https://www.cbsnews.com/news/jalisco-cartel-image-jaguar-seized-leader-sanctions/

U.S. releases image of jaguar seized from leader of powerful cartel while announcing new sanctions

From: Haaretz May 1, 2025
Day 574

Netanyahu: 'Returning the hostages is a very important goal, the war has a supreme goal — victory over our enemies'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday at the annual Bible Contest ceremony held in honor of Israel's Independence Day that:
1. "We have many war goals.
2. We want to return all of our hostages."
3. "We want to bring back the living and the fallen. This is a very important goal.
4. The war has a supreme goal, and the supreme goal is to achieve victory over our enemies — and that, we will achieve."

IDF Chief: Ready and prepared to strike a decisive blow against Hamas, if required, we will do so soon

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said:
1. the military is ready and prepared to strike a decisive blow against Hamas.
2. "We will use all the power at our disposal, increase the pace and intensity of the operation.
3. If required, we will do so soon, with determination in the righteousness of our path"

Exchange of Blame:
Security sources, speaking to Israel’s Channel 12, criticized the police and fire services, stating that they “failed, and there is a complete lack of understanding.”

They also noted that these agencies had ignored warnings from the army regarding the potential for fires that day.

At the same time, extremist Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir was criticized for allegedly obstructing the purchase of firefighting helicopters that could have helped in managing the major fire.

Israel’s large-scale planting of European pine trees, which are not native to the region, as part of efforts to reshape the landscape and cover depopulated Palestinian villages, has significantly increased the vulnerability of the region to wildfires.

Unlike native Mediterranean plants, these pines are highly flammable, with resinous wood and dense needle litter that ignites easily under dry, hot conditions.
1. With climate change exacerbating heatwaves and droughts,
2. these monoculture forests have become tinderboxes, fueling uncontrollable fires
3. and threatening both ecosystems and surrounding communities.

I posted in another thread about the drought in the EU this will be a very dry year even in Holland we already had wildfires some weeks ago. Not on a huge scale but this summer it is a great threat to all of Europe.

Updated release names the murder victim: Craig McIlquham, who some of you will remember from his association with Hells Angel Rob Barletta.

https://www.haltonpolice.ca/en/news/homicide-investigation-in-burlington.aspx

From: Haaretz May 1, 2025
Largest Wildfires in Israel’s History: Arson or climate change natural disaster

Firefighters continue to battle Jerusalem Area fire that already burned 5,000 acres, The Jewish National Fund (JNF) says.

The fire raging through the Jerusalem area remained uncontained Thursday morning, fire and rescue services announced, as 119 firefighting teams continued battling the blaze that broke out Wednesday.

Eight firefighting aircraft from Cyprus, Italy and France are expected to arrive throughout the day to assist suppression efforts.

Authorities reported that 17 firefighters were wounded during operations, with two evacuated to the hospital.
Police said all roads previously closed due to the fires have since reopened to traffic.

The Jewish National Fund (JNF) estimated Wednesday that approximately 24,000 dunams (about 6,000 acres) have burned in what is being called one of the largest wildfires in the country's history.

According to the organization, most of the Canada Forest was destroyed, and the Eshtaol Forest sustained severe damage.
Public access has been barred to 15 additional forests and nature reserves.

I think it is a good deal even without security guarantees the Americans will be into it for a long term at least for 10 years to get the minerals, oil and gas out of the ground.

International • May 1, 5:16 PM • Modified on May 1, 5:16 PM
'The Russians didn't expect this either'
Author : Bram van Eijndhoven
The long-awaited minerals deal between Ukraine and the US has finally been concluded, although much remains unclear about the precise terms. 'What does seem certain is that it is without American security guarantees', says defence specialist Patrick Bolder of the Hague Centre for Strategic Studies. 'Then you would say: why is Ukraine signing up for this?'

You have to hear this
The Russians didn't expect this either

6 min 2 sec
However, anyone who looks more closely at the deal will probably conclude that Ukraine is not doing badly at all, according to Bolder. According to the defense specialist, American President Trump seems to be giving Ukraine, not Russia, a 'gift' for the first time. 'The signing of the deal was accompanied by the words that this is in the spirit of a long-term and just peace in Ukraine. That is a sound we have not heard from the Trump administration before.'

Read also
Minerals deal is important signal to Putin, 'Ukraine played it very well'
The agreement does not provide any security guarantees, but according to Trump, the Russians will not dare to attack Ukraine if American companies are active there. A rather thin guarantee, but also not illogical reasoning, according to Bolder.

Chat with Zelensky
The commodity deal explicitly does not make a direct connection with the war, nor does it mention territorial concessions. According to Bolder, Trump was yearning for an international deal after the economic malaise he plunged the world into with his trade war. 'That's why he was so happy to agree to this. He's on tenterhooks, and he has to show something positive again after yesterday's bad economic figures.'

Read also
Russia saw dozens of billionaires flee the country after invasion of Ukraine
Certainly also important in the realization of the deal was the fifteen-minute meeting with Zelensky in Rome at the funeral of the Pope. 'Then Trump also left with the idea that Putin might be stringing him along, that is also what Zelensky told him. And that he needs to show more decisiveness,' according to Bolder.

Trump in Russia
The mineral deal has done little to improve Trump's reputation in Russia, Bolder knows. Until a few days ago, he was presented on Russian state television as the great leader of the West with whom you could do business, but now he is suddenly being compared to Hitler. 'The Russians did not expect this either, were shocked by it and have to adjust their narrative again.'

A: cop to Ginger refusing money pack

Q: in the end I had to put his head in a vice.