Larry Hogan Rules Out Senate Run For Retiring Dem’s Seat

Larry Hogan Rules Out Senate Run For Retiring Dem’s Seat

by The Daily Caller May 3, 2023

By: The Daily Caller

Larry Hogan Rules Out Senate Run For Retiring Dem’s Seat

Mary Lou Masters on May 3, 2023

Former Republican Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan ruled out a Senate run Tuesday after Democratic Sen. Ben Cardin announced Monday that he isn’t seeking reelection, according to NewsNation.

Hogan previously toyed with running for president in 2024, but announced in March that he wouldn’t, prompting questions from senators, donors, the media and even his wife asking about the freshly open Senate seat, he toldNewsNation’s Leland Vittert. The former governor said that while he believes he could win the race, he has no “interest in being a senator.”

“I really wanted to be governor, and I loved being governor. I thought I was making a difference in my state, and the Senate’s an entirely different job,” said Hogan. “You’re one of 100 people arguing all day, not a lot gets done in the Senate, and most former governors that I know that go into the Senate aren’t thrilled with the job.”

Hogan, a former two-term governor in a blue state, acknowledged that it would be difficult to win in a presidential year, especially considering a Republican hasn’t been elected to the Senate from Maryland since the 1980s. The former governor, who declined to run against Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen in 2022, admitted he’s “never been interested in the job.”

The former governor won the blue state’s gubernatorial election in 2014 by 3.8 points and won reelection in 2018 by nearly 12 points.

Two of Maryland’s Democratic congressmen are potential candidates running for the seat — Reps. Dave Trone and Jamie Raskin — as well as Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks.

“I could win the race,” said Hogan. “It’s not something I’m pursuing.”

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May 3, 2023 0 comments

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Schools Ban Backpacks Over Gun Concerns

by The Daily Caller May 3, 2023

By: The Daily Caller

Schools Ban Backpacks Over Gun Concerns

Erinn Broadus on May 3, 2023

A Michigan district and a Florida school have banned backpacks due to gun concerns, according to local news channels.

The Flint Board of Education voted unanimously Tuesday night to ban backpacks after two incidents the prior month caused the school to be shut down for two days, according to the New York Post. In Marion County, Florida, backpacks have been banned after a student brought an airsoft gun to school, reported Fox 35 Orlando.

“Across the country, we have seen an increase in threatening behavior and contraband, including weapons, being brought into schools at all levels,” said Superintendent Kevelin Jones in a policy update to parents that was provided to the Daily Caller News Foundation. “Backpacks make it easier for students to hide weapons, which can be disassembled and harder to identify or hidden in pockets, inside books or under other items,”Jones said.

Last month, Flint Southwestern Classical Academy went on lockdown and closed the next day after receiving a threat, according to MLive News. “That is just one incident of several that we have had this year around students bringing weapons into our buildings in backpacks,” Director of Student Services Ernest Steward said.

In Florida, an automatic message went out to parents on Monday night informing them that a first grader had brought an airsoft gun to school, and that they were implementing a backpack ban due to safety concerns, Fox 35 reported.

“It’s not the object that was the problem, it’s that it was so easy to get it there,” said Kristin Katich, a parent, to Fox 35. ‘The problem is that it would be equally as easy to get a real weapon there.”

Katish also mentioned she decided to pull her daughter out of school as a result, because the incident frightened the child. This was the third threatening incident this year, according to Fox 35, but details regarding the other two incidents have not have not been made available.

Marion County Schools did not immediately respond to Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.

May 3, 2023 0 comments

Opinion - Editorial Politics Top Headlines Trending News US and World News

Student’s US History, Civics Grades Plummet Following School Lockdowns

by The Daily Caller May 3, 2023

By: The Daily Caller

Student’s US History, Civics Grades Plummet Following School Lockdowns

Reagan Reese on May 3, 2023

Student’s U.S. history and civics test scores tanked following the COVID-19 pandemic where schools shut down in-person instruction, forcing students to learn remotely, according to a Wednesday report

In 2022, just 13% of eighth graders’ tested proficiently in U.S. history while civics test scores saw their first ever drop in the subject area, according to data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress, known as the “Nation’s Report Card.” From the start of the pandemic in March 2020, many students did not receive in-person learning for more than 18 months, while the CDC promoted in-person instruction as safe in February 2021, Pew Research reported.

“For U.S. history, I was very, very concerned,” Peggy Carr, commissioner of the National Center for Education Statistics, told the 74 Million, an education-focused outlet. “It’s a decline that started in 2014, long before we even thought about COVID. This is a decline that’s been [going] down for a while.”

To test proficient in U.S. history, students must explain major turning points, people and ideas in the country’s past, the report said. Only about 20% of eighth grade students passed the 2022 civics and U.S. history test.

Test scores in both areas, U.S. History and civics, fell back in line with scores from the 1990s, when the scores were first tracked.

Around a fifth of eighth graders tested proficient in civics in 2022 while nearly 31% of eighth grade civics students performed below standard levels, according to the Nation’s Report Card.

From 2020 to 2022, reading levels in K-12 schools reverted back to scores last seen in the 1990s, which is the largest drop in reading scores on record, according to the Nation’s Report Card. The country also saw its first ever decline in math scores from 2020-2022.

Every state has seen a decline in its math scores since 2019, with fourth and eighth graders recording the most significant drops. School districts who remained remote during the COVID-19 pandemic instead of returning to in-person learning, suffered the largest learning losses.

May 3, 2023 0 comments

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University Quietly Scrubs Language Guide That Called Women ‘Wimmin’

by The Daily Caller May 3, 2023

By: The Daily Caller

University Quietly Scrubs Language Guide That Called Women ‘Wimmin’

Alexa Schwerha on May 3, 2023

The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) removed a language guide that offered alternative spellings of the word “women” from its webpage.

UT Austin’s Financial and Administrative Services had a glossary of terms called “Language Matters” published on its website as part of its “Diversity Commitment,” that included three different spellings of the “women” that avoid reference to the suffix “-men,” according to an archived version of the website. The link now directs users to its Diversity Commitment website, which outlines the department’s commitment to “equity, diversity and inclusion.”

“Having a common language for talking about and across difference is important for mutual understanding and partnership. The language of diversity is evolving and requires awareness, understanding, and skill,” the archived website reads. “This glossary, though not exhaustive, is a tool to give you the words and meanings to help make conversations easier, respectful and empowering.”

The glossary introduced the term “wimmin” as an alternative spelling that is “used by feminists to avoid the word ending ‘-men,’” according to the archived site. “Womxn” was defined as “a term sometimes used to replace the word women to get away from patriarchal language” that also is “inclusive of trans women and non-binary people, but it is not always accepted.”

It also included the term “womyn,” which shares the same definition of “wimmin.”

The glossary was brought to attention by Manhattan Institute Senior Fellow Christopher Rufo. Rufo posted a screenshot of the “wimmin” definition on Twitter and alleged that UT Austin considers the new phrase “empowering.”

The University of Texas is now promoting the word “wimmin,” so that students and faculty can “avoid the word ending in ‘-men.’”

According to UT, this is “empowering.” pic.twitter.com/E6ef5MsI2T

— Christopher F. Rufo ⚔️ (@realchrisrufo) May 2, 2023

He later noted that the guide had been removed from the website and accused the university of being “scared,” according to his Twitter.

They’re scared.https://t.co/1xOnKh5qqt

— Christopher F. Rufo ⚔️ (@realchrisrufo) May 2, 2023

“After I caught them recommending the word ‘wimmin’ in place of ‘women,’ University of Texas administrators have removed their ‘Language Matters’ guide from the university website,” Rufo wrote. “Unfortunately for them, I’ve archived the page and will report more next week.”

UT Austin and Rufo did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.

May 3, 2023 0 comments

Opinion - Editorial Politics Top Headlines Trending News US and World News

Blue City Struggles To Collect More Than $1 Billion In Traffic Tickets As Dangerous Drivers Roam Free

by The Daily Caller May 3, 2023

By: The Daily Caller

Blue City Struggles To Collect More Than $1 Billion In Traffic Tickets As Dangerous Drivers Roam Free

Laurel Duggan on May 3, 2023

Drivers in Washington, D.C. have racked up about $1.3 billion in unpaid traffic tickets since 2000, but the city lacks the resources to effectively pursue the dangerous drivers roaming the city’s streets, according to The Washington Post.

Fatal traffic accidents have been on the rise in Washington in recent years, and some of these incidents have been caused by drivers who had thousands in unpaid traffic tickets for repeatedly speeding and running red lights, according to the Post’s analysis of public records. The city’s only options for enforcement against repeat offenders are vehicle booting and towing on public roads.

In March, a driver who had 49 unpaid tickets with fines totaling $17,280 fled a traffic stop and drove into another vehicle, killing all three occupants, according to The Post.

“D.C. had data showing that this driver was an extreme risk to life and welfare,” Ryan Calder, an assistant professor of environmental health and policy at Virginia Tech who studies traffic collisions, told the Post. “And then, very predictably, the driver of the car annihilated three people in a horrific collision. And that was the very predictable outcome of this breakdown in governance.”

The city’s top unpaid ticket offender owes $186,000 from 339 tickets, according to the Post. In total, the city is missing payments for more than 6.2 million tickets totaling $1.3 billion in fines and penalties; more than 2,100 vehicles have at least 40 unpaid tickets and about 1,200 are linked to fines of more than $20,000 from the past five years.

The D.C. police union has blamed local politicians for underfunding the police, and hundreds of officers have left the force in recent years.

D.C.’s rising traffic fatalities are part of a national trend. Nationwide, traffic deaths hit a 20-year high in 2022.

May 3, 2023 0 comments

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Longtime Dem Campaign Strategist Hit With Election Fraud Charges

by The Daily Caller May 3, 2023

By: The Daily Caller

Longtime Dem Campaign Strategist Hit With Election Fraud Charges

Trevor Schakohl on May 3, 2023

New Jersey Democratic campaign strategist James Devine was charged with election fraud for allegedly submitting more than 1,900 fake petitions to help secure a 2021 Democratic gubernatorial primary ballot spot for candidate Lisa McCormick, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin announced Tuesday.

Devine was McCormick’s campaign manager and sent the fake voter certifications to the New Jersey Secretary of State’s Division of Elections via email in April 2021, but the New Jersey Democratic State Committee challenged his attempt days later, arguing that all the forms featured same the style of signature and at least one of the named voters was deceased, Platkin said. A judge subsequently took McCormick off the primary ballot, and Devine is now charged with third-degree offenses concerning nomination certificates or petitions, tampering with public records or information and fourth-degree falsifying or tampering with records.

“Fraudulent acts like this erode faith in our government and the rule of law, and there must be consequences,” New Jersey Office of Public Integrity and Accountability Executive Director Thomas Eicher said in a release. Devine could face more than five years in prison if convicted.

Devine has described himself as “a masterful Democratic Party campaign strategist,” and his LinkedIn profile says he was a political director for the New Jersey Democratic State Committee from 1992 to 1993. He caused controversy in June 2017 by creating a “#HuntRepublicanCongressmen” hashtag on Twitter the day after an assailant shot Republican Louisiana Rep. Steve Scalise and several others during a congressional baseball game practice.

Devine did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.

May 3, 2023 0 comments

Breaking News Featured News Opinion - Editorial Politics Top Headlines Trending News US and World News

New York Passes Law Banning Natural Gas Hookups In New Buildings

by Op-ed Contributor May 3, 2023

By: Op-ed Contributor

John Hugh DeMastri on May 3, 2023

The New York State Assembly became the first state legislature in the nation to pass a statewide ban on new natural gas hookups late Tuesday, according to multiple reports.

The $229 billion state budget package will require almost all new buildings shorter than seven stories to go all-electric for cooking and heating by 2026 — with exceptions for manufacturers, restaurants, renovations and hospitals — while taller buildings would have until 2029, according to The Washington Post. While supporters argued that the law was necessary for the state to hit its climate goals, critics argued that it would raise expenses for homeowners in the state, where electricity tends to be more expensive than gas.

“The state budget crafted by Albany Democrats ignores the priorities of New York residents,” said the state Senate’s Republican Minority Leader Robert Ortt in a statement. “A first-in-the-nation, unconstitutional ban on natural gas hookups in new construction will drive up utility bills and increase housing costs.”

While the law is widely expected to face legal challenges from the oil and gas industry, climate activists have expressed hope that it would inspire similar action in other states, according to the Post. In April, the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously struck down a similar gas ban from the city of Berkeley, California, which was the first city in the nation to introduce such a ban.

“I want to be very clear. I know people love to misinterpret this, but people with existing gas stoves, you’re welcome to keep them,” Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul said ahead of the vote Tuesday, according to The Associated Press. “This is where our nation has to go eventually. But I want to make sure that it’s not a bumpy road to the transition.”

New York Passes Law Banning Natural Gas Hookups In New Buildings

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently opened a request for information, inviting the public to comment on the harmful affects caused by gas stoves, which could be the basis of future national regulations. Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas and Republican Rep. James Comer of Kentucky on Monday deepened their probe of several environmental groups, who they believe may have shaped the CPSC’s stance on gas stoves.

Hochul’s office did not immediately respond to a Daily Caller News Foundation request for comment.

May 3, 2023 0 comments

Breaking News Gardening

Gardening Pioneer Shares Revolutionary Technique to Grow Veggies Anywhere

by Lifestyle and Family May 3, 2023

By: Lifestyle and Family

Joel Karsten, a horticulture science graduate and gardening pioneer, has shared his revolutionary technique to grow fresh vegetables and flowers anywhere, regardless of soil conditions or backyard space. In his book, Straw Bale Gardens Complete, Karsten explains how straw bale gardening can help lower grocery bills and provide the freshest, most delicious tasting veggies.

Karsten’s unique method requires no soil and works in any climate, making it accessible to everyone, even those with bad soil or no backyard at all.

“Tomatoes, even in season, are a couple of dollars a pound, and it isn’t uncommon to grow 100-plus pounds of tomatoes from a single bale,” he said. “The savings you’ll get from growing a garden are astounding and make a huge difference in any family budget.”

Using straw bales as a raised garden bed, the technique requires less maintenance and weeding and is more accessible for seniors who can’t do the hard physical work of gardening.

The raised height also allows for easy access and reduces bending and kneeling.

The book provides detailed steps for planning, planting, and harvesting a straw bale garden, as well as bale variations and options, watering guidelines, and plant profiles. It also includes tips for irrigating in dry climates, gardening in small and urban spaces, and even DIY instructions for homemade bales from compostable materials.

According to Karsten, even those who have never tasted fresh veggies straight from the garden are in for a treat. He emphasizes that the flavor of fresh vegetables is unmatched, and the savings gained from growing a garden can make a huge difference in any family budget.

Karsten’s method is not limited to vegetables. Flowers can also be grown in straw bales, making it an excellent option for those looking to create beautiful flower arrangements without breaking the bank. With just one bale, anyone can grow enough flowers to make 50 vases of cut flowers all summer long.

Joel Karsten has made more than 2,000 presentations about straw bale gardening since his first appearance on the local news. He and his wife, Patty, live in Roseville with their dog, Tucker. To learn more about Karsten’s revolutionary technique and to access his book, Straw Bale Gardens Complete, visit https://strawbalegardens.com/.

May 3, 2023 0 comments

Breaking News D.C. News Police Blotter

Suspect in D.C. Stabbing Death Of Andrea Bond Arrested

by Kristen Harrison-Oneal May 3, 2023

By: Kristen Harrison-Oneal

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A suspect has been apprehended by detectives of the Washington, D.C. Metro Police Department for a homicide that took place on March 7th in Northeast, D.C.

An unconscious person was reported at around 3 pm, prompting First District officers to respond to the 1100 block of D Street. Upon their arrival, they discovered an adult female who had sustained a stab wound inside a residence. Andrea Bond, aged 30, was pronounced dead by officials..

Yesterday, 31-year-old Rayvon Slye from Northwest, DC was apprehended and charged with Second Degree Murder while Armed. The detectives conducting the investigation uncovered that this crime was domestic in nature.

May 3, 2023 0 comments

Breaking News Community News

15-year-old girl reported missing in Parkville

by Jessica Woods May 3, 2023

By: Jessica Woods

PARKVILLE, MD – Police are searching for a missing 15-year-old boy named Marcus Alphonso Davenport, who goes by the nickname “Maleeha.” He was last seen at 2:30 a.m. on May 3 in the Parkville area of Baltimore County.

Davenport is described as being 5’8″ tall and weighing 180 pounds. There is currently no information about the clothes he was wearing when he disappeared.

Baltimore County Police Department has asked anyone with information about Davenport’s whereabouts to call 911 or 410-307-2020.

May 3, 2023 0 comments

US and World News

Former FBI agent charged in Jan. 6 attack on U.S. Capitol

by Reuters May 3, 2023

By: Reuters

By Sarah N. Lynch

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -A former FBI agent has been arrested for his alleged role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol and charged with four misdemeanor counts, including unlawfully entering a restricted building and disorderly conduct, according to court filings.

Jared Wise, 51, who served as an FBI agent and a supervisory agent from 2004 to 2017, was taken into custody on Monday and released home with conditions, according to court filings. Until last June he resided in New Braunfels, Texas, but he has since moved to Bend, Oregon.

Wise was captured on closed-circuit TV footage entering through the U.S. Senate wing door and raising his arms “in triumph,” according to a sworn statement filed in federal court.

In body-worn camera footage captured by D.C. Metropolitan Police officers, Wise addressed them directly, saying: ““You guys are disgusting. I’m former — I’m former law enforcement. You’re disgusting. You are the Nazi. You are the Gestapo. You can’t see it. … Shame on you! Shame on you! Shame on you!”

The camera footage also captured Wise’s reaction as other surrounding protesters began to attack police officers trying to defend the Capitol, the filing added. In the video, he can be heard egging them on by shouting: “Kill ‘em! Kill ‘em! Kill ‘em!”

An attorney for Wise could not be immediately reached for comment.

A spokesperson for the FBI declined to comment beyond what is contained in public court filings.

More than 1,000 people have been charged to date for their roles in storming the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, in a failed bid to keep Republican then-President Donald Trump in power by blocking Congress from certifying Democrat Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory.

Five people died during and shortly after the riot, and about 140 police officers were injured.

(Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch; additional reporting by Susan Heavey; editing by Jonathan Oatis)

May 3, 2023 0 comments

Business News

Factbox-Short sellers rake in $1.2 billion in profits as US regional bank stocks suffer

by Reuters May 3, 2023

By: Reuters

(Reuters) – Short sellers have pocketed $1.2 billion in paper profits betting against U.S. regional lenders in the first two days of May, analytics firm Ortex said, as the third major regional bank failure in two months sparked a selloff in the sector.

U.S. regulators seized First Republic Bank and sold most of its assets to JPMorgan Chase & Co on Monday in a $10.6 billion deal.

Here is a list of companies that generated the most profits for short sellers on May 1 and May 2:

Regional bank Paper profits

Truist Financial Corp $101,956,754

PacWest Bancorp $82,369,064

Citizens Financial Group Inc $74,099,858

Zions Bancorp $60,333,594

Western Alliance Bancorp $51,584,942

Valley National Bancorp $47,771,091

M&T Bank Corp $47,420,161

First Horizon Corp $46,089,179

Huntington Bancshares Inc $45,972,981

Regions Financial Corp $34,300,680

Source: Ortex data

(Compiled by Medha Singh in Bengaluru; Edited by Shounak Dasgupta)

May 3, 2023 0 comments

Breaking News Police Blotter South Jersey News

Willingboro man admits to killing woman, gets 25 years in prison

by Charlie Dwyer May 3, 2023

By: Charlie Dwyer

WILLINGBORO, NJ – A Willingboro man has pleaded guilty to the fatal shooting of a woman three years ago inside her Maple Shade apartment, according to Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw.

Semaj T. Pittman, 23, pleaded guilty to one count of Aggravated Manslaughter (First Degree) in Superior Court in Mount Holly on April 28 in exchange for a 25-year term in state prison. The Hon. Christopher J. Garrenger scheduled sentencing for June 30.

On February 23, 2020, officers from the Maple Shade Police Department were called to The Arbors apartment complex on Lenola Road for a report of a shooting. They found a man and a woman with gunshot wounds. Both were transported to Cooper University Medical Center in Camden, where the woman, 22-year-old Kayla Winkler, was pronounced dead.

Her boyfriend, Ramek Bass of Philadelphia, who was 24 at the time, was treated for a gunshot wound to the shoulder.

According to the investigation, Pittman and a juvenile teenager went to the apartment to rob Winkler and Bass, with whom they were acquainted. After they were allowed inside, Pittman pulled a gun and shot the victims as they tried to leave the apartment.

The teenager, an Evesham Township resident, pleaded guilty last year to Murder (First Degree), and under New Jersey law, his name must be withheld because he was a juvenile at the time the offense was committed.

May 3, 2023 0 comments

Business News

Pizza Hut-parent Yum Brands profit sliced by promotions

by Reuters May 3, 2023

By: Reuters

By Deborah Mary Sophia

(Reuters) -Yum Brands Inc missed Wall Street estimates for first-quarter profit on Wednesday, as the Taco Bell parent doubled down on promotions to attract inflation-wary consumers while also facing lingering commodities and labor cost pressures.

Shares of the KFC and Pizza Hut owner tumbled more than 4% after the company also warned of a $10 million to $20 million hit to current-quarter operating profit.

Yum Brands has banked on aggressive promotional offers – including Taco Bell’s $2 burritos and KFC’s $5 Mac & Cheese – as well as new menu items to attract more low-income customers, helping total same-store sales jump 8% in the March quarter, handily beating estimates of a 5.45% increase.

However, along with higher food and labor costs, foreign exchange pressures and ramped up investments in automation and digital business, the aggressive promotions largely drove a 25% slump in profit.

The earnings miss “was a little bit surprising when you consider what everyone else has reported. You’ve seen very positive results (from restaurants) across the board,” Edward Jones analyst Brian Yarbrough said.

McDonald’s Corp, Burger King parent Restaurant Brands and Chipotle Mexican Grill all topped quarterly sales and profit estimates on the back of price hikes and robust demand.

Inflationary pressures were now abating and trending back to pre-pandemic patterns, Chief Financial Officer Chris Turner told Reuters, adding the company expects U.S. food inflation to be in the low-single-digit range for the full year.

Labor challenges were also easing, with the company seeing job application rates increase while staffing levels were either at or near 2019 levels.

Excluding special items, it earned $1.06 per share, missing estimates of $1.13, according to Refinitiv data.

(Reporting by Deborah Sophia in Bengaluru; Editing by Shounak Dasgupta and Sriraj Kalluvila)

May 3, 2023 0 comments

US and World News

UK police well prepared for King Charles’s coronation

by Reuters May 3, 2023

By: Reuters

By Muvija M

LONDON (Reuters) – More than 11,000 police officers will patrol London’s streets for King Charles’ coronation on Saturday, the biggest ceremonial event staged in the British capital for 70 years, and they are well prepared to handle any incident, officials said on Wednesday.

Security forces have spent months preparing for the event, which about 100 heads of state will attend as well as huge crowds of spectators. Thousands of military personnel will take part in a procession.

However, demonstartions are also planned by anti-monarchists in Trafalgar Square and along the procession route.

Security Minister Tom Tugendhat told Times Radio the event was one of the most important security operations the country has ever mounted.

“The police are, to put it mildly, all over it, and our intelligence and other security forces are extremely aware of the challenge that we face,” he said.

Readiness for the event had been shown by the swift response to an incident on Tuesday evening when a man was detained after throwing what were believed to be shotgun cartridges outside Buckingham Palace, Tugendhat told Sky News. Police carried out a controlled explosion.

“We’re in no way complacent” Tugendhat said.

Charles, along with his wife Camilla, will be crowned at Westminster Abbey on Saturday and Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan of London’s Metropolitan Police said there was no intelligence of any specific threat to the event.

The biggest issue is likely to be protesters seeking to use the occasion to highlight their causes, although a new law passed this week gives police extra powers to deal with these.

Climate activists caused a disturbance during a parade at the start of celebrations for the late Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee last June, while eggs have been thrown at Charles by protesters at engagements since he became king.

“What we will not stand for and what we will not have is anyone committing criminal acts in the name of protest,” Adelekan said.

“We will come down very swiftly to intervene, to make sure that people that are going about their normal business that just want to enjoy the coronation are not interfered with.”

The campaign group Republic said it still planned to stage protests despite receiving a letter from the Home Office setting out the new policing powers – a move it said “could be interpreted as intimidation”.

Republic leader Graham Smith said the group had met with the police and were told they had no concerns about its plans.

“Republic will not be deterred and we will be protesting on Trafalgar Square and along the route of the coronation procession on Saturday,” Smith said in a statement.

(Reporting by Sarah Young; writing by Muvija M, editing by Paul Sandle and Angus MacSwan)

May 3, 2023 0 comments

Breaking News Police Blotter South Jersey News

Watch: State Police seeking to identify vandals at South Jersey High School

by Charlie Dwyer May 3, 2023

By: Charlie Dwyer

PITTSGROVE, NJ – The New Jersey State Police are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying three unidentified white males suspected of vandalizing the exterior walls of A.P. Schalick High School and eight Pittsgrove Township School District buses.

The vandalism occurred at around 9:30 p.m. on May 1 in Pittsgrove, Salem County.

According to authorities, the three suspects were caught on camera spray-painting the walls and buses. The suspects are described as follows: one was wearing grey shorts, a black hooded sweatshirt, and white shoes; the second suspect was wearing a white t-shirt, dark-colored jeans, and white shoes; and the third suspect was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, light blue jeans, and white shoes.

Anyone with information regarding the suspects or the vandalism is asked to contact the New Jersey State Police Bridgeton Station at 856-451-0101.

May 3, 2023 0 comments

Breaking News North Jersey News Police Blotter

Woman attacked by robber armed with a meat tenderizer

by Charlie Dwyer May 3, 2023

By: Charlie Dwyer

Bergenfield, NJ – Police have arrested a man who allegedly robbed a woman with a meat tenderizer outside a local elementary school.

Rickent Carrasco, 33, is accused of wielding a meat tenderizing hammer as he robbed the 45-year-old victim from Little Falls of her cell phone, purse, credit cards, and $400 in cash in a brazen early morning robbery.

The incident occurred outside the Hoover Elementary School at Murray Hill Terrace and Sylvan Avenue in Bergenfield on Monday, May 1st, shortly before 10:30 a.m.

According to police, the victim surrendered her belongings to Carrasco after being threatened.

When officers arrived, the suspect was still carrying the metal meat tenderizer, police reported.

Carrasco is now in custody, facing charges of robbery, terroristic threats, and weapon possession. The incident is still under investigation by the authorities.

May 3, 2023 0 comments

US and World News

US Senator Rubio seeks probe of Ford’s Chinese partnership on nickel plant

by Reuters May 3, 2023

By: Reuters

By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. Senator Marcio Rubio on Wednesday asked the Biden administration to investigate Ford Motor Co’s plan to partner with PT Vale Indonesia and China’s Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt in a $4.5 billion nickel processing plant in Indonesia.

Rubio, who is the top Republican on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said the venture threatens U.S. national security and asked the Justice, State, Treasury, Commerce, Homeland Security departments as well as the Securities and Exchange Commission to investigate the plan.

Ford had no immediate comment.

Rubio’s letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken cited Huayou calling the project “one of the flagship projects under the Belt and Road Initiative” when Ford announced the deal in March.

Rubio said the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative is one of the primary mechanisms China “uses to spread its influence around the world and gain control of critical infrastructure and natural resources.”

The investment is Ford’s first in Indonesia and underscores growing appetite among automakers for raw materials used in producing electric vehicle (EV) batteries, which account for about 40% of a vehicle’s sticker price, aiming to cut costs and close the gap on EV market leader Tesla.

Ford’s efforts “to increase the exposure of the United States to depend on supply chains controlled by companies subservient to the CCP has grown more brazen and visible over time, especially with regard to critical minerals and electric vehicle (EV) batteries,” Rubio said a in a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland.

Indonesia, which has the world’s biggest nickel reserves, has been trying to develop downstream industries for the metal, ultimately aiming to produce batteries and electric vehicles.

Vale and Huayou began construction of the plant in November and commercial operation is expected to start in 2026.

Rubio in March introduced legislation that took aim at Ford’s deal to use technology from Chinese battery company CATL as part of the automaker’s plan to spend $3.5 billion to build a battery plant in Michigan.

He had already asked the Biden administration to review the deal to use technology from CATL.

Rubio wants to block tax credits for electric vehicle batteries produced using Chinese technology, in a bid to prevent Chinese companies from benefiting.

(Reporting by David Shepardson, editing by Deepa Babington)

May 3, 2023 0 comments

Business News

Kraft Heinz lifts profit outlook on price hikes, easing costs

by Reuters May 3, 2023

By: Reuters

By Aatrayee Chatterjee

(Reuters) -Kraft Heinz Co raised its full-year profit forecast on Wednesday on the back of higher prices and sustained demand for its packaged food items as raw material costs, which have plagued the industry, also ease.

Shares of the Philadelphia Cream Cheese maker were up 3.9% in early trading after it also reported better-than-expected quarterly results.

The packaged food maker, like other U.S. peers such as Kellogg, Coca-Cola Co and General Mills, has been steadily increasing product prices to protect profits from high costs of some raw materials like vegetable oils, wheat and dairy.

However, Chief Financial Officer Andre Maciel said commodity costs were coming down slightly faster than expected, with gross margin in the first quarter improving by about 130 basis points.

The company has in recent months also said it would abandon further price hikes for its quick-fix meals and condiments as consumers turn more price sensitive, though it still expects 2023 growth to be driven by price.

Even with inflation squeezing household budgets, consumers have mostly refrained from trading down to cheaper alternatives and are still willing to pay more for their favorite snack brands despite multiple rounds of price hikes.

The Lunchables maker expects adjusted earnings between $2.83 and $2.91 per share for 2023, above the prior target of $2.67 to $2.75 per share.

JP Morgan analyst Ken Goldman said the increase in profit guidance so early in the year was a surprise especially because inflation is still expected to be in the high single-digit range.

The strong outlook echoes comments from peers PepsiCo Inc and Mondelez, who have also lifted annual forecasts supported by price increases.

Excluding one-off items, Kraft Heinz earned 68 cents per share, topping analysts’ estimate of 60 cents per share, according to Refinitiv IBES data.

Net sales rose by a better-than-expected 7.3% to $6.49 billion in the first quarter.

(Reporting by Aatrayee Chatterjee in Bengaluru; Editing by Milla Nissi)

May 3, 2023 0 comments

Business News

TSMC, partners plan to invest up to $11 billion in German fabrication plant -Bloomberg News

by Reuters May 3, 2023

By: Reuters

(Reuters) -Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co is in talks with partners to invest as much as 10 billion euros ($11.04 billion) to build a chip fabrication plant in Germany, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the matter.

The venture between TSMC, NXP Semiconductors NV, Robert Bosch GmbH and Infineon Technologies AG will have a budget of at least 7 billion euros, including state subsidies, but is likely to end up closer to 10 billion euros, according to the report.

TSMC is still evaluating the possibility of building a fab in Europe, the company told in an emailed statement to Reuters, but declined to comment further.

TSMC has already been in advanced talks with Saxony, the region where the plant would be built, with focus on government subsidies to support the investment, Reuters reported in March, citing two people familiar with the matter.

Infineon and Robert Bosch declined to comment, while NXP did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for a comment.

($1 = 0.9061 euros)

(Reporting by Nilutpal Timsina in Bengaluru; Additional reporting by Yana Gaur; Editing by Krishna Chandra Eluri and Anil D’Silva)

May 3, 2023 0 comments

Business News

Bunge quarterly profit tops estimates on strong demand; 2023 outlook unchanged

by Reuters May 3, 2023

By: Reuters

By Karl Plume and Sourasis Bose

(Reuters) -Agricultural commodities trader Bunge Ltd beat Wall Street estimates for first-quarter profit on Wednesday, helped by strong crush margins in North America and Brazil as well as high demand for food, feed and biofuels.

But earnings were down from a record first quarter last year due to weaker oilseed processing results in Asia, Europe and drought-hit Argentina and disruptions to grain flows caused by the war in Ukraine.

Shares were little changed in morning trading, up 0.5% at $91.58.

Bunge reaffirmed its full-year 2023 outlook of adjusted earnings of $11 per share, citing likely weaker results from its Agribusiness and Milling divisions but improved profits in its Refined and Specialty Oils unit.

“The mixed results might not weigh much on the shares today. But estimates are probably not headed higher for the year,” J.P. Morgan said in an analyst note, citing Bunge’s unchanged full-year guidance that was about 80 cents lower than the current consensus analyst view.

Bunge and other supply chain middlemen, including Archer-Daniels-Midland Co and Cargill Inc, have generally benefited from strong global crop demand and tightening supplies, with record profits last year.

But supply disruptions due to the ongoing war in Ukraine and a severe drought in Argentina have begun to dent earnings for the grains merchants.

The worst drought in decades has slashed grain and soy harvests in Argentina, depriving Bunge of the crops it needs to process.

First-quarter adjusted profit in Bunge’s Agribusiness unit, its largest in terms of revenue and volumes, dropped 18% on the year.

Bunge said results were strong in all regions in its Refined and Specialty Oils division, with notable strength in North America and South America, reflecting favorable food and fuel demand trends.

The company reported adjusted net earnings of $3.26 per share for the three months ended March 31, down from a record $4.26 in the same quarter last year but above analysts’ average estimate of $3.24 per share, according to Refinitiv data.

(Reporting by Karl Plume in Chicago and Sourasis Bose in Bengaluru; Editing by Vinay Dwivedi, Louise Heavens and Mark Porter)

May 3, 2023 0 comments

Breaking News Ohio News Police Blotter

Columbus police officers shot at while dispersing crowd at illegal pop-up street race

by Ryan Dickinson May 3, 2023

By: Ryan Dickinson

COLUMBUS, OH – Columbus police officers were fired on while breaking up a crowd at an illegal street race and car rally in the city on Saturday.

Now, the Columbus Division of Police is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying an individual and the owners of two vehicles involved in an illegal street racing event that occurred in north Columbus last weekend.

The incident took place near the intersection of Indianola Ave. and E. Cook Rd.

During the event, officers attempted to disperse the crowd, but shots were fired toward them.

The Columbus Police Felony Assault Unit is asking anyone with information about the incident to contact them at (614) 645-4141. Alternatively, tips can be submitted to Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at (614) 461-TIPS.

May 3, 2023 0 comments

US and World News

US stands with Philippines against Chinese ‘intimidation’ in S. China Sea – official

by Reuters May 3, 2023

By: Reuters

By Karen Lema

(Reuters) – The United States stands with treaty ally the Philippines in the face of harassment by China’s coast guard in the South China Sea and remains deeply concerned about “intimidation” by Beijing, a senior U.S. official said on Tuesday.

A visit to the United States this week by Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr highlights the strength and endurance of the alliance between the two countries, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel J. Kritenbrink said.

The Philippines on Friday accused China’s coast guard of “dangerous manoeuvres” and “aggressive tactics” in the South China Sea, in another maritime confrontation between the two countries. China said the Philippines vessels made “deliberate provocative moves”.

“We remain deeply concerned by (China’s) continued intimidation and harassment of Philippine vessels as they continue to undertake really routine patrols within the Philippine exclusive economic zone,” he said in a teleconference from the United States.

“Such actions and behaviour on the part of Beijing are truly unacceptable.”

Kritenbrink also said the United States and its partners recognised the importance of maintaining peace across the Taiwan Strait.

The Philippines and United States on Monday reaffirmed their decades-old security alliance in a trip that marks a dramatic turnaround in their relations, as both countries seek ways to push back China’s assertiveness near Taiwan and in the South China Sea.

U.S. President Joe Biden told Marcos on Monday said the U.S. commitment to defending its treaty ally was “ironclad”. Marcos said the region had “arguably the most complicated geopolitical situation in the world right now.”

Under Rodrigo Duterte, Marcos’ anti-U.S. predecessor, relations soured as he sought to court China while openly rebuking Washington.

Kritenbrink said he was “exceptionally confident” about bilateral ties.

(Reporting by Karen Lema in Manila; Editing by Martin Petty)

May 3, 2023 0 comments

Breaking News Camden County News Community News Events New Jersey News

Cherry Hill Police Department’s Junior Police Academy Returns This Summer

by Charlie Dwyer May 3, 2023

By: Charlie Dwyer

CHERRY HILL, NJ – Cherry Hill Police Department has recently announced the return of its Junior Police Academy for the upcoming summer. The academy, which will be held from July 31st to August 4th, is open to Cherry Hill residents aged between 11 to 14.

The program costs $150.00 per participant, which includes two sets of uniforms, a gym bag, a water bottle, and daily lunch sponsored by various organizations in the community.

The Junior Police Academy’s curriculum, designed by the department, focuses on physical fitness, teamwork, staying drug-free, and respect. The participants will have an opportunity to explore various aspects of law enforcement, including lessons on drill and ceremony, school safety, bullying, traffic safety, drug awareness, fingerprinting, and first aid. They will also receive an introduction to specialty units, crime scene investigations, and take a field trip to the Camden County Juvenile Detention Center and Cherry Hill Fire Department Central Command.

The week-long program, limited to 40 registrants, aims to accommodate as many children as possible. With registration open only to Cherry Hill residents, spots are filling up quickly. The program will culminate with a formal graduation ceremony on Friday afternoon. The Cherry Hill Police Department is excited to welcome young participants to experience the daily duties and responsibilities of a law enforcement officer.

May 3, 2023 0 comments

Breaking News Community News Virginia News

Police officer killed 100 years ago investigating illegal whiskey still near Camp Pendleton

by Jeff Jones May 3, 2023

By: Jeff Jones

PRINCESS ANNE Co., VA – The Princess Anne County Police Department honors the memory of Officer Allen Gimbert, who lost his life in the line of duty on May 3, 1923.

Officer Gimbert was killed as he and two county deputies investigated reports of an illegal whiskey still near Camp Pendleton.

According to reports, as they approached the still, three men acting as lookouts opened fire on them. Officer Gimbert was hit in the head and killed, and one of the deputies was also wounded.

The three suspects were charged with murder in connection with Officer Gimbert’s death. Two of them were sentenced to 20 years in prison, while the third was sentenced to 5 years.

Officer Gimbert had served with the Princess Anne County Police Department for four years and was survived by his wife and four children.

May 3, 2023 0 comments

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