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250 Million Bees Swarm Washington State After Truck Overturns, Prompting Emergency Warnings

 

 

 

                        Whatcom County Sheriff's Office An overturned lorry in the middle of the road 

 

 

Massive Bee Rescue Operation Underway After Truck Crash Releases 250 Million Bees in Washington

A major emergency response was triggered in Washington state on Friday when a truck carrying an estimated 250 million honeybees overturned near the Canadian border, releasing swarms of insects and prompting urgent public safety warnings.

Incident Details

  • The crash occurred when a semi-truck transporting 70,000 lbs (31,750 kg) of live beehives flipped on a road in Whatcom County.

  • Emergency crews, assisted by multiple master beekeepers, rushed to the scene to contain the massive bee escape.

  • Authorities immediately closed off the area and urged the public to avoid the site due to the risk of bee stings.

Rescue Efforts

  • The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) stated their priority was to "save as many bees as possible"—a critical mission given honeybees’ role as essential pollinators.

  • Beekeepers worked carefully to recover the insects and salvage damaged hives.

  • The crash site remained closed until the operation was complete, with officials monitoring the situation closely.

Why It Matters

  • Honeybees are vital to agriculture, pollinating crops worth billions of dollars annually.

  • The incident highlights the risks of transporting large numbers of bees and the importance of emergency response coordination.

Authorities advised residents to stay clear of the area while recovery efforts continued. Updates were provided by the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office.

 

                      Whatcom County Sheriff's Office A white lorry covered with bees on its bonnet and roof

    


**"250 Million Bees on the Loose": Emergency Response After Truck Overturns in Washington**

Whatcom County Sheriff's Office issued an urgent warning Friday after a truck carrying an estimated 250 million honeybees overturned, releasing swarms of insects near the Canadian border. "AVOID THE AREA due to the potential of bees escaping and swarming," authorities cautioned.

**Rescue Operation Underway**
Local beekeepers rushed to assist law enforcement in what became a remarkable recovery effort:
- Over two dozen beekeepers responded to help reset overturned box hives
- Specialists worked carefully to help bees return to their colonies
- "The plan is to allow the bees to re-hive and find their queen bee," WCSO explained

**Natural Recovery Process**
Authorities expressed optimism about the situation:
- Bees were expected to return to hives naturally within 24-48 hours
- "By morning, most bees should have returned to their hives," WCSO updated
- Dramatic police footage showed massive swarms around the overturned truck

**Economic Importance of Bees**
The incident highlighted honeybees' crucial agricultural role:
- Many commercial beekeepers rent hives to farmers for crop pollination
- Bees contribute significantly to food production nationwide
- The rescue effort prioritized saving these valuable pollinators

The sheriff's office later thanked the "wonderful community of beekeepers" for their rapid response, noting the successful collaboration between first responders and apiculture experts. Authorities maintained road closures until the situation stabilized, ensuring public safety while protecting the vital bee population.

Minister Apologizes for "Ill-Judged" Nazi Germany Comparison in Speech

                     Minister Apologizes for "Ill-Judged" Nazi Germany Comparison in Speech..

                           EPA British Attorney General Richard Hermer arrives for a cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street in London, Britain, 28 January 2025. 


**Attorney General Faces Backlash After Comparing UK Legal Reform Debate to 1930s Germany**  



The Attorney General, Lord Hermer, has expressed regret over what he called "clausy" remarks made during a speech on Thursday, in which he drew parallels between contemporary UK political debates and legal arguments in pre-Nazi Germany.  

Speaking on the rule of law, Lord Hermer criticized those advocating for Britain to "cast aside the constraints of international law in favor of raw power," warning that similar rhetoric was employed by German legal theorists in the 1930s before the erosion of democratic norms.  

The comparison sparked immediate condemnation, with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accusing him of effectively "labeling political opponents as Nazis" and calling for his dismissal. "This kind of inflammatory rhetoric has no place in serious debate," Badenoch said.  

In a subsequent statement, Lord Hermer acknowledged his analogy was "poorly phrased" but maintained his broader concern about safeguarding legal institutions. "I regret any offense caused by my historical reference, which was intended to highlight risks to judicial independence, not to make direct comparisons," he said.  

Downing Street declined to comment on calls for his removal, but legal experts noted the episode underscores growing tensions over the UK's relationship with international law. Holocaust educational charities reiterated the need for caution when invoking Nazi-era comparisons in political discourse.  

*The controversy comes amid heated parliamentary debates over proposed reforms to the UK's human rights framework.*

 

Attorney General Defends Speech Amid Controversy Over Nazi Germany Comparison

A spokesperson for Attorney General Lord Hermer stated that he rejects the Conservative Party’s characterization of his recent speech but acknowledges that his "choice of words was clumsy" and regrets the reference he made. The spokesperson emphasized that the speech was intended to defend international law, which "underpins our security, protects against threats from aggressive states like Russia, and helps tackle organized immigration crime" 210.

Key Points from Lord Hermer’s RUSI Speech
Speaking at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), Lord Hermer outlined the Labour government’s approach to foreign policy, which he described as combining a "pragmatic approach to the UK’s national interests with a principled commitment to a rules-based international order." He criticized what he called the "siren song" heard in Westminster and sections of the media advocating for Britain to abandon international legal constraints in favor of "raw power" 29.

Hermer argued that this mindset was not new, drawing a historical parallel to 1930s Germany, where legal theorists like Carl Schmitt—a Nazi Party supporter—argued that state power should override law. He noted that after Hitler’s rise in 1933, post-war institutions were rebuilt to reinforce international law 23.

Conservative and Reform Backlash
The comparison sparked fierce criticism from Tory leader Kemi Badenoch and Reform UK figures. Badenoch accused Hermer of "calling people who disagree with him Nazis" and demanded Prime Minister Keir Starmer sack him, calling the remarks "appalling judgement" and "dangerous" 27. Reform UK’s Richard Tice similarly condemned the analogy, stating that Hermer’s "clumsy" apology was insufficient and that he was "unfit to be Attorney General" 310.

Context: ECHR Debate
The controversy comes amid ongoing debates over the UK’s membership in the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). Critics, including some Conservatives and Reform UK members, argue the ECHR hampers efforts to control migration, such as deporting Channel-crossing asylum seekers. Badenoch has previously suggested the UK may need to leave the ECHR if it obstructs national interests 25.

Government’s Stance
Despite the backlash, Hermer’s spokesperson reiterated his commitment to international law, stressing its role in global security and reform. Education Minister Catherine McKinnell defended the speech as "thoughtful," warning that withdrawing from international frameworks aligns with "the agenda of people like Putin" 510.

Conclusion
While Lord Hermer stands by his broader argument, the Nazi comparison has overshadowed his message, fueling calls for his resignation and intensifying political divisions over the UK’s legal obligations. The episode underscores the charged nature of debates surrounding sovereignty, migration, and international cooperation 17...

 


Brunswood Park Unveils New Play Area Featuring Derby’s ‘Fastest Zip Wire’

                      Derby City Council Play equipment on a freshly surfaced park   



A vibrant new play area, shaped by community input, has officially opened at Brunswood Park in Spondon, offering exciting adventures for Derby’s youngest residents.

The facility, celebrated with a special open day on Saturday, features a dynamic mix of equipment—including a climbing frame, slide, roundabout, swings, and Derby’s self-proclaimed "fastest zip wire."

Derby City Council, which spearheaded the project, expressed gratitude to locals who contributed ideas to create the space. "This wonderful new play area reflects the vision of the community," a council spokesperson said. "We’re thrilled to see it come to life for families to enjoy."

The addition reinforces the park as a key destination for outdoor fun, combining classic play equipment with adrenaline-pumping thrills. With its resident-driven design, the space promises to be a beloved hub for Spondon’s children and families.

Brunswood Park’s

Community-funded project opens with celebration event, offering thrill-seeking adventures for local families

Grand Opening Highlights

  • New attractions: The play area, designed with resident input, boasts a climbing frame, slide, roundabout, swings, and the proclaimed "fastest zip wire in Derby"12.

  • Community effort: Funded by a £72,000 developer contribution (from housing built on the former Technograv factory site) and an additional £20,000 raised by Friends of Spondon Parks1.

  • Celebration event: Held on May 31, 2025, the opening included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, bird box-making for families, and goody bags for the first 20 children2.

Why It Stands Out

  1. Adrenaline appeal: The zip wire is a standout feature, offering high-speed thrills uncommon in local playgrounds, alongside traditional equipment like sand pits and trim trails found in other Derby parks10.

  2. Inclusive design: While not explicitly accessible, the project aligns with Derby’s trend of upgrading play areas (e.g., Alvaston Park’s zip wire and Arboretum’s climbing boulder)10.

  3. Local pride: Councillors highlighted the park as a "wonderful space" shaped by community ideas, reinforcing Derby’s commitment to revitalizing green spaces1.

Broader Context

  • Derby’s play area boom: Part of a citywide push to refurbish over 50 playgrounds, with recent upgrades including BMX parks, water play zones, and trampolines10.

  • Competition: While Brunswood’s zip wire claims speed supremacy, other nearby attractions like Go Ape Buxton (with a Tarzan Swing) and Eden Project’s "fastest zip wire in England" cater to older thrill-seekers67.

Visitor Tips

  • Best for: Families with children aged 5+ (due to the zip wire’s intensity).

  • Nearby amenities: Spondon lacks on-site cafés, but picnic benches and the Bulls Head pub are nearby4.

  • Future plans: The council invites feedback to further improve facilities10.

→ Plan your visit: Open daily at Brunswood Park, Spondon (free entry). Follow #DerbyParks for updates211.

new play area is now open daily—come test your speed on Derby’s fastest zip wire!



U.S. and China Agree to 90-Day Tariff Truce in Major Trade War De-escalation

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and U.S. trade representative Jamieson Greer, backed by three American flags, taking seats a table with news media microphones on it.

 

 

 

Markets surge as reciprocal tariffs drop from 125% to 10%, but long-term uncertainties remain

Key Developments

  • Tariff cuts: The U.S. will reduce tariffs on Chinese imports from 145% to 30%, while China slashes its levies on U.S. goods from 125% to 10% for 90 days, effective May 14 2510.

  • Exclusions: U.S. 20% tariffs on fentanyl-related imports remain unchanged, and prior tariffs (e.g., 25% on industrial goods) stay in place 512.

  • Market reaction: Global stocks rallied sharply, with the Dow surging 1,100 points (2.7%), the S&P 500 up 3.1%, and the Nasdaq jumping 4.1% 57. Asian markets, including Hong Kong’s Hang Seng (+3%), also gained 10.

Behind the Deal

  1. Negotiations in Geneva: The breakthrough followed weekend talks between U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, marking the first high-level meeting since Trump’s April tariff escalation 67.

    • Bessent called the agreement a move toward "more balanced trade," while China’s Commerce Ministry termed it an "important step" to resolve differences 610.

    • Both sides agreed to establish a new dialogue mechanism for future talks 612.

  2. Economic Pressures:

    • The U.S. saw its first quarterly GDP contraction since 2022, while Chinese factory activity hit a 16-month low in April due to trade disruptions 10.

    • Retaliatory measures (e.g., China’s rare earth export curbs) will be suspended, offering relief to supply chains 712.

  3. Political Calculus:

    • Trump framed the deal as a "historic win," leveraging tariffs to force concessions, but critics argue it undermines U.S. credibility after weeks of market turmoil 312.

    • Beijing avoided triumphalism but signaled satisfaction, with state media highlighting "broad space" for cooperation 710.

Risks and Challenges

  • Short-term relief, long-term doubts: Analysts warn the 90-day window may be insufficient to address core issues like the $295 billion U.S. trade deficit or fentanyl controls 712.

  • Inflationary pressures: U.S. households could still face $2,800 annual purchasing power loss due to residual tariffs, per Yale researchers 5.

  • Logistical bottlenecks: Importers may rush to stockpile goods, driving up shipping costs and inflation 37.

Global Implications

  • Dollar volatility: The ICE Dollar Index rose 1.1%, but prolonged uncertainty could deter foreign investors holding $16 trillion in U.S. assets 23.

  • Sectoral impacts: Tech and manufacturing sectors cheered the reprieve, though retailers remain wary of 30% effective tariffs on consumer goods 510.

Quotes & Perspectives

  • Scott Bessent (U.S. Treasury): "Neither side wants decoupling... We want trade, just more balanced" 7.

  • Dan Ives (Wedbush Securities): "A best-case scenario for markets, but the hard work starts now" 10.

  • Chinese Commerce Ministry: "Equal dialogue creates conditions for deeper cooperation" 10.

What’s Next?

  • Follow-up talks will focus on extending the truce and addressing structural issues, including non-tariff barriers and supply chain security 612.

  • Business reactions: Firms like Maersk welcomed the "predictability," while small exporters brace for potential tariff resumptions 57.

 

US Stocks Surge Amid White House's Economic Optimism – Live Updates

 

  
                                                                           

 

 

Markets rebound as tariff pause fuels rally, but volatility risks linger Key Highlights 156 Major indices soared: The Dow surged 600 points (1.8%), the S&P 500 rose 1.8%, and the Nasdaq jumped 2% in a single session (April 11, 2025). For the week, gains were even starker: the Dow climbed 6%, the S&P 500 8.2%, and the Nasdaq 11.6%—its best week since 2020. Catalyst: The rally followed President Trump’s decision to pause most "Liberation Day" tariffs for 90 days, easing fears of a prolonged trade war 15. White House stance: Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared "great optimism in this economy," framing tariffs as a "proven formula" to force trade negotiations 1. Market Context From Crash to Rally: The gains reversed a historic sell-off triggered on April 2 when Trump announced sweeping tariffs (up to 245% on China). The S&P 500 had plummeted 10% in days, erasing $6.6 trillion globally 5. Mixed Signals: Despite the rally, underlying risks persisted: Consumer sentiment hit a 17-year low (University of Michigan index at 50.8), with inflation expectations spiking to 6.7% 19. Bond yields surged (10-year Treasury at 4.6%), signaling investor anxiety about inflation and growth 1. Retaliatory tariffs: China imposed 125% tariffs on U.S. imports, escalating tensions 1. Sector Performance: Tech led gains: Semiconductor stocks like Broadcom (up 26% in May) drove the Nasdaq’s rebound 4. Small businesses pushed back: Some added "Trump Liberation Tariff" surcharges to products, blaming policy-driven price hikes 1. Expert Reactions Fed’s caution: Boston Fed President Susan Collins noted readiness to stabilize markets but ruled out emergency rate cuts due to inflation risks (March CPI at 2.4%) 1. Analyst warnings: Charles Schwab warned the rally might be a "pandemic-like dip," not a sustained recovery, given ongoing tariff uncertainty 7. Global Ripple Effects Oil prices crashed to 2021 levels ($60/barrel) on recession fears 5. Asian markets: Japan’s Nikkei swung wildly, while Thailand banned short-selling 5. Looking Ahead The White House’s optimism contrasts with stark warnings. As one strategist noted, "The market priced in a panic reversal, but double-digit tariffs are still a moving target" 7. With the S&P 500 now flat for 2025 after May’s 6% surge, investors brace for more volatility 26. → For ongoing updates, follow live coverage of trade negotiations and Fed policy shifts.

Top 50 News Websites in the US: The Atlantic Surges 40% in Traffic After Trump Administration Group Chat Scoop

 Top 50 News Websites in the US: The Atlantic Surges 40% in Traffic After Trump Administration Group Chat Scoop

 

 White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt conducts a media briefing. Leavitt, a young woman with blonde hair wearing a white pantsuit, is pictured mid-speech behind a podium and in front of a US flag, a screen reading "White House Press Briefing" and a seal depicting the presidential home.

 

 

All but eight of the 50 most-visited news sites in the US saw traffic growth in March compared to February, with a third seeing at least 10% growth in the longer month.

The Atlantic saw a jump of more than 40% month on month amid its blockbuster story published on 24 March revealing its editor had been accidentally added to a Trump administration group chat about military strikes in Yemen.

The Atlantic recorded 30.4 million visits in March according to Similarweb, meaning it was also up 30% compared to March 2024.

Climate news site The Cooldown (51.6 million visits, up 52%) was the fastest grower month on month, followed by The Atlantic (30.4 million, up 43%).

 

Fastest growing US news sites month-on-month in March 2025

Among the 50 sites with the greatest web traffic

thecooldown.com
51.6%
theatlantic.com
42.8%
axios.com
33.4%
cnbc.com
29.9%
newsweek.com
24.9%
sciencealert.com
23.2%
businessinsider.com
23.0%
ksl.com
18.0%
sfgate.com
16.3%
zerohedge.com
12.8%