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The Task Force on the Attempted Assassination of Donald J. Trump released its final report, finding that there were “failures in the planning, execution, and leadership” of the United States Secret Service. “Today, the Task Force on the Attempted Assassination of Donald J. Trump released adopted report text, ‘Final Report of Findings and Recommendations,'” the press release said . “The report text, unanimously approved by the Task Force on December 5, highlights significant failures in the planning, execution, and leadership of the Secret Service and its law enforcement partners. The Task Force-approved report also proposes 37 actionable recommendations related both to the security failures on July 13 and to overarching structural changes the Secret Service and Congress must consider strengthen security measures and prevent similar security failures in the future.” The report from the Task Force explained that during its five-month investigation, “the Task Force interviewed witnesses, obtained and analyzed evidence, and held hearings” regarding the July 13 assassination attempt at President-elect Donald Trump’s Butler, Pennsylvania, rally, and the assassination attempt in September while Trump was golfing at Trump International Golf Course West Palm Beach. “The full record of evidence clearly shows failures in advance planning by the Secret Service and its law enforcement partners in the days before the July 13 campaign event in Butler, Pennsylvania, and failures in execution on the day of the event itself,” the Task Force said in the report. “The Task Force’s investigation also identified preexisting conditions and leadership failures that set the stage for tragedy.” The Task Force noted that while there had not been “a singular moment or decision that allowed Thomas Matthew Crooks to nearly assassinate the former President,” there had been “various failures in planning, execution, and leadership” on the day of the rally and prior to the rally that created “an environment in which the former President” and rallygoers were “exposed to grave danger:” The Task Force found that the tragic and shocking events in Butler, Pennsylvania were preventable and should not have happened. There was not, however, a singular moment or decision that allowed Thomas Matthew Crooks to nearly assassinate the former President. The various failures in planning, execution, and leadership on and before July 13, 2024, and the preexisting conditions that undermined the effectiveness of the human and material assets deployed that day, coalesced to create an environment in which the former President—and everyone at the campaign event—were exposed to grave danger. Conversely, the events that transpired on September 15, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Florida, demonstrated how properly executed protective measures can foil an attempted assassination. The Task Force noted that there were “several decision points that, if handled differently, could have prevented Crooks from firing eight shots at the Butler rally,” such as the “failure to secure a recognized high-risk area immediately adjacent to the venue.” “The failures that led to the tragic events of July 13 were not entirely isolated to the campaign event itself, or the days preceding it,” the report continued. “Preexisting issues in leadership and training created an environment in which the specific failures identified above could occur. Secret Service personnel with little to no experience in advance planning roles were given significant responsibility, despite the July 13 event being held at a higher-risk outdoor venue with many line of sight issues, in addition to specific intelligence about a long-range threat.” Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) has previously revealed that whistleblowers have claimed that most of the agents who had been assigned to Trump’s Butler rally, had been Department of Homeland Security personnel who had undergone “a short online training session.” The report from the Task Force comes months after Trump was shot by “a bullet that pierced the upper part” of his right ear during his Butler rally after Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire from the rooftop of a nearby building. On September 15, Ryan Wesley Routh was apprehended after a U.S. Secret Service member saw the barrel of his AK-style rifle through the fence — as Routh had been hiding in the bushes near Trump International Golf Course West Palm Beach, where Trump had been playing golf that day. As Breitbart News’s Alana Mastrangelo previously reported , the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s office later revealed that backpacks, an AK-style rifle with a scope, as well as a Go-Pro camera, had been discovered where Routh had been hiding.Ryan Reynolds thinks his friend Martha Stewart calling him “not so funny” in real life is an “incredibly valid observation.” “I don’t think what happened was designed to hurt anyone. That was just an incredibly valid observation that someone made,” he told the Hollywood Reporter while reflecting on the lighthearted jab in an interview published Friday. “Lots of people would say I’m very serious if they met me,” the “Deadpool & Wolverine” star reasoned. “I can’t imagine entering any room in which I don’t intimately know the people, where I suddenly kind of turn on and perform.” “But why would people ever assume the way they see you on camera is how you’re going to be in real life? Right? You’re just a person,” he further reflected before conceding that he is guilty of assuming himself. “But I do it, too,” he told THR. “I’m a fan of people and I love certain people’s work, and I’m thinking when I meet them, I want to see little glimpses of that.” Reynolds, 48, also noted that “you’re in trouble” if you “can’t take a punch” in the entertainment business. Stewart, who is a longtime neighbor of Reynolds and his wife, Blake Lively, commented on his real-life persona while appearing on Bilt Rewards’ “Rent Free” game show in November. “He’s a good actor,” the 88-year-old lifestyle guru added. “He can act funny, but he isn’t funny.” Reynolds swiftly took to X to play along with the friendly punch, tweeting, “I’d disagree with her. But I tried that once.” Reynolds’ co-star Hugh Jackman even joined in on the fun and replied to his tweet . “Finally someone says it,” he joked. Reynolds and Stewart have known each other for over a decade, having become friends after he and Lively purchased a $2 million home in Bedford, NY. “She moved into my neighborhood a couple of years ago with Ryan — before they got married they bought a house right around the corner from my house,” Stewart remembered of Lively, 37, while speaking to HuffPost in 2014. “And they started to come over, not to borrow sugar, but just as friends ... They’re very friendly, very nice people.”
Opinion editor’s note: Strib Voices publishes a mix of guest commentaries online and in print each day. To contribute, click here . ••• I’ve lived in northeastern Minnesota my entire life and yet, to this day, my breath is still regularly taken away by a stunning sunset over a lake or the silence that follows a fresh fallen snow in the woods. Like Jill Burcum recently described in her column regarding the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA) (” Our stewardship obligations still require a no on this mine, this location ,” Strib Voices, Nov. 24), I too, draw deep inspiration from the natural resources we are blessed with in Minnesota. This is why I’ve devoted my career to ensuring these resources are fiercely protected. However, we aren’t doing the Earth any favors by declaring a definitive “no” against potential mining projects instead of asking “how?” and “by whom?” and “why?” Minnesota happens to sit on top of one of the most significant undeveloped deposits of copper, nickel, cobalt and other minerals on the globe. Many of my fellow Minnesotans who I am fortunate to call friends are working to find the best solutions to safely mine these resources while protecting the environment. Miners don’t do the work of developing a project in a vacuum, though. Proposing a mine and answering the questions of how it will be done and by whom and why involves engagement among a wide range of stakeholders: state, federal and tribal governments, community members, labor unions, regulators, scientific experts and more. Burcum has continued suggest Minnesota should simply say no to certain mining projects rather than giving these stakeholders a voice and opportunity to participate in the process of reviewing a proposal to determine if it can move forward. When we refuse to seek any solutions in good faith and focus only on seeking problems; when we refuse to recognize how mining has evolved; and when we refuse to admit our role in creating the demand as consumers and therefore, admit our responsibilities, we do the Earth no favors. When we engage solely in an effort to block, delay and divert sourcing of minerals to “somewhere else” mined by “someone else,” we are ignoring and outsourcing the needed conversation. Politicizing the issue isn’t doing anything for the Earth, either. The fact is, we all depend on mining for everything from our smartphones to medical technologies to the roads we drive on and the homes we live in. Burcum points out that we need a lot more mining to transition to clean energy technologies. She’s right. The World Bank estimates that mineral production needs to increase by 500% by 2050 to meet the needs of the energy transition. Mining is fundamental to our lives today and more important than ever for our future. Protecting our environment shouldn’t be a partisan issue, either. The importance of protecting water goes beyond Minnesota’s borders. Every mineral we use comes from a watershed valued by someone. True social justice requires consumers to consider everyone’s watersheds, not just their own. Closer to home, we know all of Minnesota’s natural resources deserve protection. One of the solutions to protecting those resources — critical minerals that can build a cleaner future — happens to be located in northern Minnesota, and we should embrace that opportunity and find ways to utilize those resources while protecting our water, air and land. Minnesota is one of the best places to mine on the planet, not only because we have the minerals here, but also because our environmental and labor standards are thoughtful and just. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources declared last year that the state’s water regulations are stringent enough to protect the BWCA in response to a lawsuit brought against the agency by Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness. Those regulations include a “non-detect” standard, meaning no amount of pollution is allowed. If a mining company cannot prove it can meet that standard, it will not earn permits to build a mine. Let’s allow regulators to do the important work of upholding these standards. Let’s also give communities and stakeholders the opportunity to discuss mining projects. Let’s approach these issues not with folded arms but rather with openness and a goal of finding solutions. Let’s not be afraid to challenge ourselves to be open to a conversation that includes both the need for our energy transition and the role Minnesota should play to make this happen. Julie Lucas is the executive director of MiningMinnesota.
South Korea's ex-defense minister attempts suicide, police raid presidential office
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Amar'e Marshall scored 17 points as Albany beat Puerto Rico-Mayaguez 93-50 on Friday. Marshall also contributed five assists for the Great Danes (4-1). Byron Joshua added 13 points while going 4 of 4 (3 for 3 from 3-point range) while he also had five assists and five steals. Aaron Reddish shot 4 of 7 from the field, including 2 for 3 from 3-point range, and went 2 for 3 from the line to finish with 12 points. Puerto Rico-Mayaguez was led by David Maldonado, who posted 16 points. Jose Alicea scored 10 points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .
In the Shadow of Fists and the Gleam of Swords: Wang Xijing's New Series of Chinese Martial Arts Paintings 11-22-2024 10:52 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: Getnews / PR Agency: Press Release Agency Following the success of his previous series on African figures, dancers, and opera characters, artist Wang Xijing has launched a new collection dedicated to Chinese martial arts figures, presenting a fresh and original viewpoint. Each time I observe his work, I am impressed by the depth of his concentration and commitment. His series are executed with remarkable skill and precision, showcasing his unwavering dedication to achieving artistic excellence. With years of experience in figure painting, Wang Xijing has consistently pursued a path of discovery and innovation, both in terms of subject matter and artistic style. He moves forward with confidence and assurance, continuously producing new works that are brimming with creative energy. Image: https://www.wdwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image-57-1024x789.png Image: https://www.wdwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image-58-1024x490.png The theme of Chinese martial arts, when presented as a series, results in paintings that are rich in content, featuring natural and lively forms, as well as bold and expressive brushwork. This is a unique accomplishment in the history of Chinese painting. Wang Xijing possesses a distinctive vision, recognizing the beauty within the intense and dynamic movements of martial arts, where the rhythm and harmony of form and speed are seamlessly integrated. He captures the transient beauty of these moments with the discerning eye and skilled hand of an artist, a true test of his artistic talent and ability to convey form. In my opinion, Wang Xijing has met this challenge with great success. Image: https://www.wdwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image-59-1024x490.png Martial arts have always been a manifestation of humanity's fundamental ability to survive and protect themselves, a skill honed since ancient times. It represents the collective wisdom gained through the challenges of hunting for sustenance and competing with rival tribes. During the era of cold weapons, the development of unarmed combat and the use of various weapons led to the creation of techniques designed to counter these threats. Over time, these techniques evolved into the martial arts we recognize today, a concept not exclusive to any single culture but shared across many societies. However, China's unique historical depth, expansive land, diverse ethnic groups, and rich cultural legacy have allowed martial arts to flourish in distinct ways. The exchange of martial arts practices and experiences across different regions has given rise to numerous schools and styles, each with its own characteristics. These schools not only focus on the practical effectiveness of combat but also align with the body's natural capabilities. Guided by ancient philosophies, Chinese martial arts have developed a range of rational principles, such as advancing and retreating, speed and slowness, expansion and contraction, and hardness and softness, all aimed at achieving victory in the present moment. Moreover, the emphasis on flexibility and coordination in body movements has endowed Chinese martial arts with a unique aesthetic quality, where the harmony and rhythm of human motion are beautifully expressed. As society transitioned to the age of firearms and eventually modern weaponry, the importance of individual combat diminished. Nonetheless, martial arts continue to be a valuable skill for physical fitness and self-defense. Furthermore, the diversity of Chinese martial arts schools and the variety of weapons used have imbued it with an inherent aesthetic and performative quality, which has been integrated into the art of Chinese opera. As a result, martial arts performances are widely admired and cherished by the public. The exceptional abilities of highly skilled martial artists, who push the limits of human physicality to extraordinary levels, have fostered a sense of mystery and reverence for martial arts masters. This is often reflected in literature, particularly in martial arts novels, which have captivated the hearts of many readers. While Chinese martial arts also encompass profound theoretical foundations, I will not delve into these as I am not an expert. However, it is not an overstatement to consider martial arts as a significant branch of Chinese culture, and I hold it in the highest regard. Image: https://www.wdwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image-60-1024x490.png The allure of martial arts lies not only in its dynamic movement and embodiment of health but also in the powerful fusion of strength and speed. More importantly, it represents the spirited expression of the human soul and the beauty of a well-conditioned body. While spectators may be awed and inspired by martial arts performances, it is the artist's discerning eye that captures those ephemeral moments of beauty and brings them to life on the canvas. This ability is the result of a harmonious blend of the eye, heart, and hand, honed through years of diligent practice and training. The introduction of sketching and drawing techniques in the 20th century has significantly advanced the development of figure painting in China, and its positive impact is clear. Sketching and drawing hone the artist's visual and manual skills, while the practice of drawing from memory enhances their ability to conceptualize and recall images. Furthermore, the artist's imagination and creativity are not in conflict with their capacity for realistic representation, particularly in the realm of figure painting. Wang Xijing's accomplishments in this field, including his various series of character paintings, vividly demonstrate that an artist with innate talent, coupled with rigorous training and years of experience, can achieve remarkable heights in the pursuit of artistic excellence. It is undeniable that the pursuit of precision in form, often described as "vivid and lifelike," is not the sole criterion for evaluating a painting. Since the advent of photography in the 19th century, it has presented a formidable challenge to Western realism in art. Today, with the rapid progress of technology and the seemingly boundless capabilities of artificial intelligence, even the most skilled painters who can match machines in technical skill face a daunting challenge. In this context, Chinese figure painters possess distinct and enduring advantages. The emphasis on the spirit of free expression in Chinese painting, along with the unique aesthetic techniques of Chinese ink, grants Chinese artists greater freedom in their subjective expression and aesthetic choices. The unexpected joys that arise during the process of ink painting ensure that Chinese painting will continue to hold a significant place in the future of the art world. Image: https://www.wdwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image-61-1024x490.png From this perspective, I find myself both appreciating and contemplating Wang Xijing's diverse series of figure paintings, particularly his works that depict martial artists. It is evident that the artist not only exhibits exceptional technical prowess but also captures the true essence of his subjects. Each piece seems to resonate with the breath of the warrior and the sound of air being swiftly sliced by hands or weapons. Wang Xijing, with his remarkable ability to shape forms, not only conveys the swift and dynamic beauty of martial arts movements but also delves into the depiction of the characters' inner emotions and spirit. The ancient adage "conveying the spirit through the eyes" and the emphasis on "a combination of form and spirit" set a high bar for figure painters. Reflecting on the works of the ancients, it is clear that achieving this is no simple task, and it is not something we should expect of contemporary artists. However, upon closer examination of Wang Xijing's paintings, the expressions in the eyes of his figures and the open-mouthed shouts truly capture the explosive burst of vitality in a martial artist. The challenge of achieving "a combination of form and spirit" in painting is significant, and I believe that Wang Xijing, with his training in sketching, has successfully met this challenge. On the other hand, Chinese painting requires the skillful manipulation and control of brush and ink to achieve the beauty of ink. Creating depth, lightness, dryness, and wetness on white raw paper, and expressing form and meaning freely, is even more challenging. However, the beauty of ink lies in these subtle and nuanced changes, which are the result of decades of refinement and practice by Chinese painters, as seen in the works of many veteran artists. It is commendable that Wang Xijing, despite having reached the respected status of an elder artist in terms of age and experience, has not only achieved the mature stage of "the person and the work both mature" (as described by Sun Guoting in "The Book of Calligraphy") but also maintains a vibrant creative passion. He continues to produce new works and steadily advances on his path toward the pinnacle of art. With the summit in sight, his future creations are highly anticipated. Sun Ke October 2024 Born in Xi'an, Shaanxi in August 1946, Wang Xijing is a member of the Chinese Painting Art Committee of the China Artists Association, the Vice President of the Chinese Painting Society, and the Vice Chairman of the Shaanxi Provincial Federation of Literary and Art Circles. He also serves as the Deputy Director of the Culture, History, and Study Committee of the Shaanxi Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the Honorary Chairman of the Shaanxi Artists Association, and the President of the Shaanxi Chinese Painting Society. Additionally, he holds the position of Honorary Dean at the School of Art at Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology. He is a concurrent professor at several institutions, including the Chinese National Academy of Arts, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Northwest University, Yunnan University, and Xi'an Academy of Fine Arts. He has previously served as a member of the 12th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and as a deputy to the 9th and 10th National People's Congress. He holds the title of a national first-class artist and has been honored by the State Council as a "National Outstanding Expert". He has received numerous accolades, such as "Pioneer of the Chinese Era", "One of the Top Ten Most Influential New Figures of China's Reform", "Red Flag Figure of Shaanxi", "Industry Leader of Shaanxi", "Outstanding Communist Party Expert of Shaanxi", and "Model Worker". Over the past fifty years, he has published over 20,000 works in various domestic and international newspapers and magazines, and has released more than 500 collections of his works and essays. He has successfully held over 60 solo exhibitions in countries including the United States, France, Russia, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, the United Kingdom, Thailand, and South Korea, as well as in regions such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau, Shenzhen, Dalian, Beijing, Guangzhou, Zhengzhou, and Hefei. He has been appointed as a visiting professor at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts in Singapore, the Malaysian Institute of Art, and the Oriental Academy in Thailand. I don't know anything else about this. In 2000, Wang Xijing was awarded the "International Academy Award" and the "Order of Cultural Merit" by the Japanese government. In 2002, he won the "International Contribution Award" at the "Seoul International Art Exhibition" and the "Special Olympic Gold Medal" for the "Olympic Movement of the People's Republic of China". In 2003, he secured the Gold Award at the "International Art Festival Exhibition" in China, Japan, and Korea, as well as the "Special Award" at the "Beijing International Art Festival". In 2004, he created a large-scale work titled "Spring Tide" for the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall. In 2005, he was honored with the "Special Award" at the "French International Art Salon Exhibition". In 2008, he created a large-scale work titled "Assembly of Sages" for the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. In 2013, he created a large-scale work titled "Yellow River, Mother River" for the Great Hall of the People. In 2015, he created the monumental artwork "Picture of Taihua Mountain Amidst Rising Clouds" for the Tiananmen Rostrum and was awarded the "Knight of the Legion of Honor" by France in the same year. In 2016, he brought out "Picture of Radiant Autumn Glow" for the Central Military Commission Building. In 2018, he received the "Lifetime Achievement Award of the Autumn Salon in Paris", the "Sino-French Outstanding Cultural Ambassador Contribution Award", and the "Medal of Honorary Citizen of Paris, France". He is a renowned artist both in China and overseas. Media Contact Company Name: Global News Online Contact Person: Media Relations Email: Send Email [ http://www.universalpressrelease.com/?pr=in-the-shadow-of-fists-and-the-gleam-of-swords-wang-xijings-new-series-of-chinese-martial-arts-paintings ] City: NY Country: United States Website: http://www.globalnewsonline.info This release was published on openPR.A Lotto player in Co Mayo will go into 2025 more than €5.4m richer after they scooped a massive festive jackpot. In last night’s Lotto draw, a player from Mayo grabbed €5,419,866m, which makes them the 35th National Lottery millionaire and the eleventh Lotto jackpot winner this year. Two other players from Dublin also got a Christmas boost as they claimed €40,000 each. The Mayo player joined other ten big winners from across the country, including five from Dublin, two from Limerick, and one each from Louth, Wexford and, most recently, Galway. The winning numbers in last night’s main Lotto draw were: 2, 4, 5, 10, 16, 17 and the bonus was 23. The store location where the winning ticket was purchased will be announced tomorrow. Meanwhile, two Dublin players matched five numbers plus the bonus and scooped €40,341 each. One Quick Pick ticket was purchased on Friday, December 27, from Schiels Supermarket in Malahide, Co Dublin, while the other Quick Pick was bought on the day of the draw from Tesco Extra in Millfield Shopping Centre in Balbriggan, Co Dublin. Three massive Lotto wins yesterday saw a Mayo player scooping €5.4 million while two Dublin players won 40,000 each. Stock Image. Today's News in 90 Seconds - December 29th National Lottery spokesperson Emma Monaghan said it was “an extraordinary night for Mayo and Dublin players, with three incredible wins.” "We now have a Mayo player who’s €5.4 million richer, claiming the title of the 35th National Lottery millionaire as we close out the year, and two Dublin players each securing a fantastic €40,000 prize,” she said. "Tomorrow, we’ll announce which Mayo store sold the winning Lotto Jackpot ticket, but for now, we’re urging all players in these counties to check their tickets carefully – one of them could be yours,” she added. The National Lottery has urged three Lotto players from Mayo and Dublin who purchased tickets for Saturday night’s Lotto to check their tickets carefully. They should sign the back of their tickets and keep them somewhere safe. The winners should also contact the National Lottery prize claims team on 1800 666 222 or email claims@lottery.ie who will make arrangements for them to collect their prize in Lottery headquarters.
Irish civil servants compiled a list of “major leaks” they claimed originated from the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) and Special Branch officers in the region, records show. The confidential briefing note is part of the tranche of documents made public in the annual release of State papers from the Irish National Archives. An Irish Department of Foreign Affairs official focusing on justice and security created the list in October 2002. The document starts by referencing a 1999 interview given by George Mitchell, the chairman of the Good Friday Agreement negotiations, in which he claimed the British and Irish governments, as well as Northern Ireland’s political parties, had leaked information to manipulate public opinion. However, he further accused the NIO of attempting to sabotage the process by leaking information on British Government policy to the media. Mr Mitchell, a former US senator, is said to have expressed alarm and anger over the frequency of leaks from the NIO – saying they were uniquely “designed to undermine the policy of the British Government of which they were a part”. The Irish civil servant notes Mr Mitchell himself was subjected to an attempted “smear” when he first arrived in Northern Ireland, as newspaper articles falsely claimed his chief of staff Martha Pope had had a liaison with Sinn Fein representative Gerry Kelly with ulterior motives. The Irish civil servant goes on to list several “leaks”, starting with the publication of a proposed deal in a newspaper while “intense negotiations” for the Downing Street Declaration were under way. Next, the Department lists two “high-profile and damaging leaks issued from the NIO”. A so-called “gameplan” document was leaked in February 1998, showing papers had been prepared weeks before the Drumcree march on July 6, 1997. In the preceding years, there had been standoffs and clashes as nationalists opposed the procession of an Orange parade down Garvaghy Road in Portadown. The gameplan document showed then secretary of state for Northern Ireland Mo Mowlam, who was publicly expressing a desire for a negotiated solution to the 1997 parade, advocated “finding the lowest common denominator for getting some Orange feet on the Garvaghy Road”. In 1997, a large number of security forces were deployed to the area to allow the march to proceed. The incident sparked heightened tension and a wave of rioting. The document further describes the release of a document submitted by the NIO’s director of communications to the secretary of state as a “second major leak”. It claims a publicity strategy was released to the DUP in the aftermath of the Good Friday Agreement and showed how the UK Government would support a yes vote in a referendum following any talks agreement. In addition, it is claimed unionists used leaked sections of the Patten report on policing to invalidate its findings ahead of its publication in 1999. The report recommended the replacement of the Royal Ulster Constabulary with the Police Service of Northern Ireland, the changing of symbols, and a 50-50 recruitment policy for Catholics and Protestants. At the time, UUP leader David Trimble said the recommendations would lead to a corruption of policing in Northern Ireland. Chris Patten , chairman of the independent commission on policing, said some of the assertions were a “total fabrication” and designed to “muddy the waters” to create a difficult political atmosphere. Elsewhere, the author notes it was leaked to the media there was serious disagreement between the governments of the UK and Ireland on the composition of that commission – with not a single name submitted by the Irish side being accepted by the other. The author notes this incident, still under the heading “NIO leaks”, was believed by British officials to have emanated from the Irish side. The report turns to leaks of other origin, claiming “disgruntled Special Branch officers in Northern Ireland” were blamed by the British Government for a series of releases about the IRA which were designed to damage Sinn Fein in the 2001 general election in Northern Ireland. One senior Whitehall source was quoted in the Guardian as complaining that Special Branch was “leaking like a sieve” after details of an IRA intelligence database containing the names of leading Tories – described at the time as a “hit list” – was passed to the BBC in April 2002. The briefing note adds: “This was followed days later by a leak to The Sunday Telegraph which alleged that senior IRA commanders bought Russian special forces rifles in Moscow last year. “The newspaper said it was passed details by military intelligence in London.” The briefing note adds that other Special Branch leaks were associated with the Castlereagh break-in. The final incident in the document notes the Police Ombudsman’s Report on the Omagh bombing was also leaked to the press in December 2001. Then Northern Ireland secretary John Reid said at the time: “Leaks are never helpful and usually malicious – I will not be commenting on this report until I have seen the final version.” The reason for creating the list of leaks, which the Irish National Archives holds in a folder alongside briefing notes for ministers ahead of meetings with officials from the UK Government and NIO, is not outlined in the document itself. – This document is based on material in 2024/130/6.Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., said he is "frustrated" by the government's lack of transparency surrounding the recent drone sightings in his state and surrounding areas in the mid-Atlantic region. On Capitol Hill on Thursday, the senator said that he has issued a letter asking for more information because Americans should be aware of what is happening in the skies. "I've been a little frustrated," he told reporters. "There hasn't been enough transparency letting people know what's happening. It's allowing a lot of potentially misinformation to spread, or at least fear. We should know what's going on over our skies." LEGISLATORS ACROSS POLITICAL SPECTRUM 'EQUALLY ANGRY' OVER HANDLING OF DRONE SIGHTINGS: NEW JERSEY... Elizabeth Pritchett