Senator Eric Schmitt of Missouri is calling for an investigation into the presence of a Chinese balloon in the United States’ airspace. The balloon is said to have hovered over critical military infrastructure and nuclear silos for over a week, raising concerns about potential espionage activities.

“I’m calling for an investigation and demanding answers from the Biden Administration on why a Chinese spy balloon was allowed to hover over critical military infrastructure in Missouri and across the interior of the US without any intervention,” Schmitt stated.

Chinese Spy Balloon Raises Concerns

The senator’s concerns about the Chinese balloon are rooted in the potential for espionage activities. The balloon hovered over nuclear silos and Air Force Bases, which raises serious questions about the United States’ ability to protect its national security.

🚨BREAKING: I’m calling for an investigation and demanding answers from the Biden Admin. on why a Chinese spy balloon was allowed to hover over critical military infrastructure in Missouri and across the interior of the U.S. without any intervention. pic.twitter.com/c25ZEGKpWC

— Eric Schmitt (@Eric_Schmitt) February 3, 2023

In addition, Senator Schmitt believes that the presence of the Chinese balloon was a test for the Biden Administration’s response time and decision-making abilities. He believes that the Administration failed to address the situation in a timely and effective manner.

Investigation Demanded

The senator is demanding a full investigation into the presence of the Chinese balloon in US airspace. He believes that the American people deserve answers about why the balloon was allowed to stay in the country for over a week without any intervention.

“The Chinese spy balloon was in US airspace for a week. It hovered over nuclear silos and Air Force Bases. In addition to intel gathering, China was testing Biden on response time, decision making & he failed miserably. Full investigation needed. The American people deserve answers,” Schmitt stated.

The presence of the Chinese balloon in US airspace has raised serious concerns about the United States’ national security and the ability of the Biden Administration to protect it. Senator Eric Schmitt of Missouri is calling for a full investigation into the situation and demanding answers from the Administration. The American people deserve to know why the balloon was allowed to remain in the country for over a week without intervention.

On Thursday, local press in northern China’s Shanxi province announced that at least four people had died as a result of flooding in a coal mine. The incident took place on January 27th, but Chinese authorities only confirmed the number of victims on Wednesday.

In response to the accident, coal exploration by the Jushan company, which operated the mine where the tragedy occurred, has been suspended. The suspension will allow the company to address safety problems in its projects and prevent future incidents.

Sadly, deadly flooding at mines is a common occurrence in China. The country’s mines are often plagued by poor safety conditions and inadequate infrastructure, which can lead to tragic accidents like the one that took place on January 27th.

Despite these challenges, the Chinese government and mining companies are taking steps to improve safety conditions at mines throughout the country. Measures being taken include increased inspection and enforcement of safety regulations, as well as investment in new technologies and infrastructure to make mines safer for workers.

The flooding at the coal mine in Shanxi province is a tragedy that has claimed the lives of four people. It is a stark reminder of the dangers that miners face every day and the need for continued efforts to improve safety conditions at mines. As the Chinese government and mining companies work to make mines safer, it is important that they remain vigilant and take all necessary steps to prevent future accidents and protect the lives of miners.

Yesterday, a terror attack took place in Hebron in which an Israeli civilian was murdered and multiple people were injured. Following the attack, the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) soldiers and security forces conducted a survey of the terrorist’s residence to examine the potential demolition of the house.

This morning, dozens of Israeli soldiers and 40 bulldozers arrived in the Bustan neighbourhood in Silwan to begin demolishing 17 homes. The move came after the passing of the deadline for self-demolition, which was imposed by the Israeli authorities.

The practice of demolishing the homes of suspected terrorists has been controversial and has been criticized by human rights groups for punishing the families of the suspected terrorists, including women and children, and not being an effective deterrent to terrorism. However, the Israeli authorities argue that the demolition of homes serves as a deterrent and also punishes those who aid and support terrorism.

#Palestine
Dozens of Israeli soldiers and 40 bulldozers arrived in the Bustan neighbourhood in Silwan this morning to begin demolishing 17 homes following the passing of the deadline for self-demolition. pic.twitter.com/LYcz2uvchX

— Barbara (@BGarattini) June 29, 2021

The demolition of homes in Silwan has sparked international reactions, with many human rights organizations condemning the practice. They argue that the demolition of homes constitutes a form of collective punishment and violates international law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention.

On the other hand, some countries and organizations support the actions of the Israeli authorities. They argue that Israel has the right to defend its citizens against terrorism and that the demolition of homes is a legitimate measure to combat terrorism.

The situation in Hebron and Silwan remains tense, as the demolition of homes continues. The impact of this action on the local population and the potential for further conflict is yet to be seen. The international community remains divided on the issue, with some supporting the actions of the Israeli authorities and others condemning the demolition of homes as a violation of international law. Regardless of one’s position, it is clear that the situation in the region requires a peaceful and negotiated solution to end the cycle of violence.

US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, arrived in the West Bank city of Ramallah on Tuesday to meet with Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, according to the Anadolu News Agency. The visit is the final leg of Blinken’s regional tour, which also included stops in Israel and Egypt.

Entourage of American Officials

Blinken is accompanied by a number of American officials during his visit, including George Noll, head of the Palestinian Affairs Unit at the US Embassy in Jerusalem, Barbara Leaf, Assistant Secretary of State for Middle East Affairs, Hady Amr, Special Representative for Palestinian Affairs, and US National Security Adviser, Jake Sullivan.

Pre-Meeting with Intelligence Officials

Before Blinken’s arrival, the Palestinian news agency, Wafa, published images of Abbas while meeting with Egyptian Intelligence Chief, Abbas Kamel, and Jordanian Intelligence Director, Ahmad Hatuqai. However, no details were provided about the content of Abbas’ meeting with the intelligence officials.

Call for Calm amid Rising Tensions

On Monday, Blinken called for both Israel and the Palestinian side to “take steps to calm tensions rather than inflame them.” The call for calm comes amidst rising violence in the Palestinian territories, following an Israeli military operation in Jenin city that left at least 10 Palestinians dead on Thursday. In the wake of the operation, two shootings in Jerusalem claimed the lives of seven Israelis.

The Visit’s Timing

Blinken’s visit to the West Bank comes at a time of heightened tensions in the region, as both sides attempt to find a way to de-escalate the conflict and bring about peace. The talks with Abbas are expected to be crucial in addressing the current crisis and finding a path forward for the region.

Derek Chauvin, the police officer who killed George Floyd and sparked nationwide protests in 2020, is trying to overturn his murder conviction in an appeal trial. Chauvin, 46, was convicted by a Minnesota state court in 2021 and sentenced to 22.5 years in prison. He argues that his rights to a fair trial were violated, and that the trial should have been moved due to “threats of violence.”

chauvin will remain in prison, regardless of the outcome of the appeal, as he pleaded guilty to “civil rights violations” of George Floyd before a federal judge and received a final sentence of 21 years in prison in 2022.

On May 25, 2020, Chauvin, a Minneapolis police officer, knelt on Floyd’s neck for nearly ten minutes, ignoring his groans and the pleas of bystanders. The incident, which was captured on video and posted online, sparked widespread protests against racism and police brutality.

During the trial, chauvin’s lawyer argued that Floyd died of an overdose and that the use of force was justified. The defense is now trying to invalidate the trial, citing threats against the jury, fear of riots if chauvin was acquitted, and media coverage that “idealized” Floyd and “demonized” chauvin.

Three other police officers who were present during Floyd’s death received sentences of 2.5 to 3.5 years in prison.

The prosecution argues that the trial was fair and transparent, that jury selection lasted two weeks, and that the verdict should be upheld. They also denied the defense’s claims that the jury was influenced by the compensation paid to Floyd’s family, and that the trial should have been moved to a different location.

The appeals trial is expected to last several days, and the outcome is uncertain. However, even if the conviction is overturned, it is unlikely that Chauvin will be released from prison, given the federal conviction and sentence.

The death of George Floyd and the subsequent trial of Derek Chauvin have had a significant impact on the United States, and continue to be a topic of national conversation and debate. The trial has also sparked a renewed focus on issues of police brutality and racial inequality in the criminal justice system.

No matter the outcome of the appeal trial, the death of George Floyd and the subsequent protests have already had a profound effect on the country and it is likely that the issues it brought to the surface will continue to be addressed in the years to come.

A farmer who was attacked by a herd of cows on his farm in Ireland died due to ‘crush’ injuries, an inquest has heard.

Michael Walsh, 65, died in hospital in Dublin on April 21 following the incident at his farm in Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny.

He was in hospital for over two weeks after tragedy struck at the Kilkenny farm on April 6.

Dublin Coroner’s Court heard that Mr Walsh and his brother had been tending to cows that had recently calved when the incident occurred.

Health and Safety (HSA) officers attended the scene and conducted a full investigation into the incident, the inquest was told.

HSA Inspector Eddie Wall told Coroner Dr Myra Cullinane that their investigation into Mr Walsh’s death has now concluded.

“There will be no further action at this time,” he said.

Mr Walsh’s sister Marie O’Carroll formally identified him to Gardaí following his passing at St James’ Hospital on April 21.

A post-mortem autopsy found the cause of Mr Walsh’s death to be multi-organ failure caused by crush injuries.

A date was set for a full hearing into the farm tragedy now all investigations have come to an end.

The circumstances surrounding Mr Walsh’s death will be heard in full at Dublin Coroner’s Court on January 11, 2018.

A total of 18 have occurred on Irish farms so far in 2017 after a farmer in his 60s died in a quad bike accident in Ballyheane, Co. Mayo just yesterday.

Also this week, champion ploughman Martin Kehoe Jr, 33, became this year’s 17th fatality following an incident on the family farm at Foulksmills, Co. Wexford.

Via Irish Post!

The DPRK News Service of North Korea has warned Nigerians to stop insulting it’s supreme leader Kim Jong-Un or face the consequences of their unwarranted insults. In a tweet by North Korea’s leading Media DPRK News Service. Nigerian were warned against any form of mockery against the Supreme leader of North Korea. This was made public through a tweet from the twitter handle of the North Korean News Outlet.

In recent times Nigeria has been attracting the wrath of powerful nations. Most people believe that what is happening to Nigeria is spiritual chastisement. Since the inception of Mohammadu Buhari led administration, everything about Nigeria has been going south.

Nigeria incurred the wrath of Israel and Morocco through misguided utterances and they have been paying a heavy price ever since the incidents took place.

Nigerian President Mohammadu Buhari was rumored to have sponsored the failed coup d’état to oust the incumbent president of Turkey, thereby inheriting the full wrath of Turkish government.

“Impudent peoples of Nigeria are warned against mockery of Supreme Leader Kim Jong-Un, lest they pay a heavy price.”

The latest of these strange happenings, is the warning by North Korea to Nigerians just a few moments after successfully testing their earth-quaking Hydrogen Bomb. “Impudent peoples of Nigeria are warned against mockery of Supreme Leader Kim Jong-Un, lest they pay a heavy price,” DPRK News Service tweeted.

On the other hand, Nigerians in their usual manner took to twitter, bombing North Korea with their tweets and making all sorts of mockery against the Leader North Koreans Revered so much. Below is some of the tweets, retweets and replies.

Impudent peoples of Nigeria are warned against mockery of Supreme Leader Kim Jong-Un, lest they pay a heavy price.

— DPRK News Service (@DPRK_News) September 3, 2017

The handler of this service lacks manner, how dare u describe good people of Nigeria as impudent?We demand apology from Kim Jong -Un ASAP

— OLUSEGUN Olusola Sam (@sholyments) September 4, 2017

Come. You want these guys to hack us? Be careful oh. Ordinary rat sent our president running. Don’t get Uncle Kim on your matter

— I love Nigeria (@hopelesscountry) September 3, 2017

The handler of this service lacks manner, how dare u describe good people of Nigeria as impudent?We demand apology from Kim Jong -Un ASAP

— OLUSEGUN Olusola Sam (@sholyments) September 4, 2017

Impudent Peoples of Nigeria abeg you people behave oh…we are trembling already.

— Lolo (@Hellynux) September 3, 2017

What did the ‘impudent’ people of korea in Nigeria do???pls do tell,we need to expel your ‘impudent’ citizens.

— Dutch???????? (@bidemisadiq) September 3, 2017

Kati Kati…. May Amadioha and Sango strike Kim Jong down with partial stroke. Idiot!

— eizod (@Dozi_e30) September 3, 2017