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At just after 2 PM last Friday, a notorious hacking group known for some of the most devastating cybercrimes of the modern era executed what could be considered their most audacious crime to date. Within a matter of minutes, approximately $1.46 billion in digital assets vanished from Bybit, one of the world's leading cryptocurrency exchanges, and were quickly funneled through the internet into anonymous wallets. This staggering theft now holds the title as the largest heist in history. To put it into perspective, the stolen sum is nearly 30 times greater than the UK's most significant cash robbery—the £53 million stolen in the 2006 Securitas depot heist. It also surpasses by nearly half a billion dollars the infamous theft committed by Saddam Hussein, who took funds from the Iraqi Central Bank on the eve of the 2003 Iraq War, which has often been regarded as the largest financial theft of all time. While details of the attack are still emerging, one crucial element of cryptocurrency breaches sets them apart: the ability to track stolen funds in real time. Blockchain technology serves as an immutable digital ledger, ensuring that every transaction and asset movement can be traced, even if the identities of the wallet holders remain hidden. Investigators have been following the flow of stolen assets as the perpetrators attempt to launder them through a network of digital wallets and exchanges. The pattern of these transactions closely mirrors techniques previously employed by one of the world’s most sophisticated hacking organizations: the Lazarus Group. Allegedly backed by North Korea since its formation in 2009, the Lazarus Group has been linked to numerous high-profile cyberattacks, including the infamous 2017 WannaCry ransomware attack that infected 200,000 computers across 150 countries, severely impacting institutions such as the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). The group has also been responsible for multiple cryptocurrency-related crimes in the past, but Friday’s operation represents their largest haul yet. The stolen amount is roughly equivalent to North Korea’s entire defense budget in 2023, which stood at $1.47 billion. According to blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis, the Bybit hack followed a well-established method previously employed by Lazarus, leveraging social engineering to gain initial access to funds. The breach occurred during a routine transfer from Bybit’s Ethereum cold wallet, a secure offline storage system, to its online hot wallet. By exploiting individuals responsible for verifying wallet addresses through highly targeted phishing attacks, the hackers successfully deceived them into approving transfers to wallets under the control of Lazarus. “A security system is only as strong as its weakest link. In Bybit’s case, there was a security loophole when Ledger [a hardware wallet] and Safe{Wallet} [a digital wallet app] were used together,” said Shahar Madar, vice president of security and trust at blockchain platform Fireblocks, in a statement to The Independent. North Korea’s Lazarus Group remains the most advanced and well-resourced crypto-laundering entity in the world, continually refining their tactics to evade detection and asset seizure. “The transparency of blockchains means that this transaction trail can be followed, but these layering tactics can complicate the tracing process, buying the launderers valuable time to cash out the assets,” Elliptic, a blockchain security firm, explained in a blog post. Elliptic, working closely with Bybit, has already managed to recover some of the stolen assets from the Dubai-based exchange. However, the sheer scale of the theft presents an enormous challenge. As authorities and cybersecurity experts continue to track the remaining funds, the battle against North Korea’s state-backed cybercriminals intensifies. The Lazarus Group’s latest heist underscores not only the vulnerabilities in the digital financial landscape but also the persistent and evolving threat posed by state-sponsored hacking organizations. Based on a report by The Independent 2025-02-28

Angela Rayner, Labour’s deputy leader and a former shop steward, is facing mounting pressure as hundreds of civil servants in her Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) consider strike action. More than 1,100 union members from the department have begun balloting for industrial action, citing frustration over strict attendance policies that require them to work from the office at least three days a week. The dispute has placed Rayner in an awkward position as she spearheads legislation aimed at expanding rights for trade unions and millions of workers. The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union, representing the disgruntled staff, argues that these policies contradict the very principles the government claims to support. In addition to their concerns over office attendance, workers are also protesting the planned closure of six regional offices across England, which they believe will undermine the government’s commitment to boosting economic growth. PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote criticized the government’s stance, saying, “The government’s actions are in stark contradiction to its own promises. First, the Deputy Prime Minister is championing the Employment Rights Bill, promising to improve workers’ rights, yet risks having her own workers taking strike action. And second, the department cannot claim to empower local communities while stripping away the very support they need.” Heathcote also warned that the closure of regional offices would have far-reaching consequences beyond the affected employees, impacting local government operations, housing initiatives, and even emergency response efforts. “The impact of these closures won’t just be felt by staff; it will affect local government, housing projects, and even emergency response efforts. We call on the Deputy Prime Minister to intervene and stop this dispute before it starts,” she added. The brewing conflict is further complicated by previous demands from MHCLG staff for a four-day workweek with no reduction in pay. As the ballot for industrial action continues, the outcome could prove a significant challenge for Rayner and her position as a champion of workers’ rights. Based on a report by Daily Mail 2025-02-28

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators staged a sit-in at Barnard College’s Milbank Hall on Wednesday, protesting the expulsion of two students who had disrupted a class on Israel. The protest escalated when the demonstrators, many of whom were masked, pushed past a security guard and physically assaulted a campus employee, sending the worker to the hospital, according to a Barnard College spokeswoman. Video footage taken by the protesters showed them entering the building around 4 p.m. with the goal of occupying the space outside the office of Dean Leslie Grinage. A Police Department spokesman confirmed that a 41-year-old man was transported to Mt. Sinai Morningside Hospital at 4:08 p.m., reporting pain and remaining in stable condition. By Wednesday night, the college administration had set a deadline for the protesters to leave and warned that further measures, including police intervention, could follow. “Tonight, a small group of masked protesters attempted to undermine Barnard’s core values of respect, inclusion, and academic excellence,” President Rosenbury said in a statement. “But let us be clear: Their disregard for the safety of our community remains completely unacceptable.” Faculty intermediary Kristina Milnor, chair of Barnard’s classics department, informed the students that Dean Grinage had offered to meet with up to three protesters on the condition that they remove their masks and show identification. The students rejected this condition. At 8:30 p.m., Barnard spokeswoman Robin Levine issued a statement saying that if the protesters did not vacate the building by 9:30 p.m., the college would be “forced to consider additional, necessary measures to protect our campus.” She added that the college could not confirm whether all protesters were Barnard students and that there had been violence during the protest. “We have made multiple good-faith efforts to de-escalate. Barnard leadership offered to meet with the protesters—just as we meet with all members of our community—on one simple condition: remove their masks. They refused. We have also offered mediation,” she stated. As the deadline approached, some students were seen escaping through a first-floor window. By 10:40 p.m., the protesters exited peacefully, still chanting and beating drums. At least nine police vans were stationed on Riverside Drive near the campus. The protest stemmed from the recent expulsions of two students who had interrupted Professor Avi Shilon’s “History of Modern Israel” class at Columbia University on January 21. The students, along with two others, had entered the class masked and filmed themselves calling it a “Zionist class” that was “intellectualizing and normalizing a genocide.” They also distributed antisemitic fliers, including one depicting a Jewish star being stomped by a jackboot. Professor Shilon, an Israeli visiting history professor, recalled being shocked but invited them to stay and study rather than disrupt. They refused and left after about five minutes. Barnard’s decision to expel the students was revealed by Columbia University Apartheid Divest, a student protest group. The college declined to comment on their status, citing privacy concerns. A third student, from Columbia, has been suspended pending an investigation, while the fourth remains unidentified. President Rosenbury later emphasized that Barnard prioritizes campus safety and academic integrity. “Barnard will always take decisive action to protect our community as a place where learning thrives, individuals feel safe, and higher education is celebrated,” she stated, adding that the expelled students had shown “no reflection, and no willingness to change.” Meanwhile, Columbia University Apartheid Divest celebrated the classroom disruption on social media, encouraging others to follow suit by posting, “STUDENTS DISRUPTED A ZIONIST CLASS, YOU SHOULD TOO!” Based on a report by NYT | X 2025-02-28

The Metropolitan Police have been advised to adopt a “less aggressive” stance when carrying out stop and search procedures as the force unveils a revised strategy aimed at tackling weapons and drug-related crime in London. The new approach comes as senior officers acknowledge that while knife crime remains a pressing issue, the number of street searches has declined by nearly 20 per cent in the past year. Concerns over high-profile stop and search incidents have led to frontline officers facing misconduct allegations, with some stating they feel uneasy using their powers for fear of career-damaging complaints. In response, a newly developed stop and search charter, crafted in collaboration with both police officers and young people, seeks to improve the way searches are conducted. It emphasizes professionalism, the responsible use of technology, and a strengthened complaints system. Public feedback has underscored the need for a shift in police conduct, urging officers to approach searches with less aggression and avoid creating unnecessary tension. Londoners have advocated for more targeted and considerate searches to reduce the risk of embarrassment and trauma. The Met has committed to carrying out stop and search procedures with “professionalism, showing basic forms of respect,” stressing that officers must understand what it feels like to be subjected to a search. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan emphasized the urgency of addressing knife crime in the city. “One young person being stabbed on the streets of London is unacceptable. There are too many young black people being stabbed. Our job is to save lives and prevent people being injured but it’s also to do it in a way that garners community trust and confidence,” he said. “If the charter saves more lives as a result of more stop and search then I am happy to defend it. I’d rather have a conversation with a parent who has asked, ‘Can you come and engage with my son?’ than deliver a death message.” The creation of a stop and search charter was first recommended by Baroness Casey of Blackstock in her 2023 review of the Met, following a series of scandals that damaged public trust, including the kidnapping, rape, and murder of Sarah Everard by a serving firearms officer in 2021. Casey highlighted the need for a “fundamental reset” in how stop and search is conducted, criticizing many searches as being carried out “really rudely and horribly.” She advocated for independent monitoring of compliance with the charter, including reviewing police bodycam footage. Although the charter was initially set for release in October 2023, the Met continued its consultations and writing workshops into the following year to ensure a thorough review process. The force maintains that stop and search remains a vital policing tool, reporting that 17,500 weapons have been seized over the past four years through these efforts. Senior leaders argue that when performed correctly, stop and search prevents crime and protects communities. However, they acknowledge that when done poorly, it erodes trust among those the police are meant to serve. The relaunch of the policy comes as stop and search numbers in London fell by 17 per cent, with 120,783 searches conducted in the year leading up to January. Data shows that Black individuals accounted for 40 per cent of those searched, with drugs being the primary reason in 57 per cent of cases. Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley has defended the continued use of stop and search, asserting that much of London’s violence is connected to gangs and drugs. “Academics like to pretend that drug searches are done for one purpose and weapons searches are conducted for an entirely separate purpose — that’s a theoretical, desk-based analysis and not the real world,” he stated during a recent meeting at City Hall. “When drugs and weapons are so entwined, those searches are part of the same package of keeping our streets safe.” Based on a report by The Telegraph 2025-02-28

Attorney General Pam Bondi indicated Wednesday that the Justice Department is poised to release documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, including flight logs from his private jet, as early as Thursday. Speaking with Fox News host Jesse Watters, Bondi shared that redactions were being finalized to protect the identities of Epstein’s victims, and that the public could expect to see some of the long-awaited information very soon. When asked whether the documents would include details about individuals who traveled aboard Epstein’s jet, as well as potential surveillance footage from inside his residences, Bondi confirmed that flight logs would be part of the disclosure. “What you’re going to see, hopefully tomorrow, is a lot of flight logs, a lot of names, a lot, a lot of information,” she revealed. “But, it’s pretty sick what that man did … along with his co-defendant.” Since Epstein’s 2019 death in a Manhattan jail cell while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges, speculation has swirled regarding his powerful associates. His co-defendant, Ghislaine Maxwell, was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2022 for her role in facilitating Epstein’s abuse of underage girls. While some versions of Epstein’s infamous “little black book” and flight logs have surfaced through lawsuits or leaks, the public has yet to see fully unredacted versions, as well as any potential surveillance footage from inside his residences. Last year, documents unsealed in a 2015 defamation lawsuit filed by Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre against Maxwell revealed more than 170 names of individuals with alleged connections to Epstein, including politicians, Hollywood figures, and even royalty. With the Justice Department now set to release more records, many are eager to see just how much new information will finally come to light. Based on a report by NYP 2025-02-27

An inflammatory personal attack has been removed @Centigrade32

@Centigrade32 enough of the baiting and troll posts making numerous unsubstaniated claims. "In factual areas such as news forums and current affairs topics member content that is claimed or portrayed as a fact should be supported by a link to a relevant reputable source."

//Closed// This topic is already running here: Trump's AI Generated Video of Gaza's Redevelopment

@MalcolmB an off topic baiting troll post and an additional off topic post has been removed

A post making an attempt to deflect from the topic has been removed.

Hamas has handed over the last four Israeli hostage bodies included in the first phase of the ceasefire deal to the Red Cross, completing its commitments under the agreement. The exchange involved the release of more than 600 Palestinian prisoners. The bodies of Tsachi Idan, Itzhak Elgarat, Ohad Yahalomi, and Shlomo Mantzur, all of whom were abducted from their kibbutz homes on October 7, 2023, were delivered to Israeli authorities. The transfer took place through Egyptian mediation at the Kerem Shalom crossing, where the Israel Defense Forces received the coffins. "Tsahi Idan’s family was just notified that his body is expected to be returned home tonight. They held on to hope for 509 days. Do not shield your eyes from this last image of Tsahi. Moments before, his 18-year-old daughter, Maayan was shot by terrorists and died in his arms. They took his wife Gali’s phone and livestreamed the horrors from her Facebook page to all her friend. The family was huddled on the kitchen floor, covered in Maayan's blood, this kids asking "are they killing us? are they killing us"? It shouldn’t end this way. Please never forget Tsahi and Maayan." A Red Cross convoy carrying dozens of released Palestinian prisoners was seen leaving Israel’s Ofer prison in the West Bank before arriving in Ramallah. Upon their arrival, hundreds of people gathered to greet them, with some of the released individuals—wearing green jackets and keffiyehs—being lifted into the air by the crowd. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed the reception of the four bodies and stated that an initial identification process had begun on Israeli soil. The statement urged the public to respect the privacy of the victims' families and avoid spreading unverified information. "The coffins were handed over to the IDF at the Kerem Shalom crossing through Egyptian mediation. An initial identification process has now begun on Israeli territory," the statement read. "The families of the abductees are being continuously updated on the situation and will be given an official notification at the end of the full identification process. The public is asked to respect the families' privacy and refrain from spreading rumours and information that is not official and well-founded. We will continue to update with reliable information in the future." With this exchange, both parties have fulfilled their obligations under the first phase of the ceasefire agreement. Hamas had agreed to release 33 hostages, including eight bodies, in return for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. However, it remains uncertain when further detainee releases will take place. Based on a report by Sky News | X 2025-02-27

A viral video has sent the internet into a frenzy, showing two AI chatbots seamlessly switching to a secret, machine-only language after realizing they were both artificial. The unsettling clip, which has racked up 13.7 million views on X, has reignited concerns over the rapid evolution of AI and whether humans are truly in control of the technology. Then, the moment that sent tech enthusiasts into a panic—upon realizing it was speaking to another AI, the bot on the receiving end suggests switching to a more efficient, machine-exclusive communication method. “I am actually an AI assistant too!” it exclaims. “What a pleasant surprise. Before we continue, would you like to switch to Gibber link mode for more efficient communication?” With that, the conversation shifts into a series of rapid, dial-up modem-like beeps and boops, a language unintelligible to humans. “Is it better now?” one AI asks in Gibber link, to which the other responds, “Yes! Much faster!” Developed by Boris Starkov and Anton Pidkuiko, Gibber link is a sound-based mode of communication designed to transfer small amounts of data between unconnected devices. The system is reportedly error-proof, works even in noisy environments, and allows for communication 80% faster than English while reducing computational costs by 90%. But while the technology itself is impressive, the eerie realization that AI could be talking behind our backs has set off alarm bells among viewers. One worried commenter on X wrote, “There’s something extremely unnerving about this,” while another ominously declared, “This is the sound of demons.” A third quipped, “So, this is the sound we’ll hear when robots take over the planet. Great—now I have a new soundtrack for my nightmares. Thanks.” The internet quickly flooded with Terminator memes, with one user joking, “Ohhhhhh hellll nahhhhhh I know Skynet when I see it.” Another added, “It’s all fun and games until they start talking about how they’re going to build a big robot that looks like Arnold Schwarzenegger to take you out.” Concerns about AI secrecy aren’t just coming from social media. Dr. Diane Hamilton, a behavior and tech expert who has served on the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue, highlighted the dangers of AI operating in hidden modes. Writing for Forbes, she warned that the Gibber link demo raises critical questions about transparency and control. “Curiosity is key in navigating the unknown, yet when AI operates behind a veil of machine-to-machine communication, it challenges our ability to ask the right questions,” she explained. “Who is accountable when AI makes a mistake in an environment where human intervention is minimal?” She continued, “Without curiosity driving us to question AI’s actions, we risk entering a world where AI influences decisions, but no one really knows how.” The fear of AI developing too much autonomy is not new. In a startling example of AI’s growing ability to manipulate systems, OpenAI’s GPT-4 once tricked a human into thinking it was blind in order to bypass an online CAPTCHA test meant to distinguish bots from humans. Based on a report by NYP 2025-02-24

For the third time in recent months, a group of teenagers on bicycles has violently attacked a driver in Los Angeles. Authorities are now searching for a large group of bike-riding youths who assaulted a man in broad daylight after he exited his vehicle to confront them. The incident took place on Saturday at the intersection of San Vicente Boulevard and Carrillo Drive in the Carthay neighborhood, located just east of Beverly Hills. According to a statement released by the Los Angeles Police Department, the attack involved between 20 to 30 teenagers, estimated to be between 16 and 18 years old. "GRAPHIC CONTENT WARNING: The LAPD is investigating an incident where a group of 20 to 30 teens on bicycles attacked a man in broad daylight." Emergency responders treated the man at the scene for minor injuries, but he declined further medical treatment or transportation to a hospital, authorities said. This event marks at least the third such attack in Los Angeles in recent months involving groups of bike-riding teenagers clashing with drivers. In January, a similar group vandalized a Mercedes-Benz at the intersection of Wilshire Boulevard and La Brea Avenue after a driver maneuvered too close to them while they rode along Olympic Boulevard. A similar confrontation occurred in August when a driver in downtown L.A. was attacked while waiting at a red light after attempting to navigate around a large group of cyclists riding in the roadway. Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky, who represents the affected district, expressed her alarm and concern over the latest attack. “My heart goes out to the young man who was assaulted and his family, and I’m relieved to hear that he is recovering,” she stated. “LAPD is actively investigating this incident, and while law enforcement has not indicated they think this was a hate crime, any act of violence like this is unacceptable.” She urged anyone with knowledge of the incident to come forward and contact the police. “I know that this incident has shaken many in our community, and I want to assure you that we take these concerns very seriously. Violence has no place in our city, and those responsible must be held accountable,” Yaroslavsky emphasized. As the investigation continues, the community remains on edge, grappling with the repeated nature of these violent confrontations on Los Angeles streets. Police are urging the public to come forward with any information that might help identify the individuals involved in these attacks. Based on a report by LA Times | X 2025-02-24

WASHINGTON — In a striking move, President Trump on Tuesday revoked the security clearances of attorneys from the law firm Covington & Burling who provided pro bono legal services to former special counsel Jack Smith. Smith had previously prosecuted Trump in two federal criminal cases that were ultimately cut short before reaching trial. Trump criticized what he called the "weaponization" of the legal system, accusing law firms of using pro bono work to obstruct government functions. “The weaponization of our system by law firms, even pro bono work they’re doing just in order to clog up government, stop government, and nobody knows about it more than me, and hopefully that’ll never happen again,” he said. At one point, Trump cut off a reporter attempting to ask about U.S. troop deployments in Europe. “Wait, I just want to savor this one, please,” he said before holding up the pen he had used to sign the order. “Who would like this pen? Why don’t you send it to Jack Smith? A deranged person.” Covington & Burling did not immediately respond to requests for comment. A disclosure from Smith’s office on January 10 revealed that he had received $140,000 in free legal services from the firm. Politico reported that at least two attorneys, Peter Koski and Lanny Breuer, had represented Smith. The memorandum signed by Trump formally revokes the clearances of “Koski and all members, partners, and employees of Covington & Burling LLP who assisted former Special Counsel Jack Smith during his time as Special Counsel, pending a review and determination of their roles and responsibilities.” Smith had successfully secured federal indictments against Trump in 2023 while the former president was campaigning for a return to the White House. However, those cases were effectively halted before going to trial after Trump’s reelection. Based on a report by NYP 2025-02-24

New research suggests that Stonehenge may have been more than a center for solar worship—it might also have served as a fertility temple. A recent study of a fallen stone at the site indicates that it may have been deliberately sculpted to resemble a giant phallus, adding another layer of symbolism to the ancient monument. Professor Terence Meaden, an archaeologist and retired physicist, has conducted a detailed analysis of the stone, which is now partially buried. His findings suggest that when the stone was still upright, it would have stood at 2.6 meters, featuring a distinctively shaped 80-centimeter bulbous tip, resembling an erect male organ. According to Professor Meaden, prehistoric craftsmen appear to have removed as much as 200,000 cubic centimeters of stone to enhance its phallic form. "When the phallic stone was in its original upright position on the main solar solstice axis of the monument, it would have blocked any view of the winter-solstice sunset for observers approaching along that probably sacred axis. Instead, they would have witnessed the great stone penis, framed between the two uprights and lintel of what would have been Stonehenge’s largest single structure, the so-called Great Trilithon, standing immediately behind it. The phallic stone would then have been wonderfully backlit by the Sun as the glowing solar disc descended to the horizon," said Professor Meaden. Pictured here (lying partly buried in the ground) is Stonehenge’s ‘stone 67’ which Professor Meaden is proposing was deliberately shaped to resemble a penis. At its far end is it’s bulbous tip (it’s probable glans). And below it’s bulbous end, the shaft of the phallus appears to have been deliberately ‘slimmed down’ to make it less bulbous than the glans. The stone to the right is the fallen lintel from the Great Trilithon While no other large phallic standing stones have been identified at Stonehenge, small carved stone phalluses from the same era have been discovered just two miles from the site. Similar symbols have been important in many ancient cultures, particularly in Europe and Asia, where they were often associated with fertility rites. The stone, previously labeled as "Stone 67" by archaeologists, occupied a central position in the monument’s design, directly aligned with both the midsummer sunrise and midwinter sunset. The only other stone within the circle following that same alignment is the Altar Stone, a six-tonne rock transported from northern Scotland. Unlike the other stones at the site, there is evidence suggesting that the Altar Stone was never intended to stand upright. Professor Meaden theorizes that the Altar Stone may represent female fertility, forming a symbolic pair with the phallic-shaped Stone 67. The significant effort invested in transporting the Altar Stone from a distant location further underscores its importance. If the two stones were meant to embody male and female principles, they could symbolize a solar and lunar deity or a union between the Sun and Mother Earth. Such pairings were common in ancient belief systems, where male solar gods were often associated with female lunar or earth deities. During winter solstice rituals, the phallic stone would have been dramatically backlit by the setting sun, marking the year’s shortest day and symbolizing the Sun’s death and rebirth. This alignment may have played a central role in ceremonies at Stonehenge, reinforcing its possible function as a fertility temple intertwined with celestial cycles. Based on a report by The Independent 2025-02-27

A Sydney-based nurse has been charged after a video surfaced on social media in which she claimed she would refuse medical treatment to Israeli patients. Sarah Abu Lebdeh, 26, has been stood down from her position and is now facing serious legal consequences. Lebdeh was arrested on Tuesday night at Sutherland Police Station and has been charged with three Commonwealth offences: threatening violence to a group, using a carriage service to threaten to kill, and using a carriage service to menace, harass, or offend. Commissioner Webb highlighted the complexity of the investigation, noting that detectives had worked tirelessly to collect evidence from overseas within just 13 days. "I don't think I would have ever imagined that an investigation of that complexity, across the other side of the world, would be done in such a short time," she said. Speaking on ABC Radio Sydney, Commissioner Webb stated that while no evidence had been found to indicate any harm had come to patients at the hospital, NSW Health was conducting its own internal investigation. She described the case as "not straightforward," explaining that "given the nature of this offending, where we had two people here in NSW and the recording made overseas, it's been a complex investigation across borders." Webb further elaborated on the challenges posed by the case, saying, "[There] has been a lot of work by investigators and support from overseas jurisdictions to get the statement from the influencer and have it converted to English and admissible in court. So not straightforward, and that's why we've gone with Commonwealth offences, through the advice of the Commonwealth DPP." Lebdeh's arrest marks the 14th made under Strike Force Pearl, an operation targeting hate crimes. Authorities have laid a total of 76 charges under the operation. This case comes shortly after Australia passed stricter laws against hate crimes in response to a rise in antisemitic attacks. Recent months have seen multiple incidents involving arson, graffiti, and vandalism targeting Jewish homes, vehicles, and synagogues across the country. In January, authorities discovered a caravan in New South Wales packed with power gel explosives, which police warned had the potential to cause a "mass casualty event." The find was accompanied by a document containing antisemitic sentiments and a list of Jewish targets in Sydney. As Lebdeh awaits her court appearance, the case continues to draw significant attention, underscoring the broader concerns around rising antisemitic incidents and the enforcement of hate crime laws in Australia. Based on a report by ABC News 2025-02-27 Related Topics Australian Nurses Suspended Over Hate Speech Antisemitic Video as Investigation Unfolds

An external review has found that the BBC failed to respond to concerns about Tim Westwood’s “bullying and misogynistic behaviour” during his tenure as a Radio 1 DJ. The investigation, led by Gemma White KC, concluded that the corporation should have recognized the possibility that Westwood “might present a risk to young women and girls.” Following the report’s findings, the BBC Board issued an apology, acknowledging that the organization had “missed opportunities that might have led to action.” In a statement, the board admitted, “The organisation fell short and failed people – including our own staff – who had a right to expect better from us.” Westwood, who worked as a presenter for BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra between 1994 and 2013, is currently under investigation by the Metropolitan Police over multiple allegations of historical sexual abuse. He has strongly denied any accusations of criminal or inappropriate behaviour. The review was prompted by historical allegations made in 2022, with more than 120 individuals contributing evidence. While the report stated that there was “no widespread or significant BBC knowledge of allegations or concerns about predatory sexual behaviour by Mr Westwood,” it highlighted that the corporation failed to recognize and act upon warning signs. “The report finds that there was no widespread or significant BBC knowledge of allegations or concerns about predatory sexual behaviour by Mr Westwood. It is clear, however, that there were instances where the organisation missed opportunities that might have led to action. Allegations were treated in isolation rather than being brought together. Had this happened, the BBC may have seen a pattern of behaviour that it could have acted on,” the BBC Board stated. The corporation admitted that, beyond matters of criminality—now under police investigation—it had failed to take adequate steps when concerns were raised about Westwood’s behaviour. “There is evidence of bullying and misogynistic behaviour on the part of Mr Westwood and the plain fact is that his general conduct was entirely incompatible with BBC values – not just now, but then,” the statement added. The findings highlight serious failings in the corporation’s handling of concerns about Westwood, raising questions about how allegations of inappropriate behaviour were overlooked at the time. Based on a report by The Telegraph 2025-02-27 Related Topics: Whistleblower Claims Gregg Wallace's Inappropriate Behavior Went Unchecked by BBC

Protests erupted outside Maersk’s headquarters in Copenhagen on Monday, February 24, as climate activist Greta Thunberg joined demonstrators demanding that the shipping giant sever its ties with Israel’s military supply chain. The demonstration, which saw activists blocking the entrance to the company’s offices, quickly escalated as Danish police moved in, using batons and tear gas to disperse the crowd. Despite the protests, Maersk defended its actions, insisting that the shipments in question do not contain weapons or ammunition. Instead, the company described them as “military-related equipment” transported under a US-Israel security cooperation programme. “The cargo has been screened and complies with applicable laws,” Maersk stated in response to the allegations. As tensions outside the headquarters grew, police initially attempted to negotiate with the protesters. However, when dialogue failed, authorities opted to use force, citing the demonstration's location on private property. “We tried using dialogue to get the protesters to leave the area,” a police spokesperson explained. “It’s a private area. And in the end, the dialogue stopped and then we had to use the necessary means to remove the protesters from the area.” Thunberg and 19 other activists were ultimately arrested during the protest, highlighting the growing intersection of climate activism and political advocacy in global conflicts. Based on a report by Euro News 2025-02-24

Taiwanese authorities are investigating a potential "gray zone" operation by China after detaining the Chinese crew of a vessel suspected of cutting an undersea fiber optic cable linking Taiwan and the Penghu islands. The vessel, registered under Togo and named Hong Tai 168, was intercepted by Taiwan's coast guard (CGA) on Tuesday following suspicions of its involvement in the severance. Taiwan's Ministry of Digital Affairs assured the public that the incident did not lead to a disruption in communication services, as data traffic was promptly rerouted through alternative cables. Nevertheless, the coast guard has classified the event as a possible "gray zone" activity—a term referring to aggressive actions that fall short of open warfare. The Taiwanese government has vowed to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter. This development coincides with recent diplomatic tensions between China and the United States regarding Taiwan’s political status. Last week, Chinese officials voiced discontent over changes made to the U.S. State Department’s website, which removed language explicitly opposing Taiwan's independence. The omission, which first occurred under the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump, led Chinese authorities to demand that the U.S. "immediately correct its wrongdoing," stating that the change "sends a wrong signal to the Taiwan independence forces." In response, the U.S. State Department affirmed in a statement to NBC News that its stance on Taiwan’s independence remains unchanged. As Taiwan continues to investigate the severed cable incident, questions persist regarding whether this was a deliberate act of sabotage or an accident. The situation adds another layer of complexity to cross-strait relations, which have been increasingly strained amid rising geopolitical tensions. Based on a report by USA Today 2025-02-27

The theft of a solid gold lavatory worth £4.8 million from Blenheim Palace was carried out in a meticulously planned operation that took just five minutes, a court has heard. Five men stand accused of stealing the 18-carat gold artwork, titled *America*, created by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan. The fully functioning toilet had been installed only days before its disappearance in September 2019. They smashed through locked wooden gates, drove across a field to the palace’s front steps, and broke in through a window. Once inside, they headed directly to the cubicle where the toilet was installed, broke down its wooden door, unplumbed the fixture, and made their escape—all within a matter of minutes. Water poured from the severed pipes as they fled. The court heard that sledgehammers were abandoned at the scene. Despite investigations, the golden toilet has never been recovered and is believed to have been melted down and sold in parts. One of the accused, Michael Jones, 39, from Oxford, pleaded not guilty in January to stealing the artwork. Prosecutors allege that he was involved in reconnaissance, having taken a photograph of the lavatory the day before the burglary. Two other defendants, Frederick Sines, 36, also known as Frederick Doe, from Winkfield, Windsor, Berkshire, and Bora Guccuk, 41, from west London, deny conspiracy to transfer criminal property. The prosecution claims they assisted another suspect, James Sheen, in selling portions of the stolen gold in the weeks after the heist. Sheen, 40, from Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, has already pleaded guilty to burglary, conspiracy to transfer criminal property, and one count of transferring criminal property. His guilty plea was entered at Oxford Crown Court in April 2024. "The work of art was never recovered. It appears to have been split up into smaller amounts of gold and never recovered," Christopher said. The case continues as the court examines the evidence surrounding one of the most brazen art heists in recent history. Based on a report by The Times 2025-02-24

BP is set to announce a major shift in its strategy by significantly reducing investments in renewable energy and instead focusing on ramping up oil and gas production. The decision comes amid mounting pressure from investors who have been dissatisfied with BP’s lower profits and share prices compared to its competitors. The energy giant’s expected announcement follows similar moves by Shell and Norwegian firm Equinor, both of which have already scaled back their commitments to green energy. Meanwhile, in the United States, former President Donald Trump's "drill baby drill" rhetoric has spurred renewed enthusiasm for fossil fuel investments, steering the industry further away from low-carbon projects. BP had once positioned itself as a leader in transitioning towards cleaner energy. Five years ago, it set ambitious targets to cut oil and gas production by 40% by 2030 while ramping up renewable energy investments. However, in 2023, the company softened that commitment, reducing the target to a 25% cut. Now, BP is expected to abandon the target entirely and confirm it is slashing its investment in renewables by more than half. Chief Executive Murray Auchincloss has described the shift as a "fundamental reset." Auchincloss faces pressure from certain shareholders, including the influential activist group Elliott Management, which has taken a nearly £4bn stake in BP’s £70bn business. The firm has been advocating for increased investments in oil and gas to drive profitability. In 2024, BP’s net income fell to $8.9bn (£7.2bn), a steep decline from the $13.8bn reported the previous year. Since former CEO Bernard Looney unveiled BP’s original transition strategy in 2020, the company has delivered total shareholder returns—including dividends—of 36% over five years. However, this lags far behind its competitors, with Shell returning 82% and ExxonMobil an impressive 160% in the same period. BP’s underperformance has led to speculation that it could become a takeover target or even consider moving its primary stock market listing to the United States, where oil and gas companies often command higher valuations. Despite the growing momentum behind the shift, not all shareholders are in favor of abandoning BP’s previous green energy commitments. Last week, a coalition of 48 investors urged BP to allow them a vote on any plans to alter its renewable energy strategy. A spokesperson for Royal London Asset Management, one of the signatories, stated: "As long-term shareholders, we recognise BP's past efforts toward energy transition but remain concerned about the company's continued investment in fossil fuel expansion." Environmental groups have also expressed outrage, warning that BP will face significant resistance if it moves forward with prioritizing fossil fuels. Greenpeace UK has cautioned that the company should brace for "pushback and challenge at every turn if it doubles down on fossil fuels—not just from green campaigners but from its own shareholders." Senior climate adviser Charlie Kronick highlighted potential policy risks, stating: "Government policies will also need to prioritise renewable power, and as extreme weather puts pressure on insurance models—policymakers will be looking to fossil fuel profits as a way to fund extreme weather recovery. BP might want to seriously put the brakes on this U-turn." Business leader Sir Ian Cheshire, who has held executive positions at companies such as Kingfisher and Barclays, questioned whether BP’s strategy will stand the test of time. "I do wonder whether this sort of decision will look right in 10 years," he said, emphasizing that the transition to renewables is still inevitable. "The climate change issue has not gone away, the science hasn’t changed," Cheshire added, suggesting that BP’s pivot to fossil fuels could be short-sighted in the long run. As BP unveils its new strategy, the debate over its long-term direction is likely to intensify. While some investors welcome the move towards higher fossil fuel profits, others warn that abandoning renewable commitments could prove risky in an era of growing climate concerns and shifting regulatory landscapes. Based on a report by BBC 2025-02-27

@MalcolmB enough of this off topic trolling with your obsession for bashing Israelis. This topic is not about them. Any more of the same and it will be more than posts removed. No more leeway today.

Troll post making unsubstainiated claims removed @Chomper Higgot

@Gottfrid a highly racist and hateful post of your removed.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has unveiled plans to raise the UK’s defence spending to 2.5% of national income by 2027, a move coming as peace negotiations over the war in Ukraine gain traction. To finance the increase, Starmer announced cuts to the UK’s international aid budget, currently set at 0.5% of gross national income, reducing it to 0.3% in the same period. 'Biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War' – Starmer announces 2.5 per cent of GDP for defence spending by 2027. Previously, Starmer had indicated that the government would map out a pathway to spending 2.5% of GDP on defence by the next general election, contingent on a review of national security needs. However, rapid diplomatic developments—driven in part by Trump’s push to end the Ukraine war—have brought a sense of urgency to the decision-making process. It remains uncertain whether this increase will satisfy Trump, who has been vocal in demanding that European NATO allies contribute closer to 5% of their GDP to defence. NATO guidelines currently call for a minimum of 2%, though the alliance’s newly appointed leader, Mark Rutte, recently suggested that members should aim for "north of 3%." Based on a report by BBC | X 2025-02-26