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The Caspian Tiger once roamed Central Asia near the Caspian Sea. Its habitat spanned 350,000 square miles across Iran, Turkey, China, and Kazakhstan. Caspian Tigers settled mainly along streams and rivers and surrounded themselves with shrubbery.  

Results from DNA tests have shown that Siberian Tigers are the closest living relatives of the Caspian Tigers—so close, indeed, that the two species are “almost taxonomically synonymous,” Discover magazine reported in November 2023. This means Siberian Tigers might well thrive in the areas where Caspian Tigers once lived. To make that happen, scientists have been setting up a suitable habitat for Siberian Tigers in Kazakhstan in hopes of releasing them starting in 2024.

In the effort to reclaim this extinct breed’s habitat, many questions arise. Is it ethical? Would this tiger be a threat to the human population of these areas, or vice versa?  If the Caspian Tiger could not survive before, largely due to hunting and habitat loss, how do we know it would survive now?

Such fascinating and necessary questions are relevant everywhere and should be just as widely discussed, but the dearth of science coverage in the corporate media makes the conversations all too limited.

Source: Sofia Quaglia, “Why Did the Caspian Tiger Go Extinct?” Discover, November 10, 2023.

Student Researcher: Ella Troxell (Frostburg State University)

Faculty Evaluator: Andy Duncan (Frostburg State University)

In a recent interview, Sky News implied Israel’s counterterrorism efforts could “trigger a third intifada.” But here’s the truth: the IDF is targeting known terror cells planning imminent attacks on Israeli civilians—just last month, a suicide bomber in Tel Aviv nearly caused a mass tragedy.

Calling the previous intifadas “uprisings” leaves out the real story: they were campaigns of terror, like the horrific Sbarro Pizza bombing in 2001. Israel isn’t provoking another intifada—it’s protecting its people from terrorism.

Photo Credit: Wisam Hashlamoun via Flash90

(credit: courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton New York Central Park)

Situated on the corner of 59th St and 6th Ave just across the street from Central Park, The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park offers a yearly suite package not to be missed. Its location along the parade route of the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade makes it an idyllic location to wrap guests in the magic of the parade. 

The hotel offers a $25,000-per-night Thanksgiving Specialty Suite package that includes unparalleled parade views from your room and brunch for up to eight guests in the Artists’ Gate Suite. Located on the 3rd floor, the suite offers exceptional views of Central Park and Sixth Avenue from its 13 large windows, providing a perfect viewpoint to the parade below. Designed for entertaining, the suite features two separate living rooms, a guest bathroom, billiards room and a dining room which seats eight. 

(credit: courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton New York Central Park)

Along with an overnight stay for you and four guests in the Artists’ Gate Suite, this package includes other perks such as a $250 room credit, gourmet treats, luxury airport transfers and more. Due to the popularity of the three-hour parade in Manhattan and the hotel’s perfect vantage point to see the giant balloons, fabulous floats and great entertainers, the package is so popular that it sells out a year in advance! So if you and your friends and family are looking to celebrate Thanksgiving in true splendor, make sure to call the hotel to reserve for next year.

The property also offers a Thanksgiving Package for stays in rooms or suites with exceptional parade views, or regular non-parade view rooms, early reservations and special amenities designed to create lasting memories for families and loved ones. Rates vary but start at $3,000 per night for non-parade view rooms, with parade-view rooms also booking out a year in advance. 

Guests who stay at the hotel will also have access to on-property restaurant Contour, numerous wellness experiences – including the first stateside La Prairie Spa and innovative Movement Studio – and an unrivaled starting point for an incomparable luxury retreat in the city. 

(BIRMINGHAM, Ala.) — Four people were killed and 17 others injured when multiple shooters opened fire Saturday in what police described as a targeted “hit” on one of the people killed at a popular nightlife spot in Birmingham, Alabama.

The shooting happened shortly after 11 p.m. Saturday in Five Points South, a district filled with entertainment venues, restaurants and bars that is often crowded on weekend nights. The mass shooting, one of several this year in the city, unnerved residents in the area and left city officials pleading for help to both solve the crime and address the broader problem of gun violence.

“The priority is to find these shooters and get them off our streets,” Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin said at a Sunday press conference.

The shooting occurred outside Hush, a hookah and cigar lounge, in the entertainment district. Blood stains were visible on the sidewalk outside the venue on Sunday morning.

Birmingham Police Chief Scott Thurmond said authorities believe the shooting targeted one of the people who was killed, possibly in a murder-for-hire. He said a vehicle pulled up and “multiple shooters” got out and began firing, then fled the scene.

“We believe that there was a ‘hit,’ if you will, on that particular person,” Thurmond said.

Police said approximately 100 shell casings were recovered at the scene. Thurmond said law enforcement was working to determine what weapons were used, but they believe some of the gunfire was “fully automatic.” Investigators were also trying to determine whether anyone fired back, creating crossfire.

Police said officers found two men and a woman on a sidewalk with gunshot wounds and they were pronounced dead there. An additional male gunshot victim was pronounced dead at a hospital, according to police.

By early Sunday, after victims began showing up at hospitals, police had identified 17 people with injuries, some of them life-threatening.

The area of Birmingham is popular with young adults because of its proximity to the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the plethora of nearby restaurants and bars.

Geoffrey Boshell, a 22-year-old biomedical engineering student who lives nearby, said he was working on a school project when he heard a burst of rapid pops that he said sounded like automatic gunfire.

“I heard it, looked out my window and immediately see people screaming, fleeing the scene,” Boshell said.

The shooting in the bustling and popular area was unnerving, he said. “I’m not sure scared is the right word. Just very disturbed that it was happening right outside where you are living.”

Ashton Mills, 24, who lives in a nearby apartment complex was headed to work Saturday night when she heard a “bunch of popping sounds.”

“It’s scary, especially as a single woman walking around the city,” she said. “I’m definitely a lot more on guard.”

Woodfin expressed frustration at what he described as an epidemic of gun violence in America.

“We find ourselves in 2024, where gun violence is at an epidemic level, an epidemic crisis in our country. And the city of Birmingham, unfortunately finds itself at the tip of that spear,” he said.

The Birmingham mayor also urged state and federal officials to give cities more tools to address gun violence. He put both hands behind his back to illustrate what it is like for cities to combat crime. Alabama last year abolished the requirement to get a permit to carry a concealed handgun in public.

Woodfun said there is an “element” in the city that is too comfortable carrying Glock switches — which convert semi-automatic handguns to deliver more rapid fire — and assault-style rifles with the intent of doing harm.

“Elected officials locally, statewide and nationally have a duty to solve this American crisis, this American epidemic of gun violence,” the mayor said.

___

Associated Press writer Jonathan Mattise in Nashville, Tennessee, contributed to this report.

Russia’s chess team is to remain banned from international competitions, officials have ruled.

In a dramatic move, an International Chess Federation (Fide) general assembly meeting in Budapest voted to maintain sanctions against Russia and its ally, Belarus.

Both countries were kicked out of the federation after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

Those supporting the move say chess in Russia is controlled by Vladimir Putin, with people including the Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, sitting on the board which runs the game domestically.

A majority of delegates in Budapest voted in favour of a motion to conduct consultations with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) regarding the possibility of lifting some restrictions against children and vulnerable groups.

However, bans against the Russian national team, officials, flag and anthem in international competitions will remain.

The final decision now rests with the federation’s strategic body, the Fide Council, which is unlikely to overturn the results of the ballot.

Malcolm Pein, head of the English Chess Federation, told the BBC the result was a “crushing defeat” for Russia.

“There is no doubt that many delegates feared consequences for the governing body’s relationship with the IOC if policy diverged,” he said.

Sixty-six countries supported the motion, with 41 opting for a third option – that all restrictions should remain in place.

Just 21 countries voted to lift sanctions. As well as Russia and Belarus, they included several former Soviet republics and other Russian allies in Africa and Asia.

The highly anticipated vote was seen as a test of Western resolve to maintain pressure on Russia in culture, sport and diplomacy.

Before voting began, Ukraine called on delegates to reject the proposal to lift sanctions.

“It’s a victory for Ukraine,” the Ukrainian Chess Federation’s Viktor Kapustin told the BBC.

“This vote means that Russia does not have enough support that they assumed they had,” he added.

“Russia is an aggressor and invader, and the aggressor must be punished in all spheres of their life, including sport. It’s important to keep the sanctions, or even strengthen them. For them to recognise their crimes.”

Russia said politics should be left out of chess and urged other representatives to vote to lift all sanctions.

Kyiv was supported by England, Scotland, Wales, the US, France and many other western nations. The IOC, with which Fide is affiliated, had also recommended that the organisation comply with an earlier decision by the Olympic body that sanctions against Russia in sport remain in place.

Following Moscow’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Fide voted to ban the Russian national team and officials from competitions.

In a separate move, a Fide commission applied sanctions to the Russian Chess Federation (CFR) last June, excluding it for two years for “bringing chess into disrepute” and violating the international organisation’s principles.

It found that the Russian federation had organised tournaments in areas of Ukraine illegally occupied by Russian forces and reprimanded Fide’s Russian president for his membership of the CFR board.

Earlier this month, the ban was commuted to a €45,000 (£37,700) fine and the reprimand cancelled, a move which was criticised by Ukraine and its allies.

Ex-defence minister Sergei Shoigu and Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, who are both under international sanctions, are also CFR board members.

Have you ever stayed in a hotel or resort before and can’t believe it actually exists, let alone you are setting foot in such a magical place? That was the experience I had while visiting Fairmont Banff Springs; a castle-like historic hotel that makes fairytale dreams come true.

Banff National Park, adjacent to the property, was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984, and when you visit, you understand why. The soaring craggy mountains, glacially-fed bright blue rivers and lakes, thick forests and picturesque meadows are all jaw-droppingly beautiful. Amidst the natural splendor, the Fairmont Banff Springs prominently reaches for the pristine blue skies, a bastion of architecture, historic significance, luxury accommodations and fine dining.

Courtesy of Fairmont Banff Springs

A great way to orient yourself to the property is to take a history tour. Our guide, Ewen, was from Scotland and gave great insights to the property’s history, which itself is speckled with Scottish thistle motifs, European-inspired design and over 130 years of remarkable history. The tour helps to add the layers of appreciation to the space, from the fossil-speckled Tyndall stone flooring, to the explanation of the hotel’s footprint being 180 degrees off from the architect’s original orientation. Stories of original guests staying for a 3-4 month season and having their bank accounts verified at check in, to a hidden lounge behind a bookshelf in the Rundle Bar. A fascinating peek into the property’s past, the well-timed tour is a great orientation.

Courtesy of Fairmont Banff Springs

The Fairmont Gold Experience is a hotel-within-a-hotel luxury offering for guests, which I highly recommend. A private check-in desk as well as lounge with dedicated concierge staff only accent the beautifully appointed rooms and large lounge space which is home to an impressive breakfast spread, canapes and cocktails throughout the day. A quiet area lounge is backed by a large fireplace; ideal for curling up with a good book and enjoying a comfy afternoon.

Courtesy of Fairmont Banff Springs

Vermillion dining room

Courtesy of Fairmont Banff Springs

Dining experiences abound at Fairmont Banff Springs, and you should try them all. The Vermillion Room is home to French-inspired cuisine. Sweeping views of the surrounding mountains can be enjoyed from the dining room and bar areas. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch (which I enjoyed thoroughly with an impressive array of fare and perhaps the best profiterole I’ve ever had), Vermillion Room is charming and delightful.

Courtesy of Fairmont Banff Springs

1888 Chop House fare

Courtesy of Fairmont Banff Springs

1888 Chop House is the award-winning steakhouse on property. Known for their Alberta beef, wild game and oceanwise seafood, no stay at Fairmont Banff Springs is complete without a meal at this storied steakhouse. Details and touches such as the nasturtium butter to go with the 1888 house bread, a delectable bison tenderloin, or a wagyu beef tenderloin with accompaniments such as Quebec blue cheese, lobster tails or foie gras will have you begging to return. Desserts such as the Textures of Chocolate or Forest Berries and Cream are worth saving room for as well.

Courtesy of Fairmont Banff Springs

Another aspect to the resort that isn’t to be missed is the 40,000 sf spa. Dip into the mineral pool surrounded by various temperature waterfall whirlpools, or head outside for a hot tub that overlooks the valley beyond while birds sing in the branches above. While there, I tried the 60-minute Signature Rockies Rehydration service; an assortment of dry-brushing skin technique, relaxing massage and top-tier spa product treatments that my only wish was wanting to stay longer.

Courtesy of Fairmont Banff Springs

The indoor and outdoor pools are ideally situated to take in the view of the surrounding mountains, with lounge areas available in both. Paramount to this destination is the great outdoors; so whether strolling or biking into town, taking a horseback canter, riding the scenic gondola, or playing a round of golf, there is something for everyone.

Courtesy of Fairmont Banff Springs

The hotel may have been opened in 1888 by the Canadian Pacific Highway, but there is no lack of luxury and memorable experiences to be had at this hotel and resort today. Enjoy one of the 739 hotel rooms, the opulent dining opportunities, 27 holes of internationally acclaimed golf, and spacious spa in the Rocky Mountains. For rates and reservations, visit https://www.fairmont.com/banff-springs/

Courtesy of Fairmont Banff Springs

Fairmont Gold loung food offerings

Courtesy of Fairmont Banff Springs

The Rundle Bar

Courtesy of Fairmont Banff Springs

The Rundle Bar fare

Courtesy of Fairmont Banff Springs

The Rundle Bar patio

Courtesy of Fairmont Banff Springs

Deluxe room

Courtesy of Fairmont Banff Springs

The Rundle Bar quiet lounge

Courtesy of Fairmont Banff Springs

Crown Suite bathroom

Courtesy of Fairmont Banff Springs

Junior Suite

Courtesy of Fairmont Banff Springs

Yoga on outdoor patio

Courtesy of Fairmont Banff Springs

Walk into town

Courtesy of Fairmont Banff Springs

Running on trails in Banff

Courtesy of Fairmont Banff Springs

Enjoy golf in the stunning mountain setting