News from October 30, 2025

Living with the hidden horrors of illegal HMOs | Letters

Letters: Readers respond to an article by Aditya Chakrabortty on the scandal involving houses in multiple occupation

The Guardian 2 days ago

A budget wishlist for the chancellor | Letters

Letters: Readers respond to the Guardian’s budget ‘speech’ that it believes Rachel Reeves should deliver

The Guardian 2 days ago

Politics

How one bad oyster did for the Liberal party | Letter

Letters: Responding to a Pass notes article, Michael Meadowcroft writes on how a bad bivalve changed political history in the early 20th century

The Guardian 2 days ago

Technology

Man arrested in connection with rape and robbery of woman in Falkirk

A man has been arrested after a woman was raped and robbed in Falkirk. The woman was attacked by two men within a building on Main Street in Camelon between 8pm and 8.40pm on October 5. She did not require medical treatment. Police subsequently launched a search for two men who spoke with Scottish accents. A 37-year-old man has now been arrested in connection with a serious sexual assault and robbery. He has since been released pending further investigation, and investigations are ongoing. Detective inspector Forbes Wilson said: “I’d like to thank the local community for their assistance in our investigation. “We still urge anyone who may have seen anything in the area at the time, or has private or dash-cam footage, to come forward.” Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101 quoting incident 3229 of Sunday, October 5, 2025. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Calum Loudon 2 days ago

Technology

Camera catches teen playing ‘chicken’ with high-speed train

By Jonathan Coles This shocking footage shows a reckless teenager 'playing chicken' at a level crossing - only moving out of the way of a high-speed train at the last second. Network Rail has released the footage during the half-term holidays to highlight the dangers of playing on the railway to young people. The security camera was recorded at a level crossing north of Diss station in Norfolk earlier this month. Network Rail said trains can travel at up to 100mph on that part of the line. Shenel Bullock, Network Rail Anglia’s health and safety manager, said: “The young person in the CCTV video came to no harm thankfully, and we wanted to share the footage to highlight just one example of the incredibly dangerous behaviour that we see all too often on level crossings. “Whether it’s taking selfies, filming dances or playing games, the risk of death or life-changing injury is simply too high. "Please don’t take the chance, even if it seems like you’re in control, because one tiny misjudgement or slip could easily lead to tragic consequences. “Other times, people can simply be distracted when approaching a level crossing, looking at their screen or wearing headphones, but this equally could be a fatal mistake. "I urge everyone to pay full attention as they approach crossings, read instructions carefully and always respect locked gates, barriers, lights and alarms.” Matthew Wakefield, Greater Anglia’s safety, security & sustainability director, said: “Safety is our priority on the railway. Stepping onto the tracks could result in life-changing injuries or death. "We encourage people to be vigilant and take care when they are close to the railway, as fast trains take a long time to stop. "Adherence to the rules and correct use of crossings is extremely important. “Please follow the rules, cross with care, and never take any risks."

By Talker News,Talker 2 days ago

Technology

New fossil reveals T. rex had a rival predator

By Stephen Beech T. rex's story has been turned on its head by a new discovery about one of the world's most famous fossil finds. One of the creatures locked in the “Duelling Dinosaurs” specimen is not a young T. rex but a rival predator, according to American scientists. They say the breakthrough rewrites the story of the king of dinosaurs. It has ended one of paleontology’s longest-running debates – whether Nanotyrannus is a distinct species, or just a teenage version of Tyrannosaurus rex. The fossil - part of the “Dueling Dinosaurs” specimen unearthed in Montana - contains two species locked in prehistoric combat: a Triceratops and a small-bodied tyrannosaur. That tyrannosaur has now been confirmed to be a fully grown Nanotyrannus lancensis – not a teenage T. rex, as many scientists once believed. Study co-author Dr. Lindsay Zanno, of North Carolina State University, said: “This fossil doesn’t just settle the debate. It flips decades of T. rex research on its head.” Using growth rings, spinal fusion data and developmental anatomy, the research team showed that the specimen was around 20-years-old and physically mature when it died. Its skeletal features – including larger forelimbs, more teeth, fewer tail vertebrae, and distinct skull nerve patterns – are features fixed early in development and biologically incompatible with T. rex. Study co-author Dr. James Napoli, an anatomist at Stony Brook University, said: “For Nanotyrannus to be a juvenile T. rex, it would need to defy everything we know about vertebrate growth. “It’s not just unlikely – it’s impossible.” The implications are profound, according to the new study published in the journal Nature. For years, paleontologists used Nanotyrannus fossils to model T. rex growth and behavior. The new evidence reveals that those studies were based on two entirely different animals – and that multiple tyrannosaur species inhabited the same ecosystems in the final million years before the asteroid impact that wiped out most of the dinosaurs. As part of their research, Dr. Zanno and Dr. Napoli examined more than 200 tyrannosaur fossils. They discovered that one skeleton, formerly thought to represent a teenage T. rex, was slightly different than the Duelling Dinosaurs’ Nanotyrannus lancensis. They named that fossil a new species of Nanotyrannus, dubbed N. lethaeus. The name references the River Lethe from Greek mythology – a nod to how the species remained hidden in plain sight and “forgotten” for decades. The researchers say that confirmation of the validity of Nanotyrannus means that predator diversity in the last million years of the Cretaceous was "much higher" than previously thought. It also hints that other small-bodied dinosaur species might also be victims of mistaken identity. Dr. Zanno said: “This discovery paints a richer, more competitive picture of the last days of the dinosaurs." She added: “With enormous size, a powerful bite force and stereoscopic vision, T. rex was a formidable predator, but it did not reign uncontested. "Darting alongside was Nanotyrannus – a leaner, swifter and more agile hunter.”

By Talker News,Talker 2 days ago

Technology

Landlord threatened to evict Vancouver tenants over posts in private Facebook group

A group of Vancouver renters are fighting back after being threatened with eviction over their participation in a private tenants’ Facebook group. Group members living in The Yarrow apartment building on Kootenay Street in East Vancouver say someone from Realstar Group, the company that owns and manages the building, taped a letter to their unit doors last month. The bolded and all-caps first line reads: “WARNING BREACH OF TENANCY AGREEMENT.” “You are receiving this letter because of your involvement in the Facebook group Yarrow Residential Hub,” it reads. The letter states: "Sharing details of private conversations and publicly encouraging other tenants to get involved and make complaints is a serious interference with management and a violation of your Tenancy Agreement and Residential Tenancy Act." The letter suggests some comments in the group constitute "libel" and concludes: “...should you repeat any of these actions or breach your Tenancy Agreement, your tenancy will be ended.” Realstar is a privately owned, Toronto-based real estate investment and management company with over $9 billion in assets, according to its website. CBC News spoke to three tenants who expressed concerns but declined recorded interviews. One tenant described being “shaken” by the letter, and said administrators of the Facebook group were “deeply concerned” over how the company gained access and learned the identities of group members who use a pseudonym or post anonymously. Landlord retracts accusations CBC News requested an interview with a Realstar representative but was told no one from the company was available. In an emailed statement, Realstar said it takes resident concerns seriously and was "carefully reviewing the matter." “We recognize that a letter was issued to certain residents on September 19 and understand that it may have caused concern for some,” says the statement. “Our goal is to foster respectful, open dialogue with residents, while also ensuring that our staff can work in a safe and respectful environment." However, in a later statement, sent to CBC News on Wednesday, the company said it had apologized to residents for the letters. "We also want to be clear that tenants have not breached the Residential Tenancy Act. Residents are fully entitled to communicate with each other, share their experiences, and discuss matters related to their homes," it reads. Tenants organize Last week, prior to the company's apology, a group of ten tenants calling themselves Concerned Tenants of The Yarrow, signed a response to Realstar calling the accusations in the Sept. 19 letter "unfounded." “Such threats are distressing and undermine the trust and security that tenants should feel in their homes,” the group wrote. The tenants requested that Realstar “stop sending emails that are perceived as threatening or harassing in response to tenant service requests,” and stop "...surveilling tenant communication, whether online or in person...” In this case, the landlord has explicitly said that they're looking to retaliate against the tenants just for talking to each other- Mariah Javadi, Vancouver Tenants Union Mariah Javadi with the Vancouver Tenants Union said the Realstar letter feels like an intimidation tactic. “It’s pretty wild. We’ve heard of landlords making all kinds of threats, but this one is very explicit,” she said. “In this case, the landlord has explicitly said that they’re looking to retaliate against the tenants just for talking to each other.” Robert Patterson, a lawyer with the Tenant Resource and Advisory Centre (TRAC), said he was skeptical the company had a case for eviction under the Residential Tenancy Act (RTA). He said that contrary to statements in Realstar's initial letter, the RTA does not consider tenancy agreements to be private and confidential. He also said there is nothing in the tenancy act that restricts tenants from encouraging others to make requests of a landlord. "Generally, [the letter] smacks to me of a landlord attempting to crack down on tenants who are talking with each other about the problems they're facing in their tenancy," he said. “I think oftentimes landlords get concerned when tenants in their buildings start to work together to collaboratively solve problems within the building. Sometimes that results in landlords trying to prevent that collaboration.” The Yarrow Residential Hub Facebook group has about 100 members and predates Realstar's purchase of The Yarrow this past May. One tenant described the group as a forum to meet neighbours, share concerns and building news, and post items for sale. This description aligns with what CBC News observed when granted access to the group. Prior to the company's apology, CBC News requested specific details from Realstar to back up its allegations that the Yarrow tenants had breached tenancy agreements and the Residential Tenancy Act, or committed libel. Those questions went unanswered. Javadi and Patterson both say instances of landlords accusing tenants of libel are increasing. Last year, a different Vancouver landlord launched a lawsuit in B.C. Supreme Court accusing six tenants of a West End low-rise of defamation. The lawsuit was filed after tenants started a WhatsApp group and organized a protest and poster campaign against the landlord. According to Patterson, the tenants in that case found a pro bono lawyer to file a response. In June of this year, the landlord withdrew the lawsuit. To protect themselves from potential libel lawsuits, Patterson said it's important for tenants to ensure everything they're saying is factual. "The goal and benefit of working together is that you can all get on the same page, figure out what's actually going on and build strategies for how to hold a landlord to account," he said. Javadi said tenants have more power when they stick together. "What the tenants in this building have been doing is what we recommend to every tenant," she said. "The landlord can't bring them to the RTB and try to evict them just for talking to each other, just for having this Facebook group. That's not something that they should be worried about."

Karin Larsen 2 days ago

Technology

Parents Ask Detained Nanny If She’s Still Free To Watch Kids Friday

CHICAGO—Hoping to lock down childcare so they could get out of the house for a fun date night this week, area parents Mitchell and Jessica Ashe reportedly asked their freshly ICE-detained nanny, Maria Gutiérrez, if she’d still be free to watch their kids on Friday. “Hey, Maria! We know you have a lot on your plate right now, but let us know if you’re able to help us out tomorrow, por favor!” Jessica Ashe said Thursday, holding up her weekly planner as ICE agents handcuffed Gutiérrez and roughly tossed her into a vehicle bound for an overcrowded immigration detention center. “We’re hoping to go see a play, so it’d be a huge help to have somebody around to watch Tyler and Mckenna. Plus, they love your rice and beans! Obviously, no pressure if you want to stay detained longer or need to rest because of your pregnancy, but if there’s any way you’d be able to ask one of the agents to let you out just for one night, that’d be so amazing. I’m sure they’ll understand when you explain that the situation is an emergency! You’re the best, M.” At press time, Ashe was claiming that she was really swamped right now as she politely declined Gutiérrez’s request to help connect her with a lawyer.

The Onion Staff 2 days ago

Technology

Prolonged shutdown hits pain points for some veterans, VA employees

(The Center Square) – Nearly 37,000 Department of Veterans Affairs employees have been furloughed or are working without pay as the prolonged government shutdown continues and some VA services go dark. VA Secretary Doug Collins on Thursday again called for an end to the shutdown. It marks the second time this month Collins has called for Congress to reopen the government. "The Democrats' government shutdown is limiting services for veterans and making life miserable for VA employees, and things are only going to get worse as time goes on," Collins said in a statement. The department's medical centers, clinics and Vet Centers remain open because the VA gets some advance funding from Congress. In addition, VA benefits continue to be processed and delivered, including compensation, pension, education and housing benefits. Burials also continue at VA national cemeteries. However, some VA services have been stopped due to the congressional funding lapse. For example, the GI Bill Hotline, which helps veterans get assistance related to education and training, has been shut down. About 900,000 veterans use the hotline, the department said. More than 100,000 enrolled veterans can't get Veteran Readiness and Employment program counseling or case management services because the employees have been furloughed. The Veteran Readiness and Employment services help with job training, education, employment accommodations, resume development, and job-seeking skills coaching. Veteran Readiness and Employment services also help veterans starting their own businesses or with independent living services for those who are severely disabled and unable to work. The backlog of new applicants for the program stood at 61,988 on Thursday. That is expected to grow daily as the shutdown continues with no end in sight. In addition, 56 VA regional benefits offices are closed to the public. The VA's Manila regional office is in the process of permanently closing because its authority to operate expired Sept. 30. A key transition service from the military to the VA has also been closed due to the funding lapse. That means more than 16,000 service members who are preparing to leave the military can't get VA transition briefings. In the meantime, transitioning service members will continue to have online access to the full content of the TAP briefing. While burials continue at VA national cemeteries, 157 VA national cemeteries were required to pause grounds maintenance and placing permanent headstones. "It's time for Democrats to stop using the suffering of Americans as political leverage to give free health care to illegal immigrants," Collins said in a statement. "I call on them to open the government and enable VA to provide the complete and comprehensive services America's Veterans, families, caregivers and survivors have earned." Republicans and Democrats have blamed each other for the funding lapse and shutdown, which started on Oct. 1. Typically, federal employees who are furloughed get back pay when the government reopens.

By Brett Rowland | The Center Square 2 days ago

Technology

Las Vegas police unveil new fleet of Tesla Cybertrucks

By Ben Barry The Las Vegas Police Department has revealed a new fleet of Tesla Cybertrucks. Sheriff Kevin McMahill unveiled 10 Tesla Cybertrucks, which will be used to patrol Sin City on October 28, 2025. The vehicles will be used by patrol officers and will carry tactical tools needed to assist officers of the Las Vegas Metro Police Department on critical calls for service, such as barricades and shootings. The unveiling of the new patrol vehicles took place at the Otonomous Hotel - the world's first true AI-powered sustainable hotel. Speaking at the press conference, Sheriff McMahill, said: "This is the next evolution of keeping our community safer than it has ever been. "[Cybertrucks] are going to have special equipment in them and are going to be utilized to keep our cops safe. "Ladders, shields, additional ammunition, less lethal tools — all of the things that are out there that are going to continue to help us save lives. "I see a lot of the criticism out there that I spent money. Not one taxpayer dollar went to buying these Cybertrucks. "That was completely to the generosity of Ben and Felicia Horowitz, who understand the importance of incorporating technology into policing."

By Talker News,Talker 2 days ago

Technology

Why this student is trying a new sport every week for a year

By Elizabeth Hunter A student has filmed herself trying a new sport every week for a year - after becoming inspired by the Olympics. Lorna Husband, 25, began studying for her MA in Sports Journalism at Edinburgh Napier University after becoming inspired by the widespread coverage of the Paris Olympics. After moving to Edinburgh from her hometown of Dundee, Lorna decided to set herself a new challenge - learning a new sport each week of 2025. From cycling to weightlifting, jiu-jitsu to fishing, and curling to cricket, Lorna has tried it all - and presented her experience as part of her coursework, graduating this week at a ceremony at Usher Hall. She has now completed 43 of the 52 weekly challenges and has filmed her efforts for her own social media account. Lorna said: “I was watching the Paris Olympics where all these amazing athletes were being interviewed on TV and thought ‘that would be really cool’. “I looked up courses and saw that Edinburgh Napier had a specialist sports journalism degree. "I got in touch and within days the programme leader, David Tanner, was showing me round the facilities at Merchiston. “It has been so good to be doing something I’m passionate about.” “I’ve learned a lot by doing the challenge alongside the course. “It taught me how to present, edit and make the most of different social media platforms. “The connections our lecturers have are incredible. "We went to a Scotland rugby test match last year – which led me to work at this year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup - and I was able to do some of my coursework at the Lost Shore surf resort." Now about to start a job as part of Scottish Rugby's social media team, Lorna intends to finish the last few weeks of her challenge - and says she has plenty of ideas in store for the final weeks. Lorna said: “The reaction I’ve had to my videos has been amazing. "It’s been so much fun trying out all these different sports. “It can be hard to predict which videos will be popular. "One week I did a duathlon with no preparation, and it did really well – maybe people just like watching me suffer! “I have been doing the videos every single week, rather than preparing a few of them in advance, and I think the spontaneity of it all has helped capture what I set out to do. “I hope it helps beginners feel like they can go along to things. "It can be daunting, but there is so much to choose from.”

By Talker News,Talker 2 days ago

Technology

South Korean Investors Plan Major Projects in Namangan - UzDaily.uz

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A delegation of South Korean entrepreneurs, renowned in the construction sector, visited Namangan region today. The delegation was received by the regional hokim, Shavkatjon Abdurazzoqov. “We came here after hearing about the developments in Namangan with great interest and plan to implement major projects,” said Yang Chang Shik, director of The Washington Times Foundation. The delegation also included Lee Song Hun, a board member of Lotte Corporation; Hyu Stefan Singhwe, director of the architectural and design firm PDI Design Group; and Cho Kwe Yun, director of the construction company De Catle Industries. During the discussions, the parties reviewed plans for the construction of a new residential complex and a hotel in the “New Namangan Urban Zone.” Following the meeting, both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation and commence project implementation as soon as possible.

Uzdaily.uz 2 days ago

Technology

Santiago girls volleyball team falls to Dana Hills in Division 4 quarterfinal

CORONA — The Santiago girls volleyball team was playing from behind in Wednesday’s CIF Southern Section playoff match. Although the Sharks kept themselves close, Dana Hills produced a late run each time and pulled away for a 25-22, 25-17, 25-15 win in the Division 4 quarterfinal match and also secure the program’s first state playoff berth. Dana Hills (14-12) travels to La Canada (21-18) for a semifinal match, tentatively scheduled for Saturday at 6 p.m. “That’s a really solid Dana Hills team, and it was gonna take our best match to get them,” Santiago coach Courtney Krueger said. “Unfortunately, we didn’t play to that level but this year was a step in the right direction for us since we’ve been in the first round and done these last couple of years. “We’ll have a hungry and motivated group next year that is ready to keep making strides and keep pushing this program forward.” The first set was the closest of the three, with six ties and eight lead changes. Dana Hills had an 11-9 near at the halfway point, but Santiago went on a 4-1 run to take a 13-12 lead behind aces from Kaedyn Blotzer and Celah McKee and kills from Emerson Newton and Gabriella Norman. Tied at 17, the Dolphins then closed with a 8-5 run to take the set. Ally Fausett had the set-ending kill, while Chelsea Day added a kill and was part of a combination block down the stretch. “We were in a lot of must-win situations coming down the stretch and I couldn’t be prouder of how the girls persevered through that to get to this point,” Dolphins coach Tom Hoff said. “It’s definitely tough to be down players at this time of the year, but I give Santiago a ton of credit for the way they fought tonight. That was a much closer match than the scores made it out to be, but I’m so happy for our program to keep moving forward and setting new milestones along the way.” Dana Hills took a 14-10 lead in the second set, courtesy of a 5-1 run that included a pair of kills from Sawyer Rupe, an ace from Fausett, a combination block from Julia Miller and Haley Bentley and a kill from Miller. Santiago (15-16) fought back and cut the deficit to 16-15 after a Sarah Guzzetti kill, but three straight service aces from Fausett pushed the Dolphins to a 20-15 lead and eventual second set win. Dana Hills opened the third set with a 6-1 run capped by a Fausett kill. Santiago rallied and cut the deficit to two on Madeline Siqueland’s kill. Day had two kills and a block assist as part of a 4-1 run that gave Dana Hills a 13-8 lead en route to one last win and the sweep. “I was pretty nervous coming into this one because we had been at home for the first couple of rounds but we played really well tonight,” Day said. “It took us a while to put things together this year and it means so much to me as a senior to keep going in these playoffs because of the road we went on.” Newton had eight kills and an ace to lead Santiago in the loss. Day had eight kills, two total blocks, and an ace for Dana Hills while Fausett added another eight kills and three aces.

Derryl Trujillo,Gqlshare 2 days ago

Technology

Maharashtra and Rajasthan score high in new public infra projects in FY26

Western Indian states, led by Maharashtra and Rajasthan, have recorded the largest approvals in public infrastructure projects in the first half of FY26, in terms of value. A businessline analysis of data compiled from MoSPI’s PAIMANA database shows large-scale metro, port and industrial projects drove a 25 per cent year-on-year jump in total project value, even as the number of new projects fell by 17 per cent. The data indicates a growing concentration of high-value projects, pointing to a shift in the government’s infrastructure strategy toward capital-intensive assets with wider economic impact. Among states, Maharashtra dominated the list with major projects including the Thane Integral Ring Metro Rail project worth ₹12,200 crore, aimed at easing urban congestion and strengthening intra-city mobility, and the Rewas Port project of ₹6,000 crore, which will enhance port connectivity along the western coastline. Rajasthan, meanwhile, featured among the key gainers with new and renewable energy infrastructure approvals, such as the Nokh Solar PV project at ₹4190 crore, signalling the Centre’s continued focus on balancing industrial expansion with green transition. Together, these states accounted for a substantial share of new investment approvals in the first half of FY26, underscoring Western India’s role as the core driver of the current infrastructure build-up. Logistics and Sustainability projects dominate Of the largest projects the Godhani-Kalumna Chord Line project stands out with its valuation of ₹1,50,000 crore, making it the single largest project approved in H1 of FY26. Another important project is the Jharia Master plan to address the long-standing issues of underground fires, subsidence and the need for rehabilitation in the Jharia and Raniganj coalfields of Jharkhand and West Bengal respectively at a cost of ₹ 6,000 crore. Overall, MoSPI data shows that public infrastructure projects above ₹150 crore witnessed a 25 per cent increase in cumulative investment value from ₹2.02 lakh crore in H1 FY25 to ₹2.54 lakh crore in H1 FY26, despite a decline in the number of new projects from 96 to 80. The reduction in count could reflect longer gestation periods and greater scrutiny of project viability, as the government prioritises large-scale transport, logistics, and urban infrastructure investments with stronger multiplier effects. Our analysis also observes that the average project size grew from around ₹2,100 crore to nearly ₹3,200 crore over the year, further reinforcing the shift toward capital-heavy mega projects over smaller, dispersed ones. Published on October 30, 2025

Sourashis Banerjee 2 days ago

Technology

Pope Leo to hold All Souls' Day Mass at Verano Cemetery in Rome

Pontiff to mark All Souls' Day with Mass at Campo Verano. Pope Leo XIV is to celebrate All Souls' Day Mass in front of the entrance to Campo Verano cemetery in Rome on Sunday 2 November. The service, commemorating all those who have died, will begin at 16.00, the Vicariate of Rome said on Thursday. All Souls' Day, a Catholic tradition of mourning the dearly departed, is known in Italian as the Commemorazione di tutti i fedeli defunti or more simply il Giorno dei Morti - the day of the dead. It is a particularly important day in Italy when relatives gather to visit family graves. Leo's predecessor, Pope Francis, visited several war cemeteries on All Soul's Day, including the American Military Cemetery, the French Military Cemetery and the Rome War Cemetery. The capital’s three main cemeteries - Verano, Laurentino and Flaminio (Prima Porta) - will be open on 1 November - All Saints' Day - and 2 November from 07.30-18.00. City buses serving these cemeteries have been increased in the weeks leading up to 2 November. Photo credit: Stefano Tammaro / Shutterstock.com.

Wanted In Rome 2 days ago

Technology

15-YR-OLD Annandale Secondary Student In a Road Accident Involving Police Corporal

Female police corporal under close arrest A 15-year-old Annandale Secondary student, identified as Navindra Mahes, has died after being struck down by a police corporal this morning. The Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed this in a statement this morning, where it pledged that the matter is being handled with the utmost seriousness and transparency regarding the tragic road accident, which occurred at approximately 07:30 hours on the Success Public Road, East Coast Demerara. The incident involved motor car PAB 214, driven by a woman police corporal, and 15-year-old Mahes. The injured student was transported to the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation, where, despite the best efforts of medical professionals, he sadly succumbed to his injuries. The driver remains under close arrest as a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident continues. Police ranks are at the hospital rendering assistance and support to the grieving family. The Ministry, in the statement, said, “The Ministry of Home Affairs extends heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and school community of young Navindra Mahes during this time of deep sorrow. The Ministry assures the public that the matter is being handled with the utmost seriousness, transparency, and in accordance with established procedures.” The accident involved motorcar #PAB 214, driven by a 35-year-old female police corporal, and pedestrian 15-year-old Mahes, who resided at Lot 44 Le Ressouvenir, East Coast Demerara. Inquiries disclosed that the car was proceeding west along the northern carriageway on Success public road in the southern driving lane, where the ‘third lane’ was active at that time, according to a statement from the police. The police reported, “Video footage revealed that the female driver continued to proceed further west, while the pedestrian was standing at the median that separates the two carriageways, facing north. The student then attempted to cross the road in a northern direction, using the pedestrian crossing, and in doing so, the left-side front portion of the car collided with the schoolboy. “As a result of the collision, Mahes fell onto the roadway, where he received injuries to his body. He was picked up by public-spirited citizens and escorted to the Georgetown Public Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Unit. On arrival at the hospital, the pedestrian was seen and examined by doctors on duty, suffering from head injuries and a fractured right leg.” Mahes succumbed to his injuries at 09:56 hrs while receiving medical treatment. His body is presently at the Georgetown Public Hospital Mortuary, awaiting a post-mortem examination.

Staff Reporter 2 days ago

Technology

Chicago ICE Raids By The Numbers

The Department of Homeland Security has been carrying out “Operation Midway Blitz” since early September. The Onion examines the key facts and figures behind the Chicago immigration raids. Sufficient incentive to treat fellow human beings this way Agents with Celtic knot tattoos Pitch sessions before they finally landed on “Operation Midway Blitz” Yards of zip ties used on tamale vendors Agents it takes to handcuff an unarmed journalist who’s already on the ground Bonus for every pregnant woman detained Mexican supervillains stopped from blowing up city at very last second Number of people disappeared Hours of footage to be reviewed at The Hague

The Onion Staff 2 days ago

Technology

NHAI simplifies KYV process to ease FASTag compliance

To improve the overall customer experience, the NHAI (National Highways Authority of India) has simplified the ‘Know Your Vehicle’ (KYV) process for FASTag users. The KYV is a process through which vehicle owners verify and update essential details, such as the vehicle registration certificate, number plate and FASTag information, to ensure authenticity and prevent misuse of toll payment tags. According to the revised guidelines issued by the Indian Highways Management Company Ltd (IHMCL), FASTag services will not be discontinued for non-compliant vehicles, and users will be given sufficient time to complete the KYV process. Besides, under the simplified procedure, users of cars, jeeps and vans will no longer need to upload side photographs of their vehicles. Instead, only a front image showing the number plate and FASTag is required. Vahan database Furthermore, provisions have been made to automatically fetch registration certificate details from the Vahan database once the user enters the vehicle number, chassis number, or mobile number. In cases where multiple vehicles are linked to a single mobile number, the revised guidelines allow users can to select the specific vehicle for which they wish to complete the KYV process. To ensure uninterrupted services, the revised guidelines said FASTags issued before the implementation of the KYV policy will remain active, unless complaints are received about loose tags or misuse. Additionally, issuer banks will send SMS reminders urging users to complete their KYV. Published on October 30, 2025

Rohit Vaid 2 days ago

Manjak prevencije i efikasnih kontrola vodi sve više maloljetnika ka alkoholu

Manjak prevencije, neadekvatan sistem kontrole prodajnih i ugostiteljskih objekata, te nedovoljno razvijena svijest u društvu glavni su razlozi zbog kojih sve veći broj maloljetnika u Crnoj Gori konzumira alkohol uprkos zakonskim zabranama. Do njega i dalje dolaze bez mnogo prepreka, što potvrđuju i posljednji rezultati ESPAD istraživanja sprovedenog 2024. godine među učenicima prvog razreda srednje škole. U Crnoj Gori, prema tom istraživanju, 47 % dječaka i 36 % djevojčica probalo je alkohol sa 13 godina ili ranije, a pretjeranoj konzumaciji alkohola (binge drinking) u posljednjih 30 dana bilo je izloženo 27 % dječaka, odnosno 18 % djevojčica. Anđelija Lučić, projektna menadžerka u nevladinoj organizaciji Forum MNE koja godinama radi na smanjenju konzumacije alkohola među mladima, ističe da dostupni podaci pokazuju intenzivnije kontrole služenja alkohola u ugostiteljskim objektima. Sa druge strane, i dalje, kako navodi, nema podataka o izvršenim kontrolama ili nadzoru prodaje alkohola maloljetnicima u trgovinskim objektima. “Da bi kontrola prodaje alkoholnih pića maloljetnicima bila efikasna potrebno je na prvom mjestu obezbijediti adekvatna i jasna zakonodavna rješenja kojima će se precizno definisati nadležnosti svih institucija. Potrebno je jasno definisati ko sprovodi nadzor i na koji način. Pored kontrole, važan element je i edukacija zaposlenih u trgovinama i ugostiteljskim objektima”, ističe Lučić. U organizaciji Forum MNE smatraju i da uključivanje lokalnih zajednica i građana u praćenje i prijavljivanje nepravilnosti može doprinijeti stvaranju društvene odgovornosti i zajedničkog pritiska na poštovanje zakona. “Samo kombinacija preventivnih mjera, edukacije i dosljedne primjene zakonskih propisa može donijeti dugoročne rezultate”, poručuje Lučić. Prodaja i služenje alkohola mlađima od 18 godina zabranjeni su u Crnoj Gori Zakonom o turizmu i ugostiteljstvu i Zakonom o javnom redu i miru, ali se kontrola ne sprovodi u kontiniutitu, niti sa jasnim ovašćenjima. Dio nadzora sprovode inspekcijske službe lokalnih uprava, najčešće uz asistenciju službenika Uprave policije. Lučić podsjeća da mladi u Crnoj Gori žive u sredini u kojoj je alkohol duboko ukorijenjen u svakodnevni život – dio je kulturoloških, religijskih i društvenih običaja. “Istraživanje “Zdravstvena kultura i upotreba alkohola među mladima u Crnoj Gori” koje je Forum mladi i neformalna edukacija sproveo u saradnji sa Zavodom za školstvo 2023/2024. godine pokazalo je da svaki treći učenik uzrasta od 13. do 18. godina povremeno ili često konzumira alkohol. Svaki drugi učenik lično poznaje nekog ko koristi alkohol. Mladi na alkohol gledaju kao na način da se opuste, smanje nervozu, ublaže stres ili ojačaju samopouzdanje u socijalnim situacijama. U periodu adolescencije, kada su identitet i samopouzdanje još u formiranju, alkohol se često doživljava kao „alat“ za lakše uklapanje u društvo”, kazala je Lučić. Mladi potcjenjuju rizike Jedan od izazova, prema njenim riječima, je i nizak nivo informisanosti o posljedicama konzumacije alkohola. “Stav Svjetske zdravstvene organizacije je da ne postoji bezbjedna doza alkohola. Mladi često potcjenjuju rizike – kako kratkoročne (npr. nesreće, sukobi, rizično ponašanje), tako i dugoročne (razvoj zavisnosti, oštećenje zdravlja, problemi u učenju i ponašanju)”, rekla je Lučić. Crna Gora se, kako podsjećaju iz Foruma MNE, suočava i sa nedostatkom dosljedne primjene i kontrole zakonskih odredbi kojima se reguliše prodaja i služenje alkohola maloljetnicima. “Većina crnogorskih učenika/ca smatra da im je alkohol bez ograničenja dostupan, bilo kad i na bilo kojem mjestu, samo ako imaju novac. Istraživanje koje je Forum MNE sproveo korišćenjem metode “tajni kupac” tokom 2023. i 2024. godine u 8 crnogorskih opština pokazalo da su mladi u pravu – u čak 97% slučajeva maloljetnici su bez problema kupili alkohol. Još jedan izazov je i visok nivo tolerancije odraslih prema konzumaciji alkohola među mladima – često ne vidimo problem u „povremenom“ pijenju, čak i kada je riječ o maloljetnicima, jer se takvo ponašanje smatra „normalnim“ dijelom odrastanja”, kaže Lučić. I udruženje Roditelji ispitivalo je prošle godine praksu maloprodajnih objekata i ugostiteljskih objekata u blizini osnovnih i srednjih škola u Podgorici kada je riječ o prodaji i služenju alkoholnih pića mlađima od 18 godina. Istraživanjem je provjereno koliko je djeci bilo dostupno da kupe i konzumiraju alkoholna pića i da li ih je iko u tome spriječio, kako je definisano propisima. Socijalni eksperiment pokazao je da su djeca bez problema uspjela da kupe alkohol u čak 14 od 15 maloprodajnim objekata koje su obišli. Od pet ugostiteljskih objekata samo u jednom su zaposleni odbili da ih usluže alkoholnim pićima, nakon što su ih pitali da li imaju 18 godina. Otkloniti faktore rizika, pružiti alternativu Forum MNE će, kako najavljuju, i u narednom periodu nastaviti da sprovodi različite preventivne aktivnosti usmjerene na smanjenje stope konzumacije alkohola među mladima. “Preventivni rad treba da bude zasnovan na otklanjanju faktora rizika, smanjenju uzroka, ranom prepoznavanju problema i pravovremenom reagovanju. Takav pristup nije moguć bez saradnje i koordinacije svih relevantnih aktera – škola, porodica, institucija, lokalnih zajednica i samih mladih. Poseban fokus biće na pružanju alternativa mladima – kroz organizovanje različitih sadržaja, kvalitetnih edukativnih programa i zdravih načina provođenja slobodnog vremena, koji će im biti zanimljiviji i privlačniji od konzumiranja alkohola”, istakla je Lučić. Da je potrebno kroz edukaciju intenzivno raditi na prevenciji problema upotrebe alkohola među djecom i mladima saglasna je i dr Jelena Kovačević, specijalistkinja dječije adolescentne psihijatrije iz Centra za rani razvoj Kliničkog centra Crne Gore. Ona upozorava da se smanjuje granica kada djeca počinju da konzumiraju alkohol, što zabrinjava stručnjake, a toj temi se ne posvećuje ni dovoljno pažnje u javnosti. “Mi treba da držimo granicu između dostupnosti alkohola i djece do 18. godine. Jako je važno koliko dugo ćemo mi da uspijevamo i da održimo tu granicu“, rekla je Kovačević u intervjuu Roditelji pitaju, koji udruženje Roditleji realizuje u saradnji sa agencijom Mina. Ona ističe da nije isto ako je dijete došlo prvi put u kontakt sa alkoholom sa 17 ili 18 godina ili u sve mlađim razredima osnovne škole. Djeca, kako dodaje, imaju sklonost da pomjeraju i izazivaju granice, a odrasli ih ne uče dovoljno o tome kolika opasnost leži u alkoholu. “Mi smo ti koji smo modeli našoj djeci. Jako je važno i da ih učimo da to ne treba da se podrazumijeva, da svijet odraslih jeste nešto za šta treba da čekaju i da oni imaju sve vrijeme svijeta za taj period odraslih, a da period djetinstva i adolescencije treba da koriste za mnogo pozitivnije aktivnosti“, rekla je Kovačević. Ona je istakla da je prevencija prioritet, kada se grade politike i odnos prema mladima. “Prevencija podrazumijeva da mi dozvolimo dovoljnu edukaciju, da djece ne žele da koriste alkohol i da razumiju koliko je on opasan i štetan za njih i da izbjegnu korišćenje“, rekla je Kovačević. “Sa prevencijom mora da se počinje ranije nego što smo do sada počinjeli“, naglasila je Kovačević i ukazala na podatak da je 50 odsto djece prije 13. godine ne samo konzumiralo ili probalo alkohol, nego je bilo opijeno. Kako je navela, politike moraju da budu jako interaktivne i ne treba da budu na bazi predavanja na kojima će djeca da sjede i slušaju, već je potrebno nešto što će ih angažovati. Neispunjena obećanja Iz Ministarstva zdravlja prethodnih godina su u više navrata ukazivali na potrebu širenja svijesti o posljedicama pretjerane konzumacije alkohola. Tako su i prošle godine u saopštenju povodom Međunarodnog dana borbe protiv alkoholizma, naveli da su prepoznavši ove probleme kreirali Program za prevenciju štetne upotrebe alkohola i alkoholom uzrokovanih poremećaja u Crnoj Gori za period od 2022. do 2024. godine. Pojasnili su da se kroz taj dokument problemu upotrebe alkohola pristupa multisektorski, pa su u njegovo rješavanje uključenji Uprava policije, ugostitelji i prehrambeni trgovci i zdravstveni radnici. Međutim, rezultati sprovođenja Akcionog plana za 2023., pokazuju da nije realizovana gotovo nijedna aktivnost koja se odnosi na zaštitu djece i mladih u ovoj oblasti. Iako je prevencija među maloljetnicima bila jedan od ključnih prioriteta Programa, nisu u predviđenom obimu sprovedene planirane edukacije – radionice i kampanje za učenike, roditelje i nastavnike. U istom periodu nije realizovana ni obuka izabranih doktora i medicinskih sestara o ranom prepoznavanju i radu sa mladima koji konzumiraju alkohol, a ni obuka koju je za učenike te godine trebalo da realizuje Uprava policije. Između ostalom, uprkos planu, nije izrađen ni protokol o postupanju kod intoksikacije maloljetnika, koji je trebalo da obezbijedi jasne smjernice za hitne službe. Kao jedna od možda najznačajnijih aktivnosti u 2023. godini nije sproveden ni nadzor nad prodajom alkohola maloljetnicima u ugostiteljskim i prodajnim objektima, niti su održane planirane obuke za ugostitelje i prodavce o zakonskim obavezama. U izvještaju se ocjenjuje da su glavni razlozi nesprovođenja planiranih aktivnosti nedostatak finansijskih sredstava i stručnog kadra, ali i loša koordinacija između Ministarstava zdravlja, prosvjete, policije i lokalnih samouprava.

jelenabozovic 2 days ago

Technology

‘I Don’t Know Her Intentions’ — Says Cheryl Hines As RFK Jr.’s Alleged Ex, Olivia Nuzzi is Ready To Come Out With Her Book

America’s health secretary, RFK Jr., has been heavily scrutinised by the media for his controversial claims on vaccines, pregnancy, and the use of certain drugs. The man has spent his entire career in public service. He’s an environmentalist, a co-founder and a man with golden merit and a rich political background. He is the son of Senator Robert F. Kennedy and the nephew of President John F. Kennedy, Bobby Jr. In his personal life, RFK Jr. has quite a controversial reputation when it comes to women. A new teaser for journalist Olivia Nuzzi’s upcoming book reveals that she plans to explore what it was like to be “so far inside the distortion field” of Trumpworld, a reference to her years covering U.S. politics up close. Nuzzi was previously a Washington correspondent for New York Magazine, which cut ties with her last year after her relationship with Kennedy came to light. Even though the journalist claimed that their relationship was allegedly never physical, it led to her separation from her journalist fiancé, Ryan Lizzaa and eventually her firing from her job with New York Magazine. She now serves as Vanity Fair’s West Coast editor. New York Magazine reported that one of its reporters had been placed on leave for “engaging in a personal relationship with a former subject relevant to the 2024 campaign,” whom several publications had said was Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Olivia Nuzzi and New York Magazine have “parted ways” after her affair with RFK Jr. Adios, Olivia! 👋 pic.twitter.com/lhILd1DVIA — Art Candee 🍿🥤 (@ArtCandee) October 21, 2024 As per The Daily Beast, Olivia’s upcoming book, which is titled ‘American Canto’, is being published by Simon & Schuster. The central theme of the book will be based on how America’s political scenario has changed over the past decade after Donald Trump took over. Even though it remains unknown if and how the book will cover Olivia Nuzzi’s relationship with RFK Jr., people are intrigued. Nuzzi wrote the book while she was going through a period of “self-imposed exile at the end of the country.” Consequently, a representative for Kennedy later stated to The Washington Post that Kennedy had only met Nuzzi once, for her November 2023 feature story, “The Mind-Bending Politics of RFK Jr.’s Spoiler Campaign”. Meanwhile, RFK Jr.’s wife, Cheryl Hines, remained mum during the entire scandal because she was highly embarrassed by it. However, she commented about it while speaking to Fox News Digital. Hines said RFK Jr. told her that they staged a separation because of the extreme scrutiny she was under. She recalled, “Things got dramatic during this presidential campaign. Some people were very upset that I was even married to Bobby.” “They were vocally coming at me because I’m married to Bobby,” the actress added. “So Bobby felt, ‘You shouldn’t be having to take that heat. So why don’t we just say we’re separated?” Cheryl Hines breaks silence on RFK Jr. ‘affair’ with political reporter Olivia Nuzzi https://t.co/ZfBVGia0cL pic.twitter.com/I2lkbmWZhc — Daily Mail US (@Daily_MailUS) October 20, 2024 As a wife, she was in two minds, for a couple to say, ‘Maybe we should just say we’re not with each other anymore and our lives would be easier’… That’s pretty dramatic and pretty extreme,” she explained. “You always have to consider the source. That’s where I start, and it ends with a conversation with Bobby,” she added. In addition, Hines also claimed she does not know Olivia Nuzzi or her intentions. While Nuzzi’s book is set to release on December 2, 2025, Hines is also set to release her memoir called ‘Unscripted’ a month prior on November 11, 2025. Before the actress, RFK Jr. was married twice. He is a father to six children from those marriages.

Sweta Choudhury 2 days ago