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CBS Renewal Status Report: ‘The Equalizer’, ‘NCIS: Hawai’i’, ‘Elsbeth’, ‘CSI: Vegas’ & ‘So Help Me Todd’

Third in a series on broadcast network series renewals. CBS faces tough decisions as it plans to introduce three new drama series next season. With several renewals and cancellations in the mix, the network’s fall schedule is set to undergo significant changes.

Quick Facts

• CBS is set to introduce three new drama series next season, impacting the fate of existing shows such as The Equalizer, NCIS: Hawai’i, Elsbeth, So Help Me Todd, and CSI: Vegas.
• The Equalizer is expected to be renewed for a fifth season, pending final negotiations with lead actress Queen Latifah.
• NCIS: Hawai’i is the strongest performer among the remaining dramas, but faces tough competition due to the crowded NCIS field.

CBS is gearing up for a significant overhaul of its drama series lineup, with several renewals and cancellations on the horizon. The fate of shows such as The Equalizer, NCIS: Hawai’i, Elsbeth, So Help Me Todd, and CSI: Vegas hangs in the balance as the network prepares to introduce three new drama series next season. The Equalizer, currently ranked No.7 among all non-sports broadcast programs, is expected to be renewed for a fifth season pending final negotiations with lead actress Queen Latifah. Negotiations with Latifah are in the final stages, and the series is likely to see an increase in the number of episodes next season. Elsbeth, one of the best-reviewed broadcast drama series, is also expected to continue on CBS next season. Among the remaining dramas, NCIS: Hawai’i is the strongest performer, but faces tough competition due to the crowded NCIS field.

The network is expected to make some tough decisions as it prepares to present its fall schedule on May 2. The fate of Elsbeth, which only debuted a month and a half ago, may be delayed until after the upfronts. The future of NCIS: Hawai’i is uncertain, given the crowded NCIS field and financial pressures on the network. So Help Me Todd and CSI: Vegas are also considered heavily on the bubble, with their viewership numbers putting both shows in grave danger. Despite the challenges, CBS is set to introduce two new comedy series next season, along with renewals for existing shows.

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Prince Harry Declares United States as Primary Residence

**Prince Harry** has officially declared the United States as his new primary residence, as revealed in recent business filings in the United Kingdom. The Duke of Sussex amended his filings for Travalyst, his sustainable tourism initiative, to reflect his usual residence in the US, rather than the UK. The documents also show that he holds at least 75 per cent of the voting rights in the company, either directly or indirectly.

Quick Facts

• Prince Harry has declared the United States as his primary residence in business filings in the UK.
• He amended his filings for Travalyst, his sustainable tourism initiative, to reflect his usual residence in the US, rather than the UK.
• The Duke and Duchess of Sussex relocated to Meghan’s home state of California in 2020 after stepping back as working royals and quitting Britain.

Documents lodged with Companies House reveal that the Duke’s change of primary residence to the US was dated from June 29, 2023, but only registered on electronic filings this week. This amendment comes after the Duke and Duchess relocated to Meghan’s home state of California in 2020 after stepping back as working royals and quitting Britain. The Duke’s business filings for Travalyst now reflect his primary residence as the USA, a significant shift from the previous listing of the United Kingdom.

The change in residence is noted to coincide with the time the Sussexes were asked by King Charles to vacate Frogmore Cottage, a property on the Windsor Estate gifted to them by the late Queen following their marriage. This move has prompted speculation about the Duke’s sentiments regarding his relocation and his ties with the UK. The Duke’s recent business filings, along with his legal battles and plans to apply for US citizenship, indicate a strong intention to make the United States his permanent home.

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Morgan Wallen’s Song with Eric Church Reaches No. 1 as He Prepares for Ole Miss Concert After Arrest

**Morgan Wallen** prepares for his return to the stage following his Nashville arrest, as his song “Man Made a Bar,” featuring Eric Church, reaches No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, garnering over 31 million audience impressions for the week of April 5-11. The song, released in 2023, marks Wallen’s 14th No. 1 single and gives Church his 12th No. 1 song. Despite the recent arrest, artist branding and crisis communications expert Holly Baird exclusively told Fox News Digital that Wallen’s career “remains on a path of redemption and growth.”

Quick Facts

• Wallen’s song “Man Made a Bar” featuring Eric Church reaches No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart.
• Released in 2023, the song marks Wallen’s 14th No. 1 single and gives Church his 12th No. 1 song.
• Despite the recent arrest, Wallen’s career is seen as being on a path of redemption and growth.

Fans will be waiting to hear if Wallen addresses the April 7 incident in which he was charged with three felony counts by the Metro Nashville Police Department after a chair he allegedly threw off the roof of the six-story Chief’s bar landed on Broadway near two police officers. Wallen’s attorney, Worrick Robinson, told Fox News Digital that he is cooperating fully with authorities. He is scheduled to perform Saturday on the University of Mississippi campus, his first show since the arrest.

Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin poked fun at Wallen with a photo on X, formerly Twitter, of a stadium transformed into a concert venue. The show at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium also marks his return to Ole Miss after last year’s mishap. Wallen abruptly canceled his performance after the opening acts had already finished and just minutes before he was slated to take the stage.

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Ridiculousness writers have achieved their first contract after unionizing under WGAW.

Quick Facts

• The writers of MTV’s Ridiculousness have secured their first contract after organizing under the Writers Guild of America West.
• The deal covers all writing staff, including creative consultants, supervising producers, and the showrunner.
• The agreement includes minimum compensation, residuals, pension and health benefits, full season employment guarantees, and regulation of AI-generated written material.

The writers of MTV’s Ridiculousness have successfully bargained their first contract after organizing under the Writers Guild of America West (WGAW). After the writers voted to organize last year, the union announced Wednesday that they had achieved a deal covering all writing staff, including creative consultants, supervising producers, and the showrunner. WGAW President Meredith Stiehm expressed pride in welcoming them into the union. The deal includes minimum compensation per the WGA Minimum Basic Agreement, residuals in basic cable and other reuse markets, WGA pension and health benefits, full season employment guarantees, regulation of the use of AI-generated written material, a grievance and arbitration procedure, and holiday pay. Additionally, all staffers will receive retroactive back pay, pension and health contributions, and residuals from October 23 to the present.

The writers also expressed their excitement about the new contract. Ridiculousness writer Ryan Conner stated, “We’re all thrilled with what we’ve won by sticking together and to finally be recognized for the value of our contribution to the show.” The writers held an election with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in September 2023 to unionize under the WGA, seeking better working conditions, including improved pay and residuals.

Ridiculousness, hosted by Rob Dyrdek, has aired over 1,200 episodes across 34 seasons since its launch in 2011. The clip show is known for featuring various viral videos, with Dyrdek and his panelists mocking and reacting to them. The show has also spawned spinoffs, including Amazingness, Deliciousness, Adorableness, and Messyness.

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Republicans Question Columbia Leaders on Antisemitism in Heated Hearing

Following a “Gaza Solidarity Encampment” set up by students at Columbia University demanding divestment and an end to complicity in genocide, the university’s president faced intense questioning by a congressional panel on antisemitism among the student body. Read the full article here.

Quick Facts

• Republican-led House Committee on Education and the Workforce grilled Columbia leaders on antisemitism.
• Jewish students have been assaulted and spat on, while pro-Palestinian students have chanted slogans such as “Death to the Zionist state.”
• Columbia officials faced scrutiny for their response to antisemitic incidents on campus.

Several Columbia administrators were questioned by the committee, with a focus on the university’s handling of antisemitic incidents. Republican members expressed concerns about the safety of Jewish students and the university’s response to antisemitism.

Minouche Shafik, Claire Shipman, David Greenwald, and David Schizer were grilled by the committee members, who raised questions about the university’s policies and response to incidents of antisemitism. The panel specifically addressed the recent assaults on Jewish students and the chanting of anti-Zionist slogans by pro-Palestinian students.

During the hearing, the administrators emphasized their commitment to enforcing policies against antisemitic actions and ensuring the safety of Jewish students. They also discussed disciplinary measures taken against students involved in such incidents and the need for consistent enforcement of campus policies.

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**More than a trillion** noisy, inch-long cicadas are set to emerge from underground this spring to embark on the final leg of their lifetimes, in a massive co-emergence that hasn’t been seen in more than 200 years. Cicadas that are part of both a 13-year and a 17-year brood will emerge at the same time this spring. It will be the first time since 1803—when Thomas Jefferson was President—that these particular broods simultaneously tunnel up from their burrows to find a mate and make way for the next generation of cicadas.

Quick Facts

• **Trillion cicadas** set to emerge from underground for a massive co-emergence.
• First simultaneous emergence of **13-year and 17-year broods** since 1803.
• Periodical cicadas to emerge across more than 10 states in the eastern and midwestern U.S.

Cicadas will be visible in a number of states including Iowa, Illinois, Georgia, Tennessee, and others. But you don’t need to worry that your neighborhood will be inundated with a greater number of cicadas than in past years; the two broods live across different regions—Brood XIII in the north and Brood XIX in the south— according to the University of Connecticut, meaning people are unlikely to witness both broods at the same time.

Here’s an animated look at what will happen in the upcoming emergence of Brood XIX and Brood XIII.

**Cicada nymphs emerge**

Once the soil temperature near the cicadas’ home reaches about 64 degrees Fahrenheit or greater, the insects begin to climb through their exit holes.

**Time to molt**

That same night, cicadas transform from nymphs, or their sexually immature phase, to adults. The cicadas molt into their new form by shedding their final exoskeleton. (The species already underwent this shedding process four times while living underground, according to Arizona State University.)

**Their exoskeleton hardens**

Cicadas must keep a low profile in the hours after they molt to avoid being eaten by predators while their new exoskeleton hardens. Afterwards, they begin looking for mates to reproduce in a ritual that will take place six to 10 days later.

**Buzzing calls for mates**

Male cicadas are known for their deafening mating call, which in 2021 was reported to reach as high as 90 to 100 decibels, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The sound is caused by the vibration of their tymbal, an organ that rests on the side of their abdomen. Since the cicadas emerge all at once, their sound is hard to miss, but the CDC advises folks not to fret. The sound does not cause hearing loss because other factors, like noise duration and exposure distance, have to be taken into account.

**Predators feast on the insects**

A number of predators—birds, bears, fish, raccoons, turtles, and even some humans—love to eat cicadas, which are in the same family as the stink bug. While many will die as a tasty snack, the number of cicadas set to emerge is so large that predators will not make a significant dent in their population.

**Females lay their eggs**

After mating, female cicadas use their ovipositor—a spear-like structure—to slice into small trees, shrubs, and even grapevines. It allows the insect to make small slits into the twigs or branches and lay nests of tens of eggs at a time. (This process does not cause any serious damage to the plant.) Females lay anywhere from 400 to 600 eggs before they begin to die and their bodies become fertilizer for the soil around them.

**From the eggs, nymphs hatch**

Six to eight weeks after the eggs are laid, the nymphs hatch and fall to the earth. The tiny nymphs then dig to the plant’s roots where they will live for the next 13 or 17 years, depending on the type of brood.

**It’s a regional affair**

Periodical cicadas will emerge across more than 10 states this spring, but their habitat spans across the eastern and midwestern U.S. Brood XIX is geographically the largest of all broods, living from Maryland to Georgia and Iowa to Oklahoma. The next emergence will happen in 2025, with Brood XIV.

The post An Animated Guide to the Rare 2024 Cicada Co-Emergence appeared first on TIME.

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Bitcoin’s dominance of the crypto sector has reached a three-year high, standing at almost 55% of the $2.4 trillion market for virtual currencies. This surge in dominance is attributed to robust demand for US exchange-traded funds holding the largest digital asset and a challenging period for smaller tokens.

Quick Facts

• Bitcoin’s dominance in the crypto market has reached a three-year high, accounting for almost 55% of the $2.4 trillion market for virtual currencies.
• The surge in dominance is partly due to robust demand for US exchange-traded funds holding the largest digital asset.
• Bitcoin’s dominance has been accompanied by a challenging period for smaller tokens, with a gauge of smaller digital assets sinking more than 30%.

Bitcoin’s dominance in the crypto market has reached a three-year high, with its share at almost 55% of the $2.4 trillion market for virtual currencies. This surge in dominance is attributed to robust demand for US exchange-traded funds holding the largest digital asset and a challenging period for smaller tokens. The next largest by that metric are Ether, stablecoin Tether, the Binance exchange’s native token BNB, and Solana.

The batch of three-month-old US spot ETFs from issuers including BlackRock Inc. and Fidelity Investments have amassed about $56 billion in assets to date, ranking as one of the most successful debuts ever for a fund category. The inflows helped propel Bitcoin to a mid-March record of $73,798. While the token has retreated roughly 6% since then, a gauge of smaller digital assets has sunk more than 30%. The drop coincided with reduced expectations for the kind of looser US monetary policy settings that can fuel speculative gains.

Allocations to the US ETFs by institutional investors have “resulted in Bitcoin performing very strongly relative to the rest of the market,” said Benjamin Celermajer, director at digital-asset investment manager Magnet Capital. Bitcoin and second-ranked Ether jumped on Monday, boosted by indications that asset managers will soon launch Hong Kong-listed ETFs for both tokens. Bitcoin was down around 1% to $63,500 as of 2:35 p.m. in New York, while Ether added about 1% to $3,094. Smaller tokens such as Polygon, Cardano were lower, along with meme-crown favorite Dogecoin.

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USC’s decision to cancel Muslim valedictorian Asna Tabassum’s speech has sparked tensions on campus. The announcement of Tabassum’s selection as valedictorian had initially uplifted the spirits of many students, but the subsequent cancellation due to security concerns related to the Middle East conflict has led to widespread dismay.

Quick Facts

• Students at USC were disappointed when the university canceled Muslim valedictorian Asna Tabassum’s speech due to security concerns.
• University officials cited escalating tensions related to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East as the reason for the cancellation.
• Tabassum’s supporters believe the university’s decision is unjust and are questioning the validity of the security concerns.

Following the announcement of Tabassum’s valedictorian status, USC Provost Andrew Guzman rescinded her invitation to speak at graduation, citing security concerns over tensions related to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The decision was met with disappointment and disbelief by many students, who had seen Tabassum’s selection as a positive step towards inclusivity and representation on campus.

Supporters of Tabassum, including first-year student Danica Gonzalez, have expressed skepticism about the university’s justification for the cancellation. They argue that the university should be able to provide adequate security for the event, especially given its history of hosting high-profile figures such as former President Barack Obama and his family.

The controversy surrounding Tabassum’s selection as valedictorian intensified when pro-Israel and Jewish groups raised concerns about her social media activity, particularly a post advocating for Palestinian rights. This led to accusations of antisemitism and calls for the university to reconsider its decision. The incident has underscored the broader tensions and divisions on college campuses in light of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

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Superman: Neva Howell To Play Ma Kent In James Gunn DC Movie

Georgia born actress Neva Howell has been cast as Martha Kent, Clark Kent’s adoptive Earth mother, in Warner Bros/DC Studio’s Superman directed by James Gunn. Pruitt Taylor Vince has also been announced to play the role of Pa Kent, Martha’s husband. The movie, slated for release on July 11, 2025, features an ensemble cast including Nicholas Hoult, Rachel Brosnahan, and Nathan Fillion.

Quick Facts

• Neva Howell cast as Martha Kent in James Gunn’s Superman
• Pruitt Taylor Vince to play Pa Kent
• Superman set to hit theaters on July 11, 2025

Howell’s previous credits include appearances in Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Long Haul, Logan Lucky, and My Fellow Americans. Superman marks the first film in Gunn and Peter Safran’s revived DC Universe titled “Gods and Monsters”. The movie, according to Gunn, will not focus on an origins story but instead delve into Superman’s efforts to balance his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing.

Warner Bros has released seven Superman movies, collectively grossing $2.8 billion at the global box office. The upcoming film promises to offer a fresh perspective on the iconic superhero, emphasizing his embodiment of truth, justice, and the American way.

The original article can be found here.

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Dog Abandoned in Australian Park With Heartbreaking Note on Collar

An abandoned dog was found with a heartbreaking note attached to his collar at an Australian park in January, just one instance of thousands the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has dealt with over the past year. The note left on Charlie, a 1-year-old American Staffordshire, said he could not stay at his previous location as the owner feared for his safety. The RSPCA Queensland wrote in an April 10 Instagram post that the situation is “incredibly sad” for Charlie and the family.

Quick Facts

• An abandoned dog, Charlie, was discovered with a note on his collar in an Australian park in January.
• The note stated that Charlie’s previous owner feared for his safety, prompting the abandonment.
• Following his ordeal, Charlie was taken in by a foster family.

The note left on Charlie revealed that his previous owners had to leave him behind for their own safety and his. They feared that staying in his previous location would have led to harm and homelessness for the family. Charlie’s gentle nature was described in the note, and it was soon noticed by RSPCA Queensland that he needed time to feel comfortable around people.

After some time in the shelter, he began to relax and showed his super affectionate and eager-to-please nature. A foster family stepped up to take him in and give him a break from shelter life. This heartbreaking story is not uncommon, as the RSPCA has seen a surge in abandonment calls, linked in part to cost-of-living increases. Since April 2023, RSPCA QLD has received 2,186 reports of dogs being abandoned or abandoned with other welfare concerns.

Charlie’s story stirred emotions among the public, garnering over 1,480 likes and 40 comments on Instagram, where viewers expressed their sympathies for his plight and the unfortunate reality faced by many animals. This heartrending account serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of animals in such circumstances.

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Nolte: Shuttered Studio Participant Discovers Social Justice Movies Don’t Sell

Quick Facts

• Participant film studio is shutting down after 20 years, resulting in the loss of 100 jobs.
• Over two decades, Participant produced more than 130 titles, including both successful and unsuccessful movies.
• Participant’s catalog of films failed to produce movies with high rewatchability value, largely due to their focus on propaganda.

After 20 years of producing movies that struggled to attract audiences, film studio Participant has announced its closure, leading to the loss of 100 jobs. The studio’s catalog includes over 130 titles, with a mix of successful and unsuccessful movies. Notably, Participant’s focus on producing propaganda-heavy films has resulted in a lack of rewatchability value for most of its content.

Quick Facts

• Participant film studio is shutting down after 20 years, resulting in the loss of 100 jobs.
• Over two decades, Participant produced more than 130 titles, including both successful and unsuccessful movies.
• Participant’s catalog of films failed to produce movies with high rewatchability value, largely due to their focus on propaganda.

Participant’s catalog of films is a mix of both successful and unsuccessful titles, with a focus on social justice and political themes. While some movies like “An Inconvenient Truth” achieved recognition, the studio also faced numerous flops, including a sequel to the same movie. Despite occasional successful titles such as “Bridge of Spies” and “Lincoln,” the majority of Participant’s productions were criticized for their heavy reliance on propaganda, resulting in limited rewatchability.

One of the studio’s biggest hits, “An Inconvenient Truth,” was highlighted as an example of a well-made documentary. However, the majority of Participant’s content was deemed as propaganda, lacking the rewatchability value that successful documentaries offer. This trend reflects the broader issue within Hollywood, where the focus on woke content has led to a surplus of movies and TV shows with limited rewatchability, ultimately impacting the industry’s revenue streams.

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Donald Trump Criticizes Jimmy Kimmel Over Oscars Confusion

Jimmy Kimmel made headlines today after he teased Donald Trump for confusing him with Al Pacino, reigniting a feud that began with Trump’s criticism of Kimmel’s performance as the host of the Academy Awards. The Oscars took place more than a month ago, but Trump’s social media post continues to stir controversy.

Quick Facts

• Former President Donald Trump criticized Jimmy Kimmel for his performance as the Oscars host on his social media platform, Truth Social.
• Trump accused Kimmel of suffering from “TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME” and criticized his handling of the “Picture of the Year” announcement at the Oscars.
• Jimmy Kimmel responded to Trump’s comments with humor and retweeted a Biden campaign message criticizing Trump’s error-riddled rant.

Donald Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to criticize Jimmy Kimmel’s performance as the host of the Academy Awards. In his post, Trump accused Kimmel of suffering from “TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME” and claimed that Kimmel made a classic choke during the Oscars, forgetting to announce the winner of “Picture of the Year.” Kimmel, however, responded to Trump’s criticism with humor, suggesting that many stable geniuses confuse him with Al Pacino. The exchange of jabs between the former president and the late-night host sparked a social media frenzy, with Kimmel also retweeting a Biden campaign message that criticized Trump’s error-riddled rant.

At the Oscars ceremony, Kimmel did read out Trump’s criticism from the stage, but when it came to the Best Picture winner, it was Al Pacino who announced the winner as Oppenheimer. This incident reignited the feud between Trump and Kimmel, leading to a public exchange of jabs and social media posts.

This recent exchange serves as a reminder that the fallout from Kimmel’s Oscars hosting continues to make headlines more than a month after the event took place. It also highlights the ongoing public sparring between Trump and Kimmel, with both parties using social media to air their grievances and criticisms.

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Google Fires 28 Employees Over Protest of Israeli Cloud Contract

**Google** on Wednesday fired 28 workers after dozens of employees participated in sit-ins at the company’s New York and Sunnyvale, Calif., offices to protest the company’s cloud computing contract with the **Israeli** government. Read more

Quick Facts

• Google fired 28 employees following sit-ins at its New York and Sunnyvale offices protesting the company’s cloud computing contract with the Israeli government.
• Nine employees were arrested on charges of trespassing at the two offices a day earlier.
• Employees expressed concern over Project Nimbus, a $1.2 billion Google and Amazon deal to supply the Israeli government with cloud services.

Years before the dismissals, tensions had been simmering between the company’s management and some activist employees over **Project Nimbus**, a $1.2 billion Google and Amazon deal to supply the **Israeli** government with cloud services, such as artificial intelligence.

That discord had deepened since the war in Gaza began in October. Google recently fired an employee who disrupted an Israeli technology conference in New York. And the company is even planning to make changes to a corporate forum because employees were bickering about the conflict.

Google said it would continue to investigate the Tuesday protests. In Sunnyvale, employees refused to leave the office of Thomas Kurian, the chief executive of Google Cloud.

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Business Case for Switching to Electric Vehicles Grows

Demand for electric vehicles (EVs) is slowing for average Canadians, but new data suggests businesses should seriously consider changing their fleet. A new report from Canadian telematics firm Geotab examined data from more than 750,000 light-duty commercial vehicles in North America and Europe and found 41 per cent of their internal combustion engines (ICE) were considered cost-effective and range capable of an EV transition, which would provide an average savings of $16,000 per vehicle over seven years. Overall, the report found 75 per cent of analyzed light-duty ICE vehicles could be replaced with an EV today, without infrastructure upgrades or charging improvements, while 81 per cent of medium-duty ICE vehicles and 58 per cent of heavy-duty trucks have daily usage within the range of commercial EVs currently on the market. Read More

Quick Facts

• A new report from Geotab suggests 75% of light-duty ICE vehicles could be replaced with an EV today, without infrastructure upgrades or charging improvements.
• Geotab’s analysis found that 41% of internal combustion engines (ICE) in commercial vehicles were considered cost-effective and range capable of an EV transition, providing an average savings of $16,000 per vehicle over seven years.
• AutoTrader’s recent report revealed that only 46% of Canadians are interested in buying an EV as their next vehicle, despite falling EV prices.

Geotab’s report highlights the potential for businesses to transition to commercial EVs, with significant cost savings and environmental benefits. The analysis found that many fleet applications and duty cycles could be fulfilled by an EV, presenting a compelling case for a zero-emission transition. Additionally, the report suggests that transitioning cost-effective light-duty ICE vehicles to EVs could save 8.3 million liters of fuel and 19 million metric tons of CO2 emissions over the next seven years.

On the other hand, personal EV demand among Canadians is declining, as revealed by a recent report from AutoTrader. Despite falling EV prices, only 46% of Canadians are interested in purchasing an EV as their next vehicle, down from 56% in 2023 and 68% in 2022. Supply chain issues in the EV industry are easing, with inventory levels up 145% year-over-year and overall growth in new EVs up 522%. However, skepticism about Canada’s zero-emissions goals and potential political changes are contributing to the decline in personal EV demand.

The methodology used by Geotab involved analyzing the driving patterns of light-duty ICE vehicles in North America and Europe over one year. The study considered the range capability and total cost of ownership of EVs compared to new ICE vehicle replacements. AutoTrader’s data was collected via an online survey, revealing a decline in Canadian interest in purchasing EVs despite falling prices and increased inventory levels.

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China’s attempts to access critical infrastructure in the United States with the intention of threatening these systems in potential conflict scenarios were highlighted by the National Security Agency director, Gen. Timothy D. Haugh. According to him, China has intensified its cyberefforts, prompting the U.S. to respond with increased efforts to counteract this activity.

Quick Facts

• China attempting to access critical infrastructure in the U.S. for potential threat in conflicts
• U.S. officials discovered China’s efforts to access infrastructure in Guam and the continental U.S.
• China focused on securing access to critical networks in preparation for direct confrontations

General Haugh mentioned that China had been targeting critical infrastructure in Guam and the continental U.S., dubbing the intrusions as Volt Typhoon. This was the result of a methodical approach adopted by China, aiming to place these systems under threat. He expressed concern over China’s activities, particularly its securing of access on critical networks ahead of potential direct confrontations between the two countries.

According to General Haugh, China is signaling intentions to leverage cyberspace in a crisis, particularly by disrupting or shutting down critical infrastructure near military bases. This tactic is seen as a means to sow chaos and impede response time to a crisis in the Pacific region or over Taiwan. He described China as an “urgent military threat” and stressed the increasing sophistication of its cyberabilities, highlighting its pursuit of global dominance through cutting-edge technologies.

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TikTok Legislation Tied to Foreign Aid for Ukraine and Israel

The House has introduced legislation that would require the sale of TikTok by its Chinese owner or ban the app in the United States, in conjunction with a package of foreign aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The bill includes an option to extend the deadline for a sale to nine months from the original six months.

Quick Facts

• The House introduced legislation to force the sale of TikTok by its Chinese owner or ban the app in the United States, alongside a package of foreign aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.
• The new legislation includes an option to extend the deadline for a sale to nine months from the original six months, with the potential for a further 90-day extension.
• The House is expected to vote on the package, including the TikTok ban, on Saturday, with President Biden indicating his willingness to sign the legislation into law if it reaches his desk.

House lawmakers are set to vote on a package of legislation that includes the TikTok ban and other bills popular with Republicans, aiming to encourage support for the foreign aid measures. If passed, the legislation will be sent as a single bill to the Senate, where it could be voted on soon after. President Biden has expressed his readiness to sign the TikTok legislation into law.

The move to package TikTok legislation with foreign aid is considered unusual but has the potential to succeed, according to Paul Gallant, a policy analyst for the financial services firm TD Cowen. The legislation represents the most aggressive effort by legislators to address national security concerns related to TikTok’s Chinese ownership.

The House bill faced skepticism in the Senate over concerns about its legal viability, prompting an aggressive lobbying effort and weeks of pressure on senators to advance the bill. By bundling the TikTok legislation with high-profile aid for Ukraine and Israel, House leaders are seeking to compel action from the Senate.

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Alvin Bragg Unveils Trial Strategy Against Donald Trump

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has revealed his trial plan against former President Donald Trump in the criminal hush money case. Trump faces charges of falsifying business records related to hush money paid to adult-film star Stormy Daniels during his 2016 presidential campaign. The trial marks the first time a former U.S. president has faced a criminal case.

Quick Facts

• Alvin Bragg is leading the trial against Donald Trump in the criminal hush money case.
• Trump is accused of falsifying business records related to hush money paid to Stormy Daniels during his 2016 presidential campaign.
• Trump has pleaded not guilty to all charges and claims the case against him is politically motivated.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has unveiled the trial strategy against former President Donald Trump in the criminal hush money case. The charges relate to hush money paid to adult-film star Stormy Daniels during Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign. This marks the first time a former U.S. president has faced a criminal trial. Trump, the presumptive 2024 Republican presidential nominee, has pleaded not guilty to all charges, alleging the case against him is politically motivated.

Following an investigation by Bragg’s office, Trump was indicted in March 2023 on charges of falsifying business records. The trial plan was revealed as prosecutors filed their “Sandoval” notice, which discloses all “misconduct and criminal acts of the defendant” that they intend to use at trial to impeach Trump’s credibility. Notable items on the list include New York Attorney General Letitia James’ civil fraud case and the E. Jean Carroll civil defamation case. If Trump decides to testify, the people will intend to inquire regarding the listed misconducts and criminal acts.

In February, Judge Arthur Engoron ruled in favor of James’ lawsuit against Trump, his sons, Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., and The Trump Organization. The ruling requires the former president to pay $454 million, including $355 million in penalties plus nearly $100 million in interest. Trump maintains his innocence and is fighting the ruling through appeal, branding the overall case and trial against him as a politically motivated witch hunt.

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A cyberattack has disrupted the New York State budget process, which is already 16 days late. The attack affected the New York State Bill Drafting Commission, slowing down the legislative process and forcing the state to revert to outdated computer systems from the 1990s.

Quick Facts

• The cyberattack has delayed the New York State budget process, which is already 16 days late.
• The attack affected the New York State Bill Drafting Commission, disrupting the legislative process.
• Governor Kathy Hochul stated that the attack may force the state to use antiquated computer systems from the 1990s.

The cyberattack on the New York State Bill Drafting Commission has caused significant disruption to the legislative process as the state struggles to finalize its budget, already more than two weeks overdue. Governor Kathy Hochul revealed that the attack is expected to slow down the legislative side, necessitating the use of outdated computer systems from the 1990s. The attack’s impact on the budget process remains uncertain, with the state’s cybersecurity team investigating the incident to determine its extent and potential political motivations.

Despite concerns raised by Governor Hochul, representatives for the State Legislature have downplayed the potential disruption caused by the cyberattack. Mike Whyland, a spokesman for the Democratic majority in the State Assembly, emphasized that staff continue to work regularly with both houses to address the issue and ensure minimal delays. However, the administration declined to provide further details on the ongoing investigation into the attack, leaving the situation shrouded in uncertainty.

Sanjay Goel, a professor of Information Security and Digital Forensics at the University at Albany, highlighted the potential motivations behind such cyberattacks, citing disrupters seeking chaos and nation states aiming to interfere in democratic processes. He emphasized the need to ascertain the attacker’s identity and the extent of the damage caused, raising concerns about the vulnerability of state systems to future attacks. The attack has sparked widespread speculation and concern in the State Capitol, with various theories circulating about the potential perpetrators and their motives.

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Democrats have shut down the Senate trial of President Joe Biden’s impeached homeland security chief Alejandro Mayorkas. The vote, initiated by Majority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), declared the first article of impeachment as “unconstitutional.”

Quick Facts

• Senate Democrats voted unanimously to shut down the Senate trial of Alejandro Mayorkas.
• Republican senators proposed motions to extend the trial period, but each proposal was defeated.
• Democrats want to minimize public recognition of the damage caused by Mayorkas’s refusal to enforce immigration laws.

Senate Democrats unanimously voted to shut down the Senate trial of President Joe Biden’s impeached homeland security chief Alejandro Mayorkas. The vote, initiated by Majority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), declared that the first article of impeachment was “unconstitutional” because the charges against Mayorkas did not rise to the impeachable level of “high crimes.” The vote was delayed while Republican senators proposed motions to extend the trial period. Each proposal was defeated with a party line score of 51 to 49. Immediately after the vote, Schumer proposed a vote to take down the second article of impeachment, which said that Mayorkas lied to Congress about border security or a “Breach of Public Trust.” Republican legislators say the Democrats want to minimize public recognition of the damage caused by Mayorkas’s refusal to enforce the nation’s popular and beneficial immigration laws. “The evidence is devastating,” Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) told Fox News. “It will gut them like a fish.” Mayorkas has repeatedly explained that he supports more migration because of his migrant parents, his sympathy for migrants, and his support for “equity” between Americans and foreigners. He also justifies his welcome for migrants by saying his priorities are above the law and claiming that the “needs” of U.S. business are paramount — regardless of the cost to ordinary Americans, the impact on U.S. children, or Americans’ rational opposition.

These are the faces of Americans who lost their lives at the hands of criminal illegal aliens who were allowed to roam our country under Joe Biden. The same administration would want nothing more than to get rid of voter ID so these illegals can vote. Chip Roy and Speaker…

Read more on DNyuz

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Grief in Gaza: Palestinian Woman’s Mourning Image Wins World Press Photo Award

A haunting image of a grieving Palestinian woman embracing the body of her little niece, who was killed in an Israeli strike in the Gaza Strip, won the 2024 World Press Photo of the Year Award on Thursday. The photograph taken by the Reuters news agency’s Mohammed Salem shows Inas Abu Maamar cradling the body of five-year-old Saly, who was killed with her mother and sister when a missile hit their home in Khan Younis, in southern Gaza, in October. Salem was in Khan Younis’s Nasser Hospital on October 17 when he saw Abu Maamar, 36, sobbing and tightly holding the shrouded body of her niece in the morgue. The picture was taken 10 days after the start of the current conflict, following the attack by the Palestinian group Hamas in southern Israel.

Quick Facts

• The image of a grieving Palestinian woman embracing the body of her little niece won the 2024 World Press Photo of the Year Award.
• The photograph was taken by Mohammed Salem of the Reuters news agency in Khan Younis, Gaza.
• The picture was taken 10 days after the start of the current conflict, following the attack by the Palestinian group Hamas in southern Israel.

Salem quoted, “It was a powerful and a sad moment and I felt the picture sums up the broader sense of what was happening in the Gaza Strip.” World Press Photo quoted Salem as saying. “It is a really profoundly affecting image,” said Fiona Shields, jury chairwoman. “Once you’ve seen it, it’s kind of seared in your mind,” she said. “It works as a kind of literal and metaphorical message really about the horror and futility of conflict.”

South Africa’s Lee-Ann Olwage, shooting for GEO, won the Story of the Year Award with an intimate portrayal of a Malagasy family caring for an elderly relative suffering from dementia. Venezuelan Alejandro Cegarra won the Long-Term Project Award with his vivid monochrome images of migrants and asylum seekers trying to cross Mexico’s southern border. In the Open Format, Ukraine’s Julia Kochetova won with her website that “brings together photojournalism with the personal documentary style of a diary to show the world what it is like to live with war as an everyday reality”.

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Croatia ruling party is projected to win Wednesday’s parliamentary election but with fewer seats than before and without a majority, according to an Ipsos exit poll published on local Nova TV.

Quick Facts

• Croatia’s governing HDZ party is projected to win 58 seats in the 151-seat parliament, less than the 66 it previously had.
• The opposition coalition led by the Social Democrats (SDP) is expected to win 44 seats.
• The right-wing Homeland Movement was set to come third with 13 seats.

The ruling HDZ party in Croatia is projected to secure 58 seats in the parliament, fewer than its previous 66, as per the Ipsos exit poll. On the other hand, the Social Democrats (SDP) are anticipated to secure 44 seats, with the right-wing Homeland Movement poised to come in third with 13 seats.

Croatians voted in large numbers in the parliamentary election following a contentious campaign between the incumbent prime minister and a populist president. Turnout by 4:30 pm was 50.6 percent, indicating significant participation compared to the last parliamentary election. Polling stations closed at 7 pm local time.

The election outcome, if verified, could lead to a period of political instability in the European Union member state as parties aim to establish alliances with factions holding differing political views. The confrontation between conservative Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic and left-wing populist President Milanovic has occurred against a backdrop of corruption, a labor shortage, high inflation, and irregular migration.

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911 Service Outages Reported in Nevada, Nebraska, and South Dakota

**911 outages** reported in Nevada, Nebraska, and all of South Dakota — Las Vegas residents asked to text instead. For more details, check out the original article.

Quick Facts

• 911 service crashed across at least three states Wednesday evening, affecting several municipalities in Nevada and Nebraska, as well as the entire state of South Dakota.
• Las Vegas residents were advised to text 911 as calls from landlines were not working, while the city of Henderson reported similar outages.
• South Dakota confirmed that the outages affected the entire state, leading to a plea from the Rapid City Police Department to stop testing the system with unnecessary calls.

911 service crashed across at least three states Wednesday evening, affecting several municipalities in Nevada and Nebraska, as well as the entire state of South Dakota. The service seemingly dropped at the same time, with Las Vegas police first reporting that 911 calls weren’t making it through to dispatchers. Las Vegas residents were urged to text 911, as calls from landlines were not working. The nearby city of Henderson reported similar outages, but like Las Vegas, was unable to provide a timeframe for the service to be reinstated.

In Nebraska, the Buffalo County and City of Kearney Emergency Call Center also reported outages but didn’t specify the extent of the interrupted service, instead asking those in need to dial alternate, non-emergency numbers. South Dakota confirmed that the outages affected the entire state, leading to a plea from the Rapid City Police Department to stop testing the system with unnecessary calls.

The cause of the widespread outages — and why the three states were the only ones affected — was not clear Wednesday. South Dakota is linked to Nebraska by its southern border, but Nevada is roughly 1,000 miles away from either.

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Arizona Republicans Block Efforts to Repeal 1864 Abortion Ban

**Arizona Republican lawmakers** have once again thwarted attempts to repeal a near-total abortion ban from 1864 that was upheld by the state’s Supreme Court. The rejection came despite mounting pressure from former President Donald Trump and Arizona GOP Senate candidate Kari Lake.

Quick Facts

• Arizona Republican lawmakers rejected a Democratic-led effort to repeal a near-total abortion ban from 1864 upheld by the state’s Supreme Court.
• Demand for the ban’s repeal stemmed from mounting pressure on state Republicans, including from former President Donald Trump and Arizona GOP Senate candidate Kari Lake.
• Democratic lawmakers faced an uphill battle due to the narrow two-seat majority held by Arizona Republicans in both legislative chambers.

Wednesday’s proceedings marked the latest chapter in the fight over abortion rights in the crucial battleground following the Arizona Supreme Court’s ruling last week that allowed a Civil War-era law in Arizona to stand. The law outlaws abortion from the moment of conception but includes an exception to save the woman’s life and makes it a felony punishable by two to five years in prison for anyone who performs or helps a woman obtain one. The bombshell decision has added Arizona to the growing list of places where abortion care is effectively banned, prompting furious efforts from Democrats to repeal the ban while Republicans discuss possible contingencies.

Following last week’s state Supreme Court ruling, Arizona Republicans who had previously celebrated the end of federal protections for the procedure sought political cover by distancing themselves from the decision, including U.S. Reps. David Schweikert and Juan Ciscomani.

Despite the failed repeal efforts, voters are likely to have the power this November to decide on the future of the ban themselves. Abortion rights groups are likely to succeed in their goal of putting a proposed constitutional amendment on the November ballot that would create a “fundamental right” to receive abortion care up until fetal viability, or about the 24th week of pregnancy.

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Atlas, the humanoid robot that has captured attention for over a decade with its outdoor running, dancing, and back flips, is retiring. Boston Dynamics has announced the arrival of a new generation of humanoid robots, designed for commercial and industrial applications.

Quick Facts

• Atlas, the famous humanoid robot, is retiring after a decade of research and development.
• Boston Dynamics has introduced a new fully electric robot, also named Atlas, for real-world commercial and industrial use.
• The original Atlas made its public debut in 2013 and was used for research in robotics and mobility.

Atlas was initially developed for research purposes and was not designed for commercial use. It was part of a competition to advance the use of robots in natural and man-made disasters, sponsored by the Pentagon’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. Boston Dynamics announced that the retired Atlas will be displayed in their office lobby museum alongside other decommissioned robots.

The farewell video posted by Boston Dynamics highlighted Atlas’s achievements and mishaps over the years, showcasing its full-body mobility and technical capabilities. The new generation Atlas, featuring advanced capabilities and a sleek design, will be utilized for automotive manufacturing with Hyundai Motor Company, the owner of Boston Dynamics.

Boston Dynamics’ commercial lineup also includes Spot, a four-legged robot, and Stretch, an elongated warehouse platform. The company’s commitment to delivering capable and useful mobile robots for industrial challenges is further exemplified by the introduction of the new Atlas model.

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Katy Perry made a unique fashion statement at Coachella, FaceTiming her fiancé Orlando Bloom in an oversized Legolas shirt. The superstar’s playful nod to her partner garnered attention from fans and media alike.

Quick Facts

• Katy Perry made a bold fashion choice at Coachella, sporting an oversized Legolas shirt as a tribute to her fiancé, Orlando Bloom.
• She also shared a cute FaceTime call with Bloom, showcasing her festival looks, including the Legolas tee.
• Perry’s departure from American Idol after six years has sparked speculation about her upcoming musical endeavors.

Katy Perry’s appearance at Coachella didn’t just feature her impressive wardrobe; it also included a special FaceTime moment with Orlando Bloom. Perry’s fashion choices, notably the Legolas shirt, garnered significant attention, with fans and media lauding her unique tribute to Bloom.

Following the festival, Perry delighted her followers with a photo dump, showcasing her various Coachella looks. Among these images, the oversized Legolas shirt stood out, featuring artwork from one of Bloom’s prominent movie roles. The sartorial selection served as a heartfelt shoutout to Bloom, emphasizing the couple’s enduring connection.

As Perry attended Coachella as a guest, she had the freedom to immerse herself in the festival experience without the pressures of performing. Her surprise appearance at the 2024 event further solidified her presence as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.

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The Moral Hazard of Biden’s Support for Israel

The Moral Hazard of Biden’s Support for Israel

In the surreal two and a half hours between Israel’s announcement on April 13 that an Iranian attack was underway and the arrival of the first weapons, I, like many others, found myself pondering the likelihood of a regional war. My assessment, as I posted on X at the time, was that “preventing further escalation may hinge on both sides feeling able to claim victory—Iran on the basis of what gets through, and Israel on the basis of what doesn’t.” By this metric, the prospects for preventing further escalation seem good. Both sides have indeed declared victory—Israel on the basis of its defensive prowess and Iran on the basis of exaggerated claims of the strike’s success—which would normally be enough to prevent further fighting.

Quick Facts

• In the surreal two and a half hours between Israel’s announcement on April 13 that an Iranian attack was underway and the arrival of the first weapons, the likelihood of a regional war was pondered.
• If U.S. President Joe Biden is as serious about avoiding a wider war as he says he is, his administration must do more than simply ask Israel to show restraint.
• Two factors have prevented the Iranian strike from precipitating an all-out war: the stunning effectiveness of Israel’s defensive operations and the willingness of Iranian leaders to avoid a regional conflict.

But these aren’t necessarily normal conditions. Governments around the world are clearly concerned that Israel may launch a punitive attack on Iran that could spark a regional conflagration—and with good reason.

If U.S. President Joe Biden is as serious about avoiding a wider war as he says he is, his administration must do more than simply ask Israel to show restraint. The United States cannot stop Israel from retaliating in whatever way it wants against Iran, but it can choose whether to help Israel manage the consequences. To this end, Washington should use the best leverage it has—its commitment to defend Israel—to make clear that if Israel wants U.S. help in fighting the regional war that could be unleashed by its retaliating against Iran, it had better make sure that Washington is on board with whatever action it takes.

So far, two factors have prevented the Iranian strike from precipitating an all-out war: the stunning effectiveness of Israel’s defensive operations and the willingness of Iranian leaders, who apparently want to avoid a regional conflict, to tolerate Israel’s success.

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Stepson of Ex ‘Real Housewives’ Star Arrested on Jan. 6 charges

Stepson of Former Real Housewives Star Arrested for Alleged Involvement in Jan. 6 Capitol Riot

The stepson of former Real Housewives of New Jersey star Sigalit “Siggy” Flicker, Tyler Campanella, was arrested for his alleged involvement in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, according to court records.

Quick Facts

• Tyler Campanella, stepson of former Real Housewives star Sigalit “Siggy” Flicker, was arrested for his alleged involvement in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.
• Campanella faces five misdemeanor charges and was identified from images from Jan. 6.
• An FBI affidavit states that Campanella’s phone, associated with Flicker’s account, was inside the Capitol on Jan. 6.

An FBI affidavit states that phone records subpoenaed by the government show that Campanella’s phone, which was associated with Flicker’s account, was inside the Capitol on Jan. 6.

The FBI claims that an account linked to Flicker posted photos from inside the Capitol on the day of the riots, accompanied by a caption “I love patriots so much. Stay safe Tyler. We love you” and a “Stop the Steal” hashtag.

Campanella faces five misdemeanor charges.

The FBI says it spoke with a witness who knew Campanella and identified him from images from Jan. 6. In the images, the FBI says Campanella can be seen wearing a blue baseball hat with “Trump 2020” on the front and a red scarf that he used at times to cover his nose and mouth.

CCTV footage shows a man who the FBI says is Campanella entering the Capitol at 2:17 p.m. through the Senate Wing doors and then leaving through the Rotunda doors at 2:52 p.m.

Flicker, who appeared on the seventh and eighth seasons of The Real Housewives of New Jersey, is a big supporter of Donald Trump. Her social media shows her photoshopping herself into pictures with the former president and was reportedly at Mar-a-Lago last month.

There is no indication that Flicker was at the Capitol and she has previously stated that she was in Florida on Jan. 6.

The post Stepson of Ex ‘Real Housewives’ Star Arrested on Jan. 6 charges appeared first on The Daily Beast.

via DNyuz https://dnyuz.com

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Boeing Pushes Back on Whistleblower’s Allegations About Potential of Planes Breaking Apart During Flight

Boeing Defends Fuselage Integrity Amid Whistleblower’s Claims

**Boeing** is defending the integrity of the fuselages on two of its largest planes, which have come under criticism from a whistleblower who warns that panels on the outside of one of the planes could eventually break apart during flight.

Quick Facts

• Boeing is defending the integrity of the fuselages on two of its largest planes amid whistleblower allegations.
• Boeing executives detailed the construction process and emphasized the strength of the 787 Dreamliner’s carbon-composite skin.
• Boeing conducted extensive testing to refute claims of potential fatigue in the composite structure.

Two Boeing engineering executives went into detail Monday to describe how panels are fitted together, particularly on the 787 Dreamliner. They suggested the 787’s carbon-composite skin is nearly impervious to metal fatigue that weakens conventional aluminum fuselages.

The whistleblower, Boeing engineer Sam Salehpour, said excessive force was applied to fit panels together on the 787 assembly line, raising the risk of fatigue, or microscopic cracking in the material that could cause it break apart.

The Boeing officials described how sections of a fuselage are brought together, shims are added to fill gaps, holes are drilled and cleaned, and fasteners attached to apply “pull-up force” that 99% of the time results in margins no greater than .005 inches (0.127 millimeters) apart — the width of a human hair, they said. A gap problem was discovered in 2019 between two panels, which led to design and assembly changes, they said.

Boeing conducted testing replicating 165,000 flights with no findings of fatigue in the composite structure, Steve Chisholm, Boeing’s vice president of structural engineering, said. The average 787 makes 600 flights a year, he said.

The company said planes already in use are proving safe. Chisholm said 671 Dreamliners have undergone the intensive inspections for 6-year-old planes and eight have undergone 12-year inspections with no evidence of fatigue in the composite skins.

Cracks have been found on metallic parts, including a piece above where the wings join the fuselage, and Boeing issued inspection guidelines for those parts, the officials said.

The 787 Dreamliner is a two-aisle plane that has often been used on international flights since its debut in 2011. The composite material makes the plane lighter, contributing to better fuel efficiency.

A series of battery fires briefly grounded the planes. Deliveries of the aircraft have been stopped at times because of questions about gaps between fuselage panels that were wider than Boeing’s standards allowed, the use of unapproved titanium parts from a supplier in Italy, and flaws in a pressure bulkhead.

The Federal Aviation Administration must inspect and approve each 787 that rolls off the assembly line before it can be flown to an airline customer.

The whistleblower Salehpour claims that after he raised safety concerns about the 787, Boeing transferred him to work on an older widebody plane, the 777. He told the Seattle Times that he saw workers jumping on fuselage panels to get them in alignment, which Boeing disputes.

The New York Times reported that the FAA is investigating Salehpour’s claims. The FAA, while not commenting specifically on Salehpour, said it investigates all safety reports.

Boeing says it is “fully confident” in both planes.

Salehpour is the latest in a line of Boeing whistleblowers to come forward, often alleging retaliation for raising safety concerns. The company said it encourages employees to speak up about problems.

Lisa Fahl, the vice president of engineering for Boeing airplane programs, said employee reports have “exploded” — with as many reports in January and February as were filed in all of 2023 — “which is what we want.”

The post Boeing Pushes Back on Whistleblower’s Allegations About Potential of Planes Breaking Apart During Flight appeared first on TIME.

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Anne Innis Dagg, Who Studied Giraffes in the Wild, Dies at 91

Anne Innis Dagg, a pioneering biologist who extensively studied giraffes in their natural habitat, passed away at the age of 91 in Kitchener, Ontario. Her groundbreaking work in the 1950s and subsequent struggle against sexism in academia culminated in long-overdue recognition in the 2010s.

Quick Facts

• Anne Innis Dagg, a renowned biologist, passed away at the age of 91 in Kitchener, Ontario.
• She was a trailblazer in studying giraffes in the wild, contributing significantly to the understanding of their behavior and ecology.
• Despite facing sexism in academia, Dr. Dagg’s work eventually gained widespread acclaim, leading to international recognition and honors.

Anne Innis Dagg, often referred to as “the Jane Goodall of giraffes,” was a trailblazing biologist who conducted groundbreaking research on giraffes in their natural habitat. Her work, which began in the 1950s, provided invaluable insights into the behavior and ecology of these majestic creatures. Dr. Dagg’s dedication led to her becoming a leading expert on giraffes, with her seminal 1976 book, “The Giraffe: Its Biology, Behavior, and Ecology,” solidifying her reputation in the field.

Despite her significant contributions, Dr. Dagg faced entrenched sexism within the academic sphere, experiencing obstacles in her career progression. Her perseverance and dedication to her research, despite these challenges, ultimately led to her long-overdue recognition in the 2010s. This newfound acclaim included international honors and a documentary highlighting her remarkable life and work.

Dr. Dagg’s legacy as a pioneering biologist and advocate for gender equality in academia continues to inspire future generations, leaving an indelible mark on the scientific community and beyond.

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Raskin and Comer engaged in a heated exchange, with both representatives shouting over each other during a House Oversight Committee hearing on China. The argument revolved around allegations against Joe Biden, with Raskin and Comer accusing each other of needing therapy.

Quick Facts

• Reps. Raskin and Comer engaged in a heated exchange during a House Oversight Committee hearing on China.
• The argument centered on unfounded allegations against Joe Biden, with both representatives asserting that the other needs therapy.
• The shouting match led to chaos during the hearing, with Comer calling for order and Raskin complaining about not being given his full allotted time.

Reps. Jamie Raskin and James Comer found themselves in a heated shouting match during a House Oversight Committee hearing on China. The argument erupted over unfounded allegations against Joe Biden, with Raskin and Comer accusing each other of needing therapy. The chaotic exchange led to Comer calling for order and Raskin expressing dissatisfaction over not receiving his full time.

During the House Oversight Committee hearing on China, Reps. Jamie Raskin and James Comer engaged in a nasty screaming match, with both representatives talking over each other. The heated exchange revolved around allegations against Joe Biden, leading to chaos during the hearing. Comer called for order as Raskin voiced frustration over not getting his full allotted time.

Reps. Jamie Raskin and James Comer clashed in a heated exchange during a House Oversight Committee hearing on China. The argument centered on unfounded allegations against Joe Biden, with both representatives accusing each other of needing therapy. The chaotic scene led to Comer calling for order, while Raskin expressed dissatisfaction over not receiving his full allotted time.

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Israel seems poised to retaliate

Quick Facts

• An Israeli response to Iran’s attack seems inevitable. Top European diplomats traveled to Israel to make a plea for restraint.
• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to move forward with a response despite pressure from the U.S., Britain, and Germany.
• Heavy rains in the U.A.E. and Oman led to record levels of rainfall, causing fatalities and disruptions.

An Israeli response to Iran’s attack seems inevitable. Top European diplomats traveled to Israel to make one more plea for the country to show restraint in response to Iran’s aerial attack over the weekend. But David Cameron, Britain’s foreign secretary, said that a reprisal seemed inevitable.

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister, signaled that he plans to move forward with a response, despite pressure from the U.S., Britain, Germany, and other countries to de-escalate the situation. After meeting with the diplomats, Netanyahu thanked Israel’s allies for their “support in words and support in actions,” according to his office. But, he added: “I want to make it clear — we will make our own decisions.”

Israeli officials are said to be considering a range of options, including a direct strike on Iran, a strike on an Iranian target in another country, a cyberattack, and assassinations. They want to send a clear message to Tehran while not inciting a major escalation.

Quick Facts

• Israeli detention: Gazans released after being detained by Israel described graphic scenes of physical abuse, according to a report released by UNRWA, the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees.
• Lebanon: Hezbollah, an Iran-backed group, took responsibility for an attack in northern Israel that the Israeli military said had injured 14 soldiers.
• Russia hit Ukraine as the U.S. moves on aid. At least 17 people were killed yesterday and dozens more were reported injured when three Russian missiles struck Chernihiv, north of Kyiv, Ukrainian officials said.

Explosions were also reported yesterday at a key Russian base in the Moscow-occupied Crimean Peninsula, in what seemed to be a Ukrainian attack. Ukrainian officials did not comment on the apparent attack, which took place in Dzhankoi, a hub for Russian roads and railways, but Russian bloggers affiliated with the Kremlin reported that Ukrainian missiles had struck around the base.

Context: Ukraine has been trying to target Russian weapons at their source, in part because U.S. military aid has been largely suspended in the face of Republican opposition. Ukraine is also running out of the ammunition it needs for its air defense systems, which it uses to fend off a near-daily volley of missiles.

The frontline: Thousands of foreign fighters signed up to fight with Ukraine. The Times spent four days alongside some of them.

Heavy rains battered the U.A.E. and Oman. Record levels of rainfall brought cities across the United Arab Emirates and Oman to a standstill. At least 19 people were killed in Oman.

The rain led to flights being diverted from Dubai, as videos showed planes leaving waves in their wake as they taxied down flooded runways. In Muscat, Oman’s capital, flash flooding turned streets into raging rivers.

Experts said the extreme deluge had probably been the result of a regular, rainy weather system, supercharged by climate change. The U.A.E. experienced its largest rainfall event in 75 years on Tuesday, the government said.

Quick Facts

• Britain: The Conservative government hopes to pass a bill this week on sending asylum seekers to Rwanda. The bill has come under sustained criticism.
• U.S.: China has been trying to gain access to critical infrastructure in the U.S. so that it can threaten those systems in the event of a conflict, the National Security Agency director said.
• Myanmar: Aung San Suu Kyi was moved by the military junta to an unknown location from a prison in the capital, raising fears about her safety.

MORE TOP NEWS

Britain: The Conservative government hopes to pass a bill this week on sending asylum seekers to Rwanda. The bill has come under sustained criticism.

U.S.: China has been trying to gain access to critical infrastructure in the U.S. so that it can threaten those systems in the event of a conflict, the National Security Agency director said.

Myanmar: Aung San Suu Kyi was moved by the military junta to an unknown location from a prison in the capital, raising fears about her safety.

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Israeli Response to Iran Attack Appears Imminent, Despite Allies’ Appeals

Israel was urged to show restraint by European diplomats following an aerial attack by Iran. However, British foreign secretary David Cameron conceded that an Israeli retaliation seemed unavoidable.

Quick Facts

• European diplomats urged Israel to exercise restraint in response to an Iranian aerial attack.
• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu conveyed Israel’s preparedness to defend itself.
• Israel’s war cabinet convened multiple times to deliberate on potential responses to Iran’s attack.

Mr. Cameron and Germany’s foreign minister, Annalena Baerbock, joined other world leaders in advocating for de-escalation. Despite international pressure, Mr. Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s autonomy in decision-making. The United States also called for a “unified diplomatic response” and cautioned against further escalation.

Israel’s war cabinet has been deliberating on various response options, including direct strikes on Iran, targeting Iranian bases in other countries, cyberattacks, and assassinations. Israeli officials emphasized their readiness to respond at an appropriate time, emphasizing multiple available avenues. Iranian leaders have warned of forceful retaliation in response to any Israeli strike.

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Shut Up and Listen to Sabrina Carpenter’s ‘Espresso’ Right Now

**Sabrina Carpenter** has released a new single, “Espresso,” which is gaining popularity rapidly. The song is on track to debut on next week’s Billboard Hot 100 chart. Carpenter’s music video for the song is also receiving widespread attention on social media platforms.

Quick Facts

• Sabrina Carpenter’s latest single “Espresso” is quickly gaining popularity and is expected to debut on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
• The song’s music video is receiving significant attention on social media platforms like X and Instagram.
• “Espresso” marks a significant moment for Carpenter’s career, solidifying her status as a prominent figure in the music industry.

Sabrina Carpenter’s latest single “Espresso” is making waves in the music industry, with the song quickly gaining popularity and praise. The 24-year-old pop singer has embraced a cheeky and playful lyrical style, combined with a retro sound that was promised in her debut album, Emails I Can’t Send. The single, released as a surprise gift to her fans before her Coachella performances, is already on track for a major debut on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The song’s music video has become a prominent presence on social media, with Carpenter’s captivating visuals and compelling lyrics captivating audiences. “Espresso” appears to have all the elements to become the summer anthem of 2024, with its infectious chorus and modern, groovy rhythm.

For those unfamiliar with Sabrina Carpenter, her rise to prominence was marked by a love triangle scandal involving fellow Disney star Joshua Bassett and singer Olivia Rodrigo. The drama surrounding Rodrigo’s hit song “Drivers License” elevated Carpenter’s status and brought her to the attention of music icon Taylor Swift. Carpenter’s latest single, “Espresso,” marks a significant turning point in her career, solidifying her position as a prominent figure in the music industry.

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Russia-Ukraine Conflict: Recent Developments on Day 784

**Russia-Ukraine war** has witnessed significant events today, including a deadly strike on Chernihiv and mounting tensions in various domains.

Quick Facts

• Chernihiv in Ukraine was hit by three Russian missiles, resulting in at least 17 fatalities and 60 injuries, including three children.
• The number of Russian soldiers killed in the war in Ukraine has surpassed 50,000, as reported by BBC Russian and other sources.
• President Zelenskyy confirmed the Ukrainian military’s attack on a major Russian airfield at Dzhankoi in occupied Crimea, leading to a series of explosions.

Amidst the ongoing conflict, Colonel Serhii Pakhomov revealed that Kyiv recorded nearly 900 uses of riot control agents by Russia in the past six months, with approximately 500 troops requiring medical assistance due to exposure to toxic substances.

Meanwhile, political and diplomatic activities have intensified, with the US House planning to vote on a $60 billion aid package for Ukraine, and China expressing reservations regarding the proposed peace conference on the Ukraine war. Additionally, France initiated a war crimes investigation following the deaths of media personnel, and a cybersecurity firm warned about the rising global threat posed by a cyber group linked to Russian military intelligence.

President Zelenskyy’s call for enhanced defense systems, as well as the international responses related to the provision of air defense systems to Ukraine, underscores the evolving dynamics of the conflict.

For more details, you can access the original article here.

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Georgia: Lawmakers pass ‘foreign agent’ law in first reading

Georgia Passes Controversial ‘Foreign Agent’ Law in First Reading

Thousands of protesters gathered in Tbilisi to oppose a proposed media bill that would require organizations receiving over 20% of their funding from abroad to register as under foreign influence.

Quick Facts

• The proposed law in Georgia would require media and non-commercial organizations to register as being under foreign influence if they receive more than 20% of their funding from abroad.
• The bill passed its first reading in parliament with 83 votes by members of the ruling Georgian Dream party, while opposition parliamentarians boycotted the vote.
• EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell expressed concern, stating that the law is not in line with EU core norms and values and could negatively impact Georgia’s progress on its EU path.

The proposed law, denounced as the “Russian law,” has drawn criticism for its similarities to legislation used by Moscow to suppress criticism of the Kremlin. The bill’s passage has sparked widespread protests and condemnation from both domestic and international observers.

Opponents fear that the legislation, if adopted, could impede Georgia’s European path and limit the freedom of expression, as well as unfairly stigmatize organizations that contribute to the well-being of Georgian citizens. The bill’s resemblance to a previous proposal, which was withdrawn following significant public outcry, has only intensified the controversy surrounding its potential enactment.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has condemned the move, highlighting the negative impact the legislation could have on Georgia’s EU membership aspirations and its vibrant civil society. The bill’s passage has raised concerns about the future of media and civil society organizations in the country, with many fearing a significant restriction on their ability to operate freely.

The situation in Georgia continues to evolve, with the proposed law drawing both domestic and international attention as it progresses through the legislative process.

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Senate Democrats Vote to End Mayorkas Impeachment Trial

**Senate Democrats** voted to declare both articles of impeachment against Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas as unconstitutional, effectively ending the trial. The move brought a swift end to a monthslong process by House Republicans, championed by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia. [Original article](https://dnyuz.com)

Quick Facts

• Senate Democrats voted to declare both articles of impeachment against Mayorkas as unconstitutional.
• House Republicans’ efforts to present their case were thwarted as the trial was ended before they could do so.
• Senate Republicans were unsuccessful in pressuring vulnerable Democrats to back their push for a longer trial.

On Wednesday, Senate Democrats voted to declare as unconstitutional both articles of impeachment against Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas — effectively ending the trial. It put a swift end to what had been a monthslong process by House Republicans, championed originally by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska voted “present” on the first article, alleging “willful and systemic refusal to comply with the law,” while voting against the second article, alleging “breach of public trust.” Some Republicans, including Sen. Mitt Romney of Utah, had long questioned the case against Mayorkas but ultimately sided with his party on Wednesday.

Schumer proposed to effectively end the trial after Sen. Eric Schmitt, a Missouri Republican, rejected a deal that would have allowed Republicans a few hours to debate the case. Without the consent of all senators, Republicans were left with little other power to delay the trial, as no public debate is allowed during an impeachment trial without an agreement.

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Fear and Hoarding on Ukraine’s Eastern Front

Fear and Hoarding on Ukraine’s Eastern Front

We were standing outside the ammunition warehouse for a self-propelled artillery brigade on Ukraine’s eastern front. The door was locked, and the brigade commander didn’t have the key.

Quick Facts

• Ukraine’s defensive lines have stabilized since the fall of Avdiivka, but ammunition shortages are taking a toll on the war effort.
• U.S. aid to Ukraine remains blockaded in Congress, and Europe has failed to meet Ukraine’s demand for artillery shells.
• The ammunition shortage has forced Ukrainian forces to ration shells and rely on reserves, impacting their ability to hold positions.

Valerii, a former beekeeper, shared his optimism about a big harvest this year, but the reality behind the locked warehouse door was far starker than any Western leader has been willing to admit on record. The ammunition shortages that began in 2023 are taking a toll on Ukraine’s war effort. U.S. aid to Ukraine remains blockaded in Congress, and Europe has failed to meet Ukraine’s demand for artillery shells. The ammunition shortage has forced Ukrainian forces to ration shells and rely on reserves, impacting their ability to hold positions.

We were visiting a stretch of front in eastern Ukraine, where Foreign Policy was invited to embed with some of the troops tasked with holding the line against relentless Russian combined-arms offensives. For the safety of the men who spoke to us, names have been changed, and their operating locations are not being disclosed.

It was late March. Ukraine’s frozen steppe had thawed in the spring, and the sun was beating down on the front lines of Europe. It had been six weeks since the fall of Avdiivka, a town in the Donetsk region that had about 30,000 residents before the war, and while the Russian offensives had not let up, Ukraine’s defensive lines had stabilized since they withdrew from Avdiivka’s meat grinder.

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