World News

The governor, and possible GOP presidential candidate, is not constrained by the traditional checks on executive power.

(CNN)When Gov. (CNN) When Ron DeSantis suspended Tampa’s elected procuror last week, it wasn’t accomplished in a late night sacking or buried with a Friday press release at 5 p.m. DeSantis instead summoned reporters and cameras to a midday media conference. He did this several times per week and stood in front of officers in uniform and his elected allies, and walked through his decision not to kneecap a twice-elected Democratic official. It was striking not only for the extraordinary outcome but also for how it was choreographed. His spokeswoman said that the event was premeditated to trigger “the liberal media meltdown” the previous night. Pat Kemp, a Democrat, who sits on the local Hillsborough County Commission, described it as “our Jan. 6th moment.” Although the ruthless display by Andrew Warren of political power in the removal of Hillsborough County’s state attorney was brazen and unprecedented, it was just one example of a new reality that is emerging in Florida. DeSantis is not bound by traditional checks on executive power. DeSantis has orchestrated a new law in revenge against Disney, despite a political dispute with the entertainment company. He bulldozed a partisan redrawing the boundaries of the state legislature and moved nearly every part of state government to front lines of the culture warfare. He has done it all with little opposition from the Republicans who hold the other branches in Florida government. With a nine-figure fundraising edge, the odds of him being reelected are in his favor. He appears to have little to no problem pushing through an agenda to further transform Florida for future GOP primary voters. Bob Jarvis, a law professor at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, said that DeSantis is a blank check. “There is no constitutional provision that protects democracy now, because the checks and balances he has placed on him have been completely removed. If he wins, it will be spun as a mandate by him and he’ll say, “If Floridians didn’t like any part of what I did,” “Read MoreDeSantis justified Warren’s removal as necessary to protect Floridians against an elected official who doesn’t follow law. Warren had promised in two letters that he would use his prosecutorial discretion to not pursue those who seek abortions and gender affirming care, as well as those who provide such services. DeSantis stated that this was not how a law of law should operate. He also pledged in a pair of letters to use prosecutorial discretion to not pursue people who seek abortions or gender affirming care. His critics have criticized his decisive and contentious actions, claiming that they are an overreach by his office. After Warren was suspended, the two top Democratic candidates for governor, Nikki Fried, and Charlie Crist, compared DeSantis as a dictator. They have also made DeSantis the only Republican to consistently challenge former President Donald Trump in polls that look ahead to 2024’s presidential primary. DeSantis was on the Fox News digital interview set right after Thursday’s suspension announcement. DeSantis then appeared on Fox News digital during primetime, where Tucker Carlson, Fox host, praised DeSantis’ “finally doing more than whine.” “DeSantis is also increasing his influence throughout the country. He blasted the FBI’s search of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate and called it a “weaponization federal agencies.” Next week, he will headline rallies in New Mexico, Arizona and Ohio for GOP candidates. Charlie Kirk, president of Turning Point America (the conservative organization hosting the rallies), called DeSantis “the example for a new conservative party movement” when he announced his plans. His actions will be closely monitored amid the anticipated 2024 buzz. Recently, he stated that he would punish financial institutions that take into account factors such as environmental destruction and societal benefit when making investment decisions. This is what he calls “woke banking”. DeSantis also promised to change gun ownership laws so that people can carry guns in public without needing a license or training. Democrats are expecting further restrictions on abortion after DeSantis pledged to “expand Pro-Life Protections”, though he hasn’t yet stated how far. Fentrice Driskell, the state House Minority Leader, stated that policies used to be conservative under previous Republican governors. “But this isn’t a conservative bent. This is a DeSantis bend. It’s not about what the party wants; it’s about what he desires. “Wealthy space entrepreneur who has pushed for exploration of aliens and the afterlife donates $10 million to DeSantisThe Republican-controlled legislature has so far done little to suggest it will stand in DeSantis’ way. They have reacted to the growing popularity of DeSantis. After months of work by Republican lawmakers to create a new congressional map for the state, DeSantis introduced his own map that eliminated two districts that were represented by Black Democrats. At first, Republicans resisted but eventually gave in to the pressure and introduced legislation that penalized Disney, the largest employer in the state, for entering into the Florida fight over a controversial new law that would restrict the teaching of gender identity or sexual orientation in schools. DeSantis announced that he would use his line-item power to reduce their agreed-upon budget of $3 billion and eliminate their top priorities two months later. “The dynamics have been the same for the past two years,” said Senator Jeff Brandes, a Republican hailing from St. Petersburg. “I believe it continues on its current trajectory. “Brandes is a rare Republican who has publicly criticised DeSantis. But he’s also approaching his term limit. DeSantis is leaving behind a legislature that is far less conservative than when he took office in 2012. This legislature will be shaped significantly by DeSantis who has waded in GOP primaries, sometimes boosting candidates over others. Brandes stated that whether the House, Senate, and courts see themselves as independent bodies that provide a check-and-balance to the system “really depends on whether they view themselves as independent bodies that are there for that purpose.” If they don’t remember that or believe it’s unnecessary, then we follow one path. If one of these groups stands up and says, “We have a different viewpoint,” I believe you’ll see a completely different outcome. “The Florida constitution gives the state Senate the authority to reinstate Warren. It is unlikely that it will. While Senate leaders were unable to comment publicly on the suspension, the presumptive Speaker for 2023, Rep. Paul Renner applauded DeSantis’s tweets minutes after Warren was suspended, calling it a “decisive step”. Renner wrote, “The Florida way puts the public safety first.” Warren has promised to file a legal challenge against DeSantis for violating his constitutional authority. The case would likely be brought before the state Supreme Court, which is entirely composed of Republican governors. DeSantis appointed his fourth judge to the high-court on Friday. This means that the majority of the seven-member panel owe DeSantis their jobs. Ron DeSantis has raised over $100 million to support his reelection campaign. He could use the money to run for president? Jarvis, who teaches Florida constitution and has written textbooks about the topic, stated that lawmakers didn’t envision a DeSantis-type executive in the 1968 state constitution. They created a system that gave the Legislature the power to overrule DeSantis on many fronts, including appointments, suspensions, and oversight of executive management. They first gave considerable power to a Cabinet, six independent and constitutionally elected state executives, who served alongside the governor. The constitution also allowed the governor extraordinary discretion to suspend elected officials for “malfeasance or misfeasances, neglect of duty. drunkenness, incompetence. permanent inability to carry out official duties. or commission of a crime.” Past governors used the power sparingly in order to remove elected officials who were accused of egregious acts or violations of local trust. Susan MacManus, a retired professor of political science and the foremost expert on Florida’s political history, said that Warren was not suspended for any of his past actions, but for something he indicated he would not do. Jarvis stated that if that is the standard for removing an official from office, then there is nothing to stop DeSantis removing any official he disagrees — an alarming reality considering that his administration has called political dissenters “groomers” as well as referred to Democrats as lawless socialists. Jarvis stated, “This is a signal to all other officers that are subject to his suspension power, “” Jarvis said. “And I am certain that the senate will expel you. MacManus stated that it is presumptive not to speculate that DeSantis will face new headwinds, changing sentiment from voters or fellow lawmakers in a second term. She noted that there are polls showing large numbers of people fearing for the future democracy. However, these polls often conflict with other surveys that indicate that crime remains a major concern for most of the country. She said that although it seems insurmountable at the moment, politics and issues can shift. “With a snap of a finger, you can make things happen.”

World News

Ukraine war: Kyiv secures a bridgehead across the key Dnipro River, reports

But military experts warn that advancing from positions across the Dnipro could be very difficult.

Ukrainian troops have set up positions on the east bank of the Dnipro River in southern Kherson region, reports say.The region is partially Russian-held and crossing the river could be significant in future offensives.The US-based Institute for the Study of War says Russian military bloggers have posted “enough geolocated footage and text reports to confirm” the advance.BBC Ukraine says its military sources have reported a “certain movement across [the] Dnipro” near Kherson city.

Ukraine’s military has not confirmed the movement, while Russia has denied the reports.But if the reports that Ukraine has secured a bridgehead on the east bank are correct, it could be significant in helping Kyiv drive Russian troops back.A Ukrainian advance in the area could, in the future, even cut the land corridor to Ukraine’s Crimea peninsula, annexed by Russia in 2014.However, military experts say any Ukrainian troop movements in the bridgehead area – which is crisscrossed by floodplains, irrigation canals and other water obstacles – would be a tough task.And Ukrainian advances would be further complicated by Russia’s significant advantage in the air.

Ukraine’s military has for some time publicly spoken about preparations for a major counter-offensive, without specifying where and when it could be launched.Until now, all of the Kherson region on the east bank of the Dnipro has been under Russian control, with the wide river serving as a natural barrier.The regional capital – sitting on the west bank – was liberated by Ukrainian forces last November.Celebrations as Ukraine takes back key city KhersonPutin visits occupied Kherson region in UkraineIn Sunday’s report, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said “geolocated footage published on 23 April indicates that Ukrainian forces are operating in areas north-west of Oleshky on the east” bank of Dnipro.

The ISW added there was not enough information to analyse the scale of the reported Ukrainian advance – or the further intentions of the Ukrainian military.On Monday, Russia’s WarGonzo military blogger reported that Ukrainian troops were “trying to gain a foothold on Bolshoi Potemkin [Velykyi Potyomkin – Ukrainian] island”, which is located between the new and old channels of the Dnipro.

World News

India’s population will surpass China this week, according to UN

Last week, a different UN body said the milestone would be passed later in 2023.

India is expected to overtake China as the world’s most populous nation by the end this week. A different UN body predicted last week that India would surpass China by the middle this year. The Asian nations have accounted more than a quarter of the global population since over 70 years. The UN’s Department of Economic and Social Affairs said in a press release that “China will soon relinquish its long-held position as the world’s largest country”.

The UN Population Fund said last week that India would have 2.9 million more people than China by the middle of 2023. China’s birthrate has dropped recently, and its population shrank last year for first time since 1961. India’s population will continue to grow for several decades, it said. However, fertility rates in India are also dropping – from 5.7 babies per woman in 1950, to 2.2 today. In November, the world population reached 8 billion. Experts say that the growth rate is slower than it used to be, and is now at its lowest level since 1950.

World News

Scientists are concerned about recent rapid ocean warming.

There’s growing concern that the oceans are heating up quickly – and scientists are unsure of the implications.

It has never warmed up this much, so quickly. Scientists don’t fully understand why. But they worry that, combined with other weather events, the world’s temperature could reach a worrying new level by the end of next year. Scientists do not fully understand why it has happened. But they are concerned that combined with other weather conditions, the temperature of the planet could reach a new alarming level by the end next year. They are less efficient in absorbing planet-warming gases.

In the last 15 years, Earth’s heat has increased by 50 percent, with the majority of that extra heat going into the oceans. This has real world implications – not only was the temperature of the oceans a record in April, but in some areas the difference over the long term is enormous. Image source: Getty ImagesIn march, sea surface temperatures along the east coast of North America reached 13.8C above the 1981-2011 average. Karina Von Schuckmann, lead author of the study and oceanographer with the research group Mercator Ocean International, said: “It is not yet clear why such a rapid and huge change is occurring.”

“We have doubled heat in the climate system over the last 15 years. I don’t think this is climate variability, but it could be. We do see the change. “An interesting factor that could influence the level of heat entering the oceans is a reduction in shipping pollution. In 2020, the International Maritime Organisation implemented a regulation to lower the sulphur in fuel burned by ships. This has had an immediate impact on reducing the amount aerosol particles released in the atmosphere. Aerosols that pollute the air also reflect heat back into the space, so removing them could have caused more heat to reach the oceans.

The average surface temperature of the oceans has risen by 0.9C since pre-industrial times, with 0.6C of that increase occurring in the last 40. This is less than the rise in air temperatures on land which have increased by 1.5C. Oceans absorb heat much deeper than land and require more energy to heat. This has real-world implications. It is especially damaging to coral reefs. Extreme weather will increase as heat from the upper ocean surface increases hurricanes and cyclones. This means they become more intense and longer-lasting.Sea-level rise: warmer waters take up more space – known as thermal expansion – and can greatly accelerate the melting of glaciers from Greenland and Antarctica that flow into the oceans.

This increases global sea levels and increases the risk of coastal flooding. Warmer water has a lower ability to absorb CO2. The oceans will absorb less CO2 if they continue to warm. This will lead to more CO2 accumulating in the atmosphere, further warming the air. “The Australian Bureau model strongly suggests a strong El Nino.” Hugh McDowell, from Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology, said that the trend has been in that direction and that all climate models have been trending towards a stronger event. Mr McDowell warned that predictions are less reliable at this time of the year.

Other researchers are more optimistic. Experts believe that a fully-formed event will follow. “If we have a new El Nino on top of that, it will probably cause an additional global warming of 0.2-0.25C,” Dr Josef Ludescher from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Research said. “The impact of El Nino is reduced a few months following the peak. This is why 2024 is likely to be the warmest year on record. “Image source, Anadolu Agency.” And we may, we’ll be close to 1.5C and perhaps we’ll temporarily go over. El Nino is likely to disrupt weather patterns in Australia and around the world. It will also weaken the monsoon. There are also more fundamental concerns that as heat is absorbed by the oceans, they may be less able store excess energy.

One scientist described being “extremely stressed and worried”. Karina von Schuckmann says that some research has shown the world warming in jumps. Little changes over years are followed by sudden leaps upwards. After El Nino subsides, temperatures may drop again. She told BBC News that “we still have a window of opportunity to act and we should take advantage of this to reduce the effects.” Graphics by Erwan RIVALL.

World News

Wagner in Sudan: what have Russian mercenaries done?

The Wagner group denies involvement in the current conflict, but there’s evidence it has previously been active in Sudan.

Russian Wagner mercenary forces are accused of having commercial and military ties with Sudan. However, the group denies involvement in the current conflict. Yevgeny Praighozin, who has close ties to President Vladimir Putin, has stated that “not one Wagner PMC [private company] fighter has ever been present in Sudan”. We have found no evidence of Russian mercenaries currently inside the country. There is evidence of Wagner’s previous activities in Sudan. Mr Prighozin’s operations in the nation have been targeted by US and EU sanctions. Gold-mining DealsIn 2017, Sudan’s former President Omar al-Bashir, during a trip to Moscow, signed a number of deals.

These included an agreement to establish a Russian naval base at Port Sudan along the Red Sea as well as “concessions on gold mining” between Russian company M Invest, and the Sudanese Ministry of Minerals. The According to a CNN investigation, gold was transported overland into Central African Republic where Wagner operates – exports that were not recorded in Sudanese trade data.

The BBC has not independently confirmed these images. In 2021, a Wagner linked Telegram channel published photos of an unnamed top Wagner leader awarding Sudanese soldier memorabilia during a ceremony that took place two years earlier. TelegramAnd, in July 2022 this channel distributed a clip allegedly showing Wagner’s mercenaries performing par The same source linked the Instagram profile of a Russian mercenary who called himself a “freelancer”. He shared stories of his exploits on Sudan in posts dating from August and Oct 2021. How influential is Wagner? The US Treasury claims that the Wagner Group has been involved in “paramilitary activities, support for maintaining authoritarian regimes and exploitation natural resources”. The relationship between the Royal United Services Institute and the UK-based Royal United Services Institute has grown since then.

“In 2018, they had around 100 men actively training Sudanese forces,” says Dr Joana De Deus Pereira from the UK. Sudanese media reported that the number grew to 500 and that they were mainly based in the south-west, near Um Dafuq and close to Sudan’s borders with the Central African Republic. According to Dr Samuel Ramani who wrote a book on Russia’s activities throughout Africa, the Wagner Group created its own media campaigns in order to keep President Bashir in power. Image source: AFP. This caused friction with the president’s security forces and Wagner switched its support to General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who overthrew him.

Dr Ramani says that while the Foreign Ministry in Moscow opposed the coup, Prigozhin, and the Wagner Group, welcomed al-Burhan’s takeover. According to Dr Ramani it was between 2021 and 2022 when the Wagner Group increased their connections with the Rapid Support Forces, which is currently fighting Sudan’s regular army led by Gen Burhan. Mr Pri “Wagner had links with both General al-Burhan and Mr Hemedti in different degrees and ways,” she says. Wagner’s presence in AfricaWagner fighters are widely reported to be in the Central African Republic for several years, guarding diamond mines in the country, as well in Libya and Mali.

World News

Sudan fighting: Foreign nationals and diplomats evacuated

Several countries are helping their citizens leave the capital, Khartoum, following a week of fighting.

Several other countries have also started organising evacuations, starting on Sunday. France, Germany Italy and Spain have also started organising evacuations. A vicious power struggle has caused violence throughout the country. The UK government was able to airlift British diplomatic staff and their families out in a “complex” and “rapid” operation. Foreign Minister James Cleverly stated that options to evacuate remaining British nationals were “severely restricted”.

The German army reported that the first of three flights had left Sudan bound for Jordan with 101 people aboard. Italy and Spain evacuated citizens – the Spanish mission included citizens of Argentina, Colombia, Ireland Portugal, Poland Mexico, Venezuela, and Sudan. Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his government had evacuated diplomatic staff. More than 150 people were evacuated to the Saudi Arabian port Jeddah by sea, including citizens from Egypt, Pakistan, and Gulf countries. Many foreign students from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East have also been trapped in Khartoum. They have made desperate calls for assistance.

The US announced on Sunday that a disaster response team will be sent to the region to “coordinate humanitarian response to those in need, both within and outside Sudan.” “Samantha Power, from the US Agency for International Development(USAID), said that the team would initially work out of Kenya and give priority to getting “life-saving humanitarian assistance to those in need.” The World Health Organization reports that the fighting has injured thousands and killed more than 400.

The death toll may be higher than 400, because people are unable to access healthcare due to the closure of most hospitals in the city. The fighting has also affected the western region of Darfur where the RSF was first formed. The UN has warned that 20,000 people, mostly women and children, have fled Sudan in search of safety in Chad across the border.