of fentanyl into the United States. “We’ll be announcing the tariffs on Canada and Mexico for a number of reasons,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. He emphasized the U.S. trade deficit with its neighbors, stating, “I’ll be putting the tariff of 25 percent on Canada and Mexico, and we will really have to do that because we have very big deficits with those countries. Those tariffs may or may not rise with time.” Trump also revealed that his administration was considering including oil in the list of tariffed goods, with a final decision expected later that evening. “We may or may not. We’re going to make that determination, probably tonight, on oil. Because they send us oil, we’ll see. It depends on what the price is. If the oil is properly priced, if they treat us properly, which they don’t,” Trump said. He further justified the tariffs by accusing both Canada and Mexico of exploiting the United States in trade agreements. “Look, Mexico and Canada have never been good to us on trade,” he said. “They’ve treated us very unfairly on trade, and we will be able to make that up very quickly because we don’t need the products that they have.” Trump originally issued the tariff threat in response to what he described as Mexico’s failure to curb illegal immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border. While initially targeting Mexico, he later expanded his proposal to include Canada and even China. Both Mexico and Canada are among the United States' largest trading partners, and economic experts have warned that these tariffs could lead to increased prices for American consumers on a variety of goods. However, they also suggested that while American industries may face short-term disruptions, Mexico and Canada’s economies could suffer more in the long run if a prolonged trade war ensues. Despite these warnings, Trump remained steadfast in his stance, making it clear that his administration is prepared to use tariffs as a tool to reshape trade relationships. Whether these measures will result in renegotiations with America’s neighbors or escalate tensions further remains to be seen. Based on a report by The Hill 2025-02-01

The number of former prisoners recalled to jail has surged by over 40 percent following the implementation of early release schemes aimed at reducing overcrowding. Recent figures from the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) reveal that in the three months leading up to September 2024, 9,975 individuals were recalled—an increase of 42 percent compared to the same period the previous year. This spike follows the introduction of an early release program under the previous Conservative government, which was designed to ease pressure on the prison system. The Labour government, led by Sir Keir Starmer, launched its own version of the scheme in September, further allowing inmates convicted of less serious offenses to be freed after serving 40 percent of their sentences, instead of the previous 50 percent. While these measures were introduced to prevent a total collapse of the prison system, they have led to a significant rise in the number of ex-offenders being recalled. Many of these individuals have either reoffended or breached the terms of their licence, raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of the policy. The recall population now makes up one in seven of the 86,000 prisoners in England and Wales. Between October 2023 and September 2024, a total of 13,382 prisoners were released up to 70 days early under the Conservative government’s end of custody supervised licence (ECSL) program. Since Labour came into power, more than 3,000 additional prisoners have been released under the new standard determinate sentences 40 (SDS40) scheme. The latest data shows that 73 percent of recalls between July and September 2024 were due to non-compliance with licence conditions, while 35 percent stemmed from failure to keep in contact with authorities. Additionally, 23 percent of recalled individuals did not reside at their agreed address, and nearly a quarter—24 percent—were sent back after committing new crimes. According to probation leaders, housing instability plays a crucial role in whether an ex-prisoner is recalled. Reports indicate that up to a fifth of those released do not have secure accommodation, making it significantly harder for them to reintegrate into society. Chief Inspector of Probation Martin Jones has attributed the growing recall population to “excessive” licence conditions, which he says often remain in place for extended periods. He has called for greater efforts to ensure released prisoners have stable housing, warning that the likelihood of reoffending doubles for those without a home. As concerns mount over the effectiveness of the current system, the MoJ has launched a sentencing review, led by former Conservative justice secretary David Gauke, to examine whether it should be made easier and quicker for recalled prisoners to be re-released. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has placed blame on the previous government for the ongoing prison crisis, stating, “We have to release people early because otherwise we’ll have an absolute crisis in our prisons.” An MoJ spokesperson reinforced the government's stance, saying, “Public protection is our number one priority and we do not hesitate to recall offenders back to prison if they break the rules or their risk cannot be safely managed in the community.” With prison capacity stretched to its limits and the number of recalls climbing, the government now faces a difficult balancing act between maintaining public safety and managing the growing strain on the justice system. Based on a report by Daily Telegraph 2025-02-01

For a moment, imagine the anguish of Meirav Berger, the mother of Agam Berger. Nearly five hundred days ago, Agam, then just 19 years old, was taken hostage by Hamas. The terrorists, proud of their brutal act, broadcasted footage of Agam’s battered face, drenched in the blood of her young friends who had just been executed in their pyjamas before her eyes. Can anyone truly grasp the horror and helplessness Meirav must have felt, seeing her daughter’s petrified eyes? Agam and her fellow young conscripts—Naama Levy, Daniella Gilboa, Liri Albag, and Karina Ariev—were among the “lucky” ones who survived the massacre at the Nahal Oz base on October 7, 2023. They had been on their first days of compulsory national service as unarmed border observers when the attack unfolded. In 2014, Michelle Obama launched the global “Bring Back Our Girls” campaign for the 200 Nigerian schoolgirls kidnapped by Islamic militants. But when over 250 people were abducted on October 7, there was no such outpouring of outrage. Celebrities and politicians, with a few rare exceptions, remained conspicuously silent. Now, at last, these young women are home—words their families feared they might never be able to say. But over 80 hostages remain trapped in captivity. The question remains: why did it take this long? Why were these mothers forced to expose their raw suffering to a world that seemed indifferent? Where were the marches, the protests, the outcry for their daughters? How much longer must this war continue before all the hostages are freed? And when will the world finally, unequivocally, condemn the monstrous act of abducting innocent men, women, and children simply because they are Jewish? Based on a report by Daily Mail 2025-02-01

An aspiring air traffic controller who says he was denied a job due to diversity-driven hiring practices has spoken out following the tragic collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 and a Black Hawk helicopter in Washington. Andrew Brigida, 35, who excelled in his training exams but was rejected for an air traffic control position, claims the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) prioritized diversity over competence, making a disaster inevitable. Brigida, who has joined a class-action lawsuit against the FAA, believes years of hiring practices aimed at increasing diversity rather than merit have contributed to safety risks in the aviation industry. “You want to hire the best and the brightest for this kind of job because it is a very stressful job and it can take a toll on you, age you prematurely,” he told The Telegraph. “You want to make sure that the people that are doing it are the best.” As investigations continue into the disaster, which claimed the lives of 67 people, new details have emerged about the night of the crash. Reports indicate that an air traffic controller left their post early, leaving just one person responsible for overseeing both helicopter and plane traffic—normally a task handled by two individuals. The FAA acknowledged that staffing levels at the time were “not normal for the time of day and the volume of traffic.” Authorities have recovered the black boxes from both the passenger jet and the helicopter and are analyzing flight data and audio recordings. A preliminary report is expected within 30 days. Meanwhile, more victims have been identified, including the American Airlines flight crew. Captain Jonathan Campos, 34, and First Officer Samuel Lilley, 28, were confirmed among the deceased, along with flight attendants Ian Epstein, 52, and Danasia Elder. Onboard the Black Hawk, Crew Chief Ryan O’Hara and Chief Warrant Officer 2 Andrew Eaves were named, though the female pilot’s identity has not yet been released. Brigida graduated from Arizona State University’s collegiate training initiative in 2013, a program designed to train and recruit top candidates for the FAA. After scoring 100 percent on his selection exam, he was placed on a preferred candidate list. However, the FAA later changed its hiring process, implementing a biographical questionnaire instead of a skills-based test to attract a more diverse applicant pool. When Brigida reapplied, he claims he failed the questionnaire because he “didn’t fit the preferred ethnic profile.” Former President Donald Trump also weighed in, blaming the FAA’s hiring policies for the fatal collision. He alleged that individuals with “severe intellectual and psychiatric disabilities” had been recruited as air traffic controllers, suggesting that political decisions had compromised aviation safety. Brigida believes past administrations contributed to the air traffic control staffing crisis by failing to act despite numerous warning signs. “There have been plenty of stories of near miss events that have been the cause of staffing issues, it’s surprising that it’s gone on this long without being properly recognised by the government,” he said. The lawsuit against the FAA, filed by attorneys from Mountain States Legal Foundation, represents over 2,500 aspiring air traffic controllers who argue that they were unfairly rejected due to the agency’s race-based hiring policies. As the investigation into the crash continues, critics argue that the FAA must reconsider its approach to hiring in order to prevent further tragedies. Based on a report by Daily Telegraph 2025-02-01

Update: Washington DC plane crash live: US army helicopter ‘was off course’ Black Hawk aircraft was allegedly at least 100 feet higher than permitted and was half-a-mile off its agreed flight path when the collision happened over the Potomac. The US army helicopter reportedly deviated from its approved flight path, it has emerged. The Black Hawk pilot asked air traffic control for permission to use a specific, predetermined route that lets helicopters fly no higher than 200 feet. This route — referred to as Route 4 at Reagan international airport — hugs the east bank of the Potomac, which would have meant it avoided the American Airlines plane. The helicopter pilot confirmed visual sight of the plane and the air traffic controller instructed the helicopter pilot to follow the route and go behind the plane. But he did not follow the intended route, the New York Times reported, citing four people briefed on the matter said. Rather, the helicopter was above 300 feet, not below 200 feet, and was at least half-a-mile off the approved route when it collided with the jet. Source https://www.thetimes.com/us/news-today/article/dc-plane-crash-trump-dei-victims-pilot-latest-news-9hprgjlgw If you wish to discuss Trump please do so in a separate topic here: https://aseannow.com/topic/1350364-trump-keen-to-blame-diversity-and-inclusion-for-washington-dc-crash/