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British Tourist Found Dead & Naked off Phuket Beach After Mysterious Encounter
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66
Palisades Fire in LA has zero containment
The majority of the Great Lakes surface area are in the USA we don't have to ask Canada. -
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Palisades Fire in LA has zero containment
As seen on the news, the wind has died down and the planes are using sea water to "bomb" the fires and create a containment area. Sea water is itself going to create a problem with salt in the soil. Perhaps some better ( ? any ) ) vegetation management would have been in order pre fire season. Allowing undergrowth in a fire zone is always going to present a problem. It's not as though the residents of that Palisades area were not able to pay for it. This is the problem with most of the major wild fires I've seen recently- management of the undergrowth was cut back or ended. Fires are inevitable, and part of the natural cycle. It's only when people want to live in a fire zone that it becomes a problem. -
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Biden's Last Stand: The Twilight Moves of a Defiant President
Amazing how many people can only pick up on the negative when it comes to Biden Simples- Trump doesn't hide what he is, and he's out there warts and all. Biden pretends to be a good guy, but it's obvious to some of us that he's just another corrupt Washington swamp creature. The USA is in the best position it has been in years due largely to Bidens actions . -
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Here's Your War Monger, MAGAs
I do understand. Trump throws a lot of stuff out there just to get reactions and see who pees their pants. What he actually does or doesn't do will yet to be seen in the future. I hope that clears it up for you because if it doesn't then I can't help you. -
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Firework Incident on Pattaya Beach Sparks Legal Action
I agree where I live (In the West) you can't even buy fireworks -
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Rachel Reeves Faces Mounting Pressure Pound falls and Rising Borrowing Costs
Rachel Reeves is urgently attempting to calm financial markets as the pound tumbles to its lowest level against the US dollar in over a year, and government borrowing costs continue to soar. Sterling’s decline, coupled with a surge in yields on UK government bonds, has intensified fears that the Chancellor may be forced to hike taxes or slash spending to meet her fiscal commitments. The Treasury maintains that Reeves views her fiscal rules, which include balancing day-to-day spending by 2029, as “non-negotiable.” However, economists warn that with the UK economy grappling with stagnant growth and stubborn inflation, balancing the books without significant fiscal adjustments will be a formidable challenge. This morning, the pound dropped nearly 1% to just below $1.23—its weakest position since November 2023. Yields on 10-year gilts rose by eight basis points to 4.89%, the highest level since 2008, while 30-year gilt yields climbed to 5.39%, their peak since 1998. These moves reflect escalating concerns over government borrowing and the looming specter of stagflation, a grim combination of rising inflation and economic stagnation. Speaker Lindsay Hoyle has accepted an urgent question in the Commons, enabling MPs to question ministers on the unfolding crisis. While bond yields have been rising globally due to economic uncertainty and geopolitical risks, the UK has been hit particularly hard following an October Budget that significantly increased borrowing for infrastructure investments and imposed heavy taxes on businesses to fund spending. The Treasury’s financial headroom has been eroded, with the rise in borrowing costs leaving Labour in a precarious position. Kathleen Brooks, research director at XTB, highlighted the severity of the situation, stating, “The UK's fiscal position continues to look perilous.” She added that while the pace of the bond sell-off has eased slightly, the market remains deeply concerned. “The Chancellor is expected to make a speech in the coming days, where she may focus on public sector spending cuts rather than further tax increases to meet her fiscal rules,” Brooks noted. However, she expressed skepticism about whether Reeves could successfully reassure investors, remarking, “The rhetoric from the Labour government is one reason we are in this mess in the first place, and there are no guarantees that Reeves will be able to calm the market.” The crisis comes at a time when Reeves has only £9.9 billion of fiscal headroom left after the autumn Budget, despite introducing a £40 billion package of tax increases to boost spending. Rising debt interest costs, potentially amounting to an additional £10 billion annually, threaten to derail her plans, with Treasury sources acknowledging that she may need to act as early as March if borrowing costs remain elevated. Shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith sharply criticized the government’s handling of the economy, stating, “Tragically, the gilt markets can see that the Government's growth plan is dead on arrival. It takes a certain level of incompetence to fiddle your fiscal rules and then still risk missing them.” As financial pressures mount, Reeves faces a critical test in managing the UK’s precarious fiscal position and restoring market confidence. Whether through spending cuts, tax adjustments, or other measures, her response in the coming months will be closely scrutinized by both economists and investors. Based on a report by Daily Mail 2024-01-10 -
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Former Marine Daniel Penny Seeks Dismissal of Lawsuit Filed by Subway Victim’s Father
Daniel Penny, a former U.S. Marine who was acquitted of criminal charges in the death of Jordan Neely, has moved to dismiss a civil lawsuit brought against him by Neely's father, Andre Zachary. The legal action stems from an incident on a New York City subway in which Penny placed Neely in a chokehold, an act that ultimately led to Neely's death. In court documents filed on Monday, Penny's legal team denied any liability for civil damages. His lawyer, Steven Raiser, asserted that Neely's own actions were the cause of his death, stating, “All injuries or damages were caused by Neely’s own culpable conduct, negligence, carelessness, and lack of care.” Raiser also criticized the lawsuit, describing it as "ill-conceived," and pledged to defend it with the same determination that secured Penny's acquittal in the criminal case. The fatal incident occurred on May 1, 2023, when Neely, a 30-year-old homeless man and street performer known for impersonating Michael Jackson, began shouting at subway passengers, expressing that he was hungry, thirsty, and suicidal. Penny intervened, placing Neely in a chokehold. Video footage captured Penny holding Neely in the headlock for several minutes, while other passengers restrained Neely’s arms and shoulders. The New York City Chief Medical Examiner’s office later determined that Neely’s cause of death was compression of the neck and classified the death as a homicide. Despite this, a Manhattan jury cleared Penny of criminally negligent homicide in a highly publicized trial. Shortly after the jury's decision, Zachary filed a lawsuit in the New York Supreme Court accusing Penny of negligence, assault, and battery. Zachary, who has described himself as estranged from his son, is seeking monetary damages in an amount that exceeds the jurisdictional limits of lower courts. Penny’s legal team, however, argues that the blame lies with Neely’s behavior and decisions, not with Penny's actions. Raiser emphasized the commitment to contesting the civil claims, saying, “We are committed to defending this ill-conceived civil action brought by Jordan Neely’s estranged father with the same vigor with which we defended the criminal case.” The case continues to draw national attention, highlighting issues surrounding mental health, homelessness, and public safety. For Penny, the legal battle is far from over as the court considers whether Zachary’s claims will proceed. Based on a report by The Hill 2024-01-10 -
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Grooming Networks Persist in Oxford, Warns Former Investigator
A former senior police investigator has revealed that grooming and sexual exploitation of children remain ongoing issues in Oxford. Simon Morton, who led the landmark Operation Bullfinch for Thames Valley Police, has expressed concern that perpetrators who evaded capture during the operation continue their activities, operating openly while recruiting others to participate. Morton warned that grooming is not confined to one location, stating, "It is obvious grooming is happening in every city around the country." This assertion has been supported by another unnamed police source. He criticized the political focus surrounding the issue, claiming it prioritizes debate over meaningful action. "It's naïve to think [grooming] is not still happening, and the political debate is not focused on the problem but on trying to outdo one another," he said. Operation Bullfinch, conducted in 2011, became the largest criminal investigation in Oxford's history. It resulted in the convictions of 21 men for crimes committed between the late 1990s and the late 2000s. Despite the operation's success, Morton highlighted the limitations investigators faced. "We spoke to lots of girls and there were even more offenders or suspects," he explained. "We weren't able to turn some of the girls to talk to us and tell us their story. We took nine men to court, and we had only a small amount of victims come and give evidence. It was much bigger than that." Morton further claimed that while increased awareness of grooming has pushed some offenders underground, it has not eradicated the problem. Survivors of abuse, he said, often struggle to trust authorities, which hinders efforts to uncover and prosecute offenders. On Monday, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced a forthcoming law that would introduce professional or criminal penalties for individuals who fail to report or cover up child sexual abuse. However, many believe this measure alone is insufficient. A survivor of the abuse connected to Operation Bullfinch shared the lasting impact on her life, saying, "My life has been destroyed by this. People need to focus on us and how to stop this and not on scoring points." Efforts to address the issue at a broader level faced a setback this week. A proposed amendment to the government's Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, which would have mandated a national inquiry into grooming gangs, was defeated in Parliament. Thames Valley Police defended its actions, noting the significant outcomes of Operation Bullfinch, including 24 convictions resulting in over 250 years of combined prison sentences. The force also emphasized its ongoing commitment to tackling child exploitation. "There are now more police officers and detectives working in child abuse investigation and the management of sexual offenders, and a new dedicated team monitors all investigations into missing people and identifies patterns or underlying issues," a spokesperson said. The force reaffirmed its prioritization of child exploitation, but Morton’s remarks highlight the challenges that remain in addressing a deeply rooted issue. For many survivors and advocates, the battle to protect vulnerable children from exploitation continues to demand attention, resources, and action. Based on a report by BBC 2024-01-10 Related Topics: Convicted Rochdale Grooming Gang Leader Still in the Town & not Deported Starmer Condemns 'Lies and Misinformation' Over Child Sexual Abuse UK Ex-MP Claims Grooming Gang Ethnicity Was Suppressed to Protect Votes Elon Musk Advocates for Tommy Robinson’s Release Amid Criticism of UK Leadership Kemi Badenoch Urges National Inquiry into UK Grooming Scandal -
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Metropolitan Police Investigated Over Handling of Mohamed Al Fayed Allegations
The Metropolitan Police are under scrutiny for their handling of allegations against Mohamed Al Fayed, the late former Harrods owner accused of sexually abusing over 100 individuals, including victims as young as 13. Despite the significant number of claims, no charges were brought against Al Fayed before his death in 2023 at the age of 94. The Met is now reviewing 21 allegations reported in the 18 years leading up to Al Fayed’s death. In November 2023, the force made two voluntary referrals to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) following complaints from two victims regarding investigations into their reports in 2008. These complaints will be investigated by the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards under the IOPC’s direction. Steve Noonan, the IOPC’s director of operations, explained the rationale for the directed investigation, emphasizing the potential for a broader inquiry. “Our sympathies are with all the victim-survivors who reported allegations against Mr. Al Fayed. There is widespread public concern around this case, with a significant number of allegations reported over many years while Mr. Al Fayed was still alive,” Noonan stated. He underscored the importance of identifying any failings or missed opportunities in the handling of the 2008 reports. “It’s important that an investigation is carried out into these complaints to identify if there were any missed opportunities or failures by officers to properly investigate these reports made back in 2008. The complainants will be kept regularly updated throughout the investigation.” The Met confirmed that the investigation into the two complaints is separate from their wider review of the 21 historical allegations. A spokesman for the Met said, “We are committed to thoroughly reviewing all information relating to allegations in the case of Mohamed Al Fayed and [will] take the necessary steps to ensure accountability and public confidence in our processes. Given the sensitivity of this matter, and the current review, we cannot comment further at this time, but we are committed to openly sharing our findings as soon as we are able to and where this won’t jeopardize criminal or other proceedings.” The allegations against Al Fayed span decades, with the Met confirming they are also investigating over five individuals who may have facilitated his alleged crimes between 1977 and 2014. Files were sent to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in 2008 concerning three victims, with further submissions in 2015, 2018, 2021, and 2023 for investigative advice. None of these led to charges. The investigation now aims to shed light on whether systemic failings within the police force hindered justice for victims. The case has sparked public concern and renewed calls for greater accountability and transparency in handling historical abuse allegations. Based on a report by The Times 2024-01-10 -
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David Lammy Criticizes Sajid Javid for Remarks on Ethnicity of Grooming Gangs
David Lammy once claimed that condemning the ethnicity of grooming gangs “panders to the far-Right.” The remarks came after Sajid Javid, then serving as home secretary, commented on the conviction of 20 men, primarily of Pakistani heritage, involved in a series of heinous crimes in Huddersfield in 2018. The convicted men were responsible for a horrific catalogue of rape and abuse against young girls, some as young as 11 years old. The impact on the victims was devastating, with one attempting suicide, another undergoing an abortion, and two victims living with learning disabilities. After the trials concluded on October 19, 2018, Javid expressed his condemnation of the perpetrators. He stated: “These sick Asian paedophiles are finally facing justice. I want to commend the bravery of the victims. For too long, they were ignored. Not on my watch. There will be no no-go areas.” However, Javid’s comments drew criticism from several quarters, including Lammy, who was then a backbench Labour MP. In an interview with *The Guardian*, Lammy said, “Sajid Javid has brought a great office of state into disrepute. By singling out ‘Asians,’ he not only panders to the far-Right but increases the risk of violence and abuse against minorities across the country.” Javid, himself of British Pakistani heritage, later doubled down on his remarks, expressing anger at the actions of the perpetrators. “I was angry that Pakistani members of grooming gangs have disgraced our heritage,” he said, adding that there “must be some cultural connection” contributing to the disproportionate number of offenders of Pakistani origin in such cases. He subsequently ordered the Home Office to conduct research into the issue. In response to these remarks, Lammy remained critical. Sharing Javid’s comments on social media, he questioned the selective framing of the issue. “When historic sexual abuse was found across the establishment media, did he say it disgraced British cultural heritage? No,” Lammy said. “Because Sajid Javid plays only to the gallery on the hard-Right of his party for his own electoral ambitions.” The exchange highlighted divisions over how to address the sensitive issue of grooming gangs while avoiding stigmatizing entire communities. For Lammy, singling out ethnicity risked fueling discrimination, whereas Javid argued for confronting uncomfortable cultural factors contributing to such crimes. The debate remains a flashpoint in discussions on crime, justice, and community relations in the UK. Based on a report by Daily Telegraph 2024-01-10 Related Topics: Convicted Rochdale Grooming Gang Leader Still in the Town & not Deported Starmer Condemns 'Lies and Misinformation' Over Child Sexual Abuse UK Ex-MP Claims Grooming Gang Ethnicity Was Suppressed to Protect Votes Elon Musk Advocates for Tommy Robinson’s Release Amid Criticism of UK Leadership Kemi Badenoch Urges National Inquiry into UK Grooming Scandal
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