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Stabbed Sydney bishop says he forgives attacker

Assyrian Church Bishop Forgives Attacker After Stabbing

An Assyrian church bishop, **stabbed** during a service at his church, has expressed his quick recovery and forgiveness towards the attacker. The incident has raised concerns after triggering riots in Sydney.

Quick Facts

• Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel forgives his attacker and urges calm among his congregation.
• The stabbing incident has been deemed a terrorist act motivated by suspected religious extremism.
• A 19-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the attack and charged for his involvement in the riot.

An Assyrian church bishop, Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel, was injured during a service and has stated that he is recovering rapidly. He conveyed forgiveness towards the attacker and urged his congregation to remain calm. The stabbing has been labeled as a terrorist act influenced by suspected religious extremism.

A 19-year-old man, not affiliated with the church, has been arrested in connection with the attack and charged for his involvement in the riot. Bishop Emmanuel’s call for calm comes after an angry crowd clashed with emergency crews outside the church, demanding the suspected attacker be handed over to them.

New South Wales state Police Commissioner Karen Webb condemned the riot, emphasizing the disgraceful and disgusting nature of the participants’ actions. As police continue their investigation, the Bondi mall has reopened to allow people to pay their respects to the victims, with businesses expected to resume trade starting Friday.

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US Water Supply Targeted by Russian Hackers: Report

US Water Supply Targeted by Russian Hackers: A hacking group connected to the Russian military has been identified as responsible for cyberattacks on water systems in the United States, Poland, and France, signaling a possible escalation by Moscow to target adversaries’ infrastructure.

Quick Facts

• The hacking group, known as Sandworm, is linked to the Russian military intelligence agency GRU and has been involved in cyberattacks on water systems in the US, Poland, and France.
• Mandiant, a cybersecurity firm owned by Google Cloud, discovered that Sandworm has connections with several pro-Russia hacktivist groups, including the Cyber Army of Russia Reborn (CARR), which claimed responsibility for cyberattacks on water systems.
• The group’s aggressive manipulation of operational technology systems and its ties to Moscow’s war aims in Ukraine have raised concerns about the security of US water facilities.

A hacking group known as Sandworm, identified as Unit 74455 of Russia’s GRU military intelligence agency, has been linked to cyberattacks on water systems in the United States, Poland, and France. The group is connected to several pro-Russia hacktivist groups, including the Cyber Army of Russia Reborn (CARR), which has claimed responsibility for recent cyberattacks on water systems.

Sandworm’s aggressive manipulation of operational technology systems and its ties to Moscow’s war aims in Ukraine have raised concerns about the security of US water facilities. The group’s activities point to a possible escalation by Moscow to target adversaries’ infrastructure, with cybersecurity firm Mandiant warning about the group’s reckless behavior in targeting the United States.

The White House and the Environmental Protection Agency have urged US governors to enhance cybersecurity defenses on water facilities, following a history of hacking incidents targeting the US water supply. Experts have emphasized the need for heightened vigilance to protect critical infrastructure from potential cyber threats.

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Social Security Update Expands Benefits Nationwide

Quick Facts

• Some Social Security recipients may soon receive more money due to a change in eligibility criteria by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
• The SSA is expanding its rental subsidy policy for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claimants, aiming to minimize the impact on SSI eligibility or payment amount.
• The new rule has been implemented in seven states and will apply to all 50 U.S. states by September 30, 2024.

Some Social Security recipients nationwide may soon get more money in their pockets after a change to eligibility criteria, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced.

The government agency has announced it is expanding its rental subsidy policy for those who claim Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. Under the new rule, published last week, rental assistance, such as renting at a discounted rate, will become less likely to affect a person’s SSI eligibility or payment amount.

SSI gives monthly payments to adults and children with a disability or blindness, as well as to adults aged 65 and older who have limited income and resources. In January 2023, 7.4 million individuals received monthly SSI payments averaging $654, according to an SSA report.

The new rule has already been implemented in seven states: Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, New York, Texas, Vermont and Wisconsin. This is because of local judicial decisions, but the upcoming change will apply to all 50 U.S. states.

For all other claimants nationwide, the change will not be immediate, but will come into force on September 30 this year.

The change will not affect how much the government agency pays per month, which runs to a maximum of $943 in 2024. However, it may increase amounts for current SSI recipients and expand eligibility to others, the government agency said in its April 17 press release. Newsweek has contacted the SSA for additional comment via email outside of normal working hours.

“Our mission is to continue to help people access crucial benefits, including SSI,” said Martin O’Malley, commissioner of Social Security. “Simplifying and expanding our rental subsidy policy nationwide is another common-sense solution that will improve program equality and will reduce agency time spent calculating and administering rental subsidy.”

The rental subsidy change is the second made to SSI benefits in recent months. In February, the SSA announced it would no longer include food in its In-Kind Support and Maintenance calculations. In-Kind Support and Maintenance calculates the amount of informal food assistance an SSI applicant or claimant received from friends, family and community support networks.

The SSA said the calculation changes mean applicants and recipients would be required to report less information to the government agency, and that it would reduce month-to-month variability in payment amounts and payment errors, which have been widely reported by Social Security recipients in recent months.

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Saudi Arabia experienced a glimpse of its future in the aftermath of Iran’s strike against Israel, revealing potential far-reaching consequences for the region. The major impact extends not only to Israel, Iran, and the United States but also to many Arab states, particularly the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Quick Facts

• The Iranian strike against Israel has significant implications for multiple countries including Saudi Arabia.
• The crisis presents an opportunity for the Biden administration to formalize a new U.S. security guarantee for Saudi Arabia.
• Riyadh seeks an ironclad U.S. security guarantee and is particularly interested in advanced missile defense systems.

The Israeli missile defense systems, Iron Dome and Arrow-3, along with allied efforts from the U.S., UK, France, and Jordan, demonstrated an advanced version of the future that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is eager to achieve. Riyadh has been striving for an ironclad U.S. security guarantee.

All countries’ foreign policies are influenced by their domestic agendas, but Saudi Arabia is particularly focused on ensuring the success of the economic transformation, especially in the context of the Vision 2030 project, Neom.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s determination to transition the Kingdom away from hydrocarbons and toward other industries drives the urgency to make Vision 2030 a success. However, the threat of potential attacks from Iranian or Iranian-backed proxies could significantly hinder the Kingdom’s economic and societal transformation.

Saudi Arabia’s efforts to attain new security guarantees and support from the United States are driven by the necessity to safeguard its economic and societal transition, particularly in light of potential regional conflicts.

For more detailed information, you can access the original article [here](https://ift.tt/ezwZRox).

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Crime on college campuses reverts to pre-pandemic levels as students fear for safety

At least three **female Arizona State University students** were allegedly sexually assaulted by a “random stranger” in public areas of the Tempe campus in a 30-minute span. It was described as “an isolated incident” on April 11 by the university in a statement to Fox News Digital, but it’s an isolated incident for ASU, not the country, where a national spike in on-campus crimes has reverted to pre-pandemic highs, according to the Department of Education statistics. 

Quick Facts

• College campuses across the country are experiencing a surge in on-campus crimes, reverting to pre-pandemic levels.
• In 2022, there were 38,303 reported criminal offenses at colleges and universities, according to the federal government’s latest data.
• Experts attribute the spike to a full return to school post-pandemic and overseas hostilities, such as the Hamas invasion of Israel.

Crime on college campuses has seen a resurgence, with a national spike in on-campus crimes reverting to pre-pandemic levels. This trend is evident in recent incidents, including the alleged sexual assaults at Arizona State University and the surge in violent crime at the University of California, Berkeley. Department of Education statistics indicate a significant increase in reported criminal offenses at colleges and universities, pointing to a concerning rise in on-campus criminal activity post-pandemic.

Experts have not reached definitive conclusions about the factors fueling this surge in college and university crimes. However, many attribute the spike to a full return to in-person learning post-pandemic, coupled with overseas hostilities, such as the Hamas invasion of Israel. While violence and murder have declined in the U.S., the reverse trend is observed in educational institutions, prompting concerns among parents and communities. The recent surge in on-campus crimes has led to the emergence of initiatives like SafeBears, reflecting the growing need for enhanced safety measures and accountability at universities.

As the debate continues on the causes and potential solutions for the surge in on-campus crimes, the safety and security of college students remain a pressing concern for educational institutions and communities nationwide. It remains to be seen whether measures like SafeBears will become more common, and if on-campus crimes will eventually stabilize.

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Biden’s Education Secretary Vows to Close Largest Christian University in the US

**Biden’s Education Secretary** Miguel Cardona has pledged to shut down Grand Canyon University (GCU), the largest Christian university in the U.S. This move has sparked a heated debate, with GCU officials accusing the Department of Education of bias. The crackdown was announced during a House Appropriations Committee hearing on April 10.

Quick Facts

• Cardona vows to shut down Grand Canyon University, labeling it a “predatory for-profit school.”
• GCU officials push back, claiming the crackdown is based on “deeply held bias.”
• GCU appealed a $37.7 million fine imposed by the Department of Education in November.

During the hearing, Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., questioned Cardona about the administration’s efforts to shut down GCU, referring to it as “a predatory for-profit school.” Cardona openly embraced the enforcement methods, emphasizing the need to crack down on institutions preying on students.

Cardona highlighted the Department’s actions against GCU, citing the school’s failure to accurately disclose its cost to students, resulting in additional expenses for continuation courses. The Department imposed a $37.7 million fine on GCU for misleading students about the cost of its doctoral programs over several years, a significantly larger fine than those given to other institutions for different violations.

Cardona emphasized the need to hold higher education institutions accountable, particularly for-profit colleges that engage in deceptive practices to increase enrollment and student costs. GCU officials have vehemently opposed the Department’s actions, claiming that the comments made by Cardona do not reflect the factual record in the case.

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Good news for China-menaced Taiwan: Japan’s F-35B jump-jet aircraft carriers are coming

Quick Facts

• The Japanese navy is close to completing its first aircraft carriers since World War II, with plans to have them ready for combat duty by 2027.
• The carriers, Izumo and Kaga, are being converted into full-fledged aircraft carriers compatible with the American-made Lockheed Martin F-35B stealth jump jet.
• The Japanese navy’s strategic shift is a response to China’s growing military capabilities and assertiveness, with the aim of enhancing its defensive and offensive potential in the region.

The Japanese navy is nearing completion of its first aircraft carriers since World War II, with plans to have them ready for combat duty by 2027. The carriers, Izumo and Kaga, are being converted into full-fledged aircraft carriers compatible with the American-made Lockheed Martin F-35B stealth jump jet. This strategic shift is a response to China’s growing military capabilities and assertiveness, with the aim of enhancing Japan’s defensive and offensive potential in the region.

The first phase of the conversion work on Kaga has been completed, marking a significant milestone in Japan’s efforts to bolster its naval capabilities. By 2027, the Japanese air force is expected to have 42 F-35Bs to fly from the two new aircraft carriers, significantly reinforcing the allied fleet around Taiwan. The move comes as the US Navy faces challenges in growing its fleet to match the expansion of the Chinese navy, making the support of allies like Japan crucial in maintaining regional security.

The Japanese navy’s decision to revive its dormant carrier capability reflects the evolving geopolitical dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region, with China’s naval expansion raising the stakes for regional security. As the United States looks to its allies for support in defending Taiwan, Japan’s reemergence as a carrier-capable naval force is poised to play a pivotal role in enhancing the collective defense posture in the region.

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Wisconsin man allegedly killed and dismembered a woman he was on a date with, as per court records and authorities’ statements. Maxwell Anderson, 33, is charged with first-degree intentional homicide, mutilating a corpse, and arson in the death of 19-year-old Sade Robinson.

Quick Facts

• Maxwell Anderson, 33, is charged with first-degree intentional homicide, mutilating a corpse, and arson in the slaying of Sade Robinson.
• The victim’s 2020 Honda Civic was found by the city’s fire department the morning of April 2, with heavy interior damage from a fire.
• Anderson could be sentenced to life in prison if convicted on the homicide charge.

Authorities relied on text messages, witnesses, surveillance video, and phone-tracking data to build a case against Anderson. A severed leg found has been preliminary identified as belonging to Robinson. Anderson remains at the Milwaukee County Jail in lieu of $5 million bail, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for Monday.

According to the complaint, one of Robinson’s friends reported her missing, and her 2020 Honda Civic was found by the city’s fire department with heavy interior damage from a fire. Investigators also focused on forensic data before charging Anderson, piecing together a timeline of Robinson’s final hours.

Video footage showed Robinson and Anderson dining at a seafood restaurant and later moving to a bar. Cellphone data placed Robinson near Anderson’s residence later that evening, and the victim’s phone appeared to be in the park where the severed leg was found. Investigators also collected video footage showing a man walking away from a burning vehicle and evidence during a search of Anderson’s home.

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Man arrested for throwing pipe bomb at Satanic Temple in Massachusetts

An Oklahoma man was arrested for throwing a pipe bomb at the Massachusetts headquarters of The Satanic Temple. The group advocates for secularism and individual liberties, denying any actual worship of Satan. Sean Patrick Palmer, 49, has been charged with using an explosive to damage a building following the attack on the headquarters, which is also used as an art gallery. Read more

Quick Facts

• Sean Patrick Palmer, 49, of Perkins, Oklahoma, has been charged with using an explosive to damage a building following an attack on the headquarters of The Satanic Temple in Massachusetts.
• The bomb partially detonated, causing minor fire damage, and authorities were able to extract a DNA sample from a single hair on the bomb.
• Surveillance footage showed a black Volvo registered to Palmer driving erratically in the area before and after the incident, and he had recently bought PVC pipe from a home improvement store in Oklahoma.

Authorities accused Sean Patrick Palmer of throwing a pipe bomb at the Massachusetts headquarters of The Satanic Temple. The group, based in Salem, campaigns for secularism and individual liberties, clarifying that its members do not worship Satan. Palmer, from Perkins, Oklahoma, has been charged with using an explosive to damage a building following the attack on the headquarters, also an art gallery.

Surveillance cameras captured a man, later identified as Palmer, igniting an improvised explosive device and throwing it at the main entrance of the building before fleeing. The bomb caused minor fire damage. A DNA sample was extracted from a single hair on the bomb, leading to Palmer’s arrest. Additionally, a six-page note addressed to “Dear Satanist” was found near the attack, urging repentance and linked to Palmer’s social media comments.

Surveillance footage also showed a black Volvo registered to Palmer driving erratically in the area before and after the incident. Authorities discovered that Palmer had recently purchased PVC pipe from a home improvement store in Oklahoma. The Satanic Temple, known for its disbelief in the existence of Satan or the supernatural, could not be reached for comment.

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Tragic Incident: 1-Year-Old Boy Dies After Falling from Hotel Window

A 1-year-old boy from Minnesota tragically passed away after falling from a third-floor hotel room window in South Dakota. Madden Hein succumbed to his injuries in the hospital on Monday, two days after the incident occurred at the Club House Hotel & Suites in Sioux Falls. The family announced the heartbreaking news on Tuesday, expressing their deep sorrow and difficulty in processing the loss. Read more about the incident here.

Quick Facts

• Madden Hein, a 1-year-old boy, died after falling from a third-floor hotel room window in South Dakota.
• His parents, Kathryn and Alex Hein, shared the tragic news and mentioned that Madden’s organs will be donated to help others.
• Police are investigating the incident, but initial reports indicate it was a tragic accident.

Alex Hein, Madden’s dad, is a middle school social studies teacher and a high school basketball coach, while mom Kathryn Hein is a kindergarten teacher and volleyball coach. The couple, who also have a 3-year-old daughter and are expecting another child, expressed their gratitude for the support received during this difficult time. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to assist the family, raising over $69,000 as of Thursday.

As the community mourns the loss of Madden, the family’s decision to donate his organs has been recognized as a selfless act that will benefit many others. The tragic incident has prompted an outpouring of support, with hundreds of people gathering outside the hospital to show their solidarity with the Heins. While the investigation into the circumstances of Madden’s fall continues, the family remains focused on honoring his memory and finding strength in the midst of this devastating loss.

Amid the heartbreaking news, the Heins’ commitment to organ donation has highlighted the potential for hope and positivity to emerge from the darkest of situations. The impact of Madden’s passing has reverberated through the community, drawing attention to the importance of coming together in times of grief and adversity. As they navigate this profound loss, the Heins have been touched by the overwhelming support and generosity shown by those around them, demonstrating the power of compassion and unity in the face of tragedy.

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Tesla executive Baglino leaves as Musk loses another top deputy

Tesla Executive Departures Signal Ongoing Turmoil at the Company

**Tesla** Inc. has seen the departure of two senior executives, including Senior Vice President Drew Baglino, amid the company’s recent job cuts. Baglino, a key engineering and technology development leader, has been with the company for 18 years and played a prominent role in various public events alongside CEO Elon Musk.

Quick Facts

• Senior Vice President Drew Baglino and Tesla’s vice president of public policy and business development, Rohan Patel, have left the company amidst a round of job cuts.
• Tesla’s shares dropped more than 3% following the news of the executive departures.
• CEO Elon Musk announced plans to cut headcount by more than 10% globally, coinciding with the departure of top executives.

Baglino’s departure, alongside the recent exit of Rohan Patel, comes at a time when Tesla is facing challenges in the electric-vehicle market. Musk’s decision to downsize the workforce and the subsequent departure of key executives have raised concerns among investors about the company’s stability and succession planning.

Another significant departure earlier in the year was that of Zachary Kirkhorn, who stepped down as CFO after 13 years with the company. Musk, who leads multiple companies, is also facing scrutiny over his commitment to Tesla, the world’s most valuable automaker.

Walter Isaacson, Musk’s biographer, described Baglino as a personable engineer with a significant role in Tesla’s battery-cell development. Baglino’s departure, coupled with Musk’s ambitious plans and the company’s stock performance, has led to increased investor apprehension about the future of the company.

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Residents Swarm Council Meeting After Plan for LGBTQ+ Festival Draws Scowls

Angry residents gathered at a city council meeting in Broadview Heights, Ohio, to protest plans for a Pride festival. The event, scheduled to be held at the Broadview Heights City Hall campus, sparked anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment among the attendees.

Quick Facts:
– Around 100 people attended the council meeting to voice their opposition to the Brecksville-Broadview Heights (BBH) Pride Fest event in June.
– Broadview Heights Mayor Sam Alai approved the festival despite the city council playing no role in the decision.
– Residents expressed objections based on religious beliefs and concerns about the festival’s impact on the community.

Residents expressed strong opposition to the Pride festival during the council meeting. Many attendees protested the event, citing religious beliefs and concerns about its impact on the community. Some residents accused the city of undermining the council and attempting to influence children’s gender identities. Despite some support for the festival, the majority of comments at the meeting were negative.

The anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment displayed at the meeting reflects a broader political culture war, with debates over transgender rights and health care access intensifying across the country. The BBH Pride Organization expressed surprise at the level of opposition and voiced concerns about the safety of its members following the meeting.

The contentious issue has brought to light the deep divide within the community, highlighting the ongoing struggle to find common ground on LGBTQ+ rights and representation.
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Jimmy Kimmel had a tumultuous morning after Donald Trump confused him with Al Pacino. Trump’s social media post accused Kimmel of a poor performance at the Academy Awards and mixed him up with the legendary actor.

Quick Facts

• Donald Trump confused Jimmy Kimmel with Al Pacino in a social media post.
• Trump accused Kimmel of a poor performance at the Academy Awards.
• Kimmel fact-checked Trump’s post and responded with humor.

Jimmy Kimmel found himself in the spotlight after Donald Trump’s social media post mistakenly identified him as Al Pacino. Trump accused Kimmel of a poor performance at the Academy Awards and mixed him up with the legendary actor. Kimmel fact-checked Trump’s post and responded with humor, highlighting the confusion and adding a touch of sarcasm to the situation.

Reacting to Trump’s accusations, Kimmel addressed the inaccuracies in the post and humorously pointed out the confusion between him and Al Pacino. He also highlighted the irony of being labeled the “WORST” Oscar host ever, considering he was asked to host the show again the following year. Additionally, Late Show host Stephen Colbert came to Kimmel’s defense, emphasizing the absurdity of Trump’s remarks.

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11,000 evacuated in northern Indonesia as Ruang volcano erupts

11,000 evacuated in northern Indonesia as Ruang volcano erupts

11,000 people have been evacuated from around the Ruang volcano in northern Indonesia amid fears of a possible collapse and tsunami after multiple eruptions. Mount Ruang, located in North Sulawesi Province, first erupted on Tuesday, followed by four more eruptions on Wednesday.

Quick Facts

• Mount Ruang in Indonesia erupted multiple times, leading to the evacuation of 11,000 people.
• The alert level for the 725-metre high mountain was raised to four, the highest on the scale.
• Officials widened the exclusion zone around the crater to six kilometres and expressed concerns about the potential collapse causing a tsunami.

Indonesia’s volcanology agency raised the alert level for Mount Ruang to four after the series of eruptions and widened the exclusion zone around the crater. More than 800 people were initially evacuated to nearby Tagulandang Island, but later everyone on Tagulandang was also required to be evacuated. There are concerns about the potential collapse of the volcano into the sea, which could trigger a tsunami, as observed during a previous eruption in 1871.

Video footage showed red lava streaming down the mountain and ash clouds above the crater. The head of Indonesia’s geological agency reported that the initial eruption sent an ash column two kilometres into the sky, and a subsequent eruption increased it to 2.5 kilometres. The recent volcanic activity at Ruang has been linked to two earthquakes in the region.

Indonesia, part of the ‘Ring of Fire’ with 120 active volcanoes, has a history of volcanic disasters. The 2018 eruption of Anak Krakatoa volcano led to a deadly tsunami along the coasts of Sumatra and Java after parts of the mountain collapsed into the ocean.

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Kremlin Crying About France Seizing Villa From Putin’s Ex-Wife

The Kremlin is not pleased that French authorities have taken aim at Vladimir Putin’s ex-wife.

Quick Facts

• The French court’s decision to seize the $5.7-million villa belonging to Russian citizen Artur Ocheretny, formerly Putina, is causing controversy.
• Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov considers the seizure of the “Souzanna” villa in Anglet, near Biarritz, as “a priori illegal.”
• The villa is reportedly at the center of an investigation by a division of the Paris prosecutor’s office tackling organized crime.

A French court’s decision to seize the $5.7-million villa belonging to Russian citizen Artur Ocheretny, the new husband of Lyudmila Ocheretnaya (formerly Putina), is “a priori illegal,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Thursday.

Asked to comment on the move, Peskov stressed that the residence was “private property” and “any encroachment on private property is a violation of the law.”

The villa, now empty and featuring the phrase “Fuck Poutine” graffitied on the gate, is reportedly at the center of an investigation by a division of the Paris prosecutor’s office tackling organized crime.

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