ReportWire

Tag: tension

  • After a year of tensions, Colombia’s Petro and Trump make peace

    [ad_1]

    President Trump recently called Colombia’s leader, Gustavo Petro, a “sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States.”

    Petro, meanwhile, has labeled Trump a murderer and compared him to Adolf Hitler.

    But on Tuesday, the two leaders made nice — mostly — in a closed-door meeting at the White House that both described as productive.

    Trump described the two-hour conversation, which touched on energy, Venezuela and bilateral efforts to combat drug trafficking, as “fantastic.”

    Petro, in turn, called the confab “very positive” and said it had an “optimistic and constructive tone.”

    He brought Trump Colombian coffee, and First Lady Melania Trump a gown crafted by Indigenous artisans.

    Trump gifted him a framed portrait of the two men shaking hands, scrawled with the words: “I love Colombia.”

    The meeting did not erase the considerable political differences between Trump, who believes the U.S. should dominate the Western Hemisphere, and Petro, a former left-wing guerrilla who opposed the recent U.S. operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

    Yet it did appeared to ease tensions between Colombia and the United States, longtime allies whose relationship soured over the last year amid public clashes between Trump and Petro.

    Relations between the nations grew tense shortly after Trump returned to the White House for a second term.

    Petro refused to receive U.S. military flights of deported migrants, acquiescing only after Trump threatened heavy tariffs on Colombian goods.

    After Petro gave a speech at the United Nations General Assembly slamming U.S. support for Israel and calling on American troops to disobey Trump and “obey the orders of humanity,” the State Department announced it was revoking the visa of Petro and several of his family members.

    In the fall, Trump accused Petro of failing to stop cocaine production — and of being a drug trafficker.

    Washington removed Colombia’s certification that it is doing enough to eliminate cocaine crops and halted aid to the nation, which in 2023 surpassed $740 million. The Colombian government recalled its ambassador to the United States.

    Tensions peaked after the U.S. bombed Caracas and captured Maduro last month.

    Petro said the U.S. had “kidnapped” Maduro and dared Trump to launch a similar strike in Colombia. “Come get me. I’m waiting for you here,” he said.

    Trump did not discard the possibility of a U.S. military operation in Colombia, saying, “It sounds good to me.”

    Relations thawed with a Jan. 7 phone call between the leaders, in which they agreed to meet in person. The U.S. granted Petro a temporary visa so that he could visit the White House.

    Colombian officials said Petro planned to focus on defending his record in deterring drug trafficking, even though cocaine production is rising in Colombia. Acting Justice Minister Andrés Idárraga Franco recently said that Petro’s administration has extradited more criminals to the United States than any of his conservative predecessors, including one accused trafficker who was delivered to U.S. authorities this week.

    Reporters are typically allowed into the Oval Office to ask questions of ahead of meetings between Trump and other heads of state, but they were not on Tuesday.

    Although Trump praised the meeting as productive, he tempered his praise.

    “You know, he and I weren’t exactly the best of friends,” Trump said. “But I wasn’t insulted because I’d never met him. I didn’t know him at all. And we got along very well.”

    Speaking to journalists at the Colombian Embassy in Washington after the meeting, Petro mentioned climate change and criticized the U.S. operation in Venezuela and what he described as the “genocide” in Gaza.

    He said Trump gave him one of his trademark red ball caps. He said he took a pen to change Trump’s slogan, so that it now reads: “Make Americas Great Again.”

    Times staff writer Ana Ceballos in Washington contributed to this report.

    [ad_2]

    Kate Linthicum

    Source link

  • Journalist Don Lemon is charged with federal civil rights crimes in anti-ICE church protest

    [ad_1]

    Journalist Don Lemon was released from custody Friday after he was arrested and hit with federal civil rights charges over his coverage of an anti-immigration enforcement protest that disrupted a service at a Minnesota church.Lemon was arrested Thursday while across the country in Los Angeles, while another independent journalist and two protest participants were arrested in Minnesota.The arrests brought sharp criticism from news media advocates and civil rights activists including the Rev. Al Sharpton, who said the Trump administration is taking a “sledgehammer” to “the knees of the First Amendment.”The four were indicted on charges of conspiracy and interfering with the First Amendment rights of worshippers during the Jan. 18 protest at the Cities Church in St. Paul, where a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement official is a pastor.In federal court in Los Angeles, Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Robbins argued for a $100,000 bond, telling a judge that Lemon “knowingly joined a mob that stormed into a church.” He was released, however, without having to post money and was granted permission to travel to France in June while the case is pending.Defense attorney Marilyn Bednarski said Lemon plans to plead not guilty and fight the charges.Lemon, who was fired from CNN in 2023 following a bumpy run as a morning host, has said he has no affiliation with the organization that went into the church, and he was there as a solo journalist chronicling protesters.“Don has been a journalist for 30 years, and his constitutionally protected work in Minneapolis was no different than what he has always done,” his lawyer, Abbe Lowell, said in a statement. “The First Amendment exists to protect journalists whose role it is to shine light on the truth and hold those in power accountable.”Attorney General Pam Bondi promoted the arrests on social media.“Make no mistake. Under President Trump’s leadership and this administration, you have the right to worship freely and safely,” Bondi said in a video posted online. “And if I haven’t been clear already, if you violate that sacred right, we are coming after you.”‘Keep trying’Since he left CNN, Lemon has joined the legion of journalists who have gone into business for themselves, posting regularly on YouTube. He hasn’t hidden his disdain for President Donald Trump. Yet during his online show from the church, he said repeatedly: “I’m not here as an activist. I’m here as a journalist.” He described the scene before him and interviewed churchgoers and demonstrators.A magistrate judge last week rejected prosecutors’ initial bid to charge the veteran journalist. Shortly after, he predicted on his show that the administration would try again.“And guess what,” he said. “Here I am. Keep trying. That’s not going to stop me from being a journalist. That’s not going to diminish my voice. Go ahead, make me into the new Jimmy Kimmel, if you want. Just do it. Because I’m not going anywhere.”Georgia Fort livestreamed the moments before her arrest, telling viewers that agents were at her door and her First Amendment right as a journalist was being diminished.A judge released Fort, Trahern Crews and Jamael Lundy on bond, rejecting the Justice Department’s attempt to keep them in custody. Not guilty pleas were entered. Fort’s supporters in the courtroom clapped and whooped.“It’s a sinister turn of events in this country,” Fort’s attorney, Kevin Riach, said in court.Discouraging scrutinyJane Kirtley, a media law and ethics expert at the University of Minnesota, said the federal laws cited by the government were not intended to apply to reporters gathering news.The charges against Lemon and Fort, she said, are “pure intimidation and government overreach.”Some experts and activists said the charges were not only an attack on press freedoms but also a strike against Black Americans who count on Black journalists to bear witness to injustice and oppression.The National Association of Black Journalists said it was “outraged and deeply alarmed” by Lemon’s arrest. The group called it an effort to “criminalize and threaten press freedom under the guise of law enforcement.”Crews is a leader of Black Lives Matter Minnesota who has led many protests and actions for racial justice, particularly following George Floyd’s killing in Minneapolis in 2020.“All the greats have been to jail, MLK, Malcom X — people who stood up for justice get attacked,” Crews told The Associated Press. “We were just practicing our First Amendment rights.”Protesters charged previouslyA prominent civil rights attorney and two other people involved in the protest were arrested last week. Prosecutors have accused them of civil rights violations for disrupting the Cities Church service.The Justice Department launched an investigation after the group interrupted services by chanting “ICE out” and “Justice for Renee Good,” referring to the 37-year-old mother of three who was fatally shot by an ICE officer in Minneapolis.Lundy, a candidate for state Senate, works for the office of Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty and is married to a St. Paul City Council member. Lemon briefly interviewed him as they gathered with protesters preparing to drive to the church on Jan. 18.“I feel like it’s important that if you’re going to be representing people in office that you are out here with the people,” Lundy told Lemon, adding he believed in “direct action, certainly within the lines of the law.”Church leaders praise arrests in protestCities Church belongs to the Southern Baptist Convention and lists one of its pastors as David Easterwood, who leads ICE’s St. Paul field office.“We are grateful that the Department of Justice acted swiftly to protect Cities Church so that we can continue to faithfully live out the church’s mission to worship Jesus and make him known,” lead pastor Jonathan Parnell said.___Richer and Tucker reported from Washington. Associated Press reporters Dave Bauder and Aaron Morrison in New York; Giovanna Dell’Orto, Tim Sullivan, Steve Karnowski and Jack Brook in Minneapolis; and Josh Funk in Omaha, Nebraska, contributed.

    LOS ANGELES —

    Journalist Don Lemon was released from custody Friday after he was arrested and hit with federal civil rights charges over his coverage of an anti-immigration enforcement protest that disrupted a service at a Minnesota church.

    Lemon was arrested Thursday while across the country in Los Angeles, while another independent journalist and two protest participants were arrested in Minnesota. He struck a confident, defiant tone while speaking to reporters after a court appearance in California.

    “I have spent my entire career covering the news. I will not stop now,” Lemon declared.

    The arrests brought sharp criticism from news media advocates and civil rights activists including the Rev. Al Sharpton, who said the Trump administration is taking a “sledgehammer” to “the knees of the First Amendment.”

    Lemon and others were indicted on charges of conspiracy and interfering with the First Amendment rights of worshippers during the Jan. 18 protest at the Cities Church in St. Paul, where a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement official is a pastor.

    In federal court in Los Angeles, Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander Robbins argued for a $100,000 bond, telling a judge that Lemon “knowingly joined a mob that stormed into a church.” He was released, however, without having to post money and was granted permission to travel to France in June while the case is pending.

    Defense attorney Marilyn Bednarski said Lemon plans to plead not guilty and fight the charges.

    Lemon, who was fired from CNN in 2023 following a bumpy run as a morning host, has said he has no affiliation to the organization that went into the church and he was there as a solo journalist chronicling protesters.

    “Don has been a journalist for 30 years, and his constitutionally protected work in Minneapolis was no different than what he has always done,” his lawyer, Abbe Lowell, said in a statement. “The First Amendment exists to protect journalists whose role it is to shine light on the truth and hold those in power accountable.”

    Attorney General Pam Bondi promoted the arrests on social media.

    “Make no mistake. Under President Trump’s leadership and this administration, you have the right to worship freely and safely,” Bondi said in a video posted online. “And if I haven’t been clear already, if you violate that sacred right, we are coming after you.”

    ‘Keep trying’

    Since he left CNN, Lemon has joined the legion of journalists who have gone into business for themselves, posting regularly on YouTube. He hasn’t hidden his disdain for President Donald Trump. Yet during his online show from the church, he said repeatedly: “I’m not here as an activist. I’m here as a journalist.” He described the scene before him and interviewed churchgoers and demonstrators.

    A magistrate judge last week rejected prosecutors’ initial bid to charge the veteran journalist. Shortly after, he predicted on his show that the administration would try again.

    “And guess what,” he said. “Here I am. Keep trying. That’s not going to stop me from being a journalist. That’s not going to diminish my voice. Go ahead, make me into the new Jimmy Kimmel, if you want. Just do it. Because I’m not going anywhere.”

    Georgia Fort livestreamed the moments before her arrest, telling viewers that agents were at her door and her First Amendment right as a journalist was being diminished.

    A judge released Fort, Trahern Crews and Jamael Lundy on bond, rejecting the Justice Department’s attempt to keep them in custody. Not guilty pleas were entered. Fort’s supporters in the courtroom clapped and whooped.

    “It’s a sinister turn of events in this country,” Fort’s attorney, Kevin Riach, said in court.

    Discouraging scrutiny

    Jane Kirtley, a media law and ethics expert at the University of Minnesota, said the federal laws cited by the government were not intended to apply to reporters gathering news.

    The charges against Lemon and Fort, she said, are “pure intimidation and government overreach.”

    Some experts and activists said the charges were not only an attack on press freedoms but also a strike against Black Americans who count on Black journalists to bear witness to injustice and oppression.

    The National Association of Black Journalists said it was “outraged and deeply alarmed” by Lemon’s arrest. The group called it an effort to “criminalize and threaten press freedom under the guise of law enforcement.”

    Crews is a leader of Black Lives Matter Minnesota who has led many protests and actions for racial justice, particularly following George Floyd’s killing in Minneapolis in 2020.

    “All the greats have been to jail, MLK, Malcom X — people who stood up for justice get attacked,” Crews told The Associated Press. “We were just practicing our First Amendment rights.”

    Protesters charged previously

    A prominent civil rights attorney and two other people involved in the protest were arrested last week. Prosecutors have accused them of civil rights violations for disrupting the Cities Church service.

    The Justice Department launched an investigation after the group interrupted services by chanting “ICE out” and “Justice for Renee Good,” referring to the 37-year-old mother of three who was fatally shot by an ICE officer in Minneapolis.

    Lundy, a candidate for state Senate, works for the office of Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty and is married to a St. Paul City Council member. Lemon briefly interviewed him as they gathered with protesters preparing to drive to the church on Jan. 18.

    “I feel like it’s important that if you’re going to be representing people in office that you are out here with the people,” Lundy told Lemon, adding he believed in “direct action, certainly within the lines of the law.”

    Church leaders praise arrests in protest

    Cities Church belongs to the Southern Baptist Convention and lists one of its pastors as David Easterwood, who leads ICE’s St. Paul field office.

    “We are grateful that the Department of Justice acted swiftly to protect Cities Church so that we can continue to faithfully live out the church’s mission to worship Jesus and make him known,” lead pastor Jonathan Parnell said.

    ___

    Richer and Tucker reported from Washington. Associated Press reporters Dave Bauder and Aaron Morrison in New York; Giovanna Dell’Orto, Tim Sullivan, Steve Karnowski and Jack Brook in Minneapolis; and Josh Funk in Omaha, Nebraska, contributed.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • ‘This will be an interesting trip’: President Trump to speak in Switzerland amid Greenland uproar

    [ad_1]

    President Donald Trump will deliver a speech today at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, focusing on a plan to make housing more affordable, while his comments about acquiring Greenland continue to stir tensions with European allies.”This will be an interesting trip. I have no idea what’s going to happen, but you are well represented,” Trump told reporters before departing the White House for Switzerland.The speech comes shortly after he threatened to impose tariffs on Denmark and seven other allies due to their opposition to his interest in acquiring Greenland. Trump announced that the tariffs would start at 10% next month and increase to 25% by June. The tensions over the U.S. interest in the Danish territory have already affected Wall Street, with stocks rattled on Tuesday.In Davos, Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney warned global leaders that the world is “facing a rupture,” emphasizing the risks of countries trying to avoid conflict by compliance. “There is a strong tendency for countries to go along to get along, to accommodate to avoid trouble, to hope that compliance will buy safety. Well, it won’t,” Carney said.Carney also added that Canada opposes tariffs over Greenland. Trump’s speech is expected to focus largely on housing, and following his address, he will meet with leaders at the forum, according to the White House.Home sales in the U.S. are at a 30-year low with rising prices. Reports show elevated mortgage rates are keeping prospective home buyers out of the market. Rent, for several years, has been the largest contributor to inflation.This comes as Trump announced his plan to buy $200 billion in mortgage securities to help lower interest rates on home loans. He’s also called for a ban on large financial companies buying houses. Keep watching for the latest from the Washington News Bureau:s

    WASHINGTON —

    President Donald Trump will deliver a speech today at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, focusing on a plan to make housing more affordable, while his comments about acquiring Greenland continue to stir tensions with European allies.

    “This will be an interesting trip. I have no idea what’s going to happen, but you are well represented,” Trump told reporters before departing the White House for Switzerland.

    The speech comes shortly after he threatened to impose tariffs on Denmark and seven other allies due to their opposition to his interest in acquiring Greenland.

    Trump announced that the tariffs would start at 10% next month and increase to 25% by June.

    The tensions over the U.S. interest in the Danish territory have already affected Wall Street, with stocks rattled on Tuesday.

    In Davos, Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney warned global leaders that the world is “facing a rupture,” emphasizing the risks of countries trying to avoid conflict by compliance.

    “There is a strong tendency for countries to go along to get along, to accommodate to avoid trouble, to hope that compliance will buy safety. Well, it won’t,” Carney said.

    Carney also added that Canada opposes tariffs over Greenland.

    Trump’s speech is expected to focus largely on housing, and following his address, he will meet with leaders at the forum, according to the White House.

    Home sales in the U.S. are at a 30-year low with rising prices. Reports show elevated mortgage rates are keeping prospective home buyers out of the market. Rent, for several years, has been the largest contributor to inflation.

    This comes as Trump announced his plan to buy $200 billion in mortgage securities to help lower interest rates on home loans. He’s also called for a ban on large financial companies buying houses.

    Keep watching for the latest from the Washington News Bureau:

    s

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Japan’s Cabinet OKs record defense budget that aims to deter China

    [ad_1]

    Japan’s Cabinet on Friday approved a record defense budget plan exceeding 9 trillion yen ($58 billion) for the coming year, aiming to fortify its strike-back capability and coastal defense with cruise missiles and unmanned arsenals as tensions rise in the region.The draft budget for fiscal 2026, beginning April, is up 9.4% from 2025 and marks the fourth year of Japan’s ongoing five-year program to double annual arms spending to 2% of gross domestic product.“It is the minimum needed as Japan faces the severest and most complex security environment in the postwar era,” Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said, stressing his country’s determination to pursue military buildup and protect its people.“It does not change our path as a peace-loving nation,” he said.The increase comes as Japan faces elevated tension from China. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said in November that her country’s military could get involved if China were to take action against Taiwan, the self-governing island that Beijing says must come under its rule.Takaichi’s government, under U.S. pressure for a military increase, pledged to achieve the 2% target by March, two years earlier than planned. Japan also plans to revise its ongoing security and defense policy by December 2026 to further strengthen its military.Missiles and drones will add to southwestern island defenseJapan has been bolstering its offensive capability with long-range missiles to attack enemy targets from a distance, a major break from its post-World War II principle limiting the use of force to its own self-defense.The current security strategy, adopted in 2022, names China as the country’s biggest strategic challenge and calls for a more offensive role for Japan’s Self-Defense Force under its security alliance with the U.S.The new budget plan allocates more than 970 billion yen ($6.2 billion) to bolster Japan’s “standoff” missile capability. It includes a 177 billion yen ($1.13 billion) purchase of domestically developed and upgraded Type-12 surface-to-ship missiles with a range of about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles).The first batch of the Type-12 missiles will be deployed in Japan’s southwestern Kumamoto prefecture by March, a year earlier than planned, as Japan accelerates its missile buildup in the region.The government believes unmanned weapons are essential, in part due to Japan’s aging and declining population and its struggles with an understaffed military.To defend the coasts, Japan will spend 100 billion yen ($640 million) to deploy “massive” unmanned air, sea-surface and underwater drones for surveillance and defense under a system called SHIELD planned for March 2028, defense ministry officials said.For speedier deployment, Japan initially plans to rely mainly on imports, possibly from Turkey or Israel.Tension with China growsThe budget announcement comes as Japan’s row with China escalates following Takaichi’s remark in November that the Japanese military could get involved if China were to take action against Taiwan, the self-governing island that Beijing claims as its own.The disagreement escalated this month when Chinese aircraft carrier drills near southwestern Japan prompted Tokyo to protest when Chinese aircraft locked their radar on Japanese aircraft, which is considered possible preparation for firing missiles.The Defense Ministry, already alarmed by China’s rapid expansion of operations in the Pacific, will open a new office dedicated to studying operations, equipment and other necessities for Japan to deal with China’s Pacific activity.Two Chinese aircraft carriers were spotted in June, almost simultaneously operating near the southern Japanese island of Iwo Jima for the first time, fueling Tokyo’s concern about Beijing’s rapidly expanding military activity far beyond its borders and areas around the disputed East China Sea islands.In Beijing, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said the Takaichi government has “noticeably accelerated its pace of military buildup and expansion” since taking office.”Japan is deviating from the path of peaceful development it has long claimed to uphold and is moving further and further in a dangerous direction,” Lin said.Japan plans joint development of frigates and jetsJapan is pushing to strengthen its largely domestic defense industry by participating in joint development with friendly nations and promoting foreign sales after drastically easing arms export restrictions in recent years.For 2026, Japan plans to spend more than 160 billion yen ($1 billion) to jointly develop a next-generation fighter jet with Britain and Italy for deployment in 2035. There are also plans for research and development of artificial intelligence-operated drones designed to fly with the jet.In a major boost to the country’s defense industry, Australia selected Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in August to upgrade the Mogami-class frigate to replace its fleet of 11 ANZAC-class ships.Japan’s budget allocates nearly 10 billion yen ($64 million) to support industry base and arms sales.Meeting targets but future funding uncertainThe budget plan requires parliamentary approval by March to be implemented as part of a 122.3 trillion yen ($784 billion) national budget bill.The five-year defense buildup program would bring Japan’s annual spending to around 10 trillion yen ($64 billion), making it the world’s third-largest spender after the U.S. and China. Japan will clear the 2% target by March as promised, the Finance Ministry said.Takaichi’s government plans to fund its growing military spending by raising corporate and tobacco taxes and recently adopted a plan for an income tax increase beginning in 2027. Prospects for future growth at a higher percentage of GDP are unclear.

    TOKYO —

    Japan’s Cabinet on Friday approved a record defense budget plan exceeding 9 trillion yen ($58 billion) for the coming year, aiming to fortify its strike-back capability and coastal defense with cruise missiles and unmanned arsenals as tensions rise in the region.

    The draft budget for fiscal 2026, beginning April, is up 9.4% from 2025 and marks the fourth year of Japan’s ongoing five-year program to double annual arms spending to 2% of gross domestic product.

    “It is the minimum needed as Japan faces the severest and most complex security environment in the postwar era,” Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said, stressing his country’s determination to pursue military buildup and protect its people.

    “It does not change our path as a peace-loving nation,” he said.

    The increase comes as Japan faces elevated tension from China. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said in November that her country’s military could get involved if China were to take action against Taiwan, the self-governing island that Beijing says must come under its rule.

    Takaichi’s government, under U.S. pressure for a military increase, pledged to achieve the 2% target by March, two years earlier than planned. Japan also plans to revise its ongoing security and defense policy by December 2026 to further strengthen its military.

    Missiles and drones will add to southwestern island defense

    Japan has been bolstering its offensive capability with long-range missiles to attack enemy targets from a distance, a major break from its post-World War II principle limiting the use of force to its own self-defense.

    The current security strategy, adopted in 2022, names China as the country’s biggest strategic challenge and calls for a more offensive role for Japan’s Self-Defense Force under its security alliance with the U.S.

    The new budget plan allocates more than 970 billion yen ($6.2 billion) to bolster Japan’s “standoff” missile capability. It includes a 177 billion yen ($1.13 billion) purchase of domestically developed and upgraded Type-12 surface-to-ship missiles with a range of about 1,000 kilometers (620 miles).

    The first batch of the Type-12 missiles will be deployed in Japan’s southwestern Kumamoto prefecture by March, a year earlier than planned, as Japan accelerates its missile buildup in the region.

    The government believes unmanned weapons are essential, in part due to Japan’s aging and declining population and its struggles with an understaffed military.

    To defend the coasts, Japan will spend 100 billion yen ($640 million) to deploy “massive” unmanned air, sea-surface and underwater drones for surveillance and defense under a system called SHIELD planned for March 2028, defense ministry officials said.

    For speedier deployment, Japan initially plans to rely mainly on imports, possibly from Turkey or Israel.

    Tension with China grows

    The budget announcement comes as Japan’s row with China escalates following Takaichi’s remark in November that the Japanese military could get involved if China were to take action against Taiwan, the self-governing island that Beijing claims as its own.

    The disagreement escalated this month when Chinese aircraft carrier drills near southwestern Japan prompted Tokyo to protest when Chinese aircraft locked their radar on Japanese aircraft, which is considered possible preparation for firing missiles.

    The Defense Ministry, already alarmed by China’s rapid expansion of operations in the Pacific, will open a new office dedicated to studying operations, equipment and other necessities for Japan to deal with China’s Pacific activity.

    Two Chinese aircraft carriers were spotted in June, almost simultaneously operating near the southern Japanese island of Iwo Jima for the first time, fueling Tokyo’s concern about Beijing’s rapidly expanding military activity far beyond its borders and areas around the disputed East China Sea islands.

    In Beijing, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said the Takaichi government has “noticeably accelerated its pace of military buildup and expansion” since taking office.

    “Japan is deviating from the path of peaceful development it has long claimed to uphold and is moving further and further in a dangerous direction,” Lin said.

    Japan plans joint development of frigates and jets

    Japan is pushing to strengthen its largely domestic defense industry by participating in joint development with friendly nations and promoting foreign sales after drastically easing arms export restrictions in recent years.

    For 2026, Japan plans to spend more than 160 billion yen ($1 billion) to jointly develop a next-generation fighter jet with Britain and Italy for deployment in 2035. There are also plans for research and development of artificial intelligence-operated drones designed to fly with the jet.

    In a major boost to the country’s defense industry, Australia selected Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in August to upgrade the Mogami-class frigate to replace its fleet of 11 ANZAC-class ships.

    Japan’s budget allocates nearly 10 billion yen ($64 million) to support industry base and arms sales.

    Meeting targets but future funding uncertain

    The budget plan requires parliamentary approval by March to be implemented as part of a 122.3 trillion yen ($784 billion) national budget bill.

    The five-year defense buildup program would bring Japan’s annual spending to around 10 trillion yen ($64 billion), making it the world’s third-largest spender after the U.S. and China. Japan will clear the 2% target by March as promised, the Finance Ministry said.

    Takaichi’s government plans to fund its growing military spending by raising corporate and tobacco taxes and recently adopted a plan for an income tax increase beginning in 2027. Prospects for future growth at a higher percentage of GDP are unclear.

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Police declare ‘unlawful assembly’ at downtown L.A. protest, use tear gas to disperse crowds

    [ad_1]

    Police on Saturday evening declared an unlawful assembly and issued a dispersal order for a small portion of downtown Los Angeles next to the Metropolitan Detention Center where demonstrators from “No Kings Day” protests had converged.

    Tense standoffs took place between police and the crowd in the area of Alameda Street and Aliso Street, with demonstrators accusing law enforcement of escalating tensions amid the carryover from peaceful daytime rallies.

    “A dispersal order for the area of Alameda between Aliso and Temple has been ordered … All persons in the area of Alameda and Aliso/Commercial must leave the area,” the LAPD posted on social media at 6:55 p.m. “All persons in the area have 15 minutes to comply. If you remain in the area you may be subject to arrest or other police action.”

    The day’s protests, which drew throngs of crowds in Southern California and across the nation, made pointed critiques of President Trump’s actions on transgender rights, foreign policy, the federal government shutdown, university funding and other matters. Protesters also took on the the the White House’s push to deport immigrants without legal authorization to be in the U.S. by undertaking raids in U.S. cities including Los Angeles. The Metropolitan Detention Center, a federal facility, has become a focal point over anti-ICE sentiment.

    On Saturday, tensions grew around 7 p.m., after LAPD declared the unlawful assembly and began to press a line of protesters outside the facility. Police shot multiple nonlethal rounds, used tear gas and brought in a fleet of horses in an attempt to push back crowds.

    By 8:30 p.m., protesters had largely abandoned their stand near the detention center while police tried to reestablish a line on the street in front of federal building.

    As of 9 p.m., LAPD had reported no arrests.

    [ad_2]

    Jaweed Kaleem, Christopher Buchanan

    Source link

  • Sac City Unified school board president facing recall amid controversy of removed teachers

    [ad_1]

    A Sacramento City Unified School District board meeting on Thursday was marked by tension and heated moments of public comment. At one point, a parent served the board president with a notice of intent to recall him. The tension comes after weeks of controversy and pushback after two teachers were removed from their classrooms at Phoebe Hearst Elementary School. “While this may have started as a personnel matter, that ship sailed weeks ago. Plain and simple, this is a school in crisis, in an absolute leadership failure. President Singh, you are not only board president, you are our representative, and in that capacity, you have failed us,” said Caitlin Beckett, a parent, addressing School Board President Jasjit Singh. “Tonight, we are here to remind you— you work for us.”Another adult then moved forward and placed a notice of intent to recall on the board’s meeting table.”We the parents of Phoebe Hearst, and across the district, are beginning the process of terminating your employment,” the parent said. “We are serving you here tonight with a notice of intent to recall you from office. If you won’t do your job, we will remove you and elect someone .”KCRA 3 spoke with Singh after he was given the notice.“In this situation, it’s justifiable that folks are mad because there’s two teachers: one teacher that has been removed to a different school site, and we have another one who has administrative leave pending an investigation. And I just cannot speak about those investigative matters. And it puts me in a difficult spot for our community,” he said.The controversy began in early September, when the school district moved sixth-grade teacher Jeanine Rupert to another school in the district after she had students help her remove a carpet that could have exposed asbestos in tiles underneath. Rupert had been asking the school district to remove the carpet for several years, an issue brought up by another parent at Thursday’s meeting. “My daughter, when she was a sixth grader two years ago, tripped on that rug. Still there? Then we had the flea infestation, so when they treated it, it got even funkier. So why was her request to have it removed not met?” the parent asked. Testing later found that the carpet’s removal did not cause exposure to asbestos.Rupert’s removal sparked outcry from parents and students, including walkouts and rallies.Tensions were raised even further this month, when another sixth-grade teacher, Mark Henrikson, was placed on administrative leave. The district did not provide any information to KCRA 3 about Henrikson’s removal, calling it a “personnel matter.”However, parents believe the move was retaliation after Henrikson rallied for Rupert’s reinstatement.“Part of the issue is that we have, I won’t say half-truths, but limited information that the community gets. And the district is unable to put out further information on a personnel matter because of the legalities,” Singh said.Singh said he has called for an independent investigation into Henrikson’s case. He also said he plans to meet with the community in the coming weeks to discuss the situation with the families of the 66 students directly affected.Meanwhile, parents are preparing to collect signatures for the recall once the paperwork is certified.Earlier this week, more than a third of students were absent from Phoebe Hearst, as some of them rallied, along with parents, in support of the two removed teachers and protested the denial of a requested meeting between parents and the superintendent, Lisa Allen. See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. —

    A Sacramento City Unified School District board meeting on Thursday was marked by tension and heated moments of public comment. At one point, a parent served the board president with a notice of intent to recall him.

    The tension comes after weeks of controversy and pushback after two teachers were removed from their classrooms at Phoebe Hearst Elementary School.

    “While this may have started as a personnel matter, that ship sailed weeks ago. Plain and simple, this is a school in crisis, in an absolute leadership failure. President Singh, you are not only board president, you are our representative, and in that capacity, you have failed us,” said Caitlin Beckett, a parent, addressing School Board President Jasjit Singh. “Tonight, we are here to remind you— you work for us.”

    Another adult then moved forward and placed a notice of intent to recall on the board’s meeting table.

    “We the parents of Phoebe Hearst, and across the district, are beginning the process of terminating your employment,” the parent said. “We are serving you here tonight with a notice of intent to recall you from office. If you won’t do your job, we will remove you and elect someone [who will].”

    KCRA 3 spoke with Singh after he was given the notice.

    “In this situation, it’s justifiable that folks are mad because there’s two teachers: one teacher that has been removed to a different school site, and we have another one who has administrative leave pending an investigation. And I just cannot speak about those investigative matters. And it puts me in a difficult spot for our community,” he said.

    The controversy began in early September, when the school district moved sixth-grade teacher Jeanine Rupert to another school in the district after she had students help her remove a carpet that could have exposed asbestos in tiles underneath. Rupert had been asking the school district to remove the carpet for several years, an issue brought up by another parent at Thursday’s meeting.

    “My daughter, when she was a sixth grader two years ago, tripped on that rug. Still there? Then we had the flea infestation, so when they treated it, it got even funkier. So why was her request to have it removed not met?” the parent asked.

    Testing later found that the carpet’s removal did not cause exposure to asbestos.

    Rupert’s removal sparked outcry from parents and students, including walkouts and rallies.

    Tensions were raised even further this month, when another sixth-grade teacher, Mark Henrikson, was placed on administrative leave. The district did not provide any information to KCRA 3 about Henrikson’s removal, calling it a “personnel matter.”

    However, parents believe the move was retaliation after Henrikson rallied for Rupert’s reinstatement.

    “Part of the issue is that we have, I won’t say half-truths, but limited information that the community gets. And the district is unable to put out further information on a personnel matter because of the legalities,” Singh said.

    Singh said he has called for an independent investigation into Henrikson’s case. He also said he plans to meet with the community in the coming weeks to discuss the situation with the families of the 66 students directly affected.

    Meanwhile, parents are preparing to collect signatures for the recall once the paperwork is certified.

    Earlier this week, more than a third of students were absent from Phoebe Hearst, as some of them rallied, along with parents, in support of the two removed teachers and protested the denial of a requested meeting between parents and the superintendent, Lisa Allen.

    See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

    [ad_2]

    Source link

  • Here’s Why You Don’t Want Your Teams to Get Along All the Time

    [ad_1]

    When I was building my company, I discovered something surprising about building teams: The good ones don’t get along. At least not all the time.

    Our best strategic decisions, the real breakthroughs, came from heated debates between team members with fundamentally different perspectives—not from meetings where everyone quickly agreed.

    And when it comes to the leadership teams that I coach, the ones that consistently generate superior strategic options share one trait: they’ve deliberately designed productive tension into their composition while maintaining alignment around core values and company purpose.

    Here’s how to build that healthy tension in to your team.

    1. Industry experience diversity

    Teams composed entirely of industry veterans develop blind spots because they share the same assumptions about what’s possible and normal. When everyone thinks customer problems should be solved the same way, we miss breakthrough approaches that adjacent industries use successfully. Audit your team for cross-sector representation and deliberately include members who can challenge industry orthodoxy with fresh problem-solving approaches from different sectors.

    2. Cognitive style variation

    Analytical thinkers, intuitive decision-makers, and creative problem-solvers process information differently and reach different conclusions from the same data. Teams dominated by analytical minds excel at optimization but struggle with pattern recognition and breakthrough thinking. Assess your team’s thinking patterns and ensure representation across analytical depth, intuitive insight, and creative solution generation to avoid strategic blind spots.

    3. Cultural background differences

    Different cultural perspectives shape risk assessment, hierarchy expectations, and communication approaches in ways that reveal strategic assumptions teams don’t realize they’re making. Homogeneous cultural groups miss market opportunities because they assume their perspective represents universal customer behavior. Evaluate your team’s cultural composition and consider how different cultural lenses might challenge current strategic assumptions and reveal hidden market segments.

    4. Generational perspective ranges

    Different generations bring distinct perspectives on technology adoption, work values, and market evolution that fundamentally impact strategic planning effectiveness. Groups skewed toward one generation miss emerging trends or overestimate technology adoption rates in their target markets. Review your team’s generational spread and ensure representation across different technology comfort levels and workplace expectations that affect strategic decision-making.

    5. Geographic experience spanning

    Urban and rural perspectives, along with different regional market contexts, create fundamentally different assumptions about customer behavior, distribution challenges, and operational requirements. Teams with narrow geographic experience develop strategies that work in familiar markets but fail in different contexts. Assess your team’s geographic diversity and include perspectives from different market contexts relevant to your strategic expansion or customer base.

    6. Company size experience mixing

    Startup, enterprise, and mid-market operational perspectives create different approaches to resource allocation, risk management, and growth strategies that significantly impact strategic effectiveness. Individuals with similar company size backgrounds miss operational insights that could dramatically improve strategic execution. Evaluate your team’s company size backgrounds and ensure representation across different operational scales to optimize strategic approaches.

    7. Risk tolerance level spectrum

    Conservative and aggressive decision-making preferences balance strategic options between sustainable growth and breakthrough opportunities, but teams skewed in either direction miss critical strategic possibilities. Those that are risk-averse miss competitive timing advantages while risk-aggressive teams overlook sustainability concerns. Audit your team’s risk tolerance distribution and ensure representation across the risk spectrum relevant to your strategic objectives and market position.

    Action Items

    Leaders who master strategic diversity create teams that generate more strategic options while maintaining operational effectiveness through shared values and purpose. The competitive advantage comes from superior strategic thinking, not perfect team harmony—breakthrough ideas require productive tension.

    • Which diversity gaps in your current team composition might be limiting strategic options?
    • How could different industry or cultural perspectives reveal blind spots in your current strategy?
    • What breakthrough thinking might emerge if your team included more cognitive diversity?

    The opinions expressed here by Inc.com columnists are their own, not those of Inc.com.

    [ad_2]

    Bruce Eckfeldt

    Source link

  • Why college campuses are pressure cookers this election season – WTOP News

    Why college campuses are pressure cookers this election season – WTOP News

    [ad_1]

    As election season gets more intense, college campuses around the country are becoming pressure cookers with heightened political tension.

    As election season gets more intense, college campuses around the country are becoming pressure cookers with heightened political tension.

    Some students are really feeling the stress.

    “This time of year is already stressful for students with midterms and then upcoming finals and projects,” said Nicole Ruzek, chief mental health officer at the University of Virginia. “They’re already in a moment of stress trying to get to the finish line … in addition to this.”

    College campuses have become more polarized with students expressing concerns about how political views can strain friendships and even lead to confrontations.

    Polls are tight and no one knows what will happen in the election between former President Donald Trump and current Vice President Kamala Harris, adding another factor — uncertainty.

    “With uncertainty comes a lot of anxiety and just wondering what’s going to happen,” Ruzek said. “That’s what I’m noticing, with folks anxiously anticipating what’s next.”

    Ruzek and her team are putting additional mental health resources in place at the university, including workshops on stress management.

    “They can come because they’re worried about finals or because they’re worried about the election or something else,” Ruzek said. “It really (provides) them with strategies for how to manage their stress … how to have productive conversations that don’t leave them spiraling.”

    She said there will be extra counselors on hand in the days following the election who can “meet with students just (to) talk about why they’re feeling stressed, what’s going on and how things are impacting them.”

    “Hopefully they can leave, having those tools, and (are) able to go back into the academic context and focus on the many things that are in front of them right now,” Ruzek said.

    Ruzek recommends that students limit their social media use, get enough sleep, exercise and engage with friends in activities that don’t involve heated political conversations: “Just be together in a way that feels positive and supportive.”

    On top of everything else, the shadow of the Israel-Hamas war continues to hang over campuses.

    “This idea that I might say the wrong thing kind of scares me,” Ty Lindia, who studies political science at George Washington University in D.C., told The Associated Press.

    A year after Hamas’ attack in southern Israel, some students say they are reluctant to speak out because it could pit them against their peers, professors or even potential employers.

    “You have to tiptoe around politics until one person says something that signifies they lean a certain way on the issue,” Lindia said.

    Tensions over the conflict burst wide-open last year amid emotional demonstrations in the aftermath of the Oct. 7 attack. In the spring of this year, a wave of pro-Palestinian tent encampments led to some 3,200 arrests nationwide.

    The Associated Press contributed to this report.

    Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here.

    © 2024 WTOP. All Rights Reserved. This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area.

    [ad_2]

    Nick Iannelli

    Source link

  • California Assembly: Who’s in and who’s out for the most powerful posts

    California Assembly: Who’s in and who’s out for the most powerful posts

    [ad_1]

    SACRAMENTO — 

    California Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Hollister) announced new legislative leadership on Tuesday, a key decision in his first year as leader of the lower house that could shape what becomes law in the nation’s most populous state.

    Among the most significant changes is the announcement of a new majority leader: Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Davis). She replaces Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Los Angeles) who was a key lieutenant to Rivas in his contentious year-long battle to become speaker that ended when he was sworn in this summer. Bryan now takes over as chair of the Natural Resources committee, a key panel on environmental policy.

    Committee chairs have significant power to determine which bills live or die at the Capitol. New influential committee leaders announced Tuesday include Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland), who will chair the powerful appropriations committee, and Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino), who will oversee the budget committee. Both Wicks and Gabriel hold power over the state’s purse strings in their new roles, and are allies of Rivas, helping him secure the speakership during chaotic jockeying in the Capitol.

    The tweaks to leadership could mean changes to come in Sacramento policymaking, with a renewed focus on affordability, safety and “strong public services,” said Rivas, who was sworn into the leadership role this summer after a contentious battle with former Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) who reluctantly gave up the position after seven years at the helm.

    “The Assembly is unified and ready to deliver,” Rivas said in a statement. “That’s what Californians expect from their Legislature and that’s what this team will achieve.”

    But not every recipient of a new leadership role supported Rivas, signaling that he and state lawmakers are willing to forgive and forget after this year’s political drama.

    Assemblymember Kevin McCarty, a Democrat and longtime Rendon ally who is running for mayor of Sacramento, was named chair of the high profile public safety committee as California grapples with its crime response and leads the nation on issues like gun regulation. Tensions over how to respond to fentanyl and child sex trafficking split Democrats at the Capitol earlier this year.

    Assemblymember Chris Ward (D-San Diego) also supported Rendon over Rivas and was named leader of the housing committee on Tuesday, now overseeing policy decisions on one the state’s top issues.

    “We have transitioned and we are about looking forward,” Ward said in an interview Tuesday, adding that Rivas told him he was chosen in the role because of his background working on housing and homelessness issues as a member of the San Diego City Council.

    Ward said in his new role, he will focus on removing barriers to housing production and making options more affordable for prospective homeowners and renters.

    “There’s tension between state and local roles on housing. We do need to have stronger partnerships with local governments,” Ward said.

    Freshman lawmaker Liz Ortega (D-San Leandro) will helm the labor and employment committee on the heels of a remarkable year for union backed policy. She was elected last year after working for years as a labor union leader.

    Some of Rivas’ picks are newly-elected lawmakers with the potential to stay in office for another decade.

    “I think it speaks to Speaker Rivas’ leadership to say we respect the people who have come before us, and now it’s time to build on that work and to think long-term about people who can be here in these positions for quite a number of years,” said Assemblymember Lori Wilson (D-Suisun City) who was elected last year and was named chair of the transportation committee Tuesday.

    Other new appointments include:

    • Assemblymember Jim Wood (D-Healdsburg) as speaker pro tem.
    • Assemblymember Miguel Santiago (D-Los Angeles) as assistant majority leader.
    • Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D-San Jose) as chair of the judiciary committee.
    • Assemblymember Blanca Rubio (D-Baldwin Park) as chair of governmental organization.
    • Assemblymember Alex Lee (D-San Jose) as the chair of human services.
    • Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda) as chair of privacy and consumer protection.
    • Assemblymember Diane Papan (D-San Mateo) as chair of water, parks and wildlife.
    • Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Alameda) as chair of the health committee.

    This story will be updated.

    [ad_2]

    Mackenzie Mays

    Source link

  • German Brand ‘aiLigner’ Presents a Novelty to Fight Restless Sleep and Tension

    German Brand ‘aiLigner’ Presents a Novelty to Fight Restless Sleep and Tension

    [ad_1]

    New Innovation: Smart App and Pillow Set Avoids Restless Sleep and Offers One Solution for Everyone — Developed by Several Times Winner of ‘Innovation Award for Ergonomics’


    MUNICH, August 24, 2023 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Seventy percent of employees suffer from poor sleep. “aiLigner — active sleep improvement” is the new brand of Third of Life. The German manufacturer of sleep-optimized products from Munich takes up this fight and presents an innovative sleep set with a free app and two revolutionary pillows designed for optimal sleep ergonomics. The promise: Say goodbye to neck tension and restless sleep. Its pre-order period just started.

    Most of the problems that come up during sleep and cause restless nights are due to an unergonomic sleeping posture. People sleep on unsuitable pillows and mattresses. This makes it nearly impossible to ensure a naturally ergonomic posture during sleep. Restless sleep has a negative influence on regeneration and causes tension in the neck and back, up to severe pain. 

    The free aiLigner app (download) allows the user to see pictures of the body and the sleep posture and analyze them. The user gets a detailed report that explains where tension and restless sleep come from. Users also get recommendations on how to sleep as ergonomically as possible, which is accurate to the inch.

    This is where aiLigner pillows come in. With the innovative height-adjustable pillow, the neck and head can be optimally supported. It’s made of three layers of different heights, which are removable from the cover. This allows more than 10 different height variations. The pillow is made of high-quality visco foam, which is considered the highest standard in the pillow industry.

    To also perfectly support the body, especially the spine, in bed, the set also consists of the “Supporter Pad.” This body support pillow, which can be inserted into the mattress cover, supports certain parts of the body. With the modular design, it allows users to improve the sleep setup for every body type.

    Both pillows in combination ensure optimal sleep and prevent tension but are also available separately.

    aiLigner has launched its pre-order and is offering attractive early-bird deals for the launch.

    Hanno Deyle and Frieder Kuhn, the founders and managing directors of Third of Life — a successful and established German manufacturer (Multi Comparison Test winner and winner of the “Prize for Innovation in Ergonomics”) of a wide range of innovative sleep-optimized products, have teamed up for aiLigner with leading sleep performance coach Nick Littlehales, who has coached soccer clubs, such as Real Madrid, in sleeping and is the bestselling author of “Sleep — Like a Pro.”

    Markus Kamps has also joined the team as an advisor and inventor. He is one of the biggest German sleep experts, a TV host, and a bestselling author.

    The company promises optimal sleep and, as a result, the best possible regeneration. To learn more, please visit our release campaign: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ailigner/ailigner-active-sleep-improvement.

    Source: Third of Life

    [ad_2]

    Source link