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UK Court Convicts Two Men in Deadly IS-Inspired Plot Against Jewish Community

mar Hussein (left) and Walid Saadaoui (right) have been found guilty of preparing acts of terrorism. Bilel Saadaoui (centre) was found guilty of failing to disclose information about acts of terrorism.  Two men have been found guilty of preparing acts of terrorism in a plot to massacre hundreds of Jews in northwest England. Walid Saadaoui, 38, and Amar Hussein, 52 , were convicted at Preston Crown Court after investigators uncovered their plan to smuggle automatic weapons and ammunition into the UK. Authorities revealed that the men intended to launch a gun rampage targeting mass gatherings of Jewish people. Saadaoui had arranged for four AK-47 rifles, two pistols, and 900 rounds of ammunition to be imported, believing he was working with a fellow extremist. In reality, he was communicating with an undercover operative known as “Farouk,” who exposed the plot. Police described the scheme as potentially “ one of, if not the, deadliest terrorist attacks in UK history .” The convi...

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Peak of Sensitive Cherry Blossoms in Toronto Faces Frost Threat

 

As Toronto eagerly anticipates the annual cherry blossom peak, a sudden threat looms overhead. The delicate cherry blossoms, known for their vibrant displays, are at risk due to the possibility of frost. With overnight lows expected to dip below freezing and little to no wind, the potential frost could jeopardize the blossoms’ beauty

The High Park cherry blossoms are currently in their most sensitive stage regarding weather threats, specifically frost. As of April 19, they reached Stage 5, with a minority of sakura flowers having opened up in the park, representing nearly 20% growth. However, warmer weather is needed for them to enter full bloom. Other parts of the city, including near the University of Toronto, have already experienced trees in full bloom as early as April 15 this year.

Unfortunately, frost poses a hazard to the quality of this year’s bloom. In previous years, extreme cold temperatures led to disappointing displays. For instance, in 2016, 14 consecutive frosts during the first half of April resulted in only a 25% peak bloom in early May. Two years later, the situation was even worse, with three consecutive frosts late into April after a 10-day mild stretch. The killing frost materialized during the flower’s most sensitive stage, causing the bloom to fail to materialize.

The critical temperature for cherry blossoms is colder than -2°C, beyond which damage can occur. Let’s hope that this year’s flowers prove extra resilient as Toronto faces back-to-back consecutive frosts and another forecasted event that may impact the bloom

If you’re in Toronto, consider visiting High Park this weekend to witness the cherry blossoms for yourself. Fingers crossed that Mother Nature is kind to these delicate blooms! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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