List of All Articles with Tag 'rica'

Over the weekend, Elon Musk appeared in a Twitter post to endorse the idea of taking the right to vote away from people without children. The billionaire Tesla co-founder replied “Yup,” to a series of posts from Twitter user @fentasyl, which argued “democracy is probably unworkable long term without limiting suffrage to parents.” The exchange came as Mr Musk continued his recent run of interacting with right-wing figures on the social network. The posts from fentasyl themselves were a response to a previous post from Mr Musk. On Saturday, in the comments under an Islamophobic nonprofit’s video, where commenters insinuated that single white women were turning France into a majority-Muslim country, Mr Musk claimed, “The childless have little stake in the future.” The Independent has contacted Mr Musk for comment. These opinions are hardly surprising for Mr Musk, who has long expressed concerns about declining birth rates in the US and the lack of “smart” people having enough children, views which critics have argued are verging on eugenicist. In 2022, Musk, who has fathered nine children, wrote on Twitter that, “A collapsing birth rate is the biggest danger civilization faces by far. Earlier this year, he elaborated, telling former Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson that society hasn’t “evolved” to respond to abortions and contraception, which the billionaire incorrectly claimed were invented in the last 50 years. “I’m sort of worried that hey, civilisation, if we don’t make enough people to at least sustain our numbers, perhaps increase a little bit, then civilisation’s going to crumble,” Musk said. “The old question of, will civilisation end with a bang or a whimper?” (In fact, the world population has doubled in the last 50 years to more than 8 billion, according to the UN, though the birth rate has slowed in some places.) Observer argue that such so-called “natalist” views are often entangled with eugenicist ideas about intentionally manipulating future births to privilege and center certain groups of people. Mr Musk has previously lamented that “smart” people aren’t having enough children. “If each successive generation of smart people has fewer kids, that’s probably bad,” he once told a biographer. The tech billionaire has touted a prototype robot as a solution to a hypothetical world where declining numbers of workers are available to toil in Tesla factories. For someone concerned with human civilization’s long-term longevity, Mr Musk lives a fabulously carbon intensive life. The carbon footprint from his 2022 private jet flights alone was 132 times greater than the average US resident’s total footprint, a doubly astounding figure given people in the US consume far more resources than less wealthy nations. Read More Twitter rival Bluesky halts sign-ups after huge surge in demand following Musk’s rate limits Tweetdeck down: Major Twitter client not working amid chaos on site Thousands of Twitter users complain of issues with social media website and app Twitter users run into service issues after Elon Musk imposes daily limits on reading tweets Threatened by shortages, electric car makers race for supplies of lithium for batteries

A South Carolina man has been arrested for allegedly attempting to murder the sole survivor of a house fire that killed six members of a family. Ryan Lenard Manigo, 33, was taken into custody following the fire on Sunday, the Colleton County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. First responders arrived at the home in the unincorporated community of Green Pond around 11am after they were alerted to a blaze. Six people were found dead inside the burning residence, and a surviving individual was airlifted to an area hospital in critical condition. Law enforcement said that an interview with the survivor led to the arrest of Mr Manigo on one count of attempted murder. More charges are expected once autopsies are completed on the six fatal victims, according to the Colleton-County Sheriffs-Office. “Today’s events which occurred in this quiet, nestled community of Green Pond are tragic,” Hiram Davis, a close friend of the victims, told local news station, WCBD. “We ask everyone to please give law enforcement time to do their jobs.” Mr Davis added: “We should always be vigilant. We should always have an eye on our surroundings.” Authorities have not released the name of the victims or a motive for the crimes. It is unclear whether they are related to Mr Manigo, or whether he was the one to start the fire. A neighbour also told WCBD that he was on his way home when he saw emergency vehicles rushing to the victims’ home. “We don’t have that in this community. No violence to that degree,” the man, who wished not to share his name, said. “God help their souls. This community is better than that.” Mr Manigo remains in custody at the Colleton County Detention Center ahead of his bond hearing at 2.30pm EST local on Monday. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division’s Arson Team is working along with the Colleton County Sheriffs-Office in the investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact investigators at 843-549-2211. Read More Chilling moment man arrested after killing wife and children in drunken rage France riots – live: ‘Insulting’ fundraiser for officer who shot teen hits €1m as fraction raised for victim Man accused of killing and dismembering girlfriend is tied to disappearance of second woman

More than half of Americans believe US Supreme Court justices decide cases largely on the basis of their partisan political views, a figure that has shot up 10 percentage points from January 2022. That figure – 53 per cent – appears to be driven by the gulf between perceptions of the conservative supermajority court among Republican and Democratic voters following several controversial rulings at the end of its latest term, according to new polling from ABC News/Ipsos. Roughly three-quarters of Republican voters and 26 per cent of Democratic voters support the court’s decision to reject affirmative action in university admissions. Sixty-eight per cent of Republicans approve of the decision to allow businesses to deny services to same-sex couples. And 71 per cent of Republicans support the court’s ruling against President Joe Biden’s plan to cancel student loan debts, compared to just 17 per cent of Democrats. Overall, a bare majority of Americans (52 per cent) support the court’s decision against race-conscious admissions in higher education. That majority includes majorities among white (60 per cent) and Asian (58 per cent) Americans, while 52 per cent of Black Americans disapprove of the ruling. Despite their views on affirmative action, most Americans still do not believe that Black and Hispanic students have a fair chance of getting into the college of their choice compared to their white and Asian student counterparts. Roughly two-thirds of Americans believe that white and Asian students have a fair chance for admission to the college of their choice, compared to only 47 per cent and 50 per cent of respondents who would say the same for Black and Hispanic students, respectively. Americans’ views on the court’s actions against student debt cancellation also track closely with their age, polling finds. Older Americans are more likely to support the court’s actions – 61 per cent of people age 65 and older endorsed the ruling that struck down the president’s plan, while only 40 per cent of people aged 30 to 49 and 31 per cent of those under 30 years old support the ruling. “I know there are millions of Americans … in this country who feel disappointed and discouraged, or even a little bit angry, about the court’s decision today on student debt. And I must admit, I do, too,” Mr Biden said in remarks from the White House on 30 June following the court’s decision. Public support for the decision making at the nation’s highest court – with three justices appointed by Donald Trump during his one-term presidency – sank precipitously in the wake of the decision to overturn Roe v Wade and revoke a constitutional right to abortion care last summer. Following that ruling, among other actions under the court’s new conservative majority, the court has come under greater public scrutiny, alongside the decades of maneuvers among Republican officials to seat similarly ideologically minded judges across the federal judiciary, the actions of Justice Clarence Thomas’s wife Ginni Thomas surrounding attempts to reject 2020 election results, and a series of investigative reports that revealed apparent ethics lapses among conservative justices. Such scrutiny has called the court’s legitimacy into question, with Democratic lawmakers and critics of the court pressing for ethics investigations, impeachment proceedings and the resignation of justices. Read More Harvard sued over ‘legacy admissions’ after Supreme Court targets affirmative action Biden reveals ‘new path’ to student debt relief after Supreme Court strikes down president’s plan The ‘fake’ gay marriage case in the middle of the Supreme Court’s latest threat to LGBT+ rights The Supreme Court risks inflaming the prejudices that America sought to banish

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signaled Monday that his country is not ready to ratify Sweden's membership in NATO, saying Stockholm had to work harder on the “homework” it needs to complete. Speaking after a Cabinet meeting, Erdogan also renewed his condemnation of a Quran-burning protest that took place in Sweden last week, describing the action as a hate crime against Muslims. “We have made it clear that the determined fight against terrorist organizations and Islamophobia are our red line," Erdogan said. “Everyone must accept that Turkey’s friendship cannot be won by supporting terrorism or by making space for terrorists.” Turkey has delayed giving its final approval to Sweden’s membership in the military alliance, accusing the country of being too lenient toward anti-Islamic demonstrations and groups that Ankara regards as security threats. These include militant Kurdish groups that have waged a deadly, decades-long insurgency in Turkey. The Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK, has waged a 38-year insurgency against Turkey that has left tens of thousands dead. It is designated a terrorist organization by the U.S and the European Union. NATO wants to bring Sweden into the fold by the time NATO leaders meet in Lithuania on July 11-12 but Erdogan said Stockholm still had obligations to fulfill. NATO requires the unanimous approval of all existing members to expand, and Turkey and Hungary are the only countries that have not yet ratified Sweden’s bid. “Instead of wasting time with distraction tactics, we believe that keeping to the promises will be a more rational, more beneficial method,” Erdogan said. “We advise them to scrutinize themselves and do their homework better." He was referring to a memorandum that Sweden and Finland signed with Turkey last year under which they agreed to address Ankara's concerns. Fighting Islamophobia was not included in the memorandum. Last week, Swedish police allowed a protest outside a mosque in central Stockholm citing freedom of speech after a court overturned a ban on a similar Quran-burning. “The vile attack on our holy book, the Holy Quran, in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, enraged us all,” Erdogan said. “This perverted disregard for the feelings of 2 billion Muslims cannot be compatible with the most basic human values, let alone freedom of thought.” Sweden and Finland abandoned their traditional positions of military nonalignment to seek protection under NATO’s security umbrella, fearing they might be targeted by Moscow after Russia invaded Ukraine last year. Finland joined the alliance earlier this year after Turkey’s parliament ratified the Nordic country’s bid. Sweden changed its anti-terror legislation since applying for NATO membership, but Turkey argues supporters of militant groups can freely organize demonstrations, recruit and procure financial resources in the country. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg last week called a meeting of senior officials from Turkey, Sweden and Finland for July 6 to try to overcome Turkish objections to Sweden joining the military alliance. Read More Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Jordan's foreign minister calls for investment into war-torn Syria to speed up refugee returns Q&A: Violinist and singer Sudan Archives brings 'fiddle soft punk' to Glastonbury debut Biden will host Sweden's prime minister at the White House as the Nordic nation seeks to join NATO

Chris Christie has stepped up his verbal attacks on Donald Trump as the former president faces fresh scrutiny over his handling of classified documents. The former New Jersey governor told the New York Times that Mr Trump was likely to become increasingly erratic as he tried to avoid being sent to prison. “He’s scared,” Mr Christie told the Times. “Look, a guy like him, the last place you ever want to be in life is in jail because you give up all control, and he’s a complete control freak.” Mr Christie spoke out after the ex-president was heard in a leaked tape bragging that he had kept documents about a military strike on Iran after leaving office that he knew were classified. Mr Trump has since rolled out several excuses about the audio, including that he was referring to plans for a golf course, and that he had merely engaged in “bravado”. “For Donald Trump, it is better to be called a liar than to go to jail,” Mr Christie added. “If what it buys him is a get-out-of-jail-free card, he’ll take that trade every day.” Mr Christie, who was among the first Republicans to endorse Mr Trump in 2016, is using his candidacy for the GOP presidential nomination to publicly flog his former ally at every opportunity. He told the Times that he expected Mr Trump would show up for presidential primary debates, despite his insistence that he would skip them. “His ego won’t permit him not to. He can’t have a big TV show that he’s not on,” Mr Christie said. Mr Trump is polling at 52 per cent in an average of GOP primary polls over the past six months by FiveThirtyEight.com. In a crowded field, Mr Christie has struggled to attract support and is seventh on 2.7 per cent. On Sunday, former Trump White House spokesperson Stephanie Grisham told MSNBC her former boss would regularly show classified documents to guests at the Mar-a-Lago dining room patio. “He has no respect for classified information [and] never did,” she said. Read More Trump news – live: Ex-Trump press secretary says she saw him show documents to Mar-a-Lago guests Trump’s own words about an indicted president come back to haunt him Ex-Trump spokesperson claims she saw him show off documents on Mar-a-Lago dining patio What's 'Bidenomics'? The president hopes a dubious nation embraces his ideas condensed into the term Chris Christie says McCarthy spoke correctly about Trump the first time Chris Christie attacks Trump for diverting campaign funds to legal battles Chris Christie tells ‘Adonis’ Trump to ‘look in the mirror’ after weight attacks

Days after the US Supreme Court struck down race-conscious university admissions, civil rights groups have filed a federal lawsuit targeting so-called “legacy” admissions at Harvard University. The lawsuit, alleging widespread discrimination at the college in violation of the Civil Rights Act, is the latest challenge to the practice of prioritising university admissions for the children of alumni. “There’s no birthright to Harvard. As the Supreme Court recently noted, ‘eliminating racial discrimination means eliminating all of it.’ There should be no way to identify who your parents are in the college application process,” said Ivan Espinoza-Madrigal, executive director of Boston-based Lawyers for Civil Rights, which filed the complaint on 3 July. “Why are we rewarding children for privileges and advantages accrued by prior generations?” he said in a statement. “Your family’s last name and the size of your bank account are not a measure of merit, and should have no bearing on the college admissions process.” The group filed the lawsuit on behalf of the Chica Project, the African Community Economic Development of New England and the Greater Boston Latino Network. Last week, the conservative supermajority on the nation’s highest court ruled that private and public colleges and universities may not consider race as a factor in admissions, striking down the precedent affirmed in the 2003 ruling in Grutter v Bollinger. Civil rights advocates and justices who supported the decades-long precedent, intended to promote racially diverse college campuses, derided what they argue is the court’s ongoing perversion of the 14th Amendment and the foundational concept of equal protection. The latest lawsuit points to Harvard data finding that 70 per cent of the college’s donor-related and legacy applicants are white. So-called “legacy” applicants have a roughly six times greater chance of admission, according to records, pointing to a “custom, pattern and practice” that is “exclusionary and discriminatory” and “severely disadvantages and harms applicants of color,” plaintiffs argued. The complaint calls on the US Department of Education to initiate a federal investigation into Harvard’s application process and for the federal government to declare such practices illegal. “Harvard’s practice of giving a leg-up to the children of wealthy donors and alumni – who have done nothing to deserve it – must end,” Lawyers for Civil Rights litigation fellow Michael Kippins said in a statement accompanying the complaint. Following the Supreme Court ruling, Democratic lawmakers and President Joe Biden urged universities to reconsider their legacy admissions, which he said “expand privilege instead of opportunity.” The Independent has requested comment from Harvard. Read More Biden condemns Supreme Court striking down affirmative action: ‘This is not a normal court’ Biden reveals ‘new path’ to student debt relief after Supreme Court strikes down president’s plan Pence ‘doesn’t believe’ racial inequality exists in schools as he celebrates SCOTUS affirmative action ban

A high school graduate and a 20-year-old man became the latest victims of America’s spate of gun violence and mass shootings this weekend. Kylis Fagbemi, 20, and Aaliyah Gonzalez, 18, were partying at a block party in the Brooklyn Homes area of South Baltimore, Maryland, in the early hours of Sunday morning when gunfire broke out. In total, 30 people were shot – including the two victims killed. Among the 28 who survived, half were children. Baltimore police believe at least two shooters are behind the attack and are seeking those involved, while the victims’ families and the community come to terms with the tragedy. Here’s what we know so far: The victims On Sunday afternoon, police identified the two victims killed in the attack. Aaliyah Gonzalez, 18, was shot and killed on the scene. Kylis Fagbemi, 20, was rushed to hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Gonzalez’s heartbroken mother paid tribute to her daughter in a Facebook post, sharing photos of her recent high school graduation. “MY BABY!!! Worst day of my life! I cannot do life without her. I NEED HER!!,” she wrote. “Why would they do this to a perfect angel. I love you so much baby. I didn’t get there fast enough. God this is a mistake!!! Please!!” In a follow-up post, she added: “I always said, ‘No matter how much I say I love you, I love you more than that.’” The shooting At around 12.35am on Sunday, Baltimore police received multiple calls reporting a shooting on the 800 block of Gretna Court. Officers responded to the scene, where the community had been holding its annual Brooklyn Day block party, to find 30 victims suffering from gunshot wounds. One female victim was pronounced dead on the scene while nine victims were rushed to local hospitals and 20 walked into area hospitals across the region. One male victim died at the hospital from his injuries. Among the 28 victims who survived, three were in critical condition and 14 were minors. The non-fatal female victims injured were one 13-year-old, one 14-year-old, two 15-year-olds, three 16-year-olds, two 17-year-olds, two 18-year-olds, three 19-year-olds, one 20-year-old, one 23-year-old and one 32-year-old. The non-fatal male victims injured were one 13-year-old, one 15-year-old, two 16-year-old, two 17-year-olds, three 18-year-olds, one 22-year-old and one 31-year-old. Witnesses revealed how they initially mistook the gunfire for fireworks going off. “The shots were just going on and on and on,” Lakell Nelson, 54, told the Baltimore Sun. But, reality set in when two women told her they had been shot. “I kinda didn’t believe them at first because they were walking up the street. I said, ‘Show me,’ and the girl was like, ‘I was shot in my butt,” she said. “When she turned around, I saw the hole through her shorts.” Ms Nelson said she drove the two women to a local hospital. The shooters Baltimore Police said that they believe there was at least two shooters in the attack. Acting Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley told Fox Baltimore on Sunday afternoon: “We know for sure there are more than one. We don’t know how many.” As of Monday morning, the suspects’ identities remain unknown and no arrests had been made. Mayor Brandon Scott described the actions of the soooters as “cowardly” and urged people to come forward with information. “This was a reckless, cowardly act that happened here and that has permanently altered many lives and cost two people their lives,” he said in a press conference on Sunday. “I want those who are responsible to hear me, and hear me very clearly.” Speaking to the perpetrators, he said: “We will not stop until we find you, and we will find you. Until then, I hope that every single breath you take, that you think about the lives that you took, think about the lives that you impacted here tonight.” He added: “Treat this as if it were your family. How you would want people to treat it if you were mourning, if this was your neighborhood, if this was an event in your community that this happened at. We want you to treat it that way because that’s how we have to treat each other as Baltimoreans.” Anyone with information is urged to contact Homicide detectives at 410-396-2100. Those who wish to remain anonymous may utilise the Metro Crime Stoppers tip line, at 1-866-7LOCKUP. You may also text tips through the Metro Crime Stoppers of Maryland website. Read More Two killed, 28 injured and manhunt on for gunmen: How a Baltimore block party turned into a bloodbath Baltimore mass shooting: Two dead, three critical and 25 more injured in ‘cowardly act’ Baltimore: Mayor condemns ‘reckless’ mass shooting of 30 people

A fun, neighbourhood block party turned into a horrific bloodbath over July 4 weekend when at least two shooters opened fire on partygoers, killing two people and wounding 28 others. The mass shooting unfolded in the Brooklyn Homes area of South Baltimore, Maryland, in the early hours of Sunday morning as hundreds gathered for the annual community celebration. Kylis Fagbemi, 20, and Aaliyah Gonzalez, 18, died in the attack. Now, more than 24 hours on, the shooters are still at large. Here’s what we know so far: The shooting At around 12.35am on Sunday morning, Baltimore police received multiple calls reporting a shooting on the 800 block of Gretna Court. Officers responded to the scene, where the community had been holding its annual Brooklyn Day block party, to find 30 victims suffering from gunshot wounds. One female victim was pronounced dead on the scene while nine victims were rushed to local hospitals and 20 walked into area hospitals across the region. One male victim died at the hospital from his injuries. Among the 28 victims who survived, three were in critical condition and 14 were minors. The non-fatal female victims injured were one 13-year-old, one 14-year-old, two 15-year-olds, three 16-year-olds, two 17-year-olds, two 18-year-olds, three 19-year-olds, one 20-year-old, one 23-year-old and one 32-year-old. The non-fatal male victims injured were one 13-year-old, one 15-year-old, two 16-year-old, two 17-year-olds, three 18-year-olds, one 22-year-old and one 31-year-old. Witnesses revealed how they initially mistook the gunfire for fireworks going off. “The shots were just going on and on and on,” Lakell Nelson, 54, told the Baltimore Sun. But, reality set in when two women told her they had been shot. “I kinda didn’t believe them at first because they were walking up the street. I said, ‘Show me,’ and the girl was like, ‘I was shot in my butt,” she said. “When she turned around, I saw the hole through her shorts.” Ms Nelson said she drove the two women to a local hospital. The victims On Sunday afternoon, police identified the two victims killed in the attack. Aaliyah Gonzalez, 18, was shot and killed on the scene. Kylis Fagbemi, 20, was rushed to hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Gonzalez’s heartbroken mother paid tribute to her daughter in a Facebook post, sharing photos of her recent high school graduation. “MY BABY!!! Worst day of my life! I cannot do life without her. I NEED HER!!,” she wrote. “Why would they do this to a perfect angel. I love you so much baby. I didn’t get there fast enough. God this is a mistake!!! Please!!” In a follow-up post, she added: “I always said, ‘No matter how much I say I love you, I love you more than that.’” The shooters Baltimore Police said that they believe there was at least two shooters in the attack. Acting Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley told Fox Baltimore on Sunday afternoon: “We know for sure there are more than one. We don’t know how many.” As of Monday morning, the suspects’ identities remain unknown and no arrests had been made. Mayor Brandon Scott described the actions of the soooters as “cowardly” and urged people to come forward with information. “This was a reckless, cowardly act that happened here and that has permanently altered many lives and cost two people their lives,” he said in a press conference on Sunday. “I want those who are responsible to hear me, and hear me very clearly.” Speaking to the perpetrators, he said: “We will not stop until we find you, and we will find you. Until then, I hope that every single breath you take, that you think about the lives that you took, think about the lives that you impacted here tonight.” He added: “Treat this as if it were your family. How you would want people to treat it if you were mourning, if this was your neighborhood, if this was an event in your community that this happened at. We want you to treat it that way because that’s how we have to treat each other as Baltimoreans.” Anyone with information is urged to contact Homicide detectives at 410-396-2100. Those who wish to remain anonymous may utilise the Metro Crime Stoppers tip line, at 1-866-7LOCKUP. You may also text tips through the Metro Crime Stoppers of Maryland website. Read More Baltimore mass shooting: Two dead, three critical and 25 more injured in ‘cowardly act’ Baltimore block party shooting shatters holiday weekend celebration, leaving 2 dead and 28 wounded Baltimore: Mayor condemns ‘reckless’ mass shooting of 30 people

Three explosions took place in Washington, DC over the weekend in what appears to be targeted attacks on businesses. An ATM, a Nike store, and a Safeway grocery store were all struck by explosions starting at about 4.30am on Sunday. The suspect remains on the loose and police are on the lookout for a vehicle used in the explosions. The attacks all occurred within 15 minutes, with the first taking place when the suspect blew up an ATM outside Truist Bank in the 2300 block of Washington Place in northeastern Washington. After leaving the scene in the car, the suspect detonated a second explosion at 4.36am at the Nike Store located in the 700 block of H Street. Nine minutes later, a molotov cocktail-style explosive was thrown at the Safeway grocery store on the 300 block of 40th Street before the suspect again left the scene by car. No injuries have been reported and the Metropolitan Police has said that the suspect didn’t appear to have been targeting the public as the explosions took place at closed businesses. Read More A DC Nike store, Safeway and ATM were targeted with explosives. Now the hunt is on to catch a hooded suspect Three Washington DC businesses targeted with explosive devices as hooded suspect on loose

Provides an overview of Algeria, including key dates and facts about this north African country.

China’s early move to tap new centers of lithium supply across Africa is reaping rewards, helping the top

Nigeria may need to increase interest rates by at least 700 basis points before the end of the