Category: News
Malaysia’s Johor State Emerges As Magnet For AI Data Centers
Malaysia’s Johor State Emerges As Magnet For AI Data Centers
Johor, in southern Malaysia, has rapidly become a major destination for data center investment—driven by two big forces: companies diversifying supply chains amid geopolitical tension, and a post–late 2022 surge in compute demand from generative AI that’s reshaping where Asian capacity gets built, according to Nikkei.
What makes Johor especially attractive is its spillover link to Singapore. Singapore remains a connectivity hub, but land and power constraints there are pushing new builds across the border, where operators can still connect back terrestrially. A cross-border rail line expected to start operating at the end of next year, along with the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone launched in January, is intended to further reduce friction through incentives such as faster immigration clearance and streamlined customs procedures.
Nikkei writes that the scale-up has been fast. Analysts cited by Nikkei say Johor reached more than 900 megawatts of data center capacity in roughly three years—a pace that took Singapore more than a decade. Former industrial zones like Sedenak Tech Park have been transformed into large AI-compute campuses, backed by high-voltage power infrastructure and reclaimed water facilities. Major U.S. and Chinese tech firms, cloud providers and server manufacturers have established a presence, anchoring a growing regional ecosystem.
Malaysia as a whole has become one of Southeast Asia’s largest magnets for digital investment, attracting at least 210.4 billion ringgit in 2023 and 2024, according to government data. Johor has captured the bulk of that inflow, though Kuala Lumpur and Cyberjaya are also emerging as secondary hubs. Industry executives and policymakers argue that hosting large-scale computing clusters boosts strategic relevance, creating momentum that draws in network infrastructure such as submarine cables and strengthens regional connectivity.
The boom is also reshaping local labor markets. While data centers generate fewer jobs than manufacturing, the roles they do create—ranging from electrical engineering and telecommunications to network and cloud architecture—pay well above the national median. Central bank estimates cited by Nikkei suggest entry-level positions typically earn more than average Malaysian wages, with experienced specialists commanding significantly higher salaries.
At the same time, constraints are becoming more visible. Electricity and water are critical bottlenecks, particularly for AI facilities that rely on liquid cooling. Johor has begun rejecting new projects that depend on water-intensive cooling systems while it builds additional supply infrastructure, which officials say will take several years to come online. Analysts also point to geopolitical risk, especially uncertainty around access to advanced AI chips amid tightening export controls.
Finally, questions are emerging about oversupply. Unlike hyperscalers that build data centers to serve their own platforms, many carrier-neutral operators are betting on future tenant demand. Some projects have already been shelved, and analysts warn that Johor’s growth remains heavily dependent on foreign customers rather than domestic demand. Whether the state can sustain its rapid rise as an AI data center hub will depend on how effectively it balances infrastructure, regulation, geopolitics and long-term market demand.
Tyler Durden
Fri, 12/19/2025 – 22:10
https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/malaysias-johor-state-emerges-magnet-ai-data-centers
Bleuroot to close on New Year’s Eve after seven years in downtown West Dundee
The owner of Bleuroot in downtown West Dundee says her last day in business will be New Year’s Eve, saying escalating utility costs and a 30% spike in some food prices has made it impossible for the restaurant to continue.
“It was a good run and if I wasn’t so tired and didn’t love life so much, I would stay open and try some more to make a go of it,” Maria Terry said. “But right now there are more negatives than positives about running a restaurant. Primarily because of the economy, you just can’t get out from underneath things.”
Bleuroot, which specializes in locally sourced farm-to-table ingredients, opened more than seven years ago at 98 W. Main St.
Bleuroot restaurant, located in downtown West Dundee for seven years, will be going out of business Dec. 31 after its New Year’s Eve celebration, owner Maria Terry says. (Mike Danahey/The Courier-News)
While they were able to make it through the COVID-19 pandemic and her $8,000 rent has never been raised, Terry said she’s now paying $5,500 a month to ComEd for electricity and her monthly Nicor natural gas bill is $1,200. That’s in addition to licensing fees for music, cable TV, internet, permit and inspection fees, chemical supplies for dishwashers, taxes and newly added delivery fees.
On top of that, food prices have soared. Beef and other items are up as much as 30% and the price of cooking oil has tripled, she said.
Terry, 63, has been working in the restaurant business for more than 40 years, she said. She came to Bleuroot as a consultant before becoming a partner in the venture six months after its opening. When COVID occurred, her two business partners bowed out and she became the sole owner, she said.
What initially drew her to the business was the building in which it is located, Terry said. The three-story structure, which dates back to 1879, could accommodate as many as 400 people and boasted a main floor bar, second-story outdoor dining and a third-floot banquet space that also had an outdoor balcony.
It was empty when Bleuroot moved in, having formerly been Dooley’s Irish Ale House and M.T. Barrels. From 1993 to 2005, it housed a Gino’s East pizza location.
“I love the building,” Terry said. “It has a lot of character and is in a great part of town. I made a lot of friendships here and built a staff of 24 that’s become like family.”
Bleuroot was one of the first Elgin-area restaurants to embrace the farm-to-table concept, with Terry seeking out products from Illinois and Wisconsin farmers to create dishes like short rib poutine, portobello mushroom fries, lamb lollipops, and a selection of vegetarian and vegan options.
But costs have gone up for farmers too, and tariffs now being charged on imported items, like alcohol, have driven up prices, she said.
And there’s increased competition. More restaurants and bars have opened in West Dundee and nearby East Dundee, she said, and there has been a proliferation of new restaurants along Randall Road, including powerhouse chains like Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant in Algonquin.
“Things are in overdrive along Randall,” Terry said.
Given the economy, people are looking for bargains and making dining decisions based on tighter pocketbooks, she said. Her efforts to sell the business for the last 18 months were not successful, she said.
So better to close now on her own terms, Terry said.
She’s been able to connect her employees with local businesses both inside and outside the restaurant industry, and her own future includes the catering consulting work she’ll be doing with three local businesses. She hopes to stay involved with local nonprofits such as D300 Food Pantry, Community Crisis Center in Elgin and the West Dundee VFW, she said.
But mostly she’s looking forward to taking a deep breath and spending time with her family, especially her toddler granddaughter, she said.
As for her last week in business, Terry and local businessman Merlin Dow will be handing out free meals on Christmas Eve for 300 preselected families — something Bleuroot has done since it opened.
On New Year’s Eve, they’ll be open for lunch and dinner and then holding a party to welcome in 2026. The $100 per-person price will include a buffet, open bar and dance music.
“It’s the perfect way to celebrate the ending of a great restaurant,” Terry said.
Mike Danahey is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/19/bleuroot-closing-dundee-costs-restaurant/
Tennessee Governor Pardons Country Star Jelly Roll For Past Convictions
Tennessee Governor Pardons Country Star Jelly Roll For Past Convictions
Authored by Kimberley Hayek via The Epoch Times,
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee granted a pardon Thursday to Grammy-nominated country artist Jelly Roll for his previous criminal convictions, noting the musician’s journey from incarceration to advocacy and stardom.
The pardon, one of 33 clemency actions granted by the Republican governor in light of the Christmas season, celebrates Jelly Roll’s personal growth.
Born as Jason Bradley DeFord on Dec. 4, 1984, the Nashville native spent much of his youth in juvenile facilities, including more than three years at the Davidson County Juvenile Detention Center beginning at age 14 and has been jailed around 40 times for offenses including aggravated robbery and drug possession. He earned a high school equivalency degree at 23 while incarcerated.
Jelly Roll’s most serious convictions include a 2002 robbery at age 17, when he and others, including an armed individual, stole $350 from victims in a home. He served one year in prison, as well as probation. In 2008, police discovered marijuana and crack cocaine in his vehicle, leading to eight years of court supervision.
Lee said Jelly Roll’s application underwent the same rigorous, months-long review as others, with the state parole board unanimously recommending approval in April.
“His story is remarkable, and it’s a redemptive, powerful story, which is what you look for and what you hope for,” Lee told reporters.
The governor first met Jelly Roll on Thursday at the Governor’s Residence, where they embraced one another amid holiday decorations. Unlike federal pardons that can enable an individual to avoid prison time, Tennessee’s pardons offer forgiveness post-sentence, sometimes restoring rights such as the right to vote with some limits. Jelly Roll has said a pardon would make international tours and missionary work easier, since he’d no longer have to do paperwork due to his criminal history.
In a June interview with “Interview Magazine,” he discussed issues he has faced with traveling.
“It’s funny, America has finally agreed to let me leave and give me a passport, but some countries won’t let me come because of my felonies,” he said. “We’re working on that. I think it’s going to work in my favor.”
Jelly Roll received support from peers and local leaders, including attorney David Raybin who worked on his pardon, and Davidson County Sheriff Daron Hall, who administered the jail where Jelly Roll experienced his transformation.
“I think he has a chance and is in the process of rehabilitating a generation, and that’s not just words,” Hall said. “I’m talking about what I see we need in our country, is people who accept responsibility, accept the fact that they make mistakes and accept the fact that they need help.”
Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino has highlighted Jelly Roll’s charitable donations from performances to at-risk youth programs.
Jelly Roll changed his ways in 2008 upon learning of his daughter Bailee Ann’s birth while imprisoned. He began selling mixtapes from his car, blending genres like country, hip-hop, and Southern rock. His professional breakthrough occurred with 2022’s “Son of a Sinner,” which climbed to the top of country radio, followed by hits including “Save Me” and “Need a Favor.”
His 2023 album “Whitsitt Chapel” marked a country pivot, earning multiple CMT Music Awards and a Country Music Association New Artist of the Year honor. He has garnered seven Grammy nominations across his career. Themes of adversity permeate songs like “Winning Streak,” about the first day of sobriety, and “I Am Not Okay.”
“When I first started doing this, I was just telling my story of my broken self,” Jelly Roll said. “By the time I got through it, I realized that my story was the story of many. So now I’m not telling my story anymore. I’m getting to pull it right from the crevices of the people whose [stories have] never been told.”
Jelly Roll has also been working on making amends.
“I’m rounding third on my amends list, and I think when I get there, I’ll feel a little better,” he said.
Jelly Roll said he found songwriting therapeutic while in custody, telling the parole board it had become a passion that “would end up changing my life in ways that I never dreamed imaginable.”
His advocacy has encompassed testifying before the U.S. Senate on the dangers of fentanyl, while admitting his past dealing of the drug.
“I was a part of the problem,” he said. “I am here now standing as a man that wants to be a part of the solution.”
He opened a music studio in February at the Nashville juvenile center where he was incarcerated, donating concert proceeds and partnering with The Beat of Life nonprofit for workshops.
He told the more than 30 songwriters gathered at the studio’s launch about what the studio and its opening meant to those behind bars.
“You wrote with some real kids that are going through the realest and hardest … moment of their entire life,” he said. “I beg y’all to come back and be patient with them. I beg you to love them. … Those kids got a small sliver of hope they’ve never had in their life today and the hope is the seed that grows into change.”
He reflected on his time in juvenile hall.
“When I was in juvenile, we never got a visitor. We never had a mentor, nobody ever came to see us. To be able to come back on these terms is a dream that I had and this is only the beginning.”
Tyler Durden
Fri, 12/19/2025 – 21:45
Trump quiere que tripulaciones mexicanas de trenes en EEUU hablen inglés
Por JOSH FUNK
OMAHA, Nebraska, EE.UU. (AP) — Varias tripulaciones de trenes mexicanos que acababan de llegar a patios ferroviarios estadounidenses en Texas tuvieron problemas para comprender información de seguridad importante en inglés durante recientes inspecciones a fondo que ordenó el gobierno del presidente Donald Trump.
En ocasiones, los ferrocarriles Union Pacific y CPKC dependen rutinariamente de tripulaciones extranjeras para llevar trenes a sus patios ferroviarios en Estados Unidos antes de cambiar a maquinistas e inspectores estadounidenses. El sindicato Hermandad de Maquinistas de Locomotoras y Trabajadores Ferroviarios (BLET, por sus siglas en inglés) indicó que los relevos solían ocurrir exactamente en la frontera. Desde hace tiempo, al sindicato de maquinistas le preocupa el uso de tripulaciones extranjeras debido a inquietudes sobre la seguridad y el empleo.
La Administración Federal de Ferrocarriles (FRA, por sus siglas en inglés) envió cartas a las dos empresas ferroviarias, instándolas a reexaminar sus prácticas y asegurarse de que las tripulaciones mexicanas puedan hablar inglés y no operen un tren a más de 16 kilómetros (10 millas) hacia el interior de Estados Unidos.
Union Pacific y CPKC indicaron estar comprometidas a garantizar la seguridad y la protección, y trabajarán para asegurarse de que están cumpliendo con las reglas.
El gobierno de Trump también ha estado tomando medidas enérgicas contra los conductores de camiones que no hablan inglés, con el fin de asegurarse de que las tripulaciones puedan comunicarse en una emergencia y entender instrucciones cruciales.
“Ya sea que usted opere un camión de 80 toneladas o un tren de carga masivo, necesita ser competente en nuestro idioma nacional: el inglés”, declaró el secretario de Transporte, Sean Duffy. “Si no lo es, crea un riesgo de seguridad inaceptable”.
El Departamento de Transporte ya ha retenido 40 millones de dólares de California por no hacer cumplir el requisito de competencia en inglés, y Duffy ha amenazado con sancionar a varios estados más por otorgar incorrectamente licencias de conducir comerciales a inmigrantes que están en el país ilegalmente. Eso se convirtió en una preocupación clave después de que ocurrieran varios accidentes mortales, en los cuales estaban involucrados camiones conducidos por inmigrantes que no deberían haber tenido licencias.
Las tripulaciones tienen problemas para entender los boletines de seguridad
El administrador de la FRA, David Fink, dijo a ambos ferrocarriles que podrían enfrentar medidas coercitivas si los inspectores encuentran más casos de tripulaciones de trenes que operan en Estados Unidos sin ser competentes en inglés.
Los inspectores encontraron problemas en el patio ferroviario de Union Pacific en Eagle Pass y en la instalación de CPKC en Laredo.
Union Pacific tenía un traductor disponible para ayudar a sus tripulaciones mexicanas, pero Fink indicó que el ferrocarril podría intentar eliminar eso en el futuro, y los inspectores se preocuparon acerca de qué tan bien comprendían las tripulaciones las reglas de operación y las pruebas de frenos requeridas.
En el patio ferroviario de CPKC, Fink indicó que los inspectores encontraron numerosos casos de tripulaciones de trenes que tenían dificultades para entender los boletines de operación, así como las regulaciones estadounidenses que requieren que la información sobre materiales peligrosos y respuestas de emergencia se mantenga en inglés.
Los sindicatos dicen que la ley debió aplicarse desde hace tiempo
El sindicato de maquinistas y el sindicato SMART-TD que representa a los inspectores elogiaron la medida del gobierno de Trump, ya que dicen que las tripulaciones mexicanas no están tan bien entrenadas y necesitan entender información crucial de seguridad.
Previamente este año, el sindicato de maquinistas también puso de relieve dos arrestos de tripulantes mexicanos bajo sospecha de contrabando: uno por ayudar a migrantes a cruzar la frontera ilegalmente, y el otro por intentar traer drogas a Estados Unidos.
“Se debe felicitar al gobierno por defender la seguridad fronteriza, la seguridad pública y los empleos estadounidenses al crear estándares de seguridad más estrictos para las tripulaciones que traen trenes de México a Estados Unidos”, expresó Mark Wallace, presidente nacional del BLET. “Es fundamental que los maquinistas de locomotoras puedan hablar con los despachadores y los socorristas en inglés cuando los trenes se mueven en suelo estadounidense”.
Los ferrocarriles dicen que trabajarán para seguir las reglas
“Tenemos los mismos objetivos: una frontera segura que mantenga la fluidez en la cadena de suministro”, señaló Kristen South, portavoz de Union Pacific. “Parte de garantizar operaciones seguras es una buena comunicación”.
Patrick Waldron, portavoz de CPKC, indicó que su ferrocarril —que opera una red continua a través de Canadá, Estados Unidos y México— se asegura de que las tripulaciones internacionales en ambas fronteras no viajen más de 16 kilómetros (10 millas) hacia el interior del territorio estadounidense.
“La seguridad es fundamental para todo lo que hacemos”, apuntó.
Union Pacific recoge y entrega trenes a su socio, el ferrocarril FerroMex, en la frontera. Indicó que cambiar las tripulaciones en su patio ferroviario a 11 kilómetros (7 millas) sobre la frontera en Eagle Pass ayuda a mantener la carga en movimiento, ya que anteriormente el cambio se hacía en un puente de una sola vía, lo que obligaba al tráfico ferroviario a detenerse. El ferrocarril señaló que trabajó con la Oficina de Aduandas y Protección Fronteriza de Estados Unidos (CBP, por sus siglas en inglés) para realizar el cambio.
——-
Esta historia fue traducida del inglés por un editor de AP con la ayuda de una herramienta de inteligencia artificial generativa.
Trevor Lawrence finalmente luce como un quarterback generacional y tiene a los Jaguars en ascenso
Por MARK LONG
JACKSONVILLE, Florida, EE.UU. (AP) — Trevor Lawrence giró y se desplazó hacia la izquierda para evitar la presión, cuadró sus hombros tanto como pudo con un defensor frente a él y lanzó el balón 50 yardas hacia una banda.
Más que un pase, parecía un intento para deshacerse del balón.
En realidad, fue un envío perfectamente colocado a Parker Washington, quien corría a toda velocidad por el campo.
Lawrence sonrió y se encogió de hombros, mirando hacia el banco de Jacksonville. Reconoció que era la segunda vez en el mismo número de semanas que convertía una jugada rota en una gran ganancia, y siguió adelante. Realmente no había mucho más que decir mientras se desarrollaba la mejor actuación de la carrera de cinco años de Lawrence en la NFL contra los Jets de Nueva York.
El mariscal de campo terminó con 330 yardas por aire, cinco touchdowns y una calificación de pasador de 136.7, la más alta de su carrera. También corrió para 51 yardas y un touchdown. Tres días después, Lawrence fue nombrado jugador ofensivo de la semana en la Conferencia Americana.
Tiene la oportunidad de ser el jugador del mes también de la AFC en diciembre, especialmente si continúa ascendiendo el domingo, cuando los sorprendentes Jaguars (10-4) jueguen en casa del defensivo Denver (12-2).
“Siento que estoy viendo todo muy bien”, dijo Lawrence. “Creo que estoy lanzando bien. Ofensivamente, en general, nunca se trata de un solo jugador. Como ofensiva, estamos realmente sincronizados en este momento, especialmente en el juego aéreo y protegiendo al frente.
“Todos tenemos mucha confianza en lo que estamos haciendo. Parece que hemos tomado impulso en las últimas semanas, así que se siente bien”.
Lawrence ha lanzado para al menos 225 yardas y dos touchdowns en cuatro semanas consecutivas. No ha tenido pérdidas de balón en sus últimos tres duelos, el período más largo sin errores de Lawrence desde que los Jaguars lo reclutaron como la primera selección en 2021.
Hay razones para su éxito reciente.
El entrenador Liam Coen encabeza la lista. El encargado de las jugadas y Lawrence se han entendido, construyendo un nivel de consistencia y cohesión que Lawrence rara vez encontró como novato con el entrenador Urban Meyer o en tres años bajo las órdenes de Doug Pederson, quien cambió de coordinadores de juego aéreo y renunció a las funciones de decidir las jugadas después de su primera temporada en Jacksonville.
Coen ha recibido excelentes críticas dentro de las instalaciones del equipo por sus habilidades de comunicación y su disposición a adaptarse, sin movimientos más grandes que realizar intercambios por receptores seguros como Jakobi Meyers y Tim Patrick, insertar al tackle izquierdo suplente Cole Van Lanen en la alineación titular y mantenerse comprometido con un juego terrestre que ayuda a mantener a Lawrence erguido y saludable.
“Al construir, sólo tienes que asegurarte de que estás haciendo lo correcto por todo el lugar y poniendo a los mejores 11 ahí afuera”, dijo Coen. “El éxito individual es extremadamente importante para nosotros. Quieres que cada jugador obtenga lo que realmente merece y gane. … Pero tiene que volver al equipo primero.
“En última instancia, todo lo que estamos tratando de hacer es eso. Poner al equipo primero, proteger al equipo y darnos la mejor oportunidad de ganar el domingo”.
Los Jaguars han ganado cinco encuentros seguidos y seis de siete desde su semana de descanso. Su única derrota fue el mayor colapso en la historia de la franquicia. Están promediando 34,2 puntos por partido durante la racha ganadora.
Lawrence recibe y merece gran parte del crédito.
Finalmente parece el mariscal de campo generacional que los Jaguars pensaron que estaban obteniendo hace casi cinco años cuando los Jets, previamente sin victorias, vencieron a los Rams y Cleveland en semanas consecutivas a finales de la temporada 2020 para esencialmente entregar la primera selección del draft a Jacksonville.
Sus errores han disminuido, y está usando sus piernas como nunca antes. Ocupa el quinto lugar en la historia de la franquicia con 20 touchdowns por tierra, incluidos seis esta temporada, la cifra más alta de su carrera, y se encuentra en el tercer lugar en la historia de la franquicia con 92 pases de touchdown en 74 duelos de inicio.
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Deportes AP: https://apnews.com/hub/deportes
China Says Region Closer To War Due To US Record Taiwan Arms Package
China Says Region Closer To War Due To US Record Taiwan Arms Package
China on Friday heaped more condemnation on Washington’s approving a record-setting $11.1 billion weapons package for Taiwan this week, warning that the deal risks turning the island into a “powder keg” and plunging the region into “military confrontation and war.”
A significant amount of medium to long-range missile systems are part of the planned transfer, including 82 HIMARS launchers with Army ATACMS missiles, allowing Taipei forces to hit targets across the Taiwan Strait. This aspect has further infuriated China.
Beijing in the fresh comments accused Taiwan’s leadership of “seeking independence through force” and charged that the United States is using the island to “contain China”.
“The ‘Taiwan independence’ forces on the island seek independence through force and resist reunification through force, squandering the hard-earned money of the people to purchase weapons at the cost of turning Taiwan into a powder keg,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said.
“This cannot save the doomed fate of ‘Taiwan independence’ but will only accelerate the push of the Taiwan Strait toward a dangerous situation of military confrontation and war. The U.S. support for ‘Taiwan Independence’ through arms will only end up backfiring. Using Taiwan to contain China will not succeed.”
The prior largest US arms sale to Taiwan occurred in 2019, when the first Trump administration authorized an $8 billion deal for 66 F-16V fighter jets.
President Xi’s policy, at least in public, has been that reunification of Taiwan with the mainland will happen through peaceful, political means; however, hawks in Washington have never believed this.
From China’s point of view, the US continually arming Taiwan would be akin to China regularly pouring weapons in Cuba which could reach Florida.
Certainly US politicians would be outraged if Beijing or Moscow armed Cuba to the teeth and would likely act – and we even have precedents from Cold War history to demonstrate this.
The current Trump administration began its Taiwan arms sales last month, approving a $330 million package for aircraft components. All the while, Trump has softened his anti-China rhetoric and is seeking to improve bilateral relations, according to most media presentations. But this massive arms sign-off for Taiwan doesn’t point in the direction of ‘softening’ tensions with China.
Tyler Durden
Fri, 12/19/2025 – 21:20
Corte Interamericana considera a México responsable de feminicidio en Ciudad Juárez hace 24 años
Associated Press
CIUDAD DE MÉXICO (AP) — La Corte Interamericana de Derechos Humanos encontró responsable internacionalmente a México en el caso de la desaparición, tortura y feminicidio en 2001 de una joven madre de 17 años trabajadora de una maquila de Ciudad Juárez, al señalar que faltó una debida investigación en un “contexto de violencia de género y de impunidad generalizada”.
El caso fue uno de los muchos asesinatos de mujeres que conmocionaron hace más de dos décadas la localidad mexicana vecina de El Paso, Texas. En 2009, la Corte ya había condenado a México por los feminicidios de Ciudad Juárez en el caso conocido como “Campo Algodonero”, correspondiente al homicidio con móvil sexual de ocho mujeres.
De acuerdo con la sentencia del organismo notificada el viernes, México “violó el derecho a conocer la verdad” por no investigar adecuadamente lo sucedido a Lilia Alejandra García Andrade “en un contexto de violencia sistémica e institucional contra la mujer”, ni tampoco investigar con la “debida diligencia” los atentados contra su madre, Norma Andrade, mientras ésta buscaba justicia.
Esta es la segunda condena a México dada a conocer esta semana. La anterior fue por el caso de la violación sexual, tortura y muerte de una indígena nahua ocurrido hace casi dos décadas en el que presuntamente participaron militares.
García Andrade tenía dos hijos. El 14 de febrero de 2001 salió a trabajar en Ciudad Juárez y nunca regresó. Su madre denunció su desaparición ante la policía pero no fue tramitada con diligencia. El 21 de febrero se encontró el cuerpo de la joven en un terreno baldío. La causa de muerte fue por estrangulamiento manual con características de homicidio posterior a un ataque sexual.
Entre 2001 y 2010, la investigación estuvo a cargo de varias fiscalías sin avances significativos, continúa la sentencia, y hay dudas respecto a la integridad y la exhaustividad en el análisis de las pruebas. Actualmente hay un proceso en curso desde 2023 contra una persona.
La madre de la víctima se convirtió en una activista de derechos humanos y mientras exigía justicia por el caso de su hija fue víctima de dos atentados, “los cuales a la fecha no han sido esclarecidos”, según el organismo.
México realizó un reconocimiento parcial de responsabilidad pero la Corte pidió que concluya las investigaciones, pida disculpas públicas y tome medidas para la no repetición de los hechos.
Glenview offers display of holiday symbols
Each holiday season, the village of Glenview told residents in its weekly newsletter, it allows individuals and groups to set up holiday displays in a temporary public forum area just west of Village Hall.
The displays, which can be religious or nonreligious, are created and paid for by the private individuals and groups.
This year’s display contained three elements. The first, a “Keep Christ in Christmas” sign and Nativity scene, was sponsored by Rev. John J. Dussman and the Glenview Knights of Columbus.
The second, an electric menorah, bears a sign saying it’s the work of Chabad of Glenview and Morton Grove.
The third element, a sign wishing readers a merry winter solstice, contains the name of the Freedom From Religion Foundation.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/19/glenview-offers-display-of-holiday-symbols/
Takeaways from the US Justice Department’s initial release of Epstein files, mandated by Congress
NEW YORK — The U.S. Department of Justice on Friday published thousands of files related to Jeffrey Epstein, a release long anticipated for its potential to reveal new details about the late sex offender and his connections to powerful people.
But it was clear soon after the release that it would fall far short of those expectations. The partial release angered Democrats who accused the Trump administration of trying to hide information. The Justice Department said it would continue releasing documents in the weeks ahead.
The file dump — dominated by photographs, but also including call logs, court records and other documents, many with redactions — comes after politicians and the public waged a massive campaign for transparency about the government’s investigations into the wealthy financier.
President Donald Trump, who was friends with Epstein for years before the two had a falling-out, tried for months to keep the records sealed. Though he hasn’t been accused of wrongdoing in connection with Epstein, he has argued there is nothing to see in the files and the public should focus on other issues.
On Nov. 19, relenting to political pressure from his fellow Republicans, he signed a bill mandating the release of most of the Justice Department’s files on Epstein within 30 days. The White House said Friday’s release of the files shows how the administration is the “most transparent in history.”
Here are some takeaways about the Justice Department’s initial Epstein file release:
It includes thousands of photos, but far fewer files than expected
The law signed by Trump last month set Friday as the deadline for the Justice Department to release most of its files about Epstein.
Ahead of the release, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche told Fox News he expected several hundred thousand files to be released Friday, along with several hundred thousand more to come later.
But the number of files that actually landed on the Justice Department’s website seemed to be a thin slice of the total number expected. Blanche acknowledged in a letter to Congress that the production of files was incomplete. The department said it expected to complete its production of Epstein documents by the end of the year.
Among the documents made public are around 4,000 files — mostly photographs — under a subset the Justice Department described as “DOJ Disclosures.” The vast majority of the photographs were taken by the FBI during searches of Epstein’s homes in New York City and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Also included were images of envelopes, folders and boxes containing investigative materials from various probes related to Epstein. Many records are redacted and anything containing a victim’s personally identifiable information, including materials depicting sexual and physical abuse, isn’t authorized for release.
Various other files released by the Justice Department on Friday include court records, public records and disclosures to House committees. At least some of that material has already circulated in the public domain after years of court action and investigations.
Multiple photographs show former President Bill Clinton
Many of the most discussed photos from the files show the former Democratic president. Clinton has acknowledged that he traveled on Epstein’s private jet but said through a spokesperson that he had no knowledge of the late financier’s crimes.
Some of the photos show Clinton on a private plane, including one with a woman sitting on his lap. Her face is redacted from the photo.
Another photo shows him in a pool with British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell, who has been convicted of luring young girls to Epstein so he could molest them, and with another person whose face is redacted. One shows him with the late pop star Michael Jackson, singer Diana Ross and a woman whose face is redacted.
And another shows Clinton in a hot tub with a woman whose face is redacted. The Justice Department did not explain how those photos were related to the criminal investigation.
Nevertheless, senior White House aides quickly called attention to them on X.
Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, wrote “Oh my!” and added a shocked face emoji in response to the photo of Clinton in the hot tub.
Angel Ureña, Clinton’s deputy chief of staff, said in an X post that “this isn’t about Bill Clinton” and accused the White House of trying to protect others.
“There are two types of people here,” he wrote. “The first group knew nothing and cut Epstein off before his crimes came to light. The second group continued relationships with him after. We’re in the first.”
Clinton has never been accused of wrongdoing in connection with Epstein, and the mere inclusion of someone’s name or images in files from the investigation does not imply otherwise.
No new revelations about Trump or others
To some exploring the records released Friday, the most interesting parts were which high-profile figures appeared scarcely — or not at all.
For example, Trump is minimally referenced in the files, and the small number of photos that do show him appear to have been in the public domain for decades.
The release does include at least one photo of the former Prince Andrew, who appears in a tuxedo lying on the laps of what appear to be several women who are seated, dressed in formalwear. One of Epstein’s accusers, Virginia Giuffre, accused Epstein of arranging for her to have sexual encounters with men, including the prince.
Marina Lacerda, one of the women who says she survived sexual assault by Epstein, beginning when she was 14 years old, said Friday she wanted to see greater transparency from the Justice Department and expressed frustration over redactions and the incomplete release.
“Just put out the files,” she said. “And stop redacting names that don’t need to be redacted.”
Partial release upsets some lawmakers
Several lawmakers blasted the Trump administration for failing to produce all the documents required under the law.
Reps. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., and Thomas Massie, R-Ky., had introduced what is known as a discharge petition, which eventually led to the congressional vote that forced the release of the Epstein files. On Friday, both took to social media to criticize the partial release.
Massie wrote that it “grossly fails to comply with both the spirit and the letter of the law.” Khanna called the release so far “disappointing.”
“We’re going to push for the actual documents,” he said.
Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., said that by disregarding the deadline, the administration was denying justice to Epstein’s victims. He added he was “exploring all avenues and legal tools to get justice for the victims and transparency for the American people.”
If Democratic lawmakers so choose, they could go to court to force the Justice Department to comply with the law, but that would almost certainly be a lengthy process that plays out while the department releases more files.
Separately, the House Oversight Committee has issued a subpoena for the Epstein files. That could give Congress another avenue to force the release of more information to the committee, but it would require Republicans to join them in contempt-of-Congress proceedings against a Republican administration.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/19/takeaways-epstein-files/
Knicks celebran título de la Copa NBA sin banderín conmemorativo
Por BRIAN MAHONEY
NUEVA YORK (AP) — Los Knicks de Nueva York celebraron su campeonato de la Copa NBA el viernes por la noche, aunque no con el izamiento de un banderín especial en el Madison Square Garden.
Mientras los jugadores se alineaban en la cancha para escuchar el himno nacional previo a su partido contra Filadelfia, en la pantalla superior se proyectaron los momentos destacados de las victorias de los Knicks durante su camino hacia el campeonato en la Copa. Después del video de su victoria sobre San Antonio en la final el martes, el sonido local pidió a los aficionados que se unieran para felicitar al equipo por su logro.
Los aficionados respondieron con una ovación de pie.
Los Knicks rompieron con la breve tradición de la Copa al decidir que no colgarían un banderín después de conseguir el título. Los dos ganadores anteriores, los Lakers de Los Ángeles y los Bucks de Milwaukee, celebraron sus títulos con su respectivo pendón.
Prime Video, que transmitió el duelo, se burló de la decisión al revelar un banderín digital en su estudio para recordar el campeonato de los Knicks durante su programa previo al partido.
Ganar la Copa, con las semifinales y finales en Las Vegas, derivó en una especie de viaje adicional para los Knicks. El encuentro del viernes fue el primero en el Madison Square Garden desde que vencieron a Orlando el 7 de diciembre.
También provocó algo de pánico para el entrenador de primer año Mike Brown. Cayeron pocos centímetros de nieve en el área al norte de Nueva York donde vive mientras los Knicks estaban fuera, y no tenía una pala ni sabía cómo quitarla cuando su cuñada, que se estaba quedando en la casa, le alertó.
“Teníamos nieve en nuestra entrada y mi cuñada nos llamó con pánico, mientras nosotros estamos recibiendo paquetes de Amazon. Ella decía: ‘Alguien se va a resbalar. Necesito una pala’”, dijo Brown. “Yo estaba como, ‘¿Pala? Oh dios mío, ¿a quién llamo?’”
Terminó llamando a su constructor, quien envió a alguien para quitar la nieve.
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Deportes en español AP: https://apnews.com/hub/deportes
