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More than 3.5 years after the Myanmar military (Tatmadaw) attempted to seize control of the country through a coup, the Japanese government continues to provide Official Development Assistance (ODA) and public funds that benefit the military junta. Despite the sacrifices of the Myanmar people to end the Myanmar military's decades-long oppression, Japan's "assistance" risks burdening survivors with enormous loans that potentially enable the military to continue its atrocities against the very people it is meant to aid. Since the 2021 coup, Japan's response has been limited to expressing "grave concerns" and calling for the release of detained leaders like Aung San Suu Kyi. While Western countries imposed sanctions, Japan has taken hardly any punitive measures, showing leniency in the face of increasing its atrocities. Like many countries, it supports international development through grants, loans and technical assistance. However, Japan favours providing aid in the form of bilateral loans, a method that constitutes a higher proportion compared to other donor countries that mostly offer grants. Within the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development -- a key platform where the world's major donor countries discuss development aid issues -- Japan stands out as the largest provider of ODA loans. According to one study, from 1970 to 2020, among the 32 members of the DAC, Japan provided 71% of its bilateral aid in the form of loans, in stark contrast to the 22% provided by other DAC members. Japan's reliance on loaning aid even surpasses that of multilateral organisations, which provided 52% of their aid as loans. Japan's role as a major donor to Myanmar is a testament to its aid strategy. Over the past decade, Japan has loaned an enormous amount of aid to Myanmar, unmatched by any other country. In 2022, only Japan and Korea continued to disburse ODA aid loans to Myanmar, with Korea's contributions amounting to about 10% of Japan's volume. By 2020, Japan had lent a cumulative total of US$2.7 billion to Myanmar. Although no new ODA contracts have been signed since the coup, the finalisation of ongoing projects will increase Myanmar's debt to Japan by an additional $5.12 billion. Some of the projects funded by the sizable loan aid have been linked to Myanmar military's businesses. Yokogawa Bridge Corporation paid the Myanmar military-owned conglomerate, Myanmar Economic Corporation, for the Bago Bridge project. A UN fact-finding mission in Myanmar stated in 2019 that revenues from military-controlled businesses fund the military's atrocities. The Thilawa Special Economic Zone, backed by Japanese ODA, also risks entangling Japanese funds with the military since the chairperson of the zone's Management Committee was replaced by the military shortly after the coup. Other publicly-funded projects like the Y Complex Project have been linked to a venture that allows funds to flow to the Office of the Quartermaster General, which has been sanctioned by the United States, United Kingdom, European Union and Canada for its role in procuring arms and equipment for the military. Since the coup, the Myanmar military has killed over 5,400 people, burning villages to ashes, committing massacres, torture and sexual violence. It has intensified airstrikes across Myanmar, displacing over 3 million people. The survivors of these atrocities will be burdened with the enormous debt that could be funding the perpetrators. Despite statements in 2021 suggesting a potential review of ODA if the situation in Myanmar deteriorated, the Japanese government has continued its aid, seemingly prioritising concerns over potential losses for Japanese companies. During a hearing of the Committee on Audit on May 20, Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa stated, "If existing ODA is suspended and Japanese companies unilaterally terminate business contracts they have with counterpart institutions in the recipient countries, these companies may face demands for substantial penalties or could be subject to legal action. Therefore, a cautious approach is considered necessary". Instead of challenging the penalties and taking a firm stand on human rights, Japan appears more concerned with the interest of the companies involved in these projects. Despite Japan's lacklustre response to the crisis, many believe it can still influence change. Recently, a petition with over 11,500 signatures urged Japan to halt any aid benefiting the Myanmar military. A former Myanmar police officer now in Japan has called for a stronger stance from Japan, echoing sentiments expressed by many civil society organisations. The Spring Revolution, sparked by the military's 2021 attempt to grab power, is a historic, multi-faceted movement seeking to dismantle the military while building a federal democracy. Japan's loan aid could undermine these goals. As Japan marks 70 years of ODA, it is time to end ODA loans and public funds that support the Myanmar military. Yuka Kiguchi is the executive director of Mekong Watch -- a Japanese NGO based in Tokyo. Mekong Watch combines research and advocacy to address and prevent the negative environmental and social impacts of development in the Mekong Region.Daniel Jones is free to sign with any NFL team after clearing waivers on Monday, which also means the team that signs the former New York Giants quarterback won't be on the hook for the nearly $12 million that was remaining on his contract this year or his $23 million injury guarantee. Jones was released at his request by the Giants on Saturday after the former first-round pick was benched last week. He reportedly wants to join a contender, and there are expected to be multiple teams interested. The two teams reported to have the most initial interest in Jones are also being offered as the most likely to sign him by one sportsbook. The Baltimore Ravens currently have journeyman backup Josh Johnson behind starting quarterback Lamar Jackson. Jones would potentially provide a third option, and one whose mobility could make him an intriguing fit in offensive coordinator Todd Monken's system The Ravens were installed as the 2/1 favorites to land Jones ahead of the Minnesota Vikings (5/2), who have veterans Nick Mullens and Brett Rypien behind starter Sam Darnold. They would likely view Jones as an upgrade. "I really can't get into too much about any short-term or long-term," Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said Monday when asked about Jones, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. "I can just say that I've been a big fan of Daniel's for a long time and I hope wherever his next step takes him, it's a good opportunity for him." The Las Vegas Raiders (5/1) don't fall into the category of contenders after falling to 2-9 amid a seven-game losing streak. However, they could provide the most immediate opportunity to play with Gardner Minshew suffering a season-ending broken collarbone on Sunday that is expected to end his season. Second-year quarterback Aidan O'Connell is close to returning from a thumb injury, but coach Antonio Pierce acknowledged after Sunday's game that, "We're going to need somebody, right?" If O'Connell isn't ready to face the Kansas City Chiefs on Black Friday, Desmond Ridder is expected to get the start. The Dallas Cowboys (7/1) would fall into a similar category, with Dak Prescott out for the season following hamstring surgery and being replaced by Cooper Rush. Another intriguing possibility lies with Detroit, where the 10-1 Lions' offense is rolling with Jared Goff at the helm. However, should he go down to injury the only other quarterback on the roster is rookie Hendon Hooker. That has contributed to the Lions having 7/1 odds to sign Jones. DANIEL JONES NEXT TEAM ODDS* Baltimore Ravens (2/1) Minnesota Vikings (5/2) Las Vegas Raiders (5/1) Dallas Cowboys (7/1) Detroit Lions (7/1) Miami Dolphins (7/1) San Francisco 49ers (8/1) Carolina Panthers (10/1) Seattle Seahawks (16/1) Indianapolis Colts (20/1) New England Patriots (25/1) New Orleans Saints (25/1) New York Jets (25/1) Tennessee Titans (25/1) Atlanta Falcons (28/1) Arizona Cardinals (33/1) Chicago Bears (33/1) Cleveland Browns (33/1) Denver Broncos (33/1) Jacksonville Jaguars (40/1) Los Angeles Chargers (50/1) Los Angeles Rams (50/1) Pittsburgh Steelers (50/1) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (50/1) Washington Commanders (50/1) Cincinnati Bengals (66/1) Green Bay Packers (66/1) Houston Texans (66/1) Philadelphia Eagles (66/1) Buffalo Bills (75/1) Kansas City Chiefs (75/1) Any CFL Team (80/1) Any XFL Team (80/1) *Odds provided by SportsBetting.ag are for entertainment purposes only. --Field Level MediaFacebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Taylor Swift once raved about the sweet potato casserole served at a New York City restaurant and now that recipe pops up every now and again at Thanksgiving. The holidays encourage many of us to try new recipes. Social media right now is flooded with recipes for appetizers, side dishes and desserts. Anyone making that cornbread casserole from TikTok? While we might not get to share a Thanksgiving feast with Swift — is your name Blake Lively? — or other celebrities beloved by Kansas City, we can eat like them. So here’s the recipe for that casserole Swift loved so much, and favorite family side dish recipes from Donna Kelce and Eric Stonestreet. Enjoy. Man fatally shot by Ravalli County Sheriff's deputy near Stevensville Group launches fundraiser in suit challenging approval of Florence subdivision Stevensville schools closed Tuesday citing 'unsafe' driving conditions Sheehy endorses some Trump cabinet picks, declines to respond on others Citizen grand juries and county militias: The quiet rise of Tactical Civics in Montana Women report widespread misogyny in churches tied to religious group 'The Message' Revenue department says property taxes could rise again Bitterroot Health Athletes of the Week: Isaac Bates and Ella Goeltz Believers bought airplane for dead preacher thinking he’d rise from grave to fly in it Bitterroot Health recruiting locals for new medical assistant training Live updates: No. 2 Montana State Bobcats vs No. 9 Montana Grizzlies in Brawl of the Wild Annual Festival of Trees event in Hamilton to benefit local nonprofits Spirit Airlines filed for bankruptcy. What does that mean for holiday season travelers? Transportation Commission approves Bell Crossing speed limit reduction Suspect charged in grisly Moose Creek killing of camper Dustin Kjersem Travis Kelce's mother, Donna Kelce, seen here last year at her son's music festival, dined on a cheesesteak made by actor Bradley Cooper at QVC festivities in Las Vegas this week. (Emily Curiel/Kansas City Star/TNS) Emily Curiel//Kansas City Star/TNS If we tried to guess how many holiday dinner rolls Travis Kelce and his brother, Jason Kelce, have scarfed over the years, would it be in the hundreds? Thousands? Their mom has spoken often about the batches of holiday crescent rolls she has baked over the years. Based on the recipe that won the 1969 Pillsbury Bake-Off, Pillsbury’s Magic Marshmallow Crescent Puffs, they’re now known as Mama Kelce’s Dinner Rolls. They blend the crescent roll pastry with marshmallows, cinnamon and sugar. Dinner roll or dessert? We bet they didn’t last long enough in front of Travis and Jason for that debate. Ingredients Rolls •1/4 cup granulated sugar •2 tablespoons Pillsbury Best all-purpose flour •1 teaspoon ground cinnamon •2 (8-ounce) cans refrigerated Pillsbury Original Crescent Rolls (8 Count) •16 large marshmallows •1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted Glaze •1/2 cup powdered sugar •1/2 teaspoon vanilla •2-3 teaspoons milk •1/4 cup chopped nuts Directions Make the rolls 1.Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray 16 medium muffin cups with nonstick baking spray. 2.In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar, flour and cinnamon. 3.Separate the dough into 16 triangles. For each roll, dip 1 marshmallow into melted butter; roll in the sugar mixture. Place marshmallow on the shortest side of a triangle. Roll up, starting at shortest side and rolling to opposite point. Completely cover the marshmallow with the dough; firmly pinch edges to seal. Dip 1 end in remaining butter; place butter side down in muffin cup. 4.Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. 5.When done, remove from the oven and let the puffs cool in the pan for 1 minute. Remove rolls from muffin cups; place on cooling racks set over waxed paper. Make the glaze and assemble In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar, vanilla and enough milk for desired drizzling consistency. Drizzle glaze over warm rolls. Sprinkle with nuts. Serve warm. Eric Stonestreet attends 'Eric Stonestreet visits The SiriusXM Hollywood Studios in Los Angeles' at SiriusXM Studios on Oct. 8, 2019, in Los Angeles. (Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for SiriusXM/TNS) Emma McIntyre/Getty Images North America/TNS Thanksgiving is one of the “Modern Family” star’s favorite holidays. Three years ago, as part of a campaign honoring hometown heroes, he shared one of his favorite recipe with McCormick Spices: Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Butternut Squash. This recipe serves eight. Ingredients •1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved •1 pound butternut squash, peeled and cut into bite-size cubes •1 tablespoon olive oil •1/2 teaspoon garlic powder •1/2 teaspoon thyme leaves •1/2 teaspoon salt •1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper •5 slices bacon, chopped •1 shallot, finely chopped •1/2 cup dried cranberries •1/4 cup balsamic vinegar •1 teaspoon whole grain mustard •1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted (optional) •1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese, (optional) Directions 1. Preheat oven to 475°F. Spray large shallow baking pan with no stick cooking spray; set aside. Place Brussels sprouts and squash in large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, thyme, salt and pepper; toss to coat evenly. Spread in single layer on prepared pan. 2. Roast 16 to 18 minutes or until tender and lightly browned, stirring halfway through cooking. 3. Meanwhile, cook bacon in medium skillet on medium heat about 6 minutes or until crispy. Remove using slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain. Add shallot to same skillet; cook and stir 2 minutes until softened and lightly browned. Stir in cranberries, vinegar and mustard until well blended. Transfer mixture to small bowl; set aside. 4. Arrange roasted Brussels sprouts and squash on serving platter. Drizzle with cranberry balsamic glaze and toss gently to coat. Sprinkle with cooked bacon, toasted pecans, and crumbled blue cheese, if desired. Serve immediately. Donna Kelce, left, mother of Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce watched the game with pop superstar Taylor Swift, center, during the first-half on Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. (Tammy Ljungblad/Kansas City Star/TNS) Tammy Ljungblad/Kansas City Star/TNS Swift gushed about the sweet potato casserole served at Del Frisco’s Grille in New York City, a dish crowned with a crunchy candied pecan and oatmeal crumble. “I’ve never enjoyed anything with the word casserole in it ever before, but it’s basically sweet potatoes with this brown sugary crust,” she told InStyle. ”Oh my God, it’s amazing.” The media rushed to find the recipe, which Parade has published this Thanksgiving season. “Similar to T. Swift herself, we think this recipe is a mastermind, especially if you’ve been asked to bring the sweet potato side dish to this year’s Thanksgiving feast. It seriously begs the question: who needs pumpkin pie?” the magazine writes. Ingredients •4 lbs sweet potatoes •1⁄3 cup oats •12 oz unsalted butter, divided •1⁄2 cup packed brown sugar •1⁄2 cup toasted pecans •1⁄2 cup granulated sugar •1 tsp kosher salt •2 tsp vanilla extract •4 large eggs, beaten Directions Preheat oven to 375°F. 1. Scrub sweet potatoes. Pierce each several times with a fork and wrap tightly in foil. Place on a sheet pan. Bake 90 minutes or until tender. Set aside until cool enough to handle. 2. Meanwhile, place oats in a food processor; process 1 minute. Add 4 oz butter, brown sugar and pecans; pulse five times to combine. Spread mixture on a baking sheet; bake 10 minutes. Remove from oven, crumble. Bake 5 minutes or until golden brown. 3. Melt remaining 8 oz butter. Remove skin from cooled sweet potatoes. In a large bowl, whisk sweet potatoes, melted butter, granulated sugar and remaining ingredients until slightly lumpy. Transfer to a greased baking dish, smoothing surface evenly. Top with oat mixture. Bake 12 minutes or until heated through. Make-ahead tips •Sweet potato filling can be made up to 2 days in advance. Prepare the sweet potato filling, cool, place in a casserole dish and keep refrigerated. •Oat-pecan crust can also be made up to 2 days ahead. Make the crust according to recipe directions, cool and store in an airtight container at room temperature. Sprinkle over the sweet potato filling just before baking. Kate Bradshaw, The Mercury News Meredith Deeds, The Minnesota Star Tribune Nicole Hvidsten, The Minnesota Star Tribune
Oct 27, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (15) runs the ball for a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images/ File Photo Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey, listed as questionable due to a shoulder issue, is expected to play Monday night against the visiting Baltimore Ravens, NFL Network reported. McConkey missed practice on Thursday and was limited on Friday and Saturday. Star linebacker Khalil Mack, who was questionable because of a groin injury and was a limited participant, also is expected to play, according to the report. The Chargers (7-3) made several moves Monday ahead of the game against the Ravens (7-4), placing tight end Hayden Hurst (hip) on injured reserve, activating cornerback Deane Leonard (hamstring) off IR, signing cornerback Eli Apple from the practice to the active squad, and elevating linebacker Caleb Murphy and safety Tony Jefferson for game day. McConkey, 23, has started nine of 10 games and has 43 receptions on 63 targets for 615 yards and four touchdowns. The Chargers drafted the 6-foot, 185-pound McConkey in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Georgia. Mack, 33, is a three-time first-team All-Pro, an eight-time Pro Bowl selection and the 2016 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. He has started the nine games he has played and has 26 tackles and 4.5 sacks this season. For his career, Mack has 617 tackles, 106 sacks, 141 tackles for loss, 178 quarterback hits, three interceptions -- two returned for touchdowns -- 32 forced fumbles and 13 fumble recoveries in 160 games (159 starts). He has played for the Raiders (2014-17), Chicago Bears (2018-21) and Chargers. Hurst, 31, has started two of seven games in his first season with the Chargers. He has seven receptions on 12 targets for 65 yards. A first-round pick (25th overall) by Baltimore in the 2018 NFL Draft out of South Carolina, Hurst has 202 receptions for 1,967 yards and 15 TDs in 86 games (41 starts) for the Ravens (2018-19), Atlanta Falcons (2020-21), Cincinnati Bengals (2022), Carolina Panthers (2023) and Chargers. Apple, 29, has two tackles in three games this season, his first with the Chargers. The 10th overall selection in the 2016 draft, Apple has 383 career tackles and six interceptions in 101 games (82 starts) for the New York Giants (2016-18), New Orleans Saints (2018-19), Panthers (2020), Bengals (2021-22), Miami Dolphins (2023) and Chargers. Leonard, who turned 25 last Tuesday, has four tackles in four games this season. His 21-day practice window on IR opened Wednesday. --Field Level Media REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you. Read 3 articles and stand to win rewards Spin the wheel nowA judge on Monday rejected a request to block a San Jose State women's volleyball team member from playing in a conference tournament on grounds that she is transgender. The ruling by U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Kato Crews in Denver will allow the player, who has played all season, to compete in the Mountain West Conference women's championship opening this week in Las Vegas. The ruling comes in a lawsuit filed by nine current players against the Mountain West Conference challenging the league's policies for allowing transgender players to participate. The players argued that letting her compete was a safety risk and unfair. While some media have reported those and other details, neither San Jose State nor the forfeiting teams have confirmed the school has a trans woman volleyball player. The Associated Press is withholding the player's name because she has not commented publicly on her gender identity. School officials also have declined an interview request with the player. Crews' ruling referred to the athlete as an "alleged transgender" player and noted that no defendant disputed that the San Jose State roster includes a transgender woman player. San Jose State will "continue to support its student-athletes and reject discrimination in all forms," the university said in a statement, confirming that all its student-athletes are eligible to participate under NCAA and conference rules. "We are gratified that the Court rejected an eleventh-hour attempt to change those rules. Our team looks forward to competing in the Mountain West volleyball tournament this week." The conference did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. The players filed a notice for emergency appeal with the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Crews said the players who filed the complaint could have sought relief much earlier, noting the individual universities had acknowledged that not playing their games against San Jose State this season would result in a loss in league standings. He also refused a request to re-seed the tournament without the forfeited losses. The judge said injunctions are meant to preserve the status quo. The conference policy regarding forfeiting for refusing to play against a team with a transgender player had been in effect since 2022 and the San Jose State player has been on the roster since 2022 -– making that the status quo. The player competed at the college level three previous seasons, including two for San Jose State, drawing little attention. This season's awareness of her reported identity led to an uproar among some players, pundits, parents and politicians in a major election year. Crews' ruling also said injunctions are meant to prevent harm, but in this case, he argued, the harm has already occurred. The games have been forfeited, the tournament has been seeded, the teams have made travel plans and the participants have confirmed they're playing. The tournament starts Wednesday and continues Friday and Saturday. Colorado State is seeded first and San Jose State, second. The teams split their regular-season matches and both get byes into Friday's semifinals. San Jose State will play the winner of Wednesday's match between Utah State and Boise State — teams that both forfeited matches to SJSU during the regular season. Boise State associate athletic director Chris Kutz declined to comment on whether the Broncos would play SJSU if they won their first-round tournament game. Utah State officials did not immediately respond to emails seeking comment. The conference tournament winner gets an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. San Jose State coach Todd Kress, whose team has not competed in the national tournament since 2001, has said his team has been getting "messages of hate" and that has taken a toll on his players. Several teams refused to play against San Jose State during the season, earning losses in the official conference standings. Boise State and Wyoming each had two forfeits while Utah State and Nevada both had one. Southern Utah, a member of the Western Athletic Conference, was first to cancel against San Jose State this year. Nevada's players stated they "refuse to participate in any match that advances injustice against female athletes," without elaborating. Nevada did not qualify for the conference tournament. The nine current players and others now suing the Mountain West Conference, the California State University Board of Trustees and others include San Jose State senior setter and co-captain Brooke Slusser. The teammate Slusser says is transgender hits the volleyball with more force than others on the team, raising fear during practices of suffering concussions from a head hit, the complaint says. The Independent Council on Women's Sports is funding a separate lawsuit against the NCAA for allowing transgender women to compete in women's sports. Both lawsuits claim the landmark 1972 federal antidiscrimination law known as Title IX prohibits transgender women in women's sports. Title IX prohibits sexual discrimination in federally funded education; Slusser is a plaintiff in both lawsuits. Several circuit courts have used a U.S. Supreme Court ruling to conclude that discriminating against someone based on their transgender status or sexual orientation is sex-based discrimination, Crews wrote. That means case law does not prove the "likelihood of success" needed to grant an injunction. An NCAA policy that subjects transgender participation to the rules of sports governing bodies took effect this academic year. USA Volleyball says a trans woman must suppress testosterone for 12 months before competing. The NCAA has not flagged any issues with San Jose State. The Republican governors of Idaho, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming have made public statements in support of the team cancellations, citing fairness in women's sports. President-elect Donald Trump likewise has spoken out against allowing transgender women to compete in women's sports. Crews was a magistrate judge in Colorado's U.S. District Court for more than five years before President Joe Biden appointed him as a federal judge in January.
Ian Poulter makes decision on LIV Golf future with clear transfer planErin Andrews told “some a–hole” off for saying she was having hot flashes while covering the 49ers-Buccaneers in Tampa on Nov. 10. According to New York Post report, during a recent installment of her and Charissa Thompson’s “Calm Down” podcast, the Fox Sports NFL sideline reporter said she had enough of the negative comments and explained she was sweating due to the humidity in Tampa. “Somebody said ‘Erin Andrews you look so great, you have this glow. What’re you using? And I said, ‘It’s called sweat.’ We were outside... like 90 degrees on the field for four hours,” Andrews said. “... I wrote back and I said, ‘It’s was called sweat and I need a shower,’ and some a–hole wrote, ‘It’s hot flashes.’ “Shut the — shut up! It’s outside for five hours, enough!” The WEAR by EA founder mentioned the exchange while she and Thompson were answering fan questions, specifically one about responding to critics. “Don’t worry about those losers, you just keep doing you,” said Thompson, who is a studio host for Fox Sports NFL and “Thursday Night Football” on Amazon. “People that try and poke Erin and I on stuff, every now and then we’ll respond, just because it’s just like, we had enough... But for every 100 bad comments we may respond to one.” The “Calm Down” podcast posted a clip of the cohosts discussing the negative comment, and wrote, “Menopause jokes aren’t funny” with an angry face emoji.
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Efforts to reduce the nation’s persistently high maternal mortality rates involve state panels of experts that investigate and learn from each mother’s death. The panels — called maternal mortality review committees — usually work quietly out of the public eye, but that’s not been the case recently in three states with strict abortion laws. Georgia dismissed all members of its committee in November after information about deaths being reviewed leaked to the news organization ProPublica. Days later, The Washington Post reported that Texas’ committee won’t review cases from 2022 and 2023, the first two years after the state banned nearly all abortions. In Idaho, the state let its panel disband in 2023 only to reinstate it this year. “They’ve become more of a lightning rod than they were before,” said epidemiologist Michael Kramer, director of the Center for Rural Health and Health Disparities at Mercer University in Georgia. Here’s what these committees do and what might happen next: “Maternal mortality review committees are important because they are the most comprehensive source of information about maternal mortality that we have,” said David Goodman, who leads the maternal mortality prevention team at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The panels review deaths that occur during pregnancy or within a year after it ends, whether related to the pregnancy or not. Causes of death can range from hemorrhage during childbirth to drug overdoses to traffic accidents. The goal, Kramer said, is to examine maternal deaths and help “decide what we can do about them.” All states, a few cities and Puerto Rico have these committees. Their membership varies and may include OB-GYNs, maternal-fetal medicine doctors, nurses, midwives, mental and public health experts and members of patient advocacy groups. Most have representatives from several areas of expertise, which the CDC recommends. How members are selected also varies; people may apply, submit letters of interest or be invited to serve. The selection shouldn’t be politically motivated, Kramer said, because “if there’s a systematic exclusion of certain data or certain perspectives” it’s difficult to truly understand what’s happening. The panels work with state vital statistics offices and epidemiologists to identify deaths associated with pregnancy by examining death certificates and looking for a pregnancy checkbox or a related cause of death. They also may search for links to birth and fetal death records, or delve into hospital discharge data, media reports and obituaries. Once they identify cases, they collect as much information as possible, such as prenatal care records, hospital and social service records, autopsy reports and interviews with family members. Professional “abstractors” distill all this into case narratives, which committee members pore over. Most use a standardized review process developed by the CDC — and all panels can get help and guidance from the agency. They consider questions such as: Was the death pregnancy- related? What was the underlying cause? Was it preventable? What factors contributed? States generally have privacy rules that protect committee members and people who provide information on the deaths. The groups then issue public reports that don’t name mothers or hospitals but include overall findings, trends and recommendations. Some come out a couple of years or more after the deaths. Across the nation in 2023, Goodman said, 151 recommendations from those reports were implemented by communities, hospitals, medical professionals and policymakers. Georgia will rebuild its committee through a new application process, the state public health commissioner said. Texas’ committee has been reviewing 2021 deaths and will start on 2024 cases at its next meeting, Texas Department of State Health Services spokesperson Lara Anton said. “Reviewing cases is a lengthy process and legislators have asked for more recent data. Starting the next review cycle with 2024 cases will allow us to provide that in the next report,” Anton said, adding that maternal and child health epidemiologists will continue to analyze and publish data for 2022 and 2023. In Idaho, the reconstituted review committee now falls under the state board of medicine, which licenses doctors, instead of the state’s health and welfare department. It will operate like it always has, said Bob McLaughlin, spokesperson for the medical board. Members met for the first time in November and plan to issue a report by Jan. 31. Because the legislature wanted the most up-to-date information, McLaughlin said the first report will cover only 2023 cases, and the group will review 2022 deaths next.
Nebraska has landed one of its most high-profile transfers of the portal era in a former five-star prospect who fills an immediate team need. Ex-Missouri defensive end Williams Nwaneri committed to the Huskers on Thursday afternoon after entering the portal earlier that morning. He has four years of eligibility remaining after redshirting his first college season — he appeared in four games and logged 38 defensive snaps and two tackles this fall. The 6-foot-7, 255-pounder from the Kansas City area held offers from most top schools in college football as the nation’s No. 1 edge rusher in the 2024 class. Nebraska’s connection begins with senior football assistant Jamar Mozee, who was Nwaneri’s high school coach at Lee’s Summit North. Mozee convinced the teenager to play football as a freshman and his stock soared soon after while playing for one of the area’s top programs. Nwaneri as a prep senior logged 50 tackles (13 for loss) in 11 games with 23 quarterback hurries and three forced fumbles. Mozee — who once went through the recruiting process as a K.C. high-school star running back and was part of Oklahoma’s 2000 national-title team — served as one of Nwaneri’s central advisors during his recruitment. Georgia and Oklahoma were the prospect’s other finalists then. Being close to home and an extensive family of supporters was key in his evaluation. “I feel like he wasn’t biased in any way,” Nwaneri said of Mozee a year ago when he signed with Missouri. “He was coming from a place of caring about me. I thank him a lot.” Mozee celebrated with Nwaneri at the time before leaving to join UCF in February 2024 as an off-field staffer. Nebraska coach Matt Rhule hired Mozee in July. At Nwaneri’s signing ceremony last year, Mozee said the player had “pro talent” he flashed daily. “You’ve got to be careful to say that as a high school coach but there’s just not many kids like him, just being honest,” Mozee said. “Physically, the way he’s made, the way he’s built. He’s different than everybody I’ve ever seen.” Nwaneri also played multiple seasons at Lee’s Summit North with incoming Nebraska receiver Isaiah Mozee, Jamar’s son. The younger Mozee has said he leaned on Nwaneri at times during his own recruiting process that included navigating 40-plus offers. Nwaneri drew national headlines as a prep senior when the state of Missouri passed a law allowing high schoolers to earn name-image-likeness benefits once they’ve signed with a school. The legislation applies only to Missouri residents. Rhule this month praised Nebraska’s formidable financial resources made available through its 1890 collective and what’s coming with revenue sharing. It allows the Huskers to be competitive with anyone for any player, he said. That includes Nwaneri, who arrives as the Huskers reset their defensive line with a new position coach and different starters for the entire front. “We are officially now a ‘have,’” Rhule said. “We’re going to have more (resources) than most people in college football.” Get local news delivered to your inbox!Column: Brady Corbet’s epic movie ‘The Brutalist’ came close to crashing down more than once
Land is life. From the water we drink and food we eat to the air we breathe. The land also supports forests, rangelands, wetlands and other terrestrial habitats supporting millions of species; healthy land is at the heart of it all. And yet, we continue to hurt, damage and ultimately erase its very existence. This is the stark reality of land degradation, a silent crisis threatening the foundation of our planet. Around 40% of land globally is already degraded, impacting 3.2 billion people, according to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). That, however, is just today’s reality. This is a problem engulfing more land every day; in fact, every second the equivalent of four football fields of land becomes degraded. Every year, this amounts to 100 million hectares of land being degraded. In Türkiye, the threat of land degradation and desertification is an urgent and growing crisis, with nearly 60% of the country’s land classified as at-risk, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. This vulnerability is driven by climate change and unsustainable land practices, including deforestation, overgrazing and inefficient irrigation. According to research by Ankara University, the worst-hit regions include Central Anatolia, which has seen significant degradation, and also the Lake Tuz basin, which has experienced severe water depletion and salinity issues due to unsustainable agricultural expansion. In regions already susceptible to drought, these changes are making the soil less fertile and groundwater increasingly scarce, impacting an estimated 5 million people. UNCCD data shows the economic repercussions of this degradation are far-reaching. Türkiye’s agriculture sector is losing about $1 billion annually in productivity as degraded soil yields smaller harvests and more water is required for crop maintenance. As a result, more and more people are migrating from rural to urban areas. Globally, recent human history has taken a drastic toll on land. The simple truth is that the longer we take to act on land degradation, the harder it will be to reverse its devastating impact on our land, water and climate. I don’t say this to sound alarmist. I say it because for far too long it has been an unspoken truth on the international stage, one blighted by inaction. Land is intrinsically linked to our well-being as a planet and people. The UNCCD estimates that 75% of freshwater originates from vegetated land, and vegetation protects 80% of global soil. Losing vegetation leads to the loss of both soil and water resources. Healthy land ecosystems play a vital role in regulating the climate by sequestering carbon and maintaining water cycles. However, when land is degraded, these functions are compromised, leading to increased carbon emissions and exacerbating global warming. A key study by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change found agriculture, forestry and other land-use activities accounted for 23% of total human-caused emissions. The same report highlights the critical nature of land to act as a carbon sink, helping to sequester the equivalent of 29% of total CO2 emissions. In short, degrading land not only increases emissions, it erases an invaluable source for removing them from our atmosphere. As an example, land ecosystems and biodiversity are vulnerable to ongoing climate change, and weather and climate extremes; meanwhile sustainable land management is a proven means to reduce the impact of climate change. Land degradation, drought and desertification have a seismic impact on societies around the world, with the ramifications felt by almost everybody. From depleted agricultural productivity impacting parts of Europe to the extremities of food scarcity and famine, land degradation has left barely a corner of the planet untouched. Land degradation is also the enabler of drought. When the land is degraded, it loses its ability to retain moisture, further limiting crop yields and increasing vulnerability to drought. Analysis by the World Resources Institute estimates a quarter of the world’s population faces extreme water stress every year, regularly using up almost their entire water supply. That figure is set to rise by 1 billion by 2050 if we do not act. Alarmingly, as the impact of drought is felt with increasing regularity and severity around the world, so too are the demands placed on water supplies by growing populations. The same study forecasts global water demand will increase by between 20%-25% by 2050. It is why we must not just prevent further land degradation, but urgently restore it. The issue extends far beyond water and food scarcity. In regions like the Sahel, prolonged droughts and desertification have already led to mass migrations and increased competition for resources, resulting in social and political tensions. Indeed, a UNCCD report on desertification estimates that 40% of intrastate conflicts over 60 years were associated with land and natural resources. The situation may seem dire, but there is hope. The UNCCD COP16 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in December presents a unique and timely opportunity to deliver lasting impact, not just for land but also climate and biodiversity. If we are to meet the UNCCD target of restoring 1.5 billion hectares of land by 2030 then we simply can’t afford to wait another two years. Importantly, we understand the issues, and what’s at stake. The fight against land degradation is not just for scientists and policymakers; it's a collective responsibility. That is why for the first time at a UNCCD COP there will be a Green Zone, to enable the public, private sector, NGOs, scientific community, and financial institutions, to find and fund lasting solutions. Ultimately, we are doing this to amplify the voices of the 3.2 billion people impacted by land degradation, drought and desertification around the world. What, then, can we aim to achieve? Securing stronger, tangible and binding commitments from countries on land restoration will help mark a turning point in the fight against it. Land Degradation Neutrality targets are already a critical tool in ensuring action, but the reality is more nations must sign up to them with time-bound commitments to make them truly effective on a global scale. Land restoration can, and should, also be prioritized as an urgent funding need within existing multilateral mechanisms, such as those available through development banks. Furthermore, the private sector has a critical role to play. For too long land has been a resource to be used and exploited for profit. We must reverse this equation. Land should be protected not just for our well-being, but because countless businesses, supply chains and economies are built on its health. Restoring land is the most effective means to safeguard long-term business and economic security. Indeed, according to the UNCCD, every dollar invested in restoring degraded lands is estimated to bring between $7-$30 in economic returns. We must see this as an opportunity. Restoring ecosystems and soil biodiversity is among the most effective weapons against weather extremes and climate change. Restoring land will create employment and drive economic growth. In many senses, land restoration pays for itself. We need to stop thinking about the cost and focus on how much more economic productivity, and food and water security could be leveraged globally by increasing investment. Quite simply, not investing in sustainable land management costs trillions of dollars every year. In fact, the UNCCD estimates land degradation puts $44 trillion every year at moderate to high risk, roughly half of global GDP. In short, there is a tangible cost to inaction, a devastating impact on both global environments and economies that only now are we truly starting to comprehend. I hope this is the beginning of the end of land degradation. COP16 in Riyadh can be the opportunity when we finally mobilize as an international community to arrest land degradation and accelerate restoration. It is the moment to turn this silent crisis haunting so many, into a symbol of global action that reverberates around the world for decades to come.