## "Staten Island Beautification Squad" blocks dozens of speed cameras using fake flowers

Authored by cbsnews.com

NEW YORK — Several speed cameras across Staten Island have been blocked by fake flowers to keep those cameras from catching speeders.

Videos and pictures of these blocking blossoms have gotten attention on social media, with many praising the creative but illegal obstruction.

"Somebody's going around to all these speed cameras and putting flowers on them.

Affixed with duct tape and zip ties, a note is also left at the bottom, saying "Brought to you by the Staten Island Beautification Squad.".

The city Department of Transportation says it's taken down as many as 14 of these obstructions across the island.

"While I don't encourage it, I can totally understand the frustration," Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella said.

He said the speed cameras were originally introduced to put around school zones but adds that they've spread just about everywhere else and operate 24/7. »

### Snoop Dogg fans appalled by rapper’s performance at Trump inauguration party

Authored by independent.co.uk

Snoop Dogg has upset a wide portion of his fan base after performing at the first-ever “Crypto Ball” in celebration of Donald Trump’s imminent inauguration as U.S. president.

After previously mocking the president-elect, Snoop switched allegiances last year to praise Trump and claim he “has done only great things” for him.

Snoop Dogg attended the Comedy Central Roast Of Donald Trump in 2011 ( Getty Images ). »

### Thousands of NSFW ‘Dead or Alive’ Content Removed by Koei Tecmo Yearly

Authored by fictionhorizon.com

At the recent Tokyo eSports Festa 2025, Koei Tecmo’s legal affairs general manager, Tomotoshi Nishimura, shared insights into the company’s approach to fan-created content.

While Koei Tecmo appreciates and supports fanart derived from their intellectual properties, they have established clear boundaries to maintain the integrity of their characters.

Although no new fighting game has been announced since then, Koei Tecmo is currently developing Venus Vacation Prism: Dead or Alive Xtreme. »

### Senior Taliban official urges reversal of education ban on Afghan girls

Authored by abc.net.au

In a rare public rebuke, a senior Taliban figure has called on the group's leadership to end the ban on education for women and girls in Afghanistan.

After seizing power in 2021, the Taliban government instated a ban on females accessing education after the sixth grade.

"The Taliban deputy's remarks about there being no excuse for the education bans on Afghan women and girls reflects desperation," Ms Akbar told the ABC. »

### Vivek Ramaswamy expected to depart DOGE

Authored by cbsnews.com

Vivek Ramaswamy, President-elect Donald Trump's choice to co-lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) with entrepreneur Elon Musk, is expected to soon step away from the task force, CBS News has learned.

There has been friction between the incoming rank and file DOGE staff and Ramaswamy, the sources said, and Ramaswamy has been subtly encouraged to exit.

Politico first reported that Ramaswamy could depart DOGE. »

## In pictures

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