THREAD: dow jones defies the odds

ISRAEL DEFIES US Warnings, Ramps Up Military Strike in Gaza’s Rafah

12 May 2024 — Israel has escalated its military actions in Rafah, Gaza, despite U.S. cautions. The Israeli military ordered tens of thousands to leave the area immediately. Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari confirmed that the operations targeted and eliminated numerous militants. This aggressive stance persists even amid international concerns about rising civilian casualties and disruptions to humanitarian aid efforts.

Global protests have ignited as Israel alleges Hamas militants are consolidating in northern Gaza following seven months of ongoing conflict. The United Nations warns that intensifying military activities in Rafah might severely impact humanitarian initiatives and increase civilian fatalities. The closure of the Rafah border crossing complicates aid delivery, heightening regional tensions further.

President Joe Biden has explicitly denied supplying offensive weaponry for operations in Rafah, pointing to credible evidence that Israel might be violating international laws designed to protect civilians during conflict situations. On the other hand, Israeli authorities maintain they adhere strictly to these laws and have implemented advanced warning systems to reduce civilian casualties before launching operations

The crisis deepens as over 1.4 million Palestinians find themselves displaced within Rafah’s confines due to recent evacuations moving populations into areas already heavily affected by conflict. Aid organizations are overwhelmed trying to manage under these challenging circumstances.

FIVE GENERATIONS of Women Shape Jones Family Legacy

02 May 2024 — The Jones family in the U.K. recently celebrated the birth of Teya Jones, marking a unique milestone: five consecutive generations of daughters. This rare event last occurred in their family over half a century ago.

At just 18 years old, Evie Jones proudly continues this female-driven legacy, which began with her great-great-grandmother Audrey Skitt. The tradition underscores a strong matriarchal structure that has thrived for decades.

The family’s lineage boasts influential women like Kim Jones, who is 51, and her mother Lindsey Jones, aged 70. A photo from 1972 vividly captures these generational bonds, reflecting a proud and enduring tradition that remains vibrant today.

Teya’s arrival not only reinforces this exceptional line of daughters but also celebrates the resilience and unity among the women in the Jones family. Their story highlights both familial pride and the empowerment of women through generations.

NETANYAHU DEFIES UN Cease-Fire: Vows to Continue Gaza War Amidst Global Tensions

28 March 2024 — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has openly criticized a United Nations Security Council resolution for a cease-fire in Gaza. According to Netanyahu, the resolution, which the United States did not veto, has only served to empower Hamas.

The conflict between Israel and Hamas is now in its sixth month. Both parties have consistently rejected cease-fire efforts, escalating tensions between the U.S. and Israel regarding war conduct. Netanyahu maintains that an expanded ground offensive is necessary to dismantle Hamas and free hostages.

Hamas seeks a lasting cease-fire, Israeli forces’ withdrawal from Gaza, and freedom for Palestinian prisoners before releasing hostages. A recent proposal that didn’t meet these demands was dismissed by Hamas. In response, Netanyahu argued that this rejection demonstrates Hamas’ lack of interest in negotiations and underlines the harm inflicted by the Security Council’s decision.

Israel expresses dissatisfaction with the U.S.“s abstention from voting on a Security Council resolution calling for a cease-fire — marking it as the first time since the onset of the Israel-Hamas war began. The vote passed unanimously without U.S.”s involvement.

NETANYAHU DEFIES Global Outrage, Sets Sights on Rafah Invasion

16 March 2024 — Despite international outcry, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is determined to press ahead with plans to invade Rafah, a city in the Gaza Strip. This decision comes in the face of protests from the United States and other world powers.

The Israeli Defense Force is slated to lead this operation as part of broader military initiatives in the region. This move will proceed even if there’s a potential cease-fire agreement with Hamas, Netanyahu’s office confirmed on Friday.

Alongside these invasion plans, an Israeli delegation is preparing for a trip to Doha. Their mission? To negotiate for hostage release. But before they can proceed, they need full consensus from the security cabinet.

The announcement has heightened tensions as Palestinians gather for Ramadan prayers at Al-Farouq Mosque ruins in Rafah — a site ravaged by ongoing conflicts between Israel and militant group Hamas.

UK Inflation DEFIES Predictions, STAYS at 67%: What’s Next for the Economy?

18 October 2023 — The UK’s inflation rate held steady at 6.7% in September, flying in the face of economists’ predictions for a slight decrease. The Office for National Statistics highlighted that while food and drink prices dipped, they were counterbalanced by an uptick in fuel costs.

This persistent inflation rate is more than triple the Bank of England’s target of 2%. Despite this, it is not expected that the bank will hike interest rates during its November policy meeting. Instead, it seems set to keep its main borrowing rate at a peak not seen in 15 years — a hefty 5.25%.

James Smith from the Resolution Foundation think tank offered his perspective on this economic puzzle: “For now, progress on reducing inflation has hit a roadblock.” He anticipates a significant drop to below 5% next month as energy prices are projected to fall for most consumers.

In response to price surges triggered by pandemic-induced supply chain disruptions and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine — both factors contributing heavily to increased food and energy costs — the Bank of England has been steadily cranking up interest rates from near zero levels.

EMERGENCY Alert Test: The NATIONWIDE Drill You Can’t Ignore

04 October 2023 — The federal government is set to conduct a nationwide test of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System on Wednesday. This system, designed to deliver a presidential message to Americans within 10 minutes during a national crisis, uses the Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alerts.

Wireless phone users in the U.S. will receive an alert at 2:20 p.m. Eastern time that reads: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.” Along with this message, phones will emit sound and vibration signals. If any phones are switched off at this time, they will display the alert once powered back on within a half-hour window.

For those tuning into broadcast or cable television or radio during this period, they’ll encounter a one-minute message stating: “This is a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System by Federal Emergency Management Agency covering United States from 14:20 to 14:50 hours ET. This is only a test. No action required by public.”

Marcos Jr STANDS UP to China: The Bold Challenge Over South China Sea Barrier

30 September 2023 — Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has taken a firm stance against China’s installation of a 300-meter barrier at the entrance to Scarborough Shoal in the South China Sea. This marks his first public opposition to this move, following his directive to dismantle the barrier. Marcos asserted, "We’re not seeking conflict, but we won’t back down from defending our maritime territory and our fishermen’s rights.”

This recent face-off between China and the Philippines follows Marcos’ decision earlier this year to increase U.S. military presence under a defense pact from 2014. This move has raised concerns in Beijing, as it could lead to an increased American military presence near Taiwan and southern China.

After the Philippine coast guard removed the Chinese barrier at Scarborough Shoal, Filipino fishing boats managed to catch around 164 tons of fish in just one day. “This is what our fishermen miss out on... it’s evident that this area belongs to the Philippines,” stated Marcos.

Despite these efforts, two Chinese coast guard vessels were seen patrolling the shoal’s entrance by a Philippine surveillance aircraft on Thursday. According to Commodore Jay Tar

NET NEUTRALITY Revival Pushed by Biden’s New FCC Pick: The Real Impact on Telecom Companies

26 September 2023 — Following the unsuccessful Senate endorsement of Gigi Sohn, President Biden has now confirmed Anna Gomez as the new commissioner for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). This appointment breaks a 2-2 deadlock at the Commission. In response, Democrats and progressive nonprofits have begun to advocate for the return of Title II regulations on telecom companies.

On Monday, a group of 27 Senate Democrats, which included Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), called on FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel to reestablish Title II regulations on internet service providers. These were regulations that had been withdrawn during Trump’s tenure.

Last week, progressive nonprofit Free Press also stepped up its efforts by starting a petition urging the FCC to bring back net neutrality rules. These rules were first introduced during Obama’s presidency before social media censorship became widespread. Net neutrality was initially touted as a means to safeguard an open internet by classifying telecom companies as common carriers.

Free Press emphasized that net neutrality is essential for preserving an internet that is “free, open and accessible to all.” However, critics contend that such regulation could potentially stifle innovation and competition within the sector.

Chris PACKHAM’S RADICAL Call to Break the Law: Is It Justified or a Threat to Democracy?

23 September 2023 — In his most recent show, “Is It Time To Break The Law?”, seasoned BBC presenter Chris Packham hinted that legal protests might not be enough for environmental causes. On Channel 4, Packham suggested that law-breaking could potentially be a necessary step to save our planet.

Known for his wildlife programs and involvement in left-wing climate marches like Extinction Rebellion (XR), Packham is currently rallying support for a “Restore Nature Now” demonstration. This protest is scheduled later this month outside the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) headquarters in London.

The provocative comments made by the Springwatch host on public broadcaster Channel 4 have ignited considerable controversy. Critics contend that endorsing illegal activities erodes democratic procedures and establishes a perilous precedent.

BORDER CHAOS Escalates: Migrants from Around the Globe Swarm Southern Border, Agents Struggle to Cope

22 September 2023 — In a remote corner of Southern California, a diverse group of migrants hailing from countries such as China, Ecuador, Brazil, and Colombia have surrendered to Border Patrol agents. Their makeshift desert campsite is a stark symbol of the recent surge in asylum-seekers that has put immense pressure on various parts of the U.S.-Mexico border. This influx has led to shutdowns at border crossings in Eagle Pass (Texas), San Diego and El Paso.

The Biden administration finds itself scrambling for solutions following a brief dip in illegal crossings due to new asylum restrictions introduced in May. With Democrats pushing for more resources to accommodate asylum-seekers and Republicans using this issue as ammunition for the upcoming 2024 elections, Temporary Protected Status has been granted to an estimated 472,000 Venezuelans already residing in the U.S., adding to the 242,700 who had previously qualified.

In response to this crisis, an additional 800 active-duty military personnel have been deployed at the border joining an existing force of 2,500 National Guard members. Furthermore, holding facilities are being expanded by an additional capacity of 3,250 spaces. The administration

RUSSELL BRAND’s Career Hangs in the Balance: Sexual Assault Allegations Emerge

18 September 2023 — British comedian Russell Brand is facing serious allegations of sexual assault from multiple women. This has resulted in the postponement of his live performances and a severed relationship with his talent agency and publisher. The U.K. entertainment industry is now wrestling with whether Brand’s celebrity status protected him from accountability.

Brand, now 48, denies the accusations made by four women through a Channel 4 documentary and articles published in The Times and Sunday Times newspapers. Among these accusers is one woman who alleges she was sexually assaulted by Brand at age 16, while another claims he raped her in Los Angeles back in 2012.

The Metropolitan Police force has been notified of an alleged sexual assault that occurred in Soho, central London, back in 2003 — earlier than any assaults reported by media outlets so far. Although they did not directly name Brand as the suspect, police acknowledged the TV and newspaper allegations during their announcement.

In response to these serious allegations, Brand insists all his past relationships were consensual. As more women step forward with accusations against him, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s spokesman Max Blain labeled these claims as “very serious and concerning.” Conservative legislator Caroline Nokes has called on British and U.S. law enforcement to investigate these alarming allegations.

US, UK UNVEIL ‘20 Days in Mariupol’ to the WORLD: A Shocking Expose of Russia’s Invasion

11 September 2023 — The United States and Britain are shining a spotlight on the atrocities of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. They’ve organized a U.N. screening of the acclaimed documentary “20 Days in Mariupol”. This film documents the experiences of three Associated Press journalists during Russia’s brutal siege on the Ukrainian port city. UK Ambassador Barbara Woodward stressed that this screening is vital, as it exposes how Russia’s actions challenge the very principles that U.N. upholds — respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Produced by AP and PBS series “Frontline”, “20 Days in Mariupol” presents 30 hours worth footage recorded in Mariupol after Russia launched its invasion on February 24, 2022. The film captures street battles, extreme pressure on residents, and deadly attacks that took innocent lives including pregnant women and children. The siege concluded on May 20, 2022 leaving thousands dead and Mariupol devastated.

U.S ambassador to U.N., Linda Thomas-Greenfield referred to “20 Days in Mariupol” as a vivid record of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war aggression. She called upon everyone to witness these horrors and recommit themselves towards justice and peace in Ukraine.

The AP’s coverage from Mariupol has drawn ire from Kremlin with its U.N ambassador

CONVICTED KILLER on the Loose: Danelo Cavalcante’s Daring Escape from Pennsylvania Prison

07 September 2023 — Convicted murderer, Danelo Cavalcante, is now a fugitive. After a daring escape from Chester County Prison in Pennsylvania, he has successfully evaded capture. The U.S Marshals Service has confirmed that Cavalcante, sentenced to life for the 2021 murder of his ex-girlfriend, is also implicated in a homicide case in Brazil.

Acting Warden Howard Holland unveiled surveillance footage of Cavalcante’s escape during a press briefing. The video captures the moment when Cavalcante scales a wall and braves through razor wire to make his audacious exit.

Cavalcante’s breakout commenced at 8:33 a.m., as he mingled with other inmates in the exercise yard. By 9:45 a.m., prison officers reported him missing—an unsettling indication of severe lapses in prison security measures.

UNCOVERED: The SHOCKING Truth Behind Scott Johnson’s Mysterious Death in Australia

06 September 2023 — Scott Johnson, a bright and openly gay American mathematician, met an untimely death under a cliff in Sydney, Australia over three decades ago. Investigators initially deemed his death a suicide. However, Steve Johnson, Scott’s brother, doubted this conclusion and embarked on a long journey to seek justice for his brother.

A new four-part documentary series titled “Never Let Him Go” delves into the life and death of Scott. Produced by ABC News Studios in collaboration with Show of Force and Blackfella Films for Hulu, it also sheds light on Steve’s tireless quest to uncover the truth about his brother’s demise amidst Sydney’s notorious era of anti-gay violence.

Upon hearing about Scott’s passing in December 1988, Steve left the U.S. for Canberra, Australia where Scott resided with his partner. He then undertook a three-hour drive to Manly near Sydney where Scott died and met Troy Hardie — the officer who investigated the case.

Hardie insisted that he based his initial suicide verdict on evidence or lack thereof at the scene. He pointed out that authorities found Scott naked at the cliff base with neatly folded clothes and clear identification atop it. Additionally, Hardie mentioned speaking to Scott’s partner who disclosed that Scott had previously considered suicide.

CANADA’S FREEDOM Convoy Trial Begins: Unmasking the Controversial Protest Tactics

06 September 2023 — The trial of Tamara Lich and Chris Barber, organizers of Canada’s Freedom Convoy, commenced on Tuesday. Prosecutors are focusing not on political ideologies but on the protest methods used.

Lich and Barber were arrested in February 2022 following nearly a month of protests in Ottawa. The demonstrators demanded the termination of federal mask and vaccine mandates amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Critics suggest that their actions extended beyond health measures to challenge the broader Liberal Canadian government.

Throughout their protest, truckers remained stationed outside Canada’s Parliament building, a move city officials labeled as an “occupation”. Over a 13-day trial (with an additional six days in October), The Crown Prosecution will argue that these gridlock tactics constituted dangerous action.

Alongside other organizers, Lich and Barber face charges including mischief, counseling others to commit mischief, intimidation and obstructing police. This case represents a pivotal point in evaluating how society perceives and conducts protests.