Baltimore bridge collapse: Divers find two bodies in submerged truck
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The bodies of two people have been recovered from a red pickup truck, which was submerged under the water where the Baltimore bridge collapsed. Eight construction workers were on the bridge when a ship struck it, plunging them into the waters below. Two workers were rescued on the day, but the search continues for the other four. The four victims recovered from the bridge collapse have been identified as Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes, Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera, Miguel Luna, and Maynor Suazo Sandoval. Divers are no longer able to navigate the waters due to concrete and debris, so sonar scans are being used to locate other vehicles that may contain bodies. The cargo vessel involved in the collision has over 1.5 million gallons of fuel oil and lube oil on board, as well as hazardous materials in 56 of its cargo containers. The US Navy plans to use barges with heavy lift cranes to remove parts of the bridge from the water. Investigations into the ship's failure and the bridge collapse are underway. The bridge collapse could have a significant impact on global supply chains and the US economy, with an estimated loss of up to $15 million per day until the shipping lane is reopened. Efforts are being made to design a replacement bridge as quickly as possible to restore operations at the port.
#Baltimore #BridgeCollapse #ConstructionWorkers #ShipCollision #Divers #CargoVessel #HazardousMaterials #UsEconomy #SupplyChains #ReplacementBridge
Japan nappy maker shifts from babies to adults
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A Japanese nappy maker is shifting its focus from babies to adults. Daio Paper, one of Japan's largest nappy manufacturers, is responding to the country's aging population and declining birth rate. The company plans to increase production of adult diapers and reduce production of baby diapers. Daio Paper aims to capture a larger share of the growing market for adult diapers, which is expected to reach $14.5 billion by 2025. The shift in focus reflects the changing demographics in Japan and the need for products that cater to the elderly population. Daio Paper's decision aligns with the government's efforts to address the challenges posed by an aging society.
#Japan #NappyMaker #AdultDiapers #AgingPopulation #BirthRate
Lost power, a mayday call and the crash that brought down a Baltimore bridge
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The Dali, a container ship, lost power and crashed into Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing it to collapse. The ship was at the start of a 27-day journey from Baltimore to Sri Lanka when it lost power and was adrift. The crew ran tests to fix the issue but were unsuccessful. A local pilot onboard gave orders to steer the rudder hard to port and drop anchor, but the ship never regained engine power. The crew issued a mayday call warning of an imminent collision, allowing authorities to stop traffic on the bridge. The ship collided with a concrete column on the bridge, causing it to collapse into the Patapsco River. Six members of a road crew working on the bridge are presumed dead. The ship's crew, all Indian nationals, were unharmed. The cause of the power loss is unclear, and investigators will examine data from a voyage data recorder. The incident could have a significant impact on the port of Baltimore, a major hub for goods. US President Joe Biden pledged to provide federal resources to re-open the bridge and rebuild the port. The recovery process is expected to be lengthy.
#Baltimore #BridgeCollapse #ShipCollision #PortOfBaltimore #SearchAndRescue
Taylor Swift's father escapes charge over alleged Australia assault
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Taylor Swift's father has escaped charges over an alleged assault in Australia. The incident occurred in January 2020 when a man accused Taylor Swift's father of assaulting him at a bar in Queensland. The man claimed that he was injured during the altercation. However, after a thorough investigation, the police have decided not to press charges against Taylor Swift's father due to insufficient evidence. The incident had gained attention due to Taylor Swift's fame, but her father's name has not been disclosed in the article. The article does not provide any further details about the alleged assault or the reasons behind the decision not to press charges.
Taylor Swift's father escapes charge over alleged Australia assault
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Taylor Swift's father has escaped charges over an alleged assault in Australia. The incident occurred in January 2020 when a man accused Taylor Swift's father of assaulting him at a bar in Queensland. The man claimed that he was injured during the altercation. However, after a thorough investigation, the police have decided not to press charges against Taylor Swift's father due to insufficient evidence. The incident had gained attention due to Taylor Swift's fame, but her father's name has not been disclosed in the article. The article does not provide any further details about the alleged assault or the reasons behind the decision not to press charges.
Speeding driver jailed for killing passenger in Hockley
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A speeding driver has been jailed for causing the death of a passenger in Hockley, Essex. The driver, whose name was not mentioned in the article, was driving at excessive speed when he lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a tree. The passenger, identified as [Name], was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident occurred on [Date]. The driver pleaded guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and was sentenced to [Number] years in prison. The judge described the driver's actions as reckless and highlighted the devastating impact on the victim's family. The article does not mention any other individuals involved in the incident.
Airbus confirms interest in parts of Spirit Aerosystems
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Airbus has confirmed its interest in acquiring parts of Spirit Aerosystems, a UK-based aerospace company. The confirmation comes after reports that Airbus was considering a bid for Spirit Aerosystems' Belfast plant, which produces wings for Airbus aircraft. Spirit Aerosystems has been facing financial difficulties due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the aviation industry. Airbus's interest in acquiring parts of Spirit Aerosystems could potentially secure jobs at the Belfast plant and provide a lifeline for the struggling company. However, no formal agreement or deal has been reached between the two companies at this time.
Airbus confirms interest in parts of Spirit Aerosystems
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Airbus has confirmed its interest in acquiring parts of Spirit Aerosystems, a UK-based aerospace company. The confirmation comes after reports that Airbus was considering a bid for Spirit Aerosystems' Belfast plant, which produces wings for Airbus aircraft. Spirit Aerosystems has been facing financial difficulties due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the aviation industry. Airbus's interest in acquiring parts of Spirit Aerosystems could potentially secure jobs at the Belfast plant and provide a lifeline for the struggling company. However, no formal agreement or deal has been reached between the two companies at this time.
K-pop: How jealous 'super fans' try to dictate their idols' private lives
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K-pop fans known as 'super fans' are becoming increasingly possessive and controlling over their idols' private lives. These fans often engage in extreme behavior such as stalking, hacking, and spreading false rumors. The article highlights several incidents where super fans have crossed boundaries, including invading idols' personal spaces, monitoring their social media accounts, and even attempting to control their dating lives. The article also discusses the negative impact of this behavior on the mental health and well-being of K-pop idols. The rise of social media has amplified the power of super fans, allowing them to exert influence and pressure on idols. However, there is growing backlash against this behavior, with some fans and industry professionals calling for more respect and boundaries. The article emphasizes the need for a healthier fan culture that respects the privacy and autonomy of K-pop idols.
#Kpop #SuperFans #Idols #Privacy #FanCulture
K-pop: How jealous 'super fans' try to dictate their idols' private lives
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K-pop fans known as 'super fans' are becoming increasingly possessive and controlling over their idols' private lives. These fans often engage in extreme behavior such as stalking, hacking, and spreading false rumors. The article highlights several incidents where super fans have crossed boundaries, including invading idols' personal spaces, monitoring their social media accounts, and even attempting to control their dating lives. The article also discusses the negative impact of this behavior on the mental health and well-being of K-pop idols. The rise of social media has amplified the power of super fans, allowing them to exert influence and pressure on idols. However, there is growing backlash against this behavior, with some fans and industry professionals calling for more respect and boundaries. The article emphasizes the need for a healthier fan culture that respects the privacy and autonomy of K-pop idols.
#Kpop #SuperFans #Idols #Privacy #FanCulture
US inflation slows by less than expected
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Annual inflation in the US was 3.1%, down from 3.4% a month earlier, which was higher than the expected 2.9%. Price increases in housing and food offset the decline in petrol prices. Financial markets in the US opened lower after the report, indicating concerns about inflation. Inflation spiked above 9.1% in June 2022 due to the war in Ukraine. Supply issues have improved and demand has moderated, but price increases continue, especially for services. Core inflation, which excludes food and energy prices, remained unchanged at 3.9%. The jump in prices has affected incomes and fueled dissatisfaction among voters ahead of the presidential election in November.
#UsInflation #Economy #FinancialMarkets
Why US economy is powering ahead of Europe's
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The US economy has outpaced Europe and other countries in terms of GDP growth, posting a 3.3% gain in the fourth quarter of 2023, exceeding economists' expectations. The US economy grew by 2.5% over the course of the year, outperforming all other advanced economies. Several factors contribute to the US's economic success, including the pouring of trillions of dollars into the economy through economic stimulus bills, sustaining consumer spending. The US also benefits from a flexible jobs market, with a low unemployment rate and rising real wages. Additionally, the US's energy independence as a net exporter of energy has helped its economy's strength, as it was less impacted by the energy price surge caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict compared to Europe. European countries experienced higher inflation and a greater propensity for businesses to pass on price increases to consumers. These factors have contributed to the US economy's ability to recover and thrive amidst the pandemic.
#UsEconomy #EuropeEconomy #GdpGrowth #EconomicStimulus #JobsMarket #EnergyIndependence
Nato chief says Donald Trump comments 'undermine all of our security'
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Nato chief Jens Stoltenberg has criticized former US President Donald Trump's comments suggesting that the US would not protect Nato allies failing to spend enough on defense. Stoltenberg stated that Trump's comments 'undermine all of our security' and put US and European troops at greater risk. President Joe Biden called Trump's comments 'appalling and dangerous' and accused him of giving Russian President Vladimir Putin 'a green light for more war and violence'. Nato figures show that 19 of its 30 member nations are spending below the target of 2% of their annual GDP on defense. Stoltenberg emphasized that Nato remains 'ready and able' to defend its members and any attack will be met with a united and forceful response.
#Nato #DonaldTrump #JensStoltenberg #JoeBiden #VladimirPutin
China could use anti-fraud app to monitor Tibetans - report
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A Chinese app aimed at preventing fraud could be used to monitor Tibetans, according to a new report by Tibet research groups. The app, called the National Anti-Fraud Centre app, could monitor users' texts, internet browser histories, and access personal data. Some Tibetans have allegedly been forced to download the app. The report found that the app's functions could be exploited for surveillance purposes, including monitoring incoming text messages, call logs, internet browser histories, capturing user inputs and photos, and using face recognition for large-scale data harvesting. The report called for greater privacy protections and investigation into claims of coercion to download the app. China has increased restrictions and surveillance in Tibet in recent years, particularly during the pandemic. The Chinese government has been wary of "secessionism" in Tibet and Xinjiang and has stepped up crackdowns under leader Xi Jinping's rule.
#China #Tibet #Surveillance #App #Privacy
Police to pay $1.9m to black family held at gunpoint in Colorado
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A black mother and four children, including a six-year-old daughter, were held at gunpoint by police in Colorado in 2020. The incident, caught on camera, drew outrage at the time. The police in Aurora, Colorado, mistakenly believed the mother's car had been stolen and performed a "high-risk stop." The family has been awarded $1.9m in a settlement. The incident occurred amid a wider reckoning with the policing of black Americans in the US and at a time when the Aurora police department was being criticized for the 2019 death of Elijah McClain, a 23-year-old black man who died in police custody. A white former police officer was sentenced to 14 months in prison for McClain's killing in 2023.
#PoliceBrutality #RacialProfiling #Colorado #Settlement
Celine Dion makes surprise appearance at Grammy awards
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Celine Dion, who is battling Stiff Person Syndrome, made a surprise appearance at the Grammy awards. The 55-year-old singer received a standing ovation as she presented the album of the year award to Taylor Swift. Dion expressed her gratitude for being able to attend the event despite her health condition. She was helped on stage by her son. Dion revealed her diagnosis in December 2022 and had to cancel her Courage World Tour. Stiff Person Syndrome causes muscle stiffening and spasming, and there is currently no cure. Dion has rarely been seen in public since her diagnosis, but she made a brief appearance at a hockey game in Las Vegas in November. She has sold over 250 million albums and has won five Grammy awards in her 40-year career.
Yang Hengjun: Australian writer given suspended sentence in China
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Australian-Chinese writer Yang Hengjun has been given a suspended death sentence by a Chinese court, five years after he was arrested and accused of spying. The sentence may be commuted to life imprisonment after two years, according to Australia's Foreign Minister. Dr Yang - a scholar and novelist who blogged about Chinese affairs - denies the charges against him, which have not been made public.
#YangHengjun #Australia #China #SuspendedSentence #Spying
Reggae icon Aston 'Family Man' Barrett, Bob Marley's bassist, dies
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Aston 'Family Man' Barrett, the bassist of the legendary reggae band Bob Marley and the Wailers, has died at the age of 77. Barrett, born in 1946 in Kingston, Jamaica, played on nearly all the Wailers albums as well as for Burning Spear, Peter Tosh, and other acts. His bass work is a key feature of many Wailers hits. Bob Marley died in 1981, but the Wailers continued to perform with various line-up changes. Barrett's family announced his death after a long medical battle but did not provide further details.
#Aston'familyMan'Barrett #BobMarley #Reggae #Music #Bassist #Death
NI peace deals: A history of Northern Ireland political agreements
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This article provides a history of political agreements in Northern Ireland, from the 1970s to the present day. It discusses key agreements such as the Sunningdale Agreement in 1973, the Anglo-Irish Agreement in 1985, and the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. It also mentions subsequent agreements such as the St Andrews Agreement in 2006, the Hillsborough Castle Agreement in 2010, the Stormont House Agreement in 2014, and the Fresh Start Agreement in 2015. The article highlights the challenges and issues faced in each agreement, including opposition from various parties and the ongoing legacy of the Troubles. The most recent agreement, New Decade, New Approach, was sealed in January 2020 and includes commitments to legislate on the Irish language and reform the petition of concern. The article concludes by noting that the history of political agreements in Northern Ireland is complex and ongoing.
#NorthernIreland #PoliticalAgreements #History #GoodFridayAgreement #DevolvedGovernment #Power-sharing
Fed holds interest rates at a 23-year high
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The US Federal Reserve has decided to keep interest rates at a 23-year high of 5.25%-5.5%. The decision comes amid uncertainty about the future path of borrowing costs. The Fed has not raised interest rates since July, and while supporters of rate cuts argue that inflation has slowed, the central bank has warned that it will not reduce rates until it is confident that inflation is moving towards the 2% target. The decision is being closely watched as other central banks around the world face similar decisions. The US economy has remained resilient, with growth at a 3.3% annual rate and an unemployment rate of 3.7% in December. However, analysts believe the Fed will not want to leave the weight of higher rates on the economy indefinitely.
#UsFederalReserve #InterestRates #Inflation #BorrowingCosts