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Emotive Ocampo ‘genocide’ report is fundamentally flawed

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 11:10:58 GMT

In an opinion dated Monday, 7 August 2023, a former prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Luis Moreno Ocampo, has claimed that a genocide is unfolding in the region of Nagorno-Karabakh within Azerbaijan (‘the Moreno Ocampo Opinion’ or ‘the Opinion’) - writes Rodney Dixon KC of Temple Garden Chambers, London and The Hague.This is an extremely serious accusation to make. It is one with potentially far-reaching consequences, especially at this time. I have therefore been asked by Azerbaijan to provide a legal assessment of the Moreno Ocampo Opinion as an independent expert. My full assessment will be published soon. However, it is vitally important that provocative allegations, without any firm basis in international law, are not allowed to hinder the peace negotiations presently underway between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and to stir tensions on the ground.As has been widely supported by the international community, the governments of both Armenia and Azerbaijan are commi...

Bicyclist killed in crash while riding in Quartz Hill

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 11:10:58 GMT

A bicyclist was struck and killed while riding in the Quartz Hill area of Los Angeles County Monday night. The incident was reported at 10:51 p.m. near the intersection of 42nd Street West and Avenue L. Arriving officers found the bicyclist down with severe injuries and attempted life-saving measures. The unidentified bicyclist was taken to a nearby hospital, where the person was pronounced dead, a California Highway Patrol spokesperson confirmed. The sex and age of the bicyclist were not immediately released. A damaged Chevrolet Camaro was left at the scene and towed for evidence. The spokesperson did not say if the crash was considered a hit-and-run but said there was no indication that anyone was in custody.

Are CBD Gummies The Best Choice For New Customers?

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 11:10:58 GMT

People in the hemp community always agree that new customers should start with a tiny CBD dose and gradually work their way up. However, not every hemp fan has the same opinion on the “best” CBD product for newbies. CBD isn’t as harsh as delta-8 THC, so it’s not as necessary to start with less-intense products like CBD gummies.That being said, a few people claim CBD edibles are the best option for people new to hemp. If you’re struggling to choose your first CBD extract, you may find that hemp gummies offer the most positives.Why Do Some People Say CBD Gummies Are Best For Beginners?The top reason someone would argue CBD gummies are “best for beginners” is that edibles have a low absorption rate. This feature is “good” because there’s less risk for side effects.True, CBD has a low risk for adverse reactions anyway, but it’s always better to introduce a new compound to your body in small increments. CBD gummies allow customers to get a “preview” of CBD’s effects without a significant...

49ers mailbag: Are rookie Moody’s kicking misses cause for concern?

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 11:10:58 GMT

SANTA CLARA – Levi’s Stadium will host a 49ers game this Saturday for the first time since January’s playoff win over Dallas.To prepare for the Denver Broncos’ preseason visit, we opened up our mailbox of questions via social media from the 49ers Faithful:With a Super Bowl-contending team that needs every win, can the 49ers count on a rookie kicker to win? (@diehard49ersfans)It worked in 1994, when they last won a Super Bowl and did so with rookie kicker Doug Brien, who, like Jake Moody, was drafted in the third round. By the way, Brien did not make a field goal in the 1999 preseason opener (a 17-7 loss at Arizona). Moody missed both of his field goal tries on Sunday, but knocked through an extra point.Do you think Brock will play one or two plays? (@matty_maff)No, I expect Brock Purdy to sit out the farce known as preseason football. And no need for a ceremonial gesture of a home-field cameo against the Broncos on Saturday or the Chargers next Friday. Most important, Purdy to...

Skelton: An unlikely solution to the problems of Harris and Feinstein

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 11:10:58 GMT

President Biden has a problem. So does Vice President Kamala Harris. Sen. Dianne Feinstein is a problem. There’s a solution for all of this.Biden’s problem is Harris. She’s a burden — a drag on his reelection prospects.Feinstein, 90, is a problem for California because she’s no longer capable of fully representing the nation’s most populous state — a world-class economic power — in the Senate.A reader emailed me with the remedy: Feinstein could resign from the Senate and Gov. Gavin Newsom could appoint Harris to replace her. Biden then could find a more popular running mate, one more acceptable to voters as a potential successor.“Addresses multiple problems,” wrote Blaine Cavena of Pasadena, a retired technology consultant and self-described political centrist. “But probably just a dream.”You’re right on all counts, I responded.A great idea. But it’ll never happen because it would take all of the president’s persuasive and coercive powers to pull off. And he doesn’t seem the type li...

Cordell: Allow judges to reconsider life without parole sentences

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 11:10:58 GMT

California has long recognized rehabilitation as an important goal of our prison system. And yet, there are incarcerated individuals who are completely rehabilitated but continue to be warehoused in our prisons for decades and counting. Why? Because they were sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Senate Bill (SB) 94, pending before the state Legislature, would give some of those individuals the opportunity to be released. Authored by Sen. Dave Cortese, this bill embodies the belief of many Californians that our prison system can truly rehabilitate some of those confined behind bars. I am one of those believers.For nearly 20 years, from 1982-2001, I was a trial court judge in Santa Clara County. As someone who has sentenced thousands of criminal defendants, some of them to life sentences, I strongly support the passage of SB 94 that would allow those sentenced to life without the possibility of parole, before June 5, 1990, and who have served at least 25 year...

5 takeaways from the Georgia indictment of Donald Trump and 18 others

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 11:10:58 GMT

By Jeremy Herb and Tierney Sneed | CNNFormer President Donald Trump on Monday was criminally charged for the fourth time this year in a sweeping Georgia indictment accusing him of being the head of a “criminal enterprise” to overturn the 2020 election.The indictment from Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis included 18 defendants in addition to Trump, 41 charges in total and 30 unindicted co-conspirators. It marks a key departure from special counsel Jack Smith’s charges against Trump for election subversion. Smith had only charged the former president in his indictment earlier this month, even as he listed six co-conspirators.RELATED: Read the Georgia grand jury indictments against Donald Trump and othersWillis’ indictment also went well beyond what transpired in Georgia as she used racketeering violations to charge a broad criminal conspiracy.The 19 defendants have until next Friday, August 25, to voluntarily surrender, Willis told reporters late Monday night. Even as Willi...

San Mateo reduces speeds limits around 13 schools

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 11:10:58 GMT

SAN MATEO, Calif. (KRON) -- The City of San Mateo has reduced speed limits around 13 public elementary and middle schools in an effort to improve safety.According to the city, the speed limits have been reduced to 15 or 25 miles per hour. The city council approved the new speed zones earlier this year which will be completed in phases. The first phase covers public elementary and middle schools with the second phase covering private elementary and middle schools. The third phase covers local high schools spanning to 38 roadways segments, the city said. Trump indicted by Georgia grand jury in 2020 election interference case “As my children and yours return to school this week, I’m excited to share our City’s progress to reduce speed limits near schools. We all play a part in keeping our streets safe whether we walk, bike, or drive in San Mateo,” said San Mateo City Mayor Amourence Lee. “This effort is part of a comprehensive approach to achieve Vision Zero and eliminate road fatal...

Verisante: Q2 Earnings Snapshot

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 11:10:58 GMT

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — Verisante Technology Inc. (VRSEF) on Tuesday reported a loss of $23,000 in its second quarter.The Vancouver, British Columbia-based company said it had a loss of less than 1 cent on a per-share basis._____This story was generated by Automated Insights (http://automatedinsights.com/ap) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on VRSEF at https://www.zacks.com/ap/VRSEFSource

Jaguars’ Travon Walker plans to use his ‘superpower’ in Year 2 as he eyes gold jacket

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 11:10:58 GMT

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Travon Walker heard the whispers during his rookie year: He’s a project. He’s a bust. He’s an interior defensive lineman, not an edge rusher. He’s hardly the answer for the Jacksonville Jaguars. And he’s certainly not Aidan Hutchinson.He insists none has bothered him. Nonetheless, he used them as motivation.Now, Walker is hellbent on proving he was worthy of the No. 1 pick in the 2022 NFL draft. He’s so confident that he’ll end up being the best of the class that he’s openly talking about a gold jacket — the one reserved for Pro Football Hall of Famers.It doesn’t sound like hyperbole, either. Walker and the Jaguars believe the former Georgia standout has made huge strides since last season and will be a near-impossible-to-block defender in 2023.“You can see the growth,” defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell said. “Last year was a learning year for him. He learned how to pass rush. Now he’s to the point where he understands what he likes to do.“I c...