‘Lost their mind as Ravana did in Treta Yug’: BJP tags Congress as ‘Anti-Hindu’ for rejecting Ayodhya Ram Temple invite
While Union Minister Anurag Thakur attacked the party, stating that the people of the country will boycott them in the future.
Stefanik slams NYC move to shift migrants to high school, forcing students into remote learning: ‘Outrageous’
Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-NY., is taking aim at a move in New York City that saw nearly 2,000 migrants moved temporarily into a nearby high school due to storms, and the students forced into remote learning as a result — calling it a direct result of “far-left” sanctuary policies. Stefanik, who is also the chair of the House Republican Conference, was reacting to the movement of 1,900 migrants from a tent shelter at Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn. New York City Mayor Eric Adams said it was for safety reasons due to storms and potential high winds. Multiple reports say Adams told reporters in Albany that it was being done out of an “overabundance of caution.” NYC HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS FORCED INTO REMOTE LEARNING AS 2,000 MIGRANTS SHELTERED IN SCHOOL INSTEAD “We want to make sure people are safe,” he said. But they were moved to James Madison High School, which confirmed it was being used as a “temporary overnight respite center” and would be closed as a result on Wednesday — with students being forced to “pivot” to remote learning as a result. The move sparked outrage from politicians and parents, including Stefanik. “It is outrageous that Eric Adams and Kathy Hochul are displacing New York students to accommodate nearly 2,000 illegal immigrants at a local New York public high school, a direct result of Joe Biden and the Democrats’ failed Far Left sanctuary state policies which is destroying the great state of New York,” Stefanik said in a statement to Fox News Digital. “This madness needs to end.” “New Yorkers’ tax dollars are being used to house illegal immigrants, punishing and sending home New York students of James Madison High School,” she said. “It is unacceptable that Far Left New York Democrats are once again putting the needs of illegal immigrants over our children.” The New York Post reported how the move has infuriated parents of students at the school, with one woman screaming at buses as they arrived: “How does it feel that you kicked all the kids out of school tomorrow!” Adam’s office told the Post that the move is a proactive measure to ensure the safety of individuals both living and working at the migrant facility and will “continue until any weather conditions that may arise have stabilized and the facility is once again for living.” ERIC ADAMS SAYS NYC IS AT ‘BREAKING POINT’ AS HE WARNS OF ANOTHER SURGE OF MIGRANTS FROM TEXAS NYC MAYOR ADAMS SUES TEXAS BUS COMPANIES FOR TRANSPORTING MIGRANTS TO SANCTUARY CITY, SEEKS $700 MILLION Meanwhile, NYC Comptroller Brad Lander, a Democrat, said that placing migrants at the Floyd Bennett Field “highlights the mismanagement and waste of money that is all-too-present in City Hall’s approach to shelter and services for asylum seekers.” It’s the latest impact of the migrant crisis that has overwhelmed the “sanctuary” city, where there have been over 160,000 migrant arrivals since the middle of 2022. That’s part of a broader crisis that has engulfed the border that saw over 2.4 million encounters in FY 23 and more than 302,000 in December alone. Adams has blamed both the state of Texas, where Gov. Greg Abbott has been busing migrants to “sanctuary” cities since 2022, and the federal government for alleged inaction. Adams, along with other Democratic city mayors in cities like Chicago and Denver, has also called on the Biden administration to do more by providing more funding, quicker work permit processing and help with resettlement. Meanwhile, his city slashed budgets last year for education, policing and other sectors. Adams recently launched a lawsuit against bus companies from Texas that have been involved in transporting migrants, and has also slapped restrictions on where and when buses carrying them can arrive.
Rep. Lauren Boebert’s ex-husband arrested following altercation with congresswoman at restaurant
The ex-husband of Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., was arrested following an incident with the congresswoman earlier this week. Garfield County Jail records confirm Jayson Boebert was arrested and released on Tuesday following reports of an altercation with Lauren Boebert at a restaurant on Saturday. Jayson Boebert was arrested on charges of misdemeanor assault and criminal mischief on Tuesday, according to a report from CBS News Colorado. BOEBERT RESPONDS TO REPORTS OF FIGHT WITH EX-HUSBAND AT COLORADO RESTAURANT AFTER POLICE CALLED Jayson Boebert’s arrest comes after an incident at the Miner’s Claim restaurant in Silt, Colorado, that prompted police to be called. The Silt Police Department confirmed that officers responded to the restaurant, located within Boebert’s district, on Saturday evening regarding an incident involving the congresswoman and her ex-husband. However, police officials declined to provide more details about the investigation. It is not clear who called the police, but both parties previously denied any wrongdoing. “This is a sad situation for all that keeps escalating and another reason I’m moving,” the congresswoman said in a previous statement provided to Fox News Digital. LAUREN BOEBERT SWITCHES DISTRICTS, ANNOUNCING RUN FOR COLORADO SEAT BEING VACATED BY KEN BUCK She continued, “I didn’t punch Jayson in the face and no one was arrested. I will be consulting with my lawyer about the false claims he made against me and evaluate all of my legal options.” Jayson Boebert told The Denver Post in a brief phone interview that he called the police on Sunday morning and stated he did not want to press charges. CLICK TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP “I don’t want nothing to happen,” Jayson Boebert reportedly said. “Her and I were working through a difficult conversation.” According to The Denver Post, the incident was first picked up by American Muckrakers, a group that says it’s vying to “Fire Boebert” and has been calling for her resignation. On X, American Muckrakers alleged that a physical altercation had ensued and said the group was filing a public information request for the surveillance tapes of the incident. Fox News Digital’s Danielle Wallace contributed to this report.
Family of woman shot dead on Gaza ‘safe route’ calls for justice
NewsFeed The family of a Palestinian woman shot dead while fleeing on a designated ‘safe route’ in Gaza has told Al Jazeera they want help getting justice. Video shows Hala Khreis walking with her grandson, who was holding a white flag. Published On 10 Jan 202410 Jan 2024 Adblock test (Why?)
Former Nepal cricket captain Lamichhane sentenced to eight years for rape
Lamichhane, convicted of raping a woman in a Kathmandu hotel in 2022, will fight the ruling in a higher court. A court in Nepal has sentenced the country’s highest-profile cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane to eight years in prison after he was convicted of raping an 18-year-old woman. The former captain’s lawyer said he would launch a higher court appeal against the jail term. Lamichhane, 23, has been the face of cricket in Nepal and the only player from the Himalayan country to take part in prominent Twenty20 leagues in India, Australia, Pakistan and the West Indies. The leg-spinner’s onfield success had boosted the sport’s profile in the Himalayan republic. In 2022, he was accused of raping a young woman in a Kathmandu hotel and taken into custody after police issued an arrest warrant for him. He was later freed on bail and returned to the squad to compete in international tournaments. Lamichhane was found guilty of rape last month after a repeatedly delayed trial. His lawyer said before the sentencing that Lamichhane would appeal against his conviction. Kathmandu district court official Chandra Prasad Panthi said Lamichhane should also pay about $3,770 as a fine and compensation to the victim. “We are not convinced about the decision of the court … The court has whimsically declared Sandeep to be a convict. Sandeep will go to the higher court for justice,” lawyer Saroj Ghimire told Reuters news agency on Wednesday. Lamichhane, who is not in custody, was not in court for the sentencing and has consistently denied the charge against him and enjoyed strong public support despite the accusation. When authorities issued an arrest warrant, Lamichhane initially failed to return from Jamaica, where he was playing in the Caribbean Premier League. The leg-spinner was suspended as Nepal’s captain but was free to continue his sporting career. This allowed him to remain on the national team, including for the World Cup qualifiers and the 2023 Asia Cup. Hundreds of cheering cricket fans welcomed him when he first returned to the field in February last year. But his continued playing career has also sparked anger and caused numerous Nepalis to disavow the team. Scotland’s cricketers refused to shake hands with him after their matches during an international tournament in Dubai. Adblock test (Why?)
Al-Shabab captures UN helicopter with 6 aid workers in central Somalia
BREAKINGBREAKING, This is a breaking news story, more details to follow. A helicopter belonging to the United Nations mission in Somalia has been captured by al-Shabab after accidentally landing on Wednesday afternoon in territory held by the armed group, according to multiple local reports. At least six aid workers who were on the plane are now being held by the al-Qaeda-linked armed group which has wreaked violence in the Horn of Africa for decades. The helicopter landed close to Gaboon village in the Galgaduud region due to a technical glitch, according to a UN memo seen by Al Jazeera. A UN official in Mogadishu also confirmed the incident to Al Jazeera. According to the memo, there were nine passengers on the plane including military personnel and a third-party contractor. Six of them were reportedly taken by the group while 2 passengers escaped and remain at large. “All UN flights have been temporarily suspended in the vicinity until further notice,” part of the memo read. Other details including the nationality of those on board, remain unclear. The Somali government is also yet to comment on the reports. More to come… Adblock test (Why?)
Union Minister Smriti Irani visits Madinah, meets Indian Haj volunteers, Umrah pilgrims
The visit shall help provide a first hand insight into the arrangements required to be made for ensuring a comfortable Haj 2024 for the Indian pilgrims.
Hunter Biden makes shocking appearance at his own contempt hearing
Hunter Biden unexpectedly appeared with his attorneys at the House Oversight Committee’s meeting Wednesday morning to consider the resolution that, if passed, would set up a full House vote on whether to hold him in contempt of Congress for defying a congressional subpoena as part of the House impeachment inquiry against President Biden. The House Oversight Committee met for a markup Wednesday at 10 a.m. to consider the resolution that recommends contempt proceedings against the first son after he refused to comply with a subpoena compelling him to appear for a closed-door deposition before the House Oversight and Judiciary committees. HOUSE OVERSIGHT, JUDICIARY TO CONSIDER RESOLUTION RECOMMENDING HUNTER BIDEN BE HELD IN CONTEMPT OF CONGRESS The House Judiciary Committee is holding a similar markup on the measure recommending Biden be held in contempt of Congress. Biden, his attorney Abbe Lowell and Kevin Morris came to Capitol Hill Wednesday morning to sit in the audience as lawmakers on the panel consider whether to pass the resolution out of committee. If the resolution advances out of committees Wednesday, sources said a full contempt of Congress vote on the House floor could take place in the coming days. “Our investigation has produced significant evidence suggesting President Biden knew of, participated in and benefited from his family cashing in on the Biden name,” House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer said in his opening statement. HOUSE GOP SAYS HUNTER BIDEN ‘VIOLATED FEDERAL LAW’ BY DEFYING SUBPOENA, PREPARE CONTEMPT RESOLUTION “We planned to question Hunter Biden about this record of evidence during our deposition, but he blatantly defied two lawful subpoenas.” Comer said, “Hunter Biden’s willful refusal to comply with the committees’ subpoenas is a criminal act” that “constitutes contempt of Congress and warrants referral to the appropriate United States Attorney’s Office for prosecution as prescribed by law.” “We will not provide Hunter Biden with special treatment because of his last name,” Comer said. “All Americans must be treated equally under the law. And that includes the Bidens.” Biden, ahead of his subpoenaed deposition, had offered to testify publicly. Comer and Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan rejected his request, stressing that the first son would not have special treatment and pointed to the dozens of other witnesses that have appeared, as compelled, for their interviews and depositions. Comer and Jordan vowed to release the transcript of Biden’s deposition. The first son, though, defied the subpoena, ignored the offer and delivered a public statement outside the Capitol. Committee ranking member Jamie Raskin, D-Md., blasted the move, saying there “is no precedent for the U.S. House of Representatives holding a private citizen in contempt of Congress who has offered to testify in public, under oath and on a day of the committee’s choosing. Chairman Comer repeatedly urged Hunter Biden to appear at a committee hearing, and Hunter Biden agreed.” During the meeting Wednesday, lawmakers acknowledged Biden was in the audience, with Democratic lawmakers asking to have Biden take questions during the session — a request Republicans rejected. “My first question is who bribed Hunter Biden to be here today? That’s my first question,” Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., said. “Second question, you are the epitome of white privilege coming in to the oversight committee, spitting in our face, ignoring a congressional subpoena to be deposed. What are you afraid of? You have no balls to come up here.” “I think that Hunter Biden should be arrested right here, right now. Go straight to jail,” Mace continued. “Our nation is founded on the rule of law. The law applies equally to everyone, no matter what your last name.” She added, “It does not matter who you are, where you come from, or who your father is, or your last name. Yes, I’m looking at you, Hunter Biden, as I’m speaking to you. You are not above the law at all.” Mace asked the first son: “Why can’t you show up for a congressional deposition? You’re here for a political stunt. This is just a PR stunt to you. This is just a game that you are playing with the American people. You’re playing with the truth.” However, Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Fla., fired back, saying if the committee wants to hear from Biden, the panel should vote and “hear from Hunter right now.” “Who wants to hear from Hunter right now, today? Anyone? Come on,” Moskowitz said. “Who wants to hear from Hunter? Yeah, no one. So I’m a visual learner, and the visual is clear. Nobody over there wants to hear from the witness.” Biden and his attorneys ultimately left the markup session before the vote on the resolution. “Hunter Biden is and was a private citizen. Despite this, Republicans have sought to use him as a surrogate to attack his father,” Lowell told reporters after they left the meeting. “And, despite their improper partisan motives, on six different occasions since February of 2023, we have offered to work with the House committees to see what and how relevant information to any legitimate inquiry could be provided.” Lowell claimed that their “first five offers were ignored.” “And then in November, they issued a subpoena for a behind closed doors deposition, a tactic that the Republicans have repeatedly misused in their political crusade to selectively leak and mischaracterize what witnesses have said,” Lowell said. Lowell pointed to Comer’s “explicit offer that people like Hunter…had the option to attend a deposition or a public hearing, whichever they chose.” “Hunter chose a hearing where Republicans could not distort manipulate, or misuse that testimony,” Lowell said, calling the move to consider a resolution to hold Hunter Biden in contempt of Congress “unprecedented” in light of his offer to “publicly answer all their proper questions.” “The question there is, what are they afraid of?” Lowell asked, before departing the Capitol. Meanwhile, last month, Comer and Jordan expanded their investigation to probe whether President Biden was involved in his son’s “scheme” to defy his subpoena for deposition earlier this month, conduct, they say, “could constitute an impeachable offense.”
Indiana Gov. Holcomb touts strong manufacturing, health initiatives in final state address
A robust manufacturing industry and innovative public health and arts initiatives were among the accomplishments Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb cited Tuesday as he delivered his final State of the State address while promoting a new agenda for his last term. Addressing a joint session of the General Assembly, Holcomb renewed his commitment to work for the state “until the ultimate conclusion of my assigned duty.” He cannot run for reelection because Indiana law restricts governors to two consecutive terms. Holcomb hasn’t announced what his plans are after he leaves office. His speech came one day after Indiana lawmakers returned to the statehouse in Indianapolis for the start of the 2024 legislative session. INDIANA GOV. HOLCOMB GREENLIGHTS TRANS PROCEDURE BAN FOR MINORS The Republican governor avoided directly speaking about the coronavirus pandemic, which hit the same year as his reelection. His popularity took a hit over some COVID-19 restrictions, such as a statewide mask mandate in the early days of the pandemic. Instead, he sought to emphasize Indiana’s economy and manufacturing industry, including partnerships with the federal government to fund hydrogen, micro-electronics and biotech manufacturing hubs. He also highlighted Health First Indiana, a public health initiative he pushed for last year as part of a major budget package. The governor received widespread attention for the program, which allows counties to opt in for state funding for services such as chronic disease prevention; infectious disease prevention and control; and maternal and child health care. In his remarks, Holcomb announced a $250 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. for regional redevelopment and arts and cultural initiatives throughout the state. INDIANA REPUBLICAN GOVERNOR ERIC HOLCOMB LEADS LATEST US DELEGATION TO TAIWAN He also laid out his agenda for the final year of his term, focusing mostly on improving child care access and education outcomes. The outgoing governor said Monday that he wants to lower the minimum caregiver age at child care facilities to include some teenagers, and expand eligibility for free or reduced child care for employees in the field. On the education front, literacy among elementary school students is what the governor and GOP lawmakers are citing as their chief concern. Holcomb wants lawmakers to require that the state’s reading test be administered to second graders, to provide an indicator of their aptitudes and how they can improve. According to the Indiana Department of Education, about 18% of third graders did not pass Indiana’s reading test last year. Holcomb also wants to make it harder for students who fail the test to move up to the fourth grade. “Term-limited though I am, here are my promises to you, for 2024,” Holcomb said during his speech. Following the address, Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray, a Republican, said he looks forward to working with the governor on his new initiatives, particularly on children’s literacy. Republican House Speaker Todd Huston told reporters he supports the governor’s push to hold back more third graders who do not pass reading proficiency standards. INDIANA GOV. ERIC HOLCOMB SIGNS LAW ALLOWING WOMEN TO OBTAIN BIRTH CONTROL WITHOUT DOCTOR’S PRESCRIPTION Huston also called the Lily Endowment grant for redevelopment and cultural initiatives “tremendous news.” Democratic leaders criticized parts of Holcomb’s speech, saying there were topical gaps in his address. State Senate minority leader Greg Taylor expressed optimism about Indiana’s economic outlook, but touted the Democrats’ leadership in pushing to raise the minimum wage. State House minority leader Phil GiaQuinta criticized Holcomb for not addressing a recent calculation error that leaves the state $1 billion short of its predicted Medicaid needs. “This unacceptable budgeting error could devastate the one-third of Hoosiers who rely on Medicaid for vital medical care,” GiaQuinta said in a written statement. Holcomb did not introduce any proposals with fiscal implications because they are only handled in odd years, when lawmakers hold a longer, budget-making session. The 2024 session must adjourn by March 14.
Sports betting in Georgia sees renewed support amid opposition
Supporters of legal sports gambling in Georgia renewed their push Tuesday, but it’s unclear whether they’re any closer to assembling a winning coalition after they went bust in 2023. The Senate Regulated Industries voted 8-4 to advance Senate Bill 172, which would legalize, regulate and tax sports betting in Georgia, sending it to the full Senate for more debate. But the measure requires a state constitutional amendment to take effect. That needs two-thirds of both the House and Senate before it could go to voters for approval in a statewide referendum. The measure’s sponsor, Athens Republican Bill Cowsert, argued again Tuesday that an amendment is needed because when Georgia voters approved a lottery in 1992, sports bets could only be placed in person in a Nevada casino. Vermont on Thursday will become the 38th state nationwide to allow sports betting, Some states allow only in-person bets, although most allow electronic betting from anywhere. GEORGIA VOTING SYSTEM UNDER SCRUTINY AS TRIAL OVER CONSTITUTIONAL CHALLENGE DRAWS NEAR “There’s no way that was contemplated when the voters allowed lotteries in my opinion,” Cowsert said. But supporters of an approach favored by the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and Georgia’s pro sports teams disagree. They argue sports betting could be overseen by Georgia’s lottery without amending the constitution. Cowsert’s early action Tuesday may have been designed to influence debate on the issue and get ahead of other gambits. Cowsert’s effort to pass a constitutional amendment flopped last year when it won 30 votes, a majority of senators but short of the 38 needed. Senators in 2023 also rejected a bill that would have authorized sports betting and betting on horse races without a constitutional amendment. Cowsert says he will offer a new constitutional amendment this year to authorize only sports betting, admitting that finding agreement could be like finding “a magic potion.” Meanwhile, Republican Sen. Carden Summers of Cordele plans to introduce an amendment allowing sports betting and casinos, and Sen. Brandon Beach of Alpharetta plans an amendment allowing sports betting, casinos and betting on horse races. “I don’t see anything to fear from a constitutional amendment,” Cowsert said. “I think if you make a policy change like this, you ought to have the buy-in of both parties and the citizens on board to do that, so I embrace that.” GEORGIA HOUSE SPEAKER URGES LAWMAKERS TO CONSIDER EXPANDING HEALTH COVERAGE IN THE STATE But other lawmakers are doubtful an amendment can win the required two-thirds majority. Republican Sen. Matt Brass of Newnan, who as Rules Committee chair influences what bills go before the whole Senate, could be heard describing the constitutional amendment route as a “quagmire” Tuesday just before the committee voted. Cowsert also favors a constitutional amendment because it allows sponsors to bargain over how they will allot proceeds. A bill placing sports gambling under the lottery would devote all the money to prekindergarten classes and HOPE Scholarships for students who achieve at least a “B” average in high school. Many Democrats have pushed sports betting as a funding mechanism for needs-based college scholarships. Others have different destinations in mind. Democratic Sen. David Lucas of Macon repeatedly pressed Cowsert Tuesday to guarantee a stream of income to the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in Macon. Because some Republicans oppose sports betting on moral grounds, any bill is likely to need Democratic support. But some opponents Tuesday objected to voting on the authorizing bill without knowing where the amendment would channel the money. And Republican Sen. John Albers of Roswell backed the bill but said he didn’t like the bargaining over where proceeds would flow, saying he preferred additional money for child care and HOPE Scholarships. “The other part that I do have a concern with is constantly trying to pick different folks to buy their support and their vote for any particular change,” Albers said.