Trump knows well why the United States needs NATO membership – Rutte

Technology

President-elect of the United States Donald Trump recognizes that membership in the North Atlantic Alliance is an integral element of the US national defense system. Therefore, despite Trump’s threats, the United States will always remain an integral component of NATO.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said this at the Adazi training ground in Latvia. He emphasized that it was the United States that created the North Atlantic Alliance.

“I worked with Donald Trump for four years as Prime Minister of the Netherlands and had a very good working relationship with him. He will do whatever is necessary to defend the United States, and he is well aware that NATO membership is part of defending USA,” Rutte said.
The head of NATO recalled what is happening now in the war in Ukraine.
North Korean soldiers act in Russia’s interests and help in its war efforts. Russia is paying for this with missile technology, which it transfers to North Korea. This is a direct threat, and not only for Europe, but also for South Korea and the United States. The Indo-Pacific region and the Euro-Atlantic are connected in this,” Rutte emphasized.

He also recalled that Russia has other assistants in its aggression. This is China, supplying Russia with dual-use goods and supporting its economy, delivering weapons to Iran.
“So Russia, China, North Korea and Iran are working together. The US understands that NATO exists not only to protect Europe and the US, but to work together to make sure that the Indo-Pacific and transatlantic The region remains safe,” Rutte stressed.

According to him, currently all countries in Europe are under the Russian threat.
“Let me be clear: the Netherlands, France and the UK are frontline states. We are there together with the Baltics, Poland and other NATO member states. We are all frontline states. There is no frontline state closer or further from Russia. That’s why we need the US, and The United States needs us,” said the NATO Secretary General.
Separately, Rutte noted that “only the Ukrainian government can decide to start negotiations with Russia.”

“But they must do so from a position of strength. And that is why we must continue to provide defense assistance to Ukraine, to make sure that they will be in that position of strength when the day of their decision comes. And we have made it clear to the Alliance that their future also in NATO,” he said.
As OBOZ.UA reportedInformation is spreading online that NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte may allegedly expel the United States from NATO. It was reported that he allegedly stated his intention to resort to such actions because of Trump’s plan to end the war in Ukraine. This information turned out to be fake.
Meanwhile, in Ukraine, compared to 2023, the level of public support for the state’s desire to join the North Atlantic Alliance has decreased. Currently, only 75% of Ukrainians support joining the EU and NATO.

We have only verified information in our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Don’t be fooled by fakes!

Thailand’s marriage equality law to boost tourism by 4 million visitors

Travel

Thailand’s marriage equality law could bring 4 million extra visitors and USD2 billion annually, elevating its status as an LGBTQIA+ friendly hub.

BANGKOK, THAILAND – A new study from digital travel platform Agoda has revealed that Thailand’s landmark marriage equality legislation is set to deliver an additional 4 million international visitors per year and increase tourism revenues by nearly USD2 billion annually – within two years after it is enacted.
The Economic Impact of Marriage Equality on Thailand’s Tourism Industry study, published by Agoda in partnership with Access Partnership, measures the projected economic opportunity presented by Thailand’s move to adopt marriage equality from 22 January 2025. As the first jurisdiction in Southeast Asia to legalize same-sex marriage, and Asia’s third after Taiwan in 2019 and Nepal last year, the initiative positions Thailand to capture a larger slice of the global rainbow tourism market, valued at over USD 200 billion annually.
The report also quantifies the projected trickle-down benefits of the legislative move to the wider Thai economy, estimating that, within two years, the influx of an additional 4 million international visitors annually could;

Boost tourism receipts by approximately USD2 billion each year, of which, around USD 0.7 billion would go to accommodations, USD 0.4 billion to food and beverage services, USD 0.4 billion to retail spending, USD 0.2 billion to domestic transportation, with USD 0.2 billion across other areas including entertainment and medical services;
Support an additional 152,000 FTE jobs, 76,000 directly within the tourism industry and a further 76,000 across the broader Thai economy, and;
Lift Thailand’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 0.3%.

While Thailand is already established as a leading tourism destination, this legislative development is set to bolster its appeal to LGBTQIA+ tourists seeking welcoming destinations, especially as travellers worldwide demonstrate an increasing preference for diverse and inclusive travel experiences.

As only the third market within Asia to introduce marriage equality, Thailand is poised to become a regional hub for LGBTQIA+ couples from neighbouring countries who are seeking to celebrate their union in a country that recognises same-sex marriage. With many cities in Thailand already established as prominent destination wedding venues, the marriage equality legislation could also boost Thailand’s wedding industry, along with positive contributions into related sectors like hotels, catering, and entertainment.
Pitichoke Chulapamornsri, Senior Director of Marketing at Agoda and Executive Sponsor for Agoda Pride said “Agoda has been a long-standing and steadfast ally to the LGBTQIA+ community, both for our employee and our customers. This year, we were honored to serve as the Official Online Travel Partner for Bangkok Pride. With this report, we sought to underscore the crucial role of inclusivity in fostering economic growth and demonstrate the multi-faceted benefits of embracing diversity.”
Drawing from dialogue with key industry players including Bangkok Pride, the report also highlights how the benefits of this bill could set the stage for future large-scale opportunities such as WorldPride, an event that promotes visibility and awareness of LGBTIQIA+ issues on an international level, which have proven to provide a substantial boost to LGBTQIA+ tourism and spending for host countries.
“The enactment of the Marriage Equality Act marks a monumental step forward for Thailand, not only in advancing equal rights for the LGBTQIA+ community but also in solidifying the nation’s reputation as a truly inclusive and safe destination,” said Waaddao Chumaporn, President and Founder of Naruemit Pride and Organizer of Bangkok Pride Festival 2024. “By embracing diversity and ensuring that all couples, regardless of gender or orientation, have equal rights in marriage, Thailand demonstrates its leadership in championing progress and human dignity. We believe this bold move will inspire deeper trust, attract more visitors, and encourage meaningful engagement with our vibrant culture.”
Henry Koh, Executive Director, International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) Asia said: “The unfortunate reality is that more than half of LGBTQIA+ travellers from the Asia Pacific region have experienced some sort of discrimination while travelling, making safety a key consideration for them as they travel. By enacting this pivotal legislative change, Thailand is establishing itself as a secure and preferred destination that can provide them with the otherwise unavailable opportunity to conduct a destination wedding, for example.”
Leading public policy consultancy, Access Partnership calculated the report findings through an analysis of countries that have enacted marriage equality laws. This analysis revealed an average increase of approximately 10% in international visitor arrivals two years after the legislation came into force.
Further, studies indicate that tourists are more likely to visit countries that support LGBTQIA+ rights, with 43% of LGBTQIA+ travellers cancelling trips when they perceive a destination as unsupportive of LGBTQIA+ rights.

USPS upgrades sorting facility in Kalamazoo with high-tech machine, ready for the holidays

Technology

USPS is ramping up its efficiency in Kalamazoo with the installation of a new sorting machine capable of processing up to 5,000 packages.

KALAMAZOO, Mich. — The United States Postal Service (USPS) is ramping up its efficiency in Kalamazoo with the installation of a new sorting machine capable of processing up to 5,000 packages per hour. 

This upgrade is a part of the USPS’s ongoing “Delivering for America” plan, designed to modernize operations and meet growing demand, particularly during peak seasons like the holidays.

Speaking from the Kalamazoo sorting center, Mark Inglett, a Strategic Communications Specialist for USPS, highlighted the dramatic improvements the new machine brings to the facility.

“Before, packages were manually sorted, and we could process about 300 to 500 packages per hour. Now, with this new machine, we’re able to handle 5,000 packages per hour—ten times faster,” Inglett said.

The new technology uses advanced barcode scanning to ensure accurate sorting, eliminating human error that often occurs with manual handling. The machine scans each package and automatically sorts it into the correct container for delivery, with an impressive accuracy rate of over 99%.

This upgrade is particularly timely as the holiday season approaches, a time when the Postal Service typically sees a significant increase in package volume. “Our carriers are already out on the streets early today, delivering mail, and we’re ready for a strong holiday season,” said Inglett. 

The Kalamazoo facility, which services 98 routes, is also responsible for handling mail for 95 other cities in the region. According to USPS officials, the new sorting technology not only speeds up the process but also reduces transportation costs and enhances overall efficiency. 

In response to growing demand, USPS has also made significant improvements to its vehicle fleet. The agency has rolled out new, fuel-efficient delivery trucks equipped with features such as air conditioning, better lighting and more storage space for packages.

As part of its push to enhance services, USPS has also made strides in package tracking. The new system provides customers with detailed, real-time updates about the status of their packages.

Every step of the delivery process is tracked, from the initial scan when a package is mailed to its arrival at the delivery unit, and finally, when it reaches the recipient. Customers will receive alerts at each scan point, ensuring full visibility of their packages’ journey.

With faster sorting, better tracking and a more efficient workforce, the Postal Service is gearing up to ensure that the millions of packages shipped this season arrive on time and in good condition.

There are 83 machines already out and more are expected to come across the nation. 

State officials address business growth

Business News

Cade Higgins | The Lima News

LIMA — Ohio has vaulted from the 39th to the seventh-best state for business, Lt. Gov. Jon Husted told local employers Thursday at a workers’ compensation law forum in Lima.
Husted, John Logue from the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, Jim Hughes from the Ohio Industrial Commission, and Janelle Mutuszak and Robert Solt IV from Bugbee and Conkle spoke at the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Law Forum at Shawnee Country Club in Lima.
Husted emphasized career centers retaining the youth and living the American dream in Ohio.
“I want our children and grandchildren to stay, live and work in Ohio,” he said. “If you’re not partnering with local career centers, you’re missing an opportunity.”
The workforce has become an issue, due to the population having more people in the age range of 55 to 64 than 15 to 24.
Logue shared that the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation has seen its workforce decline from 3,500 employees in 1994 to just over 1,500 today, not due to cuts or layoffs but because of fewer claims.
“We used to see 250,000 injuries every year from state-funded employers; this year, we’re expecting around 65,000 claims,” he said, noting aggregate premiums are below $1 billion. He attributed the decline to safer workplaces and highlighted complacency as the biggest controllable threat.
As chairman of the Ohio Industrial Commission, Jim Hughes connected with small-business owners by emphasizing the need for efficiency and certainty in decision-making.
One example he noted was during the pandemic. He highlighted the challenges posed by the pandemic, noting that while remote work complicated in-person hearings, his team effectively utilized WebEx for virtual meetings, ensuring continued efficiency.
Janelle Mutuszak, a 20-year employee at Bugbee and Conkle, specializes in workers’ compensation hearings. She explained temporary total compensation for injured workers in Ohio, which replaces lost income. Claimants receive 72% of their wages for the first 12 weeks, then 66.67% thereafter, with no set limit on duration. TTD can end if the claimant returns to work, is released by their doctor, reaches maximum medical improvement, or is offered suitable, less demanding work.
Robert Solt IV from Bugbee and Conkle discussed a work injury case involving an employee who lost her balance. A drug screen revealed 745 nanograms per milliliter of marijuana, over 20 times the legal limit to operate a vehicle. He noted that under Ohio law, there’s a rebuttal presumption for intoxication, which calls on the employee to prove drugs or alcohol did not cause the injury.
“You have to prove that this intoxication did not cause the injury,” he said.
Solt acknowledged that the wheels of justice often move slower than anticipated, but he is confident that a resolution will be reached soon.
Reach Cade Higgins at 567-242-0351

Meredith Kercher family lawyer accuses Amanda Knox of ‘cashing in’ on murder with new TV film

Arts & Culture, Film & TV

The family lawyer of murdered Briton Meredith Kercher has criticised Amanda Knox for what he calls “disrespectfully” profiting from the tragedy surrounding the British exchange student’s murder, as filming for a controversial new Hulu series begins. Attorney Francesco Maresca expressed his disapproval as production commenced in the Italian town where the 21-year-old student was tragically…

University of Washington computer science professor wins $100K Infosys Prize

Science and Health

Shyam Gollakota.

Shyam Gollakota, a University of Washington computer science professor and Seattle-based health tech startup founder, won a $100,000 award as one of six researchers honored as part of this year’s Infosys Prize.

The annual award is organized by the Infosys Science Foundation, a charitable arm of Indian multinational company Infosys.

Gollakota won this year’s prize for engineering and computer science.

“This was surprising since I did not know I was on their radar,” Gollakota told GeekWire.

Gollakota’s research spans a variety of areas, including wireless tech, battery-free devices, WiFi sensing and imaging, medical diagnostics via smartphones, and more. He leads the Mobile Intelligence Lab at the UW’s Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering.

Gollakota co-founded Sound Life Sciences, a UW spinout that developed an app to monitor breathing that was acquired by Google in 2022.

He’s also the co-founder of Wavely Diagnostics, which uses a smartphone app to detect ear infections.

More recently Gollakota has been leading research on a headphone prototype that uses AI to create a “sound bubble” and can learn the distance for each sound source in a room. He said he’ll use his award money from the Infosys Prize to help commercialize the technology.

“I do think this prize supports our work on creating a symbiosis between humans, hardware, and AI to create superhuman capabilities like sound bubbles, with the potential to transform billions of headphones, AirPods, and improve the lives of millions of people who have hearing loss,” Gollakota said.

The Infosys Prize, launched in 2008, goes to Indian researchers and innovators in fields including economics, engineering & computer science, humanities & social science, life sciences, mathematical sciences, and physical sciences. Those based outside of India are required to spend 30 days at a host institute in India.

The only previous U.S. recipient of the award for computer science was Hari Balakrishnan in 2020.

This year year the Infosys Prize began limiting winners to 40 years of age.

Gollakota recently spoke on the Shift AI podcast, which you can check out below.

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Kelowna RCMP looking for truck stolen from Highway 97 business

Business News

Kelowna RCMP is seeking the public’s assistance in locating a stolen truck taken from a business along Highway 97.

The black 2017 Ford F350 was stolen from the 2700 block of Highway 97 near Enterprise Way and Leathead Road on Nov. 10.

It has several unique features:

Push bar in the front;
Front blacked out grill;
Lifted with black wheels;
Black colour matched fender flares;
Short antenna with a red tip;
BC License plate # VG6200.

The vehicle was last seen at 3:18 a.m. on Nov. 10 on video surveillance when it was stolen from the business’ parking lot. 

“Stolen vehicles are often used to commit other property related offences over a period of several days and sometimes weeks before they are dumped, and another vehicle is stolen,” said Cpl. Michael Gauthier, RCMP media relations officer.  “This particular truck has very unique features and we believe the public can assist us in locating it quickly, increasing our likelihood of apprehending someone and preventing any further crimes with it.”

Anyone who sees the vehicle, or has information as to its whereabouts, is asked to call Kelowna RCMP at 250-762-3300 and reference file number 2024-66844.