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In preparation for the global Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit 2025, set to take place in March 2025 in Paris, France, the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) and Fruit of Sustainability convened a Stakeholder Dialogue at the Avari Hotel in Lahore. The dialogue, titled “Partnering for Healthier Food Systems & Nutrition: SMEs and Food Regulators in Focus,” aimed to address critical challenges in regulatory compliance, innovation, and collaboration to improve nutrition and food safety in Pakistan. The N4G Summit is a global platform dedicated to mobilizing financial, political, and community action to combat malnutrition and ensure healthier food systems worldwide. This Stakeholder Dialogue is a crucial initiative to connect local challenges and solutions with the global discourse, contributing actionable insights to the summit’s agenda. The dialogue brought together diverse participants, including representatives from Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), regulatory bodies, and nutrition experts. The event began with a welcome address by Sarim Mehmood, CEO and Founder of Fruit of Sustainability, followed by opening remarks from Mr. Faiz Rasool, Head of Policy & Advocacy at GAIN Pakistan, who provided an overview of Pakistan’s malnutrition landscape and emphasized the role of SMEs in transforming food systems. Dr. Talat Naseer Pasha, Director General of the Punjab Agriculture Food & Drug Authority (PAFDA), delivered special remarks highlighting the regulatory landscape in Pakistan and opportunities for fostering innovation and compliance. Participants were then divided into thematic focus groups to discuss key issues: Regulatory compliance and fostering innovation. Building SME capacity for sustained growth. Strengthening collaboration between SMEs and food regulators.
President Jimmy Carter recognized there was political value for a young congressman to be seen in proximity to the president. President Jimmy Carter, with U.S. Rep. John Cavanaugh right behind him as Carter suggested, is greeted on the tarmac by Gen. Richard H. Ellis after exiting Air Force One at SAC on Oct 22, 1977. So as Air Force One landed at Offutt Air Force Base in 1977 during Carter’s first presidential visit to the state, he offered Omaha congressman John Cavanaugh a little advice just before they exited the plane. “Stay close, John,” he said. Sure enough, the hundreds who had gathered on the tarmac to greet the president also saw Cavanaugh right in Carter’s shadow, which got Cavanaugh featured in news photos from the day. President Jimmy Carter never enjoyed much electoral success in Nebraska. The Democrat lost to Omaha native Gerald Ford in 1976 and conservative icon Ronald Reagan in 1980. But both during his four years as president and his many years after as an international champion of peace, the modest peanut farmer from Georgia gained a lot of admirers. Cavanaugh and other Nebraskans who met Carter described the former president — who died Sunday, according to his son and multiple news reports — as a kind and genuine man with a personality that sparkled as much as his signature wide-toothed grin. “What a wonderful person,” recalled Cavanaugh, a Democrat whose two terms in the House of Representatives coincided with Carter’s 1977-1981 term as president. Preston Love Jr. of Omaha also mourned Carter’s death at age 100. The North Omaha civic leader and recent Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate had the chance to meet the former president at Carter's home in 1983 as a then-staffer for Rev. Jesse Jackson. “I mourn the fact that he, to this date, has not received his due — as president, and for his post presidential exploits, which have been enormous,” Love said in 2023. Amanda Brewer, Habitat for Humanity of Omaha CEO, met Carter while volunteering to help build a Habitat home in Georgia in 1998 — an encounter that helped to inspire her to a career with the charity. "I think his legacy, and inspiration to me, is that everyone has the ability to make a difference," she said. U.S. Rep. Don Bacon offered prayers Sunday for Carter's family. "From his time as a naval officer, then as a state senator and Governor of Georgia, and finally as President, Jimmy Carter gave a lifetime of service. After serving our country, he set the standard of post-political life with his service to Habitat for Humanity. Carter first came to Nebraska during campaign trips in 1975 and 1976. He had been doing a lot of campaigning across the Missouri River for the Iowa caucuses, the first test of the presidential election cycle. In fact, Carter ultimately wrote the book on how to use early success in Iowa and New Hampshire to propel a bid for a presidential party nomination. Carter was elected in November 1976, though in Nebraska incumbent Ford pulled in 59% of the vote and prevailed in 89 of the state’s 93 counties. Carter that spring also narrowly finished second to Frank Church of Idaho in the Nebraska Democratic primary. Carter’s first visit to the state as president came on Oct. 22, 1977, when he flew into Omaha to tour the Strategic Air Command headquarters at Offutt. At the time, tensions with the Soviet Union were high. The chance that a nuclear war could be waged one day from SAC’s bunker south of Omaha was very real. Carter received a tour of both the underground command post and the doomsday plane that could launch the nation’s nuclear arsenal in a time of emergency. He also picked up the “red phone” and spoke a message of thanks to SAC servicemen around the globe for their work to prevent “the possible destruction of our nation.” At the time, there was a little internal tension within SAC, too. Carter had recently canceled the B-1 bomber program, which was strongly supported by Gen. Richard H. Ellis, the SAC Commander. Carter didn’t back off the decision. He was focused on reducing the deficit at a time of high inflation. He felt the B-1 had been made obsolete by the development of accurate cruise missiles that could fly the same speed and distance and a new generation of B-2 stealth bombers that was on the drawing table. A display at SAC headquarters had included a model of the B-1. Before the president’s visit, it was replaced with a model of a B-52. Carter also toured a B-52 on the Offutt runway. (Reagan as president revived the B-1.) Cavanaugh was given the opportunity to fly into Omaha with Carter. The two talked about depressed farm prices, a chief concern in Nebraska, and the president’s energy bill during the flight. Carter stopped in Nebraska again during a cross-country flight on June 10, 1980, to tour tornado-ravaged Grand Island. A week earlier, a freakish storm sent at least seven tornadoes descending on the city, killing five, injuring 200 and destroying or damaging nearly a third of the city. Touring the devastation with then-Gov. Charles Thone, Carter’s motorcade stopped in front of what had once been the home of Del Kosmicki. The Grand Island man told the president everyone was working together in the recovery. Carter then crossed the street and stood atop the foundation of another former home to speak. Against a backdrop of shattered houses and stripped-bare trees, he told those gathered that God had blessed them by minimizing the damage. He encouraged them to keep their selfless attitudes during the rebuilding to come. "He was very genuine and sincere," Kosmicki told the Grand Island Independent. "I thought he did a really good job." Reagan’s Nebraska campaign chair called Carter’s visit an election-year political stunt. But Thone, a Republican, defended it as a sincere effort by the president to buoy spirits in the city. Later that year, Reagan swept Nebraska with 65% of the vote. Reagan’s landslide victory nationally sent Carter back to his farm in Plains, Georgia. But the loss certainly didn't send Carter into retirement. Carter worked for decades as an international ambassador for peace and human rights, creating an all-new model for post-presidential life. Love had the chance to meet Carter in Plains in 1983. At the time, Love was the lone staffer to Rev. Jesse Jackson as he registered voters in the South and laid the groundwork for Jackson's bid for president in 1988. Carter and his wife Rosalynn were gracious hosts, Love said, providing insight into the presidency and its history and even giving the visitors a tour of the peanut operation. “While President Carter encouraged Rev. Jackson to pursue a run for president, he was very clear and forthright about the pitfalls and the realities of doing such,” Love said. “I felt after meeting him in that situation, a tremendous like and respect for the man.” Amanda Brewer, left, with Rosalynn and Jimmy Carter and Brewer's mother, Kathy Jedlicka. Brewer recalled Carter as a down-to-earth and compassionate man when she met him in 1998 while she and her mom volunteered at a Habitat home in Americus, Georgia, near Plains. Carter and his wife, who died in November 2023, had fully embraced the charity. They became among its biggest advocates and fundraisers, and even picked up hammers and saws themselves. That day, the Carters were going around thanking all the volunteers. "He used his influence, rolled up his sleeves and was willing to do the work," Brewer said. "His values aligned with Habitat's values of putting your faith in action and doing something to make the world a better place." As president, Carter will likely be best known for brokering the peace deal between Egypt and Israel. It was a prelude to his work once out of office. Cavanaugh was present on the White House lawn when the parties signed the Camp David Accords. Carter won the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize "for his decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development." But Cavanaugh said Carter actually accomplished a lot domestically, much of it overshadowed by the Iran hostage crisis and continued economic problems that largely doomed his re-election bid. With his high ethics, Carter was also the right man to lead the nation into the post-Watergate era, Cavanaugh said. “He was always kind, hard-working and thoughtful,” Cavanaugh said. “He was just a sweetheart.” President Jimmy Carter shakes hands during a visit at Offutt Air Force base on Oct. 22, 1977. Capt. David L. Young gives a tour of a B-52 to President Jimmy Carter at Offutt Air Force Base on Oct. 22, 1977. President Jimmy Carter visits Strategic Air Command on Oct 22, 1977. 1977: SAC Commander-in-Chief Gen. Richard H. Ellis leads President Jimmy Carter past experts who man the command post console at Offutt Air Force Base. President Jimmy Carter speaks at the Grand Island airport on June 10, 1980. From left are Nebraska Gov. Charles Thone, Maj. Gen. Edward Binder of the Nebraska National Guard and Grand Island Mayor Bob Kriz. Carter's visit came after seven tornadoes touched down in or near the city, killing five people and injuring 200 on the night of June 3. President Jimmy Carter gives a speech near the destroyed home of Dennis Williams home at 707 Joehnck Road in Grand Island on June 10, 1980. Seven tornadoes touched down in or near the city that, killing five people and injuring 200. President Jimmy Carter gives a speech near the destroyed home of Dennis Williams home at 707 Joehnck Road in Grand Island on June 10, 1980. Seven tornadoes touched down in or near the city that, killing five people and injuring 200. Grand Island Mayor Bob Kriz, Nebraska Gov. Charles Thone and Jimmy Carter at the Grand Generation Center on June 10, 1980. Seven tornadoes touched down in or near the city that, killing five people and injuring 200. Former President Jimmy Carter receives an honorary degree from Creighton University in September 1987. Jimmy Carter speaks in Omaha on June 6th, 1975 during his run for president. President Jimmy Carter, with U.S. Rep. John Cavanaugh right behind him as Carter suggested, is greeted on the tarmac after exiting Air Force One at SAC on Oct 22, 1977. cordes@owh.com , 402-444-1130, twitter.com/henrycordes Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.
Key moments in the life of Jimmy CarterPresident , President-Elect and more high-profile elected officials on Sunday paid tribute to former President , Biden said the world lost an “extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian” and that he lost a dear friend. He cited Carter’s compassion and moral clarity, his work to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless and advocate for the disadvantaged as examples for others. “To all of the young people in this nation and for anyone in search of what it means to live a life of purpose and meaning — the good life — study Jimmy Carter, a man of principle, faith, and humility,” Biden said in a statement. “He showed that we are great nation because we are a good people – decent and honorable, courageous and compassionate, humble and strong.” Biden added that he is ordering a state funeral for Carter in Washington. Trump posted a statement in response to Carter’s death on his social media site Truth Social. “Those of us who have been fortunate to have served as President understand this is a very exclusive club, and only we can relate to the enormous responsibility of leading the Greatest Nation in History,” he wrote. “The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude. Melania and I are thinking warmly of the Carter Family and their loved ones during this difficult time. We urge everyone to keep them in their hearts and prayers.” Former President Barack Obama posted a tribute on X. “President Carter taught all of us what it means to live a life of grace, dignity, justice and service,” he wrote. “Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to the Carter family, and everyone who loved and learned from this remarkable man.” Former Vice President Al Gore praised Carter for living “a life full of purpose, commitment and kindness” and for being a “lifelong role model for the entire environmental movement.” Carter, who left the White House in 1981 after a landslide defeat to Ronald Reagan. concentrated on conflict resolution, defending democracy and fighting disease in the developing world. Gore, who lost the 2000 presidential election to George W. Bush, remains a leading advocate for action to fight climate change. Both won Nobel Peace Prizes. Gore said that “it is a testament to his unyielding determination to help build a more just and peaceful world” that Carter is often “remembered equally for the work he did as President as he is for his leadership over the 42 years after he left office.” During Gore’s time in the White House, President Bill Clinton had an uneasy relationship with Carter. But Gore said he is “grateful” for “many years of friendship and collaboration” with Carter. Meanwhile, Clinton and his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, remembered Carter as a man who lived to serve others. “Hillary and I mourn the passing of President Jimmy Carter and give thanks for his long, good life. Guided by his faith, President Carter lived to serve others — until the very end.” The statement recalled Carter’s many achievements and priorities, including efforts “to protect our natural resources in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, make energy conservation a national priority, return the Panama Canal to Panama, and secure peace between Egypt and Israel at Camp David.” After he left office, the Clinton statement said, Carter continued efforts in “supporting honest elections, advancing peace, combating disease, and promoting democracy; to his and Rosalynn’s devotion and hard work at Habitat for Humanity — he worked tirelessly for a better, fairer world,” the statement said. California Gov. Gavin Newsom posted his tribute on X, saying the late president “was a man of rare character — whose beliefs ran true, deep, and never wavered. His candor and compassion, moral leadership, and sense of duty set a standard we all should aspire to. California joins the nation and the world in mourning his passing.” U.S. Rep Nancy Pelosi, the former Speaker of the House who hails from California, also posted on X. “At the heart of President Carter’s public service was his fervent commitment to honoring the spark of divinity within every person,” she wrote. “He always defended that spark: whether teaching Sunday school in his beloved Marantha Baptist Church, brokering the landmark Camp David Accords to pave the way to peace or building homes with Habitat for Humanity. As President, his work to restore integrity to the political arena during a difficult chapter in our history was a testament to his firm faith in the sanctity of the public good, which he always placed above his own. After leaving the White House, he carried on his service — leading perhaps the most impactful post-presidency in history. She added that Carter’s “love for his wife, First Lady Rosalynn Carter, is immortal. Their beautiful bond and partnership in service were a wonder to behold.” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer posted on X that Carter “personified the true meaning of leadership through service, through compassion, and through integrity. From his legacy as president, to his dedication to improving human rights across the globe, and his tireless efforts alongside his wife Rosalynn, in building a better world through Habitat for Humanity, he inspired millions with his unwavering commitment to justice and equality.” He added that Carter’s “faith in the American people and his belief in the power of kindness and humility leave a strong legacy. He taught us that the strength of a leader lies not in rhetoric but in action, not in personal gain but in service to others.” Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa also paid tribute to Carter in a statement. “Jimmy Carter was a man of character and integrity whose lifelong service to the greater good was most evident when he left office,” he said in a statement. “His tireless advocacy on behalf of the unhoused was something I was fortunate enough to witness firsthand and a remarkable feature of a humanitarian who never stopped believing in the dignity of our neighbors. May we continue the legacy of President Carter through acts of selfless service to others to never stop uplifting our community.” Former Georgia State Rep. Stacey Abrams shared her own tribute on X. “President Jimmy Carter lived a life of courage, fortitude, kindness and grace,” she wrote. “He was a giant who never saw anyone as smaller than himself. Whether at a Boys & Girls Club banquet or when he sponsored a medical clinic for the uninsured in his corner of rural Georgia, he lived James 2:17 each day. Jimmy Carter built homes, saved lives and tended to souls. God bless President Carter, may the family he and Mrs. Carter raised know only comfort in these days of grief.” U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff, who hails from Georgia, also posted on X, saying “Carter’s lifetime of work and and dedication to public service changed the lives of many across our state, our country and our world.” He added that Carter “will be remembered for his commitment to democracy and human rights, his enduring faith, his philanthropic leaders and his deep love of family.” THR Newsletters Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day More from The Hollywood Reporter
Edmonton Elks re-sign Tre Ford, club says he has chance to ‘take the reins’ as starting QBGian Piero Gasperini feels Atalanta ‘thoroughly deserved’ to beat Milan and accuses Paulo Fonseca of trying to ‘distract’ from the result. ‘Let the fans sing’ about the Scudetto after nine straight wins. Gasperini continues to sit out his two-match touchline ban with Tullio Gritti on the bench, but it doesn’t seem to be affecting his team’s form, as they registered a ninth consecutive Serie A victory this evening. That is a club record, one they had already achieved between February and July 2020, and puts them temporarily top of the table awaiting Napoli’s match with Lazio on Sunday. Charles De Ketelaere and Ademola Lookman met set plays , around the Alvaro Morata equaliser. “Naturally, this is a great victory against a team with undoubtedly very talented players among the best in the league and we thoroughly deserved the win. All the statistics were in our favour in a difficult match,” “Milan had a huge chance after a few seconds, then a minute later we had a big opportunity. The equaliser was frankly a bad move from us, we allowed them to get that pass through. We were worried about their pace and pressing, but for the most part we managed to neutralise those strengths and built some very good scoring opportunities of our own. “In the second half, Milan did less, but we never settled for a point, we never wasted time, never threw ourselves to the ground, we wanted to win the game and were rewarded for that attitude. Indeed, Retegui could’ve scored a third in stoppages.” a few minutes before Gasperini came to the microphone, accusing the referee of ‘lacking respect’ towards his team and steering the match in Atalanta’s direction. “If this is an attempt to talk about something else and distract attention away from the match, then that’s his prerogative,” responded Gasperini. “The De Ketelaere goal was an extraordinary leap into the sky. I don’t remember any other incidents that were debatable, unless maybe some throw-ins. “I would put the focus less on Milan and more on Atalanta’s performance. I might be biased, but I thought we absolutely deserved to win the match.” The fans at the Gewiss Stadium were chanting ‘we will win the Scudetto’ at the final whistle, so even the coach is tired of trying to calm this wave of enthusiasm. “I don’t think that ever happened in Bergamo that they’d sing that after 15 games, so let them sing! We’d never been top of the table this far into the season, they had decades of struggle, so let them enjoy it. “The people of Bergamo have their feet firmly on the ground, so don’t take anything for granted. If we were still up there after another 20 games, it’d be different, but as things stand it is an expression of joy and a deserved one too.” Gasperini has been at the club for practically a decade now, so is this his best Atalanta squad so far? “It is a very different Atalanta. I remain fond of all my teams, from the first of which there is only one player left – Toloi – to this version. The results have been remarkable, but I am not the person to put these teams in any kind of order.” Atalanta are in action on Tuesday against Real Madrid in the Champions League, where they remain unbeaten and are on track for a top eight finish. “Tomorrow we can watch the other games, then on Tuesday it is another extraordinary night for the city of Bergamo and for this club. The first target of getting through in the Champions League is close, but we can aim for a little more too.” Atalanta lost to Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup in August, but are they the favourites going into Tuesday’s clash? “That’s subjective, I wouldn’t say that, but I’ll take anything tonight!” laughed Gasperini.
BDA Advises NSSK on Sale of JEC to Obara Group
Sustainability Don't miss out on the headlines from Sustainability. Followed categories will be added to My News. Peter Dutton is again defending his plan to take Australia nuclear after the national science agency estimated it could cost at least twice as much as Labor’s renewables plan. In its latest modelling, the CSIRO put the cost of a regular large-scale nuclear plant operating 90 per cent of the time at $155 a megawatt hour. But that could blow out to $252 a megawatt hour if only used 53 per cent of the time, according to the findings. Asked about the modelling on Monday, the Opposition Leader lashed out at the independent government agency and accused Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen of meddling with it. “They haven’t even seen our plan yet, and yet they’re out bagging it,” he told reporters. Peter Dutton is defending his nuclear plan after the national science agency released damning findings about its cost. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman “It just looks to me like there’s a heavy hand of Chris Bowen in all this, and I don’t think people want to see that. “What they know about Chris Bowen at the moment is he’s wrecking the energy system, and that’s wrecking the economy. “That’s why families are facing food inflation and higher prices when they go to the supermarket.” The CSIRO’s modelling in its latest GenCost report, which it produces in partnership with the national energy operator, estimated that wind farms would produce electricity at $56 to $96 a megawatt hour, while solar farms offered an even better result at $35 and $62 a megawatt hour. Mr Dutton has not yet provided costings for his nuclear plan despite announcing it nearly six months ago. He has promised to release the figures this week, but in the absence of a figure, third party estimations have attempted to attach a price tag. The science is in Experts agree Nuclear only getting more expensive and slower for Australiaâs energy needs pic.twitter.com/MbNEwL4XTj — Chris Bowen (@Bowenchris) December 8, 2024 The Smart Energy Council has estimated it would cost between $116n-$600bn and only provide 3.7 per cent of Australia’s energy mix in 2050, based on experiences overseas and data from the CSIRO and the energy operator. It worked out at about the same cost as delivering a near 100 per cent renewables mix by 2050. Mr Bowen said in a video on social media the latest modelling “shows that the cheapest form of new energy is renewables and the most expensive form is nuclear”. “This report is crystal clear and it shows yet again renewables, even including the cost of batteries and transmission, is the best, cheapest and fastest solution for Australia’s energy challenge,” he said. Originally published as Peter Dutton accuses CSIRO of ‘bagging’ nuclear plan after costly findings Read related topics: Climate Change Join the conversation Add your comment to this story To join the conversation, please log in. Don't have an account? Register Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout More related stories Sustainability Aussies urged to avoid $1bn Christmas trap Australia’s love of gift giving has gone too far, and the unnecessary Christmas extravagance is costing us $1bn, new research reveals. Read more Environment ‘Unreliable’: Dire blackout warning Aussies are being warned they will swelter through one of the hottest summers on record, with power blackouts on the cards due to a surprising culprit. Read more
On the first day of the new legislative session, Assemblymember Avelino Valencia, D-Anaheim, introduced Assembly Constitutional Amendment 1 (ACA 1). The proposal would double the amount of state funds that could be placed in the Budget Stabilization Account (BSA) from 10% to 20% of the annual budget. The ostensible reason for the increase is to address the very real problem of revenue volatility. Because California is overly reliant on high income earners who generate massive amounts of capital gains and stock option funds in boom years, it is vulnerable to big drop-offs in revenue during the bust years. Indeed, revenue volatility has been such a large problem that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger created the California Commission for the 21st Century Economy to come up with solutions. Regrettably, while there was a broad consensus that something should be done about the boom and bust cycle, the commissioners could not agree on what to do about it. The goal of placing more funds in reserve because of volatility makes sense, if it can be accomplished without violating the letter and the spirit of Gann spending limit. Unfortunately, ACA 1, in its current form does just that. Here’s how. Just a year after Proposition 13’s passage in 1978, California voters approved the Gann spending limit which, like Prop. 13, sought to restrain the size and growth of government. But unlike Proposition 13, which was a direct limit on taxation, Gann attempted to limit government spending. It limited the growth of state and local government expenditures to a base-year level adjusted annually to reflect increases in population and inflation. Initially, the Gann limit performed as designed and resulted in a modest rebate to taxpayers in 1987. But subsequent measures backed by special interests weakened the Gann limit by creating exceptions for education and transportation spending as well as substituting a far more generous inflation factor. Ironically, after these changes, most public finance observers – including yours truly – wrongfully assumed that California would never again bump up against the limit. But a big surplus in fiscal year 2022-23 put the state on the brink of reaching that limit. While that collision was briefly avoided due to COVID-19, California once again is confronted with a Gann issue that can no longer be ignored. For taxpayers, the best outcome would be to let the Gann limit run its course and return money to taxpayers “by a revision of tax rates or fee schedules within the next two subsequent fiscal years.” Cal.Const., Art. XIIIB, Section 2(a)(2). This is consistent with the plain language of Gann and is more than warranted given California’s heavy tax burden. Related Articles Opinion Columnists | End the IRS’s worldwide tax grab Opinion Columnists | Mass deportations are bad for everyone’s liberties Opinion Columnists | The draconian penalties that Hunter Biden escaped affect people whose fathers can’t save them Opinion Columnists | California politicians suddenly discover inflation in aftermath of election Opinion Columnists | How California ranks as the most active political state But ACA 1 might prevent taxpayer refunds due to the change in treatment of transfers into the budget stabilization account. Under Gann, the state and local governments may create reserve accounts, like the BSA, but those transfers are subject to Gann’s spending limits. On the other hand, spending out of a reserve account is not so limited. As currently drafted, it appears that ACA 1 would exempt transfers out of the reserve account – currently permissible under Gann – but would also exempt appropriations into the BSA: Section (i) provides, “Transfers to the Budget Stabilization Account pursuant to this section do not constitute appropriations subject to limitation as defined in Article XIII B.” This appears to create a fund into which unlimited funds can be appropriated, guaranteeing that taxpayers will never get a refund of their tax dollars. There are better ways to address revenue volatility without injury to the goal of the Gann Spending Limit, which was enacted to provide a modicum of spending restraint in a state that doesn’t have any. California taxpayers need something more than a rainy day fund that’s all slush. Jon Coupal is president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association.Staque Joins NVIDIA Inception Program - Que Autopilots To Use NVIDIA InfrastructureEmma Thompson revealed the necklace scene from the 2003 romantic comedy 'Love Actually' was inspired by her first husband Kenneth Branagh's alleged affair with Helena Bonham Carter. Love, actually, might not be the best way to describe one of Keira Knightley's most iconic film scenes. The storied actress was only 17 when she joined the star-studded ensemble cast of "Love Actually," a 2003 romantic Christmas movie that has since become synonymous with the holiday season. Despite its popularity, Knightley admits she can't remember much from her time on set. "Most of my films I have either never seen or I have only seen once. So It’s nothing against ‘Love Actually.’ It’s lovely because it didn’t do as well as everyone thought it was going to when it came out. Suddenly, like three or four years later, it sort of took on a life of its own," she told the Los Angeles Times. 'PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN' STAR KEIRA KNIGHTLEY SAYS SHE WAS 'TAKEN DOWN PUBLICLY,' TRAUMATIZED AFTER FILM Keira Knightley was one of several big actors in the ensemble cast of the 2003 Christmas film, "Love Actually." (Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images) "It’s the only film I’ve had that found this life afterwards. The problem is, I was on it for about five days. I was 17, so I don’t actually have any memory whatsoever of it." Keira Knightley says "Love Actually" is her only project that has resonated with an audience past its initial release. (Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images) The movie, which weaves its characters together through a variant of love stories, includes a newlywed couple, Juliet and Peter, played by Knightley and Chiwetel Ejiofor, respectively. Their wedding is filmed by Peter's best man, Mark (played by Andrew Lincoln), who is secretly in love with Juliet. In what is now an iconic scene, Mark comes to Juliet's door to profess his love for her, cue cards in tow. Standing outside the couple's doorstep with a boombox playing "Silent Night," unbeknownst to his pal Peter, Mark has Juliet read the cards, telling her his true feelings. Andrew Lincoln, who portrays Mark in "Love Actually," shuffles through a series of cards to profess his love for Juliet (played by Keira Knightley). (Maximum Film/Alamy Stock Photo) The scene hasn't aged well, with many acknowledging a bizarre undertone of inappropriateness, one that Knightley can recall feeling on set and voicing to director Richard Curtis. "The slightly stalkerish aspect of it – I do remember that," Knightley reflected of filming. "My memory is of Richard, who is now a very dear friend, of me doing the scene, and him going, ‘No, you’re looking at [Lincoln] like he’s creepy,’ and I’m like, ‘But it is quite creepy.'" "And then having to redo it to fix my face to make him seem not creepy," she added. Keira Knightley said during filming in 2003, she raised her concerns with director Richard Curtis. (Universal/Courtesy Everett Collection) LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS "I mean, there was a creep factor at the time, right?" Knightley, now 39, said. "Also, I knew I was 17. It only seems like a few years ago that everybody else realized I was 17," she said of her age when filming. Lincoln, whom her character Juliet runs after and kisses, was 29 at the time. Lincoln, for his part, remembered having similar concerns in an interview with Vanity Fair in 2017. "I kept saying to Richard, ‘Are you sure I’m not going to come off as a creepy stalker?’" he said. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER In 2023, Richard gave an interview with The Independent where he acknowledged the inherent weirdness of the scene. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP "I think it’s a bit weird. I mean, I remember being taken by surprise about seven years ago, I was going to be interviewed by somebody and they said, ‘Of course, we’re mainly interested in the stalker scene,’ and I said, ‘What scene is that?’ And then I was, like, educated in it," he said. "All I can say is that a lot of intelligent people were involved in the film at the time, and we didn’t think it was a stalker scene." Hugh Grant , Emma Thompson, Liam Neeson, Laura Linney and Colin Firth also appeared in the film. Caroline Thayer is an entertainment writer. Follow Caroline Thayer on Twitter at @ carolinejthayer and LinkedIn . Story tips can be sent to caroline.thayer@fox.com.
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New York Rangers officially sign star goaltender Igor Shesterkin to a record-breaking dealCHICAGO: A prominent Arab American businessman from Michigan has called on Arab and Muslim communities to abandon the boycott strategy they adopted during Donald Trump’s first presidency and instead engage with his administration to address pressing issues, including the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. However, an Arizona civil rights attorney cautioned that the plea coincides with what he views as a concerning surge in anti-Arab racism and Islamophobia. Speaking on “The Ray Hanania Radio Show,” Ned Fawaz, president of the Lebanese International Business Council and founder of the American Arab Chamber of Commerce in Michigan; and David Chami, a civil rights attorney representing students sanctioned by Arizona State University for anti-Israel protests, urged the community to prioritize dialogue over boycotts. They acknowledged what they view as Trump’s polarizing reputation and pro-Israel cabinet appointments, and argued that there is a rising tide of hatred toward Arabs and Muslims, but also highlighted the importance of engagement to influence policymaking. Fawaz said that dialogue is essential to influencing US policy. “It’s bad to boycott. After all, we’re American. We have issues (other than just) the Middle East as well. And I think we should all dialogue and talk, and be ready to communicate with the president, with any administration, because we cannot just sit aside and do nothing.” He urged Arab Americans to seize “every opportunity” to push Trump to end the violence and foster a climate for lasting peace, including support for the two-state solution for Palestinians. “Yes, always, negotiation makes better sense than boycotting. We believe in evolution. We do not believe in revolution. So, that’s the way it should be,” Fawaz said, highlighting the importance of engaging with the US president regardless of who holds the office, to address issues affecting both Arab American citizens and the Middle East. Trump, who defeated Democratic rival Kamala Harris in both the electoral college and by popular vote on Nov. 5, remains a controversial figure in the Arab American community. However, as suggested by a pre-election survey by Arab News, many view Trump as the leader best equipped to end the Gaza conflict, despite his perceived closeness to Israel. During his first term, Arab Americans overwhelmingly supported Democrat Hillary Clinton during the election and grew frustrated with Trump’s policies in office, including his anti-immigration stances and strong backing of Israel. The community boycotted several key initiatives, such as the 2020 Peace to Prosperity Conference in Bahrain, organized by Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, and opposed the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and some Arab states like the UAE, Morocco and Bahrain. Adding to an already complex geopolitical situation, on Thursday, after months of deliberation, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former defense minister Yoav Gallant and Hamas official Mohammed Deif, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity. The charges stem from the war in Gaza and the October 2023 attacks that triggered Israel’s extensive offensive in the Palestinian territory. While the suspects are unlikely to appear before judges at The Hague — since Israel is not an ICC member — the announcement could influence the dynamics of the conflict. The full extent of its repercussions remains unclear. In an almost bipartisan statement, the US strongly condemned the ICC’s decision, diverging from the more cautious responses of its allies. President Joe Biden called the arrest warrants “outrageous,” saying: “Let me be clear once again: Whatever the ICC might imply, there is no equivalence — none — between Israel and Hamas. We will always stand with Israel against threats to its security.” Mike Waltz, the incoming national security adviser, dismissed the ICC’s credibility, claiming its allegations had been refuted by the US government. “You can expect a strong response to the antisemitic bias of the ICC and UN come January,” he said. Fawaz, while analyzing Trump’s potential influence in the region, acknowledged the former president’s unwavering support for Israel and his close alliance with Netanyahu, describing it as a possible obstacle. However, he highlighted Trump’s personal connections to the Arab community, noting that his daughter Tiffany is married to Lebanese American Michael Boulos, whose father, Massad Boulos, was a vocal supporter of Trump and the Arab Americans for Trump group. However, Fawaz acknowledged the significant challenges posed by Trump’s cabinet selections. Many of his appointees are staunchly pro-Israel and have made controversial statements about Palestinians. These include the former governor of Arkansas, Mike Huckabee, nominated as US ambassador to Israel, who once claimed that “there is no such thing as Palestinians” and opposes the two-state solution. Republican Sen. Marco Rubio, expected to serve as secretary of state, has openly supported Israel’s military actions in Gaza, opposing calls for a ceasefire while advocating for additional funding and weaponry for Israel. “The secretary of defense also has an extreme Zionist position. I think, even with all of that, we must continue to negotiate, continue the dialogue, to interact with the administration,” Fawaz said, referencing the nomination of Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News host and Iraq war veteran. “Hopefully there will (be) some people who are fair, who are good for the US government, they are good for the US people, good for the taxpayers and they see some fair issue,” he said. “They will not allow this kind of genocide that has taken place in Lebanon or in Gaza.” Since the outbreak of the conflict in October 2023, the US administration has consistently voiced its support for Israel, which has drawn widespread criticism for what many experts describe as excessive use of force. In 14 months of conflict, about 44,000 people, including one-third of them children, have been killed in Gaza, while more than 3,500 deaths have been reported in Lebanon, many caused by US-made and supplied weapons. Speaking on a separate segment of the show, attorney Ahmad Chami claimed that there has been a surge in anti-Arab racism and Islamophobia, which he said is not an aberration, but a continuation of systemic hostility toward Arab and Muslim Americans, exacerbated by Israel’s wars in Gaza and Lebanon. Chami criticized the inconsistent responses of US politicians, claiming they are quick to act against discrimination targeting other groups but hesitant to address anti-Arab racism or Islamophobia for fear of being labeled antisemitic. “We are too easily the villains for our government and our media,” Chami said, citing the Arizona State University lawsuit as an example of the suppression of pro-Palestinian protests. “We’re so worried about the perception that this anti-Israeli policy protest is going to have on the poor innocent Jewish Americans that we are willing to suppress free speech, and pass bills, and attempt to pass bills labeling Students for Justice in Palestine as ‘terrorist sympathizers’.” Chami described this as a double standard that minimizes public attention to anti-Arab racism while amplifying narratives that favor Israel, and pointed to a rise in hate crimes against Arabs and Muslims in the US — an increase of 71 percent in the first half of 2024, according to Chami — that has been “vastly underreported.” Citing the recent attack by a 64-year-old Jewish woman in Downers Grove, a suburb of Chicago, Illinois, who verbally and physically assaulted a Muslim man and his pregnant wife at a coffee shop because the husband was wearing a sweatshirt with the word “Palestine” on it, Chami argued that this atmosphere allows people to “feel protected and emboldened” to attack Arabs or Muslims with impunity. “That is a systematic problem,” he said. “That is a problem with our government allowing these people to feel like, I can attack an Arab, I can attack someone I perceive as Muslim or even pro-Palestinian, and I’ll be fine.” Chami linked this environment to political factors portraying Arabs and Muslims as terrorists, which he said devalues Arab and Muslim lives while elevating those of pro-Israel or Jewish individuals. Chami also revealed that documents from his lawsuit against Arizona State University suggest the Anti-Defamation League lobbied university officials to treat anti-Israel protests as acts of violence. “They (ADL) call themselves a civil rights organization, but they’re very clearly, in my view, an organization that is a political organization that is intended to protect not only Jewish Americans, but more importantly, Israeli interests,” Chami said, accusing the group of pressuring institutions like the ASU to silence pro-Palestinian voices. Fawaz echoed the need for change at both local and international levels, pointing to Trump’s administration as a potential avenue for such transformation. “Change is always possible,” he said, citing Trump’s frequent cabinet reshuffles during his first term. While Trump has yet to appoint Arab Americans to key roles, Fawaz said that there are many qualified individuals in the community. “There are some capable Arab Americans in politics, all over the US,” he said. “And he can select someone who is fair, who can be our voice.” He also highlighted efforts by Massad Boulos to act as a liaison between Trump and the Lebanese community. “We hope Boulos succeeds and secures a position where he can make a difference,” he said. Although Biden initiated outreach to Arab Americans during his first year in office and appointed two dozen Arab Americans to White House and State Department roles, Fawaz criticized the administration for curbing their influence by barring them from speaking publicly on Middle East issues. He expressed hope that this would change under Trump’s leadership, though, in this increasingly intricate political landscape, much remains to be seen.
IAG shares slip as insurer faces second class actionJimmy Carter, 39th US president, Nobel winner, dies at 100A “mystery disease” recently struck the south-western corner of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), killing between 67 and 143 people over two weeks . The disease was reported to cause flu-like symptoms of fever, headache, cough and anaemia. An epidemiologist told Reuters that it was mainly women and children who were seriously affected by the disease. But little else is known about the disease so far. Health officials in the DRC are urgently investigating this incident to identify the cause of this deadly outbreak. Initially, they would consider possible diseases known to be endemic to the region such as malaria, dengue or Chikungunya . However, they are likely to face difficulties detecting the cause because of diagnostic testing infrastructure issues , as well as difficulties with sample collections, transport of those samples to laboratory and testing. In low-income countries, such as the DRC, many clinical laboratories can only test for common pathogens. Limitations in the quality and performance of some of their clinical laboratories are also a problem. If it is not one of the usual suspects, the detection of rarer pathogens often requires samples to be sent to more specialist laboratories that can do specialised tests, such as gene sequencing. This could mean that samples need to be sent to laboratories abroad. However, the international sharing of such biological samples is highly contentious over concerns that the benefits of doing so are often not fairly shared between countries. Another priority for local health officials is to understand the extent and severity of the outbreak. The high mortality and number of cases of people affected are alarming. However, it is not easy to work out the true extent of such outbreaks, as not all infected patients will be detected. Not all infected people seek care. Clinics may be few and far between, especially in remote areas, and are often understaffed. Indeed, the DRC has fewer than two doctors per 10,000 population (by comparison the UK which has more than 31 doctors per 10,000 population). Even if patients did attend a hospital or clinic, not all infections would be diagnosed. Not all patients would be tested for infection, and not all detected infections are reported to the health authorities. The lack of information about the cause, extent and number of infected people makes it hard to accurately assess the threat it poses. But this is not an isolated risk. Outbreaks of new infectious diseases have occurred regularly over the years . This is partly driven by climate change, changing population demography, urbanisation and deforestation that enables the “spillover” of infections from animals to humans. Unfortunately, our global infectious disease radar is broken. Disease surveillance is fragmented globally . In poorer countries, there will be many areas where diseases are not detected or are detected late. Surveillance services are often poorly resourced and understaffed, staff often lack training or supervision, and reporting may not be standardised. There is also often a significant delay from the time a person gets infected, and is diagnosed with the disease, to the time it is reported to the public health authorities . This in turn delays disease control responses to outbreaks. These problems are worse in resource-poor settings, such as in sub-Saharan Africa. What solutions are being tried? One World Health Organization (WHO) initiative being trialled in several countries across Africa, South America and south Asia, is the 7-1-7 initiative . This sets aspirational targets for outbreaks of infectious diseases to be detected within seven days, notified to public health authorities within a day, and seven days to complete an initial response. This is a laudable aim but it may still be too late for fast-moving outbreaks. Another solution is to better integrate and better coordinate existing surveillance activities and systems. One such WHO initiative is Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR), which has mainly been deployed in Africa over the past two decades. IDSR has had mixed success so far. A recent review found information technology system issues, financial constraints and data-sharing problems, as well as workforce gaps. Other global initiatives include the International Pathogen Surveillance Network brought together by the WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence, and recent efforts to promote collaborative surveillance across different agencies and sectors (from human health to animal health and the environment) to work together and share information as well as expertise. The effectiveness of such initiatives remains to be seen, but they are a step in the right direction. Without better disease surveillance globally, we may not detect the next pandemic until it is too late. Andrew Lee has previously received research funding from the National Institute for Health Research. He is a member of the UK Faculty of Public Health and the Royal Society for Public Health, and has previously worked for Public Health England. He was previously funded by the International Association of National Public Health Institutes as a technical advisor for their global review of disease surveillance.
Only four players have netted more goals than Wolves' Matheus Cunha in the first 18 matches of this Premier League season. Alexander Isak is the only player to have achieved this feat without the aid of a single penalty. When you factor in Cunha's assists (four), he ranks sixth in the league for overall contributions. This achievement is even more impressive considering Wolves are currently languishing in 17th place, teetering just above the relegation zone. The next player from a higher-placed team on this list is Bryan Mbeumo of Brentford, who sits in 12th place. He is followed by Jarrod Bowen of West Ham, who is 13th in the league and 17th in the contribution chart. Such statistics are significant indicators of a player's worth, value, and performance. It's no surprise then that Liverpool are reportedly interested in Wolves' star player. As we head into 2025, Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Newcastle are all said to be vying for Cunha. Despite the interest and his impressive form, Cunha is not reported to be seeking a move away next month, reports the Liverpool Echo . However, he is certainly one to watch in the upcoming winter and summer transfer windows. After finishing last season with 12 goals and seven assists - only one of which was a penalty - Cunha's consistent performances are demanding attention. Having shown promise at Hertha Berlin and Atletico Madrid, he is now emerging as a standout player in the Premier League. Despite his tender years, the Brazilian international has always commanded hefty transfer fees. RB Leipzig shelled out over £10million to secure him as a teenager before nearly doubling their investment two years later in a Bundesliga switch. Fast forward 18 months and it was Diego Simeone again forking out almost twice as much with Atleti. Wolves were swayed by his six-month loan stint and splashed out over £45million to bring him to Molineux. It's rumoured that at least the same amount will be needed to prise Cunha away from Wolves in 2025. Given his current form, it's a price tag that's hard to dispute. If anything, considering the current market rates, it's probably less than might have been anticipated. Wolves aren't under any pressure to sell at the moment, and their fortunes have started to improve under Vitor Pereira. If they manage to avoid relegation, it will only strengthen their resolve to retain him. Such has been Cunha's meteoric rise, his estimated value has skyrocketed along with his reputation in the game. Shortly after his loan move to Wolves, Transfermarkt valued him at just over £25million. That figure has steadily increased, reflecting his significant influence on the pitch. This time last year, his price tag was pegged at just under £30million, ending last season at over £40million - a valuation in line with Wolves' assessment of him as a player. Now, it sits even higher at nearly £45million. The CIES Football Observatory concurs, valuing him at £43million earlier this season. Liverpool will have to dig deep to lure him away from the Midlands, and it's a bitter pill to swallow considering how his stock has risen and how readily available he might have been in the past. However, when you're competing at the top of the table, there's little room for manoeuvre and waiting for Cunha to hit his stride isn't much of an option either. The fact that he was snapped up for £25million just over three years ago and is now worth significantly more is a tough blow. But that's the nature of the game at the highest level, and Liverpool may well see it as a fair price to pay now.
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HUNDREDS of trans hospital patients have been admitted as women despite having conditions only suffered by men. Analysis by The Sun suggests at least 482 were admitted as female in a year despite having prostate, testicle or penis issues. 2 Tory MP Sir John Hayes has slammed the NHS, saying you 'cannot change biology' Credit: Handout They included 263 who suffered hyperplasia in the prostate — a non-cancerous enlargement of the gland that cannot occur in biological women as they do not have prostates. Another 85 had prostate cancer and 48 had “disorders of male genitals”. Figures cover the year to March at hospitals in England and Wales. NHS rules allow trans patients to have their gender changed on databases but kept off patient records. READ MORE HEALTH NEWS TRIED AND TESTED From stress-free fungi to prostate gummies - we test men's health products ASK DR JEFF From prostate cancer to back pain, Dr Jeff answers your health questions One GP insisted: “There’s pressure on staff not to offend patients. “But the fact they are recorded as women in the statistics is ridiculous.” Tory MP Sir John Hayes said: “You cannot change biology. “It is an immutable fact that these conditions only appear in biological men.” Most read in Health HEALTH HELL One minute we were fine, the next we woke up with no arms or legs LITTLE MIRACLES Couple pregnant with IVF twins stunned to discover a third baby's heart NHS' FAT FEES Cost to NHS of caring for obese Brits revealed - including £91k on dolls SHOT IN THE DARK From flatulence to cross dressing, side effects of covid vaccines revealed He added: “The fact the NHS is pandering to this is nonsense.” The NHS said: “These statistics report the gender registered by patients and therefore include trans women, with further patient details included in their health records.” Kids will never again be told they would be happier as trans, vows Gillian Keegan in clampdown on sex education 2 Over 482 patients were admitted to hospital as female in a year despite having prostate, testicle or penis issues (stock picture) Credit: alamy
Jalandhar: There does not appear to be any smooth implementation of two Akal Takht directives to Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) pertaining to its working. While Akal Takht jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh on Sunday gave 20 days to SAD to accept former chief Sukhbir Singh Badal ’s resignation and, by doing so, increased it from the initial three days, the seven-member committee formed for enrolment in SAD has not started functioning or even coordinating within. The biggest hiccup is an argument being given by a section of SAD leadership: that their taking decisions on Akal Takht’s directives could lead to legal complications and become a challenge to the party’s registration with the Election Commission of India. SAD Sudhar Lehar convener Gurpartap Singh Wadala, a member of the seven-member committee, said there had been no initial coordination within the committee. “We can work only if a process of coordination is initiated within the committee by the SGPC president Harjinder Singh Dhami, who heads it,” he said. Dhami told TOI he had conveyed to the Akal Takht jathedar that SAD acting on its directives could be seen as a case of a religious authority directing a political party. “I called upon the jathedar on Friday and discussed this. I have requested jathedar sahib to take advice from legal luminaries, so that the Akali Dal remains on a sound footing. We can start working after that,” Dhami said. Sources in SAD said this argument, of risk to SAD’s registration as a political party, was being strongly given in the top circles of the party, even as there was the ostensible reason that the party’s working president, Balwinder Singh Bhunder, and members of the working committee were also performing ‘tankhah’. SAD leaders had given this argument earlier when Akal Takht jathedar and four other high priests ordered Virsa Singh Valtoha’s expulsion from SAD for 10 years. As a way out, SAD accepted Valtoha’s resignation without referring to the Akal Takht directive. Certain other directives by Akal Takht on Dec 2 are set to impact Sukhbir’s political career, including the taking back of the ‘Path Ratan Fakhr-E-Qaum’ title from his father, late Parkash Singh Badal, posthumously, and the observation “this leadership has lost the moral right to lead the Akali Dal”. However, these two directives – pertaining to his resignation and membership drive – could have a bearing on his and his aides’ careers. The pronouncement from Akal Takht laid emphasis that the membership drive should be genuine and Aadhaar cards, etc., should be used to eliminate any bogus enrolment. Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India . Don't miss daily games like Crossword , Sudoku , and Mini Crossword .
The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) denies it has been lobbied to change a commissioner to sway an investigation into former premier Thaksin Shinawatra 's police hospital detention. NACC secretary-general Sarote Phuengramphan, who is also the agency's spokesman, denied lobbying had taken place to change the commissioner in charge of the case, as reported. The lobbying was alleged by activist and former red shirt leader Jatuporn Prompan who claimed during a live session on Facebook on Dec 25 that an attempt was made to coax Ekkawit Watchawanku into stepping aside as commissioner in charge of the Thaksin hospital detention case. Mr Sarote said on Sunday the NACC has accepted the case for probe with the entire panel of commissioners supervising the process. The NACC earlier this month agreed to investigate officials accused of letting Thaksin stay in relative comfort at the Police General Hospital (PGH) instead of prison. Thaksin, sentenced to eight years in prison across three cases before receiving royal clemency, reducing his term to one year, was detained in a ward on the 14th floor of the hospital for approximately six months. He was paroled and discharged from the PGH on Feb 18, completing his one-year prison term on Aug 31. The commission decided to take up the case in response to claims that officials at the Department of Corrections and the hospital sent Thaksin to the PGH so he did not have to serve his term in prison. Thaksin spent 180 days at the PGH, although he was believed not to have been seriously ill. The NACC said it had gathered enough facts, witnesses and evidence to conduct the probe so decided to proceed with the case. The investigation would focus on 12 officials at the Department of Corrections and the PGH, the commission said. On his Facebook session, Mr Jatuporn said Mr Ekkawit was subject to lobbying to stand down in favour of another commissioner. The activist suggested the lobbying may have come from someone within the commission. He said Mr Ekkawit, a former Supreme Court chief justice, assumed a prominent role in the probe and it was natural for him to be target of lobbying to have him sidelined. Although a switch of commissioner in charge may not end in the case being dropped, it would at least delay the investigation, Mr Jatuporn said. However, Mr Jatuporn said it was up to Mr Ekkawit if he would cave in to pressure. "My message to NACC is simply this. The country had endured enough tribulations. The agency must recognise that there are no secrets in the world," he said.Olivia Hussey, star of the 1968 film 'Romeo and Juliet,' dies at 73