Mike_Smith

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Defendant in Kidnapping Case Denies Abducting Woman and Child but Admits Vehicle Theft

Defendant in Kidnapping Case Denies Abducting Woman and Child but Admits Vehicle Theft

The Vermont man charged with kidnapping a New Hampshire woman and her child testifies in his defence, claiming consent during the alleged abduction.

A Vermont man, who is currently on trial for kidnapping a New Hampshire woman and her four-year-old son, admitted to stealing two vehicles and transporting them across state lines but denied the kidnapping charges. Everett Simpson, aged 45, is representing himself in the federal trial, where he responded to questions posed by his standby attorney, with the questions written by Simpson himself.

Testifying on Monday, Simpson admitted to driving the victim and her child from New Hampshire to Vermont, but maintained that the woman’s actions were consensual, insisting that she had opportunities to escape if she wished. Despite acknowledging the theft of a van and the woman’s car, Simpson continued to deny any form of abduction.

Prosecutors, however, claim that the victim called for help during the ordeal, but it was not provided. They also presented evidence that the pair had travelled to a Vermont motel, where the woman was sexually assaulted. While the federal charges do not include sexual assault, Simpson faces separate state charges for the alleged assault.

Simpson explained that he fled a Vermont drug treatment facility on January 4, 2019, shortly after being dropped off for court-ordered treatment. He stated he left in search of his estranged wife, whom he suspected of being involved with another man. After stealing a van, Simpson drove to New Hampshire, where he abandoned the vehicle and allegedly took the woman and her child back to Vermont.

The woman later received a $400,000 settlement after filing a lawsuit accusing the state of Vermont of failing to locate Simpson after his escape from the treatment centre. The exact settlement amount from the treatment centre remains unclear.

Closing arguments in the case are set to begin on Tuesday, with the jury expected to deliberate thereafter. If convicted of kidnapping, Simpson faces a potential life sentence.

FBI Arrests Two Individuals for Operating Unlawful Chinese Police Station in Manhattan

FBI Arrests Two Individuals for Operating Unlawful Chinese Police Station in Manhattan

Authorities shut down the covert station in Chinatown and charge the suspects with espionage-related offences, uncovering a broader campaign of intimidation.

The FBI has arrested two individuals in connection with running an illicit Chinese police station in New York City. The arrests, which took place on Monday, are part of an investigation into the secretive operation allegedly aimed at extending Chinese governmental influence within the United States.

The suspects are expected to face charges in federal court, accused of conspiring to act as agents for the Chinese government. This “undeclared police station,” located in the Chinatown area of Manhattan, was closed last year following a search warrant executed by authorities. The operation, officials stated, was conducted without any official declaration and was intended to further Chinese state interests in the US.

At a press conference revealing the arrests, US Attorney Breon Peace, Brooklyn’s top federal prosecutor, emphasised, “New York City is home to New York’s finest: the NYPD. We don’t need or want a secret police station in our great city.”

Along with the arrests, the Justice Department announced charges against 34 members of China’s national police for allegedly targeting Chinese nationals in the US who were critical of the Chinese government. These individuals, all currently residing in China, are believed to be part of the Chinese government’s “912 Special Project Working Group,” designed to sway international perceptions in favour of the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

According to prosecutors, the operatives used social media platforms to launch attacks against pro-democracy figures globally, while promoting the PRC’s agenda. They ran accounts that mimicked those of American citizens, publishing content including videos and articles that smeared Chinese pro-democracy activists. Some of the material contained explicit threats, even death threats, directed at individuals who had spoken out against the Chinese government or planned to attend pro-democracy protests in the US.

Chinese authorities have maintained that these “service centres,” which the FBI claims were part of a global network of similar operations, were merely run by volunteers and not involved in policing activities.

Senator John Fetterman Returns to Senate After Six-Week Absence for Depression Treatment

Senator John Fetterman Returns to Senate After Six-Week Absence for Depression Treatment

The Pennsylvania Democrat’s comeback follows extended treatment, as Senate Democrats face challenges with Senator Feinstein’s absence.

Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania returned to the US Senate on Monday after being absent for six weeks due to treatment for depression. He made his entrance wearing his signature attire—a black hoodie, gym shorts, and sneakers—and placed his hand over his heart as he walked into the chamber ahead of the day’s votes.

Fetterman, 54, posted a photo on social media of his return, expressing his gratitude: “It’s good to be back,” he wrote in a tweet.

Fetterman, who suffered a stroke last year just before the Democratic primary in May, went on to win the Senate race against Republican Mehmet Oz. In February, after experiencing lightheadedness, Fetterman was briefly hospitalised at George Washington University Hospital before checking in for inpatient treatment at Walter Reed Medical Centre for depression. His return comes at a time when the Democratic caucus is dealing with the absence of Senator Dianne Feinstein, who is also recovering from an extended leave after contracting shingles.

Feinstein, 89, has requested to temporarily step down from the Senate Judiciary Committee to recover, just as the Senate Democrats work to confirm judicial nominees from President Joe Biden. With only 51 Senate seats, the Democrats need full participation to confirm the President’s nominees without requiring Vice President Kamala Harris to break a tie.

Meanwhile, Republicans have indicated their opposition to aiding the confirmation process in the absence of Feinstein, with some lawmakers vocal about opposing Biden’s judicial picks. Senator Tom Cotton from Arkansas tweeted, “Republicans should not assist Democrats in confirming Joe Biden’s most radical nominees to the courts,” and Senator Marsha Blackburn from Tennessee added, “I will not go along with Chuck Schumer’s plan to replace Senator Feinstein on the Judiciary Committee and pack the court with activist judges.”

Mark Sheehan, The Script Guitarist, Dies Aged 46 After Short Illness

Mark Sheehan, The Script Guitarist, Dies Aged 46 After Short Illness

Tributes pour in for The Script’s beloved guitarist, who passed away after a brief illness, leaving behind a legacy of music and cherished memories.

Mark Sheehan, the talented guitarist from the Irish pop band The Script, has tragically passed away at the age of 46 following a brief illness. The band shared the heartbreaking news on their social media, describing Sheehan as a “much loved husband, father, brother, band mate and friend” who passed away in hospital. They also requested privacy for his family and loved ones during this difficult time.

Sheehan, who was married to Rina Sheehan and leaves behind three children, had a rich musical career, growing up in Dublin alongside his bandmate, lead singer Danny O’Donoghue. The two initially played together in boybands before moving to the United States, where they worked with prominent artists such as Britney Spears and TLC. Later, they returned to Ireland to form The Script, one of the country’s most successful bands.

In May of last year, O’Donoghue revealed that Sheehan had taken time off from the band’s American tour to focus on his family. He explained that Sheehan’s decision was driven by the need to be with his loved ones, describing the period as one of rejuvenation for the guitarist. O’Donoghue expressed support for Sheehan’s choice, emphasising the importance of family and personal well-being.

The Script were due to join American artist P!nk on her European tour later this year, continuing their legacy of touring and performing. The band’s fans and fellow musicians have expressed their condolences following Sheehan’s passing. Among those paying tribute was the Irish rock band Kodaline, who described Sheehan as a “lovely man” and remembered the time they spent together. Irish presenter Laura Whitmore also paid her respects, calling Sheehan one of the “nicest and most talented” people she had ever met.

The pop duo Jedward, another act from Ireland, shared their sorrow, calling Sheehan’s death a great loss for both the Irish music industry and the world. “Such a talented musician from The Script, one of the most iconic Irish groups of our generation,” they wrote in their tribute.

Formed in Dublin in 2001, The Script went on to achieve global success, with their debut album hitting number one in both the UK and Ireland. The band’s hits, including “For the First Time,” made them household names. Their visibility further increased when O’Donoghue became a coach on “The Voice UK” during its first two seasons.

Pressure Mounts on Sunak as Ex-Tory Ministers Condemn Suella Braverman’s Controversial Comments

Pressure Mounts on Sunak as Ex-Tory Ministers Condemn Suella Braverman’s Controversial Comments

The Home Secretary faces growing criticism over remarks deemed racially insensitive, with calls for action from former colleagues.

Suella Braverman, the Home Secretary, is facing increased scrutiny and condemnation over her comments, which have been described as racially charged. Several former senior Conservative ministers have spoken out against her remarks, calling them “racist rhetoric” and urging Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to take action.

One former minister from Boris Johnson’s government, who wished to remain anonymous, labelled Braverman a “real racist bigot” and expressed concern that her comments were damaging the reputation of both the country and the Conservative Party. The minister added that the party’s standing on issues of discrimination had reached a “new low”.

Braverman’s comments on April 2, in which she highlighted British Pakistani men as a primary concern in relation to grooming gangs, attracted significant backlash. She referred to specific cases in towns such as Rotherham and Rochdale and suggested that certain ethnic groups, particularly British Pakistani men, held cultural values incompatible with British norms, citing the treatment of women as one example.

In October, Braverman was also criticised for using the term “invasion” to describe the influx of migrants crossing the Channel. These remarks, combined with a recent incident involving offensive dolls in an Essex pub, have led to further controversy. On April 4, police seized several golly dolls from the White Hart Inn in Grays, Essex, as part of an investigation into a hate crime allegation. A Home Office source reportedly dismissed the police involvement, stating it was a “nonsense” issue that should not distract from criminal matters.

Tory peer Sayeeda Warsi condemned Braverman’s rhetoric in a piece for the Guardian, urging Prime Minister Sunak to take responsibility. Warsi expressed disappointment, especially given the diversity of the current cabinet. She emphasised that, as the first Prime Minister of an ethnic minority background, Sunak should not allow his government to be remembered for tolerating such language. While Warsi does not believe Sunak shares Braverman’s extreme views, she pointed out that the responsibility ultimately rests with him as party leader.

Tory MP Tobias Ellwood, chair of the Defence Select Committee, also distanced himself from Braverman’s comments, saying they were not in line with the party’s current approach. He expressed concern that such remarks might alienate a wider public, especially as the Prime Minister seeks to steer the party towards a more cooperative and pragmatic stance.

In response, a Home Office spokesperson defended Braverman’s remarks, asserting that the Home Secretary was simply addressing the issue of grooming gangs and the need for justice for victims. The spokesperson acknowledged that while the majority of British-Pakistanis are law-abiding citizens, independent reports had confirmed that in towns like Rochdale and Rotherham, cultural sensitivities had allowed the abuse of young girls to continue unchecked for years. The government has introduced measures such as a new police task force to prevent such abuses in the future and ensure that offenders are held accountable.

Investors Urge Major UK Companies to Increase Pay for Low-Income Workers

Investors Urge Major UK Companies to Increase Pay for Low-Income Workers

A £2.3 trillion asset group calls for businesses to align wages with inflation and address pay inequalities.

A coalition of 15 investors managing over £2.3 trillion in assets has urged the UK’s largest firms to raise wages for their lowest-paid employees in line with inflation. The group, which includes the investment arms of major insurance companies like Axa, Aviva, and Legal & General, has issued a letter to business leaders setting out their expectations for the year ahead.

The letter, coordinated by the responsible investment organisation ShareAction, calls for action from leading companies, including Tesco, JD Sports, ITV, Boohoo Group, and Entain. These firms are set to face scrutiny at their annual general meetings (AGMs) on how they are addressing the growing wage disparity between high and low earners, especially amidst the rising cost of living.

ShareAction plans to release a list of companies that engage with the investors’ demands at the conclusion of AGM season, usually after May, highlighting their progress and responses. The investors believe that the lowest-paid workers should receive pay increases that at least match the current consumer price inflation rate, which stood at 10.4% in February.

Research has shown that the cost-of-living crisis has hit lower-income households hardest, as they spend a larger share of their income on essentials, such as food and electricity, which have seen significant price increases. A recent report from the Trades Union Congress noted that 2022 saw the worst real wage growth in nearly 50 years, with take-home pay failing to keep up with rising living costs.

Vaidahee Sachdev, senior impact analyst at Aviva Investors, emphasised that businesses must acknowledge their “critical role” in addressing inequality and that their actions are key to ensuring future prosperity. She added that investors must hold companies accountable for contributing to long-term systemic risks, such as widening inequality.

Dan Howard, head of Good Work at ShareAction, warned that the current economic crisis could exacerbate income disparities unless companies take responsibility. “Investors are calling on businesses to provide fair wages and decent contracts across their supply chains, not just to protect workers during the cost-of-living crisis but also to serve the long-term interests of both the business and society,” he said.

He also cautioned that companies that ignore these calls could face increased pressure from shareholders in the future.

Juventus Provide Update on Wojciech Szczesny’s Health After Chest Palpitations During Europa League Match

Juventus Provide Update on Wojciech Szczesny’s Health After Chest Palpitations During Europa League Match

Goalkeeper’s condition reassured after he was substituted in distress during first-leg victory over Sporting.

Juventus have moved to ease concerns over goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny after he left the pitch in tears during the first half of their Europa League quarter-final match against Sporting. The former Arsenal keeper, who had been playing in the 44th minute, complained of chest palpitations and was immediately substituted.

However, the club swiftly reassured fans with a statement on social media, confirming that the Poland international had been given a check-up and was “fine.” They wrote: “After an initial examination, everything is OK with Tek (Szczesny).”

Juventus went on to win the match 1-0, with Federico Gatti scoring the only goal of the game in the 73rd minute, giving them a narrow advantage to take into next week’s return leg in Portugal.

Elsewhere in the competition, Manchester United let a commanding lead slip against Sevilla. Leading 2-0 thanks to a brace from Marcel Sabitzer, United were stunned by late own goals from Tyrell Malacia and Harry Maguire, resulting in a chaotic 2-2 draw. Concerns were also raised for United as injuries forced key defenders Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez off the field.

Jose Mourinho’s Roma suffered a 1-0 defeat against Feyenoord, with Mats Wieferr scoring the only goal of the match, while Roma’s Lorenzo Pellegrini missed a first-half penalty. In other Europa League action, Bayer Leverkusen drew 1-1 with Union Saint-Gilloise, and West Ham faced Gent in a 1-1 draw in the Europa Conference League quarter-finals.

Biden Appoints Prominent Figures to New Arts and Humanities Advisory Committee

Biden Appoints Prominent Figures to New Arts and Humanities Advisory Committee

Lady Gaga, George Clooney, Jennifer Garner, and other luminaries join the President’s committee on cultural affairs.

The White House has unveiled the newest members of the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, a prestigious group of influential figures from the arts, academia, and philanthropy tasked with advising President Joe Biden on cultural matters. The committee is co-chaired by Bruce Cohen, the Academy Award-winning producer known for films such as American Beauty and Silver Linings Playbook, and global pop sensation Lady Gaga (born Stefani Germanotta).

Other members selected for the committee include renowned musician Jon Batiste, who performed at a recent state dinner in honour of French President Emmanuel Macron, TV producer Shonda Rhimes, rock legend Joe Walsh, and actors George Clooney, Jennifer Garner, Troy Kotsur, and Kerry Washington. The committee also features former Congressman Steve Israel, a Democrat who represented New York in the House of Representatives.

The committee’s executive director, Tsione Wolde-Michael, expressed confidence in the group’s potential, stating, “This committee is poised to have a significant impact on the arts, libraries, museums, and humanities programmes in communities nationwide.”

Many of the appointed members have previously worked with President Biden on important social issues. For example, Lady Gaga collaborated with Biden on the “It’s On Us” campaign to combat sexual assault on college campuses. Additionally, television producer Marta Kauffman, also selected for the committee, hosted a fundraiser for First Lady Jill Biden last September.

Study Highlights $82 Million Loss of Natural Gas in Louisiana Due to Wasting Practices

Study Highlights $82 Million Loss of Natural Gas in Louisiana Due to Wasting Practices

Environmentalists urge action on gas leaks, venting, and flaring, which harm both the environment and state revenue.

A recent study released by environmental and government watchdog organisations reveals that Louisiana lost over $82 million in natural gas in 2019, primarily due to leaks, venting, and flaring at production sites. The report, published by the Environmental Defense Fund, indicates that more than 27 billion cubic feet (760 million cubic meters) of natural gas were wasted that year, contributing to both significant economic loss and environmental harm. The state’s tax and royalty revenue was reduced by an estimated $2.5 million as a result.

Methane, a major component of natural gas, is a potent greenhouse gas, and its release into the atmosphere exacerbates climate change. The study found that over 81% of the wasted gas was due to leaks, with less than 1% released through purposeful venting and 19% lost through flaring. The process of venting or burning gas is often carried out for safety or economic reasons but results in substantial waste.

The report states that the amount of lost gas could have met more than two-thirds of Louisiana’s residential natural gas demand for an entire year. The research was conducted by Synapse Energy Economics Inc., a consulting firm with various environmental and governmental clients.

This study comes as the federal Environmental Protection Agency considers new regulations to prevent gas releases, including mandatory inspections of well sites. Louisiana’s Department of Natural Resources is also working to develop its own rules to address the issue, with an emphasis on reducing gas emissions, according to spokesperson Patrick Courreges.

Courreges noted that the state is examining successful regulations from other oil-producing states and aiming to apply similar measures in Louisiana. While he did not comment on the study’s findings, he highlighted the state’s goal of ensuring gas remains in the pipelines and is put to productive use.

In addition to addressing ongoing leaks from active sites, the state and federal authorities are focusing on “orphan wells”—abandoned, non-producing wells that continue to leak harmful contaminants. Environmental advocates, including Autumn Hanna of Taxpayers for Common Sense and Jan Moller of the Louisiana Budget Project, have called for updated policies to curb the waste of valuable natural gas.

Hanna remarked, “Outdated policies are preventing billions of dollars in natural gas from reaching the market at a time when both energy security and state budgets are under pressure.” Moller emphasised the impact of this waste on state revenue, adding that the funds lost to gas waste must be replaced by other taxes or result in the loss of funding for critical state programmes.

Prime Minister Sunak Shows Support for Shot PSNI Officer John Caldwell During Belfast Visit

Prime Minister Sunak Shows Support for Shot PSNI Officer John Caldwell During Belfast Visit

Rishi Sunak’s private meeting with Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell follows the officer’s recovery after a terrorist attack earlier this year.

During his recent visit to Belfast to meet with US President Joe Biden, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak took the opportunity to privately visit Detective Chief Inspector John Caldwell, a senior PSNI officer who was shot earlier this year in Co Tyrone. The visit, which took place at a hospital in the north-west, was not publicly announced by the PSNI, who described it as a private matter.

Liam Kelly, Chairman of the Police Federation for Northern Ireland, expressed the significance of Sunak’s visit, emphasising the support it offered both to Mr Caldwell and the PSNI officers facing ongoing terrorist threats. Kelly stated, “The Prime Minister’s visit demonstrates his support for John as he recovers from the vicious attack in Omagh. It also reflects his alignment with the officers who continue to work in challenging and dangerous conditions.”

The visit came shortly after US President Biden addressed the attack on Mr Caldwell in his speech at Ulster University. Biden condemned the perpetrators and reiterated that “the enemies of peace will not prevail” in Northern Ireland, highlighting the resilience of the region’s people and leadership.

Earlier this year, Mr Caldwell was critically injured when he was targeted by dissident republicans from the New IRA, a group that opposes the peace process. The shooting has had life-changing consequences for Caldwell, whose recovery is ongoing.

Biden, in his speech, recognised the response of Northern Ireland’s political leaders to the attack, stating that the attack was a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges to peace. He remarked, “Northern Ireland will not go back, pray God,” underscoring the necessity of perseverance and hard work in times of fragility.

The region’s terrorism threat level has recently been raised to severe, indicating the high likelihood of future attacks. This heightened concern comes after disturbances in Londonderry over the Easter period, where pipe bombs were found and violence erupted during a republican commemoration.