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Thailand’s new anti-smoking rule burns Thai vendors’ profits
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Sadiq Khan Advocates for Prioritizing Prisoners in Housing Queue
Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, has sparked debate with his recent proposal that prisoners should be given priority in the housing queue to help reduce reoffending rates. Speaking to The Times’s Crime and Justice Commission, Khan acknowledged the severe housing shortage in London but emphasized the need for an "honest conversation" about the necessity of providing housing to some former prisoners as a strategy to prevent them from returning to crime. Khan's comments come amid growing pressure on housing in the capital, where an escalating homelessness crisis has left one in 50 Londoners without a home. On Tuesday, around 1,650 prisoners were released under the government’s early release scheme, which allows inmates serving fixed-term sentences to be freed after serving just 40 percent of their term, rather than the usual 50 percent. The release of these prisoners, coupled with Khan’s suggestion, has drawn attention to the challenges faced by ex-offenders who struggle to find stable housing upon their release. The mayor’s proposal is likely to stir controversy, particularly given the current demand for housing in London. However, the issue of housing for former prisoners is critical, as the lack of stable accommodation is a significant factor in reoffending. Many prisoners released into homelessness or unstable housing are more likely to breach their licence conditions, often due to missed appointments, breaking curfews, or associating with prohibited individuals. These breaches can lead to a return to prison, perpetuating a cycle of reoffending. Homelessness also exacerbates issues such as substance abuse and makes it more difficult for former prisoners to claim benefits or secure employment, further increasing their likelihood of returning to crime. Charlie Taylor, the chief inspector of prisons, highlighted the gravity of the situation earlier this week, noting that the lack of housing for prisoners makes it "inevitable" that many of those released on Tuesday will be recalled to jail. An inspection at HMP Bedford revealed that 30 percent of prisoners were released into homelessness, while 42 percent were placed in "unsustainable accommodation." During the session of The Times’s Crime and Justice Commission, which focused on the prisons crisis, Khan reiterated the severity of London’s housing shortage, stating, "For us the big challenge is there is no housing in London, a big shortage of housing in London." He stressed the importance of having an honest conversation with constituents about why it might be necessary for some former prisoners to "jump the queue" for housing in order to prevent them from reoffending. When asked directly whether newly released prisoners should be given priority in the housing queue, Khan responded, "A certain percentage. Yeah, it’s the honest conversation we’ve got to have with people across our respective cities and stuff to explain the reason we’re doing this." The discussion surrounding housing for former prisoners has also led to other measures being considered. On Tuesday, Shabana Mahmood, the Justice Secretary, announced that probation directors have been authorized to use budget hotels to house prisoners if temporary accommodation is unavailable. Government sources described the use of hotels as a contingency plan to ensure that prisoners have a place to stay for the first three months following their release. The urgency of the situation is underscored by the experience of Jack Creighton, a 54-year-old prisoner released early from HMP Wandsworth on Tuesday. Creighton expressed frustration with the rushed arrangements for his release, stating that he would have preferred to remain in prison because he had no home to return to. "I really would have rather stayed in," Creighton said, adding, "I’m going to be on a park bench tonight." While in prison, Creighton had access to a "warm cell, television, kettle and three meals a day," a stark contrast to the uncertainty he now faces. Khan’s proposal to prioritize prisoners for housing is a controversial yet crucial part of the broader conversation about addressing reoffending and homelessness in London. As the city grapples with its housing crisis, the debate over how to support former prisoners without exacerbating existing challenges is likely to continue. Credit: The Times 2024-09-14 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe -
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Early Release Scheme Hits Hurdles as Several Returned to Prison
The government’s controversial early release scheme has hit significant hurdles, with several prisoners recalled to jail within days of their release. Among those, the first inmate was returned to custody just 36 hours after being freed under the program, which saw approximately 1,750 prisoners released on Tuesday, ahead of their scheduled release dates. The scheme, designed to alleviate overcrowding in English and Welsh prisons, allows prisoners to be freed after serving 40 percent of their sentences instead of the usual 50 percent. The swift recall of these prisoners underscores the challenges facing the criminal justice system. Many of those released have already breached the terms of their licenses, which impose restrictions on their movements, associations, and living arrangements, as well as requiring regular meetings with probation officers. The first prisoner to be recalled reportedly failed to appear at a pre-arranged address, prompting probation officers to alert the police, who found and detained him within a day and a half. Prison and probation officials had anticipated such outcomes, given the minimal time difference between the standard and early release periods. “The idea that they would have significantly changed their behavior by serving another 10 percent of their time in custody would be wildly optimistic,” one source commented. Martin Jones, the chief inspector of probation, had predicted the early recalls, noting that prisoners were “almost bound” to be sent back to jail “within days or weeks” due to difficulties reintegrating into the community and likely breaches of their license terms. A significant factor in these early recalls is the lack of stable accommodation for newly released prisoners. Jones predicted that about one-third of those released would reoffend within a year, a figure consistent with past trends. Jack Creighton, a 54-year-old inmate released from HMP Wandsworth, voiced his bleak expectations, saying, “I’m going to be sleeping on a park bench tonight and then I’ll no doubt start drinking and then I’ll come back.” Creighton, who has been in and out of prison for “petty offenses,” epitomizes the struggles many released prisoners face in finding a stable environment. In response to the risk of homelessness, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has even arranged for budget hotels to serve as temporary accommodation for the freed prisoners. Yet, this measure may only provide a short-term solution. Over 13 percent of offenders released in the year leading up to March 2024 were homeless, a statistic that highlights the broader systemic issues within the justice system. The overcrowding in prisons has also exacerbated the problem, limiting the availability of rehabilitative programs such as work training, education, and substance abuse treatment. Charlie Taylor, the chief inspector of prisons, reported that these restrictions have increased the likelihood of prisoners being recalled for license breaches. For instance, a 59-year-old man released early from HMP Brixton admitted, “There is no rehabilitation. No one talks to you, you just go in, lie down, and 17 months later I’m out.” He added, “I’m not looking to reoffend, but you never know. You can never say no.” Ministry of Justice (MoJ) figures indicate that 7,415 prisoners were recalled for breaching their licenses between January and March 2024, marking a 9 percent increase from the same period the previous year. This surge in recalls, equivalent to more than half of the 13,829 prisoners released during that quarter, is partly attributed to the early release scheme and heightened caution among probation officers following several high-profile scandals involving ex-prisoners. The MoJ has warned that the expansion of the early release scheme could lead to further increases in recalls in the coming months. In contrast, Labour’s alternative plan, which adjusts release dates to 40 percent of sentences for most prisoners, aims to provide more predictability and better preparation for their reintegration. However, this policy excludes those convicted of sexual offenses, terrorism, domestic abuse, or serious violent crimes. An MoJ spokesperson acknowledged the challenges, stating, “The new Government inherited a justice system in crisis, with prisons on the point of collapse. It has been forced to introduce an early release program to stop a crisis that would have overwhelmed the criminal justice system, meaning we would no longer be able to lock up dangerous criminals and protect the public.” The spokesperson also highlighted plans to recruit over 1,000 new trainee probation officers by March 2025 to address the increased demand. As the justice system grapples with these challenges, the early release scheme’s shortcomings underscore the need for comprehensive reform, particularly in supporting prisoners’ reintegration into society. Without such measures, the cycle of release and recall is likely to continue, placing further strain on an already overburdened system. Credit: Daily Telegraph 2024-09-14 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe -
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Putin’s Red Line on Long-Range Missiles
In a dramatic escalation of rhetoric, Russian President Vladimir Putin has drawn a new red line in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, warning the West against allowing Ukraine to use long-range missiles to strike Russian territory. Speaking in St. Petersburg, Putin made it clear that Moscow would consider such an act as “direct participation” of NATO countries in the war. “It would substantially change the very essence, the nature of the conflict,” Putin stated, emphasizing that such an action would mean that NATO countries, including the USA and European states, are effectively at war with Russia. Putin further claimed that for Ukraine to launch missiles into Russia, it would require data from Western satellites and that only NATO servicemen could “input flight missions into these missile systems.” The implications of such statements are severe, as Russia has seen its previously drawn red lines crossed before. When Putin announced the start of his "special military operation"—the full-scale invasion of Ukraine—on February 24, 2022, he issued a stark warning to any external parties tempted to interfere. “No matter who tries to stand in our way or create threats for our country and our people, they must know that Russia will respond immediately,” he declared. “And the consequences will be such as you have never seen in your entire history.” Despite these warnings, Western leaders have largely disregarded what was then interpreted as nuclear saber-rattling. Since then, the West has provided Ukraine with advanced weaponry, including tanks, missile systems, and most recently, F-16 fighter jets. Russia has accused Ukraine of using American long-range ATACMS missiles to target Crimea, the Ukrainian peninsula annexed by Russia. Additionally, Russian officials and state media have repeatedly accused the West of “fighting Russia” or launching “a war” on Russia, even though it was Russia that initiated the invasion of Ukraine. Putin’s latest remarks suggest that he views any targeting of internationally recognized Russian territory with Western missile systems as a significant escalation, potentially taking the conflict to an unprecedented level. However, what remains unclear is how Moscow would respond to such an escalation. “We will take corresponding decisions based on the threats to us that will be created,” Putin said, leaving open the possibility of a broader and more severe response. On a related note, Russia recently withdrew the accreditation of six British diplomats, accusing them of “subversive activities” and threatening Russia’s security. However, Putin’s potential response to Western involvement in Ukraine could be much broader, as he hinted at in June during a meeting with international news agencies. When asked how Russia would react if Ukraine were given the capability to strike Russian territory with European-supplied weapons, Putin outlined a two-pronged approach: improving Russia’s air defense systems and destroying incoming missiles. He also suggested that Moscow might consider arming Western adversaries to target sensitive facilities in the countries supplying weapons to Ukraine. This potential for escalation was further underscored earlier this month when Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov announced that Russia was revising its nuclear doctrine, the framework that outlines under what circumstances Moscow might consider using nuclear weapons. Ryabkov indicated that this revision was connected to what he described as the “escalation course of [Russia’s] Western adversaries.” As the conflict continues to unfold, Western leaders, including British Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer, who is currently in Washington for talks with President Biden, will need to carefully weigh their next steps. On his way to Washington, Sir Keir reiterated the Western stance, stating, “Russia started this conflict. Russia illegally invaded Ukraine. Russia can end this conflict straight away.” The West now faces a critical decision: whether to risk further escalation by lifting restrictions on Ukraine’s use of Western missiles or to maintain the current boundaries in an effort to prevent a potentially catastrophic expansion of the conflict. Credit: BBC 2024-09-14 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe -
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Israel’s Special Forces Ground Raid Destroys Iranian Missile Factory in Syria
An elite unit of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted a rare ground operation in Syria earlier this week, destroying an underground missile production facility that Israel and the U.S. allege was constructed by Iran. The operation marked a significant escalation in Israel’s ongoing conflict with Iranian-linked forces in the region, according to three sources briefed on the event. The raid is notable as Israeli military activity in Syria has largely been restricted to airstrikes, which have increased since the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel. Cross-border skirmishes between Hezbollah and Israel have also intensified during this period. However, the ground assault on Sunday was the first of its kind in recent years targeting Iranian interests in Syria, underscoring the strategic importance of the operation. The missile factory’s destruction is seen as a major setback to Iran and Hezbollah’s efforts to manufacture precision-guided medium-range missiles within Syrian territory. The Israeli government has remained silent on the raid and has not claimed responsibility, likely to avoid provoking direct retaliation from Syria, Iran, or Hezbollah. Official spokespeople for the IDF, Israel's Ministry of Defense, and the Prime Minister's Office declined to comment on the incident. Syrian state media and opposition sources reported heavy airstrikes by the Israeli Air Force on Sunday night, targeting several locations in western Syria, including areas near the city of Masyaf, close to the Lebanese border. According to Syrian state reports, the strikes killed at least 16 people and injured 40 others, labeling the attacks as “blatant aggression.” Iran’s foreign ministry also condemned the strikes, calling them “criminal.” On Wednesday, Syrian opposition media and Greek Middle East expert Eva J. Koulouriotis suggested the airstrikes were a cover for a ground operation by Israel in Masyaf. Three sources confirmed that the Israeli Air Force’s elite Shaldag unit was involved, destroying the underground missile facility during the raid. According to two sources, Israel informed the Biden administration about the sensitive mission in advance, and the U.S. did not oppose the action. The White House has not responded to requests for comment. During the raid, Israeli special forces reportedly caught Syrian guards by surprise, killing several of them. However, no Iranians or Hezbollah militants were harmed in the operation, according to one source. The special forces used explosives brought with them to destroy the facility and its machinery from within. The simultaneous airstrikes were intended to prevent the Syrian military from reinforcing the area. Two sources with direct knowledge revealed that Iran, in coordination with Hezbollah and Syria, began constructing the underground missile production site in 2018 after previous Israeli airstrikes had severely damaged Iran’s above-ground missile infrastructure in Syria. By building the factory deep inside a mountain near Masyaf, Iran aimed to shield the facility from further airstrikes and ensure rapid, secure delivery of missiles to Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israeli intelligence services, aware of the project since its inception, monitored the factory’s development under the codename “Deep Layer” for over five years. Realizing that an airstrike alone would be insufficient to destroy the underground facility, Israeli military planners determined that a ground operation was necessary. The operation had been considered at least twice in previous years but was not approved due to the high risks involved. The successful raid marks a bold tactical shift for Israel, highlighting the lengths it is willing to go to prevent the establishment of advanced missile capabilities by Iran and its allies in Syria. Watch the moment Israeli forces Blew up the facility. Credit: AXIOS 2024-09-14 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe -
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Ex EMS Worker Arrested for Allegedly Molesting Unconscious Teen in Ambulance
A former emergency medical services worker has been arrested and is being held without bond after allegedly molesting an unconscious 19-year-old woman in the back of an ambulance. James Melady, 37, a former employee of Flagler County Fire Rescue, is facing serious charges, including sexual battery on a helpless person and video voyeurism. The investigation began on September 6 when the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by the Daytona Beach Police Department about a case involving Melady. According to officials, investigators discovered a video showing Melady molesting the unconscious teen while in uniform. The video not only captured the assault but also showed Melady setting up and adjusting a camera to record the incident, highlighting his deliberate intent. Authorities determined that the incident took place on October 17, 2021, when rescue squads were dispatched to the woman’s home to provide emergency medical assistance. The woman was subsequently transported to the hospital, and it was during this ambulance ride that the alleged molestation occurred. Detectives later spoke with the victim, who was unaware of the attack at the time. The arrest warrant, obtained by the Palm Beach Observer, provided further details of the harrowing incident, including Melady’s actions in manipulating the camera to ensure his assault was recorded. This evidence, coupled with the victim’s unconscious state, painted a disturbing picture of the abuse of power by someone entrusted to provide care during an emergency. Credit: The Independent 2024-09-14 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe -
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Former Miss Switzerland Finalist Murdered by Husband Then 'pureed'
Kristina Joksimovic, a former model and finalist in the Miss Switzerland contest, was tragically found dead in her home in Binningen, near Basel, Switzerland, in February of this year. The details of her death, recently revealed, have sent shockwaves through the country. Local media reports indicate that her husband, identified as Thomas, has admitted to her brutal murder, leading to a ruling by the Federal Supreme Court in Lausanne that denied his appeal for release from custody. The horrific crime came to light when authorities discovered Joksimovic's remains in the couple's home. According to local news outlet BZ Basel, Thomas, 41, reportedly confessed to the murder during a crime reconstruction in March. He claimed that the killing was in self-defense after Joksimovic allegedly attacked him with a knife. However, the court ruling paints a different picture of the events leading to her death. The court determined that Kristina Joksimovic was strangled to death before her body was dismembered in the couple's laundry room. The grisly details, as reported by BZ Basel, reveal that Thomas used a jigsaw, knife, and garden shears to carry out the dismemberment. In a disturbing twist, it was further revealed that body parts were then chopped up with a hand blender, "pureed," and dissolved in a chemical solution. Thomas was arrested the day after Joksimovic's body was discovered. Initially, he told investigators that he had found her dead and, in a panic, dismembered her body in the laundry room. However, his confession during the crime reconstruction, coupled with the forensic evidence, led to his continued detention. Joksimovic, 38, was a well-known figure in the modeling world. She had been crowned Miss Northwest Switzerland and was a finalist in the Miss Switzerland pageant in 2007. Following her success in pageantry, she transitioned into running her own business as a catwalk coach. Among her many accomplishments, she mentored Dominique Rinderknecht for the Miss Universe pageant in 2013. The tragic and violent end to Joksimovic's life has left her family, friends, and the wider community in mourning. The court’s decision to keep Thomas in custody reflects the gravity of the crime, as authorities continue to piece together the full details of this harrowing case. As the investigation progresses, the focus remains on achieving justice for Kristina Joksimovic, a life cut tragically short in a crime that has shocked the nation. Credit: Sky News 2024-09-14 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe -
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Sweden Introduces Incentive Up to $34,000 each to Encourage Immigrants Return
Sweden is set to significantly increase financial incentives for immigrants to return to their countries of origin, offering payments of up to $34,000. The move marks a notable shift in the nation’s approach to immigration, as the right-wing government, supported by the anti-immigration Sweden Democrats, attempts to manage the challenges associated with integrating a large number of newcomers. Historically, Sweden has been recognized as a “humanitarian superpower,” providing refuge to those fleeing war and persecution. However, the country has faced increasing difficulties in integrating its immigrant population. The new policy, announced Thursday, is a response to these challenges. Starting in 2026, immigrants who voluntarily return to their countries of origin will be eligible to receive up to 350,000 Swedish kronor, equivalent to $34,000. “We are in the midst of a paradigm shift in our migration policy,” said Migration Minister Johan Forssell during a press conference, underscoring the government’s intent to curb migration. Currently, immigrants can receive up to 10,000 kronor per adult and 5,000 kronor per child, with a maximum of 40,000 kronor per family. However, the existing grant has seen limited use. “The grant has been around since 1984, but it is relatively unknown, it is small, and relatively few people use it,” explained Ludvig Aspling of the Sweden Democrats. Forssell highlighted that only one person accepted the offer last year, signaling the need for a more substantial incentive to encourage participation. Aspling suggested that increasing awareness of the grant, along with the substantial hike in its amount, could lead to more immigrants taking advantage of the offer. The government believes this incentive will particularly appeal to several hundred thousand migrants who are long-term unemployed, jobless, or reliant on state benefits due to low incomes. “That’s the group we think would be interested,” Aspling noted. However, this approach has not been without controversy. A government-appointed probe recently advised against significantly increasing the grant, arguing that the expected effectiveness did not justify the potential costs. Joakim Ruist, who led the inquiry, warned that such a financial increase could send a signal that migrants are undesirable, further complicating integration efforts. Sweden is not alone in offering financial incentives for migrants to return home. Denmark, for example, pays more than $15,000 per person, while France, Norway, and Germany offer smaller amounts ranging from $1,400 to $2,800. Sweden’s conservative Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, who came to power in 2022, has prioritized tough measures on immigration and crime, with the Sweden Democrats emerging as the country’s second-largest party in the election that year. Sweden’s history of offering generous foreign development aid and welcoming large numbers of migrants since the 1990s has come under strain in recent years. The 2015 migration crisis, during which Sweden accepted 160,000 asylum seekers— the highest per capita in the EU—marked a turning point. The then-Social Democratic government soon announced it could no longer maintain its open-door policy. Since then, successive governments have introduced measures to curb migration, including issuing temporary residence permits, tightening family reunification requirements, and raising income thresholds for work visas. In addition to the financial incentive for voluntary return, Kristersson’s government plans to facilitate the expulsion of migrants involved in substance abuse, criminal associations, or activities deemed contrary to Swedish values. The new measures reflect the government’s broader strategy to address the challenges posed by immigration while balancing the nation’s resources and social cohesion. Credit: Barron's 2024-09-14 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe -
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Canada Faces Rising Extremism: Six Terror Plots Foiled Since October 7
Since the terror attacks in Israel on October 7, Canadian authorities have disrupted six alleged terror plots, raising concerns about the country's vulnerability to extremist activities. Arrests have occurred in cities from Edmonton to Ottawa to Toronto, with some plots specifically targeting the Jewish community. These incidents highlight growing fears among Jewish Canadians and reflect a broader national struggle with rising extremism. The conflict in Gaza, following the Hamas massacre of over 1,200 people in Israel, has fueled anti-Israel protests worldwide, including in Canada. Many of these protests have featured pro-Hamas slogans, escalating tensions and fears within Jewish communities. Some protests have directly targeted Jewish institutions, such as synagogues, adding to the unease. Canada, known for its liberal values and multicultural society, now faces the challenge of combating extremism while protecting its diverse communities. Richard Marceau, author and editor of the Canadian Haggadah, expressed the urgency of the situation on social media, stating, “There is a crisis of extremist Islamism in Canada. If we don’t take this seriously, Canadians will die.” This warning underscores the growing concern that Canada could become a focal point for global extremist networks. One of the recent plots involved Muhammad Shahzeb Khan, a 20-year-old Pakistani citizen arrested in Quebec for allegedly planning to target Jewish civilians in New York City. Khan, who was in Canada on a student visa, reportedly attempted to cross into the U.S. to carry out an attack in support of ISIS. Authorities said Khan used encrypted messaging apps to communicate with undercover agents posing as accomplices. He faces multiple charges in Canada and the U.S., including attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization, and may be extradited to the U.S. Another case in August 2024 involved a youth in the Greater Toronto Area arrested for participating in terrorist activities. The charges against the minor, whose identity is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, include enhancing the abilities of a listed terrorist group and counseling others to commit terrorism offenses. The RCMP provided no further details on motives or targets. In July 2024, Ahmed Fouad Mostafa Eldidi and his son Mostafa Eldidi were arrested in Richmond Hill while allegedly planning a violent attack in Toronto. Both were found with weapons, including a machete and an axe, though their intended target remains unclear. Ahmed, a Canadian citizen since 2018, and his son, a refugee since 2022, face nine terrorism-related charges, including plotting murder on behalf of ISIS. Another incident in July involved a Canadian from Alberta who attempted to attack Israeli soldiers in the West Bank. The assailant, Zachareah Adam Quraishi, was shot dead after charging at guards while shouting pro-Palestinian slogans. His father described him as empathetic but expressed confusion over his actions. In January 2024, Bezhani Sarvar stormed Edmonton City Hall armed with a gun and Molotov cocktails, firing randomly and causing damage. Sarvar’s actions were politically motivated, tied to frustrations with Canadian domestic issues and the war in Gaza. He faces multiple charges, including arson and unlawful possession of firearms. In December 2023, a 15-year-old Ottawa boy was arrested for terrorism-related activities, including bomb-making. Police discovered explosive substances and evidence that he had communicated with individuals in Canada and the U.S. about constructing bombs, with the intent to target Jewish people. These cases have sparked calls for immediate action. B’nai Brith Canada, the country’s largest Jewish advocacy group, emphasized the need to prevent the entry of radicals and address domestic radicalization. “Canada is becoming a breeding ground for terrorists. There can be no more excuses. The safety and security of our nation must remain paramount,” the organization stated. Credit: National Post 2024-09-14 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe -
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Trump Vows to Make Overtime Pay Tax-Free: ‘Finally Catch a Break’
Former President Donald Trump made a significant campaign promise on Thursday, announcing his plan to eliminate taxes on overtime pay if re-elected to the White House. Speaking at a rally in Tucson, Arizona, a crucial battleground state for the 2024 election, Trump declared, “As part of our additional tax cuts, we will end all taxes on overtime.” Trump painted his tax policies as a path to prosperity, contrasting his vision with what he referred to as the “era of inflation, mayhem and misery under the Kamala [Harris] and Crooked Joe [Biden] regime.” He promised that by maintaining his 2017 tax cuts and implementing his new policies, he would deliver “safety, prosperity and peace for Americans of every race, religion, color and creed.” The former president also addressed other aspects of his economic agenda during the rally. He announced plans to prevent illegal migrants from accessing home mortgages and renting in federally subsidized apartments. “When I return to the White House, we will require all companies receiving federal housing subsidies to verify citizenship,” Trump declared, insisting that only legal residents should benefit from these programs. “We will not permit illegals to drive up the cost for Americans.” In a recent speech at the Economic Club of New York, Trump had already hinted at his proposed ban on home loans for illegal migrants, stating, “We can’t have it” regarding banks providing mortgages to non-citizens. He also pledged to take executive action to “terminate every single unnecessary rule driving up the cost of housing,” aiming to reduce the cost of building a new home by 30% to 50%. Highlighting his background in construction, Trump concluded, “I have been a builder my entire life. I understand the problem, and I will fix it.” Trump’s promises reflect his ongoing campaign focus on economic reforms designed to appeal to working-class voters, as he seeks to make his case for a return to the White House in 2024. Credit: NYP 2024-09-14 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe -
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Last September's Nine-Day Tsunami That Shook the Earth
A seismic event that puzzled scientists around the globe last September has been traced back to a massive landslide in a remote fjord in Greenland. The landslide triggered an enormous wave that generated seismic tremors, detectable worldwide, for an astonishing nine days. The event, which involved a mountainside collapse carrying glacial ice into Dickson Fjord in East Greenland, produced a 200-meter-high wave. This wave was "trapped" within the narrow confines of the fjord, repeatedly sloshing back and forth, generating vibrations that spread across the Earth. According to scientists, such events are becoming more frequent due to climate change, which is accelerating the melting of glaciers that support Greenland's mountains. The results of the investigation, published in the journal *Science*, are the culmination of efforts by an international team of scientists and the Danish Navy. The seismic signal was first detected by sensors around the world, leading to a collaborative investigation into its origin. “When colleagues first spotted this signal last year, it looked nothing like an earthquake. We called it an ‘unidentified seismic object,’” recalled Dr. Stephen Hicks from University College London (UCL), one of the scientists involved in the study. The signal appeared repeatedly—every 90 seconds for nine days—leaving scientists baffled. A group of curious scientists, communicating on an online platform, began to piece together the mystery. Meanwhile, researchers in Denmark, who frequently conduct fieldwork in Greenland, received reports of a tsunami in a remote fjord. “At the same time, colleagues from Denmark, who do a lot of fieldwork in Greenland, received reports of a tsunami that happened in a remote fjord,” explained Dr. Hicks. “So then we joined forces.” By analyzing seismic data, the team was able to pinpoint the signal’s source to Dickson Fjord in East Greenland. They then gathered additional evidence, including satellite imagery and photographs taken by the Danish Navy just before the seismic activity began. One satellite image revealed a cloud of dust in a gully within the fjord. Comparing photographs taken before and after the event, the researchers confirmed that a mountainside had collapsed, sweeping part of a glacier into the fjord below. The landslide involved 25 million cubic meters of rock, an amount equivalent to the volume of 25 Empire State Buildings, crashing into the water and generating the enormous wave. The force of the wave was so powerful that it left a visible mark on the glacier, created by the sediment it hurled upwards. Unlike typical tsunamis, which dissipate their energy within hours in the open ocean, this wave was trapped within the complex fjord system. “This landslide happened about 200 kilometers inland from the open ocean,” Dr. Hicks explained. “And these fjord systems are really complex, so the wave couldn't dissipate its energy.” Instead of dispersing, the wave continued to move back and forth within the fjord, generating seismic tremors for nine days. “We’ve never seen such a large-scale movement of water over such a long period,” added Dr. Hicks. The scientists attribute the landslide to rising temperatures in Greenland, which have caused the glacier at the base of the mountain to melt and thin over time. “That glacier was supporting this mountain, and it got so thin that it just stopped holding it up,” said Dr. Hicks. “It shows how climate change is now impacting these areas.” While the event occurred in a remote area, these fjords are occasionally visited by Arctic cruise ships. Fortunately, none were in the vicinity when the landslide occurred. However, Dr. Kristian Svennevig from the National Geological Surveys for Denmark and Greenland (GEUS), the lead researcher, emphasized that such events are becoming increasingly common in the Arctic. “We are witnessing a rise in giant, tsunami-causing landslides, particularly in Greenland,” he told the BBC. “While the Dickson Fjord event alone doesn't confirm this trend, its unprecedented scale underscores the need to carry out more research.” Dr. Hicks further highlighted the significance of this event, stating, “It is perhaps the first time a climate change event has impacted the crust beneath our feet all the world over.” The Dickson Fjord landslide serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching effects of climate change, extending beyond rising sea levels and melting ice caps to influence seismic activity across the globe. Credit: BBC 2024-09-14 Get the ASEAN NOW daily NEWSLETTER - Click HERE to subscribe -
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Why Did Timothy Leary HAVE to Die?
I think not. His LSD therapy with prisoners had high efficacy rates. He just let the monkey out the cage too recklessly and LSD therapy got shut down due to it. -
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Thailand Visa Exemption (60 days) and Visa On Arrival (VOA) (15 days)
Yes, you can apply for a 60-day extension with your Thai wife on every entry to Thailand, regardless of the type of entry. At some offices, when on the Visa-Exempt, you can even apply for the 30-day extension based on tourism first, and then the 60-day based on marriage. -
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Where Do You Book Your Flights?
Plus ...add on the flight price difference,I just paid an extra $588 to change it by ONE week! They said there is a different price -
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Trump: “There Will Be No Third Debate!”
Lol. They are like cartoon characters. In that case let's have a real rodeo and get Russel Brand, Piers Morgan and Tucker Carlson to do it. 🤮🤣 -
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