Tag Archives: infrastructure

YouTube’s Justine Ryst on Cinema Classics: ‘On YouTube, Films Don’t Disappear, They Live Again’

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YouTube Celebrates 20 Years as a Cultural Platform for Heritage Film

LYON, France — Speaking at the International Classic Film Market (MIFC) in Lyon during YouTube’s 20th anniversary celebrations, Justine Ryst, head of YouTube’s France & Southern Europe branch, made a bold declaration: “YouTube is ‘the platform’ for heritage film, a place where culture endures, bridging generations of audiences.”

Addressing an audience of industry professionals from across Europe at the world’s largest market dedicated to classic film, Ryst emphasized YouTube’s vital role as an ally in preserving cinema history. While her remarks focused on the French market, their relevance extends well beyond France’s borders.

“In the U.S.,” Ryst reminded the crowd, “YouTube has become the most-watched video provider on television, outpacing traditional TV and other platforms.” She described YouTube as a unique space where contemporary viewing habits and classic cinema intersect, offering a kind of afterlife for film and television history by introducing these works to new online audiences.

“On YouTube,” she explained, “films and programs don’t disappear; they live again through clips, restorations, recommendations, and new forms of engagement.” According to Ryst, this ongoing dialogue between generations of viewers is central to YouTube’s role in cultural preservation.

She highlighted how young audiences discover films their parents once loved—often through a thumbnail image, a remix, or a short clip that draws them back to the original work. Ryst also praised the growing community of creators who produce curated film shows, breathing new life into heritage cinema for digital-native viewers.

Ryst was keen to clarify a common misconception: “YouTube is not a channel but a platform.” It does not produce or editorialize content but provides the infrastructure governed by algorithms and community guidelines. “YouTube is regulated by strict rules, and we take our responsibility seriously,” she emphasized, while adding that the platform’s defining feature remains personalization.

“Show me your YouTube and I’ll tell you who you are,” she joked, to laughter from the audience.

Highlighting success stories in France, Ryst pointed to the Institut National de l’Audiovisuel (INA), the country’s vast audiovisual archive. INA has uploaded thousands of hours of content—from classic television programs to historic interviews—across some 50 thematic channels.

“INA has developed a masterclass in multi-format strategy,” Ryst noted. “You can create short vertical clips, as well as longer videos of 10, 20, or even 90 minutes. They produce podcasts and live streams, with thousands of excerpts on every subject, uploaded rapidly to match current social topics. It’s a case study in bringing images from 50 years ago back to light.”

The second example she praised was Arte, the Franco-German cultural channel, known for its “strategy of omnipresence” across linear TV, its website, and more than 30 thematic YouTube channels. This strategy enables Arte to reach diverse audiences interested in arthouse cinema, pop culture, science, and more.

“These examples show that it’s not about competing with the platform, but using it to amplify reach,” Ryst explained.

Looking ahead, Ryst discussed the growing role of artificial intelligence within YouTube’s ecosystem, especially in areas like dubbing and translation. These AI tools have the potential to make French and European works more accessible, helping them cross language barriers and reach international audiences.

“These tools can be incredibly powerful for rights holders to take their work as far as possible,” she said. “It’s especially valuable when rights holders build direct communities on YouTube — what I call a live asset. When you approach distributors or represent other films, you can demonstrate that your YouTube community represents thousands, even millions of subscribers, and that you have millions of hours of content in your asset. That’s credibility.”

Ryst’s insights align with YouTube’s global strategy, which was also highlighted at this week’s Mipcom event. There, the platform’s significant presence underscored its pivotal role in the creator economy and TV industry. Industry leaders discussed how YouTube bridges traditional media and digital content, fostering new business models and collaborations with major studios.

In closing, Ryst reflected on YouTube’s longevity as both a technology company and cultural platform. “We’ve been around for 20 years,” she said, “and we hope to be around for at least another 20.”

https://variety.com/2025/film/global/justine-ryst-cinema-classics-youtube-films-dont-disappear-1236555356/

Russian Drones, Missiles ‘Still Terrorizing Ukraine,’ Zelenskyy Says Ahead Of Meeting With Trump

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**Zelenskyy Says Swarm of Russian Drones Attacked His Hometown Ahead of White House Meeting**

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that a swarm of Russian drones struck his hometown, Kryviy Rih, in southeastern Ukraine on the evening of October 16, just before his scheduled meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House.

Zelenskyy described the attack as a stark example of how Russia continues to “terrorize Ukraine.” He noted that dozens more attack drones were observed in Ukrainian skies, along with missile launches targeting critical infrastructure. “In fact, not a single night in recent weeks has passed without Russian strikes on Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said in a post on X after arriving in Washington ahead of talks with Trump.

Highlighting the ongoing conflict, Zelenskyy emphasized that Russia will only stop the war when it can no longer sustain it. He stressed that Russia’s readiness for peace is demonstrated not through words but by ceasing attacks and killings. “Therefore, every air defense system for Ukraine matters,” he asserted. “Every decision that can strengthen us brings the end of the war closer. Security can be guaranteed if everything we have agreed on, including here in Washington, is implemented.”

### Discussions on Air Defenses and Long-Range Capabilities Expected

The upcoming talks between Trump and Zelenskyy are expected to cover Ukraine’s air defense needs and long-range strike capabilities. There is particular focus on the possibility of the US supplying Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles, a key point amid escalating tensions.

Earlier on October 16, Trump surprised many by announcing that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin had spoken by phone and agreed to meet in Budapest. According to Trump’s social media statement, a meeting of high-level advisers is planned for the following week to prepare for the summit, with an aim “to see if we can bring this ‘inglorious’ war, between Russia and Ukraine, to an end.”

Trump also revealed that the US delegation would be led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The precise location for the meeting remains undecided, but Trump expects it to occur “within two weeks” and be hosted by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Orban, who has maintained cordial relations with Russia and been skeptical about military aid to Ukraine, welcomed the planned summit. On X, he described it as “great news for the peace-loving people of the world” and declared, “We are ready!”

### Kremlin and White House Praise Phone Call

Both the Kremlin and the White House hailed the Trump-Putin phone call as “good” and “productive.” Kremlin foreign policy adviser Yury Ushakov described the conversation as “extremely frank and trustful” and indicated that further details would be discussed in an upcoming call between Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

Ushakov conveyed that Putin told Trump supplying Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine would not alter the battlefield situation but would undermine peace efforts and damage US-Russia relations.

### Zelenskyy Sees Signs of Moscow’s Eagerness to Resume Dialogue

After arriving in Washington, Zelenskyy posted on Telegram that Russia’s response suggested a keen interest in resuming dialogue, particularly upon hearing of possible US support with Tomahawk missiles. “We can already see that Moscow is rushing to resume dialogue as soon as it hears about Tomahawks,” he remarked on X.

### Trump and Zelenskyy Hold Two Calls Amid Missile Talks

Over the weekend, Trump and Zelenskyy spoke twice as discussions intensified regarding the potential US decision to provide Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine. While Trump has not ruled out supplying the weapons, on October 16 he expressed concern about depleting US Tomahawk stockpiles.

Tomahawk missiles have a range of up to 2,500 kilometers—enough to reach Moscow from Ukraine—and can be equipped with nuclear warheads. Trump described them as a “vicious, offensive, and incredibly destructive weapon,” adding, “Nobody wants Tomahawks shot at them.”

Trump confirmed mentioning Tomahawks during his call with Putin, who “didn’t like the idea.” The missile debate underscores the complex balance between supporting Ukraine’s defense and managing broader geopolitical risks.

—

*Stay tuned for further updates as diplomatic efforts and military developments continue to unfold.*
https://www.rferl.org/a/zelenskyy-trump-russia-ukraine-tomahawks-putin/33562274.html

ChainUp Marks 8-Year Anniversary as Institutional Demand for Crypto Infrastructure Surges

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SINGAPORE, Oct. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As the digital asset industry matures from a speculative frontier into a core pillar of global finance, ChainUp is marking its eight-year anniversary by reinforcing its commitment to building the secure, compliant infrastructure that powers this new era. This milestone underscores a strategic vision to meet the accelerating demand for institutional-grade digital asset solutions, with a clear focus on scaling in the world’s most dynamic markets.

“The demand for institutional-grade solutions is driving the next wave of global digital asset growth. This is no longer an industry of a few pioneers, but an ecosystem built for sophisticated businesses that require trust and security at their core,” said Sailor Zhong, Founder & CEO of ChainUp. “Our focus has always been on providing the essential infrastructure that builds trust in this industry, and the market’s overwhelming response validates that vision.”

### Institutional Momentum Reshaping the Market

The broader digital asset landscape is entering a new growth phase, driven by regulated products, tokenized assets, and participation from traditional finance. Key indicators of this structural shift include:

– **ETF Expansion:** The global Bitcoin ETFs have surpassed US$153 billion, highlighting soaring institutional interest. This momentum is creating a powerful spillover effect into corporate treasury strategies, providing treasurers and CFOs with the confidence and validation to consider holding digital assets directly on their balance sheets. As new approvals for crypto-related exchange-traded products (ETPs) accelerate, this trend is further normalizing digital assets as a core component of modern financial portfolios.

– **Regulatory Clarity:** Landmark events such as the passage of the GENIUS Act — which provided crucial clarity to stablecoins — and new frameworks streamlining spot ETF approvals are creating a more predictable and favorable environment for digital asset adoption in major global markets.

– **Tokenization’s Ascent:** Assets Under Management (AUM) for tokenized funds has nearly quadrupled over the past year, as institutions embrace on-chain liquidity. This signals a clear transition toward a financial system built on secure, digital rails.

– **Market Convergence:** Leading crypto exchanges are advancing toward a Universal Exchange (UEX) model that unites digital assets, tokenized securities, and traditional markets in one ecosystem.

### A Strategic Roadmap for a Digital-First Future

With institutional adoption accelerating, ChainUp is positioned to lead the industry’s next chapter by delivering the infrastructure required for secure, compliant, and scalable digital finance. The company’s strategic vision is anchored by a multi-pillar approach:

#### The Foundation of Trust: Institutional Custody

The institutional digital asset custody market is experiencing a period of unprecedented growth. This surge in capital is driven not only by ETFs but a fundamental shift in how corporations manage their reserves. With over $113 billion in Bitcoin held in corporate treasuries, the demand for secure, professional crypto asset management is now at an all-time high.

ChainUp’s zero-incident security record over the past 8 years underpins its commitment to providing the ultimate safeguard for digital assets. Leveraging advanced technologies like multi-party computation (MPC), ChainUp’s institutional-grade custody solution serves as the essential bridge between traditional finance and the crypto economy.

#### Driving Value: Real-World Assets (RWAs) Tokenization

Tokenization of real-world assets has emerged as a key trend, with the market projected to reach $10 trillion by 2030. ChainUp’s infrastructure directly addresses this burgeoning market by providing the secure, scalable models needed to unlock trillions in value.

The company’s white-label tokenization platform enables the creation, management, and secure custody of tokenized assets such as private equity, commodities like gold, real estate, fine art, intellectual property, and more.

#### A Regulatory Backbone: Compliance-First Infrastructure

Navigating a complex and evolving regulatory landscape remains a top priority for institutional clients. ChainUp’s infrastructure is designed to meet this challenge head-on, offering modular solutions that can quickly adapt to new international standards.

Complemented by a suite of compliance tools and advisory services, this approach enables businesses to achieve regulatory clarity, mitigate legal risk, and conduct robust due diligence and risk assessments in an increasingly regulated environment.

#### Real-World Utility of Crypto: Infrastructure for the Digital Economy

The global stablecoin market is projected to exceed US$3.7 trillion by 2030, establishing it as a key driver of transactional volume. ChainUp is positioned to power this growth by providing secure infrastructure for crypto real-world utility.

This includes next-generation payment solutions designed to seamlessly integrate digital assets into daily transactions for both businesses and consumers.

### A New Frontier: Global Strategic Expansion

With key markets like North America and Europe at the forefront of regulatory clarity and institutional adoption, they represent a central pillar of ChainUp’s expansion. The company is committed to building a strong presence in these dynamic markets, leveraging recent regulatory progress to accelerate its delivery of secure and compliant infrastructure.

This strategic move is aimed at attracting a broader client base and accelerating ChainUp’s global scaling.

### Pioneering the Future of Digital Assets

In conjunction with its 8-year milestone, ChainUp recently hosted “The All-Time High (ATH) Night” in Singapore. The exclusive event, held ahead of the globally-acclaimed TOKEN2049 conference, convened over 400 industry leaders and partners to discuss the critical infrastructure needed for mainstream digital asset adoption.

Commenting on the industry’s maturation and ChainUp’s role within it, Chung Ho, Chief Operating Officer of ChainUp, remarked:
“This is an industry moving from promise to purpose. Our focus remains on empowering our clients to drive the future of digital assets by delivering trusted, secure, and scalable solutions needed to turn their vision into value in every major market, from Asia to EMEA and the U.S.”

### About ChainUp

ChainUp, a leading global provider of digital asset solutions, empowers businesses to navigate the complexities of this evolving ecosystem. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Singapore, ChainUp serves a diverse clientele ranging from Web3 companies to established financial institutions.

ChainUp’s comprehensive suite of solutions includes crypto exchange solutions, liquidity technology, white-label MPC wallets, KYT crypto tracing analytics tools, asset tokenization, crypto asset management, and Web3 infrastructure such as mining, staking, and blockchain APIs.
https://blocktelegraph.io/chainup-marks-8-year-anniversary-as-institutional-demand-for-crypto-infrastructure-surges/

Newsom Goes Easy on AI — for Now

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The other day, I searched for some of my articles regarding the housing issue and, much to my surprise, read an artificial intelligence summary of my position that misstated it entirely. It claimed I am associated with NIMBYs, and dozens of similar mischaracterizations will surely make their way to his desk next year.

In effect, Governor Newsom and the California Legislature are now making AI policy for the entire nation instead of Congress, which is extremely troubling for the future of the industry.

This year, Newsom waited until the deadline but issued an unusually lengthy and detailed veto statement of AB 1064 that touched on the key points:

While I strongly support the author’s goal of establishing necessary safeguards for the safe use of AI by minors, AB 1064 imposes such broad restrictions on the use of conversational AI tools that it may unintentionally lead to a total ban on the use of these products by minors. AI is already shaping the world, and it is imperative that adolescents learn how to safely interact with AI systems. We cannot prepare our youth for a future where AI is ubiquitous by preventing their use of these tools altogether.

Supporters expressed dismay that Newsom wasn’t protecting the children, but good intentions do not necessarily lead to good legislation.

The tech industry ended up supporting Newsom’s signing of Senate Bill 243, which imposes a series of mostly reasonable safeguards on chatbot developers. Unlike others, it does so without obliterating the federal Communications Decency Act provisions that protect online platforms from facing the legal liability of publishers.

Newsom mentioned SB 243 in his AB 1064 message by noting that it “requires operators to disclose to minors that they are interacting with AI and prevent chatbots from producing sexually explicit material.”

As with all regulation, it’s best to start slowly in a way that negates obvious harm rather than impose some massive revamping of an industry. California should have learned that overly broad efforts always have negative, unintended consequences. But I don’t expect that it has learned any such lesson.

So, for now, California and the nation dodged a bullet. But, as Thierer noted, it might be a good time for Congress to disarm these meddlesome state legislatures.

And, as usual, Americans need to verify all the information they read, with parents taking a lead role regarding their kids. It’s a fool’s errand to expect the government to do it for us.

Steven Greenhut is Western region director for the R Street Institute. Write to him at [email protected].

READ MORE:
– Self-Driving Cars Becoming Unstoppable
– Another Transit Shakedown of Taxpayers
https://spectator.org/newsom-goes-easy-on-ai-for-now/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=newsom-goes-easy-on-ai-for-now

Floods washed away all but tears

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The Monsoon of 2022: Beyond Physical Damage – Addressing the Mental Health Impact of Floods in Pakistan

The monsoon of 2022 brought torrential rains across Pakistan. Although the Meteorological Department had warned about possible flooding, the reality struck sooner than expected. Many areas of the country were submerged, and Sindh was no exception.

At that time, I had just assumed charge as Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at my university. The Vice Chancellor called an emergency meeting to discuss how we could contribute to relief efforts for the communities affected by the floods. Teams comprising doctors and paramedics were dispatched to provide first aid, food, medicines, and treatment for medical conditions anticipated in such disasters, including skin and eye infections.

As a mental health professional, I realized that addressing physical health alone would not suffice. Acute panic and deep psychological scars are often part of such calamities. After a brief training on psychological first aid, I sent medical officers, psychiatry trainees, and psychology interns to join our medical teams. This multidisciplinary team worked effectively on-site, but many patients needed ongoing treatment and were referred to hospitals in Hyderabad.

During this time, I met many individuals whose stories left a lasting impact on me. Among them was an elderly, lean man whose quiet tears spoke volumes. He seemed unable to express the many emotions and thoughts crossing his mind. A companion informed me that he had lost the dowry he had painstakingly saved for his daughter’s marriage in the flood. Without uttering a word, his grieving face revealed dreams washed away and a spirit broken by loss.

I also recall a mother who screamed every time she remembered her child drowning, and a farmer who lost his cattle – his entire livelihood swept away. Behind each individual case was a story of human pain and sheer helplessness. The floods not only dismantled homes and damaged crops but also swept away the hopes and peace of countless people.

The challenges did not end there. Within weeks, many who had helped flood victims began suffering from anxiety, sleep disturbances, and trauma themselves. This experience gave my team and me unforgettable insights into managing the multifaceted nature of grief.

Many survivors initially experienced shock; they felt numb and were unable to comprehend the devastation. Those who had helped others lived in intense fear—fear of losing loved ones, possessions, or facing hunger, disease, or another disaster. Overwhelming grief was common among those who lost family members, relatives, homes, and lifelong savings.

As people tried to rebuild their lives amidst instability and insecurity, some struggled with panic, anxiety, and sleeplessness. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) appeared in some, who relived traumatic events through flashbacks and nightmares. Others battled suicidal thoughts fueled by survivor guilt.

Imagine a white-collar worker, once living with dignity, now standing in a queue for food—his pride shattered and spirit broken.

Children accompanying families of psychiatric patients often showed withdrawn and fearful behavior, reflecting anxiety and confusion about their surroundings. Adults expressed irritability, helplessness, and emotional numbness. The elderly, already fragile, lost their sense of safety and belonging.

These deep psychological scars often linger long after physical damage is repaired.

Recognizing and treating emotional wounds is as vital as addressing physical injuries in disaster response. True recovery goes beyond rebuilding homes and providing food; it means restoring resilience, dignity, self-esteem, and hope.

If psychological wounds are neglected, healing remains incomplete. Fear, grief, despair, and shattered ego can prevent a person from fully recovering despite adequate physical healthcare. Emotional scars erode motivation, disturb sleep, and weaken the body’s resilience.

This reality concerns me deeply, especially since public attention and media coverage tend to focus more on physical health and infrastructure than mental well-being.

The flood of 2022 left us pondering: Can we not learn from such experiences and train ourselves to practically help those in distress? Rather than watching as bystanders—making videos or panicking—we can act with empathy by listening, connecting, and comforting those who have suffered, offering them a ray of hope.

Can our governments also support these distressed people in ways that protect their dignity and self-esteem, enabling them to become more resilient and capable of rebuilding their lives—and perhaps, helping others in turn?

The mental health dimension of disaster relief is not just an add-on; it is central to holistic recovery and the restoration of communities torn apart by tragedy.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/1350034-floods-washed-away-all-but-tears

PM Narendra Modi’s Special Message Ahead Of Inaugurating Navi Mumbai Airport & Metro 3 Line; Here’s What He Said

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday reiterated his government’s focus on improving Mumbai’s infrastructure and enhancing the Ease of Living, as he prepared to inaugurate two of the city’s most significant projects: Phase 1 of the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA) and the final phase of Mumbai Metro Line 3.

Taking to X, the Prime Minister wrote, “On the way to Navi Mumbai to take part in the programme marking the inauguration of Phase-1 of the Navi Mumbai International Airport. With this, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region will get its second major international airport, thus boosting commerce and connectivity. The final phase of the Mumbai Metro Line-3 will also be inaugurated. We are committed to enhancing Mumbai’s infrastructure and boosting Ease of Living for the people of this dynamic city.”

Speaking about the inauguration of Mumbai Metro, he added, “Phase 2B of the Mumbai Metro Line-3 is a significant enhancement to Mumbai’s infrastructure! Metro connectivity is essential for a city’s growth. This project will have a positive impact on the lives of the people of Mumbai.”

### Navi Mumbai International Airport: India’s Largest Greenfield Aviation Project

Developed at an estimated cost of ₹19,650 crore, the Navi Mumbai International Airport represents a major step in India’s journey towards becoming a global aviation hub. Built under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, it is India’s largest Greenfield airport project and the second international airport for the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

Spread over 1,160 hectares, NMIA has been designed for maximum efficiency, with the capacity to handle 90 million passengers and 3.25 million metric tonnes of cargo annually. The airport will feature an Automated People Mover (APM) connecting all four passenger terminals for smooth inter-terminal transfers, along with another landside APM linking city-side facilities.

Environmentally conscious in design, NMIA incorporates Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) storage, 47 MW of solar power generation, and electric bus services for city-wide connectivity. It will also become India’s first airport connected by a Water Taxi service, enhancing accessibility while reducing carbon emissions.

### Metro Line 3: Mumbai’s First Fully Underground Metro

Alongside the airport inauguration, PM Modi will also inaugurate Phase 2B of Mumbai Metro Line 3, stretching from Acharya Atre Chowk to Cuffe Parade. Built at an estimated cost of ₹12,200 crore, this milestone will allow the Prime Minister to dedicate the entire Mumbai Metro Line 3 (Aqua Line) to the nation.

Constructed at a total cost of over ₹37,270 crore, this project marks a monumental leap in Mumbai’s urban mobility network. The city’s first fully underground metro line, Metro 3 is expected to transform daily commuting by providing faster, cleaner, and more efficient travel between North and South Mumbai.

By connecting major business, residential, and transport hubs, Metro Line 3 promises to ease congestion, reduce pollution, and redefine public transport for millions of Mumbaikars.

*Text: Kamal Mishra*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/pm-narendra-modi-special-message-ahead-of-inaugurating-navi-mumbai-airport-metro-3-line-heres-what-he-said

Chicago gov refuses to concede to ‘ultimatum’ as Trump prepares to send in 300 National Guard troops to city

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Donald Trump will deploy 300 members of the National Guard in Illinois, state governor JB Pritzker said on Saturday.

“In the coming hours, the Trump Administration intends to federalize 300 members of the Illinois National Guard,” Pritzker said in a statement. He added: “They will pull hardworking Americans out of their regular jobs and away from their families all to participate in a manufactured performance, not a serious effort to protect public safety.”

“For Donald Trump, this has never been about safety. This is about control,” Pritzker continued.

The Illinois governor called the Trump administration’s actions “outrageous and un-American.” He claimed that his state had been given an ultimatum: “Call up your troops, or we will.” Pritzker said there was “no need for military troops on the ground” in Illinois.

He also added, “This demand follows unprecedented escalations of aggression against Illinois citizens and residents.”

“Yesterday, Kristi Noem’s and Greg Bovino’s masked agents threw chemical agents near an elementary school, arrested elected officials exercising their First Amendment rights, and raided a Wal-Mart. None of it was in pursuit of justice, but all of it was in pursuit of social media videos,” Pritzker said.

On Tuesday, Trump said that his administration would be “going into Chicago very soon.” The US president made the remarks while addressing military generals and admirals in Quantico, Virginia. Trump said then about Pritzker: “That’s a big city with an incompetent governor. Stupid governor.”

The US president has long implied that he could mobilize the National Guard in Illinois. In September, Trump posted a graphic of himself with the words “Chipocalypse Now,” wearing a cowboy hat with explosions and military helicopters behind him. The Truth Social post said: “I love the smell of deportations in the morning. Chicago about to find out why it’s called the Department of WAR.”

Trump also warned the “weak and pathetic Governor” Pritzker to “straighten it out FAST.”

Previously, the US president sent the National Guard into Democrat-led Los Angeles and Washington, DC. Louisiana’s Republican governor, Jeff Landry, has asked for up to 1,000 Louisiana National Guard troops to be activated in his state.

Earlier this week, Pritzker said that the Illinois National Guard “received word that the Department of Homeland Security has sent a memo to the Department of War seeking the deployment” of troops to Illinois. The mobilization, Pritzker said, is for the “protection of ICE personnel and facilities.”

“What I have been warning of is now being realized,” Pritzker said. “One thing is clear: none of what Trump is doing is making Illinois safer.”

The National Guard’s deployment is just one of the Trump administration’s recent actions in Chicago. The Department of Homeland Security announced on Wednesday that ICE and US Border Patrol officers arrested “more than 800 illegal aliens,” including the “worst of the worst,” as part of Operation “Midway Blitz” in Chicago.

The operation started on September 8 and is intended to “target the criminal illegal aliens who flocked to Chicago and Illinois because they knew Governor Pritzker and his sanctuary policies would protect them and allow them to roam free on American streets,” the DHS said in a press release.

On Friday, Office of Management and Budget director Russ Vought announced $2 [amount incomplete].

Pritzker’s announcement regarding the National Guard’s mobilization came on the same day officials reported that Border Patrol agents in Chicago shot a woman after officers were “rammed by ten cars.”

According to a statement released by the DHS, one of the drivers was a woman armed with a semi-automatic weapon, forcing officers to open fire. Their statement added that the woman in question was part of an internal threat bulletin circulated after allegedly doxxing and threatening law enforcement officials online.

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said: “Unfortunately, JB Pritzker’s Chicago Police Department is leaving the shooting scene and refuses to assist us in securing the area. There is a crowd growing and we are deploying special operations to control a growing crowd.”

Images captured at the scene showed a large presence of federal agents, who blocked a road using their vehicles as a crowd of protestors formed.

A spokesperson for the Chicago Police Department told Daily Mail: “The Chicago Police Department responded to the 3900 block of S. Kedzie Ave Saturday morning for a call of a person shot. CPD responded to the scene to document the incident. CPD officers were also on-scene to maintain safety and traffic control for all living and working in the area.”
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15162619/chicago-governor-trump-national-guard-jb-pritzker.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490

Chicago gov refuses to concede to ‘ultimatum’ as Trump prepares to send in 300 National Guard troops to city

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Donald Trump will deploy 300 members of the National Guard in Illinois, state governor JB Pritzker said on Saturday.

“In the coming hours, the Trump Administration intends to federalize 300 members of the Illinois National Guard,” Pritzker said in a statement. He added, “They will pull hardworking Americans out of their regular jobs and away from their families all to participate in a manufactured performance, not a serious effort to protect public safety.”

“For Donald Trump, this has never been about safety. This is about control,” Pritzker continued, calling the Trump administration’s actions “outrageous and un-American.”

The Illinois governor claimed that his state had been given an ultimatum: to “call up your troops, or we will.” He also stated, “There is no need for military troops on the ground” in Illinois.

Pritzker further condemned recent actions, saying, “This demand follows unprecedented escalations of aggression against Illinois citizens and residents.” He referenced incidents involving masked agents allegedly throwing chemical agents near an elementary school, arresting elected officials exercising their First Amendment rights, and raiding a Walmart store. “None of it was in pursuit of justice, but all of it was in pursuit of social media videos,” he added.

Earlier in the week, President Trump announced that his administration would be “going into Chicago very soon” while addressing military generals and admirals in Quantico, Virginia. Trump referred to Pritzker as “a big city with an incompetent governor. Stupid governor.”

The U.S. president has long hinted at mobilizing the National Guard in Illinois. In September, Trump posted a graphic of himself wearing a cowboy hat, surrounded by explosions and military helicopters, with the words “Chipocalypse Now.” The accompanying Truth Social post read, “I love the smell of deportations in the morning. Chicago about to find out why it’s called the Department of WAR.”

Trump also warned the “weak and pathetic Governor” Pritzker to “straighten it out FAST.”

Previously, the president sent National Guard troops into Democrat-led cities such as Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. In Louisiana, Republican Governor Jeff Landry has requested up to 1,000 Louisiana National Guard troops to be activated in his state.

Earlier this week, Pritzker announced that the Illinois National Guard “received word that the Department of Homeland Security has sent a memo to the Department of War seeking the deployment” of troops to Illinois. The mobilization, according to Pritzker, is for the “protection of ICE personnel and facilities.”

“What I have been warning of is now being realized,” the governor said. “One thing is clear: none of what Trump is doing is making Illinois safer.”

The National Guard’s deployment is just one of the Trump administration’s recent actions in Chicago. On Wednesday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that ICE and U.S. Border Patrol officers had arrested “more than 800 illegal aliens,” including the “worst of the worst,” as part of Operation “Midway Blitz” in Chicago.

The operation began on September 8 and aims to “target the criminal illegal aliens who flocked to Chicago and Illinois because they knew Governor Pritzker and his sanctuary policies would protect them and allow them to roam free on American streets,” according to a DHS press release.

On Friday, Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought announced further funding actions related to immigration enforcement.

Pritzker’s announcement about the National Guard mobilization came on the same day officials reported that Border Patrol agents in Chicago had shot a woman after officers were allegedly “rammed by ten cars.”

According to a DHS statement, one of the drivers was a woman armed with a semi-automatic weapon, forcing officers to open fire. The woman was reportedly part of an internal threat bulletin after allegedly doxxing and threatening law enforcement officials online.

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said, “Unfortunately, JB Pritzker’s Chicago Police Department is leaving the shooting scene and refuses to assist us in securing the area. There is a crowd growing, and we are deploying special operations to control a growing crowd.”

Images from the scene showed a large presence of federal agents blocking off a road with their vehicles as a crowd of protesters gathered.

A spokesperson for the Chicago Police Department told the Daily Mail, “The Chicago Police Department responded to the 3900 block of S. Kedzie Ave Saturday morning for a call of a person shot. CPD responded to the scene to document the incident. CPD officers were also on-scene to maintain safety and traffic control for all living and working in the area.”
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15162619/chicago-governor-trump-national-guard-jb-pritzker.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490

Road transport requires visionary approach

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It is heartening to learn that basic facilities such as toilets, petrol pumps, and food malls will soon be available along the Samruddhi Mahamarg. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation to appoint consultants to set up these essential amenities along the route. This move should help stem commuter criticism about the current lack of such facilities on the expressway.

These amenities are not luxuries or frills; they are necessities aimed at preventing driver fatigue and reducing the risk of accidents. Fadnavis rightly suggested that while constructing any road in the future, an ecosystem should be developed in the surrounding area to support commuters’ needs.

This point is especially important as experts have highlighted the rise of residential projects, particularly high-rise towers, without adequate supporting infrastructure. Where is the ecosystem to support these developments? We need a holistic, comprehensive approach to infrastructure, ensuring that adjunct facilities are built alongside core projects.

Travelers to the West often experience highways and expressways equipped with toilets, basic stores, food and drink kiosks, or even malls conveniently located en route. Unfortunately, this is not yet the case here. Many stretches of roads lack toilets, causing discomfort and distress, and causing potential travelers to hesitate or even cancel road trips altogether.

People traveling with senior citizens, in particular, think twice before using routes that lack basic amenities. This underscores the importance of setting deadlines not only for road construction projects but also for the development of all supporting infrastructure.

A visionary approach is needed when shaping the road transport of the future. Beyond superior road quality, lighting, good signage, visibility, and safety warnings, we must also prioritize restrooms, food facilities, and fuel stops along the way.

Such a comprehensive plan makes the project complete, focusing not just on the vehicle or the road itself but also on the human factor—closing the loop for a safer and more comfortable commute for all.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/opinion/article/road-transport-requires-visionary-approach-23597113

The UK city where it’s hardest for locals to live healthily

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A UK City Named the Hardest Place for Locals to Live Healthily

A recent report by the Department of Health & Social Care highlights the profound connection between our health and the environments we inhabit. It reveals that factors such as access to nutritious food, green spaces, healthcare services, and opportunities for physical activity are heavily influenced by geographic location.

Communities facing socioeconomic challenges often contend with higher rates of obesity, chronic illness, and mental health issues due to limited resources and infrastructure that support healthy living. The report emphasizes that improving public health requires not only individual lifestyle changes but also systemic efforts to create healthier, more equitable living conditions across the UK.

Medical experts at ZAVA sought to investigate exactly where it is hardest to live a healthy lifestyle in England. Their study combines data such as obesity rates, fast food outlet density, and green space access to reveal where healthy living is a breeze—and where it’s an uphill battle.

Wolverhampton Tops the List

Wolverhampton, a city in the West Midlands, has secured the top spot as the hardest place to live healthily, with a health deprivation score of 8.04/10.

The city faces a complex web of challenges that make healthy living particularly difficult for its residents. With 31% of adults classified as obese and 34% reporting no regular physical activity, Wolverhampton ranks among the worst in England for inactivity.

These statistics reflect a broader struggle with lifestyle-related health issues. Compounding the problem is the high density of fast food outlets—14 for every 10,000 people—which creates an environment where unhealthy eating is not only accessible but often more convenient than nutritious alternatives.

Stoke-on-Trent Ranks Second

Coming in second is Stoke-on-Trent, with a health deprivation score of 7.65/10. Despite excellent access to green spaces, with 98% of residents living within walking distance of parks, Stoke-on-Trent struggles with an obesity crisis, recording the second-highest obesity rate in England at 35%.

The city has about 10 fast food spots per 10,000 people, and nearly one in three adults (31%) remains physically inactive.

Top 10 Hardest Places to Live Healthily in England:

1. Wolverhampton
2. Stoke-on-Trent
3. Bradford
4. Sunderland
5. Doncaster
6. Derby
7. Portsmouth
8. Canterbury
9. Wakefield
10. Salford

The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted public health interventions and community support to help residents in these areas lead healthier lives. Addressing the availability of nutritious food, increasing access to physical activity opportunities, and improving healthcare services are key steps toward fostering stronger, healthier communities across the UK.
https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/2115428/uk-city-hardest-locals-live-healthy