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146
DOGE employee cuts fall heavily on agency that regulates Musk’s Tesla
Get knotted Musk. Officials at the Pentagon, Federal Bureau of Investigation, State Department, Department of Homeland Security and Department of Energy told workers not to reply to Musk's request regarding details of their previous week's activity. CNN reported Sunday. “A rift appeared to open Sunday between some of President Donald Trump’s agency heads and Elon Musk” wrote CNN’s Kevin Liptak, Tami Luhby and Natasha Bertrand. Kash Patel, Trump’s new FBI director, told workers not to respond. Darin Selnick, acting undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness at the DOD, ''For now, please pause any response to the OPM email titled ‘What did you do last week.’” The Department of Homeland Security’s deputy undersecretary for management, R.D. Alles, “No reporting action from you is needed at this time. For now, please pause any responses outside of your DHS chain of command.” -
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Illegal Condo Rentals Spark Concerns in Thailand
I stayed for a while in a place where the next door unit was a revolving Russian party house. NO use in complaining, they are both dense and mean. Exactly why I will NEVER buy a condo in Thailand. -
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UK Businesses Urged to Prioritize Diversity and Net Zero to Secure Government Contracts
New procurement guidelines from the government have advised businesses to align with net zero and diversity objectives if they wish to secure public contracts. However, critics argue that these policies prioritize ideology over economic efficiency, calling them examples of "eco-zealotry" and "woke virtue signaling." The recently published guide encourages firms bidding for government work to demonstrate their contributions to Sir Keir Starmer’s “five missions” and their commitment to delivering “social value.” Companies are expected to outline how they will enhance “community cohesion,” eliminate barriers for underrepresented groups and young people, and support the transition to net zero when executing government projects. Additionally, businesses must show efforts toward “creating opportunities in areas of deprivation” and upholding the “highest standards” of “environmental sustainability.” The updated National Procurement Policy Statement replaces a previous guide developed under the Conservative government as part of the Procurement Act 2023. Unlike the new guidelines, the prior version did not reference net zero and discouraged excessive diversity reporting requirements for companies competing for public contracts. The new directive also encourages government departments to allocate more resources to charities and NGOs in an effort to enhance "social value." Critics argue that these changes undermine financial prudence. Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, former business secretary, remarked, “The intention of the Procurement Act 2023 was to maximize value for money for taxpayers. When the public finances are under such strain, trying to use it for woke virtue signaling is especially foolish and potentially unlawful.” Echoing these concerns, Andrew Bowie, shadow Scottish secretary, criticized the move, stating, “It seems this government is more concerned with their eco-zealotry than delivering value for money for the taxpayer. By enforcing these mad targets on companies, the British public will face higher bills and worse services—just to fuel Ed Miliband’s own ego and ideology. After their disastrous Budget, the Government should be prioritizing value for money over eco-zealotry rather than taking another step in the wrong direction and lumbering costs on taxpayers.” Lord Kempsell, founder of the anti-waste organization UK DOGE, warned that the new procurement rules could lead to unnecessary red tape, potentially delaying essential projects. “It may be well-intentioned, but this kind of overly bureaucratic layering will slow down vital procurement and just backfire. It shows why we need UK DOGE right now—the crack team is ready to go, Labour should call us at once.” The Conservative government had reformed procurement in 2023 through the Procurement Act, aiming to simplify and increase transparency in the process. The introduction of these new guidelines, however, has reignited debate over whether government contracting should focus on broader social and environmental objectives or remain strictly centered on financial efficiency and value for taxpayers. Based on a report by Daily Telegraph 2025-02-25 -
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Britain Leaves Possibility Open for Russia’s Return to G7 Amid Ukraine Talks
The British government has not ruled out the possibility of Russia rejoining the G7, as Security Minister Dan Jarvis praised former U.S. President Donald Trump for initiating negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Jarvis also expressed doubts about Ukraine’s ability to win the war, signaling a shift in tone as Britain and its allies seek to influence U.S. policy on the conflict. As Britain intensifies its efforts to prevent the U.S. from withdrawing support for Ukraine, Jarvis aligned with Trump’s view that Russia’s global isolation could come to an end through peace negotiations. Britain is set to announce a new package of sanctions on Monday aimed at increasing pressure on Russia while discussions on ending the war continue. However, following Trump’s recent remarks that it had been a “mistake” to remove Russia from the G8 after its 2014 annexation of Crimea, Jarvis suggested that Putin’s return could be reconsidered in the future. When asked if Russia should be allowed back into the G7, Jarvis told *Times Radio*, “That will be a matter to be discussed with international allies. And that is a matter that no doubt will be considered at the point at which the conflict in Ukraine has been concluded.” He further stated that Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer would be addressing these issues during his upcoming meeting with Trump, as part of a strategic effort to encourage Russia to end the war. Pressed on whether Starmer would discuss re-admitting Russia into the G7, Jarvis responded, “There’ll be a range of conversations taking place with international allies. And the prime minister will be discussing, I’m sure, a range of matters relating to Russia and Ukraine.” Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have agreed to present a united front on Ukraine when they meet Trump separately this week, emphasizing what they see as a critical moment in global security. Starmer is scheduled to meet Trump in Washington on Thursday, following Macron’s own discussions with the former U.S. president on Monday. Diplomatic sources indicated that both leaders would attempt to dissuade Trump from pursuing unilateral peace talks with Moscow in exchange for stronger European security commitments to Ukraine. In marking the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion, the UK government is set to tighten its sanctions by banning senior Russian politicians, officials, and business leaders from entering Britain. The Home Office announced that all local and federal ministers, along with top executives of major Russian companies, would be barred from traveling to the UK in an effort to exert pressure on Russia’s elite. These measures build on existing sanctions that have already seen high-profile figures such as Roman Abramovich and Oleg Deripaska banned from the country. Starmer is also expected to discuss the situation with G7 leaders in an upcoming call. However, government sources have downplayed speculation that he will commit to increasing defense spending to 2.5% of GDP before his meeting with Trump. UK military officials have warned the prime minister that defense spending must rise to at least 2.65% of GDP just to maintain current military capabilities, urging an even higher target of 3%. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, speaking on foreign policy, was careful not to criticize Trump for his negotiations with Putin. She acknowledged that engaging with Russia is necessary for peace but stressed that any settlement must include Ukraine. “It will require negotiation with the Russians through part of the settlement, so I do think that is the right approach,” she said. She added, “President Trump has brought the Russians to the table, but any lasting settlement when it comes to peace does require Ukrainian voices, President Zelensky’s voice, to be a part of that. There can be no settlement unless we have a negotiation involving both Russia and Ukraine.” Based on a report by The Times 2025-02-25 -
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Rising Concerns Over Weight-Loss Jabs as Dozens of Deaths Reported in UK
The number of deaths linked to weight-loss and diabetes medications such as Ozempic and Mounjaro has risen to 82 in the UK, according to newly released figures from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). This growing toll has sparked fresh concerns regarding the safety of these increasingly popular injections. According to the data, 22 individuals died after using these drugs for weight loss, while 60 fatalities were associated with their use in treating type 2 diabetes. Alison Cave, the chief safety officer at the MHRA, emphasized the importance of careful medical oversight, stating, “The decision to start, continue or stop treatments should be made jointly by patients and their doctor, based on full consideration of benefits and risks.” The popularity of these medications has surged, with approximately 500,000 Britons currently using them. Many individuals have reported significant weight loss, with some shedding up to 22.5% of their body weight within 18 months. In response to this trend, the NHS is preparing to offer Mounjaro to severely obese patients. Wegovy, a higher-dose version of Ozempic initially designed to treat diabetes, was introduced to the NHS in September last year. However, access remains restricted to specialist weight-loss clinics in certain parts of England. Around 4.1 million people qualify for Wegovy under NHS guidelines, which require a body mass index (BMI) over 35 along with associated health conditions. Meanwhile, the private sector allows access to those with a BMI of 30 or above, making the treatment available to approximately 15 million adults. The latest MHRA figures indicate that 18 deaths were directly linked to Mounjaro, while 29 were associated with the use of Ozempic, Rybelsus, or Wegovy, all of which contain the active ingredient semaglutide. An additional 35 fatalities were linked to Saxenda and Victoza, which contain liraglutide. Among the reported cases is Susan McGowan, a 58-year-old Scottish nurse who passed away last year after taking two low-dose injections of Mounjaro over a two-week period. Investigations have also uncovered nearly 400 hospital admissions related to the use of weight-loss drugs. The NHS has issued a warning on its website, advising against taking anti-obesity medications unless they have been prescribed by a medical professional. “Never take an anti-obesity medicine if it has not been prescribed to you. These types of medicines may not be safe for you and can cause serious side effects,” the advisory states. Despite safety concerns, semaglutide has been widely regarded as a breakthrough drug. Studies suggest it may not only aid weight loss but also reduce alcohol cravings and slow markers of aging. Research involving two million participants has linked the medication to improved heart health, a reduced risk of infections, lower rates of drug abuse, and fewer cases of dementia. Lilly UK, the company behind Mounjaro, reaffirmed its commitment to patient safety, stating, “Lilly is committed to continually monitoring, evaluating, and reporting safety data.” The manufacturer emphasized that ensuring the well-being of patients remains its “top priority.” Based on a report by The Times 2025-02-24
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