Paradise News

Blog

  • ‘Something just dropped from the sky:’ Dozens call 911 to report Boca plane crash

    Two dozen people called 911 after seeing a Cessna 310R crash and explode near Interstate 95 in a busy area of Boca Raton on Friday morning.

    The plane experienced a mechanical issue shortly after taking off from the Boca airport just after 10 a.m., officials said. While trying to return to the airport, the plane crashed just short of where the pilot intended to land.

    A teenage girl, her father and her grandfather were killed in the crash. They were identified by Boca Raton Police on Friday as Robert Stark, 81, of Boca Raton; Stephen Stark, 54, of Delray Beach; and Brooke Stark, 17, of Delray Beach.

    Dispatchers were inundated with 911 calls from people who witnessed the crash, from someone who was in a building across the street to a woman from the Boca Raton Airport Authority to drivers on I-95, according to the calls obtained by the South Florida Sun Sentinel late Tuesday night. They received so many calls that dispatchers began answering with, “Are you calling about the plane crash?”

    The woman who called from the airport authority said the plane was “in distress” and asked for fire rescue to respond. Air traffic control had already contacted police, the dispatcher replied.

    “I know this is a really strange call,” another woman said. “But is anybody else calling about this plane flying very low?”

    The operator said they were already aware.

    “He’s way too low,” the woman said as the operator interrupted.

    “Ma’am, they’re having issues. We’re aware,” the dispatcher said.

    The dispatchers answering calls did not stay on the line long, briefly telling callers they were already on the way.

    “Something just dropped from the sky and there’s a big accident,” a third woman said.

    Another caller described seeing black smoke billowing into the sky just off the highway near Glades Road.

    A 24-year-old man from Boca Raton had minor injuries after he lost control while driving a 2017 Toyota Prius near the fiery crash north on Military Trail and hit a tree, Boca Raton Police spokesperson Officer Jessica Desir said Friday.

    The Starks were scheduled to land in Tallahassee on Friday afternoon, according to FlightAware. They were in the air for no longer than 10 minutes, National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge Kurt Gibson told reporters.

    Both Robert Stark and Stephen Stark were certified pilots, Federal Aviation Administration records show. Officials have not said who was flying the plane.

    Robert Stark had a long, illustrious history as an aerobatic competition pilot, competing in numerous contests, including for the U.S. advanced aerobatics team in an Advanced World Championship held in the Czech Republic in 1999.

    WPEC-Ch. 12, the Sun Sentinel’s news partner, reported on Monday that Brooke Stark was a senior at Atlantic Community High School in Delray Beach.

    “It’s just extra sad because she made it so far, and right when she’s about to make it to the finish line, things happen and it’s really unfortunate,” classmate Jason Timothee, who wore a blue jacket Monday in her memory, told Ch. 12.

    Principal Sandra Edwards sent a message to parents after the crash but did not identify the student who died, citing the family’s privacy. Edwards said she would contact the family to offer them support.

    “As parents and caregivers, you may find that your child is processing this loss in different ways,” Edwards wrote. “For some, this may be the first time they have experienced the death of a peer or someone in their community. I encourage all of us to approach conversations about this with care, compassion, and respect.”

    The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating.

    ___

    © 2025 South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

    Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.


    Source: American Military News

  • Many Airports In Nigeria Operating At A Loss- Keyamo

    The Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Monday highlighted the financial burden of maintaining airports in the country, stating that many operate at a loss and require monthly subsidies from the government a situation that strengthens the argument for concession.

    This is just as he refuted a recent media report (Not THE WHISTLER)suggesting that the Federal Government had finalised a long-term concession arrangement for Enugu International Airport.

    Although the government is currently exploring the concession of several airports and has received multiple proposals from interested parties, Keyamo clarified that no definitive agreement has been reached.

    In a statement released on Monday and signed by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, the report was dismissed as “utterly baseless and untrue.”

    Enugu Airport has been in the spotlight in recent days following the suspension of flight operations to the facility by Air Peace airline, citing infrastructural challenges.

    In response, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) promptly shut down the airport, announcing emergency rehabilitation of the runway.

    He said, “Whilst it is true that the Federal Government is considering proposals for the concession of five major airports, this is a proactive measure to ensure these vital facilities can meet and maintain international standards, given the increasing financial demands of their operations.”

    “Many of our airports are presently running at a loss, so they have to be subsidised each month by the Federal Government. It is noteworthy that this initiative to concession started under previous administrations,” the statement reads in part.

    “At this stage, prospective concessionaires have indeed submitted various proposals, including different durations for the concessions. It is important to emphasise that the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has not established any fixed duration.”

    “All submitted proposals are currently undergoing thorough evaluation and will eventually be reviewed by the ICRC before being presented to the Minister for onward conveyance to FEC for approval. We can confirm that this review process has not been concluded.”

    “However, for the sake of transparency, the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, directed some months ago that the Aviation Labour Unions be included as part of the negotiating teams.”

    “Therefore, we must state unequivocally that the information suggesting a predetermined concession duration is false, unfounded, and intended to cause unwarranted disaffection and mistrust in this process by those with entrenched interests.”

    Amid calls for transparency in the process, some aviation unions have accused the Ministry of proceeding with the concession behind closed doors.

    However, Moshood reaffirmed the Minister’s commitment to transparency, saying, “With his training and track record, the Minister will not allow anything untoward to happen under his watch.

    “He has so far run the Ministry in a transparent manner and will not fall into the same mistakes of the past. We will ensure that all decisions are made in the best interests of the nation and the aviation sector.”

    Many Airports In Nigeria Operating At A Loss- Keyamo is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

    Source: The Whistler

  • Vance arrives in India for a 4-day visit that includes talks with Modi

    By SHEIKH SAALIQ, Associated Press

    NEW DELHI (AP) — U.S. Vice President JD Vance arrived in India on Monday for a four-day visit as New Delhi looks to avoid U.S. tariffs, negotiate a bilateral trade deal with Washington and strengthen ties with the Trump administration.

    Vance will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the first day of his largely personal visit. The two leaders are expected to hold discussions on bilateral ties outlined in February when Modi met President Donald Trump in Washington.

    U.S. Vice President JD Vance arrives in New Delhi, India, Monday, April 21, 2025. (Kenny Holston/The New York Times via AP, Pool)

    The U.S. is India’s largest trading partner and the two countries are now holding negotiations aiming to seal a bilateral trade agreement this year.

    They have set an ambitious target of more than doubling their bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. If achieved, the trade deal could significantly enhance economic ties between the two countries and potentially strengthen diplomatic ties as well.

    Vance’s first visit to New Delhi comes amid the backdrop of Trump’s now-paused tariff program against most countries, including India. It also coincides with a rapidly intensifying trade war between Washington and Beijing, which is New Delhi’s main rival in the region.

    Modi and Vance are expected to “review the progress in bilateral relations” and “exchange views on regional and global developments of mutual interest,” India’s Foreign Ministry said last week. On Monday, spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said Vance’s visit will “further deepen the India–U.S. comprehensive global strategic partnership.”

    Vance is combining business with pleasure on this trip

    Vance was greeted with an Indian classical dance performance after he arrived at New Delhi’s Palam airport on Monday, following his visit to Rome, where he met Pope Francis on Easter Sunday. He is accompanied by his wife, Usha Vance, a practicing Hindu whose parents are from India, along with their three children and officials from the U.S. administration.

    U.S. Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance arrive in New Delhi, India
    U.S. Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance arrive in New Delhi, India, Monday, April 21, 2025. (Kenny Holston/The New York Times via AP, Pool)

    The family visited the Akshardham Hindu temple in New Delhi after their arrival and are expected to tour the iconic Taj Mahal monument and the 12th-century Amer Fort — a UNESCO world heritage site — during their trip.

    India is important to the U.S. in counterbalancing Chinese influence

    India is a close partner of the U.S. and an important strategic ally in combating the rising influence of China in the Indo-Pacific region. It is also part of the Quad, which is comprised of the U.S., India, Japan and Australia and is seen as a counterbalance to China’s expansion in the region. Trump is expected to attend a summit of Quad leaders in India later this year.

    Washington has long sought to develop a deeper partnership with New Delhi, which is seen as a bulwark against China. Modi particularly established a good working relationship with Trump during his first term in office and the two leaders are likely to further boost cooperation between their countries.

    Modi was among the first leaders to visit the U.S. and hold talks with Trump after he returned to the White House. During his visit, he hailed a “mega partnership” with the U.S., and kickstarted a negotiation process to minimize the possible fallout of Trump’s tariffs.

    The two leaders also said they planned to grow their defense partnership, with India signaling compliance with the Trump administration’s demands, saying it will purchase more oil, energy and defense equipment from the U.S. Modi also has cooperated with Trump’s moves to deport undocumented migrants as India has accepted many of its citizens from the U.S. in the past few months.

    Regardless, Trump targeted India with a 26% levy, part of which has since been paused. However, he has continued to call India a “tariff abuser” and “tariff king.”

    Trade talks are urgent for Delhi as it tries to avoid Trump’s tariffs

    The trade negotiations are especially urgent for New Delhi as it could be hit hard by Trump’s tariffs, particularly in the agriculture, processed food, auto components, high-end machinery, medical equipment and jewelry sectors.

    Harsh Vardhan Shringla, India’s former foreign secretary and ambassador to the U.S., said Vance’s visit comes at a time of global upheaval in world trade. He said ties between New Delhi and Washington could see an upsurge under Trump’s presidency, mainly in technology-sharing and defense.

    “U.S. trade policy under Trump offers an opportunity for India to embed itself in a bigger way in the U.S. markets and global supply chains,” Shringla said.

    Modi’s government is also hoping to attract investment from Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk.

    Last month, Musk’s Starlink entered into agreements with two of India’s top telecom operators to provide satellite-based internet services. Musk also indicated he would visit India later this year after speaking last week with Modi, signaling there could be progress in the electric-car maker’s push to enter the Indian market.

    India is also a major defense partner of the U.S. It has in recent years embedded advanced American jets, helicopters, missiles and military gear into its armed forces. The two countries have announced plans to sign a 10-year framework later this year for strengthening their defense partnership.

    Associated Press writer Rajesh Roy contributed to this report.

    Originally Published:

    Source: Paradise Post

  • Marketing Sales Executive at Fadac Resources April, 2025

    Click Here To Apply

  • Branch Manager – Kwagga at Sanlam Group April, 2025



    Never pay for any CBT, test or assessment as part of any recruitment process. When in doubt, contact us

    Since our establishment in 1918, Sanlam has been a prominent part of the South African business landscape. We have always held a long-term view of how business adapts to the demands of the environment in which it operates. Today, in a dynamic world, we see an evolving set of social, economic, political and environmental imperatives that require our skilfu…



    Read more about this company

     





    Branch Manager – Kwagga




    What will you do?

    • To grow the customer base and revenue of Sanlam Retail Mass through developing and overseeing the execution of the retail branch strategy.

    • Guiding, integrating and standardising the activities, goals and objectives of various Sales Consultants in the branch, in line with the strategy.

    • Leading a service delivery culture and eco-system within and outside of the branch to enable an optimal client experience.

    • Assuming responsibility for the successful day to day maintenance and management of the Retail branch.

    • Being a key representative for the retail branch in the industry.

    What will make you successful in this role?

    Strategy Development and Business Planning:

    • Work with Area Manager and translate the Provincial strategy into a retail branch strategy, specifying targets, objectives and metrics.

    • Contribute insights to monthly, quarterly and annual business planning for retail branches in the Region / Province.

    • Responsible for managing operational costs in line with the allocated budget.

    • Develop incentive tactics for the Branch Consultants and drive performance

    Retail Branch Sales Delivery

    Activations:

    • Develop and execute strategies (campaigns / promotions / events / etc.) to entice and draw clients from outside of the branch.

    • Plan and represent the branch at various forums / events / community platforms to establish awareness and gain business.

    Sales and Operational Effectiveness:

    • Communicate the Retail Branch strategy, sales targets and metrics to Branch Consultants. Identify Key Result Areas and work with Branch Consultants to develop and agree collective targets.

    • Monitor activities and the achievement of sales targets in the branch. Identify areas of improvement and work with Branch Consultants to address / rectify.

    • Work with Business Owners of supporting functions (HR, Technology, etc.), and put the right mechanisms in place (systems, processes, technology) to ensure the branch is able to deliver a service and achieve targets.

    • Identify and escalate areas of improvement regarding support systems, processes, and technologies. Where possible, solve problems or propose solutions to prevent issues from reoccurring.

    Establish and drive a Service Culture:

    • Align processes and procedures in the Bank to allow for a smooth, efficient and optimal client experience.

    • Develop, drive and monitor client experience, and client service delivery standards in the branch.

    • Manage the daily achievements of and adherence to service delivery SLAs. Identify areas of continuous improvement and take corrective action to address it.

    • Ensure all client complaints and queries are handled effectively, within SLA timeframes. Where relevant, respond to escalations and continuously provide feedback to clients regarding outcomes / progress of resolutions.

    Compliance, Quality and Risk Management:

    • Ensure compliance and quality standards are effectively communicated and adopted across the branch.

    • Ensure alignment to the Treating the Customer Fairly (TCF) framework in all business practices and ensure the branch operates within the FSCA regulations.

    People Management:

    • Work with Human Resources and Talent Acquisition to put the necessary capacity / capability in place to achieve sales targets in the branch.

    • Work with HR to establish and maintain good people practices in the branch.

    • Responsible for all operational people practices relating to direct reports, in collaboration with the Human Resource Function (talent management, performance management, individual development and growth, resolving grievances, leave allocation, capacity management, etc.).

    • Manage and support the accreditation and continuous professional growth of staff functioning in the branch.

    Monthly Planning and Reporting

    • Responsible for monthly reporting of sales and service activities in the Branch. Analyse data to identify areas of improvement and plan for the next month.

    • Conduct monthly and annual planning based on reports

    Qualification:

    • Matric (Grade 12)

    • RE1 and RE5

    • 120 Wealth Management credits OR tertiary qualification recognised by the FSCA

    • Class of Business accreditation (annual)

    • Compliant with continuous professional development (CPD) current and past cycles.



    Method of Application







    Build your CV for free. Download in different templates.



    Click Here To Apply

  • Kidnappers k!ll 30-year-old Nigerian woman

    A family has announced the burial arrangement for a 30-year-old Nigerian woman, Maryann Oluchukwu Onwuchekwa, who was k!lled by kidnappers. 

     

     

    According to reports sighted on Facebook, Maryann was reportedly abducted alongside her sick father and sister-in-law.

     

     

    Her father was later left behind due to his health, while the sister-in-law was released after a ransom payment.

     

     

    Unfortunately, Maryann’s lifeless body was discovered by the roadside with stab wounds on March 5, 2025. 

     

     

    She will be laid to rest on April 30, 2025, in her hometown, Amansea, in Awka North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

     

    “The father, Mr Onwuchekwa, daughter Maryann and daughter in-law moved to buy the necessary drugs. Unfortunately, on their way coming back the were kidnapped. The man was weak because of the pains he was into. The left the old man, continue the journey with Late Maryann and her sister in-law,” the report reads.

     

    “Ransom was demanded. The mother of the sister in-law volunteered to go and deliver the money because the kidnappers said the person must be a woman. The woman reached there, secure the release of her daughter, leaving Maryann there. When she reached home, they asked her where is the other lady. She didn’t say anything. She was arrested and every effort made to see her proved abortive. Unfortunately, her corpse was found on the road naked with knife bruises all over her body.”

     

    Kidnappers k!ll 30-year-old Nigerian woman

     

    Kidnappers k!ll 30-year-old Nigerian woman

     

    Kidnappers k!ll 30-year-old Nigerian woman

     

     

    Source: Linda Ikeji

  • BREAKING: Residents Flee Kwara Communities, Accuse Nigerian Army Of Abandoning Fight Against New Terror Group, Mahmuda, To Vigilantes

    Residents of several communities in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State are fleeing their homes in droves as a new terrorist group tightens its grip on the region, SaharaReporters can confirm.

    The latest wave of panic follows the Nigerian Army’s sudden withdrawal from active operations in the area, leaving local vigilantes alone to confront the deadly group known as Mahmuda.

    Community sources who spoke to SaharaReporters on Monday lamented the deteriorating security situation and accused the Nigerian and Kwara State governments of ignoring the growing insecurity in the area.

    “As I am talking to you, our community, Kemanji, is under the control of these people. They have not entered the main Kaiama town, and that was how it started in Sokoto, Kebbi and other states. Our community is about 10 kilometres from Kaiama,” one source said.

    He explained that the current state of fear gripping the area has triggered a mass exodus, with both wealthy and underprivileged residents abandoning their homes.

    “The problem now is that everyone is afraid. Both the rich and the poor have started abandoning their houses. They are moving to the main town of Kaiama and some who have relatives in Ilorin are moving there, and other neighbouring towns,” he added.

    According to residents, the terrorists had long occupied the dense forests around the area without incident. However, a military raid during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan reportedly provoked the group, leading to the current spate of attacks on surrounding communities.

    “These terrorists have been inside that thick forest for years, and they did not attack anyone. They started this attack in Ramadan when the Nigerian Army attacked them and killed some of their members. This is why they started attacking us. And the Army has left us, and they have not come back since that time,” another resident said.

    SaharaReporters gathered that despite the presence of military formations in both Kaiama and Baruten, there has been no renewed deployment into the forests where the insurgents are believed to be based.

    “We have army personnel in Kaiama and Baruteen, but they did not enter the forest again. They are not being deployed to fight these terrorists. The only people fighting are the local vigilantes. The government is not concerned, and this is why they are denying the existence of this group,” the source continued.

    He expressed frustration at the silence of state and federal authorities, saying the burden of security had fallen entirely on under-equipped local defenders.

    “It is only the vigilantes that are fighting them because they don’t want to lose their hometowns,” the source said.

    SaharaReporters previously reported that an audio message from the terror group Mahmuda threatened attacks on Duruma village and other parts of Borgu Kingdom, vowing to kill anyone who resisted them.

    Residents now fear that unless the government intervenes, Kwara State may soon suffer the same fate as other northern states overrun by non-state armed groups.

     

    Source: Sahara Reporters

  • What Happens to Abby in The Last of Us 2 Ending: Does Ellie Kill Her?

    The Last of Us Season 2 premiered last week and finally introduced the TV show fans to Abby. And I’m sure a lot of you might not know that Abby’s character was heavily criticized for her actions in the TLOU Part 2 video game when it came out five years ago. Now that she has made her TV show debut and has committed the most controversial murder in the TV Show, every fan has started to condemn her character to the point that everyone wants to know if she meets the same fate in the series. So, if you are wondering whether Ellie kills Abby or does Abby dies in some other way, find out what happens to Abby in the sequel game’s story here.

    Spoiler Warning:

    This post contains spoilers about Abby and Ellie’s character in The Last of Us Part 2 video game and season 2 of the TV show, so proceed with caution.

    Does Ellie Kill Abby in The Last of Us Part 2 Video Game?

    Image Credit: Naughty Dog (via PlayStation website)

    When Ellie watches Abby bash Joel to death with a golf club, she says: “You’re gonna f**king die. I’ll fucking kill you…I’ll fucking kill you.” The gut-wrenching death of Joel drives the story of The Last of Us Part 2 as Ellie embarks on a quest to avenge this father-like character.

    While tracking down Abby, Ellie kills almost all of Abby’s friends as her anger and grief take control of her mind. Thus, when Abby, who was on a mission to protect Seraphite kids, finds out that Ellie has taken the lives of her only remaining close ones, she comes back to face off against Ellie in her hideout.

    In an intense brawl that happens between Ellie and Abby for the first time, Abby overpowers her when the latter tries to end her revenge mission at the theatre. However, Ellie couldn’t kill Abby at that moment as the girl almost killed Dina but was stopped by Lev, a Seraphite kid. Even though Ellie killed her friends, Abby spares the lives of Ellie and Dina as she discovers her true self on her rescue journey.

    This might sound ridiculous if you are only following the TV show, but the game does a great job of showcasing Abby’s redemption as you play as her in the second half of the game. Ellie’s fate could have ended twice by now, but Abby let her live again. Ellie goes back to Jackson and starts a new life with Dina on the farm, but she continues to be haunted by Joel’s death, which Tommy then reminded her of and pushed her to avenge the character once again.

    Does Abby Die in The Last of Us?

    Kaitlin Dever as Abby Anderson in The Last of Us Season 2
    Image Credit: HBO (via Warner Bros Discovery Pressroom, Liane Hentscher/HBO)

    When Tommy brings up that Ellie has serious unfinished business left, Ellie decides to track Abby once again and finish her revenge quest this time. However, she decides to abandon her family and the new peaceful life she built from scratch to pursue vengeance.

    She goes on a hunt in California. However, Abby and Lev, who left Seattle to find the remnants of Fireflies, get kidnapped by the Rattlers in California. Thus, Ellie finishes off the Rattlers and saves Abby and Lev initially from their potential deaths, but soon realizes that she cannot let them leave freely.

    I Can’t Let You Leave – Ellie

    Despite Abby sparing her life twice, Ellie can’t bring herself to forgive Abby and let her live. Hence, both the scarred women engage in a bloody hand-to-hand battle. Unlike before, Ellie gains the upper hand in this fight and has a chance to let the sea claim Abby’s life. But Ellie remembers the memory of her forgiving Joel and realizes that this futile killing wouldn’t fill the void left by Joel.

    Even though Ellie’s world is turned to ashes by Abby, she spares Abby’s life, who is seen begging for mercy at this instance. The Last of Us Part 2 video game is not your typical revenge drama where the main character ruthlessly kills the antagonist. It is a harrowing tale that starts on a revenge note but showcases the consequences the characters commit in the name of justice.

    Go..Just Take Him – Ellie

    Neither Ellie nor Abby feels fulfilled after getting their deserved revenge. Ellie redeems herself after enduring hell for a long time. In the end, Abby ultimately survives the events of the sequel and is seen leaving on a boat with Lev. We don’t know if Abby will achieve her goal of rejoining the vestiges of Fireflies, but the story ends on the right note, with Ellie walking away from taking Abby’s life while she still could.

    Ajith Kumar

    An entertainment writer with a passion for analyzing and sharing insights on movies, shows, and anime.


    Source: Beebom

  • Coal Plant Regulation Rollback Raises Public Health Concerns

    By Ben Jealous

    (Trice Edney Wire) – Another day, another deadly move that defies logic, morality, and economic common sense. 

    Last week, the Trump administration granted nearly 70 coal-fired power plants a two-year exemption from the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards. The move allows them to emit increased levels of hazardous pollutants like mercury, arsenic, and lead.

    Mercury is a potent neurotoxin, particularly harmful to children and pregnant women, that causes developmental disorders and other severe health issues. The standards established to limit such emissions have been instrumental in reducing these toxins in our environment. Once all coal plants were brought into compliance, the EPA estimated the standards would prevent 11,000 premature deaths, 4,700 heart attacks, and 130,000 asthma attacks each year.

    By rolling back the most recent update to those protections, the administration is senselessly prioritizing outdated, polluting energy sources over the well-being of American communities – maybe your community. The exempted power plants and coal-burning units are in every region of the country – from Arizona to Pennsylvania, Wyoming to Alabama, from the Dakotas down to Texas, and in Illinois, Indiana, Missouri and throughout the Midwest.

    This decision is not only a public health concern but also an economic misstep. The energy market has been shifting away from coal for years, with cleaner and more cost-effective alternatives like renewables taking the lead. Attempting to revive the coal industry through deregulation ignores market trends and the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions.​

    The administration’s shallow argument that this is about energy security, and even national security, does not pass the laugh test. True energy security lies in diversifying our energy sources and investing in resilient, clean technologies – not in propping up an industry in its death throes that if revived would only poison and cause the actual deaths of Americans by the tens of thousands.

    Communities across the nation, especially those near these coal plants, will bear the brunt of increased pollution. This reckless regulatory rollback is just one of the latest moves in this administration’s efforts to undermine decades of progress in environmental and health protections.

    So how do we hold our leaders accountable and pursue policies that prioritize the health of our people and our planet? One way is to work with the organizations and community groups pushing tirelessly to move us towards a cleaner, healthier future.

    Civil society groups – those non-governmental organizations, associations, and institutions that advocate and fight for the causes Americans care about – play not just a vital role in our democracy, but a vital role in protecting our interests, our health, and even our lives. 

    Take the Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal Campaign as one example. A single campaign. Since 2010, that campaign has helped retire more than 380 coal-fired power plants. The energy from those plants has been and remains easily replaceable by other sources. And by reducing the burning of that dirtiest of dirty fossil fuels, we saved American lives and entire communities. 

    In fact, the retirement of all that coal burning has now saved nearly 63,000 lives! And it has saved Americans $29 billion in health care costs. That is due to all the heart attacks, cancer, asthma attacks and other lung disease, and heavy metal poisoning that the closure of these plants stopped in American communities from coast to coast.

    So why on earth would we backslide? Why would we expose millions more Americans – especially the young children most at risk – to the irreversible effects of brain-damaging neurotoxins like mercury? Or developing fetuses to the risk of the birth defects these toxins cause?

    These are the questions we need to be asking. But even as they make our air less safe, don’t hold your own breath waiting for an honest answer from this administration – because it doesn’t exist.

    Ben Jealous is the Executive Director of the Sierra Club and a Professor of Practice at the University of Pennsylvania.

    Source: Seattle Medium

  • Leeds United look to sign former Manchester United goalkeeper

    Manchester United’s hunt for a new goalkeeper is heating up as the club continues to weigh up its options ahead of a crucial summer window under Ruben Amorim.

    With Andre Onana’s season at Old Trafford plagued by inconsistency, fans and coaches alike are growing concerned about the lack of reliable depth in goal.

    Onana’s high-profile errors in key fixtures have cost United valuable points both domestically and in Europe, prompting the club to explore alternatives who can offer experience, composure, and competition.

    Backup options remain limited, with Tom Heaton expected to leave in the summer and Altay Bayındır yet to stake a serious claim, further exposing the fragility in a department once considered stable.

    At the same time, Leeds United are grappling with their own goalkeeping headache as Illan Meslier’s season has gone from bad to worse with multiple mistakes threatening to derail their Premier League promotion push.

    Sam Johnstone is on Leeds United’s radar

    Image Credits: Getty Images

    That has led both clubs to consider a move for experienced Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, who is now firmly on the radar after falling out of favour at Molineux, as reported by The Sun.

    The 32-year-old former Manchester United academy graduate hasn’t featured since December and has been overlooked by Wolves boss Vitor Pereira even after Jose Sa suffered an injury.

    CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

    Sam Johnstone is now seen as surplus to requirements, and Wolves are keen to offload his wages, opening the door for a potential summer move.

    Leeds are ready to pounce with a £10 million offer as they prepare for Premier League football next season, believing Johnstone’s experience could solidify their backline after Meslier’s underwhelming campaign.

    Despite coming through the ranks at United, the Red Devils have no sell-on clause in Johnstone’s contract after he departed the club permanently in 2018 following multiple loan spells.

    Sam Johnstone, who boasts four England caps and a wealth of top-flight experience, could represent a cost-effective, low-risk addition for Leeds, offering much-needed cover and stability in a department desperate for it.

    With both United and Leeds in need of a dependable No.1, the race for the veteran keeper is quietly becoming one of the more intriguing subplots ahead of the transfer window.

    CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!

    Source: Centred Devils