Alberta’s chief electoral officer is facing pressure from Premier Danielle Smith and Justice Minister Mickey Amery to approve a referendum question on separation without judicial review. The proposed question asks Albertans if they agree the province should become sovereign. The chief electoral officer, however, maintains he is following proper procedure by seeking a court opinion to ensure the question does not contravene the Constitution, which Smith and Amery see as a delay tactic. If approved, the group behind the question would need to gather a significant number of signatures within a four-month period to get the question on the ballot.
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Following an 8.8 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Russia, a tsunami warning has been issued for Hawaii. Warning sirens sounded at 3:23 p.m., with an estimated first wave arrival time of 7:17 p.m. HST. Emergency officials urge the public to determine if they are in an evacuation zone and to take urgent action to protect lives and property. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center reported the earthquake occurred at 1:25 p.m. HST, leading to a tsunami watch at 1:33 p.m. and a subsequent warning at 2:43 p.m. HST.
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The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued a tsunami warning and advisory for the Pacific coast of Japan, stretching from Hokkaido to Okinawa, following an earthquake. Initially, a tsunami advisory was issued, but the alert level was raised, with the estimated maximum wave height now predicted to reach 3 meters. This change in alert was prompted by an earthquake with an estimated magnitude of 8.7 that occurred near the Kamchatka Peninsula.
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In December, India sent $1.4 million worth of the high-explosive HMX to Russia, with the shipments received by Russian defense companies such as Promsintez. These transactions occurred despite US warnings about potential sanctions for engaging with Russia’s military-industrial complex, as India has maintained trade relations with Russia despite Western sanctions. The shipments, which mark the first reported sale of HMX to Russia, were conducted by Ideal Detonators Private Limited, and included consignments to Promsintez and High Technology Initiation Systems. While the US has expressed concern and cautioned allies, it has yet to impose sanctions, due to its strategic partnership with India.
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The Associated Press, established in 1846, is a global, independent news organization committed to factual reporting. AP continues to be a leading source of swift, accurate, and unbiased news, offering a variety of formats and essential technology for the industry. Its reach extends worldwide, with over half the global population consuming AP journalism daily. This widespread accessibility solidifies its reputation as a trusted news provider.
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The UN conference, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, saw 17 countries, the EU, and the Arab League endorse a text urging Hamas to disarm and cede control of Gaza to the Palestinian Authority. This unprecedented declaration, also condemning the October 7th attacks, aims to facilitate a two-state solution, with some nations expressing willingness to recognize a Palestinian state. Notably, the text also considers potential deployment of foreign forces to stabilize Gaza post-conflict. The conference also saw calls for a ceasefire, aid and actions by Israel in order to proceed with a recognition of a Palestinian state, and the two-state solution’s viability is threatened by the ongoing war and Israeli actions.
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Overnight, Russian strikes utilizing glide bombs and missiles targeted both a prison and medical facilities in Ukraine, resulting in at least 27 fatalities across the country. In response to these attacks, U.S. President Donald Trump shortened his deadline for Russia to end the killing, threatening sanctions and tariffs if it does not comply within ten days. Despite Trump’s warnings, the Kremlin has indicated that it will continue to pursue its goals in Ukraine. Simultaneously, Ukraine launched long-range drones targeting Russian infrastructure, including an attack on a railway station in the Rostov region.
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The University of California San Diego School of Medicine published findings that individuals with cannabis use disorder (CUD) are at a significantly higher risk of developing oral cancer within five years. This study underscores the importance of investigating the potential health consequences associated with cannabis use, particularly as its prevalence increases. With millions reporting daily or near-daily use, and a notable percentage developing CUD, further research is crucial to understand the long-term health impacts of cannabis. This recent study sought to explore the relationship between CUD and oral cancer, a disease for which other substances like tobacco are known to pose significant risk.
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Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has refuted Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s claims that Israel is withholding aid from Gaza, labeling the accusations as “a lie”. This comes as a global hunger monitor issued an alert warning that famine is “playing out” in the Gaza Strip, highlighting widespread starvation, malnutrition, and disease. The Israeli government, however, continues to deny the severity of the humanitarian crisis, while the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) indicates that famine thresholds have been reached for food consumption and acute malnutrition in certain areas. Despite Israel’s claims of open aid access, restrictions remain, contrasting with the urgent needs of a population facing escalating food insecurity and mortality.
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According to the directors of the Oscar-winning documentary *No Other Land*, Palestinian community leader Awdah Hathaleen was killed by a sanctioned Israeli settler in the West Bank. The suspect, Yinon Levi, who was sanctioned by the UK and EU, was reportedly released under house arrest. The killing occurred in front of a community center and was captured on video. The directors of *No Other Land*, which documented the struggle of Masafer Yatta residents, have expressed their grief, and the incident underscores the rise in violence in the West Bank.
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John Q. Hosedrinker