Bangladesh Enforces Curfew Amid Protests Rising Death Toll

Bangladesh Police Have Been Given 'Shoot-On-Sight' Orders For Those Who Violate Nationwide Curfew

Monday, July 22, 2024, 9:00 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Ryan Metz: Englebrook Independent News,

DHAKA, BD.- Authorities in Bangladesh have imposed a nationwide curfew, confining citizens to their homes and cutting off internet access after rioting in the Capital City of Dhaka turned violent, leaving dozens of people dead amid deadly clashes between protesters and police.

     The days of violence have been sparked by students' calls for the government to end a rule reserving that a third of public jobs be rewarded to the families of veterans of the country's independence war in 1971.

     Students began the protest just under two weeks ago, but as the government began to crack down, the protests turned violent, causing the government to issue a 'shoot-on-sight' order across Bangladesh, prompting military forces to patrol parts of the capital city as scores were killed and hundreds injured.

     In recent years protesters have considered the allocation quota of civil service jobs to be discriminatory.

     The prime minister's office announced the curfew following an attack on the country's Narsingdi Prison, which led to hundreds of inmates being released into the streets.

      Government Press Secretary Naeemul Islam Khan said the military deployment was necessary in order to restore order to the streets.

FILED UNDER: JULY 22, 2024: WORLD, BANGLADESH: PROTESTS:

   

        

Putin Conscripts Another 150,000 Soldiers By Presidential Decree

Although The Presidential Decree Calls For Soldiers To Stay Within The Borders Of  Russia, Many May End Up On The Front-Line

Wednesday, July 17, 2024, 6:30 P.M. ET. 1 Minute Read By Ryan Metz: Englebrook Independent News,

MOSCOW, RU. Every year, the Russian military conscripts soldiers of eligible age between 18 and 30 to fill its ranks for a one-year term of service. The conscription is usually held twice a year, and the number of conscripts is determined by presidential decree.

     The Russian military has announced that it has just finished conscription of 150,000 soldiers from the spring enrollment effort. By law, these soldiers are meant to be kept within Russia's borders, serving non-combat roles. This, in theory, allows other soldiers to move to the front lines of Russia's war with Ukraine.

     However, due to the tremendous losses of the Russian army, nearly half a million have been killed or wounded since the fighting began, and just around 1000 have been killed or wounded every day since this past May. Many of these new troops might find themselves making it to the front lines.

     Where the Russian border now lies is difficult to determine since the Russian government often states that annexed Ukrainian territory is Russian, with no clear delineation of where those territories end. These conscripts could well end up on the front lines in those annexed regions.

FILED UNDER: JULY 17, 2024: WORLD, RUSSIA, UKRAINE, WAR      

The World's Largest Wetland Continues To Burn

The Pantanal Region In Brazil, The World's Largest Region Of Wetlands, Recorded The Worst Wildfires, In 2024

Monday, July 15, 2024, 12:30 A.M. ET. 3 Minute Read, By Elaine Metz, PhD Environmental Sciences: Englebrook Independent News,

MATO GROSSO, BR.- Since the start of 2024, one of the greatest and largest wetland regions, the Pantanal, has been experiencing the worst wildfire year in recorded history.

     The Pantanal is the world's largest tropical wetland and one of the most biodiverse areas on Earth. It is the noted home of many important and endangered species, such as jaguars and giant river otters, both of which have been considered keystone species. Others include howler monkeys and many human communities located throughout the region.

     Wildfires have been breaking out over this natural wonder since the start of 2024 and have intensified since the end of May, earlier than the expected start of the wildfire season, which usually ramps up in July. Already this year, wildfires have claimed over 760,000 hectares or 1.8 million acres of wetlands.

     According to Brazil's Institute for Space Research, this is an increase in the number of fires by 1500% compared to the previous year. Between January and June last year, 127 fires were reported, but in the same period this year, 1,315 fires have been reported. Researchers from the Federal University of Mato Grasso and the non-governmental organization SOS Pantanal are predicting that 2024 will become the worst wildfire year on record, exceeding the destruction the region experienced in 2020, with the previous record-breaking number of fires when 30% of Pantanal was destroyed.

     Both humans as well as animals are suffering from continued smoke inhalation, burns, loss of their homes, and in many cases, the loss of their lives. In addition, wetlands are important areas of carbon stores, but when burned, carbon dioxide is released, which climate scientists affirm has a negative on the climate. During the 2020 fires, an estimated 115 million tonnes of carbon dioxide was released from the Pantanal.

     The increase in fires is due to the disruption of the flood pulse that occurs every year and fills the area with water during the rainy season and drains in the dry season. 

     According to biologists at SOS Pantanal, the floods used to last around six months, but now they last only two to three months. In addition, the Pantanal Wetland has lost 68% of its water volume since 1985. Conditions are continuing to dry due to a steady decrease in the yearly amounts, which makes it even more likely that catastrophic wildfires will continue to increase each year at an alarming rate.

FILED UNDER: JULY 15, 2024: WORLD, SCIENCE & NATURE:                      

  

Ariane-6 Rocket Launches For European Space Agency

The European Space Agency & ArianeGroup Celebrates Tuesday's Successful Launch Of Ariane-6

Friday, July 12, 2024, 9:30 A.M. ET. 3 Minute Read, By Ryan Metz: Englebrook Independent News,

KOUROU, GF.- On Tuesday, July 9, 2024, the European Space Agency (ESA) celebrated a significant milestone with the successful launch of the Ariane 6 Rocket, marking its maiden flight from Guiana Space Centre in Kourou, French Guiana. This highly anticipated event begins a new era in European space exploration and commercial satellite deployment.

     The Ariane 6 rocket, developed by ESA and its primary contractor ArianeGroup, lifted off at 14:00 UTC, carrying a payload of test satellites designed to validate the rocket's performance across a range of mission parameters. The launch proceeded without issue, culminating in the successful deployment of 2 of 3 payloads into their intended orbits.

     The Ariane 6 aims to offer more cost-effective and flexible access to space compared to its predecessor, the Ariane 5. It features a modular design with two configurations: Ariane 62, with two solid rocket boosters, and Ariane 64, with four boosters. 

     This modularity allows the rocket to handle a wide range of missions, from medium-lift to heavy-lift operations. "We are incredibly proud of today's successful launch," said Daniel Neuenschwander, ESA Director of Human and Robotic Exploration. "Ariane 6 is a game-changer for Europe's space capabilities, offering unmatched versatility and cost-efficiency." This cost efficiency is estimated to reduce launch costs by up to 50%.

     Although the Ariane-6's modular aspects allow for flexibility in the payload it can launch, critics have pointed out that it will still be more costly than Space X launches since Space X rockets are reusable. "Ariane 6 is no longer competitive with Falcon 9. This we have to face," said Toni Tolker-Nielsen, a Danish veteran of the European Space Agency tasked with turning the struggling Airane program around.

     The difference in cost-effectiveness essentially comes down to the difference in the amount of launches expected. In 2023, Space X had 96 launches and expected a similar amount by year-end. Contrast that with the 9 launches planned by the ESA for the same year. "If you have 10 flights per year and you are only building one new launcher per year, then from an industrial point of view, that's not going to work," said Jan Womer, who ran the European Space Agency between 2015 and 2021.

     Still, this can be considered a win for the ESA and its partner European countries. "The success of Ariane 6 underscores Europe's commitment to maintaining independent access to space," stated Andre-Huber Roussel, CEO of ArianeGroup. "This rocket will ensure that Europe remains at the forefront of space exploration and satellite deployment."

FILED UNDER: JULY 12, 2024: WORLD, SCIENCE & NATURE, EDUCATION:    

      

  

Scientists Uncover Fossils Of Giant Salamander In Southern Africa

Fossils Of 272 Million-Year-Old Giant Fanged Salamander Unearthed In Namibia

Sunday, July 7, 2024, 6:15 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Ryan Metz: Englebrook Independent News,

NAMIBIA, AF.- Scientists have revealed fossils of a giant salamander-like creature with sharp fangs that inhabited the earth before the first dinosaurs. Animal researchers say it is roughly 272 million years old which means that it lived some 40 million years before the first known dinosaurs evolved.

     The findings were published Wednesday in the journal, Nature. Researchers have dubbed the species Giaasia jennyae, a hommage to Gia a geological formation in Namibia, a country located in southern Africa, where the fossils were unearthed, and to Jenny Clack, a paleontologist who studied how vertebrates transitioned from water to land.

     "Gaiasia jennyae was larger than a person in length, and it probably hung out near the bottom of swamps and lakes," said Jason Pardo, an NSF postdoctoral fellow at the Field Museum in Chicago and the co-lead author of the study. It had a "big flat, toilet seat-shaped head," "huge fangs" and "giant teeth." The fossil's skull was about 2 feet long. Researchers believe the predator likely used its wide flat head and front teeth to suck in and bite unsuspecting prey.

     Fossil remnants of four creatures collected about a decade ago were analyzed in the Nature study, including a partial skull and backbone. While Gaiasia jennyae was an aquatic animal, it could move on land, albeit slowly. The species belonged to a superclass of animals called tetrapods; four-legged vertebrates that climbed onto land with fingers instead of fins and evolved into amphibians, birds, and mammals including humans.

     As reported in Earth.com, Gaiasia jennyae is more than just a prehistoric creature- It's a key to unlocking the mysteries of the Permian period, enabling paleontologists to understand how the world evolved.

FILED UNDER: JULY 7, 2024: SCIENCE & NATURE, EDUCATION, WORLD:            

This May Be Coming Soon, To A U.S. Farm Near You

Denmark Is The First Country To Tax Livestock Greenhouse Gas Emissions, To Combat Climate Change

Tuesday, July 2, 2024, 2:00 P.M. ET. 3 Minute Read, By Ryan Metz: Englebrook Independent News,

COPENHAGEN, DK.- On June 24, 2024, the Danish government announced that a deal has been reached between Farmers, Politicians, Business leaders, and others that would result in the taxation of livestock burps and other greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Denmark is the first country to trial such a tax which is scheduled to start by 2030.

     The tax, as approved, will start at $17 per ton of emission, rising over the next five years to $43 per ton in 2035. The proceeds from this tax will be used to help transition the farming and livestock industries in Demark to more sustainable systems that produce fewer greenhouse gasses.

     Currently, agriculture is the leading source of GPGs in Denmark, with livestock being responsible for nearly 15% of all GHGs worldwide. "Agriculture is Denmark's largest emitter of CO2. It can not continue. That is why we are the first country in the world to introduce a climate tax and speed up green measures, so that we are more certainly on track to reach the 2030 target. Now there is a lot of work to be done to realize the agreement," Lars Aagaad, Denmark's Climate, Energy, and Supply Minister, said in a statement.

     Despite being only 133 out of 192 countries in terms of size, Denmark is one of the largest exporters of pork worldwide and has a substantial beef and dairy industry.

     Large numbers of livestock are thought to contribute to GHG emissions through burps and flatulence. Much of this is generated by the burps of cows, as well as other ruminant animals like goats and sheep. As these animals digest grass and other plants, a process called enteric fermentation occurs which creates methane. This methane byproduct is considered to be a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change as well as the emission of CO2.

     "Today, we are writing a new chapter in Danish agriculture history," said Minister of Food, Agriculture, and Fisheries, Jacob Jensen. "Denmark is a proud food-producing nation, where we have some of the world's most skilled farmers, for whom we now ensure a stable framework to continue producing world-class food for many years into the future. With the agreement, we create growth and jobs throughout the country, while taking care of our climate, environment, and nature."

     Other countries such as New Zealand have also considered a similar tax, though in the case of New Zealand, the plans were halted due to concerns of damaging the industry and economy. Now that Denmark has officially taken this first step, we are likely to see some other nations following suit.

FILED UNDER: JULY 2, 2024: WORLD, NATIONAL, LOCAL, SCIENCE & NATURE, CLIMATE CHANGE:      

  

Scientists Now Have Proof Wildfires Are Increasing Worldwide

Over The Past Two Decades, Wildfires Are Increasing In Numbers & Intensity

Wednesday, June 26, 2024, 6:00 P.M. ET. By Ryan Metz: Englebrook Independent News,

MANHATTAN, NY.- For years, scientists and conservationists alike have been sounding the alarm on the increase and intensity of wildfires across the globe, but now they have solid proof that they were right. A recent analysis of satellite images reveals that extreme wildfires have more than doubled in frequency over the past two decades, and many are blaming climate change.

     Wildfires are classified by their Fire Radiative Power (FRP). This is the thermal radiative energy output from fires that is measured in watts and joules per second. The study by Cunningham et al, in Nature, Ecology and Evolution found that the average FRP has increased by a factor of 2.3, or more than double (see graph below).

     Infrared records were used to measure the energy intensity of 31 million fire events over the past two decades, with a focus on the most extreme ones, roughly 2,900 major events. The researchers then calculated that there was a 2.2-fold increase in the frequency of extreme events globally from 2003 through 2023 and a 2.3-fold boost in the average intensity of the top 20 most intense fires each year.

     The places most likely to experience these more intense wildfires are Canada, Russia, and the United States due to their large contiguous forests and coniferous trees. The frequency of wildfires in these countries is much larger than the 2.2-fold increase elsewhere, with an 11.1-fold increase in pine and spruce forest lands and a 7.3-fold increase in boreal or taiga forest lands. "It's the extreme events that we care about the most, and those are the ones that are increasing quite significantly," says lead author Calum Cunningham, an ecologist at the University of Tasmania in Hobart, Australia. "Surprisingly, this has never been shown at a global scale."

     While climate change is a significant driver, other factors like land management practices and invasive species also play a major role. Scientists and firefighters are urging action on multiple fronts to mitigate wildfire risk. This includes sustainable forest management, controlled burns to reduce fuel loads, and investing in fire prevention technologies.

FILED UNDER: JUNE 26, 2024: WORLD< NATIONAL, LOCAL, SCIENCE & NATURE:    

     

         

  

Rare Star Explosion Will Been Seen This Summer In Night Sky

For The First Time In Nearly Eight Decades, Stargazers Will Be Able To Witness The "Blaze Star" Explosion

Saturday, June 22, 2024, 4:00 A.M. ET. By Ryan Metz: Englebrook Independent News, 

MANHATTAN, NY.- With the start of the summer solstice on Thursday, astronomers and stargazers alike are counting down in anticipation of the "Blaze Star" explosion. This celestial event, expected to occur in the next few months, promises to offer a spectacular display of light and energy in the night sky.

     The Blaze Star, scientifically known as T Coronae Borealis (TCrB), is a rare type of variable star characterized by its erratic behavior and occasional outbursts. Typically, T CrB maintains a steady brightness similar to our Sun. However, approximately every few decades, it undergoes a dramatic increase in luminosity, brightened by several magnitudes in a matter of days.

     The last recorded outburst of T CrB was in 1946, making the upcoming event highly anticipated by astronomers who are eager to study its behavior and understand the underlying mechanisms that trigger such explosive episodes. These outbursts are believed to result from the accumulation of material on the star's surface, possibly due to interactions with a companion star in a binary system.

     Although we will see the explosion this summer, it actually happened 3,000 years ago. Because the Blaze Star is 3,000 light years away from Earth, it has taken three millennia to reach us. "It's incredibly exciting to have this front-row seat," said Dr. Rebekah Hounsell, an assistant research scientist at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.

     During this peak brightness, the Blaze Star could become visible to the naked eye or with binoculars, depending on its exact magnitude increase. Astronomical observatories around the world are preparing to monitor and capture data on this event, utilizing advanced telescopes and imaging technologies to document its evolution and spectacular changes. 

     As the countdown to the Blaze Star explosion continues, astronomers and enthusiasts eagerly await the opportunity to witness and study this awe-inspiring display of cosmic fireworks. You can find information on locating the star and when to be looking, here: https://www.nasa.gov/centers-and-facilities/marshall/nasa-global-astronomers-await-rare-nova-explosion/

FILED UNDER: NATIONAL, LOCAL, WORLD, SCIENCE & NATURE:            

Thermal Batteries Provide Cleaner More Efficient Heat For Industries

The Integration Of Fire Bricks Into Thermal Batteries Will Provide Capabilities For Cleaner Energy Storage

Thursday, June 20, 2024, 7:00 A.M. ET. By Ryan Metz: Englebrook Independent News,

MANHATTAN, NY.- In a promising development for renewable energy storage and industrial energy use, researchers have successfully incorporated fire bricks into thermal batteries, marking a significant step forward in sustainable technology. This innovative approach not only enhances the efficiency of energy storage systems but also offers a practical solution for converting electricity into heat.

     Thermal batteries utilize materials capable of storing and releasing large amounts of thermal energy. Traditionally, these batteries have relied on molten salts or phase-change materials. However, a team of scientists at MIT along with the company Electrified Thermal Solutions (ETS), has pioneered the use of fire bricks, commonly used in kilns and furnaces, to achieve similar energy storage capabilities.

     The principles at work here are in two parts, firstly the ability of fire bricks to absorb and retain heat over extended periods of time and second, the ability of the metal oxides in the fire bricks to convert electricity into heat. By having changed the recipe of the metal oxides in the bricks, they are now capable of reaching temperatures of a searing 3,275 degrees Fahrenheit---much hotter than even the melting point of steel at 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit. "There's no exotic metals in here, there's nothing that'll burn out," said Daniel Stack of ETS.

     The integration of fire bricks into thermal batteries not only enhances energy storage capacity but also addresses key challenges faced by renewable energy systems. Such as intermittency and variability. Industries that rely on large amounts of heat such as those producing glass, steel, and concrete now have an alternative to fossil fuels that is cheap and effective with a 95% efficiency for storing heat.

     This new development could now lead to industries actually spending less than they do now for the same output for heat. For more information on these bricks and their uses, you can go to https://electrifiedthermal.com/

FILED UNDER: JUNE 20, 2024: SCIENCE & NATURE, EDUCATION, WORLD, GLOBAL, NATIONAL:   

 

   

H5N1 Bird Flu Is Spreading In Wild Mammals

The Highly Pathogenic H5N1 Bird Flu Has Been Detected In  50 Species Of Wild Mammals Across The Globe

Monday, June 17, 2024, 9:00 A.M. ET. By Ryan Metz: Englebrook Independent News, 

MANHATTAN, NY.- As a follow-up to my recent publications, the Highly Pathogenic H5N1 bird flu has now been detected in nearly 50 species of wild mammals in 26 countries since 2020. Of these species, 21 have occurred in the United States ranging in size and location from house mice in New Mexico to Polar bears in Alaska.

     Over 300 cases have now been recorded by the USDA since May of 2022. The range in species and locations indicates that this flu virus is highly adaptable in mammals and may become more likely to cause infections in humans.

     "This discovery is concerning because it suggests a broader susceptibility of mammals to the H5N1 virus," stated Dr. Amanda Lee, a virologist at the Institute of Animal Health. "While transmission between mammals is rare, it poses significant risks due to the potential for mutation and adaption." 

     Some animals such as sea lions and elephant seals do seem to be spreading the virus among themselves. In Argentina last year, 17,000 elephant seals died from infection along with 96% of the pups born last year. Other marine mammals including dolphins, porpoises, and others have also been dying in their thousands from H5N1 along the Pacific coast in South America.

     So far, there have only been 3 human cases in the United States in this time, with two coming from contact with infected dairy cattle, and one case from poultry farming. An Australian child was hospitalized with a severe infection after contracting bird flu in India. This was the most severe infection in a human in recent years, with most people having very mild symptoms. No details have been made available on the general health of the child prior to infection, which may have played a role in the severity of the symptoms. Australian officials have since reported that the child has made a full recovery.

FILED UNDER: JUNE 17, 2024: LOCAL, NATIONAL, WORLD, SCIENCE & NATURE:   

Trees For The Future Across Africa

Trees For The Future Bringing Natural Climate Change & Increased Growth To Communities Across Africa 

Sunday, June 16, 2024, 7:00 A.M. ET. By Ryan Metz: Englebrook Independent News,

MANHATTAN, NY.- In the semi-arid regions of Africa, and along the southern reaches of the Sarah desert, an initiative known as Trees for the Future is fighting desertification and providing natural resources for local communities. In addition to providing resources in a land where they are often scarce, this project aims to combat deforestation and restore degraded lands through the planting of trees.

     Trees for the Future, founded in 1989, has been planting over 225 million trees across the globe, with a significant focus on the continent of Africa. The project's mission is to improve the livelihoods of impoverished communities by training farmers in sustainable agricultural practices and tree planting. By including trees in their farming systems, these communities are not only restoring the environment but are also enhancing food security and economic stability.

     A cornerstone of the Trees for the Future initiative is the Forest Garden Program. This approach involves planting fast-growing trees alongside crops, creating a sustainable and diverse ecosystem. These forest gardens provide multiple benefits; they improve soil health, increase crop yields, and offer a variety of products such as fruits, nuts, and medicinal plants.

     The program spans several African countries, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Senegal. In these regions, farmers receive comprehensive training and ongoing support from Trees for the Future's team of experts. The training covers a wide range of topics, from seed selection and nursery establishment to soil conservation and market access. 

     Farmers involved in the program have reported significant increases in their income and food production. The diversity of crops and products from the forest gardens allows them to generate revenue year-round, reducing their vulnerability to market fluctuations and climate change.

     This reforestation effort also helps combat soil erosion, enhances water retention, and sequester carbon, contributing to the global fight against climate change. The restored landscapes support biodiversity, providing habitats for a variety of plant and animal species. 

     As the project continues to expand, Trees for the Future aims to plant an additional 500 million trees by 2030. The organization is also focusing on scaling up its training programs to reach more farmers and communities across Africa. For more information on this project visit: https://Trees.org.

FILED UNDER: JUNE 16, 2024: EDUCATION, SCIENCE & NATURE, WORLD:  

   

     

 

Making Nuclear Power Cleaner & More Efficient

Advancements In Technology Is Turning Nuclear Waste In To Fuel

Tuesday, May 28, 2024, 11:30 A.M. ET. By Ryan Metz: Englebrook Independent News,

MANHATTAN, NY.- As many countries around the world are making the effort to transition from fossil fuels to renewable and clean energy sources, the question of nuclear energy has arisen time and time again. Finally, it seems that over the past few decades, there have been many breakthroughs in technology to make nuclear power a safe and productive alternative.

     Transmutex, a company based in Switzerland, has received approval from the Swiss government to begin implementing its nuclear waste reduction technology. The system involves transmuting thorium, a slightly radioactive metal, into a uranium isotope for use as fuel. By utilizing a uranium isotope that has been created through transmutation, there are fewer byproducts resulting in the reduction of nuclear waste by nearly 80%.

      Franklin Servan-Schreiber, chief executive of Transmutex, said transmutation was the "first technology that has been taken seriously by a nuclear waste agency to reduce the amount of nuclear waste." Further, Servan-Schreiber said it could be used on 99 percent of the world's nuclear waste and would reduce the time it remains radioactive to "less than 500 years." This is very significant because you can guarantee waterproof storage for 1000 years," he said. He added that the process also reduced the volume of waste by percent.

     Other nuclear energy companies have been looking into methods of recycling nuclear waste, with the French company Orano stating that 96% of nuclear waste can be recycled and reused as fuel. Beyond the technologies to deal with nuclear waste, new reactor designs make meltdowns and failures literally impossible. 

     With the newly created technology to reduce nuclear waste in the first place and the ability to recycle 96% of the nuclear waste already in existence, it seems that safe and efficient nuclear power will soon be widely available worldwide.

FILED UNDER: MAY 28, 2024: WORLD, NATIONAL, LOCAL, SCIENCE & NATURE:

      

       

A(H5N1) Bird Flu Now Detected In Wild Animals

Since Being First Detected In The U.S. In Poultry & Dairy CowsThe A(H5NI) Bird Flu Has Jumped To Humans & Wild Animals

Tuesday, May 21, 2024, 8:00 A.M. ET. By Ryan Metz: Englebrook Independent News,

WASHINGTON, DC.- In a follow-up to my article last month about the effects that the avian bird flu is having in the U.S., medical researchers have confirmed it has jumped to humans and has been found in numerous species of wild animals.

     A paper published in the New England Journal of Medicine has confirmed earlier reports from March of this year, that a farm worker in the U.S. did indeed contract the bird flu, A(H5N1) from an infected cow. 

     This strain of bird flu, A(H5N1) is also being reported as a Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). As previously reported, the mild symptoms were limited to inflammation of the eyes and did not affect the respiratory system of the individual. The Texas Department of Health Services reported that the patient was being treated with the antiviral drug oseltamivir and has not yet issued a significant health warning for people. This is currently only the second case of a human contracting the bird flu in the United States.

     A professor from Texas Tech, Steven Presley, and Cynthia Reinoso Webb co-wrote the paper that was published May 3, 2024. Both Presley and Webb study biological threats at the Institute of Environmental and Human Health. "It's a huge thing that the virus has jumped from birds to mammals, dairy cows in this case, and then to humans," Presley said. "That's why this paper in the New England Journal of Medicine is, I think, very significant. It's going to lay the foundation, I believe, for a lot of research in the future of how the virus is evolving." 

     Testing of livestock for bird flu in Texas has been ongoing with the first recent confirmation occurring in April 2022. Since then bird flu has been detected throughout the U.S., first in poultry and wild birds with wild animals such as bobcats and bears recently testing positive. Health officials throughout the United States do not believe the bird flu currently presents any significant danger to humans, though testing and monitoring remains ongoing.

     Over the next several months I will be closely following the medical research on the bird flu virus and will keep everyone updated in future publications.

FILED UNDER: MAY 21, 2024: NATIONAL, LOCAL, HEALTH, WASHINGTON:    

  

Iran's President And Foreign Minister Killed In Helicopter Crash

Iran's President Raisi & Foreign Minister Amirabdollahian Killed In Helicopter Crash

Monday, May 20, 2024, 2:30 A.M. ET. By Jennifer Hodges: Englebrook Independent News,

TEHRAN, IR.- Iranian State Media has confirmed that Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian were killed in a helicopter crash Sunday evening as they were returning from the Azerbaijan Republic.

     There were no signs of life at the crash site of the helicopter that carried the President, Amirabdollahian, and others, Iranian state television reported on Monday.

     Raisi was returning following the inauguration of a dam on Iran's border with the Azerbaijan Republic when his helicopter went down in what was first reported as a hard landing in northern Iran's Varzaaqan Region, according to Iran's State News Agency. East Azerbaijan's governor, Malik Rahmati, and Raisi's security team were also in the helicopter.

     Sunday evening's crash comes as the Middle East remains uncertain as the Israel-Hamas war continues, during which time Raisi under Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei launched a large-scale drone and missile attack on Israel last month. Under Raisi's reign, Iran has enriched uranium ever closer to weapons-grade levels, increasing tensions with the West. Iran has also supplied bomb-carrying drones to Russia for its war with Ukraine. Tehran has also been arming Militia Proxy Groups across the region.

     Further, Iran has faced years of mass protests against its Shiite religious rule, with an ailing economy and women's rights. Sunday's crash might cause tensions for Tehran and the future of the country.

     Early Monday morning, Turkish authorities released apparent drone footage showing what appeared to be a fire in a densely wooded area which they said was the wreckage of the helicopter. The drone footage put the fire just 20 kilometers or 12 miles south of the Azerbaijan-Iranian border on the side of a steep mountain, part of the Green Mountain range in Iran.

     With the death of Raisi, Iran's First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber will become the next President and has already begun receiving calls from officials and foreign governments, state media reported. A new presidential election would be called within the next 50 days.

     State media made an announcement that an emergency meeting of Iran's Cabinet was held Monday morning. The Cabinet issued a statement pledging it would follow Raisi's path and that "with the help of God and the people, there will be no problem with the management of the country."

FILED UNDER: MAY 20, 2024: WORLD, NATIONAL, LOCAL:

                 

Is It Possible You "MAY" Have Missed This One

New Species Of Electric Blue Tarantula Discovered In Thailand

Saturday, May 18, 2024, 12:05 P.M. ET. By Ryan Metz: Englebrook Independent News, 

PHANG-NGA-TH.- Just last year, a new species of electric blue tarantula was discovered in Thailand making it the first known tarantula of its kind to be located in the mangrove swamps in the Phang-Nga Province of Thailand. The incredible blue color of the spider does not come from pigmented cells, but rather from tiny nanostructures in its hairs that produce the bright iridescence.

     Strangely enough, the spider was known from the pet trade as the electric blue tarantula but had never been identified in the wild. The scientific name that it has been given is Chilobrachys natanicharum. The species name of the spider natanicharum was chosen through an auction to benefit cancer patients and the education of indigenous Lahu children and is a combination of the names of Mr. Natakorn Changrew and Ms. Nichada Changrew.

     While surveying in the Phang-Nga Province of Thailand, wildlife YouTuber JoCho Sippawat and researchers from Khon Kaen University spotted the brilliant blue tarantula on trees in the mangrove forests. Though easily spotted, catching them proved to be much more difficult. "Collecting them was challenging due to the muddy and waterlogged ground," said Narin Chomphuphuang, a member of the research team. "These tarantulas inhabit hollow trees and the difficulty of catching an electric-blue tarantula lies in the need to climb a tree and lure it out of a complex of hollows amid humid and slippery conditions. During our expedition, we walked in the evening and at night during low tide, managing to collect only two of them."

     Scientists aren't sure why the tarantula has evolved this blue iridescence but think it may have something to do with attracting mates, as is common in many other species.

FILED UNDER: MAY 18, 2024: WORLD, GLOBAL, NATIONAL, LOCAL, SCIENCE & NATURE:    

Today The White House Announced Another $7.4B In Student Loan Forgiveness

BIDEN WILL CANCEL ANOTHER 7.4 BILLION OF DEBT FOR 277,000 BORROWERS ACROSS THE U.S.

     "With The National Debt Topping $34.5 Trillion Biden Announced On Friday That He Is Forgiving Another in $7.4 Billion In Student Debt."

Friday, April 12, 2024, 10:00 A.M. ET. By Jennifer Hodges: Englebrook Independent News,

WASHINGTON, DC.- White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre will announce on Friday that President Biden, The man who grew up in Black Churches, attended Hebrew Services in Pittsburg, went to Hispanic Family Gatherings, was Part of The Greek Community, and as Rode the Train over The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore will Cancel another $7.4 Billion in Student Debt as The Nations Debt Tops $34.5 Trillion. Today's Loan Forgiveness amounts to nothing more than a Vote Buying Scheme as Biden's Poll Numbers continue to decline.

     The White House on Friday announced that it's canceling an additional $7.4 Billion in Debt as part of The Biden Administration's most recent attempt at widespread Student Loan Forgiveness ahead of The 2024 Presidential Election. The Administration's announcement will target approximately 277,000 Borrowers across The United States, which will ultimately lead to an increase in the National Debt and a failure in the efforts to reduce inflation. 

     President Biden touted his "Saving on a Valuable Education" Plan, which originated after The U.S. Supreme Court struck down President Biden's Student Loan Forgiveness Plan.

     "These 277,000 borrowers are enrolled in my administration's SAVE Plan or were approved for relief because of we made to Income-Driven Repayment Plans and Public Service Loan Forgiveness," Biden said in a news release. "From day one of my administration, I promised to fight to ensure higher education is a ticket to the middle class, not a barrier to opportunity."

     Since taking office in 2021, President Biden with Today's announcement brings the Total Student Loan Forgiveness by The Biden Harris Administration to $153,000 Billion for roughly around 4.3 Million Americans. Strapping Taxpayers with paying the amount, as the Majority of American Households are Struggling to pay their monthly bills.

     The White House's announcement comes after 18 States Filed Suit to prevent Biden's Student Loan Plan.

     Missouri, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Oklahoma, and North Dakota joined a Growing Number of States in Filing a Complaint against the plan on Tuesday. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey's Lawsuit cited that Biden's "SAVE" Plan, announced in February, is Illegal and would cost American Taxpayers $475 Billion.

     Bailey's Lawsuit comes a few weeks after Kansas and Ten Other States Sued The Biden Administration over the same plan. "With a stroke of his pen, Joe Biden is attempting to saddle working Missourians with a half trillion dollars in debt. The United States Constitution makes clear that the President lacks the authority to unilaterally cancel student loan debt for millions of Americans without express permission from Congress," Bailey said to Fox News.

     Many Americans are wondering why Biden can take Executive Action to Forgive Student Loan Debt, but will not take Executive Action to Close The Border. The Save Plan is nothing more than The Biden Administration buying votes ahead of November's Election.

     Taxpayers can only hope that Biden's "SAVE" Plan will amount to just another one of Biden's Failed Policies.

FILED UNDER: APRIL 12, 2024: BREAKING, EDUCATION, NATIONAL, LOCAL, WASHINGTON, POLITICS, ELECTION 2024: 

        

   

    

Anti-Israel Protesters Shut Down Senate Cafeteria Yesterday

DOZENS ARRESTED AFTER INCIDENT IN DIRKSEN SENATE OFFICE BUILDING ON TUESDAY

     "More Than 50 Anti-Israel Protesters Were Taken Into Custody on Charges Of  Obstructing, & Crowding Following An Illegal Protest."

Wednesday, April 10, 2024, 6:00 A.M. ET. By Jennifer Hodges: Englebrook Independent News,

WASHINGTON, DC.- U.S. Capitol Police confirmed that on Tuesday Afternoon more than Fifty Pro-Palestinian Protesters were Arrested and Charged after Marching through the Hallways and Blocking one of The Cafeteria Areas inside The Dirksen Senate Office Building, as Anti-Israel Sediment increases throughout The U.S. 

     The Protesters were Arrested after demonstrating in The Basement Hallways and Blocking the Entrance of one of the Cafeterias chanting, "The Senate Can't Eat Until Gaza Eats!" A Spokesman for The U.S. Capitol Police confirmed to The Washington Examiner. Approximately 50 of the Protesters were Charged with Crowding, Obstructing, or Incommoding a Congressional Office Building.

     There have been Multiple Demonstrations inside Capitol Office Buildings regarding The War in Gaza, with Protesters urging U.S. Lawmakers to call for an Immediate Ceasefire. Anti-Israel and Pro-Palestinian Groups have previously interrupted Press Conferences and Senate and House Hearings Demanding a Ceasefire in Gaza.

     Yesterday's Protest comes as Lawmakers returned to Washington from Easter Recess and are faced with questions on how they will proceed with providing aid to countries including Israel and Ukraine. Since the start of The War in Gaza Lawmakers particularly in The Democratic have become divided on whether to increase funding to Israel.

     The U.S. House is also set to vote this week on a resolution opposing The Biden Administration over what Republicans considered One-Sided Pressure on Israel concerning Gaza. The Resolution comes in response to a call between President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu in which Biden Called for an Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza.

     Since it is Illegal to Demonstrate inside any Capitol Building, will Attorney General Garland request the DC Court to hold Yesterday's Protesters jailed without bail as so many of The January 6th defendants were? We will have to see. 

FILED UNDER: APRIL 10, 2024: NATIONAL, POLITICS, WASHINGTON, WORLD:     

      

 

 

Easter Sunday, 2024

FROM ALL OF US AT ENGLEBROOK INDEPENDENT NEWS, WE WISH YOU, YOUR FAMILY, AND FRIENDS A HAPPY EASTER

     "Wishing You A Wonderful & Healthy Easter Sunday."

Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024, 8:30 A.M. ET. By: Englebrook Independent News & Englebrook Media Group,

EASTER SUNDAY, 2024.- From all of us, we would like to take this moment to wish you, your family, and your friends a Very Happy Easter.

     "May The Miracle Of Easter Bring You Joy." & "Faith Makes All Things Possible." 

      HAPPY EASTER!

FILED UNDER: MARCH 31, 2024: WORLD, NATIONAL, LOCAL, RELIGION:       

  

Death Toll Climbs In Friday Night's Russia Mass Shooting

FRIDAY NIGHT'S DEATH TOLL IN CROCUS CITY HALL TERROR ATTACK HAS RISEN TO 133, AND 107 INJURED

     "Friday Night's Terrorist Mass Shooting & Grenade Attack Has Killed 133 & Left 107 Hospitalized, The Islamic State Has Claimed Responsibility."

Saturday, March 23, 2024, 2:00 P.M. ET. By Art Fletcher & Jennifer Hodges: Englebrook Independent News,

MOSCOW, RU.- The Death Toll has risen to 133 and 107 People have been reported Hospitalized in The Friday Night Terrorist Mass Shooting and Grenade Attack at The Crocus City Hall Concert Venue just outside of Moscow. Russian Authorities that Eleven People have been taken into custody including Four of The Gunmen.

     Shortly after the Attack, The Militant Group Islamic State claimed responsibility for The Friday Night massacre, but there have been indications that Russian Officials are pursuing a Ukrainian connection, despite repeated denials from Ukrainian Officials that Kyiv had anything to do with the Attack.

     Putin in a Televised Address said Eleven People have been Detained, including Four Gunmen. "They tried to hide and move towards Ukraine, where, according to preliminary data, a window was prepared for them on the Ukraine side to cross the state border," Putin added.

     The FSB Security Service said The Gunman had contacts in Ukraine and were captured near The Russia Ukraine Border. The FSB further said that the Eleven were being transferred to Moscow. Neither Putin nor The FSB Security Service presented any evidence of a link with Ukraine. For the past 25 Months Russia has been at War with Ukraine.

     The Ukrainian Military Intelligence spokesman Andrriy Yusov told Reuters, "Ukraine was of course not involved in this terror attack. Ukraine is defending its sovereignty from Russian invaders, liberating its own territory, and is fighting with occupiers' army and military targets, not civilians."

     Today, Shortly before 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time, The United States State Department released a statement, "The United States strongly condemns yesterday's deadly terrorist attack in Moscow. We send our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed and all affected by this heinous crime. We condemn terrorism in all its forms and stand in solidarity with the people of Russia in grieving the loss of life from this horrific event."

FILED UNDER: MARCH 23, 2024: WORLD, NATIONAL, RUSSIA: