A recently viral video showing a woman kissing and cuddling a lion has taken social media by storm, leaving viewers both impressed and concerned. While the scene may seem heartwarming to some, it also raises important questions about the safety and ethics of interacting so closely with wild animals. According to the reports presented by various online media sources, in the video, the woman can be seen sitting with a large lion in her lap, offering kisses and gentle affection to the animal. Contrary to its usual portrayal as a fierce predator, the lion appears calm and relaxed, enjoying the woman’s company. The contrast between the lion’s natural instincts as a wild animal and its docile behavior in the video is striking. As per media reports, this rare moment of intimacy between a human and a wild animal has drawn over 1.1 million views on the social media platform X. Many viewers were moved by the tender connection on display, but the video has also sparked a heated debate about the potential risks of such interactions with dangerous animals. Watch here: I am amazed that a Lion can be so affectionate like this. Lucky her. pic.twitter.com/tOKTNS7GKn — Nature is Amazing ☘️ (@AMAZlNGNATURE) December 25, 2024 According to the reports, the video has generated mixed reactions, with viewers split between admiration and concern. On one hand, many are impressed by the beautiful bond between the woman and the lion. For these viewers, the moment represents a rare display of trust between a human and a wild animal. One user commented, “This is truly mesmerizing! Such a rare bond between a human and a lion.” On the other hand, critics are quick to point out the inherent dangers of getting too close to a wild animal. Despite the lion’s calm demeanor in the video, some worry about the unpredictable nature of such creatures. “This might look beautiful, but it’s incredibly risky. Lions are unpredictable,” warned one commenter. Another user expressed concern, saying, “Hope this lion doesn’t remember its wild instincts!” These concerns reflect the unpredictable behaviour of wild animals, which can change in an instant, even if they appear calm. In addition to the safety concerns, the video has sparked a conversation about the ethics of interacting with wild animals in captivity. Some viewers believe that videos like this could normalize the idea of treating wild animals as pets, which could lead to dangerous consequences for both humans and animals. “This normalizes the idea of keeping wild animals as pets, which is wrong,” one person pointed out. However, others defend the video, arguing that the lion’s behaviour demonstrates a special bond built on mutual respect. According to the sources, they argue that the calmness of the lion indicates a trusting relationship, rather than an instance of exploitation. “You can see the trust and bond here- - it’s not something you see every day,” one supporter commented. These viewers believe that the video highlights a rare and positive example of humans and wild animals coexisting peacefully. The video also raises important questions about the role of wild animals in human society and entertainment. According to media reports, some critics argue that interactions like this could promote the idea of wild animals being treated as pets or sources of entertainment, which could contribute to their mistreatment. “Wild animals belong in the wild, not as pets or entertainment,” one commenter wrote. On the other hand, some people argue that such moments can serve as educational opportunities, helping the public understand animal behavior and the importance of wildlife conservation. They believe that, when done responsibly, interactions like these can offer insights into the natural world and the potential for peaceful coexistence between humans and animals. At the heart of the debate is the question of respect: how can humans appreciate wild animals while also respecting their natural instincts? The video shows a rare, tender, and heartwarming connection between the woman and the lion, but it also raises the question of whether such interactions are appropriate, especially when shared for entertainment purposes.Illinois Board of Education to Use Nearly $20 Million in Federal Grants on Electric School Buses
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AP News Summary at 1:48 p.m. EST
Watch Los Angeles Clippers vs. Sacramento Kings: TV channel, live stream info, start timeWASHINGTON — The House on Wednesday passed a $895 billion measure that authorizes a 1% increase in defense spending this fiscal year and would give a double-digit pay raise to about half of the enlisted service members in the military. The bill is traditionally strongly bipartisan, but some Democratic lawmakers opposed the inclusion of a ban on transgender medical treatments for children of military members if such treatment could result in sterilization. It passed by a vote of 281-140 and next moves to the Senate, where lawmakers sought a bigger boost in defense spending than the current measure allows. Lawmakers are touting the bill's 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted service members and a 4.5% increase for others as key to improving the quality of life for those serving in the U.S. military. Those serving as junior enlisted personnel are in pay grades that generally track with their first enlistment term. Lawmakers said service member pay failed to remain competitive with the private sector, forcing many military families to rely on food banks and government assistance programs to put food on the table. The bill also provides significant new resources for child care and housing. "No service member should have to live in squalid conditions and no military family should have to rely on food stamps to feed their children, but that's exactly what many of our service members are experiencing, especially the junior enlisted," said Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. "This bill goes a long way to fixing that." The bill sets key Pentagon policy that lawmakers will attempt to fund through a follow-up appropriations bill. The overall spending tracks the numbers established in a 2023 agreement that then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., reached with President Joe Biden to increase the nation's borrowing authority and avoid a federal default in exchange for spending restraints. Many senators had wanted to increase defense spending some $25 billion above what was called for in that agreement, but those efforts failed. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., who is expected to serve as the next chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said the overall spending level was a "tremendous loss for our national defense," though he agreed with many provisions within the bill. "We need to make a generational investment to deter the Axis of Aggressors. I will not cease work with my congressional colleagues, the Trump administration, and others until we achieve it," Wicker said. House Republicans don't want to go above the McCarthy-Biden agreement for defense spending and are looking to go way below it for many non-defense programs. They are also focused on cultural issues. The bill prohibits funding for teaching critical race theory in the military and prohibits TRICARE health plans from covering gender dysphoria treatment for children under 18 if that treatment could result in sterilization. Rep. Adam Smith of Washington state, the ranking Democratic member of the House Armed Services Committee, said minors dealing with gender dysphoria is a "very real problem." He said the treatments available, including puberty blockers and hormone therapy, have proven effective at helping young people dealing with suicidal thoughts, anxiety and depression. "These treatments changed their lives and in many cases saved their lives," Smith said. "And in this bill, we decided we're going to bar service members' children from having access to that." Smith said the number of minors in service member families receiving transgender medical care extends into the thousands. He could have supported a study asking medical experts to determine whether such treatments are too often used, but a ban on health insurance coverage went too far. He said Speaker Mike Johnson's office insisted on the ban and said the provision "taints an otherwise excellent piece of legislation." Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, called the ban a step in the right direction, saying, "I think these questions need to be pulled out of the debate of defense, so we can get back to the business of defending the United States of America without having to deal with social engineering debates." Smith said he agrees with Roy that lawmakers should be focused on the military and not on cultural conflicts, "and yet, here it is in this bill." Branden Marty, a Navy veteran who served for 13 years, said the loss of health coverage for transgender medical treatments could prompt some with valuable experience to leave the military, affecting national security because "we already struggle from a recruiting and retention standpoint." He also said the bill could regularly force service members into difficult choices financially. "It will be tough for a lot of them because of out-of-pocket expenses, especially enlisted members who we know already struggle with food insecurity," said Marty, the father of a transgender teenager. "They don't get paid very much, so they're going to be making a lot of choices on a day-to-day, tactical level." Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, the House Democratic leader, said his team did not tell Democrats how to vote on the bill. "There's a lot of positive things in the National Defense Authorization Act that were negotiated in a bipartisan way, and there are some troubling provisions in a few areas as well," Jeffries said. Overall, 81 Democrats voted for the bill and 124 against it. On the Republican side, 200 voted for the bill and 16 against it. "It's disappointing to see 124 of my Democrat colleagues vote against our brave men and women in uniform over policies that have nothing to do with their intended mission," Johnson, R-La., said. The defense policy bill also looks to strengthen deterrence against China. It calls for investing $15.6 billion to build military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. The Biden administration requested about $10 billion. On Israel, the bill, among other things, includes an expansion of U.S. joint military exercises with Israel and a prohibition on the Pentagon citing casualty data from Hamas. The defense policy bill is one of the final measures that lawmakers view as a must-pass before making way for a new Congress in January.Homes have been evacuated after an apparent landslip in a former mining community. One video on social media shows buildings deep in sludge and mud as water pours down what appears to be a street. Another shows a white car stuck swamped among muck and rocks. Blaenau Gwent council said: "We are aware that a number of households in the Cwmtillery area of Abertillery have been evacuated by emergency services. "We are making arrangements for those affected and a rest centre has been set up at Abertillery Sports Centre. We are on site with partners assessing the situation."The SNP’s soft approach to justice is fuelling Scotland’s shoplifting epidemic as teenagers see it as low risk, high reward, a senior police officer has said. Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs said that high demand at home and abroad for stolen items and cheaper products had made shoplifting an “appealing venture” for those under the age of criminal responsibility (12) as well as the under-25s. He said evidence showed that in the past five years there had been an increase in the overall number of under-18s who had turned to shoplifting . “The increasing cost of living, driven by fluctuations in market prices, and supply-chain pressures caused by political instability are all likely drivers,” Mairs said, “with the resulting high demand, domestically and internationally, for stolen items and cheaper products making shoplifting an appealing venture.
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South Korean markets have had a dismal 2024, with the so called "Korea discount" in its stock markets widening compared to other global peers. Analysts that spoke to CNBC say that the efforts to oust Yoon might distract from and delay efforts for capital market reform, entrenching the "Korea discount" further. South Korean markets have had a dismal 2024, with the so-called "Korea discount" in its stock markets widening compared to other global peers. The recent political upheaval is expected to entrench this phenomenon. > 24/7 San Diego news stream: Watch NBC 7 free wherever you are The country's benchmark stock index, Kospi, has lost over 7% this year and the underperformance of the South Korean market signals its "Corporate Value-Up" program, announced in February this year , has failed to address the " Korea discount. " The "Korea discount" refers to South Korean securities trading at lower valuations relative to regional peers due to investors' concerns over issues such as corporate governance at large family-owned conglomerates that have an outsized influence over the country's economy. The political turmoil in the country has further worsened investors' sentiment, with the Kospi underperforming the MSCI Asia ex-Japan index by 2.3 percentage points since Dec. 3 when President Yoon Seok Yeol imposed and then revoked martial law within hours. The attempt at martial law has sent the risk premium for Korean assets higher, thereby dealing a setback to the "Value-Up Program," Vishnu Varathan, managing director and head of macro research for Asia ex-Japan at Mizuho Securities said in a Dec. 10 note. South Korea under Yoon had strived to boost the country's stock markets and combat the "Korea discount" via a Japan-style program that sought to improve corporate governance and increase investor engagement, among other things. Money Report European Central Bank set to deliver final rate cut of the year: Live updates European markets set for mixed open ahead of expected ECB rate cut According to data from the Korea Exchange , the Kospi has a price-to-book ratio of 0.86, while its price-to-earnings ratio stands at 13.65 as of Dec. 12. Both the metrics, which indicate how much the investors value the index, have declined from a year earlier . For comparison, Japan's Nikkei 225 stock benchmark has a price-to-book ratio of 1.44 while its price-to-earnings ratio stands at 15.90 as of Dec. 11. While Japan stocks surged as it implemented measures to lift its markets , South Korea has been struggling. For instance the "Korea-Value Up Index," launched in September, which consists of 100 listed "best practice" companies that comply with the "Value-Up" program, has price-to-book ratio of 0.99 and a price-to-earnings ratio of just 10.29. "The distractions of ousting Yoon amid fragile government and fragmented politics is likely to dilute and delay policy efforts to boost equity valuations," Varathan said, adding that power balance in South Korea could shift in favor of large and influential conglomerates, which could entrench the "Korea discount" even more. South Korea has several large family-owned global conglomerates, known as "chaebols," usually controlled by the founder's family. These may consist of a group of companies or several groups of companies. Notable chaebols include market heavyweights such as Samsung Electronics, LG, SK and Hyundai. While they are a huge contributor to the country's GDP, the complex shareholding structure of chaebols mean that investors hold little sway over the company's strategic direction. The four conglomerates mentioned above make up about 40% of South Korea's GDP, according to South Korean media. Market reforms could receive a setback due to the political turmoil, said Lorraine Tan, director of equity research for Asia at Morningstar, while adding that the reforms will not be "derailed." "I think the longer the leadership change takes, the more likely investors will be sidelined. President Yoon is unpopular and a peaceful transition away from his leadership would help," she pointed out. The embattled Yoon has survived an impeachment vote over the weekend after members of his ruling People's Power Party walked out of the country's parliament, but opposition parties have vowed to continue efforts to impeach him. Jeff Ng, Head of Asia Macro Strategy at Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation said that the "Korea discount" is still likely to persist into 2025 due to weak economic conditions, slower exports, and a weak Korean won. "Investor confidence may return in the medium-term, but a swift resolution of the domestic uncertainty looks unlikely at this stage." Also on CNBC India's ReNew Energy offered to be taken private in $2.82 billion deal BNP Paribas: Indian market showing "high level of resilience" India's economy might not grow by 7-8%, but there still are attractive sectors
Get ready for a thrilling new way to play Tongits! GameZone, the leading card gaming platform in the Philippines, is launching an innovative version of this beloved game. This fresh take on Tongits promises to be more exciting, challenging, and rewarding than ever. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, GameZone’s Tongits revolution has something for everyone. What’s New in GameZone’s Tongits? GameZone isn’t just offering the same old Tongits experience. They have completely reimagined the game, incorporating new features and game modes that will keep you captivated. Why Choose GameZone for Tongits? GameZone isn’t just another gaming platform. It’s been carefully designed to provide the best possible experience for TongitsGo players. Here’s what sets GameZone apart: More Than Just a Card Game While Tongits is undoubtedly fun, GameZone offers more than just entertainment. It’s a platform for personal growth, social connection, and potential rewards. Getting Started with GameZone Tongits Are you prepared to explore the thrilling realm of GameZone Tongits? Here’s how to get started: A Game for Everyone Whether you’re a casual player looking for some fun, a competitive gamer aiming for the top of the leaderboards, or somewhere in between, GameZone’s Tongits has something for you. The variety of game modes means you can always find a match that suits your mood and skill level. For beginners, the platform offers a supportive environment to learn and grow. For experienced players, there are challenging opponents and complex strategies to master. And for everyone, there’s the thrill of the game and the chance to win exciting rewards. The Future of Tongits is Here GameZone’s new Tongits platform represents the future of this classic Filipino card game. By combining traditional gameplay with innovative features, exciting game modes, and a robust online community, GameZone is taking Tongits to new heights. This isn’t just a new way to play an old game – it’s a complete reimagining of what Tongits can be. It’s faster, more exciting, more social, and more rewarding than ever. So, are you ready to be part of the Tongits revolution? Join GameZone today and experience the future of Tongits for yourself. GameZone’s Tongits offers fun, challenge, community, and rewards that appeal to everyone. Don’t miss out on this exciting new chapter in the world of online card gaming!Pep Guardiola admits he is questioning himself after Man City lose to Juventus
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COPS have launched an urgent hunt for an 11-year-old schoolboy who "sexually assaulted" a woman in broad daylight. Detectives said that the pre-teenager approached the woman in Woodford, Northants, at around 12 noon on December 17. Northamptonshire Police said the 11-year-old then touched her inappropriately before fleeing. The young boy, wearing blue jeans and a black bomber jacket, was today being hunted by cops following the incident. The force urged eyewitnesses or anyone with information to get in touch immediately. A spokesman for Northamptonshire Police said today: "Police officers are appealing for witnesses after a woman was sexually assaulted in Woodford. "The incident happened on Tuesday, December 17, between 12pm and 12.30pm, when a boy approached a woman and touched her inappropriately. "The suspect is described as a white boy, aged 11 to 12 years, with short, light brown hair and wearing a black bomber jacket and blue jeans. "He walked away in the direction of Mill Road. "Witnesses or anyone with information should call Northamptonshire Police on 101."
The confidential briefing note is part of the tranche of documents made public in the annual release of State papers from the Irish National Archives. An Irish Department of Foreign Affairs official focusing on justice and security created the list in October 2002. The document starts by referencing a 1999 interview given by George Mitchell, the chairman of the Good Friday Agreement negotiations, in which he claimed the British and Irish governments, as well as Northern Ireland’s political parties, had leaked information to manipulate public opinion. However, he further accused the NIO of attempting to sabotage the process by leaking information on British Government policy to the media. Mr Mitchell, a former US senator, is said to have expressed alarm and anger over the frequency of leaks from the NIO – saying they were uniquely “designed to undermine the policy of the British Government of which they were a part”. The Irish civil servant notes Mr Mitchell himself was subjected to an attempted “smear” when he first arrived in Northern Ireland, as newspaper articles falsely claimed his chief of staff Martha Pope had had a liaison with Sinn Fein representative Gerry Kelly with ulterior motives. The Irish civil servant goes on to list several “leaks”, starting with the publication of a proposed deal in a newspaper while “intense negotiations” for the Downing Street Declaration were under way. Next, the Department lists two “high-profile and damaging leaks issued from the NIO”. A so-called “gameplan” document was leaked in February 1998, showing papers had been prepared weeks before the Drumcree march on July 6, 1997. In the preceding years, there had been standoffs and clashes as nationalists opposed the procession of an Orange parade down Garvaghy Road in Portadown. The gameplan document showed then secretary of state for Northern Ireland Mo Mowlam, who was publicly expressing a desire for a negotiated solution to the 1997 parade, advocated “finding the lowest common denominator for getting some Orange feet on the Garvaghy Road”. In 1997, a large number of security forces were deployed to the area to allow the march to proceed. The incident sparked heightened tension and a wave of rioting. The document further describes the release of a document submitted by the NIO’s director of communications to the secretary of state as a “second major leak”. It claims a publicity strategy was released to the DUP in the aftermath of the Good Friday Agreement and showed how the UK Government would support a yes vote in a referendum following any talks agreement. In addition, it is claimed unionists used leaked sections of the Patten report on policing to invalidate its findings ahead of its publication in 1999. The report recommended the replacement of the Royal Ulster Constabulary with the Police Service of Northern Ireland, the changing of symbols, and a 50-50 recruitment policy for Catholics and Protestants. At the time, UUP leader David Trimble said the recommendations would lead to a corruption of policing in Northern Ireland. Chris Patten, chairman of the independent commission on policing, said some of the assertions were a “total fabrication” and designed to “muddy the waters” to create a difficult political atmosphere. Elsewhere, the author notes it was leaked to the media there was serious disagreement between the governments of the UK and Ireland on the composition of that commission – with not a single name submitted by the Irish side being accepted by the other. The author notes this incident, still under the heading “NIO leaks”, was believed by British officials to have emanated from the Irish side. The report turns to leaks of other origin, claiming “disgruntled Special Branch officers in Northern Ireland” were blamed by the British Government for a series of releases about the IRA which were designed to damage Sinn Fein in the 2001 general election in Northern Ireland. One senior Whitehall source was quoted in the Guardian as complaining that Special Branch was “leaking like a sieve” after details of an IRA intelligence database containing the names of leading Tories – described at the time as a “hit list” – was passed to the BBC in April 2002. The briefing note adds: “This was followed days later by a leak to The Sunday Telegraph which alleged that senior IRA commanders bought Russian special forces rifles in Moscow last year. “The newspaper said it was passed details by military intelligence in London.” The briefing note adds that other Special Branch leaks were associated with the Castlereagh break-in. The final incident in the document notes the Police Ombudsman’s Report on the Omagh bombing was also leaked to the press in December 2001. Then Northern Ireland secretary John Reid said at the time: “Leaks are never helpful and usually malicious – I will not be commenting on this report until I have seen the final version.” The reason for creating the list of leaks, which the Irish National Archives holds in a folder alongside briefing notes for ministers ahead of meetings with officials from the UK Government and NIO, is not outlined in the document itself. – This document is based on material in 2024/130/6.