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Why are Trump supporters so unwilling to criticize even some of his policies?
Well, there is this: "For the month, FOX News Digital secured 4.6 billion total multiplatform minutes (up 40% over January 2024), 2.2 billion total multiplatform views (up 30% over January 2024) and 121.8 million total digital multiplatform unique visitors (up 11% over January 2024).*" https://press.foxnews.com/2025/02/fox-news-digital-marks-its-third-highest-month-with-total-digital-multiplatform-unique-visitors-in-history-during-january#:~:text=For the month%2C FOX News,11% over January 2024). "A unique visitor is a term used in marketing analytics which refers to a person who has visited the website at least once and is counted only once in the reporting time period. So if the user visits the web more than once, it counts as one visitor only. It’s also called a “Unique User”. For example, if a user visits your web page and then browses further on 2 other pages and then leaves your website and returns again to see more pages, he is counted as a single individual user (“unique visitor”)" https://useinsider.com/glossary/unique-visitor/ -
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Curiosity Rover Uncovers the Most Significant Organic Discovery on Mars
NASA's Curiosity rover has made what scientists are calling the most exciting organic detection yet on Mars, uncovering the largest organic molecules ever found on the red planet. This discovery sheds new light on Mars’ past and the complex chemical processes that may have taken place there—processes similar to those that played a role in the origin of life on Earth. The rover’s onboard laboratory, the Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instrument, analyzed a pulverized 3.7-billion-year-old rock sample and identified long-chain organic molecules, including decane, undecane, and dodecane. These molecules are potentially fragments of fatty acids, which on Earth are essential for building cell membranes. However, while such molecules are a crucial component of life, they can also form through non-biological processes, such as interactions between water and minerals in hydrothermal vents. The discovery does not confirm past life on Mars, but it adds to a growing collection of organic compounds found by robotic explorers in recent years. The findings, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, give astrobiologists hope that biosignatures—potential indicators of past life—could still be preserved on Mars despite the planet’s exposure to harsh solar radiation over millions of years. “Ancient life, if it happened on Mars, it would have released some complex and fragile molecules,” said Dr. Caroline Freissinet, lead study author and research scientist at the French National Centre for Scientific Research. “And because now we know that Mars can preserve these complex and fragile molecules, it means that we could detect ancient life on Mars.” This latest finding further fuels the push to bring Martian samples back to Earth, where they could be analyzed using more advanced laboratory techniques to determine, once and for all, whether Mars once harbored life. Curiosity has been on this journey for over a decade, having landed in Gale Crater on August 6, 2012. Since then, it has traveled over 21 miles (34 kilometers), climbing Mount Sharp, a region containing layers of rock that hold a record of Mars’ geological history and its transition from a wet world to the dry planet we see today. One of the most significant samples collected by Curiosity was drilled in May 2013 from an area called Yellowknife Bay, an ancient lake bed. This Cumberland sample has since been analyzed multiple times using the SAM instrument, revealing evidence that the site once contained liquid water for millions of years. The environment was rich in clay minerals, which helped preserve organic molecules in the fine grains of sedimentary rock. Freissinet was part of a research team in 2015 that first detected organic molecules in the Cumberland sample. The team also identified sulfur, which can preserve organic material, as well as nitrates—critical for supporting life on Earth—and methane with a type of carbon associated with biological processes. “There is evidence that liquid water existed in Gale Crater for millions of years and probably much longer, which means there was enough time for life-forming chemistry to happen in these crater-lake environments on Mars,” said study coauthor Daniel Glavin of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. The rover has kept a portion of the Cumberland sample in a "doggy bag" to allow scientists to reanalyze it with new techniques. Researchers developed and tested methods on Earth before instructing the rover to conduct new experiments on Mars, leading to the latest breakthrough. Before Curiosity’s mission, many scientists doubted that organic molecules could survive Mars’ harsh conditions. However, as Dr. Glavin noted, this latest detection confirms that ancient Martian sediments could hold a treasure trove of organic material, providing insights into prebiotic chemistry, potential biosignatures, and the possibility of ancient life. Dr. Ben K.D. Pearce, an assistant professor at Purdue University and leader of the Laboratory for Origins and Astrobiology Research, called this “arguably the most exciting organic detection to date on Mars.” While Pearce was not involved in the study, he noted that some scientists believe fatty acids like decanoic acid and dodecanoic acid played a role in forming the first simple cell membranes on Earth. As the search for life beyond Earth continues, Curiosity’s discoveries provide critical clues. With future missions focused on bringing Martian samples back to Earth, scientists are closer than ever to answering one of humanity’s biggest questions: Did life ever exist on Mars? Based on a report by CNN 2025-04-01 -
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Undercover Investigation Unmasks UK Immigration Scammers Exploiting Care Sector
A BBC investigation has exposed the deceitful practices of recruitment agents who exploit foreign nationals seeking employment in the UK care sector. Through secret filming, the investigation reveals the methods used by these agents to defraud unsuspecting job seekers, manipulate the system, and continue profiting undetected. One of the key figures identified is Dr. Kelvin Alaneme, a Nigerian doctor with a background in NHS psychiatry. The Home Office has acknowledged vulnerabilities in the system, but the BBC World Service investigation highlights just how easily these rogue agents operate. The exposé reveals illegal activities such as selling jobs in UK care companies, orchestrating fake payroll schemes to cover up non-existent jobs, and shifting from the care sector to industries like construction, which also face workforce shortages. Since the expansion of the UK’s Health and Care Work visa in 2022 to include care workers, reports of immigration scams have surged. To secure this visa, applicants must obtain a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from a licensed UK employer—a requirement that has been heavily exploited by unscrupulous agents. Dora-Olivia Vicol, CEO of the Work Rights Centre, a charity supporting migrant workers, describes the scale of exploitation as a "national crisis." She notes that the sponsorship system inherently puts excessive power in the hands of employers, fostering a predatory middleman market. Two BBC undercover journalists approached agents operating within the UK. One met Dr. Alaneme, who runs CareerEdu, an agency based in Harlow, Essex. His business claims to offer global opportunities for young Africans, boasting nearly 10,000 satisfied clients. Believing the BBC journalist had connections in the UK care industry, Dr. Alaneme attempted to recruit her, promising significant earnings. "Just get me care homes. I can make you a millionaire," he declared. He explained that he would pay £2,000 per care home vacancy she secured and offer an additional £500 commission. These vacancies, in turn, would be sold to job seekers in Nigeria, despite it being illegal to charge candidates for jobs. "They [the candidates] are not supposed to be paying because it's free. It should be free," he admitted in hushed tones. "They are paying because they know it's most likely the only way." One victim, Praise, from southeastern Nigeria, paid over £10,000 for a job in the UK, only to discover upon arrival that the position did not exist. He had been promised employment with a company called Efficiency for Care, based in Clacton-on-Sea. "If I had known there was no job, I would have not come here," he said. "At least back home in Nigeria, if you go broke, I can find my sister or my parents and go and eat free food. It's not the same here. You will go hungry." Efficiency for Care’s Home Office records indicate that while it employed an average of 16 staff in 2022 and 152 in 2023, it issued 1,234 CoS to foreign workers between March 2022 and May 2023. Its sponsorship licence was revoked in July 2023, preventing further overseas recruitment. The company denied colluding with Dr. Alaneme, maintaining it followed lawful recruitment practices and is challenging the Home Office decision in court. In another secretly filmed meeting, Dr. Alaneme revealed a more advanced scam, where job seekers could purchase CoS without an actual job, allowing them to choose where they lived in the UK. However, this is a serious breach of visa rules, as failing to work in the assigned role could lead to deportation. He also outlined a fake payroll scheme designed to create a money trail to deceive authorities. "That [a money trail] is what the government needs to see," he explained. Dr. Alaneme denied allegations that CareerEdu engaged in illegal recruitment, claiming funds collected were for candidates’ transport, accommodation, and training. He stated he had assisted Praise in securing alternative employment free of charge. The BBC also investigated another UK-based agent, Nana Akwasi Agyemang-Prempeh, following complaints from multiple victims who collectively lost tens of thousands of pounds for fake care jobs. Some of the CoS documents provided by Mr. Agyemang-Prempeh turned out to be counterfeits of genuine certificates. He had since expanded into the construction sector, securing a sponsorship licence to recruit foreign workers. Posing as a Ugandan businessman, a BBC journalist inquired whether he could bring in Ugandan workers. Mr. Agyemang-Prempeh confirmed it was possible—for a price of £42,000 for three people. He admitted shifting to construction due to tightening regulations in the care sector, noting that other agents were now eyeing IT jobs. Between July 2022 and December 2024, the government revoked over 470 care sector sponsorship licences. These revoked sponsors were responsible for recruiting over 39,000 medical and care workers since 2020. Mr. Agyemang-Prempeh requested a downpayment for the CoS, which the BBC did not make. His sponsorship licence has since been revoked. When confronted, he claimed he had been deceived by other agents and was unaware he was dealing with fake documents. The Home Office, responding to the investigation, announced "robust new action against shameless employers who abuse the visa system" and vowed to ban businesses that violate UK employment laws from sponsoring overseas workers. Previous BBC investigations have uncovered similar scams targeting workers from Kerala, India, and international students in the UK. In November 2024, the government initiated a crackdown on "rogue" employers hiring from abroad. From April 9, care providers in England will be required to prioritize hiring international care workers already in the UK before recruiting overseas. The findings of this investigation further highlight the urgent need for reforms to prevent the exploitation of vulnerable migrants. Based on a report by BBC 2025-04-01 Full BBC Investigation -
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Parents Struggle to Afford Private School Fees for Special Needs Children Amid VAT Increase
Parents Struggle to Afford Private School Fees for Special Needs Children Amid VAT Increase Parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are being pushed to the brink as they fight to keep their children in private schools, where they receive the tailored support they need. With the introduction of a 20% VAT on private school fees by the Labour government, families across the country have been forced into extreme financial measures to cover the rising costs. Leanne Gunns, a self-employed accountant from Norwich, is working nearly 19-hour days to afford her son Charlie’s education. “As you can imagine, I am absolutely exhausted,” said Gunns, 37, who starts work at 5 a.m. and finishes just before midnight. On top of this, she juggles driving Charlie to his medical appointments across the country. Charlie, 12, attends Beeston Hall, a private school near Cromer, Norfolk. He has transverse myelitis, a rare neurological condition that affects his spinal cord, requiring him to use a wheelchair and causing additional sensory problems such as hearing loss. Despite his challenges, his Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) includes a caveat that requires the family to pay for all his educational costs, including VAT. Parents of SEND children have been disproportionately impacted by the new tax policy. A study by the Education Not Taxation campaign found that one in five families has already remortgaged their home to keep up with school fees, while one in eight has sold their home and moved. The campaign is now taking legal action against the government, arguing that the policy discriminates against children with special needs. The government estimates that removing private schools’ tax exemptions will generate £1.5 billion annually to improve state education. However, many families feel that their children are being left behind in the process. While children with EHCPs are technically exempt from the additional VAT, obtaining such a plan can be a long and challenging process. Even when granted, it does not always guarantee funding for private education, which often provides smaller class sizes and specialized support that public schools may lack. Gunns is currently taking Norfolk County Council to a tribunal to challenge the decision, but with an 18-month wait, she has no choice but to keep working relentlessly. In January, Charlie’s school fees increased by 14% to £9,200, and they may rise again in the next academic year. “All I can do is work as hard as I can in the hope that I can grow my business fast enough to keep up with the fees,” she said. “Voters see this policy as a way of taxing the rich, but that’s not what’s going on. It’s ordinary people like us who get caught in the firing line.” Sarah Uzeabega, a school receptionist from Worcestershire, is in a similar situation. Her son, Luca, has an EHCP that specifically recommends a calm environment and one-on-one teaching, yet it does not cover the additional VAT on his private school fees. To afford the extra £1,200 per year, her husband, who runs a pub, has taken a second job working night shifts at Tesco. The family has also cut back drastically on expenses, even going without heating for much of the winter to reduce their energy bills. However, their cost-saving efforts backfired when a frozen pipe burst over Christmas, leading to expensive repairs. Uzeabega, 40, described how they have become “militant” about switching off lights and now spend more time at her parents’ home because it is warmer. “I feel like we are being penalised for wanting the best for our children, who have been failed by the education sector,” she said. “It’s not the wealthy who will be affected by [VAT on private school fees], it’s aspirational families like ours.” With the financial strain mounting and tribunals taking years to resolve, many parents are left wondering how long they can continue to afford the education their children desperately need. Based on a report by The Times 2025-04-01 Related Topics: Human rights Legal Challenge Could Force Labour to Rethink Private School VAT Plan Private Schools Struggle as Labour’s VAT Policy Triggers Closures Looming Crisis: Private Schools Face Closures Amid VAT Hike Top Oxfordshire Prep School to Close Amid Controversial VAT Policy on Private Education England’s Special Educational Needs Crisis: A System in Desperate Need of Reform Legal Challenge Against Private School VAT Policy Deems It Discriminatory -
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Father admits raping his newborn baby to death while his wife went to shops
A sick South African father has admitted to murdering his one-week-old baby daughter after he violently raped her while her mother was out. The Pretoria High Court heard how Hugo Ferreira, 37, subjected his baby daughter to vile abuse and rape after she was left alone with him on 8th June 2023. Maureen Brand, the baby's mother, had left the girl alone with him to sell clothes and buy nappies. But upon her return later that day, she found her baby severely injured after being assaulted physically and sexually. The innocent baby, who was just one week old, was taken to hospital where she died the following day due to head injuries. Twisted Ferreira said that he wanted to give his daughter 'something to cry about', saying in his plea that he was 'unhappy' because Brand had left the baby with him and had said she would be back in five minutes. But when Brand didn't return, and the baby girl began to cry because she was hungry and needed her nappy changed, Ferreira became angry and unleashed his horrific attack on the infant. 'I grabbed the baby hard at the back of her neck and hit her buttocks repeatedly', he said. 'In the process, I pushed her head against the surface on which I was working. 'I accept that it was a cruel and gruesome attack, especially on such a young baby. The action was clearly illegal and I did it with intent.' He then said that he decided to assault her sexually because he had 'decided to give her something to cry about.' He added: 'When her mother returned, I realised she would see that something was wrong. 'I kept the baby away from her until later the day. I did this because I realised the baby was seriously injured.' Ferreira said in his plea exclamation that he knew that his actions were wrong and that the baby could die, adding that he continued despite knowing this. He also said that he was under the influence of methamphetamine but added that the substance did not influence him to the point where he was not accountable for his actions. The wicked crime was committed in Welverdiend, west of Johannesburg. He has threatened to kill his ex-wife if he is not jailed, according to news24. Ferreira is set to be sentenced next week. Based on a report by Daily Mail 2025-04-01 -
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New York Doctor Fired Over Anti-Israel & Hamas Supporting Comments "Long Live Hamas"
A Mount Sinai doctor has been dismissed from her teaching position after a series of controversial online statements supporting Hamas and denying atrocities committed on October 7, 2023. Dr. Lila Abassi, who served as an assistant professor of medicine at the prestigious Upper East Side hospital, was removed following an internal investigation into her disturbing social media posts. The probe was initiated after Abassi, 46, allegedly made inflammatory statements such as “Long Live Hamas & Hezbollah,” accused Israel of “slaughtering babies,” and dismissed reports of rape during the attack that left 1,200 Israelis dead and thousands more injured. In one of her online posts, she demanded, “Please show me actual rape video,” while using the pseudonym “Kluver Bucy,” a reference to a neurological disorder affecting behavior and memory. She further claimed that Israel had “massacr[ed] more people on 10/7 than [were] killed by Hamas.” Her termination came after mounting pressure from City Councilwoman Inna Vernikov, a Brooklyn Republican who called for stronger action when it was initially revealed that Abassi had merely deleted her social media accounts. Vernikov, who is Jewish, emphasized that removing the posts did not erase the concerns regarding Abassi’s beliefs or ensure the safety of Jewish patients under her care. “Our most basic expectation of doctors is that they will perform their duties in an unbiased manner—especially a doctor serving a city as ethnically and religiously diverse as ours,” Vernikov told The Post. The revelations about Abassi’s social media activity sparked outrage within the medical community, particularly among physician groups on social platforms. One Mount Sinai doctor noted, “She’s known as one of the more outspoken and egregiously antisemitic physicians in the community.” Abassi’s history of provocative statements dates back years. In a 2016 post in the “Doctors for Afghanistan” Facebook group, she boasted about her ability to speak without restraint at her job at the American Council on Science and Health, writing, “Because I don’t have a filter either.” The fallout from her comments extended beyond her individual career, raising broader concerns about trust in medical professionals. The watchdog group Physicians Against Antisemitism, which initially exposed her posts, warned that such rhetoric erodes confidence in healthcare providers. “No longer will any Jewish patient feel confident that they will receive safe care from that individual, and by extension, at the facility that employs them,” the group stated. Mount Sinai confirmed that, following their investigation, Abassi was officially dismissed from her role. Based on a report by NYP 2025-04-01
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