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Okay, perchance you can, however you might-be sorely disappointedaif not by the item variety, subsequently possibly by the employees or environment. That is one of the several reasons to aid lesbian-friendly sex toys and organizations whenever you can. Another good reason is that you will findnt almost enough females business people for the sex sector, so we gotta help both! Get alerts: Listed below are 10 amazing lesbian-friendly sex toy organizations, many of which have been also lesbian-owned. Babeland Babeland might a precious lesbian-owned masturbator store since 1993 whenever Claire Cavanah and Rachel Venning established the very first store in Seattle. These day there are four Babeland shops in Seattle and ny, plus a robust web store from the WLW toys it is possible to dream about. Babeland was actually created to handle the lack of female-friendly adult toys and shops in your community, plus theyve never wavered in that objective. ensuring that queer voices are heard in terms of pleasure allows us to expand the comprehension of what intercourse is and what gender tends to be through the (unfortunately) usual heteronormative perception that asex is actually defined by entrance, Lisa Finn, Babeland Brand Manager and gender Educator, says to GO mag. When it comes down to businesses creating adult sex toys, that assists with generating brand-new principles for toys you can use on several systems, in many ways, irrespective the sex of this individual or their lovers. Finn suggested a number of cult faves: the Secret Wand Plus , the NJoy natural Wand , the Desire Vesper Pendant Vibrator , plus the SpareParts Joque Harness . Moist On Her Behalf Wet On Her is actually a masturbator company that carries toys particularly for WLW, in addition they get it done very well since they are lesbian-owned and lesbian-operated! Yay! Alice DeRock established the business in 2009, and it is today a go-to shop for lesbian ladies. we established Wet on her back 2009 because i did not have the lesbian community was being catered for and because there is a lack of non-phallic items open to all of our society, DeRock tells GO mag. This inspired us to create top-notch delight products especially for women on women intercourse. It was vital that you me to develop a sex doll company and retail room that realized the wishes and requirements associated with the lesbian client, clients at all like me and my friends. Best-selling toys from Wet on her behalf include the RockHer Mini Vibrating Scissor Toy , the Vibrating Double Sided Union Dildo , and the Fusion Strap-On Masturbator . Unbound Unbound is actually a feminist sexual wellness company established by Polly Rodriguez and Sarah Jayne. Their purpose ended up being quick: to make the adult toy shopping experience really FUN for females and non-binary individuals also to generate sexual wellness available for all. i cannot wait for time as soon as we dont need permission to masturbate, have an orgasm, and enjoy your body, and that I rely on the interim a brand name like Unbound could possibly be the catalyst for giving that authorization, Rodriguez told Openletr . Two special items that had been advised from Unbound are the Squish (which vibrates much more once you squeeze more difficult) additionally the Palma (a shaking band for the digit!). Semenette Listed here is one lesbian adult toy with a very specific objective: havin an infant ! The Semenette is actually a vibrator that recreates the feeling of conventional climax. Stephanie Berman developed the Semenette centered on her very own firsthand experiences, and shes a Semenette success storyashe and her girlfriend successfully used the item to get pregnant their own girl. POP was at first created to help me to and my wife try and consider our children inside the privacy your home, without by using the awful turkey baster method, or a needle-less syringe, for home insemination, Berman says to GO. Glucose Glucose is a lesbian-owned adult toy shop in Baltimore that lives and breathes to help you celebrate your own sexuality with shameless delight, enthusiasm and enjoyable, per their particular internet site . They cater to all figures, men and women, and sexualities; for example, their own online store has specific toy parts for those who have G-spots, penises, and prostates. Their website and shopping store both supply detailed sex education both for vanilla extract and perverted lovers . She Bop Evy Cowan and Jeneen Doumitt opened She Bop in Portland last year. This queer-friendly indie sex store is for individuals of all sex identities. They have a very a number of toys for WLW, from harnesses to vibrators to ass plugs. Their own purpose goes beyond simply selling toys, however; additionally they supply intercourse education courses and courses monthly, and they offer the neighborhood LGBTQ community with assorted occasions and fundraisers. Early to Bed Early to Bed is Chicagos very first women-owned, women-oriented, boy-friendly, queer and trans-positive sex shop. Founder Searah Deysach launched the store in 2001, and it is offered as a reliable spot for queer women in Chicago to shop for adult sex toys ever since. weve designed the shop as welcoming to people of sexes, orientations and experience amounts, says the first to sleep site . Addititionally there is one function on the brick-and-mortar very early to Bed shop that, frankly, all intercourse stores should study on: TESTERS. There are testers of our carefully-select doll collection out for you yourself to reach and check out. Lubricants and the body snacks have actually testers as well, so youre able to compare slipperiness, style and scents. Le Wand Le Wand is a woman-owned dildo company definitely most well-known with regards to their flagship wand massager, which includes numerous parts for penetrative and non-penetrative beautiful times. The firm was actually created by Alicia Sinclar, an authorized intercourse expert. Her several years of sexpertise is likely to be the reason why this rod has actually managed to one-up the Hitachi Wand in several queer womens doll chests! The Le Wand online shop comes with the multiple women-friendly adult toys off their companies. Smitten Kitten Smitten Kitten is actually a dildo store based in Minneapolis. They truly are queer-friendly, trans and non-binary-inclusive, and pro-sex individual. Founded in 2003, the firm can deeply mixed up in broader sex positivity movementathey started BadVibes.org, an organization that works to demystify the masturbator market and improve hazardous dildo production and income procedures. Eves Toys Lastly: Eves Toys ! Eves Toys is actually a subdivision of Adam & Eve that offers toys designed for ladies, lesbian couples, and queer-identified folks. Eves Toys is a superb illustration of a significant dildo organization acquiring on-board using inclusion of LGBTQ folks in their products. They offer a wide range of toys at all rate things, including some that you dont often find inside average sextoy store, in this way Thigh Harness . Bijoux Indiscrets Bijoux Indiscrets ended up being founded in Barcelona in 2008 by Elsa Viegas and her business lover, Marta Aguiar. As a women-founded and women-run business, their product line prioritizes feminine satisfaction most of all, specially in which the clit can be involved. our very own principal interest is establishing items that will encourage ladies through delight, that may give them methods to understand more about and find out the thing that makes them feel good in a trip of self-knowledge, Elsa tells GO Magazine. All of our sex toys are developed having that planned. We really do not omit anybody however it is correct that we dedicate our very own items to this 80percent of women exactly who report that they want clitoral stimulation to attain orgasms. LoveHoney Youll find over 400 LoveHoney products to pick from, therefore suffice to say that you will find certainly something for everybody , no real matter what style of figures and kinks both you and your partner(s) have. Strap-ons! Rainbow dildos! Handheld control vibrators! Pussy stations (?!?!)! severely, the only problem that a lesbian most probably will have while browsing LoveHoneys collection has been bogged down by way too many choices. Happy masturbating! State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Zip Code Unelected PM Rishi Sunak and the Tories trailing far behind Labour in the polls are desperate. This is why his insincere electioneering is easy to see through as he tries to recover some of the Reform voters with his announcement to bring back National Service for 18-year-olds. If Sunak was truly sincere, he would have brought in the scheme months or years ago. In fact, it does not matter which government will be in power in the future, all of them will be forced to bring in National Service simply because of the global war situation, which is escalating daily. If Sunak wanted to really win the election, he would dump the ECHR and Inheritance Tax. These two actions would be a sure winner and propel the Tories to heights in the polls they would have never believed, but Sunak would not dare to do such a thing, not only because he is a coward, but because these actions would go against his socialist Marxist ideals. World War III already started some time ago, and even though it is currently only being waged in the Middle East and Ukraine, the mechanics of war and implications of its existence are still present globally and economically. If National Service were to be enrolled throughout Britain, it should involve every citizen 18-45, and not just 18-year-olds proposed by Sunak. After 14 years of rule, the Tories have effectively stripped the British Armed Forces of funding and equipment. It is great they are finally thinking about doing something, but it is way too little and way too late. Insincere electioneering by Rishi Sunak with gimmicks like this proposed National Service are a joke. Besides, preparing for war is more than just National Service, it is about manufacturing of weapons, ammunition and development of new technology. The Gears of War are multipronged and require multiple variables to accomplish a proper outcome. The Daily Squib has been talking about National Service since 2015. PICTURED ABOVE: Group pictured at the North West Apprenticeship Showcase held at the Waterfoot Hotel on Thursday are Emma Quinn, Project Officer, Labour Market Partnership, DCSDC, Joanne Sweeney, Project Director, GEMX and Shanagh Higgenbotham, Employment Support Officer, Labour Market Partnership, DCSDC. The event was a joint venture between Derry City and Strabane District Council and GEMX (Generating Engineering and Manufacturing in the North-West) and supported by UU and NWRC. A recent Apprenticeship showcase has been hailed a huge success by its organisers and funders with students from a number of schools and colleges in the North West getting the chance to learn about a range of pathways to enter employment or education. The North West Apprenticeship Showcase, delivered by GEMX and supported by the Labour Market Partnership within Derry City and Strabane District Council, invited students from across the Council area to get a fresh perspective on educational pathways, spotlighting the apprenticeship route as a prime avenue for both employers and educators to identify and nurture talent among prospective employees. Labour Market Partnerships are funded by the Department for Communities and create targeted employment action plans for Council areas which allow for collaboration at local and regional level to support people towards and into work. Attendees at the North West Apprenticeship Showcase were presented with insights into the apprenticeship route as a vital pathway to education alongside employment. Employers expressed a keen interest in recognising talent and promoting the apprenticeship route to facilitate both personal and professional growth in their workforce. Education providers and local companies from across the city and region took part in the event offering advice and assistance on the opportunities that exist for students. Representatives from Ulster University and North West Regional College, shared valuable information and explained the role they play as education providers within the apprenticeship process. They highlighted how apprenticeships can bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical expertise. Additionally, insights from industry leaders such as TEREX, FAST Technologies and Flemings provided attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the positive impact apprenticeships can have within many sectors. A panel discussion, featuring representatives from MEGA, TEREX, Fujitsu, Pytilia and Disability Action, engaged attendees in discussions on how apprenticeships can enhance company culture and drive innovation. Attendees were encouraged to explore partnerships with educational institutions to shape apprenticeship programs that align with their workforce needs and drive sustainable growth. Both UU and NWRC are keen to develop pathways within their provision to meet the need of local industry and attract the best talent to the local labour market. APPRENTICESHIP SHOWCASE. . . . . .Group pictured at the GEMX Apprenticeship Showcase held at the Waterfoot Hotel on Thursday last. The event was a joint venture between Derry City and Strabane District Council and GEMX (Generating Engineering and Manufacturing in the North-West) and supported by UU and NWRC. Included front from left are Leona McGee, TEREX, Emma Quinn, Project Officer, Labour Market Partnership, DCSDC, Shonagh Higgenbotham, Employment Support Officer, Labour Market Partnership DCSDC, Joseph Brolly, St Brigids College, and Brendan McGinn, Principal, St Marys College. At back are Donna Loughran, FAST, Aidan Lynch, VERTIV. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography) Paul Kirkpatrick, Chair of GEMX and Capital, Reliability and Maintenance Manager at DuPont, praised GEMX's commitment to nurturing talent and empowering employers to shape the future of their workforce while Kevin O'Connor from Derry City and Strabane District Council emphasised the significance of recognising the value of apprenticeships in elevating the workforce and helping to address some of the gaps that exist in the local labour market. This event served as a catalyst for shaping the future workforce and nurturing talent. Joanne Sweeney, Project Director of GEMX, deemed the event a huge success in achieving its objective of proactively building a resilient, skilled, and innovative workforce in the North West. GEMX is supported by Invest NI under its Collaborative Growth Programme. Summer is almost here (or just past, you can never be too sure here), and that means that its almost peak season for live music. Anyone who followed this fine column last year will know that we had an incredible summer of gigs featuring amazing line-up after amazing line-up (the majority of which featured TRAMP and Jason Feenan). Live music has always been one of Derrys specialities, and this week Im going to look back at some of the best gigs Ive been to over the past few months. Shasma First up is a gig from February 2nd this year, put together by Shasma and featuring the brilliantly eclectic line-up of Little Kings, Hutch, The Marra, Shasma themselves and the band formally known as White Lighter (now known as Head Melt). The gig, which took place out the back of Bennigans, featured something for everyone, starting off quiet with Little Kings and gradually building to full on metal with final act White Lighter. It was a night of great variety, great music and great craic. Nightmare on Foyle Street Next, we go back to Halloween past, when the big room in Sandinos played host to three of Derrys finest. Headliners CHERYM (whose debut album Take It Or Leave It is available exclusively in Cool Discs) were joined by TomCat and Parker (Parker on this night being one third themselves and two thirds TomCat). As anyone whos seen them live can confirm, CHERYM are one of the best live acts going, with Parker and TomCat not far behind, so expectations were high. Of course, this night did not disappoint, and the sold-out gig was one for the ages. CHERYM Album Launch Keeping the theme going, this next gig, this time from the Nerve Centre, took place on February 9th and was the official launch party for CHERYMs much-anticipated debut album Take It or Leave It (once again, available exclusively in Cool Discs). The gig featured support from Reevah and the brilliant Belfast group Problem Patterns (who will be playing their own headlining gig in the Nerve Centre on June 15th with support from Lord Jane) and has quite possibly got the record for most balloons out of all the gigs on this list. Gig For Gaza Now, we go back to December to the Gig for Gaza. Ever since Israel upped its campaign of genocide in Gaza, the musicians and artists of the world have been doing whatever they can in whatever way possible, to help the people of Palestine. On December 3rd last year, Sandinos hosted the Derry Gig for Gaza to raise money for Palestinian Medical Aid. The line-up for this gig was one of the best youre going to see, featuring many of our citys best talent past and present, including Paddy Nash, Alix Darwin, Dirty Faces, Touts, CHERYM, Craic Pipe (in what was their last ever gig), George Houston and Nikki Mac. Utilising both stages in Sandinos big room, the gig raised thousands for a vitally important cause and gave us a night of brilliant music. The Whole Tribe Sings Now for a gig for a happier cause. January 20th this year saw the reunion of the incredible Whole Tribe Sings. The one-off reunion was in aid of local charity Tuned In and featured a wide array of talent between the bar and the main stage, including Jeanette Hutton, Renegade Zoo, Teknopeasant, Reevah and, of course, the Whole Tribe themselves. The Whole Tribe Sings were in fine form and the night raised plenty for the cause in what was quite possibly the last ever showing for this legendary group. Now, onto other business. The Derry metal scene is one that has been steadily growing for a while now, and this July will see the 7Twenty hosting Demolition Fest, a two-day festival featuring an array of the best metal youre likely to see in this town. This Saturday (1st June) will see a warmup night for the festival in the 7Twenty featuring Strangle Wire, Snake Neighbourhood and more. Tickets are 5 and doors are at 8 so be sure to grab your tickets now. Also, this Friday will see Shasma taking the stage in 7Twenty with support from the brilliant Colm S. Herron and Buncranas own Delta Minor. Tickets are 5 with doors at 8.30. Finally, this Sunday will see Dublin group Sun Mahshene playing Sandinos. The six-piece group features members from Ireland, the UK and Poland with their music being described as a musical journey that transcends genres. Supporting them will be Bobsled Team and tickets are 6 with doors at 7. And thats it for this week. Now time for the socials. The Nerve Centra can be found on Facebook and Instagram @nerve_centre, Sandinos @sandinosbarclub, Bennigans @bennigans.bar, Shasma @shasma.music and Sun Mahshene @sun_mahshene. Louth author Clara Kumagai is one of the six winners at this years KPMG Children's Books Ireland Awards which were announced at a ceremony in Dublin this week in partnership with International Literature Festival Dublin. Winners were selected by an independent panel of expert judges, including two Young Judges, and a network of Junior Juries island-wide. The judging panel read a record 158 titles from Irish-born or Ireland-based writers and illustrators, the biggest year so far in the history of the awards. Louth author Clara Kumagai received the KPMG Book of the Year Award for her debut novel, Catfish Rolling, which explores Japanese legend alongside modern-day predicaments. The story was inspired by the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami which hit Japan in 2011. Kumagai dedicated her award to those who had been impacted by that disaster and to the children living through disaster today in Palestine. Kumagai touches on themes of identity, relationships and grief along with the ethics of scientific study, exploitation and capitalism. Born in Canada to Irish and Japanese parents, Kumagai moved to Ireland aged five and is now based in Dundalk. She writes fiction and non-fiction for children and adults. Speaking at the ceremony, Elaina Ryan, CEO of Childrens Books Ireland, said: This years award winners showcase the outstanding quality and variety of contemporary Irish childrens literature. The fact that so many of the winners and shortlistees are debuts is remarkable the Awards are an opportunity for us to celebrate both emerging and established creators and to connect them with their audiences. Through our Junior Juries programme, we have seen the joy and excitement these shortlisted books have sparked in over 12,700 young readers across Ireland. Today, in front of an audience of 600 excited readers, were proud to recognise the talent and hard work of these extraordinary writers and illustrators whose work will no doubt be such a formative part of so many young readers childhoods. Other Award-Winning Titles The Honour Award for Fiction Treacle Town by Brian Conaghan (Andersen Press). The Honour Award for Illustration Three Tasks for a Dragon illustrated by PJ Lynch (Walker Books). The Eilis Dillon Award for debut childrens book Wider Than the Sea by Serena Molloy. (Hodder Childrens Books) The Judges Special Award The Hare-Shaped Hole, written by John Dougherty and illustrated by Thomas Docherty. (Frances Lincoln Children's Books) The KPMG Junior Juries Award The Hare-Shaped Hole, written by John Dougherty and illustrated by Thomas Docherty. (Frances Lincoln Children's Books) A total prize-fund of 16,000 has been awarded to this years winners. Damian Smyth, Joint Head of Literature and Drama for the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, commented: These awards pay tribute to some of the most fantastically talented writers and illustrators producing new work on the island of Ireland today. The stories they create cross lands and seas, to shape and ignite the minds and hearts of young audiences across the globe. We send our congratulations to all of this years worthy winners! Maria Flannery, Partner KPMG Ireland presented the annual Reading Hero Award at the ceremony. She said: Well done to all our winners, and a special congratulations to our Reading Hero Alannah ODonoghue who was nominated by her teacher, Clare Farrell. Alannah has displayed an unwavering determination and commitment to reading, and to learning through reading, whilst also finding magic in the turning of each page. She is a perfect example of what the Reading Hero Award is all about. Through the KPMG Childrens Books Ireland Awards Junior Juries programme young people in schools, libraries and book clubs shadowed adult judges on the judging panel in reading, discussing and assessing the shortlisted books. Students from six schools in Louth participated in the Junior Juries programme. These schools included: Aston Village Educate Together National School, Drogheda Dundalk Creche, Dundalk Tots & Co Playgroup, Afterschool Section, Drogheda St. Oliver's Community College, Drogheda Scoil Bhride, Lannleire St. Peter's National School, Dundalk The KPMG Childrens Books Ireland Awards and Junior Juries programme are supported by the Arts Council/An Chomhairle Ealaion and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland National Lottery Funding. Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. Louth County Councils Local Authority Integration Team hosted a LAIT Welcome event in Dundalk on Friday 17th May. The event was held to introduce the team to all the local stakeholders and both the International Protection and Ukrainian centre managers as a group. It also featured a networking session to allow the stakeholders and centre managers to discuss important matters. The Louth Local Authority Integration Team (LAIT) was set up by Louth County Council in November 2023. These teams are being set up in all 31 Local Authorities in Ireland. The Louth LAIT is available to provide on-going integration supports to people categorised in any of the following groups living in County Louth; International Protection (IP) applicants, Programme Refugees Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection (BOTP) Those with Refugee, Subsidiary Protection, or Permission to Remain status. The functions of the LAIT include; initial orientation to life in Ireland, support in acquiring English language proficiency, support in finding suitable employment,) support to access education and/or training, support for cultural, social and political participation and support in living with and/or overcoming identified vulnerabilities. Over the last six months the team have met numerous groups, state agencies and accommodation providers. The Welcome event was aimed at facilitating introductions between all of the stakeholders. Joan Martin, Chief Executive, Louth County Council said: The implementation of the Local Authority Integration Team in County Louth has been broadly welcomed, and the team must be commended for their work over the last six months as the lead coordinator for the integration of International Protection Applicants, Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection, and Programme Refugees. In a significant move towards promoting high level advanced manufacturing skills and apprenticeship training across the Island of Ireland, the Louth Meath Education and Training Boards Advanced Manufacturing Training Centre of Excellence (AMTCE) in Dundalk received a high-profile visit from the Norths Economy Minister Deirdre Hargey. It was an inaugural visit for the Minister to the world standard advanced manufacturing facility, emphasising the AMTCE's pivotal role in the integration of advanced skills training on an All-Ireland basis. The Minister was welcomed by Martin G. OBrien, Chief Executive of LMETB and founder of AMTCE and Sadie Ward McDermott, Director of Further Education and Training at LMETB. During the visit, the strategic significance of the AMTCE was highlighted, particularly its ambition to enhance and be a key stakeholder in the provision of advanced manufacturing skills on an All-Ireland basis. "Our goal is for the AMTCE to be the leader in the development and provision of advanced manufacturing training interventions including, for example, Robotics and Automation Apprenticeship, Advanced Manufacturing Pathways Schools Programme, 3 D Construction Printing which leverages our geographical position to foster an All-Island approach," stated Martin O'Brien. AMTCEs role in facilitating high level advanced manufacturing skills training on an All-Island basis was further boosted by the signing of Memorandums of Understanding during the visit by Martin OBrien, Chief Executive of LMETB and Sam Turner, Chief Executive, Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC) at Queens University and Lee Campbell, Chief Executive of Southern Regional College (SRC), marking a significant step towards enhancing educational and training synergy and collaborative skills development on an All-Island basis. Minister Hargey said, Changing and improving the skills profile of the existing workforce will be key to delivering on the priorities set out in the Economic Vision. We need to work collaboratively across industry, government and the education sector to ensure we invest in and develop the skills that meet the needs of the emerging economy, supporting greater efficiency, productivity and better jobs for individuals. I welcome the positive impact this facility will make on young people, particularly those most marginalised, by developing and delivering more accessible education and training in advanced manufacturing technologies. I want to expand work between local and central government to support the development of industries with a strong regional presence, taking advantage of opportunities which can boost productivity performance, and emphasising the importance of collaborative planning to boost prosperity in our regions. Other attendees at the landmark event were Cllr. Wayne Harding, chair of LMETB, Andrew Brownlee, Chief Executive of SOLAS, Libby Shackles Director of Curriculum at SRC and Brendan Mackin, Chair of Portview Trade Centre in Belfast. Substantial Cross Border initiatives already in train under the auspices of the LMETB-AMTCE include the first FET All-Ireland Robotics and Automation Apprenticeship programme, currently going through the approvement processes in both jurisdictions; the first cross-border advanced manufacturing pathways schools project, funded by the International Fund for Ireland; an Industry 4.0 Future Skills initiative currently being undertaken by LMETB-AMTCE in association with Queens University- AMIC and IMR (Irish Manufacturing Research) funded by InterTrade Ireland. New Yirk, US (PANA) - The United Nations Security Council has strongly condemned rising attacks on humanitarian workers and UN personnel, urging all conflict parties to ensure their safety and access CORK Chamber has called on all stakeholders involved in the next phase of the Cork Area Commuter Rail (CACR) programme to maintain momentum and ensure that these transformative projects are completed without delay. Transport Minister Eamon Ryan yesterday visited Cork to confirm the commencement of the next phase of the CACR programme, which the minister described as transformative for Cork. The next phase is set to deliver eight new commuter rail stations at Blackpool, Monard, Tivoli, Carrigtwohill West, Waterrock, Ballynoe, Blarney, and Dunkettle. It is also expected to see the electrification of the Cork commuter network, the delivery of a fleet maintenance depot to cater for a new electrified fleet of up to 150 carriages, and the upgrade of nine existing commuter stations on the Cork network. Iarnrod Eireann, together with the multi-disciplinary consultants, will develop the design of the stations, depot, and electrification and associated infrastructure, before applying to An Bord Pleanala for a railway order equivalent of planning permission by the end of 2025. Approval Asked about the timeline for the delivery of the new stations, the minister said he hoped the stations could be developed in the next two to three years, pending An Bord Pleanala approval. Map showing the proposed locations of new commuter train stations on the proposed Cork Commuter Rail network. New stations are relatively easy to build. It doesnt take that much, its basically a platform either side of the line, said Mr Ryan. On the new trains, he said: Itll be 2026 when the new trains come into service and the question is do you send them down to Cork or not? And my answer is we do, we give Cork priority. We make sure that new services like these are the ones that get them first. Cork Chamber CEO Conor Healy said yesterday that the chamber wholeheartedly welcomes the commencement of the next phase of the CACR programme. 'Positive Impact' He said the successful delivery of the projects will have a lasting positive impact on our community and play a significant role in talent attraction. It is imperative that these projects are delivered on schedule to meet the growing demands of our city and to support our environmental goals, said Mr Healy. We call on all stakeholders to maintain momentum and ensure that these transformative projects are completed without delay. Fianna Fail transport spokesperson, Cork East TD James OConnor, said it marked a very big day for public transport in Cork, adding that he would also like to see a return of the train to Youghal. Labour Party councillor in the citys North East ward, John Maher, welcomed that a contractor has been appointed to progress the delivery of the eight new stations. This is a long time coming but finally we are moving on this project, said Mr Maher. It is essential that we see stations in Blackpool, Blarney, Dunkettle, and Monard. Every door I knock at, people are crying out for public transport. This will be great for Cork city. We need to ensure these new trains run late in the evening to boost our night-time economy and we must deliver the two park and rides for Corks northside. AN INITIATIVE by Cork beekeepers and a local Mens Shed will now allow apiarists from across the county to bring honey donations to one of the citys oldest charities. Members of the North Cork Beekeepers Association have teamed up with Glanmire Mens Shed, coming up with a practical way to help beekeepers bring deliveries of natural honey to Cork Penny Dinners. The members of Glanmire Mens Shed have designed and built portable frame-holders which will make it easy for beekeepers to transport frames full of honey. Beekeepers can now easily deliver donations of frames full of honey to Cork Penny Dinners on Little Hanover St, where volunteers will be able to extract the honey from the frames and make sure it goes to good homes. Innovation Independent councillor Kieran McCarthy, Lord Mayor of Cork, recently hosted members of Glanmire Mens Shed and the North Cork Beekeepers Association at Cork City Hall, and he hailed the innovation. The Mens Sheds in the city are going from strength to strength, and the Glanmire Mens Shed has taken a very worthy project on board making frame-holders to help deliver honey to Penny Dinners, which is a very worthy cause, Mr McCarthy said. Through their work, the Mens Sheds are also delving into work that can help positively influence climate action, while also helping people in need. I was delighted to host Glanmire Mens Shed and representative of Cork beekeepers on the steps of City Hall recently, and it was a very pleasant and informative gathering, while the presence of members of Cork Penny Dinners helped to highlight the seriousness of the project. Bertie Cuffe, who is a beekeeper from Rathcormac with over 20 years of experience, said the idea had come last year. User friendly The basic idea was that Glanmire Mens Shed made frame-holders that facilitated the giving of a frame of honey to Cork Penny Dinners and, because the North Cork Beekeepers Association sponsored the idea, Glanmire Mens Shed gave frame-holders to all of the North Cork beekeepers. Now, if a beekeeper wants to give a frame of honey to Cork Penny Dinners, having a frame-holder makes it very user friendly. If they give a frame of honey, they dont have to extract it and put it in jars, Mr Cuffe said. Penny Dinners are familiar with honey and they can cope with extracting it. He added that natural honey is second to none and filled with nutritious goodness. And what were asking is that local beekeepers think about donating their sweet 16th frame, meaning that if they have 16 frames of honey, they consider donating their 16th frame to a very good cause, said Mr Cuffe. Beekeepers who would like to donate a frame of honey to Cork Penny Dinners may contact North Cork Beekeepers at corkhoneyfarms@gmail.com or Penny Dinners at mail@corkpennydinners.ie. A man aged 37 who is accused of taking part in violent disorder on Barrack St last summer and producing a length of timber during the incident had the case against him adjourned for a month. John Heaphy of 65 An Caislean Drive, Ballincollig, was charged by Detective Garda Brian Barron with violent disorder with others at Barrack St, Cork, on July 14, 2023. He is also charged with a count stating that while committing an offence of violent disorder he produced an article capable of inflicting serious injury, namely a length of timber. On the application of Sergeant John Kelleher, Judge Mary Dorgan adjourned the case until June 26. Defence solicitor Diarmuid Kelleher said that consideration would be given to whether or not a signed plea of guilty would be entered by the defendant in the case. This afternoon in Cork City the 98th eucharistic procession wound its way from the Cathedral of St Mary and St Anne in Blackpool to the Church of Sts Peter and Paul on Paul St while the heavens threatened a cloud burst. Most of the participants were safely within the church by the time the rain began, so that prayer was answered. As the Catholic Church celebrated its foundation, at the head of the procession were flag bearers from the Scouts of Europe, a new organisation in the city. Guides and scouts of Europe, Ireland at the Eucharistic procession in Cork. Picture: Eddie O'Hare. The Blarney Brass and Reed Band didnt let the threat of rain dampen their spirits and the Corpus Christi Choir, a coalition of choristers from around the citys churches under the direction of Carmel Ormonde, were in fine voice with angelic renditions of How Great Thou Art and other beloved hymns. Rosary Fr Damien OMahonys commentary was interspersed with decades of the Rosary and beamed to a giant screen at the corner of Paul Street and St Patricks Street. I heard the priest talk about it this morning, said Mary Murphy, of Glasheen, when asked why she was there. Three men said they were there because of their faith, while Kevin Foley was in a car crash near Goleen a number of years ago and said: I got a warning, I suppose, and Im coming here since. In the church, the choir was still singing and there were some musical intermissions as Bishop Fintan Gavin, walking under a ceremonial canopy, made his way to the pilgrimages final destination. He was preceded into the church by Lord Mayor Kieran McCarthy, and a number of his fellow councillors, as well as Cork North Central TD, Thomas Gould. Homily In his homily, Bishop Gavin spoke about a young Italian teenager, Carlo Acutis, who died in 2006, aged 15, and who last week became the Catholic Churchs first millennial saint, when a second miracle attributed to his intercessions was approved by His Holiness, Pope Francis. North Mon students taking part in the Eucharistic procession in Cork. Picture: Eddie O'Hare. Dr Gavin appealed to young people to get more involved in Church life and invited them to attend a barbecue on June 6. The ceremonies ended with a rendition of Faith of our Fathers. Outside the church, Dr Gavins predecessor as Bishop of Cork and Ross, Dr John Buckley, expressed his delight at the turnout for the celebration. I hope with all these prayers, Cork qualifies, he said of the hurling. Those prayers were answered not too long afterwards. A man who was arrested in connection with criminal damage caused by a fire at a property in Tallaght, County Dublin, has been charged. The incident happened at a premises on Tuesday night May 21st. The man, in his late teens, was detained in a Garda station in Dublin. He has been charged in relation to the incident on Sunday and will appear before Tallaght District Court on Monday morning. Gardai say investigations are ongoing. (Photo: LWF/ Anatolyi Nazarenko)Group photo with Ukrainian faith leaders in front of the Lutheran St Catherine's church in Kyiv. A delegation from the Lutheran World Federation has met faith leaders from Christian, Muslim, and Jewish communities in Ukraine, and a common concern was the instrumentalization of Christianity to justify Russia's invasion, says the LWF. The faith leaders voiced great concern about the propaganda and ideology of a "Holy War," which has been endorsed by the Russian Orthodox Church, the LWF reported on May 24. Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk, head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, thanked the LWF representatives for visiting his country at war and for their support since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. "We observe with great concern how a church stands behind a genocidal ideology. How do we counter the instrumentalization of religion?" asked Archbishop Shevchuk. He also thanked LWF churches in Europe for their hospitality when receiving refugees from Ukraine. "This war is a great tragedy. It's not just a trial for individuals, but for the entire society," he said. "When the war started, people re-evaluated everything. Relationships with society, their families, even with God." On their visit to the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, the LWF president Bishop Henrik Stubkjr, and LWF general secretary, Rev. Anne Burghardt, met with representatives of the Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations (UCCRO). Ten council representatives joined the LWF delegation in St Catherine's Church in Kyiv for a discussion about the role of faith communities in society during times of war. "It is important that we as churches stand together. We have something to give to society," said LWF president Bishop Henrik Stubkjr. "We bring the message that we are together and stand in solidarity with you." "In times of darkness, churches are shining bright with hope," Pastor Anatoliy Raychynets, representative of the chairperson of the Ukrainian Bible Society said. Archpriest Vitaly Danchak, Orthodox Church of Ukraine, added that faith communities in Ukraine have used "their resources, their buildings, and their connections" to help people in need. He expressed gratitude for the LWF's humanitarian work in Ukraine, specifically in the frontline city of Kharkiv, which this week faced heavy Russian missile bombardments that claimed at least seven lives. 'NO MILITARY FACILITIES' "There are no military facilities either here or nearby," regional governor Oleh Syniehubov told reporters at the scene, Reuters news agency reported. Another 28 people were wounded in the attacks, officials said. The regional prosecutor's office said the missiles were launched from Russia's neighboring Belgorod region, which Russian forces used to launch their May 10 incursion. "We thank the LWF for providing humanitarian aid to Ukrainians that does not depend on faith or denomination," said Raychynets, according to the LWF While many churches have actively provided aid to people affected by the war, Ukrainian churches find themselves under increased pressure to justify their presence in society. Conscription has been introduced nationwide, and clergy are in danger of being drafted into the military. The LWF reported that this significantly affects many of them, including the Protestant churches, which have few pastors. According to the CIA Factbook, the largest number of Ukrainians, who number nearly 36 million, are followers of the Christian Orthodox tradition. Ukraine's General Prosecutor's Office said on May 24, 547 children have been confirmed killed and 1,348 wounded to various degrees of severity since the start of Russia's "unprovoked full-scale invasion," on Feb. 24, 2002, according to Radio Liberty. New York, US (PANA) - The UN Security Council has adopted a presidential statement acknowledging the challenging security situation in West Africa and the Sahel, including armed conflicts, the spread of terrorism and violent extremism, and transnational organised crime Dawn News, February 1, 2024 Rafia Zakaria ALMOST two years after they seized control of Kabul, the Afghan Taliban are still engrossed in suffocating Afghan women. Education for girls in secondary school and women in university was banned a while ago. Then a ban was imposed on women working in NGOs, adding to the restrictions on women working for the government. This plethora of curbs eliminating and erasing women from the public sphere was not enough for the Taliban. Recently, women working in beauty parlours came to work to find out that the faces of women on signs advertising their parlours had been erased. They soon learned that this was the work of the Taliban who have now imposed a ban on beauty parlours as well. According to them, these all-women establishments were offering services forbidden in Islam making a blanket ban necessary The offensive and un-Islamic practices, which they identified, included the shaping of eyebrows, the use of other peoples hair to augment a womans natural hair and the application of make-up. This latest ban is expected to have a huge economic impact on Afghan women who inhabit a country where already 85 per cent of the people live below the poverty line. The beauty salon was our only income, and now I dont know what to do. How should we pay for our expenses? one Kabul salon owner told AP. Her husband, an ex-policeman, was already out of a job. It is expected that the ban will affect at least 60,000 women, if not more, impacting a number of livelihoods. Beauty parlours owned and run by women are at the centre of the womens economy, and this new directive will force them underground, with innocent women who cut hair or apply make-up subject to jail time. We have no hope in this country, said one salon owner whose business has been affected. Women have no place here. A new generation of Afghan women living under Taliban oppression is starved of hope for a better future or even just a mood-lifting haircut. Since the day the Afghan Taliban seized power in 2021, they have sought to eliminate and erase women. As ban after ban has been imposed, women have slowly and systematically been pushed out of the public sphere. In the case of the beauty parlour ban, women offering and availing their services are not even in the public sphere. Men are not permitted into these parlours which are a haven for women who have few other means of interacting with other women. Now this last door has also been shut. It is unsurprising that the Talibans policies are having an impact on the mental health of Afghan women. If 20 years of war were not enough to scar them, the throttling of their existence under the Taliban has left them bereft. The Washington Post has reported that cases of Afghan women suffering from mental health issues have seen an increase as a barrage of bans has descended on Afghan women. Mental health practitioners have encouraged women to pursue the few activities that are not yet banned but are running out of suggestions as the circle of bans grows bigger and bigger. One woman told the Post that she worries when her friends tell her that they are feeling better. She knows that this doesnt mean that they are better but more likely that they have just given up and are resigned to their fate. Other reports, including by the UN, are confirmation of this and the fact that rates of depression among teenage girls are increasing. Around 80pc of suicide attempts in Afghanistan are carried out by women. These reports have noted that Afghan women suffer from a very high level of psychological distress. The beauty parlour ban also makes little sense from an economic perspective. It is true that the US withdrawal triggered the collapse of an aid-based economy in the country. The haphazard US withdrawal was followed by most NGOs in the country either greatly reducing their services or closing shop altogether. But even with the growing number ofcurbs on women, the Taliban say that Afghanistan wants to work with the international community and that assistance to the country should not be limited to humanitarian help but also extend to trade. In sum, the Afghan Taliban seem oblivious to the fact that the international community may (rightfully) have issues working with such an utterly misogynistic regime. Afghan women represent a category that has been used and abused by nearly everyone. The United States used the pretext of liberating Afghan women as a means of justifying their invasion of Afghanistan. This may have situated Afghan women as somehow complicit in the invasion of their country. When the US decided to leave after two decades, they did nothing to safeguard the rights of Afghan women leaving them to be devoured by the very same Taliban that the US had promised to eliminate. Because the US used womens rights as a cover for their cruelties in Afghanistan, subjecting women to ever increasing and hellish proclamations feels like victory to the Taliban. The bans, therefore, keep coming. There is little anyone can do for Afghan women. The boycott of the Afghan Taliban regime by the international community means that they have little leverage to coax the Taliban into taking back these bans. Consequently, the bans keep coming and the self-perpetuating cycle of Taliban misogyny and the international communitys condemnation endures. In the meantime, a new generation of Afghan women, who have spent their entire lives under US occupation and are now living under Taliban oppression, is starved of hope for a better future or even just a mood-lifting haircut. Isolated and silenced, Afghan women are left to endure the cost of the Talibans obscurantist and misogynistic vision of a war-torn and forgotten country. NOTE:Published in Dawn, July 12th, 2023 CPJ News, April 25, 2024 Taliban authorities should immediately and unconditionally release radio reporters Ismail Saadat, Wahidullah Masum, and Ehsanullah Tasal and stop harassing the press for their work, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Thursday. On Monday, the provincial directorate of the Taliban-controlled Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice in eastern Khost Province summoned and detained Saadat of Naz FM Radio, Masum of Iqra FM Radio, and Tasal of Wolas Ghag, according to the exiled Afghanistan Journalists Center watchdog group, the London-based news broadcaster Afghanistan International, and a person familiar with the case, who spoke with CPJ on condition of anonymity, citing fear of reprisals. The Taliban authorities questioned the journalists regarding their broadcasting of music and talking to female callers during the holiday of Eid al-Fitr earlier this month, those sources said. The Taliban outlawed playing and listening to music when they retook control of Afghanistan in August 2021. Last month, authorities in Khost Province banned women and girls from phoning broadcasters, the Afghan Journalists Center said, adding that female listeners sometimes called in to ask questions on educational programs. Afghanistan is the only country in the world where girls are banned from high school. The person familiar with the case told CPJ that the three journalists were transferred to the provincial police command and were due to face trial soon. The detention of Afghan journalists Ismail Saadat, Wahidullah Masum, and Ehsanullah Tasal is only the latest example of the Talibans ruthless suppression of the press since the group returned to power in 2021, said Carlos Martinez de la Serna, CPJs program director, in New York The Taliban must immediately and unconditionally release all detained journalists and allow the media to operate without restrictive measures like bans on women callers. Despite an initial promise to allow press freedom, repression has worsened with multiple cases of censorship, beatings, and arbitrary arrests of journalists, as well as restrictions on female reporters. Earlier this month, the Taliban banned two two national broadcasters for allegedly violating national and Islamic values and announced a plan to restrict access to Facebook in Afghanistan. In 2023, the Taliban detained four journalists in Khost Province for allegedly violating the Islamic groups media policies. CPJs text messages to Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid requesting comment did not receive any response. King Charles III and Prince William have reportedly canceled their royal outings for the week. The maneuver leaves many concerned amid cancer battles involving the king and Kate Middleton. Despite the cancer diagnosis, it appears their hiatus has nothing to do with either of the royal's health. Instead, the king and the Duke of Cambridge are pivoting due to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's call for a surprise general election. Sunak began six weeks of campaigning Thursday after calling for a surprise election to be held July 4, per NBC News. Reportedly, Sunak and his party are unpopular within the United Kingdom with 71% of people having a negative view towards him. RELATED: Disgraced Rudy Giuliani Launches $30 Coffee Brand Amid Soaring Legal Fees And Multiple Indictments The royals may not resume public engagements until after the election which is currently just shy of six weeks away, the Associated Press reports. At this time, the royals are currently postponing any and all engagements that may be consideration a distraction, per the Buckingham Palace. The palace has cited that this is in accordance with normal procedure. "Following the Prime Minister's statement this afternoon calling a General Election, The Royal Family will in accordance with normal procedure postpone engagements that may appear to divert attention or distract from the election campaign," a spokesperson for Buckingham told Tatler on May 22. "Their Majesties send their sincere apologies to any of those who may be affected as a result," the palace concluded. RELATED: Terry Crews Admits He Waited 10 Years To Reveal His Infidelity To His Wife: 'I Was Lying The Whole Time' King Charles, 75, has reportedly had to cancel three planned outings this week, while Prince William, 41, cancelled one. Per the media outlet, the king invited Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan to visit the United Kingdom in late June. However, it is currently unclear as to whether the official visit will take place. It was reported that the king was looking forward to his outings since recently returning to duty amid treatment for cancer following his diagnosis in February. After returning to duty, King Charles has already attended five engagements within just 48 hours including visiting the Chelsea Flower Show alongside Queen Camilla, per BBC. Massiel Taveras found herself in a similar situation as Kelly Rowland at the Cannes Film Festival. On Wednesday, the "Other Penelope" actress walked the Cannes red carpet in a white dress with a long train printed with the image of Jesus Christ, TMZ reported. However, in a viral video that circulated on social media, the security personnel in an all-black uniform seemingly rushed her up the stairs while she kept on trying to lay out her gown so photographers could snap pictures of it. The security staff seemingly disapproved of the actress' gesture as they picked up the train of her gown and walked after her. Eventually, when they were only a few steps away from the door, Taveras stopped and gestured to the security guards to let her be. She laid the train of her gown to expose the design and waved her hands to the crowd. RELATED : Kelly Rowland Seemingly Accuses Cannes Security Guard In Viral Video Of Racism And Unfair Treatment However, one of the security guards extended an arm in Taveras' direction and seemingly made her turn toward the door, so she could continue her entrance. At this point, the actress pushed the familiar-looking security guard. It turned out that she was the same security guard Rowland scolded in another viral video earlier this week over a similar situation. The clip received several responses, with many wondering why the security guard was still working there following the incident with the "Mea Culpa" actress. "I'm glad she pushed her cause who's she's playing with," one wrote. Another added, "Why is this woman being so strict with women of color, but not others [thinking face emoji]." "I don't understand so, she hasn't been fired?" a third person asked. "The security guard who keeps putting their hands on people without cause needs to be released immediately," a different user suggested. Another person said they hadn't seen the security personnel doing the same to a white person. However, the same lady guard has been doing it to "people of color." Anyone who got too close, argued at her, stepped on her dress, laughed afterwards, needs to be fired. pic.twitter.com/Vtp34MqRiR Nikki Fowler (@NikkiFowler28) May 22, 2024 "Specifically women of color, that's clearly discrimination, and I'm glad these women stood up for themselves, but they shouldn't have it; it's their moment!" another added. Rowland addressed her row with the Cannes security guard in a statement to AP News two days after the incident when she attended the annual amfAR Cinema Against AIDS Cannes Gala. The former member of Destiney's Child seemingly accused the lady guard of racism and unfair treatment. "That woman knows what happened. I know what happened," Rowland said. "I have a boundary, and I stand by those boundaries." "There were other women that attended that carpet who did not quite look like me, and they didn't get scolded or pushed off, or told to get off. I stood my ground and she felt like she had to stand hers. But I stood my ground." Prince Harry and Meghan Markle need a reason if they make another unofficial "royal tour," according to a royal expert. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex paid a three-day visit to Nigeria earlier this month. It drew comparisons with official royal tours and raised eyebrows among experts. However, a source recently told the Mirror that the couple is already planning their next tour stop -- Ghana. "There is already a lot of talk and excitement in Ghana, everyone is so keen for Harry and Meghan to come and experience the great culture and warmth," the insider said. "Several top names have already visited Ghana in recent years: from Ed Sheeran to Naomi Campbell and One Direction's Liam Payne." Royal commentator and expert Richard Fitzwilliams weighed in on the rumored Ghana visit. According to him, Prince Harry and Markle might need a concrete reason for the visit. "They would surely need an excuse, their security in Nigeria was provided by the Government and the visit was linked to the Invictus Games, which Nigeria participates in and reportedly is keen to host, but Ghana does not. Nor has Meghan Ghanaian ancestry," Fitzwilliams said. He added that "another quasi-royal tour might make the Sussexes objects of mockery." Prince Harry and Markle's Nigerian trip was considered by many as a big success. But it also raised eyebrows because many felt it was like a royal tour when they visited the country as private citizens. "They only lasted less than two years as senior working royals. It was originally thought that they would be ideally suited to tours especially those with Commonwealth links and some of their patronages, bestowed by Queen Elizabeth, reflected this. However, they chose to walk away," Fitzwilliams continued. "Returning on their terms, but without a purpose, would be meaningless." King Charles and Prince William were reportedly not pleased with the Sussexes' visit to Nigeria, and they allegedly didn't like it one bit. The British monarch and Prince of Wales reportedly felt that Prince Harry and Markle would not accept they were no longer working royals based on their recent trip to the African nation. "William is absolutely furious and determined to find a way to stop this happening in [the] future. Charles is said to be angrier than anyone has ever seen him," Tom Quinn, royal biographer and commentator, told the Mirror. "What's really upset the applecart is the fact that that the Nigerians treated Meghan and Harry as if they too thought this was an official tour -- all the signs were there as the couple were greeted with dances, receptions, visits to schools and charities." The Diplomat, April 28, 2024 Smriti Singh When the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in 2021, it publicly promised a future where women would be active participants in society, free to study and work within a framework outlined by the group. In a world eager for positive change, the international community hoped that this time, perhaps, the regime would be different from its previous iteration. Fast forward two and a half years and the reality facing Afghan women and girls is grim. As the Taliban have tightened their grip on Afghanistan, they have introduced over 50 decrees that directly curtail the rights of women and girls, weaving a tapestry of restrictions that binds women and girls in Afghanistan in a web of oppression. Women and girls are now banned from education beyond primary school. Women continue to face restrictions on their attire, access to public spaces, employment options, ability to seek public office or perform public roles, and their basic freedom of movement and expression. In his last report, the U.N. Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in Afghanistan Richard Bennett expressed concern about the rise in sexual and gender-based violence against women and girls, which rages on with impunity and minimal support for survivors. According to the report, since 2021, the unnatural deaths of over 280 women and children have been reported in the media, the causes ranging from intentional killings, conflict, and suicide bombs to domestic violence. But the actual figures are likely to be much higher as the deaths of women and girls routinely go unreported. And it doesnt end there. The Taliban have brutally crushed any attempt by Afghan women to reclaim their rights. Afghan women human rights defenders, activists, and peaceful protesters have been routinely harassed, arbitrarily arrested and detained, and tortured. Their families have been threatened with dire consequences if they continue to challenge the Talibans widespread and systematic discrimination and abuse against women and girls. The Taliban have incrementally stripped away the rights of women and girls, emboldened each time by the lack of tangible response from the global community. As each encroachment on womens rights goes unchecked, it further solidifies the Talibans oppressive regime. Yet the response from the global community has been muted, and with various conflicts now dominating the headlines, Afghanistan risks becoming a forgotten crisis. Where do we go from here? The obligations of states to protect the rights of women and girls under international law are unequivocal. The international community must recognize the perilous precedent set in Afghanistan of impunity and zero accountability for the systematic dismantling of womens rights. It is imperative that the international community holds the Taliban accountable for their crimes and human rights violations and ensures justice for victims and survivors. Human rights organizations and officials, including Amnesty International, the International Commission of Jurists, and the U.N. special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Afghanistan have presented a compelling case that the widespread and systematic violations against women and girls amounts to the crime against humanity of gender persecution. This provides an opportunity for states to exercise universal jurisdiction over the Taliban leadership to investigate and prosecute suspected perpetrators. Another avenue is strengthening collaboration with the International Criminal Court and other courts to ensure they have the necessary resources to carry out effective ongoing and future investigations into crimes under international law, including war crimes and crimes against humanity such as gender persecution. The global community must make clear that any negotiations or dialogue with the Taliban should not be mistaken for legitimization of their systematic violations of the rights of women and girls. Instead, the international community should reinforce its commitment to the Afghan people, and stress that as the de-facto authorities, the Taliban are responsible for fulfilling the obligations emanating from the international treaties to which Afghanistan is a party. The international community, including the United Nations and all countries that have engaged with the Taliban, should proactively put womens rights at the front and center of any diplomatic engagements with the Taliban. Empowering Afghan civil society, especially women-led initiatives, both in and outside Afghanistan, and supporting their efforts to design a governance model that respects human rights would be a powerful counterpoint to the silencing of womens voices inside the country. As the world marks International Womens Day today, let it be more than a symbolic celebration. Let it serve as a call to action for the international community to reevaluate its commitment to protecting the rights of Afghan women and girls. Concrete steps, such as accountability and justice, increased female representation in negotiations, amplifying the voices of Afghan women, and supporting those who are no longer in Afghanistan, are imperative. The time for diplomatic rhetoric is over now is the time for decisive and collective action to preserve the hard-won rights of Afghan women and girls. In failing to act decisively, the world risks witnessing the normalization of this remorseless dismantling of womens rights in Afghanistan. Published: March 08, 2024 Florence Olajide has revealed 7 pieces of trivia about herself that in equal parts will amuse you and at the same time fascinate you. Author Florence 1 I love travelling. My travels have covered, six of the worlds seven continents, thirty-four countries (17% of the worlds nations) and nineteen states (over a third) in the USA. 2. The names of the countries I have visited cover eighteen of the twenty-six letters of the alphabet. 3. When I write, Im so focused on what Im doing I forget to eat or drink. 4. I often wake up in the middle of the night with writing ideas and I have to get up and type them out, otherwise I cant get back to sleep. 5. I love Asian flavours but my intolerance to dairy and eggs limits my ability to eat out. So, Ive learnt to cook the meals I love, and I make a mean salt and pepper spareribs. 6. I have a sweet tooth and absolutely love chocolate, especially when its laced with alcohol. Yum! 7. I never answer my phone when Im eating unless its a close family member and they ring repeatedly. I believe Im entitled to at least one hour in the day when I can shut the world out. I can hear you thinking, What if its an emergency? My answer is usually, what difference would twenty minutes make? Author Bio: Florence is an educator and her passion is improving childrens lives. She caught the teaching bug at thirteen when she organised the neighbourhood kids into evening classes so they could support each other with homework. Three years later, just shy of her sixteenth birthday, she entered the University of Lagos, Nigeria to begin her teacher training. In 1981, she graduated from the University of Lagos, Nigeria with a Nigerian Certificate in Education. She was a headteacher of a London inner city primary school. She is the co-founder of Inspired Futures and has a passion for seeing children achieve the best they can and ensuring that schools provide them with a first-class education. Florence was shortlisted to attend Penguin Random Houses WriteNow London workshop in 2018. She is the author of the memoir Coconut. Follow Florence on Facebook Instagram X The Book My heart races as gunfire startles me from my sleep, and my lungs fill with smoke as I realise my village is being burnt to the ground. I tremble as I realise my family is missing, but before I can find them, I am taken. With tears streaming down my face, I wonder if Ill ever see my parents and little brother again Western Africa, 1848. In a small Yoruba village, fourteen-year-old Sikemi refuses to live by the elders rules. All she wants is to learn how to hunt and defend herself, like the boys. But her father is quick to remind her that soon shell be expected to grow up and marry. But Sikemis world shatters when her village is ambushed by slave raiders. She watches in horror as shes separated from her family before she is sold to Madam Tinubu, a rich and powerful slave trader. With her heart in pieces, Sikemis days are filled with back-breaking labour and constant fear of brutal punishment. Desperate, Sikemi looks for a way to escape her nightmare and find her family. When someone tries to poison Madam, she sees a chance to save her mistresss life. As a reward, Madam grants Sikemis request to train as a warrior and join her guard. Madam sees something in Sikemi that she could use, and something she desperately needs to keep her power But Sikemi has a plan of her own. Even if everything is taken away from her, her spirit will never be broken. And nothing will stop her from being reunited with her family. Not even Madam. Inspired by true events, The Stolen Daughter is a gripping and unputdownable story about facing your fears, overcoming unimaginable hardship, and the courage and strength of women in a world ruled by men. Fans of Marie Benedict, Sadeqa Johnson and Suzette D. Harrison will be swept away. Florence's latest book: The Stolen Daughter is published on the 31st May 2024. Buy Link: https://ow.ly/nTy250QZHRL by Matt Shine for www.femalefirst.co.uk find me on and follow me on Bangladesh has exported apparel to Europe worth $2,963.344 million in the first four months of the current year. During this period, trousers and shorts were the most dominant garments, with an export value of $947.907 million. The share of trousers and shorts was 31.99 per cent of the total shipment. According to Fibre2Fashion's market insight tool TexPro, the export of T-shirts to Europe amounted to $609.598 million, which was 20.57 per cent of the total. It was the second most important garment in Bangladesh's export basket for Europe. Similarly, the shipment of jerseys was valued at $422.568 million (14.26 per cent), shirts at $335.475 million (11.32 per cent), and innerwear at $141.842 million (4.79 per cent) during the same period. In the first four months of 2024, Bangladesh exported $2,963.344 million worth of apparel to Europe, with trousers and shorts being the most significant at $947.907 million (31.99 per cent). T-shirts followed at $609.598 million (20.57 per cent). Last year, Europe was the largest market for Bangladeshi apparel, accounting for over 40 per cent of exports. Last year, apparel shipments from Bangladesh to the partner continent were valued at $19.707 billion. Of this, the exports of trousers and shorts were noted at $5.897 billion. The share of trousers and shorts exports was 29.92 per cent of the total shipment. The export of T-shirts was $3.964 billion (20.11 per cent), jerseys $3.398 billion (17.25 per cent), shirts $2.076 billion (10.54 per cent), and innerwear $913.007 million (4.63 per cent). As per TexPro, Europe was the largest market for apparel exports from Bangladesh, with a share of more than 40 per cent. The Asian countrys apparel exports totalled $6.965 billion in January-April 2024. Among the top three regions, the share of North America was 30.15 per cent and Asia-Pacific 17.26 per cent of the total apparel shipment from Bangladesh in January-April 2024. Last year, Bangladesh exported apparel to the entire world amounting to $36.312 billion. The shipment to its top region, Europe, was $20.628 billion, which was 56.81 per cent of the total. Bangladeshs shipment to North America was $8.914 billion (24.55 per cent) and Asia-Pacific $4.618 billion (12.72 per cent). Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL) Japan and Bangladesh discussed trade in goods, rules of origin, customs procedures and trade facilitation, investment, e-commerce, intellectual property and the method of negotiations at the first round of talks for an economic partnership agreement (EPA) in Dhaka recently. The meeting was attended by Taketani Atsushi, ambassador in charge of economic diplomacy at the Japanese embassy in Dhaka, and Ahmad Munirus Saleheen, chairman of Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission (BTTC), a release from the embassy said. Japan and Bangladesh recently discussed trade in goods, rules of origin, customs procedures and trade facilitation, investment, e-commerce, intellectual property and the method of negotiations at the first round of talks for an economic partnership agreement in Dhaka. Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission chairman Ahmad Munirus Saleheen is chief negotiator. On May 19, Japanese ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori participated in the opening session of the negotiations with Bangladesh state minister for commerce Ahasanul Islam Titu, commerce secretary Mohammad Selim Uddin and BTTC chairman and chief negotiator from the Bangladesh side Ahmad Munirus Saleheen. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS) 1. Neecha Nagar (1946) 2. Do Bigha Zamin (1952) 3. Pather Panchali (1955) 4. Salaam Bombay! (1988) 5. The Lunchbox (2013) 6. Masaan (2015) 7. A Night of Knowing Nothing (2021) 8. All That Breathes (2022) 9. Sunflowers (2024) 10. All We Imagine As Light (2024) All We Imagine As Light made the country proud at the 77th Cannes Film Festival this year by winning the prestigious Grand Prix Award, scripting history. Directed by Payal Kapadia, the film showcases the story of how a trip to a beach town gives two nurses a chance to find space for their desires. Set in the city of Mumbai, the protagonist nurse Prabha's routine is thrown into disarray when she receives an unexpected gift from her estranged husband. Her younger roommate Anu is trying in vain to find a place in the city to live with your boyfriend. Indian cinema's enduring legacy at the Cannes Film Festival is a testament to its rich storytelling, cultural depth, and artistic innovation. The primary reason for these films emerging victorious at the festival was the unique way of storytelling that the filmmakers made use of including depiction of the reality of rural and urban India. It reaffirms the power of cinema as a bridge between cultures and as a platform for stories that need to be told. Each accolade and screening at Cannes amplifies the global footprint of Indian cinema, fostering cultural exchange and mutual appreciation. The films remind us of the universal power of storytelling and the profound connections it can create. All We Imagine As Light made the country proud at the 77th Cannes Film Festival this year by winning the prestigious Grand Prix Award, scripting history. Directed by Payal Kapadia, the film showcases the story of how a trip to a beach town gives two nurses a chance to find space for their desires. Set in the city of Mumbai, the protagonist nurse Prabha's routine is thrown into disarray when she receives an unexpected gift from her estranged husband. Her younger roommate Anu is trying in vain to find a place in the city to live with your boyfriend.Indian cinema's enduring legacy at the Cannes Film Festival is a testament to its rich storytelling, cultural depth, and artistic innovation. The primary reason for these films emerging victorious at the festival was the unique way of storytelling that the filmmakers made use of including depiction of the reality of rural and urban India. It reaffirms the power of cinema as a bridge between cultures and as a platform for stories that need to be told. Each accolade and screening at Cannes amplifies the global footprint of Indian cinema, fostering cultural exchange and mutual appreciation. The films remind us of the universal power of storytelling and the profound connections it can create. Indian films have fascinated audiences worldwide for their unique storytelling, majestic costumes and magical music. As time passed by, the Indian association with the French film festival only got stronger. From Bollywood divas making dazzling appearances on the red carpet to more and more films and filmmakers being lauded for their art and skills, there has been a lot to feel proud of. It all started with Chetan Anands Neecha Nagar in 1946 which won the Palme dOr award at the festival. From the pioneering works of Satyajit Ray to the contemporary masterpieces of Ritesh Batra, Indian films have consistently captivated audiences globally. These films not only showcase India's diverse narratives but also highlight universal themes that resonate across borders.Take a look at the films and what made them win the prestigious awards at the film festival.Directed by Chetan Anand, the film narrated a tale of poverty and prejudice. It revolves around a sewage diversion by a wealthy landlord into a village sparking protests led by Balraj, the protagonist, against the housing project. The sarkar's daughter too joins hands with the villagers eventually falling for Balraj in the process. Epidemic from sewage endangers villagers, threatening Sarkar's power. Starring Rafiq Anwar, Uma Anand, Kamini Kaushal and Rafi Peer in lead roles, the film made the country proud as it won the prestigious Palme dOr becoming the first Indian film ever to win it at the inauguralCannes festival.Do Bigha Zamin is a drama directed by Bimal Roy. The film portrayed a farmers struggle against poverty earning it the illustrious Prix Internationale prize at Cannes that year. In the hope of earning enough money to pay off his debts and save his land, a poor farmer becomes a rickshaw puller in Calcutta and faces many difficulties. The films star cast includes Balraj Sahni, Nirupa Roy, Ratan Kumar, Murad and Rajlakshmi Devi in prominent roles.Satyajit Rays Pather Panchalis Apu Trilogy is considered a true masterpiece of Indian cinema. It was the first Indian film to win the Best Human Document Award at the Cannes Film Festival. It follows the story of an impoverished priest Harihar Ray, dreaming of a better life for himself and his family, leaves his rural Bengal village in search of work. The films star cast includes Kanu Bannerjee, Subir Banerjee, Karuna Bannerjee and Uma Das Gupta in key roles.Directed by Mira Nair, the film depicted the gritty life of the street children in Bombay making it win the acclaimed Camera dOr award at the festival. The crime drama portrayed the story of young Krishna who struggles to survive among the drug dealers, pimps, and prostitutes in the back alleys and gutters in the city of Mumbai in India. It features Shafiq Syed, Amrit Patel, Anjaan, Murari Sharma and Ram Murthy in lead roles.The film revolves around a mistaken delivery in Mumbai's famously efficient lunchbox delivery system connecting a young housewife to an older man in the dusk of his life as they build a beautiful fantasy world together through notes in the lunchbox. Starring Irrfan Khan, Nimrat Kaur and Nawazuddin Siddiqui in lead roles, the film is directed by Ritesh Batra. The film received the Grand Rail dOr Audience Award at Cannes.Directed by Neeraj Ghaywan, the film on the exploration of love and redemption won two awards at Cannes, the Un Certain Regard Prize and the FIPRESCI Prize. It follows the story along India's Ganges River where four people face prejudice, a strict moral code and a punishing caste system as they confront personal tragedies. The films star cast includes Vicky Kaushal, Richa Chadha, Sanjay Mishra, Vineet Kumar and Pankaj Tripathi in lead roles.The film won the L'Oeil dOr for the Best Documentary Film. Directed by Payal Kapadia, the protagonist writes letters to her estranged lover. Through these letters, the viewers get a glimpse into the drastic changes that take place around her. As her reality merges with fiction, dreams, memories, fantasies and anxieties, an interesting narrative unfolds for the audience.All That Breathes directed by Shaunak Sen won the Golden Eye or LOeil dOr for the Best Documentary Film. It follows the story of two brothers who devote their lives to protect one casualty of the turbulent times: the bird known as the Black Kite. Set amidst the darkening backdrop of Delhi's apocalyptic air and escalating violence, the film stars Salik Rehman, Nadeem Shehzad and Mohammad Saud.Directed by Chidananda S Naik, the film won the La Cinef awards at Cannes this year. The short film is 16-minute portraying the story of a village thrown into chaos by an elderly woman who steals a rooster. To bring the rooster back, a prophecy is invoked, which involves sending the old ladys family into exile. Introducing GREY GOOSE Altius, a new hand-bottled and limited release vodka, capturing the wonder and rare natural luxuries of the French Alps HAMILTON, Bermuda, May 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A-List Actor and DJ Idris Elba entertained guests including his wife Sabrina Elba, Amy Jackson, and Leomie Anderson at the official GREY GOOSE Altius launch party held at a private villa in the stunning hills of Cap Martinet, Ibiza. The exclusive party included sets by Ibizan DJ resident, Doorly, Rudimental's King Crowney, as well as DJ Aniurks, with attendees being treated to panoramic views of Ibiza's natural beauty. Guests partied and sipped on GREY GOOSE Altius and were amongst the first to try the new vodka. An after-party was held at luxury nightclub, Club Chinois where GREY GOOSE hosted the VIP area with guests continuing to enjoy music and GREY GOOSE Altius cocktails into the night. Ahead of the event, Idris Elba said: "I throw everything into my music, refining it and fine tuning it, until it hits right. That's the same vibe I get with GREY GOOSE Altius. The dedication, the attention to detail -it's about the craft in every drop, which is exactly what you want, when you're celebrating something real" Debuting for the first time at the exclusive party, the new luxury vodka has been crafted with water sourced from a natural French Alpine well, using a glacial filtration that is thirty times slower than the original GREY GOOSE expression. GREY GOOSE Altius recreates the extraordinary with the natural effects of high-altitude temperatures to yield a remarkably smooth vodka. GREY GOOSE Altius is designed to sip in a sophisticated style neat, deeply chilled, or over ice. GREY GOOSE Altius will be available exclusively in the world's best bars, nightclubs and restaurants in 700ml and 1.75l with pricing at the discretion of the venue. It is available in Europe's Summer hotspots including Mykonos, Saint Tropez and Porto Cervo now ahead of debuting in London, Paris and the USA this Autumn. DOWNLOAD HIGH-RES IMAGERY HERE NOTES TO EDITOR ABOUT GREY GOOSE ALTIUS GREY GOOSE Vodka introduces its newest ultra-premium innovation, GREY GOOSE Altius. Drawing inspiration from the French Alps, the latest limited edition release from the quintessential French vodka is filtered at sub-freezing temperatures to capture the rare wonder of the mountains.? GREY GOOSE Altius was created with processes inspired by the extraordinary, natural effects of high-altitude crystallization that happens at glacial conditions to yield a remarkably smooth vodka using Alpine spring water and winter wheat from Picardie.? This rare expression of GREY GOOSE is distilled from the soft French winter wheat that the brand is known for, and for the first time, blended with spring water originating from some of the highest peaks in the French Alps. The alpine water in GREY GOOSE Altius begins its journey in the clouds atop Western Europe's peaks, winding through crystalline rocks to a pristine, pure alkaline aquifer. After being blended, GREY GOOSE Altius is filtered at a very low pressure of -24 degrees Celsius, resulting in a glacially smooth taste and velvety mouthfeel. On the palate, GREY GOOSE Altius is best described as complex with delicate alpine minerality, refreshing soft green apple notes and a unique earthy undertone. Please see here for the link to the GREY GOOSE Altius product press release. About GREY GOOSE Vodka GREY GOOSE is made with the highest-quality ingredients and has a 100% traceable production process, from crop to cork. Every aspect of the creation of GREY GOOSE is focused on crafting vodka of unmatched quality. Each bottle of GREY GOOSE is distilled and bottled in France, with a recipe and process that remains unchanged since inception, using just two ingredients - single-origin Picardie wheat and spring water from our natural limestone well in Gensac-la-Pallue. A one-distillation process brings out the true essence of these ingredients. The expertise of the GREY GOOSE Cellar Master, Francois Thibault, ensures unparalleled smoothness and exceptional taste. The GREY GOOSE portfolio is comprised of GREY GOOSE Vodka, GREY GOOSE La Poire, GREY GOOSE L'Orange, and GREY GOOSE Le Citron Flavored Vodkas; and now GREY GOOSE ALTIUS. www.greygoose.com The GREY GOOSE vodka brand is part of the portfolio of Bacardi Limited, headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2422115/Grey_Goose_1.jpg Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2422116/Grey_Goose_2.jpg Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2422113/Grey_Goose_3.jpg Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2422114/Grey_Goose_4.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/idris-elba-celebrates-the-launch-of-new-luxury-vodka-grey-goose-altius-at-star-studded-party-in-ibiza-302155702.html GUANGZHOU, China, May 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- On May 23, 2024, GAC hosted a brand launch and showroom opening press conference in Kathmandu, marking its official entry into the Nepalese market. The grand opening of Nepal's first GAC AION brand showroom introduces local consumers to the star model, the AION Y. Distinguished guests including Chen Song, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, GAC AION General Manager Gu Huinan, GAC International Deputy General Manager Wang Shunsheng, Binod Chaudhary, Chaudhary Group Chairperson, and Nirvana Chaudhary, Chaudhary Group Managing Director, along with prominent Nepalese media, and opinion leaders, attended the event to witness GAC Group's further expansion into international markets. The press conference was held at the Thapathali showroom in Kathmandu, a prime location in the capital city. Covering an area of approximately 210 square meters, the new showroom features a modern full-glass curtain wall design on its exterior, making it highly recognizable along the entire automobile brand street and helping to establish GAC AION's premium brand image. The event saw the grand unveiling of the AION Y, GAC AION's flagship model. Being one of GAC AION's best-selling pure electric SUVs, the model meets high standards for aesthetics, spaciousness, advanced technology, and safety, making it highly popular among young consumers globally. In addition to the AION Y, GAC AION plans to launch several new models in Nepal this year, capable of adapting to the country's complex terrain and variable climate. GAC AION General Manager Gu Huinan stated, "Nepal has abundant resources such as water and electricity, and the development of smart electric vehicles is part of Nepal's national action plan. With GAC AION's extensive expertise in the entire industrial chain of new energy vehicle manufacturing and sales, we will effectively support Nepal's development of new energy vehicles and accelerate its energy transition." Entering the Nepal market represents a significant milestone in GAC's "1551" Internationalization Strategy, supporting economic and trade cooperation between China and Nepal under the Belt and Road Initiative and accelerating regional economic green development. Looking ahead, GAC plans to continually strengthen the brand values of "Leading Quality" and "Technological Innovation," enhance its sales and service networks, introduce more new energy vehicle models, and meet the diverse needs of the local market. This initiative aims to provide sustainable mobility solutions in Nepal and foster deeper cooperation between China and Nepal in the field of new energy vehicles. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/gac-aion-officially-enters-the-nepalese-market-with-aion-y-302155705.html Portland, Oregon--(Newsfile Corp. - May 26, 2024) - Aisles, the innovative AI-driven retail technology company, today announced the successful closing of its Series A funding round, raising an additional $30 million in capital. This significant milestone will bolster the company's mission to revolutionize the retail shopping experience through cutting-edge artificial intelligence solutions. Aisles To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8846/210617_1c82094dc4c52988_001full.jpg The Series A round was led by prominent venture capital firms and attracted a diverse group of investors who recognize the transformative potential of Aisles' technology. With this infusion of capital, Aisles plans to accelerate the development and deployment of its comprehensive AI ecosystem, which includes advanced navigation, biometric security, and personalized shopping assistance. Ignacio Rosales, founder and CEO of Aisles, expressed his enthusiasm for the future. "We are thrilled to have the support of such esteemed investors who share our vision for the future of retail. This funding will enable us to enhance our current offerings and expand our reach, making shopping more efficient, secure, and enjoyable for consumers worldwide." Aisles has already made significant strides in the retail technology space, boasting over one million active users and generating over $15 million in net profit annually. The company's suite of AI-powered tools, including AISLES for navigation, SAVES for deal finding, and TRUSTIS for biometric security, has garnered widespread acclaim for its innovative approach to solving common retail challenges. Johnny Saephan, Chief Administrative Officer of Aisles, highlighted the strategic importance of this funding round. "This additional capital will allow us to invest in key areas of growth, such as enhancing our AI capabilities, expanding our team, and entering new markets. We are committed to staying at the forefront of retail innovation and delivering unparalleled value to our users and partners." Jesus Ortiz Paz, chairman of Aisles, emphasized the company's commitment to its long-term vision. "This successful funding round is a testament to our team's hard work and the trust our investors have in our strategic direction. We are excited about the opportunities ahead and remain focused on driving innovation in the retail sector." With the closing of this Series A round, Aisles is well-positioned to further disrupt the retail industry and continue its rapid growth trajectory. The company plans to use the funds to refine its existing technology, explore new product offerings, and strengthen its market presence both domestically and internationally. As Aisles looks ahead, the future appears bright for this pioneering company. Investors and consumers alike eagerly anticipate the next chapter in Aisles' journey to redefine the retail experience through the power of artificial intelligence. About Aisles Aisles is a leading provider of AI-driven retail solutions designed to enhance the shopping experience. Founded by Ignacio Rosales, the company offers a range of innovative tools that leverage artificial intelligence to improve navigation, security, and personalized assistance in retail environments. Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, Aisles is dedicated to transforming the way people shop through technology. MEDIA CONTACT Contact Person: Ignacio Rosales Company Name: Aisles Email: media@aisles.app Website: https://aisles.app/ To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/210617 SOURCE: Media Feature Kapadias feature directorial debut, which screened on Thursday night and has received glowing reviews in the international press, already registered its name in the history books read more Filmmaker Payal Kapadia on Saturday scripted history as her spellbinding drama All We Imagine as Light won the Grand Prix award at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. The film bagged the award, which is the second-most prestigious prize of the festival after the Palme dOr, during the closing ceremony of the 77th edition. All We Imagine as Light filmmaker, Payal Kapadia, wins Grand Prix #Cannes2024 pic.twitter.com/BGpImLAiG9 Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) May 25, 2024 Advertisement Kapadias feature directorial debut, which screened on Thursday night and has received glowing reviews in the international press, already registered its name in the history books after it became the first Indian film in 30 years and first ever by an Indian female director to be showcased in the main competition. The screening of the film received an eight-minute standing ovation from the audience members. All We Imagine as Light , a Malayalam-Hindi feature, is about Prabha, a nurse, who receives an unexpected gift from her long estranged husband that throws her life into disarray. Her younger roommate, Anu, tries in vain to find a private spot in the big city to be alone with her boyfriend. One day the two nurses go on a road trip to a beach town where the mystical forest becomes a space for their dreams to manifest, according to the plotline. International critics have given the film a thumbs up and praised Kapadias storytelling prowess. An alumna of the Film & Television Institute of India (FTII), Kapadia is best known for her acclaimed documentary A Night of Knowing Nothing, which premiered at the 2021 Cannes Film Festivals Directors Fortnight side-bar where it won the Oeil dor (Golden Eye) award. Advertisement Her short film Afternoon Clouds in Cinefondation, a category dedicated to supporting the next generation of talented filmmakers. All We Imagine As Light is an Indo-French co-production between petit chaos from France and Chalk and Cheese Films from India. The main competition jury was chaired by filmmaker Greta Gerwig and also included Spanish director Juan Antonio Bayona, Turkish actor-screenwriter Ebru Ceylan, Italian actor Pierfrancesco Favino, American actor Lily Gladstone, Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda, Lebanese actor-director Nadine Labaki and French stars Eva Green and French actor Omar Sy. The New York Times, May 22, 2024 By Amelia Nierenberg General Abdul Raziq was one of Americas fiercest allies in the fight against the Taliban. He was young and charismatic a courageous warrior who commanded the loyalty and respect of his men. He helped beat back the Taliban in the crucial battlefield of Kandahar, even as the insurgents advanced across Afghanistan. But his success, until his 2018 assassination, was built on torture, extrajudicial killing and abduction. In the name of security, he transformed the Kandahar police into a combat force without constraints. His officers, who were trained, armed and paid by the U.S., took no note of human rights or due process, according to a Times investigation into thousands of cases. Most of his victims were never seen again. But his success, until his 2018 assassination, was built on torture, extrajudicial killing and abduction. In the name of security, he transformed the Kandahar police into a combat force without constraints. His officers, who were trained, armed and paid by the U.S., took no note of human rights or due process, according to a Times investigation into thousands of cases. Most of his victims were never seen again. Washingtons strategy in Afghanistan aimed to beat the Taliban by winning the hearts and minds of the people it was supposedly fighting for. But Raziq embodied a flaw in that plan. The Americans empowered warlords, corrupt politicians and outright criminals in the name of military expediency. It picked proxies for whom the ends often justified the means. Ill explain in todays newsletter how using men like Raziq drove many Afghans toward the Taliban. And it persuaded others, including those who might have been sympathetic to U.S. goals, that the U.S.-backed central government could not be trusted to fix Afghanistan. If there was ever any chance that the U.S. could uproot the Taliban, the war strategy made it much harder. A savage campaign My colleague Matthieu Aikins and I have covered Afghanistan for years. After Americas chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, we were suddenly able to visit people and places that were off-limits during the fighting. We traveled there, hoping to learn what really happened during Americas longest war. Alongside a team of Afghan researchers, we combed through more than 50,000 handwritten complaints kept in ledgers by the former U.S.-backed government of Kandahar. In them, we found the details of almost 2,200 cases of suspected disappearances. From there, we went to hundreds of homes across Kandahar. We tracked down nearly 1,000 people who said their loved ones had been taken or killed by government security forces. We corroborated nearly 400 cases, often with eyewitnesses to the abductions. We also substantiated their claims with Afghan police reports, affidavits and other government records they had filed. In each of the forced disappearances, the person is still missing. Even at the time, U.S. officials grasped Raziqs malevolence. Sometimes we asked Raziq about incidents of alleged human rights abuses, and when we got answers we would be like, Whoa, I hope we didnt implicate ourselves in a war crime just by hearing about it, recalled Henry Ensher, a State Department official who held multiple posts on Afghanistan. We knew what we were doing, but we didnt think we had a choice, Ensher said. The cost It would be too simple to say that Raziqs tactics were entirely in vain. They worked in some respects, reasserting government control in Kandahar and pushing insurgents into the hinterlands. Raziq earned the admiration of many who opposed the Taliban. More than a dozen U.S. officials said that without him the Taliban would have advanced much faster. But Raziqs methods took a toll. They stirred such enmity among his victims that the Taliban turned his cruelty into a recruiting tool. Taliban officials posted videos about him on WhatsApp to attract new fighters. Many Afghans came to revile the U.S.-backed government and everything it represented. None of us supported the Taliban, at least not at first, said Fazul Rahman, whose brother was abducted in front of witnesses during Raziqs reign. But when the government collapsed, I ran through the streets, rejoicing. Even some who cheered Raziqs ruthlessness lamented the corruption and criminality he engendered a key part of why the Afghan government collapsed in 2021. After Raziqs death, his commanders went further. They extorted ordinary people and stole from their own mens wages and supplies. What they brought under the name of democracy was a system in the hands of a few mafia groups, said one resident of Kandahar who initially supported the government. The people came to hate democracy. Historians and scholars will spend years arguing whether the U.S. could have ever succeeded. The worlds wealthiest nation had invaded one of its poorest and attempted to remake it by installing a new government. Such efforts elsewhere have failed. But U.S. mistakes empowering ruthless killers, turning allies into enemies, enabling rampant corruption made the loss of its longest war at least partly self-inflicted. This is a story Matthieu and I will spend the coming months telling, from across Afghanistan. It was a few years back when Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle gave up their royal titles and it ended up creating shockwaves across the globe read more Prince Harry and Meghan Markle gave up their Royal title few years back and shocked fans and critics alike. Ever since then, they have been under media and public scrutiny. And after the success of their Nigeria tour, the couple plans to include their children Archie and Lilibet with them on their future International tours. Its being said this would be a boost to their brand. Harry and Meghan are incredibly proud of their children, and when they are a little older and better able to travel, there is no doubt they will be taken on some of the couples tours, said Tom Quinn in his exclusive talk with the UK outlet. Advertisement It was a few years back when Prince Harry and his wife Meghan Markle gave up their royal titles and it ended up creating shockwaves across the globe. Ever since then, there have been multiple reports of rift between Harry and his father King Charles III. And now, a new report says Markle is worried her children Prince Archie, 4, and Princess Lilibet, 2, may blame her for depriving them of a Royal life. British Royal Author Tom Quinn Reacts Speaking to The Mirror, Quinn said, A friend of the couple one of Meghans few aristocratic friends from her time in the UK told me Meghan does miss some aspects of life in the UK and worries that her children will blame her if they never get to see their cousins and feel as adults that they have been deprived of what might have been a fun and meaningful existence in the UK as working royals. It will be a long time before Meghan reappears in the UK. She has already publicly stated that she will not return to the UK, and her friends insist she is still furious at the way she feels she was treated during her time in Britain," Quinn added. In her acceptance speech on Friday night, Sengupta dedicated the award to the queer community and other marginalised communities for bravely fighting for their rights all over the world read more Anasuya Sengupta, one of the lead stars of Bulgarian director Konstantin Bojanovs Hindi-language movie The Shameless, has created history by bagging the Best Actress award in the Un Certain Regard category of the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. Sengupta, who hails from Kolkata, is the first Indian artiste to win the categorys top acting honour, marking a significant milestone for India at the prestigious film gala. The festival will conclude on Saturday. In her acceptance speech on Friday night, Sengupta dedicated the award to the queer community and other marginalised communities for bravely fighting for their rights all over the world. Advertisement Anasuya Sengupta won the best actress award at Cannes 2024. She is the first Indian to do it. The media is only busy in covering celebrities and influencers who are just flaunting their stupid dresses and also not wanted at Cannes. If it was somebody from Bollywood or an pic.twitter.com/x2jqNWM5KO CA Anshul Garg (Modi ka Pariwar) (@AnshulGarg1986) May 25, 2024 You dont have to be queer to fight for equality, you dont have to be colonised to know that colonising is pathetic we just need to be very, very decent human beings, the actor said. The win at Cannes is a landmark moment in Senguptas career. She earlier played a supporting part in 2009 Bengali movie Madly Bangalee, directed by Anjan Dutt, and worked as a production designer after shifting to Mumbai. The Shameless, which had its premiere at Cannes on May 17, forays into a dark, disturbing world of exploitation and misery in which two sex workers, one who bears the scars of her line of work, the other a young girl days away from ritual initiation, forge a bond and seek to throw off their shackles. Sengupta plays the central character of Renuka, who escapes from a Delhi brothel after stabbing a policeman to death and takes refuge in a community of sex workers in northern India, where she meets Devika (Omara), a young girl condemned to a life of prostitution. Advertisement The actor celebrated her win on Instagram, where she posted pictures with Un Certain Regard jury head, Canadian director Xavier Dolan, and German-Luxembourg star Vicky Krieps. I won, guys, held so lovingly by my heroes. Im here for you, to be the one you need THANK YOU @festivaldecannes, Sengupta wrote in the caption. Advertisement Who is Anasuya? As per the internet, Sengupta was born in a Bengali family in Kolkata, West Bengal. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature from Jadavpur University, but wanted to establish herself as a journalist. Sengupta played a supporting role in the 2009 movie Madly Bangalee, directed by Anjan Dutt. She dabbled in theater for some time before shifting to Mumbai in 2013. She started working as a production designer in Mumbai. Several Indian celebrities including filmmakers Zoya Akhtar, Hansal Mehta, actors Arjun Kapoor, Radhika Apte and Adarsh Gourav congratulated Sengupta on her win. Akhtar shared a news story about Senguptas win on her Instagram Stories and wrote, Congratulations. Mehta wrote, Congratulations on your win at Cannes 2024. This deserves to be celebrated along with the film, Kapoor posted. Advertisement Apte, whose film Sister Midnight was screened at the film gala as part of sidebar section Directors Fortnight, said on Instagram, Absolutely incredible. Historic day for India! Congratulation for the win, Gourav said on his Instagram Stories. The United Kingdom is yet another country holding elections this year. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called for polls on 4 July, much earlier than expected. All this and more in our weekly roundup of explainers read more British prime minister Rishi Sunak talks to journalists on his plane as he travels from Northern Ireland to Birmingham during a day of campaigning for this year's general election due to be held on 4 July. AP It has been a week of shock and surprises. It started with the death of Irans president Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash along with foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian . Now, a new man has taken over Iran at a critical time Mohammad Mokhber. Over in the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called for an early election, fuelling speculation about what the future holds for him and his Conservative Party. Also, the International Criminal Court sought an arrest warrant against Israels prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas leaders. Massive turbulence on board a Singapore Airlines flight wreaked carnage leaving one person dead and 71 injured. Advertisement COVID-19 cases have nearly doubled in Singapore with authorities recommending that the public begin masking again and warning hospitals to prepare for a spike in cases. And finally, history is set to be created with the Catholic Church set to recognise the first Millennial Saint. All this and more in our weekly roundup of explainers from the world: 1. Theres a new sheriff in Iran. And his name is Mohammed Mokhber. For Irans Raisis death couldnt have come at a more inopportune moment. The country is beset by strife, relations with Israel are sharply deteriorating as the region threatens to go up in flame and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei is looking for his replacement. But who is Mokhber? Is he close to Khamenei? What does the Iranian constitution say about his role? And what next for Iran? 2. For passengers on Singapore Airlines Flight SQ321, it was five minutes of pure hell. The flight, which had taken off from Londons Heathrow Airport, was headed to Singapore. All was well. Breakfast was being served. Tea and coffee were poured. Then, all was chaos. The plane, without warning, dropped from 37,000 to 31,000 feet. Severe turbulence left one person dead and another 71 injured. But what happened on the plane? Why were so many injured because of turbulence? And does it have anything to do with climate change? Click here to read more. Advertisement 3. Criticism of Israel has been growing since the war against Hamas began. With thousands of innocent Palestinians dead and a famine-like situation in Gaza, some have even been accusing Israel of committing war crimes. The International Criminal Courts (ICC) chief prosecutor Karim Khan is among them. International Criminal Court Prosecutor Karim Khan has sought arrest warrants for five leaders Israel prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. Also, Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar; Mohammed Al-Masri, the commander-in-chief of the military wing of Hamas who is widely known as Deif; and Ismail Haniyeh, head of Hamas political bureau. File image/Reuters Khan has applied for arrest warrants against Israels prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and defence minister Yoav Gallant. He has also sought warrants against the leaders of Hamas Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Al-Masri and Ismail Haniyeh over the 7 October attacks. Amal Clooney, the high-profile British-Lebanese lawyer, is said to have helped the ICC weigh the evidence that led to the decision to seek arrest warrants for top Israeli and Hamas leaders. Advertisement Netanyahu and his allies have slammed the decision as antisemitic, while US president Joe Biden has claimed that Khan is attempting to equate Israel and Hamas. But what is an ICC warrant? How does it work? Are Netanyahu and the other leaders in any danger of being arrested? How have other countries reacted? 4. Rishi Sunak made a surprise announcement earlier in the week. He has called for elections on 4 July. The UK prime minister had until December to hold the polls; they could have happened as late as 28 January 2025. But he had promised that the elections would be held just in the second half of the year and kept his word. Advertisement Interestingly, this will be the countrys first July election since 1945 when Labour leader Clement Attlee won a majority of 145. But why did Sunak call for earlier polls? Are the odds in his favour? We explain . 5. Is COVID-19 making a comeback? Thats what authorities in Singapore fear. The city-state weekly case count has nearly doubled with KP.1 and KP.2, the new FLiRT variants now comprising over two-thirds of its COVID-19 cases. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung was quoted as saying by Straits Times, We are at the beginning part of the wave where it is steadily rising. The wave should peak in the next two to four weeks, which means between mid and end-June." Advertisement Singapore is witnessing a spurt in COVID-19 cases again. Reuters File Photo Hospitals have been put on standby for a surge of cases and the public has been asked to start wearing masks again. But why is this happening? What do we know about the new variants? Is Singapore headed for another lockdown? How are other countries faring when it comes to dealing with COVID-19? 6. The times really have changed. A 15-year-old who passed away in 2006 is set to become the Catholic Churchs first Millenial Saint. This comes after Pope Francis announced that a second miracle credited to Carlo Acutis has been recognised. Carlo Acutis, 15, was put on the path of sainthood after a seven-year-old Brazilian youngster reportedly healed from a rare pancreatic illness by touching one of his t-shirts. Image Courtesy: @Sachinettiyil/X Acutis was a computer prodigy born in London in 1991. Acutis, who spent his early years living in Milan with his Italian parents, Andrea Acutis and Antonia Salzano, showed religious zeal even as a youth. The 15-year-old was put on the path of sainthood after a seven-year-old Brazilian youth reportedly healed from a rare pancreatic illness by touching one of his T-shirts. You are all caught up on world affairs for this week. If you want to read and support more of our work, you can bookmark this page. The department stated that a total of 12 children were rescued from the area out of which six lost their lives read more A major tragedy jolted New Delhis Vivek Vihar after a massive fire broke out at a New Born Baby Care Hospital, killing six newborns. According to the Delhi Fire Department, the tragic incident took place in the late hours of Saturday. The department stated that a total of 12 children were rescued from the area out of which six lost their lives. One of the newborns is on a ventilator and five are admitted to a nearby hospital. The authorities later clarified that the rescued newborns were shifted to East Delhi Advance NICU hospital, ANI reported. Advertisement #WATCH | Delhi: A massive fire broke out at a New Born Baby Care Hospital in Vivek Vihar As per a Fire Officer, Fire was extinguished completely, 11-12 people were rescued and taken to hospital and further details are awaited. (Video source - Fire Department) https://t.co/lHzou6KkHH pic.twitter.com/pE95ffjm9p ANI (@ANI) May 25, 2024 The video of the tragic incident stirred a storm on social media. In the video circulating online, the fiery blaze can be seen galloping through the whole building as the fire department rushed to control the fire. 2 buildings were affected by the fire The authorities noted that the two buildings were affected by the Saturday fire. At 11:32 pm, Fire Service Control Room received information that fire broke out at a hospitaltotal 16 fire tenders reached the spot and fire has been extinguished completely, Fire Officer Rajesh said in a statement. 2 buildings were affected by the fire, one is the hospital building and 2 floors of a residential building on the right side also caught fire11-12 people were rescued and they were taken to hospital. Further details will be shared later, he added. The incident came shortly after a massive fire broke out in Gujarats Rajkot. The fire that swept through the gaming zone killed 27 people. Meanwhile, the cause of the Delhi fire is yet to be ascertained. A red alert has been issued for Chirang, Goalpara, Baksa, Dima Hasao, Cachar, Hailakandi, and Karimganj districts, while an orange alert is in place for Dhubri, South Salmara, Bongaigaon, Bajali, Tamulpur, Barpeta, Nalbari, Morigaon, Nagaon, Hojai, and West Karbi Anglong read more With cyclone Remal expected to make landfall around midnight on Sunday, a red alert has been issued for extremely heavy rainfall in seven districts of Assam, and an orange alert in 11 districts, according to an official release. The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) has alerted residents and authorities, emphasising safety measures as the cyclone, after hitting West Bengal and Bangladesh on May 26, is predicted to move towards the Northeast. Advertisement The Indian Meteorological Department has warned of extensive rainfall over Assam and other northeastern states on May 27 and 28. A red alert has been issued for Chirang, Goalpara, Baksa, Dima Hasao, Cachar, Hailakandi, and Karimganj districts, while an orange alert is in place for Dhubri, South Salmara, Bongaigaon, Bajali, Tamulpur, Barpeta, Nalbari, Morigaon, Nagaon, Hojai, and West Karbi Anglong. Squally winds of 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph are expected over South Assam and Meghalaya on May 27. Preparedness measures have been escalated, with NDRF teams prepositioned in various districts and the Fire and Emergency Services headquarters keeping all SDRF teams and fire stations ready. Nodal officers from ASDMA and Revenue and Disaster Management department convened a series of meetings with all district authorities on Sunday to review the preparedness. Regulation of boat traffic may be implemented, if needed, in certain rivers, particularly in Dhubri, Goalpara, South Salmara, Bongaigaon, Barpeta, and Barak Valley districts. The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) has ensured the desiltation of major river channels like Bharalu, Bahini, Basistha, Mora Bharalu and Lakhimijan along with other major drains. Super sucker machines and pumps with additional manpower have been mobilised, and GMC is also closely monitoring the areas which have faced waterlogging issues in the past, it said. Advertisement Anticipatory evacuation of vulnerable populations from landslide-prone areas in Guwahati, Kamrup, Dima Hasao, Cachar, Karimganj, Hailakandi, Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts may also be considered, the release said. The Health Department has been put on alert, ensuring availability of emergency medicines and healthcare staff. Other departments, including Power, Forest, Panchayat and Rural Development, and Irrigation, have also been instructed to remain vigilant. The public has been advised to take precautionary measures, such as avoiding vulnerable structures, staying away from waterlogged areas, seeking shelter during storms, stocking up on essentials, and contacting authorities in emergencies. Meanwhile, the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Guwahati has forecasted temperatures above normal levels, with maximum temperatures likely to reach 37-39 degrees Celsius in south Assam and 36-38 degrees Celsius in other parts of the state. However, temperatures are expected to decrease in the subsequent 48 hours. Although companies involved in the testing and manufacturing of artificial intelligence-powered platforms claim decisions to attack targets rest with humans, no one can deny there exists an overhang of AI-powered combat robots bypassing humans read more As per reports, AI is also being used on the battlefields in Ukraine. Image: REUTERS In Greek mythology, Prometheus and his brother Epimetheus were tasked with creating all life on Earth, and Prometheus with creating humans in particular. One day, Zeus demanded humans provide him an animal sacrifice, but Prometheus tricked him into accepting bones and fat. Angry, Zeus took fire away from humans, leaving them in the dark. Prometheus was extremely caring about his creation, humans, whom he had taught agriculture, mathematics, medicine, and science. He stole fire from Zeus and brought it back to the humans, who used it not only for routine tasks like cooking food and keeping themselves warm but also for creating and shaping great many civilisations. When Zeus realised what had happened, he sent Pandora to be Prometheuss wife. On reaching the Earth, Pandora opened her box, releasing all the evils, diseases, and hard work that plague mankind, except hope. Advertisement Humans used fire, brought back by Prometheus, not only to create great civilisations but also to make weapons and bring war and misery to mankind. Greek mythology reminds us that technology by itself is neither good nor evil. It is what humans do with it that makes it useful or brings grief. The world today faces technological and ethical dilemmas with advancements in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). A revisit to Greek mythology offers particularly interesting insights into the consequences of unrestricted technological advancements in the field of AI and its employment in war. AI is the new fire in the hands of mankind, which has the potential to cause great destruction to life and property. It can also be used to provide warmth, make life more comfortable, and take civilisation to new heights. Reportedly, AI is being used on the battlefields in Ukraine and Gaza. Information about the employment of AI in wars is shrouded in mystery because of its classified nature and the misinformation and disinformation surrounding it. This article attempts to underscore some of the capabilities of AI in warfare using information available in the open domain. Israeli-Palestinian publications +972 Magazine and Local Call have reportedly interviewed several sources with firsthand information about the Israeli AI programme, offering an insight into the way AI has been used in the war to generate targets. Israel is reportedly using an AI target-creation platform called The Gospel, which is being used to produce automated recommendations for identifying and attacking targets. This system was first activated in 2021 during Israels 11-day war with Hamas, which was perhaps the worlds first AI -facilitated war. If the reports are to be believed, the IDF struck 11,000 targets in Gaza by November 2, 2023, and 90 per cent of the targets were AI-generated recommendations. For the sake of comparison, during the 2014 Gaza conflict, Israel struck 5,000 to 6,000 targets over 51 days of the conflict, while in the ongoing war, the IDF reportedly attacked 15,000 targets in the first 35 days of the war. Advertisement In 2019, a new targeting directorate was created to produce targets for the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), particularly for the Israeli Air Force (IAF). In all the previous wars and conflicts, the IAF hit all known targets within the first few weeks of the war, and thereafter they ran out of targets. In the ongoing war, which followed the horrific 7 October 2023 attack by Hamas, The Gospel (dubbed Habsora (), generated target information using a host of sources, including surveillance data using drones, space-based assets, intercepted communications, and open-source information. This data was used to generate brigade- and division-level targets by the directorate. Advertisement Lavender is another Israeli AI programme that not only generates targets but is also involved in decision-making and approving targets for strikes. In addition to Lavender, there is another system called Wheres Daddy? which is used to track the targeted individuals and enables strikes when they enter their residences in Gaza. Thousands of civilian casualties, including women and children, occurred in the initial days of the war when the IDF struck their designated targets in their residences. The difference between The Gospel and Lavender is in the way the two programmes define their targets: The Gospel designates the buildings and other infrastructure from which the targets operate for destruction, while Lavender identifies people who are designated for neutralisation. Advertisement In all previous wars, the IDF would devote reasonable time, effort, and resources to determining the extent of likely collateral damage to innocent civilians if the designated target was hit. However, in the ongoing war, this verification was largely abandoned in favour of automation. The +972 Magazine report highlights that the Israeli army has marked tens of thousands of Gazans as suspects for assassination, using a Lavender system with little human oversight and a permissive policy for casualties. The other targeting programme, Wheres Daddy? reportedly has limitations and has falsely alerted IDF officers of targets entering their respective houses, leading to strikes in which families have been wiped out without IDF neutralising its intended targets. This is an unacceptable situation. Advertisement AI is also being used on the battlefields in Ukraine. As the war in Russia-Ukraine enters its third year, the battlefields in Ukraine have become testing grounds for cutting edge weapon technologies, including drones capable of carrying out tasks autonomously. Although companies involved in the testing and manufacturing of AI powered platforms claim decisions to attack targets rest with humans, no one can deny there exists an overhang of AI powered combat robots bypassing humans. The drones have become so central to warfighting that in February 2024, Ukraine established a new branch of the military called the Unmanned Systems Forces. This force is responsible for operations in all three domains: air, ground, and sea. Ukraine has also launched a government programme called Bravel, an interministerial venture modelled on the US Defence Innovation Unit (DIU), tasked with facilitating military exploitation of commercial technologies. In the last year, of all the technologies that were fielded through the Bravel programme, 700 have been approved for use by the Ukrainian armed forces, and 40 have already been deployed in operations. The programme supports startups working in the fields of medicine, logistics, and cybersecurity, but the top priority is unmanned systems. Ukraine is cognisant of its limitations in its war against Russia. Its goal is to ensure robots, not humans, fight on the battlefield. Ukraine today may not have Arnold Schwarzeneggers Terminator-style autonomous unmanned systems. However, Ukraines deputy prime minister and technology chief, Mykhailo Fedorov, claimed in an interview with The Associated Press in 2023 that autonomous killer drones are the future and Ukraine is working towards it. The militaries around the world are racing to develop and deploy autonomous platforms with scant regard to ethical and humanitarian considerations. As the battlefields of Gaza and Ukraine have demonstrated, even untested technologies are being fielded in wars. Technologically advanced countries have not made a serious attempt to generate consensus on even some basic questions, such as those regarding the rules of employment of such weapon systems in populated areas or the guardrails required to prevent harm to civilian populations. As this technology proliferates and more countries acquire these systems, it will become impossible to ban their usage; however, restrictive employment of such technologies can prevent widespread collateral damage to civilian lives and properties. It is not the first time that the world will be grappling with such a situation. Post-World War II countries came together when confronted with the destructive potential of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). AI has the potential to cause destruction on the scale of WMD. Their use in warfare raises moral and ethical predicaments that can only be resolved when the nations come together before it is too late. The author is a Research Fellow at MP-IDSA. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. America continues to deliver arms to Ukraine with restrictive use and fuels its fantasy of defeating Russia read more Russia is now back on the offensive as Ukrainian troops struggle with ammunition and manpower shortages. Image: AP The truth has finally dawned on Volodymyr Zelensky. His troops are exhausted and stretched and short of arms and ammunition as Vladimir Putins onslaught is unabated after more than two years since the launch of his Special Military Operation against Ukraine. Even without delay, the much-hyped $61 billion American assistance wouldnt have altered the wars course. Russias sudden and most dangerous cross-border strike on northeast Kharkiv on May 10 since Ukraine retook it in September 2022 has jolted Zelensky, his military brass and the West. Between May 9 and 15, Russia captured 278 sq km, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Advertisement Ukraines pathetic situation is because of three reasons. Zelensky avoids reality, blames the West From TIME 2022 Person of the Year , celebrating Volodymyr Zelenskyy & The Spirit of Ukraine, to the magazines October 2023 covers headline Nobody believes in our victory like I do. Nobody, the celebration had turned to gloom. Zelenskys courage and determination are undisputable. A former comedian/actor/sitcom star pitted against a man who rose through the erstwhile KGBs ranks to lead Russia. As I see it, its my duty to go there and show them that Ukraine has returnedthat it supports them, he told the TIME in the December 2022 issue referring to his visit to the devastated Kherson city after Russias withdrawal. The scariest thing is that part of the world got used to the war in Ukraine, he told the TIME in the October 2023 issue, which splashed the sentence Its been nearly two years. Russia still controls a fifth of Ukraines territory. Tens of thousands have been killed. Global support for the war is shrinking. The Lonely Fight of Volodymyr Zelenskyy on its cover. The difference in Zelenskys mood was stark and visible on the two TIME covers. However, Zelensky maintains the facade of Ukraines ability to beat Russia if Western support continuesthough he knows the battle is lost and his feistiness is showing cracks. Advertisement On the one hand, he said that the Kharkiv offensive could be the first wave of expected attacks; on the other hand, he termed it not a great success. He told AFP that Kharkivs situation had been controlled but also said that the situation is very serious in an interview with ABC News. Zelensky has realised that peace is the only way out of the quagmire. Now, hes looking to China for assistance in ending the war. Citing Chinas influence on Russia, he told AFP that they [China] have influence on Russia, and the more such countries we have on our side the more Russia will have to move and [more countries] to reckon with. Advertisement However, Ukraine has also asked the US and NATO to help train 150,000 recruits closer to the frontline. The ambivalence shows Zelenskys reluctance to accept reality while putting up a brave front. Zelensky often blames the West for not delivering critical weapons on time, which he rightly claims resulted in Russian gains. But he conveniently overlooks his grave mistakes, wrong assessments and decisions, and corruption in the military. After the Kharkiv blitzkrieg, he blamed the world for giving an opportunity to Putin to occupy without naming the US. Referring to the delayed US package, he said, Brigades are not totally equipped because of the package, which we waited through for eight months. Advertisement According to him, Ukraine needs two Patriot systems to stop Moscow from reoccupying Kharkiv. Russia will not be able to occupy Kharkiv if we have those, he told ABC News. Zelenskys assessment is wrong due to two reasons. First, Russia has innovatively outsmarted Ukraine and NATO in every new tactic or weapon they have deployed. Patriots cant counter Russias massive stockpile of Soviet-era dumb bombs being ingeniously used to devastate the 1,000 km frontline. Modelled on the US Joint Direct Attack Munition, the FAB-500 (halfa-tonne), FAB-1500 (1.5 tonnes) and FAB-3000 (3 tonnes) are fitted with GPS guidance and pop-out wings and fired by Su-34 fighters/bombers flying out of range of Ukrainian missiles from inside the Russian border. Advertisement Costing between $20,000 and $50,000 each, the glide bombs are much cheaper than the $4 million Patriot missiles apiece and cause a 70-foot-wide crater. Besides, they are much easier and faster to manufacture than the American $100,000 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) or million-dollar Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) ballistic missiles. The bombs have caused major devastation in Kharkiv, Avdiivka and Donetsk and destroyed Ukrainian defence without the use of Russian infantry and are more useful than missiles and artillery. Moscow dropped 3,200 glide bombs in April alone and another 700 from March 18 to 24. Russia launched 200 glide bombs against the northern town of Vovchansk in just a week in the ongoing Kharkiv operation. The bombs were decisive in the fall of Avdiivka in February and flattened thermal power plants and factories in the Donetsk region. The Patriots can only target the Su-34s if positioned near the frontline but they could be destroyed by Russian drones and ballistic missiles. For example, a 9K720 Iskander SRBM destroyed a Patriot launcher outside of Pokrovsk, eastern Ukraine, in March. Second, the $1 billion Patriot system will not help Ukraine with Russia using a swarm of drones followed by subsonic cruise and hypersonic ballistic missiles in major attacks. Therefore, using Patriot missiles to counter such barrages is too costly and unsustainable. Even long-range missiles or drones supplied by NATO cant target the Su-34s. The new US package could include the much-sought ATACMSM39A1 Block I or M57 Block IA tactical ballistic missiles (both with a range of 300 km)by Ukraine. However, the US has barred Ukraine from striking targets inside Russia except those in annexed territories like Crimea. Zelenskys sudden change of decision during Ukraines June 2023 counteroffensive was majorly responsible for its failure. While NATO advised him to concentrate only on Zaporizhzhia, reach Melitopol and cut off the supply lines from Russia to Crimea, Zelensky launched offensives at Bakhmut and Donetsk to free Crimea. Zelensky was also responsible for giving Russia enough time to fortify and build a massive, multiple-layered defence line that included mines, barriers like dragon teeth and hedgehogs, anti-tank ditches, trenches connected via tunnels, and bomber/kamikaze/surveillance drones. Against the Wests advice to launch the counteroffensive in April, he waited until June, giving Putin time to plan a counterstrategy. Russian artillery bombarded the approaching Ukrainian troops and armoured vehicles, which were stopped by static barriers, like mines, and targeted by bomber/kamikaze drones. Ukraines mine-clearance vehicles were located by surveillance drones and destroyed by Russian artillery and attack copters. Kharkiv exposes negligence and corruption Recapturing Kharkiv is important for Russia symbolically and strategically, but it is more of a diversionary tactic to divert Ukraines focus from the Donbas (Luhansk and Donetsk) region. Russia lost Ukraines second-largest city in September 2022. With strong economic and cultural relations with Russia, Kharkiv has the biggest concentration of heavy and defence industries. Russia recapturing Kharkiv will be a symbolic win for Putin. Strategically, creating a buffer zone of around 10 km inside Ukraine will reduce attacks on Russian cities like Belgorod, decrease the threat of a future Ukrainian counteroffensive and an area that Moscow will control. Eastern Ukraine: Russian forces recently made confirmed advances near Vovchansk, Chasiv Yar, Avdiivka, and Donetsk City. (1/7) https://t.co/CC1mM8rMGI pic.twitter.com/5JOcrlomeY Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) May 21, 2024 However, as Putin said recently that there are no such plans today to recapture Kharkiv but only to create a security zonebut his actions are often contrary to his words. In the context of Putins comment, the Kharkiv operation is probably a way to stretch out and disperse Ukrainian troops so that Russia can easily conquer Donbas. Zelensky confirmed that the limited Russian offensive in northern Ukraine is achieving its goal of drawing attention away from intense Russian offensive operations in eastern Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky indicated that the limited Russian offensive in northern Ukraine is achieving its goal of drawing attention away from intense Russian offensive operations in eastern Ukraine. (1/4) https://t.co/TMo935mOtZ pic.twitter.com/Qo7AF7A6Yl Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) May 22, 2024 The ISW had concluded that Russia launched the Kharkiv attack when the Northern Grouping of Forces was understrength and have only committed a limited amount of combat power to the area thus far. The Russian military command may have also decided to start offensive operations with an understrength grouping to take advantage of Ukrainian manpower and materiel shortages before the arrival of Western aid at scale to the frontline. Ukrainian forces advanced near Lukyantsi in northern Kharkiv Oblast and Kreminna in Luhansk Oblast, and Russian forces advanced near Berestove, Chasiv Yar, Avdiivka, and Donetsk City in Donetsk Oblast, as well as near Velyka Novosilka in the Donetsk-Zaporizhia Oblast border area. https://t.co/ENRQmheJfs pic.twitter.com/iBemxQad1e Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) May 24, 2024 Russias tactic seemed to have worked with Ukraine moving troops from the town of Chasiv Yar, in Donbas, to defend Kharkiv. The Kharkiv assault was possible because of three reasons. First, Zelensky ignored the possibility of Putin taking advantage of the delay in the delivery of US weapons. Way back in March, Putin had mentioned the possibility of creating a buffer zone. I do not exclude that, bearing in mind the tragic events taking place today, that we will be forced at some point, when we deem it appropriate, to create a certain sanitary zone in the territories today under the Kyiv regime, he told the media when asked whether it was necessary to recapture Kharkiv. In the same month, Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov also said that Moscow wanted to create a buffer zone by targeting Kharkiv. Second, Zelensky didnt act on Ukraines and foreign intelligence reports about a possible Russian attack on Kharkiv. His inaction is inexplicable after Ukraines Defence Intelligence spokesperson Andrii Yusov said, We can say that enemy operations were in line with the timeline we were aware of and which Defence Intelligence informed all the relevant authorities, leadership and commanders about as was its duty. Even the United Kingdom had warned Ukraine of a Russian attack on Kharkiv. Besides, Russia had amassed around 30,000 soldiers along the border two days before the attack. Third, there was no first line of defence . The absence of fortifications contradicts the Commander-in-Chief of Ukraines armed forces, Oleksandr Syrskyis statement that Kyiv cant ignore any information about the enemys preparations for offensive operations [in Kharkiv]. We are taking all measures to adequately respond to such a possibility. We are carrying out a whole complex of works on the fortification of territories and positions, installing a complex system of fences, and planning the use of our troops in the event of such actions, he told Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform. Did the fortifications vanish overnight or was it a false statement by Syrskyi? Zelensky must explain why his commander lied. According to a May 13 article published by Ukrainska Pravda , officials stole millions of dollars allocated for building fortifications in Kharkiv. Martina Boguslavets, chairwoman of the Ukrainian anti-corruption group Mezha said wrote: Multi-million contracts for the construction of fortification structures, for which a total of 7 billion hryvnias [roughly $176 million] was spent, were [transferred] by the Kharkov Regional State Administration to dummy companies. This wasnt the first instance of Ukrainian officials conspiring with the defence ministry to embezzle funds. Ukraines security service SBU reported in January that around $40 million allocated to purchase 100,000 mortar shells was stolen by an Ukrainian arms firm. US indecisiveness and rider on Ukraine The US is also responsible for the situation as Ukraine, plagued by insufficient troops, weapons and air defence, is being overwhelmed by Russia. First, Americas initial indecisiveness in supplying tanks, longer-range missiles and F-16s to Ukraine has devastated the country. Special Report: How Delays in Western Aid Gave Russia the Initiative (1/6) Ukraine and the West have defeated a months-long Russian effort to persuade the West to abandon Ukraine and set conditions to collapse Ukrainian defenses. pic.twitter.com/pNc8pcDoQH Institute for the Study of War (@TheStudyofWar) May 23, 2024 In 2022, the US was dilly-dallying on supplying its main battle tank (MBT) M1 Abrams to Ukraine for months arguing that they need hundreds of gallons of fuel, are very complicated and expensive and hard to maintain. Instead, America wanted Germany to supply its Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine arguing that Ukrainian troops could be trained on them easily and quickly. However, Germany was also reluctant fearing a direct Russian reprisal. Germanys refusal also handicapped countries like Poland, which uses the Leopard 2, from supplying them to Ukraine because Berlin own the export licences. The procrastination continued for months with the US and Germany agreeing to deliver their MBTs to Ukraine in March and September 2023, respectively. The US similarly resisted supplying the longer-range ATACMS to Ukraine. After initially refusing to supply the M39A1 Block I or M57 Block IA, the US could include them in the new weapons package although with an illogical rider that Ukraine cant hit targets inside Russia. Similarly, the US didnt permit its NATO allies to deliver F-16s to Ukraine with President Joe Biden saying no in February 2023. However, after months of discussions, NATO formed the F-16 Training Coalition to deliver the multirole fighters to Ukraine and train its pilots. The Netherlands, Norway and Denmark agreed to provide 24, 22 and 19 F-16s, respectively, with Belgium ready to supply an unspecified number. The US also joined the coalition but only to train Ukrainian pilots and restricted Ukraine from operating the F-16s in Russian airspace. NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg said last month that the delay in the delivery of promised weapons has dented Ukraines trust. Second, the US has been sticking to its absurd policy of not allowing Ukraine to strike targets inside Russia or enter its airspace. Even former US under-secretary of state for political affairs Victoria Nuland has said that the ban should be ended. I think if the attacks are coming directly from over the line in Russia, those bases ought to be fair game, she said Sunday on ABCs This Week. British foreign secretary and former Prime Minister David Cameron has said, Just as Russia is striking inside Ukraine, you can quite understand why Ukraine feels the need to make sure its defending itself, hinting that Ukraine could use the British Storm Shadow 500 km air-launched cruise missile to counter Russia inside its border. The Kharkiv offensive showed how the flawed US policy has crippled Ukraine and allowed the sudden Russian onslaught. If Ukraine were allowed to strike inside Russia, Putin wouldnt have been able to amass 30,000 troops along the Kharkiv border. Ukraine has used the 165 km M39 Block I ATACMS missiles to strike air defence in Crimea. If the US had allowed Ukraine to hit targets inside Russia, it wouldnt have needed the longer-range ATACMS or HIMARS. Russia assembles troops near its borders without the fear of being struck and unleashes them at will. The US ban also allows Russia to flatten civilian infrastructure and military structures using glide bombs. Su-34s fire volleys of glide bombs, which have a range of 40-60 km, without entering the Ukrainian airspace. Even if the US supplies the longer-range ATACMS missiles to Ukraine, they will be useless as they cant hit the SU-34s inside Russia. Russia also launches cruise, ballistic and hypersonic missiles and drones with devastating effects from inside its borders without the threat of being intercepted immediately after the launch or before entering the Ukrainian airspace. Similarly, the F-16s will be useless if they cant intercept the Su-34s, which can attack Ukrainian civilian and military structures from Russian airspace. According to George Barros, the Russia Team & Geospatial Intelligence Team Lead on the Russia and Ukraine portfolio at ISW, the US policy makes no sense and is severely compromising Ukraines ability to defend itself against the Kharkiv offensive. The Russian Air Force can strike no fewer than 869 settlements in Kharkiv Oblast without ever leaving Russian airspace, he said in a recent article. Barros argues that glide bomb attacks against Kharkiv can only be stopped if Russian jets are intercepted in Belgorod Oblast before they come within striking range of Kharkiv City. After the Kharkiv operation, Nuland said that Russia is trying to decimate it [Kharkiv] without ever having to put a boot on the ground. So, I think it is time to give the Ukrainians more help hitting these bases inside Russia. Regarding the Patriot batteries, Barros writes that they cant protect Kharkiv from glide bombs so long as the Russian Air Force can continue to use Russian airspace as a sanctuary and safe space. During the visit of a delegation of five Ukrainian parliament members to Washington earlier this month to convince the Biden administration to remove the restriction, David Arahamiya, who headed the group, told the media, Its like if somebody were to attack Washington, D.C., from the Virginia state, and you say were not going to hit Virginia for some reason. When US secretary of state Antony Blinken visited Kyiv this month, he said, Weve been clear about our own policy. Putins repetitive nuclear threats and posturing prompted Biden to impose the ban. Putin has used the Soviet-era Theory of Reflexive Control to deter NATO, particularly the US, from countering Russia directly. The theory combines psychological and information manipulation, pressure tactics and geopolitical strategy to influence the enemys decision(s) in Russias favour. However, Russia wont use a tactical nuke against NATO or Ukraine to avoid further global opprobrium and isolation. Now, some senior American officials are debating about lifting the ban. After returning from Kyiv and realising the seriousness of the Kharkiv attack, Blinken discussed lifting the ban with some of his colleagues. The New York Times reported that the proposal hasnt been formally presented to Biden. The writer is a freelance journalist with more than two decades of experience and comments primarily on foreign affairs. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the writer. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. After months of ground work, the Project Udbhav was formally launched during the USI's first Military Heritage Festival on October 21, 2023, by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Project Udbhav (meaning evolution) is a significant collaboration between the Indian Army and the United Service Institution of India (USI), Indias oldest think tank, which was established in 1870. It is a study into the evolution of Indian strategic thought, military systems, strategy, and operational art with the aim of developing a vocabulary rooted in Indias ancient texts and rich military heritage. After months of ground work, the project was formally launched during the USIs first Military Heritage Festival on October 21, 2023, by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in the presence of General Manoj Pande, the Army Chief, Air Marshal VR Chaudhari, the Chief of the Indian Air Force, Vice Admiral SJ Singh, the Vice Chief of Naval Staff, Lieutenant General JP Matthews, the CISC, and Major General BK Sharma, the Director General of USI, in the presence of senior serving Armed Forces personnel, veterans, and scholars. Advertisement Revisiting Indias Ancient Military Thoughts Speaking at the inaugural event, Lieutenant General Tarun Kumar Aich, the Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy), highlighted that Project UDBHAV is an endeavour to revisit the roots of Indias ancient military thoughts. He stated that the essence of the project lay in synthesising the timeless wisdom of the past with contemporary military practices, thereby crafting a comprehensive approach to address modern security challenges. He saw it as a visionary initiative aimed at integrating age-old wisdom into modern military pedagogy. He said the legacy was characterised by a profound reverence for knowledge, which was evident in the vast repository of intellectual texts and scholarship across diverse domains. He also mentioned that the groundwork for Project Udbhav had been laid through previous research initiatives by the Indian Army, such as the compilation of the 75 Stratagems by the Army Training Command and a study on the linkages between Indian culture and strategic thinking by the College of Defence Management. Major Events The Centre for Military History and Conflict Studies at USI, headed by Squadron Leader Rana Chinna (Retd), was assisted very ably by Archana Tyagi, who visualised, conceptualised, and conducted the events with the guidance and support of the Indian Army. These events included workshops, seminars, discussions, and research papers. The first was the workshop Thematic Commonalities in Hellenic and Indo-Aryan Mythic, Epic, and Other Narrative Material which had scholars such as Adil Rasheed, Vasileious Syros, Colonel PK Gautam (Retd), and Saurabh Mishra, among others, participating. Thereafter, there was a panel discussion on Evolution of Indian Military Systems, Warfighting, and Strategic Thought: Current Research in the Field and Way Forward which had Lieutenant General Raju Baijal, Lieutenant General VG Khandare (Retd), Brigadier Gaurav Sharma, Colonel Saikat Bose, Colonel S Ravi Prakash, and Kajari Kamal, a diverse set of experts, giving out their views. In his opening remarks, Maj Gen BK Sharma (Retd), the Director General of USI, highlighted the importance of harnessing traditional thought on warcraft in contemporary operational environments. Advertisement The discussion during the Indian Miliary Heritage Festival moderated by Deepshika Shahi had panellists such as Brigadier Nick Sawyer, the British Defence Attache in India, who had studied Kautilyan strategies while attending the National Defence College; Vasileious Syros, who said that project extended beyond academic inquiry and has broader implications for Indias strategic culture; and Colonel Vivek Chadha (Retd), who discussed the Mahabharata and said it stands amongst the foundational texts for understanding Indias strategic thought. Colonel PK Gautam (Retd), a highly respected scholar on ancient Indian texts, said the annals of Indias antiquity are ripe with wisdom of global relevance. Whereas Rohit Kumar focused on the Panchatantra and how the teachings are relevant to understanding the challenges in the contemporary era. Advertisement The findings on a paper on Kautilyas Arthashastra, Kamandakas Nitishastra, and the Kural by Thiruvalluvar had Brigadier Manoj Kharkwal stating that heritage and culture are essential for comprehension, framing, and application of strategy, and that documents are fertile grounds for extracting inputs for a broad spectrum of state priorities, including defence, diplomacy, and the economy. There was also a talk by Kajari Kamal, who, while discussing the Arthashastra, said doubts are raised about Indias strategic culture, its precise principles, and the extent of its roots due to the continued dearth of dedicated works that clearly trace its historical ideational legacy. The panel discussion on Ancient Indian Traditions on Military Ethics and Culture held at the National Museum saw a packed house. It was moderated by Major General Jagatbir Singh (Retd), who stated that human beings have been fighting each other since prehistoric times, and people have been discussing the rights and wrongs of it for almost as long. The question that needed to be asked concerned the ethics, as the protagonists describe it as a just war, but are the means always ethical, and are wars more justified than just? This is in context to our two ongoing conflicts. Multiple issues were raised, and very pertinent questions were posed by the informed audience. Advertisement Historical Patterns of Indian Strategic Culture As part of Project Udbhav, a seminar and exhibition on Historical Patterns of Indian Strategic Culture was held at the National Museum in New Delhi on May 21, 2024. Apart from the inauguration of the exhibition, there was the release of the Udbhav Compendium and the book Alha Udal: A Ballad Rendition of Western Uttar Pradesh. This was followed by a panel discussion on ancient Indian traditions of military ethics and culture. The event was graced by Raksha Rajya Mantri Ajay Bhatt as the Chief Guest, who commended the Indian Army and the USI for their efforts in exploring the countrys ancient texts and oral traditions to unearth invaluable insights into its strategic culture. Advertisement Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt, while speaking on the occasion, said that the geopolitical landscape is ever-evolving and that it is imperative for the Armed Forces to be adaptive and innovative in their approach. He underlined the importance of recognising the strength of the nations defence, which lies not only in its military might but also in its ability to adapt to changing circumstances and leverage its cultural heritage as a source of power. Bhatt described initiatives like Project Udbhav as a guiding light for a future where India is self-reliant and deeply rooted in its cultural heritage. He also emphasised that the spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat is not limited to merely the production and consumption of Indian goods but also to making sincere endeavours to imbibe the essence of Indian thought and values in the current actions and decisions. Speaking on the occasion, General Manoj Pande said Project Udbhav has revealed substantial intellectual convergences between eminent Indian and Western scholars, highlighting the resonance between their thoughts, philosophies, and perspectives. He added that the endeavour has catalysed exploration into new areas by unveiling Indias tribal traditions, the Maratha Naval legacy, and the individual heroic exploits of military figures, particularly women. The project has delved deep into ancient texts such as the Vedas, Puranas, Upanishads, and Arthashastra, which are rooted in interconnectedness, righteousness, and ethical values. Furthermore, it has explored the epic battles of the Mahabharata and the strategic brilliance practiced during the reigns of Mauryas, Guptas, and Marathas, which has shaped Indias rich military heritage. The project aims to promote indigenous discourse in the Army by integrating Indias ancient strategic acumen into the contemporary military domain with a focus on making the force future-ready. Gen. Pande emphasised that such collective efforts broaden the scope of study of ancient Indias defence and governance, enriching the nations strategic outlook. The project has fostered civil-military collaboration among academia, scholars, practitioners, and military experts, strengthening the whole-of-nation approach. As we explore more of our military heritage, we understand that undertaking such projects remains a continuous endeavour, Gen Pande said. He expressed confidence that the projects findings, in the form of the Udbhav Compendium, would benefit the Indian Armed Forces ability to remain progressive and future-ready by drawing insights from the nations historical military wisdom. Conclusion Indias ancient civilisational treasures, contained both in written and oral forms, have revealed invaluable wisdom for the values, tactics, strategies, and practices of warcraft in particular and statecraft in general. This wisdom has been found to be extensive not just in its quantum but also in its richness and relevance. The prescriptions contained in these manuscripts and oral renditions are invaluable. Though they reveal the dynamics of their time, they need to be applied to the current times as per contextual suitability. There is no doubt a growing interest and new-found enthusiasm towards Indias strategic wisdom on both military and governance issues, the evidence of which lies in the increasing number of research works by students, academia, veterans, and serving officers. This is also giving renewed impetus to deepening civil-military collaborations at the intellectual level. Project Udbhav has proven to be a catalyst in this endeavour by encouraging Indias strategic community to link its past ideals, present discourses, and future visions. There is an undeniable correlation between ancient and modern strategic cultures, which we need to draw upon. The author is a retired Major General of the Indian Army. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. Shariq Kamal, the police chief of Sargodha district said that the mob pelted stones and bricks not only at the Christian group but also at the police who reached the spot to handle the chaos read more At least five members of the minority Christian community had to be rescued in Pakistan after a radical Muslim mob attacked their settlements. The incident took place in eastern Pakistans Sargodha district and the crowd accused the Christian residents of committing blasphemy. Shariq Kamal, the police chief of Sargodha district said that the mob pelted stones and bricks not only at the Christian group but also at the police who reached the spot to control the chaos. Kamal mentioned that five Christians were injured in the incident and were rushed to a nearby hospital, Reuters reported. A large contingent of police has also cordoned off the settlement, adding that the crowd was pushed back. Advertisement Buildings set on fire Amid the chaos, at least one house and a small shoe factory were set on fire by the radical mob. The extremists started creating a rampage after neighbours alleged that the Muslim holy book, the Quran, had been desecrated by a minority community member. Some of the protesters even looted items and threw items in a heap of fire that was burning in the middle of the streets. In light of this, The independent Human Rights Commission of Pakistan condemned the whole incident and stated that the Christian community was at grave risk to their lives at the hands of the charged mobs. : . . pic.twitter.com/y46oFXJY1n RPO Sargodha Region (@RpoSargodha) May 25, 2024 It is important to note that Blasphemy has always been a sensitive subject in Pakistan. The allegations of someone or some group committing blasphemy have often led to street lynching. The act is also punishable by death in Pakistan. However, no one has been executed by the state as of now. HRCP is seriously concerned by the unfolding situation in #Sargodha, where the Christian community in Gillwala village is reportedly at grave risk to their lives at the hands of charged mobs. There are unconfirmed reports of a man having been allegedly lynched. The Punjab Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (@HRCP87) May 25, 2024 Advertisement Mobsters detained DPO Assad Ejaz Malhi told Pakistani news outlet Dawn that 25 of the mobsters were taken into custody from the spot. He also mentioned that additional police units were stationed throughout the city to ensure the safety of all the residents. The authorities informed that the man who was accused of committing the desecration of the Quran is alive and receiving treatment at a hospital. Advertisement There was no loss of life, more than 10 police officers and personnel were also injured due to stone pelting by the angry people," the Sargodha police said in a statement. The Sargodha police risked their lives to rescue the families and pulled them out from the crowd. Thanks to the timely action of the police, Sargodha was spared a great tragedy. The situation in the city is completely peaceful and under control, it added. Divisional Commissioner Muhammad Ajmal Bhatti also assured that there will be a transparent investigation into the matter. With inputs from agencies. The cyclone could unleash a storm surge of up to 12 feet (four metres) above normal astronomical tide, which can be dangerous, senior weather official Muhammad Abul Kalam Mallik told AFP. Most of Bangladeshs coastal areas are a metre or two above sea level and high storm surges can devastate villages read more Men push a fishing boat to a sea shore as a preventive measure during rainfall in Kuakata on May 26, 2024, ahead of cyclone Remal's landfall in Bangladesh. Cyclone Remal is set to hit the country and parts of neighbouring India on May 26 evening. AFP Tens of thousands of Bangladeshis left their coastal villages Sunday for concrete storm shelters further inland as the low-lying nation prepared for the expected landfall of an intense cyclone, officials said. Cyclone Remal is set to hit the southern coast and parts of neighbouring India on Sunday evening, with Bangladeshs weather department predicting crashing waves and howling gales with gusts of up to 130 kilometres (81 miles) per hour. Cyclones have killed hundreds of thousands of people in Bangladesh in recent decades, but the number of superstorms hitting its low-lying, densely populated coast have increased sharply from one a year to as many as three due to the impact of climate change. Advertisement The cyclone could unleash a storm surge of up to 12 feet (four metres) above normal astronomical tide, which can be dangerous, senior weather official Muhammad Abul Kalam Mallik told AFP. Most of Bangladeshs coastal areas are a metre or two above sea level and high storm surges can devastate villages. Authorities have raised the danger signal to its highest level, warning fishermen against going to the sea and triggering an evacuation order for those in at-risk areas. - Ferry sinks - As people fled, police said that a heavily laden ferry carrying more than 50 passengers double its capacity was swamped by rough waters and sank near Mongla, a port in the expected path of the storm. At least 13 people were injured and were taken to a hospital, local police chief Mushfiqur Rahman Tushar told AFP, adding that other boats plucked the passengers to safety. Our plan is to evacuate hundreds of thousands of people from unsafe and vulnerable homes to the cyclone shelters, the governments disaster management secretary Kamrul Hasan told AFP. The authorities have mobilised tens of thousands of volunteers to alert people to the danger. He said some 4,000 cyclone shelters have been readied along the countrys lengthy coast on the Bay of Bengal, with the cyclone expected to hit a 220-kilometre stretch from Indias Sagar Island to Khepupara in Bangladesh. Advertisement The state-run Bangladesh Meteorological Department said Cyclone Remal would make landfall Sunday between 6:00 pm and midnight (1200-1800 GMT). - Vulnerable - In addition to the villagers and fishermen, many of the multi-storey centres have space to shelter their cattle, buffaloes and goats, as well as their pets. Some 78,000 volunteers have been mobilised to alert coastal people and evacuate the vulnerable people, Hasan said. Helal Mahmud Sharif, the chief government administrator of Khulna province, told AFP some 20,000 people had been evacuated to shelters in the most vulnerable coastal regions. Another 15,000 people and about 400 domesticated animals have been evacuated in the coastal Patuakhali and Bhola districts. Advertisement On the low-lying Bhashan Char island, which is home to 36,000 Rohingya refugees from Myanmar, 57 cyclone centres have been readied, deputy refugee commissioner Mohammad Rafiqul Haque told AFP. The countrys three seaports and the airport in the second-largest city Chittagong were closed, officials said. Indias Kolkata airport closed from noon Sunday until Monday morning predicted heavy winds and heavy to very heavy rainfall, airport authorities said, while beaches near the area have been ordered shut. While scientists say climate change is fuelling more storms, better forecasting and more effective evacuation planning have dramatically reduced the death toll. In the Great Bhola Cyclone in November 1970 an estimated half a million people died mostly drowned by the storm surge. Advertisement In May last year, Cyclone Mocha became the most powerful storm to hit Bangladesh since Cyclone Sidr in November 2007. Sidr killed more than 3,000 people and caused billions of dollars in damage. Last October, at least two people were killed and nearly 300,000 fled their homes for storm shelters when Cyclone Hamoon hit the countrys southeastern coast. Anwarul Azim Anar, a three-time parliamentarian from the Jhenaidah-4 segment in Bangladesh and also the president of Awami Leagues Kaliganj sub-district unit left Dhaka on May 12 to undergo medical treatment at Kolkata, from where he went missing the very next day read more Bangladesh will seek help from Interpol to bring back the fugitive mastermind of the brutal killing of the ruling party lawmaker Anwarul Azim Anar, who was found murdered in Kolkata last week, a top official said here on Sunday. Dhaka Metropolitan Polices (DMP) Detective Branch (DB) chief Mohammad Harun-or-Rashid made the remarks while talking to reporters at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on Sunday just before leaving for Kolkata to investigate the murder case. Advertisement Anar, a three-time parliamentarian from the Jhenaidah-4 segment in Bangladesh and also the president of Awami Leagues Kaliganj sub-district unit left Dhaka on May 12 to undergo medical treatment at Kolkata, from where he went missing the very next day. Search for him began after Gopal Biswas, a resident of Baranagar in north Kolkata and an acquaintance of the Bangladeshi politician, filed a complaint with the local police on May 18. According to the Kolkata police, circumstantial evidence indicated that the MP was first strangled and killed after which his body was chopped into pieces and dumped in different areas. Traces of his body or body parts are yet to be found. We will seek help from Interpol to bring back Akhtaruzzaman Shaheen, the fugitive mastermind of Jhenaidah-4 MP Anwarul Azim Anar murder, said Harun, who is also additional commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police. Harun also said that an application will be submitted through the inspector general of police for the repatriation of Shaheen, a childhood friend of the slain lawmaker. A three-member detective branch team has left Dhaka on Sunday and reached Kolkata to investigate the murder of Azim. Harun said the detective branch team will first go to the murder scene in Kolkata and they will interrogate Jihad, who was arrested in India in connection with the murder. Advertisement A Bangladesh court on Friday sent three suspects to an eight-day police remand for their alleged involvement in Anars brutal murder while in India, the West Bengal police claimed to have arrested a Bangladeshi, working as a butcher in Mumbai, from North 24 Parganas district for his alleged involvement in the grisly murder. In a new twist to the ongoing probe, the West Bengal CID officials on Saturday claimed that an angle of gold smuggling could be a possible reason behind the killing. The investigators claimed that an alleged rift over gold smuggling between Anar and his friend, who is a US citizen and his business partner, could be the cause of the crime. Advertisement Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan earlier named a businessman as the key suspect in Anars murder and added that his ministry was working with India and the US to get and put him on trial for the alleged crime. Israels army said at least eight rockets were fired towards central areas of the country from Gazas far-southern city of Rafah, where its forces have been battling Palestinian militants. The military said that a number of the projectiles were intercepted " by Israeli air defences read more The armed wing of Palestinian militant group Hamas said Sunday it had fired a large rocket barrage at Israels commercial hub of Tel Aviv, with the military reporting it had intercepted several. The Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades said in a post on Telegram that they had targeted Tel Aviv with a large rocket barrage in response to the Zionist (Israeli) massacres against civilians. Israels army said at least eight rockets were fired towards central areas of the country from Gazas far-southern city of Rafah, where its forces have been battling Palestinian militants. Advertisement The military said that a number of the projectiles were intercepted " by Israeli air defences. An AFP correspondent in the Gaza Strip reported seeing rockets being fired from Rafah. Rocket sirens blared in Tel Aviv for the first time in months, with an AFP correspondent reported hearing at least three blasts. The war in Gaza broke out after Hamass October 7 attack on southern Israel, which resulted in the deaths of more than 1,170 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures. Militants also took 252 hostages, 121 of whom remain in Gaza, including 37 the army says are dead. Israels retaliatory offensive has killed at least 35,984 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to the Hamas-run territorys health ministry. On Saturday, the prosecutors office in Valparaiso, a coastal city close to areas hardest hit by the fires, said that both suspects were in pre-trial detention read more The remains of a burnt house are pictured following the spread of wildfires affecting many parts of the Valparaiso region, in Vina del Mar, Chile, Reuters A volunteer firefighter and a Chilean forestry official have been formally accused by prosecutors with involvement in setting wildfires that engulfed central Chile this past February, killing over 130 people. Implicated so far is volunteer firefighter Francisco Ignacio Mondaca, along with Francisco Pinto, an official from Chiles National Forestry Corporation (CONAF), part of the Agriculture ministry that is responsible for preventing forest fires. On Saturday, the prosecutors office in Valparaiso, a coastal city close to areas hardest hit by the fires, said that both suspects were in pre-trial detention. Advertisement Attorneys for the two men could not immediately be reached. Authorities say Mondaca, the firefighter, carried out the plot, while citing the CONAF official as the mastermind behind it. Prosecutors said they had access to evidence the shows Moncada and Pinto acted deliberately and that they had knowledge about the optimal weather conditions to start fires. We have material that shows that they agreed to act jointly when the appropriate meteorological conditions arose to ensure that the fires occurred, Claudia Perivancich, regional prosecutor of Valparaiso, told reporters. Officials found that in each of the four places where fires first broke out on Feb. 2 they also found devices made of cigarettes and matches that started them. The judge gave authorities six months to finish the investigation, saying that more work had to be done on the cases of missing victims and each suspects cell phone, according to a post on Valparaisos prosecutor offices X account. Prosecutor Osvaldo Ossandon said authorities were able to link Mondaca to six previous fires that occurred in the area, according to a post on X from Valparaisos prosecutors office. The fires were the worst natural disaster to strike the South American nation since the 2010 earthquake and tsunami that left more than 500 dead. Due to climate change, Chile, Argentina and other parts of South Americas southern cone have faced a severe heat wave, something experts say will become more common during the southern summer months. Advertisement The extreme weather in Chile has also been exacerbated by the El Nino climate phenomenon, which warms the Pacific Ocean. When Yoon, Li and Kishida meet for a trilateral session on Monday, theyll discuss cooperation in six specific areas people-to-people exchanges, climate change, trade, health issues, technology and disaster responses, according to South Koreas presidential office read more Chinese Premier Li Qiang, second right, is welcomed by Kim Hong-kyun, right, South Korean 1st vice minister, as the premier arrives for a trilateral meeting, at the Seoul airport in Seongnam, South Korea. AP Leaders of China and Japan arrived in Seoul to meet separately with South Koreas president on Sunday, a day before they gathered for their first trilateral meeting in more than four years. No major announcement is expected from Mondays trilateral South Korea-China-Japan meeting. But just resuming their highest-level, three-way talks is a good sign and suggests the three Asian neighbours are intent on improving their relations. A trilateral leaders meeting was supposed to take place annually following their inaugural gathering in 2008. But the meeting has stalled since the last one in December 2019 in Chengdu, China because of the COVID-19 pandemic and complex ties among the three countries. Advertisement After they arrive in Seoul on Sunday, Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida are to hold bilateral talks with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to discuss ways to promote cooperation and other issues, according to South Korean officials. Li and Kishida are expected to meet bilaterally as well. When Yoon, Li and Kishida meet for a trilateral session on Monday, theyll discuss cooperation in six specific areas people-to-people exchanges, climate change, trade, health issues, technology and disaster responses, according to South Koreas presidential office. Sensitive topics like North Koreas nuclear program, Chinas claim over self-governed Taiwan and territorial disputes in the South China Sea are not among the official agenda items. But some experts say North Koreas nuclear program which poses a major security threat to South Korea and Japan will likely be discussed among the three leaders though its unclear whether and how much they would publicize the contents of their discussions. The three neighbors are important trading partners to one another, and their cooperation is key to promoting regional peace and prosperity. They together make up about 25% of global gross domestic product. But the three countries have been repeatedly embroiled in bitter disputes over a range of historical and diplomatic issues originating from Japans wartime atrocities. Chinas rise and a U.S. push reinforce its Asian alliances have also significantly impacted their three-way ties in recent years. South Korea and Japan are both vibrant democracies and key U.S. military allies in the region, but their ties in past years suffered a huge setback over the issue of Korean forced laborers during the 1910-45 Japanese colonial period. Bilateral ties have warmed dramatically since last year, when Yoon took a major step toward moving beyond historical grievances to cope with shared challenges like North Korean nuclear threats, the intensifying Chinese-U.S. rivalry and supply chain vulnerabilities. Advertisement Since 2022, North Korea has been engaged in an unprecedentedly provocative run of weapons tests to build powerful nuclear missiles capable of hitting key sites in the mainland U.S., South Korea and Japan. In response, South Korea, Japan and the U.S. have expanded their trilateral security partnership, but that has drawn rebukes from China and North Korea. South Korea, Japan and the U.S. want China North Koreas major ally and economic pipeline to use its leverage to persuade the North to abandon its nuclear ambitions. But China is believed to have clandestinely supported the impoverished North. Experts say South Korea, China and Japan now share a need to improve ties. South Korea and Japan want better ties with China because it is their biggest trading partner. China, for its part, likely believes a further strengthening of the South Korea-Japan-U.S. cooperation would hurt its national interests. Advertisement Before his departure at Tokyos Haneda airport, Kishida said it is very meaningful for leaders of the three countries to get together and discuss areas of cooperation among them and other regional and international issues. South Korean and Chinese officials also expressed hopes that the trilateral meeting would enhance three-way cooperation. China, meanwhile, has always sent its premier, the countrys No. 2 official, to the trilateral leaders meeting since its first session in 2008. Observers say China earlier argued that under then-collective leadership, its premier was chiefly in charge of economic affairs and best suited to attend the meeting, which largely focuses on economic issues. Advertisement However, they say China may face more demands for President Xi Jinping to attend because he has concentrated power in his hands and defied the norms of collective leadership. The former officer of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) faces a 10-year sentence for spying for China read more A former officer of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has pleaded guilty for spying for China, according to the US Department of Justice (DoJ). The former CIA official, identified as 71-year-old Alexander Yuk Ching Ma, spied for China for a period of five years. He now a faces a 10-year prison term. Ma is accused of spying for China along with another former CIA officer. While the DoJ said the co-accused is a blood relative of Ma, they were not named. Advertisement At retiring from the CIA in 1989, Ma worked for the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) during 2004-12 as a contractual staffer. While Ma tried spying for China at the FBI, the agency had recruited him as part of a plan to catch and convict him as it was already aware of his alleged spying for China. Ma gave classified information to China for $50,000 During Mas tenure at the CIA (1982-89), he held a top secret clearance and had access to sensitive and classified CIA information. He had signed a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) that required him to maintain secrecy about that information. The unidentified co-accused had worked at the CIA during 1967-83 and held a similar top secret clearance, had similar access, and had similarly signed the NDA. Both of them spied for China and gave Chinese spy agency classified defence information, according to the DoJ. In March 2001, Chinas Shanghai State Security Bureau (SSSB) approached Ma, who convinced the co-accused named as CC1 in court documents by the DoJ to meet SSSB intelligence officers in Hong Kong. During their meetings that went on for three days, they shared large volume of classified US national defence information in lieu of $50,000 in cash, as per the DoJ. In 2006, Ma while working for the FBI convinced CC1 to provide identities of at least two persons depicted in photographs that were provided to Ma by SSSB intelligence officers, according to the DoJ. Advertisement The individuals identities were and remain classified US national defense information. Ma confessed that he knew that this information, and the information communicated in March 2001, would be used to injure the United States or to benefit the PRC, and he deliberately engaged in the criminal conspiracy with CC #1 and the SSSB anyway, said the DoJ, referring to China with its formal name of Peoples Republic of China (PRC). Notably, the FBI was aware of Mas espionage activities and had recruited as part of a broader plan to keep an eye on him and nab him eventually. China presents the greatest threat to USA: FBI Director Advertisement FBI Director Christopher Wray has said that China presents the greatest threat to the United States. The greatest long-term threat to our nations information and intellectual property, and to our economic vitality, is the counterintelligence and economic espionage threat from China, said Wray. The FBI has long maintained that countering the threat from the Chinese regime is a top priority. The FBI is also aware of the information warfare that the Chinese regime is engaged in to influence the Americans. The threat comes from the programs and policies pursued by an authoritarian government. The Chinese government is employing tactics that seek to influence lawmakers and public opinion to achieve policies that are more favourable to China, said the FBI. The visit will be watched as a checkup on the health of the German-French relationship that drives EU policymaking, at a time of major challenges for Europe: from the Ukraine war to the possible election of Donald Trump as U.S. president in November read more French President Emanuel Macron lands in Germany on Sunday for a three-day state visit followed by a bilateral cabinet meeting as the European Unions two biggest powers seek to show unity ahead of next months EU parliamentary elections. Macrons trip to the capital Berlin, Dresden in the east and Muenster in the west is the first French presidential state visit to Germany in 24 years. The visit will be watched as a checkup on the health of the German-French relationship that drives EU policymaking, at a time of major challenges for Europe: from the Ukraine war to the possible election of Donald Trump as U.S. president in November. Advertisement Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz have very different leadership styles and have publicly clashed on issues from defence to nuclear energy since the latter took power in late 2021. However, they have reached compromises on various fronts of late, from fiscal reform to changes to power market subsidies, allowing the EU to strike deals, and put on a more united front. There are tensions in the German-French relationship but in part precisely because they have dealt with some difficult topics, said Yann Wernert at the Jacques Delors Institute in Berlin, noting the two countries had also converged on the need to expand the EU eastwards. The visit is an attempt at the highest political level to demonstrate that the relationship is working, said Mujtaba Rahman, managing director for Europe at the Eurasia Group think tank. But there are still fundamental gaps on major questions that are looming over the EU. One key such gap is on European defence, in particular if Trump wins the Nov. 5 U.S. presidential election. Defence experts view him as a much less predictably reliable ally for Europe than his Democratic rival, President Joe Biden. Earlier this year the Republican former president not only said he would not protect NATO members from a future attack by Russia if those countries contributions to the defence alliance were lagging, but that he would encourage Russia to do whatever the hell they want. Advertisement France, which has nuclear weapons, has pushed for a more self-reliant Europe on defence matters and has been aggrieved by Germanys decision to buy mostly American gear for its European Sky Shield Initiative air defence umbrella. Germany says there is no credible alternative to the U.S. military umbrella and that Europe does not have time to wait for a homegrown defence industry to be prepared for threats such as Russian hostility. Pomp and business Macron, accompanied on his trip by his wife Brigitte, will start his visit on Sunday meeting in Berlin with the German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier before walking through the landmark Brandenburg Gate with the citys mayor, Kai Wegner. Advertisement On Monday, he will head to Dresden, where he will make a speech in front of the Frauenkirche which was destroyed by Western allies during the Second World War, before heading on Tuesday to Muenster. But perhaps the most significant part of his trip will be the cabinet meeting on Tuesday in Meseberg, just outside Berlin, where the two governments will then get down to business seeking to find common ground on the two main issues they have struggled to see eye-to-eye on, namely defence and competitiveness. The two countries will also try to find common ground on the EU agenda for the next five years, in view of the expected strong showing for the far-right in the parliamentary elections on June 6-9, making EU decision-making more difficult. Advertisement Rahman said the EU would have a clear window to push forward with more ambitious plans between the parliamentary elections and establishment of the new leadership, and next summer before the German elections. This would be especially important if Trump won the election, he said. International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim AA Khan has sought arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders after accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity read more International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor Karim AA Khan has dubbed the allegation that he has equated Israel with the terrorist group Hamas as nonsense. Karim has sought arrest warrants against the leaders of Israel and Hamas over the attack on Israel on October 7 and the subsequent Israeli war in the Gaza Strip. He has accused both sides of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Israel denounced Karims move as Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, who has been indicted by Khan along with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said it drew a despicable parallel between Israel and Hamas. Advertisement In an interview with The Sunday Times of London, Khan rejected the allegation and said he understands Israel has a right to self-defence but added that it does not have a right to commit war crimes. While several countries have backed the ICC as Israel stands isolated internationally, the United States has rejected the move. US President Joe Biden termed the move outrageous. Nobody has license to commit war crimes or crimes against humanity Khan said that he was clear about Israels right to defend itself but added that there could be no right to commit crimes against humanity or war crimes. Khan also rejected that he has equated the State of Israel with Hamas. I am not saying that Israel with its democracy and its supreme court is akin to Hamas, of course not. I couldnt be clearer. Israel has every right to protect its population and to get the hostages back. But nobody has a license to commit war crimes or crimes against humanity. The means define us, said Khan. Khan further said that there could be no double standards about human suffering. He said that he carries with himself a dog tag dedicated to Kfir Bibas, the youngest hostage in captivity in Gaza. This would break anyones heart. Kfir was just nine months old. But theres no monopoly on suffering. There are Palestinian babies dying and we cannot have double standards, said Khan to The Sunday Times. Advertisement Drawing a contrast between the British war against the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and the Israeli war against Hamas, Khan said that even though the British suffered IRA attacks and the British waged the war against IRA, the British did not drop 2,000-pound bombs in Irish capital Belfast just because some IRA members could be there. There were attempts to kill Margaret Thatcher, Airey Neave was blown up, Lord Mountbatten was blown up, there was the Enniskillen attack, we had kneecappings But the British didnt decide to say, Well, on the Falls Road [the heart of Catholic Belfast] there undoubtedly may be some IRA members and Republican sympathizers, so therefore lets drop a 2,000 lb bomb on the Falls Road. You cant do that, said Khan. Advertisement Whats Khans case against Israel & Hamas? Khan has applied for arrest warrants against the leaders of Israel and Hamas. He has placed both the October 7 attack of Hamas and the subsequent Israeli war against Hamas as part of the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Khan has accused both Israeli and Hamas leaders of war crimes and crimes against humanity. On the Israeli side, Khan has accused Netanyahu and Gallant of: Starvation of civilians as a method of warfare as a war crime Wilfully causing great suffering, or serious injury to body or health, or cruel treatment as a war crime Wilful killing or murder as a war crime Intentionally directing attacks against a civilian population as a war crime contrary Extermination and/or murder, including in the context of deaths caused by starvation as a crime against humanity Persecution as a crime against humanity Other inhumane acts as crimes against humanity On the side of Hamas, Khan has accused Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas chief in Gaza Yahya Sinwar, and Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif of: Extermination as a crime against humanity Murder as a crime against humanity Taking hostages as a war crime Rape and other acts of sexual violence as crimes against humanity in the context of captivity Torture as a crime against humanity in the context of captivity Other inhumane acts as a crime against humanity in the context of captivity Cruel treatment as a war crime in the context of captivity Amid the accusation, the Israeli military released a statement stating that the IDF clarifies that there is no incident of a soldiers kidnapping read more As the Israel-Hamas war continues to escalate, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) denied Hamas claims that the Israeli soldiers had been kidnapped and killed during the Gaza ground assault. Amid the accusation, the Israeli military released a statement stating that the IDF clarifies that there is no incident of a soldiers kidnapping, The Times of Israel reported. Earlier this week, a spokesperson from Hamass armed wing that the terror group has captured Israeli soldiers during IDFs operation in Gazas Jabaliya. The clarification from IDF came hours after it conducted strikes in Rafah despite the International Court of Justices order to halt military operations in the southernmost Gazan city. Advertisement Israels problematic interpretation of the ICJ ruling Amid the chaos, Israeli officials to reporters that Jerusalems interpretation of the ambiguous ICJ ruling allows room for military action in Rafah. Earlier this week, the international court ordered Israel to immediately halt its military offensive, and any other action in the Rafah governorate, which may inflict on the Palestinian group in Gaza conditions of life that could bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part. The order came as a part of South Africas case accusing Israel of genocide. While the ruling was significant, many claimed that it was an unclearly worded verdict. Some even called it a limited order, instructing Israel to abide by the Genocide Convention during its activities in Rafah. Hence, this meant that the Jewish nation was still not required to completely halt military operations in the area. The South African judge on the bench, by contrast, argued that the ruling explicitly requires Israel to halt all offensive military operation in the southernmost Gazan city whose crossing was touted as the only gateway for Gazans to the outside world at the start of the war. Israelis chose the easy interpretation While speaking to Channel 12, an Israeli official maintained that the Jewish nation has decided to choose the former interpretation of the court ruling. What they are asking us, is not to commit genocide in Rafah. We did not commit genocide and we will not commit genocide, National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi told Channel 12 news in an interview on Saturday. Advertisement According to international law, we have the right to defend ourselves and the evidence is that the court is not preventing us from continuing to defend ourselves," he added. Another Israeli official echoed the same sentiment by pointing out the phrasing of the ruling by the ICJ. The order in regard to the Rafah operation is not a general order, the official told Reuters on condition of anonymity, saying the orders wording did not rule out all military action. We have never, and we will not conduct any military action in Rafah or elsewhere which may inflict any conditions of life to bring about the destruction of the civilian population in Gaza, not in whole and not in part, the official added. Advertisement While the court has no means to enforce this order, the verdict could lead to the UN Security Council to levy sanctions against Israel if a resolution were adopted accusing the country of non-compliance with the ICJ ruling. With inputs from agencies. Lebanons official National News Agency (NNA) reported that the Israeli enemy targeted a motorbike in Hula, a border village, leading to two martyrs and two wounded. It was the third such strike on people on motorbikes in south Lebanon on Sunday, the agency said read more Israeli strikes on south Lebanon on Sunday killed five people, official media and a source close to Hezbollah said, as Israels military claimed attacks targeting the Iran-backed militant group. Lebanons Hezbollah, a Hamas ally, has traded regular cross-border fire with Israel since the Palestinian militant groups October 7 attack on southern Israel which triggered war in the Gaza Strip. Lebanons official National News Agency (NNA) reported that the Israeli enemy targeted a motorbike in Hula, a border village, leading to two martyrs and two wounded. Advertisement It was the third such strike on people on motorbikes in south Lebanon on Sunday, the agency said. The NNA had earlier reported two martyrs and wounded civilians in the raid that targeted a motorcycle in Aita al-Shaab, another border village. It was unclear wether civilians were among the dead in Hula and Aita al-Shaab. The NNA also reported unspecified casualties in a separate strike earlier that targeted a motorbike in the border town of Naqura. The Israeli army said in a statement that a Hezbollah terrorist was identified exiting a military structure in the Naqura area, adding that an aircraft struck and eliminated the operative. It also said the army struck two Hezbollah terrorists who were identified operating in the Aita al-Shaab area. Hezbollah announced a fighter had been killed, and a source close to the group said he died in Naqura. The powerful Shiite Muslim movement claimed several attacks on Israeli troops and positions on Sunday, including some in retaliation for the Naqura and Aita al-Shaab strikes. In recent weeks Hezbollah has stepped up its cross-border attacks, which it says are in support of Gazans and its ally Hamas, while Israel has struck deeper into Lebanese territory. The violence has killed at least 438 people in Lebanon, mostly militants but also including 82 civilians, according to an AFP tally. Advertisement Israel says 14 soldiers and 11 civilians have been killed on its side of the border. Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on Palestine, further called upon the international community to suspend diplomatic and political relations with the State of Israel read more Francesca Albanese, the United Nations (UN) envoy for Palestine, has said that Israel will not stop this madness until the world made it stop. In her plea to the international community to stop the Israeli war in Gaza, Albanese said the countries should impose sanctions on Israel and cut diplomatic and political relations with it. Albanese made the call as she shared a post from the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) over the International Court of Justices (ICJ) order for Israel to immediately stop its military operation in Rafah in the Gaza Strip. Advertisement Rafah is a town at the southern tip of the Palestinian enclave of Gaza. It is the last-remaining town where major Israeli ground offensive has not yet taken place. Until some weeks back, around 1.3-4 million Palestinians displaced from months of war in Gaza had taken shelter in Rafah. The international community, including the United States, had asked Israel to not invade Rafah as it could lead to high civilian casualties and a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. While Israel has not yet launched a full-fledged invasion of Rafah, it has conducted phased and limited operations in the city and around 900,000 people have left the town. While Israel sees this as a successful evacuation of those sheltering in Gaza, the ICJ saw it as a displacement of a population that was already displaced from the fighting. As ICJ orders Israel to stop, it intensifies attacks Albanese in her post on X (formerly Twitter) said that while the ICJ ordered Israel to stop its offensive in Rafah, Israel has intensified it. Albanese further called the Israeli war in Gaza as madness and called for the world to impose punitive measures on Israel. Be sure: Israel will not stop this madness until we make it stop. Member states must impose sanctions, arms embargo, and suspend diplomatic/political relations with Israel till it ceases its assault, said Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on Palestine. Let's be clear. As the ICJ orders Israel to stop its offensive in Rafah, Israel intensifies its attacks on it. The news I am receiving from the people trapped therein are terrifying. Be sure: Israel will not stop this madness until WE make it stop. Member states must impose https://t.co/64SQbOKNXz Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur oPt (@FranceskAlbs) May 24, 2024 Advertisement How did Israel respond to ICJs order? While the ICJs order has generally been interpreted as calling for an immediate cessation of Israeli operation in Rafah, Israel and some in the pro-Israel camp have interpreted it as allowing for room for limited actions short of a full-fledged invasion of Rafah. In its order, the ICJ said Israel must immediately halt its military offensive, and any other action in the Rafah Governorate, which may inflict on the Palestinian group in Gaza conditions of life that could bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part. Advertisement The ICJ, the top UNs court, further ordered Israel to maintain open the Rafah crossing for unhindered provision at scale of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance. In a statement following the ICJs order, Israeli National Security Council and Foreign Ministry said in a joint statement that Israel has not and will not carry out operations that risk the destruction of the civilian population in Rafah, according to The Times of Israel. It further said that it will continue to enable the Rafah crossing to remain open for the entry of humanitarian assistance. Advertisement The statement appeared to emphasise that the Israeli war in Rafah could continue in line with the ICJs order. Ukraine so far has been using home-produced drones for its strikes Russia. The time has come for allies to consider whether they should lift some of the restrictions they have put on the use of weapons they have donated to Ukraine, Stoltenberg said in the Economist interview published Friday read more Italys Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reiterated Sunday her opposition to the use of weapons supplied to Ukraine on Russia soil, after the NATO chief reportedly suggested letting Kyiv strike targets beyond its border. According to Italian media reports, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told the British weekly The Economist that Ukraines allies should consider letting it use NATO-supplied weapons to hit targets in Russia, rather than restricting use to Ukrainian territory. I dont know why Stoltenberg said such a thing, I think we have to be very careful, Meloni told Italian television, while adding that I agree that NATO must remain firm, not give the signal that it is giving in. Advertisement Ukraine regularly launches strikes across the border into Russia, particularly into the Belgorod region, a tactic it views as fair retaliation in the fighting since Moscow launched its invasion in February 2022.. According to The Economist, Ukraine so far has been using home-produced drones for its strikes Russia. The time has come for allies to consider whether they should lift some of the restrictions they have put on the use of weapons they have donated to Ukraine, Stoltenberg said in the Economist interview published Friday. To deny Ukraine the possibility of using these weapons against legitimate military targets on Russian territory makes it very hard for them to defend themselves, he said. The comments sparked an outcry from officials in Italy, which is providing military aid to Ukraine but fears that the conflict could spread. Speaking at an election rally in Naples, Matteo Salvini, deputy prime minister and leader of the anti-migrant League party, slammed Stoltenbergs remarks, saying: This gentleman either asks for forgiveness, rectifies his remarks or resigns. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said that the military equipment sent by Italy must be used inside Ukraine. On Thursday, before Stoltenbergs interview, Moscow denounced mounting calls from Washington for Ukraine to be allowed to fire donated American weaponry into Russia. We know that among US Senators and Congressmen there are very many hotheads who consider it their duty to keep pouring oil on the fire, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in a video posted by Russian journalist Pavel Zarubin. Advertisement Peskov condemned the an absolutely irresponsible position that could be dangerous in its consequences. The visit was originally meant to take place last July but was postponed at the last minute due to rioting in France following the killing of a 17-year-old by police. While Macron is a frequent visitor to Germany as Paris and Berlin try to coordinate their positions on EU and foreign policy, this is the first state visit with full pomp since Jacques Chirac came in 2000 read more President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Germany Sunday for the first state visit by a French head of state in 24 years, a three-day trip meant to underline the strong ties between the European Unions traditional leading powers. The visit was originally meant to take place last July but was postponed at the last minute due to rioting in France following the killing of a 17-year-old by police. While Macron is a frequent visitor to Germany as Paris and Berlin try to coordinate their positions on EU and foreign policy, this is the first state visit with full pomp since Jacques Chirac came in 2000. Macron and his wife, Brigitte, are being hosted by Germanys largely ceremonial president, Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Advertisement The visit comes as Germany celebrates the 75th anniversary of its post-World War II constitution. Steinmeier is holding a state banquet for Macron at his Bellevue palace in Berlin on Sunday evening before the two presidents travel on Monday to the eastern city of Dresden, where Macron will make a speech, and on Tuesday to Muenster in western Germany. The state visit will be followed later Tuesday by a meeting between Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and ministers from both countries at a government guest house outside Berlin. Germany and France, which have the EUs biggest economies, have long been viewed as the motor of European integration though there have often been differences in policy and emphasis between the two neighbors on a range of matters. That was evident earlier this year in different positions on whether Western countries should rule out sending ground troops to Ukraine. Both nations are strong backers of Kyiv. El-Fasher has become the center of the conflict between the military and the RSF, which is aided by Arab militias commonly known as janjaweed. The city is the last stronghold that is still held by the military in the sprawling Darfur region read more More than two weeks of fighting between Sudans military and a notorious paramilitary group over a major city in the western Darfur region killed at least 123 people, an international aid group said Sunday. The fighting in el-Fasher, the provincial capital of North Darfur province, also wounded more than 930 people in the same period, Doctors without Borders said. This is a sign of the violent intensity of the fighting, the group said. We urge the warring parties to do more to protect civilians. Advertisement Clashes between the military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces escalated earlier this month in the city, forcing thousands of people to flee their homes, according to the United Nations. El-Fasher has become the center of the conflict between the military and the RSF, which is aided by Arab militias commonly known as janjaweed. The city is the last stronghold that is still held by the military in the sprawling Darfur region. Sudans conflict began in April last year when soaring tensions between the leaders of the military and the RSF exploded into open fighting in the capital, Khartoum, and elsewhere in the country. The conflict killed more than 14,000 people and wounded thousands more amid reports of widespread sexual violence and other atrocities that rights groups say amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. It also pushed the countrys population to the brink of famine. The U.N. food agency warned the warring parties earlier this month that there is a serious risk of widespread starvation and death in Darfur and elsewhere in Sudan if they dont allow humanitarian aid into the vast western region. The RSF has built up forces in recent months seeking to wres control of el-Fasher. Along with its Arab militia allies, the RSF besieged the city and launched a major attack on its southern and eastern parts earlier this month. Advertisement The clashes renewed on Thursday in the Abu Shouk camp for displaced people in the Salam neighborhood in the citys northern part, as well as its southern western parts, the U.N.s International Organization for Migration reported. On Saturday, a shell hit the house of a Doctors Without Borders aid worker close to the citys main market, killing the worker, the charity said. The warning came on Sunday from the hermit nations Vice Defence minister Kim Gang Il. The defence official maintained that the US had flown at least 16 of its RC-135 and U-2S strategic reconnaissance planes and RQ-4B drone over the Korean peninsula. read more Amid the brewing tensions in the Korean Peninsula, North Koreas defence ministry accused the United States and South Korea of flying spy planes and ships near its territory. Accusing both nations of ramping up reconnaissance activities, North Korea warned that it will have to take stringent measures to safeguard its sovereignty. According to the North Korean news agency KCNA, the warning came on Sunday from the hermit nations Vice Defence minister Kim Gang Il. The defence official maintained that the US had flown at least 16 of its RC-135 and U-2S strategic reconnaissance planes and RQ-4B drone over the Korean peninsula. Advertisement As per the ministry, the spy planes and drones were flown between May 13 and May 24. Kim went on to accuse South Koreas navy and coast guard of increasing military activities in the region and stoking further tensions. Propaganda leaflets sent through balloons: North Korea The vice defence minister also revealed that propaganda leaflets are being sent in balloons from South Korea. Pyongyang eventually called this whole ordeal a dangerous provocation. It is a known fact that the North Korean defectors and activists in South Korea often send balloons containing anti-Pyongyang leaflets, alongside food, medicine, money, mini radios and USB sticks loaded with South Korean news and dramas. Even now, the US and South Korean puppet air forces are continuously mobilising various aircraft with little or no time gap throughout the day, carrying out aerial reconnaissance activities at a level comparable to war-time situations, Kim said in a statement on Sunday, KCNA reported. He insisted that their provocative activities seriously infringe on North Koreas national sovereignty and the countrys security. We will act immediately when the nations sovereignty and security interests are violated, Kim added. In recent years, tensions in the Korean peninsula have reached an all-time high. Countries like Japan, the United States and South Korea have started conducting joint military drills in the region to tackle North Koreas growing aggressiveness. Advertisement Meanwhile, Pyongyang has also escalated testing ballistic missiles and launching spy satellites making the world more anxious. With inputs from Reuters. The organisations stated that food security levels have significantly declined as a result of the Israeli armys ground operation in Rafah City, south of the Gaza Strip, which began on 7 May and was preceded the day before by blocking the entry of humanitarian aid trucks through the Rafah crossing the statement read read more Seventy organisations, including the Geneva International Centre for Justice and Brussels Court, are urging relevant authorities and global institutions to formally recognise a famine in the Gaza Strip. This call comes amid alarming reports of widespread famine, as highlighted by the Geneva-based Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor. The monitor contends that food insecurity is escalating within the enclave, attributing it to Israels alleged use of starvation tactics as a weapon of war against the Palestinian people. Such actions, the organisations argue, are equal to genocide, an accusation vehemently denied by Israel. Advertisement According to their statement, food security levels have plummeted significantly following the Israeli armys ground operation in Rafah City, situated in the southern region of the Gaza Strip. The operation, which commenced on May 7th and was preceded by the blocking of humanitarian aid trucks at the Rafah crossing a day earlier, has left thousands of trucks stranded on the other side of the crossing, inaccessible to the reliant residents due to Israels purported decision to deprive Gaza of essential supplies. Euro-Med reports that health authorities have officially documented 30 famine-related deaths, with fatalities occurring nearly daily, exacerbated by Israeli airstrikes and insufficient medical assistance. In response to the crisis, approximately 200 aid trucks, including four fuel trucks, are slated to enter Gaza via the Kerem Shalom border crossing on Sunday, as confirmed by Khaled Zayed, head of the Egyptian Red Crescent Society in North Sinai, in a statement to Reuters. The Rafah border crossing, historically the primary entry point for humanitarian aid and commercial goods into Gaza, has remained shuttered for nearly three weeks. This closure ensued after Israel assumed control of the Palestinian side of the crossing, intensifying its military operations in the region since early May. Russias security and intelligence service FSB is leading the purge against the Russian defence leadership with President Vladimir Putins blessing, according to reports read more Russian President Vladimir Putin with Sergei Shoigu (left), who has been removed as the country's defence minister, and other defence leaders. (Photo: AP) As the Russian war in Ukraine appears to stabilise in his favour, President Vladimir Putin has launched a purge of senior defence leaders, according to reports. In recent months, a number of top Russian officials in the defence and security apparatus have either been arrested or moved around. Sergei Shoigu, who had been the Defence Minister of Russia for the past 12 years, was also shunted out and was replaced with an economist with no background in defence. Advertisement Russias security and intelligence service FSB is leading the purge against the Russian defence leadership with Putins blessing, as per The Moscow Times. The Putin-backed crackdown has been compared to Soviet Union-era purges in which rulers used to take down senior figures deemed to be disloyal or not toeing the line completely. Putin is now in his fifth term as Russias ruler and has been running the country for almost 25 years continuously. During his rule, he has stomped over all opposition and crushed all dissent in the country. The New York Times reported that experts have said that Putins crackdown indicates that he now has greater confidence about his battlefield prospects in Ukraine and his hold on power in Russia. In his fifth straight term, Putin has no opponent in sight and is the President of Russia for life. Dozens or even hundreds could be jailed by end of year As the FSBs crackdown on Russian defence leadership continues, a Russian government official told The Moscow Times that dozens or maybe hundreds of officials could be arrested by the end of the year. I think by the end of the year, dozens, maybe hundreds of people of different ranks will be arrested in all Defense Ministry units, said the official. The newspaper also reported that the purge is also part of the broader tussle between the FSB, the successor of the Soviet-era all-powerful agency KGB, and the Russian military. With Putins blessing, the FSB appears to have been prevailed in the tussle. The FSB is going after the defence leadership in the name of fight against corruption, as per the paper. Advertisement The report said that the FSB is going after high-ranking generals in hopes of pinning the blame for the botched 2022 invasion of Ukraine on the militarys top brass and taking control of the distribution of the vast military budget. It said its happening with Putins approval. There is a fierce cleanup underway. The FSB is mopping up [former Defense Minister Sergei] Shoigus team. Its to be expected. This kind of operation can only be carried out with approval at the very top [of the countrys leadership], said a source to the paper. The report further said that the purge is part of the plan to put the blame for the Ukraine Wars failure on one party. Advertisement There must be one single party to blame for the failure of the invasion. It is either the special services [FSB], which were engaged in intelligence and analytical preparations for the war and promised Putin a triumphant operation and a quick victory but failed or the second army of the world under PR-czar Shoigu which was supposed to ensure Putins victory but turned out to be a paper tiger and failed miserably, said a source to the paper. Initially, Putin had planned to wrap the invasion of Ukraine in weeks if not days. The idea was to overpower Ukraine in a sweeping offensive and takeover Kyiv and then replace President Volodymyr Zelenskyys government with a regime friendly to Moscow. But that could not happen as Ukrainians mounted a fierce defence and put up a much stronger fight. Within weeks, Russia withdrew from the attack on Ukrainian capital Kyiv and changed the goals of the war to focus on the eastern part of the country where a grinding war of attrition has now been going on for more than two years. Advertisement Who all have been arrested in Putins purge? Recently, five top Russian military officers have been arrested in the ongoing purge, according to The Moscow Times. Four of these officers have been arrested within the past two weeks alone after Putin removed Shoigu as defence minister. In April, Shoigus deputy Timur Ivanovs arrest was publicly reported. The investigators were quoted as saying that his conduct over the past five years was being probed. There has been loads of information about corruption schemes in the Defense Ministry, criminal cases have been piled up. But while Shoigu was a minister and had enormous influence, investigators were not allowed to pursue them, said an official to the newspaper. Advertisement Major General Ivan Popov, a top Russian commander who led the military against the Ukrainian counteroffensive, was also arrested this week on charges of fraud. He has previously criticised the Russian defence leadership last year in a recording that went viral. Other officers who have been arrested include Lt. Gen. Yury Kuznetsov, head of the Defense Ministrys personnel directorate, and Lt. Gen. Vadim Shamarin, Deputy Chief of the military general staff, according to VOA News. The mosque in question is the Grand Mosque of Shadian which is touted as Chinas biggest and grandest Muslim place of worship read more The last major Arabic-style mosque in China has lost its dome and had its minarets radically modified raising concerns about the growing intolerance in the country. According to The Guardian, experts believe that the recent modifications are part of the Chinese governments campaign to sinicise the countrys Muslim places of worship. The mosque in question is the Grand Mosque of Shadian which is touted as Chinas biggest and grandest Muslim place of worship. The mosque towers over the small town from which it takes its name and is located in the southwestern Yunnan province. Advertisement As per the reports, until last year, the building was graced by a tiled green dome and adorned with a crescent moon. It was also flanked by four smaller domes and soaring minarets. In 2022, the entrance pavilion was decorated with a large crescent moon and star made from vivid black tiles. What are the new changes? The latest satellite photographs and witness accounts obtained by The Guardian show that the dome has been removed and replaced by a Han Chinese-style pagoda rooftop. The minarets of the mosque, on the other hand, have been shortened and converted into pagoda towers. Theres only a faint trace of the crescent moon and star tiles that once marked the mosques front terrace. This is not the first case of a mosque being modified according to Chinese propaganda. Yunnans other landmark mosque, Najiaying, which is less than just 100 miles from the Shadian mosque also faced a similar ordeal. In 2018, the Chinese government published a five-year plan which dealt with the sinification of Islam. One of the major parts of the plan was to resist foreign architectural styles and to promote Islamic architecture that is full of Chinese characteristics. Not only this, a leaked Communist party memo showed that the local authorities were instructed to adhere to the principle of demolishing more and building less. Advertisement Sinification of these two landmark mosques marks the success of the campaign. Even if there are small mosques left of Arab style in villages, it will be difficult for local communities to contest their sinicisation," Ruslan Yusupov, an anthropologist at Cornell University told The Guardian. Hannah Theaker, a historian of Islam in China at the University of Plymouth, said the mosque sinicisation campaign had progressed province by province. The Yunnan province which is one of the furthest provinces from Beijing was actually tackled last. By 2023, there was a sense among communities that architectural sinicisation would reach the famous Yunnanese mosques, as the last major unsinicised mosques in China," Theaker furthered. Advertisement Ma Ju, a Chinese Hui living in New York insisted that the renovations were a clear message to destroy your religion and your ethnicity. The history of the Grand Mosque of Shadian The grand mosque was first built during the Ming Dynasty and was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution. In an uprising, known as the Shadian incident, the Peoples Liberation Army suppressed the Hui Muslims in the area. Over 1,000 people were killed in the tragic incident. The mosque was later rebuilt and expanded with the help of the Chinese government. It is pertinent to note that the mosque was designed based on the Prophets Mosque in Medina, Saudi Arabia, where Muhammad is believed to be buried. Advertisement The building comprises three prayer halls and a capacity for 10,000 worshippers. The Hui Muslims are an ethnic minority in China and have a similar population size to Uyghurs. Several demonstrators also raised banners that read Stop the war and help. The families of the hostages also demanded the government reach a deal to release dozens of hostages who are still in the captivity of the Hamas terrorist groups read more Clashes broke out between the Israeli police and the protesters after thousands conducted demonstrations in Tel Aviv. The protesters were gathered in the Israeli capital to demonstrate against the government and demand the speedy release of the hostages who are still held in Gaza. Some of the protesters carried photographs of the female soldiers who appeared in a video earlier in the week. Several demonstrators also raised banners that read Stop the war and help. The families of the hostages also demanded the government reach a deal to release dozens of hostages who are still in the captivity of the Hamas terrorist groups. Advertisement People demand Netanyahus resignation According to The Guardian, the protesters called for the resignation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. We all saw the video, we could not stay at home after the government abandoned all these people, said Hilit Sagi, from the group Women Protest for the Return of All Hostages. Amid the clashes between the Israeli police and the general public, seven people were arrested by the authorities late Saturday. Not only this, at least one person was injured in the violent scuffle, Israeli news outlet Haaretz reported. As per the reports, demonstrations were also held elsewhere around the country, including in the port city. The clashes indicate the growing discontent among the Israeli public over the Netanyahu administrations treatment of the raging war against Hamas. Basically they are not doing enough in order for the hostages to come back, either with military force, with [a] hostages deal, negotiating. Nothing is being done, said Snir Dahan, uncle of hostage Carmel Gat, still in captivity in Gaza. The protests came just days after the bodies of three Israeli hostages were recovered from Gaza by the Israel Defence Force (IDF). The military stated that they were killed on the day of the October 7 attack and their bodies were taken to Gaza by the Hamas terrorists. The Netanyahu administration has been facing immense pressure, both at home and abroad to stop the war and allow humanitarian aid into the enclave that is home to 2.3 million Palestinians. Concerns have been also raised about Israels looming ground assault in Rafah. Advertisement With inputs from agencies. Six passengers and six crew members suffered injuries in the latest incident, when Qatar Airways flight QR017 endured turbulence over Turkey, Dublin airport said in a statement. The flight landed as scheduled shortly before 1:00 pm (1200 GMT) Sunday, it added read more Twelve people were injured during turbulence on a Qatar Airways flight from Doha to Ireland that landed safely on Sunday, Dublin airport authorities said. The incident comes a week after a passenger died and dozens were injured when a Singapore Airlines flight from London hit severe turbulence and was diverted to Bangkok. Six passengers and six crew members suffered injuries in the latest incident, when Qatar Airways flight QR017 endured turbulence over Turkey, Dublin airport said in a statement. Advertisement The flight landed as scheduled shortly before 1:00 pm (1200 GMT) Sunday, it added. Qatar Airways said the injuries sustained were minor and that the incident was now subject to an internal investigation. Upon landing, the aircraft was met by emergency services, including airport police and our fire and rescue department, due to six passengers and six crew [12 total] on board reporting injuries after the aircraft experienced turbulence while airborne over Turkey. The Dublin Airport team continues to provide full assistance on the ground to passengers and airline staff, said the statement from Dublin airport. A British man died and more than 100 people were injured when Singapore Airlines flight SQ321 endured extreme turbulence last Tuesday, forcing the plane to make an emergency landing in Bangkok, where several people are still being treated in hospital. Passengers and crew suffered skull, brain and spine injuries when they were thrown violently around the cabin during the terrifying high-altitude ordeal. Singapore Airlines have since tightened their seatbelt rules. Air safety experts say that passengers are often too casual about wearing seatbelts, leaving them at risk if the plane hits unexpected turbulence. Scientists also warn that so-called clear air turbulence, which is invisible to radar, is getting worse because of climate change. Former US President Donald Trump has also said that Nikki Haley, his former rival for the Republican Partys presidential nomination, will surely find a place in his second presidential term read more Former US President Donald Trump has dropped names of four potential running mates in the US presidential election. Trump is the presumptive nominee of the Republican Party for the 2024 US presidential election. He has so far not named his running mate and there is widespread speculation about potential contenders with several names doing rounds. In an interview with News 12 New York, Trump said there are so many potential candidates for his running mates. He then went on to name four candidates who he said were doing fantastic work. Advertisement In nearly all surveys so far, Trump has higher ratings than US President Joe Biden. In the latest survey by Emmerson College conducted earlier this month, he leads Biden by 5%. Who are Trumps favourite picks for Vice President? When asked to name top contenders for his running mate, Trump dropped four names. Trump named Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, Dr Ben Carson, Senator JD Vance from Ohio, and Representative Elise Stefanik from New York as his top picks. Of the four, Carson has been most closely associated with Trump as he was his Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in his first presidency. In an interview with News 12 New York, Trump said he did not want to name top candidates as there were so many. Well, we have so many. I dont want to do that but we have so many! You could take people like Ben Carson, you could take people like Marco Rubio and JD Vance. I mean there are so many! Elise Stefanik is doing a fantastic job. But I can go on for quite a long time. We have many people that will do a really fantastic job, said Trump. Is Nikki Haley going to be in Trumps cabinet? After a fierce contest for the Republican Partys nomination during which Nikki Haley denounced Trump repeatedly, there are signs that the two could be bridging their differences. Advertisement Earlier this week, Haley endorsed Trump in the US presidential election. Three days later, Trump said he thinks she will going to be in our team. We have a lot of the same ideas and same thoughts. I appreciate what she said. I know we had a nasty campaign, it was pretty nasty, but she is a very capable person and I am sure she is going to be on our team in some form, said Trump. Haley served as the US Ambassador to the United Nations (UN) during Trumps presidency (2016-18), but she resigned midway. Then, last year, she launched her presidential campaign that she ended earlier this year. Then, earlier this week, she endorsed Trump in what many people saw as a sign that she could be seeking a place in a second Trump presidency, perhaps even a running mate ticket. Advertisement Could there be a wild card entry? While Trump has dropped four names and there are speculations about Haley, there is another Republican leader who may have a wild card entry: Tom Cotton. Cotton is a senator from Arkansas and is a US Army veteran. Cotton has emerged as an unexpected top candidate for Trumps running mate, according to The New York Times. Trump has privately said that he sees Cotton as a reliable and effective communicator, as per the newspaper. The report further said that the emergence of Cotton as a top contender shows that Trump is heavily weighing experience and the ability to run a disciplined campaign over other factors. 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A meeting regarding the ongoing war is scheduled to take place in Switzerland in June and the main aim of the summit is the pile up pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin. The international meeting has become more important in recent weeks as Russian forces have made significant advances on the battlefield. Advertisement Zelenskyys request In a video statement which was recorded inside the charred remains of a printing press destroyed by the Russian forces on May 23, the Ukrainian leader maintained that the summit would show who in the world really wants to end the war. I am appealing to the leaders of the world who are still aside from the global efforts of the Global Peace Summit to President Biden, the leader of the United States, and to President Xi, the leader of China, Zelenskyy said in the video which was shared on his X profile. For them, it is a pleasure to burn. We all know who we are dealing with. Russia is run by men who want to make it a norm burning lives, destroying cities and villages, dividing people, and erasing national borders through war. There is no nation that can stop such war alone, pic.twitter.com/2AJ12vpdjM Volodymyr Zelenskyy / (@ZelenskyyUa) May 26, 2024 Please, show your leadership in advancing the peace the real peace and not just a pause between the strikes, he added. In the past, Russia has maintained that it sees no point in the conference since Moscow which is one of the two parties involved in the war is not even invited. Advertisement Zelenskyys appeal came two days after reports emerged that Putin is willing to halt the ravaging war in Ukraine. The Russian leader is inclined towards a negotiated ceasefire that recognises the current battlefield lines. However, Zelenskyy and other Ukrainian officials maintained that a ceasefire would only help Russia to rearm and regroup. Last week, Zelenskyy maintained that it was crucial to get as many countries around the table at the peace talks as possible. Russia wont be able to deceive: Zelenskyy In his speech, Zelenskyy slammed Russia and said that Moscow wont be able to deceive the world. For them, it is a pleasure to burn. We all know who we are dealing with. Russia is run by men who want to make it a norm burning lives, destroying cities and villages, dividing people, and erasing national borders through war, the Ukrainian leader averred. Advertisement Does Russia want a dialogue? Ukraine has the worlds largest experience of lies from Russia during negotiations. And thats exactly why global efforts are needed. The Global Peace Summit of the leaders whom Russia wont be able to deceive, he added. Zelenskyy also mentioned that eighty countries have already confirmed their participation in the summit. With inputs from Reuters. 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George FM Frequencies In your car and can't find George FM? No worries, we got you. Download the rova app today from the App Store or Google Play to stream George FM from anywhere in the world. But if you're still rocking an old school radio then hit up one of the George frequencies below. Auckland 96.6 FM Hamilton 107.3 FM* Tauranga 107.4 FM* Palmerston North 107.1 FM* Wellington 106.7 FM* Nelson 95.2 FM Christchurch 95.3 FM Dunedin 96.6 FM Queenstown 96.8 FM Streaming 24/7 on our rova app! Freeview Channel 70 - Only available on Freeview Satellite *Low Power Frequency, your radio may not pick them up everywhere in this city Ann received her bachelor's degree in English writing from Taylor University in Indiana. Ann and her husband have two children and a rascal called Wimbledon, a miniature schnauzer named for their love of tennis. Ann currently writes feature stories and entertainment content for The Daily Sentinel's news, Lifestyle and Off the Clock sections. Four members of the U.S. Marshals Services District of Colorado Violent Offender Task Force were recognized last week in Washington D.C. with a national award for solving a fugitive case that resulted in the recovery of two missing children in Hotchkiss, the Marshals Service announced Thursday. The Marshals who were recognized are Deputy U.S. Marshal Mick Bunn, and Special Deputy U.S. Marshals Richard Tifft, Travis Peck, and James Fuller, according to a press release. The four COVOTF members earned this recognition for their diligent work in solving a nearly nine-month investigation into the whereabouts of fugitive Jacqueline Ballard and her two biological grandchildren, Demi and King Jones, who she abducted and fled with, the release stated. Their efforts included over a dozen search warrants, numerous interviews, countless hours of surveillance, and an investigation that spanned five different states. According to a separate release, the U.S. Marshals service first became aware of the case July 1, 2023. July 21, a felony arrest warrant was issued for Ballard by the Hotchkiss Police Department. Eventually, according to the release, investigators found a lead indicating Ballard was about to return to Hotchkiss with the children. The team set up surveillance on a residence in the Willow Heights neighborhood in Hotchkiss and was able to make contact with Danielle Ballard, daughter of Jacqueline and aunt to the children, the release stated. Soon after, members of the joint law enforcement team made entry into the residence as the safety of the children was of the utmost priority, the release stated. Ballard was located inside the home and taken into custody. The children were then located by the law enforcement team and immediately placed in the care of Child Protective Services workers who were also present. The arrest operation involved 25 officers from nine different law enforcement agencies, Child Protective Services and EMS personnel, according to the release. Danielle Ballard was also arrested. I could not be more proud of the phenomenal work that was done by Deputy Bunn and our CBI TFOs Tifft, Peck, and Fuller. This award truly recognizes the work done by our team and how important our relationships are with our state and local partners, said Kirk Taylor, the U.S. Marshal for Colorado. Thursday Night Partly cloudy in the evening. Increasing clouds with periods of showers after midnight. Low 47F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50%. China slams UK for 'wanton stigmatization' of its citizens Iran Press TV Saturday, 25 May 2024 11:08 AM China says the United Kingdom is making false charges against Chinese citizens after the death of an alleged British "spy" working for Beijing. Former Royal Marine Matthew Trickett, 37, who was charged by a British court with illegally collaborating with the Hong Kong government's foreign intelligence service, was found dead in Grenfell Park in Maidenhead, England, last Sunday. Trickett, who was out on bail, was due to appear at the Old Bailey on Friday. Earlier this month, the UK police announced charges against three men holding British nationalityanamely Trickett, Chung Biu Yuen, and Chi Leung Wai (aka Peter Wai). Trickett appeared at a hearing along with the other two men, who were accused of monitoring, surveillance, and harassment of pro-democracy activists in the UK. The Chinese Embassy in the UK condemned the move, describing the charges against Chinese citizens as "groundless and slanderous." On Saturday, China slammed the UK for "wanton stigmatization and arbitrary arrests" following the unexplained death on May 19 of the former Royal Marine commando. China's foreign ministry office in Hong Kong strongly condemned Britain for what it described as false accusations against Chinese citizens and infringing on their legal rights. Hong Kong's Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Algernon Yau urged Britain to let the public "know the truth" about Trickett's death. The UK says its police detectives are still investigating the "unexplained" death of Trickett in the park near where he lived. Yuen and Wai, who are also on bail, are now scheduled to face court in February. Until then, they are banned from traveling abroad and required to sleep at their designated home addresses and report to local police every week. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Idaho Guardsmen train with Canadian and Polish allies By Maj. Robert Taylor, Idaho Army National Guard May 24, 2024 BOISE, Idaho -- For Soldiers of the 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team, annual training was an international affair. The brigade's headquarters conducted a command post exercise May 4-18, 2024, in which soldiers from the Canadian Armed Forces participated, and Polish Land Forces observed and conducted a subject-matter expert exchange. Fostering relationships with the [41st Canadian Brigade Group] and 1st Warsaw Armor Brigade allows Soldiers of the 116th CBCT the unique opportunity to train with allied partners," said Col. Eric Orcutt, Idaho National Guard chief of the joint staff and former 116th CBCT commander. "It allows our Soldiers the ability to learn how other forces operate, build friendships and develop cultural understanding with a force they could potentially work with on future missions." Approximately 16 field grade officers from the 41st Canadian Brigade Group, headquartered in Calgary, formed a brigade staff to participate in the 116th CBCT's staff exercise, held May 11-16, 2024. The exercise was the third interaction between the two units since November and gave soldiers from both armies the chance to work with a foreign unit without crossing an ocean. "Canada is an allied nation that supports the same missions we do," said Lt. Col. Cody Rutz, the 116th CBCT's executive officer. "It's easier for us to test interoperability with a NATO partner if we can train with our neighbor instead of having to travel to Europe." The 41st Canadian Brigade Group is an Army Reserve Formation of the 3rd Canadian Division. Like the 116th CBCT's Idaho Army National Guard Soldiers, most of its soldiers serve their country part-time while serving their communities in times of need. Members of the unit have also deployed in support of the Global War on Terror and to Europe. "We have a lot of common ground," said Rutz. "Training with the 41st lets us train with a unit who has experience in the same environments that we do." Canadian soldiers also attended the 116th CBCT's change of command ceremony May 17, as Col. Jason Gracida took over as the unit's top officer following Orcutt's three-year command tour. During the same week, the Idaho National Guard hosted two maneuver battalion commanders and one operations officer from Poland as part of the state's State Partnership Program. Members of the Polish Land Forces' 1st Warsaw Armor Brigade observed the brigades' CPX and conducted subject-matter expert exchanges with members of the 116th CBCT. As the armor partner to the Illinois National Guard's state partnership with Poland, the Idaho National Guard has maintained a relationship with the Polish Land Forces for approximately 2.5 years. Polish soldiers observed the brigade's combined arms rehearsal, viewed Bradly Fighting Vehicle gunnery, and toured maintenance facilities. They also discussed their own requirements for maneuver operations, training, maintenance, logistics, intelligence, and force generation with US Soldiers. "Poland's expertise on the use and employment of the tank in formations is second to none amongst the allies and partners of the United States," said Maj. Jace Thayer, Idaho SPP director. "We recognize that we can learn as much from the members of the Polish Land Forces as they can from us, which is what makes this unique partnership so valuable to the men and women of the Idaho National Guard." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's comment on the UN General Assembly's resolution on the Srebrenica genocide 24 May 2024 15:20 974-24-05-2024 On May 23, the UN General Assembly voted for a resolution establishing July 11 as the International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica (Bosnia and Herzegovina, BiH). The document was adopted by a vote of 84 in favour to 19 against (Russia included), with 68 abstentions, while 21 countries did not vote. This document is yet another irresponsible attempt by the West to rewrite history and seal the interpretation of the ethnic conflict in former Yugoslavia and related events that suits their geopolitical interests. It is a resolution of a pronounced politicised and anti-Serb nature. Behind the demagogic humanitarian rhetoric, one can see a clear intention to place all responsibility for the Yugoslavia conflict on the Serbian people, thereby punishing them for their free thinking, independence and refusal to bend to NATO's orders. Worse still, the sponsors and supporters of this document in the UN General Assembly had the audacity to declare 'promoting interethnic reconciliation and unity of the three state-forming peoples of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Bosniaks, Serbs and Croats)' as its purpose. We strongly believe that the move will have the reverse effect. The sponsors of the resolution and those who voted for it cannot be unaware of the difficult situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where the legitimate interests of Republika Srpska (one of the two entities of BiH) have been grossly violated for a long time. The document adopted by the General Assembly will only exacerbate the existing differences, increase the conflict potential in the Balkans, and jeopardise the Dayton Agreement which provides the basis for Bosnia and Herzegovina's statehood. Sarajevo political representatives have been pushing for this resolution with persistence worthy of better cause, thereby grossly violating the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Dayton Agreement, which requires a consensus decision of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Their idea was strongly supported by representatives of NATO countries, which bear the main responsibility for the tragic events in Yugoslavia, including in Srebrenica. The unscrupulous sponsors of this anti-Serb initiative were Germany, a country guilty of the largest genocide in the history of society during World War II, and, unfortunately, Rwanda. Republika Srpska has repeatedly and persistently protested against this document. Serb member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Zeljka Cvijanovic sent letters to the UN Secretary-General and the President of the UN General Assembly, as well as to the UN member states, urging them to prevent the adoption of this resolution, which is fraught with a drastic aggravation of the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Balkans as a whole. During the April 30 UN Security Council briefing on BiH that Russia requested, we highlighted the threats to the Dayton Agreement, including those stemming from the adoption of the resolution on Srebrenica. However, Western representatives would not to listen to us or to the Serbs. They will be responsible for the disastrous consequences. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address WWII "Hit 'em HARDER" submarine wreck site confirmed US Navy 24 May 2024 From Courtesy Story WASHINGTON NAVY YARD -- Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) has confirmed the wreck site of World War II submarine USS Harder (SS 257). Using data collected and provided by Tim Taylor, CEO of Tiburon Subsea and the Lost 52 Project, NHHC's Underwater Archaeology Branch confirmed the wreck site they discovered as the final resting place of USS Harder (SS 257). Taylor received a Distinguished Public Service Award from the Navy in 2021 for Lost 52 Project's work to locate, discover and memorialize the 52 submarines lost during World War II. Previous submarines located by Lost 52 project include USS Grayback (SS 208), USS Stickleback (SS 415), USS R-12 (SS 89), USS S-26 (SS 131), USS S-28 (SS 133), and USS Grunion (SS 216). The first USS Harder (SS 257) was commissioned on Dec. 2, 1942, with Cmdr. Samuel D. Dealey in command; and lost at sea with 79 souls aboard on Aug. 24, 1944. Resting at a depth of more than 3,000 feet, the vessel sits upright on her keel relatively intact except for the depth-charge damage aft of the conning tower. Submarines by their very design can be a challenge to identify, but the excellent state of preservation of the site and the quality of the data collected by Lost 52 allowed for NHHC to confirm the identity of the wreck as Harder. "Harder was lost in the course of victory. We must not forget that victory has a price, as does freedom," said NHHC Director Samuel J. Cox, U.S. Navy rear admiral (retired). "We are grateful that Lost 52 has given us the opportunity to once again honor the valor of the crew of the 'Hit 'em HARDER' submarine that sank the most Japanese warships - in particularly audacious attacks - under her legendary skipper, Cmdr. Sam Dealey." Harder's fifth war patrol was the submarine's most successful. Harder depleted the critical supply of destroyers by sinking three of them and heavily damaging or destroying two others in four days, and her frequent attacks resulted in Adm. Ozawa's Mobile Fleet departing Tawi-Tawi a day ahead of schedule. The premature departure upset the Japanese battle plans and forced Ozawa to delay his carrier force in the Philippine Sea, contributing to the defeat suffered by the Japanese in the ensuing battle. The submarine's last known location was in the South China Sea off Luzon during her sixth and final war patrol. Early on Aug. 22, Harder and USS Haddo (SS 255) attacked and destroyed three escort ships off Bataan - Harder sinking escort ships Matsuwa and Hiburi. Joined by USS Hake (SS 256) that night, the coordinated attack group headed for Caiman Point, Luzon. At dawn on Aug. 23, Haddo attacked and fatally damaged the destroyer Asakaze off Cape Bolinao. Haddo informed Harder and Hake that her torpedoes were expended and left for replenishment. Harder and Hake remained off Dasol Bay, searching for new targets. Before dawn on Aug. 24, Hake sighted the escort ship CD-22 and Patrol Boat No. 102. As Hake closed to attack, the patrol boat turned away toward Dasol Bay. Hake broke off approach, turned northward, sighting Harder's periscope 600 to 700 yards dead ahead. Swinging southward, Hake sighted CD-22 about 2,000 yards off her port quarter. To escape, Hake went deep and rigged for silent running. At 07:28 Hake's crew reported hearing fifteen rapid depth charges explode in the distance astern. Hake continued evasive action, returning to the attack area shortly after noon to sweep the area at periscope depth - only finding a ring of marker buoys covering a radius of one-half mile. Japanese records later revealed Harder fired three torpedoes at CD-22. The Japanese ship evaded the torpedoes and began a series of depth charge attacks at 07:28. The fifth depth charge attack sinking Harder and her crew. Harder received the Presidential Unit Citation for her first five patrols, six battle stars for World War II service. Cmdr. Dealey was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his outstanding contribution to the war effort on Harder's fifth patrol. Dealey's other awards included a Navy Cross (Sept. 1943) for Harder's first war patrol; a Gold Star in lieu of second Navy Cross (Nov. 1943) for second war patrol; second Gold Star in lieu of third Navy Cross (Feb. 1944) for third war patrol; the Distinguished Service Cross (July 1944); a third Gold Star in lieu of forth Navy Cross (July 1944) for forth war patrol; and the Silver Star (posthumously, Oct. 1948) for the sixth war patrol. The wreck of USS Harder (SS 257) is a U.S. sunken military craft protected by U.S. law and under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Navy. While non-intrusive activities, such as remote sensing documentation, on U.S. Navy sunken military craft are allowed, any activity that may result in the disturbance of a sunken military craft must be coordinated with NHHC and, if appropriate, authorized through a relevant permitting program. Most importantly, the wreck represents the final resting place of Sailors that gave their life in defense of the nation and should be respected by all parties as a war grave. For more information on USS Harder (SS 257), visit www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/ship-histories/danfs/h/harder-i.html. NHHC, located at the Washington Navy Yard, is responsible for preserving, analyzing, and disseminating U.S. naval history and heritage. It provides the knowledge foundation for the Navy by maintaining historically relevant resources and products that reflect the Navy's unique and enduring contributions through our nation's history and supports the fleet by assisting with and delivering professional research, analysis, and interpretive services. NHHC comprises many activities, including the Navy Department Library, the Navy Operational Archives, the Navy art and artifact collections, underwater archeology, Navy histories, 10 museums, USS Constitution repair facility, and the historic ship Nautilus. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address EU urges Israel to implement ICJ order and halt Rafah offensive IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency May 25, 2024 London, IRNA -- EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell has urged the Israeli regime to implement the world court's orders over the situation in Gaza, including an order to immediately halt a military offensive in the southern city of Rafah. "ICJ orders are binding on the Parties and they have to be fully and effectively implemented", Borrell said on X social media platform on Saturday, a day after the International Court of Justice, the ICJ, issued its ruling on a case brought by South Africa against the Israeli regime. In his post on X, formerly Twitter, the top EU diplomat named the ICJ orders including the one calling for an immediate halt to the military offensive in Rafah, and another urging Israel to keep the city's crossing open for humanitarian aid. Israel launched its offensive in Rafah on May 7 in defiance of international calls not to proceed. The city sheltered some 1.4 million Palestinians before the regime started its miliary operation, of whom nearly 800,000 have now been displaced, according to the ICJ. South Africa's case calling for a halt to the Rafah offensive is part of a lawsuit the country filed against Israel at the UN's top court in late December over the regime's genocide in Gaza. The Hague-based court ordered the regime in January to stop its genocide in the Palestinian territory. 4194 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hezbollah targets Zionist Merkava tank IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency May 25, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Hezbollah of Lebanon has announced it has targeted a Merkava tank of the Zionist Army in the Palestinian territories currently under Israel's occupation, local media reported. Al Ahd news cited a statement by Hezbollah on Sunday which said the targeting of the Zionist tank followed the monitoring of a base of the regime. The tank has been reportedly hit in an ambush of Hezbollah forces. Hezbollah statement said that the tank was carrying a number of Zionist soldiers who were killed or injured. Ever since the launch of the Zionist invasion against the Gaza Strip, the Hezbollah forces began targeting Zionist bases to ease the pressure of the regime on the Gazan people. 9341**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN special rapporteur calls for imposing sanctions on Israeli regime IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency May 25, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories Francesca Albanese has called for the imposition of sanctions against the Zionist regime. Albanese underlined on Saturday that the Israeli regime even extended its military operation in Rafah city located in the southern Gaza Strip following the Friday ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The rapporteur also said that the Israeli regime will not stop its madness and absurdity unless the international community stops it, so sanctions must be imposed on the regime, arms exports to it must be banned, and diplomatic relations with Tel Aviv must be suspended until the attack on Rafah is halted. Director of the Middle East and North Africa department at Amnesty International Heba Morayef also emphasized in a statement on the organization's website on Friday night that any military action which could amount to genocide must be stopped; therefore, the Israeli officials must completely halt the military operations in Rafah. There is no doubt that the ground incursion and the forced displacement of the Gaza residents pose even greater irreversible menaces for the Palestinians whose rights are guaranteed under the Genocide Convention, Morayef warned. Lebanese Judge Nawaf Salam, President of the International Court of Justice, said that in accordance with the Genocide Convention, any operation in Rafah could lead to partial or total destruction in this city, so the Israeli regime must immediately stop the military invasion of Rafah. 4208**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iraqi resistance conducts drone attack on Eilat port IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency May 25, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- The Islamic Resistance in Iraq has carried out an attack on the Eilat Port in occupied Palestine with several drones. In a statement, the resistance movement said it conducted a drone strike against a vital target in Umm Al-Rashrash (Eilat) on Friday evening. It said the attack was carried out in line with standing against the occupation of the Israeli regime, assisting the residents of the Gaza Strip and responding to the Zionists' massacre of civilian Palestinians. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of anti-terror groups, also conducted drone attacks in Eilat on May 15, 17, and 20, 2024. The group has warned the Israeli regime that its fighters will intensify their attacks on the positions of the regime if the occupying forces continue their strikes on Gaza. 4208**4354 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pakistan Welcomes the Ruling of the International Court of Justice on Gaza Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan welcomes the additional provisional measures by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordering Israel to immediately halt its military offensive in Rafah in conformity with its obligations under the Genocide Convention and the worsening deteriorating humanitarian conditions faced by civilians. Pakistan supports the application filed by South Africa before the ICJ against Israel under the 1948 Genocide Convention, in follow up to which the Court has announced additional provisional measures. As required by the latest ruling of ICJ, Israeli occupation authorities should keep the Rafah crossing open for unhindered provision of humanitarian assistance, and ensure unimpeded access to the Gaza Strip of any commission of inquiry, fact-finding mission or other investigative body mandated by the United Nations to investigate allegations of genocide. Pakistan demands immediate and unconditional implementation of the latest orders of the ICJ as well as the previous orders of 26 January and 28 March. We call on the UN Security Council to play its role in ending Israel's ongoing brutal military campaign across Gaza; allowing unhindered flow of humanitarian assistance; taking effective measures to protect civilians in Gaza; and holding Israel accountable for its crimes. Pakistan reaffirms its unwavering support for the inalienable right to self-determination of the Palestinians for a viable, secure, contiguous and sovereign State of Palestine on the basis of the pre-1967 borders and with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. Islamabad 25 May 2024 93/2024 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address South Africa welcomes ICJ's order for Israel to stop military operations in Gaza People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 14:10, May 25, 2024 JOHANNESBURG, May 24 (Xinhua) -- The South African government on Friday welcomed the order handed down by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) which asks Israel to immediately halt its military operation in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. The ICJ's order came as South Africa requested the court on May 10 to deliver a ruling on the modification and the indication of provisional measures against Israel concerning the application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip. "We are gravely concerned that Israel has restricted necessary levels of aid from entering Gaza and has systematically targeted aid infrastructure within Gaza," South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said in a statement. "This case is thus focused on the ordinary Palestinians in Gaza who are now facing their seventh month of suffering through collective punishment for something for which they have no individual responsibility." Palestinians continue to die of starvation, many of them children, and hundreds of thousands are under imminent threat of death because a deliberate decision has been taken by Israel to starve Palestinians by denying them food, the statement said. "Israel is obliged to implement the court's order, as well as the previous orders of Jan. 26 and March 28. Similarly, under international law, the prohibition on genocide is a peremptory norm from which no derogation is permitted, for any reason whatsoever," said Ramaphosa. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Egypt to work with Palestine to resume sending aid to Gaza: media People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 11:28, May 25, 2024 CAIRO, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Egypt will work out a mechanism with the Palestinian Authority (PA) to resume sending humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, Al-Qahera News reported on Friday by quoting a "high-ranking" source. The report said the unnamed source stressed the Rafah crossing is "an Egyptian-Palestinian crossing" and the resume of aid delivery will be conducted through cooperation with the PA. Egypt will also continue to oppose any attempts to liquidate the Palestinian cause or isolate the Gaza Strip from the outside world, according to the report. Earlier on Friday, Egypt and the United States agreed to send large quantities of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip through the Kerem Shalom crossing. The decision was made during a phone conversation between Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden. According to an Egyptian presidential statement, it would be a temporary procedure until "a legal mechanism is reached" to resume the operation of the Rafah crossing from the Palestinian side. Egypt previously said it rejected any coordination with Israel on the Rafah land crossing after Israel seized the Palestinian side of the crucial crossing on May 7. The Israeli government said on Friday that it "will continue to enable the Rafah crossing to remain open for the entry of humanitarian assistance from the Egyptian side "while preventing "terror groups from controlling the passage." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Supreme Court The Supreme Court is slated to hear on Monday the plea filed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) against a Calcutta High Court order restraining the saffron party from publication of derogatory and offending advertisements against the Trinamool Congress (TMC). As per the causelist published on the website of the apex court, a vacation bench of Justices JK Maheshwari and KV Vishwanathan will take up the matter for hearing on May 27. Earlier on Friday, the special leave petition was mentioned before a vacation bench presided over by Justice Bela M Trivedi for directions seeking urgent listing. After much persuasion, Justice Trivedi-led Bench said that it would consider listing the matter. In an order passed this week, Calcutta High passed an ex-parte injunction prohibiting the publication of advertisements which squarely violate the political rights of Trinamool and its functionaries. A bench of Justice Sabyasachi Bhattacharyya of the high court said that the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) prohibits all participants in the election process from criticism of other parties or their workers based on unverified allegations or distortion. It said that the Election Commission of India grossly failed to address, in due time, the complaints raised by the ruling Trinamool Congress. Accordingly, respondent no. 2 (BJP) is hereby restrained from further continuing with the publication of the offending advertisements till June 04, 2024, or until further order, whichever is earlier. The respondent no. 2 is further restrained from publishing advertisements in any form of media which is violative of the MCC issued by the ECI during the aforesaid period, the HC order said. The special leave petition filed before the Supreme Court stated that the high court erred by granting an interim injunction based on the purported violation of MCC without taking into consideration that the issue was pending before the ECI, which has the authority to take appropriate action against any political party. DFA Statement on the Advisory Opinion of the International Tribunal of the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) on the Request Submitted by the Commission of Small Island States on Climate Change and International Law (Case No. 31) Republic of the Philippines - Department of Foreign Affairs MANILA 25 May 2024 -- The Department of Foreign Affairs welcomes the issuance today by the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) of its Advisory Opinion on the 12 December 2022 request submitted by the Commission of Small Island States on Climate Change and International Law The Philippines, as a State Party to UNCLOS, participated in the proceedings by delivering an oral statement during the public hearing on 19 September 2023. The ITLOS cited the South China Sea Arbitration Award of 12 July 2016 as authoritative in key parts of the Advisory Opinion. Further, 26 States or groups of States also referenced the Award as legal authority in their respective oral and written statements during the ITLOS proceedings. This bolsters and reinforces the legitimacy of the final and binding 2016 Arbitration Award, and its unassailable status as part of the corpus of international law. The Philippines therefore takes this opportunity to reiterate its continuing call for full compliance with the Award. The Philippines is diligently studying the Advisory Opinion and its implications for the Philippines and other States Parties to UNCLOS, particularly on the duty to protect and preserve the marine environment in the context of greenhouse gas emissions, climate change impacts, and ocean acidification. The Philippines recognizes that advisory opinions are significant contributions to the clarification and development of international law. The Philippines reiterates the rule of law ensures equity in the global commons and a fair, just, and peaceful multilateral world order. In this regard, the Philippines invites all States to join us in a constructive dialogue and thorough study of the ITLOS Advisory Opinion, in the spirit of collaboration towards fully and faithfully enforcing and complying with UNCLOS for a healthy and thriving marine environment. END NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Gaza war 'real genocide': Spanish defense minister Iran Press TV Saturday, 25 May 2024 5:55 PM Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles has called a "real genocide" Israel's war on the Gaza Strip, as the occupying regime continues its brutal aggression against the besieged territory. Robles made the remarks in an interview with TVE state television on Saturday after Spain decided to formally recognize a Palestinian state, worsening relations between Madrid and Tel Aviv. "We cannot ignore what is happening in Gaza, which is a real genocide," she said, adding that Madrid's recognition of Palestine was not a move against Israel, but rather it was designed to help "end violence" in the blockaded territory. On Wednesday, Ireland, Norway and Spain formally recognized the Palestinian state. In reaction, Israeli authorities ordered the regime's ambassadors from Ireland and Norway to immediately return, and said they would do the same for Spain. Separately, Spain's Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares demanded that Israel must obey Friday's ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which called on the occupying regime to "immediately" halt its military assault on the southern Gaza city of Rafah. "The International Court of Justice's precautionary measures, including the cessation of Israel's offensive in Rafah, are mandatory. We demand its application," Albares said in a post on X. He also called for the release of prisoners and access to humanitarian aid, stressing that "The suffering of Gazans and the violence must end." Israel launched its brutal war on Gaza on October 7 last year after Palestinian resistance groups carried out a surprise retaliatory operation into the occupied territories. Since the start of the aggression, the Israeli regime has been committing war crimes in Gaza, killing at least 35,903 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injuring some 80, 420 others. The Tel Aviv regime has imposed a "complete siege" on the territory, cutting off fuel, electricity, food and water to the more than two million Palestinians living there. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN Special Rapporteur demands sanctions on Israel until it complies with ICJ ruling Iran Press TV Saturday, 25 May 2024 2:43 PM The special rapporteur on the human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territories calls upon the international community to impose sanctions on Israel until the regime complies with an order by the United Nations' top court to immediately halt its military offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. "Israel intensified its attacks on the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip after the International Court of Justice ordered it to stop its operation in the city," Francesca Albanese wrote in a post published on her X account on Saturday. She added, "The news I receive from the people besieged in the city of Rafah is horrific. Israel will not stop this madness until we make it stop." Albanese stressed the need for imposing sanctions on Israel until it complies with ICJ's ruling that ordered Israel to halt its military assault on the city of Rafah. "Member states must impose sanctions on Israel, ban the provision of weapons to it, and suspend political and diplomatic relations with it, until it stops its attack," the top UN official pointed out. The remarks come a day after the International Court of Justice said Israel must "immediately halt its military offensive, and any other action in the Rafah Governorate, which may inflict on the Palestinian group in Gaza conditions of life that could bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part." In early May, Israel carried out ground incursions into the refugee-packed city of Rafah in defiance of global warnings, forcing more than 800,000 people "to flee", according to UN figures. The ICJ, widely known as the World Court, also ordered the Israeli regime to open the Rafah crossing to ensure "unhindered" access to humanitarian aid. The order, was adopted by the panel of 15 international judges in a 13-2 vote, opposed only by judges from Uganda and Israel itself. Israel launched its atrocious onslaught against the Gaza Strip, targeting hospitals, residences, and houses of worship since Palestinian resistance movements launched a surprise attack, dubbed Operation al-Aqsa Storm, against the usurping regime on October 7. At least 35,903 Palestinians have been killed, most of them women and children, and another 80,420 individuals have sustained injuries. More than 1.7 million people have been internally displaced during the war as well. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address May 24: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation Iran Press TV Saturday, 25 May 2024 1:57 PM By Press TV Website Staff Amid Israel's genocidal war on Gaza, which has killed more than 35,800 Palestinians so far, resistance groups in Palestine and across the region continue their operations against the Tel Aviv regime and its Western backers. The major operations carried out by the Palestinian and regional resistance groups on Thursday, May 23, are as follows: Al-Qassam Brigades' operations on May 24: In an ambush in the Beit Lahia project area in the northern Strip, targeted two Merkava-4 tanks and a D9 military bulldozer using an Al-Yassin 105 shell, a tandem shell, and a Shuath explosive device at point-blank range. Sniped two Israeli regime soldiers on the axis of advance in the Beit Lahia project area north of the Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip. Targeted a gathering of Israeli forces with heavy-caliber mortar shells in the "Netzarim" axis, south of Gaza City. Targeted an Israeli military "Merkava" tank with an Al-Yassin 105 shell and a "D9" military bulldozer with a Tandem shell in the vicinity of Salah Al-Din Gate, south of the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip Targeted an Israeli military "Merkava-4" tank with a "Shuath" explosive device north of the Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip. Sniped an Israeli soldier inside a residential building in the Jabalia camp, northern Gaza Strip. Lured an Israeli force to the entrance of a tunnel north of Jabalia town in the northern Gaza Strip and engaged in fierce clashes with them, leaving behind many casualties. Targeted three Israeli military tanks with Al-Yassin 105 shells and Shuath explosives in the Tabet Zari area, northeast of the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. Detonated an Israeli military Merkava-4 tank using a Shuath explosive device in the Al-Qasasib neighborhood in the Jabalia camp, north of the Gaza Strip. Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades' operations on May 24: Bombed a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their military vehicles around the Salah Al-Din Gate, south of Rafah city in the southern Gaza Strip with a barrage of heavy mortar shells. Engaged in fierce clashes with Israeli soldiers and their military vehicles storming Balata camp in the occupied West Bank city of Nablus from several axes with machine guns and explosive devices. Al-Quds Brigades' operations on May 24: Bombed a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their military vehicles around the Salah Al-Din Gate, south of Rafah city in the southern Gaza Strip, with a barrage of 107mm rockets. Targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers in the vicinity of the Turkish Friendship Hospital with a 107mm-guided missile. Martyr Omar Al-Qasim Forces' operations on May 24: Bombed a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their military vehicles at the Sofa military support site, east of the city of Rafah in southern Gaza, using mortar shells. Detonated an explosive device on an Israeli infantry force in the vicinity of the Salah Al-Din Gate, south of the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. In a joint operation with the Al-Quds Brigades, targeted an Israeli military Merkava tank with a tandem shell near the Aisha Mosque in the Jabalia camp. Al-Asifah Forces' operations on May 24: Bombed a gathering of Israeli soldiers and their military vehicles at the Civil Administration site east of the Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip with a barrage of mortar shells. Hezbollah's operations on May 24: Eastern sector: At around 15:35 local time, surveillance equipment at the Bayad Blida site was targeted. At around 17:40 local time, Israeli soldiers in the Margaliot settlement were targeted. At around 18:35 local time, a military building in the Al-Manara settlement was targeted. At around 18:35 local time, Israeli soldiers in the Yoav Barracks were targeted. At around 19:05 local time, Israeli soldiers of the 91st Division in Illit were targeted. At around 19:30 local time, the Ramtha site in Lebanon's Kafr Shuba was targeted. At around 21:30 local time, the headquarters of the Al-Sahel Battalion of the 769th Brigade at the Beit Hilal base was targeted with a Falaq rocket. Western sector: At around 23:35 local time, Israeli soldiers were targeted with a missile at the Sarawat Triangle in Yaroun. At around 17:20 local time, the Al-Malikiyah site was targeted by two Burkan rockets. At around 17:35 local time, a Merkava tank was targeted and destroyed in Horsh Shtoula. Israeli soldiers who came to check the tank were also targeted. At around 18:30 local time, the Doviev site was targeted with Falaq rockets. Islamic Resistance of Iraq's operations on May 24: A vital military site was targeted in Umm Al-Rashrash ("Eilat") in the occupied Palestinian territories using a barrage of drones. The Port of Haifa in the occupied Palestinian territories was targeted using drones. Yemeni military's operations on May 24: Targeted the Israeli-owned ship MSC ALEXANDRA in the Arabian Sea with a barrage of ballistic missiles. The naval forces, the drone air force, and the missile force in a joint operation targeted the ship named YANNIS belonging to Eastern Mediterranean Maritime, a Greek company, as it passed through the Red Sea. The operation came after three ships belonging to the same company arrived at the ports of occupied Palestine on the 4th and 5th of May of this year. The missile force of the Yemeni military targeted a ship named ESSEX with several missiles in the Mediterranean Sea while it was violating the decision to ban entry to the ports of occupied Palestine. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli warplanes bomb Gaza after top UN court orders halt to invasion Iran Press TV Saturday, 25 May 2024 11:21 AM Israel has bombed the Gaza Strip, including Rafah, despite an order from the UN's top court for it to "immediately halt" its military invasion of the southern city. Israeli warplanes targeted parts of Rafah and the central city of Deir al-Balah early Saturday, just a day after the Hague-based International Court of Justice ordered Israel to swiftly stop its military aggression against war-hit Rafah. "We hope that the court's decision will put pressure on Israel to end this war of extermination because there is nothing left here," said a Palestinian woman from Gaza City displaced to Deir al-Balah by the war. The strikes on Saturday, however, proved that Israel gave no indication it was preparing to change course in Rafah. "Israel is an entity that considers itself above the law. Therefore, I do not believe that the shooting or the war will stop other than by force," Mohammed Saleh, another Gaza City resident, told AFP. Israel unleashed its ground invasion of Rafah, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians had taken refuge, despite international warnings about a humanitarian catastrophe, forcing more than 900,000 people to flee the city. In its ruling on Friday, the UN's top court stated that the occupying regime must "immediately halt its military offensive, and any other action in the Rafah governorate, which may inflict on the Palestinian group in Gaza conditions of life that could bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part." Earlier this week, The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) said 75 percent of the Gaza population has been forcibly displaced by Israel since October. "For thousands of Palestinian families, there is nowhere left to go: military operations & bombardments pose a continuous threat, buildings have been turned to rubble. Nowhere is safe in Gaza," the UN's agency stated. Israel has killed more than 35,800 people, mostly women and children, and injured over 80,200 others in Gaza since October 7, when it launched a brutal war in the Palestinian coastal sliver after the resistance movement Hamas carried out Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Global outcry for immediate stop to Rafah invasion 'too loud to ignore': UN aid chief Iran Press TV Saturday, 25 May 2024 9:43 AM UN Humanitarian Affairs Coordinator Martin Griffiths says the global outcry against the Israeli military's invasion of the southern Gaza city of Rafah has "grown too loud to ignore". The UN relief chief said in a statement on Friday that the Rafah onslaught "has displaced more than 800,000 people, fleeing once again in fear for their lives and arriving in areas without adequate shelter, latrines and clean water." The invasion, Griffith said, has cut off the flow of aid into southern Gaza, and crippled a humanitarian operation already stretched beyond its breaking point. He also said that the attack on Rafah has halted food distributions in southern Gaza, and slowed the supply of fuel for the coastal territory's lifelines. "Though Israel dismissed the international community's appeals to spare Rafah, the global clamor for an immediate stop to this offensive has grown too loud to ignore," the UN relief chief added. Griffiths touched on the Security Council's adoption of resolution 2730, which calls for the protection of humanitarian workers and the International Court of Justice's order to open the Rafah crossing to provide aid at scale and stop the military offensive there, saying, "This is a moment of clarity." "It is a moment to demand respect for the rules of war to which all are bound: Civilians must be allowed to seek safety. Humanitarian relief must be facilitated without obstruction," he said. "Aid workers and UN staff must be able to carry out their jobs in safety." Griffiths finally reiterated his demand for the release of Palestinian prisoners and Israeli captives, and agreement to a complete ceasefire in order to end the ongoing nightmare in Gaza. Earlier on Friday, the International Court of Justice said Israel must "immediately halt its military offensive, and any other action in the Rafah Governorate, which may inflict on the Palestinian group in Gaza conditions of life that could bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part." Israel unleashed its ground invasion of of Rafah, where hundreds of thousands Palestinians had taken refugee, despite international warnings about a humanitarian catastrophe. The ICJ, widely known as the World Court, ordered the Israeli regime to open the Rafah crossing to ensure "unhindered" access to humanitarian aid. The order was adopted by the panel of 15 international judges in a 13-2 vote, opposed only by judges from Uganda and Israel itself. Israel launched its atrocious onslaught against the Gaza Strip, targeting hospitals, residences, and houses of worship since Palestinian resistance movements launched a surprise attack, dubbed Operation al-Aqsa Storm, against the usurping regime on October 7. At least 35,857 Palestinians have been killed, most of them women and children, and another 80,293 individuals have sustained injuries. More than 1.7 million people have been internally displaced during the war as well. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Serbian Deals With China On Extradition, Media Cooperation Could Have Lasting Impact By Dusan Komarcevic, Jovana Krstic, Nevena Bogdanovic and Reid Standish May 25, 2024 BELGRADE -- Though the fanfare from Chinese leader Xi Jinping's stop in Serbia has subsided, deals signed during his recent visit could limit press freedom in the country and expand China's extrajudicial reach, warn experts and activists who spoke to RFE/RL. "I think anyone who is considered by Beijing to be a critic of the regime should think twice before traveling to Serbia," Laura Harth, campaign director for the rights group Safeguard Defenders, told RFE/RL's Balkan Service in reference to an extradition agreement inked in Belgrade on Xi's May 7-8 state visit. That contract is one of 28 agreements signed between Beijing and Belgrade during the Chinese leader's trip that ranged from infrastructure to energy. But the extradition deal has set off alarm bells among human rights activists focused on China and Serbia who say the Balkan country's lack of judicial independence could open the door to abuse by Chinese officials. "The signing of an extradition treaty with China is not in itself controversial, but the question is how it will be implemented," Petar Vidosavljevic from the Belgrade Center for Human Rights told RFE/RL's Balkan Service. Similar concerns have been raised by independent journalists and media advocacy groups in Serbia about media cooperation and dissemination agreements signed by Serbia's three main pro-government media outlets and the press service of President Aleksandar Vucic with China Media Group, the main entity that oversees China's state-run radio and television broadcasting. While the text of the agreements have not been made fully public and will have to be ratified by the Serbian parliament to come into force, activists warn that the deal -- when combined with the deterioration of Serbia's media environment -- could further decrease the already shrinking space for independent information in the country. "The fear is that this will lead to an increase in anti-European narratives across the Balkans," Antoinette Nikolova, director of the Balkan Free Media Initiative, told RFE/RL. "The Serbian information environment is already saturated with Russian propaganda and now it will become an echo chamber for Chinese narratives, too." "And it's not just that it's coming from Chinese sources. It will be inserted into the media ecosystem and repackaged through its local infrastructure," she added. Slippery Slope To Extradition Serbia has signed extradition treaties with numerous countries, such as the United States, Germany, Belarus, Turkey, Croatia, Montenegro, and Bosnia-Herzegovina. But in the last five years, courts in more than a dozen European Union member states have stopped adhering to extradition requests from China, due to suspicions that the person whose extradition is sought would face repression, abuse, and extrajudicial retaliation back home. According to Safeguard Defenders, China has thus far signed more than 60 bilateral extradition treaties with countries around the world and more than 40 of them have been ratified by national parliaments. Since Xi came to power in late 2012, Safeguard Defenders has recorded nearly 70 attempts by the Chinese government to return 400 people to China through the extradition procedure. Most of them were in Europe and the extradition requests were deemed to be on tenuous legal grounds. The new extradition deal would also deepen a broader web of security and legal arrangements that Belgrade has inked with Beijing in recent years. Serbia and China signed a 2019 agreement that allowed for joint police patrols between the two countries, permitting Chinese officers to work alongside their Serbian counterparts to deal with an influx of tourists and workers from China into the country. Belgrade was also the site of one of 54 Chinese overseas "police stations" operated by Chinese authorities to pressure citizens to return home, including through pressure on family members in China. While most of the cases documented by the overseas police stations appear to be suspects in crimes such as telecommunications fraud or corruption, dissidents have also reported that the stations have been used to monitor and threaten them. Safeguard Defenders, which first documented the stations, said the Chinese station in Belgrade was used for a case of forced return. Citing Chinese government documents, the NGO says that in 2018 a Chinese national who lived in Belgrade and is identified only as Xia was accused of theft in China and "persuaded to return." According to the rights group, he was identified by the Belgrade station and contacted over the Chinese messaging platform WeChat, where he was eventually "convinced" to return to China after initially being reluctant to leave Serbia. While extradition agreements are common around the world, international law stipulates that they follow the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits a country from returning someone to a country where there is a risk of being subjected to persecution, torture, or other human rights violations. Vidosavljevic says the new deal is worrying given Belgrade's willingness to adhere to extradition requests regardless of whether they meet the non-refoulement requirements or not, citing past examples with Turkey. Safeguard Defenders' Harth says the agreement also sends a worrying message to Chinese citizens abroad. "All of this leads to a heightened sense of fear in the Chinese diaspora communities who are getting the message from Beijing that they can be reached anywhere," she said. Media Cooperation Since Xi's signature foreign policy project, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), was launched a decade ago, it has focused on funding and building infrastructure projects around the world. But expanding the reach of Chinese media has also been a centerpiece. At the BRI Forum in October 2023, the China Media Group -- an umbrella company that oversees state media entities like the Xinhua News Agency, the Global Television Network (CGTN), and China Radio International -- noted that it had signed contracts with 682 media organizations in 151 countries and has broadcasts in more than 40 languages. The agreements signed on May 8 in Belgrade set up cooperation deals with China Media Group and three pro-government Serbian media companies, the public broadcaster Radio Television of Serbia, the daily newspaper Politika, and the Tanjug news agency. Tamara Skrozza, a journalist and member of the Press Council, an independent regulatory body that monitors journalism ethics in the Serbian media, says the deals with the Serbian media entities highlights the lack of transparency surrounding the proposed collaboration. "We're uncertain about its scope, as well as what limitations these media outlets may face due to such agreements, whether they influence their editorial stance or if it's merely a straightforward exchange of content," she told RFE/RL's Balkan Service. Skrozza also emphasized that existing pro-Chinese narratives in Serbia are set to become "even more pronounced after the signing of agreements and memoranda" when combined with the country's declining press freedom situation. The media watchdog Reporters Without Borders has placed Serbia 98th out of 180 countries in its World Press Freedom Index for 2024, marking the Balkan country's lowest standing since the creation of the ranking in 2002. Tanjug and Politika did not respond to RFE/RL's requests for comment, but Radio Television Serbia said they have been engaged in various types of partnerships with Chinese media companies since 2013. The company's channels have also consistently featured a dedicated slot for airing Chinese documentaries since 2017. "So far we have aired more than 200 Chinese documentaries covering various aspects such as [China's] history, customs, cuisine, culture, specific crafts, landmarks, and everyday life," a spokesperson told RFE/RL's Balkan Service. The spokesperson added that the new deal was centered upon ways to "facilitate the exchange of content and foster co-productions," and that the company has similar arrangements with broadcasters from Bulgaria, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Hungary. Skrozza says exchanging content on cultural topics isn't problematic, but that the agreement is worrisome because it could lead to a censored and distorted view of life and politics inside China and Beijing's policies around the globe. "The problem isn't what they will feature in their programming, but what they won't," she said. "If we only show images of Chinese folklore and nature, we're not actually informing the citizens of Serbia about the real situation." Written by Reid Standish in Prague with reporting by Dusan Komarcevic, Jovana Krstic, and Nevena Bogdanovic of RFE/RL's Balkan Service in Belgrade Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/xi-vucic-china-serbia- media-extradition/32962554.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Armenian PM Defends Demarcation Deal With Azerbaijan In Visit To Border Region By RFE/RL's Armenian Service and Robert Zargarian May 25, 2024 Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian visited the northeastern province of Tavush on May 25 to meet with residents of several border communities where a controversial demarcation process with Azerbaijan was completed earlier this month. Pashinian insisted that despite a few infrastructural problems, which have emerged as a result of the process, the sections of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border where the demarcation has been conducted are now safer than before due to their newly acquired legitimacy. At the same time, talking to RFE/RL after the meetings, the prime minister stressed that "not a single inch" of sovereign Armenian territory has been ceded to Azerbaijan. "We are not drawing a new border now, but we are reproducing the de jure border that existed at the moment of the collapse of the Soviet Union," he said, again hailing the process as a success. "In the modern-day world, there is no more effective security guarantee than a delimitated, legitimate border.... And we are now creating for our villages and our republic in this section of the border the most reliable security guarantee that can exist in the modern world today," the Armenian premier added. Pashinian experienced an incident during the visit to the border region when his helicopter was forced to make an "unscheduled landing" due to bad weather. "Everything is fine," Pashinian wrote on Facebook. "Due to bad weather conditions, our helicopter made an unscheduled landing in Vanadzor. Now we continue our journey by car." The incident came less than a week after Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian were killed when their helicopter crashed in poor weather near Iran's border with Azerbaijan on May 19. Both the United States and the European Union have hailed the border demarcation between Armenia and Azerbaijan, stressing that the deal announced by the two bitter South Caucasus rivals in April contains a reference to the 1991 Alma-Ata Declaration, a document by which a dozen former Soviet countries, including Armenia and Azerbaijan, pledged to recognize each other's territorial integrity within existing administrative borders. In the process that was formally completed on May 15, Baku regained control over four abandoned villages near the Armenian border that had been under Yerevan's military control since the first Armenian-Azerbaijani war in the early 1990s. Armenia and Azerbaijan announced on May 24 that their border guards were deployed at the sections where the demarcation was completed. Armenian opposition groups have denounced what they describe as the latest "unilateral territorial concessions" to Azerbaijan. They argue that the border demarcation, which affects the infrastructure of border communities, leaves local residents more vulnerable to further possible Azerbaijani aggression. The demarcation process in April sparked protests in Kirants, the village most affected by the process, as well as later in Yerevan. Archbishop Bagrat Galstanian, the outspoken head of the Tavush diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church, has emerged as the leader of these protests in recent weeks, staging several rallies attended by tens of thousands of supporters. He has called on his supporters to rally in Yerevan again on May 26 to push for Pashinian's resignation. Pashinian and members of his political team dismiss the opposition's criticism, rejecting the resignation demand. Unlike the three other border sections, Armenia and Azerbaijan agreed on a transitional border protection scheme for the section of the village of Kirants where part of the road and some houses and land are to be handed over to Azerbaijan. The scheme will be in place until July 24, when Armenia hopes to build a new section of the road that will provide the village with connectivity with the rest of Armenia without having to use the road section that will be controlled by Azerbaijan. The Pashinian government has also pledged to provide compensation to people who are losing their land and property as a result of the demarcation. "We will do everything so that the rights of our citizens will be maximally preserved and protected," the Armenian prime minister told RFE/RL on May 25. Most of the residents of Kirants who are losing property in the border demarcation said this week that they would reject the compensation. Some of them challenged Pashinian over the demarcation process when he visited the village. One resident, whose father's grave is apparently in the territory that will now be controlled by Azerbaijan, rebuked Pashinian for the land concession. "You are giving away my homeland and you are giving my father's grave together with it," he said. Stressing again that "not an inch of sovereign Armenian territory has been handed over to Azerbaijan in the process," Pashinian replied: "Brother, the homeland begins where the state border begins. Period." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/armenia-azerbaijan- border-pashinian-visit-helicopter/32963271.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel Continues Gaza Attacks Despite UN Court Order To 'Immediately Halt' Rafah Offensive By RFE/RL May 25, 2024 Israel continued bombing in the Gaza Strip, including the city of Rafah, on May 25, one day after a top UN court ordered it to halt military operations against the southern city. Israel gave no indication that the ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) had affected its planning. "Israel has not and will not carry out military operations in the Rafah area that 'create living conditions that could cause the destruction of the Palestinian civilian population, in whole or in part,'" Israeli National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi said in a statement, echoing wording found in the ICJ ruling. Separately, following a meeting between U.S. and Israeli officials in Paris on May 25, an Israeli official said Tel Aviv was seeking to restart talks in the coming days in an effort to reach a hostage-release deal in Gaza. "There is an intention to renew the talks this week and there is an agreement," the official told the AFP news agency on condition of anonymity. Early on May 25, hours after the court ruling, Israel carried out strikes on the Gaza Strip as fighting between Israeli troops and fighters for Hamas, which has been designated a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union, continued. Air strikes were reported in Rafah and the central city of Deir al-Balah. European foreign policy chief Josep Borrell wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that "ICJ orders are binding on the Parties and they have to be fully and effectively implanted." In its May 24 ruling, the ICJ said Israel must "immediately halt" its offensive against Rafah and take urgent measures to address the humanitarian crisis in the entire region. Measures should include reopening the Rafah border crossing with Egypt to allow aid to flow into Gaza. The order is part of a case brought by South Africa accusing Israel of genocide and asking the court to rule that Israel must stop its offensive in the southern Gaza city. In a ruling on January 26, the 15-judge panel ruled that Israel must do everything to prevent genocide during its offensive in response to an attack in October by Hamas -- which has been designated a terrorist organization by the United States and the EU -- but stopped short of ordering a cease-fire. On March 28, it ordered Israel to take all necessary and effective action to ensure basic food supplies to Gaza's Palestinian population. Though the court's rulings are legally binding, it has no way to enforce them. Still, the 13-2 vote ordering Israel to halt its Rafah offensive, and to report on its progress in easing the humanitarian crisis within one month, increases pressure on Israel and further isolates it. The ruling stepped up pressure against Israel just days after Norway, Ireland, and Spain announced they would recognize a Palestinian state and after the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court announced he would seek arrest warrants on war crimes charges for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and several top Hamas leaders. Israel and Hamas have been fighting since October 7, 2023, when Hamas fighters launched a massive cross-border attack on Israel. Some 1,200 Israeli citizens were killed in the attack, while another 240 were taken hostage, some of whom are still being held by Hamas in Gaza. (with reporting by AFP, AP, and Reuters) Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/gaza-israel-attacks-rafah-un- court/32963140.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Scholz Says Germany Not Planning to Recognize Palestine Now Sputnik News 20240525 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Germany currently has no plans to recognize Palestine as a state, since a token recognition would lead nowhere, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Friday. "I think we have no reason to recognize the Palestinian Authority as an independent state at the moment. There is no clarity about its national territory or any other aspects," Scholz said at a joint press briefing with Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro. What is needed is a "negotiated solution between Israel and the Palestinians that would amount to a two-state solution," the German leader added. "It is about a Palestinian administration that would control both the West bank and the Gaza Strip, but we are still far from that. All we need to do now is achieve a lasting ceasefire. It is also a matter of getting all parties involved to commit to the two-state solution," Scholz also said, adding that he believed a token recognition of Palestine would lead nowhere. Earlier this week, the Palestinian ambassador to Austria and permanent observer to the United Nations in Vienna, Salah Abdel Shafi, told Sputnik that each new recognition of Palestine as a state would bring it one step closer to the implementation of the two-state solution. On Wednesday, Norway and Spain said they would formally recognize Palestine as a state on May 28. Later in the day, Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris announced his country's recognition of Palestine. Until Wednesday, Palestine was recognized by nine EU member states. Eight countries Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Romania and Slovakia recognized it in 1988 before joining the European Union, and Sweden in 2014. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address North Korea warns of military action over alleged sea border incursions North Korea on Sunday threatened to take action against South Korea over what it claims are violations of the de facto western maritime border, ratcheting up tensions ahead of a trilateral summit in Seoul. North Korea's supreme military leadership instructed its army on Friday to take offensive action against the encroachment upon its sovereignty, North Korea's Vice Defence Minister Kim Kang-il said, according to the country's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). "We officially warn that we can never tolerate such continued encroachment on our maritime sovereignty and that we may exercise our self-defensive power on or under the water at any moment," Kim said in a statement carried by the KCNA, Yonhap news agency reported. The statement came hours before South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol will have back-to-back bilateral talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the presidential office. The three leaders will hold a trilateral summit on Monday. It marks the first three-way summit among the Asian countries since December 2019, after a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic and strained Seoul-Tokyo relations over historical disputes. Tension remains high along the Northern Limit Line (NLL), the de facto maritime border, Yellow Sea. North Korea has never recognised the NLL, demanding it be re-drawn further south. Waters near the NLL have been a flashpoint between the two Koreas, where three bloody naval skirmishes took place in 1999, 2002 and 2009. In March 2010, Pyongyang torpedoed a South Korean warship near the sea border, killing 46 sailors on board. In November of that year, the North bombarded South Korea's border island of Yeonpyeong, killing two civilians and two Marines. North Korea also accused South Korea and the United States of intensifying their hostile aerial espionage as it vowed to scatter "mounds of wastepaper and filth" over the inter-Korean border areas in retaliation against anti-Pyongyang leaflets. For years, North Korean defectors in South Korea and conservative activists have sent balloons carrying leaflets critical of the North's leader Kim Jong-un into North Korea. Pyongyang has bristled at the propaganda campaign amid concern that an influx of outside information could pose a threat to the Kim regime. North Korea blew up the joint liaison office in the now-shuttered inter-Korean factory park in the North Korean border city of Kaesong in 2020 in anger over Seoul's failure to stop North Korean defectors from sending anti-Pyongyang leaflets across the border. Secretary Blinken's Call with President Abinader US Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson May 25, 2024 The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller: Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader today to congratulate him on his re-election to the presidency. The Secretary reaffirmed our enduring partnership with the Dominican Republic and shared commitment to advancing democratic governance, regional security, anti-corruption efforts, and inclusive growth and prosperity. The Secretary and President Abinader also discussed support for human rights protections and the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support mission to Haiti. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The 36th Annual ASEAN-U.S. Dialogue US Department of State Media Note Office of the Spokesperson May 25, 2024 The United States and ASEAN held the 36th annual ASEAN-U.S. Dialogue on May 24 in Washington, D.C., to discuss expanded cooperation under our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP). Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel J. Kritenbrink co-chaired the dialogue with Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director General of ASEAN Cooperation Sidharto Reza Suryodipuro. Assistant Secretary Kritenbrink reaffirmed the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment to ASEAN centrality and the security and prosperity of our regional partners, including through its support for the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. The co-chairs celebrated the major milestones of the U.S.-ASEAN partnership in recent years, including the upgrade of our ties to a CSP in 2022 and the launch of the U.S.-ASEAN Center in Washington, D.C., in 2023. Assistant Secretary Kritenbrink discussed pressing geopolitical issues with his ASEAN counterparts, including how best to: facilitate a free and open, connected, prosperous, secure, and resilient Indo-Pacific; support peaceful arbitration of disputes; and promote sovereignty in the region. He underscored the United States' close coordination with ASEAN to support Burma's path to inclusive democracy, in line with the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus. The Assistant Secretary called for the military regime to immediately end the violence, release those unjustly detained, and allow unhindered humanitarian access to all those in need. He further expressed the need to uphold freedom of the seas and adherence to international law in the South China Sea. Assistant Secretary Kritenbrink underlined the United States' commitment to strengthening strong trade and investment relationships with and between ASEAN countries, highlighting the United States as the top source of foreign direct investment in the region. In addition to promoting an inclusive digital economy, Assistant Secretary Kritenbrink emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation on climate change, cybersecurity, the development of emerging technologies, upholding freedom of navigation, and promoting the unimpeded flow of lawful commerce. He further highlighted the importance of people-to-people ties and U.S.-ASEAN efforts to deliver concrete benefits for our combined one billion people. He also reiterated U.S. support for Timor-Leste's full ASEAN accession. Assistant Secretary Kritenbrink reiterated U.S. support for Lao PDR's chairmanship of ASEAN in 2024, and both co-chairs said they looked forward to joining the upcoming ASEAN Regional Forum and East Asia Summit Senior Officials' Meetings in Vientiane June 7-8. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel assails Hamas across Gaza amid possible new round of talks By VOA News May 25, 2024 Israeli forces pressed their military operation against Hamas throughout Gaza on Saturday as the prospect of a new round of mediated negotiations grew. The decision for new negotiations was made after the head of Israel's Mossad intelligence agency met with CIA chief William Burns and Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, according to an official on Saturday who declined to be identified because of the sensitivity of the situation. "At the end of the meeting, it was decided that in the coming week negotiations will open based on new proposals led by the mediators, Egypt and Qatar and with active U.S. involvement," said the source, who spoke with Reuters. Hamas later told Reuters that "there is no date" for the talks to resume. There has been a stalemate in peace talks between the two enemies, with Israel demanding the release of the hostages held by Hamas, and Hamas calling for the release of Palestinian prisoners and an end of the war in Gaza. Fighting across Gaza More than 40 people were killed in the enclave Saturday, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilian and combatant casualties. Israeli forces pushed deep into Jabalia, north of Gaza city, and said they "eliminated dozens of terrorists in close-quarter combat and aerial strikes." But residents and civil emergency services in the area said Israeli tanks rolled in, destroying dozens of houses, shops, and roads. Hamas, which governs Gaza, and the smaller armed group Islamic Jihad said their fighters had fired anti-tank rockets and mortar bombs at Israeli troops in the north of the enclave. In the southern city of Rafah, Israel's military operations continue, despite the ruling by the U.N. International Court of Justice that Israel should "immediately halt its military offensive" in Rafah. Israel says its goal in Rafah is to eliminate Hamas cells embedded there. It also said that some of its hostages are being held there. On Friday, Israel said it had found weapons stashes, destroyed part of a tunnel system and killed militants. Most of the fighting is reportedly in along the city's southern edge and eastern districts, according to Reuters. One Rafah resident, who asked not to be named, said the Israeli military is assaulting the city indiscriminately. "The occupation forces keep the city under bombing, not only east where they invaded but at the center and the western sides, they want to scare people to leave the whole city," said the resident. The city has become a refuge for hundreds of thousands of Gazans fleeing fighting elsewhere in the enclave. After Rafah became a target as well, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians fled the city. Since Hamas launched a terror attack October 7 on Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking roughly 250 hostages, Israel has embarked on an offensive to eliminate Hamas from Gaza. In recent weeks, Israel says its forces have killed 30,000 people, the majority of them combatants. The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry says 35,000 people have died, most of them women and children, but does not estimate how many of the dead were combatants. The United States, Israel's main ally, has opposed Israel's invasion of Rafah, where more than a million refugees were sheltering from clashes elsewhere. Some 900,000 have since fled Rafah, according to the Israel military. Gaza pier Four U.S. Army vessels ran aground Saturday in heavy seas off the coast of Gaza. The four vessels were there to support the temporary pier, U.S. Central Command said Saturday in a statement. "The vessels broke free from their moorings and two vessels are now anchored on the beach near the pier. The third and fourth vessels are beached on the coast of Israel near Ashkelon," the statement said. "No U.S. personnel will enter Gaza. No injuries have been reported and the pier remains fully functional," it continued, adding that the Israeli navy is assisting with recovering the vessels. The statement also said that more than 1,000 metric tons of aid had been delivered via the pier since Friday, more than 900 metric tons of it were distributed to the U.N. warehouse. Some information used in this report was provided by The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Operation Iron Swords - Day 232 - 25 May 2024 At any point, Hamas could have ended this burgeoning tragedy to surrender and release every hostage. Hamas instigated and owns this humanitarian catastrophe. Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) The International Court of Justice's Friday ruling ordering Israel to halt those operation in Rafah that endanger Palestinian civilians is fairly limited in scope and substance; yet its indulgence of vague and spurious innuendo regarding a "genocide" are nefarious, a prominent law professor told i24NEWS. Prof. Robbie Sabel said: "The ICJ issued a strictly limited order, falling well short of what South Africa hoped to achieve. What is nefarious, however, is the ruling's amorphous language maintaining some unspecified connection to a potential 'genocide,' for which there's zero evidence." "What South Africa wanted to achieve is an order ordering to stop all fighting in Gaza, which would've enabled Hamas to continue, and they didn't get that order," Prof. Robbie Sabel of the Hebrew University told the channel. "What they got was a fairly limited order ordering Israel not to carry on operations in Rafah that would endanger the civilian population. And Israel, as you know, has always made attempts not to endanger the civilian population. Therefore there's no real change in Israel's obligations," he added. "However what is nefarious is that they still maintain this link to a possibility of 'genocide.' South Africa produced no evidence whatsoever that there was any intent to commit genocide and the court didn't say it but they adopted a very strange, tenuous, amorphous language that there could be a possibility that there was a genocide." THe Counrt stated "Israel must immediately halt its military offensive, and any other action in the Rafah Governorate, which may inflict on the Palestinian group in Gaza conditions of life that could bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part." That is, Israel can proceed to act militarily in Rafah - but has to be very careful in doing so not to destroy the Palestinian population in whole or in part. In his dissenting judgment, Judge Barak says the order requires Israel to halt its military offensive in the Rafah Governorate only in so far as is necessary to comply with Israels obligations under the Genocide Convention. The Spanish Minister of Defense affirmed , during an interview on the official TVE television, that: We cannot ignore what is happening in Gaza, which is a real genocide , adding that Madrids recognition of the State of Palestine is not a move against the Israeli state, but It aims to help "end the violence in Gaza." Her comments, made during an interview with public television TVE, reflect growing tensions between Israel and Spain following Madrid's recent decision to recognize a Palestinian state. Robles' remarks align with a similar sentiment expressed by Spanish Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Diaz who a few days ago described the ongoing war on the Gaza Strip as genocide. Diaz, in a controversial statement, advocated for a free Palestine from the river to the sea, a phrase often associated with Palestinian nationalist aspirations. US Senator Lindsey said on the X platform: A long time ago we had to stand up to the so-called international justice organizations associated with the United Nations. Their anti-Israel bias is very great, according to his claim. He added: In my opinion, let the International Court of Justice go to hell, as he put it. US House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson was more frank than everyone when he declared: America must punish the International Criminal Court, which threatens the leaders of Israel, and return Karim Khan to his place. America knows that it will be second only to Israel, and this is a direct insult to our sovereignty. We do not place any international body above American sovereignty, and Israel does not do that either. War Termination In an interview with Al Jazeera, a senior member of Hamas emphasized that the occupation's adherence to the decisions of the Hague Tribunal, the withdrawal from Gaza and the return of refugees are the basic conditions of Hamas for the resumption of negotiations. According to Mehr news agency , the senior member of Hamas announced in a speech that the words and hadiths about the readiness of the Zionist regime for a continuous ceasefire are not enough and it is necessary for this regime to immediately withdraw from the Gaza Strip and stop the war. In an interview with Al-Jazeera news channel , Osameh Hamdan, a senior member of Hamas Shamgheh, on Saturday, in response to the report of the enemy media about the resumption of the ceasefire negotiations during the next week after the Paris negotiations, emphasized that the purpose of the negotiations is to end the war in Gaza and lift the blockade and exchange. There are just prisoners on both sides. The representative of Hamas in Lebanon emphasized that we have not been informed by the mediators about the resumption of negotiations. Osama Hamdan added: Today's talk about new negotiations is not serious. Hamdan stated that we also believe that the Zionist regime seeks to evade the decisions of the International Court of Justice. He said: We do not need a new negotiation and the Hamas movement has submitted its response to the plan proposed by the mediators. Osama Hamdan said: The question is what guarantee can be given regarding the Zionist regime's agreement with new thoughts and ideas. Hamdan added: If there is no serious guarantee, this means giving more time to the occupying regime to continue the war. This Hamas leader emphasized that an offer was made and we accepted it, but "Israel" opposed it, and there is no guarantee that this regime will accept new offers to enter into negotiations. Osama Hamdan stated that it is not enough to talk about the readiness of the Zionist regime for a continuous ceasefire and it is necessary for this regime to immediately withdraw from the Gaza Strip and stop the war. Hamdan said: "The current priority is the implementation of the International Court of Justice's ruling, and Biden should declare his readiness to oblige the Zionist regime to comply with this ruling." He clarified that no proposal or plan from the Zionist enemy can be trusted, and why should we agree to another plan after the recent proposal of the mediators, which we accepted? A source familiar with the details of the negotiations for the abductee deal gave news here that the talks are at a very preliminary stage, and later it will become clear if there is a basis for continuing the talks - this was announced this evening (Saturday) in the Shabbat News at Khan 11. According to Israeli sources, the negotiations for the hostage deal are expected to resume next week in Doha, the capital of Qatar, when a delegation from the terrorist organization Hamas, and an Israeli delegation, will arrive there to present their positions. Also, the head of the Mossad, Dedi Barna, presented to the mediating countries the guidelines for the deal approved by the cabinet, and agreed with the head of the CIA, Billy Burns, and the Prime Minister of Qatar, Mohammed bin Abd al-Rahman Al Thani, to meet again. Tomorrow, the War Cabinet will meet to receive updates from the head of the Mossad on the talks in Paris. However, cabinet officials expressed criticism and said: "The cabinet should have been convened this evening. The number of abductees and abductees in the Gaza Strip stands at 125, of which 86 are defined as living and 39 are defined as dead. All of the top security officials - the Chief of Staff, the head of the Mossad, the head of the Shin Bet, as well as Defense Minister Galant and Ministers Gantz Eisenkot support the promotion of the deal, and claim that it is necessary at this time. Senior officials in the defense system believe that even if an outline is agreed upon to stop the war, Israel will be able to renew the fire when necessary, a few months later. At the same time, ministers in the war cabinet support an Israeli compromise regarding the demand for the number of abductees to be released from Hamas captivity - if such a deal goes through. According to sources familiar with the matter, there is Israeli insistence on other issues that are in dispute with Hamas. Also, the activity of the security forces in Jabaliya is expected to continue to check if there is another possibility of locating abductees in the area. A senior source in the Palestinian Resistance told Al Mayadeen that Israel is not serious about negotiations and that Hamas insists on the need to stop the daily killings and massacres. Earlier, a senior Palestinian Resistance source told Al Mayadeen that the Israeli occupation is not serious in its attempts to return to negotiations, emphasizing Hamas' insistence on stopping Israeli massacres against the people of Gaza. The senior source emphasized that Hamas "believes that Israel is not serious" about reaching a deal, perceiving "Israel's" maneuvers as attempts to obscure and justify its continued perpetration of criminal acts against the Palestinian people. CIA Director Bill Burns met with Mossad Chief David Barnea in Washington and upon the latter's return, Israeli i24 news and Barak Ravid both noted that, according to Israeli officials, Israel, the US, and Qatar have agreed to resume indirect negotiations with Hamas on the release of Israeli settlers and soldiers held captive in the Gaza Strip, the liberation of Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons, and a potential truce in Gaza. According to reports, the upcoming round of talks, which the US, "Israel", and Qatar are reportedly ready to hold is set to be mediated by Egypt and Qatar following the Paris Paper put forward by CIA Director Burns, Mossad Chief Barnea, and Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. Conflicting reports have been handled by Israeli media, whose source appears to all be journalist Barak Ravid., who himself, in a post on X, denied that any negotiations are set for later this week right after announcing their resumption. On that note, Ravid stressed that the mediation will include the "active involvement of the US." Ravid, shortly after, posted that the Biden administration was surprised by the Israeli announcement about the resumption of negotiations on a captives deal. Allegedly, the Israeli war cabinet had expanded the mandate of the Israeli negotiating team. Initially, it was claimed, that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposed this expansion, but he was swayed by widespread support for the move and the recent release of a video by the Palestinian Resistance movement al-Qassam Brigades. However, in his latest post on X, Ravid contradicted his earlier statement, saying, "There is a significant attempt to renew the negotiations on the abductees deal," adding that "the meeting in Paris was a step in the right direction." Moreover, Ravid added that "the negotiations have not been renewed and at this point they will not be renewed this week," defining negotiations as "negotiations teams from Israel, Qatar, Egypt, the USA and Hamas who sit in a certain place and try to reduce gaps." Operational Update Further to the warning that was activated about the firing of missiles and rockets in the north of the country, this is a false warning. The International Court of Justice crowned a week of diplomatic disasters for Israel. This is what international newspapers and websites wrote in their discussion of the pressures facing Israel against the backdrop of the International Court of Justices decision and the previous recognition of the Palestinian state by 3 European countries and the decision of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Karim Khan. The Economist magazine says that regardless of Israels response or not, the International Court of Justices order presents an immediate dilemma for Israel, in contrast to the request of the ICC Prosecutor to issue arrest warrants against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Galant . In any case, the International Court of Justice order caps a week of diplomatic disasters for Israel, according to the magazine. For its part, the Financial Times describes this week as a week of disappointments for Israel, noting a profound shift in the mood of international public opinion against Israel since the incursion of its forces into Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. The Washington Post stressed in an article by writer David Igantius that alleviating the suffering of civilians in Gaza has become a top priority, and the writer calls on the American administration to think about the current day before the next, as he put it. An analysis on the National Interest website excludes that Israel will succeed in uprooting the Islamic Resistance Movement ( Hamas ) from the Gaza Strip. The analysis goes back to the exchange deal that Israel failed at the beginning of this month, indicating that the American side does not see fundamental differences in the versions of Hamas and Israel, and believes that the gap between them can be bridged easily, but the Israeli government used this argument to escalate, according to its clarification. On the other hand, an article in Foreign Policy stated that the existence of a Palestinian state serves the interests of everyone, including Israel and the United States. The authors of the article, who are Palestinian and Israeli researchers, enumerate the advantages of recognizing a Palestinian state, including opening the door for a new generation of Palestinians to establish a state that does not derive its roots from political violence. The article points out that the inevitable result of what happened to Gaza will be a generation of Palestinians preyed upon by despair and the desire to Revenge". Operational Update - Gaza The military and strategic expert, Colonel Hatem Karim Al-Falahi, confirms that the occupation army suffers from a major shortage of military machinery and equipment, due to the valor of the resistance and its implementation of specific operations that greatly affected the occupations capabilities during the past period. According to Al-Falahi, the occupations allocation of a large portion of American aid to purchase mechanical and armored parts indicates the significant shortage, which forced the occupation to use old Merkava 1 , 2, and 3 tanks, due to the clear shortage in numbers of the Merkava 4 model. Regarding the operational situation, the military expert spoke about an expansion of the military operation in northern Gaza, pointing to incursion attempts from Beit Hanoun, Beit Lahia, and the Al-Qasaib area towards the Al-Falujah area, which means almost the complete encirclement of the Jabalia camp. He explained that the elevation of the Fallujah area above sea level makes it difficult for the occupation to control it, especially if resistance factions are stationed there. Al-Falahi believed that the occupation's goal in this operation was to enter densely populated areas inside the Jabalia camp, so that its forces are now trying to penetrate from the south towards the Al-Qasasib area, as if it is working to encircle the camp from all directions, according to his opinion. As for the central front, Al-Falahi indicated that the occupation forces deployed the 99th Division there, while the resistance is confronting it with mortar and missile shelling and direct sniping. As for the situation in the south and Rafah, the military expert said that the military operation is advancing towards the border strip, reaching the beginnings of the Sultan neighborhood. He pointed out the great overlap between the areas in the Rafah axis, as the military operations in Shaboura are in their beginnings, while military operations continue in the eastern area of Salah al-Din Street and many tanks have been destroyed, according to the same source. The Israeli Broadcasting Authority quoted security sources on Saturday as saying that Israel is ready to withdraw its forces from the Rafah crossing for political and military considerations, following its forces control of the crossing three weeks ago as part of its ground incursion into the Rafah areas in the southern Gaza Strip. The security sources explained - according to the Broadcasting Corporation - that if Egypt decides to open the Rafah crossing, Israel will not object, according to what was reported by the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation, while the Israeli Channel 12 quoted senior officials that there are no longer gaps between Israel and the United States regarding the operation in Rafah. For the third week, the occupation forces intensified their bombing of areas in Rafah and closed the crossing, which plays a major role in bringing in humanitarian relief and some supplies, after they occupied it on May 6, in addition to confrontations waged by the Palestinian resistance in Rafah against the occupation soldiers and vehicles. This comes in light of mounting international and European pressure on Israel to abide by the decision of the International Court of Justice and stop its military attack on the city of Rafah, in addition to the previous UN and international warnings about the repercussions of the invasion of Rafah as it is the last refuge for the displaced in the Gaza Strip, which has been subjected to a devastating war since the 7th of May. Last October. The US military announced, on Saturday, that the naval humanitarian aid mission in Gaza was affected by strong sea waves, which led to four barges separating from their moorings on the temporary floating dock. The US Central Command said in a statement that two of the four ships are now anchored on the beach near the pier, while the third and fourth ships have reached the Israeli shore near Ashkelon. The statement added that efforts are currently underway to recover the ships with the help of the Israeli Navy, indicating that no American personnel have entered Gaza. No injuries were reported and the pier is still fully operational, according to a US Army statement. In turn, Israeli media reported pictures and news about part of the American floating dock separating and drifting toward Ashdod Beach, according to Al Hurras correspondent. Israeli media added that Israeli naval forces headed to the place to assist the American forces and try to reconnect the separated part. The United States completed the temporary floating port off the shores of the Gaza Strip earlier this month, in a step to increase the delivery of aid to the besieged Strip, which is threatened by famine in light of the ongoing war between Israel and the Hamas movement. The project consists of a temporary floating seaport that allows large ships, whether military or civilian, to dock there to unload their cargo and transfer it to smaller ships that can deliver this aid to a sea dock connected to the coast. The majority of this aid will be food collected from several countries and transported to the port of Larnaca in Cyprus. There is no international seaport in Gaza, and Israel has prevented the construction of one for decades. Because the nearshore waters are too shallow for large ships to approach the humanitarian pier directly, the United States is also building a floating platform two miles from the coast, where ships carrying aid will unload their cargo first. The Gaza Strip is suffering from a very serious humanitarian crisis resulting from the war that has been going on for more than six months between Israel and Hamas, and its residents need aid to continue. Egyptian security sources told Reuters that humanitarian food and fuel shipments may begin to enter the southern Gaza Strip through the Kerem Shalom crossing, on Friday evening, at the earliest, following an agreement reached between the presidents of Egypt and the United States, at a time when Washington confirmed in a call with the Minister Israeli stressed the importance of coordination with Cairo. The sources, who requested to remain anonymous, stated that Egypt is coordinating with Israel regarding aid, at a time when media outlets reported Egypts commitment to coordination with the Palestinian Authority and its refusal to coordinate with the Israeli side. In a phone call with Israeli Minister Benny Gantz, US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken stressed on Friday the importance of Israel and Egypt concluding talks to reopen the Rafah crossing as soon as possible. Blinken stressed "the urgent need to protect civilians and aid workers in Gaza and calm tensions in the West Bank. The minister also discussed the American vision for lasting peace and security for Israel through greater integration in the region, stressing the importance of planning for the post-conflict period in Gaza for Israel's security," according to What was reported in a statement on the US State Department website regarding the contact between the two ministers. The Martyr Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Hamas movement, published scenes of the targeting of a "Merkvah" tank and a "D9" military bulldozer with "Tandum" and "Al-Yassin 105" missiles. The Al-Qassam Brigades destroyed occupation soldiers and vehicles in the vicinity of the Salah al-Din Gate, south of the city of Rafah. The military media in the Jerusalem Brigades published scenes documenting the sniping of an Israeli soldier in the Netzarim axis, south of the Tel al-Hawa neighborhood. The scenes show the Al-Quds Brigades sniper shooting down an Israeli soldier from the back of his tank with a highly accurate bullet. The Al-Quds Brigades also destroyed, with a barrage of 60-caliber regular mortar shells, a gathering of soldiers and vehicles of the Israeli occupation entity in the Al-Qasasib neighborhood in the city of Jabalia, north of the Gaza Strip. The forces of Division 98 continue to operate in the Jablia area in the north of the Gaza Strip. In the last day, the forces destroyed terrorist infrastructures, launch sites alongside military buildings and found many weapons. In addition, the forces eliminated dozens of terrorists in face-to-face battles and by directing air force aircraft strikes, including terrorists who directed attacks at the fighters in the field. In closing the circle of the forces, an Air Force aircraft eliminated a Hamas sniper squad that had been operating several days before on IDF fighters. There were no casualties to our forces in this encounter. Soldiers of the 679th Israel Defense Forces under the 99th Division killed a number of terrorists in the center of the Gaza Strip in the past day in clashes and tank fire. During the operation of Division 162 in the Rafah area, the fighters eliminated a terrorist squad that opened fire on the force in a face-to-face battle. The fighters searched for weapons and infrastructure of the Hamas terrorist organization in the area. As part of the scans, terrorist shafts and infrastructure were located and destroyed along with many weapons in the area, including combat equipment, weapons and trapped explosives. The bodies of the abductees Hanan Yablonka, Michel Nissenbaum and Orion Hernandez, may their memory be blessed, were recovered on Thursday night in a joint operation by the IDF and Shin Bet under the command of Division 98. As part of the fighting by the forces of the 98th Division in the Jabalia area, the fighters of the 75th Battalion eliminated a terrorist who was apparently used as their observation of the area where the bodies were kept, raided it, and located the location of the bodies. A short time later, fighters from the Yalam unit, Shin Bet and fighters from a special unit in the intelligence wing entered the area, located the three bodies and rescued them in a complicated night operation. The intelligence on the location of the bodies came while relying on accurate intelligence information that was received and analyzed during the last few days by the division's intelligence, the Shin Bet and the prisoners and missing persons headquarters in the intelligence division. The operations to retrieve the bodies are part of a campaign planned and managed by the underground and led by the 98th Division in Jabaliya. The endless research effort was conducted at the abductee headquarters in the Intelligence Division shoulder to shoulder with the Shin Bet and IDF units. The effort lasted several months and included gathering intelligence and analyzing intelligence indications into a single picture. After the complex intelligence work, the headquarters was in continuous and close communication with the maneuvering forces to direct them to the exact location that the intelligence and analysis suggested. "The 75th Battalion, the 'Rumach' Battalion in the 7th Brigade has been fighting for about two weeks in Jabalia, attacking and destroying the enemy and above-ground and underground infrastructure," said the 75th Battalion, Lt. Col. Ron, "last Saturday night, the battalion went out to attack a compound More fighting by the enemy, as a result of which we killed terrorists and located an anti-terrorist route that led to the recovery of the 3 abductees - Michel Nissenbaum, Hanan Yablonka and Orion Hernandez. On this occasion, I would like to offer my condolences to the families, and I am sure that being able to visit the grave of your sons will give you a little comfort. I want to convey to the people of Israel, to the battalion and the brigade that we will continue to act with determination, turn over every grain, purify every house, in order to meet the goals of the war and return the abductees home." Operational Update - Judea-Samaria Operational Update - Lebanon On the 24th anniversary of the liberation of southern Lebanon from the Israeli occupation, Hezbollah announced that it had targeted an Israeli 'Merkava' tank with a guided missile, which was holed up in the Israeli 'Marj' military site , on the border with occupied Palestine, which led to it being directly hit, destroyed, and killing its crew. The party also announced an attack on targets in the 'Zarait' barracks using guided missiles and artillery shells, indicating that this attack came in support of Gaza and in response to the assassinations in Al-Mansouri a few days ago. Lebanons Hezbollah resistance movement conducted at least 11 new operations against Israeli military targets. In separate statements, Hezbollah said it targeted Israeli military and espionage equipment in northern parts of the occupied territories. Hezbollah reported striking several Israeli forces and military vehicles with missiles and drones. The group said it launched a drone attack on the rocket and artillery battalion headquarters in the "Yoav" barracks, accurately hitting the positions and residences of enemy officers and soldiers. Hezbollah also stated it conducted an aerial attack using explosive drones, targeting the newly established headquarters of the 91st Division in "Eilit," precisely hitting locations where enemy officers and soldiers were stationed. The movement said these operations were in retaliation for Israeli attacks on civilians and residential buildings in Lebanon and in solidarity with Palestinians. Hezbollah and the Israeli military have been exchanging fire along Lebanons southern border since early October when Israel began its assault on Gaza. Hebrew media reported that ten missiles were launched from Lebanon towards Zarit and two missiles towards Miskav Am. Noting also that sirens also sounded in Kfar Giladi, Tel Hai in the Upper Galilee, and in Kiryat Shmona and its environs. The Israeli media acknowledged the occurrence of severe damage in several points in the north, noting that the Israelis continue to suffer from the loud frequency of sirens, especially yesterday, in which Hezbollah announced that it had carried out eleven operations against positions and gatherings of occupation soldiers using missiles and drones, confirming that direct casualties had been achieved. There were deaths and injuries. On the other hand, the Israeli army renewed its bombing of areas in southern Lebanon, targeting the outskirts of Naqoura, Zibqin, Labouneh, and Kafr Hamam, and launched several air strikes that targeted the towns of Al-Jebeen, Aita Al-Shaab, and a house in the vicinity of the UNIFIL international forces site in the town of Al-Adissa . The Israeli military carried out airstrikes in the Hamas stronghold of Rafah, Palestinian witnesses said, with battles reported elsewhere in the enclave. Airstrikes were also reported in the central Gaza city of Deir al-Balah. The forces of the 91st Division and the forces of the Air Force identified this evening (Saturday), using an aircraft, a number of terrorists operating in a Hezbollah military structure in the Eitaron area in southern Lebanon. After the identification, the forces directed fighter jets that attacked the military structure where the terrorists were operating. In addition, the IDF attacked with artillery fire to remove a threat in the area of the village of Kila in southern Lebanon. Also, a number of missiles were detected this evening that crossed the territory of Lebanon towards several areas in the north of the country, there were no casualties. There was damage to the buildings there. Fighter jets of the Air Force attacked several military buildings of the terrorist organization Hezbollah in the regions of Al-Adaisa, Yaron and Marfiin in southern Lebanon. During the day, the IDF forces carried out artillery fire to remove a threat in the areas of El Matamura, Wadi Hamool, Rashia El Fuhr and Tswana. Operational Update - Syria / Iraq Operational Update - Yemen Maps All maps are lies. Not only is it easy to lie with maps, it is essential, wrote cartographer Mark Monmoneir in his book How to Lie with Maps. He showed that condensing complex, three-dimensional spaces onto a two-dimensional sheet of paper [in old days] is bound to be reductive. But it is impossible to comprehend the war in Gaza without reference to maps, otherwise the entire conflict is reduced to an endless series of meaningless acts of random violence and the suffering of civilians. The first characteristic of guerrilla warfare is the loss of a front line. Evidently, different mappers have different ideas of how to depict the war in Gaza, notably those that seek to depict Israeli progress in the ground campaign. Part of the problem is latency. The news that forms the basis of the maps takes time to filter out to mappers, and the cartographers take time in crafting their maps, and it takes time to curate them. These processes are uneven among mappers, so their maps may differ in detail. Probably there is some ideological bias, or at least thematic apperception, which is understandable in wartime. It may come as no surprise that al-Jazeera maps depict rather less Israeli territorial progress than other sources. Finally, there remains the epistemological question of just exactly what are the colored in areas depicting. Naively, this might be understood as areas of Israeli control, that are no longer contested by the HAMAS. Or possibly these are areas of Israeli presence, in many of which the possibility of an RPG-wielding HAMAS militant popping out of a tunnel unexpectedly remains a live possibility. With the "zero-range" combat characterized by small unit tactics on both sides, maps may be prey to a fallacy of misplaced concreteness. Bystanders The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Palestine, Francesca Albanese, called on the international community to impose sanctions on Israel and suspend diplomatic relations with it, until it complies with the decision of the International Court of Justice. Albanese said in a blog post on the X platform, Israel intensified its attacks on the city of Rafah (south of the Gaza Strip) after the International Court of Justice ordered it to stop its operation in the city. She added, The news I receive from the people trapped in the city of Rafah is horrific. Israel will not stop this madness until we stop it. She continued: Member states must impose sanctions on Israel, ban the provision of weapons to it, and suspend political and diplomatic relations with it until it stops its attack. Axis of Resistance The Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, released on Saturday a video addressing the families of Israeli captives held by the Resistance group in Gaza, warning that the occupation government is putting them in real danger. The Brigades accompanied the video with a message to the families stating: "Your army, under [Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu's orders, has violated their [captives] dignity, both the living and the dead." The clip also featured statements made by Netanyahu since the beginning of the war claiming that "efforts are being made to bring back all hostages." Similar statements indicating that all capabilities are being utilized to reach the captives made by other top Israeli officials were also displayed, including War Cabinet member Minister Benny Gantz and Israeli army spokesperson Daniel Hagari. After showing footage of the different claims, al-Qassam addressed the captives' families, saying: "This is how Netanyahu, his army, and his war cabinet kill the captives," followed by images of Israeli captives killed by the continuous Israeli bombardment of Gaza. The Resistance group urged the families to ask Netanyahu and his ministers for the names of those killed captives, asserting that "they know them very well." It then warned that "time is running out" and that the Israeli government would be the reason for the "captives returning to their families in coffins." The Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas sent a message to the Palestinian people in general, and to the people of Gaza in particular, expressing its pride and pride in their steadfastness in the face of the Nazi-Fascist- Zionist war of annihilation against us in Gaza, the West Bank, Jerusalem, the occupied interior, and everywhere. Hamas said: The pen is unable to write, words are unable to express your grace and generosity, the entire universe is unable to reach your steadfastness and steadfastness, and Hamas, its brigades, and its resistance are unable to fulfill your patience and sacrifices, even though it is from you and to you, and it sacrificed the souls of its livers, the best of its youth, and its greatest leaders with you, so blood flowed in valleys to irrigate the land of the homeland. And, God willing, it will produce a mighty and generous victory worthy of your sacrifices. In a special message to the people of the Gaza Strip, he said: We are helpless before you, your sacrifices, your support, your support, and your embrace of our resistance. We emerged from the womb of your suffering, pain, torment, and sacrifice. We fought with all honor and valor, and we saw victory written on your hands. The movement affirmed in the message that it is working in all directions and fighting in all arenas with the Palestinian factions, adding: Perhaps we will offer you a little towards you and direct paths to correct the missteps and mistakes that occurred and continue to occur as a result of the genocidal war and the systematic targeting of every step we take to improve reality and build an incubator. It supports your fighters and mujahideen from your sons who emerged from your loins and wombs. Hamas indicated that she is working hard in the emergency committees to correct the paths of governmental, relief, humanitarian, security and economic work, but we were right and wrong, and we will continue to try and try until God decides something that was already in effect. Hamas reiterated its assertion that the Battle of Al-Aqsa Flood came as a strategic shift at a significant historical moment in the history of the Palestinian issue, noting that the leadership of the resistance in Gaza decided, in the midst of the siege, to exercise its right to resist the occupation. Hamas sent a special message to the women of Palestine, in which it said: You are the title of the stage and the protected honor of the nation, and you are the best women on this earth, and you, God willing, are the symbol of victory; Because we know how much pain you have endured, how much pain you have endured, and how much loss of your loved ones has caused the hearts of men to feel distressed, so what about your situation, but from us we salute you, but from us thanks and appreciation, and we ask God to help us fulfill your rights and fulfill your patience, and for God to heal your breasts at the hands of the Mujahideen. At the end of its message, Hamas sent a message to the Israeli occupation by saying: Can you stay for a moment in your occupation sites or continue your ground operations safely? Can you build fortifications to protect you from our resistance or live a moment of safety in our country?! We will not answer you, but we will make our answer what you see, not what you hear, and then the believers will rejoice in Gods victory and heal the hearts of a believing people. The Secretary-General of Hezbollah, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, was keen to undermine and thwart any illusions that the enemy might have that he might surprise Hezbollah, when he affirmed that we are not deceived by your deception and that Hezbollah studied all the scenarios that the enemy could pursue, indicating that Prepare for each of them according to their nature and degree of danger. His assertion that the pressures of your masters will not work, and this resistance will continue has an additional peculiarity, as it comes at a turning point in the war and against the assumption that the enemy will insist on waging an open war of attrition, a position that will remain present within the system of considerations of the enemy leadership when studying its options. It also goes in the same direction, as Nasrallah explained, Our goal is clear in opening the front, which is to support Gaza and prevent any preemptive enemy operation towards Lebanon, as this arrangement of priorities reveals Hezbollahs standards in judging any proposals or offers that can be presented through any capital. International or other, based on the belief that there will be no calm on the Lebanon front as long as Gaza is on fire. On the other hand, Sayyed Nasrallah reminded the enemy of the strategic surprises that had occurred since October 7, starting from the Al-Aqsa flood to the steadfastness of Hamas and the resistance in Gaza, and Hezbollah opening a support front. And Yemen, which surprised the world. He also deliberately intended to be precise in sending a counter-message that the enemy should expect surprises from our resistance, and I am not exaggerating that, which confirms that Hezbollahs cards, which it has not used so far, are still the decisive factor in any future equation, and strengthen its deterrent power. Facing an all-out war scenario. The Secretary-General of Hezbollah warned enemy Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that if he insists on war, he will take this entity to disaster and the resistance to decisive victory. At the honoring ceremony held by Hezbollah for the late Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi and his companions yesterday, Nasrallah praised the late president, who was a role model in all the positions in which he assumed responsibility and a servant to his people... During the 3 years of his term, he revived economic projects, and during his reign, the preservation of Relations with the East and West, he supported the resistance movements at every level, and he had great faith in the Palestinian cause and the resistance. He also praised the late Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, who had a great love for Lebanon, Palestine, and the resistance movements. He added that the scenes of the funeral of Raisi and his companions are a message that should reassure all lovers outside Iran who are quickly worried, and it is also a message to the enemy that imposed wars, sanctions, and blockades on Iran, noting that one of the reasons for the failure of American policies towards the region is denial of reality and separation from it. ..) And Iran is a state of institutions and law. Regarding the ongoing Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip and the attacks on Lebanon, Nasrallah explained that in the eighth month of the war on Gaza, the Israelis themselves, in power and in the opposition, agree that what the entity has experienced this year is unprecedented, and the enemy acknowledges the severe suffering it faces. Through inability and failure, he was unable to achieve any of his goals, pointing out that one of the most important things that officials in the entity suffer from is the recognition of Palestine by some European countries. The Israelis see the Palestinian state as an existential threat to this entity, noting that this growing recognition of a Palestinian state is one of the results of the Al-Aqsa flood and what comes after it. He asked: Who would have believed that the time would come when the International Criminal Court would request the issuance of arrest warrants against Zionist officials? This is one of the results of the Al-Aqsa flood. Allied for Democracy Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert called to "stop the military operation in Rafah and end the faltering war in Gaza, in order to return the kidnapped people." In an interview with the Israeli broadcaster Kan, Ehud Olmert said: The fighting does not serve any of the states interests, but rather serves the interests of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and some extremist members of his government. Olmert called on Ministers Benny Gantz and Gadi Eisenkot to resign from the government, stressing that "there is no chance of achieving complete victory or the final destruction of Hamas." Speaking about the day after the war, Olmert explained: There must be a move to establish an international European intervention force in Gaza, in order to consolidate the achievements of the IDF in the Strip, which led to the weakening of Hamas, so that the Palestinian forces intervene. There within approximately two years, in cooperation with moderate Arab countries." The former Israeli Prime Minister continued: The declaration of complete victory is baseless, and this is Netanyahus slogan so that he can, in the context of justifying his ongoing attempts, create a distance between the events of October and the stage in which the war will end for personal or political reasons that have nothing to do with Israels security. Olmert believed that "there is no possibility of completely eliminating Hamas in the Gaza Strip," adding: "If we want to return the kidnapped people safely, we must stop the war now." Olmert touched on the issue of the West Bank, saying: They act there in a way that amounts to serious crimes, without any connection to terrorism... They destroy property, homes, and fields as part of campaigns carried out by elements with the encouragement of Ben Gvir (the extremist Israeli Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben Gvir ) and Smotrich. (Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich ). Olmert continued: "All of this was done under the eyes of the Israeli police and security services. We turn a blind eye, do not look at what is happening there, and do not support any effort to prevent it. We extend a helping hand to commit crimes that will come back to us like a boom and explode in our faces one day before an international court." An analysis published by Foreign Affairs magazine urged people not to antagonize and attack the International Criminal Court because of its recent decisions towards Israel, by issuing warrants against Israeli officials. On 20 May 2024, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Karim Khan, requested the issuance of arrest warrants against the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, his Defense Minister, Yoav Galant, and three Hamas leaders on charges of committing alleged crimes in the Gaza Strip and Israel. The analysis prepared by Oona Hathaway, a lawyer and professor specializing in international law at Yale University, confirmed that the United States can help Israel without attacking the International Criminal Court, and that any retaliation against the court will lead to paralyzing Washingtons ability to defend international justice in Other positions in the future, especially since the United States has made global criminal justice an essential element of its foreign policy. She described the efforts taking place in Congress to respond to the decisions of the Criminal Court or its employees through a proposed draft law called the Anti-Illegitimate Court Law as a grave mistake. Republican lawmakers urged US President Joe Biden to take action against the International Criminal Court. Former US President Donald Trump had imposed sanctions on the former Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Fatou Bensouda, in a move that Biden canceled after taking office. Biden said on Thursday that the United States does not recognize the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court and that it is not possible to compare Israel and Hamas. Biden said on Thursday that the United States does not recognize the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court and that it is not possible to compare Israel with the Hamas movement (which the United States classifies as terrorist). Even if the International Criminal Court issues arrest warrants for the Israeli officials, the possibility of them being tried remains remote, and Israel will not extradite either of them for trial, and the only effect that will affect the Israeli officials is not to travel to any member state of the International Court. The United States is not a member of the International Criminal Court. The analysis states that sanctions on ICC staff would undermine Washingtons efforts to bring Russia to justice for its crimes in Ukraine, as Washingtons cooperation with the court during the recent period led to the issuance of four arrest warrants against Russian President Vladimir Putin, not to mention its efforts to hold accountable for crimes. In Sudan, where the risk of a new genocide is increasing in some cities. He warns against the United States becoming perceived as supporting criminal accountability for geopolitical opponents only, noting that showing contradiction in responding to the Criminal Courts decisions would increase Washingtons isolation on the international scene at a time when it seeks to win over the state and regimes in order to Support a rules-based international order. The Washington Post, highlighted the decision of the International Criminal Court prosecutor to issue an arrest warrant against Israeli officials and a number of Hamas leaders, which it says constitutes a test of the international system. Showing that the United States supports the application of international justice to everyone, even its allies, means that it allows the rule of law to be committed to everyone, so that the global legal order is not undermined. This does not mean abandoning Israel as Washington can continue to provide the strongest support for Israels security according to the analysis. The analysis recommends that Israel prove to the court that the accusations against it are incorrect, by launching an investigation on its part, and that it prove its commitment to the rule of law and justice by reviewing the evidence and showing that the accusations are incorrect. The author of the analysis says that opening a real investigation in Israel to look into the accusations against the officials will place the International Criminal Court, under its own rules, with the option of deeming the cases brought against Netanyahu and Gallant unacceptable, and in return allowing the cases against Hamas leaders to continue. Netanyahu is already facing accusations of internal corruption, and is unlikely to agree to an investigation inside Israel, while he has proven to be impervious to American pressure, which has long called for better protection for civilians in Gaza. In a move that angered Israeli officials, the International Court of Justice issued a decision on 24 May 2024 ordering Israel to immediately stop its military attack in the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, in addition to a set of other decisions aimed at protecting Palestinian civilians from the scourge of the war that broke out last October. The analysis concludes: If Israel does not exploit the only sure way to end ICC proceedings...then the United States should not damage its credibility simply to protect men who ignored every warning. US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, said during a congressional hearing on Tuesday that a truce agreement between Israel and the Hamas movement in the Gaza Strip is still possible, but the request of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court to issue arrest warrants against leaders from Israel complicates this process. Efforts. At the session, Senator Lindsey Graham referred to a previous International Criminal Court investigation into US military practices in Afghanistan. By demanding the issuance of an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the name of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Karim Khan, made international media headlines, with some celebrating his decision as standing up to the crimes against humanity committed by the Israeli government in Gaza, while Others criticized him, specifically in Israel and the United States. Graham asked, If they do this with Israel, what is the next location? He continued, "In the end, what I hope will happen is that we impose sanctions on the International Criminal Court over this heinous matter, not only to help our friends in Israel, but to protect ourselves over time." Blinken did not commit to imposing sanctions, but merely repeatedly said that the Biden administration was considering an appropriate response to the International Criminal Court. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had previously indicated that the United States would continue to cooperate with the International Criminal Court in a separate investigation into war crimes suspected of being committed by Russia in Ukraine. Operation Iron Swords - By the Numbers 1,900,000 IDPs in Gaza 80,420 Gazans injured, 28% adult male 70,000 tons of explosives dropped on Gaza 70,000 Gaza housing units completely destroyed 70,000 Israeli IDPs from Lebanon border 45,000 bombs dropped in Gaza 45,000 Gazans killed, including buried under rubble 35,903 Gazans martyred 33,000 Gaza targets attacked 20,528 Palestinians in Israeli prisons [Haaretz, 20 Mar 2024] 15,140 Israelis injured [i24 TV] 15,000 terror operatives killed in Gaza [Israeli officials] 15,000 rockets launched from Gaza 14,520 Gazan children martyred 13,000 HAMAS combatants killed [N12] 13,000 HAMAS combatants killed [IDF] 11,000 arrested by Israelis in the West Bank in 2023 10,000 Gazans missing under the rubble 9,920 Gazan women martyred 9,400 Palestinians in Israeli prisons 9,000 IDF needing psychological assistance 8,665 arrested by Israelis in the West Bank since Oct.7th 7,209 IDF injured admitted to rehabilitation [IDF] 6,800 IDF officers and soldiers injured [Channel 12] 6,000 HAMAS combatants killed [HAMAS] 5,500 IDF wounded [reports] 4,800 West Bank Palestinians wounded 4,700 sites targetted in Lebanon 3,850 wanted persons arrested throughout Judea and Samaria 3,600 administrative detainees 3,188 IDF wounded [IDF] 2,100 Gazan women are missing 1,609 terrorists killed on the first day 1,650 wanted persons arrested throughout Judea and Samaria affiliated with Hamas 1,160 Israelis killed on the first day 620 Israeli officers and soldiers killed since the start of the war 514 West Bank Palestinians martyred 364 people [including fighters] killed in Lebanon 274 Israeli officers and soldiers killed in Gaza 240 Hezbollah fighters killed in Lebanon 126 people recovered, including 91 Israelis, 11 bodies, and 24 foreign workers 116 living hostages in Palestinian custody 70 civilians killed in Lebanon 29 IDF deaths were caused by "friendly fire" 15 Israelis killed in the West Bank and Israel Not every number is reported every day, so sudden jumps generally reflect reporting artifacts rather than actual upticks. Many of these numbers fluctate, up and down, with no apparent explanation. This list records the highest number reliably reported for each matter, under the theory that reality with catch up with reports, as is relentlessly the case. Some reports claimed that the UN cut in half its earlier estimates of women and children killed in Gaza. Initially, they reported 9,500 women and 14,500 children killed, but later revised it to 4,959 women and 7,797 children on 08 May 2024. The UN acknowledged its inability to independently verify casualty figures. The seeming discrepancy is that HAMAS had about 10K KIA bodies on hand for which they do not have positive ID. It is possible to report the gender and approximate age [ie, juvenile] without knowing the name of the deceased. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 25 May 2024 - Day 822 Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace. "To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal] The UK Ministry of Defence reported that Russian Deputy Chief of the General Staff Gen-Lt Vadim Shamarin was reported on 23 May 2024 as having been detained on suspicion of taking large bribes. He faces charges under article 290 part 6 of the Russian Criminal Code (taking a bribe on a particularly large scale). This follows recent arrests of other senior Russian Ministry of Defence (MOD) figures also suspected of corruption, namely Deputy Defence Minister Timur Ivanov, and Head of Personnel Yury Kuznetsov. These arrests have all occurred since Sergey Shoygu was dismissed from his post as Defence Minister on 12 May 2024. Shamarin has headed the Russian MOD Directorate of Communications since 2021. One of his predecessors in this role, Gen-Col Khalil Arslanov, was also prosecuted on corruption charges back in 2020. Corruption is deeply rooted in the Russian MOD, and it is likely that there will be further arrests. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that the situation on the front remains tense but controlled by the Defense Forces. Ukrainian soldiers continue to decisively oppose the attempts of Russian occupiers to advance deep into the territory of Ukraine, directing efforts to disrupt execution by the invaders of offensive plans. Since the beginning of the day, there have been 110 combat clashes, the Russian enemy launched on the territory of Ukraine five missiles (with the use of eight missiles) and 34 aviation strikes (49 kabamas), used 381 kamikadze drone. Also, Russian forces carried out 2433 shelling on the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements using different types of weapons. 13 combat clashes took place in the Kharkiv direction today. The Russian occupiers carried out rocket strikes and beat controlled air bombs across Kharkiv. Overall, Russian forces launched three missile strikes using six missiles on civilian infrastructure and residential areas. Russian terrorists, in particular, hit the Culture and Recreation Park with a rocket. Made two skids of cabs across the building hypermarket, resulting in a fire in the building. As a result of the Russian aggressor's terrorist actions, civilians were affected. Unfortunately, there are dead, injured and missing civilian people. At this time in the Kharkiv direction, fighting in the areas of the settlements of Neskucne and Staritsa are still ongoing. Previously, the Russian losses since the beginning of the day in this direction were 100 people. One tank, two artillery systems and two units of automotive equipment were destroyed. Another artillery system and one car were damaged. In the Kupiansky direction the number of combat clashes was 14. The Defense Forces successfully repelled the Russian attacks in the areas of the settlements of Sinkivka, Petropavlivka. Near the meatloaf, druzelubivki and nevs kogo still ongoing fights. In addition, the Defense Forces here conducted active actions, were successful. Previously, the total Russian losses during the day in this direction amounted to 47 people. Destroyed one Russian MTLB, two vehicles units, Murom-P observation station and two ammunition warehouses, as well as two tanks and one infantry fighting vehicle. In the Lyman direction, Defense Forces units repelled five attacks of Russian occupiers in the areas of Terniv, Torsky and Serebryansky Forest. The situation is controlled, no loss of positions is allowed. In the sivers komu direction, the number of assault actions of opponents overnight increased to 13. A tense situation remains in the area of Bilogorivki, where Russian forces tries to infiltrate Ukrainian defense. At the same time, Ukrainian defenders have taken a number of measures to strengthen defensive positions. In the Kramatorsky direction, the Russian aggressor attacked the Defense Forces units 12 times in the direction of Chashovoye Yar, Ivanivsky and Klishchievka. Never been successful. The fight is currently underway in the area of Andriyivka. The situation is under control. Intense Russian attacks of Ukrainian defenders in the Pokrovsky direction. Here throughout the day, somewhere supported by aviation with CAB applications, the Russian aggressor carried out 23 assault operations and attempted to increase significant fire control efforts virtually along the entire line of collision. Intense fights continue in the area of Novooleksandrivki. The Defense Forces are taking measures to stabilize the situation. Previous Russian forces losses in this direction were almost 200 invaders killed and injured. Destroyed one Russian plane su-25, three bmp and three btr. At the same time, three Russian tanks, one BTR, two mortars and three units of automotive equipment were damaged. At the beginning of the day, the tense situation was also in the Kurakhiv direction. At this time, there are 14 combat clashes here. Zagarbniki are trying to advance in the areas of settlements of Krasnogorivka, Paraskoviyivka and Vodiyane. Defense forces are taking immediate measures to stabilize the situation and contain the prevailing Russian enemy. The previous Russian losses in this direction were: almost 90 invaders killed and injured. Destroyed one BMP, one MTLB and three units of automotive equipment. One tank was also damaged. In the Vremivs komu direction, Russian forces made one unsuccessful attempt to break through the defense of Ukrainian troops in the direction of Staromayorsky. Never been successful. In the Orihivs komu direction, Russian forces attacked three times and suffered failures in the areas of robotiny and novoandrivka. In the Pridniprovsky direction, the Russian occupiers tried nine times to push Ukrainian units away from Krynyok unsuccessfully. In the course of the battles Russian zagarbniki did not have success, the loss of Ukrainian positions is not allowed. Ukrainian soldiers inflict tangible losses to the Russian occupiers, actively apply the tools of fire on the Russian enemy's live force and equipment. Measures to improve the tactical position are taken in designated directions. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Attorney General Merrick B. Garland Statement on the Extradition of NAstor Isidro PArez Salas Saturday, May 25, 2024 For Immediate Release Office of Public Affairs The Justice Department issued the following statement from Attorney General Merrick B. Garland on the extradition of NAstor Isidro PArez Salas, also known as "El Nini": "This morning, NAstor Isidro PArez Salas, also known as 'El Nini,' was extradited to the United States. We allege El Nini was one of the Sinaloa Cartel's lead sicarios, or assassins, and was responsible for the murder, torture, and kidnapping of rivals and witnesses who threatened the cartel's criminal drug trafficking enterprise. We also allege El Nini was a part of the Sinaloa Cartel's production and sale of fentanyl, including in the United States. I am grateful to our Mexican government counterparts for their extraordinary efforts in apprehending and extraditing El Nini. With this enforcement action, El Nini joins the growing list of cartel leaders and associates indicted in, and extradited to, the United States. The Justice Department will continue to go after the cartels responsible for flooding our communities with fentanyl and other drugs." Component: Office of the Attorney General Press Release Number: 24-672 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NATO Forming Network of Cyber Labs Along Russia's Borders - Foreign Ministry Sputnik News 20240525 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - NATO is forming a network of cyber laboratories along the perimeter of Russia's borders in Estonia, Latvia, Finland and Romania, Artur Lyukmanov, the special presidential representative for international cooperation in information security of the Russian Foreign Ministry, said in an interview with Sputnik. "Washington has long been practicing methods of hybrid warfare against Russia in the information sphere. Ukraine is used as the main training ground, whose hackers, including from the much-touted 'IT army,' carry out acts of electronic sabotage under the close tutelage of NATO supervisors," he said. Lyukmanov said entire units of Western security services and armed forces have been sent to Kiev. "It's no secret that the alliance is forming an entire network of cyber laboratories along the perimeter of the Russian borders in Estonia, Latvia, Finland, Romania, and in the future - in Georgia and Moldova. Under the auspices of the Pentagon, cyber exercises are being carried out on a systematic basis (the Cyber Flag exercises recently ended in the US), during which scenarios of confrontation with us in the digital sphere are tested," the diplomat said. Western countries, led by the United States, are building up offensive potentials in the field of information technology to conduct computer operations against Russia and China, Artur Lyukmanov said. "Indeed, Western countries, led by Washington, continue to build up offensive ICT potentials to conduct computer operations against their geopolitical opponents, that is, Russia, China and other independent states," he said. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press Statement by Vice-Minister of National Defence of DPRK Korean Central News Agency of DPRK Pyongyang, May 26 (KCNA) -- Kim Kang Il, vice-minister of National Defence of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, made public the following press statement "National sovereignty, security and interests will be protected with strong power for self-defence" on May 25: Various air spying means of the U.S. and the ROK puppet air force are openly intensifying their hostile air espionage against the DPRK recently. 16 strategic reconnaissance planes of the U.S. Air Force, five RC-135s and eleven U-2Ss, were involved in air espionage against the DPRK from May 13 to 24. Notably, the U.S. Air Force mobilized three RC-135s from May 20 to 23. The U.S. and the ROK puppet air force are still seriously encroaching upon the sovereignty and security of the DPRK, conducting air espionage at the level beyond the wartime situation by repeatedly mobilizing reconnaissance drone RQ-4B and other reconnaissance aircraft almost without any time lag every day. Such hostile military espionage, together with various military drills, has become the root cause of ever-escalating regional military tensions. Recently, the ROK gets undisguised in its despicable psychological warfare by scattering leaflets and various dirty things near border areas of the DPRK. Scattering leaflets by use of balloons is a dangerous provocation that can be utilized for a specific military purpose. We have already clarified our stand on the dangerous farce of scattering things by balloons. The number of enemy's intrusion across our maritime border is also increasing. Various sorts of warships of the navy and the maritime police of the puppet ROK are frequently crossing our maritime border under such pretexts as mobile patrol. A dangerous consequence will be entailed by such frequent intrusion across our maritime border. We have never crossed the northern limit line touted by the ROK. We have already warned that we would take a necessary military measure to defend our sovereignty and security. We officially warn that we can never tolerate such continued encroachment on our maritime sovereignty and that we may exercise our self-defensive power on or under the water at any moment. If any incident occurs on the sea, the ROK will be held wholly accountable, for its violation of the maritime sovereignty of the DPRK in disregard of its warning. It is a choice made by us that if the ROK refuses to respect the maritime border declared by the DPRK, it should make the ROK afraid of crossing it. The supreme military leadership of the DPRK on May 24 instructed its army to take offensive action against the enemy's provocative encroachment upon the sovereignty of the DPRK. Tit-for-tat action will be also taken against frequent scattering of leaflets and other rubbish by the ROK near border areas. Mounds of wastepaper and filth will soon be scattered over the border areas and the interior of the ROK and it will directly experience how much effort is required to remove them. When our national sovereignty, security and interests are violated, we will take action immediately. -0- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address India's Modi faces opponents in sixth phase of mammoth elections Iran Press TV Saturday, 25 May 2024 8:00 AM The mammoth of a six-week-long election in India has recommenced, as the main opponents of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who have accused him of unfairly singling them out for criminal investigations, are set to cast their votes in the capital city of New Delhi. Elections were being held on Saturday for 58 seats in constituencies in the Union Territory of Delhi, and the states of Bihar, Bengal, Haryana, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir's last constituency, where the polling was rescheduled from the third to the sixth phase. The upcoming election in the national capital of Delhi is expected to be highly competitive, especially after septuagenarian Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won all seven seats in 2019. This time, one of Modi's opponents and Delhi's Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is aiming to secure a few seats. Kejriwal, 55, a prominent figure in a diverse coalition aiming to overthrow the BJP, was imprisoned for several weeks this year due to an ongoing corruption investigation. Earlier this month, Kejriwal was granted bail by the Supreme Court, enabling him to resume his campaign for his party. He is now fervently urging Indians to cast their votes against what he has labeled as an emerging "dictatorship". "Modi has started a very dangerous mission," he said soon after his release. "Modi will send all opposition leaders to jail." AAP is competing for four seats in Delhi, while its ally and India's main opposition party, Congress, is contesting for three seats. In February, officials suspended multiple bank accounts belonging to Congress as a result of an ongoing disagreement regarding income tax filings from five years prior. The party's Rahul Gandhi, the scion of a family that ruled India for decades and Modi's main competitor, stated that the action has significantly hindered the party's capacity to participate in the election. By the end of Saturday, the election process will have concluded in 486 out of the 543 Lok Sabha seats (the lower house of the parliament). Additionally, the polling will have been completed in Haryana, Delhi, and Jammu and Kashmir. With close to a billion people eligible to vote, India is conducting voting in seven stages spread out over a period of six weeks in order to alleviate the significant logistical challenges associated with organizing an election in the most populous nation on Earth. For the seventh and last phase, 57 seats will be left to be contested. The vote tallying will take place on June 4 following the conclusion of the final stage of the election on June 1. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'Iran will continue President Raisi's policy of improving ties with neighbors' IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency May 25, 2024 Tehran, IRNA -- Iran's Acting President Mohammad Mokhber says the Islamic Republic's strategy towards Iraq will "continue with strength" as part of the late President Ebrahim Raisi's policy of strengthening relations with neighboring countries. Mokhber made the remarks on Saturday as he met with visiting Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid and his accompanying delegation in Tehran. He described the improvement of Iran's relations with Islamic and neighboring countries as one of the most significant foreign policy achievements of late President Raisi, who was martyred after his helicopter crashed over mountainous terrain of Iran's northwest on Sunday. Mokhber, who has served as Raisi's vice president, emphasized that Iraq holds a special position in Iran's foreign policy. "Undoubtedly, the strategic policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran towards the Iraqi government and people, which was pursued by Ayatollah Raisi, will also continue with vigor." He also referred to Raisi's role in strengthening the Axis of Resistance in the region to disrupt the hegemonic policies of the United States and the Zionist regime. Iran will continue this principled strategy under the wise leadership of Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, he added. President Rashid of Iraq, for his part, expressed deep sorrow over President Raisi's martyrdom and appreciated his support for the Iraqi nation. He stressed that Iraq is determined to continue its strong relations with Iran. 4353**2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The ferry from San Francisco to Alcatraz Island is popular among tourists. Mason Trinca/Special to the Chronicle 2017 Workers who operate the ferry to San Francisco tourist destination Alcatraz Island went on strike Saturday amid contentious labor negotiations. Their union, Alcatraz Workers United, voted Tuesday to authorize a strike, according to a social media post. They were on strike for four hours, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., said San Francisco regional director Marina V. Secchitano of the Inlandboatmens Union of the Pacific, which the ferry workers joined in 2022. Managers told the union they would continue service themselves Saturday by transporting visitors to the popular tourist destination. Alcatraz City Cruises, which is owned by ferry company Hornblower Group, is contracted by the National Park Service to bring visitors to Alcatraz Island. The 94 unionized ferry workers, who run and maintain the boats, are seeking higher wages, more consistent schedules and other workplace benefits, Secchitano said. The workers say they decided to strike after their employer responded to a counteroffer with only two virtual scheduled bargaining meetings in the next month, after a year and a half of negotiations. Advertisement Article continues below this ad They have an attorney coming up with strategies to delay this, Secchitano said. The members are sick and tired. This is a slow burn thats now going to become a wildfire. Workers who operate the ferry to Alcatraz Island went on strike for four hours Saturday in their quest for higher wages, more consistent schedules and other workplace benefits. Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle 2020 In a list of FAQs sent to ferry workers just before the strike Saturday morning, Alcatraz City Cruises said it was surprised and disappointed by the strike authorization and noted that the company has the right to hire temporary or permanent replacements for a striking employee. We would like to express that the company is hopeful a new collective bargaining agreement will be reached, the letter reads. In addition, the company is not urging you to either remain a member of the union or resign from the union, but only wishes to inform you of your rights. In an emailed statement, Antonette Sespene, general manager of Alcatraz City Cruises, said: We are disappointed the union would threaten our passengers, partners and the community with a potential disruption of those services, adding that the strike will have no impact on operations. The two parties reached a tentative agreement at their last bargaining session, she said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Secchitano said more strikes could be ahead. West Asia in desperate need of enhanced Iran-Saudi ties: Interim president ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency Sat / 25 May 2024 / 10:12 Interim Iranian President Mohammad Mokhber says West Asia is in desperate need of improving relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Tehran-ISNA- Mokhber made the remarks in a phone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Friday as the latter offered his condolences to the Iranian government and nation over the martyrdom of President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and their companions in a helicopter crash in the northeastern province of East Azarbaijan on Sunday. He described ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia as crucial for the Muslim world, saying, "Despite some powers' opposition, our relations have reached a good level and the region is in desperate need of such relations." Mokhber urged the two countries to increase economic exchanges, remove obstacles and meet mutual needs in order to further improve political relations. He emphasized that the loss of popular and hardworking President Raisi is painful but will not make any change in Iran's diplomatic path. He noted that Tehran and Riyadh will continue to boost cordial relations as in the past. The interim president stressed the importance of pursuing the policy of neighborliness and expansion of relations among all the countries in the region which will guarantee regional stability and prosperity. Mokhber also hailed Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz and the crown prince's messages of sympathy with Iran over the tragic incident and the participation of the country's foreign minister in ceremonies to pay tribute to the late president and his entourage. The Saudi crown prince, for his part, said Iran and Saudi Arabia play a key role in the region and the Muslim world and added that improved mutual relations will lead to a bright future. Salman expressed Riyadh's readiness to boost economic cooperation with Tehran. He stressed the need to continue President Raisi's path to develop mutual and regional ties. The passing of President Raisi and Foreign Minister Amir-Abdollahian was very painful for Saudi Arabia, he said, vowing to continue expansion of ties with Iran. The conversation comes as it was in March 2023 and under the tenure of President Raisi that Iran and Saudi Arabia agreed to restore diplomatic ties after seven years. The tragic helicopter crash engulfed Iran in shock and grief and generated a groundswell of support and solidarity from Muslims and non-Muslims across the world. Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, expressing his deep sorrow over the "martyrdom-like passing", announced five days of national mourning on Monday. End Item NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Leader: Mass participation in Raisi funerals shows Iran's power ISNA - Iranian Students' News Agency Sat / 25 May 2024 / 09:56 Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei says the massive turnout of Iranians for the funeral processions of late President Ebrahim Raisi demonstrated the strength of the Islamic Republic. Tehran-ISNA- Ayatollah Khamenei made the comments during a Wednesday night visit to the family of the deceased president who lost his life along with Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and six of their companions in a helicopter crash in the northwestern Iranian province of East Azarbaijan on Sunday. The Leader said that the Iranian people's mass participation in funeral processions for the late president sent a message to the world in support of the Islamic Republic. Ayatollah Khamenei emphasized that the power of the Islamic Republic is deeply emanating from the Iranian nation. The people's massive attendance at the funeral procession was not hidden from the sight of foreign guests and it manifested the Islamic Republic's popular roots and its strength, Ayatollah Khamenei said. The Leader noted that President Raisi was a symbol of slogans in support of the Islamic Revolution, describing his loss as "heavy and irreparable damage to the country". Ayatollah Khamenei also highlighted the expressions of kindness, affection, and devotion shown by people in various cities in response to the tragic helicopter crash. "These gatherings, which included prayers and supplications for the health of the President, showed the people's strong bond with the Revolution and the principles of the Islamic Revolution," he explained. The tragic helicopter crash engulfed Iran in shock and grief and generated a groundswell of support and solidarity from Muslims and non-Muslims across the world. Ayatollah Khamenei, expressing his deep sorrow over the "martyrdom-like passing", announced five days of national mourning on Monday. According to estimates, more than four million people in Tehran and three million people in Mashhad participated in the funeral processions for the late president and his companions. The 8th Iranian president was laid to rest at a tomb at Imam Reza (AS) shrine in Mashhad on Thursday. End item NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran, Saudi Arabia reaffirm commitment to promoting bilateral ties People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 11:31, May 25, 2024 TEHRAN, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Interim President Mohammad Mokhber and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud on Friday reaffirmed their countries' commitment to expanding bilateral ties. In a phone call, the Saudi crown prince extended condolences over the deaths of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and the accompanying delegation in a helicopter crash, according to the official IRNA news agency. The Saudi crown prince emphasized the importance of developing relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran for the region, envisioning a bright future for the region through strengthened ties and expressing readiness to boost trade relations with Iran. Mokhber, in turn, extended gratitude toward the Saudi crown prince and King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud for their "kind and sympathetic" condolatory messages. He highlighted Raisi's successes in expanding relations with neighbors and friendly states, emphasizing that despite his death, Iran's commitment to strengthening ties with other countries remains unchanged. Mokhber stressed that Iran and Saudi Arabia should further support, promote, and stabilize their political ties by increasing bilateral economic interactions and removing obstacles to cooperation between their private sectors. The helicopter carrying Raisi and his entourage crashed Sunday in a mountainous area in the northwestern Iranian province of East Azarbaijan, resulting in the deaths of all those on board. First Vice President Mokhber was appointed as the interim president until a new presidential election is held on June 28. In April 2023, Iran and Saudi Arabia declared the resumption of diplomatic relations in Beijing after years of estrangement. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Raeisi's policy of strengthening ties with Iraq will continue: Interim president Iran Press TV Saturday, 25 May 2024 6:01 PM Iran's Interim President Mohammad Mokhber says the Islamic Republic will resolutely continue the policy of late president Ebrahim Raeisi to promote ties with Iraq. Mokhber made the remarks in a Saturday meeting with Iraqi President Abdul Latif Rashid and his accompanying delegation, who are in Tehran to pay homage to Raeisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and his companions, who lost their lives in a helicopter crash last week. Mokhber said the late president's huge and bitter loss reinforced national unity inside the country and created convergence and synergy between the resistance front and Muslim countries. He added that one of the late president's most significant successes was to improve Iran's relations with Muslim and neighboring countries. The interim president emphasized that the Iraqi government and nation have a leading position in Iran's foreign policy. He noted that the late president played a leading and influential role in strengthening the resistance front, changing power equations in the world by promoting synergy with independent countries and defeating the US and Israeli regime's hegemony. He said Iran will firmly continue its principled stance in support of the resistance front based on the prudent guidelines of Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei. The Iraqi president, for his part, praised Iran's support for his country and said President Raeisi's martyrdom is not only a great and irreparable tragedy for the Iranian nation but also the people of Iraq and the entire region. Rashid added that the Iraqi government and nation will stand by the government and nation of Iran in this painful incident. He expressed Baghdad's determination to further improve relations with Tehran, saying his country will take all the necessary measure in this regard. Rashid's visit to Tehran came a few days after Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani visited Tehran to meet with Ayatollah Khamenei and attend the funeral procession of Raeisi and his companions. On May 19, the helicopter carrying Raeisi and his entourage crashed in a mountainous and forested region in Iran's East Azarbaijan Province. Their bodies were found the following day after a massive search operation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Interim FM: Iran's strategic policy of good neighborliness will continue Iran Press TV Saturday, 25 May 2024 7:07 AM Interim foreign minister Ali Bagheri Kani says the Islamic Republic observes the policy of good neighborliness as a strategic and unwavering policy. "The policy of good neighborliness is not a temporary and tactical policy, but rather a strategic approach of the establishment," Tasnim news agency quoted Bagheri Kani as saying. "This policy was first presented by late president Ebrahim Raeisi's administration, but Leader of the Islamic Revolution [Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei] has on occasions reiterated that this is a definite and strategic policy of the establishment. Strategic rationality prescribes that our agenda at the regional level should be dAtente with all neighbors," he said. He also noted that late foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian had a broad and accurate understanding of the foundations of the Islamic Republic of Iran's foreign policy, which were based on the viewpoints and guidelines of the late founder of the Islamic Republic, Imam Khomeini, and his successor Ayatollah Seyyed ali Khamenei. "Such a fact helps any diplomat not get carried away in the midst of international vicissitudes," he argued. Bagheri Kani added that when Amir-Abdollahian took helm of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, most regional states had either severed ties with Iran or had tense relations with the Islamic Republic. Today, he said, only one country in the region - Bahrain - does not have relations with Tehran, and that even Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifah has said that Manama looks forward to improving its relations with Iran. On Wednesday, Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif al-Zayani visited Tehran to offer condolences on the passing of President Raeisi, who lost his life alongside seven others in a helicopter crash in northwest Iran on Sunday. "The [Islamic] establishment's foreign policy has been devised in accordance with a strategic rationale, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs acts within the framework of the principles that have been laid down by the Supreme National Security Council and the Leader of the Islamic Revolution," Bagheri Kani said. "The key point is that individuals can demonstrate various aptitudes, skills, acumen and performance. Nonetheless, it does not mean that the compass of the country's foreign policy will change," he added. The acting Iranian foreign minister also echoed Ayatollah Khamenei's remarks that the caretaker administration will fulfill its duties strongly, firmly, authoritatively and responsibly. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Germany Federal Foreign Office 25.05.2024 - Press release Minister of State Katja Keul issued the following statement today (25 May 2024) prior to her visit to Tripoli: Libya is an immediate neighbour of the EU - we are separated by about only 300 kilometres. What happens there also has a direct impact on us. The civil war is over. The 2020 ceasefire agreement reached as a result of the first Berlin Conference on Libya is holding. Nevertheless, Libya's political crisis continues and the country remains divided between east and west. People are still waiting to be allowed to exercise their right to political participation, after the elections scheduled for December 2021 did not take place. For the absence of elections also means the absence of legitimate, pan-Libyan institutions, and thus a weakening of state authority. Foreign fighters and forces have still not been withdrawn from Libya. Russia is massively expanding its presence and is using Libya as a hub for its Africa policy. I am travelling to Libya to find out more about the current state of the political process. It is crucial that the international community continues to stand united behind the United Nations and its efforts to lead Libyan actors towards an agreement on elections. And it is important that Libyan actors remain engaged and participate in the UN process, especially following the resignation of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Libya. A vacuum must not be allowed to emerge that destabilising forces could subsequently step into. I am especially concerned by reports of the bad human rights situation in the country for Libyans as well as for refugees and migrants, and also for civil society, which is confronted with shrinking spaces. In my talks, I want to discuss how we can help improve the situation. Reports emerge of new atrocities against Rohingya in Myanmar By Lisa Schlein May 25, 2024 Reports are emerging of new atrocity crimes being committed in a concerted campaign of violence and destruction by Myanmar's military against the largely Muslim Rohingya people in northern Rakhine state. "We are receiving frightening and disturbing reports from northern Rakhine state in Myanmar of the impacts of the conflict on civilian lives and property," Liz Throssell, spokesperson for the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, said Friday in a briefing to journalists in Geneva. "Some of the most serious allegations concern incidents of killing of Rohingya civilians and the burning of their property," she said, noting that tens of thousands of civilians have been displaced in recent days by fighting in Buthidaung and Maungdaw townships. She said that information gathered in testimony from victims, eyewitnesses, satellite images, and online video and pictures over the last week indicate that "Buthidaung town has been largely burned." "We have received information indicating that the burning started on 17 May, two days after the military had retreated from the town and the Arakan Army claimed to have taken full control," she said. Speaking in Bangkok, James Rodehaver, head of Myanmar Team, Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, said his team had spoken to many sources on the ground and reviewed numerous materials, many of which "were deemed to be credible." "Our offices are corroborating information further, particularly in establishing who were the perpetrators of the burning. "One survivor described seeing dozens of dead bodies as he fled the town. Another survivor said that he was among a group of displaced persons numbering in the tens of thousands, who attempted to move outside of the town to safety but were blocked by the Arakan Army," Rodehaver said, pointing out that the Arakan Army had abused survivors and extorted money from them as they fled the town. The Arakan Army is an armed ethnic group fighting as part of an alliance against the Myanmar military. Rodehaver said, "In the weeks leading up to the burning of Buthidaung, the Myanmar team of the U.N. human rights offices has documented renewed attacks on Rohingya civilians by both the Arakan Army and by the military in northern Rakhine state," including many by aerial strikes and drones. He said his office also has received reports of shooting at unarmed fleeing villagers, multiple disappearances and burnings of homes, and has confirmed four cases of beheadings. Rodehaver said the military has been actively targeting the Rohingya for years and has "actively enforced draconian and discriminatory restrictions affecting all aspects of their lives." "It is one of the reasons why the Rohingya, whenever they were asked to leave Buthidaung and other villages, have been very reluctant to move because they have needed special permission to move outside of their township of residence. They also have nowhere else to go. "They, of course, have learned very hard lessons in 2017, knowing that whenever movement starts, it usually ends [with] them leaving their homes, never to see them again," he said. In August 2017, more than a million Rohingya fled to Cox's Bazaar in Bangladesh to escape violence and persecution in Myanmar. Currently, an estimated 600,000 Rohingya live in Rakhine state. Although they have lived in Myanmar for generations, the government considers them illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and refuses to grant them citizenship. The Myanmar junta, which has been at war with its people for decades, recently has suffered many defeats. One consequence is young men have been conscripted from the Rohingya to fight its battles, by promising them many benefits, such as more food rations for their families and a promise of citizenship. Rodehaver calls that an insidious ploy by military leaders. "They know that most of these men have never had any sort of combat training or self-defense training. So, they are largely being sent to the front lines as human shields or as cannon fodder, and the military knows that very well. "The military also told the Rohingya, if you run away and you do not serve, we will arrest you or cut the rations to your family. So, they use a variety of pressures to convince the Rohingya to join. We have had reports that from 1,500 to 2,000 men have been recruited at this point," he said. Tom Andrews, the U.N. special rapporteur on the human rights situation in Myanmar, warned Thursday of "ominous signs of another Rohingya bloodbath in Rakhine state" if the international community were to continue to turn a blind eye and fail to take action to save the lives of thousands of Rohingya. "Once again, the world seems to be failing a desperate people in their hour of peril, while a hate-driven unnatural disaster unfolds in real time in Myanmar's Rakhine state," he said. Mirroring that assessment, U.N. human rights chief Volker TArk is calling for "an immediate end to the violence, and for all civilians to be protected without any distinction based on identity. "Prompt and unhindered humanitarian relief must be allowed to flow, and all parties must comply fully and unconditionally with international law," he said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Alleged blasphemy triggers violent Muslim mob attack on Pakistani Christians By Ayaz Gul May 25, 2024 Violent mob attacks against religious minorities in majority-Muslim Pakistan are not uncommon. In August 2023, thousands of people in the Jaranwala district of Punjab attacked and burned 21 churches and damaged more than 90 Christian properties after accusing two Christian brothers of blasphemy. Several Christian families fled their homes because of the violence. Police arrested more than 250 persons, including the three Christians accused of desecrating a Quran. Blasphemy is a highly sensitive issue in Pakistan, and mere allegations have led to mobs lynching dozens of suspects a even some in police custody. Insulting the Quran or Islamic beliefs is punishable by death under the country's blasphemy laws, though no one has ever been executed. Critics have long called for reforming the blasphemy laws, saying they are often misused to settle personal scores. Hundreds of suspects, mostly Muslims, are languishing in jails in Pakistan because external pressures deter judges from moving their trials forward. "While the majority of those imprisoned for blasphemy were Muslim, religious minorities were disproportionately affected," the U.S. State Department noted in its annual report on human rights practices in Pakistan. "Lower courts often failed to adhere to basic evidentiary standards in blasphemy cases, which civil society groups and lawyers ascribed to fear of retaliation from religious groups if they acquitted blasphemy defendants, and most convicted persons spent years in jail before higher courts eventually overturned their convictions or ordered their release," the report noted. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Meeting with CEOs of defence industry enterprises Vladimir Putin had a meeting with heads of the Russian defence industry enterprises during his visit to the Tactical Missiles Corporation. May 25, 2024 16:35 Korolyov, Moscow Region * * * Opening remarks at the meeting with CEOs of defence industry enterprises President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, colleagues. We have been planning this meeting for a long time, so that we could meet and talk. Now that the new Government has been formed, we are making arrangements for this sector as a whole. I think that this is the right time for us get together and coordinate our approaches. Today, we are going to discuss a range of issues concerning the future of Russia's defence industry, including how deliveries of the most essential weapons and equipment are progressing. I should note that most enterprises are fulfilling the defence procurement orders on time, to the standard, and even ahead of schedule for a number of items. It is important to continue to step up of efforts to ensure the regular provision of the Armed Forces with advanced, high-tech weapons and equipment. These include unmanned aerial and ground systems, high-precision munitions, electronic warfare systems and counter-battery systems, various types of communications for stable and continuous command and control, and other products. You are very well aware of the fact that we have substantially increased our output recently, over the last year and a half or two years, that is over the period of the special military operation. From 2021 to 2023 (these figures change constantly, they are increasing), the growth was more than 22 times for missile and artillery weapons, 15 times for electronic warfare and reconnaissance equipment, 14 times for ammunition and munitions, seven times for vehicles, six times for body armour equipment, four times for aviation equipment and unmanned aerial vehicles, and almost 3.5 times for tanks and armoured vehicles. This is a good pace and a large volume. I would like to thank you and your teams for coping with such formidable challenges. As I have already said, building an effective economy for the Armed Forces is essential today. We all understand that the Armed Forces are part of the national economy in general, considering the amounts we spend on this sector. This means that it must be organised accordingly in order to generate returns on every ruble we invest in it. This must benefit the economy as a whole rather than just the Armed Forces. I will elaborate on this matter later in my remarks. What I want to hear from you today is a progress report on signing contracts with manufacturers, advance payments, and planning defence procurement orders, whether there are any challenges which have yet to be addressed. I have taken several decisions to streamline repairs and restoration efforts for arms and equipment so that this hardware can return to the combat zone as quickly as possible. I would like you to report on how you are making this happen. There was also an instruction to introduce the latest technology and innovative solutions at a faster pace so that we keep improving and perfecting the tactical and technical characteristics of our weapons and equipment taking into account our experience in using them in combat. Once again, I would like to emphasise that we must always be one step ahead. We have to always be one step ahead of the adversary, and then victory will be guaranteed. You know this. Your specialists and you personally always remain in touch with our men fighting on the line of contact without sparring themselves to defend Russia's interests. Whenever we manage to get an edge, no matter how slim it is, this increases our effectiveness manyfold. We must also be effective when using assets supplied by the so-called grassroots defence manufacturing sector. We must enable it to develop and expand its manufacturing operations, and introduce a fast-track procedure for supplying its most effective solutions to the army. Finally, I would like to draw your attention to diversifying the operations of our defence manufacturers to launch high-tech production in civilian manufacturing. This is what I have just spoken about. Delivering on this systemic objective is instrumental for streamlining the defence sector's manufacturing potential and helping talented professionals advance their careers. Overall, this would create a more sustainable footing for defence manufacturers by offering them a solid economic and financial foundation in the long run. Over the previous years - I mean really years: not a year and a half or two years related to the special military operation, but years - we have been building up the structure of the defence industry accordingly. The enterprise, the corporation where we are, was established in March 2003, and in 2002 decisions were made to rebuild the defence industry as a whole. The executive order to this effect was signed in 2002. That is when we launched this effort. At that time there were six enterprises of this kind, but today there are 56. Later in our conversation we can discuss efforts to further improve the structures necessary to ensure and enhance the defence capability of the state. Let us start. <...> NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Week In Russia: The 'Extremely Brutal' Bottom Line By Steve Gutterman May 25, 2024 Amid a slew of developments from a military shakeup to tactical-nuclear arms drills and rumblings about changing maritime borders in the Baltic, images of Kharkiv region frontier towns targeted in a new Russian offensive are a stark reminder of the effects of Moscow's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. Here are some of the key developments in Russia over the past week and some of the takeaways going forward. Analyze This For journalists, analysts, and pretty much anyone paying attention to the war in Ukraine, there's always a lot to consider -- a wheeling constellation of developments that could hold clues to what the future may bring. There's the battlefield situation, weapons supplies, diplomacy, and frequent talk of the possibility of a truce - despite the fact that a cease-fire or negotiated solution seems far off at this point. Sometimes, though, some detail -- a photo, a video, an anecdote -- brings one central fact into focus: Russia's unprovoked invasion has killed and wounded hundreds of thousands of people. This month, footage from Vovchansk, a town targeted in a new Russian offensive in the Kharkiv region, provided a stark picture of what's happening: Death and destruction in an unprovoked war. A short video posted on social media shows what appear to be three dead bodies lying on the ground -- two of them together and a third in a separate location, lying next to a bicycle. The clip also shows broader views of Vovchansk, with smoke rising from ruins in a town that was intact two weeks ago but now looks like Bakhmut, Avdiyivka, and other cities Russian forces have destroyed since they launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The result of the Russian offensive north of Kharkiv remains to be seen. Ukraine's military asserted on May 24 that its forces had halted Russian advances there and were counterattacking -- but that the situation on other parts of the more than 1,000-kilometer front line was volatile. Relentless Russian is also hammering the city of Kharkiv, Ukraine's largest after Kyiv and a symbol of resistance against Moscow since it avoided takeover by Russia-backed forces at the start of the war in the Donbas, further south, in 2014. At least seven people were killed when a Russian missile strike hit a prominent printing press in Kharkiv on May 23, part of a wave of attacks that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called "extremely brutal." Meanwhile, Russia has been taking steps to maintain pressure on the West as well as on Kyiv -- and to keep the world guessing about its intentions. And there are plenty of signs that the Kremlin is preparing for a long war as Putin's new six-year presidential term gets under way. One of them is his shake-up of the military leadership -- which is beginning to look more like a purge. It seems to have several aims: To keep the war economy going, reduce corruption and ensure loyalty among the military brass, and deflect blame for setbacks in the war while showing the West that Putin has no intention of abandoning his effort to subjugate Ukraine and challenge the United States and Europe. 'Very Beneficial' The Kremlin's efforts to throw the West off balance go beyond Ukraine, of course, and include constant signaling and scare tactics. Two fresh examples: Russia's most recent nuclear saber-rattling, with what it says are tactical nuclear weapons drills; and an elaborate warning that Moscow wants to redraw maritime borders in the Baltic. Meanwhile, a Reuters report that cited unnamed Russian sources and said Putin "is ready to halt the war in Ukraine with a negotiated cease-fire that recognizes the current battlefield lines" was seen as the result of a Kremlin bid to paint Kyiv as recalcitrant and weaken Western support for Ukraine. "Russia's minimum goal is to capture the rest of the Donbas, and I'm skeptical that Russia would pursue a cease-fire this year as long as it believes it can make further gains on the battlefield," Rob Lee, a military analyst and senior fellow at the U.S.-based Foreign Policy Research Institute, wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Putin's "unchanging idea is that Ukraine must stop resisting and start discussing the terms of its capitulation," political analyst Tatyana Stanovaya, an expert on the Kremlin and a senior fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, wrote on X. A cease-fire would be "very beneficial for Putin: it allows him to keep what he has already taken, politically weakens the Ukrainian leadership, demotivates the West from supplying arms, and makes troop deployment useless," Stanovaya wrote. "That's how Putin intends to win the war." In December, Sam Greene, a political analyst and professor at the Kings Russia Institute, issued a similar warning after a previous instance in which the Kremlin appeared to be sending signals through the Western media that Putin was ready for talks on a cease-fire. "Drawing the West into a negotiating process...serves an obvious purpose: it reduces the Western appetite for fighting and puts the Kremlin in control of escalation," Greene wrote. "If negotiations -- or even discussions about negotiations -- even temporarily slow the pace of Western financial, military and diplomatic support for Ukraine's war effort, they will achieve most of what Putin needs them to," he wrote. "The problem is this: For the West, negotiations are a means of ending the war. For Russia, they are a means of winning it." Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-week-war- ukraine-west/32962742.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Crews respond to a report of explosive devices at Port Costas annual flea market Saturday. Crockett Carquinez Fire Department Crews respond to a report of explosive devices at Port Costas annual flea market Saturday. Crockett Carquinez Fire Department Crews respond to a report of explosive devices at Port Costas annual flea market Saturday. Crockett Carquinez Fire Department Two live devices were removed from a popular East Bay flea market Saturday evening, authorities said. Firefighters were called to Canyon Lake Drive in Port Costa around 5:30 p.m. for reports of two pieces of military ordnance, according to the Crockett Carquinez Fire Department. Law enforcement authorities blocked traffic at the end of Reservoir Street and Carquinez Scenic Drive, and the area was evacuated. The one-day Port Costa town-wide antique yard sale was being held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. With help from the Travis Air Force Base Explosive Ordnance Disposal, authorities removed a grenade and a type of police ammunition used to destroy door hinges, fire department spokesperson Steve Trotter said in an email. Advertisement Article continues below this ad They were related to the town-wide yard sale but I dont have much information beyond that, he added. Russia's Lavrov, Iran's Kani Reaffirm Commitment to Strategic Partnership - Moscow Sputnik News 20240525 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has discussed bilateral cooperation, implementation of joint projects and agreements between Moscow and Tehran in a telephone conversation with Iran's acting Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani, the Russian Foreign Ministry said. "The sides reaffirmed their firm commitment to the unconditional continuation of the course chosen by the leaders of the two countries to form a strategic partnership between Russia and Iran and their readiness to implement all existing agreements and projects in various areas," the ministry said in a statement. Lavrov also expressed his condolences to Kani over the deaths of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian in a helicopter crash, the ministry added. The Iranian official expressed gratitude to the Russian leadership for its attention and support, as well as sincere sympathy and compassion for the Iranian people who have gone through this difficult ordeal. Ali Bagheri Kani said on Saturday he had held a phone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov for the first time since the death of Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian in a plane crash, and that the two top diplomats discussed cooperation between Tehran and Moscow. "As diplomatic meetings and contacts continued, I received a phone call from my Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov," Kani said on X. The sides discussed bilateral and multilateral programs, Kani said, adding that regional and international cooperation between Russia and Iran was deepening. Last week, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi went to Azerbaijan to participate in the opening ceremony of the Giz Galasi dam and the commissioning of the Khudafarin dam on the joint border. Raisi's helicopter crash-landed on its way back to Iran, leaving the president and his delegation, which included Amirabdollahian, dead. Preliminary findings of an official Iranian probe suggest the helicopter caught fire after colliding with a hilltop amid think fog. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israeli drone strike targets two vehicles in Syria's Qusayr near Lebanon border Iran Press TV Saturday, 25 May 2024 1:50 PM The Israeli military has reportedly carried out an aerial assault against two vehicles in Syria's central province of Homs, as the Tel Aviv regime presses ahead with its acts of aggression against the Arab nation concurrent with a genocidal war in the Gaza Strip. Lebanon's al-Mayadeen television news channel reported that an Israeli drone strike targeted a car and a truck outside the western Syrian city of al-Qusayr, located about 35 kilometers (22 miles) south of Homs and overlooking Syria's border with Lebanon, on Saturday afternoon. The Beirut-based television channel didn't say if there were casualties in the attack. Meanwhile, the so-called Syrian Observatory for Human Rights alleged that the Israeli drone strike killed two members of the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah. The Britain-based Observatory claimed that the Israeli unmanned aerial vehicle fired two missiles at a Hezbollah car and truck near the city of Qusayr in Homs province, as they were on their way to al-Dabaa military airport. It further asserted that at least two Hezbollah fighters were killed and several others wounded as a result. The Israeli regime often conducts airstrikes on military installations in Syria, particularly those belonging to Hezbollah, which has been instrumental in supporting the Syrian army in its battle against terrorists backed by foreign entities. The Tel Aviv regime does not acknowledge its military actions within Syrian territories, which are widely interpreted as a knee-jerk reaction to the Syrian government's triumph over terrorism. The recent strikes also came amid an upsurge in Israel's ongoing genocidal war on Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, which has killed at least 35,903 Palestinians, most of them women and children. Another 80,420 individuals have been injured as well. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 46 PLA aircraft cross Taiwan Strait median line: Defense ministry ROC Central News Agency 05/25/2024 11:34 PM Taipei, May 25 (CNA) A total of 46 Chinese military aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait in the 24-hour period from at 6 a.m. Friday, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) said Saturday. These planes were part of a larger fleet of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft that entered Taiwan's southwestern, southeastern and eastern air defense identification zone (ADIZ), the ministry said in a statement. An ADIZ is a self-declared area in which a country claims the right to identify, locate and control approaching foreign aircraft, but it is not part of the country's territorial airspace as defined by international law. Also from Friday into Saturday, 27 Chinese military vessels were identified in waters around Taiwan, the ministry said, stressing that it had been monitoring the situation the entire time and had deployed aircraft, ships and coastal missile systems in response. On Thursday, China launched a two-day joint military exercise codenamed Joint Sword-2024A in the areas surrounding Taiwan, which prompted the MND to set up several emergency response centers. The centers were demobilized Saturday by Defense Minister Wellington Koo (ece), who received a briefing on the PLA's activities in the vicinity of the Taiwan Strait and ordered the military to resume normal operations. (By Wu Shu-wei and Lee Hsin-Yin) Enditem/pc NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China's military drills hurt cross-strait stability: Presidential Office ROC Central News Agency 05/25/2024 07:17 PM Taipei, May 25 (CNA) Taiwan's Presidential Office said Saturday that China's recent large-scale military exercises around Taiwan were "provocative" and destabilizing actions, not just regionally but also internationally. The exercises, held Thursday and Friday, were a unilateral military move by China that destabilized peace and stability of the status quo across the Taiwan Strait and challenged the international order, Presidential Office spokesperson Kuo Ya-hui () said in a statement. Those actions by China have drawn serious concerns and condemnation in the international community, Kuo said. The Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) on Thursday launched a two-day series of joint military drills in the areas surrounding Taiwan, three days after the inauguration of Taiwan's new President Lai Ching-te (). The military exercises, dubbed "Joint Sword-2024A," were conducted in the Taiwan Strait, and north, south and east of the main Taiwan island, as well as in areas around the islands of Kinmen, Matsu, Wuqiu and Dongyin, according to China's state-run Xinhua News Agency. In Kuo's press statement on Saturday, she said that maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific region and the Taiwan Strait is in the interests of the international community and is also a global consensus. The president and his national security team had been closely monitoring the situation and devising appropriate responses to safeguard national security, Kuo added. Lai said in his inauguration speech that "if the leader of a country puts the people's welfare above all, then peace in the Taiwan Strait, mutual benefits, and prosperous coexistence would be common goals." He also urged China to stop its military actions against Taiwan and to take joint responsibility to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and surrounding areas. On Thursday, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense also said that China was engaging in "irrational provocation." The two-day military exercises focused on joint sea-air combat-readiness patrol, joint seizure of comprehensive battlefield control, and joint precision strikes on key targets, according to Xinhua, which cited Li Xi (), spokesperson for the PLA's Eastern Theater Command. It was the third time in recent years that China staged large-scale military exercises around Taiwan, following its unprecedented drills in August 2022, after then United States House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan, and another round in April 2023, after Taiwan's then President Tsai Ing-wen () met with then U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy during a transit stop in the U.S. According to an article published by the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), the Joint Sword-2024A exercises were China's response to what it deemed as unacceptable statements by Lai during his inauguration speech on May 20. Beijing has an intent to make large-scale military drills around the island a regular move to show its displeasure and punish Taiwan and the U.S., American experts were cited as saying in the article published Friday. (By Wen Kuei-hsiang, Joseph Yeh and Frances Huang) Enditem/pc NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PRC Military Drills near Taiwan US Department of State Press Statement Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson May 25, 2024 The United States is deeply concerned over the People's Liberation Army joint military drills in the Taiwan Strait and around Taiwan. We are monitoring PRC activities closely and coordinating with allies and partners regarding our shared concerns. We strongly urge Beijing to act with restraint. Using a normal, routine, and democratic transition as an excuse for military provocations risks escalation and erodes longstanding norms that for decades have maintained peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, which is critical for regional and global security and prosperity and a matter of international concern. The United States remains committed to its longstanding one China policy, guided by the Taiwan Relations Act, the Three Joint CommuniquAs, and the Six Assurances. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Chinese military drills test Taiwan's defense readiness, analysts say By William Yang May 25, 2024 China wrapped up a two-day, large-scale military exercise Friday after its forces deployed 111 aircraft and 46 naval vessels to areas around Taiwan. Taiwan's National Defense Ministry said 82 Chinese military aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and some got very close to the 24-nautical-mile line that Taiwan uses to define its contiguous zone. The military drills, branded as a "punishment" for Taiwan's new president, Lai Ching-te, who China views as separatist, focused on conducting joint sea-air combat-readiness patrol, joint seizure of comprehensive battlefield control and joint precision strikes on key targets involving China's army, navy, air force and rocket force. Beijing said the drills were "completely legitimate and necessary," while Taipei criticized the Chinese military for damaging peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait with its "irrational provocation." This is the third time since August 2022 that China has conducted a large-scale military exercise encircling Taiwan. Some analysts say this exercise was "significantly closer" to Taiwan than similar drills in 2022 and 2023. "This proximity further whittles away at Taiwan's room to maneuver and further increases the chances of collision or miscommunication which could lead to escalation," J. Michael Cole, a Taipei-based security analyst, told VOA in a written response. Other experts say the Chinese military simulated some scenarios that would be involved in a potential invasion of Taiwan during the exercise. "They focused on joint blockade operation and joint precision strikes on key targets across Taiwan," said Chieh Chung, a military researcher at Taiwan's National Policy Foundation. In addition to targeting Taiwan's main island, Chung told VOA, the exercise was the first time the Chinese military deployed coast guard vessels to conduct joint patrols in restricted waters near Taiwan's outlying islands of Kinmen and Matsu. "Since Taiwanese military stations have some anti-aircraft and anti-ship missiles on the outlying island of Dongyin, the Chinese military would try to simulate how to seize the island before they launch an invasion of Taiwan's main island," he said, noting that Beijing could be signaling its intent to build up its military's capabilities through this exercise. Some analysts say Chinese coast guard vessels would play an important role in helping the Chinese military to impose control over Taiwan's outlying islands. "The coast guard vessels could help impose blockades over Kinmen and Matsu," said Su Tzu-yun, a military analyst at the Taipei-based Institute for National Defense and Security Research. Vulnerability in Taiwan's defense Apart from simulating attacks on Taiwan's outlying islands, the Chinese military also conducted drills on the eastern side of Taiwan. Chung said Beijing's goal in conducting drills east of Taiwan is to simulate an attack on naval and air bases in eastern Taiwan, traditionally used by Taiwan's naval and air forces to preserve their combat capabilities. "If China would be able to deploy a naval fleet to eastern Taiwan and carry out direct attacks on Taiwan's naval and air forces, it would seriously damage Taiwan's defense capabilities," he told VOA. Chung said Taiwan currently lacks effective ways to defend against a potential Chinese attack on key military assets in eastern Taiwan. "The new government under Lai Ching-te needs to convince the United States to provide Taiwan with longer-range, air-launched anti-ship missiles to allow Taiwan to hit Chinese naval vessels in the event of a Chinese attack on eastern Taiwan," he said. Since the military exercise allows the Chinese military to familiarize themselves with the environment around Taiwan while testing Taiwanese forces' response time, Cole said Taipei must now be prepared for various contingencies, including a potential Chinese blockade. "Taiwan's armed forces must assess how best to secure their lines of communication between Taiwan proper and its outlying islands while interdicting the Taiwan Strait with a mix of traditional and asymmetrical platforms," he told VOA. Psychological warfare While Beijing's latest military drills around Taiwan pose some new challenges to the island's defense capabilities, some analysts say the Chinese military is also trying to weaken the confidence of the Taiwanese military and the public by using aggressive propaganda campaigns. "Beijing is trying to affect the Taiwanese military and public's morale by releasing videos and images of Chinese military activities around Taiwan, but Taiwanese authorities neutralized the effect of China's psychological warfare by releasing videos of the Taiwanese military tracking Chinese military activities around the island," Taiwanese analyst Su told VOA. Some Taiwanese people think their government should show Beijing that it has the capabilities to counter Chinese military aggression, while others think authorities in Taipei should prioritize efforts to maintain peace. "It's time to show Beijing that we are not a paper tiger," Marcos Cheng, a 29-year-old office worker, told VOA by phone. On Friday, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian warned that whenever "Taiwan independence forces" provoke China, Beijing will take one step further to counter such attempts, emphasizing that Chinese military pressure on Taiwan will not stop until reunification is achieved. Chung told VOA that Beijing would likely launch similar military drills around Taiwan in the coming months as it tries to maintain pressure on Taiwan's new government. "Since Beijing's latest military exercise didn't involve live-fire drills, they may turn it into part of their regular practice around Taiwan," he said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China, Brazil propose road map for solving Ukraine crisis Global Times By Zhang Han Published: May 24, 2024 11:43 PM Updated: May 24, 2024 11:50 PM China and Brazil have jointly urged the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis and peace talks to be held with the participation of both Russia and Ukraine, which shows the view of developing countries and provides a workable approach to solving the crisis amid new US weapons aid and the Western-convened "peace conference" in Switzerland, analysts said Friday. Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, had an in-depth exchange of views on pushing for the political settlement of the crisis with visiting Celso Amorim, Chief Advisor to the President of Brazil, in Beijing on Thursday. China and Brazil jointly issued a six-point consensus on their common understanding of the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis on Thursday, calling on all relevant parties to observe three principles for de-escalating the situation - no expansion of the battlefield, no escalation of fighting and no provocation by any party - and stating that "dialogue and negotiation are the only viable way out of the crisis." China and Brazil support an international peace conference held at a proper time that is recognized by both Russia and Ukraine, with equal participation of all parties as well as fair discussion of all peace plans, Xinhua News Agency reported Thursday. The two sides also agreed that efforts are needed to increase humanitarian assistance to relevant regions and prevent a larger scale humanitarian crisis; the use of weapons of mass destruction, particularly nuclear weapons and chemical and biological weapons must be opposed; attacks on nuclear power plants and other peaceful nuclear facilities must be opposed; and dividing the world into isolated political or economic groups should be opposed. Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry, said at Friday's routine press briefing that the Ukraine crisis has entered its third year, with spillover effects and high risk of escalation. The international community believes the most urgent task is to de-escalate the situation and create conditions for cease-fire. The consensus is proposed by China and Brazil, but we welcome members of the international community to support and endorse the above-mentioned common understandings, and jointly play a constructive role in de-escalating the situation and promoting peace talks, Wang Wenbin said. Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University, told the Global Times on Friday that the consensus can be seen as a representative of the Global South, or developing countries' road map for a way out of the prolonged conflict. Despite calls for peace and de-escalation, the US "is expected to announce an additional $275 million in military aid for Ukraine on Friday," the Associated Press reported. On Monday, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin committed to keeping US weapons moving to Ukraine. Chinese analysts noted that the sweeping Western sanctions against Russia and the continuous sending of weapons to Ukraine failed to defeat Russia or end the conflict, which demonstrated the US approach does not work. As for the "common understandings" issued by China and Brazil, it is not a one-sided condemnation of any country, but a constructive call to de-escalate the situation and seek a feasible solution to it, Li said, adding that the consensus also touched on how to establish a more balanced and sustainable security framework for Europe - equal participation and fair discussions. A peace conference will be held in Switzerland in mid-June. US President Joe Biden will reportedly miss the conference because it conflicts with a campaign fundraiser in California he's set to attend, Bloomberg reported Thursday. Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 17 denounced the upcoming Ukraine peace conference as a means of putting pressure on Russia. Putin criticized the fact that Russia was constantly being reproached for not attending, when the country was not even invited to the meeting. Some Western media outlets are also not optimistic about the conference. China has not confirmed whether it will participate, but Li said that he fears the upcoming peace conference will be a stage for taking sides, and if so, it will not yield any meaningful result but could even risk further escalating tensions. Meanwhile, China and Brazil, two major countries of the Global South, are coordinating to promote a Global South view on the issue and advocate for a more balanced and fairer global order, Li said. It is heartening to see that the "Global South" countries represented by China and Brazil have achieved a collective rise and promoted a more balanced and reasonable structure of world power, Wang Wenbin said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Putin says ready to continue talks with Ukraine, but on previous agreements People's Daily Online (Xinhua) 12:59, May 25, 2024 MINSK, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that Russia is ready to continue negotiations with Ukraine, but only based on the agreements reached before. "Well, let them (negotiations) return, but not from what one side wants, but based on those agreements reached during negotiations in Belarus and Turkey and based on the current situation on the ground," Putin told a press conference following talks with his Belarusian counterpart, Aleksandr Lukashenko, in Minsk. The Istanbul agreements satisfied both the Ukrainian and the Russian sides in 2022, Putin said, adding that Russia supports the resumption of negotiations with Ukraine. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Forces Hit Hypermarket In Deadly Assault On Kharkiv, Surrounding Villages By RFE/RL May 25, 2024 Russian forces continued their intensified offensive against Kharkiv in northeastern Ukraine, where officials said a shell struck a building-materials store on May 25, killing at least six people and trapping dozens of others, while surrounding villages reported damage and injuries under a hail of drone and missile attacks. Mayor Ihor Terekhov said a shell appeared to hit a massive shopping area in a residential zone in Ukraine's second-largest city, leaving a "large number" of people missing and injured. In a Telegram posting, he said preliminary information indicated the blast "occurred in a construction hypermarket." "It is already known that two [workers] are dead. We have a large number of people missing. Many wounded...It's pure terrorism," he said. RFE/RL Ukrainian Service correspondents filmed first responders rushing to the scene as thick smoke was billowing from the hypermarket. People were seen running away from the site, at least one of them visibly suffering from injuries. Officials later raised the death toll to six, with at least 40 injured and 16 missing. A woman who identified herself as Lyubov told the AFP news agency that she was working as a cleaner at the hypermarket when a massive explosion occurred. "It happened all of a sudden," she said. "We didn't understand at first. Everything went dark and everything started falling on our heads." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said dozens of people may have been in the store when the shells hit. "As of now, we know that more than 200 people could have been inside the hypermarket," Zelenskiy said on Telegram. "This blow to Kharkiv is another manifestation of Russian madness," Zelenskiy said. The details could not immediately be independently verified. The Russian state-run TASS news agency cited a security source as saying, without providing evidence, that there was a "military store and command post" inside the hypermarket. Russia has denied it targets civilian areas, despite widespread proof of such actions. Western and Ukrainian military experts say the Kremlin's latest offensive is aimed at stretching Ukrainian forces to the breaking point in the northeast and moving Russian forces to within artillery range of Kharkiv, a city of some 1.4 million people. Separately, Oleh Synyehubov, governor the Kharkiv region, said at least five people were injured in the village of Kupyansk-Vuzloviy and that an emergency vehicle had been damaged in a Russian missile strike. Two days earlier, Synyehubov said at least seven people were killed in Kharkiv in a wave of Russian strikes that Zelenskiy called "extremely brutal." In his nightly video address of May 24, Zelenskiy said Ukrainian forces had recaptured some territory in the region, although details are difficult to pin down given the heavy fighting there. Zelenskiy and other Ukrainian officials have pleaded with Western allies to step up deliveries of air defense weapons and other armaments to aid their outmanned and outgunned forces, especially in the country's northeast. In Russia, Belgorod Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov claimed that Ukrainian rockets had killed three people in residential districts of two villages in the area. Kyiv did not comment on the reports but has insisted it does not target civilian areas. In recent months, several fuel depots and military sites inside Russia have been hit by missies, often in the Belgorod region near the border. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said in an interview published on May 24 in The Economist that Ukraine should be allowed to use Western-supplied weapons in strikes against military targets inside Russia. The NATO head called on members to "consider whether they should lift" their current restrictions, saying they make it "very hard" for Ukraine to defend itself. Meanwhile, Ukrainian media reported that at least 28 Ukrainian commanders are facing criminal probes over perceived military failures amid Russia's intensified offensive operations near Kharkiv. The reports said the investigations are being carried out by Ukraine's State Bureau of Investigations and focus on allegations of failing to properly organize defenses along the border with Russia. Ukrainian forces have been under immense pressure since Russia launched a surprise offensive on the Kharkiv region beginning May 10, shelling border settlements and attempting to capture Vovchansk, a small town just 5 kilometers from the Russian border. Thousands of civilians have been evacuated during the offensive, and Ukrainian troops have been forced to pull back amid heavy losses to better-defended lines. The reports said the 28 officers being investigated are at the command level of the 125th Brigade, the 415th Rifle Battalion, the 23rd Mechanized Brigade, and other units. Neither the Ukrainian government nor the country's military have commented on the reports. On the diplomatic front, G7 finance ministers meeting in northern Italy said some "progress" has been made in finding ways to use profits from frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine. "We are making progress in our discussions on potential avenues to bring forward the extraordinary profits stemming from immobilized Russian sovereign assets to the benefit of Ukraine, consistent with international law and our respective legal systems," ministers said in a draft statement seen by the AFP news agency. With reporting by Reuters, AP, and AFP Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-kharkiv-zelenskiy- russia-terekhov/32963453.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Satellite Photos Show Ukrainian Drone Strike Damaged Russian Radar Station By RFE/RL's Russian Service May 25, 2024 Satellite images taken shortly after a May 23 Ukrainian drone strike in Russia's southern Krasnodar region show significant damage to a key radar installation providing air-defense coverage to the occupied Ukrainian region of Crimea, as well as the Balkans, the eastern Mediterranean, and the Persian Gulf. The Armavir radar station, which has two Voronezh-DM radars with a range of some 6,000 kilometers, appears to have suffered serious damage to the buildings housing the radars, RFE/RL's Russian Service reported. According to The War Zone blog, the station is part of Russia's nuclear ballistic missile early warning system. The blog said the station may have been targeted because it is capable of tracking U.S.-made ATACMS long-range missiles, which were recently approved for distribution to Ukraine by Washington. Norwegian military analyst Thord Are Iversen, writing on X, formerly Twitter, argued that targeting elements of Russia's nuclear early warning system "isn't a particularly good idea...especially in times of tension." The Ukrainian attack on the Armavir station came shortly after Russia began exercises of its tactical nuclear-weapons forces in the Southern Military District. Russia's Defense Ministry said the exercises were held "in response to provocative statements and threats from certain Western officials." Neither Russia nor Ukraine have commented on the Armavir attack. Also on May 23, the airport in the capital of Russia's Tatarstan region, Kazan, and several industrial facilities in the region were temporarily closed because of "possible drone attacks." Tatarstan is more than 1,000 kilometers away from the border with Ukraine. In recent months, Ukraine has stepped up strikes on Russian territory and off its shores, targeting, in particular, oil production and refining facilities, air defense installations, and naval vessels. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-ukraine- war-radar-drones-satellite/32963318.html Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address More than 1,000 people registered for tickets for Oaklands musical festival Town Up Tuesday. The annual event, which took place on Tuesday, is free to the public and features performances by some of the biggest acts in West Coast hip-hop. Colin Peck/Special to the Chronicle Oakland rapper Too Short was the headliner at Oaklands free musical festival Town Up Tuesday. The organizers behind the festival describe it as a love letter to Oakland and a way to combat the negative narratives about the city. Colin Peck/Special to The Chronicle Sisters Taneia Carroll, left, and Tanaia Carroll dance in matching sunglasses while Too Short performs at the Town Up Tuesday festival in Oakland. Attendees at the musical festival ranged from young families to teenagers and older folks who enjoy hip-hop. Colin Peck/Special to The Chronicle The audience cheers on a young man dancing at the Town Up Tuesday festival in Oakland on Tuesday. Colin Peck/Special to The Chronicle An attendee takes a selfie with his serpentine plus one during the Too Short performance at the Town Up Tuesday festival in Oakland on Tuesday. Colin Peck/Special to The Chronicle Dancers on stage during during Too Shorts performance at the Town Up Tuesday festival in Oakland, CA on Tuesday. Colin Peck/Special to The Chronicle Editors Note: After this story was published, the Chronicle learned that Oakland has been publishing weekly reports on citywide crime statistics that are misleading for understanding year-over-year trends, particularly in the category of burglaries and theft. In the interest of transparency, we have added this editors note to every article containing data that relied on Oakland's misleading crime reports. We wrote about the source of the data problem and Oakland's response on July 10, 2024, and you can read that story here. The following is the original version of this story. We have not amended the data. The grassy slopes around Oaklands Edoff Memorial Bandstand at Lake Merritt were covered with people partying to a soundtrack of bass-heavy hip-hop well into Tuesday evening during the citys annual free live music festival known as Town Up Tuesday. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Within the eclectic crowd of more than 1,000 were families huddled on picnic blankets, teenagers leading spontaneous dance circles and older folks with graying temples showing off their timeless two-steps to modern rap songs. For a city that disgruntled local moderates and conniving national Republicans claim is more dangerous than ever, the festival was timely proof that the most insidious narratives about life in Oakland such as Lake Merritt no longer being a place for family-friendly gatherings are intentionally misleading. This is the Oakland I know. This is the Oakland I love, Mebaot Atnafu, 18, told me at the festival. Events like these happen often in Oakland, but you dont hear about them. You just hear about the crime, and that kind of narrative is intentional to hide the joy here. Members of Jump Squad 510 invite audience members to join in a round of double Dutch at the Town Up Tuesday festival in Oakland on Tuesday. Colin Peck/Special to the Chronicle A similar sense of joy and community was evident at San Franciscos Bay to the Breakers last Sunday, with thousands taking part in the annual 12-kilometer run through the city. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Events like these suggest the narrative about San Francisco and Oakland hitting rock bottom should be giving way to a new, more optimistic one. Along with anecdotal evidence, there are data-backed reasons for people in San Francisco and Oakland to believe in a brighter tomorrow. Crime is dropping in each city, and both cities are making strides to revitalize struggling downtown corridors. Given these trends, its worth thinking more about why there remain people so deeply invested in denying such a thing can exist. This isnt to say things are perfect. Both cities are clearly still dealing with quality-of-life issues that exploded during the pandemic, like the increased visibility of people having public mental health crises, sleeping on the street or using drugs in public, as well as boarded-up stores in once-bustling neighborhoods and car break-ins in communities that previously never had to worry about such things. These jarring visuals, which reflect urban disorder and economic inequality rather than serious crimes, get looped into conversations about public safety. Oakland has struggled with a narrative that the city is crime ridden, and since the pandemic, Lake Merritt has lost its appeal as a place for family-friendly gatherings. The Town Up Tuesday music festival, which brings together people from all over the Bay Area to celebrate all things Oakland, challenges negative stereotypes about Oakland. Colin Peck/Special to The Chronicle These public safety conversations are complicated enough with random incidents of violence that are both unnerving and familiar to metro areas. Within a week of Bay to the Breakers in San Francisco, a woman was fatally shot in the Inner Sunset neighborhood. Two days after Town Up Tuesday at Lake Merritt, the graduation ceremony at Oaklands Skyline High School ended prematurely because of a shooting that left two people wounded. What should have been a beautiful night for many ended in chaos because of the dangerous and ignorant actions of a few. And this is often the case in San Francisco and Oakland, cities where police have said repeatedly in recent years that the gun violence is driven by a very small portion of the overall population. Advertisement Article continues below this ad So its easy for folks to overlook the positive things happening in their city when they have to pass by a new homeless encampment, or they hear about a shooting, or they find out their favorite restaurant might close due to property crime and a lack of foot traffic. Nicole Lee heads the youth-led racial justice organization Urban Peace Movement, the lead organizer behind Town Up Tuesday, which held its first event three years ago. She describes the event as a love letter to Oakland. As the festival got underway, Lee told me that its non-Oaklanders who work hardest to portray the city as dangerous and crime ridden. Festivalgoers who reserved tickets online also answered a survey question on where they grew up. Lee said a majority identified as Oakland residents. This event is us saying that were tired of how Oakland is getting portrayed negatively, which overshadows just how vibrant Oakland is, Lee said. Amira Evans takes a selfie with her daughter at the Town Up Tuesday festival in Oakland on Tuesday. Colin Peck/Special to The Chronicle According to Oakland Police Department data, overall crime in the city is down about 30% compared to last year and even as much as 43% in East Oakland, which has struggled with crime for decades. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Critics have used depressing police data in recent years as evidence that the city was falling apart. So, by their own logic, positive crime stats should prove the opposite and show Oakland is, in some important ways, getting back on track. A recent report by the University of Torontos School of Cities, which has been tracking downtown recovery rates for several years in major U.S. metro areas, shows Oakland in the top 11 of the 52 downtowns in an upward trajectory. Cellphone data, used to measure activity in downtowns, show Oakland activity is up 32% from the prior year. Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, who is being targeted by a recall movement that blames her for downtowns post-pandemic struggles, celebrated the report on X, formerly Twitter. She attributed the neighborhoods increased activity to efforts in reducing crime and investing in Oaklands art, culture, and food as well as our citys strong sense of community and pride. At Oaklands Town Up Tuesday, more than 1,000 people registered for tickets to the event online. The booking process included attendees answering a question about where they grew up. Most of the people who show up are Oakland natives. Colin Peck/Special to The Chronicle Across the Bay Bridge, San Franciscans have their own reasons to have an increased sense of hope for their citys future. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Between January and March of this year, property crime was down 32%, and violent crime was down 14% compared to the first three months of 2023, according to Mayor London Breeds office. Last year, overall crime was at its lowest point in the past 10 years, outside of the pandemic lockdown year of 2020, according to city data. Breed, who is campaigning for reelection and wants to position herself as a law-and-order candidate in the minds of a crime-weary public, said the declines were due to her cracking down on drug sales and use, and pumping more money into the police departments budget. These strategies may resonate with moderate voters during an election cycle but are neither novel nor have ever proved to be effective long-term solutions to issues that plague San Francisco. As embattled public officials, its smart for Thao and Breed to tie declining crime numbers to their policies. But the reality is the declines are largely outside of their control and reflective of a larger nationwide drop in reported property and violent crimes that began last year. In the same University of Toronto report, San Francisco is ranked sixth. According to the data, downtown activity in the city is up 42% compared to last year. These numbers belie the fact that San Francisco has the lowest rate of workers returning to downtown offices in the country, according to Kastle data, and soaring office vacancies. Though the downtown area of San Francisco, like that of Oakland, is still experiencing closures and vacancies, theres an undeniable buzz in the neighborhood. Just this month, the city kicked off the first of its monthly Downtown First Thursdays block parties in South of Market, and Bhangra and Beats returned in the Financial District. Thousands filled the streets, according to the Chronicle. This kind of public revelry counters the image of San Francisco propagated by the citys harshest critics who say the streets are overrun by criminals. Rakeem Naylor, a member of Urban Peace Movement, uses a bubble gun at the Town Up Tuesday festival in Oakland on Tuesday. Colin Peck/Special to The Chronicle The folks who dont embrace these positive moments are likely the ones who wont benefit from the good news. Im talking about political groups like TogetherSF and Neighbors Together Oakland, which are backed by moderates and funded in part by tech money. Neighbors Together Oakland was recently issued a cease-and-desist order from California Attorney General Rob Bonta who said the group illegally solicited and received donations despite failing to register as a nonprofit with the state. Moderates in Oakland are leading unhinged recalls against the citys mayor and Alameda Countys district attorney, Pamela Price. In San Francisco, theyre trying to influence the mayoral election, push elected officials to gut police oversight and overall shift policies more to the right. These critics have staked the success of their movements on keeping crime, business closures and public safety in the headlines and trending on social media. Its problematic for them when these issues naturally begin shrinking in scope, and people start going out more and seeing that their cities are moving in a positive direction. As Lee told me: The people who want others to be afraid of cities like Oakland, they dont want to see joy, to see people outside, having fun with smiles on their faces. Russian Troops Take Control Over Arkhangelskoe Settlement in DPR - MoD Sputnik News 20240525 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Russian armed forces have taken control over the Arkhangelskoye settlement in the Donetsk People's Republic, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Saturday. "The units of Battlegroup Tsentr have liberated the Arkhangelskoye settlement in the Donetsk People's Republic as a result of successful military action," the ministry said in a statement. Russia's Battlegroup Tsentr have hit Ukrainian troops in a number of villages in the Donetsk People's Republic, and repulsed three attacks, eliminating up to 410 Ukrainian servicepeople, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Saturday. "Three counterattacks by assault groups of the 142nd, 144th Infantry and 47th Mechanized Brigades of the Ukrainian army were repulsed in the areas of the villages of Shumy, Netailovoe and Solovyove in the Donetsk People's Republic. The enemy's losses amounted to up to 410 servicepeople, three armored combat vehicles and two vehicles," the ministry said. A US-made M777 howitzer, a Giatsint-B howitzer and an Akatsiya self-propelled artillery mount, as well as a D-20 howitzer were hit in the course of counter-battery warfare, the ministry said. A Msta-B howitzer, three D-30 howitzers and a US-made M102 howitzer were destroyed as well, the ministry added. The Russian Battlegroup Dnepr killed up to 50 Ukrainian soldiers and destroyed a US-made 777 howitzer and a D-20 howitzer, the ministry said. "The units of Battlegroup Dnepr have struck the personnel and military equipment of the 35th naval infantry brigade and the 123rd territorial defense brigade near the Tigynka settlement in the Kherson Region and the Borshchovy Island," the ministry said, adding that the Ukrainian armed forces lost up to 50 soldiers, three vehicles, a US-made 777 howitzer and a D-20 howitzer. Russian servicepeople of Battlegroup Yug have defeated two Ukrainian brigades near the settlements of Ostroe and Kostyantynovka in the Donetsk People's Republic, eliminating more than 475 soldiers, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Saturday. "The enemy lost more than 475 troops, two armored combat vehicles and five vehicles," the ministry said. A UK-made FH-70 howitzer, a D-20 howitzer and two Msta-B howitzers, as well as a D-30 howitzer and a US-made 105-mm M119 gun were hit in the course of counter-battery warfare, the ministry said. Two Ukrainian ammunition depots were also destroyed, the ministry added. The Ukrainian armed forces have lost up to 120 soldiers in the area of responsibility of the Russian Battlegroup Vostok over the past 24 hours, the ministry said. Russian forces also repelled an attack by an assault group of the Ukrainian 72 Mechanized Brigade near the village of Vlodymyrovka in the Donetsk People's Republic. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Hungary Resists EU Pressure to Fund Ukraine With Profits From Frozen Russian Assets Sputnik News 20240525 Svetlana Ekimenko Prime Minister Viktor Orban has vehemently opposed the ongoing NATO proxy war in Ukraine, with Hungary opting to chart its own independent foreign policy course. Earlier in the year, Hungary was for weeks the sole country blocking the EU's $54 billion aid package for the Kiev regime. Hungary is yet again refusing to kowtow to EU diktat on funding weapons for the Kiev regime. In this case, it is reportedly holding up legislation to fast-track handing Ukraine profits from illegally frozen Russian assets. Specifically, it is objecting to forgoing a requirement for unanimous backing from all 27 member states for each cash disbursement to Kiev, the Financial Times reported, citing sources. "For the time being they are blocking everything connected to the military support to Ukraine," one insider was cited as saying, adding that Budapest would likely stick to its guns until the European elections in June. EU officials are said to have offered Hungary an arrangement whereby their share of the funds would not be used to purchase weapons for Ukraine. This reportedly stopped Budapest from vetoing the scheme entirely. But Budapest's concerns were about making payments automatic, one source claimed. Hungary has staunchly refused to be pressured into funding the ongoing NATO proxy conflict in Ukraine. Prime Minister Viktor Orban reiterated this stance on Friday, as he appeared on state radio. "We do not approve of this, nor do we want to participate in financial or arms support [for Ukraine,] even within the framework of NATO," Orban said, adding that Hungary has to "redefine our position within the military alliance, and our lawyers and officers are working on ... how Hungary can exist as a NATO member while not participating in NATO actions outside of its territory." Last December, Orban held up the EU's allocation of 50 billion euros in aid to Ukraine, and has been adamant that the conflict cannot be settled on the battlefield. In a decision that took months of debate, the European Union announced on Tuesday that it had approved the use of income from frozen Russian assets for Ukraine. Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky added that 90% of the sum would go to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. It is estimated that an interest worth up to three billion euros ($3.25 billion) could be used for weapons from the EU to prop up Kiev's military, mired in manpower and hardware shortages, and battlefield woes. The EU published a detailed decision on frozen Russian assets as part of the package of economic sanctions against Moscow, effective as of May 23. Following the start of Russia's special military operation, the US-led West slapped widespread sanctions on Moscow, including freezing Russian assets worth approximately 300 billion euros ($329 billion). The bulk of this sum, approximately 200 billion euros ($221 billion), is being held in the European Union, predominantly in accounts at Euroclear, a European central securities depository. There is also a separate US plan in the works to issue a loan to Ukraine - possibly worth around $50 billion - that could be repaid by the future income earned on the Russian assets. The plan has been pushed by US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen for months. Finance chiefs of the G7 are "making progress" on ways to use income from frozen Russian assets "to the benefit of Ukraine," according to a draft statement cited by Reuters. According to Germany's Finance Minister Christian Lindner, Berlin was "prepared to take further steps that would not have any legally disadvantageous or economically risky consequences." A final decision is expected at the G7 summit in Italy on June 13-15. Western governments, faced with legal challenges that seizing Russian assets outright would entail, have decided to use the interest accrued from these assets. They believe that such a strategy exposes them to less legal liability. Moscow has castigated the decision by the EU to use income from frozen Russian sovereign assets to help Ukraine as expropriation, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday. "They see the potential danger of such decisions and understand the danger for them of the potential consequences that are inevitable, so they went for a truncated version, but the truncated version is nothing more than expropriation," Peskov told reporters. Russia will continue assessing the consequences of the EU's decision and its response, Peskov added. From the outset, Russia has warned that the EU plan to seize Russian Central Bank assets was an "escalation of economic aggression" and a gross violation of the West's own law, international rules, and bilateral obligations. Russia has reserved the right to respond in a correspondingly harsh manner. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'Peace' Summit? Moscow Slams NATO Chief's Call to Let Ukraine Hit Deep Into Russia Sputnik News 20240525 On Friday, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg urged the military blocs members to lift restrictions on the use of Western weapons by Ukraine to carry out strikes against targets in Russia. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has condemned NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg's call for the alliance to let Ukraine hit Russian territory with Western-supplied missiles. "It is useful to know this for everyone who is invited to the so-called 'peace conference' in Switzerland," Zakharova wrote on her Telegram channel. Russia considers that arms deliveries to Ukraine hinder achieving a peace settlement, directly involve NATO countries in the conflict and are "playing with fire." Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has previously noted that any shipments containing weapons for Ukraine would be legitimate targets for Russia. According to Lavrov, the US and NATO have become directly involved in the conflict, not only by supplying weapons but also by training personnel in the UK, Germany, Italy and other countries. The Kremlin has said that pumping weapons into Ukraine from the West was not conducive to negotiations and would have a negative effect. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NATO States Must Lift Restrictions on Ukraine's Use of Western Weapons to Strike Russia - Chief Sputnik News 20240525 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - NATO countries must lift the restrictions on the use of western weapons by Ukraine to carry out strikes against facilities in Russia, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said on Friday. "The time has come for allies to consider whether they should lift some of the restrictions they have put on the use of weapons they have donated to Ukraine... Especially now when a lot of the fighting is going on in the Kharkov region, close to the border, to deny Ukraine the possibility of using these weapons against legitimate military targets on Russian territory makes it very hard for them to defend themselves," Stoltenberg told the Economist. The alliance is not planning to send troops to Ukraine, he said. "We don't have any intention to send NATO ground troops into Ukraine because our purpose... has been two-fold, to support Ukraine as we do, but also to ensure that we do not escalate this into a full scale conflict," Stoltenberg said. The NATO chief said a Russia-NATO war should be prevented. The task, he said, is "to prevent this war becoming a full-fledged war between Russia and NATO in Europe." "We provide training, we provide weapons, ammunition to Ukraine, but we will not be directly involved from NATO territory in combat operations over or in Ukraine. So that's a different thing," Stoltenberg said. He rejected the idea of allowing to shoot down Russian missiles over Ukraine using NATO air defense systems in Eastern Europe. "We will not be party to the conflict," Stoltenberg said. Russia has been conducting a special military operation in Ukraine since February 24, 2022. President Vladimir Putin has said the operation aims to "protect people subjected to genocide by the Kiev regime for eight years." According to the president, the ultimate goal of the operation is to liberate Donbas and create conditions that guarantee Russia's security. Russia earlier sent a note to NATO because of arms supplies to Ukraine. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said any cargo that contains weapons for Ukraine will become a legitimate target for Russia. A Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Strike on Kharkiv is Another Manifestation of Russian Madness, There Is Just No Other Way to Put It a Address by the President of Ukraine President of Ukraine 25 May 2024 - 17:42 Dear Ukrainians! We have just received the first reports about Kharkiv - about a strike on the city, on an obvious civilian object: a shopping center, a construction hypermarket. It was Saturday, daytime. One of the largest centers - there were many employees and visitors inside. Now the whole area is on fire. All the necessary services have arrived there - the State Emergency Service of Ukraine, medical services, local authorities, and police. All of them are fighting for every life. This strike on Kharkiv is another manifestation of Russian madness, there is just no other way to put it. Only such madmen as Putin are capable of killing and terrorizing people in such a vile way. We already know that there are wounded, and there are killed. My condolences to the families and friends. Anyone who has been affected will get the help they need. When we tell the world leaders that Ukraine needs sufficient air defense protection, when we say that real determination is needed to allow us to protect the lives of our people in the most effective way possible, so that Russian terrorists cannot even get close to our borders, we are talking about literally preventing such terrorist attacks. I thank the leaders who truly support us, who truly see that every decision to support Ukraine is a decision to protect and save lives. Today, our warriors in the Donetsk region have achieved the result that is needed in all directions, in all those areas where Russian attacks threaten our positions, our cities and communities. The warriors of our 110th separate mechanized brigade have shot down another Russian Su-25 today. Of course, if we had more adequate modern air defense systems and aircraft, the Russian air fleet would have already suffered the same collapse as their Black Sea fleet. And Russian terror would simply become impossible. Shooting down Russian combat aircraft, Russian missiles, and their drones is a true peacekeeping measure. I thank everyone in the world who helps us with weapons! I thank all those who work in our defense industry and produce the defense for Ukraine! I thank all those who fight for Ukraine and for our people! May the memory of all those whose lives were taken by Russian murderers be eternal and bright. Glory to Ukraine! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Argentina Plans to Join the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children President of Ukraine 25 May 2024 - 18:25 Within the framework of the Stolen Voices information campaign, which is part of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Bring Kids Back UA action plan, a Ukrainian delegation visited Argentina. The delegation was headed by Daria Herasymchuk, Advisor - Presidential Commissioner for Children's Rights and Child Rehabilitation. The visit was organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. Together with the Ambassador of Ukraine to Argentina, Yurii Klymenko, they met with representatives of the Government and the National Congress of Argentina, as well as with ambassadors of EU member states, the Ukrainian community, students, teachers, experts and local media. The Ukrainian delegation also included two Ukrainian teenagers returned from Russian captivity. Daria Herasymchuk, Advisor - Presidential Commissioner for Children's Rights and Child Rehabilitation, called on political leaders of Argentina to join the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, which already includes 36 countries. "The voice of Argentina should sound confident in the coalition of countries because you have your own traumatic memories and destroyed children's lives. By joining our efforts to rescue abducted Ukrainian children in pursuance of the 4th point of the Peace Formula proposed by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the countries of the world will be able to create a new, effective system of child protection around the world," she said. The Argentine side assured that it is considering the possibility of joining the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children in the near future. Members of the Argentine Parliament have already submitted a draft declaration to join the Coalition for consideration by the highest legislative body. During the meetings, participants also discussed the Bring Kids Back UA plan, which addresses all aspects of resolving the issue of Ukrainian children abducted by Russians and their return home. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address We Are Waiting for the African Leaders at the Peace Summit, and We Wish You All Peace - the President of Ukraine Addressed African Nations on the Africa Day President of Ukraine 25 May 2024 - 12:55 Dear friends! Dear nations of Africa! I am pleased to address you on the occasion of the worldwide celebration of Africa Day - the same Africa that has always been and will always be important for the development of all humanity. Now, every true leader sees that the forces on the planet are changing, and in this century, it will be impossible to remain truly strong without cooperation and mutual respect with the nations of Africa. And this is not a purely political issue. This is a fact of our life on this planet: Africa, its people, its capabilities, its stability will determine what our entire world is capable of. I sincerely wish for Africa to be a continent of peace, of respect for every community and of invariably sovereign nations whose voices are always counted when global affairs are decided. Every external power should get used to the fact that your continent is home to its nations, and it is up to you to choose who deserves your favor. This is the way it should be. Despite the brutal full-scale Russian invasion of our land, Ukraine is doing its best to confirm with practical actions our philosophy of attitude towards other nations - our respect for every nation. Firstly, we have broken the naval blockade of our ports initiated by the Russian Navy and resumed maritime exports and humanitarian supplies of our food. Grain from Ukraine is already contributing to food security in countries like Egypt, Algeria, Libya, Nigeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Somalia. And we are expanding our food supplies. We are ready to help more. We are ready to build food hubs in Africa and invest our experience in the technological development of your countries. In particular, we have recently discussed this with the leader of Mozambique. I hope for cooperation with other countries as well. Secondly, Ukraine has always treated with respect the thousands and thousands of students from African countries who have been coming to study at our universities for decades. It is clear that now, during the war on our land, educational exchange is limited. However, it will definitely be resumed, and based on current needs. Every nation deserves a strong enough educational sovereignty to have its own foundation for social development in its country, so that young people can stay at home and build a life beneficial to their homeland. We are ready to help with that. And the third point is the fundamental principle of modern life - the energy sector. Because of the attacks of Russian missiles, because of the attacks of Russian drones on our power plants, we need to completely rebuild the Ukrainian energy sector to make it more decentralized, more modern, more secure, and we will definitely do that. Ukraine will be rebuilt. Such reconstruction is an opportunity for investment in our country, which will also help our partner countries, and at the same time will allow us to export the experience gained in the field of security and modern energy. We will be willing to share this experience to strengthen the energy independence of our African friends. Ukraine's destiny is to be a donor of security, and this can strengthen our partners, including those in Africa. Dear friends! We have recently carried out the largest simultaneous wave of embassy openings in Africa. We have opened ten new embassies on the continent. And we will continue to expand our presence and, I hope, our cooperation. We always seek mutual benefit and never use our capabilities to the detriment of other nations, their sovereignty, or their welfare. And this is exactly what is needed in our world - in a world where only formulas of peace, formulas of respect and formulas of development should ever work. Let these be our common formulas! We are waiting for the African leaders at the Peace Summit, and we wish you all peace! Once again, I congratulate you on your day - Africa Day! Thank you for your attention! Glory to Ukraine! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address For More Than Two Years of Full-Scale War, We Have Been Relying on Dependable Communications - the President Congratulated the Employees of the State Service of Special Communications on Their Professional Holiday President of Ukraine 25 May 2024 - 09:36 On the Day of the State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with employees of the State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection, congratulated them on the holiday, and presented them with state awards. "Thank you for your work to protect Ukraine in a very sensitive sphere - it includes interstate communication, communication with our military, protected and especially important communication lines, and, of course, the protection of Ukraine in cyberspace - another space where Russian aggression is felt," Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. The President emphasized that it is thanks to such professionals that Ukrainians have been relying on dependable communications for more than two years of full-scale war and have been gradually increasing the protection of the state and its special services from enemy cyberattacks. "We must remember and help the families and close ones of our people who gave the most precious thing - their lives - while working for our country and defending Ukraine," Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized. The participants honored the memory of the employees of the State Service of Special Communications and Information Protection who were killed as a result of the Russian aggression with a minute of silence. The Head of State presented the employees of the SSSCIP with the Orders of Bohdan Khmelnytsky, III class, the Orders of Princess Olga, III class, and the medals "For Military Service to Ukraine", "To the Defender of the Motherland" and "For impeccable service", III class. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian attack on Kharkiv shopping centre 'utterly unacceptable', says senior UN official 25 May 2024 - An attack by Russian armed forces on a busy shopping centre in Kharkiv on Saturday reportedly killed at least four people and injured around 40. Denise Brown, the UN Humanitarian coordinator in Ukraine, strongly condemned the strike and called for civilians to be protected. "I am appalled and shocked by the terrifying news arriving from Kharkiv", said Ms. Brown in a statement. "This afternoon, in broad daylight as people - despite all the horrors they endure every day in this city - were trying to go about their day, their lives were shattered by yet another attack by the Russian Armed Forces. The strike hit a busy shopping centre with scores of civilian casualties and massive damage to civilian facilities". The senior UN official added that attacks by Russian forces hitting civilians and civilian infrastructure must stop, and noted that intentionally directing an attack against civilian infrastructure is strictly prohibited under international humanitarian law. The strike is reported to have hit the Epicentr K home improvement store in the north of the city. In a social media post, the mayor of Kharkiv, Ihor Terekhov, described it as "pure terrorism". According to UN sources, a second attack on Saturday is believed to have caused some 12 casualties. Following Russian advances, the northeastern Kharkiv region is now on the frontline of the war in Ukraine. According to a spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Office, about 35 civilians in the region have been killed and 137 injured since Russian armed forces launched cross-border attacks on 10 May; more than half of those killed and injured were over 60 years old and were unable or unwilling to leave their homes. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address In an industry first, Rio Tinto and BHP will collaborate on the testing of large battery-electric haul truck technology in the Pilbara, Western Australia, to accelerate the potential for its future deployment. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240526465039/en/ Komatsu battery-electric haul truck. Credit: Komatsu The two companies will work with manufacturers Caterpillar and Komatsu to conduct independent trials of their battery-electric haul trucks, including testing of battery, static and dynamic charging systems, to assess performance and productivity in the Pilbara environment. The collaboration reflects the individual commitments made from BHP, Rio Tinto, Komatsu and Caterpillar to support Rio Tinto and BHP's shared ambition of net zero operational greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. As part of the collaboration, two Cat 793 haul trucks will be trialled from the second half of 2024, and two Komatsu 930 haul trucks tested from 2026 at mine sites in Western Australia's Pilbara region. Caterpillar and Komatsu will each provide one truck each to both BHP and Rio Tinto for these trials. BHP will trial the Caterpillar trucks, while Rio Tinto will trial the Komatsu trucks. Outcomes of the trials will be shared between BHP and Rio Tinto. These trials represent the first stage of battery-electric haul truck testing at BHP and Rio Tinto's Pilbara operations. Ongoing testing, development and refinement of truck and battery design is anticipated with each manufacturer. This will inform the approach for testing a larger number of haul trucks and the potential deployment of battery-electric haul truck fleets into each company's operations. Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive Simon Trott said: "This collaboration brings together two leading global miners with two of the world's biggest manufacturers of haul trucks to work on solving the critical challenge of zero-emissions haulage. "There is no clear path to net zero without zero-emissions haulage, so it's important that we work together to get there as quickly and efficiently as we can. Testing two types of battery-electric haul trucks in Pilbara conditions will provide better data, and by combining our efforts with BHP we will accelerate learning. "As we work to repower our Pilbara operations with renewable energy, collaborations like this move us closer to solving the shared challenge of decarbonising our operations, and meeting our net zero commitments." BHP President Australia Geraldine Slattery said: "Operational decarbonisation relies on breakthroughs in technology and partnerships like this will help drive our industry forward. We are thrilled to work with Rio Tinto, Caterpillar and Komatsu on these trials. "Replacing diesel as a fuel source requires us to develop a whole new operational ecosystem to surround the fleet. We need to address the way we plan our mines, operate our haulage networks, and consider the additional safety and operational considerations that these changes will bring. This is why trials are so critical to our success as we seek to test and learn how these new technologies will work in practice and integrate into our mines. "We've already seen a step-change reduction in Scope 1 and 2 operational greenhouse gas emissions through switching some of our supply to renewable electricity, and we are looking to build on that progress through development of battery-electric technology to reduce diesel usage across our operations." Note to editors In 2021, Rio Tinto and BHP worked with both Caterpillar and Komatsu to support the development and validation of their prototype battery-electric haul trucks. The trucks included in these trials are based on these prototypes. Carbon emissions from diesel consumption in our mining equipment and rail fleet accounted for 12% of Rio Tinto's Scope 1 and 2 emissions in 2023. Carbon emissions from the combustion of diesel accounted for around 40% of BHP's Scope 1 and 2 emissions in FY2020. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240526465039/en/ Contact Please direct all enquiries to media.enquiries@riotinto.com Media Relations, United Kingdom Matthew Klar M +44 7796 630 637 David Outhwaite M +44 7787 597 493 Media Relations, Australia Matt Chambers M +61 433 525 739 Jesse Riseborough M +61 436 653 412 Alyesha Anderson M +61 434 868 118 Michelle Lee M +61 458 609 322 Media Relations, Americas Simon Letendre M +1 514 796 4973 Malika Cherry M +1 418 592 7293 Vanessa Damha M +1 514 715 2152 Investor Relations, United Kingdom David Ovington M +44 7920 010 978 Laura Brooks M +44 7826 942 797 Investor Relations, Australia Tom Gallop M +61 439 353 948 Amar Jambaa M +61 472 865 948 Rio Tinto Plc 6 St James's Square London SW1Y 4AD United Kingdom T +44 20 7781 2000 Registered in England No. 719885 Rio Tinto Ltd. Level 43, 120 Collins Street Melbourne 3000 Australia T +61 3 9283 3333 Registered in Australia ABN 96 004 458 404 riotinto.com Category: General Ida Mojadad is a San Francisco journalist who has reported enterprise, investigative and daily news coverage focused on schools, youth and families. She previously covered housing, health care and city politics, among other topics, for SF Weekly and the San Francisco Examiner. While at the San Francisco Standard, she published a series of revelations about hidden school sexual misconduct. Ida is a graduate of San Francisco State University and serves as Vice President of the Society of Professional Journalists Northern California chapter. F1 contemplates how to fix impossible Monaco Amid critical contract talks, Formula 1 personalities think the sport should make some tweaks to the iconic Monaco GP. Esteban Ocon, Monaco GP 2024 Alpine Bloomberg claimed last week that F1's commercial owner Liberty Media is pushing for race organisers to pay more to secure a new deal beyond 2025. Former F1 driver Alex Wurz thinks scrapping the event altogether would be F1 cutting off its roots - even if the Principality may have more to lose than the sport does. It would not change anything about the fame and finances of Formula 1, the Austrian told ORF. But for me it would still be a shame. The problem isn't just financial. As the speed, the size and the weight of the cars have progressively grown over time, F1 has arguably outgrown a circuit on which overtaking is now basically impossible. To have a really entertaining race here, we ought to at least look at whether we can open up some areas to create at least an overtaking opportunity, said Red Bull boss Christian Horner. To protect the next 70 years here, I think it's obvious that there needs to be some evolution. Seven time world champion Lewis Hamilton thinks special tyres could spice up the race strategies, or an experimental race format just for Monaco. Fernando Alonso blamed the ever-worsening Monaco traffic for bowing out of Q1, agreeing with Mercedes boss Toto Wolff that dividing qualifying into two groups could be a great help in the future. Wolff said on Saturday: I think this track has its limits and we have surpassed them. As for Alonso, he estimated his chances of even scoring a point on Sunday at basically zero. There is no plan, said the Aston Martin driver. Start P16, do 72 laps, try not to damage the car, and arrive with the car more or less whole for Canada. (GMM) Haas admits 2025 contract talks with Esteban Ocon Haas has confirmed that Esteban Ocon is in the running for a 2025 race seat. Esteban Ocon, Monaco GP 2024 Alpine Amid Alpine's deep performance slump at present, rumours have been swirling that while Pierre Gasly may stay beyond 2024, Esteban Ocon is looking around at his options. We don't feel any pressure about the driver market because we have two good drivers, team boss Bruno Famin insisted at Monaco. We will be happy to continue with them. Haas, however, has at least one seat to fill, after Nico Hulkenberg recently signed for Audi-owned Sauber. Ferrari-backed Oliver Bearman is the favourite to secure that place. But Kevin Magnussen's seat for 2025 is not yet secure, as he grapples to emerge from a dip in form. We are talking to some drivers, confirmed team boss Ayao Komatsu in Monaco. I have no reason to close the door on anyone at this point, he is quoted by Ekstra Bladet newspaper. If someone comes to see us, has an interest in us, I will not close the door. Esteban (Ocon) is one of them, but one of many. Haas has taken a clear step forward in 2024, even if both cars were excluded after qualifying on Saturday when scrutineers discovered the DRS opening was illegal. Komatsu, however, enthused: Of course, sporting results are noticed by everyone. I feel grateful that some current F1 drivers are interested in our team. (GMM) Haas cars disqualified with rear wing breach Haas F1 Team's drivers, Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen, were disqualified from the Monaco Grand Prix qualifying due to a breach in rear wing regulations. FIA's scrutineering team found that the DRS clearance on both Haas cars exceeded the maximum allowed opening of 85mm, leading to the decision. Nico Hulkenberg, Monaco GP 2024 Haas The issue arose when Haas introduced a new rear wing design to meet Monaco's high downforce demands. However, an error occurred in setting up this new wing, resulting in non-compliance. The team admitted the mistake, explaining that their mechanics were trained for the old design, which had different setup requirements. "The team explained that this was the consequence of an inadvertent error on their part in setting the wing flap gap," the stewards reported. "The old design was compliant with the regulations with the largest gap measured from the center of the wing. Under the new design, the largest gap was at the extremities, and the team had not trained its mechanics accordingly." Despite Haas's assertion that the non-compliance did not provide any performance advantage, Article 1.3.3 of the International Sporting Code deems performance gain irrelevant. This incident echoes a similar situation in the 2021 Brazilian Grand Prix, where Lewis Hamilton was disqualified from sprint qualifying for a DRS infringement, resulting in his demotion to the last place on the grid. In the Monaco session, Magnussen qualified 15th, although his final flying lap was aborted. Hulkenberg, who qualified 12th, was also summoned to the stewards for impeding Esteban Ocon. He explained a radio communication failure left him unaware of Ocon's approach. Due to widespread radio issues reported by several teams and Ocon's statement that he was not significantly impeded, no further action was taken. Hulkenberg grins at Verstappen's Monaco troubles Nico Hulkenberg had to smile in Monaco when he heard that Max Verstappen is suddenly very uncomfortable at the wheel of his once utterly-dominant Red Bull. Nico Hulkenberg, Monaco GP 2024 Haas I'm just looking forward to laying in bed, the triple world champion said after narrowly winning at Imola a week ago. Maybe take some painkillers. And after Friday in Monaco, where his car was clearly outperformed by rival cars - particularly Charles Leclerc's Ferrari - Verstappen said the bumpy ride had given him a headache . I just think that Max is being introduced to the world that the rest of us have lived in for the past year and a half, Haas driver Hulkenberg smiled to Ekstra Bladet newspaper. Last year he never had a stiff car. Now he has some of the same problems as the rest of us. Opinions are split as to what is going on at Red Bull. Team boss Christian Horner, embroiled in a scandal that ultimately cost the team the great Adrian Newey, thinks it's inevitable that in the third year of the current regulations, the performance of the teams would ultimately converge . It's amazing that we've managed to stay ahead for so long, he said. Others think Newey's exclusion from technical meetings is now hurting Red Bull, while Sergio Perez thinks the team may have fallen behind the development pace of rapidly-improving rivals like McLaren and Ferrari. We haven't made a massive improvement to the car yet, he said, so they seem to be closing the gap. Verstappen was visibly and audibly upset about his performance on Friday, but team consultant Dr Helmut Marko insisted it's not yet time to panic. We didn't rev the engine to full today - the others did, he said. And we improved from the first to the second session, which is something we only managed to do in Imola on Saturday. However, Marko also admitted: "Leclerc is clearly the favourite. And the Mercedes also look fast. Only Leclerc's laps are alarming for us. We didn't use the soft tyres like (Lewis) Hamilton, which distorts the overall picture. But it is Leclerc who is significantly faster, especially in sector one. (GMM) California Labor Commissioner Lilia Garcia-Brower has announced funding to help prosecute wage theft. Jeff Chiu/Associated Press The state awarded the Bay Area nearly $4 million in grants to prosecute wage theft, officials said. The grants will also enable prosecutors to offer resources to address exploitive labor industry trends, barriers that workers confront in reporting violations, and obstacles to holding perpetrators accountable, according to the California Department of Industrial Relations and the Labor Commissioners Office. Wage theft is a persistent problem, and this funding helps address it in local communities across our state, Labor Commissioner Lilia Garcia-Brower said in a statement. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In the Bay Area, the Contra Costa County District Attorneys Office was granted $720,000, the Oakland City Attorneys Office was awarded $426,000, the Alameda County District Attorneys Office was allocated $336,000, the San Francisco City Attorneys Office was given $410,000, and the San Francisco District Attorneys Office was granted $160,000. The other prosecutors in the Bay Area are the Napa County District Attorneys Office, which was granted $103,000; the San Mateo County District Attorneys Office, which was allocated $739,000; Santa Clara County Counsel, which was awarded $679,000; and the Sonoma County District Attorneys Office, which was granted $147,000. The Labor Commissioners Office investigates allegations of illegal and unfair business practices, including wage theft. We look forward to continuing our work with public prosecutors, community organizations and industry leaders to eliminate this serious and costly crime, Garcia-Brower said. The Guam Waterworks Authority will likely have to hike water rates, face issues with creditors, and could be slapped with penalties and even a receivership from the federal government if it loses a $220 million land dispute over the islands largest wastewater treatment plant. Thats according to GWA General Manager Miguel Bordallo who last week filed a declaration in Superior Court of Guam Judge Elyze Iriartes courtroom outlining the harm that could come to GWA and ratepayers if construction firm Core Tech International prevails in the lawsuit. GWA wants to take to the Supreme Court an ongoing $220 million dispute with Core Tech over ownership of the Dededo land where the Northern District Wastewater Treatment Plant sits on. Counsel for Core Tech, meanwhile, wants the matter to continue to trial in the Superior Court. GWA this month petitioned the appeals court to address the case, and is seeking to reverse decisions the trial court made in Core Techs favor. Paying out the $220 million settlement Core Tech is seeking in a single year would require GWA to roughly double its entire revenue stream by raising customer rates, Bordallo stated in his declaration. Every GWA customer would have to pay an extra $4,800 a year to come up with the money, documents state. It is unlikely, however, that the Public Utilities Commission would approve such a steep rate, Bordallo stated. GWA attorney Rodney Jacob, in a status hearing last week, told Iriarte that the utility wants to pause the suit in the Superior Court while the Supreme Court decides whether to take up the matter. Attorney Vanessa Williams, counsel for Core Tech, said she would object to any stay, and argued that the lawsuit should continue its course in the Superior Court and proceed to trial. Jacobs argued that GWA may face irreparable harm should the court rule that Core Tech owns the northern treatment plant. Williams countered that ejecting the waterworks authority was not the solution being sought by Core Tech, but just compensation for the property it had rightfully purchased, and which GWA now occupies. The damages Core Tech sought from GWA for alleged inverse condemnation of the land were all monetary, and financial burden did not constitute irreparable harm, Williams told the court. GWA wants to overturn a judgment that Iriarte made last August, which found that certificates of title for the treatment plant property reverted from GWA to the government of Guam in 2009 because of GWAs failure to properly survey the land. Iriarte found that Core Tech, which later obtained the certificates of title for the property that were handed by the Department of Land Management to an ancestral landowners estate in 2006, could rely on the certificates and was protected under Guam law. Core Tech paid $178 million for the Dededo property the plant sits on back in 2015, and argues the utility has failed for years to properly reserve an interest in the land. The company wants $220 million in damages and back rent. In 2020, the government destroyed a fence that Core Tech had erected in order to expand the wastewater treatment plant, an act that has been called encroachment and illegal condemnation by the companys attorneys. Attorneys for Land Management, which is also a plaintiff in the suit against Core Tech, have argued that there were illegalities and irregularities when the treatment plant land was transferred out of the government. The government wants to revoke or change certificates of title that Core Tech owns for the Dededo property. Iriarte said she would rule on the request for a stay some time in June. Receivership, penalties, court orders Bordallos declaration states that GWA bonds, future improvements and upgrades GWA is required to implement by court order, and compliance with U.S. environmental regulations, as well as water rates, could be affected if the court finds Core Tech owns the treatment plant. The Department of Defenses Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation had shared concerns that changing ownership of the plant could pose threats to the militarys mission in the region, documents state. It would also prevent GWA from constructing a pump station at the treatment plant to deliver treated effluent needed to cool the new Ukudu power plant, which is a critical part of the islands power grid, documents state. A settlement, or consent decree, reached with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency this year over GWAs alleged regulatory violations could also be impacted. GWA this year agreed to pay $400 million in sewer upgrades as part of the settlement over alleged sewer overflows and other pollutant issues. According to the settlement, transferring ownership of GWAs sewage treatment works does not relieve GWA from any responsibility to meet the settlement terms. GWA counsel, Jacobs, highlighted that issue before Iriarte last week. Williams countered that removing GWA from the property is not something Core Tech seeks to do. But Bordallos declaration states that just having to pay out the significant $220 million settlement to Core Tech would have significant consequences for GWAs ability to operate Guams water and wastewater systems. GWAs ability to meet the requirements of a 2024 settlement with the U.S. EPA could be imperiled if the waterworks authority has to start diverting most or all of its resources to pay Core Tech. Plans to fix leaking pipes, deal with contaminants in local water, and other capital projects over the next five years could all be delayed, Bordallo stated. Some of those are needed to get in line with federal regulations. If the federal courts and U.S EPA lose faith in GWAs ability to meet the consent decree stipulations, being placed under a federal receivership is also a potential risk, Bordallo noted. That would result in even more penalties being levied against GWA from federal regulators, documents state. GWA could end up in court for decades, at the expense of ratepayers, Bordallo stated. Bordallo stated he now had to bring the potential harms of the lawsuit to GWA bond counsel, the U.S. EPA, and DoD, among others. Some senators, meanwhile, have approved spending up to $65,000 on legal services to advise them on the GWA-Core Tech land dispute. The land where the treatment plant sits may have been transferred out of GovGuam without any approval from the Legislature, which is required by law, and this is the Legislatures main concern. The Legislature should assert its position that the property cannot be transferred in Guam without legislative approval, Speaker Therese Terlaje said. Students arrive on campus during the first day back to school at Jose L. G. Rios Middle School in Piti on Aug. 10, 2022. Dave Lotz is a vocal advocate for protecting Guams unique heritage, a knowledgeable and long-time hiking enthusiast and environmental advocate, and critic of inept government. He has been a resident of Guam since 1970 and retired from the Guam Department of Parks and Recreation, Andersen Air Force Base Environmental Flight, and the National Park Service. A total of 3,050 miniature American and Guam flags are installed and displayed at the World War II invasion beach or the War in the Pacific National Historical Park in Asan, on May 25, 2024. The flags honor the memory of the 3,050 who served and perished on Guam during the war. Haiti - FLASH : Criticized in Kenya for his decision to help Haiti, President Ruto reacts The archbishop says this decision is ill-advised "It doesn't make sense to send troops to Haiti when we have insecurity problems across the country and especially in the North Rift. Our request is that as the government send troops to Haiti, they should also better security across Kenya," said Ole Sapit. In response, Ruto reminded "I made a commitment to the people of Kenya to sort out insecurity in the North Rift. I have followed that with action. As we speak there are 3,000 military officers and 2,000 police officers in the North Rift [to combat and eliminate the menace of banditry]." Ruto subsequently emphasised Kenya's role in enhancing security within its borders while affirming the country's broader responsibility to do the same beyond its borders. ""We have made tremendous progress in making sure that we create security at home but that does not take away our responsibility. Even as we deployed troops and police to sort out the banditry problem we still deployed 1,000 troops to DRC Congo because that is our neighbour [...] We have deployed 5,000 troops in Somalia because that is equally our responsibility and Haiti should not be an exception. Deploying 1,000 troops to Haiti speaks of the same belief and commitment." S/ HaitiLibre Haiti - FLASH : The Haitian community of Little Haiti in Santo Domingo is worried At a time when Haiti is going through an unprecedented food and security crisis, the Support Group for Returnees and Refugees (GARR) draws the attention of stakeholders to the often massive repatriations of Haitian migrants by many countries in the North hemisphere, in particular the United States which restarted on April 18 with its expulsion operations after a three-month interruption and the Dominican Republic "the only country to consistently maintain repatriations to Haiti." Following the re-election of President Luis Abinader, who made the fight against illegal immigration one of his campaign priorities, a large part of the Haitian community of "little Haiti" (Pequeno Haiti) located in the San Carlos sector of the National District in Santo Domingo, say they are worried fearing the increase in "anti-Haitian" sentiment among the Dominican Others believe, on the contrary, that the authorities will ease the pressure, now that the election is over... Since coming to power in 2020, President Abinader has imposed a policy of firmness towards people in an irregular migratory situation on Dominican territory (mainly Haitians) More than 250,000 repatriations of compatriots took place in 2023 according to official data. In April 2024, 35,038 Haitians in an irregular migratory situation were repatriated to Haiti (24,874 in the four official points: Anse-a-Pitres, Belladere, Malpasse and Ouanaminthe) and 10,164 others through unofficial crossing points. 8,094 compatriots were turned back at the border for illegally entering Dominican territory (3,763 migrants in the 4 official points and 4,331 in the other unofficial points). In addition, in April, 26,946 Haitians decided to return "voluntarily" to Haiti (9,824 through the 4 official points and 17,122 through unofficial crossings). S/ HaitiLibre Oakland has reached a deal to sell its half of the sprawling Coliseum site to developers AASEG for at least $105 million, ending a half-century of ownership and helping close the citys gaping budget deficit. Eric Risberg/Associated Press 1991 Regarding Oakland reaches landmark deal to sell Coliseum site to developers, ending decades of ownership (East Bay, SFChronicle.com, May 22): Whatever the reality and timeframe of Oaklands sale of its share of the Coliseum, using one-time revenues to bail out structural budget deficits is a terrible idea. Sometimes cities get hit with major exogenous forces, such as COVID, and have few short-term choices, but using one-time revenue as a budget patch just kicks the can down the road. Federal COVID funds bailed out cities and delayed their need to restructure. Those funds are gone. Oakland has also drawn down much of its reserves, so those funds are gone. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Oakland leaders might argue that higher revenues might return over the next two years, and that would be great, but to count on that is not responsible public policy. Dan Lindheim, former city administrator, Oakland Power to the people Regarding 50-story condo tower proposed in S.F. is dead. This is what will replace it (San Francisco, SFChronicle.com, May 21): The Chronicle dismissively referred to the 50-story tower proposal in San Francisco as fantastical. In fact, the developers fought for approval, including two lawsuits. They argued that the project was legal and appropriate hardly fantastical. The Chronicle minimizes the threat of these real projects to the city and our state. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Housing affordability is central to the mission of the group I lead, Our Neighborhood Voices, and its statewide ballot initiative for a constitutional amendment to restore planning decisions to local representatives. Sacramento is silencing the voices of state residents in decisions about what gets built and where in their own cities. Our Neighborhood Voices constitutional initiative is the only solution for every city, county and resident of California. Susan Candell, president, Our Neighborhood Voices; member, Lafayette City Council Support mentally ill I will be 75 this month. It is a milestone, and I have decided to reveal a condition I have had for most of my life. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I was diagnosed 50 years ago with bipolar disorder. It is a major mental illness resulting in mania, delusional and sometimes psychotic behavior. I have lost jobs, had failed marriages, been institutionalized, jailed, attempted suicide and suffered the alienation of friends and family. I was ashamed of my diagnosis and never felt like a fully functioning member of society. I am writing this in hopes that people will understand that this type of mental illness is caused by chemical imbalances in the brain and not persist in believing that mentally ill people are strange, and at worst dangerous. About Opinion Guest opinions in Open Forum and Insight are produced by writers with expertise, personal experience or original insights on a subject of interest to our readers. Their views do not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Chronicle editorial board, which is committed to providing a diversity of ideas to our readership. Read more about our transparency and ethics policies May is Mental Health Awareness Month. If you know someone among the 1 in 5 Americans who have a mental illness, know that your understanding, acceptance and support are crucial to eliminating the stigma of the disease. Advertisement Article continues below this ad If society would allow people with mental illness to emerge from their closeted worlds, they would have a better life, and we would not lose so many to prison and suicide. With "Adobe Express for Business", employees in communication and sales departments can produce marketing content. The design tool is available as a mobile and web app. Anzeige Content via generative AI Adobe Express uses the generative artificial intelligence Adobe Firefly. The latest version is now integrated into Express: The Image 3 model generates images with an edge length of 2048 pixels, which can be transferred to Express. In addition to images, the AI also distorts layout templates and text effects. It can also translate automatically. The "Bulk Create" function generates design variations including images. In future, corporate customers will be able to train their own models, the "Firefly Custom Models", to generate images with their own brand identity. Adobe promises that images from Firefly can be used commercially. They have been trained with public domain and licensed content from Adobe Stock. Adobe offers companies an optional indemnity for Firefly creations. The Image Model 3 from Firefly generates images with an edge length of 2048 pixels. Branded content Anzeige Teams can use projects to share graphic elements, templates, libraries and files. Adobe wants to introduce a template lock with the company offer: Those responsible can use it to check and approve content. Software integration Adobe connects Express with Adobe Acrobat, Photoshop, Illustrator and its Experience Cloud services, AEM Assets and GenStudio. For example, PDF documents can be dragged onto Adobe Express to edit text or images. The manufacturer is also working with Microsoft to develop an "Adobe Express extension for Microsoft Copilot". In future, social media posts or flyers will also be created in the Copilot chat of the Microsoft 365 apps with the Adobe software. Prices and availability The new Firefly model is now available in Adobe Express. Adobe Express for Teams costs 12.99 euros per month and license. Adobe is currently offering a discount. The Enterprise subscription for large teams adds support for encryption and single sign-on. Pricing information is only available on request from Adobe Sales. (akr) A man has been arrested in Sidhi district of Madhya Pradesh for allegedly raping at least seven women by luring them to meet his accomplices after he used a mobile application to alter his voice to that of a woman, officials said on Saturday. Brajesh Prajapati, the prime accused, pretended to be a college principal offering scholarships. (Representative file photo) The elaborate crime came to light after one of the victims filed a complaint at the Majhauli police station on May 20, against an unknown man and three of his accomplices. The victims were from the scheduled tribes community and were targeted by the main accused Brajesh Prajapati, who pretended to be a college principal offering scholarships. The police arrested the main accused and his three accomplices Rahul Prajapati, 24, Luvkush Prajapati, 23 and Sandeep Prajapati, 21 under the charges of rape, wrongful confinement and voluntarily causing hurt on Thursday. Rewa range inspector general of police Mahendra Singh Sikarwar said, Four accused have been arrested in the case. Giving details of the crime, senior police officers said that Brajesh accessed contact numbers of the women from the scheduled tribes community through college WhatsApp groups. He would then call the women using an application to alter his voice and pretending to be a female teacher. Once the women reached the location he asked them to visit, Brajesh would rape them, and threaten them against complaining, the officer said. Brajesh Prajapati, who is a labourer, and Sandeep Prajapati accessed the contact numbers of students through college WhatsApp groups. The main accused used to call the girl students by altering his voice with Magic Voice mobile application and pretend to be Ranjana Maam the principal of a government college, the IG said. Sikarwar said Brajesh would tell the targets that their signatures were required immediately to release their scholarships. He would tell them his son would pick them up. Instead, Rahul, Sandeep and Luvkush would pick the girls from their houses and take them to the location Brajesh picked, the IG said. Once at the spot, Brajesh raped the women, snatched their mobile phones and threatened them with dire consequences, the IG said. He said that the accused has confessed to the crime and reportedly told them that he wanted to have sexual intercourse with as many women as possible. After the first case was filed against him on May 20, the police initiated an investigation, following which Brajesh was arrested and confessed to have raped seven girls in just the past three months. As of now only four came forward to register an FIR against them, the IG said, adding that it was found that the main accused have scars from serious burn injuries on his hand and the police identified him by that. Police suspect there might be more victims of the crime as they recovered 16 mobiles phones the possession of the accused. There are more accused involved in the case. They will be arrested soon, the IG added. Chief minister Mohan Yadav has constituted a nine-member special investigation team to probe the matter. SIT will investigate the matter that happened with Scheduled Tribal girl students in Sidhi. Nine-member SIT will investigate the matter and submit the report, he said. Its 9 am on a sunny Saturday morning and the excitement to cast their first vote has pulled young voters to polling booths across the city. First time voters show their inked fingers after casting their votes at a polling booth in Chautala village in Sirsa, Haryana. (ANI) Mridul Madaan, 22, waits for his turn outside the Dyal Singh Public School. As he hands out the identity cards to his family members heading into the booth, the palpable excitement is visible on his face. At any other long weekend like this, we would have planned a getaway to Shimla, but this time is different. My father wanted me and my sister to be here and step out to vote for the first time with the family. While weekend vacations are exciting, being able to cast your first vote is not far behind, he says. His sister Simran, 23, has also made it a point to take her duty seriously. Talking about the issues they have in mind as they cast their votes, Mridul says, As an entrepreneur, I think there should be a more diverse market for startups with international opportunities. Besides, the standard of education should also improve, particularly at primary level. Behind the school, three voting booths have been set up at Dyal Singh College. Ansh Midha, another first-time voter, echoes the sentiment here as well. We are young and speak of issues that impact us. Im also an entrepreneur and the major issue we face is funds, where the government could play an important role. Further, there should be more educational and work opportunities in the state, the lack of which is forcing my friends to migrate, Midha said. At the same booth, Anjali Batra, 24, is also exercising her right to franchise for the first time, keeping in mind her right to question the government. For our generation, being apolitical is in vogue but we are quick to target the government on social media. This is hypocritical. If you dont vote, you dont have the right to challenge or question the authorities. It was after decades of struggle that we gained independence and similar years of celebrations that ensured that we got our right to vote, she said. In Karnal, the district administration carried out far reaching efforts to increase voting percentage, targeting the young voters in particular. As per the data provided by the district election office, of the total 21,04,229 voters in the Karnal parliamentary constituency, spanning across Karnal and Panipat districts, 46,078 are first-time electors. The teams carried out signature campaigns to reach out to the young voters at colleges through selfie points, walls of democracy, banners and posters. However, there is a sharp decline in voter turnout. As per the final figures, the approximate voting percentage stood at 61%, down from the 71.7% in 2019, the highest since 1996. Pink booths a big hit To honour the women voters, the election commission also earmarked five pink booths, one each in the five assembly segments falling under Karnal. Booth number 152 of Government Girls Senior Secondary School in Prem Nagar, located just opposite the school where former chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar voted, saw long queues of voters throughout the whole day. Officials said the booths were being looked after by all-women polling staff including three polling officers, a booth level officer, a presiding officer and an assistant presiding officer. Waiting in the queue, Ridhi Sharma, 36, a government teacher said she was voting for the development of the country, while her relative Sunita, 61, responded on the contrary and was upset over the government for not approving colonies and providing basic facilities. Kamla Devi, 87, from Friends Colony, who was in a wheelchair, also cast her vote at the booth. After voting, her daughter-in-law Sushma Chaudhary, appreciated the pink booth initiative, but complained that Devi was not given the facility to vote from home. Her zeal to vote in this scorching heat at 43 C forced us to bring her in the car. She is happy now that she has cast her vote, Chaudhary said, while posing for a photo at the selfie booth. The residents of Vivek Vihar in East Delhi, where seven newborn babies died at a baby care centre, have alleged that oxygen cylinders were being traded at the centre, and they had earlier complained regarding this to the authorities. The fire broke out around 11.30pm on Saturday (Twitter Photo/ANI) Cylinders blast when the fire broke out. Its unclear whether the fire broke out due to the cylinder blast or vice-versa. Owners of this centre were trading cylinders. They used to fill small cylinders from the bigger ones. The owners and management of this centre shared this concern. We had complained to local authorities but no action was taken, said a local who did not wish to be identified. According to Delhi health minister Saurabh Bharadwaj, the oxygen cylinder blasts led to a fire quickly spreading in the building. Another local, Brijesh Kumar (68), said, There was illegal refilling of cylinders on the first floor of the building. We raised this issue multiple times. The hospital has been running it for three years and every night, we could see trucks and vans loading and offloading oxygen cylinders. We used to think that the hospital was small. So, why do the owners need these many oxygen cylinders? We think they were involved in the oxygen cylinders trade. It was during the refilling when one of the oxygen cylinders blasted. Since there were 20-30 cylinders in the vicinity, all of them caught fire. We had to run from our houses to save ourselves, Kumar added. Also Read: Children hospital fire: Delhi govt orders investigation into incident that killed 7 Vijay Jain (65), a trader, and resident said his daughter-in-law and son sustained injuries as they tried to escape. We never saw a doctor there. There were only nurses and men, who would come at night and refill 20-30 cylinders. We filed a complaint with the police and local authorities. Nothing happened. The newborn babies were kept on the first floor while the ground floor and second floor were filled with cylinders and garbage. At least seven newborn babies were killed after a massive fire broke out at New Born Baby Care Hospital in East Delhis Vivek Vihar on Saturday night. According to officials, as many as 12 babies were rescued, out of which six died, while one died before the fire call was made. Police said that they received information about the fire at Baby Care Newborn Hospital and its adjacent building at 11:30pm following which fire tenders, senior officers, CATS ambulance and other authorities were rushed to the spot. Surendra Choudhary, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) (Shahdara), said there were 12 newborn babies admitted to the hospital and one had died before the fire incident. All the 12 newborn babies were rescued from the hospital with the help of other people and shifted to East Delhi Advance NICU Hospital in Vivek Vihar for treatment. Meanwhile, fire tenders reached the spot and the fire was controlled. Out of these babies, six were declared brought dead, the DCP said. The bodies have been further shifted to GTB Hospital for postmortem, he added. A case under sections 336, 304A and 34 of the Indian Penal Code has been registered against the owner of the centre, Naveen Khichi, who is absconding, said police. The Delhi Police on Sunday apprehended Dr Naveen Khichi, the owner of the Baby Care New Born hospital in at East Delhis Vivek Vihar, and Dr Akash, who was on duty, a day after a massive fire killed seven new born babies and injured five other infants. Delhi Police arrested Naveen Kichi, the owner of the Baby care centre and Dr Akash, who was on duty last night. Kichi, who was absconding after the incident, has been detained and is being taken to Vivek Vihar police station in Shahdara. Children hospital fire: Delhi govt orders investigation into incident that killed 7 Deputy Commissioner of police (Shahdara) Surendra Choudhary has said that the owner has been booked under sections 336 (act endangering life of personal safety of others) and 304A (causing death by negligence) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). According to the fire department officials, the blaze broke out at the hospital at around 11:30 pm on Saturday and soon spread to two other adjacent buildings. Delhi Fire Services (DFS) chief Atul Garg said 12 newborns were rescued from the medical facility but seven of them died. Five babies are undergoing treatment who have received minor burn injuries. Garg further said that it was a very tough operation. We made two teams. One team started firefighting because there was a blast of cylinders, we can say the chain of blast of cylinders. So, we had to save ourselves also. We started rescue operations for babies as well. Delhi Hospital fire: Health minister orders probe; compensation to families According to the eyewitnesses, locals and members of an NGO were the first to rush to help. Some residents climbed the building from the back side and rescued some of the newborns. Further, an investigation into the matter has been launched and legal action has been initiated against the owner. Several leaders including President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal condoled the death of children and prayed for strength to the bereaved parents. PM Modi has also announced an ex gratia of 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund to the next of kin of each deceased in the fire tragedy. "In the wake of the fire tragedy at a hospital in Delhi, the Prime Minister has announced that an ex gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. Rs. 50,000 would be given to each of those injured," the Prime Ministers' office posted on X. Delhi children's hospital fire: PM Modi, CM Kejriwal condole death of 7 babies Kejriwal also said those responsible for negligence will not be spared and strictest punishment will be given. Meanwhile, National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) Chairperson Priyank Kanoongo has also said that the commission has taken cognisance of the fire incident. New Delhi, Three people died and another was seriously injured after a fire broke out in a four-storey residential building in Krishna Nagar area of east Delhi on Sunday, officials of the Delhi Fire Services said. HT Image Officials said the charred body of a 66-year-old woman identified as Promila Shad was recovered from the first floor of the building, while two others identified as 18-year-old Keshav Sharma and 39-year-old Anju Sharma were declared brought dead by the doctors. Five fire tenders were rushed to the spot, they said, adding 14 vehicles and two bicylces at the spot were reduced to ashes. This is the second major fire incident in the city in as many days. At least seven newborns died in a massive fire at a children's hospital in east Delhi's Vivek Vihar on Saturday night. Meanwhile, police said another fire incident was reported in the area at Krishna Nagar police station on Sunday. Chief of Delhi Fire Services Atul Garg said a call regarding a blaze at a house near the Bank of India, Krishna Nagar was received at 2.35 am. "The flames were doused by 7.20 am and it was found that the fire began in 11 two-wheelers in the stilt parking of the house and spread to the first floor. The building comprises ground plus four floors," he said. Officials said the second, third and fourth floors were affected by heat and smoke. One charred body was found on the first floor, Garg said. "Station House Officer and other staff reached the spot. Police and firefighters rescued Sonam Sadh from the first floor. Karan Raj Bhalla , Seema Bhalla , Rahul Bhalla , Rohit Bhalla , Manish Bhalla were rescued from the second floor. Third floor of the building was vacant," a senior police officer said. "Some of the occupants were rescued from behind of the building. Whereas, Devender Sharma , Gaurav Sharma , Ruchika Sharma and six-year-old Divyansh were rescued from the fourth floor," the officer said. According to the DFS, two persons were declared dead at the GTB Hospital while one person was referred to Max hospital in a serious condition. Police has booked the owner of the building at Krishna Nagar Police Station. "We have registered an FIR under sections 285 , 304A , 337 and 427 of the IPC has been registered at Krishna Nagar Police Station and investigation is being carried out. Post-mortem of the dead bodies are being conducted," said the police officer. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. A team of the Detective Branch of Dhaka Metropolitan Police will visit India to investigate the brutal killing of Bangladeshi lawmaker Anwarul Azim Anar, who was found murdered in Kolkata earlier this week. Bangladeshi lawmaker Md Anwarul Azim Anar(HT_PRINT) Mohammad Harun-or-Rashid, chief of the Detective Branch, told a press conference here on Saturday that he along with several officers of the DB will leave Dhaka for India tonight or tomorrow dawn to investigate the murder incident. A four-member team of Indian police is currently investigating the murder incident, he added. Anar, a three-time parliamentarian from the Jhenaidah-4 segment in Bangladesh and also the president of Awami League's Kaliganj sub-district unit left Dhaka on May 12 to undergo medical treatment at Kolkata, from where he went missing the very next day. ALSO READ| Butcher who helped dismember Bangladesh MPs body held, say cops Search for him began after Gopal Biswas, a resident of Baranagar in north Kolkata and an acquaintance of the Bangladeshi politician, filed a complaint with the local police on May 18. According to the Kolkata police, circumstantial evidence indicated that the MP was first strangled and killed after which his body was chopped into pieces and dumped in different areas. Traces of his body or body parts are yet to be found. A Bangladesh court on Friday sent three suspects to an eight-day police remand for their alleged involvement in Anars brutal murder while in India, the West Bengal police claimed to have arrested a Bangladeshi, working as a butcher in Mumbai, from North 24 Parganas district for his alleged involvement in the grisly murder. Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan named a businessman as the key suspect in Anars murder and added that his ministry was working with India and the US to get and put him on trial for the alleged crime. Japanese businessmen discuss possible actions against the restrictions on Japanese immigration to the United States. The Immigration Act of 1924 led to a sharp decrease in immigration from Asia, and Southern and Eastern Europe precisely what it intended to do. Ullstein Bild/Getty Images 1924 At a fundraiser in April, Donald Trump complained that immigrants in the United States werent coming from nice countries like Denmark, Switzerland and Norway. It was a familiar refrain from the former president. Six years ago, he complained that Haitian and African immigrants came from shole countries. That, too, wasnt an isolated incident. At rallies before and since, Trump has regularly made disparaging remarks about immigrants from several African, Asian, Middle Eastern and Latin American countries. While many Americans denounce Trumps racist comments, theres nothing new about his views. They harken back to a century-old argument that favors white immigrants in U.S. immigration policy. Today marks the 100th anniversary of one of the most restrictive immigration laws in United States history. The Immigration Act of 1924, also known as the National Origins Act and the Johnson-Reed Act, set a limit on the number of immigrants who could enter the U.S. based on the desirability of the country of origin. The act led to a sharp decrease in immigration from Southern and eastern Europe and Asia precisely what it intended to do. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In the late 19th century, white nativists spread the racist and xenophobic idea of the Yellow Peril the notion that Asians, and specifically the Chinese, were going to invade the U.S. and destroy our values and norms. The propaganda machine worked. In 1882, the U.S. passed the infamous Chinese Exclusion Act , the first law in the country that barred immigration solely based on nationality. But as Chinese immigration declined, Japanese laborers began arriving in large numbers and xenophobic fears turned toward limiting their entry into the country. At the same time, American lawmakers were determined to stall the influx of immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe as well because they believed that the arrival of poor Europeans would crowd out the native stock leading to their demise. Additionally, after the first Red Scare, immigrants from Italy and Eastern Europe were heavily associated with political radicalism that many feared threatened the foundation of America. With this in mind, the National Origins Act divided immigrants into two categories: desirable and undesirable. The act provided immigration visas to 2% of the total number of people of each nationality in the U.S. as of the 1890 census and capped the number of immigrants permitted altogether at 150,000 per year. The act also banned immigration from all of Asia. Entry into the U.S. would only be afforded to those who could naturalize as citizens and Asian immigrants had been barred from naturalization since 1790. Perhaps surprising to many readers, the 1924 act exempted Mexico from the quota system. Many criticized the act for its far-reaching exclusionary power and because the architects of the act were acting on an unreasonable fear of an immigrant invasion. Adolph Sabath, a U.S. representative from Chicago and a Jewish immigrant from the Austro-Hungarian Empire, today the Czech Republic, lambasted the act as giving into a fearful paranoia of a Japanese takeover. The acts supporters, Sabath argued, were being led astray by propaganda. Despite the objections of Sabath and others, Congress passed the act on May 26, 1924. While it excluded large parts of the globe, the act prioritized migration from Northern and Western Europe, countries deemed white and thus desirable. Southern and Eastern Europeans were believed to be unassimilable and thus undesirable. Their unassimilability lay in the fact that they were viewed as not white enough and were not Protestant. For example, Great Britain and Northern Ireland received a quota of 65,721, while Russia received 2,784 and Italy received 5,802. The anti-Catholic drive also made sense given the act was passed at the same time that the second Ku Klux Klan emerged. In addition to being anti-Black, the second KKK was notoriously antisemitic and anti-Catholic. Advertisement Article continues below this ad About Opinion Guest opinions in Open Forum and Insight are produced by writers with expertise, personal experience or original insights on a subject of interest to our readers. Their views do not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Chronicle editorial board, which is committed to providing a diversity of ideas to our readership. Read more about our transparency and ethics policies Today, the National Origins Act is regarded by many politicians, academics and legal scholars as a stain on American history. It ushered in an era of expansive exclusion unprecedented in American history. President Lyndon B. Johnson repealed it in 1965 when he signed the Hart-Cellar Act into law. He explained how the change would repair a very deep and painful flaw in the fabric of American justice. It corrects a cruel and enduring wrong in the conduct of the American Nation. Indeed, the Hart-Cellar Act, though it restricted immigration from Latin America, is rightfully recognized as a step in the right direction for putting an end to the 1924 law. External affairs minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Sunday said under previous governments, one rupee used to travel from Delhi and only 15 paise reached the beneficiary, but today the entire rupee goes to the beneficiarys account. External affairs minister (EAM) S Jaishankar. (HT file) Speaking as the chief guest at an event titled Empowerment with Education for Better Tomorrow organised by Purvanchal Schools Welfare Association at a local school here, he expressed his views on the changing educational environment and global outlook at the national and international levels. We have to move towards making India an inclusive India. On one hand, we have to stay ahead in the race of modernity and work for drones, bullet trains and space, we have to provide free treatment, free ration, roads, electricity and water on the other, the foreign minister said. Basic needs have also to be fulfilled. If we talk about Kashi, there has been unprecedented development here in the last 10 years and new employment opportunities have been created, he added. Kashi has changed under the Modi government. Today, the whole world is eager to see it. We are the oldest culture in the world. Hence, we have to maintain our identity, Jaishankar said. We dont have to forget our image but at the same time, we also have to be at the forefront of modernity, he added. There was a time when we had forgotten the importance of Ayurveda and Yoga, but during the Covid pandemic, their importance got a new recognition across world. Today on Yoga Day (June 21), the whole world, including the White House, is seen doing yoga, the minister said. Today, development works in the country are gaining momentum and behind it is the honest thinking and digital revolution. Due to the digital age, we are able to identify the beneficiaries, otherwise there was a time when one rupee used to travel from Delhi, only 15 paise reached the beneficiary. On the contrary, today every single rupee goes directly into the bank accounts of the beneficiaries, he added. Highlighting the usefulness of education and shaping the future through empowerment of education, Jaishankar said many reforms still needed to be done in the education system. Responding to the questions of students and teachers, he also talked about the opportunities and challenges coming under Indias foreign policies in the coming times. It is our good fortune that we have a strong leadership of PM Narendra Modi to fight these challenges, he said. He answered many questions asked by students and teachers on the occasion. Around 400 principals and teachers of various schools attended the event. The chief guest and other dignitaries were welcomed by D. Deepak Madhok, president, Purvanchal Welfare Schools Association. The foreign minister also had an informal meeting with Tamil people organised by Tamil Sangamam Kashi at Kanchi Kamakoti Temple here. In the evening, the foreign minister participated in the programme India Rise in Global Diplomacy organised by various social organisations and clubs at the Banaras Club. Thirty-three Maoists surrendered before the Chhattisgarh police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Bastars Bijapur district on Saturday, saying that they were disappointed with the hollow Maoist ideology and the atrocities committed by Maoists on tribals, officials said. The surrendered Maoists said that they were also impressed by the polices rehabilitation policy, according to officials. The Chhattisgarh police said 109 Naxalites have so far quit violence in Bastars Bijapur district so far this year. (Representative Image) Bijapur superintendent of police (SP) Jitendra Yadav said that two women are among the 33 surrendered cadres, who were active in various wings and outfits under Gangaloor area committee of Maoists. Of the surrendered, Raju Hemla alias Thakur (35), member of Peoples Liberation Guerilla Army (PLGA) Battalion Number 1, and Samo Karma, member of Platoon Number 1 of Maoists, were carrying a reward of 2 lakh each on their heads, he said. Another surrendered cadre, Sudru Punem, head of Rrevolutionary Party Committee (RPC), Janata Sarkar of Maoists, was carrying a reward of 1 lakh, the SP said. These three-reward carrying surrendered cadres were allegedly involved in attacks on security personnel in the past, he said. With this surrender, 109 Naxalites have so far quit violence in the district so far this year, police said. Besides, 189 Maoists were arrested in the district during the same period, they said. The Council of Higher Secondary Education (CHSE) declared the results of Odisha Class 12 examination 2024 on May 26, 2024. Students who have appeared for the examination and wish to check their results may visit the official website of CHSE Odisha at chseodisha.nic.in. CHSE Odisha Class 12 Result 2024 Live Updates CHSE Odisha Result 2024: Odisha Class 12th results out, check pass percentage Along with the declaration of the results, Odisha CHSE officials also released the data regarding the pass percentage, gender-wise pass percentage and other information. Also read: Odisha 12th Result 2024: CHSE Class 12 scores out on chseodisha.nic.in, direct link to check result here The overall pass percentage of students in the Arts stream is 80.95%. Girls have higher pass rate than boys. While girls scored 87.56%, boys secured 72.68%. In Science stream, the overall pass percentage of students in the science stream is 86.93%. Here too, girls outnumbered boys with 87.74 percent, whereas boys secured 86.21%. Likewise, in the Commerce stream, the overall pass percentage of student is 82.27%. The pass percentage of girls in Commerce is 85.55%, whereas for boys it is 80.40%. Also read: Odisha 12th Result 2024: CHSE Odisha Class 12 results declared, steps to download and details here In the Vocational stream, the pass percentage of girls is 35.53%, whereas for boys, its is 32.48%. Meanwhile, students who want to check their results will be able to check their marks on the official website using their roll number and registration number Hence, candidates need to keep these key details ready to check their results. Steps to check CHSE 12th results: Visit the official website of CHSE Odisha at chseodisha.nic.in. On the homepage, click on the Odisha Board 12th Result 2024 link. Furnish the login details and click on submit. Download your results and keep a printed copy of the same for further need. In 2023, the Odisha Class 12 results for the Science and Commerce streams were released on May 31, whereas the results for the Arts stream were released on June 8. The overall pass percentage for the Science stream was 84.93%, and that of the Commerce stream was 81.12%. The total pass percentage was recorded to be 78.88% in the Arts stream. IIT Madras organized the JEE Advanced 2024 today, May 26, for admission to the 23 IITs. Notably, the exam was held for two papers - Paper-1 and Paper-2, in two shifts. The first shift was held from 9 am to 12 pm, and the second shift began at 2:30 pm and concluded at 5:30 pm. The exam was held in Computer Based Mode (CBT) JEE Advanced 2024 Paper analysis: Check students' reaction to Paper 1 and Paper 2 held on May 26. (Deepak Gupta/HT file image) Now, how were both the papers in terms of difficulty? In this article, we will look at what students said about the papers as shared by Ramesh Batlish, managing partner of FIITJEE Noida Centres. Students reaction to Paper 1: Moderate to Difficult level: Students found the overall level of Paper-1 Moderate to Difficult level but not easy. Students have reported Maths was Easy to Moderate, Chemistry was Moderate, but Physics was relatively difficult. Chemistry was not balanced as more weightage was given to Organic Chemistry. Inorganic Chemistry had a few questions that were directly from NCERT. Physical Chemistry questions covered chapters on Chemical Kinetics, Chemical Equilibrium, Atomic Structure& Thermodynamics. In Organic Chemistry, questions were mostly asked about Amines, Polymers, Biomolecules, and Oxygen-containing Compounds, some named reactions were also asked. Mixed-concept questions were asked. This section was reported as Moderate as per students. was not balanced as more weightage was given to Organic Chemistry. Inorganic Chemistry had a few questions that were directly from NCERT. Physical Chemistry questions covered chapters on Chemical Kinetics, Chemical Equilibrium, Atomic Structure& Thermodynamics. In Organic Chemistry, questions were mostly asked about Amines, Polymers, Biomolecules, and Oxygen-containing Compounds, some named reactions were also asked. Mixed-concept questions were asked. This section was reported as Moderate as per students. In Physics, more weightage was given to chapters like Kinematics, Rotational Motion, Kinetic Theory of Gases, Modern Physics, Capacitors, Current Electricity, Optics, Electrostatics, and Electromagnetic Induction. Overall Physics was reported as tough as compared to the other two subjects as per students. This was a Balanced Section as per students. Also read: GBSHSE Results 2024: Goa HSSC supplementary examination from tomorrow, check schedule & important details here Mathematics was Easy to Moderate as per students. There were questions from Functions, Limits, Definite Integrals, Matrices, Statistics & Probability. Some good questions were asked from chapters on Permutation & Combination, Probability, Complex Numbers, 3-D Geometry, Circles, and Ellipse. Some questions were reported as Lengthy. was Easy to Moderate as per students. There were questions from Functions, Limits, Definite Integrals, Matrices, Statistics & Probability. Some good questions were asked from chapters on Permutation & Combination, Probability, Complex Numbers, 3-D Geometry, Circles, and Ellipse. Some questions were reported as Lengthy. No mistakes were reported till the filing of the copy as the complete paper is yet to be analyzed. The total no. of questions in Paper 1 was 51. The total Marks of Paper-1 was 180 which is the same as last year. As the Test was Computer students had the option to Clear Response to change any option, they could mark it for Review, Save, and next to proceed further. Scribble Pads were given to students during the exam for rough work. Also read: Maharashtra SSC Results 2024: MSBSHSE Class 10 scores tomorrow, important points to remember when checking marks Students reaction to Paper 2: Students found the overall level of paper Moderately Tough. Tougher than Paper 1. A few students have reported Physics and Chemistry were Moderate, but Maths was relatively Tough. Chemistry was Tricky as per students. Equal weightages given to Organic, Inorganic & Physical Chemistry. Inorganic Chemistry had a few questions about p-block, Chemical bonding, and Coordination compounds which were directly from NCERT. In Physical Chemistry questions covered Electrochemistry, Ionic & Chemical Equilibrium, Electrochemistry & Surface Chemistry. In Organic Chemistry, questions mostly asked from Aldehyde & Ketones, Polymers, Biomolecules, and Mixed concepts questions were asked. Qualitative Analysis was asked in Comprehension-based type questions. This section was reported as Moderate as per students. was Tricky as per students. Equal weightages given to Organic, Inorganic & Physical Chemistry. Inorganic Chemistry had a few questions about p-block, Chemical bonding, and Coordination compounds which were directly from NCERT. In Physical Chemistry questions covered Electrochemistry, Ionic & Chemical Equilibrium, Electrochemistry & Surface Chemistry. In Organic Chemistry, questions mostly asked from Aldehyde & Ketones, Polymers, Biomolecules, and Mixed concepts questions were asked. Qualitative Analysis was asked in Comprehension-based type questions. This section was reported as Moderate as per students. In Physics , questions were asked from Chapters on Waves & Sound, Ray &Wave Optics, Fluids, EM Waves, Thermodynamics, Modern Physics had more weightage, Kinematics, Gravitation & Electrostatics. Overall, Physics was Moderately Tough as per students. Students felt this section was not balanced. Some questions had tricky & Lengthy calculations. , questions were asked from Chapters on Waves & Sound, Ray &Wave Optics, Fluids, EM Waves, Thermodynamics, Modern Physics had more weightage, Kinematics, Gravitation & Electrostatics. Overall, Physics was Moderately Tough as per students. Students felt this section was not balanced. Some questions had tricky & Lengthy calculations. Mathematics was the Toughest as per students. There were questions from Functions, Limits, Application of Derivatives, Definite Integrals, Area under Curve, Inverse Trigonometric functions, Vectors, 3D Geometry, Circle, Parabola, Quadratic Equations, Permutation & Combination and Probability. Students felt this section was the Toughest. was the Toughest as per students. There were questions from Functions, Limits, Application of Derivatives, Definite Integrals, Area under Curve, Inverse Trigonometric functions, Vectors, 3D Geometry, Circle, Parabola, Quadratic Equations, Permutation & Combination and Probability. Students felt this section was the Toughest. No mistakes were reported till the filing of the copy as the complete paper is yet to be analyzed. The total no. of questions in Paper 1 was 51. The total Marks for Paper-2 was 180 which is the same as last year. As the Test was Computer students had the option to Clear Response to change any option, they could mark it for Review, Save, and next to proceed further. Scribble Pads were given to students during the exam for rough work. Also read: CHSE Odisha Result 2024: 80.95% pass Arts, 86.93% Science & 82.27% Commerce, girls dominate boys in all three streams Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Highlights: The sixth phase of Lok Sabha elections on Saturday saw a voter turnout of 61.20 per cent, the lowest among all phases so far, according to data compiled till 11:45 pm. In the fifth phase, the turnout was slightly higher at 62.20 per cent. The Election Commission said these figures are approximate and will be updated. On Saturday, 58 seats in eight states and Union Territories voted in the sixth phase. In the 2019 general elections, the turnout for the same phase (59 seats across seven states) was 64.4 per cent....Read More In the last phase, West Bengal recorded the highest voter turnout of 79.47 per cent and Uttar Pradesh recorded the lowest turnout of 54.03 per cent. Whereas Bihar recorded a voter turnout of 55.24, Haryana 60.4, Jammu and Kashmir of 54.3, Jharkhand of 63.76, Delhi of 57.67, and Odisha of 69.56 Six phases of voting of the Lok Sabha elections have been completed as of May 25. The next and final phase Phase 7 of voting is scheduled for June 1 in 57 parliamentary constituencies across 8 states and Union Territories. Lok Sabha election 2024 polling schedule Phase 1: April 19 (voting done) Phase 2: April 26 (voting done) Phase 3: May 7 (voting done) Phase 4: May 13 (voting done) Phase 5: May 20 (voting done) Phase 6: May 25 (voting done) Phase 7: June 1 Counting of votes: June 4 Alia Bhatt had a lovely surprise for her fans on Sunday. The actor dropped a cute picture with daughter Raha Kapoor on her Instagram account. Both mother and daughter were seen busy reading a book titled Baby be kind. (Also read: Alia Bhatt, Ranbir Kapoor visit 'almost' ready new Mumbai bungalow they will soon move into with daughter Raha. Watch) Alia Bhatt with daughter Raha in the latest picture. Alia's post with Raha In the picture, Alia was seen slouching over a couch, with Raha sitting on her lap. Raha's face was not visible to the camera as the book cover hid her from the front. Alia was seen holding the book in front of Raha and reading together. In the caption, Alia wrote, baby be kind. Reacting to the cute snap, Alia's friend actor Akansha Ranjan Kapoor commented, My baby is the kindest sweetest angel in the whole wide world. A fan wrote, Best mama daughtie duo. A second fan said, Alia even mentioned in her previous interviews about how she loves reading books to Raha how cute. In an interview earlier his month for The Nod, Alia had shared what she wants to do differently as a mother to raise Raha. "The only thing that Id do differently is to make sure Raha takes a liking to an art. That she learns at least one instrument, one dance form, and one sport, because these three skills will be very helpful for her in the long run. I know there is no right or wrong to this, but you left it up to me to decide what I like. I want to start Raha young, so she takes a liking to it. My only regret is not knowing how to play an instrument," she said. More details Alia and Ranbir Kapoor tied the knot on April 14, 2022, after dating for many years, and welcomed Raha on November 6 the same year. They hid her from the paparazzi until Christmas last year when they finally revealed her face to the world at the Kapoor family Christmas lunch. Alia was last seen in Karan Johar's Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani and her Hollywood debut movie, Heart of Stone. Her next projects include home-production Jigra, a YRF spy-universe movie and Jee Le Zaraa with Katrina Kaif and Priyanka Chopra. Cannes, It was a triple feat for Indian talent at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival with Payal Kapadia's "All We Imagine As Light", "Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know" by FTII student Chidananda S Naik, and Anasuya Sengupta of "The Shameless" fame winning major awards in each of the three competitive sections of the prestigious gala. Best year yet for Indian filmmakers with three wins at Cannes 2024 The 77th edition of Cannes, which concluded on Saturday, was undoubtedly the best year for the country which found space at the fest through eight Indian, or India-themed, films. Kapadia, an alumna of the Film & Television Institute of India , charted history by becoming the first Indian filmmaker to win the Grand Prix award for "All We Imagine as Light". "Thank you, Cannes Film Festival for having our film here. Please don't wait 30 years to have another Indian film," she said in her speech. The movie earned the honour, the second-most prestigious prize of the gala after the Palme d'Or, which went to American director Sean Baker for "Anora". "All We Imagine as Light", a Malayalam-Hindi feature starring Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha and Chhaya Kadam, revolves around three women in Mumbai who go on a road trip to a beach town. Kapadia's movie, her feature directorial debut, is the first Indian film in 30 years and first ever by an Indian female director to be showcased in main competition, last being Shaji N Karun's "Swaham" . That "All We Imagine As Light" will win an award became almost certain when it received glowing reviews following its premiere, with some international critics describing it as a "portrait of urban connection" and "poetic meditation" as well as comparing Kapadia's work to that of masters like Satyajit Ray and Wong Kar Wai. Though the second most prestigious prize at Cannes, Grand Prix has a storied history with prominent titles including this year's Oscar winner "The Zone of Interest" and Park Chan-wook's revenge drama "Oldboy" as part of the list. "All We Imagine as Light" has already found distributors for its North America release, but it's unclear when the film will be screened in India. Writer-lyricist Varun Grover said it was an "unbelievable day" for Indian cinema. "Dissent, in art and in life, is a tough path to choose. But sometimes it does create magic," he wrote on X. Kapadia, who led a student protest against the appointment of actor-politician Gajendra Chauhan as FTII chairman, had won the Oeil d'or award at Cannes for acclaimed documentary "A Night of Knowing Nothing" which premiered under Directors Fortnight section in 2021. Her 2017 short film "Afternoon Clouds" opened at Cannes under Cinefondation category, dedicated to supporting the next generation of talented filmmakers. Actor Richa Chadha called Kapadia's win historic. "Wow!! What an incredible achievement for Indian cinema! Take a bow," said Malayalam star Tovino Thomas. That's not all. Production designer Sengupta, who starred in a key featuring role in Bulgarian director Konstantin Bojanov's "The Shameless", became the first Indian to win the best actress prize in Un Certain Regard. "The Shameless" explores a dark world of exploitation and misery in which two sex workers forge a bond. Sengupta dedicated her win "to the queer community and other marginalised communities". You dont have to be queer to fight for equality, you dont have to be colonised to know that colonising is pathetic we just need to be decent human beings," she said. Actor Tillotama Shome shared Sengupta's speech on Instagram. "She brought it HOME. Listen to her words. Till the end. The quality of her voice. Ink this in your hearts. For all the dreamers..." British-Indian director Sandhya Suri's "Santosh", also part of Un Certain Regard, didn't win any award but being featured at Cannes is an achievement in itself. Neeraj Ghaywan's "Masaan" previously won two awardsFIPRESCI, International Jury of Film Critics prize and Promising Future prize in the section. Naik's "Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know", which won the La Cinef first prize , was another feather in FTII's cap. Based on a Kannada folktale, the movie follows an old woman who steals a rooster following which the sun stops rising in the village. The third La Cinef prize went to India-born Mansi Maheshwari's animation film "Bunnyhood". Previously, Indian films to be selected for the Cannes Competition segment include Mrinal Sen's "Kharij" , M S Sathyus Garm Hava , Satyajit Rays Parash Pathar , Raj Kapoors Awaara , V Shantarams Amar Bhoopali and Chetan Anands Neecha Nagar . This year, India's presence at Cannes also saw the restored version of Shyam Benegal's 1976 crowdfunded film "Manthan" in Cannes Classics. Karan Kandhari's "Sister Midnight" appeared in Directors' Fortnight and Maisam Ali's "In Retreat" was picked for ACID Cannes. "Maya: The Birth of a Superhero", a virtual reality title with an India connect, was also selected. In 2013, Indian cinema sent five films to various sections "Monsoon Shootout" , "Bombay Talkies" , "Ugly" , "The Lunchbox" and "Charulata" . This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. Bollywood celebrities, including Kiara Advani, Swara Bhasker, Richa Chadha, Ali Fazal, Radhika Apte, Anurag Kashyap, and Bhumi Pednekar, among others, congratulated Payal Kapadia after she won the Grand Prix award at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival for her drama All We Imagine as Light. It was the first Indian film in three decades and the first by an Indian woman director to grace the festival's main competition. (Also Read | Cannes Film Festival: All We Imagine As Light scripts history, becomes first Indian film to win Grand Prix) Payal Kapadia with the team of All We Imagine as Light after winning Grand Prix award at Cannes Film Festival. Kiara, Bhumi, Swara, Radhika laud All We Imagine as Light Taking to her Instagram Stories, Kiara shared a post by Festival de Cannes. She wrote, "Congratulations (trophy and red heart emojis)." Bhumi Pednekar re-shared MAMI Mumbai Film Festival's post on her Instagram Stories. She simply wrote, "Bravo (clapping hands emoji)." Taking to her Instagram Stories, Radhika Apte wrote, "Huge congratulations to the beautiful and incredible people behind this film!! This is just perfect." Sharing a post, Swara Bhasker said on her Instagram, "Amazing!" Taking to Instagram, Farhan Akhtar wrote, Heartiest congratulations #PayalKapadia and team #allweimagineaslight .. first Indian film to win the Cannes Grand Prix. He also shared a poster of the film. Mammootty tweeted, Making Indian Cinema Proud. What an amazing achievement. Congrats to Payal Kapadia, Kani Kusruthi, Divya Prabha, Chhaya Kadam and the entire team of All We Imagine as Light. Aditi Rao Hydari wrote a long post on Instagram, At a very perplexing time in history where only the noise from my incredible county seems to get amplified, here is an independent film by a first-time director that wins the Grand Prix honour at @festivaldecannes. Please take a moment and let us all stand and applaud this monumental achievement. This is the crowning glory of the fight for good Cinema in India. It may happen again, but not without the impact of #Payalkapadias spectacular achievement. So proud, so grateful. My love and congratulations to the entire team! India in all Her glory, and on Her own terms What a moment! Tovino Thomas also penned a note on Instagram. Wow!! what an incredible achievement for Indian cinema! All We Imagine As Light scripts history, becomes first Indian film to win Grand Prix at Cannes Film Festival. Take a bow!! Shekhar Kapur tweeted, Payal Kapadias ll we imagine is light won the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival! .. what an honour for her and her team. It seems to be Indias year at Cannes. This is the 3rd, but the biggest award to Indian Cinema this year. Shekhar Kapur also tweeted. Mini, Soni, Saba talk about Payal Kapadia's drama Mini Mathur posted a clip on her Instagram Stories from the event as Payal won the award. She wrote, "The Grand prix!! After 30 years..an Indian film competes for the highest honour at @cannes_filmfestival!! A first win for a female director. And it took #PayalKapadia and three incredible women actors to tell this story #allweimagineaslight." She also tagged the actors. Saba Azad shared a post by Brut, along with clapping emojis. She also penned a long note. Saba wrote, "Fund good cinema!! Support independent filmmakers, support actors who give themselves wholly to the craft and aren't just in it for the frills- put your money behind talent!! And real talent may not mean the most famous or most familiar!! There is a kind of Indian cinema that deserves our attention and support, and it's shining the world over!! Let's give it the respect it deserves, back home too (red heart emojis)." Soni Razdan also reposted Festival de Canness Instagram post. She wrote, OMG. This is incredible! Huge congratulations, Payal Kapadia and team (clapping hands emojis). Celebrities congratulated Payal Kapadia. Payal Kapadia won the Grand Prix award at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. Payal Kapadia won for her drama All We Imagine as Light. Richa, Ali, Anurag, Sujoy laud film On X, Richa Chadha wrote, HISTORIC!!! Just beaming at this news! Congratulations Payal Kapadia, Ranabir Das, Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha, Hridhu Haroon, Chhaya Kadam and the whole team of ALL WE IMAGINE AS LIGHT! Just overjoyed! Independent filmmaking at any point of time is hard, but now is actively scuttled, and then to win a GRAND PRIX! Ooof. Just thrilled. Richa Chadha called the win 'historic'. Her husband-actor Ali Fazal tweeted, OH MANNNNNNNNNN, its happened !!! YASSSSSS. Film director Sujoy Ghosh said in a tweet, "YEEEEEESSSSSSS!!!! Well done payal and zico so so so so proud of you" Anurag Kashyap shared a screenshot of the announcement and wrote on Instagram, "Congratulations Payal Kapadia .. youre the hope and the inspiration .." Ali Fazal also tweeted. About All We Imagine as Light, Payal Kapadia All We Imagine as Light marks Payal's directorial debut feature. A post on Instagram by the Festival de Cannes read, "Le Grand Prix est attribue a ALL WE IMAGINE AS LIGHT de PAYAL KAPADIA. The Jury Prize goes to ALL WE IMAGINE AS LIGHT by PAYAL KAPADIA.#Cannes2024 #Palmares #Awards #GrandPrix." Receiving thunderous applause, the film's screening garnered an eight-minute standing ovation. Set against the backdrop of a bustling city, All We Imagine as Light is the story of Prabha, a nurse, whose life takes an unexpected turn when she receives a mysterious gift from her estranged husband. Accompanied by her roommate Anu, the duo takes on a journey to a coastal town, where the mystical forest serves as a sanctuary for their dreams. All We Imagine as Light stands as an Indo-French collaboration, co-produced by Petit Chaos from France and Chalk and Cheese Films from India. Before this, Payal won the Golden Eye award at Cannes for her documentary A Night of Knowing Nothing. As Payal Kapadia won the Grand Prix award at the Cannes Film Festival for All We Imagine As Light, lyricist-turned-filmmaker Varun Grover took to X and wrote, Dissent, in art and in life, is a tough path to choose. But sometimes it does create magic. Payal has had a history with dissent, which makes her journey of making history at Cannes all the more remarkable. (Also Read Ali Fazal slams FTII for celebrating Payal Kapadia's Grand Prix win at Cannes Film Festival: Just dont') Payal Kapadia won the Grand Prix for her film All We Imagine As Light at the Cannes Film Festival Payal's history with dissent Back when she was in film school, Payal led a student protest against the appointment of actor-politician Gajendra Chauhan as chairman of her alma mater, Film & Television Institute of India, Pune. An FIR was filed against Payal and 34 other students for holding FTII director Prashant Pathrabe captive in his office in 2015. Payal and her group's protest was against Prashant's decision to assess the incomplete projects of students from 2008 batch. Payal also led a protest, probably the longest in the institution's history, for 139 days from June till October 2015, against the appointment of BJP member Gajendra Chauhan as the Chairperson of FTII. They questioned his lack of vision and stature, and thus the credibility to lead a reputed institution like FTII. Disciplinary action was taken against Payal and other students, when they were denied scholarships. Payal's Cannes debut In 2017, then-FTII director Bhupendra Kainthola issued a letter of support and covered the travel expenses of Payal as her short film Afternoon Clouds was selected for a screening at the Cannes Film Festival. The 13-minute film screened under the Cinefondation forum (for short films). It revolves around a 60-year-old widow who lives with Nepali house help, set in a single afternoon inside a house. Usha Naik and Trimala Adhikari played the respective roles. Payal's first Cannes prize Payal returned to Cannes in 2021 with her documentary A Night of Knowing Nothing. The documentary depicts letters written by a student of FTII to her ex-boyfriend who's not allowed to marry her because they're not of the same caste. Payal won the Golden Eye award for the best documentary film that year. Payal's latest triumph Payal scripted history by becoming the first Indian filmmaker to win the Grand Prix award for her directorial debut feature, All We Imagine as Light. The film bagged the second-most prestigious prize of the festival after the Palme d'Or. Her movie is the first Indian film in 30 years and first ever by an Indian female director to be showcased in the main competition. She received the Grand Prix from American actor Viola Davis. All We Imagine as Light, a Malayalam-Hindi feature, is about Prabha, a nurse, who receives an unexpected gift from her long estranged husband that throws her life into disarray. Her younger roommate, Anu, tries in vain to find a private spot in the big city to be alone with her boyfriend. One day, the two nurses go on a road trip to a beach town where the mystical forest becomes a space for their dreams to manifest, according to the plotline. The film became a strong contender for the top prize after its screening that saw the team receive an eight-minute standing ovation and glowing reviews from the international critics. Actor Ratna Pathak Shah has shared how people are getting work based on the number of their followers on Instagram. Speaking with Brut India, Ratna also said that since she is not on that social media platform, it could be the reason she isn't getting work. The actor revealed that she has been unemployed for over a year now. (Also Read | Ratna Pathak Shah recalls interfaith marriage with Naseeruddin Shah) Ratna Pathak Shah was last seen in Dhak Dhak last year. Ratna Pathak Shah has been unemployed for over 12 months Ratna was asked if she thinks that nowadays, too much emphasis is put on an actor's looks rather than the "craft of it". She said, "Yes, the simple answer yes. I dont know how to blame actors for that because these are the things that are asked and are focused on. Depending on the number of followers on Instagram, people are getting work today. That is what I have heard." Ratna says she's not on Instagram She added, "Mujhe toh kisine nahi pooncha kyuki main Instagram pe hoon hi nahi. Toh shayad mujhe kaam nahi mila us wajah se (Nobody approached me for work because I am not on Instagram. So maybe that's the reason why I didn't get work). That's also possible. I have been completely unemployed for a whole year now. So these are the kind of things that do seem to matter a lot. What to do also? Where will one go to learn if an actor wants to learn acting? It's very tough." About Ratna's career Ratna rose to prominence when she appeared in the hit TV serial Idhar Udhar in the 1980s. She garnered widespread recognition for her portrayal of Maya Sarabhai in Sarabhai vs Sarabhai (20042006). Ratna made her acting debut with Shyam Benegal's Mandi. She later featured in popular films such as Kapoor & Sons, Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na, Golmaal 3, Ek Main Aur Ekk Tu, Khoobsurat, Lipstick Under My Burkha, Jayeshbhai Jordaar, Attack and Dhak Dhak. San Jose State University has suspended a justice studies professor over harassing and offensive conduct and comments during campus pro-Palestinian protests. David Schmitz/San Jose State University San Jose State University has temporarily suspended a justice studies professor who served as a liaison between administrators and pro-Palestinian demonstrators, the Chronicle has learned. Sang Hea Kil, a renowned professor at the university, received notice of her suspension Friday, according to a document reviewed by the Chronicle. The suspension letter says Kil is being suspended for violating Article 17 of the collective bargaining agreement between California State University and California Faculty Association. The university didnt specifically state what Kil did to warrant suspension, but alluded to certain actions in the suspension letter. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Per Article 17, you are suspended for reasons related to the disruption of programs and/or operations, the safety of persons or property, and investigation for formal notice of disciplinary action, the letter said. The letter further states that Kil violated university policies due to unprofessional and exploitative conduct toward students, directing them to violate university policies and engaging in harassing and offensive conduct and comments directed towards colleagues individually and as a group. Kil also posted the letter on her personal social media page, saying SJSU has suspended me for my Palestine work. The fight for academic freedom continues. She could not be reached for further comment. Asked about Kils suspension Saturday, a spokesperson said the university does not comment on personnel matters. A statement by the CSU Student Divestment Coalition, a group of students advocating for schools to end financial support for companies doing business with Israel for its attacks on Gaza during its war with Hamas militants, slammed the universitys decision to suspend Kil, which it attributed to her support for pro-Palestinian demonstrators. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The coalition strongly condemns SJSU for taking such action against Dr. Kil, the statement said. We demand the full reinstatement of Dr. Kil, and for (Senior Associate Vice President Joanne) Wright to take all actions necessary to reverse Dr. Kils suspension. Further, we demand that SJSU (and other CSU campuses) not take any further actions against students or faculty who are engaged in expressions of their First Amendment rights. According to the group, Kil received warnings from a university administrator, which she detailed on her social media page, and witnessed another director turn on sprinklers at a pro-Palestinian encampment on campus in an attempt to get students to disband the protest. Until her suspension, Kil was the chair of the Anti-Racism, Social Justice Transformation Committee and co-chair of the Palestine, Arab, and Muslim Caucus of the California Faculty Association. She serves as a faculty member in justice studies at San Jose State. She confirmed on her social media page Friday that she resigned that day as co-chair of the caucus, known as PAM. In a statement to her colleagues Friday, Kil said: i am resigning now as co-chair and from all committees in pam. it was an honor to fight side by side with you all against the tragic and painful silence around the genocide we experienced at our campuses. you all inspired me to do more than i ever thought possible and i am so grateful to you all for this shared experience. i wish you the best in your battle for (boycott, divestment and sanctions) at the csu and cfa. you will be victorious! During her suspension, Kil will not have access to campus facilities and cannot perform any duties associated with her professor role. Kils fate after the suspension remains unclear. According to the suspension letter, her suspension will end either after 60 days or when she is notified of disciplinary action, whichever comes first. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Notably, Kil was witness to an altercation between a student and now-suspended SJSU professor Jonathan Roth during a pro-Palestinian campus demonstration of a guest lecturer who specialized in Jewish history. Roth is known for reviving the Jewish studies program and was the 2019 recipient of the universitys Distinguished Service Award, which recognizes faculty for exemplary leadership. Kil told the Chronicle she had reported things she said he has said to various administrative groups, but no action was taken. By suspending Dr. Kil, SJSU is prohibiting her from using her office, performing necessary pre-semester work through online University systems, and communicating with next semesters students, the coalitions statement said. It is possible that SJSU will pursue further measures which could include termination against Dr. Kil. She has not been granted any due process or the ability to challenge her suspension, and has instead been compelled to cooperate in any investigation conducted concerning her alleged actions. A 2006 graduate of Arizona State Universitys School of Justice Studies, Kil has received recognition for publications relating to immigration and the U.S.-Mexico border. She was the recipient of the ASU Faculty Womens Association Distinguished Achievement Award in 2002 and of SJSUs College of Health and Human Sciences Lifetime Faculty Service Award in 2019. London, "Killers of the Flower Moon" star Lily Gladstone says no one was upset when she didn't return with the best actress Oscar trophy to her tribe, Blackfeet Nation, in Montana. Lily Gladstone on her Oscar loss: Nobody was upset that it didn't happen For her portrayal of Mollie Burkhart in Martin Scorsese's ambitious period drama, the 37-year-old actor made history when she became the first Native American woman to be nominated in the best actress in a leading role category at the 96th Academy Awards. Despite several honours at previous events, including a Golden Globe, she lost the golden statuette to Emma Stone, who was nominated for "Poor Things" by Yorgos Lanthimos. Gladstone said the people from her tribe thought she had won an Oscar when in fact she had earned the Golden Globe. "Nobody was upset that it didnt happen," she said about her Oscars loss. "When the Golden Globe happened, a lot of people who are very far away from the industry just kind of thought it was the Oscars. Its about the fact that the film has been awarded and its historic, and its still just a really meaningful moment. So its irrelevant whether or not I walked home with that statue in hand, the actor told the Empire magazine. When she went home after the Academy Awards ceremony, Gladstone said her tribe, which is part of a confederacy, came together for "a Lily Gladstone Day". "It was the biggest honour anybody could get. The confederacy decided together that they wanted to do it. It was a beautiful homecoming, and I could see my old house, the house I was brought to as a baby, right across from me. "Two thousand people showed up, from every corner of the US. It was absolutely one of the most moving things that has ever happened in my life. Getting to witness what the impact was, going home to Montana and really having this moment shared by my tribe... it was amazing," she said. An adaptation of the book of the same name by American journalist David Grann, "Killers of the Flower Moon" revolves around the birth of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and its investigation into a series of murders of the Osage people, a Midwestern Native American tribe of the Great Plains, after oil is discovered in Oklahoma, US, in the 1920s. The film also starred Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, and Jesse Plemons. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. Nicki Minaj's highly anticipated Pink Friday 2 tour in Manchester, England, hit a snag this weekend. This comes after the rapper the briefly detained by Amsterdam authorities for allegedly carrying drugs in her bag, just hours before her scheduled performance. The organisers later issued a statement clarifying the details of the postponed show stressing that Minaj tried her best to resume but failed due to the impossible situation. Photos from Nicki Minaj's Pink Friday 2 Tour Nicki Minaj's UK Pink Friday 2 tour cancelled Despite Nickis best efforts to explore every possible avenue to make tonights show happen, the events of today have made it impossible, Co-op Live Arena released the statement, leaving fans disappointed and eager for updates on the rescheduled date. We are deeply disappointed by the inconvenience this has caused. It read further. The Pink Friday tour was one of the most highly awaited concerts in the UK, the rescheduled date for the same has not been announced yet. As per the organisers, the tickets for the concert will remain valid for the rescheduled date as well. Also read: Country star Brad Paisely modifies 'American' song lyrics to support Ukraine, sparking cheers from WH guests Nicki Minaj arrested and fined over carrying alleged drugs Nicki Minaj was reportedly heavily fined after she was briefly taken into custody by Amsterdam authorities on suspicion of allegedly carrying drugs. The incident happened at Schiphol Airport. We have just released a 41-year-old American woman who we arrested this afternoon at Schiphol on suspicion of exporting soft drugs, the news was confirmed by the Dutch authorities. The American rapper and songwriter was said to have been charged with heavy fines before the show was officially called off. During a pre-concert Livestream, the Pink Friday crooner can be seen approached by police who ask her to stop the show and cooperate in the investigation. After consultation with the Public Prosecution Service, the suspect was fined and can continue her journey, The authorities confirmed on X. However, the exact amount of the fine was not disclosed. Also read: Nicki Minaj detained in Amsterdam ahead of Manchester show? Rapper films her arrest, blogs about alleged sabotage Ahead of her arrest, Minaj was seen taking multiple shots of the incident that happened at the airport and later shared those in bits and pieces on her social media. When asked by the authorities to cooperate while her bag was being checked, the 41-year-old responded, But isnt that what you planned on doing from the get-go? Why didnt you guys search it before it went on the plane? She further went on to claim that they were deliberately trying to stop her tour while lying to her and even stated, Theyre being paid big money to try to sabotage my tour b/c soooooo many ppl are mad that its this successful & they cant eat off me. They got caught stealing money from my travel/jets. Got fired. Got mad. Etc. "Please don't wait another 30 years to have an Indian film," said director Payal Kapadia at the closing ceremony of the 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival. She was on stage to accept the Grand Prix, the second highest prize of the festival for All We Imagine As Light. The moment was historic, and Indian Cinema truly had a watershed moment at the festival known to have launched some of the biggest, most celebrated filmmakers working in the world right now. (Also read: Cannes Film Festival: All We Imagine As Light scripts history, becomes first Indian film to win Grand Prix) Payal Kapadia with her cast Chhaya Kadam, Divya Prabha and Kani Kusruti after she was awarded with the Grand Prix for the film All We Imagine as Light by Viola Davis during the Closing Ceremony at the 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival.(AFP) India at Cannes Just a day before the closing ceremony, the awards for the Un Certain Regard section were also announced. Two Indian films were in contention at this section, Sandhya Suri's cop drama Santosh starring Shahana Goswami, and Bulgarian director Konstantin Bojanov's The Shameless. It was lead actor Anasuya Sengupta of The Shameless who scripted history, becoming the first Indian actor to clinch an acting award. She was chosen as the Best Actress by the jury headed by Xavier Dolan. There was more. Sunflowers Were The First Ones To Know, a short film directed by FTII student Chidananda S Naik was adjudged as the winner of the La Cinef Award for Best Short Film. As emblematic as this moment is for Indian Cinema, I cannot help but notice the ground realities that have surfaced in the past few weeks. The first film in 30 years to enter the Main Competition section, All We Imagine As Light is a French-Indo co-production, made by the Paris-based producers Hakim and Julien Graff, of petit chaos, and Zico Maitra of Chalk & Cheese Films out of Mumbai. The last film in the race was way back in 1994, when Shaji N. Karun's Swaham returned empty handed. Quentin Tarantino had won the Palme d'Or that year for Pulp Fiction. Meanwhile, The Shameless is a coproduction from Switzerlands Akka Films, Taiwans House on Fire, Frances Urban Factory, Indias Teamo Productions HQ Limited and Bulgarias Klas Film. Indian Cinema has relatively fared well in the Un Certain Regard category in the last few years, notably with Neeraj Ghaywan's Masaan, Gurvinder Singh's Chauthi Koot and Nandita Das' Manto. On the other hand, the short film Sunflowers Were The First Ones To Know is a diploma film made by Chidananda S Naik, whose win marked the first time a film by a student from 1-year Television course of FTII has been recognized at Cannes. Yet many artists and filmmakers have also expressed a fair share of concern about how much of these wins can be credited to the Indian film industry. Shreya Dhanwantary, the actor from Scam 1992, took to X to say, "I know we wanna view this as a collective victory for the Indian film industry but I believe it truly belongs to Payal Kapadia & her incredible cast and crew. Making a film here is tough, especially when it doesn't follow the rules. More, if it doesnt tick certain boxes." She further added, "This achievement is solely theirs. No one made it easy for them, and they got here on their own. Congratulations, Payal Kapadia and team! You deserve this glory. This is your moment." Filmmaker Pan Nalin, whose 2022 film Last Film Show was shortlisted as the Indian entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 95th Academy Awards, also asked a similar question the evening before All We Imagine As Light won the Grand Prix. "PREDICTION: Tonight Greta Gerwig will change something for Indian Cinema. Sad truth is that Indian Film industry has almost nothing or very little to do with it. But Payal Kapadia is already that much needed change. Only France knows who is the force behind the talent," he wrote. It might as well be apt to put into context that Kapadia's documentary feature The Night of Knowing Nothing, has not seen a release in India. Does that mean there is a lack of nurture and encouragement in the prevailing mainstream film industry, an absence of a discerning body that would support these films on an international platform? At Cannes, India makes its presence felt, predominantly on the red carpet. From Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to Kiara Advani, Aditi Rao Hydari to Shobita Dhulipala, the stars have made a splash for their red carpet looks. Then there was also a crowd of Indian influencers on the red carpet, namely Nancy Tyagi, Niharika NM, Ankush Bahuguna, Raj Shamani, Ayush Mehra, RJ Karishma, Virat Ghelani and Vishnu Kaushal. With sponsored trips to Cannes by its festival media partner Brut, they have also served as panelists on the Bharat Pavillion. Social media was abuzz with either the changing accents of some stars or the forced interviews ahead of the red carpet. Amid this noise, the attention to these Indian projects at Cannes felt way too little. With Indian films having such a strong showcase at Cannes this year, I think it is an important time for the industry, as an entire unit, to re-evaluate and reflect on their priorities. These are rooted Indian stories, that are not tailored to meet the mainstream expectations of the Western audiences, which are making a definitive mark on a global stage. Tanmay Dhanania, who played a pivotal role in The Shameless, took to his Instagram account to share a post in which he called out the hypocrisy of sending people who have nothing to do with cinema to the festival, while the ones who are having their films screened there, are struggling to gather the required funds. In an interview with film critic Sucharita Tyagi at Cannes, actor Shahana Goswami added that most of the team have a budget. Sometimes I wish there was a better structure to supporting people, she said, while stressing that there should be a space to create a grant for people who are attending the festival. Not just stars, but also cinematographers, editors, film critics. This is a complex and necessary question that the film industry needs to address with integrity and reason. Who gets to celebrate these wins? All We Imagine As Light has achieved this success on the contribution of its own merit, without any industry support. It defied expectations and chalked out its own path to that Cannes stage. So that credit of achievement belongs only to Indian Cinema, not to the Indian film industry. When the same director's previous feature has still not seen the light of a release day here, the industry is revealing a painfully obvious rhetoric of knowing nothing, as if the audience must not know where the light exists. But emerge it does, in one way or other, until the world sits up and take notice. She is full of energy and raring to go as she gets talking about her upcoming projects. Popular actor Kajal Aggarwal will be seen in the Telugu film Satyabhama and in Kamal Haasans Indian 2 soon. In the last few years, the talented actor has gotten married, had a baby and bagged some meaty movie projects to boot. Kajal has embraced motherhood beautifully and shown us how an a female actor can ace both her personal and professional life. (Also Read Exclusive: After Akshay Kumar, Kajal Aggarwal set to join Vishnu Manchus Kannappa) Kajal Aggarwal got married in 2020 and welcomed motherhood in 2022. In this exclusive chat with Hindustan Times, Kajal Aggarwal talks about Satyabhama, Indian 2, motherhood and what shes looking forward to next. Satyabhama is your upcoming Telugu film where you play ACP Satyabhama. What did you love about this film and your role in particular? I love the fact that Satyabhama is a very humane cop. Its unlike the usual image or the misconception that we have that a cop is too fierce and where we consider police stations like a very hostile environment. We portrayed her in a very normal, humane manner. I like the fact that she's fierce and feisty, yet extremely vulnerable and emotional. But you have played a cop earlier, right? Yes, but not a serious cop. Those were mostly comedy roles. I love doing comedy, so the genre has not got anything to do with why this character, Satyabhama, impressed me. The character was very well written, hence it impressed me. And I just feel like this is a wholesome character. She could be a cop or she could be a corporate businesswoman or in any profession. And you've got another biggie coming up, Indian 2 with Kamal Haasan and director Shankar. You started shooting right after childbirth. I was offered the role four years ago. So, its not something new that I was dabbling with after childbirth; I knew that this was in the pipeline. It's just that I did not know that it would happen so soon in my postpartum journey. But this is how it is in our film industry. When things have to happen, they just do. And I was quite comfortable with doing that because, luckily, I had created an infrastructure around me with a lot of parental support, in-law support, and family support to help me. My husband, most importantly, also helped me so I could go and complete the film that I really wanted to be a part of. Kajal Aggarwal plays a cop in Satyabhama You had said that shooting was tough right after childbirth, but Shankar really helped you out and even others on sets were supportive. Everyone was extremely supportive! Neil wasnt on sets but used to come to the same city as me, be it in Tirupati or Chennai where we were shooting or till date, hes with me wherever I go. I'm in Hyderabad at the moment, so he's here with me. But I did not take him to my film set because it wasn't a very comfortable environment. Of course, he was a newborn back then and I didn't want him to get any sort of infections, etc. I like to keep my child away from my work because he's too young. He does not really understand how it is and there's just really no need for so much exposure at a very young age. What was the highlight of doing Indian 2 with Kamal Haasan and Shankar? I think you just answered your question. Working with Kamal sir and Shankar sir is definitely the highlight. Apart from a phenomenally written role. It's a very special role and it encompasses the age from a young girl to a proper woman, like a senior lady. So, the entire gamut of it and showcasing this aspect with the prosthetics and the makeup, made it very exciting and very challenging. Were you nervous working with Kamal Haasan? He did not give me that chance. He made sure that things were very comfortable. He was very sweet and very understanding about everything and he just ensured that everyone was very comfortable. Did you have to do homework for your role in Indian 2? Yes, I was actually working on the film for the past four years. I was doing a lot of Kalaraipayattu (martial arts from Kerala) and horse-riding. The movie is pre-Independence, so obviously. I'm not sure how much I can reveal, so I'm just going to keep it basic. We'll talk about Indian 2 when we get to the promotion of Indian 2. It was very challenging with the terrains and with the amount of physical activity that was required for this film. Luckily, it helped me for my latest movie, Satyabhama, as well. It was an incredible experience to do it all. Kajal Aggarwal with Kamal Haasan and Shankar at the mahurat of Indian 2 A decade ago, when a female actor got married and had a child, the industry wouldnt really offer her meaty roles. Has that changed now? I would not be the best person to judge the difference because I did not have a child 10 years ago. But yes, I am fortunate that I'm still getting author-backed roles and phenomenal roles with very good people to work with. So, it's a great space to be. Like you said, marriage or being a mum is thankfully not a hindrance in any profession. I feel that even the film industry has become very understanding about childbirth or the requirement for a maternity leave. All these things have become very normal in my industry as well and that's a great space to be in. Do you see a marked difference in the kind of work you were doing before the birth of Neil and after? Yes, I have. That's also because of my own desire to do meatier roles in the limited amount of time that I now have. I do not want to take up eight, nine movies a year like how I used to do earlier Id rather focus on four good films a year. So, the priority from my end has changed. I think your vibe really attracts the kind of roles or the kind of people that you want to work with. Family is obviously your first priority but as your child grows older, does it give more flexibility in terms of work? I actually feel it's the other way around because the older they grow, the more they need their mum. It was easier when he was an infant versus when he's a toddler. But the positive side to this is that he's a lot more understanding. Neil knows mama goes to work. You can communicate with him and he understands and he communicates back. How much has motherhood changed you? A lot. My perspective towards everything has changed. My risk-taking appetite has reduced considerably. I want to be more cautious and play it safe for now because it's not about me anymore. I was always responsible but now I feel a lot more responsible for not just myself, but my baby and my family. I've become a lot more patient. I was always patient but now even more! Its like your heart is working outside of your body. You just want the world to be a nicer place and hence you will be a nicer person. OTT also now offers more opportunities and youve done a web series as well. If I get something really exciting on OTT, of course. I mean, it's already the way to go. Its a lot more exposure and there are so many different genres to explore. You can take bigger risks on OTT, in my opinion, than you can take on the silver screen. But acting is basically acting at the end of the day and it's my first love so of course I would want to experiment. Language has never been a barrier, so why should the medium of showcasing your work be a barrier? It's pretty much the same. Kajal Aggarwal in Disney+ Hotstar series Live Telecast What are the kind of roles you're looking forward to now? I'd love to do things that I haven't done before but I am open to impactful, positive roles that can actually make a difference. Roles that challenge me and challenge me in a different way. I think that would be more exciting at this phase of my life. Films that I get excited about and I feel are worth my time and energy. Who are some of the new, younger directors youd like to work with? There are so many directors whose work I like I really want to work with Lokesh Kanagaraj. And Telugu directors Vekatesh Maha (C/o Kancharapalem and Uma Maheswara Ugra Roopasya); Sandeep Raj (Color Photo) and Arjun VK. After staying mum for a few months, actor Dalljiet Kaur has come forward to level several allegations against her husband Nikhil Patel. Now, she is claiming that Nikhil is refusing to accept their marriage, which is making her wonder how can that be true. However, she soon deleted the post. (Also read: Dalljiet Kaur alleges Nikhil Patel cheated on her: Should have left your wife little dignity) Dalljiet Kaur tied the knot with Nikhil Patel in 2023. The actor, who has finally confirmed trouble in her marriage with Nikhil, on Sunday took to Instagram to open up about her relationship status, and accuse Nikhil of backing out on her and their son, Jaydon. New accusation Taking to Instagram, she shared a picture of herself in an ethnic dress, and went on to accuse Nikhil, who stays in Kenya. Along with the picture, in the deleted post, she shared her views in Hindi, loosely translated as, My clothes are there, my chooda is there, my temple, all my things are there, in fact my son's clothes, books and his hope from his father is there. It's my in-laws place, the painting which I made is there. But my husband is saying it's not my house. He is saying we never got married. Is he not my husband? What do you think? Is Nikhil not my husband? Did we not got married? Her Insta story. Her fans react The actor is looking for answers about her relationship, and her fans have come forward to support her. Please take strict action against him, commented a user, while another wrote, Can you please tell us the whole truth." A third user shared, File a cheating case against him, with another commented, Yes, the wedding did happen. About trouble in their relationship On Saturday, Dalljiet finally confirmed her separation with Nikhil through Instagram Stories. A few months ago, Dalljiet and Nikhil had unfollowed each other. The change happened almost a year after their wedding. Dalljiet, in her post, mentioned about cheating in a marriage. She first shared a clip of herself in traditional attire in her Instagram Story and captioned it as, What's your thought on extra-marital affairs? Who is to be blamed?The girlThe husbandThe wife. In another post she shared a gym selfie of a man by hiding his face and posted a long caption which read, SNYou make me better! (muscle emoji)You are out on social media with her now every day shamelessly. Your wife and son came back in 10 months of the wedding. The entire family is humiliated. Some dignity for the kids would have been good. At least you should have left your wife little dignity publicly as I was quiet about a lot of other things too. More about their relationship Dalljiet tied the knot with Nikhil in 2023. She was earlier married to television actor and Bigg Boss 16 contestant Shalin Bhanot. The couple had divorced in 2015. Dalljiet was last seen in the television show, Sasural Genda Phool - 2. Speculation around trouble in their relations grew louder when she came back to India with her son. At that time, Dalljiet's team issued a statement, which stated, I hereby state that Dalljiet and Jaydon (her son) are in India currently for Dalljiets dads surgery followed by her Maas surgery as well, which required them to be beside him. In addition to this, I would only like to say that Dalljiet, at the moment, would not like to make any comments on anything because the kids are in the picture. Please respect her kids privacy and please consider this as the only statement she would like to give out." "The grazing season has shortened, and our yaks have less pasture to feed on. It's becoming harder to maintain herds. We are approaching solutions through agroforestry but the altitude poses difficulties, said Tsering Dolma, a pastoralist from Kibber village in Spiti, Himachal Pradesh. Dolma is just one of the pastoralists forced to adapt to warmer temperatures and reduced snowfall in the alpine meadows of Himachals high-altitude regions, which are crucial for his livestock's summer grazing. His situation is emblematic of a phenomenon affecting pastoralists across India and the world: land degradation. Land degradation is wounding one of the oldest professions on the planet pastoralism by undermining the health and productivity of rangelands, which includes grasslands, deserts, and alpine meadows, jeopardising the livelihoods and cultural heritage of pastoral communities. Earlier this week, the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertifications (UNCCD) Global Land Outlook Thematic Report on Rangelands and Pastoralists report revealed how nearly half of the world's natural pastures are degraded. This statistic impacts pastoralists, especially in India, where livestock production contributes 4% to the countrys GDP and covers nearly 40% of its land surface area. Even more concerning, climate change is accelerating pasture degradation, placing the livelihoods of pastoral communities at greater risk. As an embodiment of traditional knowledge and environmental resilience, communities practise pastoralism, a form of animal husbandry involving extensive, often nomadic, management of livestock such as sheep, goats, and horses. Further characterised by seasonal movement, the practice provides meat, milk, and other animal products while maintaining biodiversity, sequestering carbon, and sustaining livelihoods. The UNCCD report indicates that communal rangelands decreased from 70 million hectares in 1947 to 38 million hectares in 1997 and continue to shrink. Data from the Indian government presented to the UNCCD during the 14th Conference of Parties held in September 2019 highlighted that India lost 31%, or 5.65 million hectares (mha) of grassland area in the decade between 2005 and 2015. The country lost around 19% of its common lands in this period, the report said. The UNCCD report highlights the neglect towards rangelands, grasslands, and the pastoralist communities that are dependent on them, as compared to other types of vegetation like forests, said Raman Sukumar, an honorary professor of Ecology at the Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru. India hosts 20% of the worlds livestock, including 193 million cattle, 149 million goats, 110 million buffaloes, and 74 million sheep. About 77% of these animals are reared, producing 53% of India's milk and 74% of meat, according to the UNCCD report. On the other hand, Indian rangelands occupy about 121 million hectares, ranging from the Thar Desert to the Himalayas, inhabited by an estimated 13 to 35 million pastoralists from 46 communities. Dual impact of climate change and marginalisation of Indian pastoralists In India, where pastoralism is integral to rural life, climate change has exacerbated this degradation, leading to severe consequences for communities. Climate change causes changes to ecosystems, which we do not necessarily understand. We know that temperatures increase, and temperature increase alone can lower the productivity of rangelands. The second issue is the increased amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which favours the spread of woodlands over grasses. We are seeing this all across India. Therefore, grasslands and rangelands are under increased pressure, said Sukumar. Another crucial aspect is the marginalisation of Indian pastoralists in public policies, leading to insecurity in their occupation and restricted access to common resources, the UNCCB report said. One way to understand this is through the concept of marginality, which explains historical bias and prejudice against pastoral communities. Policymaking in countries like India has had a productivity slant and has rendered commons as wastelands and seasonal livelihoods on these lands as peripheral to the economy, said Kanchi Kohli, a legal and policy researcher. Bans from forests, protected areas, and restrictions due to mining and energy projects further limit the movements of pastoralists. However, as the report points out, the Forest Rights Act, 2006 (FRA) is helping pastoralist communities secure their land rights. For instance, the Van Gujjars community in Rajaji National Park, Uttarakhand, claimed grazing rights and received titles for 43 families to graze their buffaloes following a high court judgement. Similarly, migratory routes and grazing zones had been delineated for pastoralist communities, including 2,000 sq km in Lolab, Kupwara, and 6,000 sq km in Pulwama for the Gujjar and Bakarwal communities. The degradation of pastoral commons needs to be understood as a systemic problem and requires revisiting this governance bias. Rights-based legislations like the FRA are important frameworks that can present opportunities where ecological and livelihood security can counter the idea of marginality, added Kohli. Climate change impact on the Gujjar pastoralists in Himachal Pradesh The Gujjar pastoral community are facing changes in their livelihoods due to rising temperatures, erratic rainfall patterns, and unseasonal snowfall, as detailed in studies by the international non-profit ActionAid Association. This has led to the degradation of rangelands and reduced the availability of grazing resources for their livestock, said Tanveer Kazi, associate director, ActionAid Association. According to a March 2024 ActionAid report, the traditional migration patterns of the Gujjars are disrupted, forcing them to adapt by seeking new grazing areas or changing the timing of their movements. This adaptation process is challenging, as it requires a deep understanding of the changing environmental conditions and the ability to make swift decisions to ensure the survival of their livestock, added Kazi. The report recommended climate justice and adaptive strategies to support the Gujjar community. Climate justice is not just an environmental issue but a matter of human rights. Efforts include advocating for policies that protect the rights of pastoralists, promoting sustainable land management practices, and enhancing the community's capacity to respond to climate-related challenges. Also, the communitys traditional knowledge combined with modern practices can significantly enhance their resilience, said Kazi. States battling drought and desertification Rajasthan, known for its arid and semi-arid landscapes, has historically been vulnerable to climatic extremes. The state has witnessed increasing instances of severe drought, which disrupts traditional pastoral practices. According to the UNCCD report, about 9.5% of India's land is degraded, with Rajasthan being a significant contributor due to its expansive desert areas. "Unpredictable rainfall patterns and prolonged droughts have made it difficult for us to find sufficient grazing land for our livestock," says Bhanwar Singh, a pastoralist from Thar desert. The diminishing water resources and degraded pastures have forced many to migrate in search of better conditions, Singh added. Climate models over the last several decades generally predict a decline in average rainfall in the northwestern part of India, said Sukumar. "These models need further refinement, but one thing is clear: temperatures will keep rising, especially in northern and northwestern India. We are increasingly seeing this with temperatures in some locations in Rajasthan reaching 50 degrees Celsius for the first time." On Saturday, Phalodi in Rajasthan recorded a temperature of 50 degrees Celsius. Similarly, pastoralists in the Kutch region in Gujarat have withstood the harsh impacts of climate change. This region, traditionally reliant on livestock, faces extreme weather events and prolonged periods of dry conditions. The scarcity of water and forage has significantly impacted livestock productivity, said Ranjitsinh Jadeja, a local pastoralist from Kutch, adding, Our cattle are weaker, and milk production has dropped drastically. The state government has initiated water conservation projects such as the Mukhyamantri Jal Swavlamban Abhiyan (MJSA) and the Catch the Rain campaign under the National Water Mission, but the long-term sustainability of these efforts remains uncertain. "This kind of temperature increase will put significant pressure on the primary production of rangelands and grasslands in the northwest," Sukumar said. Maharashtra's Vidarbha and Marathwada regions have been hit hard by climate change, experiencing frequent and prolonged droughts. "Amidst parched lands and dwindling pastures, Maharashtra's pastoralists grapple with the harsh reality of climate change. Severe droughts and land degradation have stripped away their lifelines, leaving livestock productivity at an all-time low, said Anjal Prakash, author with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Pastoralists also face increasing debts due to climate change. Suicides are not limited to farmers owing to crop losses but the pastoral community as well, said Rahul Todmal, assistant professor of geography, Vidya Pratishthans ASC College, Baramati, Pune district. Todmals studies on climate impacts on agriculture predict a rise in temperatures between 0.8 and 1.2 degrees Celsius by 2050 across 80% of districts in Maharashtra. The catch here is that regions in Vidarbha and Marathwada witness untimely and erratic rainfall, which affects crop production, food security and thereby, pastoralists. What is worse, climate change has made traditional knowledge and practices less effective," he said. Meanwhile, a substantial part of north interior Karnataka lies in the semi-arid zone, concentrating pastoralist communities in districts such as Bellary, Raichur, and Chitradurga. If climate change further degrades the ecological health of these rangelands through more droughts, these regions will face similar issues as Rajasthan, said Sukumar, adding that for instance, in 2023, southern India experienced deficit rainfall due to the El Nino phenomenon, resulting in much lower rainfall in north interior Karnataka. This added pressure on the grasslands, affecting their production and, consequently, the livelihoods of the pastoralists dependent on these rangelands. Grasslands have generally been thought of as wastelands, and converted into woodlands, degrading their natural biodiversity. India's response to the UNCCD's findings includes land restoration projects and climate adaptation strategies, said officials. The country aims to restore 26 million hectares of degraded land by 2030. Programmes including the National Mission for a Green India are focused on enhancing forest cover, which indirectly benefits pastoral lands. We are also focussing on expanding the cover of schemes such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme and the Integrated Watershed Management Programme that aim to address drought mitigation needs across states to ensure maximum rural areas are covered, said a senior official from the Union ministry of fisheries, animal husbandry, and dairying, requesting anonymity. Unfortunately, forests have received a disproportionate amount of attention in India. There is neglect in our conservation planning regarding rangelands or the grasslands, said Sukumar, adding that more attention was needed through policy and conservation strategies for both grasslands and rangelands. The plight of India's pastoralists amidst climate change calls for sustained efforts to restore degraded lands and support adaptive practices. While India marches towards its ambitious restoration goals, the journey of pastoralists key to the country's food security highlights both the challenges they face and the hope for a future where they are not left behind. Kochi, Facing flak from locals, environmentalists, and the opposition parties, the Kerala government on Sunday decided to convene a high-level meeting to discuss the issue of recent mass death of fish in the River Periyar. State Industries Minister P Rajeeve said the meeting will deliberate on the report to be submitted by the Fort Kochi sub-collector on the incident. He also assured that further action will be taken based on that report, which is expected to reach the government by Monday. His statement came days after thousands of dead fish were found floating in River Periyar, sparking protests by local farmers and residents here last week. The minister said separate reports were sought from the State Pollution Control Board and the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies into the incident, and the sub-collector would submit it after coordinating all the other reports. If there is any sharp contrast between the reports of the Pollution Control Board and KUFOS, an independent probe would be conducted, Rajeeve told reporters here. The minister said the objective of the government is to find a permanent solution for the protection of Periyar. He noted that the state government has already discussed and decided to have exclusive authority for the conservation of rivers. It would be examined in detail based on the report, and the conservation of Periyar would be ensured. A high-level meeting would be called in Thiruvananthapuram after receiving the report, and action would be taken based on its decisions, he said. Pointing to the allegations about the presence of ammonia and sulfur in the river water, the minister quoted the experts as saying that it could be from either organic waste or chemical effluents. If it is specified in the report that an inspection is required, the government would consider it, Rajeeve said. Once it is clear which chemical is present in the water, the company that releases the effluent will be traced, and action will be taken against it, the minister assured. Local people alleged that illegal discharge of chemical waste from nearby factories was to blame for the mass death of fish reported here last week. Fish farmers, particularly those involved in cage farming, reported significant losses amounting to several lakhs due to the mass fish deaths. The dead fish were found in large numbers in fish farms across panchayats such as Varapuzha, Kadamakkudy, and Cheranalloor near here since last Tuesday. Widespread protests prompted the district administration to take action. The government had formed a special committee under the aegis of Fort Kochi Sub-Collector to study the developments and submit a report in this regard within a week. The local Pollution Control Board office at Eloor here had witnessed huge protests by fish farmers, local people, environmental activists and Congress workers. The protesters dumped dead fish in front of the office and raised slogans against the board officials, alleging that they were not taking stringent measures against the factories that allegedly discharge chemical effluents into the River Periyar. HT Image Union home minister Amit Shah on Sunday declared that the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) will be implemented across the country within the next five years following consultations with all the stakeholders if the Narendra Modi government returns to power. The minister also said that the government will also implement the One Nation, One Election for simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly elections in the country. ALSO READ: Shah reiterates UCC pledge, continues to find fault with Congs pro-Muslim policies "The UCC is a responsibility left to us, our Parliament and the state legislatures of our country since independence by the makers of our Constitution. The guiding principles decided for us by the Constituent Assembly include the Uniform Civil Code. And even at that time, legal scholars like K M Munshi, Rajendra Babu, Ambedkar Ji had said that there should not be laws based on religion in a secular country. There should be a Uniform Civil Code," Shah told news agency PTI in an interview. Citing Uttarakhand which recently implemented UCC, Shah said that the law made by the Pushkar Singh Dhami government should undergo social and legal scrutiny. He added that the religious leaders should be consulted. Union Home Minister Amit Shah called for an extensive debate on the Uniform Civil Code enacted by the Uttarakhand government.(Santosh Kumar/ Hindustan Times) What I mean is that there should be an extensive debate on this. And if there is anything to change in the model law made by the Uttarakhand government after this extensive debate. Because someone will definitely go to court. The judiciary's opinion will also come, Shah added further. ALSO READ: What Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code covers: From live-in relationships to marriage to death "After that, the state legislatures and Parliament of the country should think seriously over this and a law must be enacted. That is why we have written in our 'sankalp patra' that the BJP aims to have a Uniform Civil Code for the entire country," the minister added. One Nation, One Election Responding to the question on simultaneous elections, Shah said,"The Prime Minister had formed the Ram Nath Kovind committee. I was also a member of it. Its report has been submitted. The time has come that elections should be held simultaneously in the country." Our resolution is for five years. We will bring it during this period, he added. Bangladesh police have said that it would seek help and assistance from Interpol and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to nab the main conspirator behind the brutal murder of MP Anwarul Azim Anar, whose chopped body was found in an apartment in Kolkata earlier this week. Bangladeshi lawmaker Md Anwarul Azim Anar. (Sourced) Bangladeshi MP murder case: Dhaka polices team to visit Kolkata for probe Dhaka Metropolitan Police's (DMP) Detective Branch (DB) chief Mohammad Harun-or-Rashid, while briefing the media, claimed that the fugitive mastermind might have fled the country after committing the crime. "The main conspirator Akhtaruzzaman may have escaped from Kathmandu to the US via Dubai...We are trying to trace him through Interpol. We will go to the CID office. We will have a meeting with the officers of CID. We will try to interrogate the arrested accused so that we can get more information," news agency ANI quoted Rashid as saying. Here are the top updates on the case: The Bangladesh police official revealed that the mastermind behind Anar's murder, Akhtaruzzaman, might have fled from Kathmandu to the US via Dubai after committing the crime. Rashid, along with his three-member detective branch team, arrived in Kolkata on Sunday to investigate the brutal killing of the lawmaker. A four-member team of Kolkata Police is currently investigating the murder incident. According to the Kolkata police, circumstantial evidence indicated that the lawmaker was first strangled and killed after which his body was dumped in different areas. Businessman friend Shahin key suspect in MP Anar's murder in Kolkata: Bangladesh home minister According to the West Bengal CID, Anar was smothered and killed in a flat in Kolkata and his body was chopped and minced to destroy his identity. The CID team has launched a search operation to find the body parts of the Bangladeshi MP. The CID officials also claimed that an alleged rift over gold smuggling between Anar and his friend, who is a US citizen and his business partner, could be the cause of the crime. Meanwhile, the Bangladesh police have arrested three suspects and sent them to eight-day judicial custody for their alleged involvement in the crime. Additionally, West Bengal police have arrested a a Mumbai-based butcher who confessed that he had taken off all the skin from the Bangladeshi MP's body, chopped it up, and minced the cut parts in a bid to destroy its identity. Gold smuggling racket behind Bangladesh MPs murder in Kolkata? A three-time MP from the Jhenaidah-4 segment in Bangladesh and the president of Awami League's Kaliganj sub-district unit, Anar left Dhaka on May 12 to undergo medical treatment at Kolkata, from where he went missing the very next day. The search for Anar began after Gopal Biswas, a resident of Baranagar in north Kolkata and an acquaintance of the Bangladeshi MP, filed a complaint with the local police on May 18. (With inputs from agencies) Severe Cyclone Remal made landfall over coastal areas of West Bengal and Bangladesh on Sunday evening, lashing the region with winds of 110-120 kmph gusting up to 135 kmph, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Police personnel make announcements ahead of Cyclone Remals landfall at the Hooghly river, in Kolkata, on Sunday. (PTI) The landfall, which began around 8.30pm, was expected to continue for the next four hours, causing widespread destruction and disruption to nearby regions where close to a million people had been evacuated in the last couple of days. Forward sector of wall cloud region is entering into land. The landfall process has commenced over coastal areas of Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal. It will continue for next 4 hours, an update from IMD said. Also Read | Cyclone Remal: Bangladesh evacuates 8 lakh people, sends them to concrete shelters The eye of the storm was located about 30km from the Bangladesh coastline, and experts expected the landfall mostly to occur in the Sundarbans region, where the mangroves were likely to absorb the worst of the storm surges. On Sunday evening, coastal Bengal experienced gale-force winds reaching 100-110 kmph, with some of these effects felt in adjoining North Odisha coast. Howrah, Hoogly, Kolkata, and East Medinipur districts reported squally winds reaching 45 to 55 kmph, gusting to 65 kmph, which are expected to strengthen to gale-force winds of 70 to 80 kmph, gusting to 90 kmph. In preparation for the cyclone, the Bengal government evacuated approximately 110,000 people from coastal regions, including the Sundarbans and Sagar Island, to cyclone shelters. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) deployed 14 teams to vulnerable areas across nine districts in West Bengal, with additional teams on standby for rapid deployment if necessary. The Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) Airport in Kolkata was shut from Sunday noon until 9am on Monday, resulting in the cancellation of 394 domestic and international flights. Also Read | Cyclone Remal: Passengers stranded at Kolkata airport as operations halted for 21 hours A senior official said the cyclone may have become stronger than it was due to very high sea surface temperatures. Severe cyclonic storm Remal did not intensify any further because of two reasons. First, the system was initially attached to the monsoon flow that did not allow it to intensify. When it detached from the monsoon flow, it had already reached close to the WB and Bangladesh coasts and did not have much time left to strengthen. Second, moderate amounts of wind shear was not favourable for the its intensification too, said this expert, asking not to be named. We do not anticipate any major negative impact on the monsoon from this cyclone, this person added. The official said higher storm surge is likely on the Bangladesh side at nearly 3 metres. Over the Indian Sunderbans, we expect the storm surge to be at least 1 metre high. Its important to note that this is during high tide so inundation of low-lying areas is expected, this person said. Political parties called off planned rallies and roadshows for the seventh and final phase of the Lok Sabha polls in the affected areas. Samik Bhattacharya, Bengal BJPs chief spokesperson, said, Safety of people comes first. We have cancelled several rallies that were to be addressed by senior leaders including our state president Sukanta Majumdar. Trinamool Congress national general Abhishek Banerjee also cancelled his roadshow at Basirhat constituency in North 24 Parganas. The IMD warned of extremely heavy rainfall in the coastal districts on May 26 and 27. Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim assured citizens that the Kolkata Municipal Corporation put its employees on high alert and is personally overseeing the preparations. Around 15,000 civic employees have been mobilised. IMD has said windspeed in Kolkata can go up to 80 kmph. All our pumps have been kept ready in case heavy rain leads to water logging in the streets, Hakim said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday chaired a meeting to review the preparedness for the cyclone, asking the Union home ministry to monitor the situation and take a review after the cyclones landfall to extend necessary assistance for restoration. During the meeting at his 7, Lok Kalyan Marg residence, the Prime Minister instructed that apart from 12 National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) teams that have already been deployed in West Bengal and one in Odisha, more teams be kept on standby to move within an hour, a statement issued by the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) said. WELLINGTON, New Zealand - Chatham Rock Phosphate Limited (CRP) (TSXV: NZP, NZX: CRP , Frankfurt Borse: 3GRE) is very pleased to advise that Munich based Dr Georg Hochwimmer has today been appointed as a director. This is the logical next step in a close association with Dr Hochwimmer which now spans eight years since our first meeting at the PDAC conference in Toronto in 2016. During that period Dr Hochwimmer has worked actively sourcing equity capital for Chatham from his networks in Europe, Canada and elsewhere and he is presently our largest shareholder in his own right. Dr Hochwimmer operates General Research GmbH, a consulting company providing financial analysis, corporate finance and investor relations advice. General Research is particularly focused on emerging growth companies and Dr Hochwimmer has been a founding director of several technology start-ups. His PhD qualification, connections and business experience are welcome additions to an already well-rounded Board and these attributes and his Europe location are particularly relevant to Chathams target markets in that region. For further information please contact: Chris Castle President and Chief Executive Officer Chatham Rock Phosphate Limited 64 21 55 81 85 or chris@crpl.co.nz Statements about the Companys future expectations and all other statements in this press release other than historical facts are forward looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including risks inherent in mineral exploration and development, which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any projected future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Neither the Exchange, its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined under the policies of the Exchange), or New Zealand Exchange Limited has in any way passed upon the merits of the above descried transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved of the contents of this press release. Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: TRU - WHO Agency UNITAID Features TRU in Tech Landscape Report PaySauce Quarterly Market Update - September 2024 October 2nd Morning Report Rua Releases Annual Report for Year Ended 30 June 2024 SCL - Settlement of orchard sales The Warehouse Group 2024 ASM and Director Nominations AIR - Update on Chief Operational Integrity and Safety Officer Comvita Limited - Annual Report 2024 September 27th Morning Report Spark announces departure of Finance Director New Delhi From the exalted gates of the Rashtrapati Bhavan and lush lawns of India Gate to the cramped bylanes of Seelampur and the history suffused alleys of Mehrauli, millions of people in the Capital braved searing temperatures and snaking queues to exercise their franchise in the penultimate phase of the Lok Sabha elections on Saturday. Delhis voters, as seen on Saturday. (HT, ANI, PTI) The provisional turnout at 11.30pm stood at 58.7%, roughly 3.7 percentage points behind the 2019 figure of 60.6%. But this number was likely to be revised upwards when the Election Commission of India (ECI) releases final figures. The queues outside Delhis 13,641 polling booths bore witness to an eclectic mix of people standing with their slips and voting cards, ranging from Supreme Court justices and senior ministers to delivery agents who drive the citys gig economy to old women in wheelchairs, canopies of cotton sarees protecting them from the scorching sun. Elections are like a festival so I had no problem with the heat, said Lakshmi Bansal, a homemaker. Dressed in a white saree, President Droupadi Murmu voted in an all-woman booth set up inside Rashtrapati Bhavan premises. Later, Murmu held up her inked finger as she posed for photos against a backdrop that read Im a proud voter. Chief Justice of India Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, external affairs minister S Jaishankar, vice-president Jagdeep Dhankhar, chief of defence staff General Anil Chauhan and chief election commissioner Rajiv Kumar also cast their vote in Delhi. Every vote counts, make yours count too! Democracy thrives when its people are engaged and active in the electoral process. I specially urge women voters and youth voters to vote in large numbers, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said. Today by voting I have fulfilled my duties as a citizen of the country and this is a major duty of every citizen of the country, said Chandrachud. Senior Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and her children, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (with her children who are first-time voters), Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, and Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge were among the prominent Opposition politicians to vote, Please vote, use your right to vote, and vote against dictatorship, said Kejriwal. The battle for Delhi, the seat of national power, is a microcosm of the electoral contest across the nation with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which holds all seven seats, taking on an alliance of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Congress, both constituents of the Oppositions umbrella national coalition. At stake are not only the seven seats after a fierce campaign headlined by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah on one side, and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Delhi chief minister Kejriwal on the other but also bragging rights about control of the national capital that houses Parliament, the PMs residence, the presidential estate, and a bevy of dignitaries national and international. Delhis voters are spread across seven segments New Delhi, Chandni Chowk, North West Delhi, West Delhi, South Delhi, East Delhi and North East Delhi that are beset with their peculiar electoral eccentricities and social cleavages but which came together in the festival of democracy on Saturday. P Krishnamurthy, the citys chief electoral officer of Delhi said the poll panel undertook a slew of steps to tackle the intense heat. Proper shading was arranged at all polling booths, providing relief to voters as they exercised their rights, said Krishnamurthy. The highest provisional turnout was reported from North East Delhi, which recorded a poll percentage of 62.9%, compared to 63.8% in 2019. The seats incumbent parliamentarian Manoj Tiwari of the BJP is taking on Kanhaiya Kumar of the Congress. The lowest turnout was reported from New Delhi, which recorded a poll percentage of 52.9%, compared to 56.9% in 2019. The constituency was witness to a battle between the BJPs Bansuri Swaraj and the AAPs Somnath Bharti. Other than the seven seats in Delhi, all 10 seats in Haryana including Gurugram, eight in Bihar, four in Jharkhand, six in Odisha, 14 in Uttar Pradesh, eight in West Bengal, and one in Jammu & Kashmir also went to the polls. The BJP won 40 of these seats in 2019, its allies five, and the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) parties four. The overall turnout across India stood at 60.3%, compared to 64.9% in 2019. With this, elections in 28 states and Union territories are complete. Only 57 seats across eight states and UTs remain, and will go to the polls on June 1. The results will be announced on June 4. The city started buzzing hours after sunrise as thousands of polling personnel fanned out across the Capital, setting up booths and an elaborate screening mechanism. Seventy booths, christened pink booths, were decorated in hues of pink and white and were staffed exclusively by women. Enthusiasm was seen among first-time voters nearly throughout the city. I am excited to have voted for the first time. The issues being discussed in the run-up to the polls left me confused and later I decided to vote for a better future for the people of the country, said a beaming Ananya Chauhan, showing her inked finger at a polling station in CR Park. Noisy queues had already formed outside colonies and schools, inside high-rise complexes and next to boxy government schools when the doors opened at 7am. Polling was brisk even as the sizzling sun climbed overhead. Mukesh Ahlawat, an elderly voter who cast his vote at the MCD primary school in Chirag Dilli, said there is much excitement among the people and many turned up early in the day to vote. I voted early in the morning along with my family members. Several issues are dominating the Lok Sabha election including local and national issues, he said. Since 1996, the party that has won Delhi has also triumphed nationally. The last three general elections in the Capital have seen clean sweeps 2009 by the Congress and 2014 and 2019 by the BJP. Except in 1967, 1989 and 1991, the party which has won a majority of constituencies from Delhi has always finished first in the Lok Sabha. The battle for Delhi holds echoes of the national contest because people from all over the country have always migrated to the Capital for employment or the aspiration of a better life, making the city a cultural melting pot. The issues at play are also largely national Modis popularity vs Kejriwals rooted connect, nationalism vs federalism, BJPs welfare outreach vs AAPs focus on health care and education, and questions of Constitution, reservation and communalism. This time, the contest is bipolar for the first time in 15 years. The AAP is fighting four seats New Delhi (Somnath Bharti), South (Sahi Ram), East (Kuldeep Kumar) and West (Mahabal Mishra) and the Congress three Chandni Chowk (JP Aggarwal), North East (Kanhaiya Kumar) and North West (Udit Raj). They face an uphill battle against the BJP, which won 57% of the vote in 2019 and held a 16 percentage point advantage over the combined vote shares of the AAP and the Congress. This time, the BJP has dropped six of its seven incumbent MPs to ward off anti-incumbency, repeating only the North-East Delhi parliamentarian Manoj Tiwari, who is taking on Kanhaiya Kumar of the Congress. The BJP which has fielded Ramvir Singh Bidhuri (South Delhi), Bansuri Swaraj (New Delhi), Praveen Khandelwal (Chandni Chowk), Kamaljeet Sehrawat (West Delhi), Harsh Malhotra (East Delhi), Yogendra Chandolia (North West Delhi) and Manoj Tiwari (North East Delhi) modelled its campaign on the contours of its national pitch around Modis governance record and his popularity. Delhi BJP chief Virendra Sachdeva said people of Delhi enthusiastically voted for continuation of development that has been done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Delhi voted for a strong government expressing faith in PM Modi. The road infrastructure development, construction of rapid rail, expansion of metro rail, electric buses provided by the central government, construction of international standard Yashobhumi and Bharat Mandapam and the services BJP rendered for the people during the Covid-19 pandemic have played big role in people voting for BJP, Sachdeva said. The Opposition, in contrast, focussed on local issues of governance and anti-incumbency against BJPs parliamentarians. The campaign was enthused by the release of Kejriwal, who was freed by the Supreme Court on May 10 after spending 50 days in jail over corruption charges in connection with the now-scrapped excise policy case. AAP leaders expressed confidence that the INDIA bloc would sweep Delhis seven seats despite tricks adopted by the BJP. Irrespective of the heat, the people of Delhi have turned out in good numbers to thwart the dictatorship from the country. Delhiites have responded decisively to the illegal incarceration of their beloved CM with their votes. Theyve made it clear once again that they value good education, healthcare, 24/7 electricity, water, and free bus rides over empty jumlas, the AAP spokesperson said. Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee chief Devender Yadav said the way people turned up in large numbers is a clear indication that there is strong anti-incumbency on the ground. The voting trend indicates that people have voted for change, and Congress and INDIA bloc were all set to sweep the seven Lok Sabha seats in Delhi to give a big boost to Shri Rahul Gandhis relentless campaign against the authoritarianism of the Modi government, said Devender Yadav. The Centre on Sunday extended the tenure of Army chief General Manoj Pande for a period of one month. Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande.(PTI) General Pande was to retire from service on May 31. "The Appointments Committee of Cabinet on May 26 approved the extension in service of Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj C Pande for a period of one month, beyond his normal age of superannuation (May 31), i.e. up to June 30, under Rule 16 A (4) of the Army Rules 1954," the defence ministry said in a statement. General Pande took over the reins of the 1.2 million-strong force in April 2022. Prior to that, he served as the vice chief of the Army Staff. Born May 6, 1962, Pande has been the 29th army chief for over two years. Service chiefs have a three-year term or serve until they turn 62, whichever is earlier. Before assuming the charge of vice chief, Pande was heading the Kolkata-based Eastern Command, which is responsible for guarding Indias borders with China in the eastern sector. Also Read | Top army commanders meet to focus on boosting readiness His tenure saw the Indian Army deploy new weapon systems in the eastern sector to strengthen its posture against the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA), amid the lingering border row in Ladakh. An alumnus of the National Defence Academy, Pande was commissioned into the Corps of Engineers (The Bombay Sappers) in December 1982. He commanded an engineer regiment during Operation Parakram in the Pallanwala Sector along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. Also Read | Ready to deal with any situation along China border: Gen Manoj Pande In his 41-year military career, Pande has commanded an engineer brigade in the western theatre, an infantry brigade along the LoC, a mountain division in the Ladakh sector, and a corps in the northeast. He was the commander-in-chief of Andaman and Nicobar Command before he took charge of Eastern Command. Pande has undergone courses at Staff College, Camberley (UK), Army War College, Mhow and National Defence College, New Delhi Raipur: A tense situation prevailed on Sunday near the Pirda explosives manufacturing factory blast site in Chhattisgarhs Bemetara after residents of Pirda, Borsi, and other neighbouring villages staged a protest claiming their relatives had gone missing following the blast that took place on Saturday. The explosion took place in the unit located near Pirda village in Chhattisgarhs Bemetara district on Saturday (Twitter Photo) The people set up a tent in front of the factory and staged a sit-in protest as they obstructed the fire brigade, earth movers and ambulances engaged in the rescue exercise from entering the factory premises. A large number of police personnel were deployed at the blast site to ensure that things remained calm in the area. Bemetara superintendent of police (SP) Ramkrishna Sahu said that some workers of the factory have been reported missing and are feared trapped under the debris. The exact number of missing people could not be ascertained until the debris is cleared, he added. We have been trying to pacify the protesters, he said. Earlier on Saturday, a major blast took place in an explosive factory located near Pirda village in Berla block in which at least one person was killed and half a dozen sustained injuries. A few eyewitnesses claimed that many people were inside the explosive manufacturing unit which left a 30-foot-deep crater at the incident site. According to the State Disaster Response Force, a two-storied building collapsed due to the blast and there may be some people who got trapped under the debris. The Chhattisgarh government has ordered a magisterial enquiry into the incident and announced to provide financial assistance of Rs. 5 lakh to the kin of the deceased and Rs.50,000 to those injured in the incident. Over one lakh people have been moved to cyclone shelters by the West Bengal government as Remal, declared a severe cyclonic storm, started making a landfall on Sunday evening between West Bengal and Bangladesh coasts with an intensity of 110 to 120 kmph, gusting to 135 kmph, the Met office said. Cyclone Remal landfall LIVE coverage Commuters taking cover under umbrella cross road during rain, ahead of cyclone Remals landfall, in Kolkata, Sunday(PTI) The landfall process of Remal, with its centre about 30 km from the coastline at 8.30pm, will continue for about four hours, it said. The landfall process of severe cyclonic storm 'Remal' commenced over the adjacent coasts of West Bengal and Bangladesh between Sagar Island and Khepupara close to the southwest of Mongla in the neighbouring country," the Met department said. Gale wind speed reaching 110 to 120 kmph, gusting to 135 kmph, was prevailing along and off West Bengal and Bangladesh coasts and north Bay of Bengal and is likely to continue for the next six hours and decrease thereafter, the Met added. ALSO READ: Cyclone Remal: Bangladesh evacuates 800,000; sends them to concrete shelters The state government evacuated around 1,10,000 people from the coastal regions, including Sundarbans and Sagar Island, to cyclone shelters by Sunday evening, police officials from South and North 24 Parganas districts said. State disaster management staff and NDRF personnel were deployed all along the coastal belt for rescue and relief operations. A centralised control unit was set up at Nabanna, the state secretariat, to monitor the situation. The Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International (NSCBI) Airport in Kolkata was shut down from Sunday noon till 9 am on Monday. All 394 domestic and international flights were cancelled, Airports Authority of India (AAI) officials said. "In view of Cyclone Remal's impact on the coastal region of West Bengal, including Kolkata, a meeting was held with stakeholders, and it was decided to suspend flight operations from noon on May 26 to 9 am on May 27 due to predicted heavy winds and heavy to very heavy rainfall in Kolkata," NSCBI airport director C Pattabhi said in a statement. Several local trains in the Sealdah and Howrah divisions were also cancelled. The Eastern Railway suspended train services in the Sealdah South section and Barasat-Hasnabad section of the Sealdah division from 11 pm on Sunday to 6 am on Monday, cancelling several EMU local trains, an official said. By Sunday evening, the impending landfall of Remal affected rail and road traffic in Kolkata and other parts of south Bengal. Highways bore a deserted look, police officials from the districts said. The Kolkata Police announced two helpline numbers - 9432610428 and 9432610429 - for citizens. Safety of people comes first. We have cancelled several rallies that were to be addressed by senior leaders including our state president Sukanta Majumdar, Bengal BJPs chief spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya said. Trinamool Congress national general Abhishek Banerjee cancelled his roadshow at Basirhat constituency in the North 24 Parganas. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the fire tragedy at a hospital in east Delhi is heart-rending, and his thoughts are with the bereaved families in this incredibly difficult time. A massive fire broke out at a private children's hospital in east Delhi's Vivek Vihar, leaving seven newborns dead. Policemen outside a children's hospital where a fire broke out on Saturday night at Vivek Vihar area in Delhi. (PTI) "The fire tragedy at a hospital in Delhi is heart-rending. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this incredibly difficult time. I pray that those injured recover at the earliest," Modi said in a post on X. The officials of the Delhi Fire Services (DFS) said the blaze broke out at the Baby Care New Born Hospital around 11:30pm on Saturday and soon spread to two other adjacent buildings. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said in a post on X, This incident of fire in a children's hospital is heartbreaking. We all stand with those who lost their innocent children in this accident. Government and administration officials are busy providing treatment to the injured at the spot. The causes of the incident are being investigated and whoever is responsible for this negligence will not be spared. Several residents of the area where the hospital was located alleged that oxygen cylinders were traded at the care centre and the authorities had been informed about this earlier. Cylinders blast when the fire broke out. Its unclear whether the fire broke out due to the cylinder blast or vice-versa. Owners of this centre were trading cylinders. They used to fill small cylinders from the bigger ones. The owners and management of this centre shared this concern. We had complained to local authorities but no action was taken, a local told HT. Read Here | Rajkot gaming zone fire: Gujarat high court takes suo motu cognizance after 27 people killed Delhi health minister Saurabh Bharadwaj told news agency ANI, "I tried calling the health secretary but he is not picking up the call. We will take such strict action that none of the officials commit such negligence in future. We are with the families who have lost their babies. I'll talk to the DCP regarding this that the prosecution to be launched on the owners as soon as possible." He told PTI that the culprits behind the fire would not be spared and strict action would be taken against them. In a post on X, Bharadwaj said, As I am not able to communicate with Secretary"(Health) who heads the Department of Health, I am sending this note with a copy to Chief Secretary so that quick enquiry can be launched in this matter. You are directed to ensure the following: 1. Speedy Enquiry in to this incident. 2. Names and designations of officers or private people responsible for this negligence. 3. Ensure free treatment of rescued children in best private hospitals. ( under Farishtey scheme) 4. Expedite the Compensation to the families of deceased and injured. 5. Expedite the arrests of those who were running this Centre. President Droupadi Murmu said that the news of the death of newborn babies was heart-rending. May God give strength to the bereaved parents and relatives to bear this shock. I pray for the speedy recovery of other children injured in this incident. Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also sent their condolences to the families who lost newborn babies. Months after suspending flight and hotel bookings for the Maldives amid a diplomatic row, online travel aggregator EaseMyTrip silently resumed online reservations for the Island nation. Several users on social media shared screenshots of the booking options available for the Maldives on EaseMyTrip. (File) Several users on social media shared screenshots of the booking options available on the online platform. Nation First - only as long as it gets you media/marketing leverage. Did I miss an announcement on when they backtracked on their boycott? Exhibit: EaseMyTrip," Social Media X user Jay wrote on X. Another social media user, Rohit, wrote that he, too, could access flights and hotels to the Maldives last week on EaseMyTrip. I could access flights and hotels to Maldives last week on EaseMyTrip. Last month, I could not. So, you silently revoked the suspension assuming no one would notice, he wrote. However, in response, EaseMyTrip co-founder Nishant Pitti said that the company hasn't removed the boycott and will make an announcement if they do so. We will make an announcement when we remove the boycott. Attaching a screenshot taken just now for reference for flight search and hotel search page !! he wrote in response to a user. India-Maldives row The island country faced a major backlash after three Maldivian leaders made derogatory remarks against India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on X in January. This happened shortly after Modi shared photos and videos of the Lakshadweep Islands on India's west coast. Soon, a call to boycott the Maldives started trending on social media. Tourism statistics showed a significant decline, with India's ranking dropping from the top to sixth after January. On January 8, EaseMyTrip announced that it had indefinitely suspended flight bookings to the Maldives. Earlier this month, the archipelago's tourism minister urged Indian tourists to visit the country and support their economy, which relies heavily on tourism. Speaking to PTI in Dubai, Maldivian tourism minister Ibrahim Faisal highlighted the historical ties between his country and India. We have a history. Our newly elected government also wants to work together (with India). We always promote peace and a friendly environment. Our people and the government will give a warm welcome to Indian arrivals. As the Tourism Minister, I want to tell Indians to please be a part of Maldives tourism. Our economy depends on tourism, he said. A storm brewing in the Bay of Bengal turned into Cyclone Remal, as expected, on Saturday and authorities began evacuations and ordered operations to be suspended at the Kolkata airport as Bengal and north Odisha braced for extremely heavy rainfall and winds reaching up to 130km/hr. Kolkata police alert people of the impending Cyclone Remal in Kolkata on Saturday. (ANI) The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red warning, the highest category of warning, for several districts in West Bengal, including South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas, Kolkata, Howrah, and East Midnapore. The weather system lay south, south-east of Sagar Island in West Bengal at 5.30pm and was moving at a speed of 12 km/hr in a northward direction, the IMD said. It is likely to concentrate further into a severe cyclonic storm by Sunday morning and cross West Bengal and adjoining Bangladesh coasts between Sagar Island and Khepupara with a wind speed of 110 to 120 kmph, gusting to 135 kmph, by midnight of Sunday, the agency added. We have already identified the low lying and vulnerable areas. Initially we plan to evacuate around 8,000 10,000 villagers from low lying areas. While some may move to the cyclone shelters by Saturday night, the rest would be brought in on Sunday, said Sumit Gupta, district magistrate of South 24 Parganas. An IMD official said that they are watching how the cyclone evolves. The system is on very warm sea now where sea surface temperatures are over 32 degree C, the distance from the monsoon flow has increased and the ridge, a kind of an anti-cyclonic flow is pushing the system. The cyclone will intensify now but we are not expecting it to intensify more than severe cyclone stage. Lets observe how Remal behaves, said a senior IMD official. Kolkata airport will suspend flight operations for 21 hours from Sunday noon in view of cyclone Remals landfall, an official said, adding that 394 domestic and international flights during this period would be cancelled. Several local trains in both Sealdah and Howrah divisions that usually connect Kolkata and Howrah with the adjoining districts were also cancelled. The Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port in Kolkata too said it would suspend all cargo and container handling operations for 12 hours from Sunday evening . As of now we may have to evacuate and shift around 25,000 people from vulnerable areas in five sea facing blocks. The evacuation would take place on Sunday. Control room is working 24X7 and we are in constant touch with the IMD for updates, said a senior official of East Midnapore. The IMD in Agartala also issued a severe cyclone warning for the northeastern region of India and coastal areas of Bangladesh. Tripura regions are expected to be lashed with severe rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lighting with speeds ranging from 40-50 kmph and with gusts reaching up to 70 kmph at peak times. Partha Roy, the director of IMD Agartala, said, We have a cyclone prediction. Its on the 26th, 27th & 28th May. It has been given by IMD Agartala. The low-pressure area that was observed on 22 May in the Bay of Bengal has now intensified and is more depressive. The safety advisory issued by IMD has issued a stern warning to residents in the affected areas. People are advised to stay indoors and remain inside their homes during the warning period, refrain from going outside unless absolutely necessary, and safeguard outdoor items and reinforce structures to withstand high winds. The severe weather is expected to have a significant impact on low-lying areas, including potential damage to crops and infrastructure. Flooding and disruptions to daily life are likely, and residents are advised to prepare for prolonged periods of adverse weather and interruptions in services such as electricity. Panaji: Four persons, all labourers, were killed and five others were injured after an out-of-control bus crashed into the roadside shanties they were sleeping in on Saturday night in Goa, police said. (Representative Photo) Police said the incident took place around 11:30pm on Saturday at the Verna industrial estate around 25 km south of the state capital Panaji. Nine labourers were staying inside three huts made of corrugated metal sheets, three of whom died on the spot, a fourth succumbed in hospital while five others are injured, one of whom is serious, said police. The labourers who hailed from Bihar were working on a road project at the industrial estate. According to the police, the bus was ferrying employees of Rosenberger Interconnect Private Ltd, a telecommunications equipment manufacturing and supply company. None of the occupants of the bus were injured. The surviving labourers alleged that the driver of the bus was driving under the influence of alcohol. We have detained the driver of the bus and have launched a probe into the incident, said a police officer at the Verna police station. Heads of the Congress-led opposition INDIA bloc's member parties will meet in Delhi on June 1, according to a report, with the meeting set to take place on a day when the seventh and final round of polling will be held for the ongoing Lok Sabha polls. Opposition leaders during Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) blocs meeting in Mumbai on September 1, 2023. (Photo by Satish Bate/ Hindustan Times) (Hindustan Times File) As per the report, the INDIA bloc leaders will review and discuss the coalition's future course of actions. The election results will be declared on June 4. Among those invited for the meeting is Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor, who was released on interim bail by the Supreme Court in the Delhi excise policy case on May 10, has to surrender on June 2. Also Read | Public support for INDIA bloc similar to Janata Party wave of 1977: Digvijaya Singh As a constituent of the alliance, the AAP had seat-sharing agreements with the Congress in Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, and Haryana. The two parties, however, are contesting separately in Punjab, where the AAP is in power and the Congress is the principal opposition party. Punjab will vote on the last day of voting. The 28-member Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) was formed in July last year to take on the BJP-led ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the Lok Sabha polls. The NDA is seeking a third consecutive term in office at the Centre, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi a hattrick of terms in the country's top post. The general elections began on April 19. Voting for the second to sixth phases was conducted on April 26, May 7, 13, 20, and 25. The Indian pilgrims performing the Haj this year will be able to travel from Jeddah airport to Makkah in high-speed trains for the first time, ensuring a more comfortable journey and cutting the travel time by half. The first group of pilgrims to travel in the train were escorted by Indian ambassador Suhel Ajaz Khan and consul general Mohammed Shahid Alam. (Indian embassy) Traditionally, all Indian pilgrims performing Haj have travelled from Jeddah airport to Makkah in buses provided by Saudi authorities. Special arrangements were made this year by the Indian consulate general in Jeddah and Saudi authorities for some Indian pilgrims to travel in the high-speed Harmain Train. The highest speed achieved by the train is about 300 kmph. About 32,000 Indian pilgrims will be able to use this exclusive service, the Indian embassy said in a statement. This will make their journey very comfortable and will reduce the travel time from Jeddah to Makkah by half, the statement said. In a historic first, #IndianHajPilgrims, who arrived at the Jeddah airport today, travelled to Mecca by high-speed Haramain Train instead of buses, the Indian embassy said in a post on X on Sunday. The first group of pilgrims to travel in the train were escorted by Indian ambassador Suhel Ajaz Khan and consul general Mohammed Shahid Alam. They were accompanied by the vice president of Saudi Arabian Railways, Eng Al Harbi, and officials from Saudi Arabias ministry of Haj and ministry of transport. The pilgrims had arrived on a Saudia Air flight from Mumbai. This is not only a first for Indian pilgrims but also an inaugural experience for Saudi authorities in transporting Hajis by train directly from Jeddah airport to Makkah, said Khan. Indian authorities have been making efforts every year to make the Haj pilgrimage more comfortable and hassle-free. This year, a total of 175,000 pilgrims from India will perform the Haj. Of these, 140,000 are travelling through the Haj committee of India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday claimed that "jihadis" across the border are supporting the coalition of the Samajwadi Party and the Congress, whom he accused of appealing for "vote jihad" in the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a public meeting for the Lok Sabha polls, in Mirzapur on Sunday.(ANI) The prime minister made the remarks while addressing an election rally in Uttar Pradesh's Deoria. Follow full coverage of the Lok Sabha elections here. There are some forces that are pained by Indias progress. These people are having different dreams about June 4, Modi said. In Pakistan, prayers are being offered for the INDI alliance of SP and Congress. Jihadis from across the border are supporting them. Here, the SP and Congress people are appealing for vote jihad, he added. Their issue is not the development of the country; they want to take India back by several decades. Further hitting out at the Opposition, Modi claimed the "INDI jamaat" has been abusing him for his opposition to the reservation based on religion and promising to reinstate Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, and repeal the Citizenship Amendment Act. The INDI jamaat is saying that if we come to power, we will reinstate Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, and we will repeal the CAA, the law that grants Indian citizenship to refugees, Modi said. This is exactly what anti-India forces also want, so why do the INDI group want the same? He also accused the Congress of "creating roadblocks for countries that wanted to purchase BrahMos missiles". The day is not far when BrahMos missiles will also be made in UP, and BrahMos missiles are such that their fear is widespread, the prime minister said. There is demand for BrahMos missiles in many countries around the world, but Congress has created obstacles even in front of them. INDI alliance does not want India to become self-reliant in the defense sector or to develop the capability to export weapons. INDI alliance members want foreign weapon deals to continue so that their brokerage can keep coming in," he added. Many workers from Telangana are heading to Israel to help with a labour shortage due to the ongoing war with Palestine's militant organisation Hamas. After a four-day event that concluded on Friday in Hyderabad, 2,209 workers signed up for construction jobs in Israel. After passing tests to show their skills, 905 workers were chosen to work in Israel and would be added to the West Asian country's foreign labour force, The Indian Express reported. Smoke billows following Israeli bombardment in Rafah, in the southern Gaza. (AFP) The state government organised this recruitment drive with help from the National Skill Development Corporation International (NSDCI). The workers hired in Telangana are carpenters, ceramic tilers, plasterers, and iron benders. Many Indians are willing to work in the war-affected area because Israel's construction industry pays them a lot, Indian Express reported. The recruitment team has said that each worker will earn between 1.2 lakh and 1.38 lakh per month, much more than skilled workers usually get paid in India. The Telangana recruitment event was the third one in India this year. India and Israel have an agreement in which Israel hires workers from India after testing their skills and then brings these workers to Israel to work. Similar recruitment drives were held in January this year in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. As per reports, such recruitment drives are likely to be held in Rajasthan, Bihar and Maharashtra. In the recruitment events in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana a lot of people applied. In UP, 7,182 candidates participated, while in Haryana, there were 1,370 candidates, India Today reported. After a seven-day selection process, 5,087 candidates from Uttar Pradesh and 530 candidates from Haryana were selected for the jobs. Read Here: India urges Israeli authorities to ensure safety of Indian workers At least one group of 60 immigrant workers has left India for Israel so far. Due to the conflict between Israel and Iran in March, where a Kerala man working on an Israeli farm was killed, the Indian government stopped citizens from flying to Israel for a while. Israel needs workers from other countries for its construction work. Before this year started, about 80,000 Palestinians worked in Israel's construction industry. However, when there were growing tensions with Arab countries in January, Israel stopped giving work permits to Palestinians. In January, the Hindustan Times reported that there were around 10,000 job openings in Israel for plasterers, ceramic tiles, iron benders, and framework workers. These jobs are listed on the NSDC website and offer an annual salary of 16.47 lakhs. Rajya Sabha MP and senior lawyer Kapil Sibal released a checklist for political parties and their polling/counting agents to follow on June 4 when the votes cast in the seven phases of the general elections are counted, making it clear for them what to watch for when control units (CU) of the electronic voting machines (EVMs) are accessed to count votes. Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal addresses a press conference in Delhi on Sunday. (PTI) A lot of people are saying that these machines are possibly tampered with. So, we want to make sure that they are not tampered with, nothing more than that. We are not saying they are tampered with. Any machine can be tampered with. It is not as if there is any machine in the world that cannot be tampered with. We trust it; we arent saying that there is no trust. However, until the voter does not see that the vote they cast has been counted towards that candidate...It is only for this reason that we have given this, Sibal said. First, the CU number, the ballot unit (BU) number and the VVPAT ID must be matched, he said. The CU is the unit that is with the polling officer who allows the voter to vote from the BU by pressing Ballot button on the CU. The voter casts their vote on the BU by pressing the blue button on the BU against the name of the candidate of their choice, verifies their vote by looking at the VPAT slip, and exits the voting compartment when a beep is heard. Sibal said that if the time given on the CU, before the Result button is pressed differs, it suggests a problem. If it shows a different time, that means the machine was opened elsewhere, he said. He also said that if the date for Poll Result, visible after pressing the Result button on the CU, differs from the date of polling, it is a problem. He said that the serial number on the CU must match both before and after pressing the Result button. The total votes polled, visible after pressing Result button, must also match with the number mentioned in Form 17C Part I. Postal ballots are not included in this. If there is any difference between votes polled and the total, then it is a problem. If the time differs, it is a problem, Sibal said. On Sunday night, the chief electoral officer of Jharkhand, alluding to Sibals earlier press conference, tweeted, A video is circulated in some news channels & social media, alerting candidates to check start & end time of poll on Control Unit of EVM on counting day. It is clarified that it is broadly reiteration of ECIs protocol specified in EVM Manual - Chapter 14 which is already in public domain. ROs/AROs are mandated to strictly follow these protocols which happens [sic] in the presence of candidates or their authorised agents. Union home minister Amit Shah on Sunday launched an all out attack on opposition INDIA bloc members Congress and Aam Aadmi Party at a rally in Punjab's Ludhiana. Union Home Minister Amit Shah accused the Congress of hurting Punjab(PTI) Lashing out at Aam Aadmi Party convenor Arvind Kejriwal, Shah said,"Kejriwal has made Punjab the ATM for corruption. He even derives the money required to fight the case in court from Punjab. He uses the credit card with the name of Mann to contest elections." "We have seen the stature of Punjabs chief minister. But today the Punjab chief minister has turned into Kejriwals pilot carrying him to and fro. It is now getting difficult to distinguish between the Punjab chief minister and Kejriwals pilot, he added. On the fourth of June, Modi Ji will be elected with 400 seats. On the 1st of June Kejriwal will go to jail and on the 6th of June Rahul Ji will go on foreign vacation, the minister said. Continuing his attack on AAP and Congress, Shah said,"I am saying with immense responsibility that the Congress party has always hurt Punjab. During independence, it was hurt by the partition, allowed terrorism to crop up, and Sikh genocide was also conducted by the Congress. Even today Congress is supporting separatism." The Congress and the AAP are pushing Punjab into the hellfire of drugs. I want to tell it from my heart that my heart aches to see Punjab youths in addiction. We have created the entire infrastructure to fight this scourge. We have built an NCB office here which will be functional in Modi 3.0. ALSO READ: Amit Shah makes big promise on Uniform Civil Code, One Nation, One Election "I want to tell you that in Modi 3.0 we will uproot the drug menace in Punjab. We will not let Punjab lurk in the abyss of drug addiction and not let it burn in the fire of terrorism. It is my promise to the people of Punjab we will not spare anyone who is trying to push Punjab into the fire of terrorism, he added. Chandigarh, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday alleged that Delhi chief minister and A supremo Arvind Kejriwal has turned Punjab into an "ATM of corruption" and that he has been relying on it to pay the legal fees to fight his court cases. Kejriwal turned Punjab into 'ATM of corruption' to pay his legal fees: Shah At a poll rally in Punjab in support of the BJP's Ludhiana candidate Ravneet Singh Bittu, he slammed the Congress and Aam Aadmi Party , saying they hug each other elsewhere but turn into enemies in Punjab. "I want to ask the A and Congress that you have an alliance in Delhi, Haryana and Gujarat, then why you are playing 'noora kushti' here," Shah said. The A and Congress, both constituents of the INDIA bloc, have a seat-sharing pact in Delhi, Gujarat, Goa and Haryana for the Lok Sabha polls but are fighting separately in Punjab. Targeting the A government in Punjab, the senior BJP leader alleged the state has been turned into a "den of corruption" and urged Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to "stop this corruption" since the people of Punjab are "fed up" with it. Training his guns against the A national convener, Shah said, "Kejriwal has to fight his case and needs to pay fees. He gets it from 'Punjab ATM'. Kejriwal has turned Punjab into an ATM of corruption." "He has to fight elections, he puts the 'Mann credit card' in ATM and takes money to Delhi," he alleged. The BJP leader said the situation is such that if Kejriwal has to go to Gujarat, West Bengal or Chennai, Mann accompanies him being a pilot. "I do not understand, is he Kejriwal's pilot or Punjab CM?" "But one good thing that Mann did is that when Kejriwal went to jail, he did not accompany him," Shah said taking a swipe at the Punjab chief minister. In a major relief to Kejriwal, the Supreme Court on Friday granted him interim bail till June 1 to campaign in the Lok Sabha elections. Kejriwal, who was arrested in a money laundering case linked to the alleged Delhi excise policy scam, has been granted interim bail till June 1 by the Supreme Court to campaign in the Lok Sabha polls. He has to surrender and go back to jail on June 2. June 1 is the last day of the seven-phase elections. The votes will be counted on June 4. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. Pirda , A tense situation prevailed on Sunday near the Pirda explosives manufacturing factory blast site in Chhattisgarh as villagers, particularly those who claimed their relatives were missing after the incident, staged a protest. Locals protest near site of blast at explosives unit in Chhattisgarh; claim kin missing A large number of police personnel were deployed around the factory premises near Pirda village in Bemetara district and officials were trying to pacify the villagers. One person was killed and at least six others were injured in the explosion at the Special Blasts Limited near Pirda village in Berla development block on Saturday, where rescuers had also found some body parts. Government officials were yet to confirm about the number of missing workers following the incident and said everything will be clear when the huge pile of debris is removed from the blast site. Some eyewitnesses had told local news channels that at least 100 persons were working in the explosives manufacturing factory when the blast took place. They claimed several persons were missing and feared trapped under the debris. The explosion at the factory had left a nearly 30-foot-deep crater, officials earlier said. Rescue operation, involving the State Disaster Response Force, police and district administration officials, resumed on Sunday morning. People from Borsi, Pirda and other nearby villages set up a tent in front of the factory and staged a sit-in protest. They obstructed the fire brigade, earth movers and ambulances engaged in the rescue exercise from entering the factory premises. Amid the protest, the administration allowed members of eight families, who claimed their relatives working in the factory at the time of the blast were missing, to enter the premises, an official here said. Police and protesters had a heated argument as the security personnel tried to remove the tents where villagers were sitting in protest in front of the factory's gate. Bemetara Superintendent of Police Ramkrishna Sahu said some factory workers were reported to be missing and feared trapped under the debris after the blast, but as of now "we cannot tell the number as the rescue operation is still underway." "We have been trying to pacify the protesters," he said. Of the six injured persons, four were discharged after treatment at a hospital in Raipur, Sahu said. Another official said the rescue operation was underway with precautions as some gases were leaking from the debris and there was risk of a blast there as explosive materials were buried under the rubble. The state government has ordered a magisterial enquiry into the incident and said action will be taken against those found guilty. The kin of the deceased will receive a financial assistance of 5 lakh, while 50,000 each will be given to the injured who will also be provided treatment by the government, it said. Ishwar Khare, in-charge of a 13-member SDRF team from neighbouring Durg district, on Saturday said, "As per information, a two-storey building collapsed in the blast at the explosives manufacturing factory. Some people might have been trapped under the debris and a search is underway." The blast has left a 30-40 feet deep crater. Some body parts were found in the debris. After the entire debris is removed, details will be known, he said. Rajkumar Yadav, a resident of Borsi village adjacent to the factory, said his 20-year-old son, who worked in the unit, was missing after the blast. Shopkeepers in the area had said the impact of the blast was felt in a radius of about 4 kilometres. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. With the seven-phase Lok Sabha election 2024 season about to conclude with the final round of polling being held on June 1, top political leaders remained in the news for their controversial comments during public rallies. So much so that both the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress approached the Elections Commission of India seeking against Rahul Gandhi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, respectively. PM Narendra Modi and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi(File) From Narendra Modi to Rahul Gandhi, let's dive deep into five most controversial statements made by some top political leaders this election. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mujra', 'infiltration remarks PM Narendra Modi on May 25 launched a scathing attack on the Opposition, saying the INDIA bloc can perform "mujra" (traditional form of dance that originated in the Mughal era in the Indian subcontinent) before their vote bank if they want. "Bihar is the land which has given a new direction to the fight for social justice. I wish to declare on its soil that I will foil the plans of the INDIA bloc to rob SCs, STs and OBCs of their rights and divert these to Muslims. They may remain enslaved and perform mujra to please their vote bank, Modi said while addressing back-to-back rallies in Karakat and Patliputra Lok Sabha constituencies in Bihar. Earlier, a massive controversy erupted over Modi's infiltrators remark where he had said the Congress government would distribute the country's assets to infiltrators. The Congress manifesto says they will calculate the gold with mothers and sisters, and then distribute that property. Earlier, when their (Congress) government was in power, they had said that Muslims have the first right on the country's assets. This means to whom will this property be distributed? It will be distributed among those who have more childrenIt will be distributed to the infiltrators," Modi said during an election rally recently. Rahul Gandhi's two types of soldiers comment Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has also found himself in a controversy after he attacked the Centre saying PM Modi has created two types of soldiers in the country. One is the son of a poor, Dalit, minorities and the other is from a rich family. He has given a new name to the son of the poor, Agniveer, who won't be getting any facilities like pension, canteen...but, if you are a senior officer or one amongst the four, you'll get all those things. In the military, they have created 'two-India', two types of 'shaheed, he said. This did not sit well with the ruling party. On May 15, the BJP lodged a complaint with the Election Commission, alleging that the Congress leader violated the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and disrespected the Indian Army. Sam Pitroda Sam Pitroda, former chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, is no stranger to controversies. This election season, he made two back-to-back headlines with his inheritance tax and racist remarks. Last month, Sam Pitroda stoked a controversy while speaking about the concept of inheritance tax prevailing in America, saying that these are issues that need to be discussed. In America, there is an inheritance tax. If one has 100 million USD worth of wealth and when he dies he can only transfer 45 per cent to his children, 55 per cent is grabbed by the government. That's an interesting law. It says you, in your generation, made wealth, and you are leaving now; you must leave your wealth for the public, not all of it, half of it, which to me sounds fair, he said. Earlier this month, he stoked another controversy while speaking on the diversity of India, referring to how people in the South look like Africans and those in the East look like Chinese and those in the East look like Arab. We could hold the country as diverse as India together. Where people in the east look like the Chinese, people in the west look like the Arabs, people in the north look like, maybe, white and people in the south look like Africans. It does not matter. All of us are brothers and sisters. We respect different languages, different religions, different customs, different food, Pitroda said in an interview that went viral on social media. Sambit Patra's Lord Jagannath remark Recently, a political row erupted in Odisha after Sambit Patra, the BJP candidate for the Puri Lok Sabha constituency, referred to Lord Jagannath as a bhakt, or devotee of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The controversial remark was made when Sambit Patra was giving statements at the end of Modis roadshow in the temple town of Puri. Lakhs of people have gathered here to see PM Modi. Jagannath is Modis bhakt and we are all PM Modis family. I cannot control my emotions and I think today is a momentous day for all Odias, he said. Navneet Rana warns Akbaruddin Owaisi On May 9, BJP leader Navneet Rana sparked controversy while referring to a provocative statement by All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Akbaruddin Owaisi from 2013 where he had purportedly warned 100 crore Hindus that his community would show what it could do if the police were withdrawn for "15 minutes". The younger brother says 'remove the police for 15 minutes so that we can show them what we can do'. I want to tell the younger brother (Akbaruddin) that it might take you 15 minutes, but it will only take us 15 seconds...it will take us all of 15 seconds if we come to the forefront, she said. Former Union minister and NDA candidate Upendra Kushwaha slammed the collegium system of appointment of judges in the higher judiciary and called it "undemocratic". Union Home Minister Amit Shah with Rashtriya Lok Morcha president Upendra Kushwaha(File photo) During a rally in Bihar's Karakat, from where he is contesting the Lok Sabha elections, Kushwaha said,"The collegium system has many flaws. It is undemocratic. It has shut the doors of judgeship in the higher judiciary on Dalits, OBCs and even the poor among the upper castes." Kushwaha blamed the collegium system for domination of a few judge families in the Supreme Court and the high courts. Calling the system "anomalous", he highlighted that it had been criticised by the current president and her predecessor. "If we look at the composition of the bench in the Supreme Court and the high courts, it is dominated by members of a few hundred families. A reason why the anomalous system has been criticised by no less than the current president and her predecessor," he said as quoted by news agency PTI. ALSO READ| Amit Shah makes big promise on Uniform Civil Code, One Nation, One Election After the Narendra Modi government came into power in 2014, the National Judicial Appointments Commission Bill was brought in 2014. Talking about that bill, Kushwaha said "For some reason, it was struck down by the Supreme Court." Kushawa promised the people that NDA would address the issues surrounding the Collegium system unlike other political parties who he claimed didn't take a principled stand. On Rashtriya Janata Dal chief Lalu Prasad, Kushwaha said "we cannot expect a principled stand on such issues from someone who keeps oscillating between jail and bail". "It was the NDA that dared to bite the bullet on the thorny issue of collegium system. And it is the NDA which will continue to make efforts in this direction," said Kushwaha. New Delhi, Police arrested a man for allegedly strangling another in a fit of rage during a party in south Delhi's Khirki Extension area, police said on Sunday. Man strangles another in fit of rage during party in south Delhi, arrested Virender, a Sonipat resident, was arrested over a month after the killing on April 11, they said. According to police, Virender had been in a relationship with both the victim and his mother. There was animosity between the two men when the victim found out about Virender's relationship with his mother but later they became friends, police said. The victim had allegedly invited Virender, 33, to a party at his flat where the former "challenged his masculinity", police said. Enraged, Virendra strangled him and fled from the spot, they said. "On April 13, the body of a 23-year-old was found by his roommate in their rental flat at Khirki Extension. The roommate who had returned from his night shift from Gurugram alerted the police through a PCR call," Deputy Commissioner of Police Rakesh Pawariya said. The officer further said that the body was shifted for the post-mortem and an FIR was lodged to investigate the case at Malviya Nagar Police Station. "To arrest the accused, raids were conducted across various locations, including Dehradun, Haridwar, Delhi, and Gurugram. While one suspect, Mohit, was apprehended by the local police, the primary accused, Virender, managed to evade capture," the DCP said. Later, police said they received that Virender would reach Rajendra Nagar area in Gurugram to meet an associate on May 21. "A team was formed and Virender was nabbed who confessed to his involvement in the murder," Pawariya said. He had been working with his cousin Mohit for a motorcycle taxi aggregator in the NCR region, the officer said. The DCP said that it was found during interrogation that Virender had illicit relations with the victim's mother about two years ago. This initially led to animosity that later turned into a friendship between the duo," the DCP said. On April 11, the victim invited Virender to a party at his flat for drinks. Virender and Mohit went to the party, the officer said. "After having drinks, the victim challenged Virender's masculinity which enraged him. In a fit of anger, Virender strangled him to death and fled from the spot," Pawariya said. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. Bihar chief minister and JD(U) supremo Nitish Kumar on Sunday inadvertently wished Narendra Modi to become 'Chief Minister' once again instead of 'Prime Minister'. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar Kumar was addressing a rally in Patna Sahib Lok Sabha constituency when he made the remarks. Hamare Chachaji Palat Gaye: Tejashwi Yadav jabs Nitish Kumar, BJP hits back A clip of Bihar CM's slip of tongue has gone viral on social media platforms. As per the video shared by Congress' Minority Department's national coordinator Nazar Faridi, Kumar can be heard saying, "It is our wish to win 400 plus seats in the country and may Narendra Modi become Chief Minister again. May the country, Bihar progress." As the other leaders present on the stage realised the gaffe, they swiftly reacted. One of them attempted to correct his flub, showing the immediate impact of the slip. Correcting himself, Kumar said that he meant that Modi would become the Prime Minister again and keep moving ahead. Narendra Modi is already a Prime Minister...That's why I am saying that he may keep moving," he said. Bihar CM Nitish Kumar mocked for holding BJP insignia at PM Modi's Patna rally Meanwhile, Faridi took a jibe at Bihar CM, saying that Kumar is making PM Modi the chief minister again. "Honorable Chief Minister of Bihar @NitishKumar is making the honourable Prime Minister Modi the Chief Minister again. The people of Bihar will ensure that Modiji is sent back to Gujarat," he said while sharing the video. Narendra Modi served as the chief minister of Gujarat from 2001 till 2014 when he took oath as the prime minister. Earlier this month, Kumar was mocked on social media for holding up a BJP insignia during the roadshow in Patna held by PM Modi. Earlier on Saturday, PM Modi attacked the INDIA bloc in Bihar over the reservations issue and accused it of doing "slavery" and "mujra" for the Muslim vote bank. "I am giving the guarantee to Bihar, SC, ST, OBC communities, till Modi is alive, I will not let them snatch away their rights. For Modi, the Constitution is supreme, for Modi, Babasaheb Ambedkar's sentiments are supreme... if the INDI alliance wants to accept the servitude of their vote bank, they are free to do so...if they want to perform mujra (dance), they are free to do... I will still stand with the SC, ST, and OBC reservations staunchly. Jb tak jaan hai ladta rahunga," PM Modi said while addressing a rally in Pataliputra Lok Sabha constituency. Voting will take place in Sasaram, Nalanda, Patna Sahib, Pataliputra, Arrah, Buxar, Karakat and Jehanabad Lok Sabha constituencies in the last phase on June 1. Tejashwi Yadav plays Narendra Modi's old speeches in bluetooth speaker | Watch In Bihar, NDA coalition partners BJP and JD(U) are contesting on 17 and 16 seats, respectively. Chirag Paswan's Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) is in the fray on five seats, and Jitan Manjhi's Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) and the Rashtriya Lok Morcha are contesting on one seat each, while the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance) comprises the RJD, Congress, and Left parties. In 2019, BJP-led NDA swept the state by winning 39 out of 40 seats, while Congress won just one seat. May 25, 2024: Since the failed Iranian April 2024 missile attack on Israel, the Iranians have become obsessed with BMD (Ballistic Missile Defense) systems. While most of the cruise and ballistic missiles launched against Israel were intercepted, a brief Israeli counterattack efficiently destroyed some Iranian air defense systems. This attack was an Israeli demonstration of their ability to easily destroy Iranian air defenses. The Israelis used air-to-ground missiles launched from Israeli aircraft out of range of Iranian air defenses. Iran realized they needed effective BMD weapons to defend themselves from Israeli ballistic missile attacks. Israel is unlikely to use its Jericho ballistic missiles to attack Iran. Israels most advanced Jericho missile is used to put Israeli space satellites into orbit. The Israeli Space Agency has been launching these since 1988 and currently has several surveillance satellites in orbit. Iran fears Israel will use its longer range Jericho missiles to attack Iran. While that is possible, Israel isnt interested in attacking Iran. The recent attack on an Iranian air defense system was carried out to discourage more Iranian attacks on Israel. The massive Iranian cruise and ballistic missile attack on Israel in early 2024 was a massive failure and major embarrassment for Iran. The Islamic dictatorship that runs Iran would like to attack Israel again, or at least try to but is discouraged by the Israeli ability to deal with such attacks and then make smaller retaliatory attacks on Iran that the Iranians cant intercept. The Persian Gulf Arab oil states, particularly Saudi Arabia, are long time users of Patriot missile defense systems and for nearly a decade have been intercepting Iranian ballistic missiles launched by Iran-backed Yemen Shia in Yemen. These missiles are launched against Saudi targets from the Yemen-Saudi border in southwest Saudi Arabia. The Saudis are now preparing to use their Patriots to intercept missiles launched directly from Iran. The Yemen rebels are being attacked on all sides and smuggling in additional Iranian missiles is nearly impossible because of the reinforced naval blockade off the Yemen Red Sea coast. Here the Yemen rebels have been trying to prevent ships from reaching the Suez Canal. That made the Egyptians angry since they make nearly $10 billion a year from canal tolls. Global shipping companies must spend a lot more time and money to move cargoes to their destinations when the Suez Canal is not available. Iran is responsible for arming the disruptive Yemen rebels and much else besides, generally getting its pet Iraqi militias to attack American troops, which happened even after the Biden administration gave Iran billions of dollars in sanctions relief. Iran has been a major troublemaker since the 1980s, when a religious dictatorship took power. The result has been wave after wave of economic sanctions on Iran. This has caused growing poverty in Iran and a population angry at their own government for impoverishing them while trying, without much success, to attack Israel and ships headed for the Suez Canal. Iran tried to develop new exports and was able to sell thousands of Shahed cruise missiles to Russia. Iran was particularly disappointed with the ineffectiveness of their Shahed cruise missiles used against Israel. These missiles were similarly ineffective when Russia used them against Ukraine. The Shahed 136 cruise missiles have four or five hours endurance and speed of at about 180 kilometers an hour. Their warheads have 15 or 25 kg of explosives. Shahed 136 is believed to cost about $50,000 each, with most being the $30,000 gasoline engine. Both missiles use GPS navigation with a crude INS (inertial navigation system) backup. These missiles fly low, a few hundred meters at most, to avoid radar detection and conserve fuel. These missiles are launched from a truck mounted launcher carrying four or five missiles in a box type storage/launch container. A small rocket is attached to the bottom of the missile to get it airborne and the engine running. The rocket is then supposed to fall away. GPS locations have to be entered into the GPS system before launch. Even with the low cost of key components there is not much of an advantage purchasing the Shahed 131 because it is so easy to detect and shoot down. The Ukrainians quickly developed tactics to defeat the Shahed 136s used against military targets. The low flying Shahed 136 engine is so loud it can be heard several kilometers away and, while rifle and machine-gun bullets are not very effective against it, larger caliber weapons like 12.7mm/14.5mm machine-guns are lethal to the Shahed 136. Another vulnerability of the Shahed 136 was that its inexpensive components were often unreliable and a large portion of them failed before reaching a target. These usually crash land intact, allowing detailed analysis of components and construction. Another vulnerability is to electronic AUD (Anti-UAV Defense) systems that employ jamming and other EW (Electronic Warfare) techniques to disable UAV guidance systems. The only winners here are the American defense companies that are selling billions of dollars worth of BMD systems to the Arab Gulf States and NATO nations for use in Ukraine. These NATO nations have noticed that they could be targets for Russian missiles and are also purchasing the American BMD systems. These systems have been used under combat conditions and demonstrated they work. That has made the American BMD systems easier to sell. Veteran Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) leader Mohammed Salim on Sunday lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the latter's infiltrator remark at one of his Lok Sabha election rallies. In an interview with Hindustan Times' Kumkum Chadha, Salim, who is contesting the upcoming elections from West Bengal's Murshidabad, said the prime minister is turning minorities into d-voters, equating them to infiltrators and sending them to detention camps. CPM leader Mohammad Salim called PM Modi's 'infiltrator' remark an attack on secular democratic republic(File) PM Modis infiltrator remark uncalled for' Referring to PM Modi's remark, Salim said,"If you (Modi) are holding a post, you should play fair to it. We know that it is an RSS campaign all along. How can you divide the population on the basis of religion and stigmatise a section?" ALSO READ: How Opposition leaders reacted to PM Modi's 'Muslimswealth to infiltrators remarks First they (BJP) started with illegal Bangladeshi migrants, then infiltrators, then Rohingya and jihadi. Now the prime minister is just stigmatising. He does not know what is going to be the fallout, the 66-year-old Marxist politician said. It is a direct attack on our secular democratic republic. The RSS culture is one nation, one religion, one culture, one party and one leader. That's fascism, the CPM leader added. ALSO READ: I will not do Hindu-Muslim: PM Narendra Modi amid infiltrators row What is the danger behind PM Modi's remark? Salim claimed that Prime Minister Modi is on a sticky wicket. The same prime minister who used to talk about development, how has he forgotten all those issues? He is now talking about Hindu, Muslim, Mandir and Masjid, infiltrators. The fallout is that you (Modi) try to divide the population. You are looting the nation and selling off the country's property, Salim added. The CPM leader said that with the formation of INDIA bloc, the whole nation is one to reclaim the secular democratic republic. He accused Modi of trying to destroy the secular unity. We are seeing the fallout in Manipur where the Nagas and Kukis used to live together. With the double engine government in the state, people are fighting against each other, he added. Neither the state home department nor the Union home ministry is capable of preventing the riots, Salim added. Continuing his attack on Modi, Mohammad Salim added," He is still occupying the prime minister's chair. He is not a pracharak at his moment. He has taken oath not to discriminate among people based on caste, language, so why is he doing that?" The prime minister should see that majority or minority, Hindus or Muslims, Christians or Sikhs, all are same for him, he added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday sharpened his attack on the Opposition over appeasement politics, saying that the INDIA bloc can choose to perform mujra for its vote bank, but he wont let them divert the reservations meant for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) to Muslims. Mujra for their vote bank: PM Modi in attack on Opposition Holding back-to-back rallies in Patliputra, Buxar, and Karakat Lok Sabha constituencies in Bihar, Modi said that he will continue to fight for the rights of backward classes while the Opposition can remain enslaved to its vote bank if it wants to. Bihar is the land which has given a new direction to the fight for social justice. I wish to declare on its soil that I will foil the plans of the INDI alliance to rob SCs, STs and OBCs of their rights and divert these to Muslims. They may remain enslaved and perform mujra (a dance performed by courtesans) to please their vote bank, he said during a rally at Bikram, which falls under the Patliputra constituency. There are 24 of candidates, including Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Yadavs daughter Misa Bharati, in the fray from the seat. It is currently held by RK Yadav of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and will go to polls in the last phase, along with seven other seats in the state, on June 1. Modi also welcomed the Calcutta high courts recent decision to scrap other backward classes (OBCs) certificates awarded to 77 communities since 2010, an overwhelming majority of them Muslim, in West Bengal. The states Trinamool Congress government has said that it will move the Supreme Court against the verdict. The Calcutta high court has given big slap to the TMC government in West Bengal. The INDI alliance has an agenda to change the constitution, if voted to power, so that courts are unable to overrule their attempts to divert reservations to Muslims. I have been challenging them to refute me in writing but they have been reluctant, he said at a rally in Dehri. The Prime Minister accused the Opposition of indulging in scaremongering in a bid to turn the people against him, but said that their efforts would prove to be futile. The Opposition has always indulged in scaremongering and instilling fear. But Modi has exposed their true masks. Modi does not get scared and we have already scrapped article 370 and brought in CAA. Modi has been working to stamp out Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, and corruption without fear, he said. The PM said that all those involved in the land-for-job case will be brought to justice, as he took an indirect jibe at Bihars former deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav and his family. Once their helicopter ride ends, they will end up in jail, Those involved in the land for job scam will go to jail. Their countdown has begun, he said. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) have said that appointment of substitutes in Group-D jobs were done in the railways during 2004-09, violating the recruitment norms and procedures of the Indian Railways. The candidates, directly or through their immediate family members, allegedly sold land to the family members of Lalu Prasad at discounted rates of up to one-fourth to one-fifth of prevailing market rates. In separate charge sheets, the agencies have named Lalu, his wife and former Bihar CM Rabri Devi, son Tejashwi, daughters Hema Yadav and Misa Bharti, and others. The Yadavs have denied the allegation. The Pune Police has claimed that the family of the 17-year-old, who killed two young IT professionals after his Porsche Taycan hit a bike in Kalyani Nagar, put severe pressure on the driver, Gangadhar, to take the blame for the May 19 accident. The Porsche car was found without a number plate in Pune. (File) The minor's father Vishal Agarwal and grandfather Surendra Agarwal, both in custody, allegedly pressured Gangadhar into taking the blame for the crash by offering him money and gifts and threatening him. Pune's Commissioner of Police Amitesh Kumar told The Times of India that the minor's father, a renowned builder in the city, and mother pressured Gangadhar. We have recorded the statement of the driver. He mentioned that around 2.45am on Sunday (after the accident), the builder (father of the boy) called him up. The builder told him to claim that he was behind the wheel of the car when the accident had occurred. The builders wife, too emotionally, requested him to own up responsibility of the accident. The family members gave him different enticements for owning up responsibility, ToI quoted the top cop as saying. On Saturday, following a complaint from the Gangadhar, the Pune Police charged Vishal and Surendra with IPC sections 365 and 368 for kidnapping, threatening and confining the driver to the family's Wadgaonsheri residence on the night of the incident to force him to own up to the crime. Producing him in court on Saturday, the Pune Police said Gangadhar's clothes were recovered from the Agarwal house. They also sought custody of the BMW, in which the driver was allegedly kidnapped. The teen's grandfather was sent to police custody until May 28. His lawyer said Surendra was in Delhi on the night of the incident with his wife. He was a well-known builder in the city before his family split up. In the court, the police mentioned the grandfather's alleged criminal past to ask for his custody and to protect Gangadhar. Surendra has been involved in cases of cheating, two attempted murders, and making criminal threats, according to the police. Vishal, arrested on Tuesday and currently in jail for another case related to the accident, was also mentioned in the First Information Report (FIR). The minor is currently in a government observatory home in Yerawada after a Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) cancelled his bail plea on Wednesday. What happened on May 19? On May 19, a Porsche, allegedly driven by the teenager who police say was intoxicated, crashed into two software engineers riding a motorbike in the Kalyani Nagar area. The collision resulted in the deaths of Anish Awadhiya and Ashwini Koshta, both 24 years. Kumar told ToI, After the accident, the minor, his friends and the driver were taken to the police station. Initially, the driver went on claiming that he was behind the wheel. The police did not believe in him and registered the case against the minor. As per the police, after his statement was recorded on May 19, Vishal and his family followed the driver when he went home. They forced him to sit in their car and drove him to their bungalow in Wadgaonsheri. The driver was forced to sit in a room and they confiscated his phone. No one was allowed to meet him. The next day, the drivers wife went to the builders bungalow searching for her husband. But she was not allowed to meet him. The builders family members made many promises to her and requested her to cajole her husband to own up the responsibility of the accident after she created a scene there, the commissioner told ToI. He added, Later in the day, the driver was allowed to return home with a warning. Following this, he was underground for two days and resurfaced on Thursday. When we took him to the crime branch for questioning on Thursday, things unfolded on this aspect of the case. Considering the criminal background of the boys grandfather, we have given round-the-clock protection to the driver under the Witness Protection Act. The crime branch has been ordered to probe all three cases the accident, the case against the minors father and pubs, and this fresh case of abduction and confinement. The Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha seat in Jammu & Kashmir on Saturday recorded its highest ever voter turnout in national elections in four decades, as the first major electoral contest in the Union territory since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 concluded and registered an overall turnout that is also the highest in 40 years, officials said. Women outside a polling station in Anantnag. (AFP) Data provided by the Election Commission (EC) at 11pm on its Voter Turnout app showed that the constituency, which comprises close to 1.83 million eligible voters, saw a turnout of 53.81%, after 70% in 1984. To be sure, because of delimitation in J&K in 2022, the seat is not directly comparable to the constituency earlier. The data provided by the poll body showed Rajouri (ST) recorded the highest turnout of 69.90% and Anantnag the lowest of 31%. Addressing reporters in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmirs chief electoral officer (CEO) Pandurang Kundbarao Pole said the overall voter turnout in the Union territory stood at 58%. It is the highest turnout for these five seats in the last 40 years. The previous high was 49% in 2014, while the turnout in 1996 was 47.99%, he said. Officials said voting on Saturday was held smoothly across the constituency even though Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief and poll candidate Mehbooba Mufti alleged rigging across some booths. Residents of villages that had long been deprived of polling due to terrorist threats and separatist-sponsored boycott calls turned out in large numbers to cast ballots, the officials said, adding that family members of active militants were also spotted at polling booths exercising their right to vote. Earlier, the Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency had registered its highest voter turnout in three decades, and Baramulla recorded its second-highest turnout since 1984, in the Valley. Polling in Anantnag-Rajouri was originally slated to be held in the third phase on May 7 but was deferred in view of the adverse weather at the time. The seat is witnessing a triangular contest between Mufti, National Conference (NC)s Mian Altaf and Apni Party candidate Zaffar Iqbal Manhas. The Congress, which is fighting the elections in the Union territory in an alliance with the NC, did not field a candidate as part of its seat-sharing arrangement. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is also not contesting the seat but has extended its support to Manhas. As voting was underway on Saturday, Mufti staged a protest outside a police station in Anantnag district against alleged detention of her party workers and polling agents. She also claimed that outgoing calls on her mobile number were suspended. Our PDP polling agents are being targeted and arrested. We are asking the reason but they are not saying anything. If they are so afraid of me going to Parliament, then the lieutenant governor should tell me not to fight elections, she told reporters. She said this kind of rigging was witnessed in 1987, which many believe led to the eruption of militancy in Kashmir. Police, however, said those detained are overground workers (OGWs) and the action was taken to ensure smooth conduct of elections. Those who have been detained are overground workers and have been taken into preventive custody to ensure peaceful polling, a police officer said, seeking anonymity. Jammu & Kashmir has five Lok Sabha seats, including two from Jammu region, while Ladakh has one. In the 2019 general elections, while the NC won all the three seats from the Valley, the BJP won the two Jammu seats as well as the lone Ladakh seat. The Central Crime Branch (CCB) arrested a Sri Lankan citizen involved in the creation of fake government documents in Rachenahalli, police said on Friday. According to police, the accused, originally from Sri Lanka, relocated to Chennai, Tamil Nadu, in 2010, where he began his illicit business of fabricating government documents (File photo) The accused, identified as Sharan Kumar Kalidas alias Umesh Bala Ravindran (45), was residing at an apartment in the city. On May 20, the CCB police, acting on specific intelligence regarding Kalidass illegal activities, arrested him. During interrogation, Kalidas initially claimed to be from Myladuthurai, Tamil Nadu. However, police said he soon confessed to his involvement in forging documents. The police seized a country-made pistol, multiple mobile phones, an Apple MacBook, a weighing machine, four driving licenses, and several debit and credit cards from his apartment. We have booked him under Foreigners Act, Arms Act, and Section 420 (fraud) of the Indian Penal Code, CCB DCP Srinivas Gowda told HT. A case has been registered at the Sampigehalli police station, and the investigation is ongoing. According to police, the accused, originally from Sri Lanka, relocated to Chennai, Tamil Nadu, in 2010, where he began his illicit business of fabricating government documents. After being arrested and deported back to Sri Lanka in 2014, he clandestinely returned to India in 2016 via smuggling routes. Police said he initially resided on Kanakapura Road, and subsequently moved to Vijayanagar and Thanisandra, before settling in Rachenahalli in 2021 with his wife and three children. Following Kalidass arrest, his wife attempted to flee India with their three daughters. She was apprehended by security personnel at the airport when she mistakenly presented her Sri Lankan ID card instead of her Indian passport during the check. She is currently in custody, and further action is being taken, DCP Gowda added. AAP MP Swati Maliwal assault case: Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal on Saturday opened up on what happened after she was allegedly assaulted by Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal's personal assistant Bibhav Kumar at the CMs residence on May 13. In an interview with Times Now, Swati Maliwal revealed that she had gone to the Civil Lines police station and could not file a formal complaint in the matter as she got scared after receiving calls from several people. AAP Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal at the Tis Hazari Court after she recorded her statement on the alleged assault by Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal's aide Bibhav Kumar, in New Delhi,(PTI file) I received several media calls when I was at the police station. The moment I received so many media calls, I got scared. I didn't want to make it a political issue. I got up from there and returned home. Later, Sanjay Singh Ji came to meet me, Swati Maliwal said during the interview. She added, I also received a call from Sanjay Singh. He told me: hum dekhte hain, kuch karenge'. (we will see and will do something). And I was so scared and completely traumatised. I was in a lot of pain after being badly beaten up (by Bibhav Kumar), so I couldn't stay back to file a complaint. Sanjay ji also met me at my place. He saw my condition. After that he went to Arvind Kejriwal's house and also met Bibhav. Watch the video here: Also Read | Swati Maliwal reveals why she was in US during Arvind Kejriwal's arrest Swati Maliwal claimed that Sanjay Singh had admitted that Bibhav Kumar assaulted her. HT could not independently verify the authenticity of her claims. On May 14, Sanjay Singh, AAP Rajya Sabha, addressed a press conference and said the incident with Swati Maliwal was a "highly condemnable" one. The Delhi Police had also visited her residence on Minto Road. On May 15, a day after the party accepted that Arvind Kejriwal's personal assistant "misbehaved" with her, Sanjay Singh met Swati Maliwal again. Sanjay Singh was accompanied by Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) member Vandana Singh during his meeting with Swati Maliwal. The meeting took place at Maliwal's residence. If I hadn't been beaten up so badly, would the party still hold a press conference? Why would Sanjay Singh address the media then?" the DCW chief said. 'Hurt by Arvind Kejriwal's behaviour' In another interview with News18, Maliwal expressed disappointment at Arvind Kejriwal's response. I am very hurt by how Kejriwal is behaving. I have been working with them since 2006. I was being beaten in his drawing room. I was screaming. Kejriwal was at home, but nobody came for my help, Maliwal said in the interview. Then while the party came to attack me, they victim-shamed me, they did press conferences, Arvind ji was seen with him (Bibhav), they did protest for him, they made him a hero and me a villain. My friends in the party were threatened not to stand with me. And now finally the CM is saying there are two versions and an unbiased investigation should be done, News18 quoted her as saying. Bibhav Kumar moves bail plea at Delhi court Meanwhile, Bibhav Kumar has moved a bail plea at a court, which has sought a response from Delhi Police. Kumar's counsels moved the plea after he was sent to four days of judicial custody on Friday, court sources told news agency PTI and added that the plea is listed for hearing on Monday. Kumar had been in police custody after being arrested on May 18. His anticipatory bail plea filed last Saturday was observed as becoming "infructuous" by the court. The Delhi Police has claimed that Kumar was not cooperating in the investigation, was evasive in his replies and has not disclosed his mobile phone password. India will focus on showcasing on how digital tools and services have brought on a health transformation in the country at the upcoming 77th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, from May 27 to June 1, according to government officials. World health assembly 2024: India to showcase its digital health schemes The five-member Indian delegation, led by Union health secretary Apurva Chandra, will highlight initiatives such as the Co-WIN program, which was instrumental in vaccinating a vast segment of Indias population against Covid-19 in a short span of time. Initiatives under digital health are Indias strength, and there are several programs functioning under it, said a senior central government official who requested anonymity. India has also been open to sharing the Co-WIN platform with other countries. Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) that aims to develop the backbone necessary to support the integrated digital health infrastructure of the country. It is meant to bridge the existing gap amongst different stakeholders of health care ecosystem through digital highways. India will chair Committee A, which will discuss topics such as universal health coverage, public health emergency preparedness and response, antimicrobial resistance, climate change, and sustainable financing for the World Health Organization (WHO). The five-member Indian delegation will be led by Union health secretary Apurva Chandra. On May 29, India will collaborate with Norway, UNICEF, UNFPA, and PMNCH to organise a side event titled Invest in What Matters: Making the case for Womens, Childrens & Adolescent Health and Well-being. The event aims to advocate for sustainable investment in maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health and well-being, said the person cited above. India is also leading and supporting the Regional One Voice for the South East Asia region, focusing on well-being, health promotion, social determinants of health, maternal, infant, and young child nutrition, and economics and health for all, the person added. The plenary session, attended by health ministers and heads of delegation from 194 member countries, will open the Health Assembly. The main agenda includes a report from WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on various activities and the adoption of executive board resolutions. The assembly will also focus on the outcome of pandemic agreement negotiations that have been ongoing for nearly two years. India has emphasised the need to safeguard the interests of concerned countries while building consensus. India has always been open to the idea of benefit sharing, as seen during the Covid-19 pandemic when it exported a significant volume of vaccines to several needy countries, the government official said. In a statement issued Friday, the WHO announced that extended negotiations among countries have ended, and the draft will be submitted to the assembly. Director-General Ghebreyesus noted significant progress in the negotiations. https://www.hindustantimes.com/topic/media-marketing/galleryWorld Marketing Day 2024: Marketing is crucial in expanding any business. Marketing involves the study of the market, knowing the demands of the target consumers and reaching the consumers through creative means to ensure that they use the product, service or goods provided by the respective business. Marketing is extremely crucial in ensuring that the business gains profit. Marketing professionals constantly need to update their methods and be more creative in their approach to understanding the market and improving sales. Every year, World Marketing Day is dedicated to marketing and the role it plays in the world. As we gear up to celebrate the special day, here are a few things that we should keep in mind. Every year, World Marketing Day is observed on May 27.(Unsplash) Date: Every year, World Marketing Day is observed on May 27. This year, World Marketing Day falls on Monday. History: European Marketing Confederation is the association that represents the marketing industry and the professionals associated with this field in Europe. Last year, in 2023, the European Marketing Confederation announced that World Marketing Day to be celebrated every year on May 27. May 27 was chosen as the date to commemorate the birth anniversary of Philip Kotler the father of modern marketing. Philip Kotler was born in the year 1931. This year will be the second year of celebrations of World Marketing Day. Significance: World Marketing Day is an important day to understand how marketing works in society, and how it can help in shaping the consumption patterns of the customers. It also helps in driving innovation and promoting understanding. The best way to celebrate World Marketing Day is by thanking a marketing professional for the work they do and understanding how they constantly update their methods with creativity to stay relevant in the market. We can also join a marketing community and learn how the process works. Cyclone Remal alert: Cyclone Remal has been predicted to hit the coasts of West Bengal, Orissa and Bangladesh at midnight on May 26. Ahead of the cyclone hitting the coasts with storm and landfall, the India Meteorological Department has issued a warning urging people in the nearby areas to stay safe and evacuate to a safer region if necessary. Cyclone Remal is expected to hit the coast with a speed of 110-120 kmph, and gusts up to 135 kmph. Precautionary measures should be taken by each person. The authorities have urged people to expect potential damage and take necessary actions in being safe. Cyclones also bring the need to take precautions against a lot of health emergencies that emerge during and after the cyclone. Cyclone Remal is expected to hit the coast with a speed of 110-120 kmph, and gusts up to 135 kmph.(HT photo) ALSO READ: Cyclone Remal alert: Dos and don'ts we must follow during extreme weather conditions Health emergencies that we should be prepared for, during and after Cyclone Remal: Contaminated floodwater: many areas of West Bengal, Orissa and Bangladesh will receive heavy rainfall, leading to flood. Food and liquids that come in contact with floodwater can also lead to diseases, such as wound infections, diarrhea, nose and throat infections. We should be extra careful about the water we drink and the food we eat. It is advised to boil and purify the water before consumption. Loss of medication: One of the health emergencies that we should be prepared for during extreme weather conditions is the unavailability of medication. In case of evacuation, we should carry the medicines we need on a regular basis. However, we should never consume medication that has been contaminated by floodwater. Injuries from fall: After a cyclone or a flood, cleaning up can be difficult. It can also lead to injuries and wounds. We should consider seeking help from the authorities. Snake bites: Snakes and insects may seek refuge inside the house during extreme weather conditions. We should be extra careful not to injure them, which can lead to bites and wounds. Mosquito-borne infections: Stagnant water after the flood and cyclone can breed mosquitoes, leading to mosquito-borne infections such as Malaria and Dengue. The neurodiversity paradigm has revolutionised the understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) because previously viewed as a pathology requiring correction, the neurodiversity movement emphasises the inherent value of atypical neurological processing. Acceptance of autistic traits is crucial but what if a more strategic step is considered further? Neurodiversity: Cultivating positive mindset in individuals with autism (Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels) In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Sankalp Mohan, Senior Consultant - Neurology at Paras Hospital in Gurugram, explained, "Think of it as a world where autistic individuals not only feel accepted but empowered to thrive with their unique neurology. This perspective shift necessitates a move beyond mere acceptance towards actively cultivating the unique potential inherent in ASD. Traditionally, interventions for autism have focused on minimising "problem behaviours" and teaching autistic people to fit into a neurotypical world. This approach can be stressful and ultimately limit an individual's potential. To address this, it is essential to view autistic strengths like intense focus, detail-oriented thinking and passion for specific interests as valuable assets." By adopting a neurodiversity-affirmative framework, educators and support professionals can transform these strengths into powerful assets. Dr Sankalp Mohan elaborated, Imagine, for instance, an autistic student with a profound fascination for historical figures. Curriculum design could leverage this interest, incorporating detailed timelines and in-depth analyses of historical events. Science lessons could be reframed as intricate puzzles, encouraging meticulous observation and problem-solving. When learning aligns with intrinsic motivation, engagement and academic achievement demonstrably improve. Talking about the benefits of neurodiversity extend beyond the educational realm, Dr Sankalp Mohan said, The meticulousness and focus characteristic of ASD can be invaluable assets in the workplace. Many autistic individuals excel in roles requiring precision, data analysis, or adherence to protocols. Organizations that embrace neurodiversity can create work environments that cater to sensory sensitivities and promote focused work, unlocking the immense potential of autistic employees. Social interaction and communication can be significant hurdles for some individuals on the autistic spectrum. However, support and strategies can be implemented without negating the autistic experience. He concluded, Social skills training can focus on navigating social situations in a comfortable and authentic manner, promoting effective communication without demanding rigid conformity. In conclusion, a neurodiversity-affirmative approach to ASD acknowledges the inherent strengths and unique perspectives of autistic individuals. By fostering a growth mindset, providing appropriate support, and cultivating these strengths, we can empower individuals on the spectrum to not only exist within a neurotypical world, but to truly flourish and contribute their remarkable talents. In Taiwan's Kinmen, less than an hour's boat ride from the Chinese cities of Xiamen and Quanzhou, bar owner Powei Lee draws crowds by blending the tiny island's battle-scared past into cocktails. Powei Lee, 31, owner of Kinmen Mojo Bar (or Vent Bar) works at the bar in Kinmen Island, Taiwan. War stories in glass: Taiwan bar draws tourists with historical cocktails (REUTERS/Joyce Zhou) During the height of the Cold War, Chinese and Taiwanese forces regularly clashed over Kinmen - then mostly known in English as Quemoy - and other islets controlled by Taipei along China's coast. While today Kinmen is a fashionable tourist destination, drawing visitors to see its endangered otters and stark natural beauty, it has been back in the news after China last week included areas round the island for its latest war games near Taiwan. Kinmen native Lee's cocktails at his Vent Bar showcase Kinmen's unique flavour, such as the local fire water, Kaoliang, made with sorghum grown on the island. Lee, 31, has designed one cocktail inspired by an extensive propaganda campaign which followed fighting in 1958, when Taiwanese forces fended off a Chinese attack on Kinmen, whose closest point is only around 2 km (1.2 miles) from China. Called "Pick and Eat", the cocktail is made with a base of soy milk, ginger and whisky, topped with cookies. "Back then, the two sides would drop propaganda leaflets, each trying to show that their side was doing better and urging the other to surrender," he told Reuters. "One of the things they would do besides the leaflets was to send over supplies like snacks and food, to show that the people were well-fed." Taiwan has controlled Kinmen, and the Matsu islands further up the coast, since the defeated Republic of China government fled to Taipei in 1949 after losing a civil war with Mao Zedong's communists. No peace treaty has ever been signed. Old bunkers, many now open to visitors, still dot Kinmen which is home to some 100,000 people, and Taiwan's military maintains a substantial presence. "I want them (the visitors) to be able to take away something even more meaningful than just typical souvenirs. If they can really feel that connection to the land, and understand the stories behind it, that's going to be the best memento they can have from their time here in Kinmen," Lee said. Those visitors may be Taiwanese or from further afield - but generally not Chinese. Regular post-pandemic Chinese tourism to Taiwan has yet to resume, amid bickering between Beijing and Taipei. Life in Kinmen continued largely as normal during the drills last week, residents said, and flights to and from Taiwan's main island were not disrupted. Regarding the potential for conflict, Lee expressed hope against seeing a war. "The pandemic has already been very disruptive, and a real war would be far worse," he said. Many years ago, as a child, I lived in Bhopal. I was studying at Scindia School, Gwalior, but used to visit Bhopal during the holidays since my father was posted there by the state government. Our house overlooked Bhopals famous lake, Bada Talab. The only bungalow opposite our house was that of the then Inspector-General (IG) of police. The lake is vast, the beautiful centre-piece of the city surrounding it. In fact, there is a popular saying: Garh hai to Chittorgarh, taal hai tau Bhopal (If there is a real fort, it is Chittorgarh, and if there is a lake of lakes it is that of Bhopal). Decades later, when I visited Bhopal again, I found a vast degree of change. The city had grown so much that I located my fathers house after much difficulty. When I reached the house, the lake was nowhere to be seen. A four-lane road had since been built by reclaiming land from the waters, something like Marine Drive in Mumbai. This grand boulevard is now the pride of Bhopal. At a strategic spot on this road, rises a large statue from the waters. It is that of Raja Bhoj (1010-1055 CE), who ruled over an extensive kingdom in the Malwa region, with his capital at Dhara, near present-day Bhopal. There are sharp differences of opinion on the quality of the statue from the aesthetic point of view. Some think it is pleasing. Others think it is a mediocre piece of work, an eyesore in the serene waters of the lake. Be that as it may, none can doubt that Raja Bhoj himself was, indeed, a great ruler. What saddens me is that in our teaching of history, very little is taught or known about such remarkable personalities. Although Bhojs military conquests were not insignificant, he should be remembered as an exceptional patron of the arts, literature and the sciences. As a scholar-king, he was the role model of later Hindu monarchs like the iconic Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagar dynasty, who chose to call himself Abhinava Bhoja, the new or modern Bhoja. Hampi, the capital of the Vijayanagar Empire (15th to 16th century CE), the last great Hindu kingdom, is now a popular tourist site, and its remarkable historical ruins are a must-see to understand the greatness of Hindu civilisation. Krishnadevarayas exemplary reign (1509-1529), and his achievements and artistic refinement, are at last but not sufficiently getting their due. In my opinion, he ranks among the greatest rulers India has seen. But how many people are aware of the fact that Krishnadevaraya was greatly inspired by Raja Bhoja, who ruled almost five centuries earlier? There is a reason for this. Under Bhoja, his capital Dhara became one of the most renowned intellectual centres. It is said that in his kingdom, even humble weavers could compose metrical Sanskrit kavyas. I was surprised to learn that Bhoja wrote as many as eighty-four books on subjects as diverse as astrology, lexicography, Sanskrit grammar, poetics, dramaturgy, and a commentary on Patanjalis Yoga Shastras. He was also a great poet himself the work Shringara Prakash is one of his notable works and a well-known musician. Is knowledge about any of this part of our school or university curriculum? How many modern scholars in the various disciplines on which he wrote, have studied, analysed and written about his works? Has India, after independence, cared to translate and popularise some of Bhojas seminal writings and insights? It is these gaping holes in our knowledge and educational curriculum that saddens me. Our history is replete with many such jewels of knowledge and creativity, that are largely ignored, and whose real contribution and worth can never be acknowledged by a mechanical chronology of where they ruled and when. I am willing to wager that most people in Bhopal itself are not aware of Raja Bhojas multi-faceted talents. Yet, the tradition of scholar-kings is an old one in India. For instance, King Samudragupta (335-375 CE) of the Gupta dynasty, whose empire extended from the river Ravi in the west to the Brahmaputra in the east, and the Himalayas in the north to the Vindhyas in the south, with several tributary states further south, issued a series of exquisitely crafted gold coins in which he is depicted both as a chakravartin or conqueror and a musician. Not could it be happenstance, that his successor, Chandragupta II, who ruled at the height of the Gupta ascendancy, was a great patron of poets, philosophers, scientists, musicians and sculptors. I have visited Hampi of course, and it is a transformational experience. But every time I am in Bhopal, I pause for a while at the statue of Raja Bhoj, and recall that in this very region there once ruled a king whose statue stands tall in Bhopal taal, but very few know what a remarkable ruler he was. Pavan K Varma is author, diplomat, and former Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha). Just Like That is a weekly column where Varma shares nuggets from the world of history, culture, literature, and personal reminiscences. The views expressed are personal I am writing this piece from Kashi, which, being the Prime constituency for the past 10 years, has drawn great national and international attention. The Prime Minister (PM) has built a rapport with Kashiwasis (residents of Kashi), and so, does not see any significant challenge, says Rinku, who owns a kiosk in front of Banaras Locomotive Works. Rinku needs to relocate his kiosk for the length of the PMs visit just as dozens of other such businesses have to. But, he says, he can do that much for the PM and he is not the only person willing to make such sacrifices for Narendra Modi. Last Tuesday, sometime before the PMs visit to Sampurnanand Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya, I noticed a group of women waiting behind a police barricade along the route. When I spoke with them, I gathered that they were from Shivdaspur and had originally wanted to meet Modiji at the university. But owing to the security arrangements for the PMs visit, they could not make it to the university in time. So, despite the scorching summer heat, they had decided to wait for the PM to pass by. I told them it could take a long time for the PM to come. No problem, now that weve left the house, we thought wed wave to him and greet him, they said. In areas such as Karaundi, the clearing of encroachments for the widening of a road has left some people outraged. Nonetheless, the wider road benefits a huge number of commuters. The Congresss Ajay Rai is pitted against Modi in Kashi. Rai is the partys state president and an established political figure. He is looking to narrow the margin of defeat by as much as possible. Kashi has traditionally flown with opposing political currents. Tea and paan stalls in this city are venues of heated discussions among people of different political hues communists, socialists and nationalists. These people forge the spearheads of resistance that can determine victory or defeat. Chakraborty Moshay of Agastkunda says satirically: Dont fall into their trap; no matter what they say, in the end they would only vote for Modi. I dont even remember the names of the other contenders here. Athar Jamal Lari is the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) candidate in Kashi. But he is nowhere in the discourse. Varanasi is known as the capital of Purvanchal, a region that includes 11 other Lok Sabha seats. The electoral battle is fierce in each seat. In Chandauli, which is part of Varanasi district, for instance, Mahendranath Pandey is trying his luck again. Pandey is a member of the Modi cabinet and has previous administrative and organisational experience. He is being challenged by Virendra Singh of the INDIA bloc. Singh, a former minister of Uttar Pradesh, is contesting on a Samajwadi Party ticket. Anupriya Patel, another minister in the Modi cabinet, is fighting from neighbouring Mirzapur. She is the daughter of Apna Dal founder Soneylal Patel and the president of Apna Dal (Soneylal). Ramesh Bind of the INDIA bloc is challenging her. Both Anupriya and Pandey are fighting for the honour of their cabinet posts. Meanwhile, Laliteshpati Tripathi in Bhadohi and Neeraj Shekhar in Ballia face a tough fight to maintain their legacies. Tripathi is the great-grandson of Pandit Kamalapati Tripathi, a former acting president of the Congress, and Neeraj is the son of former PM Chandra Shekhar. Lalitesh, a Trinamool Congress candidate, is backed by the INDIA grouping, while Neeraj is a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate. Muscle power is also a factor that comes into play in two other Purvanchal constituencies. Afzal Ansari, elder brother of the late Mukhtar Ansari, who was known as a mafia king, is also contesting the election from Ghazipur. Similarly, Dhananjay Singh of Jaunpur is backing the BJP after the BSP denied his wife Srikala Reddy a ticket. In Azamgarh, Akhilesh Yadavs cousin Dharmendra Yadav has the tough task of retaking the legacy seat. The mandates for Azamgarh, Lalganj, Jaunpur, Machhlishahr, and Bhadohi are already sealed in EVMs, while the fight for the remaining seats continues. Although no one is talking about Robertsganj, Machhalishahar, or Lalganj, I was saddened to witness the pathetic state of the first. Ill go into more depth about this another time. However, the fight for these seats is equally fierce. The message is clear: There is a fierce fight for every seat in Purvanchal except Kashi. If it is muscle power at stake in one; in others, it is legacy or the prestige of a ministerial post. The results on June 4 will not only determine victory or defeat but will also establish a new political trend in Purvanchal. Shashi Shekhar is editor-in-chief, Hindustan. The views expressed are personal. The rainbow has been a symbol of the queer community. It is natural and beautiful, but also rare. It appears only when there is a perfect alignment of raindrops and rays of the sun. As this election comes close to conclusion, I wonder if the queer community is seen as special and beautiful like rainbows, or if it just gets lost in the torrential downpour of electoral agendas. Traditionally, in constitutional democracies like India, the judiciary has been the ultimate protector of the rights of minorities. In the infamous Suresh Kumar Koushal (2013) judgment, some of the judges of the highest judiciary in India dismissed the queer community as a minuscule minority and referred Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalises the community, to Parliament. Parliament never took this up for debate. However, the Supreme Court (SC) did ultimately correct this injustice by admitting the curative petition to its own judgment and eventually delivering the landmark Navtej Singh Johar judgment in 2018 that affirmed the human rights of the queer community. The Court had earlier recognised the human rights of transgender persons in the watershed NALSA (2014) judgment. The Rights of Transgender Persons Bill, 2014, introduced as a private member bill by Tiruchi Siva, a Member of Parliament from the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), had several provisions protecting the actual needs of the community and also implemented the provision for reservations in education and employment as directed by the SC in the NALSA judgment. Although that Bill had unanimous support across political parties, the 2019 version of the Bill that was introduced by the Union government was clearly in violation of international law and the SC judgment. Among other issues, it conflated the definition of transgender and intersex identities and criminalised begging by transgender people. At the same time, it failed to include any measure to improve their access to education or employment. While the government referred this Bill to a Standing Committee and tried to address some of the issues, the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act and the 2020 Rules notified for the same still fail to fulfil the actual needs of the community, and the government has repeatedly ignored the critical comments from the community members, activists, and legal experts. While the SC has affirmed the rights of those in homosexual relationships, the government is unwilling to allow marriage equality. Attempts to introduce a comprehensive Bill to stop discrimination against the LGBTIQA+ community have failed to materialise. While global surveys indicate that anywhere from 5-20% of the population of every country is likely to identify as part of the LGBTIQA+ community, we do not have any census data about the number of queer people in India. There are obviously millions of queer people in our country, but majoritarian electoral politics has generally sidelined the community. Issues faced by the LGBTIQA+ have never been at the centre stage of the political debate. Many community members have also been indifferent to electoral politics. We had repeatedly approached the judiciary to protect our constitutional rights. Even in the 2024 elections, some political parties have ignored any reference to LGBTQIA+ issues in their manifesto. While other political parties have made conscious efforts to be inclusive, often, they see LGBTQIA+ as special issues and dont seem to connect them with the other issues in our society. The Peoples Manifesto 2024 adopted by the Vikalp Sangam, which is made up of over 80 movements and organisations in India, is unique in that it provides a framework for intersectional advocacy. There is no hope for the queer community if we choose to be an isolated minority. We need to recognise that our issues are intersectional. We need to rise above divisive politics of hatred and bigotry, and work together to protect the rainbow: The rights of LGBTQIA+, the diversity of our cultures and the entire ecosystem of nature. We in the LGBTQIA+ community hope that all political parties, civil society organisations, and others who are instrumental in defining the policy directions of India, will take the issues of the community seriously and make efforts at meaningful intersectional inclusion of our needs. Delfina Kanchana Sundar is a LGBTIQA+ activist from Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The views expressed are personal When a 30-year-old Rajni was turned away from the Neemuch district hospital in Madhya Pradesh, she gave birth to her child in an auto-rickshaw. Following the incident, the mother and the child were admitted to the hospital and were doing fine; the district collector ordered an inquiry into the incident, as per reports. Around 2:30 pm on Wednesday, the woman began experiencing labour pains. (unsplash) Dinesh Silavat, Rajni's husband, who makes his living by selling blankets and is from the Gangrar area of the Chittorgarh district in Rajasthan, stated that he has been residing in Malkheda village of Neemuch for a few days. Around 2:30 pm on Wednesday, Rajni began experiencing labour pains. He hurried her to the district hospital in this city in a rickshaw. However, he claimed that the hospital staff asked him to take his wife to Udaipur, Rajasthan, reported PTI. (Also Read: UK mother gives birth to twins 22 days apart in different hospitals, baffles doctors) Despite my repeated requests, they did not budge, and women staffers told us to leave the hospital. As we came out of the hospital around 4 pm, my wife gave birth in the auto-rickshaw. Some good-hearted people arranged sheets to provide privacy to my wife when she delivered the baby," Silavat said. According to Silavat, the woman and her newborn were allowed to stay in the hospital when the medical staff was informed about the delivery. The head of the maternity department, Dr Lad Dhakad, stated that cesarean births were not possible there since the anaesthetist was on leave. As per PTI, the hospital did not have enough doctors even for regular duty. "My duty was till 2 o'clock. After that the woman was brought to the hospital. When the staff informed me, I went and saw her. Her blood pressure was shooting up. The family members were told that she was needed to be taken to a big hospital, but they stayed back. We do not admit such serious patients to avoid risk," he said. Neemuch collector Dinesh Jain said he had ordered an inquiry, and action will be taken if anyone was found guilty. The workers of a Sharjah school recently forgot a four-year-old girl alone on the bus after she fell asleep. The girl was discovered crying by the bus conductor during the second trip taken by the bus. She was later taken to the hospital for a check-up. The little child was on the bus from 6 to 8:40 am and later became ill. Her mother spoke about the incident in order to warn other parents to be on the lookout for their children and to speak with bus drivers and conductors, as per reports. The girl was found by the conductor when she started crying. (Unsplash) The child boarded the school bus at around 6 am, but according to the mother, she didn't get to her classroom in time, reported Khaleej Times. Recounting the harrowing sequence of events, the mother told the news outlet, "At 7:30 am, the conductor called to inform that my child fell asleep, was left behind in the bus, and couldn't reach the classroom. I told him to immediately drop her home, but he didn't. It was only when I called her teacher that she came to know about the incident. We rushed to the school by 8.15 am, but my daughter hadn't reached the classroom or school yet." (Also Read: Six-year-old molested by school senior inside bus in west Delhi) She further added, "My daughter said her head banged against the front seat. And as she woke up, there were all the big students, i.e., boys and senior students of the second trip. It was only when she started crying that the conductor realised she was left inside and then called me." The girl arrived at school by 8:40 am, and the school tried to downplay the incident. Following this, the family withdrew the child's admission from the school and complained to the local authorities. "I can't find the heart to send her to school until she is a bit older to look after herself. I have studied in the same school, but I never expected my daughter to be treated this way. Our trust has been broken. We are lucky to get our child alive; I pray no other parents and child undergo such a miserable situation," said the mother to Khaleej Times. At least 12 passengers on board a Qatar Airways flight from Doha to Ireland were injured due to turbulence, Reuters reported citing Dublin Airport. As per the report, the Qatar Airways flight QR017, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, landed shortly before 1 p.m. Dublin time (1200 GMT). At least 12 fliers on board a Qatar Airways flight from Doha to Ireland were injured due to turbulence(AP file) "Upon landing, the aircraft was met by emergency services, including Airport Police and our Fire and Rescue department, due to 6 passengers and 6 crew [12 total] on board reporting injuries after the aircraft experienced turbulence while airborne over Turkey," Dublin Airport was quoted as saying in a statement. The incident comes five days after a Singapore Airlines flight from London to Singapore was forced to land in Bangkok after severe turbulence resulted in the aircraft plunge by 6,000 feet in just five minutes. A 73-year-old British man was killed and 20 others were in intensive care after sustaining injuries. ALSO READ: Singapore Airlines tragedy: What's in-flight turbulence? Top 10 most turbulent routes According to an AP report, at least 22 passengers on the flight had spinal cord injuries while six others including a two-year-old suffered brain and skull injuries. On Saturday, a Bangkok hospital said that 43 people who were on board the Singapore Airlines flight remain hospitalised. There is reason for the public to be concerned but I think the concern is elevated because of the real focus that some news stations have given, said John Goglia, an aviation safety expert, told Bloomberg. ALSO READ: Student, 28, recalls horror on Singapore Airlines: 'Aircraft was shaking, people hit their heads, lights broke out' Turbulence-related airline accidents are the most common type, according to a 2021 study by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board. From 2009 through 2018, the US agency found that turbulence accounted for more than a third of reported airline accidents and most resulted in one or more serious injuries, but no aircraft damage. Palestinian health workers said Israeli airstrikes killed at least 35 people Sunday and hit tents for displaced people in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, and numerous others were trapped in flaming debris. Gaza's Health Ministry said women and children made up most of the dead and dozens of wounded. A Palestinian man walks past a destroyed building in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on May 26, 2024, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Hamas militant group continues. (Photo by Eyad BABA / AFP) The attacks came two days after the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to end its military offensive in Rafah, where more than half of Gaza's population had sought shelter before Israel's incursion earlier this month. Tens of thousands of people remain in the area while many others have fled. Footage from the scene of the largest airstrike showed heavy destruction. Israels army confirmed the strike and said it hit a Hamas installation and killed two senior Hamas militants. It said it was investigating reports that civilians were harmed. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant was in Rafah on Sunday and was briefed on the deepening of operations there, his office said. A spokesperson with the Palestinian Red Crescent Society said the death toll was likely to rise as search and rescue efforts continued in Rafahs Tal al-Sultan neighborhood about two kilometers (1.2 miles) northwest of the city center. The society asserted that the location had been designated by Israel as a humanitarian area. The neighborhood is not included in areas that Israels military ordered evacuated earlier this month. The airstrike was reported hours after Hamas fired a barrage of rockets from Gaza that set off air raid sirens as far away as Tel Aviv for the first time in months in a show of resilience more than seven months into Israel's massive air, sea and ground offensive. There were no reports of casualties in what appeared to be the first long-range rocket attack from Gaza since January. Hamas military wing claimed responsibility. Israel's military said eight projectiles crossed into Israel after being launched from Rafah and a number were intercepted, and the launcher was destroyed. Earlier Sunday, dozens of aid trucks entered Gaza from southern Israel under a new agreement to bypass the Rafah crossing with Egypt after Israeli forces seized the Palestinian side of it earlier this month. Israels military said 126 aid trucks entered via the nearby Kerem Shalom crossing. But it was not immediately clear if humanitarian groups could access the aid including medical supplies because of fighting. The crossing has been largely inaccessible because of Israels offensive in Rafah. United Nations agencies say it is usually too dangerous to retrieve the aid. The World Health Organization last week said an expanded Israeli incursion in Rafah would have disastrous impact." With the humanitarian operation near collapse, the secretary-general emphasizes that the Israeli authorities must facilitate the safe pickup and delivery of humanitarian supplies from Egypt entering Kerem Shalom, the spokesperson for U.N. chief Antonio Guterres said in a statement. Egypt refuses to reopen its side of the Rafah crossing until control of the Gaza side is handed back to Palestinians. It agreed to temporarily divert traffic through Kerem Shalom, Gaza's main cargo terminal, after a call between U.S. President Joe Biden and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi. The war between Israel and Hamas has killed nearly 36,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and fighters in its count. Israel blames civilian deaths on Hamas because the militants operate in dense, residential areas. Around 80% of Gaza's 2.3 million people have fled their homes, severe hunger is widespread and U.N. officials say parts of the territory are experiencing famine. Hamas triggered the war with its Oct. 7 attack into Israel, in which Palestinian militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and seized some 250 hostages. Hamas still holds some 100 hostages and the remains of around 30 others after most of the rest were released during a cease-fire last year. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel must take over Rafah to eliminate Hamas remaining battalions and achieve total victory over the militants, who recently regrouped in other parts of Gaza. The war has also heightened tensions in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Palestinian authorities on Sunday said Israeli forces shot dead a 14-year-old boy near the southern West Bank town of Saeer. The Israeli army said the Palestinian male was shot dead after trying to stab Israeli forces at Beit Einun Junction. SOUTHERN GAZA LARGELY CUT OFF FROM AID Southern Gaza has been largely cut off from aid since Israel launched what it called a limited incursion into Rafah on May 6. Since then over 1 million Palestinians, many already displaced, have fled the city. Northern Gaza receives aid through two land routes that Israel opened during global outrage after Israeli strikes killed seven aid workers in April. A few dozen trucks enter Gaza daily through a U.S.-built floating pier, far below the 150 trucks a day that officials hoped for. Aid groups say 600 trucks a day are needed. ISRAEL DETAINS MAN OVER MUTINY THREAT Israels military said it had detained a suspect over a widely circulated video in which a man dressed as a soldier threatens mutiny. The man says tens of thousands of soldiers were ready to disobey the defense minister over his suggestion that Palestinians should govern Gaza after the war, and pledged loyalty to Netanyahu alone. Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said the man has been removed from reserve duty. It was not clear when or where the video was made. The prime ministers office released a brief statement condemning all forms of military insubordination. Dhaka, Bangladesh on Sunday launched an intensified evacuation campaign in vulnerable areas as it prepares for severe cyclonic storm 'Remal' forecast to make landfall by evening or midnight with a potential high tidal surge and heavy rainfall in the country's coastal districts of Satkhira and Cox's Bazar. B'desh launches massive evacuation as cyclone Remal approaches from Bay of Bengal According to the latest cyclone warning bulletin, 'Remal' is likely to move in a northerly direction and may cross Sagar island of West Bengal-Khepupara coast near Mongla by evening or midnight, the BSS news agency reported. "A large-scale evacuation has already started. All vulnerable people are presumed to be moved to safer places at the shortest possible time," Director General of the Department of Disaster Management Mizanur Rahman was quoted as saying by the BSS. On Saturday, State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Md Mohibur Rahman said that the authorities have kept ready the cyclone centres and taken all types of preparations to tackle it. "The district administration has turned social, educational and religious institutions to makeshift shelters alongside 4,000 designated cyclone shelters in coastal districts to accommodate a large number of people including the most vulnerable ones living in remote areas," Mohibur said. "A total of 78,000 volunteers from the Cyclone Preparedness Program have been kept ready to deal with cyclone 'Remal' in the coastal district," he said. Around 4,000 cyclone shelter centres have been readied in the coastal districts, equipped with adequate dry food supplies. Some 8,600 Red Crescent volunteers and others joined a campaign asking people at risk to move to safety alongside the government officials while the district administration mobilised transports to carry them to the cyclone shelters, the minister said. Leaves of officials of all ministries, divisions and subordinate offices have been cancelled to tackle the possible aftermath of Cyclone Remal, the Daily Star newspaper reported. The Chattogram Port Authority has suspended all operations in the port as cyclone Remal heads towards the coast, it said. According to the Dhaka Tribune newspaper, flight operations at the Chittagong airport have been suspended for eight hours. On Sunday morning, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department asked the Chittagong and Coxs Bazar ports to hoist great danger signal no 9, the paper said. The coastal districts Khulna, Satkhira, Bagerhat, Pirojpur, Jhalakathi, Barguna, Bhola, and Patuakhali will also be under great danger signal number 10. Cyclone Remal has now intensified into a severe cyclonic storm. At 9:00 am, the cyclone was centred about 380 km southwest of Chattogram port, 340 km southwest of Cox's bazar port, 295 km south of Mongla port and 265 km south of Payra port, said a bulletin issued by Hafizur Rahman, a meteorologist at BMD. This is the first cyclone in the Bay of Bengal in this pre-monsoon season and is named Remal , according to a system of naming cyclones in the Indian Ocean region. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text. A Chilean judge on Saturday ordered a volunteer firefighter and a former forestry official detained for allegedly planning and causing a mammoth forest fire in the Valparaiso region that caused 137 deaths and made 16,000 people homeless in February. The megafire began Feb. 2 in the Lago Penuelas nature reserve, in the central region of Chile, and for several days burned several communes, including destroying more than 10,000 homes. (AFP) The court in Valparaiso ruled the two men, who were arrested Friday, could be held for 180 days while they are investigated. The chief prosecutor in the case, Osvaldo Ossandon, told journalists that the main suspect is Francisco Mondaca, a 22-year-old volunteer firefighter in Valparaiso who is accused of physically starting the fire. He said flares and fireworks were found in Mondaca's vehicle. The other suspect was identified as Franco Pinto, a former employee of the National Forest Corporation. He is accused of planning the crime. The regional prosecutor for Valparaiso, Claudia Perivancich, said investigators have evidence the two men agreed in advance to carry out conduct of this type when the weather conditions were adequate. Prosecutors said that according to Mondaca's testimony, there was an economic motive behind the plot providing more work in fighting fires. They said they had not ruled out the possibility of more people being involved. The commander of the Valparaiso Fire Department, Vicente Maggiolo, said, We are very dismayed by the situation." Maggiolo called it an isolated incident and said it should not tarnish the work of the fire department. We have been saving lives for more than 170 years, he told TVN. Christian Little, executive director of the forestry department, described the detention of a former official as a pain for the agency. Both the fire department and forestry agency said they would tighten hiring procedures. The megafire began Feb. 2 in the Lago Penuelas nature reserve, in the central region of Chile, and for several days burned several communes, including destroying more than 10,000 homes. It is considered Chile's worst tragedy since a magnitude 8.8 earthquake killed more than 500 people on Feb. 27, 2010. The Conservative party plans to reintroduce a national service requirement for every 18-year-old in Britain by the end of the upcoming Parliament, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced as part of his campaign messaging ahead of the July election. UK Conservatives propose mandatory national service for 18-year-olds.(REUTERS) Rishi Sunak said the service is needed to provide young people with better opportunities and experiences. This is a great country but generations of young people have not had the opportunities or experience they deserve and there are forces trying to divide our society in this increasingly uncertain world, he said in a statement. ALSO READ- Good for Rishi Sunak? Falling energy bills grab UK election spotlight What is the proposal? Under the proposal, 18-year-olds would have to choose between a full-time placement in the armed forces or cyber defence for a year, or volunteering in their community for the equivalent of one weekend per month for a year. The Tories plan to establish a Royal Commission to facilitate the pilot programme applications starting in September 2025. They intend to implement the mandate through a new National Service Act by the end of the subsequent parliament. ALSO READ- Akshata Murty's love note for husband Rishi Sunak, complete with an emoji: Im with you Which countries have mandatory national service programmes? This proposal marks a significant shift in policy, as the UK would join countries like Israel, South Korea, and Singapore with mandatory national service programmes. The UK last had such a requirement in the post-World War II era, discontinuing it in the 1960s. While Sunak seeks to present a fresh agenda ahead of the election, passing the proposal would depend on winning the general election scheduled on July 4 and facing debate in parliament. ALSO READ- UK general election set for July 4; Rishi Sunak to face voters for first time as PM Unfunded commitment, criticises Labour party leaders The UK Army has seen a reduction in personnel over the past decade, from around 1,10,000 in 2012 to 85,000 in 2023. The proposal is expected to cost 2.5 billion annually by 2030. The Tories aim to cover 1 billion through tax crackdowns and 1.5 billion from existing funds. Labour criticised the proposal, labeling it as another unfunded commitment from the Tories. (Inputs from Bloomberg) At least 35,984 Palestinians have been killed and 80,643 injured in Israel's military offensive on Gaza since Oct. 7, Gaza's health ministry said in a statement on Sunday. Palestinians inspect the aftermath of an Israeli strike on a building in Nuseirat (AFP) A spokesman for Hamas' armed wing said on Sunday its fighters had captured Israeli soldiers during fighting in Jabalia in northern Gaza on Saturday, though the Israeli military denied the claim. Israeli soldiers walk in a staging area for their tanks near the Gaza border in southern Israel(AP) The Hamas armed wing spokesman did not say how many soldiers had been abducted and showed no proof of the claim. "Our fighters lured a Zionist force into an ambush inside a tunnel ... The fighters withdrew after they left all members of the force dead, wounded, and captured," Abu Ubaida, the spokesman for Al Qassam Brigades, said in a recorded message broadcast by Al Jazeera early on Sunday. The Israeli military on Sunday denied the claim by Hamas' armed wing. "The IDF (Israeli Defence Forces) clarifies that there is no incident in which a soldier was abducted," the military said in a statement. ALSO READ| Top UN court orders Israel to halt military offensive in Rafah; Israel unlikely to comply Hamas released a video that appeared to show a bloodied person being dragged along the ground in a tunnel and photos of military fatigue and rifle. Reuters could not independently verify the identity of the person shown in the video nor his or her condition. The comments by Abu Ubaida came hours after prospects for a resumption of mediated Gaza ceasefire talks grew on Saturday. An official with knowledge of the matter said a decision had been taken to resume the talks next week after the chief of Israel's Mossad intelligence agency met the head of the CIA and the prime minister of Qatar. The source, who declined to be identified by name or nationality, said it had been decided that "in the coming week negotiations will open based on new proposals led by the mediators, Egypt and Qatar and with active U.S. involvement." A Hamas official later denied Israeli media reports the talks would resume in Cairo on Tuesday, telling Reuters: "There is no date." After more than seven months of war in Gaza, the mediators have struggled to secure a breakthrough, with Israel seeking the release of hostages held by Hamas and Hamas seeking an end to the war and a release of Palestinian prisoners in Israel. Nearly 36,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's offensive, Gaza's health ministry says. Israel began the operation in response to Hamas-led militants attacking southern Israeli communities on Oct. 7, killing around 1,200 people and seizing more than 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Featuring on a criminal wanted list usually crimps ones options for future employment. But when the country issuing the notice is Russia and the alleged outlaw is the prime minister of neighbouring Estonia, it can be a useful CV-enhancer. Reports that Kaja Kallas is one of a slew of Baltic politicians the Kremlin wants to arrestsomething to do with removing Soviet war memorialsmay help her candidacy in the upcoming scramble for top EU jobs. The hawkish prime minister is among those who fancy their chances of trading up from a national post to a continental one, after the European Parliament elections from June 6th-9th. The process of replacing the blocs top officials usually entails a lot of undignified squabbling. A bit of planning would reduce the angst and avoid divisions, at a time when Europe can ill afford them. Who gets which top Euro-job is traditionally decided by the EUs 27 national leaders, who huddle in what might once have been a smoke-filled room a few weeks after votes are cast. In 2019 the process took two summits over five days. This time the jockeying for position is already under way. On February 19th Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, is expected to gain the formal endorsement of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), the centre-right party of her native Germany, to serve a second five-year term atop the EUs powerful executive arm. Having made a decent fist of running the blocs most important institution through COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine, she is positioning herself as a safe pair of hands in a potentially unsafe Trumpian world. Assuming the centre-right comes top in European elections, as expected, few will dare challenge her. Once nominated by leaders she must be approved by a new set of European parliamentarians. A surge of support for the hard right means the centrist majority available to her is narrow. But it should be manageable. The presidency of the European Council will prove harder to fill. Luckily it is less important. In theory, the position entails chairing meetings of EU leaders, where the biggest decisions are made (as long as Viktor Orban, Hungarys cantankerous prime minister, does not hijack proceedings). But the incumbent, Charles Michel, has embraced the jobs sideline as a ceremonial representative of the union, schmoozing the Xi Jinping and Narendra Modis of the world. That has led to pointless turf battles between Mr Michel and Mrs von der Leyen, which have at times made the EU look as disorganised as a student society. Mercifully, term limits prohibit Mr Michel from staying on. Convention dictates the council job be bestowed on a sitting EU leader, or a recently retired one. The need for political balance suggests it must go to the centre-left, which will probably come second at the polls. A southern European would be ideal to achieve geographic balance. Antonio Costa, who as Portugals Socialist prime minister fits the bill, was considered a shoo-in until he was forced to resign in a corruption scandal last November (he will be replaced after elections next month). Should the current judicial probe comprehensively clear him, he might still have a shot, if only because there are few other qualified lefties now running EU countries. One is Mette Frederiksen of Denmark, but her migrant-bashing stance has alienated political allies. The councils presidency is too small for the German chancellor, Olaf Scholz. It could suit the Spanish prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, who narrowly won re-election last year. But his leaving for Brussels might leave Spain mired in political chaos, undermining him in his new role. If none of those options appeals, lots of retired Italian prime ministers might be willing to do the job. The most talented, Mario Draghi, is probably a non-starter, given his insufficient leftiness and his ageat 76 he would be young only by American standards. The third weighty EU job is the high representative, in effect the blocs foreign minister. It is currently held by Josep Borrell, an affable Spaniard who candidly admits that concocting a joint foreign policy at the EU level is all but impossible. Nonetheless many are keen to try. Central and eastern Europeans will fume if they are not given the post, having warned of Russias warmongering intent long before it was fashionable (and not having held a top EU post since 2019). They might be assuaged if a Balt or a Pole were to be appointed as secretary-general of NATO. The military alliances head is usually drawn from Europe and its current leader, Jens Stoltenberg, is on his fourth extension. But Mark Rutte, the outgoing Dutch prime minister, seems to be heavily favoured for NATO. Ms Kallas, as an easterner from a liberal party (the third big political family whose support Mrs von der Leyen will need) ticks many boxes. But others may yet emerge. Holding the Leyen Europe must avoid three pitfalls to ensure things go smoothly. First, it should rally around Mrs von der Leyen quickly, to remove any doubt she will continue to head the commission. Whatever errors she has madesome say her current support for Israels ferocious assault on Gaza is excessively keenare largely overshadowed by her record. Second, Brussels must avoid being drawn into the pointless constitutional bickering that recurs each time the top jobs are refreshed, as Euro-federalist types see an opportunity for the European Parliament to leach more power away from member states. Finally, Europe would do well to pick a self-effacing president for the council, one eager to broker compromises and work smoothly with the commission. Even if the top-jobs process goes smoothly, there will be an opportunity for strife later on. A new team of commissioners will have to be appointed once their boss is in place. It is not just personnel that must be selected: their roles often change too. (Is it time for a European defence commissioner, for example?) Key issues such as the level of the EUs green ambitions or its approach to free trade will be decided in part by who gets what position. That makes it all the more important to start by getting the biggest ones right. Read more from Charlemagne, our columnist on European politics: Europe is importing a solar boom. Good news for (nearly) everyone (Feb 8th) Europes grumpy farmers are a symptom of wider malaise (Feb 1st) The EUs 50bn package to Ukraine is a far cry from its rhetoric (Jan 25th) Also: How the Charlemagne column got its name 2023, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com Bette Nash, the world's longest-serving flight attendant, has died at the age of 88. Following a recent breast cancer diagnosis, Nash breathed her last in hospice care on May 17, per statements from American Airlines and the Association of Professional Flight Attendants. She served American Airlines for nearly 67 years, as she began flying with then-Eastern Airlines in 1957. Bette Nash, the world's longest-serving flight attendant, dies at 88(Instagram/ American Air) Who was Bette Nash? Nash, who was based in DC, preferred working the American Shuttle flight from Washington, DC, to Boston so that she could be home every night to care for her son, who suffers from Down Syndrome. Throughout her decades-long career, the airline underwent several name changes- from Eastern Airlines to US Air Shuttle and more. In 2022, the aviation industry icon earned the Guinness World Record title for longest-serving flight attendant. The airline confirmed her death in a memo sent to its flight attendants on Saturday that read, It is with sadness that we inform you of the passing of our dear colleague, Bette Nash, the longest-tenured flight attendant at American Airlines, per ABC News. Tributes pour in for Bette Nash Following her death due to cancer, American Airlines paid tribute to Nash in a heartfelt statement that read, We mourn the passing of Bette Nash, who spent nearly seven decades warmly caring for our customers in the air. She started in 1957 and held the Guinness World Record for longest-serving flight attendant. Bette inspired generations of flight attendants. Fly high, Bette. The Association of Professional Flight Attendants also mourned her loss as the union told CBS News in a statement, Our thoughts are with her family and friends during this difficult time. Bette will always be an integral part of our history, and she will not be forgotten. Meanwhile, Brady Byrnes, senior vice president of Inflight & Premium Guest Services for American Airlines, said in the memo, With her quick wit, magnetic personality and passion for serving others, Bette set an example not just for the flight attendant profession but for all of us in the airline industry. Former President Donald Trump encountered significant hostility at the Libertarian Party's nominating convention in Washington, D.C. on Saturday. Despite his attempts to win over the crowd with promises to support key Libertarian issues and appoint Libertarians to his cabinet, his speech was met with boos and jeers. WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 25: Former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump addresses the Libertarian Party National Convention at the Washington Hilton on May 25, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Getty Images via AFP) Trump opened his address with an appeal for unity, stating, "I think you should nominate me or at least vote for me, and we should win together." The response was immediate and negative, with the crowd loudly expressing their disapproval. Throughout his 30-minute speech, the convention hall was in turmoil. Supporters of Trump clashed with Libertarian members, leading to physical altercations and some attendees being forcibly removed by security. Despite the chaos, Trump continued his speech, visibly uneasy but determined. Trump's contentious appearance at the Libertarian convention underscores the challenges he faces in broadening his appeal beyond his core supporters, as he seeks to build a coalition capable of winning the presidency in 2024. Security personnel grab a Libertarian party member shouting protests as former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump addresses the Libertarian National Convention in Washington, DC, May 25, 2024. (Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP)(AFP) Trump faces boos after asking Libertarians to nominate him Trump acknowledged the unfriendly reception, joking about his numerous legal battles. "In the last year, I've been indicted by the government for 91 different things, so if I wasn't a libertarian before, I sure as hell am a libertarian now," he quipped, attempting to align himself with the party's anti-government stance. The former president's attempts to pitch himself as a viable nominee were met with derision. "The Libertarian Party should nominate Trump for President of the United States," he quoted from a recent editorial, only to be drowned out by boos. He challenged the audience, saying, "Only if you want to win maybe you don't want to win. Keep getting your 3% every four years." In his speech, Trump contrasted himself with President Joe Biden and outlined his stance on various Libertarian issues, including anti-war policies, cryptocurrency, and the protection of First and Second Amendment rights. He also promised to commute the sentence of Ross Ulbricht, a cause celebre among Libertarians. "And if you vote for me on day one, I will commute the sentence of Ross Ulbricht, he's already served 11 years ... We're gonna get him home," Trump announced, hoping to gain favor. However, this promise, like many others, was met with mixed reactions. Libertarians remained unimpressed with Trump's promises Despite some applause for his stances on certain issues, many Libertarians remained unimpressed. "I despise him. He's an authoritarian. He does not support libertarian ideals," said Bietro Geraci, a delegate from New York. Kentucky delegate Don Stacy echoed this sentiment, stating, "There are always members who will make a poor decision and vote for Trump in my opinion, but he certainly will not gain my vote without question." Following Trump's speech, Libertarian candidates Michael Rectenwald, Josh Smith, and Chase Oliver took the stage to denounce his appearance, asserting that Trump's views do not align with the Libertarian Party's principles. Senior Trump campaign official Jason Miller attempted to downplay the negative reaction, claiming that Trump's policies were "all home runs" and that he had "some big applause lines." However, the hostile reception highlighted the deep divisions between Trump and the Libertarian Party members. Prince William and Kate Middleton issued a rare joint statement on social media following a Spitfire crash near an RAF base. In a sombre X, formerly Twitter post, the Prince and Princess of Wales expressed their incredible sadness over the accident that left the aircraft pilot dead. Prince William and Kate Middleton issued a rare joint statement expressing 'incredible sadness' (Reuters) Kate Middleton, Prince William issue rare joint statement The aircraft crashed in a field during a Battle of Britain event on Saturday in Coningsby, Lincolnshire. Following the fatal accident, the royal couple shared an emotional statement via their official handle @KensingtonRoyal that read, Incredibly sad to hear of the news this afternoon from RAF Coningsby. Our thoughts this evening are with the pilots loved ones, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and the wider RAF family. W & C. Authorities and first responders arrived at the scene before 1:20 pm. A resident told GB News, It was definitely a spitfire. But it sounded sluggish when it took off at about 1.20 pm. It had just took off and we could hear it cough and splutter. It was about 100m in the air. I saw it turn to the left and flip over. We couldn't see it over the trees. There was about five to eight fire engines and the Helimed too, they added. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence said, It is with great sadness that we must confirm the death of an RAF pilot in a tragic accident near RAF Coningsby today, adding, The pilots family have been informed and we ask that their privacy is respected at this difficult time. Meanwhile, the Lincolnshire Police said in a statement, per the outlet, The man was the pilot and sole occupant of the aircraft. Police are not in a position to confirm his name but his next of kin have been informed. Nobody else is thought to have been injured as a result. The statement continued, The incident was called into police just before 1.20pm today (Saturday, May 25) and emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene, adding, Sadly, the injuries the pilot sustained were not survivable and he was declared deceased at the scene. Investigations are ongoing into the cause. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reportedly planning to include their children, Archie and Lilibet, on future overseas tours after the recent one was deemed successful. The Sussexes, basking in the success of their Nigerian tour, celebrated their 6th anniversary in a low-key fashion in California without the involvement of any royals. Harry and Meghan are now eyeing more international trips as they get warned about the unofficial royal-styled trips by royal experts. Prince Harry likely feels keenly' that Archie and Lilibet are missing out on a significant Royal Easter tradition this year, reported The Mirror.(Alexi Lubomirski / Courtesy Archewell Foundation) Harry and Meghan to take Archie and Lilibet on their next trip This decision, according to royal experts, stems from Meghan's strategic thinking. She believes the picture-perfect image of a young, globetrotting former royal family will garner positive publicity and boost their brand as the Sussexes. In 2020, when the couple decided to step off from their working royal status, they were stripped of their position, however, allowed to keep their titles. Earlier, in an interview with People, Harry hinted at more tours to come following their recent African tour. While Archie made his tour debut during the royal tour of South Africa in 2019, Lilibet has rarely been shown out in public. Also read: Nicki Minaj pays big in alleged drug case after being arrested; Pink Friday 2 UK Tour cancelled "Harry and Meghan are incredibly proud of their children, and when they are a little older and better able to travel, there is no doubt they will be taken on some of the couples tours," said Tom Quinn in his exclusive talk with the UK outlet. Meghans plan to boost Sussex as brand The Duchess, who recently launched her lifestyle brand American Riviera Orchard, understands that including their charming royal kids on tours will attract the publicity Harry and Meghan desire. Royal expert Tom Quinn told the Mirror, Meghan is acutely aware of what a great look this will be the charming royal couple with their charming royal children will attract the sort of publicity that Harry and Meghan crave, especially now that they are so determined to be billionaire entrepreneurs. Also read: Prince Harry turned down King Charles meeting after rejecting royal offer just because. Prince William and Kate are terrified of Meghan and Harry On the other hand, there are reports stating that Prince William and Kate Middleton had a less than impressed response to Meghan and Harrys tour, expressing a sense of concern and are Terrified, "Harry and Meghan will continue to organise trips across the world until they are seen as the public face of the royal family," said Quinn. The fear, according to experts, is exacerbated by the fact that the Prince of Wales cannot even consider competing with the Sussexes as Kate undergoes cancer treatment. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday urged US President Joe Biden and China's President Xi Jinping to attend a peace summit in Switzerland next month. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (AFP) The Ukrainian leader made the request in English in an emotive video showing him standing in front of ruins in the heavily bombarded eastern city of Kharkiv. "I am appealing to the leaders of the world who are still aside from the global efforts of the global peace summit: to President Biden, the leader of the United States, and to President Xi, the leader of China," Zelensky said. "Please support the peace summit with your personal leadership and participation," he asked. Zelensky said that the leaders should attend because "the efforts of the global majority are the best guarantee that all commitments will be fulfilled". He also said he wanted the attendance of leaders "whom Russia will not be able to deceive". The conference on the Ukraine war is to be held at a luxury resort near Lucerne from June 15-16. The Swiss government is hosting the event at Ukraine's request. It has said it has invited 160 delegations but Russia will not attend the event, which is expected to last just over a day. Biden's presence has not been confirmed, while organisers say countries participating include members of the G7, the G20 and the BRICS group. Russian President Vladimir Putin said earlier this month "they are not inviting us", adding that Russia would not push to attend an event where it is unwelcome. China restated its position this week, saying in a joint statement with Brazil that it supports "an international peace conference held at a proper time that is recognised by both Russia and Ukraine, with equal participation of all parties as well as fair discussion of all peace plans". Xi is Putin's strategic ally, and the Russian leader made a trip to China after re-election this month. US officials said last month that Beijing is helping Russia with military expansion, including joint production of drones, while stopping short of directly providing weapons to Russia for use in Ukraine. Zelensky said "more than 80 countries confirmed they will come" to the summit and Ukraine was continuing efforts to invite leaders. Lawyers for Donald Trump have fired off cease-and-desist letters to shut down a caustic biopic on the former president. The letters warn filmmakers against pursuing a distribution deal in an effort to block its U.S. sale and release, Variety reported. "The Apprentice," which explores Trump's early years as a real estate developer and his relationship with Roy Cohn, aide to notorious "Commie-hunter" Wisconsin Sen. Joe McCarthy, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival early this week. In a statement addressing the cease-and-desist letters, the film's producers insisted that the film is a "fair and balanced portrait of the former president. We want everyone to see it and then decide." The independently produced movie stars Sebastian Stan as Trump and "Succession's" Jeremy Strong as Cohn. It paints a damning portrait of the former president as an ethically compromised philanderer who stiffed contractors and made deals with the mob to complete his buildings. The film also controversially depicts Trump raping his first wife, Ivana, and shows him abusing amphetamines to lose weight, as well as undergoing liposuction and plastic surgery. The actual Ivana Trump accused Donald Trump of raping her at their home in a 1989 divorce deposition. She later denied the claim, saying in 2015 it was "totally without merit." Trump's camp responded with a sharp note, threatening legal action. Steven Cheung, Trump campaign communications director, called the film "pure malicious defamation" adding that it "should not see the light of day ... it belongs in a dumpster fire." The movie, directed by Iranian-Danish filmmaker Ali Abbasi, features a script by Gabriel Sherman, a journalist who covered the Trump administration. During a Cannes press conference for the film, Abbasi noted Trump's legal threats. "Everybody talks about him suing a lot of people; they don't talk about his success rate, though, you know?" he said. Abbasi even offered to screen the movie for Trump, noting: "I don't necessarily think that this is a movie he would dislike." Arizona's secretary of state has attacked rising threats against U.S. election officials as domestic terrorism. "Terrorism is defined as a threat of violence for a political outcome," Adrian Fontes said in remarks recorded for an upcoming episisode of NBC's Meet the Press that were obtained by the Guardian. "That's what this is, and ... we do have to address it for what it is," Fontes added. He shared his view during a panel discussin by top election officials from pivotal states, where voters will decide in November whether Joe Biden serves a second term in the White House or Donald Trump returns to the presidency. In Arizona's largest county, Maricopa, election officials have implemented extensive measures to safeguard staff and ballot counting. Workers face a relentless barrage of hateful and threatening messages daily via email and social media, fueled by false claims from Trump and his Republican supporters that Biden and Democrats fraudulently won the 2020 presidential election. Fontes, whose state is battleground territory in the upcoming election, expressed optimism that the Justice Department is ramping up efforts to prosecute threats against election officials. In March, a Massachusetts man who threatened to blow up Fontes' office in 2021 received more than a three-year prison sentence, one of the most severe federal punishments yet for threats against ballot workers. "We're collaborating with law enforcement across the country to address these issues," Fontes emphasized. A new South Dakota policy prohibits public university faculty and staff from listing their preferred gender pronouns in official correspondence, while also preventing Native American employees from listing their tribal affiliations in a state with a history of conflict with tribes. Two University of South Dakota faculty members, Megan Red Shirt-Shaw and her husband, John Little, have regularly included their choice of gender pronouns and tribal affiliations in their emails. They both received written warnings from the university in March, citing a policy adopted in December by the South Dakota Board of Regents. "I was told that I had five days to remove my tribal affiliation and pronouns," Little said in an email to the Associated Press. Otherwise, Little would face "suspension or immediate termination," he said. The policy, backed by the board as a branding and communications policy, followed a letter from Republican Gov. Kristi Noem sent to the regents criticizing "liberal ideologies" on college campuses. It called for the board to ban drag shows on campuses and "remove all references to preferred pronouns in school materials." All nine voting board members were appointed by Noem. All of South Dakota's nine indigenous tribes have voted to ban Noem from their lands since she accused tribal leaders of benefiting from drug cartels and neglecting children. The American Civil Liberties Union of South Dakota said it has heard complaints from faculty and students at the University of South Dakota who are concerned about the new policy. The ACLU is considering the next steps to address it. George Floyd's sister called him "somebody that is going to help everybody" ahead of Saturday's fourth anniversary of his infamous, caught-on-camera police murder in Minneapolis. Bridgett Floyd, who lives in North Carolina, told People magazine that she planned to spend the weekend in her late brother's home state of Minnesota. "I just want the world to know that my brother was somebody. He was somebody. He wasn't just anybody," Bridgett Floyd, 33, said. "He wasn't just any man. He just wasn't any Black man. But he was somebody. And he was the somebody that's going to help everybody that needs help," she added, apparently referring to increased awareness and change regarding police brutality triggered by her bother's murder. She added: "That's what I want the world to know that he is the somebody that is going to help everybody." Bridgett Floyd also said during the interview that she was trying to "do the works that God wants to see" following the trauma of her brother's death on Memorial Day 2020. "I was broken. I was so broken and I was so hurt because I didn't know how to accept my brother's death. I really did not. And I thought I was okay. And I was not okay," she said. A teenage girl on the scene that day used a cell phone to record a video of then-Minneapolice Police Officer Derek Chauvin pressing his knee against George Floyd's neck after he was arrested on suspicion of passing a counterfeit $20 bill at a convenience store. Floyd, 46, said he couldn't breathe 27 times before going limp during the deadly 9-minute, 29-second ordeal. The horrific killing sparked massive protests across America and around the world. In 2021, a jury convicted Chauvin, 48, of Floyd's murder. He was sentenced to 22 years in prison and later pleaded guilty to violating Floyd's federal civil rights. In November, Chauvin was stabbed 22 times inside the federal prison in Tucson, Arizona, and a former gang leader and ex-FBI informant was charged with his attempted murder. Three other Minneapolis cops J. Alexander Keung, Thomas Lane, and Tou Thou were charged with aiding and abetting Floyd's slaying and violating his civil rights. All of them pleaded guilty or were convicted after trial. In the four years since George Floyd's killing sparked mass protests, U.S. cities have settled over 130 lawsuits related to police misconduct, paying out nearly $150 million to protesters, journalists, families, legal observers and bystanders, according to a report published earlier this week. The settlements, some of the largest ever for protest-related police actions, have forced numerous reforms on departments, including restrictions on the use of "less lethal" weapons, reported the Guardian. "After reviewing so many lawsuits, a consistent story emerges: Cops had zero interest in honoring the First Amendment rights of protesters," said Sue Udry, executive director of the free speech group Defending Rights & Dissent and author of the report: "The Cost of Pollice Violence and Mayhem." "The most successful lawsuits won restitution for indiviudals, and significant new restriction on police," said Udry. "But they are piecemeal, and there is no substitue for systemic change." Floyd's killing on May 25, 2020, captured in a highly disturbing viral video, prompted millions to protest across the country, resulting in some 17,000 arrests in the first two weeks following the killing alone. The report tracks the outcomes of lawsuits filed in response to police actions in 40 cities and 25 states. It does not include many pending cases, however. Excessive force was a frequent complaint in suits against police departments, along with demands for less-lethal response strategies. In addition to winning compensation for victims, many of the settlements were also a catalyst for reforms. A new wave of protests, this time over Israel's U.S.-backed war in Gaza, has once again been met with police crackdowns, leading advocates to fear that the police are resorting to their old tactics. In recent weeks, police across the country have arrested over 3,000 people protesting against was, including university students who set up solidarity encampments on campuses. Police in riot gear have used tear gas and rubber bullets. In New York's Bay Ridge neighborhood this month, police were videotaped repeatedly punching protesters that generally appeared peaceful. New York City Mayor Eric Adams vowed that the pollice action would be reviewed. "Police presence at protests needs to be minimized," stated Udry. "Their role should only be protecting the right to protest and controlling traffic, not arresting people because they're in the street." Nevada, Utah, Idaho, Texas and Arizona experienced the fastest population growth by percentage of any other American state this century, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau data. Between July 1, 2000, and July 1, 2023 Michigan and Illinois recorded the smallest population upticks at just 0.9%, followed by Louisiana at 2.3% and New York at 3%. The population in Nevada soared 58% in the time to more than 3 million people. All U.S. states except West Virginia recorded some population growth over this period. West Virginia's population dipped 2%. Key factors in population change are more births, births exceeding deaths, internal migration from within the nation, and immigration from other countries, Prof. Kenneth Johnson, a senior demographer at the University of New Hampshire, told Newsweek. Johnson said Utah generally has a high population growth due to high birth rates. Between 2000 and 2023 population in the U.S. increased from approximately 281 million people to about 333 million, according to the census data. Johnson said that the Great Recession, which lasted from December 2007 to June 2009 in the U.S., had a significant impact on American population growth and migration, significantly reducing fertility rates and generally slowing migration. Rapper Nicki Minaj was released Saturday after an arrest for allegedly "carrying drugs" as she attempted to leave the Netherlands for a scheduled performance in Britain. The incident led to the cancellation of her sold-out concert at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, England, for some 20,000 fans Saturday night, the BBC reported. Minaj, 41, recorded her interaction with Dutch police officers who detained her at Amsterdam's Schipol Airport, and she posted the video clips online. The first video shows Minaj arguing with an officer after one accused her of "carrying drugs," and told her to get into a nearby police van. "I'm not carrying drugs," she said. "I'm not going in there. I need a lawyer present." An officer assured her she would get a lawyer at the police station and said they would help her get to her show "as soon as possible." "So I'm under arrest?" she asked. "Yes," one cop answered. After an officer said, "We will go with you," Minaj stepped inside and the door was shut behind her. In another exchange she was told all of her bags would be searched. In a statement posted on X, Dutch police said: "We have just released a 41-year-old American woman whom we arrested this afternoon at Schiphol on suspicion of exporting soft drugs." "The suspect was fined and can continue her journey," the statement added, according to a BBC translation. Minaj also posted a series of messages on X in which she addressed her arrest. "Keep in mind they took my bags without consent. My security has already advised them those pre-rolls belong to him," she wrote, referring to commercially prepared marijana cigarettes. In another post, she complained: "This is Amsterdam btw, where weed is legal." Under Dutch law, "soft drugs" include marijuana, hashish, sleeping pills and sedatives. Although it's against the law to possess, sell or produce drugs, the government tolerates the sale of small amounts of cannabis to adults in coffee shops where no alcoholic drinks are sold or consumed, and people aren't prosecuted for possession no more than 5 grams of weed or hash, or five marijana plants. now they said they found weed & that another group of ppl have to come here to weigh the pre-rolls. Keep in mind they took my bags without consent. My security has already advised them those pre-rolls belong to him. Oh yea & the pilot wants me to take my ig post down. Nicki Minaj (@NICKIMINAJ) May 25, 2024 At the new Co-op Live Arena, where Minaj was scheduled to perform the first of two sold-out shows, one fan started a chant of "Free Nicki Minaj" while heading inside before the concert was canceled, the BBC reported. "I really hopes she comes on," said another fan, Darcy Nicholls, 18, of Newcastle. "But it's Nicki so we knew it would be delayed somehow," said Nicholls, who was there with friend. Minaj's Saturday night concert will be rescheduled, with existing tickets valid for that performance, organizer Live Nation said in a statement. Hundreds of Muslims attacked a settlement of Christians in eastern Pakistan over allegations of blasphemy, then threw stones and bricks at police officers who intervened to quell the violence. At least 10 Christians were badly beaten and a house and a small shoe factory were set on fire during the Saturday rampage, Reuters said, citing local police and a Christian leader. The house and factory in the Mujahid Colony area of of Sargodha, a city in Punjab province, were both owned by a man accused of desecrating pages of Islam's holy book, the Quran, according to the Associated Press. The police rescued the man and his father from the mob, saving their lives, district police chief Ijaz Malhi told AP. Video clips posted on social media reportedly showed attackers looting the burning buildings and tossing stolen items into a bonfire in a street, according to Reuters. One victim who was taken to a hospital was reportedly in stable condition and 11 police officers were injured rescuing Christians from the angry crowd before cops cordoned off their settlement. About 25 Muslims were arrested and calm was restored by late evening, with leaders on both sides calling for peace, police said. A Christian rights group Minority Rights March said that a 70-year-old man was beaten and dragged by the mob and that video footage showed cops stood by as it happened. The police denied the allegation. Islam is the official state religion in Pakistan, where 96.5% of the population is Muslim, according to the CIA World Factbook. Under Pakistan's harsh blaspheny laws, insulting Islam or Islamic religious figures is punishable by death and although the state hasn't executed anyone for it, there have been numerous reports of street lynchings based solely on accusations. Following Saturday's violence, the independent Human Rights Commission of Pakistan said the country's Christians were "at grave risk to their lives at the hands of the charged mobs." Human rights groups have also said allegations of blasphemy were often used to settle personal disputes. Deadly tornadoes ripped across parts of Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas late Saturday and early Sunday. At least 14 people were reported dead, including at least seven in rural Cooke County, Texas, near the Oklahoma border. Three of the dead in Cooke County were found in a single destroyed home, according to authorities. "There's nothing left of this house. It's just a trail of debris. The devastation is pretty severe," Sheriff Ray Sappington told the Associated Press. The dead included two children, ages 2 and 5, the sheriff said. A tornado in Denton County Texas also caused extensive damage. It damaged homes, overturned vehicles and knocked down power lines. Traffic was stopped on Interstate 35 for several hours due to overturned 18-wheelers and downed power lines. Damage was reported at the Lake Ray Roberts Marina and at Isle du Bois State Park, according to county authorities. Power outages, uprooted trees, and downed limbs were reported from west of Sanger across the lake into Pilot Point. The Denton County Office of Emergency Management reported that injured people were transported to Denton and area hospitals via ambulance and helicopter. The number of people injured and the types of injuries were not immediately available. A Shell truck stop off Lone Oak Road in Cooke County just north of the Denton County line was severely damaged, and individuals were reported to be trapped inside after the storm passed through the area. The City of Denton Fire Department said it was working to free people trapped in the debris. At 5 a.m., there were still thousands of power outages across the region. Police in Claremore, Oklahoma, said the city was "shut down" due to storm damage. Electricity was out throughout the city and would remain so for "an extended period of time," police said. At least five people were killed in Arkansas. A 26-year-old woman was found dead outside a destroyed home in the town of Olvey. Another person died in Benton County and the other two died in Marion County. This spring has brought tremendous tornado activity to the Midwest. There was the second-highest number of tornadoes on record in the month of April, according to the Associated Press. The storm system causing the severe weather was expected to move east for the rest of the holiday weekend. A New York City subway passenger narrowly escaped serious injuries when a disturbed man allegedly threw a lighted cup of flammable liquid at him on a Manhattan subway train on Saturday. It is the second attack tied to the a homeless man who was later arrested. The 23-year-old victim's chest and neck were burned after his shirt caught fire, authorities reported. It happened on a No. 1 train as it was pulling into the Houston Street station in Manhattan shortly before 3 p.m. The attacker then jumped off the train and fled, but stopped to pick up a phone a woman dropped, the New York Post reported. Officers were reportedly able to track the phone to locate and arrest 49-year-old Niles Taylor. The NYPD confirmed to HNGN that Taylor faced several charges including arson, assault and weapon possesion. The victim was treated for minor injuries at New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Hospital. Police have also charged Taylor in another subway arson incident. NEW: SOMEONE IS THROWING CANS OF FIRE INSIDE NYC SUBWAY A suspect on camera throwing flaming cans at subway riders in NYC Source: Police Frequency pic.twitter.com/zkG5Cf1Nqs Suhr Majesty (@ULTRA_MAJESTY) March 13, 2024 In February, the NYPD said a man threw a container ablaze with a flammable liquid at a group of people in a Manhattan subway station. No one was hurt in that incident. Authorities had previously released a video of that attack in hopes of making an arrest. The NYPD tells HNGN that Taylor is now charged with attempted assault, reckless endangerment and arson in connection with the Feburary attack. New York's governor recently announced that she was sending the National Guard into the city's subway system to help control the crime problem. Massachusetts police arrested a suspect Saturday evening in the stabbing of four girls in a Boston movie theater and two adults in a separate attack. The girls, between the ages of nine and 17, were stabbed without any apparent warning or provocation in an AMC theater in the evening. All survived. They were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatement, and the movie theater was locked down, CNN reported. The suspect entered the theater without paying. "Inside ... he encountered four young females. Without saying anything and without any warning, he suddenly attacked and stabbed" them, the Braintree Police Department wrote in a statement. The suspect fled in a vehicle as the Braintree Fire and Police Departments and the Brewster paramedics responded to the scene. Less than an hour later, a 21-year-old woman and a 29-year-old man were stabbed in a local McDonalds. They were both treated at a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening stab wounds. State troopers tracked down the suspect's vehicle in the town Sandwich thanks to a description, and gave chase when the driver failed to pull over. Troopers gave chase when the driver refused to pull over. "The suspect crashed the vehicle and was taken into custody shortly thereafter by Sandwich and State Police. He is currently being treated at an area hospital," Massachusetts State Police reported. Investigations into both incidents remain ongoing, but the state police believe that both incidents are connected. The suspect was not identified. A Russian TV host who is an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly suggested that Moscow launch a missile attack on the Statue of Liberty. Russia 1 channel anchor Vladimir Solovyov has issued a series of warnings against the West since Russia invaded Ukraine. During a recent episode of his show, Russian political scientist Dmitry Evstafiev suggested "launching a hypersonic missile across the continental U.S., but not at the U.S. Let it fly over it." Solovyov responded: "But know out the torch on the State of Liberty, heh?" Anton Gerashchenko, the former adviser in Ukraine's internal affairs ministry posted the clip on X with a translation saying, "They want this for the whole world. Just because they can. Just because they can get away with it." "Shoot in the direction of the United States and see what happens" - it's not just the Russian propagandists, almost all the Russian population is like that, after years of propaganda. Watch the video below and read this story. They want this for the whole world. Just because https://t.co/zshJhdjikC pic.twitter.com/idF8egNuiS Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) May 25, 2024 In March, Solovyov suggested nuclear strikes on NATO members. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claims Russia is preparing to intensify its offensive along Ukraine's northern border. Fourteen died in an aerial bomb attack on a large construction supplies store in the city of Kharkiv on Saturday. At least 43 others were injured, and 16 are missing, Kharkiv Gov. Oleh Syniehubov said, according to the Associated Press. Six NATO countries plan to establish a "drone wall" against Russia following a series of provocations that included sending migrants across their borders, according to a report Sunday. Officials from Finland, Norway, Poland and three Baltic states discussed deploying a wall of drones to strengthen their borders against potential Russian attacks, according to the Financial Times. "This is a completely new thing a drone wall stretching from Norway to Poland and the goal is to use drones and other technologies to protect our borders," Lithuanian Interior Minister Agne Bilotaite told the Baltic News Service. The other Baltic countries involved in the project are Estonia and Latvia. Officials didn't provide details about the deployment of the drone wall, with Bilotaite saying each country needed to do "homework," and suggesting that EU funds might help pay for it. Mari Rantanen, Finland's interior minister, told public broadcaster Yle that the plan would "improve in time" and could help defend the Nordic nation's border with Russia, which at 883 miles is the longest of any NATO or European Union country, the FT noted. In addition to the drone wall, the officials reportedly discussed plans for evacuating large portions of their populations if conflict erupted with Russia, which invaded Ukraine in February 2022, sparking an ongoing war. Russia has mounted "hybrid" attacks against Finland and the five other countries, using non-military measures with elements of deniability such as directing migrants from Africa and the Middle East to seek asylum there, according to the FT. Last week, Russia's Defense Ministry also briefly posted an online proposal to expand its maritime borders with Lithuania and Finland, one day before removing 25 buoys that marked its maritime border with Estonia. Many NATO countries fear Russia could test the 32-member alliance's border in the next five to 10 years, according to the FT. A pilot and several passengers survived a near-disaster, on Saturday afternoon, by parachuting to safety when a single-engine Cessna crash-landed in a nearby hay field. Six other passengers were aboard the plane, flying over Bates County, Missouri. The passengers all safely exited the plane before the pilot parachuted out. After the crash, officials from the local sheriff's office located the pilot at a nearby hanger. Everyone involved was treated and released at the scene. "The plane is a total loss," the Bates County Sheriff's Office said in a statement shared on Facebook. The incident is under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board. BCC Faculty Member Wins Fulbright Scholarship PITTSFIELD, Mass. Berkshire Community College (BCC) Writing Across the Curriculum Coordinator Liesl Schwabe recently received a Fulbright-Nehru Award for Professional and Academic Excellence, part of the U.S. Department of State Fulbright Scholar program. Schwabe will spend the 2024-25 academic year in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), India, along with her husband and their 13-year-old daughter. Fulbright Scholar Awards are prestigious and competitive fellowships that provide unique opportunities for scholars to teach and conduct research abroad. Fulbright scholars also play a critical role in U.S. public diplomacy, establishing long-term relationships between people and nations. Alumni of the Fulbright Program include 62 Nobel Laureates, 89 Pulitzer Prize winners, 80 MacArthur Fellows, and thousands of leaders and world-renowned experts in academia and many other fields across the private, public and non-profit sectors. Schwabe's grant combines teaching and research. For the teaching portion, she will provide writing instruction to faculty, graduate students and undergraduates at various public universities across Kolkata. "Kolkata is one of the most richly literary cities on earth. The 'boi mela,' or annual book fair, regularly sees more than two million visitors, and almost anyone on the street can recite Tagore at the drop of a hat. And yet, because the Indian educational system is based heavily on exams and rankings, there is not yet have a lot of pedagogical infrastructure to support writing," Schwabe said. "My hope is to create a Writing and Research Centre, available to consortium of institutions, and to train current MA and PhD students to work as writing tutors." For the research portion of the award, Schwabe will continue her work on a collection of essays that highlight specific instances of American and Indian interdependence. The cornerstone essay examines both historic and contemporary productions of a play, known in English as "Rights of Man," which was written and performed in Bengali in 1968. The play recreates the trial of the Scottsboro boys, nine Black Americans who were wrongfully accused of raping two white women in Alabama in 1931. "Ultimately, my book will look to explore the possibilities and limitations of solidarity, as evidenced through specific instances of material and social overlap between the United States and India," Schwabe said. "I'm thrilled and honored to be a Fulbright Scholar," Schwabe said. "I look forward to sharing my findings with the BCC community and beyond, and I'm so grateful to BCC for supporting me in my journey." Get our free weekly email for all the latest cinematic news from our film critic Clarisse Loughrey Get our The Life Cinematic email for free Get our The Life Cinematic email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy It was a strange Cannes Film Festival this year. Usually by the festivals halfway mark, there are plenty of films earmarked as future classics titles whose premieres lead to a spring in journalists steps as they leave the screening rooms and ones whose journey towards awards success might just have been kickstarted. In their place this year seemed to be films of varying quality, whose quality nobody could agree on. But sure enough, the brilliant films started flowing in as freely as the booze being poured at the many parties peppered along the croisette and with them, a sense of haughty unease was replaced by excited relief. Enthusiastic word-of-mouth soon started eclipsing what had initially been the festivals divisive conversation starters: Francis Ford Coppolas $130m experiment Megalopolis, Jacques Audiards crime musical comedy genre mash-up Emilia Perez (which, on 25 May, won the Jury Prize as well as joint Best Actress for its four lead stars, including Zoe Saldana and Selena Gomez), and the first part of Kevin Costners Western five-part franchise, Horizon: An American Saga. Our personal count this year was 22 films screened across the In Competition and Directors Fortnight strands, and below are the eight films that stood out as highlights. All We Imagine as Light open image in gallery Kani Kusruti and Divya Prabha in All We Imagine as Light ( BFI ) Some people call this the city of dreams, but I dont I think its the city of illusions, one character says of Mumbai midway through Payal Kapadias enthralling All We Imagine as Light. It perhaps best sums up a film that, on the surface, is a gentle tale about love, and past and present merging with the uncertainty of the future. But Kapadia creates something altogether deeper, depicting the Indian city in ways rarely seen before, her direction free-wheeling yet note-perfect. Accompanied by an ethereal original score by Topshe, All We Imagine as Light is a search for meaning, an ode to belonging and a quiet masterpiece. (On 25 May, All We Imagine as Light won the Grand Prix the second biggest prize behind the Palme dOr.) Anora open image in gallery Mark Eydelshteyn and Mikey Madison in Anora ( Neon Pictures ) If there were any doubts that Sean Baker is one of the most exciting American directors working today, Anora douses them in petrol, sets them alight and then does it again to be sure. His slice-of-life storytelling style, so brilliantly captured in Tangerine, The Florida Project and Red Rocket, this time around focuses on an exotic dancer whose life is upheaved by the kooky, and very rich, son of a Russian billionaire (a star-making role for Mark Eydelshteyn). Mikey Madison is wondrous as the protagonist, effusing Ani dont call her Anora with an abrasive energy that never drags, while the midway point sees the film evolve from a Pretty Woman-lite romcom into a screwball comedy of errors that would have made Preston Sturges proud. And blush. (On 25 May, Anora won the coveted Palme dOr.) Gazer open image in gallery Ariella Mastroianni in Gazer ( Cannes Film Festival ) Electrician-turned-filmmaker Ryan J Sloans debut (co-written by and starring his partner Ariella Mastroianni) is a striking cult hit-in-waiting a paranoid thriller with Alfred Hitchcock and David Lynch in its veins. Therell be dissenters who say this muted thriller, following a woman who struggles to perceive how much time has elapsed, wears its influences too obviously on its sleeve, but that is to do it a disservice: Gazer is an admirably accomplished first feature made independently by two film enthusiasts with no formal training in screenwriting or directing. The result is a mystery drama oozing in confidence that places two new filmmaking voices on the map. The Girl with the Needle open image in gallery Vic Carmen Sonne in The Girl with the Needle ( Nordisk Film ) The Girl with the Needle was perhaps the bleakest film screened in competition at this years Cannes, and has a strong case for being one of the bleakest in cinema history one look at the far-too-revealing plot synopsis will fill you in as to why. But dont let that put you off. This staggeringly bold second feature from Sweat director Magnus van Horn is a chilly, shape-shifting descent into hell set in the aftermath of the First World War. Its a worthwhile watch if you can stomach the films surprises. Danish national treasure Trine Dyrholm is on remarkable form (the less you know about her character the better), but Vic Carmen Sonne is the tie that binds. The actor is perfectly cast as Karoline, a force of nature whose pep for life erodes with every bad turn she experiences after falling pregnant with her bosss baby. Grand Tour open image in gallery Crista Alfaiate in Grand Tour ( Uma Pedra no Sapato ) Miguel Gomes might make films more attuned for arthouse lovers, but Grand Tour is an unusually accessible work from the Portugese filmmaker. The mystery it presents recounted by a series of anonymous narrators feels low stakes, which heightens its soothing nature. Set in 1918, Grand Tour follows a British civil servant (Goncalo Waddington) who purposefully evades his fiancee Molly Singleton (Crista Alfaiate), who is attempting to locate him. The result might not win Gomes any new fans, but his loyalists will lap up the films shining and beguilingly evocative moments. (On 25 May, Gomes was awarded with Best Director for his work on Grand Tour.) Mongrel open image in gallery Wanlop Rungkumjad and Kuo Shu-wei in Mongrel ( Cannes Film Festival ) There were multiple walkouts in my screening of the challenging Mongrel, but thats no reflection on the quality of Wei Liang Chiang and You Qiao Yins impressive film. Executive produced by slow cinema supremo Hou Hsiao-hsien, Mongrel is, at its core, about suffering, and has a moroseness pervading every one of its beautifully captured shots. Its arthouse cinema for the most patient of viewers, anchored by a magnetic performance from Wanlop Rungkumjad, who plays a caregiver also caught up in a scheme involving illegal migrant workers. (On 25 May, Mongrel received a Special Mention during the annual prize-giving ceremony.) The Substance open image in gallery Demi Moore in The Substance ( MUBI ) Every Cannes has one: a love it or hate it title that becomes a word-of-mouth sensation thanks to the sheer division it creates among festivalgoers. No, were not talking about the so-bad-it-still-isnt-good Megalopolis, but The Substance, a body horror that goes places even body horror aficionados will be shocked by. Helping this films cause are a few things firstly, its the second film from Coralie Fargeat, whose gory thriller Revenge marked her out as one to watch back in 2017 but, secondly it marks a return-of-sorts for 1990s icon Demi Moore, who is fantastically cast as an ageing Hollywood star who takes a black market drug to create a younger version of herself. The Substance is as gruesome as they come, culminating with an extended sequence that needs to be experienced with a crowd. (On 25 May, The Substance was awarded with Best Screenplay) To a Land Unknown open image in gallery Aram Sabbah and Mahmood Bakri in To a Land Unknown ( Cannes Film Festival ) The fact this started filming six months before its Cannes premiere is nothing short of impressive. The labour of love placed into this film, from Palestinian-Danish director Mahdi Fleifel, is clear from scene one and right through to its heart-wrenching final shot. The story follows cousins Chatila and Reda, two immigrants shafted by a smuggler who leaves them stranded in Athens despite their family living in Germany. Midnight Cowboy is a clear reference point for the nuanced performances by Mahmood Bakri and Aram Sabbah, whose charisma is cast-iron proof theyll be on screen again very soon. Get our free weekly email for all the latest cinematic news from our film critic Clarisse Loughrey Get our The Life Cinematic email for free Get our The Life Cinematic email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Carrie Fisher called up her best friend and fellow actor, Griffin Dunne, in a panic over her hair style for the 1977 sci-fi film Star Wars, he has recalled, as she fretted that the project would be a f***ing disaster. Dunne recounts his friendship with the late star in his new memoir, The Friday Afternoon Club: A Family Memoir, which is out on 11 June via Penguin Press, along with other memories from a childhood surrounded by famous faces. In an extract published by The Times, Dunne recalls how he received a call from his longtime friend, whom he met through his younger brother when she came over to the familys home for dinner. It was 1976 and one day Carrie said offhandedly that she had landed a job in some science-fiction movie shooting in England, he wrote. Is there a part in it for me? I asked, oblivious to what a normal person would say, like Congrats or Thats great! The only one you would have been right for is being played by Mark somebody, Fisher apparently responded, referring to her co-star Mark Hamill, who played Luke Skywalker. Its a really stupid script and you would have turned it down, I promise. open image in gallery Carrie Fisher fretted over her hairstyle in Star Wars ( Lucasfilm/Fox/Kobal/Shutterstock ) Fisher, with whom Dunne shared a flat at the time, told him she was also acting opposite some older guy named Harrison Ford, whom he realised had worked as a carpenter for his aunt, the writer Joan Didion. Like an eager puppy Id handed him nails or dug for hardware from his worn canvas toolkit, he said. In return he would slip me one of his Marlboros, the filters of which I clipped off because thats what he did. Harrison cut me off from his endless relay of joints because his stuff was so strong that after one toke I couldnt tell the difference between a saw and a tape measure. I simply idolised the dude and hated my envy that Carrie would get to spend so much time with him. open image in gallery Carrie Fisher revealed she had a three-month affair with Harrison Ford while they were shooting Star Wars (pictured here in a still from 2015s Star Wars: The Force Awakens Fisher, who revealed she had a three-month affair with Ford in her 2016 memoir, grew anxious as the release date for Star Wars loomed on 25 May 1997, and called Dunne from the shoot in England in a panic over her wardrobe. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free You should see what they did to my hair! she had screamed into the phone on location, usually mornings before going to set for her, four in the morning for me. I look like Im wearing two bagels over my ears. She added: And Im acting with an eight-foot yeti and a four-foot Brit in a rolling trash can! We shoot at s*** we cant see on green screens with ray guns that dont even have a trigger. This movie is going to be a f***ing disaster. Of course, Dunne went on to acknowledge, the film was far from a disaster, and his friendship with Fisher shifted as she shot to global fame as Princess Leia Organa, a leader of the Rebel Alliance. Fisher died aged 60 in 2016, after suffering a heart attack on a flight from London to Los Angeles. Get our free weekly email for all the latest cinematic news from our film critic Clarisse Loughrey Get our The Life Cinematic email for free Get our The Life Cinematic email for free Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the The Life Cinematic email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Lea Seydoux has called out French president Emmanuel Macron for saying that Gerard Depardieu makes France proud, amid sexual misconduct allegations against the veteran actor. The Paris-born actor, 38, said it gave a very bad image of our country but praised younger generations for being very active in calling out such issues. Last December, Macron sparked outrage after he claimed that Depardieu was the target of a manhunt, telling broadcaster France 5 that he was a great admirer of the actor and that he makes France proud. So strange. It was crazy, Seydoux told The Sunday Times culture magazine of Macrons comments. Why say that? It was really something. Its crazy he said that, the president. Crazy. Earlier this month, Macron clarified his comments and claimed that they had been misinterpreted, emphasising that he was not complacent around issues such as sexual harassment. I just want a respect for our principles, such as the presumption of innocence. These same principles which will allow justice to rule next October and that is a good thing, he told French womens magazine Elle. Lea Seydoux criticised French president Emmanuel Macrons comments in defence of Gerard Depardieu ( Getty ) Judges this month ordered Depardieu, 75, to stand trial in October over allegations of sexual assault brought by two women, who worked with him on film sets in 2014 and 2021. The actor, regarded as one of the biggest French stars of the late 20th century, has been publicly accused of rape or assault by 20 women. He denies any wrongdoing and says all of his relationships with women have been consensual. Prosecutors confirmed that Depardieu would appear in court in October over the 2021 assault allegations. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days New subscribers only. 8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled Try for free He will be judged in October 2024 for sexual assaults allegedly committed in September 2021 against two victims, during the filming of the movie Les volets verts (The Green Shutters), prosecutors said. Macrons latest remarks came after a group of French actors, including Oscar winner Juliette Binoche, signed an open letter accusing their country of being enormously backward in dealing with sexual misconduct. The letter marked the start of the Cannes Film Festival, and saw Binoche and 100 other actors and cultural figures claim that, despite years of campaigning to expose predatory behaviour by men, the agressors are protected by collective denial. Elsewhere in her interview, Seydoux criticised attitudes towards ageing in America, declaring that she feels fortunate to be part of the film industry in Europe. Lea Seydoux at Cannes Film Festival 2024 ( 2024 Invision ) The Blue is the Warmest Colour star said she views Hollywood as more of a business where the public are infantalised` by everything from the adverts you see in the streets to the writing they put on their cereal packets. Maybe because its a young country? she continued. So people want to stay young forever? Its a society that is infantilising and you cannot get older in America. Its almost like a disease there, getting older. Its the same for men. The star, who played Dr Madeleine in 2015s James Bond film Spectre and again in 2021s No Time to Die, also suggested it would be weird to make a Bond film today with a guy who is super-misogynistic. It has to reflect the society were living in, she added. She most recently starred in sci-fi epic Dune: Part Two, opposite Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya and Florence Pugh. Rape Crisis offers support for those affected by rape and sexual abuse. You can call them on 0808 802 9999 in England and Wales, 0808 801 0302 in Scotland, and 0800 0246 991 in Northern Ireland, or visit their website at www.rapecrisis.org.uk. If you are in the US, you can call Rainn on 800-656-HOPE (4673) Sign up to Roisin OConnors free weekly newsletter Now Hear This for the inside track on all things music Get our Now Hear This email for free Get our Now Hear This email for free SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Nicki Minaj fans were left fuming after the US rappers gig in Manchester was postponed at the last minute, following her arrest at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam. Minaj, 41, was arrested on suspicion of exporting soft drugs before she was fined and permitted to continue on her journey, Dutch police said. In a video livestreamed to her followers, Minaj revealed she had pre-rolled joints in her bag that she said belonged to someone else. Keep in mind they took my bags without consent. My security has already advised them those pre-rolls belong to him, she wrote on X. Oh yea and the pilot wants me to take my [Instagram] post down. The Anaconda star was unable to make it to Manchester in time for her concert at the embattled Co-op Live arena, where 20,000 fans were waiting for her to take to the stage. Fans were let into the arena at 7pm BST and remained hopeful the gig would take place until 9.30pm, when boos erupted around the venue as fans were informed that it had been postponed and asked to leave the area. I spent 150 for my ticket and booked a day off work for it, and we sat there for about three hours waiting and we got told its not happening, Imogen Pope, 18, told the BBC. open image in gallery Nicki Minaj fans were gutted after the rappers show was postponed ( AP ) Ellis Day, 17, from Cheshire, said he was devastated about the postponement. Weve come here, we spent all day getting ready, to see this happen, he said. Its just really disappointing when weve got our hopes up and spent the money, and we get told at the very last minute that shes not going to show up. Some fans criticised the Co-op Live organisers, with one fan writing on X/Twitter: Co-op Live you are a f***ing joke. You knew hours ago that the show wouldnt go ahead yet you still allowed everyone to come and spend money at your venue to then cancel last minute. Absolute joke. Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members) Sign up Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members) Sign up In a video, another fan, Aaron Drohan, called out the venue for getting us to stand around having bought food, drink and merchandise, only to postpone the event. F*** you, Co-op Live, he said, revealing that he flew in from Ireland to see the show. Minaj invited her fans, known as Barbz, to her hotel in the centre of the city after she arrived, having missed the gig, and according to videos on social media she then spoke to the crowds outside. She told them: I wanted to honestly tell you that I love you. On X, she wrote the venue was willing to go past 11pm, and she pointed the finger at unidentified figures who she said had succeeded at their plan to not let me get on that stage tonight. She said a new date for the show would be announced on Sunday. She wrote: One July option and one June option is currently being discussed. Ill find a way to not only make up the date with the performance but Im going to create an added bonus for everyone that had a (ticket) for this show. Promise. open image in gallery Nicki Minaj did not perform in Manchester as scheduled on Saturday night (Ian West/PA) ( PA Archive ) Minaj said she will continue with her other scheduled shows, including in Birmingham on Sunday and a second night at the Co-op Live Arena on Thursday. A statement from Live Nation said on Saturday: Despite Nickis best efforts to explore every possible avenue to make tonights show happen, the events of today have made it impossible. We are deeply disappointed by the inconvenience this has caused. Minajs arrest and postponed show is the latest issue to plague the Co-op Live arena, which was finally able to open last week after over a month of delays. Additional reporting by Associated Press For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Millions of voters stood in queues under the scorching sun as India conducted the sixth phase of its mammoth national election on Saturday. More than 111 million voters in eight states and federal territories were registered to vote in the penultimate phase to decide the fate of 889 candidates contesting 58 seats, including all seven seats in the national capital Delhi. The final phase of voting is on 1 June and the results are set to be declared on 4 June. Nearly 969 million people are eligible to vote in the ongoing election, which will determine if Narendra Modi and his Hindu nationalist party get a third successive term in power. As voters turned out on Saturday, they had to stand in long queues without adequate shade from the scorching sun. In Delhi, mercury hovered around 42C but it felt like 49C at 2pm, according to the weather department. We hope that people will overcome the fear of the heatwave and come and vote, Delhi chief electoral officer P Krishnamurthy said. Mr Modi also urged voters to come out in large numbers. Every vote counts, make yours count too, the prime minister said. By 3pm, 49.20 per cent of the registered voters had cast their ballots, the Election Commission of India said. While the eastern state of West Bengal saw the highest turnout of about 70 per cent, Uttar Pradesh state in the north recorded 43.95 per cent. Delhi saw a turnout of 44.58 per cent. The final voter will be released after 6pm local time when polling closes. The turnout in the same phase of the last election in 2019 was about 63 per cent. This year, extreme heat has caused a decline of about 1 per cent in the turnout for the first four phases. The election has been marked by increasingly divisive rhetoric, with Mr Modi seeming to lead the way. The prime minister has targeted the countrys Muslim minority, a bugbear of his Hindu nationalist base, drawing criticism from rights groups like Amnesty. In one speech, Mr Modi referred to the countrys Muslims as infiltrators. In another speech, he said if the opposition Congress party was elected to office it would take wealth from Hindu wives and daughters and give it to those with more children, a dog whistle that Hindu nationalists commonly employ against Muslims. On Friday, the Chhattisgarh state chapter of Modis party had to pull down three objectionable posts from Instagram after an intervention by the states chief electoral officer, The Indian Express reported. One animated video posted on 15 May showed a man in a skull cap, a Muslim symbol, robbing a woman, with Rahul Gandhi, the face of the opposition, flying in to assist the thief. Another post was an image posted on 20 May depicting opposition Mr Gandhi snatching a womans mangalsutra, a traditional necklace worn by married Hindu women, and handing it to a man. The third post was an animated video showing Mr Gandhi allowing Muslims to take social welfare benefits away from marginalised Hindu groups. Sushil Anand Shukla, a spokesperson for the Congress party in Chhattisgarh, accused the ruling party of conspiring to disrupt communal harmony of India. The ruling party denied the posts were communal or that they had received a notice from the election watchdog to take them down. They were removed, the party said, because it was following the election guidelines. There was nothing religious about it, Somesh Pandey of the Chhattisgarh BJPs social media cell said. The posts were related to the Congress narrative of inheritance tax and taking away reservation and giving it to Muslims. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy At least 37 people, including several children, have been killed in a series of fires in the past 24 hours as India battles a brutal heatwave. Seven newborn babies died after a childrens hospital caught fire in the national capital Delhi, while another fire in a residential complex in the city killed three people. Delhis fire services said they received a call from Baby Care New Born Hospital in Vivek Vihar late on Saturday night and quickly sent nine fire trucks to the scene. By the time the firefighters reached the hospital, one of the 12 babies admitted there had died. They rescued the others and took them to East Delhi Advance NICU Hospital for treatment, but six were declared dead on arrival. The cause of the fire, which also affected an adjacent building, is not yet known. This incident of fire in a childrens hospital is heartbreaking, Delhis chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said. Government and administration officials are busy providing treatment to the injured at the spot. The causes of the incident are being investigated and whoever is responsible for this negligence will not be spared. In the morning, the fire services were alerted to another fire in a residential building in East Delhis Krishna Nagar area. We received a call of fire at 2.35am from Krishna Nagar. The fire was doused at 7.20am. Five fire-tenders were rushed to the spot, Delhi Fire Services chief Atul Garg told The Indian Express. A total of 13 people were rescued but three were declared dead. open image in gallery Firefighters douse a fire at an amusement park in Rajkot on Saturday ( AP ) The fires in the capital came after a major blaze at an amusement park in the western state of Gujarat on Saturday that killed 27 people. The park was filled with hundreds of visitors when the fire broke out. Plywood and other construction material lying in the area caught fire all of a sudden, Yash Patoliya, a visitor at the park, told The Indian Express. The fire spread within seconds and sent people running helter-skelter. The cause of the fire was not immediately known. India has been grappling with a brutal heatwave this summer that has seen temperatures soar above 45C in many places. Hotter and more extreme temperatures, in turn, have increased the risk of fires. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Indian spice exporters are being investigated after tests revealed elevated levels of cancer-causing pesticides in their products, sparking concern among global food regulators. The Spices Board, Indias main regulator for spice exports, said it has begun conducting inspections at processing and manufacturing plants belonging to MDH and Everest, two leading brands. The investigation comes over a month after Hong Kong suspended the sale of three spice blends produced by MDH and one by Everest, saying they contained high levels of a carcinogenic pesticide named ethylene oxide. Singapore ordered a recall of an Everest mix, while New Zealand, Australia and the United States said they are looking into complaints about the two brands. Britains food watchdog has applied extra control measures to all spice imports from India, the Food Standards Agency said last Wednesday. We have conducted three consultations with the industry, a senior Spices Board official was quoted as saying by the Mint newspaper, adding that the industry is taking a serious approach to the matter. A report on Tuesday in the Financial Express said that initial testing by Indian officials found no evidence of ethylene oxide in MDH spices but that in the case of Everest, some of the samples (out of 12) were non-compliant. We have told them to take corrective actions and we are working with them to ensure that they are compliant, the unnamed official said. The two Indian companies have said their products are safe for consumption, with MDH denying it uses any ethylene oxide in its spice mixes. We reassure our buyers and consumers that we do not use ethylene oxide at any stage of storing, processing, or packing our spices, it said, according to NDTV. The Independent has contacted Everest for comment. Ethylene oxide, which is generally used as a disinfectant, sterilising agent and insecticide to reduce microbial contamination, is considered carcinogenic beyond permissible limits. This limit is not standardised around the world, however. Hong Kong completely prohibits the use of ethylene oxide in food, while the European Union limits its usage to 0.1mg per kg. The US Environmental Protection Agency says regular exposure to ethylene oxide over many years raises the risk of cancers, including non-Hodgkins lymphoma, myeloma and lymphocytic leukaemia, and breast cancer. Growing global scrutiny of Indian spices has caused concern about the risk posed to the countrys spice export industry, which according to the Spices Board was worth $4bn in 2022-23. The Global Trade Research Initiative, a think tank in New Delhi, estimates that it is likely to impact more than half of all overseas orders. About 14.5 per cent of MDH shipments to the US have been cancelled since 2021 due to the presence of salmonella bacteria, a Reuters analysis of US FDA data has found. Additional reporting by agencies Sign up for our free Health Check email to receive exclusive analysis on the week in health Get our free Health Check email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Health Check email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Six people became infected with a parasite known as brain worms after eating undercooked black bear meat, or food cross-contaminated with the meat, at a family reunion in 2022 the Center for Disease Control (CDC) said in a new report. In May 2022 a group of nine family members met in South Dakota and shared kebabs made from the meat of a black bear and vegetables. Earlier that month, one of the family members harvested the meat in northern Saskatchewan, Canada. At the advice of a hunting outfitter, the family member froze the meat in a household freezer for 45 days to kill parasites. The family then thawed the meat and grilled it with the vegetables, according to the CDC. However, the meat was accidentally served undercooked. Months later, family members presented to doctors or hospitals with symptoms consistent with the parasitic infection trichinellosis otherwise known as brain worms. After health officials reported the infection the CDC investigated it. Now, the health agency is reminding people to cook their meat to an internal temperature of 165F (74C). Muscular trichinella ( Getty Images ) Some states, like Minnesota, require healthcare providers to report cases of trichinellosis to the state Department of Health. Healthcare providers did exactly that in July 2022 when a 29-year-old man presented to a hospital with symptoms consistent with trichinellosis: a fever, severe aches, swollen eyes and a high count of white blood cells among other abnormal labs. It was the second time the man was hospitalized and the fourth time he was seeking care for his symptoms which began in early July. It was only then that he informed healthcare providers he ate bear meat. Trichinellosis is a relatively rare parasitic disease that typically develops from eating rare or undercooked meat from wild animals. Parasites, known as roundworms, infect parts of the body and reproduce, causing illness. About 90 per cent of cases in the United States come from bears. Black bear ( Getty Images/iStockphoto ) During the May 2022 family gathering, only five of the nine family members ate the bear meat while eight consumed the vegetables it was cooked with. Those who consumed the bear meat recognized it was undercooked after consuming it they reported it was difficult to tell if it was cooked thoroughly before eating due to its dark color. They put the bear meat back on the grill to cook after realizing it was rare but it was too late. After investigation, the CDC found six of the eight people, including the man hospitalized, had symptoms consistent with trichinellosis four who ate the meat and two who only consumed the vegetables. Their ages ranged from 12 to 62 years old with one living in Arizona, four living in Minnesota and one living in South Dakota. Three people required trichinellosis-directed treatment but two others recovered on their own. Testing conducted on the bear meat, which had been frozen for 110 days in the household freezer, revealed freeze-resistant trichinella larvae. The person who had the meat was instructed to discard it. The CDC recommends that the best way to prevent trichinellosis is to cook meat thoroughly and use a meat thermometer to ensure it is done. Additionally, those handling raw meat should wash their hands with warm water and soap before preparing and clean any tools used thoroughly after use. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A Jamaican Second World War veteran has described lying about his age to join the Royal Air Force at 16 after reading newspaper reports of ships being sighted in the Caribbean. Gilbert Clarke, 98, who was born in Montego Bay, Jamaica, described feeling very excited when he joined the RAF as a mechanic and was then posted to South Virginia in the United States. Mr Clarke recalled feeling a sense of duty to help stop Hitler and rejoicing as he heard planes flying towards Europe on D-Day in 1944. He told the PA news agency that he lied about his age when he applied to join the war effort. Mr Clarke said: I had just left school at 16 and I thought why not?. In the newspapers and radio they said theyd sighted a few boats in the Caribbean so I thought Id join up. Speaking at an event organised by the Spirit of Normandy Trust, Mr Clarke continued: Everyone was doing their bit, you know. It was important not to do nothing because Hitler there was word in the Caribbean saying any time he could be colonising the Caribbean and South America, and so we had to do something. Talking about the journey from Jamaica to the US, he said: In the Atlantic, many, many ships joined us and every now and again, the ships were torpedoed. Mr Clarke, who now lives in London, went on to describe hearing planes flying towards Europe on D-Day. He recalled: It started with that noise you hear. It was the planes going towards Europe massive, massive planes. All the boys shouted Give them hell boys!, and then we thought that should be the end of the war, hopefully. I felt very happy because I thought now maybe the war was coming to an end. While based at British and American air bases, Mr Clarke fitted, serviced and repaired radar and other electronic equipment for planes including Hurricanes and Spitfires. Regarding the importance of commemorating the war and sharing memories with his fellow veterans, the former mechanic who will travel to Normandy for the 80th anniversary of D-Day on June 6 said: I am happy to associate with people like us in remembrance of the D-Day invasion. Most of us ex-veterans, we all die off. We are the last few left. Get Nadine White's Race Report newsletter for a fresh perspective on the week's news Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent Get our free newsletter from The Independent's Race Correspondent Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the The Race Report email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} From a man being taken to court for posting a raccoon picture on social media to a British-Asian woman being charged after holding a placard depicting ministers as coconuts, concerns are mounting about how criticising politicians can land Black and Asian people with criminal records. Increasingly, emojis and memes are being used as a form of political criticism, in these cases to call out members of an ethnic minority who are perceived as pandering to white supremacy. But a number of people have been investigated by the police as a result of using terms such as coconut, c**n and tap-dancer to criticise public figures who share the same ethnicity. Critics believe they are making legitimate points, while those on the receiving end have said the images amount to racial abuse. Those making complaints about the images are using anti-racist legislation. But campaigners are concerned the law is being weaponised against people from minoritised communities who have expressed critical views on social media, particularly against right-wing politicians. The accused could face sentences of up to two years in prison if convicted. Michael Buraimoh, chief executive of campaigning group Race on the Agenda, told The Independent: It is deeply troubling to see anti-racist legislation meant to protect members of our community increasingly being weaponised against us. Racism, whilst notoriously difficult to define, generally involves individuals with more power oppressing or victimising those with less power. The decision to open a police probe into a social media dispute between two members of our racialised and generally marginalised community is wholly disproportionate. Social media use can have real and unintended consequences for people posting ( Getty ) A number of images depicting coconuts, raccoons and tap-dancing have been posted online by Black and Asian users. Coconut and raccoon or c**n are used to imply that a member of a minority community is acting as an apologist for racism, with coconut suggesting the person is brown on the outside but white on the inside. Being described in such terms is no compliment. However, is it worthy of criminalisation? This is where the debate rages on. For example, a raccoon emoji on X, formerly Twitter, landed a Black man in court earlier this year in a case revealed by The Independent. In March, he was acquitted of hate crime charges. The man, aged 26 at the time, was reported to the police for posting the image during a heated exchange with a politician who is also of ethnic minority heritage, in September 2022. Following the police complaint and further enquiries, the man was charged with racially aggravated malicious communications and appeared in Wood Green Crown Court in London in February. However, a jury returned a not guilty verdict on both counts after a three-day hearing. Another Black man was recently investigated after his tweet of a Daffy Duck tap-dancing emoji led to a police complaint during an online row about race. Suella Braverman has been accused of stoking racial tensions over her comments about Palestine marches ( Getty Images ) The HR professional, who has asked not to be named for fear that he may lose his job, became the subject of Metropolitan Police enquiries that lasted seven months, and was interviewed under caution and questioned at work. Im going to be brought down by a Daffy Duck GIF? I felt anger, he told The Independent, defending his use of the GIF as critique of political ideology. This particular GIF image and the idea of a tap dancer is often used within Black communities to describe a Black person who aims to appease racists by denying the existence of racism, while appearing to be amenable, entertaining or both. As well as raccoon emojis and tap-dancing GIFs, coconut imagery is also used online in the context of political criticism of Black and Asian politicians, as well as in conversations. This week, Marieha Hussain, a British-Asian woman, was charged with racially aggravated public disorder after being pictured holding a banner depicting Rishi Sunak and former home secretary Suella Braverman as coconuts, while attending a pro-Palestine march in November. She is due to appear at Wimbledon magistrates court on 26 June. Ms Hussains case has fuelled a debate about the extent to which terms such as coconut and c**n are racist when used by people in minority communities. Ms Braverman came under fire for stoking racial tensions with offensive rhetoric about Black and Asian communities when she called pro-Palestine protests hate marches, while Mr Sunak has been criticised for presiding over divisive policies such as his Rwanda deportation scheme. Activist and political commentator Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu says the term coconut should not be considered a hate crime ( PA Archive ) In light of these cases, campaigners have raised concerns that anti-racist legislation is now being weaponised against ethnic minority groups . Dr Asim Qureshi, research director at advocacy group CAGE International, which has advocated for Ms Hussain, said: We have reached late-stage diversity, equity and inclusion, where legislation enacted to ostensibly protect minorities from racial discrimination, is now being weaponised against people of colour for expressing their political views. It is why CAGE International focuses on the systemic, rather than seeking to ameliorate a broken system of injustice. Racism never went away, it was just subverted by racists into being something that could become everything except doing the actual work of anti-racism. People falling foul of the law are largely being questioned and prosecuted under the Malicious Communications Act of 1988 which makes it illegal in England and Wales to send or deliver letters or other articles for the purpose of causing distress or anxiety. Black and Asian people are already arrested and prosecuted at higher rates than their white counterparts and comprise 27 per cent of the prison population despite making up only 18 per cent of the population of England and Wales, according to government data. There are concerns that police clamping down on such language means that people from minoritised communities, already more at risk, face a heightened risk of imprisonment. The National Black Police Association (NBPA) recently told Channel 4 that laws designed to crack down on racial hate speech are being weaponised against ethnic minorities. Shaun Bailey says Black politicians face criticism for both being too Black or not Black enough ( Reuters ) I think the increase is probably due to the external environment and the polarised communities that we see ourselves in at the minute, said NBPA president Andy George. I think policing needs to make sure that we dont get caught up in anything like a culture war, [and] we make sure that we stay impartial. Many commentators say that terms such as coconut, c**n and tap dancer are not racist when used intra-communally within Black and Asian communities. Lawyer Dr Shola Mos-Shogbamimu told The Independent the terms do not amount to a hate crime or racism. She said: Misappropriation of coconut by institutionally racist structures like the police is intentional and solely to push an agenda of white supremacy. Moreover, critics of police complaints have pointed to the example of Tory donor Frank Hesters comments calling for Labour MP Diane Abbott to be shot, adding that she makes him want to hate all Black women. They have argued that senior Conservative Party politicians apparent failure to report him to the police for hate speech while suggesting that he should be forgiven, contrasts with the treatment of the men at the centre of emoji-gate and the Daffy Duck debacle. Conversely, concerns have been raised that terms like coconut are indeed racist and warrant police intervention. Sunder Katawala, founder of the British Future think tank, said it is no way to make a political argument and unlawful racist abuse. Lord Shaun Bailey, a Conservative peer, expressed sympathy with Black politicians who report other Black and Asian people to the police for calling them names such as coconut though said he would not do that. Whats interesting being a Black politician is you get it from both ends: youre either not Black enough or youre too Black. And that leads to comments such as coconut, Bounty. On a personal level, if youve been attacked so much, you have to say enough is enough, Lord Bailey recently told Channel 4. Is it hypocritical that I havent reported people from the Black community [to the police]? I would say no because thats a personal decision and I understand the pressures that might cause on my community. It is unlikely the debate will be settled any time soon. After all, complaints to the police about language used by people within marginalised groups go back more than a decade. In 2010 Liberal Democrat councillor Shirley Brown was found guilty of racial harassment after she called her political opponent, South Asian Conservative Jay Jethwa, a coconut during a debate at Bristol City Council the year before. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Officials in Nepal have dashed hopes for an immediate search to find a British climber who went missing on Everest six days ago. Daniel Paul Paterson, 40, and his local guide Pas Tenji, 23, were reported missing Tuesday on the worlds highest peak which is on the border between China and Nepal. Mr Patersons family has launched a fundraising appeal to mount a search effort to find him. But on Sunday Nepali official said it was not possible to search for the pair currently because both fell on their way down from a very high altitude on the Chinese side of the mountain which will require further coordination to form a search party. It is not possible to search for the missing climbers right now because the British (mountaineer) and his Sherpa fell from the bottom of Hillary step which is at about 8,800 meters (26,964 feet) and toward the Kangshung Face in Tibet, said Khim Lal Gautam, an official at Everest's base camp who monitors climbers. The Kangshung Face is one of the Tibeatean eastern-facing sides of the mountain, controlled by China. Everest has seen four climbers die this season already ( Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) It is going to be difficult to search for them because they have fallen on the Tibet side which needs coordination, Gautam said. Mr Paterson was part of a 15-member fee-paying team with mountaineering company 8K Expeditions, which is now frantically searching for other missing climbers in temperatures that can fall to as low as -36C. Describing him as a beloved son, brother, partner, friend and a proud joint owner of Wakefield Crossfit who is known for his adventurous spirit, his kindness, and his unwavering dedication to helping others, Mr Patersons partner Becks Woodhead is urgently seeking help to crowdfund a rescue effort. Time is of the essence in a situation like this, and we are mobilising every resource we can to locate Dan. We are hoping to launch a search mission with the assistance of a rescue team specialising in search operations in extreme environments, Ms Woodhead said earlier this week. This climbing season, which started in March and is expected to end in a few days, saw four climbers two Mongolians, one Nepali and one Kenyan die. The Kenyan climbers guide, Nawang Sherpa, has been missing since May 22. Last year, 18 climbers died while attempting to scale the treacherous 29,032-foot (8,849-meter-) mountain, according to Nepals mountaineering department. Hundreds of climbers have successfully scaled Everest this month during the short window of good weather. Climbers also reported the usual number of mountaineers en route to the peaks top this week. Climbing season began in March, with hundreds of people making the attempt ( AFP via Getty Images ) The traffic of climbers heading to the summit was similar to that of the past two or three years, Tendi Sherpa, who has scaled the peak 17 times, out of which twice was this month, told The Associated Press. Tendi said when he and his team reached the summit on May 21, despite seeing around 200 climbers ... they were all organized and using their experiences and expertise" to navigate the crowd. Among Tendi's climbing team was Phunjo Jhangmu Lama who scaled the peak in 14 hours and 31 minutes, regaining the title of the fastest female climber of Mount Everest. Lama also said the climbers' traffic was normal and that most of her climb from the base camp to the summit went smoothly without any long halts. Traffic is nothing new," Lama said. "It has been going on for years. Recently, some have complained that the mountain is becoming too crowded with climbers and dirty because of littering. In March, Kanchha Sherpa, 91, the only surviving member of the mountaineering expedition that first conquered Everest, echoed the sentiment, saying that the number of climbing permits should be reduced. During the 2023 spring climbing season, 667 climbers scaled the peak, bringing along thousands of support staff to the base camp, and raising concerns over the generation of trash and waste. Those who would like to donate to help fund the search for Mr Paterson can do so here. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The Conservative party would bring back mandatory national service for young adults if they win the general election. Plans are currently being drawn up for 18-year-olds to either join the military full-time or volunteer one weekend every month carrying out community service. Aimed for the first teenagers to take part in September 2025, Rishi Sunak is said to believe compulsory service would help foster the national spirit that emerged during the pandemic. The prime minister said: This is a great country but generations of young people have not had the opportunities or experience they deserve and there are forces trying to divide our society in this increasingly uncertain world. Follow The Independents general election coverage in our live blog The prime minister meeting with veterans on Saturday morning ( PA Wire ) I have a clear plan to address this and secure our future. I will bring in a new model of national service to create a shared sense of purpose among our young people and a renewed sense of pride in our country. This new, mandatory national service will provide life-changing opportunities for our young people, offering them the chance to learn real world skills, do new things and contribute to their community and our country. Those who opt not to join the military and volunteer instead would carry out duties such as joining the St Johns Ambulance or helping to build flood defences. The prime minister is seeking to draw a dividing line with Labour on global security following his pledge to raise defence spending to 2.5% of gross domestic product by 2030. Heightening his attack on Saturday, Mr Sunak said voters would be left at risk with Sir Keir Starmer in Number 10 because Britains enemies would notice that he doesnt have a plan. Teenagers who choose to sign up for a placement in the forces would learn and take part in logistics, cyber security, procurement or civil response operations, the Tories said. The Conservatives said they would establish a royal commission bringing in expertise from across the military and civil society to design what they described as the bold national service programme. The party said it would work towards the first pilot being open for applications in September 2025, after which it would seek to introduce a new National Service Act to make the measures compulsory by the end of the next Parliament. Teenagers would have the option of joining the armed forces or carrying out volunteer work ( PA Archive ) It estimates the programme will cost 2.5 billion a year by the end of the decade and plans to fund 1 billion through plans to crack down on tax avoidance and evasion. The remaining 1.5 billion will be paid for with money previously used for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), which is a package to support charities and community groups, the Tories said. Sir Keirs party branded the announcement another desperate unfunded commitment and pointed out that Lord David Cameron introduced a similar scheme the National Citizen Service when he was prime minister. Lord Camerons announcement had no armed forces component to it, instead encouraging youngsters to take part in activities such as outdoor education-style courses as part of his Big Society initiative. A Labour spokesperson said: This is not a plan its a review which could cost billions and is only needed because the Tories hollowed out the armed forces to their smallest size since Napoleon. Britain has had enough of the Conservatives, who are bankrupt of ideas, and have no plans to end 14 years of chaos. Its time to turn the page and rebuild Britain with Labour. National service is compulsory in a number of European countries, including the Baltic states, Greece, Sweden, Denmark and Finland. It was last in force in the UK in 1963 but recent comments from top military officials in the wake of Russias invasion of Ukraine has reignited the debate. Number 10 has previously ruled out any suggestion conscription was under consideration, saying there were "no plans" to change the British militarys "proud tradition of being a voluntary force". Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Morning Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The Royal Air Force pilot who died in a Spitfire crash near RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire on Saturday has been named as squadron leader Mark Long. Police and emergency services rushed to the scene on Langrick Road in Lincolnshire just before 1.20pm, after the aircraft crashed during a Battle of Britain commemoration event. Group captain Robbie Lees, Commander Display Air Wing, said: It is with great sorrow that I must confirm the death of Squadron Leader Mark Long. Mark was a Typhoon pilot here at RAF Coningsby and for the last four years he has been a pilot with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. A great friend, colleague and a passionate, professional aviator, he will be sorely missed by all that knew him. An investigation into the cause of this tragic event has now begun. The RAF will not be offering any comment on the accident until that investigation has concluded, and likewise we ask others not to speculate. Colleagues have paid tribute to squadron leader Mark Long ( MoD/PA Wire ) I would like to extend a sincere thank you to the RAF personnel, and our emergency services colleagues who responded so swiftly yesterday. Our thoughts remain with Marks family and friends to whom we offer our deepest sympathies. We ask that their privacy be respected at this tragic and shocking time. On Saturday, William and Kate said on their Kensington Palace X account: Incredibly sad to hear of the news this afternoon from RAF Coningsby. Our thoughts this evening are with the pilots loved ones, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and the wider RAF family. W & C. William was Honorary Air Commodore of RAF Coningsby from 2008 to August 2023, when he handed the role over to Kate. RAF Coningsby is home to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight ( PA ) Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also paid tribute, with the prime minister writing on X: Awful news to see the life of a serving RAF pilot cut short in this tragic event. My thoughts are with their family and loved ones. Sir Keir said: Deeply saddened by news from Lincolnshire. Thank you to the emergency services for their response. My thoughts are with the pilots family at this awful time. RAF Coningsby is home to the BBMF, a collection of wartime fighter and bomber aircraft that take part in air shows and memorial displays. Only a few dozen airworthy Spitfires remain, including six that belong to the BBMF. Sign up to our free Brexit and beyond email for the latest headlines on what Brexit is meaning for the UK Sign up to our Brexit email for the latest insight Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Brexit and beyond email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Michael Heseltine has warned that the 2024 general election campaign will be the most dishonest in modern times because of the refusal of the main parties to debate the consequences of Brexit. The former deputy prime minister, who fell out with the Conservatives over leaving the European Union, has written exclusively for The Independent explaining how the big issues in this general election the economy, immigration and defence all need to be debated in the context of the UKs relationship with the EU. But he claimed that Labour and the Tories are too scared to discuss Brexit because of the potential impact on their voter bases. It comes as Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer uses his first keynote speech of the election to focus the campaign on himself personally in a presidential style push for victory. But noting that Sir Keir and Rishi Sunak are avoiding discussing the elephant in the room, Lord Heseltine wrote: Both major parties are afraid of losing votes to the hard right. Labour needs to rebuild its red wall while the Conservatives run scared of Reform. However, he argued that almost no major issue can be discussed without reference to the subject which has, in effect, dominated British politics since the EU referendum in 2016 and arguably since the Maastricht Treaty in 1992 which shattered John Majors government. Lord Heseltine has warned about Brexit and the general election ( PA ) Lord Heseltines case is supported by exclusive polling for The Independent by Redfield &Wilton which reveals that British voters link Brexit to two of the biggest problems in the country the cost of living and immigration. While the poll showed that only 1 per cent think Brexit is the most important issue, it also revealed that the top issue is the economy on 37 per cent, and the third issue immigration on 15 per cent; both are tied to leaving the EU. The survey of 1,500 voters shows that 60 per cent feel worse off since the Tories won in 2019 and took the UK out of the EU in 2020. Despite better prosperity being promised by Brexiteers, a mere 13 per cent feel better off. The Conservatives have claimed that the reason for the cost of living crisis and economic downturn was the Covid pandemic followed by Russias invasion of Ukraine, causing a major shock in worldwide supply chains and forcing up inflation. However, the polls findings on immigration may be more troubling for Rishi Sunak as he tries to win over voters, with a damning indictment on Brexit. The survey showed that 39 per cent believe illegal immigration is higher because of Brexit compared to 16 per cent lower and 23 percent similar. On legal immigration, 36 per cent believe Brexit has made it higher, 14 per cent lower and 27 per cent similar. Asked if it has become a bigger issue because of Brexit, 38 per cent agreed it is more of an issue while 13 per cent less of an issue. This is despite the Vote Leave slogan of take back control aimed at tightening Britains borders. Lord Heseltine and others have pointed out that, being outside the EU, Britain has been unable to send back migrants coming in small boats and through other means. Rishi Sunak was a Brexiteer in the 2016 referendum ( AP ) On the wider piece, he said that no issue can be taken without a serious rethink of the last eight years. He said: The state of our economy, defence and environment, the need to level up our society, control immigration and restore Britains standing in the world. None of these issues can be honestly addressed in isolation from our relationship with Europe. Yet Europe is the no-go area. Highlighting immigration, which is seen as a top-three issue by pollsters in the campaign, he questioned how there could be a serious debate without discussing Europe. Why cannot the two major parties debate immigration in the round? The boats contain just 5 per cent of those who might or might not be sent to Rwanda. They are a small part of the near 700,000 net immigration figure the real elephant in the room. Until we consider the consequences for our farms, care homes, hospitals and universities of culling the numbers, all the talk of change, the constant assertion of plans amount to little more than platitudes blowing in the wind. Whatever we decide to do, we need to work more closely with our European neighbours, who share our experiences. On defence, he warned that the possible impending election of Donald Trump in the US means Britain can no longer rely on Nato for its security needs, and is faced with a more isolationist policy in Washington DC. He asked: What if the Republican Party reverts to its position in 1940 when it pressed President Roosevelt to promise not to enter the war? He kept that promise until Hitler declared war on America in 1941. Nightmare though that would be, is such a possibility being seriously addressed? British opposition Labour Party leader Keir Starmer does not want to talk about Brexit ( Reuters ) His solution: We should be discussing a closer defence relationship with Europe. Platitudes dont have much firepower. He argued that the world is failing and Britain can do little alone about famines and droughts pushing millions of people around the globe from their homes or in the face of wars. The peer added: There is brave talk of turning a corner, of a plan working. How can we seriously believe we can significantly improve our economic situation after severing our connections with our largest and nearest? How do you build Silicon Valley here if, for years, you cut yourself off from European research and return to the table as a supplicant? Our companies must compete with American and Chinese companies technologically underpinned by huge defence and space budgets. He insisted that it is imperative to turn the general election debate back to Brexit, built on the lies told by Brexiteers to get the Leave vote over the line. The Brexit case amounted to a vipers nest of mantras. We want our country back. They need us more than we need them. Bring back control. Get Brexit done. Eight years have passed. Brexiteers have had their hands on the tiller all that time. We had the extraordinary spectacle of a minister for exiting the European Union (as mad as having a minister for common sense). And he questioned what Brexit has achieved: Why is it so few new trade deals have been done? Why has there not been the promised bonfire of regulations? The answer is simple. There were no plans. It was a pack of lies. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A Tory defence minister warned on the first day of the general election campaign that Rishi Sunaks plan to reintroduce national service would damage morale in the military. Andrew Murrison signed off a written answer to fellow Tory MP Mark Pritchard which was published less than 24 hours after the prime minister had dramatically called a snap election. The response from a seasoned minister has been highlighted after there was a furious backlash to the Tory plan revealed overnight to reintroduce national service for school leavers. National service was scrapped in 1963 but now, if the Conservatives win power again, school leavers would be given the option of joining the military and getting paid or doing voluntary service for nothing. Rishi Sunak wants to reintroduce national service ( PA Wire ) In his response, Mr Murrison warned: The demanding, increasingly technical nature of defence today is such that we require highly trained, professional men and women in our regular and reserve armed forces, fully committed to giving their best in defending our country and its allies. If potentially unwilling national service recruits were to be obliged to serve alongside the professional men and women of our armed forces, it could damage morale, recruitment and retention and would consume professional military and naval resources. If, on the other hand, national service recruits were kept in separate units, it would be difficult to find a proper and meaningful role for them, potentially harming motivation and discipline. For all these reasons, there are no current plans for the restoration of any form of national service. The public sector union Unison suggested the Conservatives were trying to find a way of filling job vacancies on the cheap as the government tries to stem the flow of immigration. Unison general secretary Christina McAnea said: Essential services need proper resourcing and enough decently paid staff to deliver for the public, not thousands of reluctant teen volunteers whod rather be anywhere else and would require supervision by an already overstretched workforce. There was also a row over how the scheme would be funded with anger that the Conservatives plan to raid cash for levelling up in the Shared Prosperity Fund to pay for their new national service plan. Home secretary James Cleverly speaks to the media outside BBC Broadcasting House ( PA Wire ) This was after Mr Sunak's own North Yorkshire council received 16.9m from the fund and home secretary James Cleverlys Braintree constituency got 1.6m from it despite neither seat being a red wall area of deprivation. Lib Dem local government spokesperson Helen Morgan said: The fact they are planning to slash local funding to pay for these ludicrous plans shows just how out of touch the Conservative Party has become. Historian Glen OHara, a professor of modern and contemporary history at Oxford Brookes University, said: The Tories have abandoned levelling up tonight, abandoned coastal Britain, abandoned North Wales, abandoned Cornwall and all those areas they promised wouldn't lose out from Brexit. Are they out of their minds? Under the Conservatives' new proposal, young people would be given a choice between a full-time placement in the armed forces for 12 months or spending one weekend a month for a year "volunteering" in their community. The prime minister said the policy would help unite society in an increasingly uncertain world and give young people a shared sense of purpose. In an apparent pitch to older voters, Mr Sunak said volunteering could include helping local fire, police and NHS services as well as charities tackling loneliness and supporting elderly, isolated people. Mr Cleverly confirmed that teenagers would not be jailed for refusing to take part in the proposed scheme. He said the plans were aimed at getting young people out of their bubble and would not involve the threat of criminal sanctions for those who refuse to comply. Labour criticised the scheme, with shadow work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall branding the announcement a headline-grabbing gimmick. And former Ukip leader Nigel Farage described it as a desperate attempt to win back voters from Reform. Analysis shows that training 10,000 national service volunteers in the army would require the creation of 432 battalions, based on 72 trainees per company and six battalions per company. According the blogger, who is an ex-MoD civil servant and was praised by ex-defence secretary Ben Wallace, one estimate suggests that to staff training units would require 750 officers and 5,000 NCOs to staff these units at a cost of around 311m a year alone. Adding in further costs, the analysis concludes that it is hard to see how this policy could be delivered for the stated cost of 2.5bn per year given that even rough calculations are showing that it would cost billions more to deliver both short and long term. There were also concerns that the scheme is another way of punishing a generation which already had to make terrible sacrifices during the Covid lockdowns. Sam Bidwell, director of the Next Generation Centre at the right-wing Adam Smith Institute think tank, said: Young Britons have already done their fair share of national service, sacrificing the best years of their lives to protect the elderly from Covid. Thats not to mention our broken economy. There is some nervousness that the scheme could be a genuine preparation for war and conscription, with fighting in Europe after Russias invasion of Ukraine and ongoing problems in the Middle East. Last year the head of the British army, General Sir Patrick Sanders, said: As the pre-war generation, we must similarly prepare. That is a whole-of-nation undertaking. He also referred to the need for an army designed to expand rapidly to train and equip the citizen army that must follow. MBABANE There is no money! These were the words of the Ministry of Public Service, Principal Secretary (PS) Sipho Tsabedze when he appeared before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) recently. If his words are anything to go by, then it is safe to conclude that while it was good news when the hiring freeze implemented as a cost-cutting measure by government was lifted two years ago, affording the filling up of vacant posts might take some time as the process is seemingly too costly. Information gathered by this publication is to the effect that there are around 5 000 vacant posts in the different government ministries and in order to fill them up, in particular the crucial ones, government needs at least E300 million. These figures, it has been gathered, is what was reportedly presented to the Planning and Budgeting Committee (PBC), which is formed by the ministries of Finance, Economic Planning and Public Service. The figures are said to have formed part of the request by the Public Service in its quest to have the vacant ministries filled. The PBC had the responsibility of scrutinising the request but due to cash flow challenges, the budget eventually granted was far less than what the Public Service had requested. The PS opened up about the budgetary constraints when addressing an audit query, which was raised by the Auditor General (AG) Timothy Matsebulas in his report for the financial year ended March 31, 2023. The query was that there was money that was allocated for personnel costs in government, but was never utilised despite that almost all ministries were on record having said that their operations were suffering due to posts that had remained unfilled. Costs The AG had noted a red flag in terms of personnel costs and reported that he reported that there was an significant under-expenditure on personnel costs amounting to E2 702 436.90 incurred under the responsibility centre 2 103 staffing requirements and complement controls. The AG had highlighted in his report that under-expenditures of 10 per cent or more in a year may not be conducive to the development of the country. Matsebula said he was concerned that planned programmes might have not been accomplished, leading to lesser service delivery thereby limiting improvements in the public service and lives of citizens. He said this reflected inadequate budget planning, execution and performance. Matsebula had also mentioned in the report that he advised the controlling officer (PS) to ensure that released funds were utilised for intended purposes and not to seek budget release when not ready to implement. I further advised the controlling officer to provide reasons for the under-expenditures and explain if the budgets intended purposes were met, despite the under-expenditures. In response, the controlling officer concurred with my observation and stated that the under-expenditure was caused by posts that remained vacant due to hiring freeze effected through Establishment Circular 3 of 2018, reads part of the AGs report. Elaborating, Matsebula had said that the controlling officers response and explanation was acknowledged; however, it was not satisfactory because the ministry made the budget request knowing about the freeze hence funds that could have been utilised fruitfully elsewhere remained locked up. It is, therefore, apparent that the funds intended purpose was not met which is a major concern, the AG said. In his response, the PS came out to state that in fact, the budget was there on paper but that it did not come physically. He highlighted that the issue was serious but that not even the Finance ministry could be blamed as the cash flow challenge affected the whole country. This publication has gathered that the ministry had requested the around E300 million for the currently financial year but eventually received E65 million. The E65 million, according to our calculations, can only cover filling up vacant posts for the Ministry of Health alone. The hiring freeze came about when government issued Circular Number 3/2018 which read, principal secretaries and heads of departments are hereby informed that Cabinet has directed that all vacant posts including creation of new posts and promotions across government be frozen. This state of affairs has been necessitated by the current financial situation in the country and the cash-flow problems faced by government. Effective The circular was dated July 31, 2018, and its effective date was August 1, 2018. Worth noting is with the ongoing PAC sessions, most ministries have come out to reveal how their departments were understaffed. Last week, the Ministry of Agriculture revealed that it had over 700 vacant posts that had crippled service delivery, among other challenges. The figures were disclosed by the Principal Secretary, Sydney Simelane who said the hiring freeze had crippled their service delivery, because retired and deceased officers had not been replaced since 2018, when the circular was introduced. The PS lamented that they were a big ministry and desperately needed officers. Currently, we have more than 700 vacancies, which have affected our service delivery, he said. During the session, the Deputy Chairperson of the PAC Manzi Zwane, who is also the Chairman of the House of Assembly Public Service Portfolio Committee, said he was worried about the number of vacancies in the ministry. He asked the PS if he submitted the vacancies to the Ministry of Public Service, which is responsible for hiring civil servants. The human resources officer, in response, told the MPs that despite the Ministry of Public Service issuing a circular that stated that the hiring freeze had been lifted, the situation on the ground had not changed. The officers highlighted that before the circular, officers had to ask for a waiver from Cabinet. It was stated that the difference was that the waiver had to be requested at the public service Ministry and posts would be issued based on the available budget. The officers said even before this circular, posts were issued based on the available budget. The controlling officer also told the PAC that for that financial year, he had asked for 60 posts for extension officers, but he was granted only four. On Thursday, PS in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security Makhosini Mndawe was put on the spot regarding the hiring freeze. Mndawe, as reported by our sister publication, the Times of Eswatini, was asked to explain the status of the hiring freeze and whether it was in force or not. In response, Mndawe made it known that it was a tricky question but that the hiring freeze had slightly been relaxed than before. He said it was not completely frozen, but was still there and he supported his assertions by explaining that there were still difficulties in filling vacant posts. It should be noted that three years after implementing the hiring freeze, it was uncovered that the decision had earned the country substantial savings, however, doubts emerged on the quality of service delivery and alleged underhand employment tactics. It was stated that six month after the hiring freeze was introduced, government said it had saved E30 million in wage bill, which implies that three and a half years later, the state has saved over E200 million. A rough estimate found that at least 3 000 more public servants could have been employed had it not been for the hiring freeze. The number was derived from government ministries quarterly reports as well as open declarations by some ministries. Recruit The Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS), which had embarked on a process to recruit just about 300 officers has, in fact said it needed 1 000 officers to be able to effectively carry out its crime-solving mandate at the time. Motivating this, the REPS said during the uprising protests, police officers were overstretched and unable to cover all the strategic points. At around the same time, the Judiciary told the PAC that it required as much as 354 workers that included judges, magistrates, registrars and clerks. The judiciary attributed the backlog in cases to staff shortages. The hiring freeze was said to be in tandem with the World Banks advice to trim the size of the public service and reap the benefits of a reduced wage bill. To achieve this, government came up with a voluntary early retirement plan which was to see public servant taking up packages and retiring at the early age of 48. However, this was not achieved because government lacked the money for the packages of the workers who wanted to retire. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} A former army reservist whose blog has been praised by ex-defence secretary Ben Wallace has ripped apart Rishi Sunaks plans to reintroduce National Service. The author of the Thinpinstripe blog is a former civil servant at the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and writes under the pseudonym Sir Humphry. His analysis of the Tory pledge to add 30,000 teenagers to the armed forces ranks every year has raised serious questions about the costs of the project. He warned that bringing an extra 30,000 people into the armed forces would require a roughly 300 percent expansion of the military training pipeline. Rishi Sunak speaks with British troops in April (PA) ( PA Wire ) He claimed that this means the scheme would require a significant increase in the military training estate. This, according to the analysis, would require training up the equivalent to the entire annual British military training output every 13 weeks. He also warned that the army has significantly downsized its estate and does not have the ability to train 30,000 people per year as a basic training system. Training 300 percent more recruits could have a direct impact on how the regular military manage and operate their training schedule, it is claimed. He also noted that it is challenging to see how the Royal Corps of Signals could take in thousands of extra people in each year due to their size. At a time when much much military housing is already below standing, the analysis predicts that the MoD would have to supply a 50 percent increase in Army accommodation, which based on the cost for new bed spaces could cost 4.8bn just on accommodation. Former defence Secretary Ben Wallace is stepping down as an MP (Kirsty OConnor/PA) ( PA Archive ) This would also mean that the scheme could have an impact on the Government's vetting capabilities. Sir Humphry also claimed that just establishing training units directly could cost as much as 1.5bn per year, leaving only 1bn for everything else. He concluded that: Brought together, in rough terms, it's hard to see how this policy could be delivered for the stated cost of 2.5bn per year given that even rough calculations are showing that it would cost billions more to deliver both short and long term. Previously, Mr Wallace, when he was the Tory defence secretary, has praised this blogger. Two days ago on X (formerly Twitter) replied to Sir Humphrey wishing him well in life after parliament, stating: You can't be bettered and you have always been the voice of reason and exposed the reality behind so many over sensationalised stories. You may not realise it but your blogs helped me to be a better SoS Defence. Labour have branded the new National Service policy a gimmick. But home secretary James Cleverly said the plans were aimed at getting young people "out of their bubble" and would not involve the threat of criminal sanctions for those who refuse to comply. Rishi Sunak pledged to get 18-year-olds to either join the military for 12 months or do "volunteer" work one weekend a month for a year. The Prime Minister said the policy would help unite society in an "increasingly uncertain world" and give young people a "shared sense of purpose". Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Nigel Farage signalled a return to right-wing shock tactics for his Reform UK party, as he used his first election interview to attack Muslims in the UK for not sharing British values. Speaking to Sir Trevor Phillips on Sky News this morning, Mr Farage accused Rishi Sunak of not being a leader and instead being a follower of focus groups who is not willing to tackle the real issues in this country. He was dismissive of Tory plans to reintroduce compulsory national service for school leavers, describing the policy as a joke but then stunned Sir Trevor by launching into an attack on millions of voters. The ex-Brexit leader is hoping to capitalise on the Tories poor performance in the polls, which has seen his Reform Party now at 14 per cent, just five points behind the Conservatives. In a prickly exchange, Mr Farage said: We have a growing number of young people in this country who do not subscribe to British values, in fact loathe much of what we stand for. Nigel Farage revealed he had planned to run as an MP, but the early election call ruined his plans ( PA ) Sir Trevor interjected: Who are we talking about then? Farage responded: Oh! I think we see them on the streets of London every Saturday. An uncomfortable Sir Trevor, who used to be chairman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, interupted again: What do they look like? Are we talking about Muslims here? Mr Farage agreed. The former Ukip leader said: We are. I am afraid I found some of the recent surveys saying 46 per cent of British Muslims support Hamas, support a terrorist organisation that is proscribed in this country. What is interesting is that this prime minister is building up far more of that population than anybody before in history. Sir Trevor replied: We dont have this survey in front of us but are you sure you want to make the blanket accusation that you have just made that Muslims are somehow less patriotic? Would you like to revisit this statement? Mr Farage though was unrepentant, asking if Sir Trevor had watched the recent local elections in the UK. He went on to make it clear that immigration numbers will be the top priority of Reform which is being led now by Richard Tice with him as honorary president. Farage also admitted that Mr Sunak had scuppered his own plans to run to become an MP in Clacton by calling a snap election. I had a six-month plan. I was wrong-footed I admit that. He said it would be impossible for him to tour the country campaigning for Reform but also running a campaign to win a seat in just six weeks. His words on Muslims and immigration shocked the studio guests including Labour peer Baroness Hazarika who pointed out that she had just sworn an oath to King and country as a British Indian Muslim. She said: This reveals his true colours as a nasty race-baiting character. She noted that in previous elections he had also said he would not want to live next to Romanians and even blamed traffic jams on the M4 on immigrants. Commentator Lord Finkelstein said the remarks had made him pleased that Mr Farage was not running for parliament. He questioned why Mr Farage claims to speak for real people as if those who disagree with him are somehow not real. But Rachel Johnson warned: He is speaking to a constituency in this country. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Wes Streeting has set out a three-word vision of the guiding philosophy of a Labour government if, as expected, it wins power on 4 July. The shadow health secretary had echoes of Tony Blairs New Labour when he promised that his party would be compensatory, not confiscatory. Mr Streeting was in discussion with The Independents editor-in-chief Geordie Greig in front of an audience at the Hay Festival, discussing the election, politics and his book One Boy, Two Bills and a Fry Up. Mr Greig noted that the UK is now in the foothills of an election campaign and asked: Where is Labour going to find out that common centre ground? What is the formula? What are the words? Wes Streeting insists Labour is a party which celebrates success and encourages ambition and aspiration ( PA Wire ) Mr Streeting replied: A Labour Party which wins a mandate to govern and govern well is compensatory, not confiscatory. When pressed on what this means, he insisted it is one which celebrates success and encourages ambition and aspiration, although he denied that it is a version of Toryism. The discussion had followed an in-depth interview with The Independent in which Mr Streeting had brandished his Blairite credentials, insisting that he would not bow to junior doctor demands for a pay rise and taking on critics from the left of his party about including private health providers in the NHS to bring down waiting lists. Before the election was called he had been actively involved in talks with potential defectors from the Tory party and had been one of the first to welcome right-wing Dover MP Natalie Elphicke to his partys ranks. Natalie Elphicke defection a powerful endorsement' of Labour, Streeting claims He also made it clear he is not in favour of handouts as a means to end poverty in opposing an end to the two-child benefit cap, even though in his book he described how he and his mother had survived on benefits. But speaking at the Hay Festival, he insisted that a Labour government would be about rewarding people who work hard. He noted: The anxiety about Labour governments and what traditionally stops people from voting Labour, that we need to vote Labour to form a government, is that in the pursuit of social justice and equality, we will be anti-success and if you are successful, we will take from you and we will resent your success. Because thats how you level the country and create equality. Taking this characterisation on, he said: I think it has to be the other way round. Angela Rayner and me are working class success stories, Wes Streeting says Going back to his life story in his autobiography, he said: The thing that myself, Keir [Starmer], Angela [Rayner], Bridget Phillipson and others around the shadow cabinet table have in common is through different routes in my case the University of Cambridge, in Angelas case the university of life and trade union movement we've worked our way up and understand the barriers that are in the way of people from working-class backgrounds like ours. We know that to build a successful country, you have to create a culture in which people can be successful to be successful, in which everyone has a stake in it, in which everyone makes a contribution. One where everyone derives a benefit through the provision of good public services, good social infrastructure, the right culture, the right leadership, and entrepreneurial country where business leaders can succeed, and why this country is a destination for global talent. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Kristie Pereira made the tough decision last year to take her desperately ill puppy to a Maryland shelter to be euthanized. Last week she was stunned to find the dog up for adoption at the same pet rescue centre where she had gotten it. I have a lot of questions, but first and foremost, I want him back with me, Pereira said on Friday. Pereira, who now lives in San Antonio, said she was working from home in Maryland when she paid $450 in late 2022 to adopt a 2-month-old hound mix from a local group, Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation. She named the puppy Beau, and the two quickly became inseparable. Beau snuggled next to her as she worked, slept in her bed and even tagged along with her when Pereira would leave the house. But within weeks, it became clear something was wrong with the puppy, Pereira said. A veterinarian concluded that the issue was most likely neurological. Blood tests did show the dog might have a liver problem, so Pereira was sent home with liver enzymes and told that she would see improvement pretty fast if Beau's liver was the issue. Beau pose for a photo in Laurel, Md., in January 2023 ( AP ) The dog's condition only worsened. The dog's veterinarian, the clinic's lead veterinarian and an animal emergency room veterinarian all agreed the dog's inability to control his bowels and lift his hind legs pointed to a severe neurological problem, Pereira said. The cost to run a series of tests to find out, she said, was quoted as high as $12,000. Despite the sticker shock, Pereira, 32, who works in digital marketing, said she would have found a way to pay it if it would save Beau. Instead, she was told theres a very slim chance of finding what is wrong, she recalled. And even if we do, there's an even smaller chance of it being something that we can fix. That is when they began suggesting that it might be more humane to euthanize the puppy. She wasn't ready to consider that option, she said, and held out for another month. Throughout all of it, Pereira said, she was consulting staff at Lost Dog & Cat Rescue. Honestly, I mean, after I talked to them is really when I felt, you know, that I was going to be doing the right thing by putting him down, Pereira said. They really gave me that support and that encouragement that, although its hard, sometimes that's the best thing to do. Following several sleepless nights with Beau clearly in pain, Pereira said she took Beau to Montgomery County Animal Services in Derwood, Maryland, in late March 2023 and paid $15 for him to be euthanized. She was told that the shelter's policy does not allow people to stay with their pets as they are put down. It was during a visit to see her mother in Maryland last week that curiosity sent her to the rescue's website to check out dogs up for adoption and spotted Beau's picture. The puppy was bigger but had the same markings and bore the name the rescue had given him before she adopted him: Amos Hart, based on a character in the musical Chicago. Pereira is seeking answers after the sick dog she took to a shelter to have euthanized turned up more than a year later on a rescue adoption site ( AP ) Calls to the shelter confirmed that her dog had not been euthanized after veterinarians there didn't think he needed to be. The shelter instead called Lost Dog & Cat Rescue and turned the puppy back over to them. The rescue confirmed that Friday in a written statement, giving an extensive timeline showing that its veterinarians found no neurological issues with the dog. After tests diagnosing a liver problem and a $7,000 surgery paid for through a GoFundMe campaign the dog was declared healthy. None of it was shared with Pereira, who said Friday she would pay the $7,000 cost to get Beau back. It took several days for anyone at the rescue to return her calls, she said, and when they did, it was not anyone Pereira had talked with before. The person that called me was so rude and just disrespectful and just being really nasty towards me, she said, breaking down in tears. Just saying, you know, that I abandoned him, and that I left him to die. That I never cared about him. Pereira was told that the dog will never go back to you." Then the person hung up. The dog remained available for adoption Friday on the rescues website. Rescue spokesperson Chloe Floyd would not answer questions about whether someone at the rescue said those things to Pereira. But she defended the decision not to return the dog. LDCRF does not re-home an owner-surrendered dog with its former adopter/owner, Floyd said in her written statement. Our mission is to save adoptable and safe-to-the-community dogs from euthanasia. The Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation signage is displayed on its building in Falls Church The rescue acknowledged that it had spoken to Pereira during her deliberation about whether to euthanize the puppy, but it said it had made clear to her the importance of taking the dog to a veterinarian that would allow her to be with the animal when it was euthanized. The rescue and the shelter both faulted Pereira for not consenting to the extensive testing to see if it was suffering neurological issues. Caroline Hairfield, executive director of Montgomery County Animal Services, said that it is bound by contract to return surrendered animals back to the rescue and that its hands are tied. Hairfield said of Pereira that "everyone feels for her, but that it's up to the rescue on whether it will return the dog to her. Thats a civil issue between the two of them, she said. We havent had the animal in our care for a year. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Officials from Chile have met at the bottom of the planet in a bid to bolster claims in Antarctica as tensions escalate over Russian movement in the area. Members of Chiles parliamentary defence committee flew to a desolate air base for a meeting billed as an assertion of national sovereignty. Singling out Russia as posing such a threat, committee member Camila Flores said: We are going to be sitting in Antarctica in an act of sovereignty, of safeguarding and supporting our national integrity in the face of any threats. They revealed little about their talks at the glacier-filled base, beyond saying they addressed the prevailing geopolitical conditions on the white continent that has vast mineral resources, fresh water reserves and no government. Geopolitical competition is just the latest issue to test the 53-nation Antarctic Treaty, which in 1959 enshrined the territory as a scientific preserve used only for peaceful purposes. Rising sea levels due to climate change, unregulated tourism and krill fishing in the Southern Ocean are just a few other challenges that the consensus-based system is struggling to address. The meeting comes amid media reports surrounding the discovery of massive oil reserves in Antarctica in 2020 when the Russian polar research vessel Alexander Karpinsky reportedly uncovered around 500 billion barrels of crude oil. The issue resurfaced earlier this month in a UK parliamentary session where experts warned Russias geological surveys could jeopardise the decades-long ban on mining in the region. Russias surveys took place in the Weddell Sea, where Chiles territorial claims overlap with those of Britain and Argentina, according to documents presented to the British parliament. Russian President Vladimir Putin looks on during a meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko (not pictured) in Minsk ( via REUTERS ) We are going to continue defending what we believe is fair, said Francisco Undurraga, head of Chiles defence committee, condemning the crafty aspirations of nations rushing to assert greater influence over Antarctica in an increasingly energy-hungry world. When reports of Russian resource-extraction projects surfaced earlier this month, Argentina demanded to know whether Russia had scientific or economic intentions. Chilean President Gabriel Boric promised to firmly oppose any commercial exploitation of minerals and hydrocarbons. Historic tensions over Antarctic claims have also re-emerged between Mr Borics left-wing government and Argentinas far-right government. In an effort to reshape Argentinas foreign policy in line with the United States, Argentine President Javier Milei last month announced the construction of a southern naval base with US involvement to help Argentina stake claim to Antarctica, drawing complaints from Chiles foreign ministry. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} At least 23 people have died across four states after a series of destructive storms and tornadoes swept through central and southern US over the Memorial Day weekend, with severe weather warnings still continuing for some states into Tuesday. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear announced in a press conference on Monday that four people had died throughout the state as a direct result of the deadly storms, as well as one critical injury, saying that the weather has also caused massive damage to homes and businesses. However, this number rose to five after he added in an update on social media that another person, a 54-year-old man in Caldwell County, had died from a heart attack while cutting up fallen trees as a result of the storm. The other storm victims included a 67-year-old woman in Mercer County, a 62-year-old woman in Hardin County, a 48-year-old woman in Hopkins County, and a 34-year-old man in Jefferson County, the governor said. Deaths have also been reported in Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas where the severe weather left a trail of destroyed homes, businesses and power outages. More than 400,000 residents across seven states were left without power as of Monday night. At least 11 tornadoes were counted passing through the affected states on Sunday. Destroyed homes are seen after a deadly tornado rolled through Valley View, Texas on Sunday ( AP ) Weather warnings for large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes continued to be issued for areas of central and eastern America on Monday as storm systems moved towards the Gulf Coast and east coast, according to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center. The NWS has predicted that severe thunderstorms may form over Texas again on Tuesday, with wind gusts potentially reaching or exceeding 75mph. Monday saw Texas experience record-high temperatures after an excessive heat warning was issued, with areas such as Del Rio being scorched with an extreme 112F, tying as the third hottest day recorded in the region, the NWS said. Other areas of the Lone Star State saw record degrees between 95F and 98F, while Florida was also hit with a record-breaking 97F in Miami for two days in a row. The NWS said that through Tuesday, south Texas and southern Florida should continue to expect sweltering heat over the next few days, as well as widespread strong thunderstorms continuing to impact various areas of Texas, that could bring flash flooding, damaging wind gusts, and very large hail. Damaged cars and buildings after a tornado hit Texas ( AP ) As the deadly thunderstorms approached the east coast on Monday, New York City was put under a flood advisory on Monday, as the region was expected to see up to an inch of rain, as well as being under a severe thunderstorm watch until the evening. Heavy rain is expected to continue to pummel the east coast into Tuesday morning in parts of New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland, the weather authorities said, as well as the potential for severe thunderstorms to start to move and develop across the eastern part of the country. The thunderstorms disrupted travel on Monday at JFK International Airport, after all flight activity was grounded for over an hour due to the severe weather. President Joe Biden sent his condolences to the families of people who died in the storms. He said the Federal Emergency Management Agency is on the ground conducting damage assessments, and he has contacted governors to see what federal support they might need. At least eight people have so far died as a result of the extreme storms in Arkansas, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders said at a news conference on Sunday evening. A man views damage at First Baptist Church near downtown Claremore, Oklahoma ( AP ) One of the victims suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease anddied after their oxygen concentrator stopped working during a power outage. Another victim died from a heart attack, while another was killed when a tree or a branch hit a trailer, they added. Meanwhile, in Oklahoma, at least two people were killed in Mayes County after a tornado ripped through the northeast part of the state. Thunderstorms and tornadoes ripping through the center of the country have left a trail of devastation in their wake, from multiple deaths and the destruction of buildings, as well as power outages across Memorial Day weekend. In Texas, multiple tornadoes were reported throughout the state, with one plowing through Cooke County on Saturday night approximately 50 miles north of Dallas leaving seven people dead. The sheriff confirmed that a two-year-old and a five-year-old were among the dead. The victims also included three other family members who were found in a home near Valley View a rural community close to the Oklahoma border. Its just a trail of debris left. The devastation is pretty severe, Cooke County Sheriff Ray Sappington told The Associated Press. A man surveys damage to a neighbor's home after a deadly tornado ripped through Valley View, Texas ( AP ) Approximately 60 to 80 people also suffered non-life threatening injuries when an AP Travel Stop and Shell station alongside I-35 collapsed on them, after they had taken shelter in the building from the storm. In Texas, more than 200 homes and other buildings were destroyed, with more than 100 others damaged numbers that are expected to rise. In Colorado, a lightning strike killed a farmer and 34 of his cows. A rare tornado watch, which was labeled as a particularly dangerous situation by the Storm Prediction Center, was in effect for parts of Illinois, Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, and western Kentucky on Sunday, and damaging winds, thunderstorms, and two-inch hail pounded areas of Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Kentucky. A Popeyes location is damaged from the storm at a shopping mall in Rogers, Arkansas ( AP ) Hard-hit states have also been hammered by power outages, according to PowerOutage.us, with more than 160,000 customers without power in Kentucky alone as of Monday afternoon. However, as of Tuesday, this has now been reduced to just under 82,000 people. Areas of Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia, and North Carolina were under a tornado watch until 11pm local time on Sunday, the National Weather Service said, with wind gusts of up to 70 miles per hour and ping-pong-ball-sized hail also possible. As the destructive storms move into Tuesday and Wednesday, the National Weather Service continues to send out warnings to residents across Texas and across the northern and central High Planes into Wednesday afternoon. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Arizonas Secretary of State Adrian Fontes posted a video warning voters ahead of the 2024 election to protect themselves from being duped by AI-generated deepfakes and other fabricated political content ahead of this year's election. Though by all account it appeared to be Mr Fontes delivering the video message, it was not; it was actually a deepfake of Mr Fontes, meant to drive home the warning and to make the point that AI-generated content can be convincing to the untrained eye. He shared the video during Sundays episode of Meet the Press. In the video, the deepfake of Mr Fontes introduces itself and proceeds to explain what it is and what its purpose is before reminding viewers that it is just an "impersonation" of a real human. "Hello, this is a public service advisory featuring an AI version of Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes. This video was produced as part of our 2024 statewide election security tabletop exercise," the AI version of Mr Fontes said. "It was created with both the consent and the cooperation of the real secretary Fontes, which, again, is not me, I'm an AI-impersonation of him." A deepfake of Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes warning voters not to fall for AI-generated mis and disinformation ( screengrab/Meet the Press ) While the dialogue delivery is quite stilted and robotic and the deepfake makes a few perplexing facial animations, the video is otherwise relatively convincing as real footage of the Arizona official. Meet the Press host Kristen Welker called the footage "chilling" and then asked Mr Fontes why he felt it was necessary to build a deepfake of himself. "In bootcamp ... we looked at the weapons of our enemies and we trained against them as much as possible," he said. "AI is not a new weapon, it's an amplifier and a magnifier of mis and disinformation." He said he wanted to ensure that elections officials were "familiar with" how AI can be used to create mis and disinformation, and to install processes for dealing with fake information. WATCH: Arizona Sec. of State @Adrian_Fontes created an AI version of himself to warn voters about fake election content.@kwelkernbc: "Why did you feel that was necessary?" Fontes: "In bootcamp ... we looked at the weapons of our enemies and we trained against them." pic.twitter.com/HmhGb6spyC Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) May 26, 2024 Mr Fontes said the state had already done a "tabletop" exercise with the media to help teach reporters how to spot AI-generated content, and said it would later do the same with law enforcement officials. He wasn't the only US official talking publicly about AI this week; Joe Biden shared his thoughts on the technology on Tuesday, saying AI companies still needed to "earn our trust." I commit to do everything in my power to promote and demand safe, secure, trustworthy, and responsible innovation that includes the use of AI-generated audio. I ask that AI companies join me in that commitment, Mr Biden said on X. Companies developing AI-powered systems are already trying to force them on consumers. Instagram has largely swapped out its old search bar for an AI search, and Google has started providing "AI overviews" with some searches, whether you ask for one or not. Google's AI search tool has come under fire after some users reported "hallucinations" which is an AI company brand-friendly way of saying "the product screwed up" in their search results. Gizmodo collected some of the hallucinations it was given by Google's AI. They include the AI assuring a user that one can find a recipe for gasoline-infused spaghetti, the AI insisting that Barack Obama is a Muslim, and the AI recalling an episode of SpongeBob Squarepants in which Sandy Cheeks "dies by suicide from a drug overdose, including cocaine, heroin, and alcohol," which we're fairly certain would not have been greenlit by Nickelodeon. Sandy's tragic end aside, the search result concerning Mr Obama's faith is an example of the disinformation that AI models can perpetuate. While disinformation is not new to American politics, especially in the age of of social media, AI products' ease of use and ability to create convincing video footage of living politicians likely means the public will have to remain even more vigilant while searching for facts online. Or they can embrace the chaos and watch the AI-generated, 24/7 Twitch debate between an AI Joe Biden and an AI Donald Trump. Both are valid. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} On Saturday, the Libertarian Partys convention in Washington will welcome a decidedly non-Libertarian speaker: Donald Trump, presumed Republican nominee for president. His speech to the right-leaning third party will be a historic one, as no current or former president has ever been granted a speaking slot at the partys convention, nor has Donald Trump seemingly attended a Libertarian event or convention. Yet here we are. The odd relationship being forged between Mr Trumps campaign and the Libertarians presents several opportunities for both the GOP politician and the ungovernable Libertarians as well as potential pitfalls for the two groups. Lets start with the obvious. The 2024 election, according to all available polling, is set to be close. Both candidates are making clear efforts to stem the losses they could suffer from disgruntled voters on the political margins. Joe Biden and the Democrats are working to ice out Robert F Kennedy Jr who spoke at the convention on Friday as well as convince younger Democrats furious with the slaughter in Gaza from staying home or giving away their votes to the Green Party. Mr Trump is doing the same tonight with the Libertarians and Mr Kennedy in one fell swoop. Donald Trump arrives at his rally in the south Bronx Then theres the value tonight presents for the Libertarians. Long suffering from a reputation of unseriousness, tonight is the partys chance to reshape that image while carving a new one: an audience to whom conservative candidates can (or should) be making overtures. But the potential for problems is real for both involved as well. Mr Trump runs the risk of walking into an outright hostile audience. Several attendees who spoke to The Independent on Friday remarked that the former president may well face a silent audience or even boos during his remarks or face outbursts of protest, such as the Free Palestine demonstrators who interrupted Mr Kennedys speech. Its going to be very interesting if he comes here, one convention-goer, Jan, said on Friday. Im anticipating maybe complete silence. Buttons and stickers with federal-skeptic slogans are handed out at the 2024 Libertarian Party convention in Washington DC ( John Bowden ) The Kennedy campaign is certainly encouraging such interruptions for Trumps speech. Staffers with the independent candidate handed out rubber chicken noisemakers to anyone who would take them on Friday. And on the conventions main floor a day before the president spoke, some of the partys true believers slammed the decision by party leaders to invite the former president. We are a libertarian convention, one man angrily said into the mic at the events open forum. We do not need to give our time to non-libertarians! Any of those interruptions would be a black eye for the Libertarians as well. The party runs the risk of doing more harm to its image than good if any of the shenanigans political reporters have come to expect from the partys delegates come to pass. The attendance of the man spotted a day earlier in a pantsless, Tarzan-esque getup with what appeared to be a bra hanging out of the seat, for example, could further the development of that image. Or the man who walked through the press area and a gathered crowd of supporters before the speech and began handing out Free Ross signs calling for the release of the founder of the Silk Road, which facilitated a large market for illegal drugs and other unlawful goods on the dark web. This guy was spotted at the Libertarian convention on Friday; on Saturday, it was more of a suit-and-tie vibe ( John Bowden ) Those signs turned into a roomwide chant before Mr Trump took the stage. But there were reasons to believe, at least heading into the main event Saturday evening, that both parties may come away happy. For starters, the crowd was noticeably Trumpier on Saturday; tri-corner hats had been swapped out for red Maga hats. And the same attendee who remarked that the former president could face a silent welcome noted that the number of press in attendance had already clearly outpaced previous years. There were also clear signs of unrest. As Michael Rectenwald, a Libertarian Party candidate, took the stage before the former president his speech was interrupted by dueling boos and cheers as he called out the Trump administrations management of the Covid crisis, development of the vaccine, and derided him repeatedly. We believe in free speech and you listen to them, said Frank Atwood, another attendee who ran a booth at the convention in support of implementing approval voting systems around the US. I dont feel that they have a Libertarian message, he said of both Mr Trump and Mr Kennedy. But I do feel that if if theyre willing to come to us itll also be an opportunity for us to respond to them. And, and whether or not the audience is completely silent, shuffling feet, turning their backs on him there is at least communication happening between Libertarians and other candidates. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Inside Washington email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Audible boos clashed with impassioned cheers at the Libertarian National Convention in Washington DC on Saturday as former President Donald Trump took the stage before what was certainly the most skeptical if not outright hostile crowd of his bid for the White House this year. Donald Trump was jeered multiple times within the first few minutes of his speech to a rowdy crowd of roughly a thousand people Saturday evening at the Washington Hilton, where just a few weeks ago his 2024 election opponent Joe Biden spoke at the White House Correspondents Associations (WHCA) annual dinner. Former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump addresses the Libertarian National Convention in Washington, ( AFP via Getty Images ) The angry yells from the audience were so constant at parts that it was difficult to tell whether the crowd were booing the incumbent president Trump was rallying against, or the speaker in front of them. At other points, it was plainly obvious: a chant of we want Trump! was roundly drowned out by an angry response. Another round of boos came as Mr Trump declared that he had put everything on the line to defend freedom. Boos, both times when Mr Trump suggested that he was a Libertarian through virtue of his criminal trials, prosecuted by the Department of Justice. More boos when the former president suggested, twice, that the Libertarian Party proper should nominate him. Trump LOUDLY booed when he claims how much hes being persecuted. pic.twitter.com/a1SXftBylP Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) May 26, 2024 But nothing, nothing compared to the furious jeers that erupted as Donald Trump turned to outright taunting his audience. The Libertarian Party should nominate Trump for president, he declared in third-person. More boos. Maybe you dont want to win. Only do that if you want to win, Mr Trump quipped over the jeers. If you want to lose, dont do that. Keep getting three per cent every four years. Trump just bodied the nerds booing him at the libertarian convention lmao "Maybe you don't want to win ... keep getting your 3 percent every four years" pic.twitter.com/16J6GsMQRd johnny maga (@_johnnymaga) May 26, 2024 Party officials had both directly and subtly tried to avert this spectacle. Angela McArdle, newly re-elected chair of the Libertarian Party, told reporters in a gaggle earlier in the day that delegates had been instructed to remain civil. A day earlier, a member of her party had made a sexist remark about her support for the former presidents attendance at the convention during the open forum session. Dave Smith, a comedian and featured speaker, also urged attendees to give the former president a fair shot. Attempting to goad his allies to take that route, he insinuated that only woke leftists would shout down a speaker with whom they disagreed. Evidently, that was not the case. Donald Trumps speech ended in a final massive wave of boos as he urged the partys members to nominate him on their conventions final day, or simply vote for him in November if that were not the case. Trump began his speech with boos and Trump ends his speech with boos Consistent pic.twitter.com/Yco7c6y3Uy Acyn (@Acyn) May 26, 2024 Ms McArdle and like-minded Libertarians had clearly viewed Saturday evenings speech by the former president as a historic opportunity for their organization. It was certainly an unprecedented event: no current or former president in the modern era has addressed a nominating convention for a party other than the Democrats or Republicans. But it was unclear after Mr Trumps speech whether that moment would occur again any time soon, given the sour response from the room. The party chair had even introduced Mr Trump personally and urged delegates in a last-minute plea to remain welcoming. Ahead of the remarks, she had worked to placate unhappy delegates who had found priority seating for the Trump speech snatched up by a large contingent of the presidents fans, who were also in attendance Ms McArdle herself grabbed the mic and kindly but firmly asked the Trump campaigns invited guests and ticketed supporters to make room for party delegates. Donald Trump speaks to the 2024 Libertarian Party convention in Washington DC ( AFP via Getty Images ) But there was palpable anger in the crowd just before the speech began. The Independent witnessed an angry back-and-forth between a Libertarian delegate and another speech attendee over a seat that nearly escalated into a full shouting match. On social media, the grumblings continued as disgruntled Trump supporters, furious at being re-seated, took out their anger on the convention and the party itself. Among the Republicans in the room trying to pick a fight with the Libertarians were members of the Maga-obsessed Washington DC chapter of the Young Republicans a group whose far-right beeline can possibly be best exemplified by the DC chapters continued support for disgraced ex-congressman George Santos following his bipartisan booting from the House of Representatives. WATCH: Regime Libertarians try to get security to kick DCYRs out of seats at the Libertarian Convention pic.twitter.com/JCU7KOh3Ah Washington, D.C. Young Republicans (@WashingtonDCYRs) May 25, 2024 The ex-president spoke for less than an hour before thanking the crowd, which had turned largely hostile by the end of his performance. The few bright spots from a Republicans perspective could have been the moments when Mr Trump pledged to commute the sentence of drug market Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht, whom attendees bore signs to support, as well as when he led the crowd in a chant of end the Fed!, referring to the Federal Reserve. But from a strategists perspective, it was hard to see the former president picking up any new supporters after Saturdays speech. The contingent of conservative-curious Libertarians, of which there has always been many, is likely to turn out for the ex-presiden this year. But among the partys true believers, there were few inroads apparent after tonight. Mr Trump will need all the third-party voters he can win back to his side in November as he goes up against Joe Biden for a second time. The ex-president resoundingly lost in 2020, sparking a wave of denial that culminated in the attack on the Capitol on January 6. In 2024, the polls are closer, with Mr Biden trailing in a number of surveys of key swing states he previously took, including Georgia and Wisconsin. But Mr Trump is awaiting a possible conviction in his Manhattan criminal fraud trial, as well as trials on other allegations of criminal activity including his efforts to stop Joe Biden from taking power. The Biden campaign and Democratic Party combined are taking a similar approach as they too fear the influence of third-party candidates, in their case including not only Robert F Kenendy Jr but others like Dr Jill Stein of the Green Party and Dr Cornel West. For the first time ever, a former president addressed the Libertarian Party. It was a rowdy crowd but were grateful for Pres. Trumps time, and excited to make history, said Libertarian national committee chair Angela McArdle after the speech in a statement. Well be watching and waiting to see if he follows through on his promises to put a libertarian in his Cabinet. LOBAMBA Do away with drinking alcohol and smoking! This is the message that was sent across by his Holiness Unyazi Lwezulu Shembe, the leader of the Nazareth Baptist Church. He further warned the youth against being on the streets doing nothing and used the term ema-phara which refers to young men who spend days roaming aimlessly on the streets smoking drugs and become notorious robbers. I just came here to tell the youth to wake up so that when we leave this world they can continue from where we left off. The most important message I have is that the youth must respect their parents. If they do not do that, we worry about what this world will become. Obviously one can take a horse to the water but it will not drink if it does not feel like it, but I am here today to plead with you to do things right, by waking up and get ready to take the lead, he said. Unyazi Lwezulu issued the warning during the first Sabbath sermon of the church, which was held at the Ludzidzini Royal Residence main arena yesterday. The leader first mentioned that he had come to encourage young people to grow and be leaders of tomorrow, something he said they could only achieve if they respected their elders. Lunyazi said the respect that was expected from young people came in many ways, but that the most important thing was listening to the rules of the families they came from. He made an example that in some families there was a rule that children should be home by 6pm. If there is such a rule in your family, you have to respect it, he said. He highlighted that most parents, especially mothers were suffering as they watched their children destroy their future by indulging in alcohol and engaging in other wicked things. If a parent becomes stressed because as a child you are not showing respect, you are inviting a curse to yourself. In my country, most of the young people do not sleep. They do not respect their parents and fail to go to church and this is destroying their future and preventing them from getting blessings from God, he said. The Shembe leader cited a Bible verse from Ephesians 6, which calls for children to respect their parents. He highlighted that he was now old and that his wish was to leave this world having got the assurance that it was left in the capable hands of future leaders, who were respectful and not those who focused on alcohol and parties. According to the Shembe leader, his own father used to advise him that when he spent money on alcohol, it was as good as buying foolishness. I know alcohol myself even though I do not drink it. I used to go out with the gents during my younger days and my parents would get worried as they did not like such behaviour. I learnt that alcohol kills the future, he said. In jest he mentioned that the whites were the biggest producers of alcohol but it was rare to come across many of them destroying their future by indulging in alcohol. We blacks are the ones who drink too much because we love things, he said. He then made reference to life in his own hometown-Durban, saying one cannot even walk freely after 6pm as there was always a group of young people whose lives are only about alcohol and drunks. He said the streets were filled with such young people and because they do not have money, they resort to criminal activities. Most of them are those who did not listen to their parents. I am glad that I was able to see the capital city of Eswatini-Mbabane. The town is very clean and does not have those young men who spend their time on the streets, he said. Again he spoke in jest saying ironically, there was no old man who lived the life of emaphara which was a sign that it was the youth that had a problem. He then encouraged the Eswatini youth to choose the Nazareth faith because it healed. The Shembe leader said once the Eswatini youth chose to follow the Nazareth faith and became dedicated to God, they would stop being addicted to alcohol also, he said they would shy away from bad friends who always made them choose the wrong path. As I conclude, I want to encourage the youth to wake up because as elders our hopes are on them. We have not lost hope that they can still grow and be leaders of tomorrow, so long as they take advice from their parents. The money you spend on alcohol and drugs can be used to buy food. He said the habit of indulging in alcohol and smoking was nothing but the devils way of preventing the youth from succeeding in life. Meanwhile, yesterdays session started just after 10am, whereby the entrance to the arena was already a beehive of activity with busses dropping the congregants. The congregants walked inside the main arena and sat down while they waited for the ceremony to start. At about 10am, the members, most of who were already seated while others were still walking in, knelt down in honour and respect of their leaders seat kuhlonipha isihlalo. This, it was gathered, was done as a way of showing respect when the leader is about to arrive. At about 10:30am, the leader alighted from a maroon RV camping truck and walked on the red carpet to his classy podium. He introduced some of the church leaders who were to share words of wisdom as part of the sermon. Some of the words of wisdom were focused of reminding the congregants about the need for sons and daughters to respect their parents. On another note, the media was given instructions, including respecting the rule of kneeling down when the congregants were called to do so. Also, the media was reminded of taking off their shoes whenever they walked towards where the leader was. Shembe is the leader of the Nazareth Baptist Church and is considered the African Messiah by members of the church. The church, which is one of the largest in Africa, was founded by Isaiah Shembe in 1910. Members of the church believe that the founder was sent by God to restore the teachings of Moses, the prophets and Jesus. However, the title Shembe is inherited by successors of the founder. The city of Sumy is about 100 miles north of Kharkiv, but a similar distance from the Russian border. Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelensky and his military and intelligence chiefs as well as Western intelligence believe it could be the next target for Russian forces to attack. Earlier this month, Moscow launched an attack against the Kharkiv region and swiftly took a string of villages. Battles are still raging as Ukrainian forces desperately try to prevent Russias artillery coming within range of the area's capital, Kharkiv, Ukraines second-largest city. Zelensky has said Kyivs forces have secured combat control of areas where Russian troops entered across the border into Ukraine, although Moscow claims its forces are still in control of some areas. Moscows forces have stepped up attacks, including small-scale incursions by commando units, along the Sumy regions border areas and those of the neighbouring Chernihiv region to the west. They attacked the Sumy region 108 times in 25 separate attacks in a single day earlier this week. Targeted settlements included Velyka Pysarivka, Bilopillia, Yunakivka, Khotin, Krasnopillia, Druzhkivka, Seredyna-Buda, Vorozhba and Esman, with some 1,500 people evacuated. Russia has also continued to strike at targets in the Kharkiv region, destroying civilian buildings, trains and railway tracks. Authorities say more than 11,000 people have been evacuated from towns and villages in the region since Russia launched its assault on 10 May. Vladimir Putin has claimed he wants to carve out a buffer zone on Ukraines side of the border to prevent Ukrainian attacks on Russian towns such as Belgorod. However, the head of Sumys Regional Military State Administration, Volodymyr Artiukh, believes Putin is trying to grab as much Ukrainian territory as possible to use as bargaining chips in future peace talks. Volodymyr Artiukh: Now Putin needs some sort of dividends to show for what he has inflicted on his country ( Askold Krushelnycky ) Artiukh says: The events in Sumy and Kharkiv are deeply intertwined. Historically, we know all wars have a start, and they must come to an end. The important thing is on what terms the war ends. Wars are about gaining territory and human and economic resources. When Putin started this war he expected to quickly gain territory and a large educated population that he could exploit for his grand imperial ambitions... Ukraine did not allow the would-be tsar to achieve that. But now Putin needs some sort of dividends to show for what he has inflicted on his country. Artiukhs contention that Putin is trying to grab territory ahead of some kind of peace negotiations chime with a Reuters report citing Kremlin-connected sources saying the Russian leader wants to at least freeze the conflict. According to that report, Putin is ready to halt the war in Ukraine with a negotiated ceasefire that recognises the current battlefield line saying he is prepared to fight on if Kyiv and the West do not respond. Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba said on X, formerly Twitter, that the Russian leader was trying to derail a Ukrainian-initiated peace summit in Switzerland next month by using his entourage to send out phoney signals about his alleged readiness to halt the war. Artiukh, 66, was a career soldier who was a lieutenant-general and deputy chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces General Staff when President Zelensky appointed him to his present post. He brings decades of military experience, which he has applied to strengthening the regions defences along its 370-mile border with Russia. He has often shown up in person to check on the construction of trenches, bunkers, and barbed-wire defences near the front lines. Some towns and villages in Sumy, but not the regional capital of Sumy itself, had been occupied for a few months at the start of Putins 2022 invasion. But even then, Artiukh says, most of the population waited for Ukrainian forces to retake the areas and many formed partisan groups to sabotage the enemy or gather information about it to hand over to the regular forces. Volodymyr Zelensky has said Kyivs forces have secured combat control of areas where Russian troops entered across the border into Ukraine ( Ukrainian Presidential Press Office ) He adds: We have watched carefully what has happened in Kharkiv and were always trying to improve our fortifications. You can never do enough but the morale of our people military and civilians is high and the Russians wont be able to get what they want here. Artiukh thanks Britain for being the first country to help in 2022 with major arms shipments, and more recently for suggesting British weapons be used against targets within Russia itself something the US and other allies are hesitant about, fearing an escalation of the conflict. We are a much smaller country with fewer resources than Russia, and so we can only gain victory by devising ourselves or receiving from allies modern weapons and equipment, Artiukh says. We have strong moral support from our people and that is essential and means we can, we must, we will fight our enemy. We have to beat him, beat him, beat him thats all he [Putin] understands. He appealed for all Western allies to completely commit to ensuring Ukraine wins. Everyone must step up, Artiukh adds. He says he receives a constant stream of information from the Ukrainian army general staff about Russian preparations around Sumy and believes the region is prepared to tackle anything the Russians do. Okhtirka, in the Sumy region, lies along the main road between Kharkiv and Sumy cities. Its population has been swelled by refugees in the last few weeks due to attacks across the border by Russian bombs, drones and artillery. Air-raid sirens have been sounding more frequently of late. Oleksandr Belousov, 27, an employee of the citys cultural and community centre, points to the rubble-filled space that is all that remains of the city hall after Okhtirka was attacked at the start of Russia's invasion in February 2022. It was destroyed by Russian aeroplanes bombing us at night on 7 March, 2022, he says. We had no air defences and they just bombed without us being able to respond. For Ukrainians like Belousov, who live close to the Russian border, the recent Russian attacks have focused attention on the American ban backed by some of Kyivs allies who have supplied weapons forbidding their missiles being used against targets in Russia itself. Oleksandr Belousov: The Russians have a choice: they can come here and die or they can stay in their own country. We dont have that choice. So we have to fight ( Askold Krushelnycky ) Russia has taken advantage of the ban to mount devastating artillery and glide-bomb attacks with impunity from sometimes just a few miles across the border inside Russian territory. The glide bombs are old conventional iron bombs of the type dropped by planes from before the Second World War. They are fitted with wings to extend their range to tens of miles by gliding, with GPS systems for accuracy. Russia has hundreds of thousands of these bombs, some weighing a tonne-and-a-half and packing hundreds of pounds of explosives. Belousov is from Velyka Pysarivka, a town largely destroyed by Russian artillery, planes and glide bombs last month. He says: The Russians dropped 200 glide bombs on Pysarivka and the area in one week. If only wed been given what we need: [either] permission to fire missiles into Russian territory to destroy the Russian planes launching them, or F-16s to intercept their planes and destroy their air bases, [then] Pysarivka would still be intact. Belousov has registered for military service but has not yet been called up. He carries the relevant documents with him in case he is stopped by one of the joint military and police patrols checking on men in the street to see if they are registered or trying to avoid call-up. He says: The Russians have a choice: they can come here and die or they can stay in their own country. We dont have that choice. So we have to fight. Can the Russians come here? Yes, they can try and everyone will fight them. I have a six-year-old daughter, Alissa. I want her to live in a free Ukraine, not a Russian dictatorship or as a refugee abroad, he adds. He praises Britain in the wake of the foreign secretary, David Cameron, saying on a visit to Kyiv earlier this month that Ukraine has the right to use UK-supplied weapons whichever way out deems best, including inside Russia. Belousov says: The Americans and other Western leaders have to follow Britains example and be decisive. They should overcome their fears about escalation and get the red lines they imagine Putin has drawn out of their heads. When Putin invaded in 2022 he boasted he would take Kyiv in a few days and the rest of Ukraine in a couple of weeks. Well, here we are more than two years later and whats he going to do? Use nuclear weapons? I dont think so. If the West doesnt want to see its own democracy destroyed, let alone Ukraine defeated, then it has to arm Ukraine with everything we need and allow us to take the battle to Russia. As if to emphasise his words, air-raid sirens begin to sound. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi, 63, died alongside Irans foreign minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and two senior local officials on board the helicopter on 19 May. Raisi was confirmed dead after hours of frantic searching through a foggy mountainous region. Irans interior minister Ahmed Vahidi confirmed earlier to state TV that one of the helicopters in a convoy carrying President Raisi, 63, suffered a hard landing adding that rescue teams struggled to reach the site due to ongoing difficult weather conditions. The confirmation of Mr Raisis death came through state TV and a government-run news agency early on Monday morning. On Sunday night, Iranians had been urged to collectively pray for their president, while state TV aired prayers for his safety as well as showing worshipers praying for his health in the holy city of Mashhad. An event taking place to mark the death of Raisi in London on Friday ended in a clash between pro-Iran supporters and anti-Iranian government protesters With tributes and reactions pouring in from other countries around the world, heres what we know about Mr Raisi and his time in office. Rise to power Born to a conservative family in eastern Iran, Raisi studied theology at the seminaries in Qom. He was a teenager when the countrys popular revolution established Iran as a theocracy, but he quickly became an enthusiastic participant in enforcing the vision of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic. Irans President Ebrahim Raisi said they will respond strongly to US attacks ( Iranian Presidency/AFP via Getty ) At 21 years old, Raisi began serving as a prosecutor, pursuing politically charged cases in the cities of Karaj and Hamadan. He gained a reputation as one of the regimes most severe figures a young, brash ideologue, willing to get his hands dirty. Within a few years, Raisi was appointed as a judge, a rapid rise that was stunning to Iranians and led to years of questions about his professional credentials. Raisi also faces sanctions from the US and other nations over his involvement in the mass execution of prisoners in 1988. A protester places flowers on a photograph of an executed man during a demonstration to protest against the inaugeration Ebrahim Raisi in London in 2021 ( AFP via Getty Images ) Raisi was defiant when asked at a news conference after his election about the 1988 executions, which saw sham retrials of political prisoners, militants and others that would become known as death commissions at the end of the bloody Iran-Iraq war. Raisi served on the commissions where international rights groups estimate that as many as 5,000 people were executed. He ran unsuccessfully for president in 2017 against Hassan Rouhani, the relatively moderate cleric who as president reached Tehrans 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. In 2021, Raisi ran again in an election that saw all of his potentially prominent opponents barred from running under Irans vetting system. He swept nearly 62 per cent of the 28.9 million votes, the lowest turnout by percentage in the Islamic Republics history. Millions stayed home and others voided ballots. Raisi served on the commissions where international rights groups estimate that as many as 5,000 people were executed ( Uzbekistan's President Press Office ) Time in office Since taking office 2021, Raisi has ordered a tightening of morality laws, overseen a bloody crackdown on anti-government protests and pushed hard in nuclear talks with world powers. He has supported the countrys security services as they cracked down on all dissent, including in the aftermath of the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini and the nationwide protests that followed. Mahsa Amini was an Iranian woman who was arrested in Tehran for opposing mandatory hijab rules. The 22-year-old later died in police custody in 2022. Mahsa Amini was an Iranian woman who was arrested in Tehran for opposing mandatory hijab rules ( AP ) In March, a United Nations investigative panel found that Iran was responsible for the physical violence that led to Aminis death. Her death sparked mass prorests and a monthslong security crackdown killed more than 500 people and saw over 22,000 detained. In Irans dual political system, split between the clerical establishment and the government, it is the supreme leader rather than the president who has the final say on all major policies. But many see Raisi as a strong contender to succeed his 85-year-old mentor, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has strongly endorsed Raisis main policies. Whats next for Iran? Under Iranian laws, if a serving president dies, the first vice president takes office, with the confirmation of the supreme leader, who has the final say in all matters of state in Iran. The current vice president Mohammad Mokhber is expected to be promoted as the interim president of Iran. It will be followed by an election for a new president within a maximum period of 50 days. The elections will now take place a year prior to when they were scheduled in 2025 when Raisis term would have ended. Who is the new interim president? Mr Mokhber, 69, is seen as a close aide to the supreme leader and became vice president in 2021 when Raisi was elected as president. He was part of a team of Iranian officials delegation who visited Moscow in October and agreed to supply surface-to-surface missiles and more drones to Russias military, sources told Reuters at the time. The team also included two senior officials from Irans Revolutionary Guards and an official from the Supreme National Security Council. In 2010, he was among the individuals and entities who were sanctioned by the European Union for alleged involvement in nuclear or ballistic missile activities. Two years later their names were removed from the list. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} Hamas says it has captured Israeli soldiers during fighting in northern Gaza, but Tel Aviv denies the claim. A Hamas spokesman said that its fighters lured a contingent of Israeli soldiers into a tunnel in Jabalia on Saturday and ambushed them. The fighters withdrew after they left all members of the force dead, wounded and captured, Abu Ubaida, spokesman for Al Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, said in a recorded message broadcast by Al Jazeera early on Sunday. The spokesman did not provide any evidence or specify how many soldiers were abducted. A video released by Hamas shows a bloodied person being dragged along the ground in a tunnel and photos of military fatigue and rifle. The authenticity of the video or the identity of the person could not be immediately verified. The Israeli military denied the Hamas claim. The IDF clarifies that there is no incident in which a soldier was abducted, the military said in a statement. The Israeli military previously claimed to have fully dismantled the Hamas command network in northern Gaza. Hamas announced the capture of Israeli soldiers just hours after reports came that ceasefire talks could be resuming. A decision was made to resume the negotiations sometime next week after the head of Israels Mossad spy agency met the chief of the CIA and the prime minister of Qatar, Reuters reported, quoting an anonymous source. The source, who declined to be identified by name or nationality, said the negotiations will open based on new proposals led by the mediators, Egypt and Qatar, and with active US involvement. But a Hamas official denied Israeli media reports that the talks would resume in Cairo on Tuesday, telling Reuters: There is no date. The mediators have struggled to get a ceasefire deal done, with Israel seeking the release of hostages held by Hamas and the Palestinian group demanding an end to the war and the release of Palestinians held in Israels prisons. Meanwhile, nearly 200 aid trucks are expected to enter Gaza via the Karem Abu Salem crossing today. Food aid for Gaza has been rotting in the summer heat as the Israeli military keeps the Rafah border crossing with Egypt closed for the third week running, intensifying the hunger crisis in the Palestinian territory. Israels war in Gaza has killed nearly 36,000 Palestinians so far, reduced much of the territorys infrastructure to rubble and left over 80 percent of its 2.3 million people without adequate food and shelter. Additional reporting by agencies For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }} The sister of a teenager being held hostage by Hamas has revealed the last text message she sent to her concerned relatives, moments before being taken into Gaza during the 7 October attack. Karina Ariev, 19, was last seen in a terrifying video released this week, which showed her wearing her Snoopy pyjamas as she was threatened with rape, before being taken from her bed. Just minutes before she was kidnapped, she sent a final text message to her older sister Sasha, urging her to remain strong. Speaking to The Daily Mail, her 24-year-old sister, who has paused her neuroscience studies to focus on the hostage situation, said Karina understood this could be the end. I could see the understanding in her eyes, and few minutes later she sent me a message that if she wont leave, if she wont make it out alive, she asked me to keep our parents safe and to be strong and not to wallow in sorrow but to continue living, Sasha said. Sasha with her parents have repeatedly appealed for her sisters safe return ( AP ) She didnt tell my parents to look after me. She told me to look after our parents. This is how we are. We are strong, and this is the bond between us and how we were holding this family together. Her family decided to release the footage alongside the families of Liri Albag, 19, Naama Levy, 19, Daniela Gilboa, 20, and Agam Berger, 19, all of whom are still being kept inside the besieged enclave. Despite negotiations ensuring the release of some captives, a number of Israelis remain hostage and under consistent bombardment. We just realised now that we are almost eight months on, that people are forgetting and that there is no deal in the horizon and we do not know where we are going through, Sasha explained. So we thought that instead of talking, we will just show this video and the evidence will talk for itself. We wanted people to see and to maybe feel a little of the pain that were feeling every day. To understand that when we close our eyes, this is what we see. And even worse. Gaza has been under continuous bombardment since October ( AP ) While the full footage is 15 minutes long and is too graphic to be shown in full to the public, it shows the terror of those who were abducted by the terrorists. I could see her eyes pleading for help, Sasha said. I could see helplessness. Like she is a little baby looking for help. Like, please help me. I dont know what is going on here. There are grenades. Im wounded. My best friend is lying dead in front of me. At the time she was taken hostage, Karina had been staying in an army base on the border of Gaza. Despite the anguish her family are going through, Sasha has travelled the world and conducted over 100 interviews to raise awareness of her sisters plight. I gave my promise to my sister that I will look after them, she said. Shes the one who is really fighting there. So I have no privilege to say that its hard for me or something, So Im letting my parents be more emotional, like parents are, and Im always saying that Im strong and no one can break me no matter what. Im doing everything I can to bring Karina back alive as soon as possible. And only afterwards will I allow myself to cry. Only tears of joy. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Get Simon Calders Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The death toll from the devastating landslide in Papua New Guinea has crossed 670 as search and rescue crews continue to look for buried survivors and bodies. The International Organisation for Migration said on Sunday that any hope of finding survivors is dwindling. The UN agencys mission head in the South Pacific island nation said the revised toll is based on calculations done by local officials in the Enga province. They are estimating that more than 670 people are under the soil at the moment, Serhan Aktoprak told the Associated Press. But only five bodies and the leg of a sixth victim have been recovered so far. Mr Aktoprak said the estimate is not solid as it is based on average family size in the region but he would not speculate if the actual toll could be higher. It is difficult to say. We want to be quite realistic, Mr Aktoprak said. We do not want to come up with any figures that would inflate the reality. The officials have also revised their estimate of the number of homes destroyed by the landslide from 60 to 150. Rescue workers and relatives said they have started losing hope of finding anyone alive as many people remain buried under six to eight metres of mud and rubble. People are coming to terms with this so there is a serious level of grieving and mourning, Mr Aktoprak said. The landslide struck around 3am local time on Friday and impacted six villages in the Mulitaka region, about 600km (370 miles) northwest of the capital Port Moresby. Survivors have been moved to safer places as rescue work continues to be hindered by unstable ground and tribal warfare, which is rife in the Papua New Guinea Highlands. At least eight people were killed in a clash between two rival clans on Saturday. The clash reportedly resulted from a longstanding dispute unrelated to the landslide. Emergency convoys continued delivering food, water and other provisions to survivors over the weekend as the landslide destroyed large swathes of farmland and water sources. The national government said it is considering whether to officially request more international support. Additional reporting by agencies Nowhere in the world knows wealth like Monaco. Its where Ferraris cruise along the Riviera, 70m yachts dot the shoreline, Rolexes peek out of tailored shirt cuffs, and Dom Perignon is sipped on the terrace of the Hotel de Paris. Throw in the heady, adrenaline-filled rush of a Formula One grand prix and you have perhaps the most glamorous weekend on the sporting, and social, calendar. This is the race once watched by The Beatles, Rolling Stones and Rod Stewart. Where Grace Kelly brought Elizabeth Taylor as her guest. So if youre heading over to Monaco this weekend (perhaps from Cannes via a quick jaunt to London for the Chelsea Flower Show), youll want to do so with some flair. Anthony Lassman, owner and founder of Nota Bene Global, a private members service with a focus on travel design and curation, says: So much of this weekend is about status. If youve been invited to take prime position at the Grand Prix by someone very high up in F1 or by Prince Albert of Monaco youre not going to do it in half measure, you have to be seen to do it in style. So when youre an ultra-high net worth individual the elite of the elite how do you spend this weekend in the principality? When money is no object, you have the worlds best concierges at your fingertips, and the most exclusive town on the Cote dAzur is your playground. According to Lassman, you start by chartering a yacht (preferably a superyacht). Youll notice a string of vessels lining the shore by the F1 track, with spectators watching the race while sipping champagne on their decks although the largest, most exclusive yachts (some in excess of 100m) will be anchored further out. Hope Dowlen, co-founder of 48 London, (who has also been booking charters for her uber-wealthy clients) says youd be looking at around 100k a day for a 30m yacht, while anything over 60m or 70m will set you back seven figures for a week-long charter. Not a fan of sailing? Not a problem. Lassman says that others of his very wealthy individuals will stay at inland estates along the Riviera and hop on a private boat, or maybe hire an ultra-luxurious car, to make their way into town for the race. Ferraris, Lamborghinis and convertible Rolls Royces are favourite choices and will set you back around 2,000 to 4,000 for a days use. With the traffic being particularly bad over Grand Prix weekend, however, it may be a better idea to hire a heli. The seven-minute flight from Nice is currently selling at around 550 (470) per seat each way on Blade and thats one of the more affordable helicopter options. If you want to be at the centre of the action, right in the heart of Monaco, then check in to the palatial Hotel de Paris. Everybody wants to see whos coming in and out de Paris, says Lassman. Its the hotel with the best views of the racetrack and oozes old-school glamour. Yacht hire costs 100k a day for a 30m vessel, while anything over 60m or 70m will set you back seven figures for a week-long charter ( Amber Lounge ) Rooms here get booked up months in advance over Grand Prix weekend, with a good-sized suite with harbour, racetrack and sea views likely to cost around 20,000 a night. But why not go all out and treat yourself to Senates most exclusive Hotel de Paris F1 package in the Prince Rainier III Suite? This 350 square-metre two-bedroom suite overlooking Casino Square enjoys track views, a private pool and butler service, as well as paintings and photographs from the Prince of Monacos private collection. For a four-night stay over the F1 weekend, you will be relieved of 450,000 (383,000) in total breakfast included. Another option is Hotel Hermitage, described by Lassman as quieter luxury with grand dame. Senates packages here start from 3,400 per night, while the top suites range from 40,0000 (34,000) to 80,000 (68,000) for four nights. For a slightly less traditional hotel with a cooler edge to it, head up into the hills where The Maybourne perches on the rocky peninsula of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin overlooking Monaco. True F1 fanatics eschew sipping rose on a yacht deck in favour of getting as close to the action as possible ( Senate ) The sea views from this glass box of a hotel are unparalleled and, while its not exactly trackside viewing, youll catch glimpses of the track as you gaze down on the principality. The signature suite, The Maybourne, will set you back 12,750 per night during the Grand Prix weekend, while a grand sea view suite is 8,500 per night and a sea view suite 6,500 per night. The Grand Prix kit, with everything you need to watch the race, including sunscreen and champagne, is included in the price. But true F1 fanatics might well eschew sipping rose on a hotel balcony or yacht deck in favour of getting as close to the action as possible in the Paddock. Hope says: We offer clients the full Grand Prix experience with unique experiences such as garage tours, walking the pit lane, the finest hospitality and the ultimate experience of meeting drivers and key team members to learn more about the craft of the sport. VIP passes start from around 6,000 per person. And when race day comes to a close, where else would you blow off steam but the Amber Lounge? Its renowned for legendary Grand Prix parties, where champagne runs freely and cirque-themed performances entertain guests into the early hours. For a less traditional hotel, head up into the hills where The Maybourne overlooks Monaco ( The Maybourne Riviera ) Celebrities including Pamela Anderson, Justin Bieber and Post Malone have been spotted at Amber Lounge parties and its not uncommon for the F1 drivers themselves to rock up on Sunday night. Over the past 20 years, 56,000 bottles of Dom Perignon champagne have been popped at Amber Lounge Monaco, with 200,000 bottles of champagne in total being sipped or sprayed. This year, racegoers will party on a 30-metre yacht in Monaco, with production for the whole event costing an impressive 1.5m (1.27m). This makes it hardly surprising that tickets start at 800 for a single entry on the Sunday. If youve not yet maxed out your Amex Centurion, you may want to opt for the diamond table, which hosts 10 guests with bespoke table service including a private host, personal waitress, a 6-litre bottle of champagne, 6-litre bottle of premium vodka and selected free flow premium bottles. The price tag is 40,000, but these tables have been known to auction off for up to 70,000. If guzzling champagne and dancing to DJs until 5am sounds a little too full-on for a weekend of style and sophistication, there are plenty of other ways to celebrate the Grand Prix that will avoid a hangover. Yachts and Formula One fans are packed in, either side of the track for the Monaco Grand Prix ( Senate ) Hope says: We organise private parties aboard superyachts and in their villas, complete with a private chef, the finest wines, champagnes and cocktails, DJ and world-class entertainment, bespoke dancefloors just to name a few. We have frequently flown in stylists, hair and makeup artists and grooming experts ahead of parties and masseuses, IV drips and facialists for the morning after. 48 London also offers more family-friendly post-race entertainment like inviting a Formula One driver into your home in the shape of a hologram that will party the night away with you. Hope adds: We have also been known to have F1 driver outfits made for our clients children who really want to immerse themselves into the atmosphere of the day, as well as setting up bespoke racing tracks in the grounds of their home, complete with a winners podium and trophy for the kids and adults to try their hand at life as an F1 driver. These sort of racing-themed parties at your villa can come in at around 30,000 upwards. And once race day is done, the champagne has been sprayed and the yacht anchor lifted, theres a whole riviera to explore head on to St Tropez, stop by Antibes or moor up at Cap-Ferrat for the most stylish and luxurious of the Cote dAzur. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Get Simon Calders Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thousands have protested in Spains Balearic Islands as fury over mass tourism intensifies. Posters read SOS Residents and Enough Mass Tourism as protesters marched through Palma de Mallorca, the capital of the largest Balearic Island. About 10,000 demonstrators took part, a police spokesperson said. A protest with a few hundred people was also staged in Menorca and on Friday, about 1,000 protesters took part in a demonstration in Ibiza, one of the most popular Balearic Islands. open image in gallery Protesters hold a banner reading Mallorca is not for sale during a demonstration to protest against the massification of tourism and housing prices on the island of Mallorca in Palma de Mallorca on May 25, 2024 ( AFP via Getty Images ) Tourism generates 45% of the islands gross domestic product, according to data from Exceltur, an industry organisation. We want the authorities to stop people who have not lived here more than five years from buying properties and to put more controls on holiday accommodation, said Carme Reines, from a collective which organised the protest in Palma de Mallorca. Javier Carbonell, a real estate agent, said over half of rental properties were used for holiday rents and were not affordable for locals. We want less mass tourism and more sustainable tourism, Carbonell said. open image in gallery People take part in a protest against mass tourism and gentrification in the island ahead of summer season ( REUTERS ) After Catalonia, the Balearic Islands was the second most popular region of Spain for tourists last year, attracting 14.4 million holidaymakers, the Spanish National Statistics Institute said. Some 18 million tourists visited Catalonia and 13.9 million people visited the Canary Islands, the Spanish archipelago off Western Africa. We want a limit on new tourist places and a ban on more illegal flats. With less flats around on the market, it pushes up the price, said Rafael Gimenez, a spokesman for Prou Ibiza which organised Fridays protest. In April, thousands of people protested in the Canary Islands, calling for a temporary limit on tourist arrivals to stem a boom in short-term holiday rentals and hotel construction that is increasing housing costs for locals. It comes as Two German tourists, a Spanish waitress and a Senegalese man were killed when a two-storey restaurant building collapsed on the beach in Spains Palma de Mallorca on Thursday. open image in gallery Tourists take pictures of the Medusa Beach Club building after its collapse, in Palma de Mallorca, Spain ( REUTERS ) Police said the accident was possibly caused by excessive weight on the terrace of the Medusa Beach Club. The German victims were two women aged 20 and 30, the waitress was 23 and the Senegalese man was 44, the council said in a statement. All the 16 reported injured were Dutch tourists, he said. A spokesperson for Germans Foreign Ministry said its consulate in Mallorca was in close contact with authorities. The situation on the ground is still partly unclear, the spokesperson said. At this point in time, we unfortunately have to assume that German nationals are among the dead and injured. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Get Simon Calders Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Twelve passengers have been injured during turbulence on a flight from Doha to Dublin, claimed to have caused some people on board to hit the cabin ceiling. Dublin Airport said six passengers and six crew reported injuries during the Qatar Airways flight which landed safely as scheduled shortly before 1pm on Sunday. Upon landing, the aircraft was met by emergency services, including Airport Police and our Fire and Rescue department, due to 6 passengers and 6 crew [12 total] on board reporting injuries after the aircraft experienced turbulence while airborne over Turkey, a statement on the airports official X account said. The Dublin Airport team continues to provide full assistance on the ground to passengers and airline staff. All passengers were assessed for injury before disembarking the aircraft, with eight passengers subsequently taken to hospital, airport officials said. The return flight to Doha (flight QR018) was scheduled to operate as normal on Sunday afternoon, albeit with a delay. Qatar Airways said a small number of passengers and crew sustained minor injuries in flight and are now receiving medical attention, adding: The matter is now subject to an internal investigation. Were you onboard? Email holly.evans@independent.co.uk One of the passengers on the flight, Paul Mocc told Irish broadcaster RTE that he saw people hitting the roof and food and drink going everywhere. He said he saw crew members limping around afterward with bandages on but he said they did a really good job of continuing the flight service. The latest incident comes days after a British man was killed on a violently turbulent flight from Heathrow to Singapore. Geoffrey Kitchen, a father-of-two and theatre director taking a last big holiday with his wife, died from a suspected heart attack. Fifty other people were injured after unbuckled passengers hit the cabin ceiling while the plane dropped 6,000ft in a matter of minutes. open image in gallery Geoffrey Kitchen was described as always a gentleman with the utmost honesty and integrity ( Facebook ) Singapore Airlines said that flight encountered sudden extreme turbulence around 10 hours after departure while flying over Myanmars Irrawaddy Basin at 37,000 feet, with the ensuing chaos causing the pilot to declare a medical emergency and landing in Bankok some 90 minutes short of its intended destination. Tracking website Flightradar24 said data sent from the aircraft showed a rapid change in vertical rate, consistent with a sudden turbulence event, adding that there were some severe thunderstorms in the area at the time. Clear air turbulence is described by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as sudden severe turbulence occurring in cloudless regions that causes violent buffeting of aircraft which is especially troublesome because it is often encountered unexpectedly and frequently without visual clues to warn pilots of the hazard. It is rare for turbulence to cause injuries on flights and even rarer for passengers to lose their lives as a result. One study suggests aircraft encounter severe clear air turbulence at least 790 times a year, which equates to around once every 11 hours. Aircraft are designed to cope with any turbulence that nature can throw at them and I cant recall any modern airliner crashing due to turbulence, flight safety specialist Steve Landells previously wrote for the British Airline Pilots Association (Balpa). The injuries we see tend to occur when people arent strapped in. This may be because the turbulence is encountered without warning but we also see quite a lot of people hurt because they dont obey the fasten seat belt instructions. So, even if the signs arent on, always have your seatbelt done up when you are sitting down and dont be tempted to get up when the captain has told you to strap in. However, climate researchers warn that growing levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere could increase hazardous turbulence, with the incidence at one typical point over the North Atlantic found in one study to have increased by 55 per cent between 1979 and 2020. According to Dr Paul Williams, of the University of Reading, a doubling of atmospheric CO2 levels could see clear air turbulence become twice or even three times more common than it is today with an average of five serious cases a day. A Sky News presenter clashed with Nigel Farage after the former Ukip leader claimed there are British Muslims who "loathe" much of what the country stands for in a live interview on Sunday, 26 May. The Reform UK founder told Sir Trevor Phillips: "Some of the recent surveys [say] that 46 per cent of British Muslims support Hamas." Sir Trevor previously wrote in the Times that his family heritage is Fulani and Mandinka Muslims. Clashing with Mr Farage, Sir Trevor asked the former politician: "Put yourself in the shoes of a British Muslim, can you imagine how offensive that feels? Mr Farage responded by asking: "How many people from your community fail to speak English?" 'It's about staying relevant,' says Primarks retail director for Iberia, Italy, Central and Eastern Europe and Benelux, Stephen Mullen Primark, the Irish fashion retail giant also known as Penneys, has invested over 30m in its European expansion this month as it prepares to enter its 17th market in Hungary. The fashion retailer, launched on Dublins Mary Street in 1969 by the late Arthur Ryan, has opened stores in Madrid, Spain, and Turin, Italy, this month and is about to open its first store in Budapest, Hungary. The three new stores, representing an investment of around 30m, will create around 600 new jobs at Primark, which has around 455 stores globally in markets including the UK and US. In an exclusive interview, Stephen Mullen, Primarks retail director for Iberia, Italy, Central and Eastern Europe, and Benelux, said the company had ambitions to open several stores across the continent this year. By the end of 2026, Primark aims to have 530 stores globally Further openings will take place in Italy, Czechia, Romania, Portugal, and Poland this year. By the end of 2026, Primark aims to have 530 stores globally. Co Meath-born Mullen, who has worked at Primark for over 38 years and headed up the Spanish expansion at the direction of co-founder Ryan, said the European expansion was performing well. There is much more to come from that market I am very excited about it, he said. Primark delivered a strong performance in the first half of its latest financial year, with sales up 7.5pc globally. Sales of womenswear and menswear grew well, as did health and beauty ranges. Equally, digital engagement has continued to support Primarks sales growth. Mullen said Spain was a key market for Primark, with the company operating 63 stores across the country In Europe (excluding the UK) sales grew by 7.9pc. The company's well-received product ranges, good footfall, strong performance in new stores, and the rollout of Primarks enhanced customer website contributed to its performance. Mullen said Spain was a key market for Primark, with the company operating 63 stores across the country and employing over 10,000 people. He added that the business plans to invest 100m in the Spanish market, opening and refurbishing stores between April 2023 and the end of this year. It is about enhancing the proposition for the customer, he said, noting Primark was implementing food and beauty offerings in the Spanish market. It is important that the customer comes in and finds affordable fashion in a fantastic environment and also gets the experience. Analysts have questioned whether ABF should spin off Primark into a separate listed entity for many years due to its success Competition across the continent in fashion retail is fierce. Mullen says innovation has positioned Primark well, from enhancing the experiential offering in-store to its clothing designs. Its about staying relevant. That is the big secret for everybody, he said. Primark is part of UK-listed Associated British Foods. It places the affordable fashion retailer in a group operating in various sectors, including producing sugar and baker's yeast. Investment analysts have questioned whether ABF should spin off Primark into a separate listed entity for many years due to its success. I have been hearing that since I was a boy, said Mullen. It is speculation, and I couldnt comment on it. I am not privy to that sort of information. MBABANE The security guard who was abducted last week Saturday at Mbondzela farm has been found dead at one of the forests not very far from the farm, with five or six stab wounds on the back. Over 50 members of the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) joined the search party yesterday and hardly two hours of searching, the lifeless body of Vukani Mkhwanazi was discovered by some of the law enforcers. Some members of the family identified him and confirmed that it was indeed their relatives body that was discovered. Acting Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Assistant Superintendent Nosipho Mnguni confirmed the discovery of the body of Mkhwanazi. She relayed that Mkhwanazi was found with at least five or six stab wounds on the back. The police can confirm that the body of Vukani Mkhwanazi was discovered yesterday and he had five or six stab wounds on the back, but the exact number is yet to be confirmed after experts examine his body, she said. Search The search party began its mandate of the day at around 9am and at about 10:30am, Mkhwanazis body was discovered. The deceased was discovered in a gum tree forest but his body was not in a decomposed state, despite that it had been at least nine days since he disappeared. Mkhwanazi went missing while he was on duty on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at around 4pm. According to an eyewitness, on the day he went missing, he had set out to look for livestock along the boundaries of the farm and came across a group of unknown people. The unknown people are suspected to be members of political parties, as they were allegedly seen wearing the same clothes around the area previously. After the discovery of the deceaseds body, the police convened for a short meeting where the Gege Police Station Commander Pholani Nxumalo thanked the police officers for their effort and resilience since the first day of the search. An unidentified senior police officer then reminded his colleagues that the deceased was attacked while he was carrying a gun. He said that the gun he was carrying had 10 rounds of ammunition and despite firing all of them to scare off the attackers, they were adamant in their pursuit to abduct him. This should act as a lesson to all of us that we could be attacked while we are carrying guns. The trick here is to know how to use a gun and we should not die while we are armed, he said. The senior police officer emphasised that police officers should know when and how to use a gun to avoid such situations where one is attacked successfully while they are armed. Firearm According to the police, Mkhwanazi went missing with firearm, a panzer pump action that was loaded with 10 live rounds of ammunition. However, it was not discovered. Mkhwanazi body was loaded into a police van an taken to Nhlangano where the nearest mortuary is located. Family members were spotted at the scene but they were not keen to comment on yesterdays discovery. The disappearance of Mkhwanazi occurred at a time when there was an ongoing dispute between farm occupants and the owner of the Mahamba Gorge Farm at Mbondzela. Mbondzela Farm 19 is located along the Nhlangano-Gege Road in the Shiselweni Region and some of the farm occupants homes were demolished. The demolition of the houses came a day after multiple security guards of the farm were attacked, allegedly by the residents. The alleged assault of the security guards came after the residents found their water pipes disconnected, allegedly by the guards working at the farm. Partner content Visits included one to construction firm PM Group, who recently celebrated 25 years in Poland The mission took in two cities, Wroclaw and Warsaw, and focused in particular on the opportunities for Irish high-tech construction firms. Above, Warsaw, Poland. Photo: Getty Interest in the construction and engineering sector heightened last year when Intel announced it had chosen a site near Wroclaw, for a new semiconductor plant. Photo: Getty Poland is a rapidly developing and highly innovative market, and its continued growth is delivering significant opportunities for Irish exporters and companies, particularly those in the high-tech construction sector. This was abundantly clear during a recent two-day trade mission to Poland led by Dara Calleary TD, the Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation. Poland this month marks the 20th anniversary of its EU membership, and is now positioned as the largest single market for Enterprise Ireland client companies in Central Eastern Europe. The mission took in two cities, Wroclaw and Warsaw, and focused in particular on the opportunities for Irish high-tech construction firms. Dara Calleary, Minister of State for Trade Promotion, recently headed a two-day trade mission to Poland High-tech construction and engineering have always been key sectors of interest for Irish firms exploring opportunities in Poland. And interest in the sector heightened last year when Intel announced it had chosen a site near Wroclaw, in the west of Poland, for a new semiconductor assembly and test plant. The company is expected to invest up to $4.6 billion (4.24bn) in the facility, making it Polands largest-ever FDI investment. This large-scale planned investment is just one example of the many opportunities currently developing in Poland. During the trade mission, organised by Enterprise Ireland, Minister Calleary and 38 participating companies took part in several networking events, meetings and visits to Irish companies with a presence there. The mission took in two cities, Wroclaw and Warsaw, and focused in particular on the opportunities for Irish high-tech construction firms. Above, Warsaw, Poland. Photo: Getty These included construction firm PM Group, who recently celebrated 25 years in Poland; labelling and materials specialists ID Technology, which set up there 10 years ago; leading engineering solutions company Suretank; and Ventac, which provides high-performance acoustic solutions and sound insulation across the commercial vehicle and industrial noise control sectors. Minister Calleary also made an on-site visit in Wroclaw to see smart city furniture from Louth-based IPL. The trade mission began with a networking event and panel discussion in Wroclaw, where speakers included representatives from Ryanair Labs, PM Group and RKD, another leading Irish construction firm. Along with the deputy Mayor of Wroclaw Jakub Mazur, and the President of the local development agency ARAW, Magdalena Okulowska. The visit also showcased the capability of Irish firms to deliver to the exacting standards of global clients. This includes designing and delivering advanced infrastructure across the data, pharma, and energy sectors, pioneering digital innovations, and improving resource efficiencies. Visits included one to construction firm PM Group, who recently celebrated 25 years in Poland Minister Calleary also met with Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Affairs Krzysztof Gawkowski. More than 230 Enterprise Ireland-supported Irish companies are now active in Poland, with exports companies reaching 390m in 2022, increasing year on year. During the trade mission, Irish software partnering company Sonalake announced it was opening a new office in Poznan, where it already employs more than 90 software engineers, while Waterford-based manufacturer, PPI Adhesive Products is also expanding, having secured significant contracts with local customers. Tonia Spollen Behrens is Enterprise Ireland Country Manager for Poland and the Baltics US senate committee demands to see details of Pfizers Irish tax deals Senators move expands pharma probe, as he claims Pfizer paid just 5.3pc tax in 2020 US senator Ron Wyden. Photo: Getty Fearghal O'Connor Sun 26 May 2024 at 03:30 A powerful congressional committee in Washington DC has demanded that drug giant Pfizer disclose detailed information about its Irish tax affairs, as part of an investigation by the US senate into big pharma tax strategies. Dublin Airport has said eight passengers were taken to hospital after a flight from Doha experienced turbulence. Following reports of injuries to six passengers and six crew on board the Qatar Airways flight, the airport said all passengers were assessed for injury before disembarking the aircraft, adding: Eight passengers were subsequently taken to hospital. The return flight to Doha (flight QR018) is scheduled to operate as normal this afternoon, albeit with a delay. Flight operations at Dublin Airport were unaffected and continue as normal this afternoon. Twelve people in total were injured after the Dublin-bound flight encountered turbulence over Turkey and was met by emergency services after landing in Dublin about 1pm. Passengers who disembarked the flight said they would not be in a rush to get back on a plane after the ordeal. Today's News in 90 seconds - 26th May 2024 Passengers told RTE News that they felt the plane drop for about five seconds and the poor flight attendant went up into the air, food went everywhere. "Some of the flight attendants had scratches on their face, one lady had ice up to her face. Another had a sling on her arm. There was panic everywhere, a young couple named Emma and Conor said. Another young man, Cathal, showed the back of his shorts, which were ripped to shreds, and he added: never again. A woman, named Eileen, described the incident as the most frightening experience Ive ever had on a plane. Graeme McQueen, media relations manager at DAA, the operator of Dublin Airport, said its team was providing assistance to passengers and staff. "Qatar Airways flight QR017 from Doha landed safely as scheduled at Dublin Airport shortly before 13.00 on Sunday, he said. "Upon landing, the aircraft was met by emergency services, including airport police and our fire and rescue department, due to six passengers and six crew [12 total] on board reporting injuries after the aircraft experienced turbulence while airborne over Turkey. RTE reported that the turbulence occurred unexpectedly about two hours into the flight and that in-flight service was taking place at the time. The plane felt as if it was falling out of the sky for about 15 to 20 seconds, according to RTE. Qatar Airways said the matter is now under an internal investigation in a brief statement. Last Tuesday in an unrelated incident on a flight from London, one passenger died and 30 others were injured after a Singapore Airlines encountered turbulence and was forced to land in Bangkok. A 73-year-old British man died during the incident from a suspected heart attack while several people were critically injured, some with brain and spinal cord injuries. More than 40 people are still being treated in hospital in the Thai capital. Singapore Airlines has changed its in-flight seatbelt rules and altered at least one flight route after the turbulence. The airline is adopting a more cautious approach to turbulence, including not serving hot drinks or meals when the seatbelt sign is on, it said in a statement to Singapore broadcaster Channel News Asia. "SIA will continue to review our processes, as the safety of our passengers and crew is of utmost importance," it said. The SQ321 London-Singapore flight on a Boeing 777-300ER plane carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew diverted to Bangkok for an emergency landing on Tuesday after the plane was buffeted by turbulence that flung passengers and crew around the cabin, slamming some into the ceiling. Singapore investigators have started examining data obtained from the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder, Singapore Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat said on Friday. The daily London to Singapore route SQ321 has completed two flights since the incident and has not flown over the part of Myanmar where the sudden turbulence occurred about three hours before scheduled landing. The flight time is about the same, tracking data shows. They flew instead over the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea, route data from flight tracker FlightRadar 24 showed. Photographs from inside the plane on Tuesday showed gashes in the overhead cabin panels, oxygen masks and panels hanging from the ceiling and luggage strewn around. A passenger said some people's heads had slammed into the lights above the seats and broken the panels. Twenty people remain in intensive care, an official at Bangkok's Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital said on Thursday. Singapore Airlines, widely recognised as one of the world's leading carriers and seen as a benchmark for the industry, has not had any major incidents in recent years. A spate of turbulence reports has triggered a debate over whether climate change may be causing it. A report from the University of Reading last year suggested turbulence could worsen with climate change. Professor Paul Williams, one of the authors, said more research was needed to understand the impact of climate change on air turbulence. Technological advances have helped limit the number of turbulence-related fatalities, which have significantly decreased in the past 20 years. Airlineratings.com editor-in-chief Geoffrey Thomas said some airlines may change their policy on wearing seatbelts as a result of the incident. Airlines are required by law to switch on the seatbelt sign during takeoff and landing, but carriers have their own procedures to deal with midair turbulence," Thomas said. "I think this incident will prompt airlines, whether it's an official mandate or not. But airlines saying 'we recommend you keep your seatbelt fastened while seated', should be saying it is mandatory to keep your seatbelt done up. The airspace over Europe has heavy traffic and the wind and weather data was often updated and shared, they said. Billy Keane: The Leinster and Munster rivalry never gets old some of them are us and some of us are them Health experts warn against sunbed use by minors and fair-skinned people. Photo posed/Getty Ireland has 365 tanning salons and a busy online sunbed market despite their proven cancer risk. Since the International Agency for Research on Cancer classified artificial UV radiation as a Class 1 carcinogen 15 years ago, Brazil, Iran and Australia have put a total ban on commercial sunbeds. Ireland is among 24 countries that outlawed their use for under-18s, with the ban taking effect here in 2014. However, new research found Ireland still has hundreds of sunbed businesses, with more in Co Westmeath than anywhere else in the country. Last year, the midlands county had the highest number of sunbed business notifications per capita at a rate of 1.4 per 10,000, followed by Longford (1.3), Tipperary (1.1) and Cavan (1.1). Dublin had a rate of 0.5 per 10,000 inhabitants. The HSE said last week that skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Ireland, with over 11,000 cases a year. The study of tanning businesses by doctors at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda has just been published in the British Journal of Dermatology. The researchers also found a sunbed market exists on online forums, with dozens of sunbeds for sale on Facebook Marketplace and DoneDeal and a smaller number for hire. Tanning solariums for sale to private individuals is a cause for concern among doctors as there is no regulation governing their use. There have been regular calls for a complete ban. People who use sunbeds for the first time before the age of 35 increase their risk of melanoma In recent years, an Australian study found 281 new melanoma cases, 43 deaths and 2,572 squamous cell carcinoma were believed attributable to sunbeds in one year. This eventually influenced the country to ban them in 2016, but despite the risks being well established, other countries have been slower to follow Australias lead. Reality TV star Kim Kardashian caused controversy recently when a tanning bed in her office was featured in a social media post. Irish dermatological experts have warned that people who use sunbeds for the first time before the age of 35 increase their risk of melanoma by as much as 75pc. Using data from the Environmental Health Information System, they analysed the number of sunbed businesses registered and found 365 here in 2023. However, there has been a steady reduction in the number over the past decade. In 2015, there were 609 sunbed business registrations in Ireland, compared to 365 in 2023, the study said. This equates to a reduction of 40pc. With increasing population size in this period, this reduction is even more profound. Current sunbed use is highest among women under 45 at 6pc The HSE said the number of people diagnosed with skin cancer in Ireland each year is rising rapidly. The National Cancer Registry of Ireland (NCRI) projections suggest that the average number of cases diagnosed each year may double between 2015 and 2045, the statement said. The most recent Healthy Ireland Survey, for 2022, showed that 18pc of people have used a sunbed at some point during their life, with 3pc overall reporting that they use sunbeds either regularly or from time to time. Current sunbed use is highest among women under 45 at 6pc, while 7pc of those aged 15 to 34 said future use was likely. The researchers behind the new study said significant strides to reduce avoidable UV exposure have been made in Ireland. They concluded that targeted educational, behavioural and legislative interventions are needed to inform and discourage people from indoor tanning and improve sun safety, particularly in high-risk groups such as minors and those with fairer skin. Nitrous oxide is worse for planet than epidural or morphine. Stock image Researchers said the carbon footprint associated with the average amount of nitrous oxide used per delivery was equivalent to driving approximately 1,500km in a typical petrol-engine passenger vehicle. Stock image The bedside mix of oxygen and nitrous oxide is one of the commonest forms of pain relief during birth but Irish mothers are concerned about the mixture due to its carbon footprint. Nitrous oxide commonly called laughing gas accounts for the largest carbon footprint of anaesthetic gas, with a global warming potential of around 265 times of carbon dioxide. A new study of maternity staff and postnatal women at the Coombe Hospital in Dublin, found knowledge of the greenhouse effect of the potent gas used in labour was low. Researchers said the carbon footprint associated with the average amount of nitrous oxide used per delivery was equivalent to driving approximately 1,500km in a typical petrol-engine passenger vehicle. The study, published in the European Journal Of Anaesthesiology, involved 100 women who had given birth two days earlier and 50 health staff in the Dublin hospital. Nitrous oxide is worse for planet than epidural or morphine. Stock image After receiving information, 46pc of patients were more inclined to seek epidural or request it earlier (54pc) to limit their nitrous-oxide use, the study said. It found 51pc would choose an alternative painkiller to avoid nitrous oxide altogether. Overwhelmingly, 99pc believed they had the right to know about these harmful effects when choosing an analgesic option, researchers said. The study said climate change was the single biggest global health-threat of the 21st century. The study said about 4.4pc of net greenhouse gas emissions were attributable to healthcare activities Nitrous oxide accounts for the largest carbon footprint among our use of anaesthetic gas. Despite recent curtailment of its use, it remains extensively employed as an analgesic for women in labour, they said. The study said about 4.4pc of net greenhouse gas emissions were attributable to healthcare activities. They said inhaled anaesthetic agents such as nitrous oxide, sevoflurane and isoflurane accounted for up to 5pc our healthcare carbon footprint. Nitrous oxide was the single most important contributor towards stratospheric ozone depletion today, and in addition, accounts for approximately 6pc of all anthropogenic global warming, the study said. In contrast to the high carbon-footprint of gas nitrous oxide, four hours of pain relief with an epidural is equivalent to driving 7km while two injections of morphine were equal to driving 500m, the Association of Anaesthetics said, . Despite the reduction in nitrous oxide use within anaesthetic theatre practice in recent years, the researchers said it continued to be employed extensively during labour. The research said Entonox, a mixture of 50pc oxygen and 50pc nitrous oxide, was used by up to 75pc of women as a painkiller during labour. In 2021, more than 8,000 deliveries took place in the Coombe with 41pc involving an epidural, but data on nitrous oxide-assisted deliveries was not recorded. A total of 100 post-natal women who underwent vaginal delivery in the labour ward completed the survey on their knowledge of the environmental effect of the gas in 2021. Regarding their concern for the environment, 82pc of participants rated their degree of concern as moderate to extreme, while only 5pc claimed to have no concern at all, the study said. In all, 89pc of women opted for some form of painkiller, it said. The HSE said it would reflect on the findings and engage with the hospital as required. David Hall is also known for his ambulance work. Photo: Mark Condren The countrys biggest provider of domestic violence refuges has brought in mortgage campaigner David Hall to lead the organisation for the next six months. Hall has taken over on a temporary basis at Sonas after chief executive Todd Prevost took a period of leave. Sonas chairperson Kim Tully confirmed that Hall was asked by the board to become interim chief executive, a role he started on Tuesday. Hall is better known as the owner of Lifeline Ambulance service and the founder of iCare, a housing buy-back charity for distressed mortgage holders. He was behind a proposal to the Department of Justice to use the controversial golden visa residency scheme for overseas investors to fund a housing initiative for women escaping domestic violence. Hall proposed raising the 20m through the Immigrant Investor Programme to provide 65 secure homes in every county in Ireland. However, the plan has not progressed. Ms Tully told the Sunday Independent Sonas has a lot of activity under way, including applying for state funding to build a refuge in Dun Laoghaire. We just want to make sure we can continue to offer the vital services, and that everything remains nice and steady, she said, adding that with the CEO on leave, Hall agreed to help. In a statement, Hall said he was approached last Thursday week about taking on the interim role and said he started on Tuesday. I am delighted to have been asked to take up the role of interim CEO of Sonas domestic violence charity, he said. Sonas is the largest domestic violence charity in the state with 99 refuges and safe houses, and it provides support and services to over 1,000 women and children every year. There is a phenomenal team of 42 dedicated professionals. Hall said since taking up the role, he has already seen gaps that exist within the domestic violence area and he will be working towards joining the dots. He said these included a legal system that required women who were clients of Sonas having to face and negotiate with their abusers. Hall also said more funding should be made available to ensure traumatised women and their children were afforded the best possible standard of accommodation in refuges. The Government is trying to expand the number of refuges in the State, with many full to capacity and women and children routinely turned away. A new agency dedicated to domestic and gender-based violence is working to double the number of refuge spaces by 2026. Cuan, launched by Helen McEntee, is leading the Governments strategy of zero-tolerance of domestic abuse. It will be responsible for increasing the number of refuge spaces from 140 to 280. Records obtained by the Sunday Independent reveal plans for the delivery of 28 refuge units in Wexford, Navan and Dundalk this year and 98 refuges in 12 priority locations including Sligo, Cavan or Monaghan, Balbriggan, Co Dublin, north Cork and Longford. A briefing document for the Justice Minister said sites in several cases had yet to be identified. John Boyne has brushed off criticism of his book, The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas, saying that learning the facts about the Holocaust should not be done through reading a novel. In a speech he will give at the National Economic Dialogue forum tomorrow, Mr Harris will commit to a fresh package of cost-of-living measures aimed at putting money back into voters pockets. The Taoiseach will also use his address to call for the public sector to be reimagined. The National Economic Dialogue is the annual meeting of the Government and stakeholders representing business, unions, academia and environmental groups among others. The event will be the first Mr Harris attends as Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader. Today's News in 90 seconds - 26th May 2024 In his address, the Taoiseach will say Budget 2025 will see Government build on the cost-of-living measures introduced over the last two years. Budget 2024 provided the largest social welfare package in the history of the State with increases across core social welfare payment rates and almost 2.3bn in measures to assist households with the cost of living, he will say. In the coming budget, we must ensure we provide the extra funding required to keep pace with the expanding population and a cost of living and welfare package that protects the most vulnerable, he will add. Mr Harris will say income tax bands and credits must be properly indexed so that people do not drift into the higher rate band of income tax. He will add that the budget will also be about reforming government policy and will highlight the introduction of the Future Ireland Fund and the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund which the Green Party secured a commitment for in the last budget. Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys. Photo: PA He will also flag the introduction of a new pay-related jobseekers benefit which is being worked on by Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys. The move will see workers who lose their job receive 60pc of previous earnings up to 450 a week from the State for the first three months of their unemployment. This will bring Ireland in line with other EU countries and will ensure that people with a strong work history receive enhanced benefits if they lose their employment this is only fair, Mr Harris will say. He will also flag the introduction of an automatic enrolment retirement savings system which is also one of Ms Humphreys initiatives. He will also tell the audience he believes the Government needs to reimagine in four ways. This includes reducing the cost of the public service to the public and the State. It will also involve giving people who need services more access to them. The Taoiseach also wants more public services introduced to cater for rapidly growing population. Finally, he wants the public service redesigned to ensure it is making the most of up-to-date technologies. On housing, the Taoiseach will say no option is off the table and will add that the Government is in the business of looking for more ideas, more novel approaches, more innovative ways to continue to increase housing supply. He will go on to say: More money helps, but its about so much more than that. It means increasing the capacity of the construction sector, attracting more workers to the sector, being more efficient and productive, and promoting innovation, including modern methods of construction. MBABANE Popular prophet Vusumuzi Major V Dlamini might have scored the biggest appointment, but a pending criminal case opened two years ago still haunts him. The case in question is in relation to that in March 2022, the man of the cloth was arrested by members of the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) while at his place of abode in Matsapha for an alleged theft of money amounting to E900 000 that was allegedly unlawful deposited into his account held with Swaziland Building Society (SBS). While the case is still pending, Dlamini was last week appointed by His Majesty King Mswati III as a member of Liqoqo, which is an advisory council whose members are appointed by Ingwenyama from the membership of bantfwabenkhosi (emaLangeni), tikhulu (chiefs) and persons who have distinguished themselves in the service of the nation. The Constitution provides that Liqoqo traditionally advises Ingwenyama on disputes in connection with the selection of tikhulu (chiefs) boundaries of chiefdoms and any other matter Ingwenyama may assign for their advice in confidence. While many have congratulated his latest achievement, some have questioned whether he was fit to be part of an advisory council of Their Majesties when he had a pending criminal case. When the Kings Officer Director of Communications Percy Simelane was called on the matter, he stated that in the Kingdom of Eswatini, a person was innocent until found guilty by a court of law. Normal news does not evaporate when a suspect is charged. He still has the basic rights and freedoms on his side, which normally decimate if the court finds him guilty. I want to believe that Dlaminis case is not different, Simelane said. Also sought for comment was the Attorney General Chief Sifiso Mashampu Khumalo who said, We have a presumption of innocence in terms of the Constitution. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty. Has he been proven guilty or convicted? Called yesterday, Dlamini did not hide the fact that following his appointment, some people were busy digging up his past and that he did not fear anything. In particular, he said he was grateful for being engaged on the case as he was planning to report to the Liqoqo members about it. Fear Regarding the case, he said he did not fear anything, as what he did was pray for a person not knowing that such would land him in trouble. Dlamini shared his version which, however, cannot be printed as the matter is still pending in court. He, however, stated that he was ready to work as a Liqoqo member with due diligence and that the pending case will not deter him as he was innocent and had never been a thief in his life. Dlamini said all that he wished for was for the matter to be concluded especially since it led to the closure of his bank accounts. I am yet to report the issue to the advisory council. I recently reported that people are sending me screenshots of stories that are focused on my past behaviour, Dlamini said. He highlighted that what gave him the strength was that he believed that His Majesty appointed him because he was a man who stood for the truth. I stand for the truth and that will never change. I do not have a problem at all with this case, save to pray that it is concluded and the truth comes out. This matter I can win in court even tomorrow, the prophet said. In jest he said those who were talking about the case were people full of jealousy. In vernacular he said, Yinhlitiyo lembi leyo, nemona. The man of the cloth was arrested by members of the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) while at his place of abode in Matsapha. Dlamini became the second person to be arrested in connection with the theft of the money at the bank. First to be arrested was Ndumiso Khumalo, the banks Assistant System Administrator. Khumalo was alleged to have facilitated the allegedly fraudulent transaction. It was alleged that the prophet, being a holder of an SBS Account No.52000362621, unlawfully and acting in furtherance of a common purpose, stole money amounting to E900 000. According to the charge sheet at the time, the money was in lawful possession of Melusi Dalton Malinga of SBS. Dlamini made his first appearance at the Mbabane Magistrates Court before Acting Principal Magistrate Sifiso Vilakati and his arrest came hardly a week after he withdrew his court papers in the matter, where he had been taken to court by the bank over the same money. mysteriously When the money was mysteriously deposited into his account, the bank rushed to the High Court where it obtained an interim order to freeze part of the money that was left in his account. Dlamini, who was represented by Ntobeko Piliso, was vigorously opposing the application but later changed his mind and withdrew his opposing papers. It was reported that when the prophet was first asked about the source of the money, he allegedly told bank officials that it had been deposited by his wife. He later changed the story to say it had been deposited by a drug dealer he did not know. In her papers, the Managing Director (MD) of the bank, Mbali Sibanyoni, told the court that the prophet dismally failed to produce any evidence, which demonstrated that the money belonged to him. The sum of E900 000 was a product of a fraudulent act done by the banks employee, one Ndumiso Khumalo, who unlawfully transferred the said funds to Dlaminis account on February 3, 2022. Therefore, these monies having been unlawfully appropriated by Khumalo for the benefit of Dlamini, the bank is entitled to reverse the transaction, contended the MD argued that the sum of E900 000, which was deposited into Dlaminis account was as a result of a criminal act done by Khumalo. She told the court that Dlamini could not seek to claim same as a gift. According to the MD, when the bank approached the High Court on February 18, 2022 to seek the interdict, it relied on an error suspected on its system. It was her contention that this reliance on the error at the time was justified. She narrated to the court that Dlamini had deposited E500 on February 22, 2022. However, the general ledger showed a debit of E500 and a credit of E900 500, which was unusual in the banking industry. Sibanyoni said besides the above, Dlaminis statement, instead of showing a credit of E500 to his benefit, it reflected a cash deposit of E900 500 (with the narration Cash Deposit Self) when the only cash deposit which was present on that day was for E500. She went on to submit that the bank had engaged an intellect who advised it on February 7, 2022 that there was nothing wrong with its banking application. In light of the above, it was reasonable for the bank to suspect that the system had an error, hence it then engaged ETS Innovations to check the date, she argued. ETS Innovations is a company based in Centurion, South Africa and it is responsible for the banks data base support and maintenance. The MD highlighted to the court that preliminary investigations by the intellect viewed this transaction as a systems error because of the abnormality of same. This, according to Sibanyoni, was because as per the system records, the customer made a deposit of E500, made up of one E200 note, four E50 notes and five E20 notes. Mismatch She brought it to the attention of the court that the general ledger entries, when viewed, showed a mismatch in the sense that they showed a debit entry of E500 and a credit of E900 500. It should be noted that Dlamini denied stealing the money. He made the denial in his bail application where he further averred that he had a bona fide and valid defence to the charge he was facing. Meanwhile, some congregants from his church were quoted saying that that to them, Dlamini was their Jesus. According to the congregants, as Jesus had suffered in order to save his people from eternal hell, so had the prophet who was also alleged to have been made to suffer because he was a saviour of the people. They mentioned that to prove that the prophet was the Jesus of the current generation; they alleged that he had performed miracles which were similar to those performed by Jesus. Facility is due to open in Dublin in October and it is hoped it will help people out of addiction Eddie Mullins at the site of the injection centre. Photo: Steve Humphreys Work is scheduled to begin in 10 days time on the countrys first medically-supervised drugs injection centre, which is due to open in October. Eddie Mullins, chief executive of Merchants Quay Ireland (MQI) and a former prison governor, confirmed refurbishment work on the basement of the organisations Riverbank Centre in Dublin 8 would begin on June 5. He said the facility would comprise seven injection booths, comparable to Covid vaccination areas, where people would inject drugs under supervision. Afterwards, the user will be required to stay within the facility for a short period afterwards. They will also be offered a coffee or a meal before leaving, Mr Mullins said. Eddie Mullins at the site of the injection centre. Photo: Steve Humphreys When people arrive to use the facility, they will go to a reception area. There will be an assessment of the person before they are brought to one of the seven booths, he added. They will be supervised by a member of staff, who will watch them while they inject. They will be required to stay for 30 minutes afterwards, to ensure they are medically well. This is a health-led approach. The objective is to save lives and support people medically in a safe environment. Included in the Programme for Government, the facility in MQIs Riverbank Centre has been almost a decade in the making, having first been proposed at Cabinet in 2015. The situation of people injecting drugs down laneways in Dublin city... that is an unsafe situation we want to move away from Mr Mullins said the aim was for the injection facility to provide drug users with dignity while also offering them other supports to try to help them recover from addiction. It will recognise the human rights and dignity of all our clients. The situation of people injecting drugs down laneways in Dublin city... that is an unsafe situation we want to move away from. That happens to people who are in chronic addiction. It is a chronic illness, he added. The injection centre will try to support people out of addiction, with signposts for help. Needles will be provided for people who might need them. The only thing we wont be providing are the drugs themselves. Mr Mullins, a former governor at Dublins Mountjoy and Wheatfield prisons, said it was not expected there would be queues of people waiting to use the centre when it opened. He said it might take some time before people gain trust and were comfortable to use the facility. Eddie Mullins at Merchants Quay Ireland. Photo: Steve Humphreys A lot of the people who we expect might use the service are already attending as clients at Merchants Quay and would know the staff. We are hoping it will be an extension of the services we already provide, Mr Mullins said. It will not be an appointment service. We expect that 14 or 15 people could use the injection facility per hour and it will be open 50 hours a week. We do not expect it to operate at capacity, particularly at the beginning, he added. There is already a needle exchange programme in place at the centre as well as other services for those in drug addiction and homelessness. Possession of drugs for personal use is an arrestable offence. Mr Mullins said the law in relation to possession of drugs is clear and he said gardai could in theory stop and search any person going into the supervised injection facility when it opened its doors. However, this is not expected to happen. He said An Garda Siochana has been kept abreast of the new plans and he said he supported the forces work in the community to eradicate drug dealing. We are hoping it will be an extension of the services we already provide The injection facility is due to open for an initial period of 18 months. Attempts to construct it were previously delayed by planning permission problems, sparked by concerns from locals. In 2019, temporary permission was granted to set up the facility. However, judicial review proceedings were brought to the High Court by St Audoens National School which is near the proposed centre. The school submitted a detailed objection, citing the consequences it would have on the pupils and staff at the school. This resulted in the planning permission being deemed invalid in July 2021. Permission was later granted for the centre in December 2022. A man who lost his family when his wife killed their son and took her own life while suffering with severe postnatal depression said it is hard not to think of her as a monster but instead as a really ill person screaming for help. Nicola Keane, who was a paediatric nurse in Crumlin Children's Hospital, killed her seven-month-old son Henry on October 22, 2020 , left her home in Lucan, and took her own life as Mr Coleman slept. The Health Service Executive (HSE) apologised this month to her husband Darren Coleman for the care that his wife received which they said had resulted in the death of Ms Keane and their son. The HSE admitted breaching its duty of care to Ms Keane by failing to appreciate that she had suffered from psychotic depression, failing to communicate this to Mr Coleman and failing to ensure Ms Keane received in-patient treatment. Speaking on Sunday with Miriam OCallaghan today on RTE Radio 1, Mr Coleman, from Co Mayo, said he has been attending counselling since November 2020, in the aftermath of his wife and sons death. I am talking about things I never did before not to see Nicola as this monster but as a really really ill person, a frightened person, who was screaming for help but not getting the help, he said. What stuck out to him through reading back on the reports was what was hidden from him but not hidden from the mental health team tasked with Ms Keanes care. They could all see that she was delusional. They could all see that she was suffering from psychosis. They could all see that her mental state had deteriorated very badly, he said. But it was all unbeknownst to me because I was going about my life under the impression that she was improving, he said. After meeting at a house party in the west of Ireland a decade previous and attending the same college, Darren Coleman and Nicola Keane married in 2014. Three years later Ms Keane started working as a paediatric nurse at Crumlins Children's Hospital during which time they bought a house in Lucan. Mr Coleman who had been working as a primary school teacher in Dublin. In February 2020, the pair welcomed their son Henry into the world. It changed everything for me, Mr Coleman said, adding that at first Henry was irritable and had serious trouble sleeping. However, three months later, after a consultant paediatrician at Connolly Hospital took on Henrys case, he finally began to sleep and feed. He changed and became this beautiful little character, playful, inquisitive and curious about the world, Mr Coleman said, recounting the details of what led up to both their deaths. Two weeks later, while Henry was booked in for tests in Crumlin Children's Hospital, Ms Keane confided in colleagues there that she was of a low mood and had no love or bond with Henry. That was the first time I was aware, he said, adding that on that same day, July 7, 2020, the family had their first meeting with the community mental health team for that region. That was where she was diagnosed with severe postnatal depression, he said. Up until that point, Mr Coleman said he had no idea of it, stressing that the pair were extremely fatigued and tired while trying to deal with their sons health issues. He described it as a particularly overwhelming day. I was told not to leave Nicola alone with Henry but was never informed of as to why, especially [given] the fact that I had been with this person for 17 years. I had to monitor them full-time. When they had a bath, to increase that bond, I stood at the door to constantly check on them. When she brought Henry up to change, I would follow. It was a lot to take in on that day between postnatal depression, between monitoring Nicola full-time, her course of treatment and I wasnt educated on it at this stage, Mr Coleman said. The next day, the couple had their first house visit from the mental health team. Mr Coleman said that nine months later after she took her own life and killed their son, he read that his wife was supposed to be having daily face-to-face contact with a mental health team. This included visiting the healthcare centre, as well as home visits or phone calls. I discovered afterwards, in the 106 days that Nicola said she had postnatal depression and their deaths, that she was only seen 31 times, which was 29pc of the promised daily contact, he added. He stressed that his wife communicated with all her team very clearly that she was very sick and needed help. I am not here to blame any of the people involved in her care, they did their jobs, were following guidelines and a template, but things need to change. If you see dangerous tendencies, then the immediate family needs to be told, he said. Mr Coleman recalled his last meeting with the community healthcare team on August 11, 2020, stressing to them that he would be returning to his teaching in two weeks time. He was told that his wife was doing fine and they had written in their notes that her mental health had improved. I went home from that meeting overjoyed I went back to work fully focused that everything was going in the right trajectory, he added. However, on October 1, following a recording of a play-therapy session in Crumlin Hospital, between Nicola and Henry, the psychiatrist became concerned about Ms Keanes state of mind. Following the session, the psychiatrist rang her mental health team to say she is probably psychotic. However it was seven days before the mental health team saw Nicola face-to-face. That, for me, was the pivotal moment. She should have been assessed within 24 hours and I should have been contacted immediately, he said. This could have led to her being admitted to a psychiatric hospital. They allowed Henry to go home with a probably psychotic person and nobody called me. They knew I was at work every day. Mr Coleman only heard that his wife was psychotic nine months after she killed their son and subsequently took her own life. He recalled how he had learned that she had delusional beliefs. He said the night started off like any other night. It was a normal Wednesday for us. We always had a late walk in the evening to allow Henry to get that little bit tired. Wednesday was bath day. We gave him a bath. Nicola went for a shower, he said. I brought him into the ball pit to play. After Nicola had a shower, she sat with him and put him down for bed and we sat down at 10.30pm to watch a bit of telly. Then we went upstairs and as we were going upstairs Henry was very unsettled, crying. He wouldnt settle. I took him out and walked him. Nicola got changed and ready and got some Calpol, he recalled. Ms Keane told Mr Coleman that she would take Henry to the spare room and walk him. Ten minutes later he offered to take him as he was crying. However, in a non-pushy way, Ms Keane said she would do it as he had work in the morning. Next thing I remember was in the middle of the night being woken by a knock on the door, seeing the garda lights outside, he said, adding that he shouted for his wife to tell her the gardai are here. They said are you Nicolas husband? I said I am. They said we found her car and I said wheres Henry?, Mr Coleman said. He added: They just had a confused look on their heads. I ran straight upstairs and found Henry. I knew he was dead from seeing him. "I held him. He was floppy in my arms. There was blood under his nose. He was gone. So I said goodbye and brought him downstairs and the guards and paramedics said they would do CPR but I knew he was dead at that stage. I could feel him. There was no life in him, he recalled. Following the night, he said he couldnt comprehend what had happened and was confused and that anger didnt come into it until after that. Now four years on, he said: I didnt know I had this much inner strength in me. "The last three years, I have had this fight of getting justice. The next part of the process could be a tough one. Because the fight is finished last week and now I have a lot more time to myself and have to box up all the notes and reports and try to think what will I think next. Despite receiving an apology from the HSE, he is calling for immediate family members or a nominated next of kin to be informed about a loved ones treatment in such circumstances. Especially if it will affect others, particularly a child, Mr Coleman said. It just has to change because there has been more tragedies since and unfortunately there will be more tragedies if things dont change right now. Troubling social media site targets families of Irish leaders after Palestine declaration Politicians were told targeted posts were not in violation of rules at X Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tanaiste Micheal Martin. Photo: Mark Condren Jody Corcoran Sun 26 May 2024 at 03:30 The Taoiseach and Tanaiste have been made aware of a troubling US-based social media account which is targeting members of their families, the Sunday Independent can reveal. Joe Biden said months ago that a major Israeli offensive in the city of Rafah, where more than a million displaced Palestinians have been sheltering from the war, would be a red line that would force him to reconsider US support for the long-time ally. Since then, more than 800,000 have fled Israeli bombardment in the southern Gaza city and aid agencies have compared the situation there to hell on earth. And yet the president has shown no signs of following through on his words. A man who fell from a boat in Mullaghmore on Saturday was rescued with a number of services involved. At 10:33 am Bundoran RNLI was called to assist in a rescue in Mullaghmore, Sligo. A person had fallen from a boat and was struggling in the water. The alarm was raised by a passer by who heard calls for help and dialled 999. The Bundoran RNLI lifeboat, helmed by Brian Gillespie with crew members Richard Gillespie, Oisin Cassidy, and Fergal Muller, launched within four minutes and headed to the scene, approximately six miles away. Fortunately, passers by managed to help the casualty out of the water and onto land before the arrival of the emergency services. The Bundoran RNLI shore crew arrived shortly thereafter, followed by the lifeboat team, who administered first aid to the casualty. The Irish Coast Guard helicopter, Rescue 118, was also dispatched to the scene but was stood down once the National Ambulance Service transported the male casualty to hospital for further treatment. Brian Gillespie, Helm of Bundoran RNLI, said: 'We wish the casualty a speedy recovery and thank our colleagues at Rescue 118 and the National Ambulance Service for their prompt assistance. Speaking following the call out, Daimon Fergus, Bundoran RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, said: 'If you get into difficulty in the water, its important to remember not to panic and to utilize the RNLI Float to Live campaign: tilt your head back and submerge your ears, relax and try to control your breathing, move your hands to help you stay afloat, its OK if your legs sink, everyone floats differently.' Hate packing? Our expert at travelling light shares the perfect products you can pop in your hand luggage to ensure you stay stylish on the go Although my job entails trialling all sorts of beauty products, when it comes to packing for holidays Im a TOTAL minimalist. My training began with years of packing for boarding school. After that, working as a fashion buyer and now going on press trips for work have honed my skills to a fine art. How do I do it? When it comes to skin, Jane and Katherine Mulrooney are at the forefront of advances in cosmetic dermatology treatments. They are medical doctors with masters in clinical dermatology, and the products from their brand, Seavite, are powered by the nourishing and regenerative properties of organic seaweed and skin-boosting botanicals. They are formulated with great care for sensitive skin, without fragrance or nasties. Thats all fine but how do I bring that to Pareee with me? Say bonjour to their new Seavite Face Travel Set (85, seavite.com), which will keep skin glowing on the go, as it contains a facial cleanser, toning sea spray, face and eye serum and moisturiser, all packed in a cosmetic bag with a complimentary 100pc cotton muslin cloth. Best of all, the lil bag is super for storing jewellery or earbuds when travelling. Nourishing Radiance Serum, 79, nunaia.com Im also a fan of the sustainable brand Nunaia, and its award-winning Nourishing Radiance Serum (79, nunaia.com) now comes in a cabin-friendly sized bottle. It is formulated with a potent blend of 11 superfood plant actives sustainably sourced from the Amazon Rainforest to boost hydration and skin-barrier function, and enhance skin tone and texture. Nunaia was founded by Nicola Connolly, a sustainability consultant who also apprenticed for seven years with traditional healers, studying plants and herbalism to help restore physical, emotional and spiritual health. Another super-easy product to throw in your hand luggage is the Magic Hair Brush Mini (16.95, brownthomas.com). Its easy to carry but has the same great detangling ability and soft-touch flexibility as the full-size brush. It also has a zipped storage wallet so its not bouncing around your bag. ALWAYS wrap a scrunchie around the handle so youll have one with you should you need it. I obviously love to smell divine at all times, so I bring the Travalo Perfume Pod (12.50, boots.ie) with me when I travel. You can fill your pod atomiser with your favourite fragrance, and the 5ml reservoir gives you approximately 65 sprays. It weighs just 14g and is approved for air travel. Sculpted by Aimee Travel Minis, 35 for three, sculptedbyaimee.com Aimee Connolly is always innovating and she has brought out a whole range of travel minis that will help keep your suitcase light. The Sculpted by Aimee Travel Minis (35 for three, sculptedbyaimee.com) include the ever-popular CloudCream moisturiser, Second Skin dewy foundation, Fresh Faced makeup remover, Body Base instant tan, Beauty Base illuminating primer, Hydrate & Hold makeup mist, HydraGlo Mini serum and Velvet Veil pressed setting powder. Im a busy gal so I love to whiten my teeth while Im on a flight. Spotlight Oral Care 7-Day Ultra Teeth Whitening Strips (24.95, eu.spotlightoralcare.com) is the perfect travel companion. Developed by dentists Lisa and Vanessa Creaven, it contains 14 teeth-whitening strips in a storage bag. Your teeth will be as snow-white as my legs actually are when not wearing fake tan! Three of the best... mini eye palettes Too faced Born This Way Mini EyeShadow Palette, 36, toofaced.eu 1. Too Faced Born This Way Mini Eyeshadow Palette 36, toofaced.eu These travel-friendly palettes have a creamy, silky texture and come in two shade ranges warm or cool-toned. Even better, they have a mixture of matte and shimmer shades for hot days and even hotter nights! Nars Voyageur Palette, 29, narscosmetics.ie 2. Nars Voyageur Palette 29, narscosmetics.ie How cute is this ultra-portable collection of miniature eyeshadow palettes, which features six shades in a variety of finishes mattes, satins and glitters, for whatever way youre feeling on your travels. Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam II, 30, spacenk.com 3. Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam II 30, spacenk.com This set of eight eyeshadows range from warm to cool and are easy to blend. Top Triona tip: you can achieve a more intense colour payoff by pairing metallic shades with setting spray. The 2 Marys? Puh-leeze! McAleese and Kennedy on dancing, cheating at quizzes and hosting their own podcast Already celebrated in a number of fields, Mary Kennedy and Mary McAleese can now add podcast host to their already-glittering CVs. But how did these two powerhouses first come together? Behind the scenes with Mary Kennedy and Mary McAleese Bairbre Power Sun 26 May 2024 at 03:30 The two Marys, Mary Kennedy and Mary McAleese, have been in the public eye for decades. But they still have the power to surprise both publicly, with the launch of their joint podcast earlier this year, and in one-on-one conversation. British actor Idris Elba has said the stories of black people who fought during the Second World War matter today from an education and cultural appropriation perspective. The Luther star, 51, narrates the National Geographic documentary Erased: WW2s Heroes Of Colour, which premieres ahead of the 80th anniversary of D-Day on June 6. He told the PA news agency: The importance is about the perspective of these wars and this part of the world and how history, if its slanted, can really leave out some important things to remember. Its important to remember that black and brown soldiers were a very important part of strategising this war, populating the war, and that history really does matter. It matters from an educational perspective, it matters from a cultural appropriation perspective, and it matters that American troops were partly black. Elba said he was inspired by his hero grandfather who was born and raised in Kansas City before he was drafted to fight in the war. My granddads story is not in the film, but its in my heart, he said. Idris Elba narrates the series (Matt Crossick/PA) Its something that my mum and I talk about, but we dont know much about. The lack of knowledge available about his grandfathers story motivated the actor when it came to making the series. It really did compel me and was part of the driver as to why we chose to tell these stories, he said. My granddad is a hero to us. Hes a hero, not just because he fought in a war, but hes a hero because he chose a better life for himself even after putting himself at risk for a country that didnt recognise him on his return. Elba said his grandfather did not go back to the US after the war and instead ended up in West Africa. The war series includes an episode that details the stories of the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion the only all-black combat unit to fight on the D-Day beaches. D-Day was the largest amphibious invasion in history, when the Allied forces landed on the coast in northern France in 1994. The limited series additionally spotlights the forgotten troops who fought in Dunkirk, Pearl Harbour, and the Battle of the Bulge. It serves to highlight how the experiences of black people in the Second World War inspired campaigns for freedom, including the civil rights movement in the US. The first episode of Erased: WW2s Heroes Of Colour will air on May 27 on National Geographic in the UK. The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas author John Boyne has swiped away criticism of his book, saying that learning the facts of the Holocaust should not be done through reading a novel. The Dublin-born writer, 53, responded to criticism from Jewish groups and historians about his 2006 childrens fiction book, which explores the tragic friendship between the son of an SS officer and a prisoner boy at Auschwitz during the Holocaust. It was turned into a 2008 film starring Sex Education star Asa Butterfield as eight-year-old Bruno, who does not understand what is happening in the camps and thinks the prisoners are wearing pyjamas. Irish author John Boyne (PA) Boyne told BBC Radio 4s Desert Island Discs: I think that the current climate that were living in, in publishing, is very nervous of anything that could potentially be controversial. My view on that book, and I have listened to a lot of the criticism, Ive taken it in, some of it I understand, some of it I dont understand it, but what I feel about it is that it is a novel, its subtitled a fable, a work of fiction with a moral at the centre. It was never pretending to be anything more than that. If you want the facts of the Holocaust, dont read a novel, read a non-fiction work. And in all the schools Ive gone to over the years around the world, Ive always made it clear to children: This is a made-up story, these boys did not exist. I dont think theres anything wrong with that. The historians would say: Well, you know, this should not be used as a tool in studying the Holocaust. Of course, it shouldnt be. Its a novel, if youre studying, use a wide range of things, read non-fiction. Again, I did not write a text book. The one thing I would say absolutely in my defence is a whole generation of children has grown up and read that book, and has got some insight into the Holocaust and maybe some of them have gone on and read further about it and got interested in it and that itself, I think its something to be proud of. John Boyne and Lauren Laverne. (Amanda Benson/BBC) He has been outspoken of his own experience at Terenure College and alleged that he was sexually abused by a teacher. Boyne that it was a strange moment that the teacher he accused did not go on trial as he died in October of natural causes in his 80s. He said the thing that really upset me was, unlike him being a writer, other people would not be allowed the catharsis of telling their stories. Boyne also called the abuse at Terenure routine and claimed there was definitely a culture of violence in the school. However, he says that there used to be a sort of community spirit when Ireland was more religious. He added: Its such a tragedy that that has been lost, really, because of all the things I mean, have gone on over the years and because of the revelations that really have come out since about 2000, in Ireland. And I remember when I was writing A History Of Loneliness, interviewing the parish priest, and who was kind of telling me that they dont have altar boys or altar girls, even, any more. They just cant take the risk of that because its just not worth the risk and theres a sadness to that, I think. Boyne also said that a running theme through his books has been complicity, which he has explored in The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas and its follow-up All The Broken Places, The Hearts Invisible Furies on someone growing up gay in Ireland and A History Of Loneliness, about clerical abuse. He added: Growing up in Ireland during those years, when we, when people did know a lot about what was going on, and nobody did anything, it baffles me. And even though sometimes they say about writers, that its not the writers job, to find the answers, but to pose the questions better, and I think thats what I tried to do. MBABANE Allegations are flying back and forth that some money withdrawn from the ANC bank accounts was transferred to Eswatini. The Times SUNDAY can reveal that the ruling party has not taken these assertions lightly. As a result, they have instituted an internal process to verify the authenticity of the claims that the political party might have lost money to the kingdom, to benefit certain powerful emaSwati. In an interview with Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri, despite the fact that the African National Congress (ANC) is currently busy with elections, the internal processes were in place to detect any anomaly that might have occurred. We are not entertaining questions that are not elective in nature, but we feel we have to tell you that we are aware of the issue and we have instituted internal processes to verify truthfulness and accuracy of the reports that we are getting about one of us and others, she said. Until such time, obviously after the elections, the ANC spokesperson said they would look into the matter to see if they should issue a concrete statement refuting or acknowledging any wrong that might have happened. investigation At the moment, its not possible to say what really happened because the investigation is not complete, she told the Times SUNDAY. A certain company allegedly transferred E34 million to the country and some ANC election funds were understood to have been compromised. In total, it was alleged that over E200 million from the ruling partys coffers circulated in the Kingdom of Eswatini. The ANC was formed in 1912. Historically, the relationship between the ANC and Eswatini dates back to the formation of the SANNC in 1912. It is said that Queen Regent Labotsibeni and then Crown Prince Sobhuza, who became King Sobhuza II in 1921, financed the Abantu Batho newspaper, a mouthpiece of the SANNC. The organisation was founded as the South African Native National Congress (SANNC) in Bloemfontein on January 8, 1912. Meanwhile, sources close to the ANC would have been treated harshly and unfairly if such reports could turn out to be true. This is because, not too long ago, a court had ordered the seizure of assets from its headquarters, over an unpaid E102 million bill for campaign posters produced for the previous election in 2019. It was not the first time that courts had been asked to force the ANC to pay up. In 2022 employees of the party, which has ruled South Africa for 30 years, sued for unpaid salaries. It (ANC) was so broke that it said it was trying to find lawyers willing to work pro bono on its case. The latest cash crunch could not have been more dangerously timed, according to media reports in South Africa, as ANC will face its toughest general election since Nelson Mandela won power in 1994. The elections are on May 29. predicted Pollsters predicted that the national vote will fall below 50 per cent, with recent surveys putting its support in the mid-40s. The higher its share, the more able the ANC will be to form a coalition with small parties, in which it is dominant. On the other hand, the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists published a bungle of leaked documents. It is not clear who might have leaked them. According to the documents, an ANC officer (name withheld for legal reasons) and other prominent individuals first transferred E12 million into the country. These are allegations whose veracity, as the ANC said, have not been tested or verified through formal inquiry processes. allegations The consortium alleged that withdrawals and transfers have been happening between 2015 and 2021. It was not clear how some powerful men close to the ANC accounts were linked to some people in Eswatini, who are understood to have received the money. Recently responding to media questions, the ANC had said it was not aware of any investigations carried out by the financial intelligence agencies in South Africa or Eswatini. However, the ruling party has now said it was taking the matter seriously. The confidential papers have been dubbed Swazi Secrets. It has been defined as a cross-border investigation that reveals Eswatinis unexplored role as a possible conduit in southern Africas gold smuggling economy - and how the countrys weak anti-money laundering controls enable powerful figures to benefit. The project is based on a leak of more than 890 000 internal records from the Eswatini Financial Intelligence Unit. These documents were obtained by Distributed Denial of Secrets, a nonprofit devoted to publishing and archiving leaks, which they shared with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ). ICIJ coordinated a team of 38 journalists across 11 countries to explore the documents. It is understood that the leak was the largest of its kind from a financial intelligence unit in an African country. It is said that the documents included bank records, police investigation reports, court affidavits, and confidential exchanges between government agencies within southern Africa. transactions It is alleged that the records also included details about banks in African countries and beyond, that have facilitated financial transactions for people and companies suspected of criminal activity. Some records allegedly related to prominent individuals. The investigation is said to have highlighted the extraordinary role of some powerful people and some key allies in supporting a new bank in a year-long tussle with the regulators. Swazi Secrets also allegedly showed a potential connection between Eswatini to the larger gold smuggling economy in southern Africa and beyond. The documents are said to have shown millions of dollars passed from a notorious cash-in-transit company in South Africa, through a gold refining company in Eswatini, then on to Dubai. This Eswatini company was set up by two business partners connected to the powerful people. Irish soldiers who served in Lebanon: I saw kids in buggies on Grafton Street and thought of the Arab boys and girls who were blown to bits Photo Courtesy: Australia In India Facebook page The Australian High Commission in India together with the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) is bringing a unique showcase of the immersive multimedia installation 'Walking Through a Songline' (WTAS) to New Delhi. This dramatic digital experience is based on a component of the National Museum of Australias internationally acclaimed exhibition Songlines: Tracking the Seven Sisters. Songlines: Tracking the Seven Sisters, in which more than 100 artists are represented, is an Aboriginal-led exhibition developed in 2017 which takes visitors on a journey along the epic Seven Sisters Dreaming tracks, through art, Indigenous voices, innovative multimedia, and other immersive displays. Australias High Commissioner to India Philip Green said, Australia has the unique privilege of being home to the worlds oldest continuous culture and it is an honour to bring Walking Through a Songline to Delhi in collaboration with the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art. This exhibition will allow audiences to experience the ancient stories of our rich Indigenous culture and history through innovative technology. I am proud that through art, we can bring our First Nations stories and knowledge to the people of India, he added. After making its India debut in Mumbai in April 2024, the exhibition is delighting audiences in Delhi from 26 May to 30 June at KNMA Saket. The exhibition next travels to Bengaluru. National Museum of Australia director, Katherine McMahon, said, We are deeply grateful to the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art for hosting this display on such a magnificent scale and thrilled that we can, for the first time, present the dome video from the original internationally acclaimed Songlines: Tracking the Seven Sisters exhibition in the same venue. Visual artist Sarah Kenderdines outstanding immersive artwork Travelling Kungkarangkalpa is an integral part of the original exhibition, and we are thrilled to have this opportunity to share our commitment to sharing First Nations stories with Indian audiences, she added. The India tour of WTAS is supported by the Centre for Australia-India Relations (CAIR), Deakin University and Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ). Image credit: Videograb Rajkot/IBNS: The death toll in a massive fire at a gaming zone in Gujarats Rajkot rose to 27 that includes nine children, media reports said. On Sunday morning, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel visited the incident site and a hospital where the injured are being treated. Additional Commissioner of Police (ACP) Vinayak Patel said that DNA samples have been collected to identify the bodies of the victims. "The bodies are charred beyond recognition, and we have completed the process of collecting the DNA samples of the bodies and the relatives who have claimed them so that the identity of the deceased can be established," he said, adding that the three people injured in the incident are now in a stable condition. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been tasked to probe the fire and has been asked to submit a report within 72 hours, even as rescue operations continue at the site today. Meanwhile, one person is missing, and the authorities are trying to find him. Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi held a meeting with the five-member SIT and the local administration in the early hours of Sunday. The SIT is probing the departments responsible for the construction of the gaming zone. The owner and manager of the TRP game zone, where the fire broke out on Saturday evening, have been detained. Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya has said that 30 ICU beds have been prepared in AIIMS Rajkot to provide treatment to those injured in the fire. "Along with this, instructions have also been given to AIIMS to provide full help," he said. According to fire officials, the reason behind the massive blaze has not been ascertained yet. In the wake of the fire, Gujarat Police has instructed senior police officers to inspect all gaming zones in the state and shut down the ones running without fire safety permissions. On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was "extremely distressed" by the tragedy. "Extremely distressed by the fire mishap in Rajkot. My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. Prayers for the injured. The local administration is working to provide all possible assistance to those affected," he said in a post on X. The fire tragedy in Rajkot has saddened us all. In my telephone conversation with him a short while ago, Gujarat CM Bhupendrabhai Patel Ji told me about the efforts underway to ensure all possible assistance is provided to those who have been affected. @Bhupendrapbjp Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 25, 2024 President Droupadi Murmu, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and several other politicians expressed grief over the incident. On Saturday, Bhupendra Patel announced that the state government will provide Rs.4 lakh ex-gratia to the families of the deceased and Rs. 50,000 to the injured. Photo courtesy: Facebook/Mallikarjun Kharge New Delhi/IBNS: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge responded wittily on being asked who would be the Prime Ministerial candidate of the INDIA bloc. "It's like asking 'Kaun Banega Crorepati'," Kharge said, referring to the popular TV quiz show hosted by Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan. "If we form the government, all the leaders will decide who will be their PM," he said during a press conference in Shimla. Kharge also reminded that the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance was at the helm of the government for 10 years from 2004 to 2014 without proposing a PM candidate before the elections. "In 2004, Congress leaders wanted Sonia Gandhi to be the Prime Minister but she refused. We didn't have the majority, we had 140 seats. We returned to power in 2009 with 209 seats. We formed the UPA alliance and ran the government for 10 years," he said. "Sometimes even wise people forget history," the Congress chief said, taking a jibe at the ruling BJP who had been targeting the INDIA bloc for failing to come up with a Prime Ministerial candidate. Targeting the BJP, Kharge said that the party lied to the country "when it talked about 2 crore jobs in 2014, when it talked about reducing inflation. Nothing happened". "The Prime Minister made big promises in 2014 and 2019 but did not look back after that. He did not help Himachal Pradesh when it was struck by a natural disaster. The BJP is working to topple governments in the country and has tried to destabilise the Congress government of Himachal," he alleged. Photo Courtesy: Pixabay Mumbai: A 26-year-old woman was allegedly raped in Mumbai under the false promise of securing work on the popular talk show "The Kapil Sharma Show ," media reported. The accused, Anand Singh, was arrested by Mumbai Police following the woman's complaint, reported India Today. Police stated that the woman and Anand met online a few days ago. Anand misled her by claiming he had connections with top figures of the TV industry and could help her get a job on "The Kapil Sharma Show." The woman believed Anand's claims, and he informed her that she would need to audition for a role on the show. He also promised that if the audition was successful, he would introduce her to the casting director. The woman went to Anand's house in the Nalasopara area of Palghar district for the audition. Under the garb of conducting the audition, Anand allegedly raped her. When she resisted, he physically assaulted her and threatened her with severe consequences if she reported the incident, according to the police. Following the incident, the woman reported the assault to the police, and an FIR was registered under Sections 376 (rape) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code, according to the India Today report. After the case was filed, the police arrested Anand and presented him in a local court, where he was remanded to police custody for further investigation, the report added. Photo courtesy: Divya Prabha Instagram profile Indias performance at 77th Cannes Film Festival has been phenomenal with two creative persons, an actress and a cinematographer, winning top awards at the world's leading film festival. For the first time in 30 years an Indian film, Payal Kapadia's All We Imagine as Light which centers around the lives of two nurses, was nominated for the Palme d'or, the highest award in the festival. Kapadia's film won the Grand Prix, the second position in the category. With this win Payal Kapadia, a FTII alumnus, becomes the first Indian to bag this prestigious award. This comes after 30 years when Shaji N Karuns Swaham competed for highest honour. Payals film was granted official Indo-French co-production status by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, under the signed Audio-Visual treaty between India and France. Permission for shooting of the film was also granted by the Ministry in Maharashtra (Ratnagiri and Mumbai). The film received Interim approval for 30% of the Qualifying Co-production expenditure under the Incentives Scheme of the Government of India for Official Co-production. Film and Television Institute of India's student Chidananda S Naik bagged the first prize in the La Cinef section for SUNFLOWERS WERE THE FIRST ONES TO KNOW, a 15-minute short film based on a Kannada folklore. This FTII film is a production of the FTIIs TV Wings One-year program where four students from different disciplines i.e. Direction, Electronic Cinematography, Editing, Sound worked together for one project as a year-end coordinated exercise. Before joining FTII in 2022, Chidanand S Naik was also selected as one of the 75 Creative Minds at 53rd International Film Festival of India (IFFI), an initiative of Ministry of I&B to recognize and support budding young artists in the field of Cinema. It is important to note that an India-born Mansi Maheshwari's Bunnyhood, an animated film, bagged the third prize in the La Cinef Selection. The Festival celebrated the work of world famous Director Shyam Benegal. After 48 years of its release in India Benegals Manthan, preserved at the National Film Archives of India (NFDC-NFAI under Ministry of Information and Broadcasting) and restored by the Film Heritage Foundation, was showcased at Cannes in the classic section. The much renowned Cinematographer Santosh Sivan, known for his rich body of work in Indian cinema became the first Asian to be awarded the prestigious Pierre Angenieux Tribute award at the 2024 Cannes film festival in recognition of his "career and exceptional quality of work". Another individual who made history at Cannes is Anasuya Sengupta as she became the first ever Indian to win the Best Actress award for her performance in The Shameless in the Un Certain Regard category. Another independent film maker who shines at Cannes was Maisam Ali, also a FTII alumnus. His film In Retreat was screened at the ACID Cannes sidebar programme. It was the first time an Indian film was screened in the section run by the Association for the Diffusion of Independent Cinema, since its inception in 1993. As we witnessed a historic year for Indian Cinema at 77th Cannes Film Festival, Film and Television Institute of India has a special reason for celebrating its accomplishments as its Alumni such as Payal Kapadia, Santosh Sivan, Maisam Ali and Chidanand S Naik shines at Cannes. FTII is an autonomous institute under Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India and functions as a society with the financial support from Central Government. Children sleep in the open in al-Mawasi in the southern Gaza Strip Photo Courtesy: UNICEF/Media Clinic At least 10 people, including children, died after the school in which they were taking shelter in conflict-hit Gaza came under drone attack on Saturday (May 25, 2024), media reports said. The Al-Nazla school in Saftawy, on the outskirts of Jabaliya, was being used as a temporary shelter by people fleeing violence when the strike took place, reported CNN. An eyewitness, Saleh Al-Aswad from Jabaliya, told CNN that his son-in-law is being treated for injuries sustained during the attack. He added that a man making bread for his children, thinking this was a safe space was killed along with his daughter, Afnan, and his son, Mohamed. Meanwhile, The International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Friday (May 24, 2024) issued new provisional measures that order Israel to immediately end military operations in Rafah in southern Gaza and to open the governates border crossing for urgent aid deliveries. This follows a request from South Africa in a pending case accusing Israel of violating its obligations under the Genocide Convention. Reading the new provisional measures in an open session at the court in The Hague, ICJ Justice Nawaf Salam announced that Israel must abide by its obligations under the Genocide Convention to immediately halt its military offensive and any other action in the Rafah governate which may inflict upon the Palestinian group in Gaza conditions of life that would bring about its physical destruction in whole and in part. The court issued that decision by 13 votes in favour to two against. The new provisional measures came in response to South Africas request made on 10 May related to its initial accusations in December that Israel is violating its obligations under the Genocide Convention during the war in Gaza, which broke out after Hamas-led attacks on Israel in October that killed more than 1,200 people and left another 250 taken hostage. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah cautioned Israel to brace for unexpected developments. Photo courtesy: wikipedia.org As the Gaza conflict continues into its eighth month, Lebanese group Hezbollah, supported by Iran, is reportedly gearing up for a surprise assault on Israel, the media reported. In a televised address, the group's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, cautioned Israel to brace for unexpected developments. "You must expect surprises from our resistance," he said on Friday, which marks the 24th anniversary of Resistance and Liberation Day. Hezbollah, which became a formidable force during the Lebanese Civil War, has been fighting Israel in support of the Palestinian cause and Gaza. Israel launched a military offensive in Gaza following the October 7 attack by the Palestinian Hamas group, which resulted in over a thousand deaths in Israeli border towns. However, Nasrallah pointed out that Israeli leaders have conceded they have not met their objectives in the Gaza war. He cited Israeli National Security Council head Tzachi Hanegbi's admission that none of their strategic goals have been achieved and that it might take years to do so. Nasrallah also highlighted the challenges faced by Israel, which has the backing of Western nations. "The recognition of the Palestinian state by a number of European countries is a great loss for the occupation," Middle East Monitor cited him as saying. He said this recognition was one of the outcomes of the "Al-Aqsa Flood battle", the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel. "One of the results of the Al-Aqsa Flood and the steadfastness of the resistance is that today Israel is appearing before the ICC (International Criminal Court)," he said. Nasrallah alleged Israel of disregarding the international resolutions and carrying out violent raids on Rafah despite the International Court of Justice (ICJ) order to immediately stop its military operation. Hanegbi, a top aide to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stated following the ICJ ruling that Israel has the right to defend itself. Hamas launches rocket attack towards Tel Aviv after several months. Photo Courtesy: IDF X page Hamas on Sunday claimed to have launched a rocket attack towards Tel Aviv city in Israel, media reports said. It is the first time such an attack launched by the group on Israel in four months. Eight rockets were launched from the Rafah area in the southern Gaza Strip at central Israel, Israel Defense Forces told The Times of Israel. In a X post, IDF wrote: " A barrage of rockets was launched from Rafah toward central Israel moments ago." "Humanitarian aid has been going into Gaza through the Kerem Shalom Crossing this morning, and now rockets are being fired at central Israel," the X post said. No injury has been reported so far. The Israeli army is carrying out a military operation in Rafah, reported BBC. IDF earlier said rocket sirens were sounded over Tel Aviv and Central Israel. On its telegram channel, the Hamas's military wing, Izzedine al-Qassam Brigades, said it launched a "big missile" attack on Tel Aviv, reported BBC. Meanwhile, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Friday (May 24, 2024) issued new provisional measures that order Israel to immediately end military operations in Rafah in southern Gaza and to open the governates border crossing for urgent aid deliveries. This follows a request from South Africa in a pending case accusing Israel of violating its obligations under the Genocide Convention. Reading the new provisional measures in an open session at the court in The Hague, ICJ Justice Nawaf Salam announced that Israel must abide by its obligations under the Genocide Convention to immediately halt its military offensive and any other action in the Rafah governate which may inflict upon the Palestinian group in Gaza conditions of life that would bring about its physical destruction in whole and in part. The court issued that decision by 13 votes in favour to two against. The new provisional measures came in response to South Africas request made on 10 May related to its initial accusations in December that Israel is violating its obligations under the Genocide Convention during the war in Gaza, which broke out after Hamas-led attacks on Israel in October that killed more than 1,200 people and left another 250 taken hostage. Representative Image Courtesy: Unsplash At least 12 people, which included six crew members, were injured after a Qatar Airways flight from Doha to Dublin was hit with turbulence on Sunday. Dublin Airport said the flight landed in Dublin shortly after 1 pm local time. The passengers were met by emergency service members after it landed in the airport. Dublin Airport posted on X: "Qatar Airways flight QR017 from Doha landed safely as scheduled at Dublin Airport shortly before 13.00 on Sunday. Upon landing, the aircraft was met by emergency services, including Airport Police and our Fire and Rescue department, due to 6 passengers and 6 crew [12 total] on board reporting injuries after the aircraft experienced turbulence while airborne over Turkey." "The Dublin Airport team continues to provide full assistance on the ground to passengers and airline staff," it said. "All passengers were assessed for injury prior to disembarking the aircraft. Eight passengers were subsequently taken to hospital," the airport said. The airport said flight operations at Dublin Airport remained unaffected and continued as normal this afternoon This incident occurred just days after 104 passengers were injured and a person died of a heart attack after a Singapore Airlines flight was hit by turbulence. Photo Courtesy: Unsplash In a shocking incident, a Pakistani woman threw her preschooler child into the Jhelum River and then jumped into the swollen water channel from a bridge in Muzaffarabad on Thursday. CCTV footage recorded from the right side of River Jhelum in Domel area showed the long chador clad woman, identified as 38-year-old Robina Safdar, slowly walking through the approach road to the pre-partition era iron bridge at about 9:41am while holding the hand of her son Shahzeb, who appears to be less than five years of age, Dawn News reported. The iron bridge is mostly used by pedestrians or by two wheelers. Shaheedur Rehman, in-charge of the relevant Jalalabad police post told Dawn that the womans father and spouse had given a statement to them that she was being treated for mental disorders by some physicians in Abbottabad for the past few years. But we are conducting investigations into their claims and immediately cannot say anything with certainty, he said. Payal Kapadia made headlines at Cannes 2024 as her film, "All We Imagine as Light," secured the esteemed Le Grand Prix award, a historic win for Indian cinema. This marked the first Indian movie to compete in Cannes' main category in 30 years. Joined by actors Chhaya Kadam, Divya Prabha, and Kani Kusruti, Kapadia took the stage at the festival's closing ceremony to accept the honor. In her speech, she made a heartfelt request to Cannes, emphasizing the significance of this moment for Indian filmmakers. Im very nervous, so I wrote something down. Thank you to the Cannes Film Festival for having our film here. Please dont wait 30 years to have another Indian film, Payal said. This film is about friendship between three women and oftentimes women are pitted against each other. This is the way society is designed and it is very unfortunate. But for me friendship is a very important relationship because it can lead to greater solidarity, inclusivity and empathy towards each other, she added, as reported by The Indian Express. Divya Prabha, and Kani Kusruti, Kapadia took the stage at the festival's closing ceremony to accept the honor. PAYAL KAPADIA, laureate du Grand Prix pour ALL WE IMAGINE AS LIGHT. PAYAL KAPADIA, award winner of the Grand Prix for ALL WE IMAGINE AS LIGHT.#Cannes2024 #Palmares #Awards #GrandPrix pic.twitter.com/nE16YOvLeC Festival de Cannes (@Festival_Cannes) May 25, 2024 Also read: Anasuya Sengupta Wins Best Actress At Cannes: Did You Know The History-Making Indian Was Cast From Facebook? Fans React As Payal Kapadia's All We Imagine As Light Wins Le Grand Prix At Cannes 2024 One wrote, Congratulations @rutsut so proud!!!. Another wrote, 1st Indian film to win grand prix, congrats payal and team. A third added, It's a prideful moment for Indian cinema at the 77th Cannes Film Festival as Payal Kapadia's All We Imagine as Light wins the Grand Prix Jury Award. Its became the first Indian film to win the Grand Prix Jury Award.. Also read: Preity Zinta's Glamorous Return To Cannes After Over A Decade-Long Hiatus Turns Heads X What Is All We Imagine as Light About? "All We Imagine as Light" follows Prabha, a nurse whose life is upended by an unexpected gift from her long-lost husband. Meanwhile, her roommate Anu struggles to find privacy in the bustling city for intimate moments with her boyfriend. Their lives take a turn when they embark on a road trip to a coastal town, where the enchanting forest becomes a canvas for their dreams to unfold. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Actor Preity Zinta dazzled attendees at the 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, but it was her accent during her interview that sparked conversation. Social media users questioned whether she was using a "fake accent." However, her supporters defended her, citing her years of living abroad as a natural influence on her accent, asserting it was not fake. Preity Zinta graced the event in a stunning sequined pink saree paired with a matching blouse, accessorized with large earrings and leaving her hair untied. Engaging with her fans, she graciously signed autographs and snapped selfies, capturing joyful moments. A clip of her presence at the event was shared by Brut India on their Instagram handle. Talking about her look, she said, "My look is simple yet with a little bit of sparkle." She added, "It's wonderful. I'm coming after a long time. I'm very excited and happy to be here." Also read: Payal Kapadia's All We Imagine As Light Wins Le Grand Prix At Cannes 2024, Fans Overflow With Pride Defending the accent, one wrote, She's been living in AMERICA with her AMERICAN husband for a long time. People should stop judging her accent. Also, shes not speaking to Indian media,so its important for her to communicate in a way they understand. To those who are judging: Don't forget we are indians and we are talented enough to learn many other languages and accents. So, LIVE and Let LIVE. Another added, She has literally lived in the US for over a decade, of course the accent is going to be influenced. This isn't fake at all. IG IG A third added, People criticising someone speaking Hindi in english accent is Understandable But what's wrong here... Her Husband is a foreigner thus this accent. Or Even if she wouldn't have married a foreigner even then speaking English in English accent Isn't wrong. Also read: Payal Kapadia's 'All We Imagine As Light' Gets 8-Minute Ovation At Cannes, Team's Dancing Celebration On Red Carpet Wins Hearts According to reports as per HT, Preity Zinta made her Cannes debut in 2006, attending the premieres of two films: "The Wind That Shakes The Barley" and "Paris, Je T'aime." Returning to the French Riviera in 2013, she made a comeback as the brand ambassador for the luxury watch brand, Chopard. For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment. Made in India spirits are slowly but surely making their mark in the world of fine alcohol. Following the success of Godawan Whiskey, India is now basking in the glory of its Cherrapunji Gin, which has just snagged the top honor at the Global Spirits Masters Competition. Cheers to that! Exquisitely designed steel-bottled gin from Northeast takes the spotlight Cherrapunji Eastern Craft Gin, a homegrown spirit from Meghalaya, India, has won the top honor at the Global Spirits Masters competition. This gin outshined 110 brands from 55 countries to claim the top spot and was showcased at the London Wine Fair on May 21, 2024, bringing the flavors of Northeast India to the global stage. The gin is uniquely packaged in a beautifully designed steel bottle, replacing the heavier and less convenient glass bottles. The bottle features illustrations by Portland-based designer Reshidev RK, capturing the vibrant life of Meghalaya with images of a mandarin picker, a colonial-era Bedford bus, a red panda, bamboo forests, a rooster, clouds, and monoliths. Also read: India's Godawan 100 Honoring The Great Indian Bustard Becomes World's Best Single Malt Whiskey Cherrapunji gin/ Instagram Currently, Cherrapunji Gin is available in Meghalaya, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh, with plans to expand across Northeast India and soon launch in Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Goa, and select international markets. Flavour of the Northeast in a bottle Said to be made from rainwater, Cherrapunji Gin is a collaboration between the company's master distiller and a Dutch counterpart, blending 12 native botanicals from Northeast India. Cherrapunji Gin/ t2Online The gin's flavor profile was crafted in the Netherlands by Shillong native Mayukh Hazarika - Founder & CEO of Cherrapunji Gin - working with a Dutch master distiller to perfect the recipe. Key ingredients include the GI-tagged Khasi mandarin, known for its sweet and tangy flavor; sohmarit (wild peppers) from Meghalayas forests, adding a spicy kick; Assam's fragrant kaji nemu (lemon) peel; and a hint of smoked tea from a Tripura estate. The essential juniper is sourced from Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. The company is now focusing on exports, with their first batch set to reach European shores next month. This marks the first time a brand from Northeast India has made such a significant impact in the craft spirits industry. For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. Delhi Metro, often hailed as India's premier metro system, is now receiving acclaim from foreign visitors as well. In a trending video, two Irish influencers shared their impressions of the Delhi metro, describing it as surprisingly calm, clean and safe. Smooth, safe and clean Delhi metro The Irish influencer duo took to Instagram to share their thoughts on the Delhi metro, expressing initial reservations due to misconceptions and general tourist caution associated with metros worldwide. Instagram However, they were pleasantly surprised to find the Delhi metro to be the 'best metro ever.' In the video, one of them highlights feeling secure thanks to the bag scanning machines and the affordability of tickets. She marvels at the calm atmosphere, a stark contrast to her expectations in one of the world's most populous cities. She also commends the safety measures and amenities like air-conditioned compartments, phone charging sockets, and dedicated women's carriages. Delhi Metro: DMRC Launches Special Events For Women Commuters On Womens Day 2024 Summing up their experience in the caption, they stated, "The Delhi metro is one of the smoothest, safest and cleanest metros we have come across in any city weve been. Not to mention how cheap it is." Also read: Delhi Metro's Dancing Divas: Women With Ghoonghat Break Into Impromptu Song & Dance Inside Metro Watch the video here: How did people react? One said, "Every country is safe as long as you avoid the shady areas and get opinions from trusted locals on things you may need to see or buy." Another cheered, "YAYYYYY finally a reel which actually tells everyone that Delhi has the best metro," while yet another shared their positive experience, stating, "We found the same in Chennai metro! We were shocked by how clean, cool, quiet and efficient it all was." Representative image Another comment provided a comparison, stating, "Currently I am in Canada and I can tell you that India's metro especially Delhi metro is the best than anything around the world. I mean look at the subway in Canada and USA, you will find every shit in the subways from homeless people to stray dogs, dirty and smelly, no safety, no maintenance, no on-time nothing good comparison at all." The post has amassed over 263k views and 14k likes. For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. Calling all dog lovers! If you've ever struggled with the thought of leaving your furry friend behind while jetting off on vacation, we've got some awesome news for you. There's now an airline tailor-made for you and your doggos, making travel a breeze. Get ready to pack your bags and your pup's favorite toysadventure awaits! A flight for our furry friends BARK, the dog toy company, has teamed up with a jet charter service to launch BARK Air, a luxury airline just for doggos of all sizes. On Instagram, the company announced, "Every single detail of this flight experience has been crafted with a 'dogs-first' mindset. It has taken 10 years, but we are finally confident that we can provide all dogs with the air travel experience they deserve: one that puts them first." Instagram BARK Air's plane layouts are "dog-centric," giving pups the chance to socialise and make new friends in the sky. Each ticket includes one human to accompany their dog, and extra tickets can be purchased for additional passengers. However, no one under 18 is allowed to fly on this airline. The first flight took off on Thursday, traveling from New York to Los Angeles. Instagram In an Instagram post celebrating the inaugural flight, the airline wrote, "Right now, at an altitude of 30,000 feet, there is a flight filled with dogs." They added, "Unlike any flight before it, these dogs are not merely an afterthought, nor are they treated as cargo or a burden to the crew and fellow travelers." Check out the post here: According to the official website, BARK Air is the world's first air travel experience designed primarily for dogs, with their human companions as a close second. They offer "white paw service" with treats, earmuffs, and beverages for canine customers, with no size or breed restrictions. How did people react? People showed their support in the comments section. One user wrote, "Thanks for what you guys started! Yes, we are aware the prices are high but this is a part of the process eventually they will become affordableI am never letting my best friend in the cargo of those evil airlines. If necessary, Ill pay that premium and support you guys during my move to Europe!" Instagram Another commented, "We need this in every country! Finally a conscious airline that doesn't treat them like a suitcase but like they really are...FAMILY! " Yet another comment read, "This is truly a dream come true! Thank you for making it a reality for us so we can finally share experiences abroad with our beloved pups." For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News. Optical illusions are a fun way to pass the time and can help assess the health of your brain and eyesight. But were they always intended for this purpose? Do they play a more significant role, and is there any scientific research supporting their effectiveness? While the crowd is still divided, one thing's for sure: they are engaging. Ready to try today's challenge? Optical illusions Optical illusions have curious origins| Image: Unsplash Also try: Optical Illusion: Help The Little Girl Find Her Lost Sock In 13 Seconds It was in 5 B.C. when Greek philosopher Epicharmus said that our senses, not our minds, were responsible for misinterpreting visual information. Then Protagoras argued that the environment played a significant role when it came to our physical senses interpreting information. Plato, meanwhile, believed that our minds and our eyes work together to perceive the world. This theory remains widely accepted even today, suggesting that optical illusions occur when our brains trick us into seeing things that aren't really there. Spot the origami cat in seven seconds Spot the origami cat in seven seconds| Image: The Sun Also try: Optical Illusion: Prove You're A Genius With High IQ, Spot The Reading Glasses In 8 Seconds Your challenge today is to spot an origami cat ingeniously hidden among other colourful cats. This is easily the toughest optical illusion you've come across. Even the sharpest eyes will have a tough time spotting the origami kitty. For this challenge today, you have seven seconds. One way to complete it is to split the image into grids and scan it from top to bottom. Get, set, go. Don't give up, pace yourself and try to finish the challenge. The answer is highlighted in the image below. The answer is given below The origami cat is highlighted in the image| Image: The Sun Also try: Spot The Six Hidden Faces In This Mind-boggling Optical Illusion In 7 Seconds What do you think of this? Hit us up in the comments section and let us know. There's a whole lot more on Indiatimes Trending. You can also follow us on Telegram. Two rare Rs 10 banknotes--on their way from Bombay to London--recovered from a shipwreck dating back to 1918 will reportedly be auctioned off next Wednesday. Noonans Mayfair auction house in London is set to auction off two Rs 10 banknotes during their World Banknotes sale. Here's all you need to know. What is the auction all about? The rare Rs 10 note with the id 51687 | Image: X Also read: DU Professors Wear Skirts During College Fashion Show & As Usual The Internet Has A Lot To Say Estimated to fetch between GBP 2,000 (Rs 2.1 lakh approx) and 2,600, (Rs 2.73 lakh, roughly) these notes were recovered from the SS Shirala, which was sunk by a German U-boat on July 2, 1918. The notes bear the date May 25, 1918. Thomasina Smith, Worldwide Head of Numismatics at Noonans revealed: Whole blocks of these notes, along with lots of provisions ranging from marmalade to ammunition, were on their way to Bombay from London when the boat was sunk by a German U-Boat. Many notes floated to shore, including unsigned 5 and 10 Rupees, and signed 1 Rupees one of which also features in this auction. Most were recovered and subsequently destroyed by the authorities and new ones were printed to replace them, however very few examples remained in private hands, she said. What is the condition of these rare notes? The rare Rs 10 notes with the id 51688 | Image: X Also read: Italians Dance To Popular Punjabi Track 'Naag' Outside Milan Cathedral These are in very good condition they must have been in the middle of a tightly bound bundle, so didnt make contact with the sea. Its also wonderful that they bear consecutive serial numbers, Thomasina confirmed. This isn't the only auction of note taking place next week. There's also a rare Government of India Rs 100 note which will likely fetch between GBP 4,400 (Rs 4.62 lakh, roughly) and 5,000 (Rs 5.25 lakh, approximately). It is roughly dated between 1917 and 1930, and bears a stamp from Calcutta. The other side of the notes has 100 rupees spelt out in various Indian languages. Check out the original post below Two 10-rupee banknotes that were recovered from the wreck of the SS Shirala, which was sunk by a German U-boat on 2 July 1918. See link to catalogue https://t.co/90hOK7qWUG#banknotes #indianrupee #shipwreck #uboat #WW1 pic.twitter.com/okeBd5oomw Noonans Mayfair (@NoonansAuctions) May 24, 2024 Also read: Mysterious Deep-sea Hooked Squid, Largest Of Its Kind, Attacks Camera. Rare Footage Viral What do you think of this? Hit us up in the comments section and let us know. There's a whole lot more on Indiatimes Trending. You can also follow us on Telegram. It's a known fact that nothing unites like music. It evokes universal emotions and memories, creating a sense of unity among complete. Whether at concerts, festivals, or casual gatherings, music fosters connection, community, and mutual understanding, like no other. Here's a viral video to put that into perspective. Read on. What does the viral video show? The locals enjoyed shaking a leg to the hit Punjabi song | Image: Instagram Viral Video: 'Traffic Jam' On Mt Everest As Hundreds Of Climbers Take Advantage Of Weather Window Filmed outside Milan cathedral Duomo di Milano, the clip shows locals breaking it down to the beats of Jazzy B's popular track 'Naag.' The mixed group had everyone dancing, from elders to kids. The song's beats clearly found a new loving audience. That said, there were some naysayers in the comments section who called the whole thing "fake," and a "set up." That's for you to decide dear reader. How did the internet react? Music is the great unifier no doubt | Image: Instagram Also read: Mysterious Deep-sea Hooked Squid, Largest Of Its Kind, Attacks Camera. Rare Footage Viral The video got 516K views, 27K likes and comments to match. "Bella ciao, tusi edhr aao," wrote one. "Punjabis rocking it everywhere," chimed in another. "Very nice video veer ji," added a third. There were also those who suggested that the video was fake and how locals were really dancing to another track. Watch the video below Also read: Duo Dazzles With Bharatanatyam & Odissi Dances To Heeramandis Sakal Ban' On Street In Spain What do you think of this? Hit us up in the comments section and let us know. There's a whole lot more on Indiatimes Trending. You can also follow us on Telegram. A 33-year-old Turkish national has been arrested by authorities in Greece on a charge of deliberately and repeatedly setting fires in forest and farm land along motorway 65 (Egaleo Ring Road) in Aspropyrgos Attica, the fire brigade announced on Sunday. According to the announcement, the suspect was arrested 'in flagrante' on Sunday by fire brigade officers of the Crimes of Arson department, with the assistance of the police. According to fire brigade sources, the 33-year-old is an asylum seeker and security forces are now conducting an investigation into his profile. He was being held in custody until he appears before an Athens public prosecutor on Monday. iefimerida.gr Aminu Ado Bayero, the 15th Emir of Kano, on Saturday, beckoned on the authorities to ensure justice is served in the States emirship saga. Bayero was dethroned as the Emir on Thursday after the Kano State House of Assembly repealed a 2019 emirate law that was used to oust Muhammadu Sanusi in 2020. Advertisement Subsequently, Sanusi was reinstated by State Governor Abba Yusuf, while Bayero was in Ogun State on an official visit. The Governor also ordered Bayeros arrest for creating tension in the stateupon his return Speaking when he hosted some security agents, Bayero said he would accept the position of the law, noting that no one is above it. He called for calm, stressing the need for peace in Kano. READ ALSO: Tinubu Respects Constitution, Resisted Pressure To Interfere In My Reinstatement Emir Sanusi I call on the people to remain law-abiding while awaiting the outcome of the legal process in this tussle. We call on the authority to do justice in this matter. Kano is a very influential state in Nigeria. Whatever affects Kano affects Nigeria. May peace reign in Kano. We pray for Allah to bless Kano with responsible and just leaders. Justice is the way to go on every issue. There will be justice. Nobody is above the law. We will accept whatever the law says. I appreciate all the people who have shown concern. As I said, justice will take its course. We will keep on praying for peace in Kano State. May Allah the Almighty protect us. On May 23, a Federal High Court in Kano ordered the state government not to enforce the Emirate Council Repeal Law 2024. Former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Lamorde, has kicked the bucket. Lamorde, according to Premium Times, died at the age of 61 in Egypt, where he had traveled for medical treatment, during a procedure to remove a kidney stone. Born on December 20, 1962, Lamorde joined the Nigerian Police in 1986 and retired as a Deputy Inspector General of Police in 2021. He served as EFCC chairman from 2011 to 2015. Advertisement READ ALSO: Kano: Dont Allow Royal Stool Contest Degenerate To Violence Islamic Clerics Urge Tinubu According to the EFCC website, Lamorde was the Commissions third Executive Chairman. He was appointed acting Chairman on November 3, 2011, following the removal of Farida Waziri by President Goodluck Jonathan, and was confirmed as the substantive Chairman by the Senate on February 15, 2012. He remained in this position until November 9, 2015, when President Buhari replaced him with Ibrahim Magu in an acting capacity. As stated by The Nations source, it was an irony of fate for the former EFCC who flew his wife to Egypt for medical treatment. The source said: He actually took his wife to Egypt for medical attention when he decided to remove kidney stone which had caused him some discomfort. He however died in the process of the procedure to remove the stone. His corpse will be brought to Nigeria on Monday for Janaza (Islamic burial). I think the Federal Government is assisting in the formalities to bring back his remains. A train travelling from Kaduna State to Abuja, the nations capital, reportedly derailed near Jere, Kaduna, according to the Daily Trust on Sunday. The train carrying dozens of passengers left Kaduna about 8:05 a.m. but derailed near Jere around an hour later. Security personnel, including members of the Nigeria Police and Army, arrived the scene to provide assistance after around three carriages derail. Advertisement READ MORE: Nigerian Billionaire BLord Announces Plan To Take Second Wife, Tenders Public Apology Sharing a picture and video from the incident, a user with the handle @Lovelyn Jacob on X wrote on her page, So this morning, some parts of the Kaduna- Abuja train derailed around Jere. Thankfully, the situation was brought under control by the technicians who quickly disengaged the affected part and realigned it. Sincerely, I must commend the efforts of our troops who swiftly appeared on the scene to aid the policemen attached to the train (I even heard one of the passengers saying, Me, I want to see the Army! and the Army came, lol). God bless the Nigerian Army (NA) and the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) for making its citizens feel safe in these crucial times. Dont forget to pray for a soldier today. @3Star_GOD Thank yall for your service. SEE POST: A forum of Islamic clerics in Kano State, on Saturday, called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prevent any action that may lead to a breakdown of law and order in the state over the emirship tussle. Recall that tension filled the State after Governor Abba Yusuf, ordered the immediate arrest of Aminu Ado Bayero, the dethroned Emir. Yusufs order came a day after he reappointed Muhammadu Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano. Advertisement In a statement signed by 18 members of the forum, Ulama, the clergies said Kano is one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria despite its political complexity. According to them, happenings in the Kano emirate could escalate and degenerate into chaos if not carefully handled. While it is the purview of the State House of Assembly to enact Laws for good governance, the State Government needs the cooperation and support of the Federal Government. The State Assembly amended the Kano State Emirates Law and the Governor assented. One person took the case to Court that the law violates his Fundamental Human Rights. He is entitled to his rights. READ ALSO: You Have No Power To Suspend Abure LP Slams Edo Ward Exco, Commences Investigation The State Governor also has responsibility as the Chief Executive of the State as the act in question has already been completed. Therefore, there is no need for violent enforcement of any order or violent resistance to it, and we vehemently oppose any measures that will bring an escalation of conflict in the state. Mr. President as the leader of the nation should not allow the contest for a royal stool to degenerate to violence. We are calling on Mr President to allow the people of Kano State to resolve these issues amicably without the use of any force and loss of lives. Kano State is one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria, therefore we the undersigned call on both contending parties to use civil means in resolving their differences to allow peace to reign in the state. As major stakeholders in the state, we want to assure Mr. President that we shall reach out to contenders, the statement read. The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, on Saturday, denied facilitating the return of Aminu Bayero, the dethroned Emir of Kano, to the State. Early Saturday morning, Bayero returned to the city and then moved into the palace. State Governor, Abba Yusuf, however ordered Bayeros arrest after the deposed monarch arrived in Kano to a heros welcome from a horde of his supporters. Advertisement Subsequently, Aminu Gwarzo, Kano Deputy Governor, blamed the NSA for allegedly facilitating the return of Bayero to the palace by providing him with two private jets. Gwarzo said: The national security adviser gave two jets to bring the dethroned emir to Kano and to bring him to the place. We have not understood their intention. READ ALSO: Respect Yourself, Intellect Doesnt Empower You To Insult Anyone Datti-Ahmed Slams Soyinka For Saying Obi Is Unfit To Be President Reacting, in a statement, Zakari Mijinyawa, spokesperson for the NSA office, said the claim is untrue. I read the comments on social media, it is untrue. The NSA did not provide air transport to anyone to Kanom Political actors should desist from misinforming the public as law enforcement officials in the state strive to maintain peace and order, the statement read. Bayero was replaced as Emir by Muhammadu Sanusi on Friday. Sanusi was deposed in 2020 after falling out with Abdullahi Ganduje, the Governor of Kano at the time. The marital battle between Nigerian Super Eagles striker Olarenwaju Kayode and his estranged wife, Dora Ezinne Kayode, has taken an ugly turn. The latter instituted a legal action against her husband for allegedly claiming to be in possession of the negative DNA results of their three sons, Jason, Jayden and Jamin. Dora, who is outraged and seeking an urgent disclaimer, said she had no choice but to follow Kayodes claim regarding their childrens paternity after it went viral on multiple social media platforms on Saturday. Advertisement She supported her claim with a letter from her legal representatives dated May 24, 2024, titled Re: Dissemination of false allegations concerning purported DNA test results of the three children of marriage and addressed to Kayode at 14, Tulip Road, Peacock Beach Estate, Lekki, Lagos. The letter read in part, It has come to our clients attention that since May 24, 2024, various blogs and online platforms have been disseminating salacious stories about alleging results of a DNA reveal that none of the three children born during your marriage to our client belong to you. This scandalous and defaming story has spread rapidly, causing severe embarrassment to our client and children. Our client has reason to believe that these baseless, humiliating allegations were contrived and strategically planted by you across various media outlets with the malicious intent of tarnishing her reputation and causing irreparable harm to innocent children. The alleged report leaked to the media accused Ezinne of fraud, cheating on him with Pastor Tobi Adegboyega, taking his two Mercedes SUVs to fund the pastors lifestyle, and abducting their three sons. In a subsequent Instagram post on Saturday, Ezinne extensively refuted the charges, condemning the alleged DNA test findings and requesting that Kayode make them public as well as specify the hospital where they were conducted. She wrote, Honestly, I am so tired of this mans nonsense, and it has to stop now. I knew he was not mentally stable when he pulled out a knife on me some months ago, but to go as far as ruining the lives of innocent kids is way too far. Kayode, I didnt think you would go that low. I have kept quiet on all the rumours you have been spreading because they are baseless, childish, and false. But do you include innocent children? No, now I must speak. I have never sold any of my properties or cars and given the proceeds to any pastor, bishop, or imam in this world. In fact, all the rumours this mentally disturbed young man, Kayode, is sharing online are all false. READ MORE: Monogamy Doesnt Work, Fela Had Over 100 Concubines Seun Kuti Ezinne added, The last couple of years in this marriage have been like hell on earth. I am so drained and in pain, and I just honestly pray this ordeal is all over soon. I do not wish this kind of abuse and oppression on any woman anywhere in the world. If your story is similar to mine, run away from that man and leave that marriage; you are not stuck! And I pray that God will heal you and send helpers your way like he has for me. In a third post, she wrote, Olarenwaju Ayobami Kayode, my silence is enough. Dont ever drag my kids into your web of lies. I urge you to provide the result of the DNA to the public and the hospital where it was conducted, as we are willing to give you the DNA. You traumatised my kids by detaining us in DSS custody. SEE POST: The mural, "A Tribute to Gloria Casarez" by Michelle Angela Ortiz, on South 12th Street on Oct. 8, 2020. The mural was painted over by Midwood Investment & Development in order to build a 32-story high-rise. Read more Midwood Investment & Development, the company that painted over the iconic mural of queer Latina activist Gloria Casarez just before Christmas in 2020, had once pledged to support a new art installation honoring LGBQT and Black history. On May 8, Midwood appeared before the Philadelphia Art Commission to present its new public art proposal for the site of the old 12th Street Gym in the citys so-called Gayborhood. Advertisement The mural on the gym had honored Casarez, the citys first director of the Office of LGBT Affairs, who died of breast cancer at age 42 in 2014. Midwood, a New York based development company, purchased the building at 210 S. 12th St., with plans to build a 32-story, 400,000-square-foot high-rise condo and apartment tower with 376 units. Construction began in 2022 and is expected to be completed by the end of this year. The city agreed to a public art bonus that allowed Midwood to have higher density by providing public art. The developer also received extra density by building an underground parking garage, and contributing to the citys affordable-housing fund. However, critics are saying that for a building that received wide publicity when the Casarez mural was painted over, there was too little public notice when Midwood presented its new art project to the Arts Commission. Midwood is trying to ram through approval of the public art bonus, historic preservationist Faye Anderson told The Inquirer. The concept design was submitted to the Art Commission on or about May 1, 2024. The concept review presentation was made on May 8, 2024. There has been no community engagement. A notice was posted on the commissions website on Friday, May 3, with three business days before the Wednesday, May 8, meeting. Bruce Bohri, a spokesperson for the citys Department of Planning and Development, under which the Art Commission serves, wrote in an email: Public notice for this Art Commission meeting is compliant with the Sunshine Act and consistent with longstanding Art Commission procedure. Anderson complained that the Art Commission staff worked with Midwoods art consultants for about a year, while the community had three days notice. Activists critical of the whitewashing of the Gloria Casarez mural, however, said the renderings of three sculptures, by Odili Donald Odita one will go on 12th Street and two smaller ones on St. James did not appear site specific to either Casarez, nor Henry Minton, the Black caterer who hosted the abolitionists Frederick Douglass and John Brown in his home at 204 S. 12th St. A couple of the commissioners said the work did not appear to be site specific, yet they voted to give final approval at a meeting announced as a concept design review. But others said procedures are different when a public art piece is proposed for a private property. In the recorded meeting, Odita, whose paintings have been exhibited at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Comcast Tech Center, and at the 2007 Venice Biennale, agreed with some of the commissioners that the multicolored sculptures were reminiscent of the rainbow flag. He also said his work was subtle, and did not necessarily shout out a political point of view. But Anderson said when viewing Oditas work on a gallery website, all of the pieces are of multicolored wall designs: This could have been anywhere. Stephanie Haynes, the former director of Philly Family Pride, a nonprofit group for LGBTQ parents and grandparents, agreed that the community was left out of the Arts Commission process. I didnt find out about the meeting until after it had taken place, Haynes said last week. I know it was pushed through, with no community input. I knew Gloria. We were friends. I loved the mural on 12th Street so much that every time I went to Center City, I would drive by and say hi to Gloria. Casarez was so beloved in the queer community that for the Philly Pride Festival and OutFest, Haynes said, the community would dance in front of her mural. The whitewashing of Gloria Casarez mural The outrage was palpable on the December day when people in Philadelphias Gayborhood saw the mural honoring Casarez suddenly whitewashed, literally covered over with white paint. Later that night, on Dec. 23, 2020, Michelle Angela Ortiz, the Philadelphia artist who had painted the mural, projected an image of the mural onto the blank white walls, with a message: YOU CANT ERASE OUR HISTORY. On Christmas Eve, then Mayor Jim Kenney tweeted that he was stunned by the sudden removal of the mural: The community was bracing for the loss of the mural due to demolition, but this act seems unnecessarily hurtful. I join those expressing sadness and anger. . The story of protests about the mural made national news, including on the Today Show. READ MORE: New art installation in jeopardy after mural of queer activist Gloria Casarez in Phillys Gayborhood whitewashed without warning A plan not taken Stephanie Haynes still remembers how she felt when the mural was covered up. It was Christmas, and I cried my eyes out, Haynes said. They painted over it before they knocked it down. Painting over it was as much of a gut punch as demolishing it. Midwood had released a statement that it had reached a tentative agreement with Ortiz and Mural Arts to create a new and more expansive art installation on South 12th Street that continues to honor LGBTQ activist Gloria Casarez and BIPOC [Black/Indigenous/People of Color] LGBTQ ancestors. It also said the company would commit to a public art piece that honored Minton, and that the developer would pay about $655,000 for the public art pieces. However, after the whitewashing, Ortiz and Mural Arts said they could no longer work with Midwood. Contacted last week, Ortiz referred The Inquirer to the statement she issued at the time, titled, Fighting for Gloria. In response to critics of the new art proposal, a Midwood representative said: As previously stated, Midwood was ready and willing to honor its agreement with Mural Arts. Unfortunately, in March 2022, Mural Arts (for their own reasons) declined to proceed with the project. Since acquiring the property, Midwood has offered to contribute to the re-creation of the Gloria Casarez mural. That offer still stands. A student is shown working on a car at The Workshop School in West Philadelphia in this 2019 file photo. The school has been hit hard by changes to the Philadelphia School District's admissions policy. Read more The Workshop School pioneered a model so innovative that its students and teachers have twice been honored at the White House. But the West Philadelphia public schools fortunes have shifted in recent years. Now, were in a battle for our lives, said Simon Hauger, a Workshop School founder. Advertisement Workshops model is unchanged; its students still learn primarily through interdisciplinary projects by solving real-world problems: car trouble, water quality, food insecurity. It is made up mostly of students of color who come from economically disadvantaged families, and continues to be competency and skills-based, not content-based or test driven. What has changed is the way the Philadelphia School District admits students to its 38 magnet and citywide schools. In an effort to be more equitable, the district moved to a centralized lottery three years ago and away from giving principals say-so in who comes into their programs. The result? A mismatch between its incoming students and the school, and a building bursting at the seams. A school district spokesperson did not address Workshop officials concerns about their ability to adequately serve the students assigned to them, but did say the number of students enrolled is based on historical data. Were doing it much more poorly The Workshops building was never meant to hold an entire school the 31,000-square-foot, two-story structure on Hanson Street once housed the former West Philadelphia High automotive annex. After two years as an alternative senior-year project, Workshop became a full-fledged school and moved into its current space, with the promise of moving elsewhere eventually. But facilities are a perpetual problem in the underfunded district, and a new spot never materialized. After changes to the districts admissions policy, Workshop has been forced to take more students than officials say the small building can handle. That means it also doesnt have the staff to handle the growing number of students with special needs. As a result, the school is experiencing both behavior and culture issues its never had in the past attendance is down significantly, and serious incidents, such as fights and assaults, have tripled in the last three years. We serve some of the most marginalized students, and were doing it much more poorly now, said Hauger, the schools former principal, whos remained involved through Workshop Learning, the nonprofit still affiliated with the school. Its not their neighborhood high school In the past, students came to Workshop by word of mouth not necessarily kids with top grades, but students who bought into the mission, into different ways of learning, into a very small school where no one gets overlooked. Workshop staff would visit local K-8 and middle schools to recruit, often with Workshop students in tow. Interested eighth graders might visit to get a feel for the place. Or, counselors would call Workshop leaders to identify young people they thought would shine there. Now, without the ability to recruit, Workshop cofounder Matthew Riggan said, Kids are not coming in with any idea of what the place is about. A lot of what we get are students who put it on their list because its not their neighborhood high school. Male-identifying students tend to gravitate toward the Workshop school, often because of its auto body program, but Workshop staff worked hard to try to recruit female students. We know that women are underrepresented in these trades, said Riggan. We were always really, really mindful about how we counterbalance that so we get more women in our system. The number of young women at Workshop is eroding; the incoming ninth-grade class had just one girl, officials said. And because Workshop has no admissions requirements other than Philadelphia residency, it attracts significant numbers of students with special needs or those whose grades and test scores would not qualify them for many other criteria-based schools in the system. Workshop has always welcomed students with special needs, but we need the space and staffing to support the students who are enrolled at our school, Riggan said. We need space and staffing to serve any [individualized education plan the federal, binding document guaranteed to each student with special needs] we have in the building. Because of its size, Workshop doesnt have the capacity to have an emotional support class or an autistic support class, even though the numbers of students with autism and those with emotional support needs is increasing. In some cases, students receive emotional support instruction from an online program because Workshop has no other way to provide it. Status quo is not an option The schools principal sits at a desk in a hallway because theres no room to have an office. Theres no staff lounge, or gym or auditorium. Workshops HVAC system is unreliable, and half the buildings rooms have no windows. On a recent warm day, four classes had to operate simultaneously in the lunchroom because their rooms were too hot. On another day, three out of four bathrooms were nonoperational; the whole building had five total toilets for all 200 students and 28 staff. The schools special education team occupies a former closet converted to a small office, and because theres no private place for staff to pull out students who need extra help, students with IEPs must either get one-on-one services in a hallway or the lunchroom, or special education teachers have to push in and try to teach separate lessons in already crowded classrooms, Workshop officials said. The effects of more students with special needs and more students with intense needs has a ripple effect, officials said: More time is spent on a small number of students who have more needs, and reaching all students requires more differentiation and scaffolding, overwhelming staff. And the effect on students is noticeable, too. While Workshop students generally say they still feel seen and loved by the adults in the building, the attendance figures are telling: Officials said that last year, 63.5% of Workshop students attended school 95% of the time, higher than some elite city magnet schools. This year, that number has plummeted to 21%. It has gone off a cliff, said Riggan. Theres a real impact on culture and community, said Hauger, noting some Workshop students who in prior years would be thriving at the school, have left for other schools. The numbers for the fall are stark, Hauger said. In the past, a typical ninth-grade class would be 65 students. Its 2024-25 freshman class target was 80 students, the absolute maximum it could accommodate with the three classrooms it has available. The incoming ninth grade has 107 students, over 40% of whom have special needs. Monique Braxton, the district spokesperson, said attrition is expected, countering that 83 students were expected to be enrolled by fall. The status quo, Hauger said, is not an option. Kim Botteicher organizes supplies with coworker David Peightal in the church basement offices of FAVOR ~ Western PA in Bolivar, Pa. The nonprofit helps families struggling with addiction find housing, jobs, and other recovery supports. Read more Kim Botteicher hardly thinks of herself as a criminal. On the main floor of a former Catholic church in Bolivar, Pa., Botteicher runs a flower shop and cafe. Advertisement In the former churchs basement, she also operates a nonprofit organization focused on helping people caught up in the drug epidemic get back on their feet. The nonprofit, FAVOR Western PA, sits in a rural pocket of the Allegheny Mountains east of Pittsburgh. Her organizations home county of Westmoreland has seen roughly 100 or more drug overdose deaths each year for the past several years, the majority involving fentanyl. Thousands more residents in the region have been touched by the scourge of addiction, which is where Botteicher comes in. She helps people find housing, jobs, and health care, and works with families by running support groups and explaining that substance use disorder is a disease, not a moral failing. But she has also talked publicly about how she has made sterile syringes available to people who use drugs. When that person comes in the door, she said, if they are covered with abscesses because they have been using needles that are dirty, or theyve been sharing needles maybe theyve got hep C we see that as, OK, this is our first step. Studies have identified public health benefits associated with syringe exchange services. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says these programs reduce HIV and hepatitis C infections, and that new users of the programs are more likely to enter drug treatment and more likely to stop using drugs than nonparticipants. This harm-reduction strategy is supported by leading health groups, such as the American Medical Association, the World Health Organization, and the International AIDS Society. But providing clean syringes could put Botteicher in legal danger. Under Pennsylvania law, its a misdemeanor to distribute drug paraphernalia. The states definition includes hypodermic syringes, needles, and other objects used for injecting banned drugs. Pennsylvania is one of 12 states that do not implicitly or explicitly authorize syringe services programs through statute or regulation, according to a 2023 analysis. A few of those states, but not Pennsylvania, either dont have a state drug paraphernalia law or dont include syringes in it. Those working on the front lines of the opioid epidemic, like Botteicher, say a reexamination of Pennsylvanias law is long overdue. Theres an urgency to the issue as well: Billions of dollars have begun flowing into Pennsylvania and other states from legal settlements with companies over their role in the opioid epidemic, and syringe services are among the eligible interventions that could be supported by that money. The opioid settlements reached between drug companies and distributors and a coalition of state attorneys general included a list of recommendations for spending the money. Expanding syringe services is listed as one of the core strategies. But in Pennsylvania, where 5,158 people died from a drug overdose in 2022, the states drug paraphernalia law stands in the way. Concerns over Botteichers work with syringe services recently led Westmoreland County officials to cancel an allocation of $150,000 in opioid settlement funds they had previously approved for her organization. County Commissioner Douglas Chew defended the decision by saying the county is very risk averse. Botteicher said her organization had planned to use the money to hire additional recovery specialists, not on syringes. Supporters of syringe services point to the cancellation of funding as evidence of the need to change state law, especially given the recommendations of settlement documents. Its just a huge inconsistency, said Zoe Soslow, who leads overdose prevention work in Pennsylvania for the public health organization Vital Strategies. Its causing a lot of confusion. Though sterile syringes can be purchased from pharmacies without a prescription, handing out free ones to make drug use safer is generally considered illegal or at least in a legal gray area in most of the state. In Pennsylvanias two largest cities, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, officials have used local health powers to provide legal protection to people who operate syringe services programs. Even so, in Philadelphia, Mayor Cherelle Parker, who took office in January, has made it clear she opposes using opioid settlement money, or any city funds, to pay for the distribution of clean needles, The Philadelphia Inquirer has reported. Parkers position signals a major shift in that citys approach to the opioid epidemic. On the other side of the state, opioid settlement funds have had a big effect for Prevention Point Pittsburgh, a harm reduction organization. Allegheny County reported spending or committing $325,000 in settlement money as of the end of last year to support the organizations work with sterile syringes and other supplies for safer drug use. It was absolutely incredible to not have to fundraise every single dollar for the supplies that go out, said Prevention Points executive director, Aaron Arnold. It takes a lot of energy. It pulls away from actual delivery of services when youre constantly having to find out, Do we have enough money to even purchase the supplies that we want to distribute? In parts of Pennsylvania that lack these legal protections, people sometimes operate underground syringe programs. The Pennsylvania law banning drug paraphernalia was never intended to apply to syringe services, according to Scott Burris, director of the Center for Public Health Law Research at Temple University. But there have not been court cases in Pennsylvania to clarify the issue, and the failure of the legislature to act creates a chilling effect, he said. Carla Sofronski, executive director of the Pennsylvania Harm Reduction Network, said she was not aware of anyone having faced criminal charges for operating syringe services in the state, but she noted the threat hangs over people who do and that they are taking a great risk. In 2016, the CDC flagged three Pennsylvania counties Cambria, Crawford, and Luzerne among 220 counties nationwide in an assessment of communities potentially vulnerable to the rapid spread of HIV and to new or continuing high rates of hepatitis C infections among people who inject drugs. Kate Favata, a resident of Luzerne County, said she started using heroin in her late teens and wouldnt be alive today if it werent for the support and community she found at a syringe services program in Philadelphia. It kind of just made me feel like I was in a safe space. And I dont really know if there was like a come-to-God moment or come-to-Jesus moment, she said. I just wanted better. Favata is now in long-term recovery and works for a medication-assisted treatment program. At clinics in Cambria and Somerset Counties, Highlands Health provides free or low-cost medical care. Despite the legal risk, the organization has operated a syringe program for several years, while also testing patients for infectious diseases, distributing overdose reversal medication, and offering recovery options. Rosalie Danchanko, Highlands Healths executive director, said she hopes opioid settlement money can eventually support her organization. Why shouldnt that wealth be spread around for all organizations that are working with people affected by the opioid problem? she asked. In February, legislation to legalize syringe services in Pennsylvania was approved by a committee and has moved forward. The administration of Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, supports the legislation. But it faces an uncertain future in the full legislature, in which Democrats have a narrow majority in the House and Republicans control the Senate. One of the bills lead sponsors, state Rep. Jim Struzzi, hasnt always supported syringe services. But the Republican from western Pennsylvania said that since his brother died from a drug overdose in 2014, he has come to better understand the nature of addiction. In the committee vote, nearly all of Struzzis Republican colleagues opposed the bill. State Rep. Paul Schemel said authorizing the very instrumentality of abuse crossed a line for him and would be enabling an evil. After the vote, Struzzi said he wanted to build more bipartisan support. He noted that some of his own skepticism about the programs eased only after he visited Prevention Point Pittsburgh and saw how workers do more than just hand out syringes. These types of programs connect people to resources overdose reversal medication, wound care, substance use treatment that can save lives and lead to recovery. A lot of these people are desperate. Theyre alone. Theyre afraid. And these programs bring them into someone who cares, Struzzi said. And that, to me, is a step in the right direction. At her nonprofit in western Pennsylvania, Botteicher is hoping lawmakers take action. If its something thats going to help someone, then why is it illegal? she said. It just doesnt make any sense to me. This story was co-reported by WESA Public Radio and Spotlight PA, an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to account and drives positive change in Pennsylvania. New Delhi, May 26 (UNI) After a tragic fire claimed the lives of 6 newborns in Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced assistance for the families of each bereaved, and Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena directed the Chief Secretary to institute an inquiry. In a social media post, the PMO said, In the wake of the fire tragedy at a hospital in Delhi, the Prime Minister has announced that an ex gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. Rs. 50,000 would be given to each of those injured. Meanwhile, LG Saxena said, I have asked the Chief Secretary to institute an inquiry into the tragic incidents of fire in a children's hospital in Delhi. He further instructed the Commissioner of Police to ensure all that is needed. My heartfelt condolences to bereaved families. I assure all relief & will ensure that guilty are brought to book, Saxena added. Terming the tragedy as heart-wrenching, President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal among others expressed condolences over this tragic incident. The news of the death of many children due to a fire in a hospital in Vivek Vihar, Delhi is heart-rending, the President said adding, May God give strength to the bereaved parents and relatives to bear this shock. She further prayed for the speedy recovery of other children injured in this incident. Meanwhile, Dhankar said, Extremely distressed by the loss of lives of newborn children at a hospital in New Delhi today. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members in this hour of grief. May the injured recover soon. The fire tragedy at a hospital in Delhi is heart-rending. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this incredibly difficult time. I pray that those injured recover at the earliest., PM tweeted. This incident of fire in a children's hospital is heartbreaking. We all stand with those who lost their innocent children in this accident, Kejriwal said. He further added, The causes of the incident will be investigated and whoever is responsible for this negligence will not be spared. As many as 6 newborns were killed, one is in critical condition and 5 others are undergoing treatment after a massive fire broke out at a baby care newborn hospital in the Vivek Vihar area of East Delhi Saturday night. The Fire department received a call at around 11:32 PM last night about the fire incident at the hospital and immediately dispatched nine fire tenders to the spot, DFS Director Atul Garg told UNI. A total of 12 newborns were rescued, out of which 6 have died, 1 baby is serious and 5 others are undergoing treatment, he said. The fire was extinguished after nearly 3-4 hours, an official said. As per some reports, the cause of the fire was multiple oxygen cylinder blasts. However, the officials have not ascertained the cause of the fire yet. The rescue operation is still underway. UNI PSP BD Susan Gobreski of Mount Airy and her three dogs: Penny, Franklin, and Max. On different occasions, Max and Franklin mistakenly ingested cannabis. Read more Start your day with the Philly news you need and the stories you want all in one easy-to-read newsletter Good morning, Philly. Welcome to the (unofficial) start of summer. This partly sunny Sunday is expected to reach a high near 85. Unfortunately, Memorial Day conditions will be soggier look out for showers and thunderstorms, and be aware of whats open and closed in the Philly region due to the holiday. Advertisement Dogs eat the darnedest things sometimes. If its not your homework, its cash money. What about marijuana? Its a surprisingly common situation. Our main read looks at the uptick in cases of dogs mistakenly eating cannabis, and what you should do if it happens to your pup. Paola Perez (@pdesiperez, morningnewsletter@inquirer.com) If someone forwarded you this email, sign up for free here. Pictured above is Susan Gobreski and her three dogs: Penny, Franklin, and Max. On different occasions, Max and Franklin had mistakenly ingested cannabis and got very stoned. Gobreski ultimately discovered where the edible came from her adult daughter brought it back home to Mount Airy from college in Massachusetts, where recreational cannabis has been legal since 2016. But our investigative reporter Wendy Ruderman was stumped when her dog Beau started behaving strangely after an afternoon walk. She took Beau to the vet, who ordered the equivalent of a field sobriety test and gave his diagnosis: Suspected marijuana ingestion. Thankfully, Beau would be fine. Marijuana toxicosis is typically relatively harmless, although unpleasant for the patient, the hospital discharge paperwork read. Its apparently happening more often. Philly-area vets say these cases are on the rise. The reasons for this are mixed, including legal ones ... and more gross ones. Read on for a look at the data and to get key information on cannabis toxicity in dogs. The Workshop School, a project-based school in West Philadelphia, has been praised by the White House for its innovative model. It offers students an interdisciplinary education through competency and skill-based learning. Its made up of mostly students of color who come from economically disadvantaged families. But the school is buckling under pressure after changes to the Philadelphia School Districts admissions policy. What changed: The district shifted to a centralized lottery in an effort to be more equitable. Prior to this change, principals had a say in who enters their programs. The impact: Workshop is taking in more students than it can hold, and is trying to serve more kids with less room, a thin staff, and a lack of adequate resources. The school is also experiencing behavior and culture issues, such as reduced attendance and more frequent fights. Notable quote: We serve some of the most marginalized students, and were doing it much more poorly now, said Simon Hauger, the schools former principal. Continue reading about the challenges threatening Workshops existence. What you should know today Pop quiz Bryson Stott and the Phillie Phanatic teamed up with a popular footwear brand to help unveil a new pair of kicks for Philly, by Philly last week. Which company is behind the shoes? A) Hoka B) Nike C) Adidas D) Puma Think you know? Check your answer. Unscramble the anagram Thanks to a contract extension, the Union is keeping this 33-year-old its most important player in town through 2026. Hes been with the team for a decade. Hint: BAKED LEARN Email us if you know the answer. Well select a reader at random to shout out here. Cheers to Kevin Murphy who correctly guessed Fridays answer: Tires. Thats the name of Mechanicsburg-born comedian Shane Gillis Netflix show, which premiered Thursday and is set at the fictional Valley Forge Automotive Center. Photo of the day Todays Sunday track goes like this: Ill protect you from the hooded claw / Keep the vampires from your door. I recently saw All of Us Strangers (2023) and felt drawn to that powerful song from the soundtrack. Tonight, Ill catch Furiosa (2024) on the big screen. What have you been watching lately? Looking forward to your recommendations. Catch the next morning newsletter in your inbox on Wednesday. Until then, you can keep up with the latest happenings at inquirer.com. Enjoy the rest of the holiday weekend, and be safe. The Biden administration has slapped heavy tariffs on a range of goods from China including electric vehicles, semiconductors, solar panels, as well as batteries. In an election year, the US administration has said the tariffs are necessary for it to protect American industries form what it claims to be "unfair" competition. Inevitably, the EU will be affected, as surplus products unable to reach the US market, look to be sold in Europe. Irish exporters and importers can expect further disruption to their supply lines as China responds, as the EU decides on the best mechanism to protect its own industries. The new tariffs, which come into effect in phases between 2024 and 2026, are primarily targeted at industries where China can outcompete foreign rivals. The EU ranks China as the largest source of imported goods and has strong concerns that its manufacturing base is being eroded by Chinese imports. Global supplier In Irelands case, the total value of imports of goods from China last year was 10.7bn, meaning the Asian giant was the fourth largest global supplier to Irish industry. China, whose share by value of the global manufacturing industry has increased to 34%, has warned that the US move "will seriously affect the atmosphere of bilateral cooperation" and called on US president Joe Biden to immediately cancel the additional tariffs. However, there will be no going back by the US administration, which has been reviewing China'a trade, and will be keen to sway voters in an election year. The new measures affect $18bn (16.6bn) of imports, including steel, aluminium, computer chips, solar cells, cranes, and medical products. The 100% tariff on Chinese-made electric vehicles made the headlines, but none of the tariff increases are small fry: Semiconductor tariffs will double to 50%, tariffs on solar cells also go up to 50%, and some medical supplies, including syringes and needles, and ship-to-shore cranes will also be subject to higher taxes. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen has been under pressure for some time from motor manufacturers in France, Germany, Italy, and Spain to tackle Chinese electric cars entering the European market. She said last year, the EU would launch an anti-subsidy investigation into electric cars and subsequently, the commission has launched high-profile probes targeting Chinese manufacturers, solar panels, railway carriages, and communications equipment. Increased urgency The US move to control Chinese imports brings increased urgency. Increasing geopolitical and economic tensions between China, the US, and increasingly with the EU, have put pressure on Ireland. China's apparent no limits friendship with Russia, irrespective of Moscows war against Ukraine, has changed the former favourable views held by many European countries, including that of Ireland, towards China. There has been a significant change in the position of Chinese premier Xi Jinping since his visit to Ireland over 10 years ago. The then vice president showed none of the tendencies to authoritarian rule that he has since imposed on China. Concerns on the abuse of civil liberties for certain sections of the population have also been a bone of contention. However, China and the US remain, and are likely to remain, leading markets for Irish goods and services. The US has been the most important source of foreign direct investment for Ireland for decades, and will hopefully remain so for some years to come. Clearly, there has yet to be full agreement in the EU on how to carry out any policy of de-risking trade dependence on China. However, even if there is no agreement, there is still an urgent need for some sort of strategic thinking on the issue. A further escalation of tensions and a lack of global action to address social and environmental concerns could lead to a de-globalisation process that will likely have stronger-than-average implications for major exporters, like Ireland. Danny McCoy, the chief executive of business group Ibec, has warned the Government about any pre-election budget that would extend handouts to households such as continuing to subside utility bills. The Government should instead think long-term and invest in businesses as global political tensions and trade wars mean that Ireland faces more competition to attract foreign direct investment, according to the Ibec chief. This will be achieved through a budget that addresses strategic issues, rather than distributing handouts that end up spreading the pot too thinly, said Mr McCoy, reiterating Ibecs call for the Government to reallocate resources to help firms to train employees. We must underpin the cost competitiveness of business; substantially increase investment in upskilling and following through on its commitment to unlock the National Training Fund; address our energy competitiveness challenges; and adopt a more strategic playbook to ensure that Ireland can continue to compete with jurisdictions offering far greater financial incentives for mobile investment, Mr McCoy said. If we want to guarantee high living standards into the future, we must use this pre-election budget to look past short-term gains and clearly define where we need the economy to be in the coming years, he said. The head of the business group is echoing calls made on all governments by the OECD and the IMF to wind down and withdraw a wide range of measures primed two years ago to help households cope with the surge in utility bills following the invasion of Ukraine. The supports are no longer needed after the price of gas and crude oil have eased from their recent high levels, they say. Separately, the National Womens Council of Ireland (NWCI) has said a pre-election budget will need to help to create a system of public childcare as a crucial component in achieving gender equality. To tackle the inequalities in our society, Government must be ambitious in its plans for Budget 2025, placing emphasis on large-scale investment and structural reform of public services, and not on tax cuts and minor tweaks, said NWCI head of policy and development Kate Mitchell. When it comes to climate change and its profound environmental impacts, it is no accident that so much blame, and the according of the onus of responsibility for effecting any necessary change, is repeatedly directed towards the average citizen, even though they are not the primary culprits. It is giant global commercial interests that are the real culprits, including the industrial and manufacturing sectors, agri-biz, the transport sector and the fossil fuel industries. When it comes to food waste, however, the picture is more nuanced. Globally, 1.3bn tonnes, over one third of all food produced each year, is wasted, carrying a global carbon footprint of 3.3 billion tonnes of GHG. However, in an extended chain that stretches from primary producers, through to processors and on to retailers, also including transportation, domestic households are responsible for roughly 40% of that mind-boggling 1.3bn tonnes, primarily in the wealthiest countries in the world. CLIMATE & SUSTAINABILITY HUB The commodities with the highest level of waste globally across all sectors, commercial and domestic, are fruit and veg (45%, equivalent to 3.7trillion apples); roots and tubers (45%; equivalent to 1bn bags of potatoes); fish and seafood (35%, equivalent to 3bn Atlantic salmon); and meat (2%, equivalent to 75m cows). In Ireland, the most common domestic waste, according to NGO Voice Ireland, breaks down as follows: Leftovers (43%); bread (41%); fruit (39%); vegetables (38%). These figures would have especially appalled previous generations when the concept of food waste was almost unheard of and, born of thriftiness and necessity, our forebears lived truly sustainable lives when it came to food consumption beginning with judicious purchasing, and ensuring every scrap was utilised in cooking and consumption. In 21st century Ireland, we are now so utterly disconnected from our food systems and food consumption, that we waste close to 1m tonnes per annum, enough to fill Croke Park to the brim over 2.5 times. If we want to make essential change, the hospitality sector is a good place to begin looking for advice and guidance. After all, they have been dealing with it for a long time in a sector where it is estimated that 17% of a diners meal on average is left over and 55% of leftovers are edible. The recent rises in running costs for the hospitality sector means every cost-saving angle is now being identified and forensically analysed, with strategies being implemented across the board. From the smallest independent restaurants and cafes to the mainstream behemoths. THE PLEDGE Daniel Taylor is executive sous chef of Dublins Shelbourne Hotel, now part of the global Marriot group, which has implemented a new initiative called the Pledge on Food Waste. It begins with management committing to a food waste reduction policy, says Taylor, and then bringing employees, associates, and customers on board, so everyone is aware, then its on to suppliers. After that, training and implementation begins, with scales and special bins installed around the building so all food waste is weighed, photographed and recorded as part of an ongoing auditing process, that gradually builds up a very detailed picture of where food is being wasted, whether in preparation, cooking, or as leftovers. This detailed knowledge is vital in implementing counter-strategies. We focus on training [employees], says Taylor, we teach them, for example, to focus on portioning proteins [meat, fish etc] precooked on scales. Another really good example is our zero waste dish, a sweet potato and onion soup incorporated into the bar menu, using the entire sweet potato and the entire onion, using a recipe created in house by a sous chef, and we share the story on the menu with the customer it sells really well. In the canteen we have a suggestion box for any associate to come up with ideas. For example, a banqueting staff member reported a daily return of cooked carrots so we reduced the amount of carrots going out by 50% for banqueting and big dinners, with immediate impact she will be rewarded with a voucher, so it is incentivised. We do weekly briefings between front of house and chefs and discuss any unpopular items and dishes on the menu that dont sell as well. It might be an element, such as a garnish that always comes back, the portion size could be too big and it is observed, and we talk about that and make changes where needed. We deal with the buffet waste by putting less out initially and then replenishing more frequently. "Apart from reducing waste, it is increasing the quality of presented food. Every Thursday, in the staff canteens, we do a no-bin day which means staff really think about what they put on their plate. Between March 2023 and March 2024, we recorded a 21% decrease in food waste. Conor Spacey, author of Wasted WASTED Chef Conor Spacey, author of Wasted (Blasta Books) a fantastic little primer on creative waste-free cooking, has a long track record when it comes to minimising or entirely eliminating food waste. Wasted was for everybody, not just an industry book, though I know a lot of chefs who use it, which is brilliant, says Spacey, but the three most wasted items are produce [fruit/veg], dairy and bread so, for me, the book was predominantly for domestic use. "The biggest problem at home is how we buy and store our food. We buy with our eyes and without a plan. We should be asking ourselves questions. Am I working at home this week? Am I getting a Saturday takeaway? "Planning around our lifestyles and knowing when were even actually going to be eating at home. We go shopping and then come home and throw out older food from the fridge to make room for the new stuff which is a really bad habit. "We put all the produce into the bottom drawer of the fridge, fruit and veg, thinking thats where it goes but a lot of fruit and veg is better at room temperature. Certain fruits release gases that accelerate decomposition of other fruits alongside so need to be stored separately. The fridge actually quickens the ripening process, so only put produce in the fridge when you slice it open. "We have produce in the fridge in plastic bags wondering why it is getting slimy three or four days later. Storing properly saves money and is good for the environment. There are other innovative initiatives with inspirational potential for both commercial and domestic sectors. My Goodness Food, in Cork, pioneered the Cork Urban Soil Project, a multi-award winning enterprise which created an entirely closed circular food production and consumption system, putting food waste their own and from other stallholders at the farmers markets at which they trade into a large anaerobic digester to yield the compost in which they grow new produce for use in their products and meals. MyGug is a device produced in West Cork, another form of anaerobic digester which converts food waste into bio-gases suitable for gas cooking. COMMUNITY However, a new food waste project in Clonakilty adds what may well be the most essential ingredient of all to the process, the power of community. Ever a progressive town Irelands first Fair Trade town, the first Autism-friendly town Clonakilty is designated by Voice Ireland as the first place in Ireland to roll out a food waste pilot project that involves the entire community, commercial, public and private. Chocalatier Allison Roberts, of Exploding Tree Chocolate, who produces bean-to-bar chocolate in her tiny Clonakilty factory, and is also a committed food activist of long standing, has been seconded to work part-time on the project as the Community Liaison Officer, with the aim of rolling out a pilot project that will serve as a road map for other communities attempting similar in years to come. The first part was talking to members of the community, we got input from 250 businesses, producers, householders, community groups, retail, hospitality, and some farming. Then we began pilot initiatives; we have gone into three schools to develop projects to run next year. We are developing projects for all the hotels, businesses, and other community groups and festivals. The idea is that it is farm-to-fork, community wide. There is no reinvention of the wheel in many of these pilot initiatives but the Clon project stands out on its own with the focus on community. In the past, its all been about household or business waste, case by case, but the idea is, working throughout the community, the different sectors will be encouraged by activity in the other sectors, and that generates a sense of community participation and keeps momentum going. Regular communication is vital. We are constantly spreading the word and that keeps momentum going. We run events alongside all the festivals. For example, the recent Bike Festival had a guest chef doing a curry recycle, and everyone brought along Tupperware to take home leftovers. We have connected with older generations to find out about past traditions and their methods for avoiding food waste, for preserving and saving, and injected these ideas back into the community. In schools, the kids identify waste streams and we will help them to develop plans and implement change next year. There has been a big effort to identify commercial food waste streams and then redirect it to something like meals on wheels, who tell us they need more fresh produce. So we go around to retailers or producers telling them of this need. A collective of home cooks batch cook together, to maybe use a glut of produce or simply to cook collectively and reduce waste while producing healthier, more nutritious meals and also benefiting from the social side, and skills exchange. "This summer we are running a campaign called Stop the Sachet, to eliminate all those plastic sachets of ketchup and vinegar and have buy-in from the town, businesses are ready to do that but well have to work on that through the summer. When it comes to food waste, or any environmental initiative, the cultural shift is the hardest and biggest part thats why we need to be working as a community on this to make it stick. EARS prick as Cork-based author Michelle McDonagh tells me the story of researching Somebody Knows, her latest novel. I was driving up a bog road in my jeep. This guy was standing there footing turf. I pulled down the window and said; Im looking for a good place to bury a body. Cool as a breeze, he leans inwell, he nearly drew me a map. As I was driving off, I said; By the way, I have my husbands body in the back. On a balmy day on the north side of Cork, I meet the novelist in Blarney Woollen Mills, where Michelles grandfather-in-law Christy Kelleher transformed the mill from a small souvenir shop to an institution. Its been just two weeks since Michelle had her right ovary and her fallopian tubes removed but a few minutes in her company makes it easy to forget that she is in chronic pain. I got a pain in my side about six years ago. Since then Ive had every scan, every test nothing is showing up. Ive had my appendix out, Ive had Botox in my stomach. Doctors think it might be this Central Sensitisation Syndrome. Its where your brain sends faulty alarm signals telling you there is pain when theres no reason for it. As far as emotional tear-jerkers books, radio shows theyre off limits. I am so ridiculously sensitive. I cant listen to Joe Duffy even though hes great. I mean, I cry at ads. My god, the new Black Beauty? I was watching it with my daughter and I was in floods of tears. Yet this is a woman who writes about death in her first and second novels and negotiates the darkness with ease. I could be sitting there talking to Margaret Bolster (assistant State pathologist) and shes telling me; Dont bury the body too deep because you dont want the insects to get at it and thats just like a normal conversation to me. While it may not outwardly upset Michelle, has any of that death and decay seeped into her subconscious, I wonder? I had a terrifying experience recently. I went into hospital a few weeks ago for this infusion of ketamine and lidocaine and I started tripping off my face. I was convinced the police were going to come in and arrest all the drug dealers who were dressed up as doctors and nurses. One minute Id be feeling lovely and floaty, the next minute I was going down into my own grave. Michelles first novel Theres Something I Have to Tell You drew widespread acclaim with fans including bestselling author Sheila Flanagan and breakthrough writer, Jeanine Cummins, who penned American Dirt. However, her second book, Somebody Knows is the book she had always wanted to write. The idea for the second one was actually there before I did the first one. It was, if youre adopted and you find out something about your adopted family. Imagine if your mother was a Traveller how would you blend back into that family? What if you found out that your mother was murdered? Michelle McDonagh: "I am so ridiculously sensitive. I cant listen to Joe Duffy even though hes great." Picture Chani Anderson The landscape acts as another character in the book. Setting is always a huge part for me. It comes first and it was always going to be set in Galway. I wanted it to be in Salthill and Connemara, places that I know and love myself. After living in Cork since 2008, do her Leeside friends not campaign for a book set in Cork? Theres a reference to Cillian Murphy in this one but the third book is set in Cork. Interspersed in the narrative of her new book is how poorly unmarried mothers were treated in Ireland and the story of Ann Lovett has always haunted Michelles mind. I was 12 when Ann Lovett died. I didnt really know the full story, but I knew something bad had happened. Distinct memories of her granny listening to the radio are still fresh for Michelle. Gay Byrne would be reading out letters from all over the country about how all these girls got themselves into trouble. She [Lovett] was very much in my mind and how her sister had taken her own life three months after she died. Without giving any spoilers, this novel highlights the hypocrisy shown towards women with regards adoption, abortion, and pregnancy. Its not anti-Catholic or anti-Christian but I had in my mind those fervent Christians. An excerpt from Paula Meehans poem The Statue of the Virgin at Granard Speaks sets the tone at the start of the book. That was never to be part of it. Its this beautiful poem about the [Ann Lovett] tragedy. But it came into it and I was lucky to be able to use it. Even though she didnt set out to write a book about womens rights, the f-word is very much on my mind as Im turning the pages of this book. That wasnt a conscious decision, Michelle says. It started really as just a dark family drama. But theres stuff that youve absorbed yourself and you dont even know its there, like reproductive rights. Michelle McDonagh: "I could never write anything where a child or an animal was harmed, especially a dog." Picture: Chani Anderson Initially, Michelle toyed around with the idea of making her protagonist pregnant. She was going to be older. I was thinking about women who go for an abortion and theyre told to have to wait three days and those three days could push them over and they have to fly to England. Should this book have tied up the storyline neatly, it could have been placed in a very different genre on the shelves and perhaps a more commercial one. But Michelle wanted this novel to reflect reality. I loved writing Lucia even though some of her scenes were so sad but she did have some happiness, in Connemara with the horse. In her career as a journalist, Michelle has over 20 years of experience covering health issues and court cases. She has a strong continence but one case got under her skin. Certain bits really stick with you. I covered an inquest years ago, with a woman who suffered post-partum psychosis and drowned her child. I will never forget it. Another interview resonated on several levels. I interviewed a mother who had her 10-year-old child on suicide watch. And no help. Its shocking. Covering the health system for years, Michelle has not seen much positive change. Im writing about health since I became a journalist in 1994 and things are getting worse, especially in mental health. There are two things that are strictly off-limits for the author as she works on her third book. I could never write anything where a child or an animal was harmed, especially a dog. La Traviata, Gaiety Theatre, Dublin La Traviata is the last show in what has been a triumphant season for the Irish National Opera. The company's productions have featured inspired design (most recently in the brilliantly realised LOlimpiade, now heading to London), canny directorial decisions (for instance, transposing Cosi fan Tutte to revolutionary Ireland), and some stunning singing. By contrast, this take on Verdis ever-popular work is more generic, indeed at times rather bland, offering a muted finale to what has been a memorable year for Irish opera fans. Director Olivia Fuchs and her design team are content not to over-determine the setting, or make daring interventions. The period costuming is at times garishly-coloured, giving us a suitably roistering, petticoat-lifting chorus of Parisian hedonists. We open to find the doomed heroine Violetta in her sickbed, rendered in bright green. Violettas consumption is, of course, the thread running through the whole opera, the private suffering that contrasts with the carnival-time partying. La Traviata. Picture: Ros Kavanagh On the night we were in the audience, soprano Amanda Woodbury is not on her best form, her voice a little strained and overpowered by the orchestra. Its a worrying introduction, given the exertions of the role demanded in Verdis writing, but thankfully there is a sweetness and openness to her voice by the time she sings that extraordinary double aria at the end of Act 1, as Violetta contrasts the temptations of love and joys of freedom. Its a brilliant, rightly famed passage. Alfredo, the reason Violetta is so torn, is played here by Mario Chang, in strong voice throughout. His initial hesitancy as he extemporises the toast in the Libiamo drinking song is charming. Then the chorus rallies, the operas most famous tune bouncing merrily along under Killian Farrells lively conducting. Indeed, its the chorus scenes that offer the most fun on the night, especially when the matadors and gypsies arrive. The joie de vivre in the combined voices and Jessica Kennedys choreography stands out. By contrast, the more intimate moments fail to draw us in as effectively as they might. The titter of laughter that greets the doctors prognosis of Violettas swift death is perhaps a sign that the audience has not quite gotten fully wrapped up in this story of doomed love. Its a production, then, that lacks a key dramatic dimension, but nonetheless gives much to enjoy in its music, singing, and movement. Eight young people are suing the government of Alaska America's fastest-warming state claiming a major new fossil fuel project violates their state constitutional rights. The state-owned Alaska Gasline Development Corporation has proposed a $38.7bn (approx 35.7bn) gas export project that would roughly triple the states greenhouse gas emissions for decades, the lawsuit says. Scientists have long warned that fossil fuel extraction must be swiftly curbed to secure a livable future. The Alaska LNG Project would involve the construction of a gas treatment plant on the states North Slope, an 800-mile pipeline and liquefaction plant on the Kenai Peninsula which would prepare the gas for export to Asia. [Y]outh plaintiffs are uniquely vulnerable to and disproportionately injured by the climate harms that would result from the Alaska LNG Project, the suit says. The LNG project will worsen climate harms young people are already experiencing in Alaska. This is a direct violation of their constitutional rights! Support these brave young people by sharing the news with our toolkit: https://t.co/edAN7YHDOC #YouthvGov #YouthvGovAK pic.twitter.com/pdjpZcRC1M Our Children's Trust (@youthvgov) May 22, 2024 In an unusual move in 2014 , Alaska passed legislation amending multiple state laws to direct the state to see the project through. The challengers, aged 11 to 22, argue that the proposal and that legislation in particular violates two sections of the Alaska constitution: the right to protected natural resources for current and future generations, and the right to be free from government infringement on life, liberty and property. Our Children's Trust: "Much of Alaska is warming four times faster than the global average. The LNG project would lock Alaska into fossil fuel dependence for decades to come and cause significant harm to its youngest generations." The acceleration of climate change that this project will bring will affect what the land provides and brings to my culture, said Summer Sagoonick, the 22-year-old lead plaintiff in the case and a member the Inupiaq tribe. I am counting on the courts to protect my rights. The Alaska attorney general, Treg Taylor, said his office will be reviewing the lawsuit carefully and called it a misguided effort. On its face, we can see that it is an attempt to block the development of Alaskas natural gas reserves based on a purported environmental safety rationale, he said. He said Alaska is experiencing a shortage of gas, which he claimed is a clean fuel. Our Children's Trust: "The youth plaintiffs are already experiencing climate-related impacts and Alaskas constitution does not allow the state government to prioritize fossil fuels above the health, safety, cultures, and future of Alaskas youth. Thats why eight young people are taking legal action!" And he said if the state doesnt develop gas, another place likely would, without stringent standards to protect the environment. The case was filed by Our Childrens Trust, the non-profit law firm that won a groundbreaking climate victory on behalf of young Montanans last year. Global warming is already taking a toll on the young Alaskans, the lawsuit says, by interfering with their natural development, disrupting their cultural traditions and identities, and limiting their access to the natural resources on which they rely. Fish and other species that the plaintiffs eat are dying due to changes in the climate. More frequent and severe wildfires are threatening the young peoples homes and exposing them to dangerous pollution from smoke. And the knowledge of the threat of the climate crisis is taking a toll on their health, the complaint says, among other impacts. Those effects have been particularly harsh for Native Alaskan youth, the complaint says. That includes Sagoonick, who resides in the village of Unalakleet, which is vulnerable to climate-induced flooding, rapid permafrost thawing and severe coastal erosion. Were already seeing huge impacts to our ability to provide for our subsistence because of climate change, she said. Sagoonick learned to fish, hunt and gather when she was young; she relies on local subsistence foods, including salmon and other fish, seal, duck and cranberries, for the vast majority of her diet, the lawsuit says. As our water warms and the land erodes, it poses a threat to our nourishment and our cultural practices, Sagoonick said. Tim Fitzpatrick of the Alaska Gasline Development Corporation said: AGDC is directed by Alaska statute to commercialize North Slope natural gas because of the substantial environmental, economic and energy security benefits it unlocks for our state. He added that the project has withstood intensive environmental scrutiny by two successive administrations because of its obvious and abundant benefits. Four of the plaintiffs, including Sagoonick, were also part of a 2017 Our Childrens Trust lawsuit against Alaska that argued the the states promotion of fossil fuels in general violated the challengers state constitutional rights. In 2022, the Alaska supreme court dismissed that case in a 3-2 decision. But the two dissenting justices said under Alaskas constitution, the right to a livable climate is arguably the bare minimum when it comes to the rights enshrined in the state constitution. They are the only two justices from the Alaska supreme court to address this question of whether Alaskas constitution guarantees the right to a climate system that sustains human life, Andrew Welle, senior staff attorney for Our Childrens Trust and counsel for the Alaska plaintiffs. So were seeking for the full court to decide that same issue. Though it did not set precedent, Welle said the decision is a a strong indication. The complaint marks the first time Our Childrens Trust is challenging a specific fossil fuel project, rather than a governments overall support of fossil fuels. The state of Alaska is named as a defendant, as is the Alaska Gasline Development Corporation and that corporations president, Frank Richards. The youth plaintiffs are hoping the court issues an order prohibiting the state from moving forward with the project. They are also seeking to set precedent recognizing that fossil fuel infrastructure violates the plaintiffs constitutional rights. That is the first step to securing broader vision of climate justice for Alaskas youth, as that can be built upon in future cases and enforcement actions, said Welle. Earlier this year, Montanas supreme court upheld a groundbreaking decision in a case filed by Our Childrens Trust, requiring state regulators to consider the climate crisis before approving permits for fossil fuel development. The state has appealed that decision, and on Tuesday, the court said it would hear oral arguments this coming July. Our Childrens Trust also has pending state lawsuits in Hawaii which will go to trial in June as well in Florida, Utah and Virginia. On Monday last, it filed an amended complaint against the federal government on behalf of California youth. A federal appeals court this month granted the Biden administrations request to strike down a landmark federal case from Our Childrens Trust. Guardian Special school principals from across Ireland have called for the Department of Education to take charge of the return of therapists to schools amid ongoing frustration at the current HSE model. The National Association of Special School Principals (NASSP) met in recent weeks to discuss their concerns, which centre around the HSEs Progressing Disabilities Services (PDS) model for children and young people. Introduced in the past six years, the model reconfigured childrens disability services and saw clinicians, such as occupational therapists, speech-and-language therapists, and physios removed from schools. Instead, they were placed on the HSE's Childrens Disability Network teams (CDNTs), the aim of which was to provide multidisciplinary therapy services to kids in their communities and local areas. However, the decision to remove therapists from schools was met with a backlash from parents and principals, and, in September 2021, Anne Rabbitte pledged to return therapists to special schools across Ireland, though this has yet to be achieved. Minister Rabbitte has labelled the removal of school therapists a mistake, and revealed plans to launch a pilot programme, which will see special schools given a grant to hire therapists themselves. The NASSP revealed that principals of special schools in Cork met with the Tanaiste Micheal Martin last month to discuss solutions to the therapy crisis in special schools. The group has outlined a proposal calling for the Department of Education to take charge of school-based multidisciplinary teams working in special schools. These teams will comprise of speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and psychologists, the group said. Teams can be shared between schools, addressing specific needs in specialised settings. School principals will collaborate to coordinate scheduling and timetables. They also called for regional department inspectors to whom special school principals can report to, and who can assess the need for extra special needs assistants (SNAs) on a case-by-case basis. Karen Byrne has been principal of St Michaels House Special National School in Skerries since September, 2018. The school has 30 pupils, aged from five to 18, with moderate intellectual disabilities. Ms Byrne, a member of the NASSP, has been working in education for 32 years, with 29 of those years in special education. She said that therapy services at her school are few and far between as a result of the HSE model. The principal recalled that therapists were removed from her school in 2019 in a move that she said had a significant impact on our students. Every single child in my school would benefit from intense occupational therapy support and speech and language support to begin with, she said. There isn't one child who isn't challenged in their mobility and also in the area of communication. Ms Byrne added that she was dumbfounded at the removal of therapists from special schools. Why remove people from schools where they have daily access to support the needs of the most vulnerable children? she asked. She said parents and school staff are incredibly frustrated at the lack of progress in returning therapists to special schools since Minister Rabbittes initial pledge in 2021. President Michael D Higgins has been sharply criticised by the son of a holocaust survivor for dismissing claims about rising antisemitism in Ireland. The Israeli ambassador to Ireland Dana Erlich had warned about growing levels of antisemitism in Ireland but, in an interview with the Irish Examiner, President Higgins dismissed the comments as a "PR exercise" by an Israeli administration that is guilty of breaching international law in Gaza. "I think the Israeli ambassador has been deliberately suggesting that all people of Jewish belief are now at risk and are being threatened and there is no evidence for this," President Higgins said. "It is simply something that is a PR exercise by an administration that is guilty of continuing not historic continuing breaches of international law as is happening in relation to the events in Gaza." He added: "It is absolutely outrageous to be abusing the Jewish community by saying that there is widespread antisemitism. "The Irish people are not antisemitic, quite the opposite, for example the first President here, Douglas de hIde, spoke Hebrew among the five languages that he spoke," he added. "I don't think it is helpful if people representing the Jewish state seek to encourage fear where it doesn't exist by saying to people: 'All of us now and anyone of Jewish faith must feel afraid', that is grossly irresponsible." However, Oliver Sears, the son of a holocaust survivor and the founder of Holocaust Awareness Ireland (HAI), has issued a scathing statement in response to President Higgins, describing the remarks as gravely insensitive". I have lived in Ireland for almost 40 years," Mr Sears said. "I have not seen such a level of hostility towards Jews as I have experienced over the last seven months: antisemitism to my face, dismissiveness, Jewish students and staff deeply concerned on university campuses, an explosion of online abuse, graffiti, marches that include the flags of terrorist groups and where antisemitic chants can sometimes be heard, the media bias and the coarsened rhetoric from elected officials all contribute to a hostile reality for Irish Jews, and a deafening silence from many. Mr Sears also accused the president of lecturing the Jewish community. "President Higgins was informed recently by us at the HAI about the rising level of antisemitism in society." He added: "He refers to people of Jewish belief and of Jewish faith. No. We are Jews. Some of us are religious, many others are secular or simply, culturally Jewish. Please understand that we are not monolithic but all share a very broad cultural link. "Do not lecture us on whether Ireland is antisemitic or if the level of antisemitism has risen. "Antisemitism is a gentile disease which targets all Jews, because they are Jews. We feel the effects most acutely. "As President of all Irish citizen, Michael D Higgins should reflect the sentiments of Jews when talking about antisemitism rather than expressing his own opinion which will always be of less value and ultimately do injustice to this tiny ethnic community. Palestines ambassador to Ireland has said she is looking forward to seeing their flag flown over Leinster House on Tuesday. The formal recognition of the Palestinian state by Ireland, along with Spain and Norway, culminates months of diplomatic efforts by Irish officials. Dr Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid said it was a very special day when Taoiseach Simon Harris announced Ireland recognises the state of Palestine. She said: I know that with all thats going on with Palestine and against the Palestinian people, we felt its a light out of this dark tunnel. It gives hope. Im really proud of being a representative of the Palestinian people here in Ireland. But she said the feeling is bittersweet: Its not easy to feel this happiness while thousands of people are killed on a daily basis and Israel is becoming even more vicious. The Palestinian ambassador to Ireland, Dr Jilan Abdalmajid (Niall Carson/PA) The Palestinian Mission in Ireland is to be upgraded to an embassy as part of the move, and an Ambassador from Palestine to Ireland will be appointed. Ireland will also upgrade its Representative Office of Ireland in Ramallah to an embassy, and redesignate the Irish Representative to Palestine as the Ambassador of Ireland to the State of Palestine. In response to Irelands announcement on Wednesday that it recognises the state of Palestine, the Israeli foreign affairs ministry reprimanded Irelands ambassador to Israel Sonya McGuinness, along with the Spanish and Norwegian ambassadors. As part of the severe demarche, the ambassadors were shown footage that Israel claimed was filmed on October 7 while the Israeli national media was present. Tanaiste Micheal Martin said that the presence of the national media was not something they had witnessed before in other countries or jurisdictions. Dr Abdalmajid said she knows its not easy for Ireland to take that decision but said it was the right time to recognise a Palestinian state. She said that the more countries that recognise Palestine as a state, the more pressure is put on Israel to stop its military offensive in Gaza, which the ambassador called the annihilation of a people. I am looking forward to seeing the flag flying on Leinster House, Dr Abdalmajid said, adding that Leinster House is representative of the people of Ireland. Its a big moment. She said she agrees with Mr Martin when he said the move would give strength to and encourage peace lovers and said of course not when asked about Israeli governments claim that it rewarded terrorism. She said that Palestine agreed to the Oslo accords but in the past 29 years Israel exerted every effort to weaken the Palestinian Authority in every aspect. The far right brought Israel to a very critical situation internationally. These far-right governments shouldnt be given the right to control moderate Israelis who believe and think of peace. Eight people were taken to hospital with injuries after a Qatar Airways flight to Dublin Airport suffered "terrifying" turbulence that left passengers crying and praying for safety. Emergency services, including Airport Police and Fire and Rescue services, met 12 injured people - six passengers and six cabin crew - when the flight landed just before 1pm on Sunday afternoon. The injuries happened when the flight from Doha to Dublin experienced severe turbulence over Turkey. Passengers reported a sudden jolt and dramatic drop in altitude that sent crew members flying 'up in the air' and left a number of people with cuts and grazes. Passenger Phil Prendergast, who was on the last leg of a trip from Australia with family members, told the Irish Examiner that the incident unfolded around an hour and a half into the flight when crew were serving meals. And all of a sudden, I can describe it as being like a roller coaster, where you go up on these high things, and they just drop you, she said. And thats exactly what happened. We were lucky as we had our seat belts on. But you were just lifted off the seat anyway. Ms Prendergast said crew members were close to them with food trolleys when everything just went up. "They were beside us when they got injured, she said, describing cuts and grazes and saying that others in the vicinity were also hurt. Ambulances at the scene of an emergency on board a Qatar airways flight at Dublin Airport on Sunday. Picture: Damien Storan. All we could do was hug each other, but the staff just continued on. They had to pull themselves together and just help everybody. They were amazing. The flight fell very silent after the turbulence, apart from the sound of people crying and others reassuring fellow passengers. The biggest delay then was, who was going to make the first move to go to the loo? Ms Prendergast added. Passengers thought they may have to land in Istanbul, but the flight progressed on towards Dublin, leaving her family with a trip back to Galway by road on Sunday evening. Well get there, she added. It is the second severe incident of turbulence to hit an international flight, coming a week after a passenger died and dozens were injured when a Singapore Airlines plane hit turbulence. The 73-year-old British man suffered a suspected heart attack during the turbulence. DAA said that flight DR017 from Doha landed safely after the incident. "Upon landing, the aircraft was met by emergency services, including Airport Police and our Fire and Rescue department, due to 6 passengers and 6 crew [12 total] on board reporting injuries after the aircraft experienced turbulence while airborne over Turkey," it said. "Eight passengers were subsequently taken to hospital." The Qatar Airways return flight to Doha took off just before 4pm on Sunday, almost an hour later than scheduled. DAA added that flight operations at the airport were unaffected and continued as normal. In a statement Qatar Airways said that a small number of passengers and crew sustained minor injuries in flight and are now receiving medical attention, adding: The matter is now subject to an internal investigation. Turbulence is often experienced as the sudden jolting of an aircraft and causing changes in height and is associated with weather features such as fronts and thunderstorms. It is the irregular motion of the air resulting or whirls of air going up and down. Over 20m worth of derelict site levies have been left uncollected by councils across the country, with Cork City Council owed almost 5m from landowners. New data from the Department of Housing shows that almost 1.9m was collected by all local authorities last year, but 20.4m had yet to be collected across all 32 local authorities. Cork City Council has a total of 4.9m outstanding, while Cork County Council does not have any uncollected levies. However, the county authority did not issue any levies despite 52 derelict properties remaining on their register at the end of 2023. Across the country, there are 1,913 derelict sites across all local authority areas; The highest figure is seen in Limerick, with 427 derelict sites; The second highest is in Mayo, at 270, and third highest is Cork City, at 158; There were a further 578 derelict sites added to the registers last year, while 238 were removed across 2023; Further to this, there were 82 derelict sites acquired by local authorities by compulsory purchase last year. The stats, provided to Sinn Fein TD Thomas Gould, show that 13 local authorities issued no levies on derelict sites last year. In addition, there were 17 local authorities who did not collect levies from derelict site owners. However, 10 of these authorities did not have any levies outstanding at the end of the year. Reacting to the figures, Mr Gould described the uncollected levies as a disgrace, saying that it was being left unpaid by speculators and land hoarders. Local authorities are not doing their job and Government are turning a blind eye, Mr Gould said. Sinn Fein TD Thomas Gould described the uncollected levies as 'a disgrace'. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire This Government have produced failed carrot after failed carrot. "They have not resourced the only stick available to local authorities [the levies]. "We need to see a two-pronged approach, but that must include real consequences for leaving homes to rot while families sleep in B&Bs. Mr Gould was critical of authorities who did not collect any levies, saying that they do not have the same laid-back approach to either litter or parking fines. He described it as beyond frustrating, while saying that millions of euro could be collected to make a real difference to communities. The Cork North Central TD said that the almost 5m left uncollected by Cork City Council could be transformative for the city. What we can see from this year, is that this money is just the tip of the iceberg. If all sites were levied, we could be looking at significantly more funding for the city. "That amount could bring derelict properties back into use and revitalising communities that desperately need it. Right in the heart of our city centre, perfectly good buildings lie idle and rotting. "Through the historic spine, there are buildings with no roof or windows that should be in use and adding to the vibrancy of the area. Our rich culture is being allowed to rot in derelict buildings and it is clear, nobody is paying the price for this. The thing about 2FM is that its output has precious little to do with the public service mandate of the station. Ergo, in theory, Kevin Bakhurst and Co could close it and concentrate their efforts elsewhere. The only problem with that option is that it would precipitate the national broadcaster offering nothing much to anybody under 60. It would be rebranded as Raidio Teilifis Elderly. So, instead, the search begins for replacement presenters to fill the vacant slots, while The 2 Johnnies focus on their bottom line, knowing they can earn a lot more from public events and online snippets than they were able to while working every morning for 2FM. Plus they get to tour Australia. Patrick Kielty with Johnny B and Johnny Smacks on 'The Late Late Show' last September. The Two Johnnies are exiting 2FM, as are Jennifer Zamparelli and Doireann Garrihy. Picture: RTE Compare being paid to perform in Bondi Beach with daily radio which eats material like a ravening lion. Compare being their own bosses with working for a reforming national broadcaster which demands accounting from them of everything they do outside of RTE in order to ensure theyre not misusing their time on the airwaves to directly or indirectly plug stuff theyre peddling or to ensure stuff theyre peddling doesnt in any way reflect badly on RTE. Same with Doireann Garrihy who clearly decided that getting up at dawn to do a daily radio show for a station that gets iffy about her plugging porridge from one of their studios was less attractive, as a career option, than it had looked at the beginning. Again, she did the maths. Terry Prone says she yields to nobody in her admiration for Kevin Bakhurst: 'That said, this writer thinks he was barking when he tied top pay at the station to what he is personally paid.' File picture: Niall Carson/PA Much of the thinking that has led to the departure of 2FM personnel has come from director general Kevin Bakhurst. This writer yields to nobody in her admiration for Bakhurst, an honest and clever man trying to mop up after the Tubridy flood left RTE a bit broke and damp. That said, this writer thinks he was barking when he tied top pay at the station to what he is personally paid, which is like promising youll become a better tap-dancer than your goldfish: The beneficial connection is kind of missing. The figure limits the possibilities for TV/radio combination presenters almost as much as the new rules about peddling goods on air or online limits the possibilities for radio presenters hired because of their social media footprint. On Thursday, Jennifer Zamparelli became the fourth presenter to announce her decision to leave 2FM. File picture: Kieran Harnett The 20th century assumption was that every rational broadcaster wanted to get a permanent and pensionable job with RTE. It was a bit like being assumed into heaven. You were never going to have to grub around as a freelance any more, living on short-term contracts. You had climbed the rope ladder onto the mothership. Sound as a pound, you were, and, imprisoned by benign financial certainty, you would never leave look at Gaybo, there for life, no matter how badly he was treated. Or if you did leave look at Terry Wogan, Ian Dempsey, Pat Kenny, and Ryan Tubridy youd go to another radio station where you could do actual broadcasting. Today, folk see no personal endangerment in climbing right back down the rope ladder from the mothership to go and live, instead, online as part-time content deliverers and part-time peddlers with the odd big gig, either comedy (The 2 Johnnies) or wellness (Doireann Garrihy) thrown in. 2FM was once a powerhouse Where this leaves 2FM is in an interesting quandary. Lets not forget that this station has had high points and generated stardom. Weetabix head of sales Terry Tierney announcing its sponsorship of Ryan Tubridy's 'The Full Irish' in 2002. The show captured the zeitgeist and propelled the 2FM breakfast show into a position of primacy it can only now dream of. File picture: Lensmen Ryan Tubridys 'The Full Irish' captured the zeitgeist and propelled the 2FM breakfast show into a position of primacy it can only now dream of. Gerry Ryan built his mid-morning show into a 300,000-listener behemoth which crushed all commercial competition and even threatened the legendary Gaybo. Thats how good 2FM was. Thats the reach it had, whereas The 2 Johnnies at their most successful may have come close to only of half Gerry Ryans listenership. And its not because of increased competition. Weve the same number of radio stations today as we had 14 years ago when Gerry Ryan died. The fact that podcasts have proliferated like rabbits is beside the point because zero evidence suggests their listeners are taken from radio. Yet the listenership for 2FM sags like an unoccupied hammock. Which is sad, given its fine past. Doireann Garrihy 'clearly decided that getting up at dawn to do a daily radio show for a station that gets iffy about her plugging porridge from one of their studios was less attractive, as a career option, than it had looked at the beginning. She did the maths'. Picture: Barry McCall The station gave Ireland household names Fanning, Dempsey, Gogan, and Cagney. It took risks, got world exclusives (U2s first single plays were once something momentous), and treated its young audience like adults. Gerry Ryan had the largest 20-to-44 audience in the country but he didnt treat that audience like children. One of the most astonishing mornings on 2FM was when a young rape victim named Lavinia Kerwick phoned Gerry Ryan, abandoned her anonymity, and aired her suffering to the nation. Youth broadcasting? No. Just great broadcasting. When has 2FM (or, lets be honest, Radio 1) done anything even remotely that interesting in recent years? 2FM used to do the Beat on the Street giant block parties that closed Dublin. They were risky and creative. Now they are lost and joyless with all the excitement and edgy creativity of the Department of Social Protection. Right down to the creation of podcasts. What's missing at 2FM What Doireann and The 2 Johnnies prove is that it is entirely possible to find a young audience. 2FM has all the resources of the state broadcaster and it couldnt manage what two lads with an iPhone achieved. It had to buy them in. The problem for 2FM is not lack of presenters. Its lack of pipeline, creativity, insight, innovation, and humour. The station keeps thinking it needs new salespeople when the issue is that it has no product. It is sailing low in the water with multiple-presenter programmes devoted to drivel talk. Don't get me wrong. Drivel talk presented by two or three people is what sustains radio stations all over the English-speaking world. But the very prevalence of drivel talk means a click brings listeners to more of the same on another station. 2FM can recruit new replacements. Kevin Bakhurst indicated those recruits could come from inside the station but might equally come from outside. RTE could decide to reinvent 2FM With new voices, 2FM could hold its own, winning enough listeners to keep the station afloat. But should that be the objective or should RTEs director general and chairman view this exodus as a catalyst for radical change? They could decide to re-invent 2FM. A new generation of listeners is always waiting. Theyre at home on parental leave. Or they work at least part of the week at home. They want laughter and to have their sense of humour flattered by a presenter. They want to be shocked and stilled. To be enraged and enlightened. They want, above all, to belong. At a time when loneliness is at an all-time high, that yearning for a human connection is there for 2FM to capture. It will not do that by rushing out to find new content creators. It will do it only by creativity, insight, innovation, and humour. And then hiring folks who understand broadcasting and are hungry to do it. If polls are to be believed, the next European parliament will be one of the most right-wing in the history of the EU, with far right parties expected to make significant gains across Europe. The rise of the right has been fuelled by growing disillusionment with establishment parties, with one central point of contention: immigration. A failure to address shortcomings within the immigration system has warped the political landscape in Europe, and a shift to the right will not smooth the cracks. Seven out of ten Europeans believe that their country takes in too many migrants, according to a survey carried out by research company BVA Xsight for the European digital news magazine, ARTE Europe Weekly. The survey showed that 85% of respondents feel the EU needs to take more action to combat irregular migration. Immigration is the raison d'etre of far right campaigns across Europe. In Ireland, where far right candidates have been springing up like daisies, a recent RTE television debate special was dominated by the subject of immigration. The European Parliament sought to limit the use of immigration as a campaign issue in the European elections by ratifying the EU Migration Pact before the dissolution of parliament. This tactic plainly hasnt worked. The EU Migration Pact followed eight years of negotiations and aims to make sweeping changes to the blocs immigration policies. Supporters say it will create a fairer system for distribution of asylum seekers, and a more cohesive joined-up approach between member states. Detractors fall into two camps; for the left, the pact could lead to increased border detention and fingerprinting, while the far right contends that the pact does not go far enough to harden borders. In the Netherlands, following months of talks, controversial right-wing politician Geert Wilders whose party won the 22 November elections has announced an agreement with two centre-right parties and the Farmer Citizen Movement party to form a government. The coalition agreement includes strict measures against migration, allowing for "more deportations, including by force if necessary". Wilders has committed to request an opt-out from the EUs Migration Pact. The Netherlands was also a signatory on a 15-member-strong letter regarding immigration which was sent to the European Commission in May. The 15 countries to sign the letter were Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Greece, Italy, Cyprus, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Romania, and Finland. The letter asks the Commission for "new ideas" to handle undocumented migration and suggests third countries could play a role in this. The practice of deporting asylum seekers forms a famously contentious pillar of the UK Conservatives anti-immigration policy which sought to remove asylum seekers to Rwanda. Austria's Chancellor Karl Nehammer recently praised the UK governments Rwanda scheme. Austria has announced that it will campaign for a change in direction regarding asylum cases across the EU. The country has elected successive coalition governments including the far-right FPO party currently soaring in the polls. The FPO is the successor to the Verband der Unabhangigen (Union of Independents), founded by former Nazi functionaries and SS officers in 1949 when former Nazis regained their right to vote. European politics is slowly changing as, increasingly, established centre parties are lurching rightward to reach fringe political bases and entering into agreements with far right parties. In France, President Emmanuel Macrons struggles in enacting immigration reforms have underscored his weakened authority. A toughened up version of a bill, endorsed by Macron, to reduce appeals by asylum-seekers and speed-up removals while regularising the status of immigrants in critical sectors was approved by the national assembly with the support of far-right leader Marine Le Pen, who claimed an ideological victory. Several of Macrons ministers threatened to resign over the legislation and almost a quarter of his centrist alliance declined to vote in its favour. The philosophy of shifting government policy toward the right to placate far right extremists is also present in Ireland; the past six weeks have been dominated by ad hoc immigration policy changes, hostile language, and a failed attempt at appearing politically firm on migration. From the unsubstantiated claim that the majority of asylum seekers were crossing the border from Northern Ireland, to the erection and removal of tents housing migrants in Dublin. Rather than alleviate concerns over the governments approach to immigration, the sequence of blunders has fuelled an escalation in far right protests, and in some instances, violence. Sinn Fein has also been accused of adopting the language of the far right, consistently voicing their opposition toward open borders. Ireland does not, in fact, have open borders a detail that does little to quell far right agitators. The catalysts of increased support for far right parties are socioeconomic; if governments do not address economic and social issues, they will only cede further ground to a political ideology that weaponizes societal deprivation for self-serving political gain. Far right parties will make strides in the European elections they may even expand their hold in Ireland. With higher levels of representation, fringe parties will exert a greater level of influence on European policy which could result in more restrictive immigration rules. Such a move would be short-sighted; with ambitious climate targets, the EU will be in dire need of a substantial influx of construction workers and skilled labourers for retrofitting and advancing green energy infrastructure. By creating an isolationist immigration policy, Europe could face a serious skills shortage. 400m people from the 27 countries of the European Union will be called to vote in the European elections, voting-in 705 MEPs in a chamber whose composition will be key to security, peace, immigration, and the green transition. If the far right achieves its aims, Europe will become more insular at a time when globalisation is redefining the world as we know it. Norway has handed over diplomatic papers to the Palestinian prime minister in the latest step towards recognising a Palestinian state a largely symbolic move that has infuriated Israel. Ireland, Spain and Norway last week pledged to recognise a Palestinian state, increasing Israels isolation more than seven months into its grinding war against Hamas in Gaza. The handover of papers by Norwegian foreign minister Espen Barth Eide to prime minister Mohammad Mustafa took place on Sunday in Brussels, where the Palestinian leader will meet EU foreign ministers and other officials on Monday to drum up support for Palestinian statehood. The diplomatic move by the three nations was a welcome boost of support for Palestinian officials who have sought for decades to establish a statehood in east Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip territories Israel seized in the 1967 war and still controls. The papers handover came before formal recognition is expected on Tuesday (Virginia Mayo/AP) Mr Mustafa said: Recognition means a lot for us. It is the most important thing that anybody can do for the Palestinian people. The formal recognition by Norway, Spain and Ireland which all have a record of friendly ties with both the Israelis and the Palestinians, while long advocating for a Palestinian state is planned for Tuesday. Some 140 countries more than two-thirds of the United Nations recognise a Palestinian state but a majority of the 27 EU nations still do not. Several have said they will do so when the conditions are right. The EU, the United States and Britain, among others, back the idea of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel, but say it should come as part of a negotiated settlement. Belgium, which holds the EU presidency, has said that first the Israeli hostages held by Hamas need to be freed and the fighting in Gaza must end. Some other governments favour a new initiative towards a two-state solution, 15 years after negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians collapsed. Palestinian medics said an Israeli air strike killed at least 22 people when it hit tents for displaced people in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, and numerous others were trapped in the debris. The strike came two days after the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to end its military offensive in Rafah, where more than half of Gazas population had sought shelter before Israels recent incursion. Tens of thousands of people remain in the area while many others have fled. Footage from the scene showed heavy destruction and flames. There were no immediate details on the target. The Israeli army said it was unaware of anything occurring in the area. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant was in Rafah on Sunday and was briefed on the deepening of operations there, his office said. A spokesperson with the Palestinian Red Crescent Society said the death toll was likely to rise as search and rescue efforts continued in Rafahs Tal al-Sultan neighbourhood about 1.2 miles northwest of the city centre. The society asserted that the location had been designated by Israel as a humanitarian area. The neighbourhood is part of areas that Israels military ordered evacuated earlier this month. The airstrike was reported hours after Hamas fired a barrage of rockets from Gaza that set off air raid sirens as far away as Tel Aviv for the first time in months in a show of resilience more than seven months into Israels massive air, sea and ground offensive. There were no immediate reports of casualties in what appeared to be the first long-range rocket attack from Gaza since January. Hamas military wing claimed the attack. Palestinian militants have sporadically fired rockets and mortar rounds at communities along the Gaza border, and the military arm of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group later on Sunday said it fired rockets at nearby communities. The Israeli military said eight projectiles crossed into Israel after being launched from Rafah. It said a number of the projectiles were intercepted, and military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said the launcher in Rafah was destroyed. Earlier on Sunday, aid lorries entered Gaza from southern Israel under a new agreement to bypass the Rafah crossing with Egypt after Israeli forces seized the Palestinian side of it earlier this month. But it was not immediately clear if humanitarian groups could access the aid because of fighting. Egypt refuses to reopen its side of the Rafah crossing until control of the Gaza side is handed back to Palestinians. It agreed to temporarily divert traffic through Israels Kerem Shalom crossing, Gazas main cargo terminal, after a call between US President Joe Biden and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi. But the Kerem Shalom crossing has been largely inaccessible because of Israels offensive in Rafah. Israel says it has allowed hundreds of lorries to enter, but United Nations agencies say it is usually too dangerous to retrieve the aid. With the humanitarian operation near collapse, the secretary-general emphasizes that the Israeli authorities must facilitate the safe pickup and delivery of humanitarian supplies from Egypt entering Kerem Shalom, the spokesperson for UN chief Antonio Guterres said in a statement. The war between Israel and Hamas has killed nearly 36,000 Palestinians, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and fighters in its count. The Health Ministry said the bodies of 81 people killed by Israeli strikes had been brought to hospitals over the past 24 hours. Israel blames civilian deaths on Hamas because the militants operate in dense, residential areas. Around 80% of Gazas 2.3m people have fled their homes, severe hunger is widespread and UN officials say parts of the territory are experiencing famine. Hamas triggered the war with its October 7 attack into Israel, in which Palestinian militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and seized some 250 hostages. Hamas still holds some 100 hostages and the remains of around 30 others after most of the rest were released during a ceasefire last year. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel must take over Rafah to eliminate Hamas remaining battalions and achieve total victory over the militants, who recently regrouped in other parts of Gaza where the military has operated. The war has also heightened tensions in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Palestinian authorities on Sunday said Israeli forces shot dead a 14-year-old boy near the southern West Bank town of Saeer. The Israeli army said the Palestinian male was shot dead after trying to stab Israeli forces at Beit Einun Junction. Japan says North Korea has informed it of a plan to launch a satellite by June 3. Japans coast guard said on Monday that North Korea had been notified about its planned launch of a satellite rocket from Monday through to midnight on June 3. Moosa Qureshi, The Watermelon Reports. (Moosa Qureshi is a British National Health Service Haematology Consultant, Award-winning Legal Campaigner, PhD Cancer Science, LLB Hons, Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer.) The Watermelon Reports Video: War Crimes Or Not? British Surgeons Testimony from Gaza Computer generated transcript from YouTube, edited by ChatGPT 4. I tried to check it a bit against the video but some minor errors may remain. I think it came out as very readable, and, indeed, powerful. JRIC.: Dr. Khaled Dawas (Excerpts): Theres a very dark side to the Israeli state that people are not aware of, and were seeing it in front of our eyes at the moment. Its changing the whole makeup of the Gazan population. You walk around in the hospitals and see people with amputations everywhere. There are a lot of children who I met also who had lost all their families. He describes being blindfolded and handcuffed for days and beaten with metal bars. He said to me, Im not the only one that was beaten with metal bars; everyone in there was beaten with metal bars on a regular, often daily basis, and he showed me his wristshis wrists were both swollen from the handcuffs, and he showed me the X-ray. The X-ray clearly showed he had multiple rib fractures on both sides. So therefore, anybody who sits on the other side of this argument and says, Well, this is a complicated issue; we should perhaps stay neutral and let it be, I dont think understands the scale of whats going on. This is Moosa Qureshi from the Watermelon Reports. Dr. Khaled Dawas is a senior surgeon from the United Kingdom. His diary from Gaza has recently been published in one of the UKs major newspapers, The Telegraph. In addition, he works as a senior surgeon in one of the foremost hospitals in the United Kingdomthats University College London Hospital. He supervises researchers in one of the most prestigious institutions in the worldthats University College London. Of course, hes speaking here in a purely personal capacity, but I wanted to make his seniority a matter of record. He is here with us today, and were very pleased to welcome him. Welcome, Dr. Dawas. Dawas: Thank you very much Moosa. Qureshi: Now, the first time I met you was just after your first visit to Gaza a few months ago. Ive met several doctors such as yourself who have gone over to Gaza and volunteered their time, and theyre all motivated byusuallyaltruism; they want to do some good. They feel devastated by seeing the destruction of Gaza on their television screens, and they feel that they want to use their medical skills to help the population. And Im sure thats the case for you yourself as well, but you said something that night which actually struck me. You said that one of the reasons you wanted to go to Gaza was to provide testimony; you wanted to come back and say that you had seen this with your own eyes. Can you tell us a bit more about why you think testimony is so important? Dawas: Weve seen whats happening in Gaza happen multiple times over and over again over the years, and not just in Gaza, but also in the West Bank. We know a couple of years ago with the attack on Jenin, which resulted in a lot of death and a lot of destruction, these are happening over and over again, not to the same scale that were seeing at the moment. This is, not to overuse the word, unprecedented in our lifetime, and therefore I think its important, thinking about the future, about how we try and prevent this happening again. And thats about waking peoples minds up to what is really happening; to the real nature of the Israeli state. There is a problem with theres a very dark side to the Israeli state that people are not aware of, and were seeing it in front of our eyes at the moment. And I think this is something that weve got to record; weve got to be able to use to wake governments and people up to the reality and say that theres more than just one side to the story. To those who believe theres only one side, which is the Israeli sidea state that has recognition and credibility worldwidethe fact that Palestinians do not have a state, an internationally recognized state that is recognized on international forums in the same way, is a problem. But the reason that is a problem is because its not allowed to be an internationally recognized state. And the testimony that we provide is very important to try and prevent these things happening over and over and over again. People that we all admire, the strength of character, the resilience of Gazans and Palestinians. But they are human beings, and ultimately those reserves need to be replenished; they need to be supported. And its our role, on the outside, who see it differently because we dont live under those awful circumstances, to make sure that those things are recorded and testimony is recorded to get to that endpoint that Im talking about: the prevention of this recurring theme over and over again. Qureshi: So, Dr. Dawas, talking again about your experiences in Gaza recently, the numbers are that theres something like 2,000 Palestinian deaths at the moment. The Israeli government claims that over 600 of those deaths are Hamas fighters. So when you were working at Al Aqsa Hospital, what sort of patients were you seeing with your own eyes? Whats your testimony? Were a third of the people you were treating fighters? Give us an idea of what sort of patients you would see. Dawas: I mean, the straightforward answer to that question is that I did not see a single Hamas fighter, as far as I know, in the time I was there. And I was there, overall, for about a month. And I can also say, on behalf of colleagues, many of whom Ive spoken to whove been on the missions in between the first which I went on and the most recent one which is the last one I went on as well, I dont know anybody who can say, hand on heart, that theyve met any Hamas fighters during their time there. Which does beg a question as to, you know, where are these supposed injured fighters going? But also, its a re-emphasis of the point that the vast majority of the casualtiesthe dead and the injuredare civilians. The numbers that we hear about, which is 70% women and children, I think, is true. Our experiences certainly support those numbers. And there are also the forgotten population, and I do go on about the idea that we should not be neglecting the young men. Young men, just because they happen to be of fighting age, they should not be categorized instantly as therefore legitimate targets. And that is whats happening. We see a lot of young men, clearly a third of the population of patients that I had to treat were young men. These are young men in their late teens and early 20s with all injuries, amputations, life-changing injuries, and a long stay in the hospital. And their crime is that they happen to be in that wrong age group, which means that Israel feels its a legitimate thing to do to target them. And these are young men who are brothers, husbands, sons. And they are in Gazan communities; theyre a very important part of the population. They are productive, and they do a lot of the work thats required in Gaza. So out of those, I do not know a single man that I treated, young man I treated, who I can say hand on heart is a fighter. Now you know, people say, Well, how would you know? You wouldnt recognize them. But I think you know, were not stupid. You can recognize by body type, you can recognize by the way they speak, you can recognize other things which will tell you, indicate to you, give you a sign that who youre dealing with is somebody whos a fighter. And I cannot say anybody I treated had those characteristics. Qureshi: We all know that in wartime young men are killed in disproportionate numbers. But it does sound like if Israel is saying that 600 Hamas fighters have been killed, they have decided that every young male in the Palestinian population is a Hamas fighter, which is clearly a bizarre and ridiculous proposition. In Gaza, can you tell us what were the main types of injuries you saw, and what do you think those injuries tell us about Israels military strategy? The injuries were shrapnel injuries, shrapnel, shrapnel, and some bullet injuries. So blast injuries. And if you see one of the myriad of videos available on social media of what happens when something is targeted in Gaza, you see the stones and the rocks and the debris, wood, and so on flying at incredible speed towards the camera, if it happens. Youll realize the power of shrapnel because people might underestimate the power of shrapnel. Shrapnel could be a grain of sand, a few millimeters wide, but the heat and the speed it travels at to enter someones body causes a lot of damage. It is like a bullet; theres no doubt about it. And so you saw we saw a lot of injuries shrapnel related. And I, because of by virtue of my specialty, I was dealing with injuries in the abdomen and the chest. So in the abdomen, you were dealing with heavy bleeding, you were dealing with perforated bowel, perforated kidneys, bladder, liver injuries. We had to do quite a few removals of spleens because the spleens were bleeding from the injuries. I had to deal with a very unusual ruptured esophagus because the esophagus was again torn to shreds by shrapnel. And in the chest, dealing again with bleeding, with severe lung injuries. And also, on one occasion, I had to deal with somebody who had a ruptured aorta, which is the biggest vessel coming out of the heart. And thats because shrapnel had entered his chest and gone right through the chest bone into that vessel. So thats the majority of injuries. Of course, people who are at the epicenter of the targeting, die; they get killed. We dont see those people; we see them as body bags coming to the hospital. And I saw those coming to the hospital as well. And then its the people around, probably a radius of about maybe 15 meters, who are the ones who survive it, who come into hospital with the awful shrapnel injuries. Now they come in, and surgeons there do their best. And you can temporize and perhaps repair the damage thats been done in the short term. But what I also noticed was many of them were dying in the first few days after surgery. So there is that population of patients who are not surviving the initial operation, the initial injury, but dying a few days later because of the complications of the surgery, the severity of the injury. Now, what does it tell you about Israels military strategy? I mean, it tells you from what I can see, and certainly from the stories of people who I spoke to. I spoke to a lot of people, particularly this time around. There is what I would term a scorched earth policy. There is an attempt to try and destroy everything. And of course, we know, and we have been told by many Israeli spokesmen, that they will target a particular person, and the cost of targeting that particular person is, in some ways, irrelevant. If they kill 10 times the number of people theyre targeting as a byproduct of that targeting, that is an acceptable thing to them. But those people are killed. And then youve got multiple numbers of those people who are being injured in ways that are life-changing. Its changing the whole makeup of the Gazan population. You walk around in the hospitals; you see people with amputations everywhere. Whos going to look after these people? And there are a lot of people, a lot of children who I met also, who had lost all their families. I met two or three of them as I was walking around the hospital. And I had to remind myself of where I was because my instinct was not to believe it; it cant be true that youve lost absolutely everybody. And then I had to remind myself of where I was; I was in Gaza, and this is happening on a daily basis. And these children were being looked after by neighbors, perhaps, or family friends who would take them in and look after them. But whats going to happen to them in the long term? So the strategy, it seems, is about just going in and destroying everything in front of you. And taking the excuse that you are targeting a particular population within Gaza, and that is the fighters, the militants, whatever they want to call them. Qureshi: Thats very devastating testimony youve given about the indiscriminate nature of Israels military strategy which in itself is a war crime. Did you see any other evidence of direct war crimes? For instance, targeting children, gunshot wounds, things of that nature. Dawas: Which Ill describe to you, perhaps what I saw, and I think its important and worthwhile that people listening to this, even just make their own minds about this, about the answer to that question. I mean, Ill tell you what I saw. So even traveling through Gaza, as I did the first time around, because we traveled much more from the residence that we had to the hospital. That house was hit, by the way; the house, the guesthouse as it was called, which is where we were staying in a place called Al Masi in Khan Yunis on the west side near the coast, was hit. Thats the guesthouse for the medical personnel, from Medical Aid for Palestinians; is that right? Thats yes, so it was hit a week after we left it when there was the second mission staying in the house, and that was hit. As you drive along from the house, the guest house, to the hospital, in those days you would see the destroyed houses along the way. There were many houses that had been destroyed completely by missiles or shells. You would see people having to scrounge for water; there was no water. Water had been turned off, as we know, by the Israelis at the beginning of all this. In October, there was no electricity, and people were having to put up their own tents. What we saw also this time around is that we drove past the house which housed the MSF team, Medecins Sans Frontieres, which is another organization that many people will know. And I could see the room that was targeted by an Israeli missile because you could see the fire. It had scorched the frame of that particular room on the outside. And we know that that house was hit, I think maybe twice, but certainly once, and thats visible. That house is now empty. In the hospital itself, I met two people who gave me some pretty, well, they were very disturbing stories. One was I met him one night, one morning, as I was doing a ward round. And he is a man who is wheelchair-bound; he has a chronic problem with his spine. And he described being taken out of a hospital not far from where we were, dragged out, and kept in detention in an Israeli Army detention camp for a few weeks. Because hes wheelchair-bound, he cant move. But he was handcuffed to something and he was blindfolded for weeks on end. And he developed pressure sores on both sides. So his hip bones, his femur, was visible on both sides because of the pressure sores from lying in a single position for those weeks on end. So obviously, he would have been lying, moving from one side to the other, but not being able to move more than that. And he developed these awful pressure sores. And I asked him about how he sustained this, and he told me his story. He told me he was handcuffed and blindfolded for weeks on end and then released somehow in the south of Gaza. And he found his way to the hospital. His wife looked after him in the ward, so she was his carer. And I inspected those wounds myself because we would change his dressings on the ward sometimes. And an incredibly stoic man, I have to say, I remember thinking when he told me the story, How can you tell me the story with a smile? He said it with a smile, with a gentle smile. And then the next morning, I was walking through the emergency department, and I met another man who came up to me with his wife and his phone. And people over there carry their x-rays as screenshots on their phones. And he approached me and said, Doctor, can you look at this; this is my chest x-ray; is it okay? And, as I did with most people I met, said, What happened? Whats your story? Well, I was in an Israeli camp just outside of Khan Yunis, on the Israeli side of the fence, taken out of Al-Nasser Hospital, and kept there for days. And I saw people being dragged out by their external fixators. External fixators are the devices, like skeletons like scaffolds, people have around their limbs which are fractured and which are drilled into the bone to try and bring the bones together. And theyre very commonly used in wartime situations, where you dont have the facility to try and fix the fracture immediately with the usual gold standard, which is to fix the bone because of all the infections and time constraints and so on. So he described people being dragged out by their external fixators along the street, along the floor, dragged out by the soldiers, and then dumped into these detention camps. And he was one of them, and he didnt have a fracture at that time. He describes being again blindfolded and handcuffed for days and beaten with metal bars. He said to me, Im not the only one that was beaten with metal bars. Everyone in there was beaten with metal bars on a regular, often daily basis. And he showed me his wrists. His wrists were both swollen from the handcuffs, and he showed me the X-ray. The X-ray showed clearly he had multiple rib fractures on both sides. Now I, you know, I think anybody listening to these stories will tell you there is something wrong. And anybody who denies that there are crimes going on there needs to rethink all this. Yes, extremely disturbing stories. We can only hope the ICC actually takes action soon; there are rumors that might happen. I can only observe that its justit seems almost unbelievable that the Israeli Army, supposedly the most or one of the most professional and courageous armies in the world, feels that it needs to blindfold and handcuff a man with a spinal injury in a wheelchair for weeks on endit speaks volumes. Also, that maybe on the last day, as I was, in fact, the day I left, there were scores of people brought in with bullet injuries to their heads. And they were all ages, starting from early teens up to late 20s, and they were sitting in our hospital in the emergency department. A lot of them obviously were going to die; these are injuries not going to be survivable, particularly in those kinds of conditions. So again, this happened, and I saw this on the last day, in my last trip to Gaza, bullet wounds to the head. Okay, well, I mean, its very difficult to believe that bullet wounds to the head are accidental. Just going back to your work in the hospital, did you feel that medical facilities were being targeted? Healthcare workers were being targeted, either deliberately or just generally undermined by the Israeli Army? And if so, how so? Theres the testimony of people I spoke to, people whove been working at Al-Nasser Hospital, whove been working at Al-Shifa Hospital. When we were traveling to Gaza this time around, I met somebody at Al-Arish in Egypt, in Sinai, who had just come out of Gaza. And he was a doctor who worked in Al-Shifa and described to me and showed me the footage that he had of the conditions in Al-Shifa Hospital. And he described how at the end of November, before he was forced to leave, he was allowed by the Israeli soldiers in the hospital grounds to bury only 20 of the bodies that were accumulating, that were piling up in the grounds of the hospital. And then they were stopped, and a forklift came along and just picked up the bodies and took them somewhere, and we dont know where that went. But also, there are testimonies of people from Al-Nasser Hospital, amongst them this man who I described who was taken from that hospital and left in a camp outside an army camp outside of Khan Yunis. When I was there in January, the reason we had to stop working at Al Aqsa Hospital was that on one particular day, we were operating, and a missile came in through the hospital wall and lodged into one of the windows of the Intensive Care Unit. And that meant that it was too dangerous, and in fact, that night we were told we could not go back to Al Aqsa Hospital. So this is back in January. So, there is targeting that Ive seen, theres targeting that Ive heard about, and weve seenweve all seen the footage of whats happened to Al-Shifa and Al-Nasser Hospital. Qureshi: Ive read your article in The Telegraph. Its incredibly moving. Id encourage all our viewers to try to read it if possible; its freely available on the Internet. One of the things you mentioned, apart from the stories which youve also described for us during this interview, was that this time around, on your second trip to Gaza, you saw much more end-stage cancer, much more infection, and much more malnutrition. Can you explain, perhaps to some of our viewers who are not medically trained, what that means for a population? Qureshi: So in any population, you expect a certain incidence of cancers and chronic diseases. And as we all know, cancers are best treated when theyre caught early. When theyre late, they are, unfortunately, a death sentence for many people. But also, in the context of whats available for treatment in Gaza, the prognosis is even worse. So what I was seeing this time around, and I saw this from day one, were patients of fairly young age with cancers which are way too advanced to hope for any cure from. I saw cancers of the pancreas, I saw cancers of the liver, I saw colon cancers on one of the patients who I operated on, on the second day when I was there, is a 36-year-old man who had a cancer of his colon which has obstructed his bowel, so that he was very distended, blown up like a balloon, couldnt open his bowels, very uncomfortable. And so he was only 36, and I operated on him the next morning, and unfortunately he died a few days later. Now, for somebody like that, whos a young man, and to have this kind of condition and to get to that point, is, I think, a reflection of what were going to see in Gaza for the next few years. Were going to see a huge number of excess deaths from maltreatment, or unavailable treatment for a lot of these diseases. Qureshi: Thats a very bleak picture youve painted. I wonder, just going into a little bit more detail about the cancer deaths youre seeing, the malnutrition youre seeing, the infection youre seeing. Could you explain to viewers what this means in terms of are we seeing the total destruction of Gazas healthcare system? Because initially a lot of the deaths were trauma, but are we now seeing sort of secondary deaths? And what do you think will be the scale of mortality associated with this complete destruction of the healthcare system? Were now going to see excess deaths not as a result of the trauma but as a result of the consequences of having a healthcare system which is destroyed. Dawas: The healthcare system in Gaza was reliant on two major healthcare centers: Al-Shifa in the north and Al-Nasser complex in the south. Al-Shifa, weve seen; we know is completely destroyed. Its now a shell, and its burnt out, and any facility within it has been destroyed. The Al-Shifa people, the employees of Al-Shifa, tried to rejuvenate it after the Israeli Army withdrew from it back a few months ago, and they were successful in trying to reestablish a primary care center. This is a center that could at least look after patients who needed some painkillers, some fluids, some wound management, and maybe some very basic surgery. And then the Israeli Army went back in again a few weeks ago and destroyed all that. And we know killed scores, if not hundreds, of people. Were now discovering the mass graves that have been unearthed. Al-Nasser Hospital, again, is the same situationbeen completely destroyed. We had one of our colleagues who helped work with us in Al Aqsa, hes not a physician or a doctor, but his home is in Khan Yunis, and his father went back to check on his home which is in the Amal district in the center. And he came back extremely upset because his home, plus the whole city, was destroyed. In fact, his words to me were, This is worse than what youre seeing in Gaza because in Gaza at least there are some houses which are upright. In Khan Yunis, in the center, theres nothing; everythings been completely leveled out. So this destruction of the healthcare system and the two major centers in GazaAl-Nasser and Al-Shifameans that the only hospitals left are the hospitals that used to operate as peripheral small centers of healthcare which can do a certain amount of good, but they cannot cover a population of 1.8 million. As I said Rafa, does not have a hospital system that can cover any of the population it has over there. So, 1.8 million people in a town which used to populate a quarter of a million and has a total number of four operating theaters, no CT scanners, no intensive care beds. You cannot look after trauma patients in that setting. Qureshi: So then get on to the point of the issue of field hospitals. How good are field hospitals? If you had a very sophisticated army and a huge system of welfare and the funding to do it, you might be able to set up field hospitals that can do their job. But these take a long time; theyre not as good as having hospitals which are already existent in terms of their structure and in terms of the building that they have. Theyre not the same thing. You are one of a few surgeons and physicians who have gone to Gaza to try to alleviate suffering. You are also one of those who have come back and provided testimony to try to motivate our population, our medical establishment, and our politicians to do something. What would you like the British medical establishment to do? Dawas: In the UK, our healthcare system is looked upon as a model by many people outside of the UK. And we, those of us who work within the system here, of course, we criticize aspects that we think we can improve. But from outside, people look at our system and say this is a system that we would want to emulate. And many people want to come and work in the healthcare system in the NHS in the UK. But also, the education system is also the envy of many people outside of the UK. And I think on those two fronts, its important that we make sure that we use that leadership role that we have by default and the model that we have to try and push further what we do well, which is public health. We do that very well. We have a fantastic societal healthcare system that does not cater for peoples ability to pay but rather for their need. And this is an example here in Gaza where we in the UK can also lead in terms of deciding and, not just deciding but rather advising and coming up with a response that I think many of the world will follow. The healthcare system in Gaza we know has been destroyed. The targeting of individual clinicians and educators in Gaza has been documented as well. And anybody who goes to Gaza and who has a clear picture of whats going on there cannot fail to understand the tragedy thats going on. There is noits veryyou know. Its impossible to go and argue that theres some reason for continuing with whats going on. The destruction, the war, the killingtheres no justification for that at all. So therefore, anybody who sits on the other side of this argument and says, Well, this is a complicated issue; we should perhaps stay neutral and let it be, I dont think understands the scale of whats going on. We also have a duty as humans. We are lucky in the UK; we are able to express our opinions. We are able to form policies based on evidence. Many people cant do that. We need to use that ability, our freedom, and also the excellence that we have in the UK to be an example to the rest of the world. And I think that also that opportunity has to be grasped by the politicians to empower us to empower the healthcare system to do so. There is nothing wrong, and there is nothing criminal, if that is any suggestion, in us supporting the people of Gaza and supporting their healthcare system and their education system. This is whats going to make them come back from the abyss of what it is like now. And I think, you know, this will also be something that will live on our conscience for years and generations to come if we let this opportunity go away. And people who come after us, generations after us, will look back and ask us what we did when this was happening in front of our eyes. We know how history looks at this; weve seen this happening in the past. And why we should be allowing it to happen now is way beyond me. Qureshi: The British government, what would you like them to do? Dawas: Id like the British government to think beyond what I recognize as the realpolitik. The realpolitik and about having mutual interests when dealing with other nations is one thing. But as a government that represents a population that has very strong feelings about whats going on, and I would say I think its very visible by the strength of feeling of people that go out on the peaceful marches that we see on a regular basis, that there is a segment of the population which is significant if not a majority. It may well be a majority now who feel that what were doing as a country and represented by our government is not right. There needs to be a stronger voice about what is wrong and what is right. Yes, dealing with the economy is one thing, and that is the bottom line, I understand, for many governments. But thats, I think, thats also a short-term view. What we do ethically and what we do as a nation that projects an international image is also very important. And I do think that at the moment we are lagging behind. You know, we could say we could argue that perhaps our government and a small minority of other governments are the only remaining ones at the moment that are willing to stand there and say that what is happening in terms of the killing thats going on is justifiable and that it should carry on until whatever end result the Israeli government feels is appropriate at. And at what cost? The cost is anotheryou knowsort of tens of thousands have killed. The figures we talk about the 2,000 so far, thats an underestimate. We know there are thousands of people still buried under the rubble in Gaza. We know that those people who are injured will have an inability to contribute to their lives, to their economies, for many years to come. So to allow this to happen and for our government to say that we should not vote, for example, on a ceasefire, an immediate ceasefire because there are still things to be done, is very difficult to understand from a human point of view. I do hope that there will be some awakening within those who decide policy and can see that they need to represent us, those people who feel that what is happening is wrong and needs to stop immediately. And I hope that change of mind happens very fast; every day counts. Qureshi: Yeah, so Im hopeful that testimony such as yours will have an effect. As you said, realpolitik is one thing, but I think once youve got genocide, you reallyyou know, you have to take action, because otherwise, it undermines the entire rules-based system. The population starts thinking, well, you know, why are you saying one thing about Ukraine and another thing about Palestine? And people are not dumb nowadays; were seeing everything on social media, and theyre starting to see through politicians. And if we ever had any faith in politicians, I think that faith is well and truly damaged now. Anyway, thank you very much, Dr. Dawas, for your account of your work in Gaza and for your views on the political measures that need to be undertaken in order to put a stop to this terrible, terrible health catastrophe. Qureshi: Thank you. No, thank you very much, Musa. Thanks for your time, and thanks for what you do as well. By Andrea Furger, The University of Melbourne | (The Conversation) This week, the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) applied for arrest warrants for three Hamas leaders, as well as Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, in connection with the ongoing war in Gaza. The reaction of the United States, Israels main backer, was swift. President Joe Biden condemned the prosecutors action against Israels leaders as outrageous and accused the ICC of drawing false moral equivalence between Hamas and Israel. While it is not yet clear if the ICCs judges will decide to issue the warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant, the Biden administration has already hinted at the possibility of imposing US sanctions against ICC officials. Yet, just a year ago, when the ICC issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and another Russian official for alleged international crimes in the Ukraine war, US officials were full of praise for the court. Biden welcomed the action, calling it justified. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, in fact, the US has continually displayed its support for the ICC. One top US official, the ambassador-at-large for global criminal justice, said the ICC occupies an important place in the ecosystem of international justice. The US apparent about-face when the court targeted its ally is nothing new. Nor is it surprising. Rather, this vacillating approach is merely symptomatic of the US complicated relationship with the ICC since its creation in 1998. Its hostile reaction to the Israel-Palestine situation will certainly have been expected by court officials. Wariness from the courts inception I worked for many years as a cooperation advisor at the ICCs office of the prosecutor. During that time, Washingtons position towards the court shifted several times it supported the court at certain times and criticised it at others. This has largely been tied to a broader assessment of US foreign policy goals and the anticipated costs and benefits that supporting the court could bring. The US was initially a keen supporter of the creation of a permanent international criminal court and was an active participant in the ICC treaty negotiations in the 1990s. Al Jazeera English Video: How can the ICJs orders against Israel on Gaza be enforced? | Inside Story But it ultimately voted against the Rome Statute that created the court in 1998 due to concerns with the courts jurisdictional framework. The US feared it could allow for the prosecution of Americans without US consent. Although the US still signed the Rome Statute, President George W. Bush later effectively unsigned it, saying the US would not ratify the document and had no legal obligations to it. The US remains a non-member state to the ICC today. Once the ICC was created, the US adopted laws to restrict its interactions with the new court. Most importantly, it passed the American Servicemembers Protection Act of 2002 (ASPA) that prohibited providing any support to the ICC. This law also allowed the US president to use all means necessary a phrase understood to include armed force to free American officials or servicemembers should they ever be detained for prosecution in The Hague, the seat of the ICC. This earned it the nickname of The Hague Invasion Act. That same year, however, an amendment was passed to the law allowing exceptions for when the US could assist international courts to bring to justice: Saddam Hussein, Slobodan Milosovic, Osama bin Laden, other members of al-Qaeda, leaders of Islamic Jihad and other foreign nationals. The amendment created significant flexibility, demonstrating that the US was ready to assist international justice efforts as long as they targeted designated US enemies or other foreign nationals. US support in African cases The US soon adopted a pragmatic approach towards the court, supporting its activities depending on the circumstances and its interests. In 2005, Washington allowed a UN Security Council referral to the ICC in relation to possible genocide and war crimes committed in Darfur, Sudan. The conflict was among the US top foreign policy priorities in Africa at the time. Later, the Obama administration formally adopted a case-by-case strategy to cooperate with the ICC when it aligned with US interests. Under this policy, the US played an important role in the 2011 referral of alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes committed in Libya to the ICC. This was, again, in line with US foreign policy interests. US diplomats also provided vital support in the arrest of Congolese warlord Bosco Ntaganda, who was later sentenced to 30 years in prison by the ICC for war crimes and crimes against humanity. And the US assisted with the arrest of Dominic Ongwen of the Lords Resistance Army in Uganda, who was later sentenced to 25 years. Another falling out over Afghanistan The relationship between the US and the court soon soured again, though, during the Trump administration. This was in part because of developments in the ICCs investigation into alleged crimes committed in Afghanistan, which marked the first time the court probed possible crimes committed by US forces. In 2020, ICC judges authorised an investigation into US, Afghan and Taliban forces. Soon after, the US imposed sanctions on the ICC prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, and another senior ICC official. After some delays, the investigation is continuing again, with a focus solely on crimes allegedly committed by the Taliban and Islamic State Khorasan Province. Other aspects of the investigation have been deprioritised, an implicit reference to the US and its allies. Soon after taking office, the Biden administration lifted the sanctions against the ICC officials, returning to a seemingly more collaborative period in US-ICC relations. These relations became closer following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, with the adoption of new laws that broadened the possibilities of US cooperation with the court. The goals of the US and ICC had seemingly aligned again, at least for the time being. But this weeks request for arrest warrants for Israeli leaders demonstrates yet another shift in the US approach to the court. It continues the pattern of the US supporting the court when it suits it, prioritising its own foreign policy goals over wider international criminal justice efforts. Andrea Furger, Graduate Researcher and Teaching Fellow in International Law, The University of Melbourne This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Ann Arbor (Informed Comment) The US military has given us many acronyms. Most are forgettable alphabet salads only beloved by bureaucrats. But SNAFU is one of the greats, allegedly originating during WW II. The polite phrase is situation normal, all fouled up. But we know that the GIs actually used the F word. Quite a lot, in my experience. The Biden administrations pitiful attempt at theatrics in an attempt to cover for the ongoing Israeli genocide in Gaza was its $360 million boondoggle, a Gaza aid pier, which I described as a Potemkin Village because of its lack of substantial substance. On Saturday, three small navy support vessels for the pier were swept away by high seas, and two of them were driven onto shore, becoming beached. Thats the kind of thing that gets a captain busted down to the ranks. A third ship was also washed away, but it was attached to a section of the pier and so they both went spinning off. The pier section seems to be heading for the Israeli port of Ashdod. I dont know where the third ship is, to which it had been attached. No naval personnel are said to have been injured, except for their pride. Anadolu Video: Waves sweep away US-built pier in Gaza Speaking of Ashdod, that port city already has a harbor and the US could have delivered aid there to be trucked down to Gaza much more efficiently. But let me guess. The Israelis wont let us? The Israelis wont let us. The US donates $4 billion a year of your tax dollars to Israel, not to mention billions more in sweetheart deals, and we get for that money an insistence that we put naval personnel in danger at a rickety pier? US ships used to deliver aid to Gaza pier have run aground on beach pic.twitter.com/06TxUrjMvI Ken Klippenstein (@kenklippenstein) May 25, 2024 Palestinian-American activist Huwaida Arraf at X, quoted retired US Army Colonel Ann Wright: Having been in the US military for 29 years, weve seen some pretty stupid things happen and this is one of the stupidest It is no fault of the military personnel. Biden was warned that high seas made his aid pier impractical, and with the arrogance of Washington, he ignored the warnings. He was trying to do a favor for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, for whom an arrest warrant has been requested by the International Criminal Courts chief prosecutor. Netanyahus government will fall if the Israeli equivalent of Neo-Nazis in the cabinet withdraw, and they say they will withdraw unless Netanyahu starves all the people of Gaza to death. Of course, 2.2 million emaciated dead bodies would be rather an embarrassment, as well, putting Netanyahu in striking distance of Cambodian genocidaire Pol Pots record. So Biden is trying to get the aid in by sea and to have the US take the blame for there still being any Palestinians. Although CENTCOM maintains that what remains of the pier is still functional, I dont know if that is really true. If this kind of thing happened within a week of its inauguration, can you really call that functional? The pier is mainly a PR stunt. It is an incredibly expensive and risky way to get food and medicine on the ground in Gaza. And the US isnt distributing that aid. It is handing it over to NGOs on the ground like the World Central Kitchen, seven of whose workers Netanyahus troops murdered. For WCK aid workers to have to get that food and medicine from the pier to the population centers is very dangerous and inefficient. h/t Al Jazeera In the week the pier has been operational, CENTCOM says that the World Central Kitchen has only taken possession of 96 aid trucks. Gaza required 500 trucks a day, not the 13 a day that the Biden administration apparently has managed. I guess there were no deliveries Saturday, and who knows when there will be more? Nor do we know if WCK has actually been able to get the aid to people who need it, as Israel has expelled 900,000 refugees again during its aggressive invasion of Rafah, the former supposed safe zone. SNAFU. FILE - Nicki Minaj performs during the MTV Video Music Awards on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023, at the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J. Rapper Nicki Minaj says bags were searched on way out of Netherlands. She tweeted that police told her they found marijuana in her bags. The military constabulary at the airport said a 41-year-old American woman had been arrested for exporting soft drugs. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP, File) Sunday, May 26, 2024 - An armed reveler fatally shot one Anthony Njomo in the early hours of Saturday morning, following a bar brawl outside the popular Qukin Lounge establishment in Kiambu. Njomo reportedly worked for the American Embassy and was enjoying a night out with friends before the altercation escalated into violence. According to reliable sources at the Kiambu Police Station, this is not an isolated incident. Qukin Lounge has recorded the highest number of assault cases in the past few months. Patrons have also raised endless reports of theft and other criminal activities at the establishment. Police have launched an investigation to uncover how a firearm could be brought into the lounge and used so recklessly. Management of Qukin Lounge extended their condolences to Njomos family and assured the public that they are cooperating with the investigative authorities. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Sunday, May 26, 2024 - Anglican Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit has condemned a plan by President William Ruto to deploy Kenyan police officers to Haiti, saying he should climb down from his high horse and listen to what Kenyans are telling him. In the move that has caused a lot of debate in the country, Ole Sapit argued that the push to send police officers to the Caribbean country was a misplaced priority. "It doesn't make sense to send troops to Haiti when we have insecurity problems across the country, and especially in the North Rift. "We request that as the government sends troops to Haiti, they should also have better security across Kenya," said Ole Sapit. The deployment has faced fierce pushback from Kenyas Opposition lawmakers, human rights groups, and the legal fraternity, but Ruto has remained steadfast. Opponents of the move accuse Rutos government of failing to secure Kenya, arguing that the country is part of the initiative only for monetary gains. They also say Kenya is deploying Police Officers to Haiti yet it is against the Constitution, which states that only the military should be sent to such assignments. Speaking on a joint podium with US President Joe Biden in Washington, President William Ruto defended the move, saying Kenya is a benevolent distributor of what humanity needs. Ruto also said that he was committed to ending the banditry menace in the North Rift Kenya after he deployed 3,000 military personnel and 2,000 police officers to the restive region. The Kenyan DAILY POST Sunday, May 26, 2024 - As the DCI tightens the noose on drug traffickers, three suspects found with 298 pellets of cocaine concealed in three teddy bears have been arrested at their house in the New Donholm area, Nairobi. Acting on intelligence information, Sharon Debra Achieng', 25, Leon Ochieng', 28, and Ronald Onyango, 25, were intercepted yesterday by a team of ANU & OSU crime busters with a black suitcase, whose contents were a few clothes, toiletries and three teddy bears. On ripping the teddy bears open, 298 pellets of the nose candy weighing about 6.8kg estimated at Sh27.5 million in street value were discovered, alongside several air tickets for different destinations in the name of the female suspect. Also found was Sh37,000 cash believed to be proceeds of the illegal trade. The DCI thanks the members of the public who continue to #FichuakwaDCI by sharing actionable information and warns traffickers that their misplaced efforts will only earn them tickets to courtrooms and correctional facilities. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Sunday, May 26, 2024 - A 46-year-old Indian man was sentenced to life imprisonment after he used a sickle to cut open his 8-month pregnant wife's stomach to check if she was going to give birth to a boy or a girl. Panna Lal, a resident of Badaun's Civil Lines in Uttar Pradesh, had attacked his wife, Anita Devi, in September 2020. The couple were married for 25 years and had five daughters. However, they used to fight regularly as Panna Lal wanted her to give birth to a boy. Anita's family knew about the couple's dispute and tried to convince Panna Lal to stop fighting but he threatened to divorce Anita and marry another woman to father a son. On the day of the incident, the couple fought over the gender of the unborn baby again. Enraged, Panna Lal threatened to cut open Anita's stomach to check if she was pregnant with a boy or a girl. When Anita fought back, he threatened to kill her. He attacked her with a sickle after which she tried to run away from him. He grabbed her and used the sickle to cut open her stomach. Anita told the court that the cut was so deep that her intestines were left hanging from her stomach. She ran out to the street and her brother, who worked at a nearby shop, heard her screams and came to rescue her. Seeing him, Panna Lal fled the scene. Anita was rushed to the hospital. While she survived the attack, her baby, a boy, could not be saved The fast track court of Additional District and Sessions Judge Saurabh Saxena sentenced Panna Lai on Thursday, May 23, 2024. In court, Panna Lal argued that Anita had inflicted the wounds on herself to file a false case against him as he was in a property dispute with her brothers. Anita's brother, Ravi Singh told Times of India that when his sister was pregnant for the sixth time, Panna wanted her to abort as he was convinced by a village priest that she was expecting another girl. "But Anita was adamant on keeping the child. He's often beat Anita but we never thought he would take such an extreme step. We are happy he got this punishment, Sadly, my sister is not yet able to live a normal life," he said. Sunday, May 26, 2024 - Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has praised President William Ruto after he concluded his five-day tour of the United States, where he struck deals worth Sh 1 trillion with the U.S. government. On Saturday, Gachagua called Ruto's tour successful, saying the President affirmed his great leadership skills among the League of Nations. The DP added that the country has earned huge respect globally for raising its profile during the visit to the U.S. "We are proud of our President. His visit to the United States has earned a lot of fortune that will be beneficial to our country. He has brought respect and honour to our country," the DP said. Gachagua spoke when he attended the ordination of Rt Reverend John Kiplimo Lelei as Auxiliary Bishop of Eldoret Catholic Diocese at Mother of Apostles Seminary in Eldoret town. The Ordination was presided over by Apostolic Nuncio to Kenya Archbishop Hubertus Van Megen. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Saturday, May 25, 2024 - The United Nations top court has ordered Israel to immediately halt its military operation in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, further increasing international pressure on Israel over its war against the Hamas militant group. Israel began a limited ground offensive in Rafah on May 7, rejecting calls from the international community, including the US, not to proceed. More than a million Palestinians were taking shelter in Rafah before Israel started its offensive, but the court noted that around 800,000 have since been displaced. Israel must immediately halt its military offensive and any other action in Rafah which may inflict on the Palestinian group in Gaza conditions of life that could bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part, Judge Nawaf Salam, president of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), said on Friday, May 24. The ICJ considers the humanitarian situation in Rafah to be classified as disastrous, he said, adding that UN officials have indicated that the situation was set to intensify even further if the Israeli operation in Rafah continues. Upon entering Rafah, the Israeli military seized the citys border crossing with Egypt, which has remained shut since. The crossing was a vital entry point for humanitarian aid. The court ordered Israel to open the Rafah crossing for humanitarian assistance and said it had found that the evacuation and living conditions provided by Israel are not sufficient to alleviate the immense risk, which the Palestinian population is exposed to. Israeli officials have condemned the ICJs ruling. Yair Lapid, leader of Israels opposition party Yesh Atid, said that the fact that the ICJ did not even directly connect the end of the military operation in Rafah to the release of the hostages and to Israels right to defend itself against terror is an abject moral failure. Naftali Bennett, who was the former Prime Minister of Israel, wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, that The International Court of Justice just provided every terror organization on earth with THE PERFECT METHOD TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER. Hamas praised the ruling but said it had expected it would be for the entire Gaza Strip, emphasizing that the situations in Jabalya and other cities are equally dire and warrant similar attention. Rulings by the court are final and binding, but the ICJ doesnt have a mechanism to enforce them, and they have been ignored in the past. South Africa filed an urgent request on May 10 for additional measures against Israel, accusing it of using forced evacuation orders in the southern Gaza city of Rafah to endanger rather than protect civilian life. The request was part of a larger case brought by Pretoria against Israel in which South Africa accuses Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians during the seven-month-long conflict. Following the ruling, a joint statement by the Israels National Security Council and Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Friday that Israel has not carried out and will not carry out military activity in the Rafah area that creates living conditions that could lead to the destruction of the Palestinian civilian population. In response to other orders by the ICJ, including keeping the Rafah crossing open, the statement said that Israel will continue its efforts to allow humanitarian aid to enter the Gaza Strip and reduce as much as possible the harm to the civilian population in the Gaza Strip. The ruling comes after the prosecutor at the International Criminal Court (ICC), a separate court in The Hague, sought arrest warrants for Hamas leaders as well as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity over the October 7 attacks on Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza. A retired nurse has been left fearing for her future after using an allegedly faulty device to treat a chronic health condition. Grandmother Eva Lindbloom, from Mandurah, WA, claims she has developed health complications as a result of using a Philips Electronics CPAP machine, to help treat her sleep apnea. Lindbloom, who is part of an upcoming class action against the company, alleges she has never heard from Philips about the machines which were recalled in June 2021 after the company became aware of potential health risks. Its been nearly three years since I informed Philips about my machine and I have heard nothing," she told Yahoo News Australia. "Im frightened of the health impacts of using this device." The foam used to reduce the noise in the devices, made out of polyester-based polyurethane (PE-PUR) was allegedly leaking toxic particles and gas into users lungs, causing a range of health issues including respiratory inflammation and infections, and carcinogenic effects and toxicity to liver, kidneys and nerves. Lindbloom had been using her WA health department-issued machine for four years before the recall since she was diagnosed with sleep apnea in 2017. She claims that it was only by chance that she heard about the machines being withdrawn from the market. The Western Australian Department of Health has been contacted for comment over the matter but did not answer questions by a provided deadline. Black particles can be seen in one of the Philips machines. Source: GMP Law I went to buy a new mask and filters and staff said; Do you know this machine was withdrawn in June? she told Yahoo News Australia. The grandmother claims she had no idea. The multinational has been forced to recall an estimated 76,000 devices in Australia and millions more across the globe. She was advised to register her machine with Philips and to wait for a replacement. But despite the alleged link to health complications, Lindbloom had no choice but to continue using the faulty machine with no replacement on the way. First we were told to get a filter that would stop you from inhaling the microscopic plastic foam, she said. But the filter meant that the machines humidifier couldnt be used and she developed really bad sinus problems. After a visit to the GP, it was suggested she should stop using the machine entirely. I was without a machine for three months, she said. But because of a condition of her drivers licence which meant that she needed to use the machine to be complaint, she was not allowed to drive. I noticed I was getting really tired, and sluggish and couldnt get any joy out of the health department or anything from Philips. I was fearing for my health. I felt like I was walking through molasses, she said. Because she couldnt afford to stop driving, Lindbloom decided to buy herself and her husband, who also uses the machine, new ResMed CPAP machines, bypassing the health department in December 2021. In doing so, she spent $3,000 out of her pension, which she claims means shes been dropped from the free health departments care. Its just despicable, she said. Lindbloom claims she has since been diagnosed with chronic swelling of her airways and asthma, and requires a daily inhaler to help her breathe, conditions which her lung specialist confirmed in writing could be linked to use of the faulty machine. Eva Lindbloom is part of a class action against Philips Electronics. Source: Supplied Class action against Philips Electronics Lindbloom is calling on others to join the class action to ensure that Philips take responsibility. I dont know what the future is going to hold, she said of her health condition. It plays on your mind. A class action against Philips Electronics has now entered court proceedings after Gerard Malouf and Partners (GMP Law) took over the case from another law firm which withdrew the case. Since taking over the class, we have uncovered significant faults with their products, which will be substantiated by evidence during court proceedings, Chairman of GMP Law, Gerard Malouf told Yahoo. Yahoo understands that along with contacting customers directly, Philips also encouraged hospitals and independent distributors to notify patients of the recall and repair and replacement program. 'Abundance of caution' prompts recall, according to Philips A spokesperson for Philips Australia told Yahoo that the company is committed to patients who rely on sleep and respiratory care devices. Our priority is patient safety and quality and we understand how important Philips Respironics sleep therapy devices and ventilators are to patients that use them, the spokesperson said. The company described the recall as an abundance of caution approach ahead of more definitive testing which is ongoing. They say extensive testing concluded that use of the sleep therapy devices is not expected to result in appreciable harm to health in patients. The spokesperson added that in Australia, the company is nearing completion of its repair and replacement program for affected products, with 94 per cent of registered devices completed. As we move to complete the program in Australia, we continue to encourage all patients and customers to register if they have yet to do so, and to do so without delay. We will continue to support patients and customers seeking replacements, and encourage them to contact our call centres. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Sunday, May 26, 2024 - Former Bahati MP Kimani Ngunjiri has faulted President William Rutos men for attacking Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. The comments of the former Bahati MP came weeks after speculations of a rift between President William Ruto and his Deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, and a divided Mount Kenya region politics. Ngunjiri accused Ruto's henchmen of propagating the fight against the second in command by organizing meetings to sabotage Gachagua. "This is Farouk Kibet, Oscar Sudi, and CS Kipchumba Murkomen planning to sabotage Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. They have sufficient funds to carry out their plan," the former MP claimed, clearly appearing to court Gachagua. Recently, Gachagua went missing in notable public events for a week, prompting speculations on his whereabouts and his relations with his boss. He later resurfaced, clarifying that he had taken a short break of prayer, meditation, and reflection in Mt Kenya, away from phones and interruptions. Ngunjiri also lauded the Deputy President for his efforts to make peace with the former head of state, saying it was a worthy course. The Kenyan DAILY POST Sunday, May 26, 2024 - Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged senior Rift Valley leaders to stop interfering with the affairs of the Mt Kenya region. Speaking during fundraising for a women empowerment program in Kesses, Uasin Gishu on Saturday, the DP accused a section of leaders of scheming to determine who the next leaders would be in Mt Kenya. But in an apparent warning to the leaders, the DP said their bid is an exercise in futility as the Mt Kenya politics is more complex than they think. I want to request the Rift Valley leaders to note that we supported the President willingly because we loved doing so and we will continue doing so. But we ask for respect; don't dare plan the politics of Mt Kenya and its leadership". Gachagua said the Rift Valley leaders should focus on their region's politics instead of Mt Kenya, adding that they will never contemplate choosing leaders for the region. The DP asked the Rift Valley leaders to focus on helping President William Ruto to deliver on his campaign promises, saying continuous politicking would make him a failure. Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi and President William Ruto's aide Farouk Kibet are among those who are accused of trying to destabilize the vote-rich Mt Kenya region. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Sunday, May 26, 2024 - A group of Kalenjin community leaders has dismissed claims of a rift between President William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua. The leaders said the relationship between the two is intact and that they are focused on service delivery to Kenyans. Speaking on Friday in Nandi County during the opening of Chepsonoi market, Emurua Dikir MP Johanna Ngeno, Josses Lelmengit (Emgwen), Marrianne Kitany (Aldai), and Nandi Woman Rep Cynthia Muge, said some politicians were spreading divisive politics to sabotage Rutos administration. Ngeno said the President and his deputys working relationship was firm and that as MPs, they fully backed the agenda to fix the economy. We cannot condone propaganda that tends to cause a rift between the President and his deputy from the mission of bringing the country together, said Ngeno. Muge said a conducive political environment is vital for the dispensation of government services and implementation of projects and called on leaders to stop divisive politics. We cannot say that we support the Kenya Kwanza administration and are pulling in different directions, she said. Kitany urged Gachagua to ignore critics whose motive, she said, is to sow a seed of discord in government for political gain. There are people who are keen to taint the government to appear as if there are fighting factions within. But they will not succeed, she said. Lelmengit vowed that they will stick to the course to ensure Kenya Kwanzas bottom-up agenda succeeds. This is not the time for politics. We cannot waste time politicking over rumors and baseless narratives, he said The Kenyan DAILY POST Sunday, May 26, 2024 - President William Ruto may be developing cold feet as far as the deployment of Kenyan police officers to Haiti is concerned. This is after he postponed the deployment until next month to the utter surprise of many. Speaking to BBC, Ruto, who had set to deploy officers on the 23rd of this month when he was in the U.S. on a state visit, changed the date, saying the deployment of 1,000 Kenyan police officers to Haiti in the peacekeeping mission will be in three weeks. According to the President, the timeline would allow security arrangements before the 1,000 law enforcement officers are deployed. He added that the security base which will house the Kenyan troops and equipment is 70 per cent complete. His remarks came after United States President Joe Biden called for the swift deployment of the officers following another attack staged in the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince, where three American missionaries were killed. Adrienne Watson, the US National Security Council spokesperson, revealed that three missionaries were fatally shot by gunmen and their bodies burnt before the gang members fled the scene. However, Ruto revealed that the Kenyan government was awaiting the full report from the Kenyan officials who were already deployed to Haiti to assess the situation. "I have a team already in Haiti as I speak to you," he stated. "Once we have that assessment that we agreed with the Haitian police and the Haitian leadership, we are looking at the horizon of between three weeks and there about for us to be ready to deploy, once everything on the ground is set." The Kenyan DAILY POST Sunday, May 26, 2024 President William Ruto could be playing a very dangerous game of double-dealing. Hours after signing deals worth Sh1 trillion with President Joe Biden during his State visit to the U.S., Ruto has turned to China, the biggest economic enemy of the U.S. This is after China agreed to help Ruto by establishing a leadership school in Kenya and building the UDA Party headquarters. The deals were revealed by UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala, who announced that China's ruling party, China Communist Party (CCP), agreed to establish the institutions in honour of Ruto. This is aimed at strengthening the party's political activities ahead of the 2027 elections. Malala also confirmed that China would support Kenya's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the construction of its new headquarters as a symbol of marking 60 years of diplomatic ties. The UDA Secretary-General is on a 10-day visit to China aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and promoting cultural exchanges between the two nations. The visit is hailed as a benchmarking exercise for the UDA officials to strengthen the party with effective ideologies and policies. On Saturday, Malala led the UDA Party delegation to SANY International Holdings Headquarters in Changsha, Hunan Province, underscoring the integral role manufacturing plays in economic development and job creation. The Kenyan DAILY POST Sunday, May 26,2024 - President William Ruto on Saturday jetted back into the country after a five-day trip to the United States where he struck deals worth Sh 1 trillion with the Joe Biden-led administration. Ruto's state visit to the U.S. came seven months after he visited China, where he held talks to boost Kenya-China relations and secured $1 billion in loans from China to help complete infrastructure projects. However, speaking with CNNs Richard Quest, Ruto remained adamant that Kenya would not take sides in bilateral relations with countries in the East and in the West, referring to the U.S., China, and their allies. The talented business journalist asked Ruto what his preference was if he was to choose between investments by American or Chinese companies. Many people want to pull us into a conversation about whether we are facing east or west, let me tell you, we are neither facing west nor east, we are facing forward, because that is where the opportunities are, Ruto clarified. The Kenyan DAILY POST Sunday, May 26, 2024 - Three suspects have been arrested for stealing 600 litres of diesel belonging to Kenya Union of Savings & Credit Cooperatives (KUSCCO) Ltd by illegally siphoning the fuel from its reservoir drums into plastic jerrycans for disposal. Acting on an intelligence report, detectives from the Operation Support Unit intercepted a Mitsubishi pickup Reg No. KBL 054D at KAA Estate adjacent to Wilson Airport, where the driver and two KUSCCO employees were arrested and the fuel seized. After interrogating the suspects, detectives established that the two KUSCCO employees (John Kioko, 41, and Michael Kioko) were deployed to safeguard the Sh107,460 worth of fuel drawn from Mbagathi Way Total Petrol Station, meant for the company's generators stationed at its Upper Hill offices. But driven by the sheer greed for quick cash, the Kioko's conspired with Gabriel Ngeta, 48, to rob their employer, only to hit a cul de sac before the deal bore a penny. They are cooling their heels behind metal doors as EPRA and CSI officers finalize their processing for arraignment on Monday. The Kenyan DAILY POST. Saturday, May 25, 2024 - A London-born teenager, whose proficiency at spreading the teachings of the Catholic church online led to him being called God's influencer, is set to become a saint. Today, May 24, Pope Francis declared Carlo Acutis, a 15-year-old boy who died of leukaemia in 2006, the first saint of the millennial generation. This means Carlo Acutis would be the first millennial - a person born in the early 1980s to late 1990s - to be canonised. It follows Pope Francis attributing a second miracle to him. It involved the healing of a university student in Florence who had bleeding on the brain after suffering head trauma. Carlo Acutis was beatified - the first step towards sainthood - in 2020, after he was attributed with his first miracle - healing a Brazilian child of a congenital disease affecting his pancreas. The second miracle attributed to the intercession of Blessed Carlo Acutis was approved by the Pope following a meeting with the Vatican's saint-making department, paving the way for him to become the first millennial saint. The recognition of the second miracle attributed to Acutis intercession makes it possible that Acutis could be canonized during the Catholic Churchs 2025 Jubilee Year. The specific date when he will be canonised is not yet known. In a decree on May 23, Pope Francis approved the miraculous healing of a 21-year-old girl from Costa Rica named Valeria Valverde who was near death after seriously injuring her head in a bicycle accident while studying in Florence in 2022. Carlo Acutis, an Italian computer-coding teenager who died of cancer in 2006, is known for his great devotion to the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. He died in Monza, Italy, after being diagnosed with leukaemia, having spent much of his childhood in the country. His body was moved to Assisi a year after his death, and it currently resides on full display alongside other relics linked to him. As well as designing websites for his parish and school, he became known for launching a website seeking to document every reported Eucharistic miracle, which was launched days before his death. Mr Acutis' nickname, God's influencer, has been attributed to him after his death due to this work. His website has now been translated into several different languages and used as the basis for an exhibition which has travelled around the world. His life is also remembered in the UK, where in 2020, the Archbishop of Birmingham established the Parish of Blessed Carlo Acutis incorporating churches in Wolverhampton and Wombourne. Also, there is a statue of the soon-to-be-saint in Carfin Grotto, a Roman Catholic shrine in Motherwell. Miracles are typically investigated and assessed over several months, with a person eligible for sainthood after they have two to their name. For something to be deemed a miracle, it typically requires an act seen to be beyond what is possible in nature - such as the sudden healing of a person deemed to be near death. The most recent person to be canonised was Maria Antonia de Paz y Figueroa, also known as Mama Antula, an 18th-century religious sister who became Argentina's first female saint. Saturday, May 25, 2024 - Nicki Minaj has given more details about her arrest in an airport in Amsterdam. The rapper was about to fly out to Manchester, England, where she is billed to perform, when she was detained by Amsterdam police officers. Pre-rolled marijuana was found amongst her luggage and Nicki's security has claimed ownership of the weed, but Nicki is being detained in Amsterdam, preventing her from getting to Manchester for her concert. Nicki's fans have pointed out that weed is legal in Amsterdam and are questioning why she should be held because her security had weed. Meanwhile, Nicki believes her ex-employees are responsible for the sabotage after she fired them. The took to Twitter and her Instagram Stories to document her arrest, while stating that she believes some people paid the authorities to hold her back and make her miss her performance. See her tweets below. Watch the video of Nicki's arrest below. Saturday, May 25, 2024 - A number of South Africans online are rejoicing after 6 Nigerians were killed in their country. A video was shared online showing Nigerians paying their last respects as the body of one of the victims was taken to his shop for the last time before returning it to Nigeria. Reacting to the video, South Africans hailed the people who killed the Nigerians. However, they complained that 6 dead Nigerians are not enough and called for more Nigerians to be killed. See below. Monica Robertson said she was 'looking forward to spending time together as a family celebrating' her mother's 70th birthday then it all went wrong. Monica Robertson said she was left covered in blisters and bite marks after spending three days on board a P&O cruise. Source: ACA An Aussie cruise enthusiast has vowed to "never again" book a P&O cruise after spending three days in what she described as a bed bug infested room. Queensland woman Monica Robertson said she was "looking forward to spending time together as a family celebrating" her mother's 70th birthday a major milestone. Robertson claimed almost immediately after boarding P&O's Pacific Encounter and entering her room, she noticed the presence of bugs. The mum said when she slept that night, she "could feel things crawling on me in the bed". Monica Robertson said she contacted a pest control expert who identified an insect sample as a bed bug. Source: ACA "[I] peeled back the sheets and that's where we saw quite a number of bugs in the bed with us," Robertson told A Current Affair. She said she gave P&O staff samples of the bugs she found in the room, but each time was told they "weren't bed bugs". Aussie says she slept in 'bed bug infested room for three days' Robertson and her family said they experienced "very, very intense itching ... almost [a] burning-like sensation" from the bites, that eventually welted and blistered. P&O said staff said they conducted a full inspection of the room and maintain they found not a single bed bug. The Queensland mother was forced to sift through her families belongings on her lawn after disembarking. Source: ACA But Robertson is adamant the insects in question were bed bugs, claiming she has proof. The mother, still covered in insect bites, took home a sample to get tested herself. She said a pest control expert told her it was in fact a bed bug, and it had been "in the room for at least three months". "They [P&O] were telling us it wasn't bed bugs," she said, adding that staff suggested "perhaps" the family had "been bitten outside on the deck". The family said they were encouraged to see the onboard doctor at their own expense, but when they asked if they'd be compensated, were told "no". Mum claims she was never offered a different room Robertson claims that, despite repeatedly providing staff with live evidence of what she said were bed bugs, P&O never offered the family another room. "[We] got back to port. We were able then to Google what we were dealing with. Low and behold, it was saying bedbugs," she recalled. When the family arrived back in Brisbane, they left most of their belongings out in the yard and sifted through what could be washed. Everything else was thrown out. Photos of the insects Monica Robertson claims are bed bugs, which she said she found in her room. Source: ACA "[We] left everything on the lawn. I had to sift through and decide what we could keep and what needed to be basically disposed off," she said. The Queenslander claimed the family was out of pocket thousands as a result. Robertson lodged a complaint with P&O, but they said there was no evidence of bed bugs being found at all during room searches and cleans. "I don't know where they got that from because we were clearly giving them bugs throughout our stay that they could look at," Roberston hit back. Eventually, P&O offered a $377 refund or a $750 future cruise credit. A P&O spokesperson told ACA it had "strict protocols in place" to prevent such incidents. P&O weighs in "P&O Cruises Australia has strict and robust health protocols on its cruise ships," the spokesperson said. "The comfort, health and safety of our guests is of upmost importance to us. Just like hotels, we have rigorous cleaning processes in place to address and resolve any issues that may arise." It's not the first time an Australian claims to have had a bed bug experience aboard a P&O cruise. Similar encounter just days ago aboard same cruise Earlier this month, Corinne McIvor, 39, spent a week travelling to different Pacific Islands from Brisbane on the Pacific Encounter. After sleeping in her cabin for several nights, the cruise enthusiast said she felt her "skin crawling" and woke up to tiny bites on her neck, chest and legs, with staff urging her to visit the cruise's doctor. "The doctor said, 'Oh my god, I'm so sorry. The bites are in a classic bed bug pattern'," McIvor earlier told Yahoo News. "I asked her outright if this is something she's seen on the ship before and she said 'yeah'." Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. 1 of 1 : khaskhabar.com : , 26 2024 2:14 PM Recently, PwC launched its 2025 Pre-Budget Submission setting out a number of key tax policy proposals for sustainable business growth. Budget 2025 represents a critical opportunity for the Irish Government to support businesses and individuals in the face of global uncertainty and in the pursuit of sustainable growth opportunities into the future. Regional economies across the South-East are growing but, as we emerge from a Covid impacted economy, and the local labour market locally continues to strengthen, it will be crucial that the government recognises the importance of regional business and provides further support. Our 2025 Pre-Budget Submission calls for support in the following key areas: Seriously tackle Irelands housing crisis PwCs 2025 Pre-Budget Submission states that Irelands acute housing shortage is the most imminent issue facing both businesses and employees and now extends well beyond the confines of our capital. It is the single largest impediment to attracting and retaining talent and if left unchecked it will greatly impact workplace productivity. Locally, it has led to inflated rental prices across the South East and a huge supply and demand issue which cannot be sustained. Measures for consideration include: extension of the help to buy scheme; policies to encourage modern methods of construction; a temporary reduction in the VAT rate for construction materials, amongst others. Simplify Irelands tax legislation PwCs submission stresses the urgent need for tax simplification of the legislation to make us more competitive and facilitate the ease of doing business. Urgent decluttering of tax rules is needed. Areas where simplification is urgently needed include our interest deductibility rules and simplifying reliefs such as the R&D tax credit and Employment Investment Incentive Scheme (EIIS) to make them more accessible to SMEs. Additionally, the expansion of real-time reporting to bring non-taxable benefits and expenses into scope (Enhanced Reporting Requirements) has created a significant compliance burden on employers, and one that is completely disproportionate to the value of the related benefits. Pro-growth measures and business support Although consistently an area of focus, even more measures are needed to stimulate growth and incentivise investment into private businesses. This is of particular importance in our regional areas as we are heavily reliant on such businesses. PwCs recent EMEA Private Business Attractiveness Index ranked Ireland in 9th position out of 33 major EMEA countries. PwCs 2025 Pre-Budget Submission highlights the importance of the domestic private business sector and the need to support employers with the cost of employment at a time when cost increases threaten job creation. PwCs submission calls for tax incentives to help private businesses incentivise, retain and attract key talent, such as further share scheme mechanisms and simplifying the KEEP scheme. The submission calls for tax measures to assist private businesses in securing investment and raising funds, such as allowing interest earned on loans by angel investors to be taxed at 12.5% (instead of 25%). It also proposes increasing the lifetime limit for the Revised Entrepreneur Relief to 5m (from 1m) and removing cash as a non-qualifying asset for Capital Acquisitions Tax Business Relief purposes. Increase attractiveness of offerings As well as supporting local private businesses, PwCs Submission states that there must also be a clear strategy for enhancing Irelands reputation as an attractive location for foreign direct investment. While welcoming the introduction of an exemption on foreign dividends, PwC calls for a broadening of the exemption to all dividends and foreign branch profits. The submission also calls for the important need to align the Irish corporate tax system with the Pillar Two tax rules so as to avoid any distortions that may arise from these rules. PwCs submission states that tax policy is a crucial tool available to the Irish Government to support the countrys financial services sector, improving Irelands competitiveness as a location for innovation and international business. The submission proposes tax measures to enhance Irelands position as a hub for sustainable finance, such as introducing tax incentives for Irish funds that prioritise investments with significant positive environmental impacts. It also calls for tax measures to increase private investment in the retail market, such as reviewing the taxation of Exchange Traded Funds. Further incentivise the green economy Finally, recognising the urgency to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, PwCs Submission proposes various tax incentives for businesses and households, including green clean technologies, renewable energy activities, offshore wind, green industrial parks and port infrastructure. It also suggests tax measures to encourage households and communities to make changes in their energy consumption and behaviours, engaging in home retrofitting and using more sustainable transport methods. Despite strong tax receipts, some of which are uncertain in the years ahead, investing for the future is vital. Encouraging growth in a sustainable manner is key to creating secure employment and meeting our climate objectives. Tax policies, if wisely chosen, could be critical to delivering success in addressing our housing and climate challenges. Kilkenny students were to the fore at the annual National Scratch Coding Competition, organised by Lero, the Science Foundation Ireland Research Centre for Software and the Irish Computer Society. Students from CBS Secondary School, Kilkenny, CoderDojo Kilkenny and Abbey Community College, Ferrybank were among the prize winners at the 2024 Scratch Finals which took place in University of Limerick on Wednesday. Holly Wright, a fifth-year student of Bremore Educate Together Secondary School Balbriggan, County Dublin was the overall winner at the national finals of the annual competition, now in its 14th year, where Irelands best young coders from primary and post-primary schools from all over Ireland presented their project to the competition judges. The keynote address at the finals was given by BT Young Scientist Winner 2024 Sean OSullivan. Hollys project, Internship at Fernandos, was designed and built using Scratch, a visual programming language that makes it easy to create interactive stories, animations, games, music, and art and share these creations on the web. Gregory Duda of CBS Secondary School, Kilkenny won the first year to third year category with his Parkour game. David Carroll of CoderDojo Kilkenny was named a judges award winner in the fifth and sixth class category. Ryan Duggan, Vita Marohnic and Zak Alik from Abbey Community College, Ferrybank, were each presented with Judges Awards for their projects in the first to third year category. Leros Education and Public Engagement Manager, Dr Clare McInerney, said Leros involvement in the Scratch competition is crucial for a critical reason: Software is everywhere, it is all around us and it has never been so important that children and young people learn not just how to use it but also how it works. At Lero, we support software skills at every stage of education. It is part of our mission to foster and grow coding skills and computational thinking among younger children, teens, and those far older. What we witness at the culmination of the National Scratch Competition Finals is the payoff of months of hard graft by the contestants, their teachers and families and let me tell you its awe-inspiring. Their projects are an amazing combination of science, technology, imagination and ingenuity showing off just how much fun coding can be. It leaves me wondering what these finalists will do next? she added. Irish Computer Society Secretary General Lucy Hayes believes the National Scratch Competition is where young coders of tomorrow get to flex their creative muscles and showcase their abilities. Technology can be a game-changer if you know how to use it, and Scratch proves just that its all about having some fun while learning some very worthwhile skills. Its a near certainty that some of the people here in UL today will be the IT leaders of tomorrow, but even if they take different routes, Im sure their engagement in the competition will set them up as savvy digital citizens, she added. AWS has been a sponsor of the competition since 2019. Joanne Reynolds, Community Engagement Manager, AWS, recognises the importance of the competition in growing young peoples understanding of technology. We are continually impressed by the quality of the projects created by Irelands young people and highlighted in the National Scratch Coding Competition Finals. It has been a privilege to witness the enthusiasm of these young people, their creativity and their proven coding abilities, she said. Dr McInerney said this year, there were more than 398 entries with 63% male and 36% female participants. We congratulate Holly and all todays finalists and those who supported them on their journey. Our panel of 15 judges were so impressed by the quality and originality of the projects that some have asked to come back next year, she added. Visit www.Scratch.ie for more information about Scratch and the Scratch competition. Stephen ordered a variety of collector's edition coins online. Though they were "delivered", he never received them. A Queensland man has blasted Australia Post for losing his parcel and failing compensate him for the amount he spent on the product. Source: Supplied A coin collector has blasted Australia Post for losing a set of limited-edition coins posted to him direct from the Royal Mint, with the Queenslander "disappointed" he wasn't offered "proper compensation". Stephen Ferguson, from Mackay in Queensland, said he ordered a range of collector's edition coins back in April, including a special monarchy set, a Chinese New Year set and a set of King Charles $1 coins, with the view they might one day be worth a lot more than he paid. Ferguson said the entire package cost him $145. On the day the parcel was dispatched, he received a notification saying it had been delivered, only to find out it was sent to an incorrect address. The Mackay man said he received a photo of where the package was delivered - but that wasn't his home, nor any he recognises. Source: Supplied Coin collector fumes over 'unfair' policy In the Australia Post app, the delivery driver uploaded a photo of where the parcel was left a property Ferguson didn't recognise. He assumed it was within the Mackay area, but after following up with Australia Post, neither he, nor the company were able to track it down. Ferguson complained about his experience and attempted to seek remuneration, and AusPost offered an apology and $100 in compensation, the maximum amount given to customers under its policy. But Ferguson said the amount doesn't cover what he paid and branded the refund "unfair". A spokeswoman for Australia Post told Yahoo News Australia refunds are not distributed on a case-by-case basis. Speaking to Yahoo, Ferguson said it's the "principal" that really counts. Australia Post has a refund policy in place that states damaged or lost goods will be compensated by a maximum of $100. Source: Getty Australia Post 'could've done more to help' "They basically lost it," he said. "I tried to tell them I wanted at least the money back for the cost of goods, which was only $145 mind you, but still it's the principal of the thing. "And, the fact that it was a collector's item, so who knows down the track what it might have been worth. I'll never know that now." While Australia Post's refund policy is publicly available on its website, stating that customers "may be entitled" to be compensated up to $100 if goods are lost or damaged, Ferguson said the mix-up "is not my fault". "So I'm supposed to pay for the privilege of them losing my mail?" he said. "They did say sorry, which is better than nothing, but it still doesn't put the mail in my hand. "The whole thing is just disappointing... they didn't seem to want to help. You know, it was just follow procedure. They could have contacted the driver who was on that day and maybe I would have found them. I was very frustrated, disappointed." 'Sincere apology' offered to Ferguson Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, an Australia Post spokeswoman reiterated the company's apology and said they would work with Ferguson to track down the parcel. "We sincerely apologise and will continue to work to retrieve the item, while speaking to the customer further around next steps," she said. "Australia Post delivers an average of 9.5 million parcels each week, with the vast majority reaching their correct destination safely." Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Byeon Woo Seok's fans' wishes are finally coming true as promoter Three Angles Production brings the 2024 Byeon Woo Seok Asia Fanmeeting Tour "SUMMER LETTER" happening at Singapore Expo Hall 3A on 30 June 2024! Fans are excitedly waiting for the announcement and ticketing details of his first fanmeeting. Ticket launch will be on May 26, 2024 at 12PM via tapyourtickets.com. Byeon Woo Seok has captured the hearts of millions with his acting in "20th Century Girl," "Strong Girl Namsoon," and his current hit drama, "Lovely Runner." He has rapidly risen to fame and has garnered plenty of followers in his social media accounts. This fanmeeting marks his first visit to Singapore, and it is highly anticipated by his local and international fans. With ticket prices that range from 140 SGD to 280 SGD, fans can experience exclusive benefits, such as group photo opportunities, hi-bye session, signed poster, signed polaroid, official poster and VIP ID and lanyard that will make them and Byeon Woo Seok closer to each other. Mark your calendars and join us for a special night with Byeon Woo Seok and show him your love and support! Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. New Delhi [India], May 26 (ANI): After decades of negotiations, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), an arm of the United Nations, has finally adopted a new treaty on intellectual property, genetic resources, and associated traditional knowledge. WIPO is one of the 15 specialized agencies of the United Nations (UN) that works to promote and protect intellectual property (IP) across the world by cooperating with countries as well as international organizations. Also Read | KKR vs SRH Live Score Updates of IPL 2024 Final: Get Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad Toss Winner Result, Live Commentary and Full Scorecard Online of Indian Premier League Playoff Clash. India also lauded the efforts of member states by recognising the efforts of the UN body. "India congratulated member states on fostering robust discussions and creating an equitable framework that respects all parties involved at the WIPO Diplomatic Conference on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge," the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) said in a post on X. Also Read | Chennai Shocker: Jilted Lover Abducts Nurse After She Rejects His Advances, Marriage Proposal; Four Arrested. India also praised Daren Tang, DG, WIPO, and his team for the meticulous preparation and conduct of the conference. The recently concluded treaty is the first WIPO Treaty to address the interface between intellectual property, genetic resources and traditional knowledge and the first WIPO Treaty to include provisions specifically for Indigenous Peoples as well as local communities, the UN arm said in a blog post. The treaty will bind member countries to establish an international law to disclose patent applicants whose inventions are based on genetic resources and/or associated traditional knowledge, as per the blog post. India has long been in dispute with countries and patent rights organizations because of the patent rights of Indian products awarded to foreign entities. The patent rights of turmeric, a tropical herb grown in east India and widely used as a medicine and food ingredient, among other uses, were awarded to the University of Mississippi Medical Center in 1995 for its wound-healing property by the United States. Two years later, India's Council of Scientific and Industrial Research challenged the university regarding the novelty of the discovery. The USPTO cancelled the patent due to a lack of novelty. In another case, patent rights of Indian Basmati rice were granted to a Texan company in the USA, to which India objected and the USPTO accepted the petition. Neem is another example on which an application was filed by the USA with the European Patent Office. A legal opposition has been filed by India against the grant of the patent. In this matter, the EPO revoked the patent application citing the lack of novelty and inventive steps, among others. After repeated objections from India on moves to patent its traditionally known natural products, EPO decided to check with the country's database that lists traditionally known drug formulations before granting patent rights. In addition, the National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources has created the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) which contains over 24 million-page searchable databases that translate text from Sanskrit into English, German, French, Spanish, and Japanese. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Ballia (Uttar Pradesh) [India], May 26 (ANI): Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his 'Mujra' remark and claimed that the PM's speech is faltering due to diminishing self-confidence. Speaking with the reporters, Akhilesh Yadav said, "When the self-confidence is faltering, the speech also falters. There is a decrease in his confidence. And as a result, he is using such language." Also Read | Adani Mundra Port Creates Another Record, Welcomes Largest Container Ship MSC Anna in India Docks (See Pics). The statement by Akhilesh Yadav comes after PM Modi at a rally in Bihar on Saturday said that he is giving the guarantee to Bihar, SC, ST, and OBC communities that till Modi is alive, he will not let them snatch away their rights. "For Modi, Constitution is supreme, for Modi, Babasaheb Ambedkar's sentiments are supreme... if the INDI alliance wants to accept the servitude of their vote bank, they are free to do so...if they want to perform 'Mujra' (dance), they are free to do... I will still stand with the SC, ST, and OBC reservation staunchly," PM Modi had said. Also Read | Delhi Hospital Blaze Probe: Expired Licence, No NOC From Fire Department, Shocking Irregularities at Newborn Baby Care Where Seven Newborns Died in Blaze. Targeting the Bharatiya Janata Party for not fulfilling its promises, Akhilesh Yadav added further, "The people of BJP know that the public is going to remove them this time. In the seventh phase, people's anger would be at its peak... All their promises are false. Neither the incomes of the farmers increased nor did the youth get employment. They have crossed all the limits of injustice. Yadav also slammed the BJP for waiving the loans of billionaires, but not waiving the loans of farmers. Akhilesh Yadav also spoke about the issue of paper leaks in the state and claimed that the government is behind paper leaks as they don't want to employ the youth. "The people of BJP are behind the leak of paper. The government is behind the leak of paper as they don't want to employ the youth. With this, the government has not only shattered the dreams of the youth but has wasted one-third of their life. The people will take revenge for this..." It is noteworthy that more than 48 lakh candidates participated on February 17 and 18 in the constable recruitment exam in Uttar Pradesh. However, on February 24, the Uttar Pradesh Police Police Recruitment and Promotion Board cancelled the written examination for direct recruitment-2023 to the posts of reserved civilian police in Uttar Pradesh Police after the papers were leaked. In the last phase of Lok Sabha elections, Uttar Pradesh's 13 constituencies will vote on June 1. The results will be announced on June 4. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Kolkata, May 26 (PTI) A Bangladesh police team, which arrived here on Sunday afternoon, said they will seek cooperation from West Bengal CID and conduct a thorough probe into the murder of MP Anwarul Azim Anar. The team expressed its desire to interrogate the arrested suspects and visit Baranagar, where Anar resided, along with speaking to the MP's friend and the landlord of the house where he stayed. Also Read | Gurugram Shocker: Man Stabs Girlfriend to Death Over Blackmail, Surrenders to Police. Speaking to PTI anonymously, a senior state CID officer affirmed their readiness to assist the Bangladesh detectives in every possible way. He said all evidence gathered by the state CID regarding the case would be shared with them. The search for the missing MP began when Gopal Biswas, a resident of Baranagar and an acquaintance of Anar, lodged a complaint with local police on May 18, stating that Anar, who arrived in Kolkata on May 12 for medical treatment, had gone missing. Also Read | Uttar Pradesh: 70-Year-Old Sadhu Dies While Performing Tapasya in Sambhal. According to Biswas, Anar left his residence in Baranagar for a doctor's appointment on May 13, assuring that he would return home for dinner. However, he became unreachable on May 17, prompting Biswas to file a missing complaint the following day. According to Kolkata Police, circumstantial evidence indicated that the MP was first strangled and killed after which his body was chopped into pieces and dumped in different areas. Traces of his body or body parts are yet to be found. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Agartala (Tripura) [India], May 26 (ANI): Tripura BJP state President Rajib Bhattacharjee said that the Citizenship Amendment Act would never have any negative impact on the socio-economic conditions of the country as the cut-off set for the implementation of the CAA dates back to 2014. "Ten years have passed already. So, there will be no major socio-economic impact on the lives of people. The Opposition has been trying to instil fear among the people regarding the implementation of the CAA and whatever they have spoken is completely baseless," Bhattacharjee told ANI on Saturday. Also Read | Cyclone Remal Scare: Passengers Face Inconvenience As Kolkata Airport Suspends Flight Operations for 21 Hours in Wake of Cyclone Remal. "For the last several days, I have seen that the opposition parties have been trying hard to mislead people with twisted interpretations of the law. The notification issued by the central government clearly underscores that people from religious minority communities living in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan who had migrated to India would be eligible for citizenship. However, there is a specific cut-off date mentioned in the notification which is of 2014. Those who had migrated to India before that date can only apply for the Citizenship," he added, allaying the fear of the people who had described CAA as a threat to the tribal areas of the state. Reiterating the centre government's stand on the issue, Bhattacharjee said, "No one from the tribal communities should be afraid of CAA. The central government has made it clear that areas under the sixth schedule are exempted from the purview of the Act." Also Read | Dry Day in Bengaluru in June 2024: Liquor Shops To Remain Shut, Hotels and Bars Wont Serve Alcohol for Six Days in View of Elections, Check Dates. He said that CAA is not applicable in the areas which fall under the jurisdiction of the Autonomous District Council and places where the Inner Line Permit system is in force. "I appeal to the opposition parties of Tripura to refrain from such malicious campaigns which in my view tantamount to attacking the democratic consciousness of the people of the state," he said. Lauding Prime Minister Narendra Modi for implementation of the CAA, Bhattacharjee said, "People who have left their homeland just to protect their culture and religious identity should get citizenship of our country. If they are rejected here, where else would they go? I think this new law will strengthen people's faith in our country." For those seeking Indian citizenship under the CAA, applications can be submitted online through the Citizenship Online website or via a mobile app. The Act allows Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Christians, Parsis, and Buddhists from neighbouring countries (Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan) who entered India before December 31, 2014, to apply for citizenship after verification. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Guwahati, May 26 (PTI) With cyclone 'Remal' expected to make landfall around midnight on Sunday, a 'red alert' has been issued for extremely heavy rainfall in seven districts of Assam, and an 'orange alert' in 11 districts, according to an official release. The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) has alerted residents and authorities, emphasising safety measures as the cyclone, after hitting West Bengal and Bangladesh on May 26, is predicted to move towards the Northeast. Also Read | Gurugram Shocker: Man Stabs Girlfriend to Death Over Blackmail, Surrenders to Police. The Indian Meteorological Department has warned of extensive rainfall over Assam and other northeastern states on May 27 and 28. A 'red alert' has been issued for Chirang, Goalpara, Baksa, Dima Hasao, Cachar, Hailakandi, and Karimganj districts, while an 'orange alert' is in place for Dhubri, South Salmara, Bongaigaon, Bajali, Tamulpur, Barpeta, Nalbari, Morigaon, Nagaon, Hojai, and West Karbi Anglong. Also Read | Remal Cyclone: North East States on High Alert Ahead of Severe Storm, Local Officials Asked To Be Prepared. Squally winds of 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph are expected over South Assam and Meghalaya on May 27. Preparedness measures have been escalated, with NDRF teams prepositioned in various districts and the Fire and Emergency Services headquarters keeping all SDRF teams and fire stations ready. Nodal officers from ASDMA and Revenue and Disaster Management department convened a series of meetings with all district authorities on Sunday to review the preparedness. Regulation of boat traffic may be implemented, if needed, in certain rivers, particularly in Dhubri, Goalpara, South Salmara, Bongaigaon, Barpeta, and Barak Valley districts. The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) has ensured the desiltation of major river channels like Bharalu, Bahini, Basistha, Mora Bharalu and Lakhimijan along with other major drains. Super sucker machines and pumps with additional manpower have been mobilised, and GMC is also closely monitoring the areas which have faced waterlogging issues in the past, it said. Anticipatory evacuation of vulnerable populations from landslide-prone areas in Guwahati, Kamrup, Dima Hasao, Cachar, Karimganj, Hailakandi, Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts may also be considered, the release said. The Health Department has been put on alert, ensuring availability of emergency medicines and healthcare staff. Other departments, including Power, Forest, Panchayat and Rural Development, and Irrigation, have also been instructed to remain vigilant. The public has been advised to take precautionary measures, such as avoiding vulnerable structures, staying away from waterlogged areas, seeking shelter during storms, stocking up on essentials, and contacting authorities in emergencies. Meanwhile, the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Guwahati has forecasted temperatures above normal levels, with maximum temperatures likely to reach 37-39 degrees Celsius in south Assam and 36-38 degrees Celsius in other parts of the state. However, temperatures are expected to decrease in the subsequent 48 hours. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) The Aussie mum said she felt 'so sad' watching firefighters have to leave as they didn't have time to wait. But what would you have done? Aussie mum sparks debate over letting emergency service workers cut to the front of the coffee queue. Source: Getty/TikTok/@jacquelinefauvel An Aussie mum has sparked debate online about whether emergency service workers should be able to cut in line after seeing a group of firefighters leave a busy cafe as they didnt have time to wait to get served. Jacqueline Fauvel said she had been waiting in line for 15 minutes with her baby when a group of on-duty firefighters walked in and were soon forced to leave due to the long queue. Fauvel told Yahoo News Australia shed also seen mobile intensive care paramedics get calls while waiting in line, forcing them to leave to attend an emergency. That makes me so sad because I assume they have a short time for a break and then they have to go off and be available at all times in case theres a fire," the mum said in a video about the incident at the Bean Smuggler cafe at Point Cook in Victoria. I feel like people should just automatically let them in front. They work so hard and all they want is a bloody coffee. Her post was flooded with comments from people who said emergency service workers were heroes and they would definitely let them cut in front, while others said firies had cushy pay and working conditions and often werent that busy. Firefighter says they don't expect to go to front of line Senior firefighter Dan Spooner, from Darlinghurst Fire Station in Sydney, told Yahoo News Australia while there could be slow nights, at his inner-city station it was not unusual to receive 12 call-outs during a 24-hour shift. We do not get any breaks, he told Yahoo. When youre on duty, youre on duty. If you go to the coffee shop you could be waiting in line and an emergency call will go off and we leave the coffee we bought. But we would never go up the coffee line or expect anyone to let us. While firies try to have lunch and dinner around the usual times, he said if a call comes through off we go, which does make it problematic as to how you plan your day and maintain your nutrition. Its fatiguing, Spooner, who has been a firefighter for 26 years, told Yahoo. We have slow nights where we get to recline. But you dont get a good nights sleep. Its not like sleep when you go to bed at home, its interrupted sleep as youre always on edge a garbage truck drives past and youve woken up. Mum's post triggers debate Fauvel's video sparked debate, with one person writing: I always let any emergency service personnel in front, sometimes I get glares from others behind me but I dont care. Another person commented: As a paramedic, we do not ever expect others to let us in front. Mums probably need coffee more than we do! However, some suggested that firies had a lot of free time. My brother is (a firie) and has been for 37 years and hell be the first to tell you what a cushy deal their working conditions are, a person said. Firefighters work long shifts and at some stations can have 12 call outs in a 24-hour period. Source: Getty Others said they always offered to let emergency service workers skip ahead in the queue but usually their suggestions were usually politely declined. I watched a group of firies come into a cafe, sit down to wait and then after about two seconds got up and ran back to their trucks, coffee-less and zoomed off with sirens and lights, another added. Police weigh in on 'preferential treatment' A NSW Police spokesperson told Yahoo officers had 30-minute meal breaks but due to operational responses, this could be at any time of the day and sometimes they didnt get one at all. However, when it came to cutting ahead in the coffee line, he added: If someone is kind enough to stop to ask, then great but we do not seek any preferential treatment. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Kolkata, May 26: Eastern Railway has opened helpline numbers at Howrah and Sealdah as Remal is expected to build into an intense cyclonic storm on Sunday. Eastern Railway has already implemented various measures to ensure the safety & minimize the impact which include activation of a disaster management team, round-the-clock monitoring of control rooms by the senior officers, regular monitoring of wind speed at multiple locations, continuous monitoring of cyclone-related information and keeping liaison with the Meteorological department. Cyclone Remal Live Tracker Map on Windy: Severe Cyclonic Storm Likely to Hit West Bengal Coast by May 26, Check Real-Time Status. Helpline Numbers issued at Sealdah: 033-23508794 (DOT) & 033- 23833326 (Auto Phone) Helpline Number issued at Howrah: 033-26413660 (DOT). Notably, flight operations between Kolkata and Agartala have been suspended with the cancellation of all arrivals from Kolkata till Monday morning as Cyclonic Storm "Remal" intensifies over the Bay of Bengal. According to Agartala airport authorities, all flight arrivals from Kolkata to the city have been cancelled till 9 am on May 27. Cyclone Remal Update: Met Department Issues Alert in Bihar, Several District Likely To Witness Moderate to Heavy Storms After Cyclone Enters West Bengal. "All flights arriving from Kolkata to Agartala are cancelled till 0900 hrs on 27 May 2024. Passengers are being informed by the concerned airlines. Other flights arriving from Delhi, Bangalore, and Guwahati are operating normally. Updates for air traffic will be provided further," Agartala airport authorities said in a statement. Meanwhile, IndiGo Airlines has rescheduled and cancelled some flights due to Cyclone Remal and issued a NOTAM in Kolkata. A Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) is a message sent by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to pilots to alert them of potential hazards that could affect their flight. The storm, expected to bring maximum sustained wind speeds of 110-120 kmph with gusts up to 135 kmph, is likely to make landfall around 11 pm on Sunday near Khepupara in Bangladesh and Sagar Islands in West Bengal. In a statement, the airlines said, "IndiGo has rescheduled and cancelled some flights due to Cyclone REMAL and the NOTAM issued in Kolkata. Passengers have been informed of all changes in advance and are being provided real-time updates on social platforms". New Delhi, May 26: A fire broke out at a residential building in Azad Nagar West in the Shahdara area of Delhi on Saturday late at night, said police. On information, firefighters were rushed to the spot, rescued 13 people and shifted them to a hospital. "Delhi Fire Service control room received a call at 2:35 am that here a fire broke out inside the house. A total of five fire brigade vehicles were rushed to the spot from our nearest stations and our officials began firefighting and rescue operations as well," said fire officer Rajendra Atwal. Delhi Fire: Six Babies Dead, Several Injured After Massive Blaze at New Born Baby Care Hospital in Vivek Vihar (Watch Video) "There is only one exit here and that is the biggest problem in these buildings...people couldn't get out due to the heat and smoke...We have rescued 13 people...and shifted them to a hospital," He added. Earlier in East Delhi's Vivek Vihar, a massive fire broke out at a New Born Baby Care Hospital in the national capital on Saturday night, said police. On information, police officials and firefighters reached the spot and doused the fire. As per a Fire Officer, the fire was extinguished completely, 11 newborns were rescued and taken to another hospital. CR Building Fire: One Injured After Massive Blaze Erupts in Delhi's ITO Area, Seven People Rescued; Injured Shifted to Hospital (Watch Video) Delhi Fire #WATCH | Delhi: A fire broke out at a residential building in Azad Nagar West, Shahdara. Further details awaited. pic.twitter.com/8WZbo6kPlb ANI (@ANI) May 25, 2024 Fire Officer Rajesh, said, "At 11:32 pm, Fire Service Control Room received information that fire broke out at a hospital...total 16 fire tenders reached the spot and fire has been extinguished completely. 2 buildings were affected by the fire, one is the hospital building and 2 floors of a residential building on the right side also caught fire...11-12 people were rescued and they were taken to hospital. Further details will be shared later". (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Pune, May 26 (PTI) Amid the outpouring of congratulatory messages for Payal Kapadia, who won the second highest honour at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, the one from her alma mater FTII garnered much attention on Sunday. At the gala, which concluded on Saturday, Kapadia won the Grand Prix Award, becoming the first Indian to bag the honour. Also Read | Gurugram Shocker: Man Stabs Girlfriend to Death Over Blackmail, Surrenders to Police. Back in 2015, Kapadia was on the warpath with the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII). She had led a student protest against the appointment of actor-turned-politician Gajendra Chauhan, best known for his portrayal of Yudhisthir in the mega TV serial Mahabharat', as the chairman of the Pune-based premier institute. Also Read | Uttar Pradesh: 70-Year-Old Sadhu Dies While Performing Tapasya in Sambhal. According to the protesting students, Chauhan did not match the vision and stature of past chairmen of the FTII governing council, and his appointment appeared politically coloured. During the 139-day strike, the students had also allegedly gheraoed and confined the then FTII Director Prashant Pathrabe in his office over some academic issues. This had led to the police entering the campus and arresting some of the protesters. Later, 35 students, including Kapadia, were booked under Indian Penal Code sections, including 143, 147, 149, 323, 353 and 506, dealing with offences, some of them non-bailable, related to unlawful assembly, criminal intimidation and rioting. The chargesheet in the case was filed in 2016. The defence lawyer, representing the students, said the next court hearing is scheduled for June 26. It is a moment of pride for FTII as its Alumni create history at Cannes. As we witness a phenomenal year for Indian Cinema at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, FTII cherishes the glorious achievements of its Alumni at this Mega International Stage of Cinema, FTII said in a post on X. We congratulate Payal Kapadia for winning the Grand Prix Award, Santosh Sivan for receiving the Pierre AngAnieux Tribute Award, Maisam Ali for his debut at ACID & Chidanand S Naik for winning La Cinef. Their achievements are taking Indian Cinema to greater heights, the post added. Oscar-winning Indian sound designer Resul Pookutty in his post on social media said the mainstream Indian film industry has nothing to do with this glory and they only looked at us as outcasts. The only reason they won is also not because we had inspiring teachers, there were some but not all, he said. He added, Payal (Accused No.25) comes back from Cannes and next month, will have to go for her court case hearing that FTII lodged against her for striking against the appointment of Mr.Chouhan as the Chairman! Interesting isn't it?! Ameya Gore, one of the 35 students who were booked in the case, said that after the incident, the majority of the students faced issues with scholarships and obtaining passports. The case is still ongoing in the Sessions Court, but there has been no progress from the prosecution's side. The trial has not started yet. Hearings are generally scheduled every two to three months, but nothing happens because nobody from the prosecution shows up, Gore said. Advocate Chinmay Inamdar, who is defending the students, said the prosecution has filed the chargesheet but not submitted the video file in the form of CD/DVD or pen drive of the incident of the director being gheraoed in 2015. We have moved an application before the court to get a copy so that we can file a discharge application for the students and the matter is pending for this. The next hearing is scheduled to take place on June 26, he said. It was a triple feat for Indian talent at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival with Kapadia's All We Imagine As Light', Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know' by FTII student Chidananda S Naik, and Anasuya Sengupta of The Shameless' fame winning major awards in each of the three competitive sections at Cannes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India is "proud" of Kapadia for her historic feat. "An alumnus of FTII, her remarkable talent continues to shine on the global stage, giving a glimpse of the rich creativity in India. This prestigious accolade not only honours her exceptional skills but also inspires a new generation of Indian filmmakers," he said in a post on X. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Agar Malwa (MP), May 26 (PTI) Police in Madhya Pradesh's Agar Malwa district have registered a case against a prison guard for allegedly sexually exploiting a 22-year-old man facing trial for raping a minor, an official said on Sunday. Guard Roop Singh Jadhav was booked after the undertrial complained against him to Agar Malwa's chief judicial magistrate Shivani Sharma when she visited the district jail on Saturday, the official said. Also Read | Rajasthan Heatwave Alert: Phalodi Swelters at 50 Degrees Celsius, Severe Heatwave To Continue for Next Two-Three Days, Check District Wise Temperature Update. Agar Malwa Kotwali police station in-charge Anil Malviya said the undertrial accused the prison guard of sexually exploiting him. The inmate is facing trial for allegedly raping a minor. A case was registered against him under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in April 2022. Also Read | Rajkot Gaming Zone Fire: Devastating Blaze Claims 35 Lives, Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel Conducts On-Site Inspection To Assess Aftermath of Fire (Watch Video). Following his complaint, Jadhav was booked under IPC sections 377 (carnal intercourse against the order of nature), 294 (obscene act) and 506 (criminal intimidation), the official said. Further investigation is underway, he added. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Patiala (Punjab), May 30: Preneet Kaur is banking on what she calls people's unwavering "bharosa and ashirwaad" as she embarks on yet another electoral battle from the prestigious Patiala Lok Sabha constituency in Punjab, seeking a fifth term in Parliament. Kaur (79), the wife of former Punjab chief minister Amarinder Singh -- the scion of the erstwhile Patiala royal family -- is locked in a four-corner electoral battle in Patiala, widely considered to be a Congress bastion. Ludhiana Lok Sabha Election 2024: This Parliamentary Constituency in Punjab To Witness Multi-Cornered Contest As BJPs Ravneet Singh Bittu Eyes Third Consecutive Victory. Having ended her long association with the Congress and joined the BJP, "Maharani Sahiba" -- as she is often called by her supporters -- holds the keys to the saffron party's fortunes in Punjab, where it is contesting the Lok Sabha elections independently. Kaur was suspended by the Congress last year after Singh joined the BJP. She switched to the saffron party this March. The Patiala constituency is considered to be Kaur's stronghold. She represented it in the Lok Sabha for three consecutive terms in 1999, 2004 and 2009 before suffering defeat in the 2014 elections to AAP's Dharamvira Gandhi. She was re-elected from the seat in 2019 and returned to the Lok Sabha. Gandhi, a doctor by profession and a philanthropist, is now with the Congress and will take on Kaur in Patiala. AAP has fielded Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh while NK Sharma, a realtor, is contesting on a Shiromani Akali Dal ticket. In one of her public meetings, Kaur referred to herself as the "daughter of Patiala" and said she will use the trust reposed in her by the people to provide all-round development in the constituency, once elected. "This election is not merely about politics. It is about the renewal of my relationship with the people of Patiala constituency," she said. "People's unwavering 'bharosa (trust)' and 'ashirwaad (blessings)' are my greatest treasures," she added. Kaur urged the people to secure Narendra Modi's third term as prime minister and said she will bring development to Patiala if it allows her to be part of Modi's "team". "Modi provided Ayushman (Bharat) cards to people above 70 years of age so that they can get free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh," she said. After June 4, with the trust of the people, Kaur said she will complete the development in every part of Patiala. She also slammed Punjab's AAP dispensation, saying the Modi government granted permission for the Rs 752 crore-northern bypass of Patiala but the state government has not yet been able to release its share of Rs 250 crore of the total project cost. "People of AAP will not be able to get any votes by making false promises," she said. Kaur herself has faced protests from farmers, who are confronting BJP candidates in Punjab with black flags and posing questions to them. Her political opponent and Congress nominee Gandhi slammed the BJP government at the Centre, alleging that farmers are still protesting as their demand for a law on the minimum support price for crops and implementation of the Swaminathan Commission's recommendations have not been accepted. Shiromani Akali Dal's Sharma, a former MLA, slammed Kaur and said she failed to take up a single development work for the people despite being an MP for 20 years and her husband serving as chief minister twice. Referring to the state's previous Congress government when Singh was the chief minister, Sharma said it reneged on its promise to wipe out drugs in four weeks and farm debt waivers. Punjab Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Keen Battle on Cards in Khadoor Sahib Seat as Jailed Sikh Preacher Amritpal Singh Enters Poll Fray. He also lashed out at AAP over not honouring its poll promise of giving Rs 1,000 to every woman, despite being in government for more than two years. AAP's Balbir Singh, a doctor, is banking on the Bhagwant Mann government's work, including providing government jobs, opening of more than 800 mohalla clinics and supplying free electricity, to woo the electorate. The Patiala constituency, which has 18.06 lakh registered voters, comprises the Nabha, Patiala (Rural), Rajpura, Dera Bassi, Ghanaur, Sanour, Patiala, Samana and Shutrana assembly segments. Since 1952, the Congress has won the seat 10 out of 17 times. The Shiromani Akali Dal has thrice won the seat. Punjab's 13 Lok Sabha seats go to the polls in the last phase of the elections on June 1. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Mayurbhanj (Odisha) [India], May 26 (ANI): Union Minister and BJP candidate from the Sambalpur Lok Sabha seat, Dharmendra Pradhan, conducted a roadshow in Odisha's Baripada on Sunday despite the rainy weather. "This is the home district of President Droupadi Murmu. I am fortunate to come here to appeal to the people to form the BJP government in Odisha and make PM Modi the PM for the third time," Pradhan said while speaking to ANI. Also Read | Tornadoes in US: Eight Killed As Tornadoes Leave Trail of Death and Destruction. "It is for the love of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, that despite the rainy condition here, people in such large numbers have gathered here," he said. Slamming the current BJD government in Odisha, Pradhan said, "Literate individuals in Mayurbhanj are unable to find employment, causing many to leave in search of jobs elsewhere. The lack of essential services like drinking water, doctors, and teachers leads to dissatisfaction among the public. The prevailing sentiment in the nation favors the BJP," Pradhan said while speaking to ANI. Also Read | Adani Mundra Port Creates Another Record, Welcomes Largest Container Ship MSC Anna in India Docks (See Pics). Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is contesting against Congress party's Nagendra Kumar Pradhan in the Sambalpur Lok Sabha constituency. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, BJP's Nitesh Ganga Deb won against BJD leader Nalini Kanta Pradhan by securing 473,770 votes. In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections in the state, the Biju Janata Dal emerged as the largest single party, winning 20 of the 21 Lok Sabha seats. The BJP had to be content with just a lone seat. However, in the 2019 polls, the BJP came up with a much-improved showing, marking significant electoral strides to win 8 seats while the BJD's tally dropped to 12. The improved presence was largely attributed to a boost in the BJP's organizational presence in the state. The assembly and Lok Sabha elections in the BJD-ruled state are being held across four phases--from May 13 to June 1. The counting of votes for all phases in the state and elsewhere will be held on June 4. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Agartala (Tripura) [India], May 26 (ANI): Flight operations between Kolkata and Agartala have been suspended with the cancellation of all arrivals from Kolkata till Monday morning as Cyclonic Storm "Remal" intensifies over the Bay of Bengal. According to Agartala airport authorities, all flight arrivals from Kolkata to the city have been cancelled till 9 am on May 27. Also Read | Rajkot Gaming Zone Fire: Devastating Blaze Claims 35 Lives, Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel Conducts On-Site Inspection To Assess Aftermath of Fire (Watch Video). "All flights arriving from Kolkata to Agartala are cancelled till 0900 hrs on 27 May 2024. Passengers are being informed by the concerned airlines. Other flights arriving from Delhi, Bangalore, and Guwahati are operating normally. Updates for air traffic will be provided further," Agartala airport authorities said in a statement. Meanwhile, urgent preparatory measures are being taken across Tripura in view of Cyclonic Storm "Remal," which is currently centred over the Bay of Bengal and intensifying into a Severe Cyclonic Storm. Also Read | Tamil Nadu Shocker: Teen Murders 10-Year-Old Boy For Speaking Ill of Mother at School in Madurai. The Indian Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for four Tripura districts for May 27 in light of Cyclonic Storm "Remal." For two other districts, an orange alert has been issued, Tripura Revenue Department Secretary, Brijesh Pandey said. The districts for which a red alert is issued include West Tripura, Khowai, South Tripura, and Dhalai. North Tripura and Unakoti districts are under an orange alert. The Cyclonic Storm "Remal," expected to bring maximum sustained wind speeds of 110-120 kmph with gusts up to 135 kmph, is likely to make landfall around 11 pm on Sunday near Khepupara and Sagar Island. In anticipation of the storm's impact, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) have issued advisories predicting increased rainfall and heavy winds in Tripura from the night of May 26 to May 29. The state is bracing for heavy rainfall and gusty winds in isolated areas during this period. Following the advisories, the Revenue Department of Tripura issued instructions to District Magistrates and Collectors on May 24 to initiate preparatory measures. The Secretary of Revenue (RR&DM) is in constant communication with district officials to ensure comprehensive mitigation efforts. State and District Emergency Operation Centres are operating 24x7 to manage the situation. An urgent meeting of the State Executive Committee (SEC) was held on Sunday morning, chaired by the Chief Secretary at the Civil Secretariat. Key officials, including the Director General of Police (DGP), Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), and representatives from IMD, the Airport Authority, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), attended the meeting. The SEC has asked all schools, educational institutions, and Anganwadi centres to be closed on May 27 and May 28. The Transport Department is coordinating with Railways, the Airport Authority, and road transport services to ensure public safety and inform the public about any cancellations. The NDRF has been requested to deploy a team to Santirbazar to assist South Tripura and Gomati Districts, with State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams on standby. The Food Department will ensure the availability of food and essential supplies. The Fishery Department has alerted fishing communities to avoid lakes, rivers, and reservoirs from May 26 to May 28. The State Government of Tripura urged all citizens to remain calm and assured them that all necessary measures are in place to handle the cyclone's impact. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) London, May 26: Twelve people were injured when a Qatar Airways plane flying from Doha to Dublin on Sunday hit turbulence, airport authorities said. Dublin Airport said in a statement that flight QR017, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, landed safely as scheduled before 1 pm (1200 GMT). It said that upon landing the aircraft was met by emergency services, including airport police and the fire and rescue department, "due to six passengers and six crew... reporting injuries after the aircraft experienced turbulence while airborne over Turkey. Doha-Dublin Flight Suffers Turbulence: 12, Including Crew Members, Injured After Qatar Airways Flight Strikes Severe Turbulence. Qatar Airways said in a statement that a small number of passengers and crew sustained minor injuries in flight and are now receiving medical attention. The incident comes five days after a British man died of a suspected heart attack and dozens of people were injured when a Singapore Airlines flight from London hit severe turbulence. London-Singapore Flight Hits Deadly Turbulence: One Dead, Others Injured After London-Singapore Flight Strikes Severe Turbulence (Watch Video). While turbulence-related fatalities are rare, injuries have piled up over the years. Some meteorologists and aviation analysts note that reports of turbulence encounters also have been increasing and point to the potential impacts that climate change may have on flying conditions. Santiago [Chile], May 26 (ANI): Over three months after the deadly fire in Chile, the authorities have arrested a firefighter and a forestry official on suspicion of starting a blaze that killed 137 people in the resort city of Vina del Mar in February, reported Al Jazeera. "An arrest warrant was issued today against the person who started the fires in February in the Valparaiso region," where Vina del Mar is located, police director Eduardo Cerna said in a news conference. Also Read | Talat Hussain Dies: Legendary Pakistani Actor Passes Away After Prolonged Illness. A little later, the Valparaiso regional prosecutor's office confirmed the arrest of a second suspect, an official of the National Forestry Corporation (Conaf), the body responsible for fighting forest fires and managing national parks. Both men will be remanded in custody on charges of arson resulting in deaths. Also Read | Landslide in Papua New Guinea: Over 670 People Feared Dead in Enga Province Landslide, Reports UN Migration Agency. Reportedly, several fires broke out simultaneously on February 2 around the coastal city of Vina del Mar, 70 miles (110km) northwest of Chile's capital Santiago, Al Jazeera reported on Saturday. Ivan Navarro, chief of the environmental crime investigation authority, said detectives reconstructed what the arrested firefighter did before, during and after the fire. "We were able to determine the exact locations where the fires broke out and find the device that started them," he said. "We were also able to determine the involvement of a second person, accused of being the mastermind behind the arson. "He provided him with the knowledge to make these devices and also told him the exact times he needed to operate so that the fire would do more damage," Navarro said. Moreover, Public Ministry investigators found that the inferno started with small simultaneous blazes near Lake Penuelas, in the port city of Valparaiso next to Vina del Mar, reported Al Jazeera. Later, hot and windy weather quickly spread the flames. "There were approximately four outbreaks, equidistant from each other," prosecutor Osvaldo Ossandon said. Meanwhile, they also found the materials used to start the fire in the house of one of the suspects, he said. Investigators were also probing potential links to other arson incidents. However, it was unclear what the motive was for the arson. "All of us ... knew that this had been an intentional attack," Vina del Mar Mayor Macarena Ripamonti said. "Today we can have that degree of certainty." Firefighters had been unable to reach the fire due to a lack of roads or were stuck on narrow city streets lined with charred cars. "This is, first and foremost, an act of justice and reparation to those who lost their lives in the fire, to their families, to those who lost all their property, their sources of work and struggle to this day," Interior Minister Carolina Toha said. The inferno, the second deadliest in the world this century, was fuelled by winds and a heatwave. Moreover, it saw temperatures of about 40 degrees Celsius, according to Al Jazeera. The local media reported that the firefighter is a 22-year-old man who joined the volunteer force a year and a half ago. "We are completely devastated by what happened, it is a totally isolated incident ... we have served Valparaiso for more than 170 years and cannot allow such things," Vicente Maggiolo, commander of the 13th Fire Company of the city of Valparaiso, said. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Kathmandu [Nepal], May 26 (ANI): Building pressure from all fronts, the Nepali Congress has launched a full-fledged protest from parliament to the roads, demanding an investigation into Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane. This comes ahead of the Budget announcement for the upcoming fiscal year 2024-25 which is slated for Tuesday-May 28. Also Read | Landslide in Papua New Guinea: UN Migration Agency Fears 670 Dead in Massive Landslide (Watch Video). Congress has been demanding the formation of a parliamentary investigation committee to investigate the misappropriation of cooperative funds which also involves Home Minister Lamichhane. On Sunday, hundreds of opposition cadres from the Kathmandu Valley hit the streets of Kathmandu demanding action against individuals involved in the embezzlement of cooperative funds. Also Read | Memorial Day 2024 Date in the US: Know the History and Significance of the Federal Holiday Honouring Fallen Military Personnel in the United States Armed Forces. "The biggest of all, those who wanted a parliamentary committee to investigate certain issues in the past are refraining from forming the committee now and are sheltering those alleged in the cooperative scams. So, the protest that we have started now would go further depending on the moves that are taken. They (the ruling alliance) in past wanted a parliamentary investigation committee on certain issues and now they've stood against its formation and they're proceeding further with the proceedings in parliament by hook and crook. We now have started the protest both in parliament as well as the roads against the move (by ruling alliance)," Prabin Maharjan, one of the protesting cadres of Nepali Congress told ANI. During the protest, leaders and cadres of the party marched from various locations inside Kathmandu with some travelling from Lalitpur and Bhaktapur as well as demanding action against those guilty of cooperative fraud. Holding the flag of the Nepali Congress as well as its student and women wing, the cadres chanted slogans demanding the resignation of Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane. The protestors from the opposition party have vowed to continue the protest till Lamichhane steps down from his post and facilitates the investigation."We will continue the protest until and unless the Home Minister resigns we will continue with the protest in various forms," Goma Baral, another protesting cadre told ANI.Home Minister Lamichhane is accused of embezzling large funds from the cooperative when he was the managing director of Gorkha Media and other people have been also accused of their involvement in such misappropriations.While the cadres were protesting on the streets of Kathmandu, lawmakers from the opposition were also protesting in the parliament by picketing the well of the House of Representatives.The lawmakers in parliament have been obstructing the budget session of the parliament since the first day of the session that commenced on May 10. However, the opposition parties had allowed the President to table policies and programs of the government.But their demands are unheard by the house speaker and the parliamentary procession has gone forward. Amidst the protest and absence of opposition in the process of acquiring a vote of confidence earlier this month, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal passed the motion from the parliament deploying marshals. On Sunday (May 26), as well, house speaker Deb Raj Ghimire alleged of working on the directives of the ruling alliance moved forward with the schedule endorsing the government's policies and programs amid obstruction from the Nepali Congress. Marshals escorted Finance Minister Barshaman Pun to the rostrum of the parliament to table the Economic Survey of Fiscal Year 2023/24 ahead of the presentation of budget for the coming fiscal year on Tuesday. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal in Sunday's meeting also proposed the lower house to initiate discussions on the policies and the programs for the fiscal year 2024-25 presented by President Ramchandra Paudel before the joint sitting of both houses of the Federal Parliament on May 14. The House discussed the policies and programs for one hour amid protests from the Congress lawmakers. No agreement has been reached between the opposition and ruling alliance over the Terms of Reference (ToR) of the parliamentary committee. Opposition and the ruling alliance are at loggerheads over naming the cooperatives which have duped billions of rupees from the public. Opposition Nepali Congress has been demanding to name the cooperatives and those involved in the embezzlement while the ruling alliance has stood against it.Meanwhile, Prime Minister Dahal on Sunday addressed the house amid the protestby opposition expressed his confidence in a political development to put an end tothe ongoing parliamentary obstructions by Monday, or tomorrow. "I have been holding talks with the opposition leaders as well about ending the houseimpasse; attempts to end it have continued. At the time we felt that we wereinching closer to an agreement and understanding over the issue. Earlier this (May 26) morning only, I held talks with Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and other leaders at the latter residence in an attempt to strike an agreement. By tomorrow(27 May), the budget announcement day (May 28) I am confident that we will reach an agreement," Dahal said while addressing the parliament amid the protest and sloganeering by opposition lawmakers. It should be noted that Home Minister Lamichhane has been accused of fraud in a cooperative duping millions of rupees of savers conspirating with others. Lamichhane has been denying the allegation stating he was unaware of it but evidences of his involvement in the fraud have come forward with the investigation continuing over. Lamichhane had earlier worked with GB Rai, one of the conspirators in the fraud of millions of rupees before he entered politics in the last election, who as of now has gone underground with police widening search for him. An investigative report conducted by Pokhara Metropolis over the alleged fraud in the the cooperative has just been completed this week and submitted to the Police where hundreds of applications naming Lamichhane as one of the involved in fraud hasbeen filed. Home Minister Lamichhane has been accused of misusing his authority to transfer top-positioned police personnel who have been investigating the case. Along with this, he has been blamed for misuse of authority by coercing and forcing the Office of the Attorney General to give him a clean chit on the issue of cooperative fraud. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Leon and Danielle Green are grieving the tragic loss of their 18-month-old daughter, who died the same way as their first baby a short time earlier. A "broken" couple has endured the unthinkable, being forced to say goodbye to their toddler daughter after a rare and "quite complex" condition claimed her life after 18 short months. Its the second heartbreaking tragedy Leon and Danielle Green from Western Australia have been dealt. Just two years ago, they lost their first child Sonny for the exact same reason sadly, he was just nine months old. Leon admits they knew very little then about the rare gene mutation, PPA2, that claimed the lives of both their children. But armed with more knowledge after Sonny's death, they thought things with Airlie would be different. oIt was only after Airlie suffered from ventricular fibrillation (VF) a life-threatening heart rhythm that results in a rapid, inadequate heartbeat at five months old that a geneticist unravelled the unsettling truth, and the couple was finally able to "get closure" for Sonny after a year-long battle for answers. The couple lost their son Sonny (pictured) two years ago to the same condition. He was only nine months old. Source: Supplied "Luckily, my wife was holding Airlie at the time, and she was able to be saved," Leon told Yahoo News Australia, less than three weeks after her death. "We subsequently spent the next six weeks in Perth Children's Hospital, two of which were in ICU, and the doctors just couldn't figure out what was wrong." "Through the process, we got our genetics tested and the diagnosis wasnt great," the 40-year-old continued. It was at that point their daughter Airlie was diagnosed PPA-2, with the geneticist confirming their son had the same mutation. Rare gene mutation causes sudden cardiac arrest The PPA-2 gene mutation predominately affects the heart with individuals often experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, triggered by viral infections or alcohol. The situation with Airlie became "quite complex" Leon said, admitting she had "a very strict medical emergency plan" for whenever she got sick. "She was a happy, healthy girl until she got sick, and she got through multiple viruses. We were very positive about how her journey was going," the father revealed. "We started a support group online and found bunches of other families across the world going through a similar crisis. The group was growing. We just dedicated our life to getting answers and how to best manage her when she was unwell." Sonny (left) and Airlie (right) both had the PPA-2 gene mutation which causes sudden cardiac arrest triggered by viral infections. Source: Supplied 'Traumatic' turn of events after hospital visit However, things took a turn for worse when the little one was rushed to the hospital after "vomiting a couple of times" earlier this month. Gastro is what triggered her first cardiac episode, so a visit to the emergency was essential. She was sent home 24 hours later after being given the all-clear. But two days later, on May 4, which was also Leon's birthday, the couple rushed her back when the 18-month-old continued to vomit, sparking concern. "That's when everything just went downhill," Leon recalled. "It was an extremely traumatic day and unfortunately we lost her." "She went into a metabolic crisis, which then dropped her blood pressure, raised her heart rate, and unfortunately, they just couldn't stabilise her," he explained. "She ended up going into cardiac arrest. We were given a really difficult decision (with the ICU surgical team), of whether to continue with the resuscitation or to let her die." Couple 'broken' after losing two children the same way The couple, who live in Baldivis, about 46 kilometres south of Perth, have been unable to return to work in "fear of facing everyone," and any future family plans they had are now on hold. "We're broken," Leon said in the midst of planning a funeral for another child. "We're going through all of the real rough stuff that we have to do. It's super taxing, emotionally," he said. Friends of the couple have launched a GoFundMe page in a bid to provide them with "time off work to heal," with any extra funds being donated to the Starlight and the Heart Kids foundations. The couple (pictured with Sonny) are 'broken' after losing both children to teh same condition. Source: Supplied. Plans for family crushed by double tragedy It was a "very long drawn out process" to get answers to what caused Sonnys death. Danielle fell pregnant again with Airlie "not knowing any of the risk factors". Leon admitted that had they known, they would have considered IVF instead which can detect the gene early. Now they fear it's too late to start again. "We want a family, all we've ever wanted is to have kids. But we're talso, scared about going down that path again to face something like this again for the third time," the father said. "One thing is for sure, we still want to educate people about these types of disorders and take this situation that we've been through and potentially help the next family that has to face that." The couple is calling for standardised genetic testing for expectant parents which could help detect "gene code errors" at an earlier stage which could prevent other families from suffering in the same way they have. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. Islamabad [Pakistan], May 26 (ANI): Electricity supplying company in Pakistan, K-Electric issued a stern warning to cut off power supply to the departments of the Sindh government over remaining dues amounting to billions of rupees, reported ARY News, citing sources. According to the sources close to the development, the Sindh government and the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) have not cleared any payments to K-Electric since January. Also Read | Talat Hussain Dies: Legendary Pakistani Actor Passes Away After Prolonged Illness. The non-payment of dues has led to a financial crisis for K-Electric, causing significant difficulties in network maintenance. In response to these unpaid dues, KE issued letters to key officials, including the Sindh Secretary of Finance and the Mayor of Karachi, urging immediate payment of the outstanding electricity bills, ARY News reported. Also Read | Landslide in Papua New Guinea: Over 670 People Feared Dead in Enga Province Landslide, Reports UN Migration Agency. Earlier this month, K-Electric sent five letters to remind immediate payment of the remaining dues. The Water and Sewerage Board alone owes K-Electric 5 billion rupees. K-Electric has warned that if payments are not made soon, the network could fail, leading to prolonged power outages in the metropolis during the extreme heatwave. In a move to address the power outage issue, K-Electric and the Sindh government decided to form a joint committee in Karachi, ARY News reported. A high-level meeting was held between Sindh Government and K-Electric to discuss power Supply and load shedding in Karachi. During the meeting, it was decided to form a joint committee consisting of representatives of the Sindh Government and K-Electric to address load shedding and other ongoing issues in the city. Moreover, the committee will jointly work on addressing public grievances, ensuring timely bill payments, and developing strategies to minimize load shedding and ensure uninterrupted power supply in the city, reported ARY News. Following this, CEO OF K-Electric highlighted that uninterrupted power supply is not possible without payments of due bills by the Sindh government. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Islamabad [Pakistan], May 26 (ANI): Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has filed a petition in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) against the Capital Development Authority's (CDA) action at the party's central secretariat in Islamabad, Pakistan-based ARY News reported. According to details, PTI leaders Omar Ayub, Shoaib Shaheen, and Amer Baloch have filed the petition in court and requested the court to declare the CDA's demolition order illegal, ARY News reported. Secretary Interior, Chief Commissioner, Chairman CDA, IG, and others have been named respondents in the petition. Also Read | Israel-Palestine War: Death Toll in Gaza Rises To 35,903, Reports Health Authorities. Imran Khan-founded party has criticised the demolition of a portion of PTI's central secretariat. PTI chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan slammed the authorities for 'violating' the sanctity of his party's central secretariat in Islamabad. Gohar Ali Khan said, "In a democracy, the central office of a party is sanctified," and called the bulldozing of central office a "cowardly act." He claimed that PTI's Central Secretariat was demolished without any 'reasons or prior notice', according to ARY News report. Also Read | Vladimir Putin Health Update: Russia President Appeared Frail During Meeting With Belarusian Counterpart Alexander Lukashenko, Says Report. PTI has filed the petition after the Capital Development Authority (CDA) demolished and sealed PTI's Central Secretariat in Islamabad's sector G8/4. According to CDA's official statement, a large-scale encroachment was developed by occupying land near the plot. In a statement, the CDA said its anti-encroachment team launched an operation on Thursday to remove illegal construction and encroachment. The operation started around 11.30 pm (local time) and ended in an hour. The CDA said encroachment by a 'political party' was being removed, adding that the plot was allotted in the name of a person identified as Sartaj Ali, Geo News reported. The CDA said an additional floor was built on the plot in violation of the building rules, according to Geo News report. The government body said it had issued notices to PTI but to no avail. As the operation was being conducted, the party founded by former PM Imran Khan urged its workers to immediately arrive at the secretariat. While the CDA said that it had issued several notices to PTI, the party chairman, Barrister Gohar Khan, said they had not received any orders from the CDA. Khan said that CDA officials were asked to provide documents about the operation, however, they were unable to produce them. He stated, "If there had been any encroachments and they had informed us about them earlier, we would have removed them ourselves." Speaking to reporters outside the office, PTI secretary-general Omar Ayub took a swipe at the CDA, stressing that the party would raise the issue of the CDA in the assembly, according to Geo News report. Ayub said, "The PTI condemns the CDA action in the strongest terms." He stressed that the city administration began the operation at night without prior notice. He also added that police authorities arrested PTI leader Amir Mughal, Geo News reported. After the completion of the operation, the CDA officials sealed the PTI's central office and pasted the order on it. During the operation, PTI activists resisted CDA's attempts to demolish the office, resulting in some party workers being arrested by Islamabad's authorities. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Islamabad [Pakistan], May 26 (ANI): Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader, Yasmin Rashid, who was also the former Health Minister of Punjab province was discharged from the hospital after signs of improvement in her health, ARY News reported citing sources on Sunday. Sources claim that Rashid was sent to the hospital for treatment of stomach problems and dehydration and that she was released when her antibiotic course was completed. Also Read | Tornadoes in US: Eight Killed As Tornadoes Leave Trail of Death and Destruction. According to sources, she has been moved to jail after being released from the hospital as her health has improved. Due to high blood pressure and diarrhoea, the PTI leader was previously moved from Kot Lakhpat Jail to Services Hospital. Also Read | Landslide in Papua New Guinea: UN Migration Agency Fears 670 Dead in Massive Landslide (Watch Video). Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Yasmin Rashid's health is "not satisfactory," Kot Lakhpat Jail's Medical Officer said, according to ARY News. Rashid had a very high blood pressure of 160/110, according to the report, which added that she had been unable to eat or drink anything for the past day, according to the medical officer's report, and as a result, her body was severely dehydrated. Yamin Rashid has been imprisoned due to her alleged involvement in the May 9 riots. In a vandalism case on May 9, she was indicted by an Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) with other party leaders like Main Mehmoodur Rasheed and Ejaz Chaudhry, reported ARY News. On May 9, 2023, the PTI leaders were arrested at Shadman police station for vandalism after the former prime minister was taken into custody in connection with the Al-Qadir Trust scandal. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Moscow, May 26 (AP) Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived Sunday in the capital of Uzbekistan where he is to hold talks with President Shavkay Mirziyoyev that are expected to focus on deepening the countries' relations. Putin laid a wreath at a momument to Uzbekistan's independence in Tashkent and held what the Kremlin said were informal talks with Mirziyoyev. The formal meeting of the presidents is to take place Monday. Also Read | Tornadoes in US: Eight Killed As Tornadoes Leave Trail of Death and Destruction. The visit is Putin's third foreign trip since being inaugurated for a fifth term in May. He first went to China, where he expressed appreciation for China's proposals for talks to end the Ukraine conflict, and later to Belarus where Russia has deployed tactical nuclear weapons. Ahead of the Uzbekistan trip, Putin and Mirziyoyev discussed an array of bilateral cooperation issues, including trade and economic relations, the Kremlin said. (AP) Also Read | Landslide in Papua New Guinea: UN Migration Agency Fears 670 Dead in Massive Landslide (Watch Video). (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Colombo, May 26 (PTI) Sri Lanka's powerful Rajapaksa clan, which suffered political battering due to the country's worst economic crisis in 2022, will launch its political comeback bid on Sunday by targeting the impending elections. Former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa, ex-prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and former finance minister Basil Rajapaksa were ousted from power during anti-government protests following the crippling financial and political crisis in 2022. Also Read | Israel-Palestine Conflict: Hamas Denies New Negotiations with Israeli officials Amid Gaza Truce Talks. The ruling Sri Lanka People's Front of the Rajapaksas, commonly known by its Sinhalese name Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), will hold a public rally later in the day in the north central rural town of Thalawa, party member and former minister SM Chandrasena told reporters. He said that Mahinda Rajapaksa would inaugurate the rally, aiming to prepare the party grassroots for the major elections - the presidential or the parliamentary. Also Read | Pakistan Shocker: Man Throws Two Daughters Into Canal After Dispute With Wife Over Maintenance Allowance, One Dead. We will start our campaign to gear the party for whatever the election that comes first, Chandrasena said. According to the Election Act, the presidential election should occur before the parliamentary elections. The next parliamentary election is not due before August 2025. On Wednesday, President Ranil Wickremesinghe reiterated his intention to hold the presidential election this year ahead of the parliamentary election. The SLPP, however, wants the parliamentary election ahead of the scheduled 2025 date. Earlier this month, the Elections Commission said the presidential election would be conducted at a date between September 17 and October 16. The SLPP is yet to announce its candidate, while the two major opposition camps have already announced their presidential candidates. The SLPP went into hiding after the massive street protests began in early 2022, which caused the resignation of the then-president Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The SLPP was forced to elect arch-rival Wickremesinghe to serve the balance term of Gotabaya Rajapaksa. One of the SLPP Members of Parliament was killed by an angry mob. The properties of nearly 100 other party seniors were set on fire in the outpouring of public outrage over their inability to handle the economic crisis. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Kendrapara, May 26: Lack of industries, unemployment and migration of skilled workforce are the main issues in Kendrapara Lok Sabha constituency in coastal Odisha from where BJP national vice president Baijayant Panda is contesting against BJD's Anshuman Mohanty. Kendrapara parliamentary constituency has sent a galaxy of political heavyweights including late Biju Patnaik and former Lok Sabha Speaker Rabi Ray to the Lok Sabha in the past. This time, the fight is mainly between Panda and Mohanty with Sidharth Swarup Das of Congress also in the fray. Elections to the Kendrapara Lok Sabha constituency will be held on June 1. This coastal region is primarily an agrarian belt with people largely dependent on farming for sustenance. The district, despite sending several political heavyweights to Lok Sabha and state Assembly, still does not figure in the industrial map though the Naveen Patnaik government in December last year had approved ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel's proposal to set up a Rs 1,02,275 crore worth mega steel project at Mahakalpara block of Kendrapara district. Mayurbhanj Lok Sabha Election 2024: Voters in President Droupadi Murmu's Native Village Focus on Youth Unemployment, Education and Other Key Concerns Ahead of Polls on June 1. Migration of skilled workforce is a common factor here as employment opportunities here are few and far. The skilled plumbers from this region have made their presence felt across the globe. The plumbers are much sought-after for their workmanship and dexterity. Exodus of plumbers to overseas is a recurring phenomenon. Just like nurses from Kerala, Kendrapara plumbers are much in demand in Gulf countries for their professional approach to work. The region, home to Bhitarkanika National Park and Olive Ridley turtle habitat of Gahirmatha marine sanctuary, virgin beaches, is yet to be utilized for ecotourism-related economy. "I know for sure; there will be no visible change whoever wins. Kendrapara will remain the same as it was... Though there has been improvement in infrastructure in the form of road infrastructure, river bridges and rail lines, employment opportunities elude the youths here," rued an elderly voter from Kendrapara town, Subhash Chandra Mohanty. Panda, an industrialist was elected to Lok Sabha twice from the Kendrapara seat in 2009 and 2014 on BJD ticket. He was also a two-time BJD Rajya Sabha MP from 2000 to 2009. Panda was suspended from the Naveen Patnaik-led BJD before the 2019 Lok Sabha polls on charges of anti-party activities and later he resigned from the party as well from Lok Sabha. Mayurbhanj Lok Sabha Elections 2024: JMM Picks Anjani Soren to Contest Against BJP's Naba Charan Majhi and BJD's Sudam Marndi in This Constituency. Panda lost to BJD's Anubhav Mohanty by a margin of 1,81,483 votes in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Mohanty, a Congress deserter and former MLA had joined the BJD days before the polls. The Congress candidate Das is a political greenhorn with zero experience in Vidhan Sabha or Lok Sabha election. The poll fight, according to observers, will be principally between BJP's Panda and BJD's Mohanty, son of veteran politician late Nalinikanta Mohanty who was expelled from BJD in 2000 by CM Naveen Patnaik. The Aul, Mahakalpada, Rajnagar, Kendrapara, Patkura, Kisannagar and Mahanga Assembly segments constitute the Kendrapara Lok Sabha constituency spread across Kendrapara district with parts in Cuttack district. Significantly, all the Assembly seats coming under the parliamentary constituency were bagged by the BJD . The parliamentary constituency is home to 17,91,112 voters including 42,181 first-time voters. It has 9,26,275 male voters and 8,64,837 female. Biju Patnaik had won the seat thrice successively in 1977, 1980 and 1984. Former Lok Sabha Speaker Rabi Ray had won consecutive elections from Kendrapara in 1989 and 1991. New Delhi, May 25: An estimated voter turnout of 61.2 per cent was recorded in the sixth phase of the Lok Sabha election on Saturday in 58 constituencies across six states and two Union territories, with the polling percentage in the Jangal Mahal region of West Bengal touching 79.47. Incidents of violence, including an alleged assault on a BJP candidate, minor clashes and protests were reported from West Bengal while there were instances of EVM malfunctioning at some places, including Delhi. Jharkhand recorded a turnout of 63.76 per cent, Uttar Pradesh 54.03 per cent, Bihar 55.24 per cent, Jammu and Kashmir 54.3 per cent, Haryana 60.4 per cent, Odisha 69.56 and Delhi 57.67 per cent, according to the figures updated at 11:45 pm by the EC on its voter turnout app. The EC said polling percentage in the Anantnag-Rajouri seat in Jammu and Kashmir is the highest in 40 years. With the conclusion of this phase, polling is now complete in 486 seats in 28 states and Union territories. The last of the seven phases of polling in 57 seats is scheduled on June 1 and counting of votes will be taken up on June 4. Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 6: EVM Related Complaints From Some Polling Stations in Delhi With large parts of India sweltering under a heatwave, arrangements for cold water, coolers, fans and tents were made at several polling stations. Wheelchairs were also kept for the assistance of elderly voters. The EC had directed election officials and state machineries to take adequate measures to manage the adverse impact of hot weather. Over 11.13 crore voters - 5.84 crore male, 5.29 crore female and 5120 third gender - were eligible to exercise their franchise in this phase. The Election Commission (EC) deployed around 11.4 lakh polling officials at 1.14 lakh polling stations. Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti, who is contesting from the Anantnag-Rajouri seat in Jammu and Kashmir, staged a sit-in outside Bijbehara police station on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway in Anantnag district against alleged detention of her party workers and polling agents. She also claimed outgoing calls on her mobile number were suspended. Police, however, said those detained were overground workers and the action was taken to ensure smooth conduct of elections. Mehbooba's daughter and PDP leader Iltija Mufti alleged polling was deliberately slowed down at a booth in the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency, a charge denied by the administration. In the national capital, President Droupadi Murmu, Union ministers S Jaishankar and Hardeep Singh Puri, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi minister Atishi and Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi were among those who cast their votes. CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat alleged she had to wait for almost an hour to cast her vote as the battery of the EVM control unit at her polling booth "drained out". The District Election Officer later said the battery was replaced within 15 minutes. West Bengal Lok Sabha Election 2024: 318 People Arrested in State for Violence Amid 6th Phase of Polling Besides all the seven seats of Delhi, polling was held in 14 constituencies in Uttar Pradesh, all 10 seats in Haryana, eight seats each in Bihar and West Bengal, six seats in Odisha, four seats in Jharkhand and one seat in Jammu and Kashmir. Simultaneously, polling was being held for 42 assembly constituencies in Odisha and the Karnal assembly bypoll in Haryana. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kejriwal and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge urged voters to exercise their right to franchise in the penultimate phase of the Lok Sabha elections in large numbers. In Haryana, BJP's Karnal Lok Sabha seat candidate Manohar Lal Khattar and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, who is contesting the Karnal assembly bypoll, were among the first to cast their votes at their respective booths. Saini, accompanied by his family members, cast his vote in his native Mirjapur Majra village in Ambala district's Naraingarh. Khattar exercised his franchise at a polling booth in Karnal's Prem Nagar. In West Bengal, voting was held in the tribal belt Jangal Mahal region, spanning five districts. A hotspot for identity politics, the region sends eight representatives to Lok Sabha from Tamluk, Kanthi, Ghatal, Jhargram, Medinipur, Purulia, Bankura, and Bishnupur seats. Out of the eight seats, the BJP won five and TMC bagged three in the 2019 polls. BJP's Jhargram candidate Pranat Tudu claimed his convoy was attacked in Garbeta area of Paschim Medinipur district, following which security personnel escorting him were injured and had to be hospitalised. Tudu also received injuries on his forehead, which needed medical attention. Minor clashes broke out between supporters of the ruling TMC and BJP in the Ghatal constituency over stopping polling agents from entering the booths. In the Midnapore constituency, BJP candidate Agnimitra Paul faced "go back" slogans from TMC activists. Subsequently, a scuffle broke out between BJP and TMC activists, following which central forces reached the spot to disperse the mob. A group of people shouted slogans against BJP candidate and former Calcutta High Court judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay when he reached the polling booth in Tamluk. In Uttar Pradesh, polling was held for Sultanpur, Pratapgarh, Phulpur, Allahabad, Ambedkar Nagar, Shrawasti, Domariyaganj, Basti, Sant Kabir Nagar, Lalganj, Azamgarh, Jaunpur, Machhlishahr and Bhadohi seats. Around 82.16 lakh voters, including 40.09 lakh females, were eligible to exercise their franchise in Giridih, Dhanbad, Ranchi and Jamshedpur constituencies of Jharkhand. In a bid to increase polling percentage in urban booths of Ranchi, the district administration tied up with a bike-taxi aggregator to provide free pick-and-drop facilities to voters. In Bihar, 86 candidates are in the fray in the eight seats of Valmiki Nagar, Pashchim Champaran, Purbi Champaran, Sheohar, Siwan, Gopalganj, Maharajganj and Vaishali. Officials said 107 people were arrested or detained in the state for causing disruptions and attempting to hinder the voting process. Security forces seized Rs 2.86 crore in cash and 3.53 lakh litres of liquor worth Rs 9.46 crore from various locations within the eight seats during the day. Celebrations erupted across India following Payal Kapadia's historic Grand Prix win at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. Her film, All We Imagine As Light, secured the prestigious award and scripted history at Palme d'Or. Amid this, Ali Fazal slammed FTII ( Film and Television Institute of India) for celebrating Kapadia's Cannes win. FTII, which has a pending case against Payal for leading student protests, congratulated her as an alumna. This hypocrisy sparked Fazal's criticism, highlighting the unresolved issue between Payal and the institute. PM Narendra Modi Congratulates Payal Kapadia For Scripting History With All We Imagine As Light's Win at Cannes 2024! Ali Fazal Slams FTII Uhhh please dont. Just dont. https://t.co/UcBzjUp4GO Ali Fazal M / / (@alifazal9) May 26, 2024 (SocialLY brings you all the latest breaking news, viral trends and information from social media world, including Twitter, Instagram and Youtube. The above post is embeded directly from the user's social media account and LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body. The views and facts appearing in the social media post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY, also LatestLY does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.) Nicki Minaj was recently detained by Dutch police authorities for allegedly carrying drugs. In a video captured on her Instagram Live, the rapper was seen speaking with police officials at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport. Although the police initially confirmed that they had detained a 41-year-old American woman "on suspicion of exporting soft drugs," they did not confirm her identity as Minaj. However, it has now been confirmed that Minaj has been released after paying a 'reasonable' fine. A spokesperson for the military police stated, "There's no reason for us to keep her in custody any longer. We have all the information on file. Case closed." Nicki Minaj Arrested For Carrying Marijuana In Amsterdam During Instagram Live; Video Goes Viral - WATCH. Nicki Minaj Freed After Arrest at Amsterdam Airport for Carrying Soft Drugs Nicki Minaj has been freed with a fine after being arrested at an Amsterdam airport earlier. pic.twitter.com/3LfRLLbNHA Pop Base (@PopBase) May 25, 2024 (SocialLY brings you all the latest breaking news, viral trends and information from social media world, including Twitter, Instagram and Youtube. The above post is embeded directly from the user's social media account and LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body. The views and facts appearing in the social media post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY, also LatestLY does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.) Washington, May 26: At least eight people were killed as tornadoes created havoc in the US states of Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas, destroying buildings and a fuel station where scores of people were taking shelter and leaving thousands of people without power, reports said on Sunday. Severe storms had formed over the states, where temperatures are running high, on Saturday night (local time), with Texas' Cooke County, north of Dallas, among the worst-affected areas, the BBC reported. Local Sheriff Ray Sappington told local media that at least five people had been killed, and the number was likely to grow. Oklahoma Tornado: Four Killed After Multiple Large Tornadoes Hit US State (Watch Videos). Meanwhile, search and rescue operations were on and they were hopeful of finding survivors, he added. Footage on local media showed a fuel station almost completely destroyed, with twisted metal and damaged vehicles. In Oklahoma, two people were killed in Mayes County and six others were injured, the BBC reported, citing the local emergency management authority. US Storm: Tornadoes Tear Through Southeastern US As Powerful Storms Leave Three Dead. One death was reported in Arkansas, as per US media reports. The tornadoes also affected surface traffic, leaving lorries overturned and highways shut, while the power supply was snapped as poles were uprooted. Officials said that it could take days to restore services. Parts of Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, and Tennessee were at risk of severe weather on Sunday, after the havoc in the Southern Plains, as per reports. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 26, 2024 10:29 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Commonly referred to as lawn grubs, the fall armyworm was first discovered in Australia just four years ago - and now it won't leave. Authorities are warning farmers to be on the lookout for fall armyworm, which is threatening winter cereals. Source: Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Officials are warning farmers to be extra vigilant in the coming weeks as a "widespread fall armyworm infestation" continues to wreak havoc across crops in Queensland and northern NSW threatening winter cereals. Back in February, Yahoo reported that a "perfect storm" of conditions contributed to the reemergence of the unwelcome backyard bandit, after a season of prolonged summer rains across much of the east coast. Commonly referred to as lawn grubs, residents in Queensland earlier reported that fall armyworm (FAW) infestations ruined their yards, with farmers scrambling over how best to deal with the notorious species of pest, that was first discovered in Australia just four years ago. Now months on, authorities are reissuing their plea, warning Aussies to be extra wary of the invasive species, with oats, wheat, barley, triticale and rye all on the chopping block. The invasive pest first appeared in Australia in 2020 and has infested crops up and down the east coast. Source: Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Winter cereals threatened amid fall armyworm infestation These winter favourite cereals are particularly susceptible to the fall armyworm, with regions including the Lockyer and Fassifern Valleys, the inner Downs, Southern Downs, Western Downs and Central Queensland currently copping the brunt of the infestation. Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, a spokesperson for Queensland's Department of Agriculture and Fisheries said "the drivers" aren't completely clear because "we have limited experience with FAW in Australia", with it having only been discovered for the first time in the country in 2020. "[The infestation] is likely to be linked to favourable environmental conditions including rainfall that has resulted in abundant hosts (crop and non-crop), high humidity and temperatures, and crops being suitable and available for longer," the spokesperson told Yahoo. Farmers are being urged to delay planting crops until the cooler months, where possible. Source: Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries "This is the first year since the arrival of FAW that we have seen widespread infestation of winter cereals resulting in crop loss. "There were significant areas of crop loss through late February and March, but cooling temperatures have slowed FAW populations and reduced the overall risk of crop loss." Though reports received through May "have reduced", the pests are "still trickling in from the more easterly zones where temperatures are still mild" and farmers must check "all winter cereals within 10 days of emergence", the spokesperson added. Agriculture authorities warm farmers to 'delay planting crops' "Forage crops can tolerate some defoliation once established, grain varieties will be less tolerant," they said. "If FAW is still active in your district, if feasible, delay planting susceptible crops until it is cooler will reduce the risk of damaging infestations of FAW. "If crop loss has occurred and resowing planned, FAW larvae may still be present in the soil and may cause damage to the resown crop as it emerges. "Check the soil and any remaining plants before resowing. Where crops are severely defoliated by FAW, neighbouring crops are at risk of infestation as large larvae walk out of the damaged crop looking for other sources of food. If FAW is detected, growers should seek support from their local agronomist." The species originated in the Americas and after arriving on the Australian mainland four years ago, they're almost certainly here to stay. There is plenty farmers can do to fight back, including crop checks, pesticides, and biological controls such as wasps, however there is no panacea. According to the experts, the FAW has never been eradicated from any country it has invaded. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories. Washington, May 26: At least 11 people were killed and several others injured as tornadoes wreaked havoc in the US states of Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas, destroying buildings, power and gas lines, and a fuel station where many people were sheltering, reports said on Sunday. Severe storms had formed over the states, where temperatures are running high, on Saturday night (local time), with Texas' Cooke County, north of Dallas, and Denton County among the worst-affected areas, accounting for seven fatalities, the BBC reported. Tornadoes in US: Eight Killed As Tornadoes Leave Trail of Death and Destruction. Cooke County Sheriff Ray Sappington told local media that authorities feared that the toll was likely to rise. Meanwhile, search and rescue operations were on and they were hopeful of finding survivors, he added. Footage on local media showed a fuel station almost completely destroyed, with twisted metal and damaged vehicles. In Oklahoma, two people were killed in Mayes County and six others were injured, the BBC reported, citing the local emergency management authority. Two deaths, including of a woman, found dead in her wrecked house, were reported in Arkansas, as per US media reports. Police officials in Arkansas's Rogers city said they had rescued several people who were trapped after tornadoes downed trees and power lines, and damaged gas supply lines. Oklahoma Tornado: Four Killed After Multiple Large Tornadoes Hit US State (Watch Videos). The tornadoes also affected surface traffic across Texas, leaving lorries overturned and major highways shut, while the power supply was snapped as many poles were uprooted. Officials said that it could take days to restore services. Parts of Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, and Tennessee were at risk of severe weather on Sunday, after the havoc in the three states, as per reports. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 27, 2024 12:05 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). DEAR MISS MANNERS: I was raised right and know my forks and honorifics, but it seems some rules may have changed. I find myself frequently unsure whether something is a gift, in which case Id simply say thank you, or if I should offer reimbursement. To wit: A close friends daughter was traveling to a European city in which Id lived years ago. The daughter texted me and asked if Id like to have something from there. I said why, yes, and she brought me the item I requested. Gift or reimburse? Does it matter that the daughter is a college student and was traveling on a scholarship? Im traveling across the country to visit my daughter for the holidays. Her boyfriends family is hosting the main holiday meal. They asked if Id like to go with them to a (pricey) event the day after. Gift or reimburse? In conversation over lunch at work, I shared that I hadnt been able to find a particular brand of beer that my husband especially likes. A colleague turned up a few days later with a six-pack hed found at a specialty grocery. Gift or reimburse? Does it matter that the colleague is subordinate to me, though I am not his supervisor? In each case, Ive assumed these items were gifts and have said a hearty thank you, but I wonder if Im right. GENTLE READER: If there is even a remote chance that something was not a present, it is far more gracious to ask and be rebuffed than to have assumed incorrectly. In each of the cases you cite, there seems to Miss Manners to be room for interpretation. If the traveling daughter had brought you an unsolicited souvenir, it would definitely be a present. But your having dictated what it was makes it questionable. The boyfriends family may have had an extra ticket they were happy to get use out of -- or they may have felt it polite to include you, as you were in from out of town. The exorbitant cost of the ticket makes it worth asking. And while the colleague one was most likely a gift, any question of subordinance makes it prudent to ask. In each case, all that need be said is, That is so kind. May I reimburse you? Unless someone is actively looking for an insult, it would be a stretch to find this offensive. If they were indeed presents, the giver could simply say, Dont be silly. It was my pleasure. *** (Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.) A Bethlehem man died Saturday afternoon while tubing in the Lehigh River in Carbon County, according to a news release. Chad Mumbauer, 44, was tubing in the Lehigh River near the Delaware and Lehigh Heritage Corridor in Parryville, Carbon County, according to a news release from Carbon County Deputy Coroner Jason Nicholas. Mumbauer was pronounced dead at 3:20 p.m. Saturday, the release says. The cause and manner of death are pending an autopsy scheduled for Monday. At this time the incident is being investigated as an accident, Nicholas said. The Carbon County coroners office and the Lehighton Police Department are investigating the death. The depth and current of local rivers can be deceiving. A spokesperson for the nearby Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area recommends swimmers wear life jackets while swimming in rivers. For more information about safe swimming in local rivers, streams and lakes, see this report published Sunday under lehighvalleylive.coms Penns Woods banner. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to Lehighvalleylive.com. Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. A sawmill worker claimed he was a bit wobbly but not falling in front of traffic in Portlaoise. Rory Harris (48) of 3 Library Apartments, Mountrath admitted being drunk on the Mountmellick Road in Portlaoise on May 3, 2024. Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the accused was arrested for his own safety as he was falling out in front of traffic at 7.05pm on the date in question. He said the man had 13 previous convictions. He was all right when he sobered up, I am told, said Sgt Kirby. Solicitor Barry Fitzgerald said his client has an issue with alcohol but was holding down a job at a local sawmills. He is not shy in terms of his work, he said. Mr Fitzgerald said his client was pleading guilty and wasnt playing ducks and drakes with the court. I think he was more of a danger to himself than to anyone else, said Mr Fitzgerald. The defendant took issue with some of the evidence given in court. I wasnt falling into traffic. I was a bit wobbly, he told the sitting of Portlaoise District Court. Judge Andrew Cody said he would strike the matter out if the defendant didnt reoffend and paid 400 to the court poor box by September 23. A woman admitted possessing drugs valued at 6,730 in Laois. Victoria Dalton (27) of Ozman House, Thomas Street, Wexford admitted having cannabis, cocaine, heroin and benzodiazepine on the Abbeyleix Road in Portlaoise on November 25, 2022. Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said it was alleged drugs valued at 6,730 were found in a car along with 1,645 in cash. He explained that there was a co-accused in the case. Sgt Kirby said the DPP had directed that the case only stay in the district court if there is a plea. He said the co-accused wasnt in court. There was a bench warrant in existence when I checked the last time, he explained. Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said her client was entering a guilty plea in relation to the charges. She has been in custody since March in relation to another matter, she said. Ms Fitzpatrick said a probation report had been requested for that case and she believed it would be helpful for her client. Judge Andrew Cody adjourned the case back to Portlaoise District Court on June 10. He said if Judge Nicola Andrews accepts jurisdiction she can deal with mitigation on that date. A court heard a man might not be able to complete community service as he is the subject of a deportation order. Billel Benahmed (34) with an address at Cluain Mhuire, Pallaskenry, Co Limerick admitted a Section 2 assault at Cappakeel, Portlaoise on June 30, 2022. He appeared before Portlaoise District Court where a probation report had been compiled. Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said the defendant had no previous convictions. On reading the report, Judge Andrew Cody said it appears that he isnt suitable for community service. He also said the defendant was dishonest about the incident. Solicitor Josephine Fitzpatrick said he does admit the offence. He just disagrees with the circumstances surrounding it. He is currently under a deportation order but nobody has taken steps to execute that, she explained. She said he hadnt been found not suitable but the probation service had flagged the fact that there was a deportation order. She said an issue might arise where community service was directed but couldnt be finished if he is deported. She said he had attended all of the community service appointments. Judge Cody handed the man a one month sentence which he suspended for two years. At the request of Ms Fitzpatrck, he fixed recognisance in case of appeal. It looks likely that female county councillors in Laois will remain in the minority after the coming local election, with just 11 women numbered among the 47 candidates. Of the 19 seats in Laois, just five are currently held by women. See full list of Laois election candidates here. The Leinster Express / Laois Live spoke to some female councillors past, present and potentially future, to get their views on why they are still a minority. Cllr Thomasina Connell in the Portlaoise Municipal District became the first ever sitting Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council to give birth, in 2022. She was also first in Ireland to avail of some of the new maternity benefits for local representatives. She actually reports no gender negativity directed at her since her election in 2019 as a Fine Gael local representative. I think its a worthwhile thing to do. I would recommend to anyone to put themselves forward. It is a role for anyone in society to enter, regardless of gender. I certainly think that if we want balanced decision making, we need to have representation, she said. She gave her view on reasons for the imbalance. I think its tradition. There havent been as many females as males in politics, and as they say if you cant see it, you cant be it. It was not seen as something women took on as a role or a natural career path, she said. Cllr Connell notes that in the next General Election, there will be a 40% quota of women, but no such quota applies in local elections. Maria McCormack is one of four female candidates for Laois Sinn Fein. It's important for me to be able to represent everyone in my constituency, men, women and children. If someone wants to change their own life for the better, or their community, that just makes them a good person and gender does not come into it. We connect on a human level. When I announced I was running, I got a lot of disgusting comments about appearance, dresscode, body shape, mainly from men. I feel as a woman you are judged and criticised much more than men and I really became aware when I joined Tiktok and I had to block my children to protect them from seeing what people say. I just want to get stuck in and be of service to as many people as I can. Who cares if my hair isn't picture perfect, Maria McCormack said. Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald is 30 years serving as a public representative in Fianna Fail, in Portlaoise Town Council then the Municipal District. She is actually the only female Fianna Fail candidate in the Laois local election. I don't know why that has happened. Within Fianna Fail I've never felt anything but welcome. We have always had a good women's group. I've never had difficulties, the opposite to be fair. I've never had any negative reaction from the public because I'm female. I would encourage everyone to go forward if interested. It is important for women to be represented, it's nice to see women candidates. Four out of the seven Portlaoise councillors are women, I don't think there's any problem here, she said. Overall I deal with the same general council issues as my male colleagues. Being a woman has never stopped me doing my job, Cllr Fitzgerald said. Non-party candidate Pauline Flanagan had previously served in the Portlaoise district. "My experience on the campaign trail has been both challenging and rewarding. I chose to run because I firmly believe in helping others in the Laois community. My mantra is nothing will change if nothing changes. It has of course been challenging at times, balancing family and work, as well as canvassing and campaigning for the past four months, and perhaps that can deter many women from entering political life. One thing I learnt from canvassing in previous elections is the importance of always having someone with me. I simply would not feel safe going out on my own. Additionally, some of my closest friends had bad experiences before - for example / being spat on at the doors. I dont want them experiencing this, so this time round, I have insisted that because I am the candidate, I bring just one friend or family member each time so that they are not on their own at doors. Overall though, I have to say that throughout my journey, I have encountered mainly support, as many constituents appreciate the need for more women in politics and have shown great encouragement, she said. Former Mountmellick Town Councillor Rosemary Whelan served for a decade until 2014. Now a Parliamentary Assistant to Deputy Charlie Flanagan, she turned down an invite by Fine Gael to run for local election. It didnt work for me personally. Elected politics is not for everyone, I love working in the backroom, not on the front line. Im lucky, my work is very flexible, I have a good work / home life balance, she said. She is aware of the rising aggression towards female politicians particularly on social media. When I was elected at 20, Bebo was the thing, there were no social media wars. Things certainly have changed. Its widely reported, women politicians do suffer abuse, with comments on their appearance or their speech, she said. No women currently sit on the six seater Mountmellick Borris-in-Ossory Municipal District. Of the 15 candidates there, just three are female. Rosemary said perhaps the general low number is because it is not a family friendly role. The life of a councillor is difficult, its very busy. There are a lot of functions at night. It is a life choice for some. Things have changed in that you can get maternity leave now, thats amazing. The Government has done a lot of work, but a lot of it is still down to personal choice. Even a male councillor with a young family will find it hard. Its important as females, that our voices are heard. We really are the only ones who can advocate for womens issues to be recognised fairly, Rosemary said. The Women for Election group campaigns against discrimination in politics. They say that incidents of harassment, intimidation and discrimination against women and marginalised groups in politics persist. The group, with An Garda Siochana and See Her Elected published a leaflet of safety tips for election candidates. They include canvassing in pairs, avoiding use of personal social media and phone, and how to report hate crimes. The 2024 Local Elections will take place on Friday, June 7. Well-known Irish social media star Tadhg Fleming and his wife Alannah have welcomed their first child together. Tadhg, one fifth of the famous Kerry family known worldwide for their antics on social media, announced the birth of the couple's daughter, Rae Fleming, on Instagram on Saturday. "Welcome to this mad world lil Rae Fleming," Tadhg captioned the post with a series of cute photos. The couple tied the knot in Alannah's hometown of Fossa in the Prince of Peache Church last summer before celebrating in style at the five-star Dunloe Hotel for the reception. Sharing the joyous news, Tadhg shared numerous photos of the proud parents doting on their new arrival - including little Rae wearing a matching Manchester United jersey to her dad, alongside meeting the couple's internet-famous dogs Otis and Boo. View this post on Instagram A post shared by TADHG FLEMING (@tadhg_fleming) Irish celebs such as Bressie, Carl Mullan, Emma Doran and Roz Purcell flocked to the comment section to congratulate the young couple. Carl Mullan wrote: "Ahhh unbelievable news. Massive congrats to you all. Welcome to the world." Comedian Emma Doran said: " Tadhg! Delighted for you. You'll have a ball. The pics" While Roz Purcell commented: "Ah congrats to you both" Congratulations to the Tadhg and Alannah! Six passengers and six crew members have been injured during turbulence on a flight from Doha to Ireland. In a statement, Dublin Airport said the Qatar Airways flight landed safely as scheduled shortly before 1pm on Sunday. Emergency services, including ambulances, were seen on the ground around the plane after it landed in the Irish capital. 13.30 update: Qatar Airways flight QR107 from Doha landed safely as scheduled at Dublin Airport shortly before 13.00 on Sunday. Upon landing, the aircraft was met by emergency services, including Airport Police and our Fire and Rescue department, due to 6 passengers and 6 pic.twitter.com/Nv6vZC169e Dublin Airport (@DublinAirport) May 26, 2024 The airport added: Upon landing, the aircraft was met by emergency services, including Airport Police and our Fire and Rescue department, due to six passengers and six crew [12 total] on board reporting injuries after the aircraft experienced turbulence while airborne over Turkey. The Dublin Airport team continues to provide full assistance on the ground to passengers and airline staff. The incident comes a week after a British man died and scores were injured when a Singapore Airlines flight from London hit severe turbulence. In a statement Qatar Airways said that a small number of passengers and crew sustained minor injuries in flight and are now receiving medical attention, adding: The matter is now subject to an internal investigation. "I really thought as a teenager that I was kind of artistic, but not creative its only recently that I'm kind of leaning more into thinking of myself as more of a creative person." These were the poignant words expressed by Newbridge artist Fiyin Oluokon, an architecture student who also harbours a massive talent when it comes to mixed-media artwork, some of which has been featured with the local art initiative, PopUpArt Newbridge, and in the Riverbank Arts Centre. Sitting down with the Leinster Leader, the newly turned 21-year-old explained that her family is originally from Nigeria, but she has lived in Newbridge her whole life. A former student of St Conleths Community College (also known locally as 'The Tech'), she explained that while in her secondary school years, she never really considered the possibility of pursuing art. Fiyin explained: "You don't think you can make things on a consistent basis. But with (the freedom of) college, I kind of leaned into more of that. "We started making collages as a design tool, and I really enjoyed it. I fell in love with that process of putting things up and finding different sources and putting them together. And I turned that for myself into an artistic process more than a design tool." When asked about her artistic inspirations, Fiyin said: "Style-wise, it would be Deborah Roberts; she makes collages as well and she talks a lot about identity and childhood, as well as Chantel Walker, shes amazing too. "I also like Sean Hillen, he's an Irish collage artist and makes really beautiful things. I think he uses postcards and stuff (like that) but his work always turns out really beautiful." 'Maybe if I hold my head back' by Fiyin Oluokon. Explaining about whether or not she ever receives the classic 'lightbulb moment', or whether she searches long and hard for inspiration, Fiyin had this to say: "It's a bit of both. I try to feed my creative side but (at the same time) I go to museums a lot. I have lots of photography books, andI love album covers, I'm always looking at records and stuff like that. "I am definitely looking out for things, but at the same time, I try to keep my ears tuned in to what people are saying, because people say interesting things there's interesting ways people talk or different phrases that they use and that can turn into something visual as well. But it's very rare that I get a 'eureka' moment." One intriguing feature of Fiyins work is how she sometimes incorporates poetry into or alongside her collages. She explained: "Sometimes I start with a poem, so it's usually just me detailing my thoughts or getting some kind of theme. A lot of the time my poetry is quite fragmented, so it translates well (into a visual collage)." As for her poetry inspirations, Fiyin admits that she doesnt have any in particular, although she is a self-described 'huge music fan', particularly hip-hop and rap music: "I listen a lot to GZA, especially his album 'Liquid Swords', and also Elucid: he talks about identity and growing up in New York, poverty and, you know, being a Black man in New York. Fiyin also explained that she uses Photoshop to aid her in crafting her artwork, and often stumbles across images online: "(There are) a few websites that I go to frequently and then I use Photoshop, I put it in there and, print it out and put it up and put it back into Photoshop. It's a cyclical process." Elaborating further on her creative process, she said: "Sometimes if I know exactly what I'm doing, then one art piece would only take me a couple of hours. "It doesnt feel like a super long process, I never notice how long it can take sometimes I start a piece and then, suddenly, I look out and its dark outside!" As for why she thinks collages are so appealing, Fiyin said: "Overall, I actually don't know! For me, I guess I just enjoy the process. "I try to make art that I like more so than art for other people, but sometimes other people do like it and it kind of is in the back of your mind as well. "I try to make aesthetically pleasing things, but I also dont want to water it down; if Im trying to get across a certain message, about race, politics or society, I wouldn't try to water that message down to make it more appealing. "But at the same time, I would hope that the visual aspect attracts people and sometimes, a spade is just a spade!" Lastly, when asked about potential future projects, Fiyin said: "I recently did some spoken word and that was fun, so I might do that again." 'Keys to this Castle' by Fiyin Oluokon. Comedian and TV host Patrick Kielty and former Irish president Mary Robinson are set to receive honorary doctorates from Ulster University. Artist Oliver Jeffers and Samantha Barry from US Glamour are also among this years cohort being honoured to inspire the universitys graduates. It comes during a year of celebrations marking 175 years of the Belfast School of Art at the university. Mr Jeffers said he is proud to return to Belfast School of Art this summer for the honour. He described the Belfast School of Art, where he once studied design for visual communication, as a facility that is intrinsic to the citys artistic and cultural heritage. Now dividing my time between Belfast and New York, this award strengthens my connection with the place where I grew up and I am grateful to Ulster University for the honour, he said. However, I do hope Im never on a flight when they ask if theres a doctor on board!. Ms Barry, originally from Co Cork and now based in New York where she is Glamours global editorial director for the Americas and transformed the titles annual women of the year awards to champion diversity, is being celebrated for her achievements in journalism. I am delighted to have been recognised by Ulster University for my work and so excited to be visiting this summer to join the occasion with thousands of graduates as they celebrate after years of hard work and prepare to embark on their careers, she said. Eamonn Mallie is being recognised for his significant contribution to journalism and broadcasting, Betty Carlisle is to be recognised for her work promoting shared education and empowering women from disadvantaged and deprived areas, and Sister Nuala Kelly for her outstanding contribution to the local community after transforming St Louisas College in west Belfast. Ulster University vice-chancellor Professor Paul Bartholomew said they are aiming to celebrate inspirational local people making a global impact. Graduation is a special time of year as we celebrate our outstanding graduates as they come together with friends and family to mark their wonderful achievements, he said. We are committed to nurturing the next generation of leaders who will go on to make a genuine difference in their communities and respective professions in the years that follow their time at Ulster University. With that future in mind, it is a joy to celebrate the work of those inspirational and acclaimed local faces already making a global impact, and we are thrilled to bestow these honorary doctorates. These individuals are leaders in their fields and demonstrate great talent, creativity and integrity. We hope they will be an inspiration to the whole Ulster University community. The honorary doctorates will be conferred during summer graduations which take place from July 1 to 9 across Belfast, Coleraine and Londonderry. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier with his wife Elke Budenbender and French President Emmanuel Macron with his wife Brigitte Macron arrive to visit a Democracy festival to mark 75 years of the German Basic Law and 35 years of the peaceful revolution, in Berlin, Germany, May 26, 2024. CHRISTIAN MANG / REUTERS President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday, May 26, started the first state visit to Germany by a French head of state in 24 years, a three-day trip meant to underline the strong ties between the European Union's traditional leading powers. The three-day, four-stop visit will seek to emphasize the historic importance of the post-war relationship between the two key EU states, as France next month commemorates 80 years since the D-Day landings that marked the beginning of the end of German World War II occupation. Read more Subscribers only Macron and Scholz: Two weakened leaders face a Europe in turmoil While Macron is a frequent visitor to Germany as Paris and Berlin try to coordinate their positions on EU and foreign policy, this is the first state visit with full pomp since Jacques Chirac came in 2000. Macron and his wife, Brigitte, are being hosted by Germany's largely ceremonial president, Frank-Walter Steinmeier. It is "proof of the depth of the friendship between France and Germany" that Macron is visiting as Germany celebrates the 75th anniversary of its post-World War II constitution and before it marks the 35th anniversary in November of the fall of the Berlin Wall, Steinmeier said. Steinmeier is holding a state banquet for Macron at his Bellevue palace in Berlin on Sunday evening before the two presidents travel on Monday to the eastern city of Dresden, where Macron will make a speech on Europe at a European festival, and on Tuesday to Munster in western Germany. The state visit will be followed later Tuesday by a meeting between Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and ministers from both countries at a government guest house outside Berlin. Read more Subscribers only Macron and Scholz coordinate to present united front against China German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung took note of Macron's planned trip to eastern Germany. "Franco-German relations, which are so important for European stability, have long been primarily a relationship with western Germany," the newspaper said. "This is still largely the case today. But Emmanuel Macron is driven by the ambition to change that." The visit was originally meant to take place last July but was postponed at the last minute due to rioting in France following the killing of a 17-year-old by police. Two weeks from elections Germany and France, which have the EU's biggest economies, have long been viewed as the motor of European integration, though there have often been differences in policy and emphasis between the two neighbors on a range of matters. That was evident earlier this year in different positions on whether Western countries should rule out sending ground troops to Ukraine. Both nations are strong backers of Kyiv. Read more Subscribers only On Ukraine, France and Germany can't agree to speak with one voice Macron on Sunday said there has frequently been talk of problems in Franco-German relations over the decades, but "France and Germany together have accomplished extraordinary things they have been at the heart of this Europe." He contrasted that with the countries' history of war against each other until 1945. The trip comes two weeks ahead of European elections where polls show, in a major potential embarrassment for Macron, his coalition is trailing well behind the far right and may struggle to even reach third place. The speech in Dresden, a city where the German Alternative for Germany (AfD) garners considerable support, will likely see Macron warn of the danger the far right poses to Europe. In a keynote address on foreign policy last month, Macron issued a dire warning about the threats to Europe in a changing world in the wake of Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. "Our Europe, today, is mortal and it can die," Macron said. "It can die and this depends only on our choices." Read more Subscribers only Macron's grand ambitions for Europe ahead of EU elections The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas author John Boyne has swiped away criticism of his book, saying that learning the facts of the Holocaust should not be done through reading a novel. The Dublin-born writer, 53, responded to criticism from Jewish groups and historians about his 2006 childrens fiction book, which explores the tragic friendship between the son of an SS officer and a prisoner boy at Auschwitz during the Holocaust. It was turned into a 2008 film starring Sex Education star Asa Butterfield as eight-year-old Bruno, who does not understand what is happening in the camps and thinks the prisoners are wearing pyjamas. Boyne told BBC Radio 4s Desert Island Discs: I think that the current climate that were living in, in publishing, is very nervous of anything that could potentially be controversial. My view on that book, and I have listened to a lot of the criticism, Ive taken it in, some of it I understand, some of it I dont understand it, but what I feel about it is that it is a novel, its subtitled a fable, a work of fiction with a moral at the centre. It was never pretending to be anything more than that. If you want the facts of the Holocaust, dont read a novel, read a non-fiction work. And in all the schools Ive gone to over the years around the world, Ive always made it clear to children: This is a made-up story, these boys did not exist. I dont think theres anything wrong with that. The historians would say: Well, you know, this should not be used as a tool in studying the Holocaust. Of course, it shouldnt be. Its a novel, if youre studying, use a wide range of things, read non-fiction. Again, I did not write a text book. The one thing I would say absolutely in my defence is a whole generation of children has grown up and read that book, and has got some insight into the Holocaust and maybe some of them have gone on and read further about it and got interested in it and that itself, I think its something to be proud of. He has been outspoken of his own experience at Terenure College and alleged that he was sexually abused by a teacher. Boyne that it was a strange moment that the teacher he accused did not go on trial as he died in October of natural causes in his 80s. He said the thing that really upset me was, unlike him being a writer, other people would not be allowed the catharsis of telling their stories. Boyne also called the abuse at Terenure routine and claimed there was definitely a culture of violence in the school. However, he says that there used to be a sort of community spirit when Ireland was more religious. He added: Its such a tragedy that that has been lost, really, because of all the things I mean, have gone on over the years and because of the revelations that really have come out since about 2000, in Ireland. And I remember when I was writing A History Of Loneliness, interviewing the parish priest, and who was kind of telling me that they dont have altar boys or altar girls, even, any more. They just cant take the risk of that because its just not worth the risk and theres a sadness to that, I think. Boyne also said that a running theme through his books has been complicity, which he has explored in The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas and its follow-up All The Broken Places, The Hearts Invisible Furies on someone growing up gay in Ireland and A History Of Loneliness, about clerical abuse. He added: Growing up in Ireland during those years, when we, when people did know a lot about what was going on, and nobody did anything, it baffles me. And even though sometimes they say about writers, that its not the writers job, to find the answers, but to pose the questions better, and I think thats what I tried to do. College student Benjamin Craver was flying high. It was March 2023 and the artificial intelligence tool he helped launch won a $10,000 first-place prize at his universitys startup competition. Six months later, Emory University suspended him and his co-founder for that same AI tool. I was pretty shocked," Craver said in an interview with The Wall Street Journal. A suspension goes on your permanent record forever, basically. I would always have that mark of academic dishonesty, which is upsetting." The AI tool, called Eightball, offers a way to help students study, Craver said. Users upload classroom slides or notes, and the tool uses that information to create flashcards and practice test questions. Craver has filed a lawsuit against Emory in the U.S. District Court in Atlanta, hoping it will get the university to reverse its decision and wipe the suspension from his record. The 20-year-old, who just finished his junior year, said his parents are funding the lawsuit. An Emory spokeswoman declined to comment, saying the university wouldnt comment on pending litigation. In court documents, the school has said Eightball could be used to spread class information outside the school and help Emory students cheat. A report issued by Emorys honor council, which investigates academic misconduct, said the $10,000 prize doesnt mean Emory supported Eightball. Its not up to the university to ensure that the tool is developed ethically, said the report, which was disclosed in court documents. Schools and universities have grappled with how students could use AI without cheating since ChatGPT launched in late 2022. Some schools have embraced AI chat bots, allowing students to use it as a first step to writing papers or finding information. Others have suspended students for cheating. How it started Craver, who is studying history and economics, said he got involved with the AI tool in the winter of 2022. A tech-savvy friend was messing around and building stuff," he said, when he asked Craver to join him to enter the idea in a startup contest at Emory. The two worked together to create a slideshow and an early version of the tool to pitch contest judges. Craver declined to name the friend, who was also suspended, for privacy reasons. The friend isnt named in the lawsuit. A third student who was with Eightball at its start left the company in the summer and wasnt suspended, Craver said. Eightball is different than ChatGPT, Craver said, because instead of pulling information from online sources, Eightball specifically uses class materials that students upload to create flashcards, test questions or build a study guide. It doesnt grab other material from the internet. Craver said his friend built the code for Eightball, while Craver was entrusted to get the word out by creating fliers and social-media posts to attract users. They picked AI because its up-and-coming, said Craver. Its definitely going to affect the world in a huge way, much like the internet did," he said. We wanted to focus on that and try to harness it for something positive." They worked to have a test version ready by March 2023 to enter Eightball in Emorys annual Pitch the Summit event held by the universitys business school, where students pitch their startup ideas. Eightball won first place, beating out six other ideas. We did not expect that at all," said Craver, who says winning the $10,000 prize was a highlight of his time at Emory. It was really cool." They spent the prize money on making Eightball a reality, Craver said. Craver said he went back home to Lexington, Mass., last summer and worked on Eightball. For advice, Craver said he talked to alumni suggested by a dean at Emory. Vanessa Youshaei, an Emory alumna who graduated in 2013 and who judged the pitch contest, said in court documents supporting Craver that she and the other judges were impressed by Eightball, and issues of cheating or using the schools software didnt come up. I for one wish that Eightball had been available when I was a student," Youshaei said in her letter of support, dated May 20. A little freaked out When Craver and his friend went back to school in the fall, the two of them lived together in an apartment. They would work on Eightball together after classes. In November, he was in that apartment when he received an email from the school that said he was at risk of being suspended. Craver said he received no warning from the school before. I was upset and a little freaked out," Craver said about reading the letter on his laptop. I just laid in bed for a while that day." Rob Nelson, who teaches a history of higher education class at University of Pennsylvania and blogs about AI in education, said most universities arent issuing new policies or guidance on how to use AI, but relying on teachers to be clear with students about whats allowed and whats not. Emorys code of conduct says students can use AI, as long as it is cited in their work. Students should ask professors on the appropriate use of AI if theyre unclear about the expectations," the code of conduct says. Craver said he and his friend shut Eightball down at Emory several days after the letter. The tool had been live for a few weeks and didnt have many users, Craver said, though he doesnt know the exact number. I dont think it reached 100 at all," he said. It was a very small handful." Emorys honor council held a hearing in January. In Emorys hearing report, which was included in court documents, the school said it was against its policy for Eightball to be connected to its learning software, where professors post class notes. Craver said Eightball was designed to be connected to the learning software, and no one disapproved of it when it was pitched. Craver appealed the honor councils decision in February. It was denied by the council a month later. His suspension means he cant take classes this summer or fall. Craver said he also wouldnt be able to do his final thesis to graduate, or participate in fall career fairs. Hell have to reapply to the school in the spring, His lawsuit asks Emory to reverse its decision, let him come to school this fall, and to pay damages of more than $75,000. Hes not abandoning Eightball. He and his friend are working on getting it used by students at other universities. My number one goal is to return to school and be able to finish my education," he said. If I can do that and Eightball, then for sure, thatd be really cool." Write to Joseph Pisani at joseph.pisani@wsj.com Online travel aggregator EaseMyTrip resumed online flight and hotel bookings for Maldives after suspending it in support of the government amid India-Maldives row in January. This sparked an outrage on social media platform X, where users shared screenshots of the bookings options available on the online platform. Social Media X user Jay said in a post, 'Nation First' - only as long as it gets you media/marketing leverage. Did I miss an announcement on when they backtracked on their boycott? However, EaseMyTrip co-founder Nishant Pitti, replying to the above tweet, clarified that the company hasn't removed boycott and will make an announcement if do so in the future. Mint has reached out to co-founder Prashant Pitti and will update the story with the response once shared. On January 8, the online travel company indefinitely suspended flight bookings to the Maldives. This decision was prompted by social media posts critical of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made by three Maldivian ministers, who have since been suspended. These posts exacerbated tensions between the neighbouring nations. Commenting on the bold move taken by the company, co-founder Rikant Pitti said in an interview with Mint in February, As a company with significant influence, we acknowledged our duty to preserve the honour of our nation. Recognising the vital role tourism plays in the Maldives' economy, particularly with the substantial support it receives from India, where we stand as the second-largest contributor, we understood the significance and took a stand. Despite the potential impact on our business, our dedication to upholding our country's reputation took precedence. Hence, on the night of January 8th, we made the choice to halt our operations in the Maldives, a stance we unwaveringly maintain. On Friday, the travel booking platform reported a consolidated loss of 15.07 crore for the March quarter, compared to a profit after tax (PAT) of 31.05 crore in the same period last year. According to a regulatory filing, the company reported a profit after tax (PAT) of 103.46 crore for the full financial year ending in March, a decrease from 134.10 crore in the previous fiscal year. The company also announced on Friday its decision to withdraw from the GoAir bid. After careful consideration, I have decided to withdraw from the GoAir bid in my personal capacity. This decision allows me to better focus on other strategic priorities and initiatives that align with our long-term vision and growth objectives. Our commitment to delivering exceptional value and service remains unwavering as we continue to navigate new opportunities and challenges, Nishant Pitti said in a statement. AUBURN Chad Hayden calls it "conviviality of community." That's what it feels like to eat at Pavlos' Restaurant in Auburn, Hayden told The Citizen during a visit there Monday. Though it has "restaurant" in the name, Pavlos' is commonly referred to as a diner for reasons Hayden described. "If I haven't come in for a few weeks, they'll remember I like lemon in my tea," he said. "The waitstaff is phenomenal." Standing near the corner of York and North Streets for 44 years, Pavlos' also sounds like a diner. Upon walking through the door, customers are greeted by an almost musical collage of spoons clinking saucers and coffee cups, silverware scraping plates and, perhaps most of all, conversation. Some takes place at tables, some at the long counter with ringed silver stools another diner signature. Diners on Diners Diners on Diners is a new monthly feature in The Citizen sharing the stories of local diners through the eyes and experiences of the people who frequent them. To suggest a restaurant for a future edition, email david.wilcox@lee.net, call (315) 282-2245 or message @auburncitizen on Facebook. More than a restaurant, or a diner, Pavlos' feels like home to many of its customers. The wooden walls are covered by photos of community, and family. That family belongs to the diner's longtime owner and namesake, Pavlos Nestopoolos, who runs it with his wife, Alexandra, or "Sandy," and their daughter, Kelly Ambroggio. But the community is their family as well, they said. We make connections, Ambroggio said. Were going to go to every table and check on (our customers). Everyone knows (my father) by his doing that. The Nestopoolos family even tries to remember the name of every customer. Some are easy because the diner served their parents, and sometimes their grandparents. Customers Richard and Debbie Look can confirm that. "My dad came here," Richard told The Citizen, "So we started." Dollars and a dream Nestopoolos, now 83, opened his diner in 1980, 14 years after he came to America from Greece. The rest of his family remained there. While speaking to The Citizen, his back faced the diner's exposed kitchen area. Above the entrance hangs a large photo with a hillside view of his Greek hometown. Despite having the opportunity to start a new chapter in his life, he didnt arrive in Auburn with a completely blank slate. His uncle owned Poolos, a candy store on Genesee Street open from 1870 to 1972. Before helping his uncle with the family business, Nestopoolos first job in his new hometown was washing dishes at the Springside Inn in Fleming. Eventually, he wanted to work for himself instead of others. He planned to open Pavlos' in a former two-apartment building but not everyone saw the same potential. He went to get a bank loan and they asked where he was going to open the restaurant, Sandy said. They told him he was nuts (for opening on York Street). Nestopoolos played it safe by opening the diner with the main seating area. As the business grew, he renovated the back rooms one at a time. The bank sent him flowers to congratulate him on the opening, but he sent them back. One secret to the diner's early success was dollar bills with Nestopoolos' face instead of George Washington's. They were handed out to customers, particularly the truckers who frequented the diner in the '80s. But after a visit from the U.S. Treasury, the bills were taken out of circulation. The department confiscated all of them except at least one that remains in the family's possession. In another unusual way of doing business, Nestopoolos would often take orders verbally from customers. He would cook and serve their food, and they would cash themselves out at an unlocked register. He was never short, Sandy said. Affordable and authentic Pavlos' has always leaned on American cuisine. Nestopoolos said there wasn't enough of a Greek population in Auburn to serve ethnic fare like moussaka. Its all new to them, he told The Citizen on Monday at one of his diners tables in the Greek accent that has stayed with him for four decades. When it opened, the diner boasted a 99-cent special with eggs, toast, home fries and coffee. The family continues to strive for affordability, with most items falling below $10 and many below $5. Over the years, Nestopoolos introduced more of a Greek flair to the menu. He credited his mother and grandmother for the culinary inspiration. The diner's omelets, for example, aren't the typical, folded-over egg blanket stuffed with ingredients. They're looser, held together by egg and cheese but not quite a scramble. Pavlos' stays affordable, and authentic, without sacrificing quality, Sandy said. Much of the food is homemade. The turkey and ham is cooked in the kitchen, not sliced deli meat. The family is also flexible, having served Spam with eggs and cottage cheese omelets when requested by customers, as well as gluten-free options. Liver and onions is another big seller, Ambroggio added. We like to try new things, Sandy said. "Sometimes people ask us for weird stuff." For Dawn Molina, it's the Belgian waffles that draw her to the diner. They're never burnt, she told The Citizen, and she appreciates the homemade whipped cream on top. "We were here yesterday," said Paul Bishop, who was dining with Molina on Monday, as he finished his eggs with a smile. They come to Pavlos' a few times a week, he continued. Nestopoolos will eventually pass the beloved diner on down to Ambroggio, a former child counselor with Cayuga County. While she's in training, he said that he's in no hurry to hang up his apron. You retire, you die, he said. If you go WHAT: Pavlos' Restaurant WHEN: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays to Thursdays and Saturdays, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fridays WHERE: 6 York St., Auburn INFO: Call (315) 255-9253 Barbeque Nation Hospitality Q4 Results Live : Barbeque Nation Hospitality announced their Q4 results on 23 May, 2024, showing a 6.36% increase in revenue and a significant 90.91% decrease in loss compared to the same period last year. However, when compared to the previous quarter, the company experienced a decline of 9.92% in revenue and a sharp increase of 124.72% in loss. The Selling, general & administrative expenses saw a 4.84% decrease quarter-on-quarter but rose by 125.07% year-on-year. Operating income was down by 59.53% sequentially but showed a substantial 550.71% increase year-on-year for Barbeque Nation Hospitality. The Earnings Per Share (EPS) for Q4 stood at -0.27, marking a 90.18% increase year-on-year for the company. In terms of stock performance, Barbeque Nation Hospitality delivered a -0.32% return in the last week, -15.26% return in the last 6 months, and a year-to-date return of -22%. The company currently holds a market capitalization of 2037.54 Cr with a 52-week high/low of 791.7 & 495.05 respectively. Analysts covering the company have provided mixed ratings as of 26 May, 2024, with 1 analyst suggesting to Hold the stock and another recommending a Strong Buy. Barbeque Nation Hospitality Financials Period Q4 Q3 Q-o-Q Growth Q4 Y-o-Y Growth Total Revenue 298.05 330.88 -9.92% 280.23 +6.36% Selling/ General/ Admin Expenses Total 150.57 158.23 -4.84% 66.9 +125.07% Depreciation/ Amortization 44.67 41.44 +7.78% 36.65 +21.89% Total Operating Expense 287.99 306.01 -5.89% 278.69 +3.34% Operating Income 10.06 24.86 -59.53% 1.55 +550.71% Net Income Before Taxes -0.9 7.51 -111.98% -14.19 +93.67% Net Income -1.07 4.34 -124.72% -11.82 +90.91% Diluted Normalized EPS -0.27 1.12 -124.11% -2.75 +90.18% BharatPe and PhonePe announced on Sunday, May 26, that they have amicably settled all long-standing legal disputes about using the trademark with the suffix 'Pe'. "BharatPe and PhonePe amicably settled all long-standing trademark disputes," a joint statement released on Sunday said. Both the leading fintech unicorns had been involved in long-drawn legal disputes across multiple courts, over the course of the last five years. Also Read | Investors of CIG Realty Fund move SAT against trustees for breach of trust The settlement will put an end to all open judicial proceedings, the joint statement added. The joint statement further added that both companies have already taken steps to withdraw all opposition against each other in the trademark registry, which will help them to proceed with the registration of their respective trademarks. Also Read | After boycotting Maldives, EaseMyTrip quietly restarts flight bookings to island nation The statement further added that both entities will undertake to take other necessary steps to comply with the obligations under the settlement agreement in respect of all cases before the Delhi and Bombay High Courts. Also Read | Income Tax Department raids Surana Jewellers in Nashik over alleged undisclosed transactions by the proprietor Rajnish Kumar, Chairman of the Board, BharatPe said, "This is a positive development for the industry. I appreciate the maturity and professionalism shown by the Management of both sides, working closely to resolve all outstanding legal issues and moving ahead to focus their energy and resources in building robust digital payment ecosystems. Asian private-equity firm Venturi Partners is considering raising a $75-100 million fund in India to invest in local consumer-focused growth-stage companies, managing director Rishika Chandan said in an interview. The fund, likely to be launched later this year, will be pooled from top family offices in India, Chandan added. The intention is to give access to Indian families that want to be part of this platform and get access to growth-stage consumer companies because most funds in India [invest mainly in] early-stage [companies], Chandan said. According to her, there are several India-focused generalist funds investing in growth-stage consumer companies but not many that cater exclusively to families. Families need different things. As the fund size becomes larger, they become smaller. So how do they retain? From that perspective, we're planning to launch a small AIF as well, which will also invest in the companies in India that we do from the Singapore fund. The firm has backed companies such as new-age home furnishing startup Livspace, D2C dairy tech startup Country Delight, and K12 Techno, which runs the Orchid chain of schools. All these investments were from its $180 million Asia fund, in which it has a 1:1 co-investment thesis along with its limited partners (LPs). The India AIF (alternate investment fund) will have a similar 1:1 investment thesis for our LPs. We plan to raise anywhere from $75-$100 million towards the first fund, Chandan told Mint. Singapore-based Venturi has deployed around 60-65% of its flagship Asia fund in India and the rest has in Southeast Asia, Chandan said. It aims to have a concentrated portfolio of 8-10 companies and thus does only two or three deals a year. Its cheque sizes range from $25-50 million. Next year it will also look to raise a $250-300 million Asia fund, about twice the size of its first fund. Also read: PE firm TA Associates lines up a unicorn bet in Vastu Housing Finance The fund considers India a high-focus area, given that consumer spending accounts for 60% of GDP and is driving a lot of the growth. That, coupled with the countrys massive demographic dividend, means the opportunity is massive, Chandan said. We've distilled that down to say that there are certain trends that we see emerging from shifting consumption patterns. People are becoming richer, so there is a new cohort of products and services that is likely to emerge in India, she added. Those are the sectors we're spending a lot of time on. Chandan said there is also plenty of opportunity in food services which is seeing increased premiumisaton and health. Health is a big vertical for us, but unfortunately we haven't seen anything of interest yet in the B2C segment, she added. We're looking at elderly care and pet care among emerging segments but its slightly early at this point, Chandan said. For governments run by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the construction of roads and highways has been a highlight going back to the tenure of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. It was back then, in 2000, that the aim of providing good all-weather roads to unconnected villages was set under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). Nearly 25 years since then, efforts by successive governments have helped build over 760,000 km of roads, connecting 173,000 habitations at a bill of 3.2 trillion. However, the scheme was not free from delays, poor quality, and the lack of proper monitoring, and more importantly, had its aims based on the outdated 2001 Census. After the BJP government returned to power in 2014, the pace of construction picked up, reaching 134 km per day in 2017-18 and 2018-19, but has slowed since. It clocked over 100 km per day even in the pandemic years, but it fell nearly to half in 2023-24, a Mint analysis of data shared in the Parliament showed. Meanwhile, the spending on the scheme consistently undershot Budget estimates. Barring 2021-22, the budgeted amount since 2016-17 has been roughly 19,000 crore every year, which was cut to 12,000 crore for the current year. A report by the standing committee on rural development, laid in Parliament in July last year, expressed concerns over unspent funds and noted that the need of the hour was expeditious utilization of available finances for faster completion of projects, particularly in states that were lagging. Progress so far PMGSY was launched in December 2000 as a 100% centrally-sponsored scheme, but over the years, it evolved into different verticals with shared funding between the Centre and state governments. PMGSY-I aimed to provide connectivity to every village that has a population of more than 1000 by 2003 and every village of more than 500 persons 2007. The second phase, PMGSY-II, was launched in 2013 to consolidate the existing rural road network, with a target of 50,000 km. Six years later, PMGSY-III was launched which aimed to further consolidate and provide connectivity to habitations. More Like This: Much of rural India now has taps, but running water largely remains a pipe dream The first and second phases are close to completion, having achieved 99% of the sanctioned construction of roads. However, the completion of the target under PMGSY-I has been delayed by nearly 15 years. It is worth noting that both PMGSY-I and PMGSY-II inched close to completion only after several deadline extensions. The progress under PMGSY-III seems better than the previous verticals. The vertical aims to complete 125,000 km of roads by March 2025 and has achieved 69% so far, the schemes dashboard shows. However, the parliamentary panel expressed concerns over PMGSY-III while highlighting the inordinate delay" in the completion of those two phases. Despite the passage of a substantive period of time since its (PMGSY-III) launch, even the sanctioning of the entire targeted length of road to the states has not been completed so far. This does not augur well for the future of the vertical as the deadline for completion is not very far," the panel noted. The road ahead The construction of roads under the scheme has also varied across states, with north-east states and other hilly areas seeing little progress. Eight states and union territories have made zero progress under the current vertical (PMGSY-III), and five have achieved less than 20% of the sanctioned length, as per data available for 32 states and union territories on the PMGSY dashboard. Nine states, mostly in the plains, have achieved over 80% of the sanctioned length. According to the rural development ministry, the slow progress elsewhere has been due to issues of land acquisition, forest clearance, and poor contracting capacity, among others, and further challenges like adverse climatic conditions, tough terrains, and short working season in hilly states, leading to delays in the implementation of PMGSY-I and PMSGY-II. Consequently, the sanction under PMGSY-III has been slow due to the pending work under the first two phases in some states. Despite the progress on construction, quality remains a major issues. The parliamentary panel noted that 41% of the roads were stated to be in the poor and very poor category largely attributed to the non-provisioning of adequate funds for maintenance by the state government". A bigger problem is the use of the 2001 Census to identify eligible habitations. The number of villages with a population of above 500 (the criterion for PMGSY) had already increased by nearly 27,000 by 2011. The panel said it was necessary to review the policy and introduce a new vertical of the scheme to include habitations as per the 2011 Census. Even then the government will be a decade behind on fully addressing the needs of the growing population. With the status of the new Census hanging in balance, it may take a while before the roads become available to more people in rural India. This is the third part of a four-part data journalism series on the progress of key welfare schemes. Read about the rural jobs scheme here (Part 1), Jal Jeevan Mission here (Part 2), and the rural housing scheme here (Part 4). Also read our pre-election report card in the seven-part Election Pitch series here. RBSE 10th Result 2024: The Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education (RBSE) is likely to announce the results of the Class 10 Board Exam 2024 anytime this week. According to media reports, the RBSE can release the Class 10th board results on May 27, 2024, as the board has wrapped up the evaluation work of answer sheets. However, there is no official confirmation of the date and time of the much-awaited board results. The RBSE is likely to hold a press conference to declare the results of both classes. At the conference, the education board will reveal the overall pass percentages and gender-specific percentages among other important details. The board is not likely to announce the merit list as for the past five years, Board has not released the same. After the press conference, the state education board will activate the result links. Also Read | Odisha Class 12th result LIVE: HS+2 results to be announced soon RBSE 10th Result 2024: Websites to check the results Students can check their results at the official websites: rajeduboard.rajasthan.gov.in rajresults.nic.in rajasthan.indiaresults.com RBSE 10th Result 2024: Documents needed to check Class 10 Board exam results 2024 Students can check their results on the RBSE's official website by entering the Roll Number, Date of Birth, and Registration Number mentioned on the admit card. Also Read | CUET UG 2024: Admit card for May 29 exam in Delhi, Silchar centres out RBSE 10th Result 2024: Here is how to check Class 10 Board exam results 2024 Go to the official websites: rajeduboard.rajasthan.gov.in OR rajresults.nic.in Click the links for Class 10 Board Results 2024 available on the home page A new window will open Enter the login credentials and click on the submit button A new window will open, and your result will be displayed on the screen Download and print the result for future reference. RBSE 10th Result 2024: Via SMS Open the SMS app on your mobile Type RAJ10 (space) Roll Number Send the SMS to 5676750 OR 56263 The result will be displayed on the screen Take a screen grab, and save the same for future reference RBSE 10th Result 2024: Via DigiLocker Create a DigiLocker account: Go to the DigiLocker online portal Click on sign up available on the homepage Enter your name as per Aadhaar card, DOB, category, mobile number, email ID, Aadhar number A six-digit security pin will be created Enter your details and set a username Login with your DigiLocker account Click on Rajasthan Board under the Education tab Click on Class 10 Passing Certificate/Result Either enter your roll number or mobile number registered with RBSE The RBSE Class 10 Board Results 2024 will be displayed on the screen RBSE 10th Result 2024: Minimum marks required Students need to get a minimum 33% score to be declared pass in the Rajasthan Board exams. Students unhappy with their scores can apply for revaluation or rechecking, but some fees will be included, i.e., an application fee. NATO SECRETARIES-GENERAL do not normally attack the policies of the alliances biggest and most important member country. But Jens Stoltenberg, whose ten-year stint in charge is coming to an end, has done just that. In an interview with The Economist on May 24th, he called on NATO allies supplying weapons to Ukraine to end their prohibition on using them to strike military targets in Russia. Mr Stoltenbergs clear, if unnamed, target was the policy maintained by Joe Biden, Americas president, of controlling what Ukraine can and cannot attack with American-supplied systems. The time has come for allies to consider whether they should lift some of the restrictions they have put on the use of weapons they have donated to Ukraine," said Mr Stoltenberg. Especially now when a lot of the fighting is going on in Kharkiv, close to the border, to deny Ukraine the possibility of using these weapons against legitimate military targets on Russian territory makes it very hard for them to defend themselves." It has long been a source of frustration for Ukrainians that if they want to go after targets on Russian soil they must depend on home-produced drones, which have only limited utility. Their anger has been boiling over since May 10th, when the Russians began a big offensive across the border only 20 miles (32km) from Kharkiv, Ukraines second-biggest city. It had been subject to pulverising aerial bombardment for several months before. Mr Stoltenberg does not expect this action to lead to a Russian breakthrough. They will continue to push and continue to gain some marginal ground, and theyre willing to pay a very high price for these marginal gains," he said. But he does warn that Ukraine is struggling. And he has harsh words for NATOs European members: European allies promised one million artillery shells," he said. We havent seen anything close to that." In an interview with AFP on May 17th Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraines president, pleaded for permission to use donated weapons on targets inside Russia. He emphasised that their use would be defensive at a time when Russia was trying to exploit shortages in manpower and munitions, the latter the result of delayed support from America and those unfulfilled promises by Europe. Western governments, he said, wanted Ukraine to win in a way that Russia does not lose". Some Western analysts say America has sought to micromanage the way in which Ukraine fights ever since the war began. Time after time, the Americans have denied Ukraine weapons it urgently requested, only to relent many months later. The list included the HIMARS multiple rocket launch system, Abrams tanks, F-16 fighter jets and ATACMS , a tactical ballistic missile system. The justification was always that America wanted to avoid prompting an escalatory response by Vladimir Putin, especially the use of tactical nuclear weapons. After Frances president, Emmanuel Macron, mused in May about deploying NATO forces in Ukraine, Mr Putin ordered nuclear drills to be held in Belarus. Yet apart from the sabre-rattling, nothing has come of Russias nuclear threats. Mr Stoltenberg acknowledged the risk of escalation. The task, he said, is to prevent this war becoming a full-fledged war between Russia and NATO in Europe." But he drew a distinction between the supply of weapons and training and military engagement. We provide training, we provide weapons, ammunition to Ukraine, but we will not be directly involved from NATO territory in combat operations over or in Ukraine. So thats a different thing." Mr Stoltenberg drew a similar line on the suggestion of stationing troops in Ukraine if its government requested them, an idea championed by Emmanuel Macron, Frances president. Thats not the planWe dont have any intention to send NATO ground troops into Ukraine because our purposehas been two-fold, to support Ukraine as we do, but also to ensure that we dont escalate this into a full scale conflict." There are now signs America may be moving towards allowing Ukraine more leeway in its targeting. After visiting Kyiv last week, Antony Blinken, Americas secretary of state, is reported to have made the case in Washington for allowing Ukraine to hit military bases and missile batteries a few miles inside Russia. These are being used to pummel Kharkiv and the troops defending it. A few days earlier David Cameron, Britains foreign secretary, had said Ukraine was free to use British-made Storm Shadow cruise missiles to strike targets in Russia. Lloyd Austin, Americas defence secretary, recently hinted that Russian aircraft launching glide bombs from Russian airspace might be legitimate targets for American missiles. Yet Jake Sullivan, Americas national security adviser, has consistently urged caution. Mr Biden takes the same view. It will not have calmed Mr Bidens concerns that in April Ukrainian drones took out a high-value early-warning radar station for tracking nuclear threats that was some 360 miles (580km) inside Russia. Mr Stoltenberg seems well aware of the asymmetric advantage Russia derives from what amounts to a grant of sanctuary from American long-range weapons. This allows Russia to concentrate forces, safe in the knowledge that Ukraine cannot use its most effective weapons until they cross the border. They can also launch weapons such as Lancet drones from Russian soil in relative safety. We need to remember what this is," Mr Stoltenberg said passionately. This is a war of aggression by Russia against Ukraine. Ukraine has the right to defend themselves. And that includes striking targets on Russian territory." However, Mr Stoltenberg distinguishes between allowing Ukraine to attack targets in Russia with donated systems, and any direct NATO engagement in the conflict. His predecessor as secretary-general, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, called on May 14th for NATO countries in Eastern Europe to be allowed to use ground-based air defences to shoot down Russian missiles and drones aimed at Ukraine. Mr Stoltenberg rejected that idea: We will not be party to the conflict," he said. The interview made clear that the prospect of Ukraine joining NATO remains distant. Mr Stoltenbergs plan is to ensure that when the politics have been resolved (that is, when the war is over and Ukraines borders are settled), the country is technically ready to become a member. He likens it (somewhat dubiously) to the recent process of accepting Finland and Sweden, who first met NATOs operational standards and were soon accepted once they decided to apply (and once Turkey and Hungary dropped their objections). The key, said Mr Stoltenberg, is to ensure that Ukraines defence and security institutions meet NATO standards such that when the conditions are right, they can become members very quickly". Because Ukraines inventory increasingly consists of NATO-standard weapons and its forces are being trained in NATO methods, meeting technical requirements should be relatively easy. Mr Stoltenberg also wants NATO to have a much bigger role in co-ordinating security assistance and training, taking over much of what has been done up to now by the ad hoc Ramstein Group". This is an alliance of 56 countries that came together to help Ukraine. He said it makes sense because 99% of the military support" is provided by NATO members. As it happens, it would also help protect the Ramstein process if Donald Trump were re-elected to the White House. Even if the war goes well for Ukraine, it may not become a member of NATO for many years. The alliance works by unanimity. For Ukraine to satisfy every members political demands will be hard: the alliances other members would be obliged under its Article 5 to come to Ukraines defence if it were attacked. In the interview Mr Stoltenberg warned Russia that cyber-attacks could rise to the threshold of Article 5 if they were serious. If theres a magnitudethen we can trigger Article 5 and respond in cyber, but also in other domains to protect the NATO allies." Mr Stoltenberg warns against expecting any significant long-term issues in Ukraines favour at NATOs 75th anniversary summit in Washington later this summer. At his final summit, he may be a bit demob-happy, but he is as committed as ever to NATOs central mission to preserve peace. And the way NATO has preserved peace for 75 years," he said, is not to fight the war, but actually to prevent the war by making absolutely clear that we are ready and able to defend every NATO ally." 2024, The Economist Newspaper Ltd. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com When calling out China, Western governments sometimes like to stand together. On March 25th and 26th America, Britain and New Zealand did so in a co-ordinated blast against Chinese cyber-espionage. American federal prosecutors accused Chinas cyber-spooks of waging a campaign for years against a wide range of targets in the West, including critics of the Chinese Communist Party. Britains deputy prime minister, Oliver Dowden, said China showed ongoing patterns of hostile activity targeting our collective democracies". New Zealand blamed state-linked hackers in China for a cyber-attack on the countrys parliament. Both America and Britain placed sanctions on an alleged front company for one group of Chinese hackers, which they called APT31. They also imposed sanctions on two of the groups alleged members, while America laid criminal charges against them and five other men. These actions are unlikely to have much impact on Chinas efforts. The letters APT stand for advanced persistent threat". This is technical jargon for an attack that involves lurking undetected in a targets network. The words also happen to convey the Wests gloomy view of Chinas cyber-onslaught. Spotting a cyber-intrusion, let alone identifying those responsible, can take time. The incidents revealed by the three Western countries mostly occurred two or three years ago. Mr Dowden told Parliament that Chinese state-affiliated actors" had penetrated the Electoral Commissions email and file-sharing systems in 2021. The breach was first publicly declared in August 2023, when officials revealed that suspicious activity had not been identified until October 2022more than a year after the hackers had broken in. The perpetrators would have had access to the addresses of Britains voters. Mr Dowden did not specify the group involved in that attack. But he said APT31 was almost certain" to have been behind reconnaissance activity" aimed at MPs email accounts in 2021. Most of those targeted were prominent critics of China. The indictment filed in a New York court against the alleged seven members of APT31 offered rich detail of this teams activities. The 27-page document said the group operated under the Hubei provincial branch of Chinas Ministry of State Security (MSS), the countrys main civilian spy agency. Its front company, Wuhan Xiaoruizhi Science & Technology, was set up around 2010. Since then it has allegedly targeted thousands of politicians in America and elsewhere, as well as academics, journalists and pro-democracy activists. According to the document, it has also taken aim at people and companies in American industries deemed of national importance", including those relating to defence, IT and telecommunications. The British played down the impact of the Chinese hacking it had detectedno elections had been affected and the targeting of MPs emails had been blocked by Parliaments cyber-security measures". New Zealand said another MSS-linked group, known as APT40, had been involved in the cyber-attack on its parliament in 2021, but this had not caused the leak of sensitive information. The American indictment, however, said APT31s activities had resulted in the confirmed and potential compromise of work and personal email accounts, cloud-storage accounts and telephone-call records belonging to millions of Americans, including at least some information that could be released in support of malign influence targeting democratic processes and institutions". Mark Kelly of Recorded Future, a cyber-security firm, says his company is aware of about 50 hacking groups in China, including private firms working for the MSS or Peoples Liberation Army. There are undoubtedly many more. Mr Kelly describes Chinas cyber-espionage efforts as orders of magnitude" greater in scale than those mounted by Russia or North Korea. As the indictment shows, they are surprisingly devolved. Some of them specialise in spying on different parts of the world, says Nigel Inkster, a former deputy head of Britains spy agency, MI6. They have considerable leeway to do as they wish, he says: Im not even sure that there is any kind of formal political clearance mechanism." Much of their work is subcontracted to private firms. Last month a huge online dump of documents from one such company, I-Soon, showed its involvement in large-scale cyber-snooping on behalf of a variety of government agencies. The Wests anxieties, not least about the hackers theft of corporate data, are becoming increasingly manifest. In January the head of the FBI, Christopher Wray, said that Chinas state-sponsored hackers outnumbered his agencys cyber-personnel by at least 50 to one". He added that Chinas hackers are laying the groundwork for a possible Chinese strike, positioning on American infrastructure in preparation to wreak havoc and cause real-world harm to American citizens and communities." Chinese diplomats have dismissed such accusations. A Chinese embassy spokesperson in London called Britains allegations fabricated and malicious slanders". If the West hopes that naming, shaming and sanctions will dissuade the Chinese spooks, it is likely to be disappointed. As Mr Inkster puts it: I dont think Beijing is particularly concerned about the political ramifications of getting caught with their fingers in the till any more." 2024, The Economist Newspaper Ltd. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com Now that users are getting comfortable with AI models and chatbots, the next step is to improve user-experience. But how? The answer lies in using many specialist bots, rather than getting one to do all the jobsfrom banking to customer care to teaching. Mint explains: What are multiple virtual agents? Systems that rely on more than one chatbot or use multiple Large Language Models (LLMs) are called multi-agent systems (MAS). A chatbot on the website of a bank, auto, insurance, edtech or any other company has improved over the years, thanks to advances in AI and natural language processing. But it still falls short of answering questions that might require more human-like capabilities or pulling data from different domains. The solution lies in using multiple bots or more than one AI (artificial intelligence) modeleach with a different, specialized capability, and complementing each other to deliver a better response. How are they better than a single AI model? Companies and users are getting better at deploying and interacting with virtual agents. Open AIs release of an upgraded GPT4 offers improved handling of text, vision and audio, boosts AI capabilities, and opens up new possibilities. Just as teams of humans are better in tackling complex problems, more than one chatbot will improve customer interactions. So, a Hindi language chatbot could combine with a math teaching bot and deliver math lessons in Hindi. Each is a separate LLM (which helps chatbots understand human input and offer answers) and is better at executing specialist tasks. What will be the impact of having multiple bots? If a chatbot gets stuck, the query is usually escalated to a human agent. Merging capabilities of multiple bots or making different bots work together is the way out. Microsoft, Meta, Exotel, Tokyo-based Sakana and others are trying multiple bots. A single bot can break down the task and give an answer but it may lag in response time and lack accuracy. So, will we have teams of bots? Thats the future. As machines get better with more computational power and ability to comprehend context and emotions, there will be many specialized bots. Some will take care of FAQs; others will offer deeper insights on, say, a holiday destination; another could plan the itinerary. But if you cant go on the holiday and need someone to reschedule plans, it is beyond the capability of a current bot. But in future, even this will be managed by a virtual agent. It could be two or more bots managing such processes. What are the risks of many chatbots? Trust will be a big issue. The biggest risk is the virtual team messing up the outcome. You may not leave your entire mutual fund portfolio and money management to a bunch of bots. Single bots are getting better at customer care type of requests, like air con service or issuing cheque books. But in other use cases like content generation, there are doubts on accuracy and copyright issues. Even if teams of bots get it right, user acceptance will take longer. After all, it took over a decade to get comfortable with a single bot. How smart can your personal computer (PC) become? Earlier this week, Microsoft announced a new line of Windows PCs that will bring the power of artificial intelligence (AI) right to every users desk. Microsoft says the new Copilot+ PCs are the fastest, most intelligent Windows PCs ever made. Users will be able to create AI-powered images, use live language translation, and try a host of many other AI experiences (even if they are offline) on the devices locally. Lets take a closer look. Whats the deal with AI PCs? Think of it this way. In the past and even now in some use cases a lot of our computing work happens in the cloud. Take, for example, a transcribing software or app. You upload a recording to the app, which then sends it to the cloud for transcription. All this will change with AI PCs. AI PCs come equipped with a CPU (central processing unit), GPU (graphics processing unit), and, crucially, an NPU, which is a neural processing unit. According to an Intel article, NPUs are specialized accelerators that can handle AI and machine learning tasks on a users PC instead of sending data to be processed in a backend cloud system. As an earlier article in Lounge explained, an NPU is a dedicated AI processor, specifically designed to take some of the load off your computers CPU and GPU when handling AI-related workload. Essentially, in an AI PC, which will have more computing power and storage, you can run large language models (LLMs) locally. Such devices will not only save time, but, according to a Microsoft blog, also help with productivity and remove previous limitations such as latency, privacy, and cost. This does not mean that the reliance on cloud computing is being sidelined entirely. As the Microsoft blog says, the best AI experiences will only be possible when the cloud and device work together in tandem. Fastest ever Windows PCs built Whether its a smartphone or a new computer, every discussion today revolves around how fast the device can be. The Microsoft Copilot+ PCs are equipped with a new system architecture that brings together the power of its CPU, GPU and NPU. Add to that LLMs running in its Azure Cloud along with its small language models (SLMs), these new Copilot+ PCs are expected to deliver powerful performance not seen in PCs before. They are up to 20x more powerful and up to 100x as efficient for running AI workloads and deliver industry-leading AI acceleration. They outperform Apples MacBook Air 15" by up to 58% in sustained multithreaded performance, all while delivering all-day battery life," Yusuf Mehdi, executive vice-president, consumer chief marketing officer, wrote in the Microsoft blog post. The devices will also have all-day battery life that will allow for longer hours of video playback and web browsing, among other things. According to Microsoft, the first Copilot+ PCs will launch with both the Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus processors. They will also feature the custom Qualcomm Oryon CPU. In terms of security and privacy, the Microsoft Pluton Security processor will be enabled by default on all Copilot+ PCs. The Pluton Security processor is built into the CPU and can safeguard sensitive data such as personal information, credentials, and encryption keys. View Full Image Lenovo has already announced the launch of the latest ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 - one of the newest Copilot+ PCs. (Lenovo) PCs with a photographic memory? A big selling point for AI be it on any device is the level of personalization and customization it offers. Often, you struggle to find a specific file on your computer, or a website that you wanted to bookmark, but forgot to. It could even be a specific email that you now just cant locate in a cluttered inbox. The CoPilot+ PCs come with an AI feature called Recall that is aimed at solving this conundrum. With Recall, a user can access virtually (you will be able to see a timeline across any application) what they have seen or done on their PC. It almost feels like having photographic memory, Mehdis blog post says. According to the Microsoft website, the Recall feature used something known as a personal semantic index, which enhances the features of Microsoft 365 that allow a user to find relevant content based on keywords, personal preferences, and social connections. The Recall feature has not only raised eyebrows but also certain privacy concerns as with any new facet or experience of AI. For example: how much access would a user want AI to have to their personal data or the way they function on the device. However, Microsoft says the index is built and stored entirely on a user's device. Mehdi explains in his blog post: Your snapshots are yours; they stay locally on your PC. You can delete individual snapshots, adjust and delete ranges of time in Settings, or pause at any point right from the icon in the System Tray on your Taskbar. You can also filter apps and websites from ever being saved. You are always in control with privacy you can trust." How much will they cost? In its official blog, Microsoft said the new PCs will be starting at $999 (approximately 83,000) and will begin to launch in June this year. Some models are already available for pre-order. Apart from the Microsoft Surface (the two new Copilot+ PCs from Surface include the latest Surface Pro and Surface Laptop), Microsoft will work with PC manufacturers such as Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo and Samsung to make these devices. Lenovo, for instance, has already announced the launch of the latest Yoga Slim 7x (starting price of $1,199 in the US) and ThinkPad T14s Gen 6 (starting price of $1,699 in the US) laptops both CoPilot+ PCs. Apart from Lenovo, the likes of Samsung (Galaxy Book4 Edge), Asus (Vivobook S 15), Dell (the XPS 13, Inspiron 14 Plus, Inspiron 14, Latitude 7455, and Latitude 5455) and HP will be releasing other new Copilot+ PCs. Ready or not, the era of AI PCs is officially here, and it will be interesting to see how it plays out. A new financial year (FY) has begun, and with it comes the opportunity to strategically manage your taxes. In other words, its the right time to think about reducing your tax burden and freeing up resources to achieve your financial goals through efficient tax planning. After all, we make money to spend it, save it, or invest it. Why not do these in a tax-efficient way that maximises your tax savings and minimises your tax liability? Moreover, understanding tax concepts can often feel like deciphering a complex puzzle. The world of taxation is filled with concepts and terminologies that can leave even the most financially savvy individuals scratching their heads. So, grasping some basic tax concepts is crucial for making informed financial decisions. In this article, well delve into the importance of early tax planning, explore some fundamental tax concepts and terminologies to help you navigate the world of taxes with confidence and ease, and finally discuss a few strategies to help you make informed financial decisions that enhance tax efficiency. As individuals form the major chunk of the overall taxpayers in India, this article is more focused on the taxation of the income of individuals, specifically salaried employees. Whether you're a young employee just entering the workforce or a seasoned professional looking for some tax planning ideas, this guide aims to offer eight points that may help you make informed tax decisions. Also Read: Tax Harvesting: What is it and how can it optimise your tax liabilities? Understand the fundamentals of FY and AY From an income tax perspective, any income you generate during the current FY will be assessed for taxation purposes in the following assessment year (AY). The current FY 2024-25 starts on 1st April 2024 and ends on March 31st 2025. The AY (2025-26) is the year in which your previous years income will be assessed for taxation purposes. In other words, for the income that you will be generating during this FY 2024-25, you will be filing your income tax returns in the AY 2025-26. Get clarity on tax planning vs. tax compliance Planning your taxes at the end of the financial year, usually during January or February each year, is not only a delayed strategy but also can be a pressuring experience. If you remember, thats when employees are asked to submit their investment proofs and other documents. To be precise, this year-end tax process is part of tax compliance and not tax planning! Tax planning, however, is about exploring strategies to reduce your tax liabilities, understanding the various tax-saving instruments, implementing structured savings plans and taking steps to make those tax savings happen. Also Read: Income Tax: Make note of these 5 key points if you are a salaried taxpayer Decide which tax regime is beneficial for you Tax planning and financial planning go hand-in-hand. Tax planning is a round-the-year exercise; ideally, it should begin at the start of a financial year. The first step of tax planning is to decide on the tax regime to opt for based on your tax situation, including your income, expenses, exemptions, and deductions. This will help you get an idea about your tax liability and help you identify avenues where you can reduce your taxes legitimately. A salaried individual can choose a tax regime that they think is beneficial to them during the financial year. They can even change the chosen tax regime at the time of filing their income tax return (ITR). While this action is easy, choosing between the two is often challenging more specifically, choosing the one that reduces the tax liability. So, comparing the income tax payable in both tax regimes is critical before choosing the one. With proper tax planning, one can significantly reduce their tax liability or even bring it to zero. However, this depends upon an individuals specific tax situation (such as salary, taxable income, type of income, exemptions and deductions claimed, choice of tax regime, and other factors). Also Read: Income Tax: How to authenticate notice issued by the department? A step-by-step guide For example, lets say a persons net taxable income is 7.5 lakhs. Under the new tax regime, this persons tax liability will be zero (even without the option to claim any deductions available under Section 80C). However, under the old tax regime, for the same person with 7.5 lakhs taxable income, a tax of 23,400 would be applicable even if the person claims deductions to the tune of 1,50,000 under Section 80C. Income during FY 2024-25 Tax calculation under the New Tax Regime Tax calculation under the Old Tax Regime Gross Total Income 7.5 lakhs 7.5 lakhs (Less) Standard Deductions 50,000 50,000 (Less) Section 80C Deductions Not applicable under the new tax regime 1,50,000 Total Taxable Income 7 lakhs 5.5 lakhs Income Tax Payable (Add) Tax amount based on tax slabs 25,000 (i.e. 15,000+10,000) 23,400 (i.e. 12,500+10,000+900 cess amount) (Less) Section 87A Rebate 25,000 0 (The tax liability must be less than or equal to 12,500 to claim the rebate of 12,500) Tax payable Zero 23,400 So, the new tax regime would benefit someone with a net taxable income of 7.5 lakhs as they will have zero tax liability. This is because the Union Government, in the 2023 Budget, introduced a standard deduction of 50,000 and increased the income tax rebate limit from 5 lakhs to 7 lakhs in the new tax regime with effect from FY 2023-24. Also Read: Income Tax: Filing ITR early this time? It is vital to know these 5 key points Tax rebates help individual taxpayers reduce their income tax liability. As one can see, individual taxpayers opting for the new tax regime with a taxable income of up to 7 lakh can claim a tax rebate of 25,000 under Section 87A. Under the old tax regime, a rebate of only 12,500 is allowed for a taxable income of up to 5 lakh. Choosing the old tax regime will be better if an individual is eligible or planning to claim more deductions. Otherwise, the new tax regime would be efficient if the tax deductions are less. This is because the tax rates under the new tax regime are relatively lower when compared to the old tax regime. For example, the tax rate stands at 15% for a taxable income in the range of 9 lakhs and 12 lakhs. Under the old tax regime, a 30% tax rate is applicable on a taxable income of 10 lakh and above. New Tax Regime Tax Rates Old Tax Regime Tax Rates 0-3 lacs 0% 0-2.5 lacs 0% 3-6 lacs 5% 2.5 -5 lacs 5% 6-9 lacs 10% 5-10 lacs 20% 9-12 lacs 15% Above 10 lacs 30% 12-15 lacs 20% Above 15 lacs 30% Whether the new tax regime makes more funds available for the taxpayer or whether the old tax regime promotes the habit of savings is altogether a different topic. Also Read: Income Tax Return: 8 common mistakes to avoid for a flawless income tax filing Focus on maximising the available tax deductions or exemptions Once you have selected the tax regime that benefits you, plan to utilise the available exemptions or deductions to the maximum extent, keeping in mind your financial plan, tax situation, investment preference, liquidity, and emergency needs. For example, assume that you have selected the old tax regime because your analysis showed that the old regime would work better for you as you can claim higher tax deductions. Then, aim to maximise your tax deduction by exploring various tax-saving investments that you can invest by March 31, 2025 to save tax. For example, under section 80C, by investing in options like PPF and ELSS, you can bring down your taxable income by 1.5 lakhs. Stay knowledgeable about various tax saving options While Section 80C is well known among taxpayers, there are various other tax-saving options to take advantage of when it comes to the old tax regime. For example, you can go beyond the 1.5 lakh limit offered by Section 80C by leveraging Section 80CCD (1B) in the form of your NPS contribution, which gives you an additional tax deduction for investments up to 50,000. Similarly, you can consider investing in health insurance for yourself and your family (under Section 80D). Similar to health insurance premiums, you can also claim a tax deduction when you fund your parents medical expenses. Or, you can go for a preventive health check-up (up to 5000 is allowed as part of 80D). Even the income you will earn from interest on savings accounts (excluding FDs and RDs) can offer a tax deduction of up to 10,000 in a financial year. This deduction comes under the Section 80TTA. Then there is another deduction pertaining to the interest paid for loans used for purchasing electric vehicles (EVs), subject to meeting certain conditions. The section offers individual taxpayers to claim a deduction of up to 1.5 lakh provided that the loan is approved between 1 January 2019 and 31 March 2023. If you have purchased an EV during this period through a loan and you are still repaying the loan, you can consider using this deduction. Also Read: Income Tax: Want to opt out of the new tax regime? Here is a step-by-step guide Keep track of any changes in tax laws that may impact you With effect from the previous financial year, i.e., FY 2023-24, the new income tax regime is set as the default tax regime for income tax assessment purposes.This means that if a taxpayer doesnt indicate their preferred tax regime, the new tax regime will be considered the default approach to assessing their income. However, individual taxpayers can still switch between the two regimes. The frequency of switching from one tax regime to another depends on the individual taxpayers income type. Salaried individuals can choose the regime for each financial year. For example, a salaried individual can choose the old tax regime in one financial year and the new tax regime in another year and vice versa. No changes have been announced in the income tax slab rates in the interim Budget 2024. As such, the existing income tax slabs, income tax rates, and surcharge rates remain unchanged in the current financial year FY 2024-25 (AY 2025-26). Recently, the Ministry of Finance, in its clarification regarding the applicability of the new tax regime and the old tax regime, dated 31 MAR 2024, has confirmed that there is no new change which is coming in from 1st April 2024. Check if advance tax is applicable for you In most cases, salaried individuals whose TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) is deducted dont have to pay any advance tax. However, if your tax liability is 10,000 or more after paying TDS for any given financial year, you need to pay advance tax following specified four instalments to avoid penalties. If you estimate that your tax liability in the form of capital gains exceeds 10000 for the entire financial year, then you need to pay advance taxes as per the schedule specified by the IT department (in June, September, December, and March). For example, If you are planning to sell property, you can consider seeking advice from your tax advisor to understand how much tax you will likely need to pay and whether any strategies can be implemented (such as selecting a time to sell the asset) to optimise your tax position. Although it is challenging to make an estimate of income from capital gains or dividends in advance, some tax experts suggest that advance tax on such income can be made on the instalment due date only after receiving the income receipt. If there is no instalment due, then the taxpayer can pay the tax by the end of March of the applicable financial year. Early tax planning makes one aware of taxable income from capital gains. This helps to pay advance tax in a timely manner and ensures avoidance of the interest at 1% penalty under section 234B of the Income Tax Act. The goal is to save every rupee you make. Keep accurate financial records One of the keys to making your tax planning efficient and successful is organising and maintaining accurate financial records. Proper accounting for all the income sources, expense receipts, and investment transaction records helps in providing a clear financial picture. These records can also come in handy when you seek a tax experts help while filing returns. These records can help them easily identify tax deductions and other tax-saving opportunities. In conclusion, tax planning maximises your deductions and exemptions as you have more time to identify all eligible tax deductions, significantly reducing your taxable income. Early planning also gives you sufficient time to implement your tax-saving strategies, which often take time to set up and execute effectively. Planning ahead also ensures a smooth cash flow as it helps you to estimate your tax liability fairly accurately. This allows you to set aside funds throughout the year to meet your tax obligations, thus avoiding last-minute tax planning hassle. As early tax planning provides a proactive approach to managing your tax affairs, it helps you avoid penalties or interest for late payments. India and Bangladesh braced for the first cyclone of the year named Remal as an intensified storm with wind speeds of up to 120 kmh (75 mph) is set to make landfall tonight, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Sunday. On Sunday, the Bangladesh Meteorological Department elevated its storm danger signal to the maximum level of 10 for two ports and nine coastal districts in the South Asian country, issuing warnings via loudspeakers. Also Read | Live updates on Cyclone Remal in India and Bangladesh The coastal regions of these South Asian neighbours have faced numerous severe storms in recent years. In 2021, Cyclone Yaas rendered over 50,000 people homeless and resulted in at least one fatality. State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Mohibbur Rahman told Reuters that Bangladesh has set up around 8,000 cyclone shelters and mobilised 78,000 volunteers. "We are maintaining regular communication with the regional specialized meteorological centre in India," he said. On the other hand, India has mobilized its disaster relief force in the eastern state of West Bengal, where flights have been suspended in the major metropolitan city of Kolkata. Moderate rainfall has already begun in parts of West Bengal, prompting the government to cancel leave for employees in essential services, the official said. "In Kolkata, conditions were overcast, but life was normal," Somnath Dutta, head of the weather forecast section in the regional meteorological centre in Kolkata, told Reuters. Cyclone Remal to hit Bengal tonight As Cyclone Remal is expected to hit West Bengal today, the Met department issued a severe warning in the northeastern region. Apart from extremely heavy rainfall in coastal regions of Bangladesh and West Bengal, it will also have an effect in Tripura and some other parts of northeastern states Deep Depression intensified into a Cyclonic Storm 'Remal' over North and adjoining east-central Bay of Bengal, said the Regional Meteorological Department of Andhra Pradesh. It is very likely to continue to move nearly northwards and intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by May 26 morning over Northwest and adjoining Northeast Bay of Bengal and cross Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal coasts between Sagar Island and Khepupara by May 26 midnight as a Severe Cyclonic Storm with a wind speed of 110-120 gusting to 135 kmph, the weather office said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed condolences on the deaths of newborn babies at a children's hospital in east Delhi's Vivek Vihar last night. As many as 7 newborns died on Saturday night as a massive fire broke out at a hospital in Vivek Vihar. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi wrote, The fire tragedy at a hospital in Delhi is heart-rending. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this incredibly difficult time. I pray that those injured recover at the earliest." Also Read | Live updates on Rajkot, Delhi fire news accident A Delhi Fire Services (DFS) official informed the blaze broke out at the children's hospital in Shahdara on Saturday night. Twelve newborns were rescued from the medical facility but seven of them died, while 5 are being treated at another hospital. Police said action is being initiated against the owner of the hospital identified as Naveen Kichi. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said this incident of fire in a children's hospital is heartbreaking. We all stand with those who lost their innocent children in this accident. Government and administration officials are busy treating the injured at the spot. The causes of the incident are being investigated and whoever is responsible for this negligence will not be spared. Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj also said, "We will take such strict action that none of the officials commit such negligence in future. We are with the families who have lost their babies. I'll tell the DCP that the prosecution will be launched on the owners as soon as possible." The owner of the New Born Baby Care Hospital in Vivek Vihar, Naveen Kichi, a resident of Paschim Vihar, is still absconding. The official said a case has been registered under sections 336 and 304A against the hospital owner. "I saved money for the baby. I did not know that she would die," said a teary-eyed father of a 12-day-old baby who died in a massive fire at a baby care centre in Delhi on Saturday night. Sharing their plights, the fathers of the two babies, who died in the incident, said that they learned about the incident from the news and friends. At least seven babies died in a fire at the Baby Care New Born Hospital in east Delhi's Vivek Vihar. Five babies are undergoing treatment at another hospital. "I did not have knowledge of the incident. A friend informed me that there was an explosion in the baby care centre. I did not get any information either from the hospital or the police. I called the hospital but did no one responded to calls and then I rushed here," Anjaan's father told PTI. The father blamed the hospital and the nursing home which referred them. He added that he had been depositing 10 to 15 thousand on a daily basis for baby's treatment, and so far deposited nearly 2 lakh. "I did not know that she won't be alive during the visiting time at 2pm on Sunday. The bereaved father also requested the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to ensure justice. I had saved money for the baby. I did not know that she would die." Ritik, the father of 9-day-old baby, a resident of Bulandshahr and a farmer by profession, said that he came to know about the incident through news. "My infant suffered oxygen-related difficulties. He was admitted to the hospital on May 20. I learned about the incident from the news. The baby was nine days old," Ritik explained. He went on to say that he has spent between 70,000 and 80,000 rupees so far, and the hospital bears responsibility. A relative of another baby who died in the incident said that the hospital administration didn't inform them about the fire. We got to know about the fire today, at noon. They are not telling us about our baby. We want to see where the newborn babies are kept. We will identify our baby." a relative told ANI. Delhi CM Kejriwal assured strict action against whoever is responsible for negligence. Meanwhile, Atul Garg, Director of the Delhi Fire Department said that it is most likely that the baby care centre did not possess a No-Objection Certificate (NOC). Delhi hospital fire: As a pall of gloom descended upon seven families who lost their children in a massive fire at Delhi hospital, shocking details of negligence on the part of the owner have come to the fore. At least seven newborn babies died at the Baby Care New Born Hospital in Delhi's Vivek Vihar on Saturday night. Most parents got to know about the incident and death of their child on Sunday through the news or closed ones as neither the hospital nor police informed them. DCP Shahdara Surendra Chaudhary said that the NOC issued to the Baby Care New Born Child Hospital expired on March 31. DCP Shahdara Surendra Chaudhary said that the NOC issued to the Baby Care New Born Child Hospital expired on March 31. Speaking to ANI, Chaudhary said that the hospital had installed over 10 beds, when it had permission for only five beds. Whereas, 12 newborns were admitted at the time of the incident. Further, Delhi Police also said that the doctors at the facility were not qualified to treat a newborn child in need of Neo-Natal Incentive care, as they were BAMS degree holders only. "There were no fire extinguishers installed in the hospital in case of an eruption of fire. There is no emergency exit in the hospital in case of any emergency," ANI quoted Delhi police as saying. Meanwhile, police have arrested hospital owner Naveen Khichi, and Dr Akash who was on duty. According to reports, in 2021, Khichi was booked for alleged mistreatment of a newborn during treatment, and at that time, it was discovered that the hospital was not registered under the Delhi Nursing Home Act. Meanwhile, Delhi government has ordered a Magisterial Inquiry into the Vivek Vihar New Born Baby Care Hospital Fire incident. Additional Chief Secretary, Revenue and Divisional Commissioner DDMA, Ashwani Kumar directed Shahadra District Magistrate and District Disaster Management Authority to inquire about the fire tragedy. Earlier in the day, Atul Garg, Director of the Delhi Fire Department said that there were some oxygen cylinders, because of which the blast took place. As many as seven babies have been killed and several others injured after a massive fire that broke out at a children's hospital in Delhi's Vivek Vihar area on Saturday night, said officials as quoted by newswire ANI. The official stated that at least 12 newborn babies were rescued from the fire, of which seven died, and the remaining five kids have been admitted to hospital for treatment. At 11:32 p.m., the fire services received a call regarding the incident. Nine fire tenders immediately rushed to the spot. A fire call from Baby Care Centre, near ITI, Block B of Vivek Vihar area was received. A total of nine fire tenders were dispatched, said Delhi Fire Services (DFS) chief Atul Garg as quoted by newswire PTI. The cause of the fire incident is yet to be ascertained. The incident comes on a day at least 27 persons were killed in Gujarat's Rajkot city when a massive fire swept through a crowded game zone and the building collapsed. Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel has ordered an SIT probe into the incident. It is very important to ensure that such an incident does not happen again. Any kind of negligence will not be entertained in this event," Patel said. Rajkot Police Commissioner Raju Bhargava said that the gaming zone is owned by a person called Yuvraj Singh Solanki. He was taken to police station for questioning. Fire broke out in the TRP gaming zone in the afternoon. The rescue operations are on. The fire is under control. We are trying to retrieve as many bodies as possible. Investigations will be carried out." reported ANI quoting Bhargava. We will be registering an offence for negligence and the deaths which have occurred. The further investigation will take place once we complete the rescue operations here," Bhargava added. MoS state Harsh Sanghvi said that the administrator and the manager have been arrested. (Bloomberg Opinion) -- Ten years ago, when Narendra Modi then chief minister of business-friendly Gujarat state rode an electoral wave to the prime ministership in New Delhi, many expected that he would be far more supportive of the private sector than previous Indian leaders. As a candidate, Modi was quoted as saying: I believe government has no business to do business, and one of the many slogans of that 2014 campaign was minimum government, maximum governance. That seemed as close to laissez-faire Thatcherism as one could reasonably expect in India. Nobody who looked closely at Modis tenure in Gujarat, however, believed this easy narrative. His proudest achievement there was turning around the state governments own public-sector companies, particularly in the energy sector. And thats been his focus in national office as well. In one recent interview, when asked to cite an example of how the markets should react to his expected re-election, he pointed specifically and solely to how he had revived the stock prices of public-sector companies. Modi wasnt wrong. State firms have done better than Indias benchmark Sensex index for three years straight, and look likely to do so again this year. They have regularly traded at a premium to their private peers. Government officials attribute this success to administrative shifts within these creaking old behemoths. The minister in charge of Indias state petroleum companies, for example, says that the Modi administration has introduced a new era of governance characterized by professionalism, strategic foresight, and unwavering commitment to national interests. Most analysts are similarly optimistic, if less effusive. But what does this public-sector outperformance say about Indias real economy? Is such vibrancy really worth bragging about? Two bits of context are worth noting. First, most of Indias state-owned enterprises are in legacy sectors fossil fuels, old-style transport, 20th-century capital goods. And second, private-sector investment in India remains anemic. Consider these three points together, and the macro picture begins to look a little worrying. If what are known in India as public-sector undertakings are doing well, is that because the private sector is under-performing on growth and investment? And is it good news if the best-performing companies in an economy are those that hold near-monopolies in sunset industries? Analysts at Kotak Institutional Equities have argued the latter is a real problem. Continued large reinvestment of cash flows by PSUs into their extant businesses (mostly sunset industries) may constrain their ability to invest in more future-proof businesses key to their longer-term viability. A cycle whether virtuous or vicious is at work here. State-owned companies dominate certain older sectors. They see decent cash surpluses. But, being government-controlled, they cant channel their profits into the broader financial system to find the most effective new projects. Instead, they must follow directions from New Delhi to re-invest in their own industries. Meanwhile, private firms in India are struggling. New investment plans from the private sector shrunk by over 15% in 2023-24. Manufacturing suffered the biggest hit, as fresh proposals fell by 40% in value terms, from Rs. 20 trillion ($240 billion) in 2022-23 to Rs. 12 trillion ($144 billion) in 2023-24. Economists have come up with various explanations for the declines. Some argue that domestic demand is still not robust enough for the private sector to make a business case for new investment. Others point out that productivity in manufacturing has barely increased, so fresh capital has not been drawn into the sector. And pretty much everyone agrees that business-friendly reforms have not gone far enough. A more fundamental problem is that Modi has developed a battle-plan for economic growth over his past two terms and the private sector isnt meant to lead the charge. The government actively mops up household financial savings and routes all investment through the state sector. As a share of GDP, government expenditure has increased sharply, as has Indias debt. The finance ministrys think tank estimates growth in the coming year will be an optimistic 7.1%-7.4%, essentially thanks to public-sector capital expenditure. This strategy is, to put it mildly, not Thatcherite. It certainly wont modernize Indias economy away from sunset industries. Nor will it increase productivity thats asking too much of the public sector. Above all, it is fiscally unsustainable. Government investment has risen in every federal budget; how long can India keep that up? If Modi returns to power, his administration must adopt a different strategy. State-owned companies cant be the basis of a modern, productive economy. More From Bloomberg Opinion: This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or Bloomberg LP and its owners. Mihir Sharma is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist. A senior fellow at the Observer Research Foundation in New Delhi, he is author of Restart: The Last Chance for the Indian Economy. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com/opinion A SpiceJet flight on its way to Leh suffered a glitch on Sunday (May 26) morning and returned to the national capital, PTI reported citing a source. The Boeing 737-7 aircraft, carrying around 135 people, landed safely at the Delhi airport, the source added. A full emergency was declared at the airport and the aircraft, operating the flight SG 123 that took off at around 1030 hours, landed safely at about 1100 hrs. The plane returned due to engine vibrations, the source said. Also Read | Folding four airlines into two is a tough task even for Tatas The aircraft returned to the national capital sometime after takeoff, as per data available on flight tracking website flightradar24, the PTI report added. Comments from SpiceJet are being awaited. Latest In The News SpiceJet on May 22 said that it will seek a refund of 450 crore from its former promoter Kalanithi Maran, and his firm, KAL Airways. This follows a Delhi high court order on May 17 that overturned an earlier judgment upholding an arbitral award in Maran's favor. Also Read | Delhi HC sets aside order upholding arbitral award in favour of Kalanithi Maran and against SpiceJet The budget airline said it will seek the return of 450 crore out of the 730 crores it paid to KAL Airways and Maran. This includes 580 crore in principal and 150 crore in interest. The dispute goes back to February 2015 when Maran transferred his entire shareholding in SpiceJet to Ajay Singh, the current chairman and managing director of the airline, after the carrier nearly went belly up in 2014-15 due to a severe cash crunch. SpiceJet and Singh had filed section 34 Petitions to challenge the Arbitral Award, specifically the directive to refund 270 crore to Kal Airways and Kalanithi Maran. They also sought to waive the 12 per cent interest on warrants and the 18 per cent interest on both warrants and CRPS. An 11-year-old girl, Ritika Ashokan, has been awarded 1.1 crore in compensation by a Motor Accident Claims Tribunal. This decision comes after her mother died in an accident in Mazgaon in 2015 when their scooter was hit by a trailer, The Times of India reported. Also Read: Rajkot fire news: Gujarat HC takes suo motu cognizance of gaming zone accident Ritika's father and grandfather, who initially filed the claim, passed away while the case was still active, TOI reported. Mazgaon is one of the seven islands that formed the original city of Mumbai. Seeta Ashokan, the child's mother, was a 37-year-old school and tuition teacher who made 60,000 a month when she died, the publication added. The tribunal noted that these details were important in deciding the amount of compensation. Also Read: Pune car crash: Teenagers grandfather held for wrongful confinement of family driver On May 11, 2015, Seeta Ashokan and her husband were riding on a scooter when a speeding trailer hit them from behind. The trailer owner, Vidyadhar Mishra, and the insurance company, Reliance General Insurance, must now pay the compensation. The tribunal decided after hearing that the child, who now lives with her elderly grandmother and has no income, needs money for school and daily expenses. The child's lawyer asked for compensation for her for these needs instead of putting it all in a savings account, as per TOI. Also Read: After Pune, now 32-year-old dies after colliding with minor's bike in Mumbai "Considering the age of the deceased when she died in the accident, a long span of service was due to be enjoyed by her and there is likelihood of having great increase in her salary. But, due to accident, she lost her life and lost her chance to live a better life," TOI quoted the tribunal as saying. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday inadvertently said that he wishes Narendra Modi become 'Chief Minister' once again. A clip of Nitish Kumar's slip of tongue while addressing a rally in Bihar's Daniyawan of Patna Sahib Lok Sabha constituency, has gone viral on social media platforms. "It is our wish to win 400 plus seats in the country and may Narendra Modi become Chief Minister again. May the country, Bihar progress," said Nitish Kumar. Soon, realising Nitish Kumar's gaffe, one of the party members who were present on the dais tried correcting his flub. However, Nitish, who seems to have not realised the gaffe, said, Narendra Modi is already a Prime Minister...That's why I am saying that he may keep moving. Several social media users have reacted to Nitish Kumar's slip of tongue. Meanwhile, Nitish Kumar hit out at Opposition in the state and questioned what was there even if they (RJD) got the opportunity before we (NDA) come to power in 2005. "Was anyone getting out of their homes, there was fear. No one has this courage. Fewer children had access to education... They got the opportunity but they did nothing, we have done so much work be it in health, education or any other sector," reported ANI quoting Nitish Kumar. On Saturday, addressing a rally in Bihar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused INDIA bloc of "enslavement" and performing "mujra" for vote bank. Top Events on May 26: India is all set to witness various political, international, technological, and sports events on Sunday. Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi will address poll rallies in Odisha. South Korea, China, and Japan will hold their first trilateral summit today. Cyclone Remal is expected to hit West Bengal on Sunday. Take a look at the top events of the day below, - Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and party leader Rahul Gandhi will visit Odisha to seek support for the grand old party candidates on Sunday, May 26. - Rahul Gandhi will also visit Himachal Pradesh today to address Lok Sabha election rallies in Una and Nahan constituencies. - The police custody of Mumbai hoarding collapse accused Bhavesh Bhinde will end today, May 26. Bhavesh Bhinde, the prime accused for causing the death of 17 people after an illegal billboard installed by his company beside a petrol pump in Mumbai collapsed on May 13, has a number of notices and penalties issued against him - Television channel Doordarshan Kisan will launch new AI anchors on May 26. IPL 2024: Sunrisers Hyderabad (SH) will play against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the final match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) on May 26 in Tamil Nadu. Mahindra XUV 3XO bookings will open today, and new car deliveries will commence on May 26 in India. - The leaders of South Korea, China and Japan will hold their first trilateral summit in more than four years in Seoul on May 26-27, Seoul's presidential office said on Thursday. - Russian President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin will begin his two-day visit to Uzbekistan on May 26. - Lithuania's President Gitanas Nauseda and Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte will face off in the second round of the Baltic state's presidential vote on May 26. Read the full story on Backfire News Bruce Springsteens Drummer Sues Car Restoration Shop The allure of owning a fully restored 1957 Mercedes-Benz 190SL was enough to get Bruce Springsteens drummer, Max Weinberg, to hand over $125,000 to a car restoration business in Florida. However, Weinberg alleges instead of performing on the agreement, the company took his money and used it for personal expenses, leaving him with nothing. These celebrities love their Mopars. Weinberg has in turn filed a lawsuit for $375,000 against Aurther Siegle, family members of Siegle, and Investment Automotive Group Inc. through the courts in Plam Beach County, reports the Associated Press. ADVERTISEMENT Instead of spending the initial sum of money on obtaining a solid Mercedes-Benz 190SL, Weinberg says the shop presented one with plenty of rust and other damage so extensive the classic car couldnt be restored to like-new condition. Sadly, weve seen plenty of people, both celebrities and regular folk, get taken for a ride by car restoration shops. There are many legitimate businesses that buy and restore classic vehicles for customers, but its not uncommon for customers to claim they never received a car or got one with shoddy restoration work done. The report indicates that even though local law enforcement investigated this case and concluded the Siegles did use Weinbergs $125,000 deposit to cover personal expenses, no criminal charges were filed. The drummer handed that money over about three years ago. Ultimately Weinbergs dream was a classic Mercedes he could enter into Concours shows, meaning it would need to be nearly perfect. Believing he had found the perfect shop to perform such work, he plunked down the deposit, only later concluding hed been had. While there certainly are no guarantees when working with a car restoration shop, you should do research before putting a deposit down with one. Talk with former customers, look up online reviews, etc. so you get a better idea of what the business is like and whether others have experienced problems. New Delhi: Traffic gridlocks notwithstanding, travellers have been visiting popular pilgrimage destinations across the country this year, with travel companies seeing a rise in demand ranging from 30% to 100% compared to the last summer season. Despite the heat, this year's pilgrimage season has started strongly, with travellers heading to Ayodhya, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Uttarakhand, the Char Dham circuit, and Tirupati. Travel agency Thomas Cook (India) Ltd has witnessed a 100% increase in bookings over the last year for its Char Dham yatras, with growing interest among younger, millennial travellers. For them, the company has tailored a 'Pilgrimage Plus' offering, which combines temple visits with local experiences like cuisine trails and outdoor activities. It has also introduced aerial helicopter 'darshans' (view) for Adi Kailash and Om Parvat mountain peaks in Uttarakhand, in collaboration with the state's tourism board, which are already sold out for this summer. The surge of tourists has also prompted travel agencies and hotel companies to strengthen their offerings for religious and pilgrimage travel. For Sarovar Hotels & Resorts, which operates hotels like Park Inn in locations including Ayodhya, Bodh Gaya, Badrinath, Haridwar, Somnath, Junagarh, Mathura, Vrindavan, and Tirupati, this segment of the business will contribute significantly to its overall revenue, with about a 15% share coming from these locations. However, Ajay Bakaya of Sarovar Hotels makes a clear distinction between religious and spiritual tourism. Spiritual tourism is not the same. It is led mainly by travellers who go to locations like Rishikesh etc. But from a religious standpoint, it is destinations like Ayodhya and Varanasi which, more recently, have shown "remarkable growth", he said. Huge demand "Demand for religious destinations has always been huge. However, most people engaging in religious tourism are not seeking luxury but rather focus more on austerity. Thus, there's a bigger market for mid-market hotels and even more so for the lower end of the pyramid, which is under-supplied," said Bakaya. The hotel industry is projected to record a 7-9% revenue growth in FY25, underpinned largely by domestic leisure travel, including pilgrimage tourism among other factors, said data from ratings agency ICRA. Earlier this month, Tata group-owned Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) signed a hotel in Sarnath, Uttar Pradesh, as a greenfield construction under its Gateway hotel brand with 160 rooms, while Sarovar Hotels & Resorts opened a Tulip Inn in the pilgrimage city of Shravasti, in the same state. "We have noticed over the years that pilgrim tourism is impacted less by economic downturns than other segments, which we have particularly witnessed during and after the pandemic. In general, most spiritual/pilgrim destinations have been seeing an uptick, with our hotels in Haridwar, Katra, Rishikesh, Dwarka (Gujarat) etc. performing well. Further, with the Char Dham dates starting this month, we have witnessed growth in both occupancy and room rates in key markets like Dehradun (for Badrinath), Dwarka and Bhubaneswar (for Puri)," said Harleen Mehta, senior vice-president, sales, Lemon Tree Hotels Ltd. Online travel agency Yatra Online has seen a steady increase in the Char Dham pilgrims with a special focus on Ayodhya, and has recorded phenomenal numbers this year because of the novelty factor (the Ram temple in Ayodhya was inaugurated in January) and a general shortage of inventory. It said there are also no registration slots left for the Char Dham yatra. Other religious destinations like Tirupati, Vrindavan, Ujjain, and Amritsar have seen a jump, too. Badrinath, and Varanasi have been destinations with a strong footfall. Slow recovery According to the most recent data from the Union ministry of tourism, India had about 173.1 crore domestic tourists in 2022, growing 55% over 2021, but still below 2019, when the figures were 232.2 crore. The story is no different in Uttar Pradesh. There are 24 flights operating from Ayodhya to other cities with some routes being serviced twice a week and others four times a week, including Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Ahmedabad. Interestingly, while it is still early days for Ayodhya, the state's tourism board said it is Varanasi's Kashi Vishwanath temple that has the highest footfall among the religious tourism sites in Uttar Pradesh. Madhya Pradesh tourism, for instance, which has already surpassed its inbound tourist numbers of 2019 by about 2.3 crore visitors, saw a footfall of about 11 crore visitors in the calendar year of 2023. About 5.2 crore travellers visited Ujjain that year. Of the top ten most visited sites in the state, five were religious destinations - Ujjain, Maihar, Chitrakoot, Omkareshwar, and Salkanpur. "Our focus has been on promoting religious tourism and enhancing tourism infrastructure, cultural heritage, and showcasing. This is driving the growth," said Shekhar Shukla, principal secretary, tourism and culture, and managing director of the state's tourism board. Also read | From ancient structures to luxury retreats: Varanasi sees boom in spiritual tourism Searches for spiritual destinations on our platform have surged by nearly 97% in the last two years. During this period, the contribution of spiritual tourism to our holiday business has steadily increased from 7% in 2022 to 10% in 2023 to over 13% in 2024. We have also observed significant y-o-y growth in the top spiritual destinations from 2023 to 2024. These destinations include Uttar Pradesh (Ayodhya and Varanasi) with a 110% growth, Uttarakhand (Char Dham, Haridwar, Rishikesh) with a 42% growth, Gujarat (Somnath and Dwarka) with a 37% growth, Tamil Nadu (Rameswaram), Andhra Pradesh (Tirupati) with a 19% growth, and Jammu and Kashmir (Katra) with a 12% growth," said Rajesh Magow, co-founder and group CEO of MakeMyTrip. "In our pilgrimage offerings, 45% of bookings are from families, with most bookings coming from individuals aged 36-50 years, and the average trip typically lasts five nights. Given the rate at which spiritual tourism is growing in India, we expect more investments in hospitality and infrastructure. This surge in interest is not only enhancing business but also stimulating local economies, creating jobs, and promoting cultural heritage conservation," Magow added. Since the inauguration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, there is an uptick in traffic of devotees looking to visit the temple, with the summer season seeing a 550% growth in searches for Ayodhya, said Booking.com which mainly relies on search data. Destinations like Ujjain saw a growth of 86%, Badrinath 40%, Varanasi and Shirdi 20% each. As summer reaches its peak, Bill Gates has once again compiled a list of recommendations for what to watch and read. This year's selection features four books covering a range of genres, from historical fiction to insightful explorations of generosity and education. In a post on X, Gates said, I didnt intend to go deep on the topic of service with my summer listbut its certainly as relevant today as ever. I hope youre inspired to read or watch one of these recommendations. Here is the list of recommended books, the OTT series by Bill Gates: 1. The Women, by Kristin Hannah This terrific novel tells the story of a U.S. Army nurse who serves two tours on the frontlines in Vietnam before returning home to a country rocked by protest and anti-war sentiment, Gates said in a blog. 2. Infectious Generosity, by Chris Anderson Chris, who has been the curator of TED Talks for more than two decades, explores how the internet can amplify the impact of generosity. He offers a plan for how everyoneincluding individuals, governments, and businessescan foster more generosity, he added. 3. Brave New Words, by Sal Khan Salthe founder of Khan Academyhas been a pioneer in the field of education technology since long before the rise of artificial intelligence. So the vision he lays out in Brave New Words for how AI will improve education is well grounded. Sal argues that AI will radically improve both outcomes for students and the experiences of teachers, and help make sure everyone has access to a world-class education, Gates wrote in the blog. 4. Slow Horses Gates wrote in his blog that he had read several of John le Carres novels, and two of my favourite movies are Spy Game and Three Days of the Condor. Id put Slow Horses up there with the best of them. Speaking about the series, he wrote, Its a British series about undercover agents assigned to Slough House, a fictional group inside MI5 where people are sent when they mess up badly, but not quite badly enough to get fired. Gary Oldman plays the head of Slough House, whos basically the polar opposite of James Bond. He noted that like le Carre novels, Slow Horses has enough complex characters and plots. Where to watch Slow Horses in India? Slow Horses is only available on Apple TV+. Subscription is available in India for a monthly subscription of 99 per month after a free 7day trial. Watch the trailer here: 5. How to Know a Person, by David Brooks Gates said that he liked Davids previous book, The Road to Character, but this one is even better. Microsoft founder Bill Gates shared a time management tip from Warren Buffett, which he said took too long for him to realise. He said he would have learnt about it sooner if only he had observed the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. Buffett is known for having an intentionally light calendar. Bill Gates said that for success, one doesn't need to fill every second of their schedule. Also read: Bill Gates recommends this OTT series for binge-watch; it's a British spy thriller, check out In a post on Threads, Bill Gates posted an article titled How to be Less Busy and More Happy by The Atlantic and said, It took far too long for me to realize that you dont have to fill every second of your schedule to be successful." "In hindsight, its a lesson I could have learned a lot sooner had I taken more peeks at Warren Buffetts intentionally light calendar, he added. Also read: EC asks Prasar Bharati not to broadcast PM Modi-Bill Gates interaction: Report Give yourself time to read, think, and write This isn't the first time Bill Gates has appreciated the way Warren Buffett manages his time. In an interview with Bloomberg earlier, Bill Gates, who was beside Warren Buffett as a guest, showed how empty Buffetts calendar looked. I remember Warren showing me his calendar. You know, I had every minute packed, and I thought that was the only way you could do things," he had told Bloomberg in the interview. "And you know, the fact that he is so careful not to crowd yourself too much and give yourself time to read, think, and write, Gates added. Also read: 'AI is such an exciting thing': Bill Gates tells Sam Altman he 'didn't expect ChatGPT to get so good' He had also explained how it is more about prioritising whats really important. You control your time, and sitting and thinking may be a much higher priority. It's not a proxy of your seriousness that you've filled every minute in your schedule, Gates said. An IndiGo passenger, tripping on bhang, was arrested by police after he allegedly tried to open the door of a Hyderabad-bound flight mid-air. Later, it was revealed that the 29-year-old tried to open the door after allegedly consuming bhang. The incident occurred on May 21, just before the landing of the Hyderabad-bound IndiGo flight. Not only this, the flyer also tried to argue with the airline staff members. Later, the flight staff called the police and registered a complaint against the passenger. As a result, the police arrested the person. According to Hindustan Times, the passenger started behaving strangely on the flight. Later, he was asked to change his seat; however, he was reluctant to do so and kept demanding to be seated next to his friends. The passenger is a resident of Chandragirinagar in Gajularamaram who had gone to Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, reported PTI. He was travelling to Hyderabad from a flight he took in Indore. The airline staff and some co-passengers had tried to stop him from opening the door after they found his behaviour "weird", and it is said that he had allegedly consumed 'bhang' (an edible preparation made form the psychotropic cannabis plant) before boarding the flight, police added. A Cybertruck customer recently shared his ordeal of being unable to resell his electric vehicle because of bizarre restrictions imposed by Elon Musk's Tesla. The EV maker has prohibited Cybertruck customers from reselling their vehicles within the first year of their ownership. Apart from Tesla's bizarre restrictions, what caught social media's attention was the reason behind Cybertruck owner's wish to resell his newly bought vehicle. According to a social media post, X user Blaine Raddon realised that his newly bought Cybertruck did not fit inside the complex where he lives. The revelation left him with no option except to return or resell the electric vehicle. Surprisingly, the Cybertruck owner can't take either action. In his social media post, Blaine Raddon shared that Elon Musk's EV maker is not taking the truck and is not even allowing the owner to resell it to someone else. Tesla's policy doesn't allow its Cybertruck customers to sell their EVs within the first year of their purchase. Tesla has refused my request to sell my recently purchased Cybertruck. They do not want to buy, and have told me I cant sell. It does not fit into the complex I live. I found that out the day I bought it back. What can I do? Not trying to make a profit, read the post on X. What caught social media's attention was the reason to resell the EV truck and left them wondering how a person couldn't figure out if the vehicle fits into the complex or not. suuuure, test drive it to take it home was the only way to prevent this. because of course no other means of measuring something to see if it fits exist ... these people are literally braindead lol, commented a Reddit user on the screenshot posted on the platform. This is a pretty ridiculous request that not everyone can accommodate We were lucky we had the time and resources to take a tape measure to a truck and then measure the space it was supposed to be in the garage, but not everyone is so lucky to have both available. You act like those 3 minutes is free time everyone has. And that $2 tape measure, that's asking a lot when you're considering a $40-100k vehicle, wrote another user. So some of the time I feel bad for the victims of tesla's just general, being shitty. But Tesla literally publishes the dimensions of the truck. If you can afford a $100k truck, you can afford a measuring tape, commented a Reddit user. Payal Kapadia made history as the first Indian filmmaker to clinch the Grand Prix prize at the Cannes Film Festival for her movie All We Imagine as Light. This accolade, the festival's second-most prestigious award, was bestowed upon her film, while the coveted Palme d'Or was awarded to American director Sean Baker for his work Anora, ANI reported. Kapadia's film, screened on Thursday night, marks the first Indian entry in 30 years and the first ever by a female Indian director to be featured in the main competition. The previous Indian film to be selected for the main competition was Shaji N Karun's "Swaham" in 1994. Kapadia received the Grand Prix from American actor Viola Davis. In her speech, the filmmaker thanked the three leading ladies of the film -- Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha and Chhaya Kadam -- and said the film would not have been possible without them. "I'm very nervous, so I wrote something down. Thank you to the Cannes Film Festival for having our film here. Please don't wait 30 years to have another Indian film. "This film is about friendship, about three very different women. Oftentimes, women are pitted against each other. This is the way our society is designed and it is really unfortunate. But for me, friendship is a very important relationship because it can lead to greater solidarity, inclusivity and empathy," said Kapadia, who was accompanied by the three actors on the stage. The director also gave a shout out to the festival workers who had protested at the opening night gala, demanding better wages and acknowledgement. All We Imagine as Light All We Imagine as Light, a Malayalam-Hindi feature film, follows Prabha, a nurse whose life is upended when she receives an unexpected gift from her long-estranged husband. Meanwhile, her younger roommate, Anu, struggles to find a private space in the bustling city to spend time alone with her boyfriend. According to the storyline, the two nurses embark on a road trip to a beach town, where the mystical forest serves as a backdrop for their dreams to come true. Following its screening, the film emerged as a frontrunner for the top prize, garnering an eight-minute standing ovation and earning praise from international critics. Baker's Anora was another favourite and ultimately walked away with the award. The film is a drama about a young Brooklyn sex worker who marries the son of a Russian oligarch, setting off a chain of events in the process for herself and the husband. All We Imagine as Light marked the feature directorial debut of Kapadia, an alumna of the Film & Television Institute of India (FTII). Her acclaimed documentary A Night of Knowing Nothing had premiered at Directors Fortnight in 2021 and won the Oeil dor (Golden Eye) award. Her short film Afternoon Clouds in Cinefondation, a category dedicated to supporting the next generation of talented filmmakers. India won a major award in each of the three competitive sections of the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. On Thursday, Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know..., a film by FTII student Chidananda S. Naik, won the La Cinef first prize. Anasuya Sengupta, a production designer with a significant onscreen role in Bulgarian director Konstantin Bojanovs film "The Shameless" in the Un Certain Regard category, created history on Friday. She became the first Indian to win the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival. The closing ceremony, hosted by French actor Camille Cottin, saw Jacques Audiard take home the Jury Prize for the musical crime comedy "Emilia Perez." The film also won the best actress honour for its four lead actresses: Adriana Paz, Zoe Saldana, Karla Sofia Gascon, and Selena Gomez. Jesse Plemons won the best actor honour for playing the trinity of characters -- a submissive businessman, a grieving police officer and a bisexual cult member -- Yorgos Lanthimos' Kinds of Kindness". The award for best director went to Portuguese film director Miguel Gomes for period drama movie Grand Tour. French filmmaker-writer won the Best Screenplay award for her body horror drama "The Substance," featuring Hollywood star Demi Moore. Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof, who recently fled Iran after receiving an eight-year prison sentence, received the Special Award for Best Screenplay for his latest film "The Seed of the Sacred Fig." Among other Indian films selected for the Cannes Competition segment were Mrinal Sen's "Kharij" (1983), M S Sathyus Garm Hava (1974), Satyajit Rays Parash Pathar (1958), Raj Kapoors Awaara (1953), V Shantarams Amar Bhoopali (1952), and Chetan Anands Neecha Nagar (1946). Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Palestinian militant group Hamas, on Sunday said it had launched a "large rocket barrage" at Israel's commercial hub of Tel Aviv, news agency AFP reported. In a post on Telegram, the Hamas armed wing said they had targeted Tel Aviv with a large rocket barrage in response to the Zionist massacres against civilians. The rocket launches could be heard in central Gaza. Meanwhile, Israel's army said at least eight rockets were fired towards central areas of the country from the area of the southern Gaza city of Rafah, where Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have been battling Palestinian militants. Also Read | After boycotting Maldives, EaseMyTrip quietly restarts flight bookings to island nation The IDF said that "a number of the projectiles were intercepted " by Israeli air defences. Israeli authorities reported no immediate casualties or damage in the attack, which appeared to be the first long-range rocket attack from Gaza since January. Also Read | Delhi hospital fire: Owner of New Born Baby Care has history of criminal negligence, says report It is important to note that despite several months of devastating Israeli military offensive against Hamas from the air and the ground, the Islamist faction is still able to fire long-range rockets against Israel. Earlier, aid trucks entered Gaza from southern Israel through a new agreement to bypass the Rafah crossing with Egypt after Israeli forces seized the Palestinian side of it earlier this month. Also Read | Cannes Festival 2024: Anand Mahindra celebrates India's intense filmmaking, May their tribe flourish The war between Israel and Hamas, triggered after the October 7 attack, now in its eighth month, has killed nearly 36,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. Around 80% of the population's 2.3 million people have fled their homes, severe hunger is widespread and UN officials say parts of the territory are experiencing famine. Over 670 people have been estimated to have lost their lives after a massive landslide in Papua New Guinea, on Sunday. The Kaokalam Village in Enga Province, about 600 kilometres northwest of Port Moresby, was almost completely obliterated when the landslide struck in the early hours, burying scores of homes and the people sleeping inside them. They are estimating that more than 670 people (are) under the soil at the moment, Serhan Aktoprak, the chief of the UN migration agency's mission told AP. However, he added that the new estimated death toll was not solid because it was based on the average size of the region's families per household. The UN agency's representative said that there are an estimated 150-plus houses now buried. By Sunday evening, only five bodies and a leg of a sixth victim had been recovered. Reuters reported that 1,250 people have been displaced and more than 250 houses nearby have been abandoned by the inhabitants, who had taken temporary shelter with their relatives and friends. The landslide left debris up to 8 metres (25 feet) deep across 200 square km (80 square miles), cutting off road access and making relief efforts difficult, Aid group CARE Australia said. "Land is still sliding, rocks are falling, ground soil is cracking due to constant increased pressure and ground water is running thus the area is posing an extreme risk for everyone," Aktoprak said. While the landslide hit a section of highway near the Porgera gold mine, the geographic remoteness and the tough, hilly terrain is slowing rescue and aid efforts. Bottled water, hygiene kits, clothing, kitchen utensils, food, tarpaulins are being distributed by a humanitarian convoy has started distributing The Chief Justice of India (CJI), during the diamond jubilee celebration of the Supreme Court of India, recently remarked that an adjournment culture" should give way to a culture of professionalism" in court. Let us begin the conversation on long vacations and whether alternatives such as flexi-time for lawyers and judges is possible," said Y.V. Chandrachud in the presence of the Prime Minister of India. Even the PM has voiced similar concerns earlier. It is now time to take this up seriously, particularly at the judiciarys lower levels, so that the huge backlog of cases is reduced and people get justice. In the 133rd Report of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Law and Justice on court vacations, it was recommended that instead of all judges going on vacations at one time, individual judges should take leave at different times, so that the countrys courts are constantly open, like any other public or private establishment. The report states that the demand for doing away with vacations in courts is primarily based on the huge pendency of casesevident from the latest data release that has documented a backlog of more than 41 million cases in Indian courtsas well as the inconvenience caused to litigants during such court closures. Further, the Law Commissions 230th Report in 2009 had suggested that the number of working days of Indian judges should be increased, considering the huge backlog of cases. Also read: We need judicial system reforms to ensure swift disposal of cases If we trace the history of the vacation system, it turns out that it dates back to the era of British rule, under which the current system of courts in India was established back in 1860. These courts continue to function till this day. All the judges back in those days were British subjects with familial connections with their homeland in Europe. They would journey to and from India by sea, spending one month or so on the voyage to Britain, another month residing there, and then another on their return journey to the subcontinent. Consequently, they observed a three-month summer vacation, a practice that existed until transportation by air became widely available after World War II. In this context, its essential that we analyse the court vacation system in other countries that were once under colonial rule, especially in Africa. The legal vacations in most West African countries start from 1 August to the end of September, with shorter breaks over Christmas and Easter of around 10 days each. Currently, Ghana is testing a system of running trial courts in two shifts, so that infrastructure does not become a handicap and the backlog is brought down. On a lighter note, many judicial systems in Africa still follow colonial practices like wearing wigs. In India, we dropped these quaint hair-pieces soon after we attained independence on 15 August 1947. In the United Kingdom, Court of Appeal judges and High Court judges, who still have to don wigs, are typically required to dedicate themselves to judicial duties for approximately 185-190 days annually during the legal year. Circuit and District judges are expected to preside over cases for a minimum of 210 days, with an optimal target ranging between 215 and 220 days per year. A few good practices that India can adopt from Western countries include staggered vacation periods for judges, as in any other occupations and work cultures, rather than a single month-long summer break. Currently, the Indian Supreme Court works for 193 days on its judicial functions, while high courts in India function for around 210 days and trial courts for 245 days. In accordance with the Supreme Court Rules, 2013, the CJI has the authority to designate division benches to handle urgent miscellaneous and regular matters during summer vacationswhich it does, providing relief in a few rare cases that cannot wait. However, this provision does not detract from the fact that court vacations are not in consonance with the demands of a humane society dedicated to justice. Imagine police stations or hospitals, which work round the clock, being closed for certain hourslet alone for monthsin spite of it being obvious that people may need immediate relief from them no matter what time and day it is. Disputes are not raised by people unless they are inevitable. Many times, disputes get settled out of court. Recently, the CJI criticized judges for not delivering judgements for over 10 months after the arguments were heard. Is there any time limit for the announcement of judgements? It is time we considered setting one. This is not to deny that vacations are needed for rejuvenation. It is plain that every judge or lawyer is entitled to annual leave, like in any other occupation. It is just that the establishment should not close, and certainly not for an extended period of time. The argument that judges and lawyers are in the most stressful professions is also misguided. There are many other professions that involve higher levels of stress. According to a survey by Goodall, surgeons are the most stressed, at No. 1 in its ranking table, while lawyers are at No. 14. That said, although the tradition of vacations may hold historical importance, the countrys present judicial scenario necessitates a reconsideration of such practices to ensure effective operations, reduce case backlogs (so that the queue does not grow longer) and cut disruptions for litigants by making sure that Indian courts never stop functioning. A work-life balance is needed for individual judges, which can well be achieved without courts taking breaks. Reforming such practices of the judiciary will raise the quality of judgements and work towards speedier justice for litigants. Arima Pankaj of CUTS contributed to the article. One of the standout successes of the Indian government's Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme is the boom in cellphone manufacturing. India now ranks smartphones as its fourth-largest export item, generating an impressive $15.6 billion in FY24. Leading the export markets are the US, the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, and the UK, with exports valued at $5.6 billion, $2.6 billion, $1.2 billion, and $1.1 billion respectively. Additionally, India maintains a robust domestic market, with the combined domestic and export value of mobile devices reaching approximately 4.1 trillion ($49.16 billion) in FY24, marking a 17% increase year-on-year (YoY). Read This: Sunset looms for PLIs with fading interest Amid this surge, Dixon Technologies Ltd, an Indian contract manufacture, stands as the biggest success story, producing handsets for six of the top seven global brands. In this business since 2015-16, Dixon has scaled its production to 45 million smartphones and 40 million feature phones annually. The company has broadened its portfolio to include large displays for digital signage and flat TVs, as well as handset displays. Additionally, it has entered the fixed wireless access market for 5G devices, manufacturing products for companies such as Nokia and Bharti Airtel. Dixon makes other electronic items and components, and household lighting as well, including being the anchor supplier for lighting brands. But telecom remains its key market segment, contributing about two-thirds of its total income. The company is progressively moving up the value chain, with Original Design Manufacturing (ODM) growing as a percentage of total revenues. The company is investing heavily, as is normal in the industry. Capital expenditure (capex) was around 569 crore in FY24, while revenues at 17,691 crore. For FY25, it plans to spend 240 crore to develop the capacity to produce nearly 25 million display modules and has forged technology partnerships for these, and interactive flat displays. In total, Dixon anticipates a total capex of 550 crore in FY25. The market seems fairly happy, as revenues were up 45% YoY in FY24 and Ebitda (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) at 698 crore, rose 36%. Net profit increased 47% to 373 crore. Many analysts, however, were expecting even faster growth. Given the capacity expansions and the investments in value-addition and backward integration, some analysts, such as JM Financial, are estimating that FY25 revenues could more than double to 36,900 crore, driven by Dixon's proficiency in securing new clients and orders. However, the demand for feature phones, as opposed to smartphones, is expected to decline, possibly leading to excess capacity that may need re-allocation. More conservative analysts estimate that revenue and associated EPS growth would be around 65% YoY in FY25. Despite the high capex, the company is likely to generate healthy free cash flows. Dixon's valuation, however, is expensive, at over 150 PE. The company has an Ebitda margin of just under 4% of revenues and the margin is likely to hover in the single-digits, though it may improve from here. Electronics manufacturing is inherently low-margin, high complexity and capital intensive. The valuation is astronomical. For context, the global market leader in contract manufacturing, Taiwans Foxconn (Hon Hai Precision Industry) has a PE of 18-5x. The company continues to benefit from the global China-Plus-One strategy, under which large corporations have diversified away from China. Additionally, Dixon has developed its own original design capacities while partnering with major brands such as Google, Samsung, Motorola, Realme, Xiaomi, Longcheer, among others. However, a closer examination of the handset segment, and the consumer electronics industry at large, reveals that relentless scaling, technology adoption, and R&D are essential for sustained growth. Also Read: The evolution of Indian manufacturing as an investment theme Read the full story on Backfire News Huge Texas Chop Shop Busted By Police Authorities in Houston, Texas have dealt a big blow to the car theft trade after they took down a chop shop they claim contained almost $500,000 in cars. It happened at a shop called Stampede Diesel with multiple law enforcement agencies descending on the business to make the bust. That $500,000 estimated value in cars might sound like a lot, but these were all performance vehicles and were in 2024, so it only take a handful to reach a total like that. Still, the bust was impressive and its possible quite a few vehicles got chopped up, the parts transported and sold elsewhere. Among those rescued most notably is a Corvette investigators say is worth $170,000. ADVERTISEMENT Other cars recovered in one piece included Dodge Chargers and a Cadillac Escalade. In other words, just the kind of vehicles one would expect at a chop shop. Authorities also arrested 25 people they believe are all part of a pretty large auto theft ring. Among those arrested was 25-year-old Landon Wayne Swonke, whos apparently listed as the owner of the shop. How many kids that age do you know who own a nice repair shop like that? He was able to get out of jail on a $25,000 bond, but hes not out of hot water yet. It sounds like this business was something out of the Grand Theft Auto video games. Investigators believe car thieves would just drive stolen rides to the shop, drop them off like they were getting repaired, then get paid for their effort. If you live in the Houston area and had a performance car taken in the past while, theres a chance it was taken to this shop. We dont know if investigators will be able to uncover all the stolen rides delivered since criminals usually dont keep meticulous records for a reason. But this hopefully will slow down rampant theft in Houston, at least a little. Image via YouTube While far-right groupsin mostly Republican-led stateswage a crusade to ban thousands of books in schools and public libraries across the country, Minnesota is pushing back. This state, governed by a former high-school teacher, has banned book bans. The rise in attempts to censor Americans reading material is alarming. In 2023, book challenges surged to the highest level ever documented, according to the American Library Association, with efforts to censure more than 4,200 titles. The tactics are alarming too. Where previous attempts typically involved a parent or small group of parents challenging a single book title, now groups with clear political agendas are filing coordinated challenges against scores of books, all under the guise of parental rights. The books targeted typically deal with issues of race, sexuality or gender expression. School and library board members have been shouted down at meetings, librarians have been harassed and threatened with violence, and groups have used the possibility of lawsuits and criminal charges as intimidation tactics. Last year, while Florida was yanking books off its shelves300 titles were removed in nearly a third of the states school districtsMinnesota Democratic Governor Tim Walz moved to highlight the absurdity of the Sunshine States ban. He installed his own Little Free Library at the Minnesota Capitol building, like the small pop-up libraries that dot the front of many homes nationwide. The difference: This one featured banned books. It was a small gesture that sparked a larger idea: to stand against censorship with the full force of state law. Also read: Free libraries are a big hope in need of policy support I knew we had to do more," Walz said just before signing the ban into law Friday. I see book bans as dangerous. Throughout history, the people who want to ban books have never been on the right side." As a teacher, he said, The freedom to read is super personal to me. We know how powerful it is for kids." The law states in simple, unambiguous language, a public library must not ban, remove or otherwise restrict access to a book or other material based solely on its viewpoint or the messages, ideas or opinions it conveys." It puts decisions on book selection firmly in the hands of experts: librarianswho have made books their lifes work. Thats not such a novel idea. Librarians have been entrusted with such decisions since libraries began. It was only after extremist groups such as Moms for Liberty decided they could exploit this issue for political gain a few years ago that book challenges surged. The Minnesota anti-book-ban bill does not overlook parents rights. Every library must have policies that allow parents or guardians to exercise their own judgment regarding their children. Parents should be able to determine what their children are exposed to and raise them in accordance with their values. But when they seek instead to control access to books for all children, they cross a fundamental line, violating the rights of those students and their parents and the intellectual freedom that must be cultivated and exercised at a young age. Their desire to impose their moral code, or religious beliefs on others does notor at least should notoverride an individuals freedom. Does it matter that were talking about students here? Not according to Supreme Court Justice William Brennan, who in 1982 issued an opinion for a divided court in Board of Education vs Pico that stated, Local school boards may not remove books from school library shelves simply because they dislike the ideas contained in those books." Democratic Minnesota State Senator Steve Cwodzinski, who taught American government to high schoolers for more than 30 years, believes passionately in the power of books to open students minds to new ways of thinking. I believe in the marketplace of ideas," said Cwodzinski, who sponsored the bill and struggled for its passage against Republican opponents who said it was unnecessary. Democrats hold a one-seat majority in the chamber. I would tell parents, try to trust the professionals," Cwodzinski said. Ive seen the spark go off in students when they find a book that speaks to them. And having a librarian guide them is a lot better than them just finding out on the internet alone." Book bans are the most widespread form of censorship in the US and are antithetical to a democracy that depends on a thoughtful, informed citizenry. Controlling access to books and limiting materials considered controversial only by some are the first steps toward controlling thought. We should reject it soundly. bloomberg Once, I was in a bus with a former nun. She had recently quit a convent. Now nobody could stop her from having fun, even in a bus. She started clapping and singing, and tried to get everyone else on the bus to join her. She also yelled at passersby on the road, all in the pursuit of fun, her idea of fun. This is probably what she thought people who had fun did. When she did not feel the fun, she tried harder, and finally looked confused at why fun was not coming to her. Its the same baffled look I see in boys anywhere in India who go out on New Years Eve to have fun in the Republic of No-Fun. To tell themselves they are enjoying life, they have to get totally drunk, sway, fall, vomit and laugh aloud. It is the same emotion I see in extraordinarily rich young men in India when they are in luxury vehicles their dads got them. They look like miners of fun. Eventually, all they can do is get drunk and drive at 200km an hour. Now and then, they send pedestrians flying, as it happened a few days ago in Pune, when a drunk 17-year-old rammed his fathers Porsche into a motorcycle, killing a young man and a woman. Since then, India has been very confused about what to do with the juvenile, first releasing him on bail within 15 hours of the incident, and then, because of public anger, taking him back into remand. The teenagers father, a builder named Vishal Agarwal who it appears had wilfully given him the car, reportedly tried to flee, but was eventually arrested. Stripped of legal jargon, the man was arrested for being a lousy parent and thus a danger to society. Indias wealthy homes today are filled with this type. Once, Indias rich had to hide because it was very unsafe to be rich in a poor country. It was a time when the rich were called industrialists. That generation of Indias rich had also sponsored idealism out of self-interest to defeat the eras cultural elite, the British. They either ended up believing these ideals or had to somehow sustain the noble myth. They knew what being vulgar was, and did not wish to do that. It was hard to hide their wealth, but their displays often had a public context, as with the aplomb of royals. Even today, it is rare to see outrageous behaviour from the children of billionaires. It could be that billionaires are rare, so all incidents involving them appear rare, or it could be that when they do mow down people, that news gets slain. Granting all this, I still get the feeling that the children of Indias industrialists are briefed well at home to behave well and not kill people with expensive cars. But the ordinary rich are a different lot. I cant imagine those families telling theirs sons to be aware at all times of their dumb luck and be kind to those who are not as lucky. You sit with some of Indias wealthy, and all you hear is what money has bought and will buy next. What they have taken from the world, what they will take next. A new generation has been raised listening to this talk and might believe that this is the way to be, this is how the rich should enjoy their luck. It is my guess that the best thing wealth can buy is an intellectual pursuit. The origin of intellect is in wealth, and it still serves the rich the best. Without an intellectual pursuit, wealth searches desperately to entertain itself with material things, to somehow buy fun that is unattainable for others. In response to this demand, capitalism has invented many fake products for the super-rich. But the fun just does not come, and like that nun on the bus, they have keep doing more desperate things. They have to buy more and more, consume more and more, and veer towards the dangerous side. Like pushing a Porsches pedal to 200kmph on an Indian road. Garish gluttons of material goods are often mistaken in India as the new rich. This is wrong classification of a group of people that may actually exist in the West. I do not think there are many newly enriched people in India because that would mean this is a country conducive to rags-to-riches or even middle-class-to-riches. We are not such an equal society. There could be some exceptions, but we are in essence a rich-to-more-riches nation. Most of the rich we see around us, the winners of capitalism, are beneficiaries of a head-start from previous generations, like Vishal Agarwal, the father of the teen in the Porsche. So what we have is not the new rich, but new behaviour of the rich. After the Porsche slammed into the bike, the people on the streets thrashed the teenaged driver. We can assume this was not an act of rage on behalf of the victims, but rage at the Porsche. There is a sociological mystery in the world, especially in India. Why dont the poor kill us? Why do they tolerate blatant and vulgar inequality? They know the price brackets of cars and how much we order as a single meal on Zomato. There are some obvious and banal reasons why they have not risen in violent ways. Like, for instance, the poor dont want to be violent. Also, they do not want to go to jail. But there are some underrated reasons for this peace. One is that all things considered, the poor are probably meaner to the poor than the rich are. The rich not only generate jobs and make sweet but useless art films about the plight of the poor, the affluent sophisticated Indian is the face of goodness in India, the very representation of good intent, social service and activism against the rich. This perception lies in precarious balance with that other face of the richthe ominous lightly damaged Porsche on a road. Refuting claims that Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was irked over Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal's absence during Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's arrest by the ED, she claimed that she went to the US to attend a conference at Harvard and later her stay got extended as her sister contracted Covid-19. Maliwal also questioned that if she was assaulted for that reason, then why Raghav Chadha, who was also away during Kejriwal's arrest, was treated differently. Raghav Chadha had undergone eye surgery in London and was away from the country for a long duration. As per reports, he developed a serious eye ailment which could have led to blindness. Maliwal told India Today TV, in an exclusive interview, "I went to the US to attend a Harvard conference and participated in various meet-and-greet events organised by AAP volunteers. At the time when Arvind Kejriwal was arrested, my sister who lives in the US got Covid. All my belongings were at her house and then I had to undergo quarantine. Even during that time, I was in touch with the party, I was tweeting and I was talking with AAP leaders. I did whatever I could do at that time. To say that I was not working for the party at that time is very unfortunate." Why other Rajya Sabha MP who was in London was given red carpet reception: Swati Maliwal Without naming Chadha, she said, "If that is the reason why I was beaten up, I really want to understand why is it that I have been given this kind of treatment and the other Rajya Sabha MP who was in London was given red carpet reception?" Speaking on AAP's claim that she is in talks with BJP, the Rajya Sabha MP said, "This is very unfortunate and exactly what they threatened me. They said that the moment I file a complaint against Arvind Kejriwal's aide Bibhav Kumar, this is what is going to happen". Bihav Kumar moves court for bail Meanwhile, Bibhav Kumar who is accused of assaulting AAP MP Swati Maliwal, has moved a bail plea at a court, which has sought a response from Delhi Police, sources said. Kumar's counsels moved the plea after he was sent to four days of judicial custody on Friday, court sources said and added that the plea is listed for hearing on Monday. The concept of nudging has become popular in the past few yearsusing psychological tactics to subtly steer people toward making better decisions that are aligned with their own interests or societal goals. Companies and governments are using nudges, for instance, by automatically enrolling people in retirement savings plans instead of having them opt in, or by placing healthier snacks at eye level in a cafeteria or by comparing peoples electricity consumption with their neighbors. But as nudges became increasingly popular, we wondered: Can they go the distance? Would they keep people on track beyond the initial push, like actually eating healthier foods or saving more money or reducing their energy use over the long term? We found that, in many settings, they dont. Lots of people simply dont follow through on options they have been nudged to choosemaking those nudges less effective than many people believe. As the old saying goes, You can lead a horse to water, but you cant make him drink." Other research has shown this effect. In 2012, a team from Cornell University published research showing that more people grabbed healthy snackslike apples and carrotswhen they were placed in contexts that made them more convenient, such as being put at eye level, among other things. The finding got wide attention and helped spread the idea of nudging. But another aspect of the experiment didnt get much attention at all. Those Cornell researchers didnt just measure what went on at the cash register. They also stuck around to see what people did with the food. The nudged people ended up eating the same amount of healthy food as the ones who werent nudgedand the extra that was taken because of the nudge was thrown in the garbage. In the end, the effect on consumption of healthy foods was nil. For a long time we had always included language in these published studies lamenting the lack of long-term studies to see exactly how long the effects would last," says one of the researchers, David R. Just, a professor of applied economics at Cornell. Just adds: It makes some sense that nudges would be much more effective in the short term than in the long term. Choices like food that are repeated often over time lead to learning, and eventually people are likely to recognize how the environment is interfering with their choices. This may say that nudges are most important in one-time or rare decisions like organ-donor status." In the long run To be sure, sometimes a nudge is better than nothing. Lets say somebody who wouldnt otherwise join a gym is nudged into becoming a member. In the end, that person probably wont use the membership regularly, but might use it occasionallywhich is better than not exercising at all. And nudges may be beneficial when people dont have to follow up on their initial choice, such as a plan that automatically puts a part of each paycheck into a 401(k). That is only some cases, though. In others, no nudging might actually be better than a nudge. For instance, somebody might want to choose to join a gym, and plans to attend three days a week. But if nudged into the choice, this person might go there much less. But even when nudges are better than no nudges, we have found that nudges dont provide nearly as much benefit as initial results indicateor as much as many nudge proponents are counting on. We conducted studies on three of the most popular nudge strategies. In one, we gave the participants a chance to sign up with a website to get daily trivia. We described one as a way to have fun, the other as a way to get smarter every day. In reality, everybody was directed to the same site, no matter which option they picked. When we gave participants one website as a defaultin other words, we nudged them to choose it70% opted for it, compared with 48% who chose the same one when it wasnt preselected. Thats typically how default nudges work: People are much more inclined to pick the default, which presumably will be the one that is best for them or society. Next came the important part. We waited. We tracked how often the study participants visited their website membership over eight months. Those who were nudged to choose the default plan visited the site 42% less often than people who chose an identical plan without nudging. This was true for people nudged with a default option, as well as people nudged with whats known as a decoy: a deliberate dud that makes another option really shine. In this case, the dud was an offering designed for children. So, in effect, the default and decoy strategies had a positive impact on choice, but not on long-term actions. When we nudged participants into the program, they used it less than they would have at all if they hadnt been nudged. Another study that we conducted threw cold water on a nudge known as the compromise effect. Think of Goldilocks choosing a bed: Nudgers know that people make choices in the same way, preferring to avoid extremes. Lets say a store is trying to boost sales of a product that gets high ratings but is considered too expensive. The store might try to nudge customers by offering another version of the product at an even higher priceso the original looks like a better deal. In this study, we gave people the option of choosing a plant, and steered some of them toward a compromise option (a plant that wasnt too flashy or high maintenance). As with the trivia website, everyone ended up getting the same plant, no matter which option they chose. But people who ended up with the plant by way of the compromise effect let theirs die 16% sooner than those who chose without a compromise option. In other words, the people who were nudged into the Goldilocks" choice werent as committed to caring for the plant over the long term. A better way Why dont people follow through on nudged choices? When people are subtly steered toward options, it can feel as if a decision happens on autopilot. This lack of conscious effort might lead people to feel disconnected from their choices, potentially reducing their engagement with them. This raises all sorts of questions about social programs designed to help people make better choices. Although nudges can be a powerful lever to increase sign-ups, program organizers shouldnt conflate the popularity of a plan with the amount of people who actually use it. As our studies show, nudges can increase the latter, but decrease the former. Encouraging individuals to save for retirement through nudges, for instance, may boost initial participation rates but may not translate into sustained engagement or prudent financial habits over time. A nudge might get people to enroll, but it doesnt make them feel ownership, like the choice was really theirs, so they dont follow through as much. In designing nudges, the focus should shift toward helping individuals follow through with their decisions, complementing nudges with strategies that promote sustained engagement and behavior change. For instance, people get more motivated for tasks when you turn the jobs into games and let them share their achievements on leaderboards. (Think of the popularity of Wordle.) It feels good to have a streak and see how you stack up to others. We might be able to transfer those competitive elements to nudged choices: If you nudge people into saving for retirement, for instance, you could show them how their savings stack up against other peoples each week. In the end, though, the main takeaway from our research is that nudges may be a great first step. But thats all they are: a first step. Much of the hard work is what comes next. Evan Polman is an associate professor of marketing and Kuechenmeister-Bascom professor in business at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Sam J. Maglio is a professor of marketing at the University of Toronto. They can be reached at reports@wsj.com. A man coughed up a large blood clot that was in the shape of his "bronchial tree," or the lung's branched airway passages. Coughing up blood is an alarming symptom, but it's not particularly rare. Even so, one man in California shocked his doctors when he coughed up an unusual-looking blood clot: It was in the shape of his lung. The 36-year-old man was being treated for a serious heart condition, according to a new report of the case, published Nov. 29 in The New England Journal of Medicine. He had chronic heart failure, which means the heart muscle can't pump enough blood to meet the body's normal demands. His condition was so severe that doctors put him on a machine called a ventricular assist device, which helps the heart pump blood. Because these machines can also increase the risk of blood clots, he was prescribed a blood-thinner medication. However, these medications also increase the risk of bleeding, including coughing up blood. Indeed, the patient had several coughing episodes in which he expelled small amounts of blood, according to the report. But then, during an "extreme bout of coughing," the patient spit out an "intact cast" of the right bronchial tree. In other words, it was a mold (cast) made of clotted blood in the shape of the lung's branched airway passages known as bronchi. "We were astonished," Dr. Georg Wieselthaler, a heart and lung surgeon at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), who treated the patient, told The Atlantic. "It's a curiosity you can't imagine I mean, this is very, very, very rare." It's less rare for patients to cough up bronchial "casts" made of other substances, such as lymph or mucus. But blood is less sticky and sturdy than these other substances, meaning that a cast made of blood is less likely to hold together when coughed up, The Atlantic reported. Wieselthaler told The Atlantic that in this case, the patient had an infection that increased levels of a protein called fibrinogen, which helps blood clots form; and higher levels of fibrinogen could have helped the man's large clot to stay intact when it was coughed up. Sign up for the Live Science daily newsletter now Get the worlds most fascinating discoveries delivered straight to your inbox. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors Even though the man had no further episodes of coughing up blood, he unfortunately died a week later from complications of heart failure. Wieselthaler's colleague, Dr. Gavitt Woodard, a clinical fellow at UCSF, told The Atlantic that one reason they decided to publish the image was to show the "beautiful anatomy of the human body." Originally published on Live Science. Shirley Finn has been waiting a lifetime to hear definitive news of her brother. She was not yet born when the P-38 Lightning piloted by 2nd Lt. Allan Knepper, of Lewiston, took a direct hit from flak and crashed on the Italian island of Sicily. His body wasnt recovered from the World War II theater and Knepper has been listed as missing in action for eight decades. His loss tore a lasting hole in the family. Finn recalls having to whisper questions about her brother. It would make my dad cry every time he was mentioned. He never got over it, said Finn, who lives in Clarkston. Answers Finn has long wanted to know more about Kneppers death and wearabouts. Her wait is nearing an end. The Defense POW-MIA Accounting Agency announced earlier this month that Knepper was accounted for last August. Little else is publicly known about the discovery of his crash site and possible recovery, but Finn and author Robert Richardson, of Spokane, expect to have answers soon. The DPAA has tentatively told Finn they will visit the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley to give her a full report as soon as next month. She hopes it will bring closure. Ive always wanted to know he was in a good place, she said. Id like to bring him home and put him in our plot in Lewiston. Heavy fire A new multimedia theatre work by writer and director Michael Scott, based on the Siege of Jadotville, in September 1961 in Katanga, will be presented at Mullingar Centre For The Performing Arts in the Autumn of 2025. The production will focus on the troops who returned, and how they were vilified and treated, by the officials and general public for their bravery and resilience the real story has been disgracefully swept under the carpet for years. In UN and Irish government circles, however, all that mattered was that the men had surrendered, not that they had shown such resourcefulness and bravery against a numerically superior enemy. The legacy of Jadotville for Irish veterans is Suicide, Alcoholism and PTSD. Only recently that some kind of recognition has been afforded to the men of A Company it is believed that at least six Irish soldiers took their own lives as result of the siege, several others descended into alcoholism and several it is considered, drank themselves to death. Others have seen their sense of self and value - wiped away. All have been damaged not by the siege itself, but by their treatment upon return to Ireland. As part of the "Congo Crisis" lasting five days, "A" Company, a small contingent of the Irish Army's 35th Battalion, was besieged at the UN base near the mining town of Jadotville (where the ore for the atomic bombs was mined) by Katanganese mercenaries loyal to the secessionist STATE OF KATANGA. Also read: Longford's Tiger of Jadotville Michael Tighe was 'a tenacious presence that filled a room' Led by Commandant Pat Quinlin, the 155 Irish soldiers repelled attacks by a 3000-strong Katanganese force. Outnumbered 20 to one, the 155 lightly armed Irish UN Peacekeepers held out for five days until they ran out of ammunition and water but, thanks to the remarkable tactical awareness of their commander, Commandant Pat Quinlan, and the military skills of his men, they suffered no fatalities. Quinlans leadership was a feat of arms in getting his troops through the siege without losing a single man and it was a masterpiece of improvised defence, which is now taught worldwide in army colleges. The Irish forces inflicted approx. 1300 casualties (300 killed) with no deaths amongst the Irish troops. The occupation of Jadotville, ostensibly to protect civilians, was ordered by Irish diplomat Conor Cruise OBrien (then special representative to the secretary general of the UN, Dag Hammarskjold) and by Lt Gen Sean McKeown, who had overall command of UN troops in the Congo. OBrien was disowned by the United Nations for ordering military intervention in Katanga in 1961, but documents published in 2018 confirm that he was acting with the full authority of the UN. Also read: Longford TD in Dail plea for bravery medals to be presented to Siege of Jadotville heroes In May 1961, OBrien had been appointed as a special representative of UN Secretary General Dag Hammarskjold to oversee the independence of the Congo. In August of that year, he ordered UN peacekeeping troops into action to take control of Katanga from secessionist rebels. In the aftermath of the disastrous intervention, the UN effectively disowned OBrien and the mysterious death of Hammarskjold in a plane crash on September 18th during a visit to the Congo to try and resolve the situation further muddied the waters. We are looking for survivors and/or their wives, partners or children and friends, to come and share their experiences and memories with us as a basis for the production. Also read: 'The Siege of Jadotville' premieres in Longford We have already interviewed a number of people already and would like to be able to tell the whole story based on fact and not conjecture. Please contact Mullingar Arts Centre on 04494 47777 or emailing jadotvilleuntoldstory@gmail.com if you have a story to share. Read the full story on The Auto Wire South Carolina Duo Lead Police On Stolen Car Chase With Cat, Dog, and Four Chickens Inside After a pursuit unfolded in Laurens County, South Carolina, deputies apprehended a couple they likened to "Bonnie and Clyde wannabees" following a high-speed chase in a stolen car, which contained a dog, a cat, and four chickens. The chase began around 9 a.m. Monday near South Frontage Road and Cook Road in Gray Court. Deputies on routine patrol spotted a black Honda sedan with an expired tag, traveling erratically and struggling to maintain lanes. When they attempted to stop the car, the driver accelerated, initiating the pursuit. This is why you dont pull a gun on someone towing your car. The situation escalated as the chase entered Greenville County, prompting deputies to momentarily call off the pursuit for safety reasons. The same vehicle, now spray-painted white, was later seen around 2:45 p.m. driving recklessly near Bull Hill Road. Again, attempts to stop the car were futile due to school traffic and safety concerns. ADVERTISEMENT The pursuit resumed on Highway 14 towards Interstate 385, where the driver, identified as Joshua Harvey, was seen passing cars unlawfully and with recklessness. Authorities eventually managed to disable the vehicle on I-385. Inside the car, deputies found an unexpected menagerie: one dog, one cat, and four chickens, all unharmed during the chase. Harvey, the driver, along with passenger Rosie Smith, were arrested and charged. Harvey faces charges including failure to stop, operating with an expired registration, no proof of insurance, unlawful operation of a vehicle, and unsecured load. Smith was charged with failure to stop, DUI, ill treatment of animals, unlawful operation of a vehicle, operating with expired registration, and a seatbelt violation. Laurens County Sheriff Don Reynolds commented on the arrest, stating, "These Bonnie and Clyde wannabees have tried to make fleeing from law enforcement a habit, but eventually, your luck runs out." He expressed gratitude for the deputies' efforts and was relieved that the incident concluded safely. Via Laurens County Police Department Join our Newsletter, subscribe to our YouTube page, and follow us on Facebook. Boston rapper Cakeswaggs colorful image and bubbly personality dont exactly fit into Bostons curated music scene, in her opinion. But after performing for her first-ever Boston Calling on Saturday, May 25, the rapper said her differences are her strengths. When youre very different, it is harder to carve out a place for yourself because they dont really know where to put you, Cakeswagg told MassLive citing her giddiness and love for rainbows and ice cream. I think Id rather just be myself. And if it works, it works. If it doesnt, I had fun. Cakeswagg has been drawn to music for as long as she can remember. From the beats, rhymes and energy of hip-hop, music was always present during the rappers childhood. Her mother was also in the performing arts so that inspired Cakeswagg to go into the field herself. The Roxbury native started writing her own rhymes as a teenager as a means of pouring her thoughts and feelings into her lyrics. She now uses her own experience to help Bostons youth become the next generation of musicians. It keeps me young, Cakeswagg, who has been working with elementary and high students for about three years, said about working with the youth. It helps me to remember just that piece of us that we lose a little bit, she said. That unapologetic creativity that we lose when we try to like dim ourselves down and mute ourselves to blend in with society. 104 1 / 104 Boston Calling 2024 Sunday Sebastian Restrepo Cakeswagg added that working with Bostons youth helps her feel bold. That boldness was evident in Cakesawggs performance and outfit, which was a sparkly purple leotard with fishnets accompanied with platinum blonde hair and pink highlights. The rapper said her image has helped her carve out a place for herself in the music industry, especially as a woman in hip-hop. I do think when youre carving out a place for yourself, no matter how big or how small it is, you just have to be unapologetically and authentically you. Cakeswagg dropped her latest single on May 1, which serves as a pre-cursor for the mood she is trying to set for the summer. The vibe is we are having fun this summer, unapologetic fun, she said before laughing. Drama-free. Maybe were kicking back by the pool, tequila shots, period. You can keep up with Cakeswagg by following the rapper on her Instagram. April 20, 1945. Adolf Hitler marked his 56th birthday inside a bunker in Berlin as Soviet artillery began bombarding the city, marking the beginning of the end for World War II in Europe. In northern Italy, 26-year-old Army Capt. John Philip Serex was killed in action by the Nazis as the Allies entered the foothills of the Apennine Mountains in pursuit of retreating Axis forces who fled into the Po River valley. The turning point in the spring offensive came on 20 April, with both the Fifth and Eighth Armies in position to launch high-speed armored advances from the Apennines foothills toward the Po River crossings, reads the Armys historical account of the Po Valley campaign. Word of Captain Serexs death would not reach his hometown of Amherst, Massachusetts, until the afternoon of May 2, the same day that German forces surrendered in Italy and two days after Hitler had committed suicide. One can only wonder if there was some solace in the news of the wars end for Serexs widowed mother, Bertha Serex, when she learned of her sons death. She was sharing the family homestead at 327 Lincoln Ave. with her eldest sons wife, Elizabeth Betty Taylor Serex, and the baby daughter hed never know. The family patriarch, Paul Serex, a distinguished chemistry professor at the state college, had died in the spring of 1943 at the age of 52. News of the captains death was reported in a story headlined, Capt. John P. Serex Killed in Italy April 20, on page 7 of the Springfield Republican of May 3, 1945. Next to it was reported the death in Germany on April 19 of Pvt. Norman Johnson, of Greenfield; the 18-year-old Johnson, the youngest of four siblings at war, was killed after only two months overseas. And, next to that was published news that Pvts. Ernest and Edwin Hartwell, of Greenfield, both prisoners of war, had been liberated in Germany, were in a repatriation center and would be headed home soon. A clipping from the May 3, 1945 edition of the Springfield Republican. announcing that Capt. John P. Serex was killed in Italy during World War II.Third Party submitted For John Serex, death came after nearly three years of combat duty with the 1st Armored Divisions 81st Cavalry Reconnaissance Squad. His unit had gone from the sands of the Tunisian desert in North Africa, to Sicily and then to the invasion of southern Italy at Anzio, onto the liberation of Rome and into the Apennine Mountains where he spent his final days. He had been bound for military service since graduating from Williston Academy in 1936 and entering the Massachusetts State College that would one day become the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Serex completed cavalry instruction in the colleges Reserve Officer Training Corps and, after graduation in the spring of 1940, entered active duty that July. He headed to Fort Knox, Kentucky, where he remained until April 1942. It was in Kentucky that he met and married his wife, who was from Lexington; articles in the Springfield Republican show the couple visited Amherst following their wedding in January 1942. That September, their daughter, Cynthia, was born; the lieutenant was overseas at a base in Ireland in preparation for the invasion of north Africa, according to newspaper articles that chronicled his service. Capt. John P. Serex was killed while serving in Italy during World War II. He is seen here in his Massachusetts State College yearbook photo from 1940.Third Party submitted As Serexs unit followed the path of war from Tunisia to Sicily and into mainland Italy over the course of the next two-and-half years, he earned a battlefield promotion to captain in early 1944. As part of the 1st Armored Division, the 81st had more battlefield experience than any other American reconnaissance battalion or squadron, according to historical documents archived at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. John P. Serex is buried in the Florence American Cemetery, Plot D, Row 14, Grave 4. It was there that I first came to know of him. I visited the cemetery purely by chance with a group from Pioneer Valley Travel in Northampton on Nov. 12, 2022. It came near the end of a long day touring the city of Florence; our guide, having learned of our collective interest in World War II, arranged for a tour that included participation in the end-of-day, flag-lowering ceremony. The Florence American Cemetery, maintained by the American Battle Monuments Commission, is the final resting place for 4,392, whose graves are arrayed in symmetrical curved rows of a hillside on the 70-acre site. Another 1,409 missing in action are also memorialized at the cemetery. Most died in the fighting that occurred after the capture of Rome in June 1944. Many, like Serex, were casualties of the heavy fighting in the Apennines in the weeks before the wars end. Victory in Europe was observed on May 8, 1945. I went in search of two gravesites that afternoon, one for any member of the famed Buffalo Soldiers so that I might share a photo with an acquaintance back home in Springfield who honors the legacy of the African-American troops that saw combat in World War II. I also wanted to find any soldier from Massachusetts so that I might pay homage to their service. Capt. John P. Serex, 26, of Amherst, is buried at the Florence American Cemetery in Italy.Third Party submitted Back on the tour bus as the sun set, my journey to get to know Captain Serex began thanks to the internet. What I first learned that evening left me yearning to find out more: There is a memorial stone to him alongside his parents graves in Spring Grove Cemetery in Northampton; my relatives, including my World War II veteran father, are buried nearby in the same cemetery. What were the odds of such a small world connection? Ive spent time over the past 18 months in search of information about the captain, learning what I could with the help of Ancestry, The Republicans archives, military databases and other resources. When the American Battle Monuments Commission was established in 1923, its mission was to oversee the cemeteries and memorials around the world that honor the service of members of the U.S. armed forces. Promised its first director, Gen. John Pershing, Time will not dim the story of their deeds. Today, there are 26 American military cemeteries and 31 memorials, monuments and markers overseen by the commission. They commemorate the service of Americans during World Wars I and II; they are located in 17 foreign countries, the U.S. commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and the British dependency of Gibraltar. Four of the memorials are in the U.S. The cemetery in Florence provided me my first firsthand glimpse of how we honor our World War II veterans in the lands where they fell; I hope one day to visit the cemetery at Normandy in France where those who fought alongside my father are buried and to chart his path across Europe with the 29th Division. Until then and, on this Memorial Day, I pay tribute to the deeds of Capt. John P. Serex. Cynthia G. Simison is retired executive editor emerita of The Republican. She may be reached by email to csimison@repub.com The Boston Police Department is remembering the public service of Officer Donald Brown, who was killed during a robbery in Roslindale 50 years ago to the day on Friday. Brown, 64, was shot and killed at the American Legion Shopping Center on May 24, 1974, Boston police said in a press release. He was escorting a local store manager to a bank when the pair was confronted by four suspects. The officer was shot while attempting to fire his service weapon. The four suspects fled the scene with $3,000, according to his Officer Down Memorial page. A month later, a 28-year-old suspect in the case surrendered themselves to Boston police. Browns death came one month before his planned retirement after 29 years of police service, police said. His name is listed on the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington D.C., the Hero Wall at Boston Police Headquarters and the Massachusetts Law Enforcement Memorial at the Massachusetts State House in Boston. In Boston, a Hero Sign is posted near the American Legion Shopping Center in Roslindale to forever honor the memory of a man who gave his life in service to his city, Boston police wrote in the release. If you ever find yourself in the area and you happen to see his Hero Sign, kindly take a moment to honor and acknowledge the service and sacrifice of a brave man who died protecting and serving his city. Burlington police are investigating a threat to do harm at the towns middle school this coming week that was made Friday via a phone call. Around 2:55 p.m., Burlington police and Burlington Public Schools were notified of a threat that had been made against Marshal Simonds Middle School, police said in a press release. The anonymous caller expressed an intent to do harm at the school on Tuesday, May 28. Detectives are working closely with the school district to determine the origin of the call, but their initial assessment deemed the threat not credible, police said. Even so, out of an abundance of caution, the police department will provide extra security at Burlingtons schools on Tuesday. The safety of our students and school community is our first priority. We take any potential threat extremely seriously, Burlington Public Schools Superintendent Eric Conti said in the release. Detectives are still investigating the incident and will provide updates as the investigation progresses, Burlington Police Capt. Daniel Hanafin said in the release. Authorities arrested a man on Cape Cod Saturday evening who is being investigated in connection with stabbings at a Braintree movie theater and a McDonalds in Plymouth, according to Massachusetts State Police. Around 6 p.m., a man came into AMCs Braintree location at 121 Grandview Ave. and went past the ticket counter without paying, Braintree police said in a press release. He then entered one of the theaters and suddenly stabbed four girls aged 9 to 17 without saying anything or issuing a warning. Following the unprovoked attack, the man got into a vehicle and fled the scene, according to Braintree police. The girls were all taken to Boston hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. Around 7:05 p.m., state police began receiving 911 calls about a stabbing inside the Route 3 Park and Ride in Plymouth, state police said in a press release. At the scene, troopers found a 21-year-old woman and a 29-year-old man with stab wounds. Both were brought to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. The suspects vehicle was spotted on Cape Cod soon after, and troopers tried to pull the vehicle over, state police said. The driver didnt stop, but eventually crashed in Sandwich and was arrested. He was then taken to a local hospital for treatment. Neither police department identified the suspect Saturday evening. No further information about the stabbings has been released. The suspect in a Saturday evening stabbing in which a man and woman were injured at a Plymouth McDonalds has been identified as a 26-year-old Marthas Vineyard resident. The Plymouth County District Attorneys Office identified the suspect as Chilmark resident Jared Ravizza in a press release Sunday afternoon. He is facing a charge of assault with intent to murder and two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon in connection with the incident. The district attorneys office said Ravizza stabbed a 21-year-old woman and a 28-year-old man at the McDonalds at the Route 3 Park and Ride. The man and woman were taken to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries, authorities said previously. The McDonalds stabbing happened shortly before 7 p.m., and the victims were employees, according to the district attorneys office. Video footage of the incident shows Ravizza stabbing the male employee through the drive-thru window before parking the vehicle he drove, going inside the restaurant to stab the female employee and then fleeing in the vehicle. Ravizza was in police custody and being treated for non-life-threatening injuries at South Shore Hospital in Weymouth as of Sunday afternoon, the district attorneys office said. He is set to face the charges Tuesday in Plymouth District Court. Authorities in Connecticut reported a death investigation Saturday afternoon involving a suspect arrested by Massachusetts State Police later in the day. Both Connecticut and Massachusetts state police could not confirm with MassLive whether Ravizza is the suspect linked to the Connecticut death. Troopers responded to the home around 3:35 p.m. on Saturday for a report of a disturbance, Connecticut State Police said. They found an as-yet unidentified person dead at the location. Ravizza is also being investigated as a suspect in a Saturday evening stabbing at a movie theater in Braintree in which four girls aged 9 to 17 were stabbed, according to The Boston Globe. The Globe quoted Massachusetts state police as saying a likely connection exists between the restaurant and movie theater stabbings. Braintree police wrote in a statement It appears as though the crimes are crimes are related. Around 6 p.m., a man came into AMCs Braintree location and went past the ticket counter without paying, Braintree police said previously. He then entered one of the theaters and suddenly stabbed the girls without saying anything or issuing a warning. The suspect fled in a vehicle, and the girls were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Ravizzas vehicle was spotted on Cape Cod soon after the Plymouth stabbing, Massachusetts State Police said previously. He soon crashed in Sandwich and was arrested. Boston police have arrested and charged two men in connection with a failed armed robbery at a Cumberland Farms in Brighton that happened earlier this month, according to the department. Dorchester resident James Wise, 64, was arrested Friday on an attempted armed robbery charge and four firearms charges, Boston police said in a press release. Lynn resident David Jones, 65, was also arrested Friday on an attempted armed robbery charge and two drug charges. On May 15, Wise entered the store around 11:10 p.m. and brandished a firearm, attempting to rob the store, according to Boston police. The victim fled the scene and the robbery was unsuccessful. While investigating the incident, officers found evidence directly related to the failed armed robbery, including a black, .45-caliber handgun and an unassembled AR-150-style rifle, police said. Both Wise and Jones are set to be arraigned in Brighton District Court. Good Sunday morning, everyone. As you get ready to throw burgers on the grill for this long holiday weekend, it seemed like a good idea to pause for a moment to remember the meaning of the day that were all going to commemorate on Monday. Unlike Veterans Day, a holiday to thank veterans and to pay tribute to the contributions of those who served, Memorial Day is a more somber occasion to honor those who died in service to the nation. And on Memorial Day 1945, Lt. Gen. Lucian Truscott Jr., commander of the U.S. Fifth Army, delivered what may well be the most moving and iconic of all addresses, according to the Pennsylvania Capital-Star. On that day, instead of addressing the crowd at the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery in Nettuno, Italy, Truscott turned his back on the audience and delivered an extraordinary apology to the roughly 20,000 American soldiers who were buried there, Doyle Hodges, of the website War on the Rocks, wrote in a piece published on Memorial Day 2021. Unfortunately, there is neither a transcript nor a recording of Truscotts speech, not even among his official papers at the George C. Marshall Research Library in Virginia, historian Nicolaus Mills wrote for CNN in 2015. The accounts we do have come from journalists. The famed combat cartoonist Bill Mauldin called it the most moving gesture I ever saw, according to Hodges. So what did Truscott say? Heres the part to ponder: According to Mauldin, Truscott said he hoped anybody here through any mistake of his would forgive him, but he realized that was asking a hell of a lot under the circumstances. He would not speak about the glorious dead because he didnt see much glory in getting killed if you were in your late teens or early twenties. He promised that if in the future he ran into anybody, especially old men, who thought death in battle was glorious, he would straighten them out. He said he thought that was the least he could do. Separately, the legendary war correspondent Ernie Pyle reflected on the circumstances that had plucked ordinary men from their homes and brought them halfway across the planet to fight in a war that changed the world. I couldnt help but feel the immensity of the catastrophe that has put men all over the world, millions of us, moving in machinelike precision throughout long foreign nights men who should be comfortably asleep in their own warm beds at home, Pyle wrote, according to biographer James Tobin in Ernie Pyles War: Americas Witness to World War II. War makes strange giant creatures out of us little men who inhabit the Earth, Pyle wrote, according to Tobin. Like so many of the people he wrote about, never made it home either. He died on April 18, 1944, after a Japanese machine gun bullet pierced his left temple, the Associated Press reported at the time. From Truscotts apology to the dead to Pyles recollection, were offered vivid reminders that so many Americans have given so much to give us this democratic, pluralistic nation where theres room for everyone no matter their race, their ethnicity, their gender (or no gender at all), whom they love or the deity they do or dont worship. If youre honoring someone who never made it home this Memorial Day Monday, may their memory be a blessing. Heres what else you might have missed in Mass. politics over the last seven-ish days: Polls Upon Polls: A pair of polls from the past few days shed a little light on the mood of voters in the Bay State and beyond as Election Day draws ever closer (Yes, its seven months away, but it cant hurt to be prepared). Exhibit One: A May 17 poll by the conservative Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance Foundation found voters evenly split on whether they believe the state is headed in the right (40%) or wrong (43%) direction (The poll of 750 likely voters had a margin of error of 3.6%). Unlike horse race results, which tend to be a snapshot of a moment in time, these right track/wrong track results are a more reliable barometer of the public mood. And with Massachusetts voters wrestling with a housing shortage, sky-high rent, and rising grocery prices, its worthy of attention. Because cranky voters, even those within the margin of error, tend to take out their frustrations on incumbents. Exhibit Two: A UMass-Lowell/YouGov poll released last week found President Joe Biden leading former President Donald Trump 42%-36% in New Hampshire, with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. taking 11% of the vote. As Politico was the first to report, Biden carried the Granite State by 8 points in 2020. The new canvass, conducted May 6 through May 14, has a margin of error of 5.24%. Republican U.S. Senate candidate Ian Cain (YouTube screen capture).Screen Capture U.S. Senate Things: Republican Ian Cain, the current president of Quincys City Council, officially got onto the statewide ballot last week, his campaign said in a statement. With a 10,000 signature requirement, Cains campaign said the candidate submitted 11,600 signatures to the Secretary of States office, and is on pace to post 12,400 valid signatures. Cain faces Swansea lawyer John Deaton and conservative activist Robert Antonellis in a three-way primary later this year. Deaton, for his part, sent out a fundraising pitch last week tied to immigration reform, which is once again rearing its head in the upper chamber. The pitch asks supporters to envision their contribution playing a crucial role in ensuring we have the votes needed to secure the Southern Border. U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., questions gas executives as U.S. Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass. looks on during a hearing on gas pipeline safety in the Merrimack Valley Monday, Nov. 26, 2018, in Lawrence, Mass. (AP Photo/Winslow Townson)AP More On Immigration: Speaking of immigration, incumbent Democratic U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren joined her Bay State colleague Ed Markey, and Illinois U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (both Democrats), in calling on Senate budget writers to set aside $500 million to pay for a new fund to help states provide services to new arrivals. On Thursday, Senate Republicans blocked a bill meant to clamp down on the number of migrants allowed to claim asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border, the Associated Press reported. Markey voted against the proposal. Warren was among seven senators who did not vote on the bill, State House News Service reported. Markey and Warren cast procedural votes against the last immigration reform bill. In a statement, Markey argued that, despite his vote, hed long prioritized pathways to citizenship, fair adjudication of asylum claims, limitations on detention, and more legal pathways to entry. Our management strategy of new arrivals must include genuine expanded access. Without adequate legal pathways, people fleeing dangerous or oppressive conditions will only become more desperate and border communities will only become more chaotic, Markey continued. Detention and deportations should not be the only tools we use to respond to record levels of global migration. There are smarter steps the United States can take to manage high volumes of new arrivals. These include increased funding for Shelter and Services Programs (SSP), serious investment in immigration courts and asylum officers, increased investment in processing capacity at ports of entry, and creation of new legal pathways to entry. But these are the solutions that Congressional Republicans, in fealty to Donald Trump, will not support, Markey concluded. Massachusetts Republicans pounced on the Democrats actions, accusing them and Democratic Gov. Maura Healey of falling down on the job while the state continues to deal with an influx of migrants. No one is doing their job. President Biden wont reverse course on his failed immigration policies. Senators Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren refuse to take concrete action to secure the border, instead feeding into partisan bickering, Massachusetts Republican Party Chairperson Amy Carnevale said in a statement. On the state level, Governor Healey and the Democratic supermajority wont engage with the resolutions Republicans have proposed. Simply put, Republicans are putting solutions on the table, while Democrats refuse to act on them and then turn around and blame Republicans for the inaction. Theres clearly no coordination between Governor Healey and the Democratic congressional delegation. Governor Healey wants this bill to pass, while Senators Markey and Warren are against it. It seems theyre more focused on getting TV spots bashing Republicans than actually engaging with them on real solutions, Carnevale continued. Even as one of Bidens top foot soldiers for his reelection campaign, Healey cant secure federal aid to mitigate the migrant crisis in Massachusetts. Its hard to understand what they are even trying to do at this point. President Joe Biden adjusts his sunglasses as he arrives on Air Force One at Boston-Logan International Airport, Tuesday, May 21, 2024, in East Boston, Mass. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)AP Biden RoboCall Mastermind Indicted: A New Orleans man was indicted on voter suppression charges in connection with impersonating President Joe Biden ahead of the New Hampshire primary election, New Hampshire Attorney General John Formellas office announced Thursday. Steven Kramer, 54, was indicted on 13 counts each of felony voter suppression and misdemeanor impersonation of a candidate, MassLives Ryan Mancini reported. On Jan. 22, an investigation started looking into reports of thousands of New Hampshire residents who said they got robocall messages asking them to save [their] vote for the November election and stating [y]our vote makes a difference in November, not this Tuesday, Formellas office said. They Said It: Not only is he obsessed with losing 2020, hes clearly become unhinged. President Joe Biden, referring to a controversial social media post by former President Donald Trump, calling the country a unified reich, if he wins during a fundraising speech in Boston on Tuesday night. Reading List: Katherine Clark blasts Justice Alito following reports that two flags carried by Jan. 6 rioters were flown outside his homes (Boston Globe). After gun scare, police union says Boston City Hall security no match for armed assailant (Boston Herald). GOP silences McGovern over Trump remarks (Daily Hampshire Gazette). POST Commission ends probe of Ashland police chief. What it found (MetroWest Daily News). Cape maritime academy gets $2M for helicopter, water rescue training (Cape Cod Times). New Bedford may let police watch body camera footage before writing reports (New Bedford Light). Healey submits three more pardon requests (State House News Service). On the Calendar: Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll each will attend Memorial Day services on Monday. The governor goes first with a 9 a.m. ceremony at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Winchendon. Shell be joined by Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago, state Sen. Joanne Comerford, D-Hampshire/Franklin/Worcester, state Rep. Jonathan Zlotnik, D-2nd Worcester, and local officials. Driscoll attends a 1 p.m. observance at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Agawam. Shell be joined by Santiago, along with U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, D-1st District; Sen. John Velis, D-Hampden/Hampshire; state Rep. Nicholas Boldyga, D-3rd Hampden, and Agawam Mayor Christopher Johnson. Turned Up to 11: Heres an absolute classic by The Temper Trap to get your Sunday rolling. From 2008, its Sweet Disposition. Sundays Gratuitous Soccer Link: Full disclosure, Im an Aston Villa fan, but even I have to doff my cap to Manchester Citys extraordinary, stunning and historic fourth Premier League title in a row. The Athletic (paywall) has a great look inside how City pulled off their their sixth title in seven years. BOSTON The Red Sox made a move to add a veteran long relief option to their bullpen before Sundays game. Boston agreed to a major league contract with 28-year-old righty Brad Keller and he is active for Sundays series finale against Milwaukee. To make room on the roster for Keller, the Red Sox optioned righty Zack Kelly back to Triple-A Worcester. Keller, a longtime Royal who made 150 appearances (114 starts) for Kansas City from 2018 to 2023, posted a 4.86 ERA and recorded 13 strikeouts in 16 innings over five games (two starts) for the White Sox this season. He was designated for assignment on May 19 and then elected free agency. Keller will be able to give the Red Sox multiple innings out of the bullpen as a fresh arm. He and Chase Anderson will be the bulk options on the roster with Kelly, who threw three innings in Saturdays loss, going back to the minors. (His role will be) similar to Kelly, Cora said. Hes got good stuff. Hes interesting. Where were at right now, using Chase for four innings two days ago and Zack for three innings yesterday, were short in that aspect. Hell give us multiple innings. Keller, a former eighth-round pick by Arizona in the 2013 draft, joined the Royals as a Rule 5 pick in Dec. 2017 and established himself as a solid contributor as a rookie in 2018, posting a 3.08 ERA in 140 innings that year. He was a member of the Royals rotation for most of the next five years but was limited to just 45 innings last season due to shoulder issues and a diagnosis of thoracic outlet syndrome. After a long stay on the free agent market, the veteran signed a minor league deal with Chicago in mid-March and spent a month at Triple-A before joining the big league team in late April. Fanatics Sportsbook 10X$100 BONUS BET BET MATCH BONUS CLAIM OFFER Must be 21+. GAMBLING PROBLEM? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (CO, KY ,MD, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV); (888) 789-7777 or ccpg.org (CT); 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA); (800) 327-5050 or gamblinghelpline.org (MA), mdgamblinghelp.org (MD), 1800gambler.net (WV) Kelly began the year with the WooSox but has been in the majors since April 24. In 16 innings over 11 appearances, the righty posted a solid 2.16 ERA while striking out 14 batters and walking 10 (including four in one inning May 16). He threw 42 pitches in a three-inning outing Saturday, in part leading to the decision to get a fresh arm in the bullpen. This is where were at roster-wise, Cora said. There are tough decisions we have. Ive been saying it for a month. Tougher decisions are coming. People are going to get healthy. Weve got a lot of good pitchers. We only can carry X amount of them. So thats where we are right now. WARE A Ware married couple, along with an 18-year-old woman and a juvenile male, are facing charges after a 15-year-old female victim was allegedly kidnapped and beaten. When police attempted to arrest one of the accused, her husband allegedly attacked officers. Ware Police Sgt. Christopher DeSantis said Saturday that the couple, 41-year-old Arthur Powell IV and 29-year-old Hailey Powell of 13 Webb Court, are being held in lieu of $1,000 cash bail pending arraignment in Eastern Hampshire District Court Tuesday. Ciarah Caraid-Starr, also of 13 Webb Court, was arrested Tuesday, May 21, on charges of kidnapping a child, two counts of assault and battery and a single count of reckless endangerment of a child. Dr. Fabruce Ramaherimamonjy epitomizes the African Unions theme of this years Africa Day: Educate an African fit for the 21st Century. He remains steadfast in his commitment to prioritizing medical education to elevate the standards of healthcare for his fellow Malagasies. But it wasnt always his life plan. Dr. Fabruce began his medical journey with just a simple kit gifted to him upon his graduation, housing a humble headlamp that would become his steadfast companion. Fast forward 15 years, and he stands as the visionary behind Bethany Hospital Centre in Tamatave. Today, he sets his sights on the horizon, envisioning a future adorned with elevated levels of medical education. Born and raised in the northern region of Madagascar, Dr. Fabruce harbored a grand ambition of becoming an engineer. He had a knack for fixing things, but when he applied for engineering school, he faced rejection. Never did he consider medicine as an alternative path. It wasnt even on his radar. In fact, he discouraged a friend who nursed dreams of becoming a doctor, warning him, Youll waste time; the training takes eight years. However, both men submitted their applications and were accepted to medical school. After seven years, he finished his general medical studies and decided to take a gap year to devote more attention to Bible studies. Everything changed with a call from my mother, according to Dr. Fabruce. She informed me of an opening at the medical school in Majunga (Northern Madagascar), urging me to apply within a month. That would mean he had to study for another five years to specialize as a surgeon. He told himself, If I cant find a place to stay, Ill continue my sabbatical. Upon arrival, the Pan-African Academy of Christian Surgeons (PAACS) warmly welcomed him on the first day, swiftly arranging accommodation. Supported by PAACS, which often dispatched its students on missions abroad, including to Mercy Ships, he began on a new chapter. In 2016, I joined the Mercy Ships mission in Tamatave, devoting three months to serving in the hospital, assisting doctors in plastic surgery and fistula treatments, said Dr. Fabruce. Following these operations, Dr. Gary Parker, a long-term and well-respected volunteer maxillofacial surgeon with Mercy Ships, took his laptop and provided extra lessons to Dr. Fabruce. During these sessions in the operating room, Dr. Parker said to him: We thought Madagascars healthcare system was improving since our last visit, but it appears progress has been limited. I know you are planning to do your or practice in another nation, but I would urge you to consider returning to serve in your own country. Initially planning to dedicate two years to Cameroon after his time with Mercy Ships and then transition to Congo, his trajectory shifted. Following dialogues with Dr. Parker and heartfelt conversations with patients families, he recognized the urgent needs within his homeland. Dr. Fabruce recalled: One poignant memory that remains vivid is the case of a young boy whose head had become fused to his shoulder due to a burn injury. These are preventable medical conditions, not inherently complex. Yet, no one in Madagascar could provide assist. Inspired by the wise words of Dr. Parker and driven by the daily medical challenges he faced, Dr. Fabruce sought sponsorship to shape his ambitious plans. In 2018, we turned a mere warehouse into the Bethany Hospital Center in Tamatave. Today, we offer 35 beds, with a team of 13 dedicated doctors, 8 of whom are full-time, and supported by a staff of 70, he said. He takes pride in what he has accomplished, even though the maternity ward is housed in containers, as the land is not his own. The equipment he works with is outdated and discarded in the Western world, but it still serves its purpose in his hands. At the back of the hospital, he has a large shed he jokingly refers to as his personal Amazon, given the number of cardboard boxes. He said: Inside are obsolete medical supplies that may still prove useful. Some items purposes remain a mystery to me, as I am yet to acquire that knowledge. And that, according to him, is where the problem lies: lack of knowledge. He is in harmony with this years Africa Day theme Educate an African fit for the 21st Century: Building resilient education systems for increased access to inclusive, lifelong, quality, and relevant learning in Africa. Dr. Fabruce is determined to continue his own mission: serving his country. He aims to develop a better medical future for his fellow citizens and has already outlined a plan for the construction of a new hospital. He is adamant about prioritizing education to elevate the medical standards in Madagascar. Inspired by Dr. Parkers insights, I remain steadfast in my commitment to prioritizing education as the foundation for raising Madagascars medical standards, Dr. Fabruce added. SpaceXs Starlink recently officially announced their high-speed internet constellation is now connecting more than 3 million people with high-speed internet across nearly 100 countries, territories, and many other markets. Low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations offer real-time network services to people in extreme environments and areas with underdeveloped infrastructure. As LEO satellite deployments surge globally, commercial aerospace enterprises are becoming key players. In China, Geespace, a commercial aerospace company under Geely, is constructing and operating Geely Future Mobility Constellation. This constellation has completed the deployment of two orbital planes. The third plane is set to launch in the second half of this year, marking the start of global application services. The fourth plane will feature direct-to-cell satellite communication payloads, serving many existing mobile phones. Geespace plans to complete the first phase of the constellation with 72 satellites within two years, providing global real-time data communication services. Iridium achieved $203.9 million in total revenue and $19.7 million in net income in the first quarter of 2024. The development history of Iridium highlights two critical challenges in the LEO satellite industry: reducing construction costs and finding a successful business model. Geespace addresses these challenges in three steps: Satellite Manufacturing: Geespace leverages Geelys automated assembly technology and mass production management model to create an intelligent, flexible satellite production line. This shortens the satellites assembly, integration and test (AIT) cycle and reduces production costs by 45%, with an annual production capacity of 500 satellites. Satellite Application: Geespace achieved large-scale applications of satellite communication and satellite-based high-precision positioning in 2023. Several Geely models, including Zeekr and Geely Galaxy, are equipped with Geespaces two-way satellite communication functions. Business Models: Providing global commercial services has become the mainstream trend among companies like SpaceX, Iridium, and Geespace. In Southeast Asia, Geespace signed an agreement with Malaysian telecom operator Altel to accelerate smart port and smart agriculture solutions. In the Middle East, Geespace partnered with Omani satellite communication company Azyan Telecom to promote the deployment of Geely Future Mobility Constellations services, including direct-to-cell, in the Middle East and Africa. With successful precedents like Iridium and SpaceX, Geespaces global expansion is not just strategic but also poised to bring substantial commercial value UNICEF delivered over 43,000 doses of the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine by air to Bangui, Central African Republic, with more than 120,000 doses to follow in the next days. It is the first country to receive the R21 malaria vaccine for use in routine childhood immunization, marking another step forward in preventing the disease and saving childrens lives. R21 is the second malaria vaccine to be recommended by WHO for children living in endemic areas. Along with the earlier WHO recommendation of the RTS,S vaccine, there is now sufficient vaccine supply to scale up malaria vaccination in Africa. The rollout of both vaccines is funded by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. With two products now available to countries, expanded supply of malaria vaccines is a game changer for child survival and health, said Director of UNICEF Supply Division Leila Pakkala. Previous concerns about supply meeting demand are firmly behind us. Now our priority is for the vaccines to reach every child at risk. The R21 and RTS,S vaccines are proven safe and effective in preventing malaria in children. The RTS,S vaccine was delivered to more than 2 million children in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi in a four-year pilot programme that demonstrated a 13 per cent reduction in all-cause mortality. Malaria is one of the worlds most lethal diseases, killing nearly half a million children under 5 years of age each year in Africa. The Central African Republic has one of the highest rates of malaria incidence globally. In 2022, an estimated 1,733,000 malaria cases were reported in the country, averaging about 4,747 cases a day. The disease also claimed around 5,180 lives over the year, or 14 deaths each day. Having two safe and effective vaccines means we have greater supply security and can be more confident about meeting countries needs, said Dr Sania Nishtar, CEO of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. That is what matters most that countries where our vaccines can be most impactful are able to access them, saving thousands of lives each year and offering relief to families, communities and entire health systems. Central African Republic, along with Chad, Cote dIvoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Sudan, and Uganda, are preparing to receive R21 shipments. Around 4.33 million doses of RTS,S have been delivered to 8 countries so far Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, and Sierra Leone that are offering the vaccine in their routine child immunization programmes as part of national malaria control plans. Burundi and Niger are next on the list for RTS,S shipments. Vaccine deliveries to countries that are funded through the Vaccine Alliance depend on government requests and readiness to include the vaccine in routine immunization programmes. Gavi, UNICEF, WHO, and partners are supporting governments as they prepare to receive and introduce the vaccines. This involves supporting countries to develop vaccine implementation plans and communication strategies, conducting health worker trainings and community engagement, and ensuring sufficient cold chain capacity. Malaria vaccines, introduced as part of the tools available in comprehensive national malaria control plans, will substantially reduce early childhood deaths and can help revitalize the fight against malaria. With the R21 vaccine now joining RTS,S vaccine for use in country immunization programmes, scale up of malaria vaccine across parts of Africa, where malaria remains a major cause of childhood death will continue. The high community demand for malaria vaccines also provides an opportunity for children to receive other childhood vaccines that may be due, resulting in even more lives saved, said Dr Kate OBrien, Director of WHOs Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals. Malaria vaccines are an important addition to the fight against the disease. Careful planning is essential to ensure the successful introduction of the malaria vaccines and to combine them with other interventions including insecticide-treated bed nets or targeted indoor residual spraying, chemoprevention, diagnosis and prompt treatments to maximize the impact on public health. May 24, 2024: Nine promising young leaders from Mauritius and Rodrigues have been chosen from over 200 applicants for the 2024 Mandela Washington Fellowship Program. The 2024 Fellows were announced at a ceremony hosted by the U.S. Embassy this week at The Docks in Port Louis. From Mauritius, the 2024 Mandela Washington Fellows include Mokshadha Shibnarain, Saravanen Mauree, Anisha Ayrga, Tanya Lallmon, Anne-Gaelle Carre, Soovan Dookhoo, Mujahid Emambokus, and Nathan Mourade. Anne Julia Cupidon from Rodrigues was also among the honorees. The Mandela Washington Fellowship consists of a six-week program at a U.S. institute hosted by a U.S. college or university. Participants will exchange experiences with U.S. citizens and other Mandela Washington Fellows from across Africa, delving into fields such as Business & Entrepreneurship, Public Management, and Civic Engagement. Fellows will also have opportunities to connect with U.S. government officials, representatives of local U.S. non-governmental organizations, and business leaders. In his remarks to the 2024 Fellows, U.S. Ambassador Henry Jardine highlighted the significance of their participation in this program. The Mandela Washington Fellowship is not just an academic program; it is a journey of collaboration and personal growth. As you engage with peers from across Africa and the United States, seize every moment to build lasting connections and gain new perspectives that will empower you to make a significant impact, Ambassador Jardine said. Established in 2014, the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is celebrating its tenth anniversary in 2024. As the flagship program of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), the Fellowship has brought nearly 6,500 young leaders from every country in Sub-Saharan Africa to the United States for academic and leadership training. The Fellows, between the ages of 25 and 35, are accomplished innovators and leaders in their communities and countries. Over the past decade, more than 100 Fellows from Mauritius and Rodrigues have participated in this distinguished program. A SINN Fein MEP and European candidate has called for a reform of the Common Fisheries Policies and for the Irish fishing industry to be rebuilt with a new vision. Sinn Fein MEP for Midlands Northwest, Chris MacManus MEP, also accused successive Irish Governments of letting down fishing and coastal communities while speaking at the fisheries hustings in Killybegs, organised by the Irish Fish Producers Organisation (IFPO), the Irish Fish Processors and Exporters Association (IFPEA) and the Killybegs Fishermens Organisation. The Irish fishing industry and Irelands coastal communities have been badly let down by successive Irish Governments and by the European Union. The Irish fishing industry needs Sinn Fein and our elected representatives to stand up for them and challenge every decision-making body that we can in Brussels and in the Dail. We will be your voice, your eyes and your ears in Europe and in Ireland. We will fight for fair quotas for Irish fishermen instead of scraps. We will seek to rebuild the Irish fishing industry with a new vision, to reform the Common Fisheries Policies and to oppose overregulation, he said. The Sligo-based MEP said that the campaign by teenager Muireann Kavanagh from Arranmore Island in Co Donegal had exposed the injustice of the Common Fisheries Policy and the failings of the Irish government. I hosted a delegation of leading fishermen and processors from around Ireland to the European Parliament in 2022 when they brought their case directly to the EU Commission. More recently, I have stood with young Muireann Kavanagh, the teenage campaigner from Arranmore, as she exposed the injustice of the Common Fisheries Policy and the failings of our own government. I will continue this work if re-elected. Sinn Fein will seek to take permanent membership on the Fisheries Committee. Sinn Fein have committed to a dedicated Minister of State for Fisheries and the Marine in any future Sinn Fein led Government that will reorganise the Department of Marine and headquarter them back to Dublin to be managed and accountable to that Minister. We need a reset in Brussels, in the Irish Government and in the Government Department that will stand up for, defend, show pride and rebuild a successful Irish fishing industry, concluded MacManus. The Womens Prize for Fiction is an annual award to a female author of any nationality for an original full-length novel written in English and published in the United Kingdom. This years winner will be announced on June 12 and can be watched live on their website. The prize is a personal favourite of mine, and sitting down to read any of the nominations never ceases to send a tingle down my spine. Why? I guess I am an unapologetic feminist. Maybe thats considered antiquarian these days but I love the idea that in 1991 when the shortlist for the Booker Prize included no women, despite the fact that 60 percent of all novels had been from women that year. A group of women and men set out to change that, and the Womens Prize was born. In 2023, a Womens Prize for Non-Fiction was also launched. The organisation also offers Discoveries, by inviting unpublished and un-agented women writers to submit an opening of a novel in English up to 10,000 words. In relation to non-fiction, they offer Horizons, a free toolkit designed to inspire and support the next generation of non-fiction women writers. This year, the shortlist comprises the following: Soldier Sailor, by Claire Kilroy; Enter Ghost, by Isabella Hammad; The Wren, The Wren, by Anne Enright; Brotherless Night, by VV Ganeshananthan; Restless Dolly Maunder, by Kate Grenville; and River East, River West, by Aube Rey Lescure. Enter Ghost, by British-Palestinian author Isabella Hammad, published by Vintage, is the fiction bookclub choice of the month at our bookshop, Tertulia. From the moment I started reading it, the hairs stood on the back of my neck. Its hard to verbalise why that is; some books just do that. Its as though from the very first sentence, the words have an authenticity or beauty that speaks to me. The book, which is written in the first person, starts with the character Sonia arriving to an airport in Israel. She tells us: I expected them to interrogate me at the airport and they did. Sonia is travelling from London, where she was born, and returning to Haifa to visit her sister, who lives there now, working in a University. Their father is from Haifa; an Arab Israeli and as a family they spent their summers there. She is now returning after an eleven-year absence. In the 1948 Palestine War, the city of Haifa became part of the newly formed State of Israel. Many of the Arab population fled or were expelled. Hammad refers many times in the book to the 48 or the inside that part of Palestine which is inside Israel. For me, this forms the theme throughout the story, as Sonia herself is inside but outside at the same time, in her identity, her family, her life. On being introduced to someone, Sonia comments: He was like me, blended and uncertain. Having not fled Haifa in 1948, her family were in a sense blended and uncertain too. She listens to a tape of her grandmother being interviewed by her uncle. He asks the woman, and then if they say there is a Palestinian state, and they say you, Sitt Adia can live in it, if you want to. What will you say? She replies, I do not want to live in it. So what. This is my house. Why should I leave it? But your soul will awaken, he replies. Reawaken, she responds. Sonia is an actress, and she ends up performing in a production of Shakespeares Hamlet in the West Bank, which is being directed by a friend of her sisters in Haifa. We experience the beauty of the performance and her explanations of what acting does to her inside and outside. Set against the backdrop of the West Bank, it is a stunning story. And Hamlets enter ghost has its own story to tell too. Im very much looking forward to discussing Hammads book in the Tertulia bookclub, which takes place on two dates to accommodate everyone May 23 at 7pm and May 26 at 5pm. As for the rest of the books on the Womens Prize for Fiction list, read them all this summer if you can. Brid Conroy and her husband, Neil Paul, run Tertulia bookshop at The Quay, Westport. Trusted Source The Psychology of Artificial Intelligence Go to source Trusted Source Did You Know? Global artificial intelligence market is expected to reach $733.7 billion by 2027. #artificialintelligence #loneliness #robotics Global artificial intelligence market is expected to reach $733.7 billion by 2027. #artificialintelligence #loneliness #robotics Advertisement Advertisement AI's Impact on Social Isolation Are computers really like brains? Will AI surpass humans? Does AI have the ability to be creative? Would giving AI a robotic body enable it to create new types of intelligence? Could AI help us tackle climate change? And could humans piggyback on AI to extend their intelligence? The Psychology of Artificial Intelligence - (https:www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.4324/9781003088660/psychology-artificial-intelligence-tony-prescott) In the face of a prevalent global loneliness epidemic, a robotics expert proposes that Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology could serve as a solution by providing companionship to those in need ().Tony Prescott, a professor of cognitive robotics at the University of Sheffield, argues in his new book The Psychology of Artificial Intelligence that relationships with AIs could support people with forms of social interaction. Loneliness has been found to seriously impair human health, and Professor Prescott makes a case that advances in AI technology could offer a partial solution.He argues thatby giving them a way to practice and improve their social skills.Loneliness or social disconnection is more harmful to human health than obesity , according to a 2023 report.It canThe extent of the problem is striking: in the UK 3.8 million people are experiencing chronic loneliness. A Harvard study in the US found that 36% of US adults and 61% of young adults - experience serious loneliness.Professor Prescott says: In an age when many people describe their lives as lonely, there may be value in having AI companionship as a form of reciprocal social interaction that is stimulating and personalized. Human loneliness is often characterized by a downward spiral in which isolation leads to lower self-esteem which discourages further interaction with people.There may be ways in which AI companionship could help break this cycle by scaffolding feelings of self-worth and helping maintain or improve social skills. If so, relationships with AIs could support people to find companionship with both human and artificial others.He does suggest this is not without risk, however, as it could be designed to encourage users to interact for longer and longer periods and to keep them coming back, and suggests regulation may be needed.Prescott is a leading expert on the relationship between the human brain and AI, combining expertise in robotics and AI with psychology and philosophy.He contributes to the scientific understanding of the human condition by researching the re-creation of perception, memory , and emotion in synthetic entities.As well as researching and teaching cognitive robotics at the University of Sheffield, Prescott is also the co-founder of Sheffield Robotics, which is a hub for robotics research.and compares and contrasts this with the way AI is developing.The book explores questions including:He concludes: As psychology and AI proceed, this partnership should unlock further insights into both natural and artificial intelligence. This could help answer some key questions about what it means to be human and for humans to live alongside AI.Source-Eurekalert Minister of Foreign Affairs George Gerapetritis is travelling today to Brussels, where he will participate in the EU Foreign Affairs Council to be held tomorrow, Monday, May 27. The Council's agenda includes the war in Ukraine, the latest developments in Georgia and Venezuela and the crisis in the Middle East. On the latter, EU Foreign Ministers will exchange views with their counterparts from Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia as well as with the Secretary General of the Arab League. Dozens of American military prisoners of war died in Tokyo amid the U.S. firebombing of Japan as World War II reached a crescendo in the Pacific, and later their commingled remains were buried in the Philippines. Now, Pentagon researchers are working to identify those airmen, decades after their tragic end in the Japanese prison housing captured U.S. troops. In Hawaii, the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency has launched the Tokyo Prison Fire Project, which is analyzing the burnt and mixed remains exhumed from the Philippines. Teams are working with a list of 62 service members killed at the prison compiled from reports of Japanese personnel and the memories of some U.S. POWs who were transferred to other prison camps before the fire. Read Next: Soldier Who Was Inspector General Noncommissioned Officer of the Year Faces Sexual Assault, Harassment Charges The difficult task of working with historical records and deteriorating remains is in the early stages -- the outcome is still uncertain -- but the project has opened a window into the past and shed light on the long-ago deaths of service members killed in the U.S. push for a Japanese surrender during the last world war. On the night of March 9, 1945, the 62 U.S airmen held at the Tokyo Military Prison were among the survivors in what was by some estimates the single most devastating air raid ever conducted, surpassing in destructive power the later atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. In what was called "Operation Meetinghouse," more than 275 B-29 Superfortress bombers hit Tokyo with 1,667 tons of incendiaries -- mostly 500-pound E46 cluster bombs, with each bomb containing 38 M69 bomblets filled with napalm that was in turn ignited by white phosphorus. "The chosen areas were saturated. Fifteen square miles of Tokyo's most densely populated area were burned to the ground" in the firestorm that incinerated the wood and paper houses of the city and killed an estimated 80,000 to 100,000 people, according to the 1946 U.S. Strategic Bombing Survey on the Pacific war ordered up by President Harry S. Truman. The prison holding the 62 American POWs -- all of them B-29 crew members who were captured when their planes were shot down -- escaped damage, but Army Air Forces Maj. Gen. Curtis "Bombs Away" LeMay and the XXI Bomber Command were not done with Tokyo. The March 1945 firebombing of Tokyo was the result of a major strategic shift in the use of the B-29s. Gen. Henry "Hap" Arnold, the Army Air Forces chief, was pressing for new tactics to replace the relative ineffectiveness of daytime, high-altitude precision raids against Japanese military targets. LeMay ordered the switch to low-altitude nighttime raids against Japanese cities with incendiaries that guaranteed a high civilian death toll, but both LeMay and Arnold were convinced that it was the only course to take in possibly forcing a Japanese surrender that would avoid a ground invasion by the U.S. and the horrific casualties that would result. In the 10 days after the March 1945 firebombing of Tokyo, the XXI Bomber Command dropped 9,373 tons of bombs on Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka and Kobe, destroying a total of 31 square miles of those cities, according to the Strategic Bombing Survey. Referring to the mounting civilian death toll, LeMay remarked that, "If we lose, we'll be tried as war criminals." Then on the night of May 23, 1945, more than 500 B-29s taking off from bases in the Marianas firebombed Tokyo again in a raid that consumed the Tokyo Military Prison, killing all 62 of the American POWs. After the war, the American Graves Registration Service went to the prison site and disinterred the remains of the U.S. airmen who perished in the fire from a mass grave where they had been buried by the Japanese. The service was able to identify some of the 22 officers and 40 enlisted personnel, and the remains of the rest were sent to the Philippines and buried as unknowns at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial. As part of the new effort to identify them, the unknowns were disinterred from the Manila cemetery in 2022 and transferred to the DPAA labs at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, where teams of technicians led by forensic anthropologists Dr. Aelwen Wetherby and Kristen Grow have cautioned against expectations of seeing identifications made quickly. In email responses to questions from Military.com, Wetherby and Grow said they were working with a total of 39 sets of remains from the Tokyo Prison fire but could give no estimate at this point on when or if any of the remains might be identified. In addition, "it is not possible to say at this point how many individuals are represented" in the 39 sets of remains, "as we are still in the preliminary stages of our investigations and awaiting results from all our scientific analyses," Wetherby and Grow said. "The remains recovered from the Tokyo Military Prison pose considerable forensic challenges due to their extreme commingling, with multiple individuals often present in a single casket," and the damage from fire only added to the difficulty of making identifications, Wetherby and Grow said. However, the DPAA has received family reference samples of DNA for more than 70% of the unresolved cases of those who died in the Tokyo Military Prison fire, which could be critical in eventually making identifications, Wetherby and Grow said. Related: The Hard Work of Identifying the Remains of Service Members Missing for Decades Must Continue SEOUL, South Korea (AP) South Korea's president reportedly called for a greater Chinese role in addressing concerns about North Korean nuclear threats during a meeting with the visiting Chinese premier on Sunday on the eve of a trilateral meeting involving Japan's leader. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida held rounds of bilateral talks among themselves on Sunday to discuss ways to enhance cooperation and other issues. They were set to meet Monday for a trilateral session, the first such meeting in more than four years. No major announcement is expected from Mondays three-way gathering. But observers say that just resuming their highest-level, three-way talks is a good sign and suggests the three Asian neighbors are intent on improving relations. Their trilateral meeting was supposed to happen annually but it had stalled since the last one in December 2019 because of the COVID-19 pandemic and complex ties among the three countries. Yoon and Li agreed to launch a new South Korean-Chinese dialogue channel involving senior diplomats and defense officials in mid-June. They also agreed to restart negotiations to expand the free trade agreement and reactivate dormant bodies on personnel exchanges, investments and other issues, according to Yoons office. Chinese state media reported Li told Yoon that the two countries should safeguard the stability of their deeply intertwined industrial and supply chains and resist turning economic and trade issues into political and security-related issues. Yoon also asked China, as a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, to contribute to promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula, while speaking about North Korea's nuclear program and its deepening military ties with Russia, according to South Korean media reports. Yoon's office couldn't immediately confirm the report. But it said Yoon and Kishida in their separate meeting expressed worries about North Koreas nuclear program and agreed to strengthen their cooperation with the United States. South Korea, Japan and the U.S. have long urged China North Koreas major ally and economic pipeline to use its leverage to persuade the North to abandon its nuclear ambitions. But China is suspected of avoiding fully enforcing U.N. sanctions on North Korea and sending clandestine aid shipments to help its impoverished neighbor stay afloat. North Korea's nuclear program and other sensitive topics like Chinas claim over self-governed Taiwan and territorial disputes in the South China Sea are not among the official agenda items for Monday's trilateral meeting. South Korean officials said that a joint statement after Monday's meeting will cover the leaders' discussion on cooperation in areas like people-to-people exchanges, climate change, trade, health issues, technology and disaster responses. The three neighbors are important trading partners and their cooperation is key to promoting regional peace and prosperity. They together make up about 25% of global gross domestic product. But the three countries have been repeatedly embroiled in bitter disputes over a range of historical and diplomatic issues originating from Japans wartime atrocities. China's rise and a U.S. push reinforce its Asian alliances have also significantly impacted their three-way ties in recent years. Experts say South Korea, China and Japan now share a need to improve ties. South Korea and Japan want better ties with China because it is their biggest trading partner. China, for its part, likely believes a further strengthening of the South Korea-Japan-U.S. cooperation would hurt its national interests. China, meanwhile, has always sent its premier, the countrys No. 2 official, to the trilateral leaders' meeting since its first session in 2008. Observers say China earlier argued that under then-collective leadership, its premier was chiefly in charge of economic affairs and best suited to attend the meeting, which largely focuses on economic issues. But they say China may face more demands for President Xi Jinping to attend because he has concentrated power in his hands and defied the norms of collective leadership. __ Associated Press writers Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo and Simina Mistreanu in Taipei, Taiwan contributed to this report. The spaceX launch is a popular event where two spaceships, the Dragon and Inspiration4, take off from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Dragon, a high-speed rocket that can carry humans to Mars, is launched first, followed by Inspiration4, an automated spaceplane that will carry three astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS). (what is all the steam on the space x launch) When the engines ignite, the Dragon begins to soar through the atmosphere at Mach 2.9. As it approaches orbit, the Dragons boosters give it a boost of about 30% and it gains altitude. At this point, the crew can see for miles out into the universe. The Dragon enters orbit around the Earth, traveling at about 7,600 mph (12,300 km/h). Its journey takes about nine months and during that time, it will visit the moon several times and deliver supplies to the ISS. Once it reaches orbit, the Dragons descent into Earths atmosphere is intense. It creates a cloud of hot gas and debris as it decelerates towards the ground. As the Dragon descends, the engine shuts down, and it becomes an unmanned spacecraft. Once it touches down on the ground, the mission is over. During its stay on the ISS, the crew will conduct experiments and collect data. They will also spend time exploring the station and working with NASA scientists. After the dragon has returned to Earth, NASA launches another spaceship called Perseverance. This spacecraft is designed to search for signs of ancient life on Mars and includes instruments for collecting soil and rock samples. The Perseverance mission is expected to be completed in February 2021. (what is all the steam on the space x launch) Overall, the SpaceX launch is a major event that brings together cutting-edge technology and scientific exploration. From the powerful engines that lift the Dragon up into orbit to the robotic arm that carries supplies to the International Space Station, the launch is a testament to human ingenuity and determination to explore our universe. The Cubs have signed right-hander Jackson Tetreault to a minor league deal, as noted by Talk Nats on X earlier today. Talk Nats adds that Tetreault had interest from multiple teams, including advanced talks with the Blue Jays, before ultimately settling in Chicago. Tetreault, 28 in June, was a seventh-round pick by the Nationals back in 2017 and worked his way through the clubs minor league system to make his big league debut back in 2022. In four starts with the club that year, Tetreault struggled to a 5.14 ERA and 6.16 FIP in 21 innings of work before suffering a stress fracture in his shoulder that sidelined him for the remainder of the 2022 season. Tetreault was outrighted off the Nationals roster that November but remained with the organization for the 2023 season as he rehabbed the injury, ultimately making two appearances at the High-A level, though he struggled badly in the appearances with ten runs (eight earned) allowed over 5 2/3 combined innings as he allowed two walks and fourteen hits including three home runs against four strikeouts. Those appearances in May of last year were Tetreaults most recent professional outings, as he was placed on the injured list in June and has not pitched since. He elected free agency back in November but didnt land a deal anywhere until today, when he signed with the Cubs on a minor league pact. Prior to his injury, Tetreault had the look of an intriguing potential back-end starter with the Nationals, pitching to a 4.34 ERA in 28 starts at the Double-A level and a 4.04 ERA in 14 appearances at Triple-A. Given his extended layoff in recent years, its not clear how healthy Tetreault is or what role he may take up now that hes signed with Chicago, although the club could surely benefit from upper-level pitching depth with key pieces of the clubs bullpen such as Julian Merryweather, Adbert Alzolay, and Yency Almonte all on the injured list in addition to rookie starter Jordan Wicks. Tetreault figures to act as that sort of non-roster, upper level depth alongside fellow minor league signings such as Julio Teheran, Edwin Escobar, and Carl Edwards Jr. WYOMING, MI A man hospitalized after a shooting in Wyoming has died from his injuries, police said. Wyoming police identified the victim as 34-year-old Marquise Lamar Reid-Moore of Grand Rapids. UPDATE: State police kill man after bomb threat standoff in West Michigan OCEANA COUNTY, MI -- Michigan State Police are responding to a bomb threat in Oceana County. A person on the side of the roadway claims they have a bomb strapped to them, police said in a tweet posted 8:09 p.m. on Saturday, May 25. Troopers have observed an unknown device with wires attached to it on the person. MSPs bomb squad and emergency support team are assisting, police said. Officials declined to share any more information about the threat at this time. The road is blocked off at Skeels Road and Nichols Road, near Muskegon and Oceana county, WOOD TV reports. People in the area have been evacuated from their homes. Police have set up a media staging area at the intersection of Nichols Road and Fruitvale Road. Updates will be posted on @MSPWestMI as information becomes available. UPDATE: Suspected bomb in deadly West Michigan standoff was hoax device, police say OCEANA COUNTY, MI Michigan State police shot and killed a 44-year-old man allegedly armed with a bomb after he made threats to kill everybody. The Oceana County man was fatally shot Saturday night, May 25, following an hourslong standoff with police, according to an X/Twitter post from Michigan State Police at 11:41 p.m. Saturday. A series of events started to unfold earlier in the day Saturday when troopers were dispatched to a home in the 2000 block of Skeels Road in Oceana County for a report of a man acting erratically. RELATED: State police respond to bomb threat in West Michigan Police said the man left the residence and was located walking near Skeels and Nichols roads. The man ran into the woods after he was spotted by troopers and came out of the woods carrying a wired device, police said. Troopers said the man made a statement that was he going to kill everybody. From there, police contained the man on the side of the road and called for backup. Nearby residents were evacuated for safety. State police Bomb Squad and Emergency Support teams responded to the area and negotiated with the man for several hours. During negotiations, police said there was a perceived threat from the man, at which point a shot was fired by an Emergency Support Team member. The single round struck and killed the man. Police said efforts are being made to render the device safe. The incident is now under investigation by Michigan State Polices 5th District Special Investigative Section. Want more Muskegon-area news? Bookmark the local Muskegon news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Muskegon daily newsletter. DETROIT -- Riley Greene wont be in the starting lineup for Sundays series finale against the Toronto Blue Jays. The Tigers (25-27) and Jays (23-28) meet at 11:35 a.m. at Comerica Park. The special time is due to a national Roku broadcast. Both catchers -- Jake Rogers and Carson Kelly -- will be in the lineup for Detroit against a left-handed starter. Infielders Colt Keith and Zach McKinstry; and outfielders Kerry Carpenter and Riley Greene will be available off the bench. The full lineup is below. On the mound, Tigers right-hander Casey Mize (1-3, 4.57 ERA) will face Jays lefty Yusei Kikuchi (2-4, 2.64 ERA). Mize is coming off a rough start on May 21 at Kansas City, giving up six runs on nine hits in 1 2/3 innings. Kikuchi is in his sixth big-league season after debuting with the Seattle Mariners in 2019. He signed a three-year, $36 million contract with Toronto before the 2022 season. Hes been really good through 10 starts in 2024, striking out 61 and walking 13. We can get two weather updates this morning. The late afternoon thunderstorms could be severe over far southern Michigan. Also the backside of the weather system could be slower to wrap a colder rain back into northern Michigan on Memorial Day. Heres the Storm Prediction Centers tornado and severe thunderstorm forecast for this afternoon and evening. While the chance of an isolated tornado is small, you should know it is there. Tornado risk is low but covers the southern third of Lower Michigan this afternoon and evening.NOAA The thunderstorms have a higher chance of making a severe wind gust along the southern two tiers of counties. This would occur between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. today. Severe wind gust forecast for this afternoon and evening has a 15 percent chance south of I-94.NOAA Heres the radar forecast showing the arc of thunderstorms late this afternoon and then the wrap around rainfall coming into northern Michigan late on Memorial Day. Radar forecast from 1 p.m. today to midnight.NOAA So it will turn stormy over southern Michigan late this afternoon and shift to just showers over northern Michigan this evening. Memorial Day should have many more dry hours than wet hours for most of Lower Michigan. Eventually at some point late in the day we will get a large area of colder rain moving southeast into northern Lower Michigan. Paramount, you got some splainin to do! 'I Love Lucy: The Complete Series' Blu-ray Box Set Coming November 5th! Samir Jain is a Jaipur-based astrologer who has over 28 years of experience in the field of Astrology, Numerology, Palmistry and Vastu Shastra. He is also an expert in Jain Temple Vastu and Jain Jyotish. For more details, visit planetsastro.com, call/WhatsApp +91 8696930617 or email jainksamir@gmail.com. JEE Advanced 2024 Detailed Analysis Paper 1 and 2: Candidates found Advanced to be of moderate to difficult level; check students' reactions and expert opinions here OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All Amit Shah accuses INDI bloc of favouring Muslims over marginalised groups in quota allocation You are already a Moneycontrol Pro user. OK Follow us on: Cannes 2024: Why Bulgarian director Konstantin Bojanov made Hindi queer noir 'The Shameless', shown in Un Certain Regard Follow us on: Payal Kapadia's historic Grand Prix win at Cannes sends the internet to a daze; Anurag Kashyap, Richa Chadha and Varun Grover react Follow us on: George Lucas receives Honorary Palme dOr from Francis Ford Coppola at Cannes; The world is here, proud to honor you Exclusive: Meet Anasuya Sengupta, first Indian to win Best Actress at Cannes Un Certain Regard, for her queer thriller The Shameless Follow us on: When FTII slapped Cannes Grand Prix winner Payal Kapadia with disciplinary action, FIR and cut her grant Follow us on: 'The Great Indian Kapil Show': Farah Khan spills secrets about Bollywood personalities; reveals Anil Kapoor once refused to play Sonam Kapoor's dad Follow us on: Market participants to see 5 IPOs on Dalal Street next week, with 2 listings lined up Follow us on: Exit poll, auto sales, India & US GDP among 10 key factors that will keep traders busy next week Elections 2024 'Not possible to change no. of votes polled': EC releases data for 5 phases, condemns 'misleading narratives' The Election Commission of India released the total number of voters for all completed phases (first five phases) of the ongoing Lok Sabha Election 2024, asserting that "misleading narratives are being spread to undermine the electoral process". Read more here Follow us on: Fire breaks out in residential building in east Delhi, three dead OTHERS OTHERS Follow us on: My Account or or Hello, Login All IndiGo passenger, high on bhang, tries to open flight door mid-air, arrested Follow us on: Election wrap: PM Modi on INDIA bloc, Amit Shah on UCC, 'One Nation, One Election' and more Follow us on: Naxal problem will be over in next 2-3 years, says Amit Shah Best cities to find a job in the US Bill Gates reveals a lesson he 'could have learned a lot sooner' from Warren Buffett: 'Took far too long...' Last month the Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY) endorsed assisted suicide legislation for the first time. While some state medical societies have adopted positions of neutrality with respect to assisted suicide, the MSSNY is the first to support such legislation. We believe this is unwise and unethical for the following reasons. The Medical Aid in Dying Act, currently being considered in the New York State Legislature, would allow terminally ill patients access to lethal drugs prescribed by a physician. The bill has fewer safeguards than other states that have legalized assisted suicide. Unlike most other states, it lacks a residency requirement, potentially making New York a destination for suicide tourism. If successful, the legislation will also be the first U.S. policy to omit a waiting period for obtaining lethal drugs, enabling terminally ill patients impulsively to end their lives. The legalization of assisted suicide sends the message that the intentional introduction of death is an appropriate treatment option when illness compromises ones quality of life. It is no wonder, then, that among the most vocal critics of assisted suicide tend to be palliative care physicians and the disability rights community, which hold that the legislation does not protect the vulnerable against coercion and provides a lethal end-around to sufficient medical and social support for the terminally ill and disabled. The experience of Oregon shows that patients choose assisted suicide not primarily for reasons of pain-relief but because they are afraid of losing their autonomy and burdening others. Doctors have consistently opposed assisted suicide at least since the Hippocratic Oath because it involves the intentional introduction of a fatal pathology into a patients body. The American Medical Association still maintains a strong position against assisted suicide, stating that it is fundamentally incompatible with the physicians role as healer, would be difficult or impossible to control, and would pose serious societal risks. It is true that the MSSNY also expressed support for a doctors decision to refuse to participate in assisted suicide. However, this overlooks the difficulty that many physicians will experience when assisted suicide is thought of as a regular treatment option by their patients. Even now, some dying patients avoid hospice care because they believe that such care will intentionally hasten death. Imagine how much more difficult it will be to care for the dyingand suffering patients in generalin an environment where assisted suicide is a legal right with institutional support. Many physicians are of course well-meaning in their support of aid in dying. And this is obviously a complex and difficult issue for many terminally ill patients and their families. But doctors better protect the practice of medicine and its patients by formally opposing the option of intentionally causing death. Joseph A. Caruana, M.D., M.S., is a retired surgeon and clinical ethicist; Philip A. Reed, Ph.D., is a professor of philosophy at Canisius University. Follow us on: Macron heads to Germany in first French presidential state visit in 24 years Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Be careful with Zoar Valley. Biodiversity and tree canopy preservation are both paramount environmental goals on a global level. On a local level, though, conservation of old-growth forests that contain treasured 80- or 90-year-old trees can be just as important. Acting with Audubon Connecticut and New York, the New York State Department of Conservation is planning a 92-acre clear-cutting project in Zoar Valley, along Wickham Road in Cattaraugus County. Its located in the DEC-managed Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area, which, unlike the Unique Area, is not protected against logging. The clear-cutting is intended to create habitat that will help struggling bird species. That some Zoar advocates are readying themselves to fight the states logging plan should come as no surprise. Those trees are not only beautiful and old enough to command respect, but they help to clean the air of carbon. Conservation-minded groups like Friends of Zoar Valley have worked for decades to protect as much as they could of Zoar, which contains some of the largest remaining intact forests in the Great Lakes region as well as some of the tallest, oldest trees in the northeastern United States. Indeed, the protected Unique Area came about after the state DEC attempted to log sections of old-growth forest in 1996. In 2007, those 1,492 acres were designated forever wild by the New York State Legislature and then-Gov. Eliot Spitzer. It is to the DECs credit that it continues efforts to make Zoar safer for visitors, including creating an ADA-accessible overlook trail (now in-progress), explicit signage about danger areas and other improvements that will help prevent injury and loss of life. But preserving the majestic forests that these visitors come to see should be the biggest priority. Starting in the early 1960s, individuals like Herbert F. Darling Sr. and Herbert F. Darling Jr. donated and sold the land almost 2,000 acres' worth that helped make Zoar possible in the first place. When Darling Jr. sold 612 acres to the Nature Conservancy in 2019, he said, It was my fathers wish from years back that this land should be preserved and kept as naturally as it could be. I just kept that enthusiasm. My children saw the benefits of protecting the land, and Im hoping others will see the same benefits. According to the Conservancy, those 612 acres alone store 75,000 tons of carbon the equivalent of taking almost 16,000 cars off the road for one year. After the 92 acres are logged by the DEC, which could start this winter, 900 more could be subject to similar management in the future, according to a 2021 DEC Unit Management Plan. Thats what worries John Buckley, a member of Friends of Zoar Valley, who said, At a time when climate change is threatening our existence, we need these big trees to survive. Audubon Connecticut and New York believes that creating open areas in the dense forest, where lower-story shrubs and perennials can provide habitat for endangered birds, makes this clear-cutting and thinning necessary. The project also includes the removal of invasive species and the creation of a slash wall of logging detritus to keep out the deer that would eat those lower-story plants. Again: Wildlife habitat and carbon sequestration are both key to the healthier environment all living creatures need. But this is a substantial new threat to Zoar Valleys tree canopy. If logging is necessary, can it be reduced from the nearly 1,000 acres included in the DECs plan? Is there nowhere better than Zoar to create this habitat? These questions should be answered and advocates satisfied before any logging begins. Whats your opinion? Send it to us at lettertoeditor@buffnews.com. Letters should be a maximum of 300 words and must convey an opinion. The column does not print poetry, announcements of community events or thank you letters. A writer or household may appear only once every 30 days. All letters are subject to fact-checking and editing. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close In a brazen attempt to circumvent customs regulations, a 37-year-old Harare man has been convicted of smuggling a truckload of grocery items worth nearly US$20,000 across the Zimbabwean border. George Mutingondo, the accused, was arraigned before the Karoi Magistrates Court on charges of contravening the Customs and Excise Act. The state alleged that Mutingondo had misrepresented the contents of his truck to border officials, claiming he was simply in transit to Zambia via the Chirundu Border Post. However, the deception was uncovered when Mutingondo returned the following day, still with the truck loaded with the same goods. This time, he told officials the truck contained 34 tons of duty-free biscuits a claim that quickly unravelled. The matter came to light when he was apprehended by the Police in Karoi following a tip-off, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe reported. The truck was escorted back to Chirundu Border Post and a physical inspection was carried out by ZIMRA officials, resulting in the seizure of the goods. Among the seized items were 2,015 cases of Nivea body cream, 499 boxes of Ellis Brown creamer, 499 boxes of Stumbo, 499 boxes of fruit juice, 300 boxes of Maq washing powder, and 300 boxes of Cremora. Mutingondo pleaded guilty to the charges and was ordered to perform 280 hours of community service as punishment for his brazen attempt to smuggle the goods across the border. Breaking News via Email Related Zimbabwe Latest News Statement of Senator Risa Hontiveros on China's military drills around Taiwan after swearing in of new Taiwanese President China must stop flexing her muscles around Taiwan and all across the South China Sea. Militarizing the SCS is not the solution. Instead of working with governments to abate the tensions in the region, all Beijing has done is make matters worse. The Taiwanese, like any free and democratic people, have the right to choose their leaders and other elected representatives. I want to assure the new Taiwanese President, Lai Ching-te, that he has allies in the Philippines. As a fellow believer in democracy, I would like to express my renewed commitment to support all his current and prospective efforts to help safeguard peace and security in our region. I hope the international community can unequivocally stand with Taiwan amid China's continued belligerence. Any conflict in our region affects not only our neighbors, but also the entire world. News / National by Staff reporter Public hearings to document and address the violent disturbances of the 1980s are set to begin in July, marking the start of a significant national healing and reconciliation process.These hearings, part of the Matebeleland Peace-Building Outreach Programme, will be supported by a handbook and manual translated into local languages by linguistics experts from Midlands State University to ensure broad participation and understanding.The government has allocated a budget for this initiative, aiming to bring closure to the post-independence clashes, primarily affecting Matebeleland and Midlands provinces.Attorney-General Mrs. Virginia Mabiza, who leads the secretariat for the Matebeleland Peace-Building Outreach Programme, told The Sunday Mail, "We anticipate that the programme will be launched before or at the start of the third quarter of 2024. The provisional planned time frame demonstrates our political will and prioritisation of reconciliation efforts within our country."Mrs. Mabiza emphasized the strategic planning behind these consultations to maximize effectiveness, inclusivity, and create a constructive environment for dialogue, healing, and reconciliation. "The Government is committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone's opinions are valued, contributing to a meaningful and impactful process," she said.Preparations for the outreach programme are at an advanced stage, including logistical arrangements, venue selection, and resource coordination. Translation of the programme materials into local languages by Midlands State University has been completed, ensuring effective communication and participation.Administrative forms have been developed to collect personal information from all participants, enabling the chiefs' panels to systematically archive testimonies using procured information and communication technology gadgets. The procurement of logistical equipment and consumables is ongoing to support the hearings effectively.President Mnangagwa's administration is committed to addressing the country's past by resolving issues associated with the disturbances. Mrs. Mabiza stated, "This outreach is a significant step forward in demonstrating the Government's commitment to addressing and healing the wounds of the past."She assured that a dedicated budget has been established to address historical grievances related to the Gukurahundi issue comprehensively and transparently. "This allocation ensures that all necessary resources will be available to support the successful implementation of the programme, reinforcing our dedication to a thorough and meaningful resolution process," she added.The hearings aim to address critical issues, providing a platform for victims and their families to share their experiences openly and honestly, helping to uncover the truth behind the events of Gukurahundi. They will be led by 72 chiefs from Matebeleland North and South provinces, with a resolution that no chief shall interfere with another's proceedings within their respective domains, fostering a sense of ownership by the affected communities."We believe this strategy will enhance the authenticity and effectiveness of the consultative process, ensuring that the voices of the communities are accurately represented and heard," said Mrs. Mabiza. "Central to the hearings is the documentation and identification of victims to ensure that the Government takes appropriate remedial action."The hearings also present an opportunity for victims and stakeholders to propose recommendations for remedies. South Africas former president Jacob Zuma said on Thursday that he will fight for his rights, after the countrys top court ruled that he was not eligible to run for parliament in next weeks election. The constitutional court ruled on Monday that Zumas 15-month jail sentence for contempt of court in 2021 disqualified him from standing in the May 29 vote, as the constitution prohibits anyone given a prison sentence of 12 months or longer from holding a parliamentary seat. Decisions of the constitutional court cannot be overruled. Judges of the constitutional court have taken a decision that I cant exercise my freedom, my democracy, Zuma said in a YouTube video shared by his uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party. I am going to fight for my rights until this country agrees that freedom must be a complete freedom, not for some and oppression for others. While Zumas name will be removed from MKs list of parliamentary candidates, his face will remain on the elections ballot papers as he is the registered leader of the party. Zuma endorsed MK in December, when he announced he would not campaign for the governing African National Congress (ANC), which he led from 2007 until 2017. He resigned as South Africas president in 2018, under pressure from current ANC leader Cyril Ramaphosas allies in the party, after nine years as head of state marred by corruption scandals and slowing economic growth. Zumas jailing in 2021 triggered riots in his home province of KwaZulu-Natal in which more than 300 people died. The riots morphed into a wider spate of looting. Reuters. Breaking News via Email Related Zimbabwe Latest News China shows off robot dogs armed with MACHINE GUNS The Chinese military recently showed off several robot dogs outfitted with machine guns on their backs during "Golden Dragon," the country's biggest-ever drill alongside Cambodian troops this May. The terrifying robodogs armed with machine guns were part of a 15-day military exercise called "Golden Dragon" that was held in a remote training center in central Cambodia, off the country's coast. At the event, more than 2,000 troops, including 760 Chinese military personnel, will take part in the drills at a remote training center in central Kampong Chhnang Province and the sea off Preah Sihanouk Province. Golden Dragon also involves 14 warships, with three warships from China, two helicopters and 69 armored vehicles and tanks. Additionally, the event will also include live-fire, anti-terrorism and humanitarian rescue drills. Chinese military personnel showed off robodogs, which are remote-controlled four-legged robots with machine guns mounted on their backs. The handlers kept the military robodogs on the leash and only demonstrated their walking capabilities to watching journalists and top brass. The machine guns were allegedly not fired during the drills. Royal Cambodian Armed Forces Commander-in-Chief Gen. Vong Pisen opened the exercises and said they would "enhance the capabilities" of the two armies in the battle against terrorism. Pisen said Cambodia would never allow a foreign military base on its territory, echoing previous claims by Cambodian leaders. After Cambodia dismantled facilities at Ream Naval Base near Sihanoukville, a Cambodian port city, which was built partly with United States funding and having played host to U.S. military exercises, China started funding its renovation. Human knowledge is under attack! Governments and powerful corporations are using censorship to wipe out humanity's knowledge base about nutrition, herbs, self-reliance, natural immunity, food production, preparedness and much more. We are preserving human knowledge using AI technology while building the infrastructure of human freedom. Speak freely without censorship at the new decentralized, blockchain-power Brighteon.io. Explore our free, downloadable generative AI tools at Brighteon.AI. Support our efforts to build the infrastructure of human freedom by shopping at HealthRangerStore.com, featuring lab-tested, certified organic, non-GMO foods and nutritional solutions. Two Chinese warships docked at Ream in December 2023 for the first time after work began to expand the base. Washington reported that Ream could give Beijing a crucial strategic position on the Gulf of Thailand near the often disputed South China Sea. Earlier in May, Cambodian army spokesman Thong Solimo told reporters that the exercises were the biggest ever of their kind. China covered the cost of the military exercises. Golden Dragon and the launch of China's formidable robot dogs give a glimpse of the dystopian vision of what the future of warfare could look like. (Related: Chinese military-industrial complex flexes muscle in video featuring drone transporting an armed robodog.) U.S. Army to arm robot dogs with state-of-the-art rifles Experts have previously warned that the use of armed drones or "killer robots," especially autonomous drones, is "an ethical minefield that should be internationally banned from the battlefield." However, the warnings from concerned experts did not stop military forces and local enforcement in America from investing in the technology. In 2023, the Pentagon announced that the U.S. Army is thinking of arming remote-controlled robot dogs with state-of-the-art rifles as part of its plan to "explore the realm of the possible" in the future of warfare. Ghost Robotics, a U.S.-based military contractor, has already shown off such a robot dog, which was armed with a long-distance rifle. But as far as Boston Dynamics' popular Spot Mini robot dog is concerned, the company has insisted that attaching weapons to the robot dog is against its terms of service. In an open letter, Boston Dynamics has promised that the company will not weaponize their advanced-mobility general-purpose robots or the software they develop that enables advanced robotics and will "not support others to do so." Visit Robots.news for more stories about robots, AI and the dangers of this kind of technology. Watch the video below to see Israel testing robot dogs in Gaza. This video is from the Vigilent Citizen channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Engineer turns $115-drone into an AI-driven weapon that could be used to hunt, kill people. China develops brain-computer interface technology for cognitive enhancement and military applications. Not-so-cute: "Robodogs" sporting machine guns seen being tested in viral videos as our dystopian future begins to emerge in full. "Digi-Dog" Police ROBOTS set to take over New York City and POLICE any protests about Big Government tyranny or the next plandemic. Sources include: Yahoo.com TaipeiTimes.com Brighteon.com Another Oregon county votes to join conservative Idaho and secede from crime-infested blue state After a vote on Tuesday, May 21, Crook County, Oregon became the latest to approve the " Greater Idaho Measure ," following 12 other counties that have passed measures to secede from Democrat-controlled Oregon to be included in neighboring, Republican-dominated Idaho, believing that the Gem State can better represent their conservative values. The measure, known as Measure 7-86, passed with 53 percent approving efforts to continue negotiations with the state government to move Oregon's border to include Crook County in Idaho. Organizers of Measure 7-86 said the decision to secede is because of the state's progressive policies and high crime rates. They also claimed to have been alienated in Oregon. Crook County is moving to Idaho to enable citizens to benefit from reduced taxes as well as improved governance and representation. "The Oregon/Idaho line was established 163 years ago and is now outdated. It makes no sense in its current location because it doesn't match the location of the cultural divide in Oregon," wrote the group Move Oregon's Border for a Greater Idaho. The group's organizers are appealing to Oregonians who feel that their economic potential is being held back by the state government's taxes and other regulations. "We'll still have federal and Idaho regulations and that's plenty," the group noted. "Idaho knows how to respect rural counties and their livelihoods." Even voters who oppose Greater Idaho are tired of being governed by Oregon Democrats According to a report on USA Today, even voters who oppose the measure to secede said they are tired of the dictates from liberal lawmakers in the state capital of Salem and the state's largest urban area of Portland. Human knowledge is under attack! Governments and powerful corporations are using censorship to wipe out humanity's knowledge base about nutrition, herbs, self-reliance, natural immunity, food production, preparedness and much more. We are preserving human knowledge using AI technology while building the infrastructure of human freedom. Use our decentralized, blockchain-based, uncensorable free speech platform at Brighteon.io. Explore our free, downloadable generative AI tools at Brighteon.AI. Support our efforts to build the infrastructure of human freedom by shopping at HealthRangerStore.com, featuring lab-tested, certified organic, non-GMO foods and nutritional solutions. These disaffected voters cited measures like the legalization of marijuana, efforts to restrict the use of fossil fuels, gun control measures and how the state handled the Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic as reasons for their distress. Moreover, a recent poll revealed that the majority of Idahoans support Oregon's measure. A separate survey also indicated that more than 25 percent of people support the secession of states. Meanwhile, Ryan D. Griffiths, a political science professor at Syracuse University, said that, like other secession efforts, the "Greater Idaho Movement" lacks a significant groundswell of public support and in most cases is more of a referendum on state-level governance. "It's a pipe dream, in a way. What they're doing is partly performative, for ideological purposes," he said. "A lot of time, secessionist movements are really just bargaining efforts." "The voters of eastern Oregon have spoken loudly and clearly about their desire to see border talks move forward," said Matt McCaw, executive director of the Citizens for Greater Idaho. "With this latest result in Crook County, there's no excuse left for the legislature and governor to continue to ignore the people's wishes." He called on the Oregon governor, the speaker of the House and the Senate president all Democrats to sit down with them so that they can discuss the next steps towards changing governance for eastern Oregonians, as well as for the legislature to begin holding hearings on what a potential border change will look like. Visit Secession.news for stories of states and territories that are fed up with the policies of their governing bodies and are moving to break free. Watch the video below that talks about the constitutional issues of the movement for "Greater Idaho." This video is from the Win in Court (U.S.A.) channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Oregon counties vote to secede, join Idaho as residents get tired of left-wing lunacy. "TEXIT" begins! State lawmaker files legislation to allow residents to decide if they want to leave the U.S. as Biden's Marxists take over Sources include: GreaterIdaho.org ThePostMillennial.com NewsNationNow.com Brighteon.com Fluoride exposure during pregnancy linked to behavior problems in children New research out of the University of Southern California (USC) drives another nail in the coffin of the outmoded and barbaric practice of artificial water fluoridation. Scientists from USC's Keck School of Medicine told the New York Post that children in the womb who are exposed to fluoride via their mothers tend to be born with health problems. The higher the exposure to fluoride, the more likely a child is to "experience temper tantrums, headaches, stomachaches, anxiety, and symptoms linked to autism," they said. Senior study author Tracy Bastain issued the usual duplicitous disclaimer that "exposure to fluoride during pregnancy does not mean that a children will experience greater neurobehavioral problems," even though this is exactly what her paper demonstrated. "We found an association between higher prenatal exposure and more neurobehavioral problems at age three but more studies are needed to establish a causal link," she said, offering the typical more research needed excuse. (Related: A large-scale government study found that drinking fluoride does absolutely nothing to protect teeth from developing cavities.) Make sure your drinking water is clean For their study, Bastain and her colleagues pulled data from USC's MADRES Center for Environmental Health Disparities, which follows predominantly Hispanic families living in the Los Angeles area from pregnancy through childhood. To calculate fluoride exposure, the team collected urine samples from 229 pregnant moms during their third trimester. Children whose mothers had higher levels of fluoride were determined to be 83 percent more likely to show "internalizing" behavioral problems. We are building the infrastructure of human freedom and empowering people to be informed, healthy and aware. Explore our decentralized, peer-to-peer, uncensorable Brighteon.io free speech platform here. Learn about our free, downloadable generative AI tools at Brighteon.AI. Every purchase at HealthRangerStore.com helps fund our efforts to build and share more tools for empowering humanity with knowledge and abundance. It should be noted that the study did not identify why some pregnant women had higher fluoride levels than others, but we know that fluoride exposure typically comes from artificially fluoridated drinking water, contaminated juices, and dental products like mouthwash and toothpaste. Lead investigator Ashley Malin, an assistant professor in epidemiology at the University of Florida College of Public Health, confirmed that the findings point to a relationship between fluoride exposure and brain damage in developing babies still in the womb. "There is no known benefit of fluoride consumption to the developing fetus, but we do know that there is possibly a risk to their developing brain," Malin confirmed. "We found that each 0.68 milligram per liter increase in fluoride levels in the pregnant women's urine was associated with nearly double the odds of children scoring in the clinical or borderline clinical range for neurobehavioral problems at age three, based on their mother's reporting." The fact that fluoride is still being added to water supplies across the United States is appalling, especially considering that this is just one of many studies in recent years to confirm that fluoride provides no health benefits while causing plenty of harm. "Conducting a nationwide U.S. study on this topic would be important, but I think the findings of the current study and recent studies from Canada and Mexico suggest that there is a real concern here," Malin added. In recent years, there has been a renewed push in some areas to remove fluoride from local water supplies. The problem is that there are still too many corrupt, bought-and-paid-for politicians in office who are gatekeeping efforts in especially larger cities to stop fluoridating the water supply. "While fluoride supposedly hardens the enamel, consuming it was always known to be toxic," wrote a commenter at 100percentfedup.com. "Most dentists I've met are crooks anyways, there's no way they are looking out for my dental health so what is really going on with fluoride?" "The powers that be are poisoning our food and water supply and it is slowly driving humanity off the deep end," added another. "The heavy metals associated with chem trails have completely saturated soil and water. There is no way to escape it." Nobody should be consuming fluoride it's toxic. Learn more at Fluoride.news. Sources for this article include: 100percentfedup.com NaturalNews.com Giuliani pleads NOT GUILTY in 2020 Arizona election interference case Former New York City (NYC) Mayor Rudy Giuliani has pleaded not guilty in a case accusing him of interfering with the results of the 2020 election in Arizona. The erstwhile counsel for Former President Donald Trump issued the not guilty plea on May 21, appearing remotely for his arraignment. Giuliani was joined by other co-defendants in the case in entering not guilty pleas during the arraignment, which was held in a courtroom in Phoenix. The other co-defendants who pleaded not guilty include: Christina Bobb, former Trump and Republican National Committee attorney Michael Roman, former Trump aide Kelli Ward, former Arizona Republican Party chairwoman Tyler Bowyer, COO for conservative youth organization Turning Point USA Arizona State Sen. Anthony Kern Greg Safsten, former Arizona GOP executive director Robert Montgomery, former Cochise County GOP chairman Samuel Moorhead, former Gila County GOP head During his remote appearance, Giuliani said he did not have an attorney at the time, but reiterated that he would avail of one. "No, I think I am capable of handling it myself," he responded when asked whether he needed counsel appointed for the arraignment. According to the former mayor, he received a summons but did not have a copy of the indictment with him. Despite this, he told the court he was familiar with the charges against him, having read about them. Prosecutors requested that Giuliani post a $10,000 secured appearance bond in cash after outlining the difficulty of serving him in the case. They had been unable to serve the indictment to the mayor for weeks. Giuliani was only served the indictment during his 80th birthday celebration in Florida, according to a statement by the office of Arizona Attorney General (AG) Kris Mayes. (Related: Updated: AZ's Dem AG indicts Giuliani, Meadows, Ward, Eastman, Epshteyn in major new election interference attempt.) Human knowledge is under attack! Governments and powerful corporations are using censorship to wipe out humanity's knowledge base about nutrition, herbs, self-reliance, natural immunity, food production, preparedness and much more. We are preserving human knowledge using AI technology while building the infrastructure of human freedom. Use our decentralized, blockchain-based, uncensorable free speech platform at Brighteon.io. Explore our free, downloadable generative AI tools at Brighteon.AI. Support our efforts to build the infrastructure of human freedom by shopping at HealthRangerStore.com, featuring lab-tested, certified organic, non-GMO foods and nutritional solutions. "I have a fair number of threats, including death threats, and I don't have security anymore. So I have very strict rules about who gets up and who doesn't," Giuliani said during the arraignment. In response, the judge required him to appear in Arizona within the next 30 days for booking procedures, alongside the cash bond he posted. Trump wasn't charged, but was referenced in the indictment "In Arizona and the U.S., the people elected Joseph Biden as president on Nov. 3, 2020," the indictment read. "Unwilling to accept this fact, defendants and unindicted co-conspirators schemed to prevent the lawful transfer of the presidency to keep Unindicted Co-conspirator 1 in office against the will of Arizona's voters. This scheme would have deprived Arizona voters of their right to vote and have their votes counted." While Trump himself wasn't charged in the case, it was suggested that he was an "unindicted co-conspirator 1" in the indictment. Authorities in the Grand Canyon State unveiled the felony charges last month against Republicans who submitted a document to Congress attesting Trump's victory in Arizona, which was marred due to the widespread vote fraud there. Two former Trump aides and five lawyers connected to the former president were included in the list of defendants. Attorney and former law professor John Eastman earlier pleaded not guilty to the charges during his arraignment. Jenna Ellis, another defendant and former Trump lawyer, had earlier entered a guilty plea to a similar indictment in Georgia brought forward by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Wills. The Arizona GOP denounced Mayes' office for the charges after the indictment was unsealed. It described the charges as "pure election interference" in a statement, adding that their timing was "suspiciously convenient and politically motivated" due to the proximity to the 2024 presidential election. The statement also blasted Mayes, a Democrat elected during the 2022 midterm elections. According to the Arizona GOP, the AG is utilizing "politically motivated indictments and blatant abuse of legal authority aimed to disrupt, distract and interfere in the 2024 election." Aside from Arizona and Georgia, officials in Nevada and Michigan have announced felony charges against individuals who submitted similar electoral certificates to Congress after the 2020 election. Visit VoteFraud.news for similar stories. Watch this clip about Rudy Giuliani being suspended without pay from his WABC radio show over his rants about the stolen 2020 election. This video is from the GalacticStorm channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Ben Armstrong: Latest Giuliani bombshell proves DOJ, FBI covered for Biden crime family. Judge orders Rudy Giuliani to pay $148M in damages immediately because he's 'unlikely to win appeal.' Rudy Giuliani petitions for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after a jury ordered him to pay $146M in damages to 2 Georgia election workers. Sources include: NTD.com Brighteon.com Prather Point: Jeffrey Prather and James Grundvig discuss SATANIC King Charles III painting Brighteon.TV Investigative journalist James Grundvig and former intelligence officer Jeffrey Prather discussed the satanic painting of King Charles III during the May 17 episode of "The Prather Point" on Brighteon.TV According to the BBC, the said painting by artist Jonathan Yeo was unveiled on May 14 at Buckingham Palace. The painting showed the monarch in the uniform of the Welsh Guards with sword in hand. A butterfly is also shown landing on his shoulder. "In art history, the butterfly symbolizes metamorphosis and rebirth," Yeo explained. The BBC also pointed out that the butterfly is a reference to the monarch's long-held interest in the environment, one of many causes "he has championed most of his life and certainly long before they became a mainstream conversation." But Grundvig, a Norwegian-American journalist, begged to differ. He described the painting was satanic and red, with the monarch reportedly looking like "a calcified bronze dinosaur" or something very strange. According to Grundvig, people have been decoding the painting and one found a satanic cabal code incorporated within it. Someone took a digital photo of the portrait, made a mirror image and combined both together. While people can't see exactly what it is, the truth is revealed when the saturation of the scarlet red is taken out. Viewers are then able to spot a matte red image of Baphomet, the goat-headed satanic icon. "It only works when you combine both of them together," Grundvig continued. "Otherwise, we're only getting half of Baphomet." We are building the infrastructure of human freedom and empowering people to be informed, healthy and aware. Explore our decentralized, peer-to-peer, uncensorable Brighteon.io free speech platform here. Learn about our free, downloadable generative AI tools at Brighteon.AI. Every purchase at HealthRangerStore.com helps fund our efforts to build and share more tools for empowering humanity with knowledge and abundance. Prather commented that the satanic image in the painting was very clear. He added that Baphomet was supposedly worshipped by the Templars. Grundvig also lauded the citizen journalists exposing this evil right under people's noses: "They can take images like this and really pretty bring out the true meaning through their different skill sets. You get these young women who are in their 20s and 30s going on TikTok, and they just pick one spoke of the giant wheel of evil and they expose it. And you have a lot of new citizens like every week coming online and doing really good organic work." "The King is dead," Grundvig claims According to the journalist, King Charles III who ascended to the British throne in September 2022 is unquestionably a globalist. His supposed claim to royal blood is highly doubtful, with Grundvig explaining that Lord Jacob Rothschild was the true owner of England and not Charles III. (Related: King Charles III supports the Great Reset agenda.) The Norwegian-American investigative journalist also mentioned a sign he saw on the streets of the British capital London. The King's Guard, which was made up of a white horse and a black horse, was seen going down London before Rothschild's death on Feb. 24. Two months later on April 24, a "blood-smeared" white horse and black horse were seen running free in a London street. Grundvig told Prather that the blood-smeared white horse is probably a sign of something. For him, it might be a sign that the current monarch is dead. "I believe King Charles is no longer here based on that. That one horse, that to me is code. Not for you and me, not for the general public but code for, I guess, the alliance against the cabal. So, I believe he's gone in my opinion," Follow Globalism.news for more stories about the globalist cabal. Watch the May 17 episode of "The Prather Point" below. "The Prather Point" with Jeffrey Prather airs every Friday at 10 a.m. and every Saturday at 7 p.m. on Brighteon.TV. More related stories: Jeffrey Prather: Deep State global cabal is the real PUPPET MASTER Brighteon.TV. Government morphed into a Marxist cabal, willing and ready to impose tyranny: All tyrannies rule through fraud and force, but once the fraud is exposed they must rely on force. Agenda 2030 communicates an EVIL agenda. Born in a police state: The Deep States persecution of its most vulnerable citizens. Globalists push for centralization of power amid worldwide economic decline. Sources include: Brighteon.com BBC.com Godfather of AI urges U.K. government to adopt Universal Basic Income (UBI) for adult Britons The so-called "godfather" of artificial intelligence (AI) has called on the British government to consider adopting a universal basic income (UBI) for adult Britons. Renowned AI expert Geoffrey Hinton made this proposal during talks with British government officials. He expressed worry that AI would take a lot of mundane jobs globally, adding that it will be up to governments to deal with the growing impact of AI and prevent income inequality. "I was consulted by people in Downing Street, and I advised them that UBI was a good idea," Hinton shared to the BBC. According to him, the AI revolution will mostly benefit the rich. Regular employees such as blue-collar workers and those in jobs that can be automated could lose their means of income. "That is going to be bad for society," Hinton warned. The AI expert also expressed fears that AI could become an extinction-level threat for humans in the next five to 20 years. He warned about the growing use of AI chatbots, saying that "a form of that is just better than biological intelligence." Hinton also pointed out that the competition to develop products rapidly meant there was a risk tech companies "can autonomously decide to kill people" by increasing their dependence on AI. According to the BBC, UBI enables all employees to receive a basic salary from the government, regardless of their financial status. Every person is granted a set amount of money regularly under this scheme. Hinton is the pioneer of neural networks, which form the theoretical basis of the current explosion in artificial intelligence. He used to work at Google, but left the tech giant so he could talk more freely about the dangers of unregulated AI. (Related: "Godfather of AI" quits Google, warns of risks associated with the technology he helped develop.) Human knowledge is under attack! Governments and powerful corporations are using censorship to wipe out humanity's knowledge base about nutrition, herbs, self-reliance, natural immunity, food production, preparedness and much more. We are preserving human knowledge using AI technology while building the infrastructure of human freedom. Speak freely without censorship at the new decentralized, blockchain-power Brighteon.io. Explore our free, downloadable generative AI tools at Brighteon.AI. Support our efforts to build the infrastructure of human freedom by shopping at HealthRangerStore.com, featuring lab-tested, certified organic, non-GMO foods and nutritional solutions. 8M jobs in the U.K. are at risk as AI takes over A spokesman for Downing Street clarified that there were "no plans to introduce a UBI" as of writing. But Hinton isn't the only one emphasizing the need for a UBI once AI becomes more ubiquitous. His student Sam Altman, the founder and current CEO of OpenAI, is also delving into the concept through his other venture, Worldcoin. Through Worldcoin, Altman is focused on providing UBI via the adoption of a cryptocurrency token provided free of charge. But to avail of the token, people must sign up to the service and submit to a retinal scan to verify their identity. In March, the London-based Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) said that nearly eight million U.K. jobs could be lost to AI in a "jobs apocalypse." The think tank's report warned women, younger workers and those on lower wages to be at most risk from automation. IPPR said that entry-level, part-time and administrative jobs were most exposed to being replaced by AI under a "worst-case scenario" for the rollout of new technologies in the next three to five years. It also mentioned that a growing numbers of companies are adopting generative AI technologies, which can read and create text, data and software code, to automate everyday workplace tasks. In the worst-case scenario for the second wave of AI, 7.9 million jobs could be displaced, the report said, with any gains for the economy from productivity improvements canceled out with zero growth in GDP within three to five years. In a best-case scenario for full augmentation of the workforce with generative AI, no jobs would be lost. Visit FutureTech.news for more stories about AI. Watch the video below that talks about AI and humanity's divided and grim future. This video is from the High Hopes channel on Brighteon.com. More related stories: Is AI going to kill everyone? Top experts say yes, warning about "risk of extinction" similar to nuclear weapons, pandemics. AI could exceed human intelligence in 3 years, top scientist warns. Defense report reveals future warfare may involve man-made pathogens and AI. Godfather of AI warns of 'battle robots.' AI chatbot tries to get British anti-terrorism advisor TO JOIN ISIS. Sources include: CoinTelegraph.com BBC.com TheGuardian.com Brighteon.com New Know Your Customer proposal would strip Americans of their right to use cloud services anonymously A disturbing new proposal by the U.S. Department of Commerce could strip cloud services users of their right to anonymity. The new rules, known as National Emergency with Respect to Significant Malicious Cyber Enabled Activities, would apply to providers of infrastructure as a service (IaaS). The government is using alleged concerns about malicious foreign actors as an excuse to take away cloud anonymity for all users, even people who are simply signing up for a trial of services. The proposal would also stop people who have been deemed foreign adversaries from accessing American cloud services. However, like many other measures that the government claims are aimed at foreign threats, American citizens will likely be impacted. Of course, it wouldn't be surprising if that is exactly what the government is trying to do considering its penchant for invading Americans' privacy. It is worth noting that many major cloud service providers, such as Amazon, would have no trouble whatsoever implementing an identification procedure, which would also provide them with a potentially lucrative source of personal data. It would effectively be yet another way that Big Tech companies could access people's sensitive personal information. This also means that the information would be vulnerable to leaks and hacking. At the same time, it would not do much to stop legitimate malicious actors as they could simply buy and use leaked personal data belonging to people who are not on watch lists ordinary American citizens who are just living their lives. Human knowledge is under attack! Governments and powerful corporations are using censorship to wipe out humanity's knowledge base about nutrition, herbs, self-reliance, natural immunity, food production, preparedness and much more. We are preserving human knowledge using AI technology while building the infrastructure of human freedom. Speak freely without censorship at the new decentralized, blockchain-power Brighteon.io. Explore our free, downloadable generative AI tools at Brighteon.AI. Support our efforts to build the infrastructure of human freedom by shopping at HealthRangerStore.com, featuring lab-tested, certified organic, non-GMO foods and nutritional solutions. The Know Your Customer regulations already apply to banks and financial institutions and are aimed at preventing money laundering and other financial crimes. However, there hasn't been a need for such measures on cloud services. Providers often let people try cloud services by supplying an e-mail address, with some also requiring a valid credit card when signing up for a trial in case the user goes on to sign up for a paid plan when their trial ends. As is the case with many of these privacy-invading laws, the definition of IaaS is quite broad, aimed at capturing as many people under its purview as possible. All companies that provide processing, networks, storage, virtual private servers, domain name resolution services, proxies, content delivery networks and other services would be subjected to the regulations. Some of the information these providers and resellers would be required to collect include peoples names, physical and email addresses, IP addresses, phone numbers and payment methods. Those who fail to comply would face heavy criminal and civil penalties. There are numerous violations attached to the regulations, such as failing to submit reports, making misleading statements and providing services to a foreign individual without full compliance. Government keeps finding new ways to spy on Americans The government is increasingly encroaching on peoples privacy, with the Senate passing a controversial reauthorization last month of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act in a move that Senator Ron Wyden characterized as one of the most dramatic and terrifying expansions of government surveillance authority in history. Like the IaaS proposal, it was originally set up to allow for surveillance of non-U.S. citizens abroad but ended up being used to facilitate warrantless access to the phone calls, text messages and private emails of Americans. It gives the government the power to compel Americans who maintain, install or repair servers, routers phones or anything else that stores and transmits communications to spy on behalf of the government. NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden warned on X: "The House has voted to approve unconstitutional, warrantless searches of Americans' communications. Now the Senate has too late on Friday, after the media had gone home. Only the President can stop it from becoming law, and he won't because he's the one that asked for it." Sources for this article include: ReclaimTheNet.org TheDissenter.org Israeli Netzah Yehuda soldier confesses to killing U.S. citizen in Gaza Recordings have emerged of a self-proclaimed soldier from Israel's Netzah Yehuda battalion admitting that he killed a 78-year-old American from Palestine. The soldier "flaunted his genocidal views," according to The GrayZone, which obtained the recordings directly. They display once again why the Netzah Yehuda battalion is controversial, and why the Biden regime was going to sanction it before ultimately deciding not to for some inexplicable reason. The White House was going to sanction a total of five Israeli military units that have been accused of crimes against humanity in the occupied West Bank. "Four of these units have effectively remediated these violations, which is what we expect partners to do," the U.S. State Department announced, failing to provide any further details about what Israel has done to hold its soldiers accountable for war crimes. The fifth unit that has not done anything at all is the all-male Netzah Yehuda, a unit of Orthodox Jewish nationalists that operates almost exclusively in the Ramallah district of the West Bank. "This battalion stands accused of widespread crimes including sexual assault and beating at least three older men to death while they were lying on the ground in custody," The GrayZone reported. "In its most brazen instance of abuse, Netzah Yehuda soldiers detained an 78-year-old American citizen named Omar Asad in January 2022 near his home in Ramallah, then left him outdoors in harsh conditions, bound and blindfolded, until he died. Israeli authorities refused to charge the soldiers for Asad's killing, opting instead for a disciplinary slap on the wrist while paying compensation to Asad's family." Human knowledge is under attack! Governments and powerful corporations are using censorship to wipe out humanity's knowledge base about nutrition, herbs, self-reliance, natural immunity, food production, preparedness and much more. We are preserving human knowledge using AI technology while building the infrastructure of human freedom. Use our decentralized, blockchain-based, uncensorable free speech platform at Brighteon.io. Explore our free, downloadable generative AI tools at Brighteon.AI. Support our efforts to build the infrastructure of human freedom by shopping at HealthRangerStore.com, featuring lab-tested, certified organic, non-GMO foods and nutritional solutions. (Related: The ICC is moving forward with arresting Netanyahu and his cabinet for war crimes.) State Department beats around the bush about Netzah Yehuda The Washington, D.C.-based human rights group DAWN issued a report about Netzah Yehuda confirming that not long after the time of Asad's killing, Lt. Col. Mati Shevach was promoted to Deputy Commander of the Kfir Brigade, which oversees the formation of Netzah Yehuda. Netzah Yehuda's record of abuses is lengthy, and yet the Biden regime for some unknown reason halted announced plans to sanction it. State Department spokesman Vedant Patel told reporters on April 29 that the reason for the sudden hesitation is because "this is an ongoing process." "I'm not going to speak to it more specifically, but consistent with the memorandum of understanding that we have with the government of Israel, we are engaging with them, consulting with them as it relates to not just this broader process but additional information that they've shared," Patel added. The State Department insists it is "still deciding" whether or not to sanction Netzah Yehuda, even after the leaked recordings revealed the following statement from the soldier who brutally tortured and slaughtered an elderly Palestinian-American man for allegedly interfering with a raid the unit was conducting at the time. "This geezer who's, like, trying to interfere with our operation: we're going to, like, f*** with him for a night," the Israeli soldier says in the disturbing recording. The same soldier routinely referred to Arabs in general as "murderers" and "criminal animals" while boasting that he loves to torture and kill Palestinians for fun. The soldier also compared himself and others in his unit to the Americans who photographed themselves with dead Japanese soldiers during World War II "doing funny things with their bodies." "Yeah, I enjoy it because they're our enemy," the soldier declared about how much he loves to torture and kill Arabs. The video recordings of this first appeared on the social media chat site Discord. They were recorded by a self-identifying activist named "NuclearDiffusion." The Israel-Gaza war is reaching a head. Learn more at Prophecy.news. Sources for this article include: TheGrayZone.com NaturalNews.com DAWNmena.org U.S. southern border has been open to criminals and terrorists for a long time, DHS now admits The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is failing to do its job , the result being a massive and constant influx of criminals and terrorists who are illegally crossing America's southern border. DHS chief Alejandro Mayorkas admitted publicly this week that its southern border policy allowed many people who do not belong here to enter the United States, all because background checks on the individuals were delayed until their asylum hearings. The Biden regime's open borders policies have allowed in just three short years for around 10 million illegals, many of them known criminals, to freely enter the country. The consequences of this are only just beginning to manifest. While a newly passed regulation aims to better expedite deportations in order to help fix this obvious security risk, chances are the damage has already been done to a large extent. Mayorkas, who was recently impeached from his position, oversaw an agency that failed to conduct proper background checks on millions of "undocumented," aka illegal, immigrants with criminal records or ties to terrorism. "First of all, it should be acknowledged that the entire foundation for allowing millions of undocumented immigrants to enter the country is fanciful," reported Great Game India. "People can cross our roughly 2,000-mile southern border almost anywhere they choose." "Usually, they are not obliged to enter via a designated entry point. At your convenience or, more precisely, the drug cartel's discretion cross the desert, the mountains, or the river. No issue, we'll send border patrol to you, where they'll gladly process you and grant you admission straight away." We are building the infrastructure of human freedom and empowering people to be informed, healthy and aware. Explore our decentralized, peer-to-peer, uncensorable Brighteon.io free speech platform here. Learn about our free, downloadable generative AI tools at Brighteon.AI. Every purchase at HealthRangerStore.com helps fund our efforts to build and share more tools for empowering humanity with knowledge and abundance. (Related: House Republicans are expressing fear and worry about what they say is a "sharp uptick" in Chinese migrants who are illegally entering the U.S. via the porous southern border.) Reclassifying illegals as "refugees seeking asylum" is destroying America Another change that was made under Biden is the handling of illegal aliens as "refugees seeking asylum." By misclassifying these invaders that way, many more of them are being allowed to enter, hence why many are calling this Biden's "border experiment." Title VIII, Section 1158(b) of U.S. immigration law stipulates that in order to establish that an applicant is a real refugee, he or she must establish "that race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion was or will be at least one central reason for persecuting the applicant." It turns out that the vast majority of "migrants" do not legally qualify. "Their poverty has never qualified them for refuge, but that is why they are traveling," Great Game India explains. "Where are the stories of millions of Central and South Americans facing racial persecution if they were fleeing persecution? Where are the stories of millions of people facing discrimination due to their faith?" It oftentimes takes years before these "migrants" are summoned to asylum court. By then, many of them have already disappeared into the system, never to be seen or heard from again, at least as far as the system is concerned. DHS says that federal law bars individuals who pose a national security or public safety risk from being granted asylum, but this is happening on a daily basis without repercussion. At some point, the system is going to break from the heavy weight of all this rampant illicit activity. As of now, the new policy about expediting deportations is not yet being enforced. The public can comment on it until June 12, but after that the rule will not even go into effect until later in the summer. Until the southern border is closed and federal immigration laws enforced, expect to see hordes of new foreigners flooding your neighborhood, taking your jobs and using up scarce resources that you pay for with your tax dollars. Learn more at InvasionUSA.news. Sources for this article include: GreatGameIndia.com NaturalNews.com News / National by Staff reporter Bulawayo is currently experiencing one of its most severe water crises in recent years, with over 88 percent of residents expressing dissatisfaction with the quality of water supplied by the local authority.These findings come from the 2024 urban nutrition assessment technical report by the Zimbabwe Livelihoods Assessment Committee (ZimLAC). The report also highlights that 92.2 percent of Bulawayo's residents are unhappy with the overall water supply.The 2024 assessment aimed to estimate urban food insecurity, analyze geographic distribution and severity, and assess urban nutrition to support evidence-based decisions for better nutrition outcomes. It also evaluated access to essential services such as education, health, water, sanitation, hygiene, income sources, expenditure patterns, food consumption, and coping strategies.The ZimLAC, chaired by the Food and Nutrition Council, includes government agencies, UN bodies, NGOs, and international organizations, and conducts this assessment annually.According to the report, 81.9 percent of sampled households nationwide are connected to water services by local councils or the Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa). However, Bulawayo has the highest dissatisfaction rates, with 92.2 percent dissatisfied with water supply and 88.4 percent dissatisfied with water quality.Globally, 2.2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water, and 3 billion do not have hand-washing facilities with soap. In Bulawayo, only 25.4 percent of households are satisfied with water availability, and 28.2 percent are satisfied with water quality. The report urges city councils, local authorities, and Zinwa to improve water availability and quality.The assessment's findings coincide with a call from the local authority for residents to maintain strict hygiene amid a diarrhoea outbreak, particularly affecting Cowdray Park suburb, linked to water shortages.The report also emphasized that improving infrastructure for safely managed water services is crucial for Zimbabwe to meet Sustainable Development Goal 6.1, which aims for universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water.Regarding water quality, 28.2 percent of urban households are satisfied with the water from councils or Zinwa. Bulawayo and Harare have the highest dissatisfaction rates at 88.4 percent and 87.9 percent, respectively. In contrast, Manicaland and Matabeleland provinces have the highest satisfaction rates, at 74.9 percent and 62.8 percent, respectively.The report further revealed that an estimated 12 percent of children aged 6 to 23 months in urban areas consume unhealthy foods, with Harare and Bulawayo recording the highest rates at 16 percent and 15 percent, respectively.ZimVAC reports are crucial for guiding resource allocation for vulnerable populations and national program planning, serving as a key document for addressing livelihood challenges. The rural and urban livelihoods assessments form part of a comprehensive food and nutrition security information system, informing government and development partners on necessary programming to save lives and strengthen livelihoods in Zimbabwe. UK government praises neo-Nazi Ukrainians in parliament UK lawmakers applauded a neo-Nazi unit of the Ukrainian military this week during a parliamentary roundtable event. The militia in question is known as Azov, and it was founded in 2014 by a white supremacist known as Andrey Biletsky. Its clear from their logo what they stand for; it was designed using symbols that were used in the past by the SS. The battalion started out as a volunteer militia responding to the war in Donbas and had just a few hundred members at first. It was known for being highly effective in battle. The unit was eventually integrated into the main armed forces of Ukraine, going from a volunteer militia to a formal unit of the military under control of the state, although they did get to hold onto their Third Reich iconography. Now a regiment-sized unit, it operates as part of the Ukrainian National Guard and has both Ukrainians and foreign fighters who subscribe to its beliefs. Boasting private and state training and support, it is given a surprising degree of autonomy when it comes to operational decisions. Somehow, a group of British parliamentarians was willing to meet with them and listen to what they had to say, even though they have been accused by Amnesty International, the UN and Human Rights Watch of a slew of human rights violations, including torturing and raping civilians. The three Azov members included men who were captured in Mariupol. They told the lawmakers about the roughly 900 other members of their neo-Nazi group who are still being held prisoner in Russia, where Azov has been banned on the grounds that it is an extremist organization. Human knowledge is under attack! Governments and powerful corporations are using censorship to wipe out humanity's knowledge base about nutrition, herbs, self-reliance, natural immunity, food production, preparedness and much more. We are preserving human knowledge using AI technology while building the infrastructure of human freedom. Speak freely without censorship at the new decentralized, blockchain-power Brighteon.io. Explore our free, downloadable generative AI tools at Brighteon.AI. Support our efforts to build the infrastructure of human freedom by shopping at HealthRangerStore.com, featuring lab-tested, certified organic, non-GMO foods and nutritional solutions. The trio posed for photos with Boris Johnson, the former prime minister of the UK. They can be seen in the photos holding an Azov banner that features a symbol that was used by the Waffen-SS Division Das Reich known as the Wolfsangel. Johnson was also seen in videos on social media telling the UK government that he thinks they should provide Ukraine with more weapons and money. He said: The single best investment that we can make in the defense of the whole Euro-Atlantic area is supporting Ukrainian heroes. The event was chaired by the attorney general of England and Wales, MP Victoria Prentis. The three men also thanked two other MPs by name, UK-Ukraine Parliamentary Friendship Group Chair Bob Seely and former Data and Digital Infrastructure Minister Sir John Whittingdale. Azov batallion has been involved in numerous controversies The Azov battalion has been involved in a slew of controversies that go beyond its neo-Nazi associations. For example, videos shared by the Ukrainian National Guard in 2022 appeared to show Azov fighters dipping bullets in pig fat before using them against Muslim Chechen fighters. They have been banned since 2017 from receiving U.S. arms because of their neo-Nazi links, which means they do not have access to the weapons the U.S. has been shipping to Ukraine. The batallion's role in Ukrainian politics has been a big point of contention as well, with some viewing it as a destabilizing force in Ukrainian society. Its participation in politics, such as establishing the National Corps political party, has Ukrainians worried that they could try to militarize Ukrainian politics and infuse the government with extremist ideologies. Sources for this article include: RT.com DorsetEye.com AlJazeera.com TheTimes.co.uk Get ready for a wave of unqualified doctors thanks to woke medical schools It wasnt that long ago that doctors were widely respected as knowledgeable professionals devoted to saving lives. In recent years, however, many doctors have started to place profits over people, making decisions that benefit Big Pharma and their bottom line but arent necessarily in the best interests of their patients. In the coming decades, we could be facing yet another serious problem with medical care in our country as waves of students who arent qualified academically but were admitted to medical schools based on diversity initiatives are put in charge of our care. Case in point: The David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles. Once considered one of the top medical schools in the nation, its standards have been dropping dramatically, thanks largely to a dean who is obsessed with DEI admissions. Until recently, the medical school had a stellar reputation and has Nobel Prize winners on its faculty. Of the 14,000 students who apply to study there every year, only 173 are admitted. However, the tides are turning there thanks to new Dean of Admissions Jennifer Lucero. Since she was appointed to the role in June of 2020, it has dropped from 6th to 18th place in the rankings. Multiple faculty members who have firsthand knowledge of the schools admissions process have said that diversity is now being prioritized over merit, and the result is less qualified classes that are not prepared to succeed. In addition, the number of students there who are failing tests about basic medical knowledge has risen tenfold in some subjects since she took over, and among certain cohorts, the majority of students are failing standardized tests on topics such as family medicine, pediatrics, internal medicine and emergency medicine. Are these the people we want taking care of us? Human knowledge is under attack! Governments and powerful corporations are using censorship to wipe out humanity's knowledge base about nutrition, herbs, self-reliance, natural immunity, food production, preparedness and much more. We are preserving human knowledge using AI technology while building the infrastructure of human freedom. Use our decentralized, blockchain-based, uncensorable free speech platform at Brighteon.io. Explore our free, downloadable generative AI tools at Brighteon.AI. Support our efforts to build the infrastructure of human freedom by shopping at HealthRangerStore.com, featuring lab-tested, certified organic, non-GMO foods and nutritional solutions. A former member of the school's admissions staff said that this drop in standards is turning it into a failed medical school." Two admissions officers recounted how Lucero became enraged when some people on the admissions committee expressed doubts about admitting a black candidate whose grades and test scores were far below the standard. An angry Lucero said: Did you not know African-American women are dying at a higher rate than everybody else? She said that the scores the candidate earned were not important because we need people like this in the medical school. Some admissions officers said they were uncomfortable given the fact that state law bans California public schools from considering race in the admissions process. On top of that, the Supreme Court issued a ban on affirmative action last year. Since Luceros appointment, the UCLA Medical School has seen the number of Asian students drop by nearly one third from 2019 to 2022. One insider estimates that up to half of the medical school is "incredibly unqualified" One insider told the media: I don't know how some of these students are going to be junior doctors. Faculty are seeing a shocking decline in knowledge of medical students. Another colleague agreed, noting: UCLA still produces some very good graduates. But a third to a half of the medical school is incredibly unqualified. One professor said that they had a student in the operating room who failed to identify a major artery when asked. The student then berated the professor, saying that they put her on the spot. An admissions committee member told the Washington Free Beacon that the bar for minorities who are underrepresented is as low as you could possibly imagine. It completely disregards grades and achievements. Lets hope that the DEI craze doesnt take over too many medical schools, or we could be facing a future where we have to put our lives in the hands of a sea of unqualified doctors. Sources for this article include: Revolver.news FreeBeacon.com Kabosu the Shiba Inu, behind the world's famous internet 'doge' meme, died at the age of 18 earlier this week. Details of the famed dog's death came after its owner, Atsuko Sato, published a blog post on Friday, May 24. The Japanese meme dog started to gain popularity in 2010 after Sato posted on her blog a photo of Kabosu, who was photogenic to resemble a curious look just like a human. Eventually, the photo was picked up by Reddit users at that time and went viral on different social media platforms, including Facebook, Tumblr, and Twitter (currently X). With an edited version of the picture and the inclusion of different texts, Kabosu further stormed the internet between 2012 and 2013 when distinct versions of the doge meme circulated online and international media. Kabosu the Shiba Inu Dies In her blog post on Friday, Sato announced the death of Kabosu the Shiba Inu, describing the dog "fell into a deep sleep" and "passed away quietly." There was no mention of any disease or illness experienced by Kabosu, who is believed to have died of natural causes or because of old age by dog standards. The owner also said she would hold a farewell party for "Kabo-chan" on Sunday, May 26. The news of the internet meme star has drawn various sympathy messages, including Tesla CEO Elon Musk who expressed his grief on Friday following the death of the Shiba Inu dog. Internet users also offered their condolences to Kabosu, which for over a decade inspired the doge meme and even the creation of a cryptocurrency called "Dogecoin" with a logo that shows the face of the departed dog. Also Read: Golden Retrievers With HER4 Gene Influences Lifespan in the Popular Breed, Study Finds Doge Meme The doge meme pertains to the slang term "doge" derived from the word "dog" and is associated with a certain photo of Kabosu with a curious-looking appearance. Since Sato's photo was uploaded on her blog, the owner reportedly did not expect the sudden fame received by her pet, which she took into her home in November 2008 after being rescued by a volunteer group. Despite the popularity of the doge meme photo worldwide, Kabosu and Sato, who is a kindergarten teacher from the city of Sakura, Japan, lived a quiet life. Furthermore, even after more than 11 years since it became viral, the doge meme is still being edited and shared online with different captions for various uses, including comments on world events, pop culture, and even politics. Kabosu is not the only animal who became an online sensation in the age of social media. Also, a decade ago, an American internet celebrity cat called Tardar Sauce, nicknamed Grumpy Cat, became viral as well due to her seemingly permanent "grumpy" facial expression. This internet cat meme involves photos of Tardar with an often sarcastic caption on a particular person, subject, or event. Related Article: Viral Meme And Smiling Dog: Cheems Balltze Dies At 12 After Cancer Struggle Rising sea levels have continued to threaten the island of Maldives, prompting the country to seek renewed international help, according to reports as of Saturday, May 25. Amid the climate crisis, ocean water is gradually swallowing some areas of the South Asian nation, putting both residential and commercial establishments at risk and forcing inhabitants to relocate away from low-lying areas. To address the climate change-driven existential threat, Maldives in previous years has conceptualized and proposed different measures against coastal erosion. This initiative is to mitigate or prevent flooding caused by sea level rise. Relocation is one of these measures, as well as the creation of fortress islands, as announced by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu in 2023. The concept of a floating city is also a potential solution being sought by Maldives, which scientific projections estimated could become submerged or uninhabitable by the year 2050. Scientists attribute the phenomenon of rising sea level with climate change and glacier melt. Based on recent research, data shows the melting of the "Doomsday Glacier" Thwaites could worsen sea level rise. Maldives Seeks International Help In a series of developments surrounding Maldives and its struggle with sea level rise, President Muizzu expressed the need for international financial help. According to reports, the Maldivian Government is seeking approximately $500 million to mitigate the impacts of climate change. One of the reasons is that the tourism-dependent economy is unable to improve the situation. On Saturday, Maldives issued a demand for international funding to help its fight against rising sea levels. However, the country expressed that the low-lying Indian Ocean archipelago was being excluded from support initiatives, according to a report by Indian media. Muizzu also stated Maldives, despite its low global emissions, is suffering from the consequences of climate change. Also Read: Floating Paradise: Maldives to Build Floating City to Adapt to Rising Sea Levels Climate Change and Glacier Melt Based on studies over the decades, rising sea level is nothing but a symptom of climate change and glacier melt. Although there are other factors that cause the increase of ocean water volume, anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions are often blamed for the warming of the polar regions and other icy regions, leading to the melting of polar ice caps, ice sheets, and glaciers. According to the World Wildlife Fund, human activities are the main causes of rapid glacier melt since the early 1900s. In Antarctica, 95% of the icy continent's oldest and thickest ice is already lost. The environmental threat could further continue since climate projections also predict the world's remaining glaciers will melt before the end of the 21st century. Unless concrete action or significant decrease in emission is taken, scientists say the annihilation of the world's glaciers is inevitable. In recent years, climate scientists found that some countries, including Greenland, have experienced significant glacier melting due to global warming. Related Article: Maldives Rising Sea Levels: President Muizzu Scraps Relocation Plan, Resorts to Building Fortress Islands Commuters traveling next week should consider the latest weather conditions, as destructive tornadoes and torrential downpours are all likely. A recent report issued tornado alerts in portions of Nebraska, Kansas, and Colorado. In Kansas, the central and northern portions can experience severe weather outlooks packed with tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail. Additionally, a National Weather Service (NWS) advisory warns of moderate risk in Missouri, with a risk of damaging winds and heavy rainfall. Moderate risks are likely in central Kansas, eastern Kansas, northern Texas, and south-central Missouri. Central states weather outlook: Where will severe weather unload? According to a weather report, a potentially hazardous weather outlook can threaten portions of the central states this week. Homeowners can anticipate flash flooding, tornadoes, hail, and localized damaging winds. Challenging weather conditions can also threaten portions of the Plains, Mississippi Valley, and the Midwest. The strong and damaging winds can cause slower commutes and dangerous road conditions, with a chance of hailstones. The report warns of stormy conditions in Kansas City this week. A severe thunderstorm warning is likely in Boonville, New Franklin, and Pilot Grove. Commuters should consider the midweek weather outlook, with packing reaching 70 mph. Additionally, a weather report on May 26 shows that a severe thunderstorm watch is issued in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. Meanwhile, a tornado watch was present in Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Arkansas. On Monday, the south-central U.S. can experience possible large hail, flash flooding, and isolated tornadoes. Severe thunderstorms can unload in Dallas, Tyler, Waco, and San Antonio. NWS Austin / San Antonio advisory reveals that early season heatwaves are likely in the region, with potential record-breaking temperatures and increasing heat index values. Homeowners are advised to avoid prolonged exposure to scorching heat, including avoiding strenuous activity and drinking plenty of water. On Tuesday, severe thunderstorms and localized damaging winds can threaten the following areas: Amarillo Lubbock Odessa Abilene Wichita Falls Odessa Waco San Antonio Waco Dallas Wichita Falls Oklahoma City People in low-lying communities are vulnerable to flooding in the south-central U.S. this midweek. Commuters should check the road conditions before leaving or planning any outdoor activities. In the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, the latest weather report monitors the development of a warm and humid air mass. On Monday, residents can anticipate rounds of showers and thunderstorms. Also Read: 2024 Atlantic Hurricanes: Rapid Intensification to Unleash Deadly Storms This Season Destructive tornadoes: Important weather safety tips this week The latest weather report warns of potential destructive tornadoes and severe thunderstorms. Commuters can likely suffer from slower commutes, as torrential downpours are likely. Due to potential weather threats, it is best to monitor the weather midweek. Staying updated with tornado advisories is essential, particularly when conditions become severe. Furthermore, storing emergency kits is advisable this week to keep safe from challenging weather conditions. Related Article: Central, Southern Plains Forecast: Severe Thunderstorms to Unleash Hail, Frequent Lightning This Weekend For more similar stories, don't forget to follow Nature World News. Reports revealed that over 48 people casualties have been recorded since March in Mexico due to dangerous heat. Rising temperatures can likely result in heat-related health concerns, such as heat stroke and heat illnesses. Deadly temperatures can potentially threaten vulnerable populations, particularly older adults, people with medical conditions, and children. Portions of Mexico are no strangers to hotter temperatures. According to a report, the country has experienced challenging heat, causing power outages and heat waves. The heat has also killed crops and threatened unique animals like the howler monkeys. Mexico deadly heatwaves: Recent casualties since March Reports reveal that the heatwaves have been exacerbated due to El Nino impacts. Additionally, the country has suffered from prolonged drought due to warmer temperatures. Communities without medical conditions are vulnerable to heat waves. In the capital, the temperature has reached over 35 degrees Celsius. In the recent heatwaves in Mexico, at least 48 people died from the heat since March. Additionally, over 950 people were affected by the rising temperatures. In the San Luis Potosi's northeastern state part, the temperatures reached 49.6 degrees Celsius. Scorching heat is a public health concern that threatens vulnerable populations and communities without cooling systems. The worsening temperatures can be attributed to El Nino and climate change. Increasing temperatures, exacerbated by global warming, can cause frequent heatwaves and prolonged drought. Also Read: Global Coastal Hurricane Conditions Intensify Due to Warming Temperatures Keeping safe from intense heatwaves: How can communities stay safe? Heat waves are a major concern in Mexico and can become life-threatening. Staying safe from extreme heat is essential to avoid potential heat-related health risks: heat stroke heat fatigue Additionally, staying updated with the latest reports is important for people with outdoor or travel plans. When commutes are not necessary, it is advisable to stay at home, until the weather outlook improves. Limiting outdoor activities is advisable for vulnerable populations. In addition, checking for signs of hypothermia and frostbite is helpful to keep communities aware and safe from extreme heat. According to a report by the Red Cross, staying hydrated can prevent a risk of heart illnesses. People should keep away from caffeinated products and alcoholic drinks, which can cause potential health risks due to high temperatures. Homeowners should also anticipate power outages. Storing emergency kits can mitigate the likelihood of heat illnesses, and wearing comfortable clothes under intense heat can offer relief. Avoiding strenuous tasks is also advisable, particularly in the morning when temperatures are the hottest. Ultimately, parents should always monitor their children, who can likely enter vehicles without notice. Heat-related deaths inside vehicles are also possible, particularly for children and pets. Related Article: 2024 Wildfire Season in Mexico: Over 100 Intense Blazes Fueled by Dry and Warm Conditions For more similar stories, don't forget to follow Nature World News. News / National by Staff reporter A Zanu-PF lawmaker offered US$20 for child support, citing financial strain from heavy investment in his 2023 election campaigns.Tsungai Makumbe, the legislator for Mazowe North, informed Harare magistrate Meenal Narotam that he only received US$282 from parliamentary sessions, insufficient to meet family expenses. He argued that his ex-partner, Lydia Makuvure's demand for US$425 for their nine-month-old child was punitive.Makuvure countered, stating Makumbe had additional income streams, including business ventures and agricultural activities. "I resided with him, thus I'm aware of his earnings," she affirmed. "Being politically active within the ruling party, I am acquainted with the remuneration of our leaders."Narotam ruled that Makumbe should contribute US$50 monthly for child support. Payal Kapadia's 'All We Imagine As Light' has to settle for a Grand Prix at Cannes S o near, yet so far. Payal Kapadia's 'All We Imagine As Light' came home with the Grand Prix, but not the Palme d'Or, from the glittering awards event that brought the curtains down on the 77th Cannes Film Festival on Saturday night. Still, it was a big moment for Indian cinema, which was evident from the extended standing ovation that the director and her three lead stars got from the house-full audience. It was in as far back as 1994 that the festival's prestigious competition section featured an Indian film -- Malayalam director Shaji Karun's 'Swaham', which did not win any award. The Palme d'Or that year, incidentally, went to Quentin Tarantino's classic, 'Pulp Fiction'. The Palme d'Or went to American filmmaker Sean Baker for 'Anora' nine years after he was named one of the Directors to Watch by 'Variety', which calls the film "a rowdy whirlwind romance between an exotic dancer (Mikey Madison) and the obscenely rich son of a Russian oligarch (Mark Eydelshteyn). Baker, notes 'Variety', is the first American director to clinch the top prize at Cannes after Terrence Malick earned it for 'The Tree of Life' in 2011. Kapadia received the award from Hollywood star Viola Davis along with the film's three lead actors -- Kani Kusruti, Chhaya Kadam and Divya Prabha. In her acceptance speech, Kapadia started by giving a shout-out to the Best Director award winner, Miguel Gomes from Portugal, whose work she said she followed. She then went on to make a statement on the value of female friendship, as opposed to the stereotypical representation of women pitting themselves against each other. Kapadia also urged the festival's decision-makers not to make the world wait "for another 30 years" to see an Indian film in the competition section. Reacting almost immediately after the announcement, Anurag Kashyap raised a toast to the hope and inspiration that 38-year-old Kapadia has become to an emerging generation of independent filmmakers. India has had a great run at the 77th Cannes Film Festival. Debutante actress Anasuya Sengupta got the Best Actress prize at the festival's Un Certain Regard segment for her performance in Bulgarian director Konstantin Bojanov's 'The Shameless'. Mysuru doctor-turned-filmmaking aspirant Chidananda Naik's Film & Television Institute of India (FTII) student film 'Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know...', which he made in just four days, won the first prize at the 'La Cinef' segment of the festival. Also honoured at Cannes was the veteran cinematographer, Santosh Sivan, who became the first Asian to be awarded the prestigious Pierre Angenieux ExcelLens in Cinematography award named after the inventor of the zoom lens that revolutionised cinematography. Hailed by the BBC as a "magical ode to nocturnal Mumbai", 'All We Imagine As Light' has been described as "a delicate triple portrait of women who have devoted their lives to helping others, but have received precious little in return in terms of money, status or freedom." As would be expected from a Payal Kapadia film, it makes a strong political statement as well by showing one of the characters, a Hindu, nurturing a relationship with a young Muslim man. The film's climax, in more than one way, is the scene of them making love in a forest near the beach town where the three lead characters decide to have a little break. The stars of the Indian-French co-production are Kani Kusruti, who audiences outside Kerala would identify as the one who plays the strong-willed personal secretary of Huma Qureishi's character in 'Maharani', Chhaya Kadam, last seen bringing the house down with her stellar performance in 'Laapataa Ladies', and Divya Prabha. Kapadia, who's acclaimed artist Nalini Malini's daughter and FTII graduate, won the Golden Eye at Cannes in 2021 for her politically incendiary debut documentary, 'A Night of Knowing Nothing'. The jury for the competition films was presided over by the 'Barbie' hitmaker Greta Gerwig. Its members, a number of them women, included J.A. Bayona, Spanish filmmaker; Ebru Ceylan, Turkish actress and screenwriter; Pierfrancesco Favino, Italian actor-producer; 'Killers of the Flower Moon' star Lily Gladstone; Eva Green, French actress; Japanese filmmaker Hirokazu Kore-eda; Nadine Labaki, Lebanese actress and filmmaker; and French actor Omar Sy. Here's the complete roster of the other winners who were honoured on Saturday night: Jury Prize: Former Palme d'Or winner Jacques Audiard's Spanish film 'Emilia Perez'. The Mexico-set musical -- about a cartel boss who disappears in order to re-emerge as a woman, according to 'Variety' -- stars Zoe Saldana, Selena Gomez and trans star Karla Sofia Gascon. Best Director: Miguel Gomes from Portugal for 'Grand Tour', which blends colour and black- and-white cinematography to tell the early 20th-century story of a British civil servant who attempts to flee his fiancee by hopping from one Asian country to the next. Best Actor: Jesse Plemons, a.k.a. Kirsten Dunst's husband, 'Kinds of Kindness' (director: Yorgos Lanthimos, who was in the news not so long ago for his Emma Stone film, 'Poor Things'). Plemons, says 'Variety', plays three roles, those of submissive businessman, grieving police officer and bisexual cult member in this surrealist satire. Special Award for Best Screenplay: 'The Seed of the Sacred Fig', Iranian dissident director Mohammad Rasoulof's latest film, for which he was condemned to an eight-year prison sentence back home Best Actress: The quartet of stars of the Spanish film 'Emilia Perez' -- Adriana Paz, Zoe Saldana, Karla Sofia Gascon and Selena Gomez. Lily Gladstone of 'Killers of the Flower Moon', who was on the jury presided over by Greta Gerwig, described the award as "the harmony of sisterhood". Best Screenplay: 'The Substance' (starring Demi Moore), Coralie Fargeat Camera d'Or (which is awarded to a first film): 'Armand', director Halfdan Ullmann Tondel, who, incidentally, is grandson of Norwegian actress Liv Ullman and Swedish filmmaker Ingmar Bergman. Special Mentions: 'Mongrel' (directed: Chiang Wei Liang) and 'Bad For A Moment' (director: Daniel Soares) Short Film Palme d'Or: 'The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent' (director: Nebojsa Slijepcevic) Payal Kapadia's 'All We Imagine As Light' has to settle for a Grand Prix at Cannes Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Nicki Minaj freed after paying fine in Amsterdam post arrest for 'drug possession' R apper Nicki Minaj, who was arrested over drug possession, was freed after paying a hefty fine in Amsterdam. However, her gig has been postponed. Minaj was released from police custody in Amsterdam after being arrested on Saturday morning for allegedly carrying drugs. Minaj streamed her arrest on Instagram Live, which led to the postponement of her scheduled concert in Manchester, part of her Pink Friday 2 World Tour, reports aceshowbiz.com. The arrest occurred at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, where Dutch police reportedly found pre-rolled marijuana joints in her luggage. The raptress denied ownership of the drugs, saying that they belonged to her security personnel. The Netherlands classifies marijuana as "soft drugs," and exporting it is illegal despite its legal status within the country. "They took my luggage without consent," Minaj posted on X. "My security has already advised them those pre-rolls belong to him." Minaj took to her social media accounts, accusing various parties of trying to sabotage her tour. She suggested that her bags were taken and searched without her consent. "They've been trying to stop me from coming to every show. Everything they've done is illegal." Following hours in custody, Minaj was released after agreeing to pay a fine, the amount of which will be determined by the Public Prosecution Service. However, the delay led to significant fallout for her Manchester show. Nicki Minaj freed after paying fine in Amsterdam post arrest for 'drug possession' Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! As FTII congratulates ex-student Payal Kapadia, Ali Fazal reminds it of action against her M umbai, May 26 (IANS) Actor Ali Fazal, who is known for Mizrapur, Fukrey franchise and others has slammed the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune for their double standards on congratulating filmmaker Payal Kapadia, for her historic win at 77th edition of the Cannes Film Festival. Payals film All We Imagine as Light has been feted with the Le Grand Prix award at the film festival. On Sunday, the FTII, Payals Alma Mater congratulated her and her team on their win. It is a moment of pride for FTII as its Alumni create history at Cannes. As we witness a phenomenal year for Indian Cinema at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, FTII cherishes the glorious achievements of its Alumni at this Mega International Stage of Cinema, they wrote on X. Ali registered a strong disagreement as he called out FTII. He wrote, Uhhh please dont. Just dont. FTII had earlier initiated disciplinary action against Payal for protesting over the appointment of Gajendra Chauhan as the chairman of the Film & Television Institute of India, Pune back in 2015. The students argued that he didn't have the credibility, owing to his work in B-movies, to head a premier institution like FTII. An FIR was filed against Payal and 34 other students for holding FTII director Prashant Pathrabe captive in his office in 2015. As FTII congratulates ex-student Payal Kapadia, Ali Fazal reminds it of action against her Post your comments Found this article helpful? Spread the word and support us! Mahindra XUV700 is all set to take the electric route in India. The company is in the process of turning the apartment-size SUV into a fully battery-powered model. Ahead of the official release, some details about EV have been leaked on the internet, giving important insights about the vehicle. It has been reported that the company has patented its headlight setup, which looks quite similar to the ICE model. However, it shows some enhancement, making it look more appealing than ever. Heres What to Expect As per the leaks, the upcoming E-SUV will offer a triangle-shaped headlight unit, featuring L-shaped LED DRLs with ice-cube light treatment inside. The outer border is expected to be complemented by the same body color. It is expected that the vehicle might get the trending connected LED treatment at the back. However, concrete details are yet to be shared by the brand. It has been reported that the company is putting extra effort into the upcoming EV to maintain the same charm as the ICE model. Exterior Despite sharing the same silhouette as the fuel-powered version, the EV is likely to feature some fresh aesthetics. It might come with a revised bumper, updated grill, latest alloy wheels, and updated rear section among other enhancements. Some reports suggested that the electric model will arrive in India under XUV.e8 nameplate. It will be based on the companys trusted INGLO platform. Battery and Power Talking the base variant, it will be powered by the 60-kWh battery pack with a single motor. As far as the top-end trims are concerned, they will be equipped with an 80 kWh pack, and will have dual-motor with AWD setup. The top models are expected to provide an impressive range between around 400 to 450 km on a single charge. BharatPe Group and PhonePe Group on May 26 said that they have amicably settled all long-standing legal disputes pertaining to the use of the trademark with the suffix Pe. Both companies had been involved in long-drawn legal disputes across multiple courts, over the course of the past five years. The settlement will put an end to all open judicial proceedings, according to a joint statement released on Sunday. As a next step, the companies have already taken steps to withdraw all oppositions against each other in the trademark registry which will help them to proceed with the registration of their respective marks, it added. Further, both entities will undertake to take other necessary steps to comply with the obligations under the settlement agreement in respect of all cases before Delhi High Court and Bombay High Court, according to the statement. Rajnish Kumar, chairman of the Board, BharatPe, said, This is a positive development for the industry. I appreciate the maturity and professionalism shown by the Management of both sides, working closely to resolve all outstanding legal issues and moving ahead to focus their energy and resources in building robust digital payment ecosystems. Sameer Nigam, founder and CEO of PhonePe, said, We have reached an amicable resolution in this matter. This outcome will benefit both companies to move forward and focus our collective energy on growing the Indian fintech industry as a whole. I would like to thank Rajnish Kumar and his team for working with us to get to this positive outcome. News / National by Staff reporter Matebeleland South Senator Sithembile Mlotshwa has criticized the government for its failure to adequately build schools in the region, attributing this oversight to the rise in teenage pregnancies and child marriages.Mlotshwa noted that girls in the region often drop out of school due to the limited number of educational institutions, which are often located several kilometers away. Citing data from the World Bank, she highlighted that a significant portion of girls in Zimbabwe are married or pregnant before the age of 18, resulting in school dropout rates and exposure to abuse.During a recent Senate debate, Mlotshwa emphasized the urgent need to address the issue, warning that neglecting to do so would perpetuate poverty and marginalization among girls in Matebeleland South.She pointed out that the region has a history of gender-based violence and early pregnancies due to the lack of school access, a reality she has personally witnessed as a representative of Matebeleland South.Highlighting the challenges faced by rural children in accessing education, Mlotshwa stressed the importance of addressing societal and cultural norms that hinder girls' education.She urged the government to provide comprehensive support services for teenage mothers, including healthcare, counseling, and financial assistance. Additionally, Mlotshwa called for schools to be equipped with the necessary resources to support pregnant students, emphasizing the crucial role of education in securing the future of girls and mothers.Critics have accused President Emmerson Mnangagwa's government of perpetuating the marginalization of Matebeleland, particularly through delays in implementing the devolution policy aimed at local resource utilization for development. Google CEO Sundar Pichai has expressed confidence in Indias capability in artificial intelligence (AI) and said the country is well-positioned to shape the future of this technology. He was speaking with content creator Varun Mayya, founder of Aeos, on the transformative potential of AI in India, following Googles annual I/O developer event. As guidance for aspiring software engineers, Pichai stressed the need for a deep understanding over mere knowledge acquisition. For this, he also referred to the popular Bollywood movie 3 Idiots for profound comprehension of technology. He advised aspiring software engineers to focus on understanding core principles. Real Estate: Hyderabad, known as the city of villas, is now fast witnessing a shift to high-rise buildings. Though the IT hub already has a number of high-rise commercial buildings in Hitech City housing tech companies, the development of tall residential buildings is also fast taking place now. This week, Hyderabad-based leading realty company Navanaami Projects unveiled its ultra-luxury architectural magnum opus The Megaleio in the city. The Megaleio project, spread over 4.1 acre and surrounded by 1,200 acres of greenery between the protected waterbodies Himayat Sagar and Osman Sagar, comprises two iconic towers having 50 floors and 150 opulent exquisite residences. The 150 residential units in these tallest buildings of Hyderabad will be divided into three units: Skyline tower units with an area of 11,111 sqft; Unity tower units with an area of 9,999 sqft and 8,888 sqft. To be built at a cost of nearly Rs 900 crore, the price of a unit ranges between Rs 8 crore-Rs 12 crore. This Megaleio project, located at Appa Junction Peerancheru with just 20 minutes away from the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport and 15 minutes from the Financial District, is scheduled to be completed in the next four years. This is Navanaamis second project, with the first being in Bengaluru. The company is also developing ultra-luxury projects in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The luxury real estate company plans to expand to other cities. Unveiling the project, Naveen Gadde, founder and managing director of Navanaami, said, Megaleio represents a harmonious convergence of design, sustainability, and uncompromising luxury. As we work towards making our dream a tangible reality, we are proud to share that Megaleio will stand as a celebration of Hyderabads rich heritage and a bold statement of its aspirations for the future. We invite the world to experience a new paradigm of living, where the boundaries of imagination are pushed, and every moment is a celebration of the extraordinary. The RERA-approved Megalieo project boasts of a stunning design with double-height ceilings, a conscious facade, and an expansive interior that creates a remarkable ambience. In a statement, Navanaami said, Catering to an audience of high-net-worth individuals, Megaleio has unparalleled amenities and facilities elevate the concept of ultra-luxury living to new heights. Residents will revel in branded kitchens, state-of-the-art home automation systems, noise-controlled windows, opulent bathrooms, and sustainable features that seamlessly blend eco-consciousness with sophistication. Private garages with EV charging capabilities, soaring 9-foot doorways, and internationally sourced flooring materials further amplify the exclusive allure of Megaleio. In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in the preferences of Indian homebuyers towards luxury housing. According to data from leading real estate agencies, the demand for luxury properties has witnessed a substantial increase, outpacing the growth in other segments of the market. The luxury housing market, which includes premium apartments, villas, and penthouses, has become a key driver of the overall real estate sector. In 2023, according to a recent report by CBRE, the sale of residences valued at Rs 4 crore and above experienced a substantial 97 per cent year-on-year increase in the seven major cities of India during the period from January to September 2023. The study highlighted that Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, and Hyderabad collectively contributed to 90 per cent of the overall luxury housing transactions in this timeframe. This surge is particularly prominent in metro cities. Specifically, Delhi-NCR constituted 37 per cent of the sales, Mumbai accounted for 35 per cent, and Hyderabad for 18 per cent, with Pune representing the remaining 4 per cent. Maldives on Saturday said India has initiated efforts to create a Free Trade Agreement between the two countries and deliberations are ongoing for achieving it. They (India) want there to be a Free Trade Agreement with Maldives, in addition to SAFTA (South Asian Free Trade Agreement), Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed told a press conference here. The Maldives President has offered this opportunity to all countries, Saeed said, adding that the government aims to enter into agreements with as many countries as possible to offer ease in trade activities. Indias reported effort at seeking an FTA with the Maldives comes in the backdrop of an ongoing diplomatic row between the two countries since November last year when President Muizzu, known for his pro-China leanings, took the oath. Within hours of his oath, he had demanded the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from his country. The last of the Indian military personnel were replaced by civilians earlier this month. Meanwhile, the 1981 India and Maldives trade agreement provides for the export of essential commodities. According to the records from the Indian High Commission, growing from modest beginnings, India-Maldives bilateral trade crossed USD 300 million for the first time in 2021, which further crossed the USD 500 million mark in 2022. Even without an FTA, India has offered concessions on several products to the Maldives, news portal Edition.mv quoted the minister as saying. Another news portal Sun.mv reported that despite revealing Indias proposal for the FTA, Saeed did not disclose further information about the high-level meeting between him and the Indian High Commissioner to the Maldives Munu Mahawar. The two had discussed further strengthening the cooperative ties of both nations in multiple areas, the report said. Describing the past agreements, the portal said Maldives had entered into an FTA with China during former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayooms administration but his successor, former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had criticised the agreement and did not honour it. The Maldives-China FTA breathed new life after Muizzu took charge as Maldives President in November 2023, the Sun.mv said, adding, The incumbent President said the agreement was a symbol of strong relations between the Maldives and China and his administration was ready to continue honouring the agreement. Stay informed with the Iranian President News Latest Updates.. Petrol and Diesel Prices On May 26, 2024: Fresh petrol and diesel prices have been released nationwide on Friday, May 26. Fuel prices in the country are decided based on international crude oil prices. Because of this, the effect of change in crude oil prices is seen in petrol and diesel prices in the country. Government oil marketing companies release fresh petrol and diesel prices every day at 6 am in the country. Petrol, and diesel prices in several states have been updated including the countrys capital Delhi. Whereas, there has been a slight increase in petrol and diesel prices in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Haryana. Companies like Hindustan Petroleum Corporation, and Indian Oil Corporation of India release the prices of petrol and diesel on their website. Let us know the new fuel prices. Petrol Diesel Price Today In India (Check city-wise rate list below) Mumbai Petrol & Diesel Price As of May 26, the price of petrol in Mumbai continued to exceed the Rs 100 mark, reaching Rs 104.21 per litre, while diesel was priced at Rs 92.15 per litre. Delhi Diesel Price Today As of May 26, the cost of diesel is priced at Rs 87.62 per litre. Delhi Petrol Price Today As of May 26, the cost of petrol in Delhi is Rs 94.72 per litre. Check city-wise petrol and diesel prices on May 26: City Petrol Price (Rs/litre) Diesel Price (Rs/litre) Chennai 100.75 92.34 Kolkata 103.94 90.76 Noida 94.83 87.96 Lucknow 94.65 87.76 Bengaluru 99.84 85.93 Hyderabad 107.41 95.65 Jaipur 104.88 90.36 Trivandrum 107.56 96.43 Bhubaneswar 101.06 92.64 Know the price of petrol and diesel through SMS You can also find out the latest petrol and diesel prices in your city through SMS. If you are a customer of Indian Oil, then you will have to write RSP along with the city code and send it to 9224992249. If you are a customer of BPCL, then you can get information about the new price of petrol and diesel by writing RSP and sending it to 9223112222. Whereas, if you are a customer of HPCL, then you can find out the price of petrol and diesel by writing HP Price and sending it to 9222201122. The results for the July session of the INI CET 2024, conducted by AIIMS, Delhi, have been announced. This entrance test is for admission to postgraduate courses such as MD, MS, DM, MCH, and MDS at Institutes of National Importance for Medical Education. The INI CET is held biannually, and candidates can access their results on the official website, aiimsexams.ac.in. In order to access the AIIMS INI CET 2024 results, students will have to use their login credentials, such as their registration number and date of birth. An official notification was also issued by the Institute stating, All candidates (including those who have not qualified) have been awarded percentile scores based on their performance in the INI-CET held on May 19, 2024. This can be viewed in MyPage on the portal (www.aiimsexams.ac.in) after logging in using the Candidate ID and Password. AIIMS has also stated that if two or more candidates get equal marks in the INI CET, then their rank will be decided on the basis of the following criteria in sequence: Candidate who has fewer negative marks. Someone who is older. Steps to download the AIIMS INI CET 2024 result: Step 1: The first step is to visit the official website of AIIMS, aiimsexams.ac.in. Step 2: Then, select the AIIMS INI CET result link on the homepage. Step 3: Candidates are required to click on the INI CET July 2024 session result link. Step 4: After clicking the link, the INI CET July 2024 result will be displayed on the users screen. Step 5: Students are then required to download the result. They can also take a printout for future reference. The examination was conducted on May 19. As per the result, around 45,360 candidates qualified for the exam. Those who clear this examination will get admission to prestigious medical institutions like AIIMS, JIPMER Puducherry, PGIMER Chandigarh, NIMHANS Bengaluru and SCTIMST Trivandrum. Stay ahead with all the exam results updates on News18 Website. From UPSC Civil Services to SSC recruitment exams, from college admissions to group discussions, general knowledge questions mark a significant part of almost every exam. For candidates preparing to crack an exam or those who need to get their news in a compact form, News18 offers a weekly column GK Capsule. While we provide you with a weekly news wrap, to get more information on a specific topic or an exam, reach out at @news18dotcom. A lot has transpired in the last week, with a helicopter losing control and a cyclone in the Bay of Bengal. It is recommended that you stay up-to-date with news and recent events, especially if you are preparing for an upcoming recruiting exam. Current affairs is one of the most important areas on many career and admission tests. We have created a list of the weeks most relevant news stories to help you prepare for your forthcoming exams. Helicopter Carrying Kedarnath Pilgrims Loses Control, Makes Emergency Landing: A helicopter carrying seven persons, including pilgrims, made an emergency landing in Uttarakhands Kedarnath on May 24 due to a technical snag. According to an official, the aircraft landed a few metres from the helipad at the Himalayan Temple. It was carrying seven passengers, including six pilgrims and the pilot. Everyone is safe, the official stated. As per Rudraprayag District Magistrate Saurabh Gaharwar, the helicopter took off from the Sirsi helipad for Kedarnath early on Friday morning. It experienced a technical fault in its back motor, causing the pilot to make an emergency landing a few metres from the Kedarnath helipad, he said, citing preliminary findings. Several Delhi University Colleges Receive Bomb Threats: On May 23, more than a dozen colleges, including Delhi Universitys Lady Shri Ram College, Hansraj College and Ramjas College, received bomb threats via email, according to officials. At 4:38 pm, calls were received reporting bomb threats at Lady Shri Ram College and Sri Venkateswara College. Firefighters and Delhi police immediately reached the spot, according to a statement from the Delhi Fire Service. The local police, a bomb disposal squad and a bomb detection team arrived at the LSR College, along with a dog squad and conducted searches, but nothing suspicious was discovered, the official added. Pune Porsche Crash: On May 22, the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) revoked the bail order of the 17-year-old Pune teen who was involved in the accident of two motorbike-riding techies in Kalyani Nagar last Sunday. He has been taken to an observation home until June 5. The accuseds parents can meet with him twice a week for an hour. Police argued for the 17-year-old drivers remand in front of the Juvenile Justice Board, claiming that he was not safe outside and could be attacked. The cops also stated that people would be secure if he was inside the detention home. Prashant Patil, the accuseds lawyer, told the JJB that the boy was depressed, which led to his drinking habits. SC Refuses to Issue EC Direction to Upload Voter Turnout Data: The Supreme Court on May 24 denied an NGOs request that the Election Commission issue directives to release polling station-specific voter turnout data on its website during the Lok Sabha elections. The apex court cited the poll panels inability to mobilise staff. A vacation bench comprising Justices Dipankar Datta and Satish Chandra Sharma stated that it cannot make such orders at this time because five phases of polling have concluded while two are remaining. The bench stated that the poll panel will have difficulty mobilising manpower to submit voter turnout statistics on its website. Severe Cyclone Forming in the Bay of Bengal: A depression in the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm and make landfall along the adjoining shores of West Bengal and Bangladesh around May 26 midnight, bringing heavy rain to the states coastal districts and north Odisha, according to the Met department on May 24. This is the first cyclone in the Bay of Bengal this pre-monsoon season and it will be named Remal by Oman, as per the north Indian Ocean regions cyclone naming system. On Sunday, the cyclone could reach winds of 120 km per hour. Stay ahead with all the exam results updates on News18 Website. Saugata Roy, a veteran Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader, is contesting for the fourth time from Dum Dum. Amid his campaign, Roy told News18 that corruption was not an issue in this election, even as he was confident that the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc will come to power. In India, corruption is never an issue, apart from Bofors, which was ultimately proved wrong. Corruption is not an issue in this election, he said. Edited excerpts: Whats the feel on ground? The situation on ground is good. I am getting tremendous feedback from everyone. All MLAs and workers are working hard to ensure my win. Actually, this is TMC chief Mamata Banerjees election. Banerjee will have a meeting here on May 28. Who do you think will come to power in the Centre? I dont think there is any way for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to come back to power. The alternative, INDIA alliance, will come to power. The BJP will not get a majority. Who is your main competitor? Let them toss a coin and decide who will come to power. I will be the first. Let them fight for the second and third position. The Calcutta High Court has cancelled all OBC certificates issued by the WB government since 2010 Thats a terrible judgment, we will go to the Supreme Court against it. It is anti-SC/ST. Who will be the PM face of the INDIA bloc? It will be decided after the results are out. Now its important to oust this government. The PMs campaign is for 400+ seats. He also he says he never spoke about Hindu-Muslims He always speaks about Hindus and Muslims and communal politics. This will not work. His attack on Mamata Banerjee, saying she is backed by infiltrators, clearly proves he divides people on the basis of religion. Why did Banerjee comment on saints? We will target anybody who is favouring the BJP. Just because they are from a religious organisation, we cant spare them. I am neither an astrologer nor an apologist, we are going to people. The BJP is alleging corruption by your party There are no allegations of corruption against me. In India, corruption is never an issue, apart from Bofors, which was ultimately proved wrong. Corruption is not an issue in this election. Is the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) an important issue? Yes it is, we are telling people how this is a ploy of the BJP to bring the National Register of Citizens (NRC). With the CAA, they are dividing people. Whats your take on Sandeshkhali, which saw allegations of land grab and sexual assault? Sandeshkhali backfired, it was a flop show. They gave money to women to lodge false complaints. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lost self-confidence and has been faltering in his speeches upon realising the BJP will not retain power at the Centre, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav claimed on Sunday. He described the BJPs allegation that if the INDIA bloc forms government at the Centre it will put Babri lock at the Ram temple as a dishonour of the Supreme Courts decision. Asserting that the INDIA bloc will form government after June 4, the day the votes will be counted, Yadav claimed that along with the Union cabinet, the media will also change. At an election rally in favour of his partys Salempur candidate Ram Shankar Vidyarthi, the Samajwadi Party chief promised that the Agniveer scheme would be scrapped if the INDIA bloc forms government. Hitting out at PM Modi, Yadav said, When self-confidence is lost, speech falters. He has realised his government is going. Modi can see the PMs post slipping away from him. The victory wave that started in western Uttar Pradesh has reached the seventh phase. Those who gave the 400-paar slogan are going to be defeated. Claiming that peoples anger against the BJP is at its peak, Yadav said, The countrys 140 crore people will make the BJP yearn for even 140 seats. The Modi government has waived industrialists loans worth more than Rs 25 lakh crore. The INDIA bloc government will waive the loans of farmers and implement MSP for them, he added. Later, at a press conference, when was asked about Chief Minister Yogi Adityanaths allegation that the INDIA bloc would implement Sharia law if voted to power, the Samajwadi Party chief did not reply to it. He mocked Adityanath saying, Yogi Ji is not a yogi. Did you see Yogi Jis yoga? One of his legs was wobbling. You will see that after the elections, he will be completely shaken. On the BJPs Babri lock allegation, Yadav said, This is a dishonour of the Supreme Courts decision. The apex court should take suo-motu cognizance of the matter and take action. Alleging that the BJP want to change the Constitution, he claimed that members of the Bahujan Samaj are now united and are voting against the saffron party. Explore in-depth coverage of Lok Sabha Election 2024 Schedule, Voter Turnout, Upcoming Phase And Much More At News18 Website Amid concerns over employment avenues in Bihar, a credit war has broken out between the JD(U) and RJD as to who ensured five lakh jobs in the state. Lalu Prasad Yadavs eldest daughter and RJD leader Misa Bharti is using every opportunity to remind voters that it was former deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav, who kept his promise and ensured these jobs were sanctioned as soon as he took charge. She said people of the state voted for the BJP in the 2019 general elections, and gave them 39 seats with the hope of development and jobs. But, these promises remain unfulfilled and people are now upset with the prime minister. She may have lost to sitting MP Ram Kripal Yadav twice, but a defiant Misa Bharti has hit the streets of Patliputra once again to woo the voters. From job promises to free electricity up to 200 units and water supply, she has many arrows in her political quiver. The RJD leader is using the maximum time in road shows and public meetings to remind voters that chacha as she fondly calls Ram Kripal Yadav and the NDA government have not fulfilled their promises. CNN-News18 captured her campaign trail in Patliputra, which will be voting in the final phase of the Lok Sabha elections. Excerpts from an interview: Why should Patliputra vote for the RJD and the INDIA bloc? The RJD and INDIA bloc should get votes because of the issues being raised by us. The PM had promised jobs, permanent housing for the poor, MSP implementation, and special status for Bihar. Not a single promise was fulfilled. It was Tejashwi who gave five lakh government jobs, so the youth is especially enthused. Out of 40 Lok Sabha seats in Bihar, 39 went to the NDA last time. What has changed in the last five years that you think this kind of mandate will see any drastic change? People gave them (NDA) 39 seats last time with the hope of jobs and development. But, nothing has changed for the youth in the last 10 years? Their eligibility for jobs has changed. So, people are now upset with the PM. Twice in Patliputra, Ram Kripal Yadav was elected (under the BJP), but not once because of his work or face. Ask any woman here about the poor drinking water supply, so what development are they talking about? The caste census issue started here. Nitish Kumar as your ally did the caste enumeration. But, today he is on the other side. How do you assess the impact? Lalu Prasad Yadav raised this issue first and when we were in the state government, we implemented 75 percent reservation (with reference to change in reservation cap after caste enumeration). So, this is not limited to Nitish Kumar alone. But, the BJP is making the charge and Lalu Prasad Yadav has been personally named, that in the garb of reservation you only want Muslim reservation. They have not done any development work, so now they want to divide the country in two. They cannot enumerate their work before the public, so now they are trying to divide Hindus and Muslims. But, people understand and they have made up their mind to give Narendra Modi a send-off. Unki vidaai nischit hai (he is sure to go). The other allegation is that your party only cares about its own family. This charge of parivarwad has been strengthened further after Rohini, your sister, was fielded from Saran. Saran has been my fathers karmabhoomi; if the MLAs there demand that you send a family member, then we will do that. Rohini has been fielded on public demand. The party has given her a ticket, but the vote has to be by the people. And, who is alleging parivarwad? Those who have fielded family members themselves? Whose jijaji is fighting from Jamui (Chirag Paswans brother-in-law Arun Bharti is the LJP-Ram Vilas candidate)? Whose son is contesting from Navada (BJP leader CP Thakurs son Vivek Thakur) and Hajipur (Chirag Paswan)? Whose daughter is a candidate in Samastipur (reference to Ashok Chaudharys daughter Shyambhavi)? This is a democracy; the public will vote and decide the fate of the candidates. The other specific charge against your party is corruption. The PM and home minister have all underlined these allegations. Why doesnt the PM talk about electoral bonds? My familys case is in the judiciary; lets see what the outcome is. But, what about leaders like Ajit Pawar? He was corrupt, they alleged that he was corrupt. Suddenly, he is garlanded and brought into the NDA fold, and his corruption disappears? This is no issue; the issue is development and employment. What about Nitish Kumar, who has been targeting your family since changing sides? I dont think Nitish Kumar is a factor; that is why the PM is not taking him along in his meetings. Saath chhod diya hai (he has left his side). Lets talk about Ram Kripal Yadav. He was an old confidante of the party. You called him chacha but, now, for the third time you are up against him. He is still a family member; he is my guardian, but this time it is desh bachao chunav (election to save India). Voters of this area have consistently reposed their faith in him, but he has not managed to get even drinking water here. As the MLA, MLC, Rajya Sabha MP, our party repeatedly gave him the opportunity. But, he never came up to say someone else should get a chance. He never tried to get a ticket for any karyakarta and, so, his allegations about my family are baseless. Let him declare that he wont let his sons come into politics if he is so anti-dynastic politics. Explore in-depth coverage of Lok Sabha Election 2024 Schedule, Voter Turnout, Upcoming Phase And Much More At News18 Website Cyclone Remal made landfall on the Bangladesh coast on Sunday. The cyclone is likely to land into the adjoining West Bengal region around midnight, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted. It is the first cyclone over the Bay of Bengal in this pre-monsoon season. According to the weather agency, the cyclone is expected to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds to West Bengal, coastal Bangladesh other northeastern states. Amid the development, lets understand how Cyclone Mocha was named: How did Cyclone Remal get its name? The cyclone that is hurtling towards the West Bengal and Bangladesh coastlines with landfall has been named Remal as per the standard convention of naming tropical cyclones in the region. The IMD follows a specific naming convention for tropical cyclones forming in the North Indian Ocean, including the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. According to this convention, Regional specialised meteorological centres (RSMCs) and Tropical Cyclone Warning Centres (TCWCs) name every cyclone around the world. As part of the Regional Specialised Meteorological Centres (RSMCs), the IMD collaborates with other regional countries to designate names for tropical cyclones. What does Remal mean? The name Remal, means sand in Arabic. The name was given by Oman. Cyclone Remal is the first pre-monsoon cyclone in the Bay of Bengal this season. Why Are Cyclones Given Names? According to the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), an agency under the United Nations, there can be more than one cyclone at a time in a particular geographical location or around the globe and the systems can last for a week or more. Therefore, each tropical storm is given a name to avoid confusion, facilitating disaster risk awareness, management and mitigation. Each cyclone is recognised by alphabetical names given by the WMO. These names are provided by member nations of the organisation. The 13 Member Nations In view of the effective cyclone warning and disaster mitigation in the North Indian Ocean region, the WMO came together in 1972 to establish the Panel on Tropical Cyclones (PTC). The PTC originally comprised eight member nations Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Sultanate of Oman and Thailand. Howver, the panel expanded in 2018 and included Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen in its list of member nations. How Is India Preparing For Cyclone Remal? In efforts to prepare for Cyclone Remal, the IMD has advised fishermen to avoid venturing into the north Bay of Bengal until Monday morning. The cyclone Remal is expected to make landfall between Sagar Island in West Bengal and Bangladeshs Khepupara on May 26. A red alert has been issued for the coastal districts of West Bengal, including South and North 24 Parganas and Purba Medinipur. Kolkata, Howrah, and Hooghly are also put on high alert by the authorities, with expectations of extremely heavy rainfall on Sunday and Monday. Several adjoining regions are also likely to receive heavy rainfall. Explore in-depth coverage of Lok Sabha Election 2024 Schedule, Voter Turnout, Upcoming Phase And Much More At News18 Website Beneath the desk on which I am writing this column is a grey plastic box with the dimensions of a jerry can, as well as a convenient handle. It is, the label informs me in English, a Simplicity Descending Life Line. I am on the second storey of the excellent Dae Young Hotel, a 10-minute walk from the main railway station in Seoul, South Korea. Upon checking the window frame, I see there is a sturdy supporter ring embedded on the left-hand side. In the event of a fire, the instructions show in pictures that I should hook the Life Line onto this ring, strap the other end a large belt around my chest, hurl the reel of rope out of the window and clamber out after it, hanging on to the rope as I abseil down the wall of the hotel. Frankly, without a comprehensive training programme I think such an attempted escape is likely to cause more damage than taking my chances on the stairs which have fire extinguishers on every landing, I note. The most valuable precaution in any hotel is to scope out the fastest escape route. While I am not sure that the Descending Life Line lives up to its Simplicity branding, I am a huge advocate of reducing risk to travellers, whether in hotels or on board aircraft. Tragically, on a Singapore Airlines flight from London Heathrow this week, one man died after the Boeing 777 encountered severe turbulence over Myanmar; Geoff Kitchen, a 73-year-old from Somerset, suffered a heart attack. Dozens more were badly hurt, some with very serious spinal and brain injuries. They were the passengers and crew who were in harms way when the aircraft suddenly dropped. While it must have felt as though they were propelled upwards and hit the ceiling, in fact they remained where they were while the cabin floor fell away and the ceiling descended to strike them. Such an incident is unprecedented in this century. Even in the most severe turbulence, fatalities are extremely rare; the most recent incident I can find was in December 1997 aboard a United Airlines flight from Tokyo to Honolulu, in which one person died and 102 were injured. But, says Iata, the International Air Transport Association, Turbulence is increasing. The airlines alliance says: Each year, a significant number of people are injured by turbulence while not wearing seatbelts. Cabin attendants are particularly at risk. This last point is crucial: first, because everyone deserves a safe workplace; second, because cabin crew are safety-critical and need to be at the top of their game on landing in case an emergency evacuation is required. If they are badly injured, they cannot carry out this task. Each airline has its own policy about meal service while the seat belt signs are on. In my experience, most serve meals but not hot drinks during mild turbulence. That was the prevailing policy on Singapore Airlines. But after the tragic incident aboard SQ321, the airline has now decided that any significant turbulence, causing the pilots to switch on the fasten seatbelt sign, will mean the meal service is suspended with the trolleys locked away. This has two benefits: it reduces the risk of industrial injuries to cabin crew and cuts the number of items which could potentially go flying around the cabin. Passengers, meanwhile, have their safety in their hands: keep that seatbelt fastened, tightly, all the time you are sitting down. You would not, after all, travel by car without being strapped in. While aviation is many times safer than going by road, you are much more likely to be hurt by being hurled around during turbulence than to be involved in a plane crash. I have experienced two episodes of violent turbulence: one, coincidentally, on Singapore Airlines flying from Heathrow to Singapore over Ukraine (this was a while ago); the other on Austrian Airlines over Croatia during a Vienna-Cairo flight. No one was hurt in either but the feeling of being shaken violently was profoundly uncomfortable. I likened it to being on a theme park ride that you cant leave. Ever since, I have kept my belt securely fastened except when stretching my legs or using the washroom. When the going gets bumpy, it is reassuring: given that modern aircraft cannot be brought down by turbulence, when you feel anchored to the seat you feel much safer. And unlike that Simplicity Descending Life Line, you need not be a skilled acrobat to avail of this safety measure. Just cautious. The Delhi Police has removed crime statistics from its official website, bringing an end to the decades-long practice of updating the city data every quarter. Instead, the department has provided a link to NCRB data on its website, senior officials said. The NCRB data is updated annually while the Delhi Police would refresh its data quarterly. In addition, the national data does not provide data for snatching incidents, which is a major street crime in the national capital. The move is recent as the department has now decided to stop updating crime data, which was accessible to anyone visiting the official website. A senior officer, on condition of anonymity, said the link to crime statistics for the city has been removed and replaced by the NCRB link. This has been done because regularly updating Delhi crime data was becoming a challenge. We share data annually with the NCRB and they publish consolidated all-India crime data every year; this also reflects Delhi, said the officer, who is aware of the development. Asked about the data on snatching incidents, which will be missing from the NCRB data, the officer said it will be included once the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) replaces the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and comes into effect. Snatching is a major crime in Delhi. It was not included in any of the IPC sections and, therefore, was not recorded as a separate crime. But, under the BNS, there is a separate section and it will be registered as a separate crime with stricter legal action, the officer said. Snatching is one of the most common street crimes in Delhi with at least 15 to 20 incidents reported daily. According to the 2019 Delhi Police data, a total of 6,266 snatchings were recorded in the capital that rose to 7,965 in 2020 and to 9,383 in 2021. When CNN-News18 contacted the Delhi Police for a comment, officials confirmed that the data had been removed but declined to make an official response. Explore in-depth coverage of Lok Sabha Election 2024 Schedule, Voter Turnout, Upcoming Phase And Much More At News18 Website A couple in Mumbai were arrested for the murder of the womans 15-month-old child and filing a false kidnapping report with the police. The couple, who were in a live-in relationship, were sent to the police custody till May 28. The accused, identified as 28-year-old Rajesh Rana and 23-year-old Rinki Rana originally hail from Odisha. According to an India Today report, police said that Rinki came to Mumbai with her toddler about four months ago. The couple, who worked as labourers, lived at a construction site with their son Aman in the citys Jogeshwari area. The incident came to light when the couple complained to the police on May 21 that the child had been kidnapped by two men. He claimed that the two men forced the toddler to inhale something, causing him to fall unconscious, and then escaped in an auto rickshaw, an officer was quoted by the Indian Express as saying. However, with the help of CCTV footage, it was revealed in the investigation that the man brutally thrashed the child to death and then the couple dumped the body in a drain near the Aarey Milk Colony. We then took him into custody and interrogated him. During questioning, he alleged that while taking his son to play, his son fell and sustained a head injury, resulting in his death. Rana further told us that he got scared and disposed of the body in a nullah at Goregaon, an officer told the Indian Express. The police then retrieved the body and conducted a post-mortem on the child. it was revealed in the post-mortem report that the toddler had died due to multiple injuries to his body. Rana was questioned again, after which he revealed that Aman(the son) was born from Rinkis first marriage. The accused had disdain for the boy as such and the couple constantly fought over the child, an investigator said. Explore in-depth coverage of Lok Sabha Election 2024 Schedule, Voter Turnout, Upcoming Phase And Much More At News18 Website Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday chaired a meeting to review the preparedness for cyclone Remal, asking the Ministry of Home Affairs to monitor the situation and take a review after the cyclones landfall to extend necessary assistance for restoration. During the meeting at his 7, Lok Kalyan Marg residence, the prime minister instructed that apart from 12 NDRF teams that have already been deployed in West Bengal and one in Odisha, more teams be kept on standby which can move within one hour, a statement issued by the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) said. Reviewed the preparedness in the wake of Cyclone Remal. Took stock of the disaster management infrastructure and other related aspects. I pray for everyones safety and well-being, Modi said in a post on X. Reviewed the preparedness in the wake of Cyclone Remal. Took stock of the disaster management infrastructure and other related aspects. I pray for everyones safety and well being. pic.twitter.com/JW4iybKS5g Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 26, 2024 Met officials said the landfall process of Remal, with its centre about 30 km from the coastline at 8.30 pm, had started and will continue for about four hours. The landfall process of severe cyclonic storm Remal commenced over the adjacent coasts of West Bengal and Bangladesh between Sagar Island and Khepupara close to the southwest of Mongla in the neighbouring country, a Met official said, adding that it will hit land around midnight. Prime Minister Modi was briefed that the National Crisis Management Committee is in regular touch with the government of West Bengal, the PMO statement said. All fishermen have been advised not to venture into the south Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea and around one lakh people are being moved to safer places, it said. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is also extending information support to Bangladesh with regular updates, the statement said. Prime Minister Modi said that the Centre has extended full support to the state government and must continue to do so. He said that the Ministry of Home Affairs should monitor the situation and take a review after the landfall of the cyclone in order to extend necessary assistance for restoration, according to the statement. The prime minister has instructed more National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams should be kept on standby which can move within one hour. The Indian Coast Guard is to also deploy its assets for any emergency. Modi said there should be high vigil by ports, railways and highways to avoid any untoward incidents, the statement said. The Principal Secretary to PM, Cabinet Secretary, Home Secretary, DG of NDRF, DG of IMD and Member Secretary of NDMA were also present during the meeting. Explore in-depth coverage of Lok Sabha Election 2024 Schedule, Voter Turnout, Upcoming Phase And Much More At News18 Website The Porsche Taycan, involved in the crash that killed two people in the Kalyani Nagar area of Pune, was reportedly gifted to the 17-year-old boy, who was allegedly driving it, by his grandfather Surendra Agrawal. Pune Police on Saturday arrested the minors grandfather for confining and forcing the familys driver to take the blame for the accident that killed IT professionals Ashwini Koshta and Aneesh Awadhiya on May 19. Surendra Agrawal had shared a picture of the luxury car on a WhatsApp group two months ago, stating it was a birthday present for his grandson, India Today TV reported quoting Aman Wadhwa, a friend of the minors grandfather. Earlier, Pune Commissioner of Police, Amitesh Kumar said that the Agarwals allegedly lured the driver, Gangaram Poojari with cash to claim responsibility for the accident committed by the minor. When he disagreed, they threatened and confined him for two days at their home. Kumar said that the driver now a prime witness in the case was compelled to make a statement that he was at the wheel of the luxury car at the time of the accident in a bid to save the minor boy, but he refused to oblige. As per the Commissioner, after the crash, Surendra Kumar Agarwal and his builder son Vishal Agarwal currently in judicial custody for 14 days went and picked up the driver (Pujari) who was going home. They snatched his mobile, confined him in a room, and barred him from going out or speaking with anybody. After the accident, the driver gave a statement at the Yerawada police station that he was at the wheel.But it was revealed that the teen was driving the car, police commissioner Amitesh Kumar told reporters. After the driver left the Yerawada police station, the teenagers father, realtor Vishal Agarwal and his grandfather whisked him in a car to his house on the premises of their bungalow, confiscated his phone and confined him there, the senior police official said. He was pressured to give a statement to police as per their directions, Kumar said, adding that the driver was offered gifts and cash for owning up to the crash of the Porsche driven by the teenager, and also threatened. The Agarwal family offered to pay the driver any amount he quoted, the commissioner said, adding that his wife reached the place the next day and freed him. The driver was frightened. He was summoned and his statement was recorded on Thursday (May 23). After corroboration of facts, an offence was registered against the juveniles father and grandfather (on the drivers complaint), Kumar said. Earlier this week, a local politician had accused Surendra of having connections with gangster Chhota Rajan. Vishal Agarwal and his father were booked under Indian Penal Code sections 365 (kidnapping) and 368 (wrongfully concealing or keeping in confinement). Police will seek Vishals custody in the case from the court on Monday. The driver gave a statement to the police saying he was not driving the car when it knocked down two IT professionals on a motorbike in Kalyani Nagar area of the city in the early hours of May 19, the commissioner said. The driver and his family will be provided police protection, Kumar added. Investigation so far has shown that the juvenile, while being drunk, was driving the car, the commissioner had said earlier. Explore in-depth coverage of Lok Sabha Election 2024 Schedule, Voter Turnout, Upcoming Phase And Much More At News18 Website The grandfather of the teenage accused in the Pune Porsche drunk driving case has provided details to the police denying his involvement in threatening the family driver. SK Agrawal, who was arrested in a separate wrongful confinement case, said he was in Delhi when the accident occurred and returned to Pune last Sunday around 11 am. The grandfather questioned how he could have threatened the driver if he wasnt present at the scene in Kalyani Nagar involving the 17-year-old boy. He further explained that the driver had been working with the Agrawal family for 7-8 years. On the night of the accident, the driver was at the police station until the early hours of Sunday. Agrawal mentioned that after the accident, fearing mob attacks due to public sentiment, he chose to stay in the servant quarters of the Agrawal family. He said the driver sought protection from the public, which is why he voluntarily stayed in the staff quarters. Agrawal also noted that he had previously stayed in the staff quarters on several occasions. The driver returned home the following day. Meanwhile, police are reviewing footage from Agarwals residence, Cosie and Blak pub, and the accident site. They are also examining CCTV footage from locations where the car was seen in the city. On Saturday, a court in Pune remanded Agrawal in police custody until May 28. Earlier, Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar informed the media that the juveniles father and grandfather allegedly offered cash and gifts to their family driver and later threatened him to take the blame for the accident. The police arrested the grandfather for wrongful confinement of the family driver. In court, the police sought Agrawals custody for seven days. The teenagers grandfather and his father, Vishal Agarwal, a real estate developer, have been booked under IPC sections 365 (kidnapping with intent secretly and wrongfully to confine a person) and 368 (wrongfully concealing or keeping in confinement). Meanwhile, citizens in Pune participated in a candle march on Saturday to pay tribute to Anish Awadhiya and Ashwini Koshta, the two IT professionals killed in the crash involving a minor in Kalyani Nagar area. The silent protest also demanded action against late-night illegal activities in residential areas. Earlier, the parents of the victims, originally from Madhya Pradesh, have called for the Supreme Court to monitor the probe and hold the trial in their home state. We will not rest until we get justice, said Suresh Kumar Koshta, Ashwinis father. Pune Police have collected CCTV footage showing the juvenile drinking in a pub, confirming he was driving the car at the time of the accident. Following public outrage over the juveniles initial bail, the Juvenile Justice Board remanded him to an observation home until June 5. The police have also arrested the owner and employees of the bars where the teen consumed alcohol for serving liquor to an underage person. Two police officials have been suspended for lapses during the initial probe. The investigation has now been transferred to the crime branch. Explore in-depth coverage of Lok Sabha Election 2024 Schedule, Voter Turnout, Upcoming Phase And Much More At News18 Website There has been an uptick in incidents of fire breaking out in residential and commercial buildings, and factories leading to multiple deaths in the country in recent times. In a span of two days around 30 people were killed in two separate fire tragedies Rajkot and Delhi- in India. Take A Look At Some Recent Fire Tragedies In India ALSO READ: Fires Killed 33, Injured 300 in Mumbai in 2023; City Saw 15 Per Cent More Incidents Over 2022 In December last year, a massive fire broke out at a hand glove manufacturing company in Maharashtras Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar leaving six people dead . The blaze occurred at around 2:15 am on December 31, 2023, at the factory located in Waluj MIDC area. . The blaze occurred at around 2:15 am on December 31, 2023, at the factory located in Waluj MIDC area. On October 19, 2023, a massive fire broke out at a multi-storied building in the posh Koramangala area of Bengaluru. The fire apparently broke out at around noon in the Mud Pipe Cafe where several LPG cylinders had been stored. Explore in-depth coverage of Lok Sabha Election 2024 Schedule, Voter Turnout, Upcoming Phase And Much More At News18 Website The resplendent island nestled in the Indian Ocean; Sri Lanka is a kaleidoscope of experiences waiting to be explored. Whatever the purpose of your trip is, Sri Lanka has something for every traveller. Lets uncover the treasures of this enchanting island nation suggested by Mario Stubbs, Managing Director, The Serendipity Collection. Gartmore FallsDiscover the magnificent beauty of Gartmore Falls, a hidden gem amidst lush green landscapes. The Falls showcase the raw beauty of Sri Lankas natural landscape and provide a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Feel free to take a refreshing dip in the pristine pools below the falls, or simply relax and soak in the serenity of the surroundings. Gartmore Falls offers a blissful retreat due to its secluded location and allows nature lovers and adventure seekers to reconnect with nature and unwind. Indulge in Sri Lankan DelicaciesTime to treat your taste buds with Sri Lankan cuisine with a harmonious blend of flavours influenced by centuries of trade and cultural exchange. Local delights such as Kottu Roti, a savoury stir-fry made with chopped roti, vegetables, and meat or seafood, succulent Sri Lankan Crabs, cooked in aromatic spices and served with fiery chilli sauce and traditional sweets like Watalappam and Kokis, made with coconut milk, jaggery, and rice flour, are all worth a try. Wildlife Safari at Yala National ParkYala National Park boasts one of the highest densities of leopards in the world and is home to several species of elephants and exotic birds, among others. Keep your camera ready at all times to capture sightings of leopards lounging in the trees, and also the parks diverse ecosystems, ranging from dense forests to open plains. Your safari excursion at the Yala National Park promises to be an immersive and thrilling wildlife experience that will leave you spellbound. Scenic View from Kandy to EllaHop on a train from Kandy to Ella, and look out the window to find lush tea plantations, misty mountains, and cascading waterfalls throughout your journey. Sit back, relax, and soak in the nostalgic charm of Sri Lankas colonial past. Dont forget to hang out of the train doors to feel the cool mountain breeze and capture picture-perfect photos of the scenery before you. Visit Pinnawala Elephant OrphanageGet up close and personal with majestic elephants at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, a sanctuary dedicated to the conservation and rehabilitation of these gentle giants. Unlike traditional zoos or wildlife parks, the orphanage focuses on rehabilitation and conservation, allowing elephants to roam freely and socialise with their herd members. At Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, you get a chance to observe the bond between the elephants and their caregivers, and get an understanding of social dynamics involved. Sip Tea in Nuwara EliyaReferred to as Little England for its cool climate, colonial architecture, and lush tea plantations, Nuwara Eliya offers a quintessential Sri Lankan experience. So, delight in the aroma and flavour of freshly brewed Ceylon tea while surrounded by breathtaking backdrops. Take a guided tour of a tea estate to learn about the tea production process and dont forget to pick up some locally grown tea as a souvenir of your visit to Nuwara Eliya. Visit a Turtle HatcherySupport conservation efforts and learn about marine life at a turtle hatchery along Sri Lankas coastline. Participate in guided tours to learn about the life cycle of sea turtles, from nesting and hatching to migration and conservation, and about the challenges facing sea turtles, including habitat loss, pollution, and poaching. A visit to a turtle hatchery is not only educational but also a meaningful way to contribute to marine conservation efforts. Thus, Sri Lanka stands as a testament to the wonders of the natural world and the richness of human culture. The country welcomes you with open arms, ready to give adventure, relaxation, cultural immersion, anything and everything. Sri Lanka will truly leave a lasting mark on your heart and soul. Bollywood actor Ali Fazal criticised FTII for celebrating Payal Kapadias Grand Prix win at Cannes Film Festival 2024. The Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) had filed a case against Payal and a few other students for protesting against the appointment of Gajendra Chauhan as the chairman of the institute. Payal spearheaded a protest and questioned the Mahabharat actors qualifications for the position. Payal along with other students boycotted classes for four months which resulted in disciplinary action. They also cut her grant. It is reported that FTII currently has a case registered against her and she will be heading to court for a hearing next month. Amid this, FTIIs official X handle congratulated Payal on winning the Grand Prix award at Cannes. She won the award for her debut film, All We Imagine As Light, at the 77th Cannes Film Festival. The X post also recognised her as an alum. It is a moment of pride for FTII as its Alumni create history at Cannes. As we witness a phenomenal year for Indian Cinema at 77th Cannes Film Festival, FTII cherishes the glorious achievements of its Alumni at this Mega International Stage of Cinema. #cannes2024 #cannesawards, the post read. Ali shared the post and slammed FTII. Uhhh please dont. Just dont, he wrote. Uhhh please dont. Just dont. https://t.co/UcBzjUp4GO Ali Fazal M / / (@alifazal9) May 26, 2024 Many social media users shared the sentiment. Irony.. FTII has a running case against her for protesting against the appointment of Chauhan, a social media user wrote. Have some shame, added another. Taking pride for cutting her grants? Have some shame, a third user said. Payal is yet to comment on the post. Meanwhile, Payal was surrounded by her cast members Chhaya Kadam, Divya Prabha and Kani Kusruti when it was announced that All We Imagine As Light won Grand Prix at the film festivals closing ceremony. In her acceptance speech, Payal made a special request to Cannes. Im very nervous, so I wrote something down. Thank you to the Cannes Film Festival for having our film here. Please dont wait 30 years to have another Indian film, Payal said in her acceptance speech. This film is about friendship between three women and oftentimes women are pitted against each other. This is the way society is designed and it is very unfortunate. But for me friendship is a very important relationship because it can lead to greater solidarity, inclusivity and empathy towards each other, she added, as reported by The Indian Express. Anasuya Sengupta, one of the lead stars of Bulgarian director Konstantin Bojanovs Hindi-language movie The Shameless, has created history by bagging the Best Actress award in the Un Certain Regard category at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. While Congratulatory wishes have been pouring in from all over the world, Bollywood actors Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh also cheered for her. Alia Bhatt took to her Instagram story, shared the big news and wrote, Many Many Congratulations to you with a heart and 100 emoji. Ranveer Singh on the other hand shared, So Proud, and called Anasuya, Bravo. Sengupta, who hails from Kolkata, is the first Indian artiste to win the categorys top acting honour, marking a significant milestone for India at the prestigious film gala. The festival will conclude on Saturday. In her acceptance speech on Friday night, Sengupta dedicated the award to the queer community and other marginalised communities for bravely fighting for their rights all around the world. You dont have to be queer to fight for equality, you dont have to be colonised to know that colonising is pathetic we just need to be very, very decent human beings, the actor said. The Shameless, which had its premiere at Cannes on May 17, forays into a dark, disturbing world of exploitation and misery in which two sex workers, one who bears the scars of her line of work, the other a young girl days away from ritual initiation, forge a bond and seek to throw off their shackles. Sengupta plays the central character of Renuka, who escapes from a Delhi brothel after stabbing a policeman to death and takes refuge in a community of sex workers in northern India, where she meets Devika (Omara), a young girl condemned to a life of prostitution. The Shameless also stars Mita Vashisht, Tanmay Dhanania, Rohit Kokate and Auroshikha Dey in key roles. British-Indian filmmaker Sandhya Suris Santosh was also part of the Un Certain Regard but didnt win any award. The Un Certain Regard, which runs parallel to the festivals main competition, aims to highlight new trends, new paths and new countries of cinema. The top prize of the segment went to Black Dog by Chinese filmmaker Gou Zhen, while French director Boris Lojkines LHistoire de Souleymane bagged the Jury Prize. Anasuya Sengupta, one of the lead stars of Bulgarian director Konstantin Bojanovs Hindi-language movie The Shameless, has created history by bagging the Best Actress award in the Un Certain Regard category at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. After receiving the accolade, the actress has flown back to India and her interaction with the press has gone viral. On Sunday, the official X(formerly Twitter) handle of ANI shared a clip on their timeline, which featured Anasuya exiting the airport with a beaming smile on her face. She wore a sparkling silver jacket and was welcomed with bouquets and garlands. She also posed with the tricolour for the press. The clip went viral in no time. Take a look: #WATCH | Actress Anasuya Sengupta, who won the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival for Sengupta's role in Bulgarian director Konstantin Bojanov's 'The Shameless', reaches Delhi airport. pic.twitter.com/8jICR17RW7 ANI (@ANI) May 26, 2024 Sengupta, who hails from Kolkata, is the first Indian artiste to win the categorys top acting honour, marking a significant milestone for India at the prestigious film gala. The festival will conclude on Saturday. In her acceptance speech on Friday night, Sengupta dedicated the award to the queer community and other marginalised communities for bravely fighting for their rights all around the world. You dont have to be queer to fight for equality, you dont have to be colonised to know that colonising is pathetic we just need to be very, very decent human beings, the actor said. The Shameless, which had its premiere at Cannes on May 17, forays into a dark, disturbing world of exploitation and misery in which two sex workers, one who bears the scars of her line of work, the other a young girl days away from ritual initiation, forge a bond and seek to throw off their shackles. Sengupta plays the central character of Renuka, who escapes from a Delhi brothel after stabbing a policeman to death and takes refuge in a community of sex workers in northern India, where she meets Devika (Omara), a young girl condemned to a life of prostitution. While congratulatory wishes have been pouring in from all over the world, Bollywood actors Alia Bhatt and Ranveer Singh also cheered for her. Alia Bhatt took to her Instagram story, shared the big news and wrote, Many Many Congratulations to you with a heart and 100 emoji.Ranveer Singh on the other hand shared, So Proud, and called Anasuya, Bravo. Payal Kapadia made history at Cannes as her film, All We Imagine as Light won the Le Grand Prix award at the prestigious film festival. The film was the first Indian movie to compete in the main competition at Cannes in 30 years. While congratulatory wishes have been pouring in from all over the world, Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar, actor Farhan Akhtare cheered for her. Karan Johar to his Instagram stories, shared the films poster and wrote, History has been created, such a proud moment for Indian cinema! The Grand Prix for #AllWeImagineAsLight huge congratulations to #PayalKapadia and her exceptional cast and crew. Farhan Akhtar on the other hand took to his Instagram handle and shared a post that read, Heartiest congratulations #PayalKapadia and team #AllWeImagineAsLightfirst Indian film to win the Cannes Grand Prix. Have a look at the post: The team of the film All We Imagine As Light, director Payal Kapadia, and actors Chhaya Kadam, Divya Prabha and Kani Kusruti were present at the Cannes Film Festival 2024 to accept the award at the film festivals closing ceremony. In her acceptance speech, Payal made a special request to Cannes. Im very nervous, so I wrote something down. Thank you to the Cannes Film Festival for having our film here. Please dont wait 30 years to have another Indian film, Payal said in her acceptance speech. This film is about friendship between three women and oftentimes women are pitted against each other. This is the way society is designed and it is very unfortunate. But for me friendship is a very important relationship because it can lead to greater solidarity, inclusivity and empathy towards each other, she added, as reported by The Indian Express. Indian director Payal Kapadia made history at Cannes 2024. The filmmaker bagged the Le Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival for her film, All We Imagine as Light. The film not only became the first Indian movie in 30 years to compete in the film festival, Payal also became the first Indian to win the Grand Prix. But who is Payal Kapadia? Well, shes made headlines for reasons beyond her films. Lets take a look at her journey to winning at the Cannes Film Festival. Who is Payal Kapadia? Director Payal Kapadia is an alum of the prestigious Film and Television Institute of India. Before winning over Cannes with All We Imagine as Light, she had caught everyones attention with her film A Night of Knowing Nothing in 2021. Another Cannes winner, the film bagged the best documentary award at the 74th Cannes Film Festival. But Payals association with the headlines goes far beyond just the films shes making. The daredevil director had everyones attention while she was still a student at FTII. According to a report by The Print, Payal studied at FTII in 2015. During her course at the institution, Payal faced disciplinary action after she boycotted classes to lead a four-month-long protest against the appointment of TV star-turned-politician Gajendra Chauhan as the chairman of the institution. In the same year, an FIR was filed against her and a few other student after they held director Prashant Pathrabe captive after he decided to go ahead with the assessment of the incomplete projects of the students of the 2008 batch. Hindustan Times reported that a total of 35 students were charge sheeted by the Pune Police. A year after the incident, in 2017, FTII decided to support her when her 13-minute film, Afternoon Clouds, was selected for Cannes. FTII director at the time, Bhupendra Kainthola, said they decided to support her after they observed Kapadia being disciplined on the campus. Our decision to support students or deny them scholarship previously was based on how their conduct has been on the campus, Kainthola told HT before adding, Few days after the protest got over, many students came to me and said they never realised that their past actions will haunt them through their life. Some of them even cried and regretted their actions. Payal Kapadia at Cannes 2024: Payal Kapadias All We Imagine as Light bagged the Le Grand Prix. In videos from the film festival, Payal accepted the award with the films actors Chhaya Kadam, Divya Prabha and Kani Kusruti. Accepting the award, she urged Cannes, Thank you to the Cannes Film Festival for having our film here. Please dont wait 30 years to have another Indian film. This film is about friendship between three women and oftentimes women are pitted against each other. This is the way society is designed and it is very unfortunate. But for me friendship is a very important relationship because it can lead to greater solidarity, inclusivity and empathy towards each other, she added, as reported by The Indian Express. Rapper Nicki Minaj was stopped by Dutch authorities over the weekend for allegedly carrying drugs, according to police. In a video captured on the hip-hop artists Instagram Live which was later disseminated online by various social media accounts Minaj is heard speaking with police at Amsterdams Schiphol Airport while holding her camera phone. In the clip, Minaj mentions pre-rolls they found, and is then seen being ushered out of her vehicle and urged to get in a police van. When she asks why she is being told to board the van, an official informs her she is under arrest, later adding, for carrying drugs. Minaj replies, Im not carrying drugs. Minaj repeatedly asks for the address of the police station and to have a lawyer present throughout the clip, while the police ask her to stop filming. Nicki Minaj has recently faced a legal issue as she was arrested at an airport in Amsterdam after authorities found marijuana pre-rolls in one of her bags. The rapper has stated that the pre-rolls actually belong to her security personnel, raising questions about the ownership pic.twitter.com/NOlEAoHbuU Joseph Bonner (@mrjosephbonner) May 26, 2024 When CNN reached out to Amsterdam authorities with Minajs given name Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, the Netherlands military police, known as the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee, said they arrested a 41-year-old American woman with soft drugs at Schiphol Airport. Shes currently in custody and being interrogated at the police station, the police said. In an updated statement to CNN later on Saturday, the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee said the woman detained in their custody on suspicion of exporting soft drugs, has been released. Following consultation with the Public Prosecutors Office, the suspect received a monetary fine and is now permitted to continue her journey, the statement continued. CNN has reached out to representatives for Minaj for comment. Minaj is currently on her Pink Friday 2 World Tour in support of her latest album, released late last year. She was slated to perform in Manchester, UK on Saturday night May 25, but the show has now been postponed, according to the X account of the concert venue Co-op Live. Minaj performed in Amsterdam on Thursday night. Payal Kapadia created history at Cannes when her film, All We Imagine as Light, won the prestigious Le Grand Prix award at the renowned film festival. This marked the first time in 30 years that an Indian movie competed in the festivals main competition. The films team, including director Payal Kapadia and actors Chhaya Kadam, Divya Prabha, and Kani Kusruti, attended the Cannes Film Festival 2024 to accept the award during the closing ceremony. The filmmaker took to X to express her gratitude. Posting a photo with actors Chhaya Kadam, Divya Prabha, and Kani Kusruti, she wrote, It is a great achievement for us that we have given this award to our country after thirty years. I am deeply grateful for your generous appreciation. Your recognition motivates me to work even harder. Thanks a lot . It is a great achievement for us that we have given this award to our country after thirty years.I am deeply grateful for your generous appreciation. Your recognition motivates me to work even harder.Thanks a lot . pic.twitter.com/er5vAbvNUE Payal Kapadia (@PayalKapadial) May 26, 2024 Earlier today, PM Narendra Modi took to X to congratulate Payal and wrote, India is proud of Payal Kapadia for her historic feat of winning the Grand Prix at the 77th Cannes Film Festival for her work All We Imagine as Light. An alumnus of FTII, her remarkable talent continues to shine on the global stage, giving a glimpse of the rich creativity in India. This prestigious accolade not only honours her exceptional skills but also inspires a new generation of Indian filmmakers. In her acceptance speech, Payal made a special request to Cannes. Im very nervous, so I wrote something down. Thank you to the Cannes Film Festival for having our film here. Please dont wait 30 years to have another Indian film, Payal said in her acceptance speech. This film is about friendship between three women and oftentimes women are pitted against each other. This is the way society is designed and it is very unfortunate. But for me friendship is a very important relationship because it can lead to greater solidarity, inclusivity and empathy towards each other, she added, as reported by The Indian Express. Payal Kapadia created history at Cannes when her film, All We Imagine as Light, won the prestigious Le Grand Prix award at the renowned film festival. This marked the first time in 30 years that an Indian movie competed in the festivals main competition. The films team, including director Payal Kapadia and actors Chhaya Kadam, Divya Prabha, and Kani Kusruti, attended the Cannes Film Festival 2024 to accept the award during the closing ceremony. PM Narendra Modi took to X to congratulate Payal and wrote, India is proud of Payal Kapadia for her historic feat of winning the Grand Prix at the 77th Cannes Film Festival for her work All We Imagine as Light. An alumnus of FTII, her remarkable talent continues to shine on the global stage, giving a glimpse of the rich creativity in India. This prestigious accolade not only honours her exceptional skills but also inspires a new generation of Indian filmmakers. India is proud of Payal Kapadia for her historic feat of winning the Grand Prix at the 77th Cannes Film Festival for her work All We Imagine as Light. An alumnus of FTII, her remarkable talent continues to shine on the global stage, giving a glimpse of the rich creativity in pic.twitter.com/aMJbsbmNoE Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 26, 2024 In her acceptance speech, Payal made a special request to Cannes. Im very nervous, so I wrote something down. Thank you to the Cannes Film Festival for having our film here. Please dont wait 30 years to have another Indian film, Payal said in her acceptance speech. This film is about friendship between three women and oftentimes women are pitted against each other. This is the way society is designed and it is very unfortunate. But for me friendship is a very important relationship because it can lead to greater solidarity, inclusivity and empathy towards each other, she added, as reported by The Indian Express. All We Imagine as Light is about Prabha, a nurse, who receives an unexpected gift from her long estranged husband that throws her life into disarray. Her younger roommate, Anu, tries in vain to find a private spot in the big city to be alone with her boyfriend. One day the two nurses go on a road trip to a beach town where the mystical forest becomes a space for their dreams to manifest, according to the plotline. Director Prasanth Varma finally reacted to the rumoured rift with Ranveer Singh over Rakshas. The filmmaker, in a new interview, said that the rumours around their fallout are not true. He confirmed that Ranveer did come down to his office to meet him with his whole caravan and even did a look test. However, the rumours of the prolonged shoot hours and creative differences are unfolded. Yes, Ranveer Singh has his own style. He came to the office with a whole caravan. But, the way of working in the South is different. Here everyone works as a team. No one ever tries to impose any kind of authority on anyone, Prashanth told Amar Ujala. Speaking about the rumours of creative differences and prolonged shoot times, Prasanth clarified, The talk of me taking three-four days to shoot for half an hour is unfounded. We completed his look test efficiently. Im not sure where these rumours originated, and I prefer not to dwell on them. A senior technician who was at the shoot in Hyderabad also vouched for Ranveer. Ranveers spirited performance in Telugu post-shoot showed his excitement for this project, the technician said. Ranveer allegedly opted out of Prasanths Rakshas last week. Pinkvilla reported that Ranveer and Prasanth parted ways on the project due to creative differences. Ranveer had travelled to Hyderabad in April for a photo shoot to announce the film. While all the plans were set, the official announcement has now hit a roadblock. Ranveer Singh will no longer be a part of Prashanth Varmas Rakshas. They have amicably parted ways due to creative differences, a source told the publication. Soon after, a source told Times Now/Zoom TV that Ranveer walked out of the project three days after he shot with the Hanu Man director. The report claimed it was Ranveer who pursued Prasanth for Rakshas as the director had no plans to commence its shoot anytime soon. Prasanth was apparently planning to start another project in Telugu after Hanu-Man, but he decided to postpone it to work on Rakshas after seeing Ranveers enthusiasm. The source revealed Ranveer flew down to shoot. Contrary to reports, he didnt shoot a first-look video with us. He actually shot for the film for three days with us. We packed up happily. The next thing we know he sends us a message saying he would not be able to do the film. No explanation was offered as to why. We were stunned, the insider said. The source added they were told someone had advised Ranveer against taking up Rakshas. However, Ranveer hasnt addressed the claims yet. Neha Sharma is one of the popular faces of Hindi cinema. She often makes head turns with her sartorial picks and acting prowess. Recently, the actress set the internet abuzz with her latest photoshoot. In the pictures, the actress can be seen sporting an ethnic attire and sizzling her feed with her glamorous looks. On Sunday, Neha Sharma took to her Instagram handle and dropped a bunch of pictures in which she opted for a dark red saree with unique patterns. She accentuated her look with glam earrings, dewy makeup and a ring on her finger. The actress struck several poses as she shelled out major fashion goals. Take a look: Some time ago, the actress graced the star-studded event held in Mumbai. For the occasion, she dolled up in a fitted ivory blouse with silver embellishments and paired it with a matching lehenga. The actress rounded off her look with a netted white dupatta featuring embroidery work at the border. Neha walked down the red carpet, flashing a broad smile and posing for cameras. The actress attended the event without her sister Aisha Sharma. After taking a few photos, Neha joined other celebrities at the venue. Several social media users lauded her for her aesthetic picks and fashion sense. Neha Sharma shot to fame with films like Crook, Solo, and Tanhaji: The Unsung Warrior. She last appeared in the film Jogira Sara Ra Ra. On the work front, Neha will next be seen in the third season of Illegal, which is slated to release on JioCinema on May 29. She will be returning to play the role of a lawyer in the show themed on power, politics and betrayal. Bollywood, often, has also been called a bed of power play and politics. Sharing her thoughts on the same, Neha remarks, I feel its everywhere and not just in our industry. Soon, she is going to star in the TV series 36 Days. Directed by Vishal Furia, the film stars Shruti Seth, Neha Sharma, and Amruta Khanvilkar in the leading roles. The other cast of the film includes Sharib Hashmi, Chandan Roy Sanyal, Purab Kohli, Faisal Rashid, Shernaz Patel, and Smaran Sahu to name a few. With cinematography handled by Quais Waseeq, the editing is done by Abhijit Deshpande. Politics has erupted over the massive fire that broke out at a childrens hospital in the Vivek Vihar area of East Delhi on Saturday night and claimed the lives of seven newborns. The Delhi Fire Services (DFS) earlier today said it received a call at 11.32 pm and nine fire tenders were rushed to the site. Officials said that 12 newborns were rescued from the building. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has hit out at the AAP government, asking who is responsible for the latest fire tragedy in the national capital. I reached the spot of the incident in Vivek Vihar, Delhi and expressed my condolences to the families affected by this heart-wrenching incident. We are with you in this hour of immense grief. I demand from the administration to help the bereaved families and investigate the matter and take action, Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva said in a post on the microblogging website X. Quick enquiry Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj today sparked controversy when he stated that he first heard about the incident through media reports. Bharadwaj mentioned attempting to contact the Health Secretary several times but received no response. He called for a prompt investigation and directed authorities to swiftly identify those responsible for the negligence. Though, this incident occurred around 11:30 pm on 25.5.2024, I got to know about this incident through a media flash in the morning of 26.5.2024. I have tried calling Secretary (Health) multiple times and left him many wattsapp messages but he has not responded yet. Therefore, I visited the incident spot alone, the Delhi Minister said in a social media post on Sunday morning. As I am not able to communicate with the Secretary (Health) who heads the Department of Health, I am sending this note with a copy to Cheif Secretary so that quick enquiry can be launched in this matter. You are directed to ensure the following, he added. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also commented on the issue saying, Very unfortunate incident reported. I have asked Secretary (Health) to update about the current situation. Culprits will not be spared. Strictest punishment will be ensured for those found negligent or involved in any wrong doing. #WATCH | Fire incident at a New Born Baby Care Hospital in Vivek Vihar | Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj says, 12 of the newborn babies were rescued but, unfortunately, 6 of them died due to suffocation, one more child is in critical condition. I tried calling the pic.twitter.com/obHQq1cSnE ANI (@ANI) May 26, 2024 Directions given to CS & Secretary(Health)At night of 25 May 2024, a very unfortunate and tragic incident occurred due to fire at a Baby Care Centre in Vivek Vihar, Delhi. Though, this incident occurred around 11:30 pm on 25.5.2024, I got to know about this incident through a pic.twitter.com/fZLWXwG7R8 Saurabh Bharadwaj (@Saurabh_MLAgk) May 26, 2024 FIR against Naveen Chinchi Meanwhile, the Delhi Police has filed an FIR against Naveen Chinchi, the proprietor of Baby Care New Born Hospital, under IPC sections 336, 304A, and 34. Investigations are underway to determine if the hospital possessed a fire NOC. The owner of the hospital is reportedly absconding. Lt Governor VK Saxena has separately directed Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar to institute an inquiry into the east Delhi hospital fire. A fire call from Baby Care Centre, near ITI, Block B of Vivek Vihar area was received. A total of nine fire tenders were dispatched, said DFS chief Atul Garg. It was a very tough operation. We made two teams. One team started firefighting because there was a blast of cylinders, we can say the chain of blast of cylinders. So we had to save ourselves also. We started rescue operations for babies as well. Unfortunately, we could not save all the children. We removed all the twelve babies to the hospital. But after arrival, they declared that 6 were dead. That is a regrettable incident, the DFS chief said. (With agency inputs) Explore in-depth coverage of Lok Sabha Election 2024 Schedule, Voter Turnout, Upcoming Phase And Much More At News18 Website Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday said if anybody dares to harass women and businessmen in the state, Yamraaj would be waiting for that person at the next crossroads. At an election rally in Ghazipur, he said the gangsters who once flouted the law openly, are being trampled by the bulldozer of Uttar Pradesh. Security and the rule of law are the first conditions of good governance, the BJP leader asserted. The Uttar Pradesh government has courted controversy in recent years over the demolition of properties belonging to alleged criminals and the opposition has charged the Adityanath dispensation of targeting Muslims. No one can play with the safety of daughters and businessmen. If anyone tries to do so, then Yamraaj (Hindu god of death) will be found waiting for that person at the next crossroads, the Uttar Pradesh chief minister said at the rally in Ghazipur. We are devotees of Lord Ram and we will not breathe easy till we eliminate sinners, he said without elaborating on the issue. In an apparent reference to gangster-politician Mukhtar Ansari who died in March, the chief minister said, A mafia here calls himself hailing from Brigadier Usmans family to hide his dark deeds. This is a blatant lie. Brigadier Mohammad Usman was awarded the Maha Vir Chakra for his acts of bravery in the 1947-48 Indo-Pak war. Addressing the gathering, Adityanath said, Your votes have built the temple of Lord Ram in Ayodhya, increased the respect of the country (worldwide), provided security on the borders and got development works done. Development is being seen everywhere in the form of highways, airports, railways, waterways and taps in every house. But, when the same votes went to the Congress and the Samajwadi Party (SP), they sold the honour of the country, promoted terrorism and Naxalism, endangered the safety of daughters and businessmen while the mafia, sitting in open jeeps (apparently referring to Mukhtar Ansari), kept Hindus in an atmosphere of fear and terror. Besides Ghazipur, Adityanath also addressed poll rallies in Mirzapur, Varanasi and Gorakhpur. In Gorakhpur, Adityanath said Mahant Digvijaynath and Mahant Avedyanath had started the Ram Mandir movement and hence the entire country, including Gorakhpur, says that we will bring those (to power) who have brought Lord Ram. Because of Modi ji, Ram Lalla has been seated in Ayodhya after 500 years. He claimed that earlier money used to be spent on cemeteries, now it is spent on renovating monasteries and temples. The SP and Congress say that if their government is formed, they will implement personal laws. That is, they want to implement Taliban rule. Women will stay at home wearing burqa. But they should know that BJP will run the country only according to the Constitution of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar, Adityanath said. At a rally in favour of Mirzapur Lok Sabha candidate Anupriya Patel and Robertsganj parliamentary seat nominee Rinki Kol, he said India has secured its borders and achieved new milestones of development in the past 10 years. Previous governments had a narrow mindset and that is why they did not think about development. Modi has provided houses to over one lakh poor people in Mirzapur under the PM Awas Yojana. Members of the Kol, Gaud, Chero, Tharu, and Musahar communities in Mirzapur and Sonbhadra also got houses, Adityanath said. Claiming that people here struggled for every drop of water before 2014, he said in the last 10 years every house has been provided clean drinking water under the Har Ghar Nal Yojana. Adityanath alleged the region came under the grip of the Naxals due to the policies of the Samajwadi Party and the Congress. They (opposition) deprived you of development works and allowed gangsters to take control over mining and other resources here. Now, it is time for you to make them yearn for every single vote, he added. Referring to the redevelopment of the Kashi Vishwanath temple corridor in Varanasi, the chief minister said the place is now attracting global attention in a new way. After 500 years, Lord Ram has been enshrined in his temple in Ayodhya and the Vindhyavasini Dham corridor project is nearing completion. Now, no Shravan Kumar will have to carry elderly parents on his shoulders for darshan as the ropeway is ready, he said. Shravan Kumar, a character in the Ramayana, carried his blind and elderly parents on his shoulders and took them on pilgrimage. At a poll rally in Varanasi for Union minister Mahendra Nath Pandey, who is contesting from the Chandauli Lok Sabha seat, Adityanath said, Upon examining the manifestoes of the Congress and SP, one might infer a pro-Pakistan stance. They propose extending reservation benefits meant for backward classes, scheduled castes, and scheduled tribes to Muslims. Nonetheless, Modi ji has emphatically stated that no force on Earth can undermine the existing structure of reservations, he said. The BJP leader alleged that the Congress and the SP are incapable of ensuring security, fostering development and promoting the welfare of the underprivileged. With Modi at the helm, development, welfare, security, and preserving Indias cultural heritage are assured. The seventh phase of polling in Uttar Pradesh will be held on June 1, covering the Lok Sabha seats of Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Maharajganj, Kushinagar, Deoria, Bansgaon (SC), Ghosi, Salempur, Ballia, Ghazipur, Chandauli, Mirzapur and Robertsganj (SC). Explore in-depth coverage of Lok Sabha Election 2024 Schedule, Voter Turnout, Upcoming Phase And Much More At News18 Website Animals should be treated with kindness. As humans, we are at the top of the food chain. Naturally, it becomes our responsibility to take care of other species. However, instances of animal abuse and teasing are a recurrent phenomenon. Repercussions of such inappropriate acts also come at a hefty cost. In a similar demonstration, a man from Auckland was fined $600 (approximately Rs 30,000) for trying to body slam" two Orcas. A video of the incident which occurred in February at the coast of the Auckland suburb of Devonport has now gone viral. New Zealands public service organisation, the Department of Conservation shared the video on Facebook on May 20. The footage captured the man diving into the waters from a cruise ship. As per NBC News, he attempted to land on a killer whale, also known as an Orca, which was with its calf. Although he failed to body slam" the Orca, the offender touched the aquatic animal which is also against the rules. The man could be heard yelling, I touched it" as his acquaintances on the cruise boat cheered and laughed in the background. The man even asked the others whether his stint was filmed, before trying to touch the Orca for the second time. In an elaborate Facebook write-up, the Department of Conservation slammed the man for his unlawful behaviour, withholding his identity. The incident showed a shocking and stupid attitude to protected marine mammals. The man showed reckless disregard for his own safety and that of the adult male orca with a calf swimming near the vessel. We were subsequently tipped off to this video by a member of the public. We would like to thank those who continue to alert us to potential breaches of New Zealands wildlife laws," they said in the statement. Social media users strongly opposed the abuse of the Orca. Release the guys name. He deserves public humiliation too," vehemently criticised one individual. And scientists wonder why orcas have been targeting small recreational boats," read another apt comment. That behaviour is vile and so cruel," pointed out a third person. According to investigation officer Hayden Loper it is illegal for a person to swim with Orcas aka killer whales under the New Zealand law. A 60-year-old woman saw her dreams of becoming the oldest Miss Universe contestant in history melt away in a haze of sequins and selfies Saturday at Argentinas annual beauty pageant. Alejandra Marisa Rodriguez, a hospital legal adviser whose entry into the competition had been cheered as a triumph over ageism in a youth-obsessed world, fell short of the Miss Argentina crown. But she did take home the title of best face, one of several pageant categories including best evening gown, best swimsuit and most elegant. During the contest she thanked everyone who celebrated her success in the Miss Buenos Aires competition last month. Her win there, after Miss Universe eliminated its long-standing age limit, generated a frenzy of global media attention that vaulted her from obscurity to local fame. In an instant the soft-spoken lawyer from the city of La Plata, south of Buenos Aires, was doling out moisturizer tips to women striving to achieve her surreally smooth face and promising the public there was truth to the adage that age is just a number. As a result of what happened to me, I believe a new door has opened for many people who perhaps did not have it easy, Rodriguez told The Associated Press backstage after the event, still dressed in her red cocktail dress with slits revealing her legs. It was adventure and I had no expectations of this other than taking on a new challenge. For the swimsuit portion of the Miss Argentina contest, Rodriguez chose a modest one-piece suit with a shawl draped over her shoulders, giving the crowd a shimmy as fans whooped and blew air horns. But the judges preferred Magali Benejam, a 29-year-old actress and model from Cordoba who donned a skimpy blue bikini and sky-high stilettos to win best swimsuit and ultimately beat out the 27 other contestants to be crowned Miss Argentina. Im so excited and so grateful to be here because the competition was not easy, Benejam told AP. She will represent Argentina in Mexico City for the global competition in November. Even Benejams victory would have been impossible a year ago, as the pageant had long capped the age of contestants at 28. This year, for the first time in its 73-year-history, the Miss Universe contest is welcoming any participant over age 18. Its just the latest in a series of changes for a contest that has been a lightning rod for feminist criticism since bra-burning protests upended the 1968 Miss America contest. For decades, the Miss Universe pageant openly described itself as an extravaganza of unmarried women in their late teens and twenties strutting around for judges to rate their looks and personalities. As more and more people found that troubling, organizers realized how far the contest trailed behind the culture. Over recent years, as #MeToo and social justice movements swept the globe, Miss Universe raced to persuade skeptics it was more about minds and spirits than bodies. It stripped away many controversial eligibility requirements, opening the field for married, pregnant, lesbian and transgender women, and it nixed all mentions of beauty from its website. Yet, as the contest stressed empathy, confidence and authenticity as feminine ideals, the mentions of young woman remained in place, and with it, the ban on crows-feet. While many women praised Rodriguezs decision to compete at age 60, others questioned whether she was setting an unreasonable standard for older women. Her award-winning face, statuesque figure and sculptured features made her blend in with the younger cohort onstage. Its contributing to a sense that everyone should be able to look like this, all 60-year-old women should have the appearance of youth and freshness, as if they were 25, said Lala Pasquinelli, an Argentine feminist activist. If they dont, its because they arent willing to make the sacrifices. Stay informed with the Iranian President News Latest Updates.. A dispute between Bangladesh MP Anwarul Azim Anar and his partner, Md Akhtaruzzaman alias Shaheen, over massive profits from a gold smuggling operation may have led to Anars cold-blooded murder and the gruesome disposal of his body to cover up the crime. Bangladeshi media outlets citing the nations intelligence officials, said the MP and Shaheen were partners in the trans-border gold bar smuggling operation which smuggled gold-bars into India. Anwarul Azim Anar represented the Jhenaidah-4 in Khulna division of Bangladesh. Nadia in Bengal borders Khulna district. Shaheen also has a political background as he is the younger brother of the mayor of Kotchandpur Municipality in Jhenaidah. Shaheen is also a US citizen. We will seek help from Interpol to bring back Akhtaruzzaman Shaheen, the fugitive mastermind of Jhenaidah-4 MP Anwarul Azim Anar murder, said Dhaka Metropolitan Polices (DMP) Detective Branch (DB) chief Mohammad Harun-or-Rashid, who is also additional commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police. The same claims were made by West Bengal police officials this week. The West Bengal CID officials on Saturday claimed that an angle of gold smuggling could be a possible reason behind the killing. The rift between Anwarul Azim Anar and his childhood friend Shaheen began some time last year when the MP demanded more cuts. Akhtaruzzaman Shaheen, a childhood friend of the slain lawmaker, rejected the proposal but was left furious when he found out that the MP had taken control of the entire smuggling proceeds, estimated to be around Rs 80 crore. After Shaheens discovery, their friendship turned into deep-seated anger and hatred. Police in Bangladesh suspect that other influential people involved in the racket may have been involved in the plan to murder Azim as he took control over the gold smuggling racket. The Times of India in a report said that Azim staked a claim in the gold trafficking racket after being elected MP in 2014. He had planned the ousting of another political leader and two influential businessmen from Jhenaidah from the illegal smuggling racket to fortify his position. Police in Bangladesh are probing if they too had joined Shaheen in planning Azims murder, the newspaper said. It also said that the plan to kill Azim was hatched between February and April 2024. It said that Shaheen gathered an execution squad consisting of Shimul Bhuiyan Aman alias Amanullah Syed; Celesty Rahman, a woman who police suspect honey-trapped Azim and lured him into visiting the Newtown flat where the MP visited; Tanvir Bhuiyan who allegedly assisted in smothering Azim to death and Jihad Hawladar, a Bangladeshi butcher who was illegally working in Mumbai, who was brought in to ensure the disposal and disappearance of the body. According to the Kolkata police, circumstantial evidence indicated that the MP was first strangled and killed after which his body was chopped into pieces and dumped in different areas. Traces of his body or body parts are yet to be found. The suspect Shaheen is alleged to have paid Rs 4 crore to the group to execute Azim while ensuring that the corpse disappears. Bangladeshi investigators are also alleging that Gopal Biswas, a resident of Baranagar in north Kolkata and an acquaintance of the Bangladeshi politician, who filed a complaint with the local police on May 18 after the slain MP disappeared, was friends with him on account of the illegal gold trade. The MP initially lived in Biswas flat after arrival in Kolkata on May 12. Biswas is also a gold trader but has denied his involvement in illegal gold transactions. Stay informed with the Iranian President News Latest Updates.. Former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton told US newspaper The New York Times that female voters deserted her in the final leg of her 2016 US presidential election campaign because she was not perfect. They left me because they just couldnt take a risk on me, because as a woman, Im supposed to be perfect, Clinton was quoted as saying by the New York Times. They were willing to take a risk on [former President Trump] who had a long list of, lets call them flaws, to illustrate his imperfection because he was a man, and they could envision a man as president and commander in chief, she further added. Clintons allies also alleged following her election loss to Donald Trump that the Democrat was exposed to sexist double standards on the campaign trail, The Hill said in a report. Her allies said that Clinton dealt with questions and criticisms that male candidates would not face. Is there a double standard? One hundred percent times 100 percent. And God forbid if she coughs, Tracy Sefl, a Democratic consultant and Clinton surrogate, was quoted as saying by The Hill. The report also highlighted that former GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley also faced sexist attacks. Haley had suspended her campaign in March and has not backed Donald Trump. Indian-American former GOP presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy had called Haley as Dick Cheney in three-inch heels during a Republican primary debate last year in Miami. Ramaswamy dropped from the race in January and endorsed Trump. Clinton attacked members of her own party and said it was a long-term failure for the party as it did not strengthen abortion rights. She claimed that the Democrats failed to understand the impact of the anti-abortion powers and were caught off-guard when the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, which ended the federal right to abortion access. We didnt take it seriously, and we didnt understand the threat. Most Democrats, most Americans, did not realise we are in an existential struggle for the future of this country. We could have done more to fight, she told the newspaper. Stay informed with the Iranian President News Latest Updates.. A British climber and a Nepali guide have been missing since Tuesday after they slipped and fell near the South Summit in the mountains death zone where oxygen is very sparse, Nepal tourism officials said. The two climbers, part of a group of 15 who reached the summit, were identified as Daniel Paul Paterson and Pastenji Sherpa. Though they reached the top of the 29,032ft peak, during their descent near the Hillary Step at roughly 8,800 meters, they were caught in a sudden cornice fall. Adventure company 8K Expeditions said that rescuers were unable to locate the pair, and the likelihood of finding them alive was not possible, BBC reported. The company, which orchestrated the expedition, reported that the collapse occurred on Hillary Step, a vertical rock face near the summit, and that the men fell down towards the Tibet side through a very vertical steep. ON CAM: Cornice Collapse On Mount Everest Raises Concerns On Overcrowding On the early morning of May 21, 2024, at around 4:40 AM, climbers Mr. Daniel Paul Paterson and Mr. Pastenji Sherpa heroically reached the summit of Mount Everest. Tragically, during their descent near the Hillary Step at approximately 8800 meters, they were caught in a sudden cornice fall, which impact the group of climbers. Despite exhaustive search efforts, we regret to confirm that Daniel and Pastenji were unable to be recovered from the following incident, Instagram handle lakpa_mountaineering said in a post. Pastenji Sherpa (20012024) was a dedicated climber from his youth, with impressive climbs under his belt including twice on Mt. Everest, K2, Amadablam, and several other 6000m peaks. His warm spirit, kindness, and outstanding expertise made him one of the premier guides at 8K Expeditions, the mountaineering group added. Daniel Paul Paterson (19842024) was equally committed to climbing, known for his robust fitness, uplifting positivity, and strong determination. He had successfully summited Island Peak and Amadablam previously and tackled Everest with intense preparation and determination. This latest incident comes as a video emerged on social media showing a cornice collapse on Mount Everest. The clip reignited concerns about overcrowding at the worlds highest summit. The video, which comes less than a week after two Mongolian climbers died on Everest, shows the challenges experienced by the climbers he led during their descent from Everest. (With agency inputs) Stay informed with the Iranian President News Latest Updates.. Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah on Friday in a televised address said Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must expect more surprises as fighting rages along the Lebanese-Israeli border. The resistance surprised you on October 8 You should expect more surprises, Nasrallah said. Earlier this week, Netanyahu told soldiers in northern Israel as he was visiting the armys Northern Command headquarters that Tel Aviv has drafted detailed, important, even surprising plans for dealing with Hezbollah. But I dont share these plans with the enemy, he said. He said that he had two objectives: to restore security in northern Israel in the areas along the border with Lebanon, and to enable those displaced to return home. Hezbollah Leader Hassan Nasrallah mocked Israel's threat of an operation against Lebanon:(Against Israeli Minister Ben Gvir, who said, "Let's enter Lebanon; let's reach the Litani River.") "Habibi, with which army will you enter Lebanon? Have you finished Gaza yet?" he said. pic.twitter.com/7etwVAZEhb Globe Eye News (@GlobeEyeNews) May 25, 2024 Netanyahu is heading for a dead end and is leading the opposing front to a historic and significant victory. Neither your deception nor the pressures of your masters will help you, and this resistance will continue, Nasrallah said. We have always been transparent about the fact that when we go into battle, we have clear objectives, and we have said that our first objective is to support Gaza and that the second is to prevent any aggression against Lebanon, he further added. Netanyahu wants people to believe that he knows how to wield psychological warfare. But even in Israel, former Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman said to him: Habibi, with what army do you plan to go to South Lebanon?' Hezbollahs number one said in an apparent jibe, according to LOrient. The Hezbollah militant group in support of the Hamas militant group in Palestine and following its October 7 terrorist attack which killed over 1,200 Israeli civilians, opened a new front of war with Israel, carrying out sporadic attacks on Israeli military installations which lie south of Lebanon. Following Israeli army retaliatory offensive in Gaza, which has killed at least 35,903 people in Gaza, Hezbollah has said that it will continue attacking Israeli army in support of Hamas and Lebanese militant group Hezbollah has been exchanging near-daily cross-border fire with the Israeli army since. The exchanges of fire have killed at least 11 civilians and 14 soldiers in Israel, according to the army. At least 429 people have been killed in Lebanon, mostly militants but also including at least 82 civilians, according to an AFP tally. Stay informed with the Iranian President News Latest Updates.. A Jewish girls school in Toronto, Canada was hit by gunfire early Saturday, without causing any injuries but prompting authorities to step up security at other schools and synagogues. The suspects, who arrived at Bais Chaya Mushka in a dark colored vehicle, opened fire just before 5:00 am and caused some damage to the front of the school before leaving the scene, police inspector Paul Krawczyk said at a news conference. Police increased their presence in the schools north Toronto neighborhood, as well as at other schools and synagogues, Krawczyk said. I completely understand that this can cause concern and fear and anxiety in the community, he said, without speculating on the motive. This is a gross display of antisemitism. Its beyond belief that anyone could be this hateful.Every student deserves to feel safe at school. If you have any information, please contact Toronto police. These cowards need to be found and brought to justice. https://t.co/QpdLoQ67aV Doug Ford (@fordnation) May 25, 2024 Were not going to ignore the obvious, you know, what occurred here and what the target of the shooting was, he said. But at the same time, it will be wrong to just guess at this point. Ontario Premier Doug Ford, however, called the incident a gross display of anti-Semitism. Its beyond belief that anyone could be this hateful, he said in a post on X. Reports of shots fired at a Jewish elementary school in North York are despicable a brazen act of antisemitism, said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The shooting comes amid the war in Gaza sparked by Palestinian militant group Hamass unprecedented October 7 attack on Israel. Hamass assault resulted in the deaths of more than 1,170 people, mostly civilians. Militants also took 252 hostages, 121 of whom remain in Gaza, including 37 the Israeli army says are dead. Israels retaliatory offensive has killed at least 35,903 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to the Hamas-run territorys health ministry. In November, a Jewish school in Montreal was hit by gunfire twice in one week. There were no injuries. (With agency inputs) Stay informed with the Iranian President News Latest Updates.. The bodies of Natalie Baker Lloyd, the daughter of US politician from the state of Missouri Ben Baker, and her husband Davy Lloyd, who were among the three missionaries shot and killed by a gang outside a church in the Haitian capital, were burnt after they were killed, according to reports by US news media outlets. Ben Baker, a Republican and a House of Representatives member from the state, said he would not comment further on his daughters murder and would wait until he knew the couples bodies were safe at the embassy, according to the Kansas City Star. A US couple was among three missionaries shot and killed by a gang outside a church in the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince. The Caribbean nation and its capital have endured months of extreme violence with deadly assaults on hospitals, prisons and government buildings. The Wall Street Journal said it reviewed a video that showed Davy and Natalies bodies sprawled on the floor of the home and Davy and Judes remains having been burned. Missions in Haiti, an Oklahoma-based nonprofit founded in 2000, said Davy and Natalie Lloyd and a third person were killed in Port-au-Prince by armed men on Thursday evening. The third victim was identified by US media outlets as Jude Montis, the Haitian director of Missions in Haiti. David Lloyd, father of Davy Lloyd, told the Miami Herald that he was on the phone with his son and could hear the pandemonium on the other side of the call. I was on the phone with my son when that was going down. He said, Dad weve got a commotion again. Ive got to see whats going on, David Lloyd, 48, was quoted as saying by the newspaper. He had returned home to Oklahoma a day before leaving his son and daughter-in-law to take care of the missions school, childrens home, and bakery. Davy and Natalie and Jude were shot and killed by the gang about 9 oclock this evening, Missions in Haiti said on its Facebook page on Friday. We all are devastated. According to a police spokesperson, the bandits entered the house and looted it before murdering the missionaries. In an earlier Facebook post, Missions in Haiti said that the missionaries were ambushed by a gang traveling in three vehicles. Davy was taken to the house tied up and beat, it said. The gang then took our trucks and loaded everything up they wanted and left. Members of another gang then arrived and went into full attack mode, the post added. Stay informed with the Iranian President News Latest Updates.. A Hamas spokesperson on Sunday its fighters had captured Israeli soldiers during fighting in Jabalia in northern Gaza on Saturday, though the Israeli military was quick to deny the claim. Our fighters lured a Zionist force into an ambush inside a tunnel The fighters withdrew after they left all members of the force dead, wounded, and captured, Abu Ubaida, the Hamas spokesperson for Al Qassam Brigades, said in a recorded message broadcast by Al Jazeera early on Sunday. CLARIFICATION The Israeli military on Sunday denied the claim by Hamas armed wing. The IDF (Israeli Defence Forces) clarifies that there is no incident in which a soldier was abducted, the military said in a statement. Hamas released a video that appeared to show a bloodied person being dragged along the ground in a tunnel and photos of military fatigue and rifle. Reuters could not independently verify the identity of the person shown in the video nor his or her condition. The comments by Abu Ubaida came hours after prospects for a resumption of mediated Gaza ceasefire talks grew on Saturday. An official with knowledge of the matter said a decision had been taken to resume the talks next week after the chief of Israels Mossad intelligence agency met the head of the CIA and the prime minister of Qatar. Earlier, a UN courts order that Israel halt its offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah has deepened a disconnect with the United States over a military operation that faces mounting international condemnation. Fridays decision by the International Court of Justice in The Hague adds to the pressure facing an increasingly isolated Israel, coming just days after Norway, Ireland and Spain said they would recognize a Palestinian state, and the chief prosecutor of a separate international court sought arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as well as leaders of Hamas. The Biden administration stands apart from the global community, though it is opposed to a major offensive in Rafah, the administration also insists that the steps its close ally Israel has taken so far have not crossed red lines. (With agency inputs) Stay informed with the Iranian President News Latest Updates.. Palestinian militant group Hamas on Sunday said it had fired a large rocket barrage at Israels commercial hub of Tel Aviv, with the military reporting it had intercepted several. A barrage of rockets was launched from Rafah toward central Israel moments ago.Humanitarian aid has been going into Gaza through the Kerem Shalom Crossing this morning, and now rockets are being fired at central Israel. This is what it looked like from the Rafah Crossing: pic.twitter.com/wmQyVL4NKK Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) May 26, 2024 The Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades said in a Telegram post that they had fired a large rocket barrage at Tel Aviv in response to the Zionist (Israeli) massacres against civilians. Israels army said at least eight rockets were fired towards central areas of the country from Gazas Rafah city. A number of the projectiles were intercepted by Israeli air defences. Rocket sirens blared in Tel Aviv for the first time in months. The war in Gaza broke out after Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of more than 1,170 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures. Israels retaliatory offensive has killed at least 35,984 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to the Hamas-run territorys health ministry. Stay informed with the Iranian President News Latest Updates.. A knife-wielding man, linked to a murder investigation, attacked four girls in a movie theatre and injured two others at a McDonalds during his stabbing spree on Saturday in the US state of Massachusetts. The first incident was reported inside the AMC Braintree 10 movie hall when the man launched an unprovoked attack on four girls aged between 9 to 17 in the city of Braintree. He walked into the complex, past the ticket booth and entered one of the movie theatres without paying for the ticket. He stabbed the four girls and fled without saying a word. The four were rushed to hospitals in Boston where they were treated for non-life-threatening injuries. An employee at the movie theatre told media outlets that the suspect was wearing an oversized trench coat, sunglasses, and a long blonde wig. Broadcaster CBS Boston said that after running rampage in the movie theatre, the suspect fled to Plymouth, another city in Massachusetts where he attacked a 21-year-old female and a 29-year-old male at a McDonalds. The couple suffered stab wounds. Preliminary investigation suggests a likely connection to an earlier incident at a movie theatre in Braintree resulting in non-life threatening injuries to four juveniles, the Massachusetts State Police said. The suspect then led the police on a car chase and finally was arrested after he crashed his car at a location in the city of Sandwich, also in Massachusetts. The suspected attacker is also believed to be linked to a murder investigation in Deep River, Connecticut. They earlier identified the vehicle from footage obtained from the movie theater and the McDonalds. One person was found dead at the scene, and a suspect has been taken into custody in Massachusetts. There is no active threat to the public, Connecticut State Police said after issuing an alert for the suspect, describing him as armed and dangerous with a 10-inch knife, CBS Boston reported. Stay informed with the Iranian President News Latest Updates.. As many as 12 people travelling on a Qatar Airways flight from Doha to Ireland sustained injuries during a bout of turbulence, Dublin Airport said on Sunday. According to a Reuters report, the plane landed safely and as scheduled. Upon landing, the aircraft was met by emergency services, including Airport Police and our Fire and Rescue department, due to 6 passengers and 6 crew [12 total] on board reporting injuries after the aircraft experienced turbulence while airborne over Turkey, Dublin Airport said in a statement. All passengers were assessed for injury prior to disembarking the aircraft. Eight passengers were subsequently taken to hospital. The return flight to Doha (flight QR018) is scheduled to operate as normal this afternoon, albeit with a delay. Flight operations at Dublin Airport were unaffected and continue as normal this afternoon, the statement further read. On May 21, severe turbulence in a London-Singapore flight resulted in one death and several injuries, Singapore Airlines said. Flight tracking data suggested the plane dropped more than 1,800 metres (6,000 feet) in just five minutes over the Andaman Sea before it was diverted to Bangkok. A 73-year-old British man died and 104 people were injured on the flight, which was carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew from London to Singapore. What Causes Turbulence? Turbulence can be caused by multiple factors, including changes in temperature, wind patterns and air pressure. When air moves in different directions than usual, it creates turbulence, which can range from mild to severe. While this can be uncomfortable for some passengers, it is generally not a safety concern. In cases of light to moderate turbulence, the passenger may feel weight around the seat belt, and the items in the overhead bin will start moving. In most severe cases, a passenger is being thrown around, causing severe injuries or death. In this case, it is called clear-air turbulence, and it is difficult to avoid as it does not show up on the weather radar. Is Climate Change Responsible For Turbulence? Paul Williams, a professor of atmospheric science at the University of Reading in England, said there was strong evidence that turbulence is increasing because of climate change. His research team discovered that severe clear-air turbulence in the North Atlantic has increased by 55% since 1979. Severe turbulence in the jet streams could double or triple in the coming decades if global conditions continue as expected, he explained. Stay informed with the Iranian President News Latest Updates.. In the latest twist to upside-down US flag controversy, the Washington Post citing its former reporter said that when the reporter asked US Supreme Court judge Samuel Alito what the upside-down flag outside his home meant, his wife, Martha-Ann Alito said it was an international signal of distress. The New York Times reported last week that an inverted American flag was seen at Alitos home outside Washington less than two weeks after the January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol. Two Democratic senators are also requesting a meeting with Chief Justice John Roberts after reports that two separate flags carried by rioters at the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol had flown outside of houses owned by Justice Samuel Alito. This week the paper reported that an Appeal to Heaven flag was flown outside of the justices beach home in New Jersey last summer. Both flags were carried by rioters who violently stormed the Capitol in January 2021 echoing Trumps false claims of election fraud. The Washington Post said that its former reporter had visited the home of the Alitos in northern Virginia following a tip on the flag but when he got there (on the day of US President Joe Bidens inauguration) the flag wasnt flying anymore. The reporter encountered the Alito couple as they were exiting the house, which is when the US Supreme Court judges wife Martha-Ann told him to get off my property. When he asked Martha-Ann about the upside-down flag, she responded by saying: Its an international signal of distress! The US Supreme Court judge has previously said he had no involvement in the flag flying upside-down at his home. The New York Times said that flag was flown in that manner on January 17, 2021. Alito has said the inverted American flag was flown by his wife amid a dispute with neighbours. It was briefly placed by Mrs. Alito in response to a neighbours use of objectionable and personally insulting language on yard signs, Alito said in an emailed statement to the New York Times. He and the court declined to respond to requests for comment on how the Appeal to Heaven flag came to be flying and what it was intended to express. Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Dick Durbin of Illinois said that these incidents reveal a pattern. The first instance of the American flag in distress mode [Alito] dismissed as a chance indiscretion by his wife who was emotional about a confrontation with a neighbour. The second one really shows a pattern, Durbin was quoted as saying by The Hill. Stay informed with the Iranian President News Latest Updates.. Israeli warplanes and artillery pounded Rafah, after the government dismissed an order by the top UN court to halt its military offensive in the southern Gaza city. At the same time, questions remained over the resumption of truce talks despite renewed international efforts aimed at securing a prisoner-hostage exchange and ceasefire in the war sparked by Palestinian militant group Hamass unprecedented October 7 attack on Israel. An Israeli official said Saturday the government had an intention to restart stalled negotiations over the coming days. But a senior member of Hamas later told Al Jazeera he had not been informed of anything by the mediators in this context. Not Committing Genocide In Rafah In a case brought by South Africa alleging the Israeli military operation amounts to genocide, the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to halt its Rafah offensive, and demanded the release of hostages and the unhindered provision of humanitarian aid into Gaza. The Hague-based ICJ, whose orders are legally binding but lack direct enforcement mechanisms, also instructed Israel to keep open the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza, after Israels seizure of the Palestinian side earlier this month effectively shut it. Israel gave no indication it was preparing to change course in Rafah, insisting the court had got it wrong. The ruling said Israel must immediately halt its military offensive, and any other action in the Rafah governorate, which may inflict on the Palestinian group in Gaza conditions of life that could bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part. But National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi, in a joint statement with the foreign ministry, said: Israel has not and will not carry out military operations in the Rafah area that create living conditions that could cause the destruction of the Palestinian civilian population, in whole or in part. What they are asking us, is not to commit genocide in Rafah. We did not commit genocide and we will not commit genocide, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus national security adviser, Tzachi Hanegbi, told Israels N12 TV on Saturday. Asked whether the Rafah offensive would continue, Hanegbi said: According to international law, we have the right to defend ourselves and the evidence is that the court is not preventing us from continuing to defend ourselves. Another Israeli official pointed to the phrasing of the ruling by the ICJ, or World Court, depicting it as conditional. The order in regard to the Rafah operation is not a general order, the official said on condition of anonymity. Reading out the ruling, the ICJs president, Nawaf Salam, said the situation in Gaza had deteriorated since the court last ordered Israel to take steps to improve it, and conditions had been met for a new emergency order. The state of Israel shall () immediately halt its military offensive, and any other action in the Rafah governorate, which may inflict on the Palestinian group in Gaza conditions of life that could bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part, Salam said. That wording does not rule out all military action, the Israeli official said. We have never, and we will not, conduct any military action in Rafah or elsewhere which may inflict any conditions of life to bring about the destruction of the civilian population in Gaza, not in whole and not in part, the official said. Hamas, the Iran-backed Islamist group that has ruled Gaza since 2007, welcomed the ruling but criticised the courts decision to exclude the rest of the Palestinian territory from its order. Nothing left Israel carried out strikes throughout the Gaza Strip on Saturday and into Sunday morning as fighting raged between the army and Palestinian militants. Witnesses and AFP teams reported strikes or shelling on Saturday in Rafah, the central city of Deir al-Balah, and Gaza City and the Jabalia refugee camp in the north. In Gaza City, an AFP photographer saw a grieving woman embracing one of several bodies, some of them children, which were shrouded in blood-stained white cloth and laid on the ground outside a clinic ahead of funerals. They were killed in a strike on a school turned shelter in nearby Jabalia, relative Saleh al-Aswad told AFP. Witnesses also reported heavy shelling in Rafah and air strikes elsewhere in the Strip early Sunday, according to an AFP journalist on the ground. Umm Mohammad Al-Ashqa, displaced from Gaza City to Deir al-Balah by the war, told AFP Saturday she hoped the courts decision will put pressure on Israel to end the fighting, because there is nothing left here. The ICJ ruling came as arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders were pending at the International Criminal Court, and after three European governments said they would formally recognise the State of Palestine. The war broke out after Hamass October 7 attack, which resulted in the deaths of more than 1,170 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures. Militants also took 252 hostages, 121 of whom remain in Gaza, including 37 the army says are dead. Israels retaliatory offensive has killed at least 35,903 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to the Hamas-run territorys health ministry. I feared this moment Diplomatic efforts have resumed to seek the first ceasefire in Gaza since a week-long truce and hostage release in November. An Israeli official, requesting anonymity to discuss the negotiations, told AFP that there is an intention to renew these talks this week, and there is an agreement. However, senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan later said in an interview with Al Jazeera: Until now, there is nothing practical on this issue. It is just talk coming from the Israeli side. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government has come under increasing domestic pressure over the fate of the hostages, with demonstrators rallying again in Tel Aviv on Saturday. The official did not elaborate on the agreement, but Israeli media said intelligence chief David Barnea had agreed a new framework for negotiations in a meeting with US and Qatari mediators in Paris. Speaking at the US military academy West Point, President Joe Biden said his administration was engaged in urgent diplomacy to secure an immediate ceasefire that brings hostages home. Mediator Egypt was continuing its efforts to reactivate ceasefire negotiations, said Al-Qahera News, which has links with Egyptian intelligence. Meanwhile, Hamass armed wing said it had taken prisoner at least one Israeli soldier in an ambush in a tunnel in Jabalia camp on Saturday. In a statement on Telegram, however, the Israeli army said it clarifies that there is no incident in which a soldier was abducted. In Tel Aviv, a crowd of several thousands observed a minute of silence Saturday for dead captives, an AFP correspondent reported, after the army said troops had retrieved seven bodies in recent raids. I feared this moment, said Avivit Yablonka, whose brother Chanan was brought back dead from Gaza. I will continue to shout, support, fight and do everything so that all the hostages return home, she told the rally. Internet down Israeli forces entered Rafah in early May, taking over the Palestinian side of its border crossing and prompting an exodus of more than 800,000 people, according to UN figures. The White House said Egypt had agreed to temporarily send UN aid through another crossing, Kerem Shalom near Rafah, on Gazas border with Israel. Al-Qahera said Egypt was exerting pressure on Israel to urgently let in the aid and fuel stranded at the Rafah crossing, and mentioned temporary measures to provide Gazans with humanitarian relief. The UN has warned of famine in the besieged territory, where most hospitals are no longer functioning. The Kuwaiti Hospital in Rafah pleaded for fuel deliveries to ensure the continued operation of the only medical facility in the area still receiving patients. Telecommunications operator Paltel said internet access in northern Gaza was disrupted on Saturday due to the ongoing aggression. The US military said four of its vessels, supporting a temporary pier built to deliver aid to Gaza by sea, had run aground in heavy seas. No US personnel will enter Gaza. No injuries have been reported and the pier remains fully functional, a statement from US Central Command. Stay informed with the Iranian President News Latest Updates.. 23-year-old Petrit Alijaj said it was worth it after he suffered 30% burns to his body after he jumped in front of a burning liquid tossed by a maniac at his fiance on the New York City subway on Saturday. It was worth it. I protect my fiancee with my body, Alijaj was quoted as saying by the New York Post. Alijaj suffered severe burns and was hospitalised and is expected to remain so for a week. The New York Post said the Albanian was completely covered in bandages on his upper body as he was treated at the New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Hospital. He told the newspaper that he is still in shock from the attack. (Im in) not so much pain now (but) before oh my God, Alijaj said. Alijaj said he and his fiancee and his cousin were visiting the Statue of Liberty and the incident happened when their train pulled into the Varick Street station in lower Manhattan. He spotted that the assailant entered the train carriage with a cup in his hand filled with some liquid. He had a cup (with) something inside, like oil, he made fire and he threw it all, he told the New York Post. The attack was random and police later caught the person who was identified as 49-year-old Nile Taylor. He turned his body to protect his fiancee and his cousin when Taylor tossed the liquid. His shirt immediately caught on fire and he started slapping himself to douse the flames. I touched myself to put out the fire, while I was running I was burning, he said, adding that moments later he managed to rip off his smouldering t-shirt. Taylor was arrested shortly after the attack when police tracked a cell phone he had picked up while fleeing. He was apprehended about five blocks away at Canal Street and Renwick Street, near the Holland Tunnel entrance. Saturdays attack is the second time in four months that someone has thrown flaming liquid at a commuter, following a similar incident in February. Police are investigating whether Taylor was also responsible for the February attack. The doctors said 30 percent of my body was burnt. But I dont think it is 30 percent. Maybe more like 10 percent, Alijaj said, adding that his face was not hurt but his ear was covered with giant blisters. He also had blisters on his neck, chest, arms and left hand. Stay informed with the Iranian President News Latest Updates.. When reporter Zack Beauchamp was speaking to an expert on India who lived in the US, the person mentioned they were afraid of being too critical for fear the government would go after relatives back in India. It sounded like a tactic you might hear in regard to China or Russia. But India? The world's biggest democracy? Beauchamp decided to investigate whether India might be guilty of this kind of thing as welland he writes in an investigative piece for Vox that the answer is a resounding yes. "Interviews with political figures, experts, and activists revealed a sustained campaign where Narendra Modi's government threatens American citizens and permanent residents who dare speak out on the declining state of the country's democracy," he writes. The story includes multiple examples, including that of journalist Raqib Naik, who left India for the US when military intelligence officers kept interrogating him over his critical stories. Once in the US, he received a chilling message from an Indian military official saying, "i have invited your father for a cup of tea." (The father was released after being questioned about his son at a military camp.) Beauchamp writes that such harassment got into full swing after Narendra Modi took office in 2014, the upshot being that Indian Americans who oppose his government are afraid to speak out. "As a result, one of the most important developments of our timeModi pushing the world's largest democracy toward an authoritarian futureis receiving far less scrutiny than it should, especially at a time when Modi is running for a historic third term." Read the full story. (India has been implicated in a foiled assassination plot of a critic on US soil.) Powerful storms across Texas and Oklahoma obliterated homes, leaving thousands of people without power and a wide trail of damage Sunday. A sheriff said at least five people were dead in one rural community in Texas and more were injured, per the AP. The destructive storms began Saturday night and included a tornado that overturned heavy recreational vehicles and shut down an interstate near Dallas. In Cooke County , Texas, Sheriff Ray Sappington said that the five dead included three family members who were found in one home near Valley View, a rural community near the border with Oklahoma. "Sadly, we think that that number is probably going to go up," Sappington said. "The devastation is pretty severe." , Sheriff Ray Sappington said that the five dead included three family members who were found in one home near Valley View, a rural community near the border with Oklahoma. "Sadly, we think that that number is probably going to go up," Sappington said. "The devastation is pretty severe." In neighboring Denton County, officials said multiple people were transported to hospitals by ambulance. Late Saturday, a tornado crossed into northern Denton County and overturned tractor-trailer trucks, stopping traffic on Interstate 35. The storm damaged homes, overturned motorhomes, and knocked down power lines and trees throughout the area including points in Sanger, Pilot Point, Ray Roberts Lake, and Isle du Bois State Park. Twelve people were injured when a Qatar Airways plane flying from Doha to Dublin on Sunday hit turbulence, airport authorities said. Eight of the injured were hospitalized. Dublin Airport said in a statement that Flight QR017, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, landed safely as scheduled before 1pm, the AP reports. It said that upon landing the aircraft was met by emergency services, including airport police and the fire and rescue department, "due to six passengers and six crew ... reporting injuries after the aircraft experienced turbulence while airborne over Turkey." The airport said all passengers were assessed for injuries aboard the plane, and eight were then taken to a hospital. Qatar Airways said in a statement that "a small number of passengers and crew sustained minor injuries in flight and are now receiving medical attention," adding that "the matter is now subject to an internal investigation." The plane's return flight to Doha is still scheduled to go ahead but will be delayed, per CNN. The incident comes five days after a British man died of a suspected heart attack and dozens of people were injured when a Singapore Airlines flight from London hit severe turbulence. (More turbulence stories.) Gilling, just 17 at the time, was found guilty at a retrial in 2008. The other killer, Ashley Arnopp, was released from jail last year, but is back in prison after breaching his parole. Gilling saw the Parole Board in March, and it was dismissive of Corrections' handling of Gilling. It said moves between prisons were holding him back, as with every shift he would have to again be considered for guided releases or Corrections' release-to-work programme. "Mr Gilling has been approved for release to work by Corrections. However, he is now not eligible for even guided releases at Christchurch prison because that possibility has to be considered by an internal committee of the prison." It seemed unnecessary to repeat an assessment already made elsewhere, the board said, adding it shared Gilling's frustration "at what seems a repetitive, unnecessary process". The board was further frustrated when Corrections would not agree with the board's request that it provide Gilling with guided releases if the board gave him a release date, as other prisons did. At that point, he had not had any such releases from Christchurch Men's. Corrections deputy commissioner men's prisons Neil Beales said Gilling was moved to Christchurch Men's Prison two weeks before his parole hearing. "In terms of prisoners moving between sites, it's not as simple as saying because a prisoner is approved for temporary release at one site, they should be automatically approved at the next," Beales said. "There may be a change of circumstances for the prisoner, or in the community, that means that release may not be appropriate if the prisoner is transferred to another site. "Christchurch Men's Prison is no different to any other prison across the network, which also approve guided release through advisory panels." Because he had only been there for a short time, Gilling was not yet considered for guided releases. "At Mr Gilling's parole hearing, the board asked whether Mr Gilling could have guided release prior to the release date they were setting," Beales said. "The case manager present did not have the necessary delegation to approve this. "Temporary release can only be approved by someone with the delegated authority to do so - a level-four-offender-management delegation is required, which is a deputy general manager of the prison or higher. "Case managers and principal case managers do not hold this delegation." The board was critical that promised chances for guided releases, or release-to-work programmes, had not happened before its March hearing. It said every time Gilling moved prisons, he seemed to have gone backwards. "We consider that Corrections are inserting an unnecessary delay in the process to try and provide Mr Gilling with a safe release. "Mr Gilling has understandably expressed the view that Corrections are obstructing rather than facilitating a safe release for him." Beales said public safety was Corrections' top priority. Although temporary releases ahead of a prisoner's final release were beneficial, it was critical they were carefully considered and victims were consulted, risks mitigated and public safety upheld. Victims were consulted at least 10 days in advance. Usually, an application for temporary release would go to a prison's Outside the Wire Panel. "On this occasion, it would have been possible for the case manager to request a break in the hearing to take the request to a colleague with the necessary delegation for urgent consideration, given the Parole Board granting release is a strong indication that guided release can safely occur," Beales said. "However, the case manager had not encountered this uncommon situation previously and was not aware this was an option. "This did not impact Mr Gilling being approved for guided releases - following the hearing, an application was promptly made to the Outside the Wire Panel, which was approved on 28 March. "Mr Gilling was approved for three guided releases, which occurred on 19, 22 and 26 April, prior to his release date of 6 May." Beales said it acknowledged the feedback from the Parole Board, and had used it to educate staff about how to manage such situations. In the 2006 attack, Waipouri suffered head, neck and chest injuries, having been beaten for more than an hour at his flat. The tip of his penis was missing, an ear was mutilated and there were bite marks on his nipples, although in court the question of cannibalism was never resolved. Gilling will see the Parole Board again later this year for a progress hearing. RNZ The search for a man believed to have fallen overboard from a ferry in Wellington Harbour is to resume on Sunday with assistance from the Navy. The Pakeha man in his 40s was the sole passenger on the first East by West Ferry crossing from Queens Wharf to Days Bay early on Friday morning, but was not on board when the ferry arrived at its destination. The search is being led by the Police Maritime Unit with help from the Navy. On Friday the harbour was searched by Police, Coastguard and other vessels. On Saturday, police said they were no longer searching the water, but would instead concentrate on the coastline. They have appealed for information about the missing man or anyone missing who matches the description. He is described as fair skinned, about 180cm tall with darker hair and believed to be aged in his 40s. He was wearing a dark jacket with a zip and dark pants. Police said they will release further information when they are in a position to do so. RNZ We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com Council of Representatives Speaker, His Excellency Ahmed Al Musallam, has asserted Bahrains firm support for strengthening Gulf Cooperation in line with the aspirations of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations to fulfil the expectations of GCC citizens. The Speaker was speaking as he sent a congratulatory note to H.E. Jasem Mohammed AlBudaiwi, Secretary-General of the GCC, on the occasion of the 43rd anniversary of the GCCs establishment. Al Musallam acknowledged the strategic efforts of HM the King and the initiatives led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, in promoting Gulf cooperation in various developmental sectors. Their leadership has been crucial in progressing joint projects aimed at the well-being, interests, and future opportunities of the Gulf community. This enduring support is rooted in the historical connections, common goals, and collective destiny shared by the GCC countries. Lifelines The historical bonds between the GCC countries, he asserts, arent just lines on a map; theyre lifelines that have sustained and will continue to sustain this region. Theyre the foundation upon which the Gulf legislative councils build their solid support for the GCC framework a framework thats not just a shield ensuring regional security and stability but also a springboard for prosperity. He concluded with a supplication for divine blessings on the ongoing progress, development, and prosperity of the GCC leaders and their communities. TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com The Public Prosecution, working with the Naim Police Station, has effectively dismantled a network engaged in the illicit sale and import of banned tobacco products into Bahrain. Upon receiving confidential tips, the team zeroed in on a facility likely used for storing these unlawful items. An expedited raid resulted in the apprehension of individuals linked to the network and the confiscation of an impressive 4,589 packets of the illegal tobacco. An immediate and exhaustive probe was launched by the Public Prosecution Office, which included a careful examination of the confiscated goods and extensive questioning of the detained individuals. Faced with overwhelming evidence, the accused admitted their roles in the criminal enterprise. The suspects remain in custody, as ordered by the Public Prosecution Office, while the inquiry continues. The objective is to ensure the culprits face trial. The operations success is a clear indication of the Public Prosecution Office and the Naim Police Stations effective strategy in clamping down on smuggling, shielding the Kingdom of Bahrain from the detrimental effects of illicit substances. Two pilgrims die in unlicensed Hajj campaign, Contractor arrested Two pilgrims die in unlicensed Hajj campaign, Contractor arrested TDT | Manama The Daily Tribune www.newsofbahrain.com Following the unfortunate deaths of two pilgrims, a contractor for an unlicensed Hajj campaign was arrested and fined BD10,000 by the second minor court. The Chief Prosecutor of Ministries and Public Bodies announced yesterday that a contractor, who had organised an unauthorised Hajj campaign, was arrested after a complaint from the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs, and Waqf, which discovered the illegal operation during its monitoring of Hajj affairs for the Hijri season 1444 (2023 AD). The investigation revealed that the contractor had conducted a Hajj campaign without the necessary licence. Tragically, two Bahraini pilgrims who joined this unauthorised campaign lost their lives. As these pilgrims were not officially registered, their deaths raise serious concerns about the safety and security of the entire operation. In response to the complaint, the Public Prosecution quickly launched an investigation. Witness testimonies and police inquiries confirmed the details of the unlicensed campaign and the unfortunate deaths. Fine The contractor was subsequently arrested, interrogated, and confronted with the evidence. The case was then referred to the criminal court, which ultimately imposed the fine. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need to adhere to regulations and secure the proper licences for Hajj operations. The welfare and safety of pilgrims must remain the highest priority. The Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs, and Waqf warned against joining fraudulent or unlicensed Hajj campaigns or travelling for Hajj without a permit, to avoid legal consequences. Official permit It urged adherence to the laws and instructions from the relevant authorities in Saudi Arabia and emphasised that performing Hajj requires an official permit. The ministry called for cooperation in combating these practices and noted that a list of licensed Bahraini Hajj campaigns is available on the Islamiyat Bahrain app in the government e-services apps store. State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Postal Code 1In January-March, Azerbaijan has imported 224.2 tons of hazelnuts from Kyrgyzstan, Azernews reports with reference to the Kyrgyzstan National Statistical Committee of Kyrgyzstan. In total, during the reporting period, Kyrgyzstan exported 13.5 thousand tons of hazelnuts, which is 3.4 times more than during the same period in 2023. The main importers of hazelnuts from Kyrgyzstan in the first quarter were Russia (4.8 thousand tons), Uzbekistan (2.5 thousand tons) and China (2.1 thousand tons). A hundred years ago, a bronze statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee astride his horse Traveller was erected in what was then known as Lee Park in downtown Charlottesville, where it stood until eight years ago, when Zyahna Bryant, a Black student at Charlottesville High School, wrote a petition to City Council calling on the citys leaders to remove the offensive statue, which she called a reminder and reinforcer of the Jim Crow era and systemic racism that has long afflicted Black Americans. Her petition sparked a yearslong, contentious debate over the statues fate, a debate which turned deadly when White supremacists descended on the city to protest its removal and ultimately killed a woman. The statue would remain up throughout this until ... ... three years ago, when Lee was removed and the park renamed. The statue was kept in an undisclosed location for another two years as different organizations battled in court over the artworks disposition until ... ... last year, when the Charlottesville-based Jefferson School African American Heritage Center took full possession and made good on a promise to melt the statue down so that it could one day be transformed into a new piece of public art which should be completed and installed ... in the next three years. Swords Into Plowshares, the Jefferson School project leading the campaign to recast the Lee statue, gathered on Tuesday evening at the statues former home, what is now Market Street Park in downtown Charlottesville. The evening marked a number of milestones, including the 100th anniversary of the statues dedication as well as a rededication announcing the date when the group expects a new piece of public art to take its place. We intend to be done by 2027, Andrea Douglas, executive director of the Jefferson School, told the crowd of about 80 gathered at the park. Its our intention, cross your fingers, think good thoughts we hope by the middle of this year to begin to identify artists. Douglas said that she didnt think the centenary of the statues dedication should go unnoticed, which explains the theme of the event: Recast and reclaim. Were here because were claiming our public space. It was always supposed to be everybodys, but it wasnt always everybodys; it was kind of implied that it wasnt always everybodys or not everybody felt comfortable, said Jalane Schmidt, director of the University of Virginia Democracy Initiatives Memory Project and a member of the Swords Into Plowshares steering committee. Part of the way that we want to claim space is to have art, art that speaks to us, to our better selves, that speaks to the whole community, that speaks to the kind of inclusive values that we profess to have. Douglas and Schmidt both emphasized the organizations desire to center local voices in the conversation about the statues transformation. All Charlottesville residents are welcome to send their opinions via a survey found on the Swords Into Plowshares website, they said. In the upcoming months, the organization plans to release requests for qualifications, allowing artists from across the country to submit a portfolio of their work. Swords Into Plowshares will narrow the field to five artists whom it will invite to the city to engage in conversations with the community about what would best represent the values that we believe in today, said Douglas. For Aleen Carey, a longtime Charlottesville resident who was in the audience Tuesday, those values are anything other than R.E. Lee and what he stood for. She told The Daily Progress that shed like to see the new installation erected either where Lee once stood or another high-traffic, prominent location in the city. I think it would be very meaningful for it to be in a place where hate once stood, said Carey, who recalls thinking, This doesnt feel right; this doesnt feel good, when she attended various events at Market Street Park prior to the statues removal. Carey and others at the rededication Tuesday were offered a chance to express their pent-up frustration with a brief, yet loud, therapeutic exercise. What this statute represented was silence, said Gene Cash Jr., founder of the Counseling Alliance of Virginia and a proponent of primal scream therapy. We werent valuable even though we built this community. Because we werent valuable, you werent allowed to speak. He invited those gathered to release their emotions in a full-throated scream as he called out: I scream for my father, my mother, all families who suffered dehumanization and devaluation and freedom and liberation. Bryant, the young girl who led the historic charge to tear down Lee now a young woman recognized nationally as a leading voice for change, also addressed the crowd Tuesday to read aloud her original petition to City Council she penned as a ninth-grader in 2016. Two of the councilors who were in office at the time and received Bryants letter were also present Tuesday evening: Wes Bellamy and Kristin Szakos. Bellamy, who later served as Charlottesville vice mayor, spoke about the drawn-out battle among city officials as he and Szakos endeavored to persuade them of the statues inherently offensive nature. This is the victory, he said. The thing people said would never be removed is no longer here. While it may seem ironic for the people who demanded the statues removal to commemorate the anniversary of its erection, Schmidt said it is necessary to understand all parts of history, beautiful and ugly. We need to tell the full spread of our history and that includes some moments that were ugly for sure, Schmidt told The Daily Progress later in the evening. What we do not need to do is to hold up the representative of some of those ugliest moments, which were also only four years of our entire 400-year history, and put that on public display. We can do better than that. Another irony is that We can do better than that was said at the time of the Lee statues dedication. The Charlottesville memorial to the leader of the Confederate Army was designed by renowned New York sculptor Henry Shrady at the request of Charlottesville native and wealthy financier Paul Goodloe McIntire. No "Lost Cause" sympathizer, Shradys father served as President Ulysses S. Grants physician and Shrady later designed the memorial to Grant that still stands outside the U.S. Capitol. But it was work on that memorial to the leader of the Union forces that put Shrady behind schedule on the memorial to Grants battlefield rival. So, Leo Lentelli, who Schmidt described as a lesser talent, was asked to take over the project by McIntire. The final statue was unveiled on May 21, 1924, and though the speakers at the dedication ceremony were all either Confederate veterans or their descendants, Schmidt pointed out that several individuals expressed their disappointment at its appearance. R.T. W. Duke Jr., the founder of the local camp of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, was the master of ceremony for the May 1924 Lee statue unveiling, said Schmidt. A few days before the ceremony, he wrote in his private diary, This afternoon, I walked with Mary to look at the Lee statue, which has just been set up. I do not like it. This guy was the emcee of the unveiling, and hes confiding in his diary how he doesnt like it, added Schimdt with a laugh. McIntire owned Lee Park as well as four other parks that he donated to the city: Washington Park, Belmont Park, Court Square Park and McIntire Park. He also commissioned three other pieces of public artwork, all of which have been removed. Out of all these public parks at the time, Black Charlottesville residents were only allowed to use Washington Park. This legacy of being denied access to public spaces across the city is just as much part of the Swords Into Plowshares reclaiming process as recasting the Lee statue for Douglas. For me, its Whats the quintessential representation of someones citizenship? Its their right to be there, its their right to be in public space, Douglas told The Daily Progress. We talk a lot about school desegregation, but equally, the NAACP was fighting for the desegregation of parks and parks are public. Thats kind of where I am with this. A teenager was stabbed during a fight on the Ocean City boardwalk on Saturday night, panicking Memorial Day weekend crowds and causing many to flee the famed oceanfront attraction, officials said The victim, a 15-year-old male, was treated by Ocean City firefighters and brought to AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center in Atlantic City following the fight in the 1000 block of the boardwalk, at 10th Street, police said Sunday in a news statement. The teenager suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Police were working to identify the attacker, who they described as an unknown male. The fight was reported to police around 9:12 p.m. A social media post shows what appears to be dozens of young people running from the boardwalk and onto an unidentified street. Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian on Sunday said police arrested multiple people Saturday night, adding order was quickly restored to the boardwalk once police intervened. I understand the impact that this behavior has on all of our residents, guests and business owners, and I want to assure everybody that Ocean City will not tolerate it, Gillian said. Ocean City will always be welcoming to all guests, but I want to send a clear message to parents and to teens: If you dont want to behave, dont come. Valantina Giunta, of Philadelphia, said several fights between 9th and 10th streets escalated into a brawl. Patrons on the boardwalk started taking cover in nearby stores to avoid the clashing teens, some of who she said were wearing medical and ski masks. Some doubled their efforts to conceal themselves by wearing glasses and hooded sweatshirts, she said. Giunta was on the boardwalk with three children. At one point, her 9-year-old daughter was pushed because of the overcrowding boardwalk, she said. At another, people in the crowd began shouting that that someone was stabbed. We had to leave the boardwalk, Giunta said. They (children) were hysterically crying. Ive been coming to Ocean City my whole life, like 37 years. Last Memorial Day weekend, Ocean City police issued 1,100 warnings to juveniles and received over 100 shoplifting reports. In 2022, about 600 warnings were issued and 60 shoplifters were reported. Officials afterward announced restrictions on backpacks and set an earlier summer curfew for unaccompanied minors of 11 p.m., when it was previously 1 a.m. Officials last year said Ocean City has seen an increase in reports of underage drinking, vandalism, assaults and shoplifting, mirroring trends of other Jersey Shore towns. Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Eric Conklin may be reached at econklin@njadvancemedia.com. Independent film maestro Sean Baker has won the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival in France the Palme dOr. The director (The Florida Project, Red Rocket, Starlet, Tangerine), who hails from New Jersey, wins for his new film Anora. Baker has long drawn praise for his works originality, humor and the way he approaches stories about people on the margins, including sex workers and porn stars. He dedicated his Cannes win to all sex workers. In Anora, a much-lauded dramedy that Baker wrote and directed, Mikey Madison stars as Anora, a Brooklyn sex worker who marries the son of a Russian oligarch. Baker wrote the character for Madison (Scream, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood). RELATED: Sean Baker interview - Growing up in Jersey, working at the movie theater, driving taxis and more This isnt exactly a mainstream movie, Baker, 53, said at the Palme dOr press conference after his win Saturday. But hopefully this wonderful win will help get it into multiplexes and maybe remind mainstream audiences that these films still exist. He said he leaned more into comedy with this film than his previous work. Baker, a Summit native who grew up in Short Hills and Branchburg, got his start filming movies in the woods as a child, later working as a projectionist at a local movie theater and driving a taxi in Somerville. (That was the best learning experience for somebody like me whos trying to do character studies and focus on human behavior, he told NJ Advance Media in 2021.) Sean Baker and "Anora" star Mikey Madison at Cannes.JB Lacroix | FilmMagic At the Cannes press conference, Baker lamented the closure of movie theaters and the perils facing theatrical exhibition but also took heart in a rising film culture in American cities. What I think this does is that its gonna help me to continue making the movies that I like to make and Im going to continue in my wheelhouse, he said. Bakers last film, the raucous, funny Red Rocket, stars Simon Rex as a faded porn star who returns to his Texas hometown. That film was Bakers first to compete at Cannes. He produced Anora with his wife, Samantha Quan, who also worked on Red Rocket and The Florida Project, which landed an Oscar nomination for star Willem Dafoe. Thank you for reading. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription. Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com and followed at @AmyKup. Police in Jersey City are searching for a driver they say struck a bicyclist and fled the scene, leaving a 21-year-old with life-threatening injuries. Police were called just before 5 a.m. Saturday for an injured bicyclist near the area of of Garfield Avenue, Gates Avenue and Seaview Avenue, Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez said. Responding officers found a 21-year-old Bayonne resident with life-threatening injuries. But the striking vehicle did not remain at the scene, authorities said. The victim was transported to Jersey City Medical where he is in critical, but stable condition, Suarez said. The Hudson County Regional Collision Investigation Unit and the Jersey City Police Department have identified a vehicle and person of interest. Police ask anyone with information to contact the Office of the Hudson County Prosecutor at 201-915-1345 or to leave an anonymous tip at http://www.hudsoncountyprosecutorsofficenj.org/homicide-tip/. Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com. Adam Clark may be reached at aclark@njadvancemedia.com. They just couldnt help themselves. Despite polls that showed 81% of New Jersey voters opposed gutting the Open Public Records Act (or OPRA), the legislature voted to do just that. The bill was initially championed by Democrats but managed to garner bipartisan support from plenty of Republicans who would also like to operate in secrecy. The question now remains, will governor Murphy sign it. Hes totally going to sign it. Former Senate candidate and current spouse Tammy Murphy has joined the chorus in publicly opposing the bill, but something tells me that she and her husband are going to agree to disagree. The bill would never have gotten to the governors desk without his collaboration, or at least reassurance that it would get the stamp of approval. As political smarty pants Julie Roginsky so eloquently stated in a recent Friendly Fire: Much to our good fortune, as Andy Kim gives up his seat in the House to run for Senate, another deeply impressive candidate has stepped up to vie for it. Herb Conaway is a longtime leader in our state Assembly, a practicing doctor, and a trained lawyer to boot. His policy heft and depth of experience will be tremendously useful in Congress. He seems like the natural successor to Kim, who triumphed three times in the 3rd District which spans Burlington, Mercer and Monmouth counties even when that district included brick-red Ocean County and went for Donald Trump. Like Kim, Conaway is a thoughtful and collegial lawmaker who values public service over political knife-fighting. And his sterling resume speaks to his intelligence, determination, and hard work over a lifetime. After earning degrees from Princeton University and Jefferson Medical College, Conaway joined the Air Force and served as a doctor in its medical corps, learning to fly while attending law school at night. He got his J.D. from Rutgers Law School, then went into private practice as an internist. He later worked as a clinical professor at St. Francis Medical Center in Trenton, educating the next generation of physicians. Hes served in the state Assembly for 26 years, performing with remarkable effectiveness as its longtime health committee chairman, an area where New Jersey does particularly well. And if elected to the House, hed be the first Black congressman from South Jersey, according to the Congressional Black Caucus, which endorsed him. Conaway makes sophisticated arguments on healthcare topics hes dealt with personally in the examination room, and in his role overseeing the public health department of Burlington County. He knows both the industry and how to get legislation passed. For years, hes fought to expand health insurance in New Jersey, contending with the interruptions that hurt patient care and making the moral case that all children should be covered, while finding sensible ways to pay for it. And he has always been on the front line of New Jerseys ongoing fight against addiction, teaming up with Sen. Joe Vitale on countless policies such as creating a statewide database of prescriptions to prevent abuse, while championing the expansion of life-saving needle exchanges. He and his main opponent, Carol Murphy, were running mates in their shared legislative district and align on nearly all issues: Both have pledged to protect the right to an abortion, act on climate change and continue Kims tradition of holding frequent town halls with voters. Both have fought for more affordable prescription drugs for seniors. One of the few differences is that Conaway, the son of a public-school teacher and a nurse, showed greater concern for taxpayers by endorsing pension and health reform, departing from the Democratic party line. Without that sensible measure, we might be another couple billion dollars in the hole right now. He also demonstrated independence by endorsing Kim in his uphill battle for Senate against Tammy Murphy, in defiance of the party bosses, and never wavering on that. Carol Murphy, on the other hand, initially endorsed Kim, then made entreaties to Tammy Murphy (no relation) about running with her on the ballot. Conaway is far more experienced in working the Legislature, too, which will be an asset in Congress carefully building consensus on tough issues like retooling the formula for funding our schools. Carol Murphy has worked to establish herself in national groups that hone legislative best practices and served as a staffer to a respected lawmaker, Sen. Linda Greenstein, before being elected to the Assembly in 2018. Shed be a good candidate if she were not running against Conaway, but she just doesnt come close to matching his breadth of expertise or experience. This looks like a two-way race in a district that now leans more blue after redistricting in 2022, but of the several political outsiders also vying for the Democratic nomination, civil rights attorney Joe Cohn has the most serious background: Hes worked for the ACLU, the AIDS Law Project and led the government relations department at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, which advocates for free speech on campus. Yet he, too, lacks Conaways extensive experience. Among those backing the doctor is a political organization dedicated to getting more scientists, engineers and physicians elected to Congress, the sort of people who will use data to drive policy. And for good reason. Not only will democracy be on the ballot for 2025, when a man who stoked a violent mob to overturn our election attempts a return to power; so will the very idea of objective facts. An unprecedented flood of misinformation has been poisoning our country. What we need is someone like Conaway, with the gravitas and the grace to push back. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook. The last time a Republican won a U.S. Senate election in New Jersey, Donald Trump was 26 years old and still a decade from opening a casino in Atlantic City. That was 1972. Six-day (Tuesday through Sunday) print subscribers of the Watertown Daily Times are eligible for full access to NNY360, the NNY360 mobile app, and the Watertown Daily Times e-edition, all at no additional cost. If you have an existing six-day print subscription to the Watertown Daily Times, please make sure your email address on file matches your NNY360 account email. You can sign up or manage your print subscription using the options below. WHITING Sara Janek has not felt complete ever since the day her younger brother and his friend were murdered 20 years ago. "Every holiday...we always have it here at our house and there's still that missing piece," she said. "After 20 years it still feels exactly the same as day one." Sara and Jason were only 11 months apart in age, and inseparable as kids. "Even though he was the baby of the the family, he was kind of like my protector," Sara said. "Wherever I went, he was there. We did everything together." It's been two decades since Jason Janek, 24, and Kevin Abul-Husn, 27, were found dead in the back of Janek's truck in an East Chicago alley. Both men were found wrapped in plastic and each with a single gunshot wound to the head. According to police, the men were shot on May 23, 2004 in the basement of the now-demolished Bar-Rio in Whiting. The bar was demolished in 2006. The case drew national attention after it was featured on the television series "American's Most Wanted" in 2010. A small park now sit where the building once stood, and where family and friends gathered on Friday for a candlelight vigil to commemorate the somber anniversary. Kymberli Janek, the oldest of Jason's siblings, said besides being a way to remember her brother, the vigil also served as a reminder that his murder is still a cold case. "It's the hardest part, having to do this every year for 20 years," Kymberli said. Lake County prosecutors charged Alfonso M. Chavez, Eric S. Valdivia, and Melecio Maravilla, with murder in March 2010 in connection with the double homicide. Mark A. Chavez was charged with assisting a criminal. According to court records, Alfonso M. Chavez shot Jason and Abul-Husn after Maravilla began screaming at Abul-Husn about money allegedly owned to Valdivia. Alfonso M. Chavez and Mark A. Chavez each were scheduled to stand trial in 2012, but prosecutors dropped charges after the Indiana Court of Appeals affirmed a Lake County Criminal Court judge's decision that excluded two witness statements as hearsay. "We had to let (Alfonso) go because I couldn't go through trial and see him not guilty," said Jason's mother, Camellia Janek. Valdivia was arrested by U.S. Marshals in Mexico in 2010 but was released when Mexican authorities intervened, while Maravilla has remained at large. Sara and Kymberli blame local law enforcement for not doing enough early in their investigation in securing evidence or questioning the suspects. Kymberli recalled the morning when they were informed by police about the homicides. "The three detectives came in and they said to us, let us do our job," she said. "We wanted them to do their job and we had trust in them and faith, and here we are twenty years." Jason's family are hopefully even after 20 years, they will still be able to seek justice. Sara urged anyone connected with the suspects to come forward with any information relating to her brother's murder. "Hopefully these people will find it in their heart one day," she said. " I still want to hear any details from that night. "I'm getting pretty old and I wanted to have at least see justice for (Jason)," Camellia said. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the Lake County Sheriff's tip line at 800-750-2746. HOBART A 34-year-old man was arrested related to a domestic battery incident that warranted a call to SWAT Saturday morning, Hobart police said in a Facebook post. Police were dispatched at 9:02 a.m. to the 200 block of East 12th Street, the post said. They spoke with a victim and developed probable cause to arrest the man. The man refused to come outside, so officers secured a search warrant on scene and called Northwest Regional SWAT to assist, the post said. With the help of a Hobart police K-9, they were able to apprehend the man. Police said they will present charges to the Lake County prosecutor's office. according to the post. Republican Attorney General Todd Rokita is asking the Indiana Supreme Court to reverse an April 4 Court of Appeals ruling that found the state's near-total abortion ban violates the religious freedom of some Hoosiers. In a May 20 filing, Indiana Solicitor General James Barta, on behalf of the attorney general, requests the state's high court agree to review the appellate court opinion a process known as granting transfer which also would immediately vacate, or set aside, the unanimous Court of Appeals decision. Barta claims the appeals court got it wrong when it held Senate Enrolled Act 1 (2022) violates the state's Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) by substantially burdening the religious beliefs of Hoosiers particularly those who do not accept the notion that life begins at conception or whose faith favors protecting the life or health of a living woman over the potential life of a fetus. Specifically, Barta argues RFRA cannot be construed to establish a right to abortion because the state has a valid interest in protecting prenatal life from the moment of conception. "Indiana's long history of treating abortion as a criminal offense reflects its conviction that legal protections inherent in personhood commence before birth," Barta said. Moreover, Barta claims the abortion ban exceptions including risks to a pregnant woman's life or major bodily functions, lethal fetal anomaly, and pregnancies caused by rape or incest do not favor one religious creed over another, but rather reflect "a legislative judgment consistent with history, moral philosophy and biological markers." "RFRA authorizes governments to burden religious exercise as necessary to further compelling interests. It does not require proof that governmental interests behind a policy, or any exceptions to that policy, are more compelling than religious interests. Such a requirement would doom any law that balances interests and entangle courts in comparison of incommensurable goods," Barta said. Barta also argues transfer is warranted because the Court of Appeals ruling rests on the hypothetical pregnancies of the women and organization that challenged the statute, while RFRA requires a case-by-case, fact-specific inquiry into the person's beliefs and the challenged requirement. Likewise, he asserts the potential class-action authorized by the appeals court is improperly and amorphously defined, and the claim of a religious basis for abortion is incapable of a class-wide resolution. "Individualized analysis is required because courts must determine whether particular individual conduct constitutes a sincere religious exercise and whether it is substantially burdened," Barta said. ACLU of Indiana Legal Director Ken Falk, the attorney who represents the plaintiffs and the designated class, is expected to respond to the attorney general's transfer petition in coming weeks. There is no timeline for the Supreme Court to then decide whether to grant transfer. Indeed, the five Republican-appointed justices may request additional briefing, and even hold oral argument, prior to making a transfer decision. The 3-0 appeals court ruling, written by Judge Leanna Weissmann, said the abortion law does not further a compelling state interest and the state has not shown the abortion law is the least restrictive means of furthering that interest, as is required in all circumstances when an Indiana law infringes on religious exercise according to the RFRA statute controversially enacted in 2015 by Republican Gov. Mike Pence. She said while abortion is not the type of mandatory ritual, such as only eating Kosher food or refraining from activity on the Sabbath, commonly associated with religious exercise, it nevertheless is protected under RFRA just as federal courts have recognized RFRA protections for businesses declining to purchase employee health insurance that includes contraceptive coverage and military service members objecting to receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. "If a corporation can engage in a religious exercise by refusing to provide abortifacients contraceptives that essentially abort a pregnancy after fertilization it stands to reason that a pregnant person can engage in a religious exercise by pursuing an abortion. In both situations, the claimant is required to take or abstain from action that the claimant's sincere religious beliefs direct. And in both situations, the claimant's objection to the challenged law or regulation is rooted in the claimant's sincere religious beliefs," Weissmann said. Appeals Judge L. Mark Bailey, writing in a concurring opinion, went even further and accused state lawmakers of violating the religious liberty guarantees of the Indiana Constitution by enacting the abortion law based on a specific faith's belief in when life begins, even though there is hardly consensus among religious organizations. "Legislators, an overwhelming majority of whom have not experienced childbirth, nevertheless dictate that virtually all pregnancies in this state must proceed to birth notwithstanding the onerous burden upon women and girls. They have done so not based upon science or viability but upon a blanket assertion that they are the protectors of 'life' from the moment of conception," Bailey said. "In my view, this is an adoption of a religious viewpoint held by some, but certainly not all, Hoosiers. The least that can be expected is that the remaining Hoosiers of child bearing ability will be given the opportunity to act in accordance with their own consciences and religious creeds." The appellate court ruling affirmed a preliminary injunction against the law issued in December 2022 by Marion Superior Judge Heather Welch that originally applied to four individual plaintiffs and Hoosier Jews for Choice, a religious organization the Court of Appeals determined had legal standing to challenge the abortion statute. Records show Welch subsequently certified the RFRA challenge to the abortion law as a class action, which the appeals court also affirmed. Indiana was the first state in the nation to legislatively impose new abortion restrictions following the U.S. Supreme Court's June 24, 2022, Dobbs ruling that overturned the high court's 1973 Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion nationwide. The law prohibits all abortions in the state from the moment of conception, except within 10 weeks gestation for pregnancies caused by rape or incest, or 20 weeks if necessary to prevent serious physical impairment or the death of a pregnant woman, or because of a lethal fetal anomaly. The Indiana Supreme Court last year affirmed the constitutionality of the statute while also recognizing, for the first time in state history, that the Indiana Constitution includes a right to abortion when necessary to preserve a woman's life or protect her from a serious health risk. The high court declined to address what constitutes "a serious health risk" that would entitle a woman to obtain an abortion, or decide whether that includes only specific physical impairments or the potential mental health consequences associated with pregnancy and childbirth, and the Legislature opted against revising the abortion statute during this year's annual session that concluded in March. A three-day trial to begin the process of answering that question is set to start Tuesday in Monroe County. Meet the 2024 Northwest Indiana legislative delegation State Sen. Dan Dernulc, R-Highland State Sen. Lonnie Randolph, D-East Chicago State Sen. Dave Vinzant, D-Hobart State Sen. Rodney Pol Jr. State Sen. Ed Charbonneau, R-Valparaiso State Sen. Rick Niemeyer, R-Lowell State Sen. Mike Bohacek, R-Michiana Shores State Rep. Carolyn Jackson, D-Hammond State Rep. Earl Harris Jr., D-East Chicago State Rep. Ragen Hatcher, D-Gary State Rep. Ed Soliday, R-Valparaiso State Rep. Pat Boy, D-Michigan City State Rep. Chuck Moseley, D-Portage State Rep. Mike Aylesworth, R-Hebron State Rep. Mike Andrade, D-Munster State Rep. Vernon Smith, D-Gary State Rep. Hal Slager, R-Schererville State Rep. Kendell Culp, R-Rensselaer State Rep. Julie Olthoff, R-Crown Point State Rep. Jim Pressel, R-Rolling Prairie The college lecturer, in a uniform of rumpled khakis and corduroy blazer, paces on a small stage, head down. The lectures youre about to see, he says in introducing a series of talks, videotaped in somewhat hokey lo-fi style in 1992, cover the last 3,000 years of Western intellectual history. The lecturer, Michael Sugrue, would go on to teach Plato, the Bible, Kant and Kierkegaard to two generations of undergraduates, including for 12 years at Princeton, without ever publishing a book an academic who hadnt really had a career, as he told The American Conservative after retiring in 2021. But that same year, in the depths of the pandemic, Dr. Sugrue uploaded his three-decade-old philosophy lectures to YouTube, where many thousands of people whose aperture on the world had narrowed to a laptop screen discovered them. His talk on the Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius, in particular, seemed to fit the jittery mood of lockdown, when many people sought a sense of self-sufficiency amid the chaos of the outside world. It has now been viewed 1.5 million times. Haitis bleak humanitarian situation is once again in the spotlight after gangs on Thursday attacked an Oklahoma-based missionary group working in the capital, Port-au-Prince, killing two Americans and the Haitian director of the organization, Missions in Haiti. The attack left many asking why American missionaries are still working in Haiti considering the immense violence that has paralyzed the country and the grip gangs have over most of Port-au-Prince. Thursdays episode follows the 2021 kidnapping of 17 missionaries who were working in Haiti with Christian Aid Ministries. A Haitian gang kidnapped 16 Americans and a Canadian in that attack; weeks later, 12 of the hostages escaped and the others were freed. While Haiti is no stranger to violence and instability, the situation has worsened considerably since the 2021 assassination of the countrys president, Jovenel Moise. Since then, the state has collapsed and gangs have proliferated, filling the vacuum. The killings this week come as Kenyan-led forces are set to arrive in Haiti in the next few weeks to confront the gangs and help stabilize the country. They are being funded by the United States and other members of the international community. Diplomats are aiming to restart negotiations for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas at some point in the next week, according to three officials briefed on the process, rekindling hopes of an end to the fighting in Gaza even as Israel presses ahead with its campaign there. According to the officials, preliminary discussions were held this weekend in Paris between David Barnea, the director of Israels foreign intelligence agency, the Mossad; William J. Burns, the director of the C.I.A.; and the Qatari prime minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, one of the lead mediators between Israel and Hamas. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter. For months, Qatar, the United States and Egypt have been trying to cajole Israel and Hamas into accepting a truce and an exchange of captives that could help bring the seven-month war to a close. But previous talks have repeatedly broken down over the length and nature of the truce: Hamas wants a permanent cease-fire, allowing it to remain in charge of Gaza, while Israel wants to be able to continue fighting after a pause so that it can wrest Hamas from power. The other major point of contention in the last round centered on how to transition between different phases of a three-phase deal. Previous sticking points have included the extent to which Israeli troops should withdraw from Gaza during any truce, and whether Israel will allow Gazans to move freely between north and south Gaza. The sides have also disagreed about the number of hostages that should be released by Hamas, as well as the number of Palestinian prisoners that should be freed in exchange by Israel. In the last round, negotiators talked about Hamas possibly releasing 33 hostages, mainly women, the elderly and anyone in need of urgent medical care. More than 120 hostages remain in Gaza, and roughly a quarter of them are dead, according to the latest Israeli assessment. During the talks, Egyptian and Qatari officials have dealt directly with Hamass envoys, who do not meet in person with Israeli or American counterparts. Egypt took the lead in the last round of negotiations, which were held in Cairo, though Qatari officials were also present. Diplomats say that the hostage negotiations need to be completed in order to make headway in other related diplomatic initiatives. Those endeavors include a regional debate about who should govern a postwar Gaza; talks over a normalization deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia; and negotiations for a cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah, the Lebanese militia that is fighting the Israeli military along the Israel-Lebanon border. Rawan Sheikh Ahmad contributed reporting from Haifa, Israel, and Julian E. Barnes contributed from Washington. When the writer-director Nida Manzoor began dreaming up Season 2 of We Are Lady Parts, the comedy about an all-female Muslim punk band, one of her earliest ideas was a song: Malala Made Me Do It, a neo-Western hype track celebrating the activist Malala Yousafzai. And then she had another idea: Maybe she could get Malala, whom she had met briefly at a talk, to star in the video. She wrote Yousafzai a love letter. To Manzoors surprise, Yousafzai, who loves comedy, responded. And this is why, in the second episode of the new season of We Are Lady Parts, which premieres on Thursday on Peacock, Yousafzai appears on a horse, resplendent in a white cowboy hat, while the band irreverently sings her praises: Nobel Prize at 17/the baddest bitch youve ever seen. Directing her idol brought on some fan-girl panic. I was, like, totally not cool, Manzoor said. But it was joyful to work with her. Joy has been an animating force for Manzoor, 34, the assured and wildly original creator of We Are Lady Parts and Polite Society, a martial arts film about a teenage girl rebelling against her sisters arranged marriage. In a moment where nearly everything onscreen feels like a reboot, a reprise, a retread, a spinoff, Manzoors works (an urban Muslim musical comedy, a surreal teenage eugenics-addled action caper) reliably feel like nothing else, each a microgenre unto itself. It was an unusually mild winter day in Toronto, but that did not make Lake Ontarios icy waters any more inviting. Still, Sara Fruchtman, wearing a bathing suit and a bathing cap, plunged into the lake at Michael Hough Beach. She was not alone. Seven other people were also there, some gathered around an anemic bonfire. All were part of an informal swimming group that congregated year round at Torontos only downtown beach. But their icy ritual ended a few weeks later after a steel mesh construction fence cut off access to a pedestrian bridge leading to the island where the beach is. A sign said it was closed. The island, known as West Island, is one of two that make up Ontario Place, home to a former amusement park and exhibition pavilions. The Province of Ontario, which owns Ontario Place, is turning West Island over to an Austrian spa developer under a 95-year lease to build what it describes as a large well-being oasis with hot and cold baths as well as other water relaxation facilities. Three-quarters of the way through a grueling 10-day hospital stay for my older daughter, Orli, the cookbook author Joan Nathan called me from hospital reception. Her daughter, she said, had read about Orlis latest surgery via social media. Could I come downstairs? I met Joan in the hospital atrium. Out of her bag she pulled a full musakhan, the Palestinian chicken dish baked in sumac over pita with pine nuts and onions, Yemenite saffron rice, hamentaschen. In her arms she carried a six-braid German-style challah, studded with nigella seeds. It smelled like joy. Joan told me about a time, decades earlier, when her own daughter, herself now a mother, was a baby being treated in this hospital. She mentioned moments when others had stepped in to care for her. I couldnt stay to hear more; every moment away from Orli was one I couldnt retrieve. Still, the divinity in Joans appearance was not lost on me. She is perhaps the person best known for Jewish cooking in America she once had a PBS show. Like many others, I knew her first through her books, her columns, my mothers carefully clipped out recipes. I laid out her beneficence in the paltry hospital parents space, a bounty set against the stark light of the half-empty vending machine, the broken coffee maker, my tiny hospital-size ginger ale poured into an even smaller plastic cup. In Orlis room I set the challah down on a paper plate and took a photo. The Georgians call it the Russian Law. It was passed recently by the Parliament in the Republic of Georgia, purportedly to improve transparency by having civil society and media groups that get some of their funds from abroad register as groups carrying the interests of a foreign power. But the tens of thousands of Georgians who have taken to the streets again and again against the law know its real goals: to suppress those who would hold the government to account and to move the country into the orbit of Vladimir Putins Russia. The law has drawn stiff rebukes from the United States and Europe. The State Department has announced visa restrictions on officials behind the foreign-agent law, and Congress has threatened further sanctions. European Union officials have warned that it could block Georgias bid for membership only six months after the country was granted candidate status. This is a serious threat for a country where polls show about 80 percent of the population said they supported a Western political orientation. The clash over the foreign-agent law in a small country nestled in the Caucasus Mountains has been largely overshadowed by Russias war on Ukraine. Yet it is also at its core an East-West struggle over Georgias political path, a contest with cardinal implications for the regions future. Georgia, in fact, was the first neighboring country invaded by Russia post-Soviet Union, in 2008, to block its westward drift. Now the ruling party, Georgian Dream, seems to share Russias goal, though it has generally avoided openly siding with Russia. Started 12 years ago by the billionaire oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili who made his money in Russia as a broad and ill-defined opposition movement, the party has taken an increasingly anti-Western stance in recent years. In a speech in Tbilisi, the nations capital, last month, Mr. Ivanishvili inveighed against a global war party that, he said, was appointed from outside and was using nongovernmental organizations to take control of Georgia. Georgian Dream has also echoed other Russian attacks on purported Western decadence. I used to answer the phone with Salam. Not anymore. I dont want people to know Im a Muslim. There is little that would identify me as Muslim to begin with, aside from my name. I dont wear a skullcap, and in public I avoid wearing the loosefitting Pathani kurta and peppering my speech with Urdu words, all of which are identity markers for Indian Muslims. But in the India of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, you cant take any chances. For 10 years, Mr. Modis Hindu-chauvinist government has vilified the nations 200 million Muslims as dangerous undesirables. Recently, he took that rhetoric to a new low during the six weeks of voting in Indias national elections which are widely expected to win him a third consecutive five-year term directly referring to Muslims as infiltrators in a country that he and his followers seek to turn into a pure Hindu state. As offensive as that was, it is sadly familiar to Indian Muslims like me who after a decade of denigration, violence and murder live in daily fear of being identified and attacked, forcing us into self-denial to protect ourselves. India is home to one of the worlds largest Muslim populations. Islam came here around 1,300 years ago, and Indian Muslims descend from natives of this land who converted to Islam centuries ago. Many Indian Muslims fought against British colonization, and millions rejected the 1947 partition of the country into a predominantly Hindu India and a mostly Muslim Pakistan. India is our home, and people like me are proud patriots. Marjorie Taylor Greene seems even thirstier for attention than usual. The Georgia congresswoman recently caused a rumpus in a House Oversight Committee meeting by mocking the eyelashes of a Democratic colleague, Jasmine Crockett. (The episode went viral. Of course.) Days later Ms. Greene dialed up the lunacy, claiming knowledge of a deep state plot to assassinate Donald Trump. The Biden DOJ and FBI were planning to assassinate Pres Trump and gave the green light. Does everyone get it yet???!!!! she posted on X. What are Republicans going to do about it? Um, nothing. Because it is not true. Ms. Greene was just running wild with new details about the governments 2022 efforts to recover the piles of documents Mr. Trump hoarded at Mar-a-Lago and spinning out a bonkers conspiracy theory. So, you know, the usual M.T.G. antics. Except for this: In the wake of Ms. Greenes failed crusade to depose House Speaker Mike Johnson, her craziest-clown-at-the-carnival act seems to have descended into a sad clown party of one. Not long ago, people were buzzing about the MAGA radical as a kind of shadow speaker, the woman who had her partys leadership running scared. For weeks this spring, her threats against Mr. Johnson had reporters swarming all over her like flies on honey. But now? Even MAGA-friendly conservatives sound tired of her. About 10 years ago, as the war in Afghanistan was slowly, painfully winding down, I walked through Arlington National Cemetery with a fellow Marine veteran and a relative of mine visiting from Ireland. We passed row after row of pristine white tombs, the dead of all the just wars and unjust wars that made and remade this country, and my relative told us he found it quite moving; he hadnt been expecting that. Perhaps he thought itd be more bombastic, or obviously militaristic, and he was taken by the beauty and serenity and quiet dignity of the place. So we brought him to Section 60 to see some of the newest graves, of kids born in the 90s, and I told him the sight filled me with rage, these young lives thrown into a mismanaged war, where even their deaths, at that late stage, were mostly ignored. Just the background hum of a global superpower. A couple of years later, in 2021, the Afghan war finally ended, taking with it a few American children of the 2000s, and, in a moral failure laid on top of the military failure, leaving tens of thousands of Afghans who worked with us at risk in the now completely Taliban-controlled country. The last Marines to fall died in a suicide bombing at a gate to Kabuls airport, a blast that killed 11 Marines, one Navy medic, one soldier and about 170 Afghan civilians. The Marines were trying to manage the chaos of the poorly planned evacuation of Afghans from Kabul a humanitarian mission at heart, trying to help those we were abandoning. A week before she died, one of the Marines, Sgt. Nicole Gee, posted a photo of her cradling a baby in Kabul and captioned it, I love my job. America responded to those deaths with a drone strike against a Kabul vehicle the military claimed was transporting ISIS members who were about to carry out another attack, but that, in a twist that felt grotesquely emblematic of so many of our failures, turned out to carry an Afghan aid worker. The blast killed the aid worker and his relatives, seven of whom were children. The sort of people those Marines died trying to help. Contact. I.E.D. When I served in Iraq, Id hear those words on the radio, and my heart would freeze. It meant that one of our vehicles had encountered an improvised explosive device a roadside bomb. It meant damage. It meant injuries. It meant death. And when death comes for your brothers, it leaves a wound on your soul that never fully heals. The unique demands of military service mean that soldiers experience loss differently from the vast majority of civilians. In the civilian world, death interrupts our lives we drop everything to rush to the side of a dying relative or friend. Time can seem to stop. We put work on hold. We cancel family trips. The rituals of mourning and comfort take priority as we pause, sit with our families and grieve. In war, death interrupts nothing. Time doesnt stop; it seems to accelerate. And thats deeply unnatural. The moment that contact call which indicates a violent encounter with the enemy comes to headquarters, youre split in two. The human side of you desperately wants to know if anyone was hurt. And when you hear the radio crackle with the sound of V.S.I. (very seriously injured) or K.I.A. (killed in action), part of you is overcome with fear and concern. But only part. In that moment and in that place, grief is the enemy. It can cloud your mind and color your judgment. Lives are at stake, so you shove it to the side and focus on your job. At the scene, the job is often simply staying alive. You fight, you treat the wounded and you call for help. When Emily Peterson purchased her seaside cottage in Cape Neddick, Maine, she knew its coastal hues had to go. The second we walked through this house, I had this vision that I wanted it to be dark, said Ms. Peterson, who bought the 1770s home nearly two years ago. Its been here for so many years and I just wanted to bring life back into it. And in this case, that meant going back to its historical roots with moodier colors. So Ms. Peterson, who shares the cottage with her husband and two young children, painted over the butter yellow and powder-blue walls with dark greens and deep blues. Bright, vibrant spaces have enjoyed their time in the sun after all, last summers Barbiecore moment even extended to homes but theres growing interest in a dark interior aesthetic. On TikTok, videos highlighting this style often rack up thousands of likes. And on the home-decorating website Houzz, theres been surge in searches related to dark and moody decor for example, moody bedroom searches are up 142 percent. Waiters in blue jackets wended through a crowded dining room balancing trays of martinis. A woman ran her fingers along a wall covered with markings of the heights of children. Longtime regulars handed servers farewell tips through firm handshakes. It was the last night for Pietros, an old guard Italian steakhouse, at its decades-long address in Midtown Manhattan. Among the devout who had come to pay their respects on Thursday was the fashion designer Michael Kors, who sat at a corner table with his husband, Lance Le Pere. There is no Carbone without Pietros, Mr. Kors said as he waited for a house specialty, Shells a la Nat, a pasta in bone-marrow sauce. U.S. and allied intelligence officials are tracking an increase in low-level sabotage operations in Europe that they say are part of a Russian campaign to undermine support for Ukraines war effort. The covert operations have mostly been arsons or attempted arsons targeting a wide range of sites, including a warehouse in England, a paint factory in Poland, homes in Latvia and, most oddly, an Ikea store in Lithuania. But people accused of being Russian operatives have also been arrested on charges of plotting attacks on U.S. military bases. While the acts might appear random, American and European security officials say they are part of a concerted effort by Russia to slow arms transfers to Kyiv and create the appearance of growing European opposition to support for Ukraine. And the officials say Russias military intelligence arm, the G.R.U., is leading the campaign. The bulletin appeared without much fanfare in an official government newspaper in Peru that publishes new laws and regulations. Peruvian health officials say they had no idea the response it would trigger. They say they wanted to expand access to privately insured mental health care for transgender Peruvians. So the government decree included language classifying transgender identity as a mental health problem. But as news of the regulation filtered out, it provoked outrage among the countrys L.G.B.T.Q. population and advocates. Many critics said the rule was another blow in a country where gay marriage and civil unions are illegal; transgender identity is not legally recognized; there is no legislation recognizing hate crimes; and trans Peruvians say they face widespread discrimination and violence. At least 670 people are assumed to have died after a landslide in Papua New Guinea, according to a local United Nations official. The landslide hit a rural region of the island nation early Friday, but search-and-rescue efforts have been hampered by difficulty in reaching the disaster site and by the hazard that the shifting ground continues to pose. This danger has prompted many survivors to abandon their homes, according to Serhan Aktoprak, the chief of mission at the International Organization for Migrations office in Papua New Guinea, who estimated that over 250 houses were abandoned and that roughly 1,250 people were displaced. The region, in Enga Province, is densely populated, according to local officials, and has a young population. The authorities fear that many of the fatalities will be children under 15. The local government secured food and water for around 600 people, Mr. Aktoprak said, and a humanitarian convoy of local officials and members of the International Organization for Migration headed to the region on Sunday. An aid convoy had gotten through on Saturday afternoon to deliver tarps and water, but no food. Twelve people were injured on Sunday during turbulence on a Qatar Airways flight from Doha that landed safely as scheduled in Ireland, the Dublin Airport said. The plane, a Boeing B787-9, was flying over Turkey when it encountered turbulence, injuring six passengers and six crew members, the Dublin Airport said on social media. The flight landed in Dublin just before 1 p.m. local time and was met by emergency medical workers, the airport said. Passengers were checked for injuries before leaving the plane, and eight people were taken to a hospital. Periodic outcries over incompetence and corruption at the top of the Russian military have dogged President Vladimir V. Putins war effort since the start of his invasion of Ukraine in early 2022. When his forces faltered around the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, the need for change was laid bare. When they were routed months later outside the city of Kharkiv, expectations of a shake-up grew. And after the mercenary leader Yevgeny V. Prigozhin marched his men toward Moscow, complaining of deep rot and ineptitude at the top of the Russian force, Mr. Putin seemed obliged to respond. But, at each turn, the Russian president avoided any major public moves that could have been seen as validating the criticism, keeping his defense minister and top general in place through the firestorm while shuffling battlefield commanders and making other moves lower on the chain. Now, with the battlefield crises seemingly behind him and Mr. Prigozhin dead, the Russian leader has decided to act, changing defense ministers for the first time in more than a decade and allowing a number of corruption arrests among top ministry officials. President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine said on Sunday that Moscows forces were massing for a new ground offensive on the northeast of his country, a day after a Russian missile strike on a hardware superstore in the city of Kharkiv killed at least 16 people and wounded dozens more, according to Ukrainian officials. Russia is the only source of aggression and constantly tries to expand the war, Mr. Zelensky said in a speech delivered in English inside the ruins of a publishing house in Kharkiv that was destroyed last week in a Russian strike. Russia is preparing for offensive actions, around 60 miles northwest of Kharkiv, he said, adding that Moscow was gathering another group of troops near our border. Mr. Zelensky gave no further details about the potential attack. Moscow surprised Ukraine on May 10 when its troops poured across the northeastern border, punching through Ukrainian defenses and seizing villages close to the frontier. That forced the government in Kyiv to rush in reinforcements in a bid to halt the Russian advance. But that was not all. Dr. Bitton had a history with Yahya Sinwar. As he watched the images of terror and death flicker across his screen, he was tormented by a decision he had made nearly two decades before how, working in a prison infirmary, he had come to the aid of a mysteriously and desperately ill Mr. Sinwar, and how afterward the Hamas leader had told him that he owed me his life. The two men had then formed a relationship of sorts, sworn enemies who nevertheless showed a wary mutual respect. As a dentist and later as a senior intelligence officer for the Israeli prison service, Dr. Bitton had spent hundreds of hours talking with and analyzing Mr. Sinwar, who in the seven months since Oct. 7 has eluded Israels forces even as their assault on Gaza has killed tens of thousands and turned much of the enclave to rubble. Now American officials believe Mr. Sinwar is calling the shots for Hamas in negotiations over a deal for a cease-fire and the release of some of the hostages. THEON, Wash. At the precise moment that a huge American flag was being lowered to half-staff in honor of fallen soldiers, three World War II-era fighter planes ripped through the sky in unison, wowing the crowd below. Katie Rigby, of Lewiston, sang the national anthem in a rich, alto voice. Smaller flags fluttered in the wind, one saying: All gave some, some gave all. Other musicians played military hymns of the different branches on bagpipes, a guitar and a player piano. And then the trio of fighter planes circled back and roared overhead again, each one doing a 180 in the sky before disappearing into the clouds. Well, that was cool, said one woman on the ground. It was the eighth annual Theon military flag raising ceremony at this former townsite about 15 miles south of Asotin just off State Route 129. The flat, nondescript plain was filled with hundreds of people who came to pay their respects to military heroes, both past and present. Dignitaries included the Nez Perce County Mounted Sheriffs Posse, the Lewis Clark Saddle Club and local rodeo royalty. The event was hosted by Travis Polek and his girlfriend, Letha Brown, at the entrance to their property. Free hot dogs and side dishes were offered and live and silent auctions were held to benefit the Idaho Veterans Assistance League. Well, its a great celebration, said Arlene Mullins, of Anatone. Weve been doing this for several years and Travis has made it into a great celebration and its a big community get-together. Tom Polek, who is the father of Travis Polek, was presented with a red, white and blue afghan in appreciation for his military service in the 101st U.S. Army Airborne and for his help getting the Theon event started eight years ago. Tom Polek said he gave his son a 42-foot flagpole as a gift and then a small group of neighboring farmers got together, mounted it in the ground and hoisted a flag. After it was done and all of them talked and they said, You know, we should have this every year, Polek said. So from there on its just blossomed and grew and grew and grew. "For five years [NVMI doesn't] even have audit findings" - LACOE Board Member Yvonne Chan Photo by Brad Switzer on Unsplash (Image by Brad Switzer) Details DMCA It is now clear why the ethically challenged former President chose BF Borgers; the auditing firm had no real intention of ensuring that investors could rely on Trump Media's financial reports. From 2019 to 2021 the accounting firm had doubled the number of clients it served but had not hired additional staff to handle the increased workload. There were 147 audits assigned to "just one person". A review of audits performed in 2021 and 2022 by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) found "a 100% deficiency rate". In shutting down BF Borgers, and forcing Trump Media to hire another accounting firm, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) cited failures "to abide by accounting rules, [fabrication of] documentation to cover up its shortcomings, and [false statements] in audit reports that its work met audit standards." The regulators found that the firm copied "audit documentation from a previous year, [changed] relevant dates, and then [passed] it off as current documentation." Regulators found 1,500 deficient reports. This suggests that investors and lenders to these companies could have made decisions based on inaccurate, or even fraudulent, data. If auditors are "gatekeepers" of the financial system, BF Borgers's "sham audit mill" left that gate wide open. The same can be said for the Charter School Industry in California. The laws "regulating" charter schools in California require these publicly financed private schools to have their financials audited yearly. However, a lack of oversight leaves taxpayers unprotected from the theft and misuse of public funds. The auditors are supposed to be independent, but "they are hired and fired at will by the schools they are auditing" allowing the schools to shop for the firm that will do the most shallow dig into their financial practices. The accountants performing the audits require no special training or vetting by the state. One of the few rules these firms have to follow is that "it is unlawful for a public accounting firm to provide audit services to a local educational agency if the lead audit partner, or coordinating audit partner, having primary responsibility for the audit, or the audit partner responsible for reviewing the audit, has performed audit services for that local educational agency in each of the six previous fiscal years." However, this limitation is frequently ignored by the charter school industry and those who are supposed to regulate them. One of the few times that a violation of this law was cited was during a 2015 review of an audit conducted by Hill, Morgan and Associates, LLP, of the Magnolia Science Academy (MSA) charter school. In addition to finding that "the firm's audit was not performed in accordance with the standards and requirements set forth in Government Auditing Standards", the State Controller's office noted that it "was the eighth year the firm had performed the audit of MSA". In response, auditors admitted they had "applied for a waiver, which was denied". They were, therefore, forced to cease their "audit relationships where applicable". (Image by Hill, Morgan and Associates, LLP) Details DMCA Despite being caught red-handed, Hill continued auditing other charter schools beyond the six-year limit. Pasadena Rosebud used the accounting firm for 15 years through the 2021 to 2022 school year. According to a comment at a Los Angeles Office of Education (LACOE) meeting on August 8, 2023, the disgraced North Valley Military Institute started using the firm "as their 'independent' auditor starting at least in 2007". It only stopped using Hill after "Jeffrey Hill was pilloried by a San Diego Grand Jury for failing to conduct an appropriate audit on the infamous A3 Charter Schools." The A3 Education online charter school hired Hill after a previous auditor questioned payments that violated California law. Hill then stood by as A3 continued to engage in a massive fraud that included inaccurate student counts and an illegal funneling of $80 million of state education funds to companies controlled by the charter school's Directors. Another notable client of Hill was Green Dot Charter Schools. LAUSD candidate Dan Chang served as the chain's Vice President of School Development from May 2003 to November 2009. His involvement in what he calls the "turnaround" of Locke High School is a central plank in his platform even though the data shows that Chang's chain failed to achieve results. The fact that they were using an "audit mill" to verify their financials confirms Green Dot was never interested in proven results. Carl Petersen is a parent advocate for public education, particularly for students with special education needs, who serves as the Education Chair for the Northridge East Neighborhood Council. As a Green Party candidate in LAUSD's District 2 School Board race, he was endorsed by Network for Public Education (NPE) Action. Dr. Diane Ravitch has called him "a valiant fighter for public schools in Los Angeles." For links to his blogs, please visit www.ChangeTheLAUSD.com. Opinions are his own. Meet shy chicken PopTart, friendly donkeys Olive and Hazel and other rescued and retired farm animals at Southern Oregons VegFest, a free event June 9 hosted by Tikkun Olam Farm Sanctuary to champion for all creatures and promote plant-based products. More than 50 vendors will be at the farm at 460 Hartley Road in Phoenix, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Musicians will perform, and there will be kids activities, guided tours, and cruelty-free, cholesterol-free vegan cuisine for sale. After nearly a year of trotting the globe non-stop, Dung and Chiaki are now used to waking up in strange, new places each and every morning. At the beginning of May, Ngo Quang Dung and his Japanese wife, Chiaki Hatori, found themselves wandering on foot down remote rural roads in Madagascar, an island nation off the coast of the African continent that boasts some of the worlds most untouched wilderness. Life in the villages the young couple visited was simple. The houses were made of dirt, and locals traveled on foot without vehicles. Families cooked with wood for fuel, and in the afternoon, the children would heard buffaloes and goats back to their homes before taking impromptu dips in the natural rivers that dotted the landscape. "Chiaki was quite surprised," said Dung, a 28-year-old IT engineer. His wife had never seen anything like this in her home country before. "I told her life in Vietnam in the not-too-distant past was the same as here." Chiaki and Dung in a small village near Oaxaca, Mexico, in August 2023. Photo courtesy of the couple Dung, who hails from the town of Son Tay in metropolitan Hanoi, met Chiaki at a meeting of their schools English club during his freshman year at the Tokyo University of Agriculture in 2014. They fell in love quickly, and their bond was strong enough to endure a major long-distance relationship when Chiaki then had to continue her studies in France. In October 2021, the couple reunited in Vietnam to get married. Two days after the wedding, Chiaki infected with Covid. It was nearly midnight when she suddenly went pale, her limbs ran cold, and she became so short of breath that her breathing nearly stopped. Dungs family rushed her to the hospital where oxygen therapy returned her breathing to normal. But she remained bedridden in her hospital room for three days. After a two-week stay, Chiaki recovered, and the couple decided to move to Japan. Chiaki and Dungs near-death experience prompted the husband and wife to realize that "death can come to you anytime." The incident helped them come to believe that to spend too much time working would be a waste of their youth. They had both always wanted to travel, but health problems could randomly prohibit them from ever traveling. "Were still young, were not burdened with children, so I want to wander the earth and learn about the world outside of Vietnam and Japan," said Chiaki, a business consultant. Her husband heartily agreed. Chiaki and Dung spent a few months preparing for the trip. They made a list of the countries they wanted to visit, supplemented by a collection of locations in those countries they wanted to see. "We had been working for 4-5 years, and living frugally, so we had enough savings to leave work for a year and go on our trip without worry," Dung said. At the end of July 2023, the young couple embarked on their first journey. Over the first four months of their travels, they visited the U.S., Mexico, Colombia, Bolivia, Peru, Chile, and Brazil. After traversing Americas major nature preserves, the couple returned to Japan to apply for visas. Next, they celebrated the Lunar New Year Festival (Tet) with their families, before flying to the Philippines. They then flew to Sri Lanka, India, Georgia, Turkey, and are now currently in Madagascar. For the next three months, the couple is planning to continue traveling more African countries before ending their year-long journey. A silhouette of Chiaki and Dung look up at the Grand Canyons night sky during their long road trip through 23 U.S. national parks. Photo courtesy of the couple Passions thrive Dung is enthusiastic about photography and videography, and his hobby has won him several awards. He likes to focus on capturing images of the natural world mostly animal and plant life. Chiaki is more curious about local cultures, communities, history, and societies of people. In every new destination, the two seek out the best places and activities to engage with their personal interests. One of Dungs most striking and memorable moments on the trip so far was when the couple spent two days in a small village deep in Bolivias Andes Mountains, surrounded by the two peaks of Condoriri Mountain, over 5,600 meters high, and Huayna Potosi Mountain, over 6,000 meters high. "We often hike mountains in Japan, but we had never been anywhere that didnt have phone signals or creature comforts like TVs, wifi, and 24/7 electricity [power only flowed for two hours per day in the Andes mountain regions they visited]. When we were disconnected from these modern tech gadgets, we really only had each other, although the vast the earth and sky were also our companions," Dung said. The couple also traveled the wild Amazon jungle in Brazil. They were quickly overwhelmed by the gargantuan forests. Dung found that even his Flycam unable to penetrate the vast canopies and they only striking images it could capture were slices of mighty rivers cutting through the jungle here and there. "Sailing through the Amazon is like being in the middle of an unmoving sea, we felt so small," Dung said. Chiaki and Dung hoist their countries' flags at the Uyuni Salt Flat in Bolivia in the winter of 2023. Photo courtesy of the couple Dung and Chiaki both said that they have no desire for luxuries, houses, or cars. Indeed, they instead used all their hard-earned money to buy a year of youth, allowing them to open their eyes and truly enjoy life. After their sojourn, Dung will go back to his old job, while Chiaki is planning to find a new job that allows her to utilize her French skills. "This journey inspired us to live for ourselves and spend more time with our families. No matter what happens, Dung and I will always be here for each other," Chiaki beamed. In what had long been celebrated every May 30 to honor Americas fallen soldiers, Memorial Day officially became a federal holiday in 1971, observed on the last Monday in May. Businesses increasingly have chosen to stay open on the holiday, leading to what is now one of the biggest retail sales and travel weekends of the year. Heres what is open and closed this year on Memorial Day: GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS Government offices, post offices, courts and schools are closed. BANKS AND STOCK MARKET U.S. stock markets and banks are closed Monday. Most FedEx and UPS pickup and delivery services will also not be available on Memorial Day. RETAILERS Warehouse membership club Costco said it would close on Memorial Day, but the vast majority of retailers will be open, with many trying to lure customers with big promotional sales. Hours may vary by location. TRAVEL Memorial Day is also considered the unofficial opening of the summer travel season. Auto club AAA projects 43.8 million travelers will head 50 miles or more from home over the holiday travel period, an increase of 4% from last year. If those projections are accurate, that would come close to 2005s record of 44 million Memorial Day weekend travelers. AAA projects 38.4 million people will travel by car over the weekend the highest number for that holiday since AAA began tracking it in 2000 and that another 3.5 million people will travel by air. Authorities still havent identified the source of the tar-like substance that has been washing up on Oregons beaches and endangering wildlife, although officials warned people not to touch it in a statement released Saturday. The oily substance made its first appearance Sunday and prompted officials to form a Unified Command on Thursday made up of the U.S. Coast Guard, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality and the Washington Department of Ecology, officials said. On Saturday, officials said that the substance was appearing along the coast from Long Beach, Washington, to south of Newport near mile post 146. Officials say that the substance can resemble sticky tar balls, and their origin remains unknown. Responders have submitted samples for laboratory testing, but officials dont expect results until next week. Officials said on Thursday that they had found and treated multiple birds covered in oil in the area, most of which were common murres. In order to contain the substance, officials said on Thursday they have contracted NWFF Environmental and NorthWest HazMat, both oil spill response organizations that are assisting with cleanup in Cannon Beach and Lincoln City. On Saturday, officials announced that they will be doing aerial reconnaissance along Oregons coast over the weekend and urged people to avoid flying drones in the area which could interfere with their operations. Officials added that people shouldnt try to clean up the substance themselves and that anyone who touches the substance should wash it off with soap or degreasing dishwashing detergent and water. If you see birds affected by the substance, officials recommend calling 1-800-22-BIRDS (1-800-222-4737) to get expert help. Tatum Todd covers crime and public safety. Reach them at ttodd@oregonian.com, or 503-221-4313. The May election was one in which dark money won except when it didnt. An election where voters tossed progressives except when they kept them. An election reflecting taxpayer fatigue except for the many money measures that passed. Try as we might to draw a neat narrative around the biggest Portland-area races on the ballot this spring, the only clear takeaway is that even Portlands broadly liberal voting population is deeply conflicted about the direction to take at this moment in time. But the results offer a few glimpses into voters state of mind that are relevant not only for the November election, but beyond. Candidates, policymakers and elected officials should take note and prepare accordingly. Whither Multnomah County: Conventional wisdom suggests that Multnomah County residents want a significant shift from the policies pursued by former Chair Deborah Kafoury and current Chair Jessica Vega Pederson, particularly on homelessness and behavioral health. But the strong showing in the primary for Meghan Moyer and Shannon Singleton two of the biggest progressives running for the county board with many of the same labor union, nonprofit and advocacy group endorsers suggest that a large contingent of voters isnt ready to make that break. Between now and November, voters should press the two candidates as well as their opponents, Vadim Mozyrsky and Sam Adams to keep up the pace in articulating the specific ideas, proposals and diagnoses of whats going wrong. The candidates should act as if they are already on the board of commissioners and weigh in frequently on current agenda issues in front of the board including Vega Pedersons proposed budget; Multnomah County Commissioner Julia Brim-Edwards push to create a 24-hour sobering center; the ongoing delay in ambulance response times; and the development of a deflection system for providing drug users with treatment as drug possession is recriminalized starting in September. Not only do voters deserve to know where candidates stand in advance of the November election, but whoever is elected should be well-steeped in the issues and ready to take charge in January when they join Vega Pederson, Brim-Edwards and newcomer Vince Jones-Dixon on the board. The limits of big money: In reality, there arent many limits on big money in Oregon elections these days. We saw how that plays out, most notably in the more than $3 million spent in blistering ads from Voters for a Responsive Government excoriating 3rd Congressional District candidate Susheela Jayapal for her time on the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners. Still, Jayapal wasnt the only one targeted by the huge sums of money flowing in support of or against several candidates. The question is: how effective was it? While Jayapal lost decisively to state legislator Maxine Dexter in the Democratic primary, a similar onslaught of scorching ads against Singleton, who served as the interim director of the beleaguered Joint Office of Homeless Services, did nothing to halt her first-place showing in the race for Multnomah County District 2 commissioner. And while a flurry of ads attempted to paint prosecutor Nathan Vasquez as a favorite of the pro-Trump crowd, Vasquez, who had his own deep-pocketed supporters weighing in, prevailed over incumbent Mike Schmidt. While theres little the state can legally do to limit the amount of such independent expenditures by outside groups in elections, requirements to disclose donors can help shed some light on who is seeking to sway voters in state and local elections. Legislators earlier this year passed House Bill 4024 under threat of a stricter campaign finance ballot measure going to voters. While the disclosure requirements are not as expansive as reformers sought, they will still force greater transparency once they go in effect in 2027. The key, however, is for the public as well as the good government groups who have been pushing for these changes to track implementation and make sure it matches the intent. Pushback simmering on growth: North Plains residents overwhelming approval of a ballot measure to halt the Washington County citys plan to expand its urban growth boundary isnt the end of the story. But its the latest sign of Oregonians unease over making the significant changes necessary to support economic development and reverse the states crushing lack of housing. The ballot measure challenged plans that had long been in the works to grow North Plains, a community of about 3,300 with median household income of $102,000, not far from Oregons Silicon Forest. With Intel recently securing an $8.5 billion CHIPS Act grant and other Oregon semiconductor companies receiving millions in federal funds, North Plains is well situated to house the industrial, commercial and residential growth that such investment will generate. But critics objected to the size of the 855-acre increase, contended that valuable farmland would be lost and successfully put what is essentially a land-use decision on the ballot. Despite efforts by legislators and Gov. Tina Kotek to halt the vote rightly recognizing that such administrative decisions should be handled through the existing process that allows for public appeals a judge cleared the way for the referendum to go on the ballot. The upshot is that absent a Plan B from North Plains, the citys expansion could be tied up in courts for years. Ideally, this is the kind of appeal that should go directly to the Oregon Supreme Court once the circuit court hears the case. Settling the question of whether voters can rightfully refer administrative land-use decisions to the ballot is critical for cities basic planning and adherence to state law. And considering many Oregonians antipathy to growth primarily if its in their community the prospect of voters in other cities mobilizing to stop boundary changes or other development decisions by popular vote is a very real concern. Oregon depends enormously on income taxes to pay for basic public services and continuing economic strength is vital to the states future. At the same time, the state has been underbuilding housing for decades and our shortage of 140,000 units is driving up rents, home prices, homelessness and contributing to declines in state population. Oregonians understandably are protective of the states environmental, agricultural and scenic heritage. But if they want to ensure a more sustainable future where people have good-paying jobs, families have homes and schools are adequately funded, they cant focus on just preserving the past. -The Oregonian/OregonLive Editorial Board Sign up for our free Oregon Opinion newsletter. Email: Over the past two and a half years, The Oregonian/OregonLive has published several in-depth projects related to Black history in Oregon. In 2022, Publishing Prejudice examined The Oregonians racist past under early publisher Henry Pittock and longtime editor Harvey Scott. That project included two main stories: the newspapers treatment of Black Oregonians during that early period and how The Oregonian covered the imprisonment of Oregonians of Japanese ancestry during World War II. I bet Maxine Dexter is a nice person, and we probably agree on a lot of things, but after her craven primary campaign, she wont be getting this Democrats vote in the general election, (Maxine Dexter wins Democratic nomination in competitive primary for Portland area seat in Congress, May 21). I know she doesnt have a lot of control over dark money spending, but she does have a voice, and her milquetoast statements about what was happening showed me all I need to know about her character. Oregons 3rd Congressional District deserves a strong and principled progressive voice like weve had all these years with U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer. I wish it had been Eddy Morales, but at the very least it should be someone who condemned the MAGA-esque smear campaign that their colleague, Susheela Jayapal, was enduring. Dexter failed the moment. I hope she gets a real primary challenger next cycle and has to run on her own merits; well see how she fares without $5 million in out-of-state dirty money. Fire restrictions prohibiting fireworks, certain types of ammunition and more are in effect for all Bureau of Land Management public lands in Oregon and Washington. As warmer and drier weather comes to the Pacific Northwest, the restrictions that went into effect May 24, 2024, are designed to reduce the risk of human-caused fires. The restrictions expire Oct. 31, 2024. The use of fireworks, exploding targets or metallic targets, steel component ammunition, tracer or incendiary devices, and sky lanterns are prohibited. Although we had a wet winter, we must still be careful with activities that can cause a spark, Anita Bilbao, the BLM associate state director for Oregon and Washington, said in a news release. People who violate the restrictions can face fines up to $100,000 and up to one year of imprisonment. Some areas may have additional restrictions, like prohibitions against campfires. You can find the latest list of restrictions and fire-related closures on the BLM website. The Oregonian/OregonLive EUGENE Josh Kerr fought off Jakob Ingebrigtsen on an epic last lap to win the Bowerman Mile and Kenyan Beatrice Chebet treated the crowd at Hayward Field to a world record in the womens 10,000 meters Saturday in an eventful Prefontaine Classic. There was more. Star sprinter ShaCarri Richardson took care of business in the womens 100 meters and former University of Oregon star Jessica Hull claimed the Australian record in the womens 1,500 on a cool, dry day before 12,009. The world record in the 10,000 came early, in the days first elite event. The 10,000 had been billed as a world record attempt by Ethiopian Gudaf Tsegay, but Chebet of turned show stealer. Tsegay led most of the way at a world record pace, but Chebet stayed with her as it turned into a two-woman battle for the last half of the race. As the pace slowed with three laps remaining, Chebet bolted past Gudaf and into the lead. She only added to her advantage as she accelerated over the final 1,200 meters, fans in the stadium rising to their feet and roaring as she rocketed around the track. Chebets winning time was 28 minutes, 54.14, crushing the world record of 29:01.03 set by Letesenbet Gidey in 2021. Tsegay came across second in 29:05.92, the third fastest womens time ever. The two runners embraced at the finish line. Beatrice Chebet poses with a sign showing her time after she set a new world record while winning the women's 10,000 meters at the Prefontaine Classic track and field meet on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at Hayward Field in Eugene.Howard Lao for The Oregonian/OregonLive Chebet, who greeted reporters for her interview session in a Stop Pre T-shirt, said she was targeting the 5,000 for the Paris Olympics, but when Tsegay requested a world record pace, she decided to see what she could do with it. My body responded well, Chebet said. Then I decided to go. The rivalry between Kerr and Ingebrigtsen delivered another scintillating chapter. Kerr, the reigning world champion, grabbed the lead with 600 meters remaining. The race then quickly narrowed to Kerr and Ingebrigtsen. Ingebrigtsen pressed Kerr hard over the final 200 but couldnt catch him. Kerrs winning time was 3:45.34, breaking the British record 3:46.32 that Steve Cram had held since 1985. Ingebrigtsens time was 3:45.60. Cram was in the stadium and congratulated Keff afterward. He said it was a long time coming, and he was very proud of me and the way I raced, Kerr said. Ethiopian Diribe Welteji ran away with the womens 1,500, winning in 3:53.75. The excitement came behind her, where Hull made a strong move in the final 200 to overtake former U.S. champion Elle St. Pierre. St. Pierre didnt give up, but Hull held on to place second in 3:55.97 and reclaim the Australian record that had been held since last September by Linden Hall (3:56.92). St. Pierre crossed third with a time of 3:56.00. I knew I would have to do something somewhere within the last 300 meters, Hull said. I spent the whole back straight thinking, Should it be now? Going into the turn I thought Id better try. She did, and the big, crowd-pleasing move paid off. The all-Kenyan mens 10,000 also brought fans to their feet, with Daniel Mateiko kicking to a winning time of 26:50.81. The top six finishers bettered 27 minutes in the race, which served as the Kenyan Olympic trials for the event. Sha'Carri Richardson (center) hits the tape to win the women's 100 meters at the Prefontaine Classic track and field meet on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at Hayward Field in Eugene.Howard Lao for The Oregonian/OregonLive Richardson, the reigning world champion, dusted the field to win the womens 100 in 10.83. Julien Alfred, a distant second in 10.93, was the only other woman to crack 11 seconds. Four-time Olympic gold medalist Elaine Thompson-Herah came in ninth. Richardson was almost as quick through the interview area as she was on the track. Asked about her plans between now and next months U.S. Olympic trials, she said, Grinding, focusing and getting ready for the trials. Olympic gold medalist Valarie Allman claimed the womens discus with a best throw of 221 feet, edging Cuban Yaime Perez, second in 220-7. Former Oregon star Jorinde van Klinken came in third at 212-10. It was van Klinkens second appearance at Pre in as many years. She was fourth in 2023. It was a cooler experience this year than last year, she said. The crowd was even more involved this time. I was ready to throw far, and the Hayward magic was there again. Former world champ Christian Coleman parlayed a lightning start into a first-place finish in the mens 100 in 9.95. Coleman had to hold off surging Ferdinand Omanyala, second in 9.98. As Coleman said later, it was all in a days work. For me, its not even about the times, he said. I just want to get out there, execute and compete every time especially in the Diamond League. ... Every race isnt going to be perfect. So, the focus is on competing and getting a win. Canadian Camryn Rogers won a spirited womens hammer competition in which the top three finishers bettered the meet record. Rogers winning throw of 255 feet, 1 inch came on the last of her six attempts. U.S. throwers DeAnna Price and Brooke Andersen were second and third with marks of 251-9 and 250-5 respectively. The meet record had been 249-3, set by Tatyana Lysenko in 2010. Here are complete results from the 2024 Prefontaine Classic. -- Ken Goe for The Oregonian/OregonLive ELKO Ed Dickens Jr. knows trains. He is the senior manager of heritage operations at Union Pacific in Omaha, Nebraska. He is also the chief locomotive engineer for the worlds largest steam locomotive, the Big Boy No. 4014 which will be making three Elko County stops in July. When you talk about a steam locomotive, youd be hard-pressed to mention the steam locomotive and not have the image of the Big Boy come to mind, he said. Back in 1941, Union Pacific built 20 of those as part of the national war effort. The Union Pacifics role in that was they were moving lots and lots of freight. They were at capacity. They needed a big locomotive and they designed the Big Boy. In 1944, they built five more. No. 4014 was in service from 1941 to 1961, during which it traveled over a million miles. In 2013, Union Pacific brought the train from the RailGiants museum in Pomona, California, to Cheyenne, Wyoming, to be put back in service. With restoration headed up by Dickens and finished in 2019 for the 150th anniversary of the Transcontinental Railroad, Big Boy is back on the rails again. For the June 30 to July 26 Westward Bound tour, the Big Boy will travel through Wyoming, Idaho, Utah, Nevada and California, making stops in Elko County at Carlin and Wells. Were expecting lots of enthusiastic turnout to come see it, Dickens said. One of my chief responsibilities is planning the trip, he said. What we have traveling through Elko is an enormous industrial supply chain railroad network, where the commerce of the nation is flowing 24/7, 365. Elko is a very busy terminal. So my responsibility is to take this big locomotive and navigate it throughout our network, working with so many people along the way, staging it at certain locations, laboring at certain locations, stopping at certain locations. He said he will operate the huge locomotive the entire route, sometimes more than once. Just working out the operational logistics, meeting with other operating colleagues. Union Pacific media colleagues develop a plan to make the locomotive accessible for public viewing in certain places, he said. We oftentimes work with various municipalities and cities that have requests and we do what we can to accommodate those. Union Pacific is not a museum with trains on display, but rather an industrial network where train traffic flows 24/7, Dickens said. Thus, safety is crucial. A big part of my planning is positioning the equipment where it is safe and secure, where we need it to be. And if the public can access that, we allow it. If the public cant, we work to come up with a solution and identify a location where they can access it, he said. I put a lot of miles on my vehicle. I look at the tracks, I look at the yard configurations, tunnels, bridges, I leave no stone unturned so this plan is released. Its very well thought-out between me and my colleagues, including media relations manager Robynn Tysver, Dickens said. Along with planning an itinerary, Dickens and his team must also take equipment needs into consideration. The steam locomotive is 1940s technology, so it is the heavy-duty industrial locomotive of a different era. With that, it consumes a lot of fuel and it evaporates water, he noted. So as we come into a location at night, were looking to obtain water. And were not talking about a water tank, were not talking about a water truck. Were talking about a heavy-duty fire hydrant where we can onboard 50,000 gallons or more. We process the water through a filter system. We add chemicals. We have special fuel logistics, our crew needs hotels, all of the food and just theres a lot that goes with it, he said. If you ever saw the circus train in the old days when the circus would travel by rail, thats a lot like this. We have a lot of cars to travel with the locomotive that are dedicated to the logistics specifically, Dickens noted. And the other aspect of it is managing crowd control. What kind of crowd expectations we have, what kind of security concerns we have, what kind of access concerns. While the tour will technically stop in the city of Elko, the train-yard is off-limits to the public due to its industrial use. So, weve identified Carlin, Nevada, which is a short 30-minute drive to the west, Dickens said. Thats where the locomotive will be viewable. So were going to come into Elko, position it for our logistics needs. And then as we depart and were going to finalize and announce the specific details of the plan but it will be available for Carlin, not one but two opportunities. The Big Boy will stop in Wells on July 6 at 5:15 p.m. and in Carlin on July 8 at 10 a.m. and July 17 at 1:15 p.m. The Wells stop will take place at the Pacific Street railroad crossing, while the Carlin stop will take place at the 10th Street railroad crossing. Our public affairs colleagues are working with the town of Carlin to work through some of the logistics there. But everywhere the Big Boy goes, there is a very large turnout. Its exciting for those of us that are with it, because we get to see it firsthand, Dickens said. Nevada is a beautiful state, he said. I travel across the country frequently and theres beauty to the desert. And the railroad travels up some significant summits. You wouldnt think that if you look at a map or a GPS image. We will be coming from Wells, Nevada, to the west, originating out of Salt Lake City, as we depart on the outbound. As we return from the eastbound, we will be coming from Winnemucca, so there are a lot of wide open spaces out there. And were looking at possibly some other opportunities out there where people can come see the locomotive as its traveling, Dickens said. The wide-open spaces of Nevada lend themselves to people traveling along the road. Oftentimes, they can see the tracks from the road. So you see that big, long train stretching out and its unmistakable when its the Big Boy. Dickens said he was basically born a railroad enthusiast, being interested in trains since the age of 10 months. I think a lot of people relate to railroads and locomotives because theyre so powerful. And theyre fascinating to watch the sound they make, all the different-colored cars and the different shapes and configurations of the locomotives, how they produce their power. They sound powerful, they look and feel powerful. When a train goes by, you can feel it. And I think thats what started it for me and I think thats the connection so many people have. And you sure can feel Big Boy. When you see the Big Boy, itll all make sense to you. Its 135 feet long, 17 feet tall. And our modern locomotives today are right around 4,500 horsepower. The Big Boy is 7,000 horsepower. So its just an enormous machine. Its a fascinating locomotive. Theres a sense of beauty to it as well when it operates, Dickens said. Dickens said it is important for people to remember safety protocol when watching the Big Boy. Our rail traffic areas are private property. Theyre very heavy, theyre industrial. And with that, we ask people that they respect those private property signs, and acknowledge and respect the fact that some of our facilities are not accessible to the public, he said. When you do see it, when you do come to the areas that weve identified for you, remember that you never cross a railroad track except where its safe to do so. And always stay 25 feet back, he said. Thats where you get the best pictures anyway. The full tour schedule is available at https://www.up.com/heritage/steam/schedule/index.htm. A 3-month-old dies in another hot car incident outside a daycare in Virginia. The lifeless body of an infant was found inside a vehicle parked in a daycare facility on Wednesday, May 22. Police authorities immediately responded to a distressing call that came just after 3:00 p.m. at a daycare in Morgantown, West Virginia, after receiving a report of a cardiac arrest. 3-Month-Old Infant Dies in Hot Car The Morgantown Police responded to a call regarding a cardiac arrest on Wednesday afternoon at the 3600 block of Collins Ferry Road. However, as the officers arrived, they discovered that the call for rescue was not for a heat stroke but for a child trapped inside a car. Authorities arrived and saw the emergency medical services (EMS) near an SUV in the parking lot responding to the infant. Inside the vehicle, a young child was found in a car seat in the back seat, sadly deceased, as confirmed by EMS. According to the police statement, it was confirmed that the child inside the car was a 3-month-old infant who had seemingly been left unattended in the car while the parent was away at work. Authorities are investigating the duration of time the child was in the car but suspect it may have been several hours, given the high to mid-80s temperatures reported by Weather.com in Morgantown throughout the week. The State Medical Examiner's Office and local law enforcement are actively engaged in probing the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident. As of now, no charges or arrests have been announced, pending further information gathering by the Morgantown Police and the Medical Examiner's Office. Morgantown Police Chief Eric Powell expressed condolences and acknowledged the profound impact of such a loss on the affected family, friends, and the broader community. The department remains committed to a thorough investigation to ascertain the facts and determine any necessary legal actions. Preventing Hot Car Fatalities in Children Children are more vulnerable to serious fatalities due to heat-related causes. Children's bodies are more susceptible than adults since their bodies have the capability to heat up three to five times faster and sweat less, which in turn makes it harder for them to stay cool. This vulnerability is particularly pronounced in very young children who are unable to remove clothing, signal discomfort, or exit a hot car independently. Heat illnesses, including potentially fatal heatstroke, can develop rapidly in a child left in a parked car, necessitating immediate medical intervention to prevent brain damage or death. Despite the dangers, statistics reveal a concerning trend, with an average of 35 toddlers succumbing to hot car incidents annually, as reported by Kids and Car Safety data. The ubiquity of cars in American households, with over 90% of households owning one according to U.S. census surveys, underscores the urgent need for technological solutions to mitigate these risks. Car manufacturers, legislators, and child safety advocates are actively collaborating to implement effective measures that can save children's lives from the perils of sweltering car temperatures. Peter Kurdock, general counsel for Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, highlights the availability of technology that could prevent a significant number of these tragic deaths. Despite progress, challenges persist, with about 25% of hot car deaths involving children entering vehicles on their own, according to Kids and Car Safety data. The organization has also documented instances of hot car deaths in vehicles equipped with reminder systems, indicating the ongoing need for comprehensive solutions and heightened awareness. Sofia Richie Grainge and her husband, Elliot Grainge, joyfully welcomed their first child, a daughter named Eloise Samantha Grainge, on May 20, 2024. The couple shared their happiness on Instagram four days later, capturing the hearts of fans and celebrity friends alike. Sofia Richie and Elliot Grainge Welcome Daughter Eloise Sofia Richie Grainge, the model and social media sensation, took to Instagram on May 24 to announce the birth of her daughter. Sharing a heartfelt post featuring a photo of her and Elliot Grainge cradling their newborn's tiny feet, she captioned it, "Eloise Samantha Grainge 5.20.2024 best day of my life." The new mother's joy was palpable, and the image quickly garnered thousands of likes and comments from well-wishers. In a follow-up Instagram story, Richie Grainge shared another touching image of the new parents holding Eloise's hand. Her sister, Nicole Richie, added a humorous comment, "I now have a new favorite EG. Sorry, Elliot." The news sparked an outpouring of congratulatory messages from friends and fans. Richie Grainge's post drew enthusiastic responses from her celebrity friends. Hailey Bieber, who is also expecting a baby with husband Justin Bieber, and Kylie Jenner both commented, "Congratulations." Ashley Tisdale, the former Disney Channel star, added, "Omg the sweetest name!!" Meanwhile, "The Real Housewives of Orange County" star Heather Dubrow simply wrote, "Adorable." The announcement of baby Eloise's arrival came just under four months after Richie Grainge proudly displayed her baby bump on the red carpet at the 2024 Grammys. Her journey to motherhood had been a source of excitement and anticipation for her fans and followers. Read Also : 17-Year-Old Coffeyville High School Senior Tragically Drowns After Graduation A Joyous Journey to Parenthood In an interview with Vogue magazine in late January, Richie Grainge revealed she discovered her pregnancy while attending Milan Fashion Week. Sofia revealed that she found her pregnancy very early on her journey. She added that she was on a fashion week trip to Milan and was going to the Prada show. The mom influencer described that she had a quick 24-hour turnaround and felt terrible but did not think much of it. She assumed she was suffering from jet lag, but it turns out she was about four weeks pregnant. Upon returning to Los Angeles, she hesitated to join her husband and friends at an Ed Sheeran concert, feeling a bit off and realizing she was a few days late on her period. She decided to take a pregnancy test, which showed a faint positive result. Ecstatic but cautious, she purchased additional tests to confirm the news. "He was so excited," Richie Grainge recalled about Elliot's reaction. "We spoke the whole way on the phone. And when he came home, he always wanted to protect my emotions and expectations, so he kind of sat me down and said, 'If these are negative, don't be upset. Our moment will come.'" The couple, who had been casually trying to start a family since their wedding in April 2023, were overjoyed when all three tests confirmed the pregnancy. On January 28, Richie Grainge shared a TikTok video announcing they were expecting a baby girl. In the video, the couple stood in their yard with their dogs as Grainge held a small cannon. After a countdown, he pulled the cannon, releasing pink confetti to signify they were having a girl. "I'm so excited," Richie Grainge exclaimed as she and her husband embraced. She humorously captioned the post apologizing to all her neighbors for the horrifying scream. The journey to welcoming Eloise has been filled with love, joy, and anticipation for Sofia Richie Grainge and Elliot Grainge. Their heartfelt announcement has resonated deeply with fans and friends, marking the beginning of a beautiful new chapter in their lives. An Azerbaijani delegation led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Fariz Rzayev has met with Egypt's Minister of International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat in Cairo, Azernews reports. The sides discussed the ties between the two countries in the fields of digital development, transport, investment promotion, renewable energy, oil, healthcare, industry and construction. Egyptian Minister Rania Al-Mashat stressed that the meeting of Abdul Fattah Al-Sisi with his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev during his visit to Baku in January last year, as well as the signed documents opened up new opportunities for further development of cooperation. During the meeting, the sides explored the preparation for the next meeting of the Joint Commission on Intergovernmental economic, technical and scientific cooperation between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Arab Republic of Egypt. They also exchanged views on setting up of the Egyptian-Azerbaijani Business Council, cooperation in the realms of trade, investment, pharmaceuticals, aviation and maritime transport. The meeting also focused on an active participation of Egypt, who has successfully hosted the COP27, in the COP29 climate conference to be held in Azerbaijan this November. The Egyptian side underlined that discussions on climate finance, which took centre stage at climate talks in Cairo and then in Dubai, will be continued in Baku, adding that Egypt will share its experience in this field with Azerbaijan. The Azerbaijani Ambassador to Egypt Elkhan Polukhov was also participated in the meeting. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 26. The execution of the decree On pardoning a number of convicted persons signed by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on May 25 has started, Trend reports. According to the order, 154 people were pardoned. A total of 63 people were freed from the unexecuted part of the imprisonment, another 52 convicts were halved the term of the sentence. One person sentenced to imprisonment with a suspended sentence was also released. Another 28 persons were released from the unexecuted part of the imprisonment, three convicted persons were halved the term of the unexecuted part of the imprisonment. Two persons sentenced to correctional work and four persons sentenced to fines were also released from the unexecuted part of punishment. In addition, one person who was sentenced to imprisonment and served his sentence had his criminal record expunged. To note, the pardon order freed eight foreigners from the uncompleted part of their prison sentences, including five citizens of Afghanistan, two citizens of Turkiye, and one citizen of Russia. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Minister for Finance, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam has cautioned against the recent panic-driven rush for foreign exchange in the country that has seen the Cedi lose grounds against its major trading partners. Speaking during the Ministry of Finances Monthly Economic Update on Friday, May 24, 2024, the Minister attributed the current exchange rate pressures to the strengthening of the US Dollar against major trading currencies, seasonal forex demand, and other temporary factors affirming that the government is implementing robust measures to ensure continued stability. "There is no need to rush and buy forex," the Finance Minister declared, pointing to an anticipated inflow of at least $2.32 billion by the end of the year. He highlighted multiple sources of these inflows, including disbursements from the IMF and World Bank, the Gold-for-Oil Programme, the Bank of Ghanas (BoG) Gold for Reserves programme, and proceeds from the Cocoa Syndicated Funds. We expect total disbursements of at least US$2.32 billion before the end of the year to add to the significant foreign exchange reserves already built up by the BoG, he added. He acknowledged recent pressures but remained optimistic about the medium-term stability of the Cedi with a cumulative depreciation of 14.2% as of 20th May 2024, compared to 20.7% recorded in the same period in 2023. Dr Amin Adam maintained that the Cedi is expected to be largely stable and improve in the medium term as the government completes its debt restructuring, makes more progress on fiscal consolidation, and improves the countrys reserves over the same period. The Minister also detailed the progress made under the IMF-Supported Post-COVID-19 Programme for Economic Growth (PC-PEG). Following a successful 2nd Review Mission by the IMF in April 2024, Ghana secured a Staff Level Agreement (SLA), paving the way for the IMF Executive Board to consider and approve the disbursement of a third tranche of $360 million in June, bringing total disbursements to $1.56 billion. The positive results of the first and second reviews of the implementation of the IMF-supported Programme testify that we are achieving the Programmes objective of restoring macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability, the Minister remarked. He noted the resilience of the economy, citing a 2.9% GDP growth in 2023, surpassing both the original projection of 1.5% and the revised projection of 2.3%. The Minister assured that the Ministry of Finance is working closely with the BoG to implement measures to address the perennial depreciation of the Cedi, including fast-tracking fiscal consolidation, intensifying the Gold-for-Oil and Gold for Reserves programmes, and strategic FX interventions by the BoG. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Dancehall sensation Stonebwoy has endorsed Joshua Akuffo Dampare for the Presidency of the University Students Association of Ghana (USAG) contest which is set for August this year. The Bhim nation President was seen on stage with Joshua at a program at GIMPA on Friday night urging delegates to vote for him in August when they go the polls. Joshua Akuffo Dampare, who is a son of the Inspector-General of Police Dr. George Akuffo Dampare is a 5th year Medical School student at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). Speaking to the media after the event, Joshua said Im inspired by the idea of being able to drive meaningful impact by spearheading initiatives that advocate for the holistic development of every student, ensuring that their voices are heard and their needs are met. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Henry Kwabena Kokofu has issued a reply to critics who were compelling President Nana Akufo-Addo to release the KPMG audit report on the transaction between the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Ltd (SML). It could be recalled that The Fourth Estate publication disclosed some irregularities in the contract and has been calling for the cancellation of the deal. As a result, the President directed KPMG to audit the transaction and the firm, after their work, delivered their findings to the President who released some parts of it into the public. But he (Nana Akufo-Addo) came under intense criticisms for keeping the full report. On Wednesday, May 22, 2024, the President finally made the full report accessible to the general public. A statement signed by Eugene Arhin, Director of Communications at the Presidency, explained the reason for the President's decision stating he is in the interest of full transparency in governance, openness, and honesty with the public, has decided to waive the privilege under section 5 of the RTI Act and has directed the publication of the KPMG report in full. Touching on the matter during a panel discussion on Peace FM's morning show "Kokrokoo", the former Chief Executive of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Henry Kokofu took a swipe at those who were pressuring the President to publicize the report. He subtly queried them saying "those who were calling for the release of the full report, the President has released it. What are they going to use it for?" Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has alleged that the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Godfred Yeboah Dame is deliberatory propounding a scheme to implicate the Minority Leader, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson over the ongoing ambulance saga. In a press release dated May, 23, 2024, which was signed by the National Chairman of the party, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, the NDC as a political party is aware of the schemes being compiled by Mr. Godfred Yeboah Dame to implicate the Member of Parliament for Ajumako Enyan-Esiam. Portions of the letter reads, It has come to the attention of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), that during the proceedings of today, Thursday, 23rd May, 2024, in the matter of the trial of the Leader of the NDC minority in parliament, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the 3rd Accused, Mr. Richard Jakpa testified in open court that the Attorney-General, Godfred Yeboah Dame has had several meetings with him at odd hours and telephone conversations impressing on him to skew his testimony and implicate the Minority Leader. The NDC expressed shock of the testimony of the 3rd Accused who appeared before the Court on Thursday, May 23, 2024, to give his testament of the ongoing Ambulance saga. The NDC stated that, the issues raised are matters of fact which formed part of the courts record of the days proceedings. The NDC is deeply scandalized by this clear case of persecution against the leader of the partys caucus in Parliament who has been at the forefront of our struggle against the misrule of the oppressive and despotic Akufo-Addo/Bawumia NPP regime, the press release stated. This revelation goes to confirm legitimate and long-held suspicion of the devious modus operandi of Godfred Dame and the government he represents. It further shows the desperate lengths the Akufo Addo/Bawumia NPPO government will go manipulate judicial processes to unjustly victimize political opponents for cheap political goals-scoring. The largest opposition party further added that the lack of integrity of what they describe as "dishonourable" Attorney-General and the extent to which he goes to pervert the coursed of justice is very alarming and nation-wrecking. The NDC concluded by stating emphatically that, the party shall hold a full blown press conference to put out incontrovertible evidence on the matter at hand that aims at shocking the nation. We will stop at nothing in pursuing this matter to its logical conclusion and ensuring that justice is done, the National Chairman, Asiedu Nketia reiterated. Source: Kobina Darlington/peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Actress and influencer, Akuapem Poloo has disclosed that her nude photo with her son still haunts her, describing it as the only regret of her life. Akuapim Poloo expressed her fears about how her son would accept the unfortunate incident which got her arrested in 2020, when he comes of age. Since childhood, till now, my only regret is the picture I took with my son. Aside from that, I have no regrets. The memory is seriously haunting me. Im thinking about my son, hell grow up. As he is growing now, hes asking a lot of questions already. As a single mother, I need to prepare myself for how Ill answer him for him to understand the situation of how his nakedness and standing in front of me as if hes looking at mommys nakedness will sound in his mind. That is my only regret, the actress stated in an interview on Accra FM. In July 2020, Akua Poloo found herself on the wrong side of the law when she posted a nude photo of herself and her son to mark her boys seventh birthday. Her action didnt go down well and she was heavily bashed for it. Subsequently, she was arrested and later, the Accra High Court sentenced her to three months in prison in April 2021 as a punitive measure to deter other persons from engaging in similar act. Akuapem Poloo pleaded guilty to three charges; publication of obscene materials, engaging in domestic violence in ways to undermine the privacy and integrity of another person and engaging in domestic violence which can spoil the dignity of another human being. Source: graphiconline Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video A 15-year-old boy was seriously injured after he was shot in Harrisburg Saturday afternoon, police confirmed. Officers responded to the 1200 block of Thompson Street, near Evergreen Street, behind Christ Lutheran Church around 2 p.m. after receiving a report of shots fired, Harrisburg Police Lieutenant Kyle Gautsch said. When officers arrived, they found the 15-year-old boy with at least one gunshot wound, but it is possible he was shot more than once, police said. Police responded to the area, where a 43-year-old man was shot and killed last month, and found a 15-year-old boy with at least one gunshot wound, police said. Credit: Madison MontagMadison Montag The boy was taken to the hospital after receiving medical care on-scene and was last listed in critical condition, according to Gautsch. Officers were seen searching on nearby porches, through trash bins and in bushes throughout the area. At least four evidence markers and several evidence collection bags were seen in the alley. Police cleared the area around 3:30 p.m. but as of 5 p.m. had not announced any suspects or motive in the shooting. Saturdays shooting comes days after two people were killed and three injured in a shooting on the first block of 15th Street, about half a mile away. A 43-year-old man was also shot and killed near Thompson and Evergreen streets in late April. The Sudanese American community of central Pennsylvania came together Saturday afternoon to celebrate cultural day with several festivities planned throughout the day. The purpose of the event was hosted to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Sudan while celebrating the diversity within the community. Cultural day began at 3 p.m. outside at the Hampden Park Drive in Mechanicsburg presenting traditional music, several dance performances, delicious Sudanese food dishes, and art exhibitions. Check out photos from the cultural day event. LONDON Twelve people were injured when a Qatar Airways plane flying from Doha to Dublin on Sunday hit turbulence, airport authorities said. Eight of the injured were hospitalized. Dublin Airport said in a statement that flight QR017, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, landed safely as scheduled before 1 p.m. (1200 GMT). It said that upon landing the aircraft was met by emergency services, including airport police and the fire and rescue department, due to six passengers and six crew reporting injuries after the aircraft experienced turbulence while airborne over Turkey. The airport said all passengers were assessed for injuries aboard the plane, and eight were then taken to hospital. Qatar Airways said in a statement that a small number of passengers and crew sustained minor injuries in flight and are now receiving medical attention. It said the matter is now subject to an internal investigation. The incident comes five days after a British man died of a suspected heart attack and dozens of people were injured when a Singapore Airlines flight from London hit severe turbulence. While turbulence-related fatalities are rare, injuries have piled up over the years. Some meteorologists and aviation analysts note that reports of turbulence encounters also have been increasing and point to the potential impacts that climate change may have on flying conditions. INDIANA, Pa. Authorities say one of eight defendants has pleaded guilty but mentally ill in the slaying of a man taken from a western Pennsylvania home and later found stabbed in a rural area more than a year and a half ago. Indiana County District Attorney Robert Manzi said Friday that 20-year-old Taylyn Edwards of Johnstown entered the plea to charges of first-degree murder and kidnapping in the October 2022 kidnapping and murder of 19-year-old Hayden Garreffa. Trooper Cliff Greenfield told reporters at the time that Garreffa, who was autistic, was taken in a minivan from a relatives Buffington Township home without his cellphone and medication, both of which he never would have left behind. His body was found two days later in Brush Valley Township with stab wounds and blunt force trauma. Court documents list the case as adjudicated with a June 19 sentencing date. Edwards court-appointed attorney, Timothy Burns, told The (Johnstown) Tribune-Democrat that a mental health evaluation deemed his client competent but with significant mental health impairment at the time of the crime. He said Edwards, who faces life without parole, would receive treatment during her incarceration, and we thought this was the best resolution. Four men and two other women as well as a 14-year-old girl were also arrested in the case. The cases against the adults are still pending, with Manzi having predicted a long and arduous prosecution at the time of the arrests. The minor was charged as an adult, but her case was later transferred to juvenile court. Investigators alleged that the slaying stemmed from an earlier dispute between the victim and one of the other defendants. Garreffas mother told The Tribune-Democrat after a January 2023 hearing that her son was severely autistic and was too trusting of people. Pennsylvania State Police in Lebanon County are seeking the publics help identifying a motorcyclist that police say was clocked going 121 miles per hour and later dragged a state trooper during a traffic stop. According to a report from state police, a trooper was conducting radar observation Saturday morning on Route 22 eastbound, just east of the State Route 72 intersection, and clocked three motorcycles going 121 miles per hour around 10:35 a.m. Troopers attempted to stop them, with one bike turning southbound on State Route 343 and two others including one with a passenger doubling back to head westbound on Route 22, according to police. A pursuit was called off. A short while later, troopers observed the motorcycle with the passenger go by the radar post again, according to police. A trooper was able to stop the motorcycle in the left lane of Route 22 eastbound and attempted to remove the operator from the motorcycle, according to the police report, but the biker accelerated and dragged the trooper a short distance, causing minor injuries. No registration plates were observed on the motorcycles, according to troopers, and the motorcycle in question appeared to have a male rider and a female passenger. Anyone with information on the incident or the identities of the bikers is asked to contact the Pennsylvania State Police Jonestown station at (717)-865-2194 and reference incident PA2024-685735. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 26. President of Malta Myriam Spiteri Debono has congratulated President Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of Azerbaijan's Independence Day, Trend reports. "Excellency, On the occasion of Independence Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the people of the Republic of Malta join me in conveying sincere greetings to Your Excellency and to the people of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1995, our two countries have cemented a lasting friendship based on shared respect and common understanding. Notwithstanding the vast geographical distance, I am confident that the Republic of Malta and the Republic of Azerbaijan will continue to uphold the strengthening of bilateral cooperation. This is even more significant as we head toward the 30th year of relations between our two nations. Malta looks forward towards further association with Azerbaijan through regional dialogue frameworks such as the Eastern Partnership (EaP). This remains a unique structure towards closer constructive engagement between the EU and its Eastern Partners, including the Republic of Azerbaijan. At a time when the international community is faced with significant challenges impacting the entire world, the Republic of Malta remains strongly supportive of multilateral and global solutions. As an elected member of the UN Security Council for 2023-2024, Malta remains committed to the maintenance of international peace and security to safeguard the values of multilateralism. It is therefore essential that we continue to build on our strong efforts to implement political trust and will between nations to address issues of common concern. Above all, as the international community continues to encounter several challenges, my country believes that global challenges require global solutions. I avail myself of this opportunity to extend my wishes for good health and serenity, as well as continued peace, progress, and prosperity to your country. Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration," the letter says. AMSTERDAM Rapper Nicki Minaj said Saturday that police in the Netherlands discovered marijuana in her bags as she was preparing to leave the country for her next concert. Minaj tweeted that she was stopped at the Amsterdam airport as she was about to board a plane for a concert in Manchester, England. Police told her they found marijuana in her bags, and it would have to be weighed, she tweeted. Cannabis is illegal in the Netherlands, but it is tolerated for recreational use. Robert Van Kapel, a spokesperson for the Netherlands military police, said a 41-year-old American woman had been arrested for exporting soft drugs. He did not identify the woman or elaborate on the type of drugs in question. Police later tweeted that they fined the woman and released her. Minaj, who is 41 years old, tweeted that she believes police just wanted to make her late for her concert in Manchester. Told you, its to try to make me late so that they can write negative stories. Jealousy is a disease. You know the rest, Minaj tweeted. Her representatives didnt immediately respond to messages Saturday. The Trinidadian-born rapper is best known for her hits Super Freaky Girl, Anaconda and Starships. She has been nominated for 12 Grammy awards over the course of her career. The Manchester concert is part of her Pink Friday 2 tour, which includes stops in Paris, Poland, Germany, Romania and Switzerland. By Kristen A. Graham, The Philadelphia Inquirer (TNS) The Workshop School pioneered a model so innovative that its students and teachers have twice been honored at the White House. But the West Philadelphia public schools fortunes have shifted in recent years. Now, were in a battle for our lives, said Simon Hauger, a Workshop School founder. Workshops model is unchanged; its students still learn primarily through interdisciplinary projects by solving real-world problems: car trouble, water quality, food insecurity. It is made up mostly of students of color who come from economically disadvantaged families, and continues to be competency and skills-based, not content-based or test driven. What has changed is the way the Philadelphia School District admits students to its 38 magnet and citywide schools. In an effort to be more equitable, the district moved to a centralized lottery three years ago and away from giving principals say-so in who comes into their programs. The result? A mismatch between its incoming students and the school, and a building bursting at the seams. A school district spokesperson did not address Workshop officials concerns about their ability to adequately serve the students assigned to them but did say the number of students enrolled is based on historical data. The Workshop School pioneered a model so innovative that its students and teachers have twice been honored at the White House. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)AP Were doing it much more poorly The Workshops building was never meant to hold an entire school the 31,000-square-foot, two-story structure on Hanson Street once housed the former West Philadelphia High automotive annex. After two years as an alternative senior-year project, Workshop became a full-fledged school and moved into its current space, with the promise of moving elsewhere eventually. But facilities are a perpetual problem in the underfunded district, and a new spot never materialized. After changes to the districts admissions policy, Workshop has been forced to take more students than officials say the small building can handle. That means it also doesnt have the staff to handle the growing number of students with special needs. As a result, the school is experiencing both behavior and culture issues its never had in the past attendance is down significantly, and serious incidents, such as fights and assaults, have tripled in the last three years. We serve some of the most marginalized students, and were doing it much more poorly now, said Hauger, the schools former principal, whos remained involved through Workshop Learning, the nonprofit still affiliated with the school. Its not their neighborhood high school In the past, students came to Workshop by word of mouth not necessarily kids with top grades, but students who bought into the mission, into different ways of learning, into a very small school where no one gets overlooked. Workshop staff would visit local K-8 and middle schools to recruit, often with Workshop students in tow. Interested eighth graders might visit to get a feel for the place. Or, counselors would call Workshop leaders to identify young people they thought would shine there. Now, without the ability to recruit, Workshop cofounder Matthew Riggan said, Kids are not coming in with any idea of what the place is about. A lot of what we get are students who put it on their list because its not their neighborhood high school. Male-identifying students tend to gravitate toward the Workshop school, often because of its auto body program, but Workshop staff worked hard to try to recruit female students. We know that women are underrepresented in these trades, said Riggan. We were always really, really mindful about how we counterbalance that so we get more women in our system. The number of young women at Workshop is eroding; the incoming ninth-grade class had just one girl, officials said. And because Workshop has no admissions requirements other than Philadelphia residency, it attracts significant numbers of students with special needs or those whose grades and test scores would not qualify them for many other criteria-based schools in the system. Workshop has always welcomed students with special needs, but we need the space and staffing to support the students who are enrolled at our school, Riggan said. We need space and staffing to serve any [individualized education plan the federal, binding document guaranteed to each student with special needs] we have in the building. Because of its size, Workshop doesnt have the capacity to have an emotional support class or an autistic support class, even though the numbers of students with autism and those with emotional support needs is increasing. In some cases, students receive emotional support instruction from an online program because Workshop has no other way to provide it. Status quo is not an option The schools principal sits at a desk in a hallway because theres no room to have an office. Theres no staff lounge, or gym or auditorium. Workshops HVAC system is unreliable, and half the buildings rooms have no windows. On a recent warm day, four classes had to operate simultaneously in the lunchroom because their rooms were too hot. On another day, three out of four bathrooms were nonoperational; the whole building had five total toilets for all 200 students and 28 staff. The schools special education team occupies a former closet converted to a small office, and because theres no private place for staff to pull out students who need extra help, students with IEPs must either get one-on-one services in a hallway or the lunchroom, or special education teachers have to push in and try to teach separate lessons in already crowded classrooms, Workshop officials said. The effects of more students with special needs and more students with intense needs has a ripple effect, officials said: More time is spent on a small number of students who have more needs, and reaching all students requires more differentiation and scaffolding, overwhelming staff. And the effect on students is noticeable, too. While Workshop students generally say they still feel seen and loved by the adults in the building, the attendance figures are telling: Officials said that last year, 63.5% of Workshop students attended school 95% of the time, higher than some elite city magnet schools. This year, that number has plummeted to 21%. It has gone off a cliff, said Riggan. Theres a real impact on culture and community, said Hauger, noting some Workshop students who in prior years would be thriving at the school, have left for other schools. The numbers for the fall are stark, Hauger said. In the past, a typical ninth-grade class would be 65 students. Its 2024-25 freshman class target was 80 students, the absolute maximum it could accommodate with the three classrooms it has available. The incoming ninth grade has 107 students, over 40% of whom have special needs. Monique Braxton, the district spokesperson, said attrition is expected, countering that 83 students were expected to be enrolled by fall. The status quo, Hauger said, is not an option. (c)2024 The Philadelphia Inquirer Visit The Philadelphia Inquirer at www.inquirer.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Surveillance cameras are getting cheaper, more powerful and more ubiquitous. Denniro/iStock via Getty Images Plus The Philadelphia Inquirer recently investigated Philadelphias use of what it described as a little-scrutinized, 7,000-camera system that is exposing residents across the city to heightened surveillance with few rules or safeguards against abuse. The article detailed how Philadelphia narcotics cops not only allegedly failed to disclose their use of video surveillance in arrest reports or to prosecutors, but also that the video footage at times proved officers were lying when they testified. The Conversation U.S. talked to Albert Fox Cahn, founder and executive director of the nonprofit Surveillance Technology Oversight Project and a practitioner-in-residence at NYU School of Law, about what these new video systems can do and the privacy and other issues they raise. What can these cameras do? The closed-circuit television, or CCTV, cameras most Americans pass each day may look interchangeable, but a lot has changed behind the lens in recent years. As video surveillance cameras have become cheaper and more ubiquitous, they have also grown more powerful featuring increasingly high-definition images and the ability to pan, tilt and zoom. But the most significant change to cameras like those used in Philadelphia is the networks that police departments set up to aggregate these countless images of city residents daily lives. A variety of AI tools can also harvest this data in new ways that some may find alarming. Automated license plate reader software can both track drivers across the city in real time and create a long-term log of their cars movements. Want to know where a driver is now or was parked two years ago? Just check the database. And pedestrians are no less prone to surveillance. Facial recognition software can scan images to automatically identify individuals and track them across the city. How widespread is this technology? According to the Inquirers investigation, Philadelphias camera network grew at an astounding pace. In the past decade, the city has gone from 216 cameras to a network of more than 7,000 cameras operated by police and transportation officials. But those are just the cameras that city officials directly control and can access in real time. In addition, police routinely turn to the images captured by private surveillance cameras. This includes everything from multimillion-dollar, internet-enabled camera systems at large stores, offices and universities to the individual cameras that homeowners or small-business owners screw into their door frames or exteriors. The public simply has no idea how many of these private cameras are in operation or how often their data is requested. How is this different from traditional police video surveillance? Traditional cameras offered a narrow, grainy perspective on a single fixed place. These systems not only collected much less data than contemporary cameras, but they also retained far less. A single CCTV camera at a bank might help police identify a suspect in a robbery, but it poses no privacy threat beyond that. It is confined to a small space where privacy concerns are minimal and security concerns are high. But mass camera deployments create a fundamentally different model, collecting far more information on all of us and creating far greater potential for misuse. Police have attempted these techniques for decades, but the technology simply wasnt up to the task. When the City of London Police deployed its so-called ring of steel security system in the 1990s, fewer than two dozen cameras tried to track the cars entering a tiny portion of the British capital, surveilling roughly a square kilometer of the citys financial core. Officers manually jotted down vehicle plate numbers and surveilled drivers profile photos. The labor-intensive exercise was impossible to scale. To deploy such a system across an entire city would likely have taken every police officer in the city and then some. Through automation, technology enables this mass surveillance by reducing the marginal cost of tracking, allowing police to expand monitoring far more broadly than would have been financially or pragmatically possible before. What privacy concerns does it raise? A single camera can capture our image; a citywide camera system can reconstruct our lives. Networked camera systems like those in Philadelphia, when combined with smartphones and other internet-enabled devices, allow officers to reconstruct an individuals movements for days or weeks at a time, all without any court oversight. While it would take a warrant to install a GPS tracker on a residents car, police can recreate GPS-like location tracking without a warrant, all thanks to mass camera systems. And facial recognition in municipal cameras threatens the First Amendment, which protects freedom of speech, religion and peaceful assembly. The police are armed with a way to track nearly every person at a political protest, abortion clinic or house of worship. Such surveillance melts away the anonymity that is indispensable to an open society. Are there other risks or unintended consequences? I believe giving thousands of city employees the keys to a small surveillance state is a recipe for disaster. The Philadelphia Inquirer found that the city has policies that forbid zooming in on residents for amusement, spying on someone by zooming in through their window, or blatant racial profiling. But what it didnt find was evidence that these safeguards were being enforced. When thousands of employees can spy on their neighbors, romantic partners and business rivals on a whim, it raises the question: Who watches the watchers? At least for now, the grim answer appears to be no one. Albert Fox Cahn, Practitioner-in-Residence, Information Law Institute, New York University This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. On Saturday at 5:19 p.m. the National Weather Service issued an updated tornado warning in effect until 5:30 p.m. for Allegheny, Beaver and Washington counties. Half-dollar-sized hail (1.25 inches) is expected with the incoming storm. "At 5:19 p.m., a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located near Imperial, or 7 miles west of Moon Township, moving southeast at 20 mph," says the weather service. "Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely." Locations impacted by the warning include Frankfort Springs, Hanover Township, Raccoon Creek State Park and Pittsburgh International Airport. The weather service comments, "Take cover now! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris. Please report severe weather by calling 412-262-1988, posting to the NWS Pittsburgh Facebook page, or using Twitter @NWSPITTSBURGH." Tornado watches and warnings: What you need to know When it comes to tornadoes, understanding the difference between a Tornado watch and a Tornado warning can be a matter of life and death. Let's break it down: Tornado watch: Be prepared! A Tornado watch is your advance warning that conditions are ripe for tornado formation. It's your signal to review your emergency plans, ensure your supplies are in order, and identify your safe room. While it doesn't mean a tornado is imminent, it's a heads-up that you should be ready to act quickly if a Tornado warning is issued or if you suspect a tornado is approaching. Tornado Watches are issued by the Storm Prediction Center and often encompass a broad area, potentially spanning multiple counties or even states. Tornado warning: Take action! A Tornado warning signifies that a tornado has been spotted or detected by weather radar. This is the real deal there's an immediate danger to life and property. Your response should be swift: move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows. If you're in a mobile home, a vehicle, or caught outdoors, seek the nearest substantial shelter and shield yourself from flying debris. Warnings are issued by your local forecast office and pinpoint a much smaller area, typically the size of a city or a small county, where a tornado has been identified, either by radar or by trained spotters and law enforcement. Knowing the difference between these two alerts is essential in staying safe during tornado season. Stay informed, have a plan, and act promptly when danger approaches. Get ready for tornadoes Be weather-ready: Check the forecast regularly to see if you're at risk for tornadoes. Listen to local news or a NOAA Weather Radio to stay informed about tornado watches and warnings. Sign up for alerts: Know how your community sends warnings. Some communities have outdoor sirens. Others depend on media and smartphones to alert residents of severe storms capable of producing tornadoes. Create a communication plan: Have a family plan that includes an emergency meeting place and related information. If you live in a mobile home or home without a basement, identify a nearby safe building you can get to quickly, such as a church or family member. Choose a secure shelter: Pick a safe room within your home, such as a basement, storm cellar, or an interior room on the lowest floor without windows. Practice your plan: Conduct a family severe thunderstorm drill regularly so everyone knows what to do if a tornado is approaching. Make sure all members of your family know to go there when tornado warnings are issued. Don't forget pets if time allows. Prepare your home: Consider reinforcing your safe room for added protection. You can find plans for fortifying an interior room on the Federal Emergency Management Agency website. Extend a helping hand: Encourage your loved ones to prepare for the possibility of tornadoes. Take CPR training so you can help if someone is hurt. What to do when a tornado strikes When a tornado strikes, taking swift action is crucial to ensuring your safety and minimizing potential harm. Follow these guidelines from the weather service: Stay informed: Stay vigilant and stay informed by tuning in to local news broadcasts or using a NOAA Weather Radio to receive updates on tornado watches and warnings. At home: If you find yourself under a tornado warning, immediately seek refuge in your basement, safe room, or an interior room without windows. If there's enough time, bring your pets with you. At work or school: If you are at your workplace or school, adhere to tornado drill procedures. Move promptly and calmly to your designated tornado shelter, avoiding large open areas like cafeterias, gymnasiums, or auditoriums, and steer clear of windows. Outdoors: If you're outdoors and a tornado is approaching, seek immediate shelter inside a sturdy building. Sheds, storage facilities, mobile homes, and tents are not safe. If there's time, make your way to a secure structure. In a vehicle: Being in a vehicle during a tornado is highly unsafe. Your best option is to drive to the nearest shelter. If reaching shelter is not possible, either stay inside your car, covering your head, or abandon the vehicle and seek refuge in a low-lying area like a ditch or ravine. Remember, acting swiftly and following safety protocols are essential for your well-being when a tornado is imminent. Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service. We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 26. President of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani has congratulated President Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of Azerbaijan's Independence Day, Trend reports. "Your Excellency and dear Brother, On the occasion of your countrys National Day celebrations, I am pleased to express the warmest congratulations to Your Excellency, wishing to the friendly people of Azerbaijan more progress and prosperity. I also reiterate to Your Excellency our keenness to continue efforts to strengthen and develop the existing cooperative relations between our countries to serve the interests of our friendly peoples. Please accept, Your Excellency and dear brother, the assurances of my highest consideration. Your brother," the letter says. Pete Buttigieg devastated Trump for putting America last on EVs. Buttigieg said on CBSs Face The Nation: The most important thing is that the revolution will happen with or without us. And weve got to make sure that its American led and thats what the president is focused on. Under the Trump administration, they allowed China to build an advantage in the EV industry. But under President Bidens leadership, were making sure that the revolution will be a made in America. EV revolution that we are talking about. President Biden says hes going to also just making sure we invest in Americas capacity, making sure that we are on shoring or friend sourcing the friend shoring the materials and the processing of what goes into these EVs making that America masters these processes. Because look, theres no way that were going to get to the middle of this century with the technology that we counted on a century ago. Now, there are obviously a lot of voices here in Washington who are interested in keeping the status quo. He says its going to be one of the first things he does would be happy to see Americans trapped with dirty and expensive fuels. But the reality and I know hes made a lot of promises to the oil and gas companies. Video: Pete Buttigieg on Trump and EVs, "Under the Trump administration, they allowed China to build up an advantage in the EV industry. But under President Biden's leadership, we're making sure that the EV revolution will be a made-in-America EV revolution." ef=https://t.co/VrWPe0pgd2>pic.twitter.com/VrWPe0pgd2 Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) May 26, 2024 The larger point that Buttigieg was making was that Trump sets the country back. Donald Trump is not about progress or advancement. Donald Trump is about America losing. Trump wants to make America lose to China. Trump would put American behind China. Trump would take away good American jobs, and raise taxes on the poor and middle class through his tariff plan. Buttigieg was suggesting that Donald Trump isnt the future. The ex-president is a return to the past, and his return to the White House will be bad for Americas future. A Special Message From PoliticusUSA If you are in a position to donate purely to help us keep the doors open on PoliticusUSA during what is a critical election year, please do so here. We have been honored to be able to put your interests first for 14 years as we only answer to our readers and we will not compromise on that fundamental, core PoliticusUSA value. Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) said that Donald Trumps popularity is growing when asked about the Libertarian convention booing the ex-president. Scott said when asked about Trump being booed: I saw a wave of red hats at the Libertarian convention. Donald Trumps popularity continues to increase, but then hes not just going to the Libertarian uh convention. Hes also doing rallies in Bronx. Hes doing something I consider a 50 state strategy. He doesnt just want to win the votes of the American people. Hes trying to win the hearts of the American people, unite our country and start steering us towards the strongest, the most powerful, prosperous future we could have. So I give him a lot of credit and going to places where Republicans have not gone before. If were going to win this election cycle, we must go where were not invited and to see the former president take that seriously is in my opinion, a strong sign and one of the reasons why Dana, we are seeing the poll numbers moving in his direction. Video: Tim Scott on Trump getting booed at the Libertarian Convention, Donald Trumps popularity continues to increase. Scott then goes on to claim that Trump is using a 50-state strategy, as the ex-president barely campaigns once a week. pic.twitter.com/ip81iRXPoO Sarah Reese Jones (@PoliticusSarah) May 26, 2024 Trump was just booed, loudly and often by the Libertarians, so Tim Scott claims that the ex-presidents popularity is growing. Sen. Scott really wants to be Trumps running mate and he is showing how low he will go to get the gig. Booing does not signify popularity, and as far as Trumps strategy is concerned, he is barely campaigning once a week. If he has a 50-state strategy, the former president should hit all 50 states by mid-2025. Sen. Scott knows better, but if it takes sounding like a delusional fool to get himself one failing, morbidly obese lack of a heartbeat away from the presidency, the Sen. from South Carolina will do or say anything. A Special Message From PoliticusUSA If you are in a position to donate purely to help us keep the doors open on PoliticusUSA during what is a critical election year, please do so here. We have been honored to be able to put your interests first for 14 years as we only answer to our readers and we will not compromise on that fundamental, core PoliticusUSA value. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 26. President of the Republic of Uganda Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has congratulated President Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of Azerbaijan's Independence Day, Trend reports. "Your Excellency, On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Uganda, and on my own behalf, I am pleased to extend to you and the Government and people of the Republic of Azerbaijan greetings and congratulations on the occasion of May 28 - Independence Day. Our two countries are working together to advance common goals, and we look forward to further opportunities for cooperation, including our strong people-to-people ties. I am optimistic that the traditionally close relations between our two peoples will continue to grow and strengthen in the years ahead. Best wishes for good health and well-being to you, and for the continued progress and prosperity of the people of the Republic of Azerbaijan as you celebrate this important day in the history of your country. Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration," the letter says. It took her years to research and write this book, a deep-dive into the circumstances of the Port Royal Experiment, Harriet Tubmans experiences in South Carolina and, in particular, the underappreciated Combahee River Raid. Now Edda Fields-Blacks book Combee: Harriet Tubman, the Combahee River Raid, and Black Freedom during the Civil War is out from Oxford University Press. The Post and Courier asked her about it. Q: This has been an ambitious and time-consuming project for you. What inspired you to tackle this subject? A: For years now, my research specialty has been the transnational history of West African rice. Rice is not native to the U.S. I am an historian and have written academic books and articles about the development of rice-growing technology by peasant farmers in West Africa (one of two regions in the world where rice was domesticated), the transfer of rice seeds, agricultural technology and skilled laborers to the South Carolina and Georgia Lowcountry as a result of the transatlantic slave trade, and the experiences of enslaved laborers on rice plantations in the Lowcountry. I came to the Combahee River Raid through my work on rice. I am also an artist; I collaborate with a classical music composer, John Wineglass, who wrote a contemporary symphony entitled, Unburied, Unmourned, Unmarked: Requiem for Rice, which is about rice and slavery. I wrote the libretto on which Johns original score is based. In working on the libretto, the Combahee River Raid was one of the dramatic scenes I found. At first, the Raid was a section in the libretto and part of a book I wanted to write about the history of the Gullah Geechee. I found new primary sources researching the Raid for both projects, which had not been used previously by historians. Then, I realized the Combahee River Raid would be the subject of my next book. Q: What is the most significant historical discovery you made, something that changed the way you understand Harriet Tubman and her accomplishments, or the Beaufort-based war effort? Everyone talks about the weather, especially in the Lowcountry. Rain, wind, thunder and lightning, but also beautiful sunrises and gentle breezes are all part of life here. The Charleston Concert Band will take the listener through all the beauty and challenges of the weather in the Charlest Read more'In the Storm & Sunshine!' BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 26. We wish Turkmenistan new successes and more fruitful cooperation with all TURKSOY member countries and national commissions, Secretary General of the National Commission of the Republic of Azerbaijan for UNESCO Seymur Fataliyev said on the sidelines of the 10th meeting of the National Commissions for UNESCO of the member states of the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY), Trend reports. "In 2023 the city of Shusha was declared the cultural capital of the Turkic world. The ninth meeting took place there, and the tenth in Ashgabat. Tomorrow we will visit the beautiful city of Anau, which has been declared the cultural capital for 2024. We express our deep gratitude to the Turkmen side for their hospitality and organization of the event," Fataliyev said. In the conference hall of the Archabil Hotel, as part of the Year "Anau - the cultural capital of the Turkic world - 2024", an exhibition was launched, which included samples of decorative and applied arts, traditional folk crafts, famous Turkmen carpets, national clothing and jewelry, musical instruments. The main goal of the meeting is to identify new opportunities for joint cooperation between UNESCO and TURKSOY in the field of protection of historical, cultural, natural and written monuments of Turkic-speaking countries, as well as mutually beneficial joining of efforts to ensure the inclusion of national heritage values in international lists. Particular emphasis was placed on the great work ongoing in Turkmenistan to thoroughly study and popularize the rich national historical and cultural heritage, another confirmation of which was the fact that the city of Anau was declared the cultural capital of the Turkic world in 2024. Then the Final Document was adopted, which reflected the decisions of the 10th meeting of the national commissions of the TURKSOY member countries for UNESCO and expressed readiness for further multilateral cooperation. PR-Inside.com: 2024-05-26 22:05:11 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 543 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 BECO Capital marks a historic exit with Property Finder, achieving a 2.41x DPI ratio, setting new venture capital benchmarks in MENA.DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES / ACCESSWIRE / May 26, 2024 / BECO Capital, a leading early-stage venture capital firm in the UAE and one of the largest non-governmental venture firms with $486 million in assets under management, today announced a landmark achievement in fund distribution, setting a new benchmark in the region with a 2.41x Distribution to Paid-In (DPI) capital ratio from its Fund I off the back of their $1B+ valuation exit from Property Finder.This achievement underscores BECO Capital's commitment to supporting the best tech entrepreneurs in the region and delivering top quartile returns to investors. "It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to have invested in Property Finder, backing one of the region's best entrepreneurs in Michael Lahyani," said Dany Farha, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at BECO Capital. "As venture investors, we have to return capital to our limited partners and sunset the fund. Otherwise, we would have loved to remain investors for much longer, as they have only just gotten started." Notably, this builds on BECO Capital Fund I's history of successful exits, including the high-profile acquisition of Careem, by Uber for $3.1 billion in January 2020. The DPI ratioachieved not only demonstrates tangible, realized gains but also emphasizes the repeatable nature of BECO Capital's investment approach."Our investment in Property Finder is a testament to our methodical strategy and belief in supporting ventures that not only lead their markets but also contribute significantly to the regional economy," added Dany Farha. "This marks our second $1B+ exit after Careem, and we have more in the stable, such as Kitopi amongst others." Reflecting on the collaboration with BECO Capital, Michael Lahyani, founder of Property Finder, credited them for their decisive support, saying, "At the time when BECO invested 11 years ago, I had raised money prior from a strategic investor, however securing broader regional investment was challenging. It took Dany's foresight to understand that building a real estate classifieds platform was something potentially big. It is my hope that this event sets the precedent for other founders in the region to take their innovative companies to new heights, in turn creating returns that fuel the entrepreneurial ecosystem across MENA." The emphasis on long-term companies' growth and DPI as metrics of success highlights this milestone as evidence of the MENA region's capacity to generate returns comparable to, or even exceeding, those of established VC hubs like Silicon Valley. This achievement demonstrates a maturing local venture capital ecosystem, capable of delivering significant returns to investors and enhancing its global stature as a leading centre for technology and innovation.EndsAbout BECO CapitalBECO Capital is one of the largest non-governmental venture capital firms in the MENA region. Since its inception in 2012, BECO Capital has helped the regional tech ecosystem to develop from its nascent stages to its current dynamism, emerging as a leading force behind many of the region's most notable success stories. Among these is Careem, the trailblazer in regional ride-hailing that was acquired by Uber for $3.1 billion, alongside innovative companies like Kitopi and Fresha.Media contact:Hiba Al MasoudEmail address:Hiba@ scope-ae.com SOURCE: BECO Capital Recall the legendary mid-2000s R&B hit Olufunmi by the 1997 music group Styl-Plus. This track ruled the airwaves and established itself as a perfect Nigerian love anthem, especially on Nigerian radio stations. Between 2004 and 2005, Styl-Plus singles Olufunmi and Runaway were some of the most requested love songs on major Nigerian radio stations. This time, music producer ID Cabasa has rekindled the classic with a reimagined version featuring a star-studded lineup, including Fireboy DML, OdumoduBlvck, Boj, and Joeboy. On Friday, Cabasa, a Nigerian music production titan, unveiled the fresh version featuring contemporary Afrobeats heavyweights Fireboy DML, Odumodublvck, BOJ, and Joeboy. In an X post, ID Cabasa said, We crafted new magic from a timeless classic. Styl-Plus gave us an unforgettable gbedu, and we reimagined it with some friends. Fireboy DML added that he had a great time working on the record and expressed gratitude to those who made the project possible. ID Cabasa, known for his iconic productions, masterfully retains the soul of the original Olufunmi while infusing it with contemporary sounds. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The reimagined version brings a fresh perspective to the Nigerian love song. It attempts to fuse the nostalgic essence of the original with modern Afrobeat rhythms, creating a cross-generational musical bridge. The new version keeps Styl-Plus voices on the hook, a nod to the songs roots that ground the track in its classic foundation. Olufunmi offers a blend of nostalgia and modernity. Its original meaning is God gave me. Its a typical Nigerian name with Yoruba cultural roots. Adding horns and strings, alongside local Apala beats, enriched the soundscape, providing a lush, modern twist that complements the originals melody. Vocal analysis The remake retained its diverse vocal performances, featuring artistes who brought their unique styles to the table, offering a rich and familiar style to the videography. Fireboy DML opens the track with a heartfelt verse that exudes longing and romantic commitment. Fireboys smooth delivery stays true to the originals dynamic tone, setting a nostalgic yet fresh tone for the song. Odumodublvck introduces a stark contrast with his bold, brash approach. The rappers verse is characterised by aggressive lyrics like Strike am, pierce am, dagger am, which adds an unexpected, raw intensity compared to the original love song. While this may seem jarring, it provides a dynamic twist that showcases his unique style. But then, when BOJ offers a calming counterpoint with his distinctive voice, revisiting the theme of longing and love. His plea for his partner to stay and face challenges together echoes the romantic desperation of the original. Joeboy concludes the song with a short but impactful verse, pleading for another chance in love. His pitched voice, reminiscent of Tundes iconic vocal style from the original, adds a touch of nostalgia and beauty. Visual complement The music video, directed by Clarence Peters, visually enhances the songs narrative. Clarence has been known for his quality visual production; his work on Olufunmi came with quality. The visual portrays each artiste vying for the affection of the same woman, who ultimately chooses ID Cabasa, symbolising the bridge between past and present. The modern aesthetics and subtle nods to the original further deepen the connection between the two versions. The use of old telephones for interaction in the reimagined version sends a nostalgic feeling of the play of love in the 90s. Cross-generational musical experience Olufunmi Reimagined is more than a simple cover; it celebrates Nigerian musical heritage. By blending the nostalgic melodies of Styl-Plus with modern Afrobeat rhythms, ID Cabasa creates a track that resonates with both old fans and new listeners. This effort to bridge generations is evident in the songs composition and the diverse vocal styles of the featured artists. While Styl-Pluss original Olufunmi remains a timeless piece with profound emotional impact, Olufunmi Reimagined stands out for its innovative production and diverse vocal performances. It highlights the evolution of Nigerian music, showcasing how contemporary artists can honour and rejuvenate classics. This reimagined version also seems to be a testament to the enduring appeal of Olufunmi and its ability to inspire and connect listeners across different generations. Emotional Depth The new track features contemporary artistes Fireboy DML, Odumodublvck, BOJ, and Joeboy, and it aims to bridge the gap between past and present musical landscapes. However, how does the 2024 version compare to the original regarding lyrical strength and emotional resonance? 2006 classic: A Plea for Love The original Olufunmi, released in 2006, is a poignant narrative of a man pleading with his lover to stay. The lyrics are deeply emotional, reflective, and filled with a sense of vulnerability. The song opens with a direct address to the lover, capturing the listeners attention immediately: Hello Hi baby, this is difficult for me How could you be saying this? Understand Listen to me a little at this time Im sorry, but I still have to leave, and Im not coming back No baby, just listen These opening lines set the tone for a heartfelt conversation, drawing the listener into the emotional turmoil of a relationship on the brink of collapse. The verses further delve into the lovers commitment and desperation: Stop when I said to you that I never want to love another woman, girl; it was true So true; I meant to marry you When I did, I wanted to take care of you Now you say you want to leave me, girl When around you, I have built my world Whatever you heard about me, baby, its definitely crazy Please give me one chance to show The repetition of pleas and the expression of disbelief and sorrow highlighted the depth of the lovers feelings. The lyrics are a clear and powerful expression of love, commitment, and desperation, resonating deeply with anyone who has experienced a similar emotional struggle. Reimagined version: modern flavours and diverging themes Olufunmi Reimagined introduced a more varied emotional palette with contributions from multiple artists, each bringing their unique style and perspective. The lyrics are casual and conversational, reflecting contemporary expressions of love and relationships. Fireboy DML opens the track with a plea for proximity and connection in a modern, digital age: If you give me one minute I go, like, give you just one reason Why you should stay here with me Come closer. I dont do long-distance Why e be say every time wey I call your line e dey do not disturb Omoge sun mo mi joor Call me anytime wey you wan to link up Fireboys verse captures the frustration of modern communication barriers, a theme many contemporary listeners can relate to. His lyrics are straightforward and less poetic than the original, focusing more on immediate, practical concerns rather than profound emotional pleas. Odumodublvck introduces a starkly different tone with his aggressive, boastful style: If I buss her my PIN code, she gast to decode Bigger shit cannot be left on its own She thinks Im Baddo cause of my parol The way I roke, I can be likened to Sango Strike am, pierce am, dagger am (Pow) Use my black man bulala (Grr) Kaluba, spend am Oya keels dey worship my banana His verse, filled with metaphors which could be vulgar, diverges significantly from the originals emotional sincerity. While it adds a unique flavour, it only projects his distinct style and energy; it may feel out of place in the context of a love song, contrasting sharply with the originals heartfelt plea. BOJ and Joeboy bring back a softer, more reflective tone: How can I show my love if you no dey with me? I cannot take it when youre far away from me Shey ka ma ferawa, make we dey together? Shomo Lagbaja, konko below oh? No, do me so, oh Me, I cant let you go Dont tell me its over Make we try again Baby, I need you forever These verses resonate more closely with the originals theme of longing and the desire to make the relationship work. Joeboys use of falsetto in the chorus adds a nostalgic touch reminiscent of the originals emotional depth. Fan perspectives The collaboration has garnered significant reactions. Don Jazzy, CEO of Mavin Records, expressed his excitement on social media, stating, Too excited for this one. Heavyweights on a reimagined classic. This sentiment is echoed by fans who appreciate the effort to revive a beloved song with contemporary flair. However, some listeners find Odumodublvcks aggressive style out of place in a love song, suggesting that a softer and more polished rap voice like Ladipoes might have been more fitting. Despite these critiques, many acknowledge that his verse adds a unique flavour, reflecting the diverse landscape of modern Afrobeats. Verdict The original Olufunmi thrives on its emotional honesty and lyrical depth, capturing the listeners heart with sincere and desperate pleas. Each verse builds on this foundation, creating a cohesive narrative that resonates deeply with the theme of enduring love and heartbreak. In contrast, Olufunmi Reimagined offers a more fragmented emotional experience. Fireboy and Joeboys verses align more with the originals sentiment, while Odumodublvcks aggressive approach introduces a jarring but unique perspectiveee. His lines are far from the original flow. This diversity in lyrical style reflects the contemporary music landscape but may dilute the emotional coherence that made the original so impactful. ID Cabasa has been actively reworking other classic Nigerian hits. In December, he released a reimagined version of 9ices hit single Photocopy, which he originally produced. The updated version features rapper Vector, which is classic and well-paired. Sourcing out for the reimagined could have picked the likes of Johnny Drille for the emotional depth and Ladipoe for the polished rap flow. While Olufunmi Reimagined brings a fresh and modern twist to a classic, it falls short of the lyrical strength and emotional depth compared to the original. Despite the notable presence of Fireboy, Joeboy, and other talented artists, ID Cabasas Olufunmi remix fails to deliver the anticipated impact. The 2006 versions unified narrative and heartfelt pleas for love create a timeless piece that profoundly resonates with listeners. In contrast, despite being innovative and engaging, the 2024 reimagined version presents a more varied and less cohesive emotional journey. It shifts to style and persuasion rather than a walk of love. Olufunmi Reimagined is rated 6/10. Watch the Reimagined music video here. You can also watch the 2006 classic version here. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Senior Pastor of Daystar Christian Centre, Sam Adeyemi, has disclosed the rationale behind his relocation to the United States (US). PREMIUM TIMES reported in 2020 that Mr Adeyemi was among prominent Nigerian clerics who condemned the police for using bullets and tear gas to disperse #EndSARS protesters. In November 2020, a rights activist, Kenechukwu Okeke, filed a criminal complaint against Mr Adeyemi and 50 persons, including musicians Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, and Davido, for their roles in the #EndSARS protests nationwide. However, the celebrities filed a suit before a magistrates court seeking the dismissal of the charges. In contrast, Mr Okeke filed a countermotion with the Abuja High Court to dismiss their suit. The lawyer alleged his property was destroyed during the protest and that the defendants who promoted it must be brought to justice. In January 2021, a High Court in the Federal Capital Territory ordered Magistrate Omolola Akindele to halt the prosecution of Pastor Sam Adeyemi of Daystar Christian Centre, Burna Boy, Davido, Falz, activist Deji Adeyanju and others. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later However, the 57-year-old pastor set the record straight in an interview with Channel TVs Seun Okinbaloye on the Mic podcast shared on YouTube Sunday. He said: When COVID-19 started, all our children were in the US, so everyone stayed with their families. We stayed with our children. The week services resumed was when EndSARS started, so we were preparing to return to Nigeria. When the EndSARS protests ended in violence, we stayed back a bit. When we were ready to return to Nigeria, a different experience altogether happened. My wife had a dream in which she travelled to Nigeria and returned to the US, which was a bad dream. I told her I wouldnt say I liked this dream. Three days later, I had a dream. We both travelled to Nigeria in my dream, and I was in a big fight. I was being attacked violently and had to ask the Holy Spirit in my heart what to do. He said I should call the name of Jesus Christ. I shouted in the name of Jesus Christ in the dream and didnt realise I shouted out loud in real life. The anchor of the Excellent Leadership programme, aired on Daystar Network Television and Word Network in the US, recounted how he shouted from the dream and woke up his wife, Pastor Nike. My wife woke me up at 2:00 a.m. by hitting me and asking what was going on. We decided to take it seriously, especially considering a dream we had three days earlier. We prayed fervently, sensing danger. Three hours later, I fell back asleep and had another dream. We were in Nigeria this time, and I was in a fight, he added. Return to Nigeria Mr Adeyemi revealed that whenever they (him and his wife) set dates and booked flights to return to Nigeria, he would have a bad dream about something terrible happening to him there (Nigeria). The author of Build Real Wealth: Practical Steps to Regain Financial Stability said he had never experienced two dreams about the same event in one night. A few days later, we called family members in Nigeria, and one person said, Im feeling very uncomfortable about you travelling to Nigeria. We called another family member who said, I feel uncomfortable about you coming. What is going on? We just turned and looked at each other, pondering the situation. Then I said, You know what? Ive been a Christian for 40 years. At this point, if God is speaking to me, I should have an idea that it is God speaking. Something is going on. I dont know what it is, but I want to pray more. And at that point, we called a meeting of all the leaders in Daystar Christian Center, the top 120 leaders on Zoom. The President of Success Power International noted that he informed the elders of Daystar about the situation, and they agreed to keep the church running. They said youve never deceived us before. If God asks you to stay, stay as long as He directs. Well continue this journey, Mr Adeyemi stated. Daystar The host of the radio and television Success Power programme heard and seen in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East said he and his wife stayed in the US after the church leaders Zoom meeting. Six months, we were still in the US, one year, tearing me apart. I discovered that until COVID-19, Id been out of Nigeria for eight weeks. To now be away when you had the church with 40,000 members, he noted. He added that the experience in the US highlighted Daystars strengths, including investments in training and established systems. Im passionate about building systems so the church does not collapse. It is fantastic, and we call it an organisational miracle. It was almost three years before we had the Holy Spirits clearance to return to Nigeria. But what eventually the Holy Spirit would tell me was that he wanted me to shift my focus from just being the pastor of a local church to that global walk that I had known that I would do. So right now, the focus shift is to do that global walk while we keep Daystar running, leveraging technology. Daystar Christian Centre was established on 18 November 1995 to empower individuals to discover, develop, release, and maximise potential in God through the word. The church has branches across Lagos State, such as Oregun Centre (the main branch), Lekki Centre, Ikorodu Centre, Alimosho Centre, Badagry Centre, and an online church. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Movie Title: Momiwa Running Time: 1 hour 47 minutes Director: Biodun Stephen Cast: Blessing Jessica, Iyabo Ojo, Uzor Arukwe, and Livian Afegbai Nigerian filmmaker Biodun Stephen has made a name for herself with compelling stories about human relationships. From award-winning movies like Breaded Life (2021), Strangers (2022), to recent hits like Sista (2023), Big Love (2023), to Small Talk (2024), Stephen continues to explore the complexities of human connections. Her latest film, Momiwa, is a family drama about a beloved housekeeper who brings joy to a household, only to face tension and competition when her employers estranged wife returns from nowhere. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The movie begins with a gripping scene: Neighbours hear the desperate cries of two siblings locked in an apartment and rush to help. Just as they are about to break down the door, the childrens father arrives. As the movie progresses, we later learn that Naetochukwu is struggling for survival. His wife had locked up his children and abandoned them. In the subsequent scene, we meet Momiwa (Chinonso), the devoted housekeeper who cares for Naeto (Dadiwa), the children Vida and Abel, and the rest of the household. Its been ten years now, and things have pretty much changed for the good of Naeto and his family. What seems like an ordinary day takes a dramatic turn when Kiki, Naetos estranged wife, suddenly reappears after having vanished, leaving her husband and kids behind. Despite Naetos initial refusal to take her back, Momiwa persuades him to let Kiki return. Abel is happy to see her, but Vida and Naeto are wary. As Kiki tries to rebuild her relationships, Momiwa supports her. Kiki eventually opens up to Naeto, explaining that she left due to postpartum depression and sought therapy, clearing up rumours of infidelity. Naeto, overwhelmed by years of hurt, starts to forgive her. However, Kiki soon views Momiwa as a rival, straining their relationship. She demands to be called Madam and ultimately orchestrates Momiwas arrest on false theft charges while Naetoway is on a business trip. On his return, Naeto finds a fake resignation letter from Momiwa. Refusing to believe she left voluntarily, he searches for her. Meanwhile, Kikis true colours show as she neglects the children and household duties. When Vida asks for sanitary pads, Kiki berates her. Naeto goes to the pharmacy to buy them and runs into Dr Bamidele, who reveals that Kiki ran off to Abuja with him, abandoning her family when she learned of Naetos newfound wealth. Back home, Naeto confronts Kiki, who admits her plot to frame Momiwa. Furious, Naeto recalls the pain Kiki caused and recognises Momiwas crucial role in their lives. He orders Kiki to leave for good. But would Naeto ever find Momiwa again? Would his family ever remain the same? Character Analysis The movie features a well-assembled cast, including Blessing Jessica, Iyabo Ojo, Uzor Arukwe, and Livian Afegbai. Each character is meticulously portrayed, with standout performances enhancing the narratives impact. Blessings skilful portrayal of Momiwa is a delight. Her use of accent vocabulary adds a layer of comic relief, making her performance memorable and engaging for viewers. Iyabo Ojo delivers a spectacular performance as Kiki. She adeptly captures Kikis complexity, transitioning from apparent guilt to revealing her true, manipulative nature. Ojos nuanced acting makes Kiki a compelling and multifaceted character. Uzor Arukwe, known for his consistent and reliable performances, brings depth to the character of Dadiwa. His portrayal grounds the film and provides a steady anchor for the unfolding drama. The childrens actors Michael Akpujiha and Precious Udoh deliver intrinsic performances as Abel and Vida. Their acting is crucial to the story, adding authenticity and emotional depth. The movie Momiwa also features notable performances from MC Lively and Lilian Afegbai, among others Their contributions round out the cast, adding richness and variety to the films character dynamics. Movie Review How do you know whether youve watched a good movie or not? You know youve watched a good movie when it evokes a strong emotional response, whether joy, sadness, anger, or such emotions that make you feel like you are part of the narrative. The storytelling should be compelling and well-paced, with authentic and relatable characters. The films technical aspects, like cinematography, editing, and sound, should seamlessly enhance the narrative rather than distract from it. Ultimately, a good movie leaves a lasting impression, prompting reflection and discussion long after the credits roll. Momiwa exemplifies this standard, showcasing scriptwriting and production excellence by revealing each twist and truth at precisely the right moment. One thing that stands out in this movie is that the meticulous pacing captivates viewers and ensures the movies coherence. Also, the satisfying conclusion leaves viewers content yet curious, as lingering unanswered questions about Momiwas past provoke contemplation. This film is evidence of Stephens directorial brilliance, reaffirming her status as a genre maestro. Momiwa is a worthy addition to Stephens growing repertoire of compelling dramas, showcasing her directorial prowess and narrative finesse. The movie seamlessly integrates various languages, including English, Igbo, and Yoruba, with a touch of French, minimally used by the character of the chef, Phildela Yve. This multilingual approach adds depth and authenticity to the film. At its core, Momiwa presents a profound lesson that transcends conventional notions of family, challenging the belief that blood ties solely define familial bonds. Instead, it beautifully illustrates that the true essence of family lies in the sincere efforts and unwavering love extended by those who surround us. With stellar performances and a well-crafted narrative, this heartfelt message makes Momiwa a standout film that resonates deeply with its audience. However, the movie has its flaws. While we know so much about Naetochukwus family, little or nothing is told about Momiwas background and family. Also, viewers are left blank about Momiwas relationship with Dadiwa. Initially, it felt like they were a couple, but not until Kiki surfaced. While the conclusion may feel somewhat rushed and uncertain, as if hurriedly wrapping up loose ends, it is a minor flaw in an otherwise heartwarming film that offers a delightful serving of classic Nollywood family drama. Verdict: 7/10 MOMIWA 2024 (youtube.com) Momiwa is streaming on Amazon Prime Video Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Cancer, one of the deadliest diseases the world has ever encountered, is a large group of diseases that can start in almost any organ or tissue of the body. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), it is the second leading cause of death globally. It also said that in 2022, there were an estimated 20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million deaths. In Nigeria, however, an estimated 124,000 new cases were recorded in 2020, which resulted in 78,899 deaths. The disease exerts tremendous physical, emotional and financial strain on individuals, families, communities and health systems, shrinking resources as it strikes the rich, poor, young, old and now even children. To ease the burden of cancer treatment in Nigeria, the federal government came up with various interventions that could benefit patients. The Minister of State for Health, Tunji Alausa, said the country has a cancer continuum that is given necessary priority attention. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later He listed cancer prevention, treatment, supply chain management, Hospice and Palliative care, advocacy and social mobilisation, data management and research, as well as governance and finance as areas government focused on to tackle the menace. These, he added, are priority measures in cancer control efforts contained in the governments four-point agenda, which also includes improving healthcare governance, improving population health outcomes, unlocking the healthcare value chain, and health security for Nigerians. Mr Alausa said that the federal government earmarked N200 million for indigent cancer patients treatment in the 2024 budget through the Cancer Health Fund (CHF), a demonstration of its commitment to reducing the cancer burden. According to him, the federal government has put N1.3 billion into the CHF in the last four years. He, however, added that though the fund would not be enough to do all that is needed to take care of Nigerians, the ministry is mobilising funds through a sector-wide approach and involving private sector participation. He explained that the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) will ultimately manage funding for cancer care in the future to avoid duplication of roles in terms of purchase of services for patients. Recently, guidelines for the NHIA Act was launched to pave the way for full operationalisation of the Act, which also provides funding for vulnerable Nigerians, including cancer patients. Also to enhance oncology care in the country, the federal government and the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to aid the procurement of equipment for cancer management. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, also said that upgrading equipment in the six cancer centres, located in teaching hospitals in the six geo-political zones of the country, is an important milestone. This, he said, is because it would mark the end of tragic stories for thousands of Nigerians who struggle to get care for cancer. He noted that the government had in the past established an oncology initiative with other hospitals which lasted for years without success. He explained that an initial appropriation for teaching hospitals about four years ago remained N17.9 billion, while in 2024, the federal government appropriated N20 billion for it, totalling N37.9 billion. Mr Pate said So, the NSIA would bring the technical capacity, the experience, and the governance system, following the authoritys relationship with manufacturers of cancer equipment. We have seen how the authority ran that of LUTH and it is a very important partner to the government. But this is a different path where were using government-owned entity (NSIA) to execute, where the entity will go directly to the manufacturers, taking away the middlemen. My understanding is that we have almost a 30 per cent discount in the cost of equipment by virtue of going to the manufacturers directly, a clear value of almost N10 billion saved because of the discount. Added to that, he said, President Bola Tinubu upgraded six Federal Tertiary Health Institutions with modern Brachytherapy and Nuclear Medicine equipment and other ancillary and complementary facilities. On his part, Usman Aliyu, the director-general, National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), said that though Nigeria has done a lot to improve cancer treatment, more needs to be done. Mr Aliyu said We have made significant progress in raising awareness about the causes, symptoms and prevention of cancer by empowering individuals with knowledge, we aim to reduce the incidence of late-stage cancer diagnoses and improve early detection rates across Nigeria. He added that taking the measures beyond the shores of the country and expanding it to the continent, the interventions continued with the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubus involvement, where she organised a high-level regional seminar to promote awareness and advocacy programmes in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) African Member States. During the event, she called for collective action against cancer in Africa, to end it by 2030. She reiterated her commitment to reducing the prevalence of cancer through effective preventive control. The first lady said she would continue to lead in advocacy to promote innovative approaches to cancer prevention and early detection, while the federal government took charge of the diagnostic and treatment components of cancer care. She said This has led to my stand in championing preventive measures and early detection approaches to preventable and curable cancers in Nigeria. To buttress her belief that prevention is better than cure, she launched the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccine for the prevention of cervical cancer in October 2023. The launch marked the beginning of the inclusion of HPV vaccines into routine immunisation by the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA). She said I am aware that over nine million girls have been fully immunised since the launch of the vaccine in October. Regarding legislation that would help in advancing cancer care, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, assured that the National Assembly (NASS) would work with the First Lady to enact a law for prevention in Nigeria. He said that financial barriers, high cost of treatment and lack of health insurance left many unable to afford necessary care. He noted that low awareness and educational gaps about cancer prevention and early detection for timely intervention were worsening the scourge. He added that the combination of these factors result in high mortality rate, while inequality of life underscored the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address cancer. As representatives of the people, we in the House of Representatives and by extension, the National Assembly, recognise our role in the fight against cancer. The House will work with the First Lady to enact a National Cancer Act to reduce cancer mortality through comprehensive measures, including the promotion of screening, early diagnosis, treatment advancement and palliative care. According to Mr Abbas, the law will also guarantee greater investment in cancer care infrastructure and provide a framework for the establishment and funding of comprehensive treatment centres across the country. Commending the governments efforts in the fight against cancer, Gloria Nwajiogu, a survivor and advocate, said there have been improvements compared to what was obtainable some 10 to 15 years ago. Ms Nwajiogu, the president of the Network of People Impacted by Cancer in Nigeria (NePICiN), said that before now, cancer treatment was not covered by NHIA but now, there are packages for not only those in government employment but also those in private sector. She added that there is also the CHF; so to me, there has been an improvement. However, in this journey of cancer, though there are improvements, people are not even aware of these things and when people are not aware of the services, there is no way they can access them. I have to celebrate the strides made by government because as of 2020 when I was diagnosed, it was like if you do not have money, you cannot survive cancer, except God decides to work a miracle in your life. Chemotherapy alone is not affordable and the drugs are expensive, but we now have options. She commended the Chemotherapy Access Programme (CAP) which gives patients access to lower-priced, high-quality medications at a 50 per cent discount at the hospital, adding that it has helped. She, however, said that the challenge of not having enough funds to go to the hospital persists because citizens are not aware of the packages. Ms Nwajiogu explained that a lot needs to be done about creating awareness, not just about the treatment of cancer but about prevention too, which has been lacking. She also said that the facilities, though being upgraded, need to be expanded so patients can access them without having to travel far. Dozie Akwarandu, another cancer survivor and president of the Nest of Hope Cancer Advocacy and Support Community, said the CHF is a great initiative. He, however, said that the fund, designed to cater for only Breast, Cervical and Prostate cancers and only for indigent patients, is not sufficient to reduce the cost of cancer treatment. The CHF needs to be reviewed, expanded and made to accommodate other cancers, as well as make it accessible and generally let the demographics change. I am of the opinion that there should be integration of cancer treatment and care with infectious disease. We can borrow ideas from the HIV world and get a programme where cancer patients can get medications all the time, he suggested. He also said that though the federal governments initiatives are commendable, the facilities we have are not sufficient for patients, the available ones are overstretched, the personnel are also overstressed. However, I believe that the recent engagements by NICRAT, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the most recent by the Office of the First Lady, will beam light at the dark tunnel. (NANFeatures) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has said that the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway will revert to the gazetted alignment between kilometres 16 and 25 to save submarine cables. The minister disclosed this in Lagos at the third meeting with concerned parties of the coastal highway project, Arise TV reported. The planned infrastructure, which has generated controversy, is designed to link the former capital city to Calabar, a port city near the border with Cameroon. Landmark, one of the beaches affected by the highway, sits along the Atlantic Ocean beachfront in Lagoss affluent Victoria Island area. A portion of the beach was sand-filled following a demolition notice for infringing on the right of way for the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project. Some residents in Eti-Osa Local Government Area (LGA) who were issued demolition notice over the planned construction of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway had pleaded with President Bola Tinubu to intervene and stop the unlawful and unwarranted exercise. New route During a two-hour session, the minister invited telecommunications companies affected by the ongoing project, residents of the Okun Ajah community, as well as other concerned persons, to make a case for why the new alignment should be altered. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Highlighting the concerns of MTN, 2Africa and other telecoms companies was the Group CEO of Machine and Equipment Consulting of Africa. We have three critical infrastructure that are located on one spot. One is the 2Africa submarine cable that cuts across 33 countries connecting about three billion people. That cable landed at Mopo and where it landed, the West African Cable Systems (WACS) had already been located there about 17 years ago. We have a mega IPP, which is to provide power to the 2Africa cable and the WACS cable. The power plant is a 50-megawatt power plant expected to support this infrastructure. The (new) corridor is passing right on the submarine cable and the other side is on the IPP. You cannot have the submarine cables without power. They will not function. The submarine cable is a critical national security infrastructure. If it is affected, everybody will be affected, he said. He referred to the recent subsea cable disruptions that caused internet outages in several countries across Africa. Two months ago, there was a challenge as far as Cote dIvoire, but a significant part of Africa was blanked out. Our appeal today is in view of the fact that this is not just a private project, its a national project, its the internet gateway to the nation and its linked to national security. We are therefore appealing that for this critical infrastructure located at Mopo, that the road be diverted back to the original gazette. We welcome and commend the federal government for building this road. We think this is a major national infrastructure that enhances development, but were appealing that for such national telecommunications infrastructure, the government should find a way of being sensitive to that reality, and divert the road away from this critical national infrastructure. Following several interventions and appeals catering to diverse interests, Mr Umahi said, Ladies and gentlemen, we have our proposal here and we have the old alignment, the gazetted alignment. To the glory of God, to solve MTN, 2Africa and Okun Ajah community (complaints), we are diverting completely from the new alignment and we are rejoining back to our new alignment at kilometre 25. Congratulations. This revelation was met with rancorous applause and palpable relief by residents of Okun Ajah, who had previously expressed their concerns over the potential demolition of their properties, including ancestral homes, due to the controversial highway project. Mr Umahi said that the development was not necessarily because of pushback from the communities affected, but solely due to President Tinubus intervention. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Ahead of the first anniversary of his administration on 29 May, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu today departed Abuja for Lagos to begin a commissioning spree of projects completed under his administration. In Lagos on Sunday, the president will inaugurate the concrete-paved road to the nations major ports in Apapa and Tin Can Island. The reconstructed road which began under the Muhammadu Buhari Administration was financed by the Dangote Group, using its tax credits. On the same day, President Tinubu will formally inaugurate, by virtual means, the refurbished Third Mainland Bridge, which has drawn public acclaim for its excellent finishing and aesthetic furnishing. He will also commission, virtually, the rehabilitation of 330 roads and bridges across the country. The highpoint of the presidents engagements on Sunday will be the inauguration of the iconic Lagos-Calabar Superhighway, estimated to cost about N15 trillion. Work has begun on the legacy project that will connect nine coastal states, with Section Two already awarded to Hitech Construction Limited. President Tinubu will return to Abuja on Tuesday to begin another round of commissioning. He will first inaugurate the Southern Parkway, which the Nyesom Wike-led FCT Administration named after him. On Wednesday, the president will attend the National Assembly Dialogue Series, after which he will unveil the National Assembly Library Complex, named after him. President Tinubu will leave the National Assembly to relaunch the commercialisation of Abuja Light Rail, also known as Abuja Metro. He will symbolically join a train ride to the city centre. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The Abuja Metro was completed in 2018 by the Buhari Administration. It was put into commercial use up till 2020. But with the onset of COVID-19, the train service was abandoned. Vandals descended on the facility, putting it out of use. FCT Minister, Mr Wike, after spending $15 million and building access roads to the various stations, has refurbished it for commercial service. After the train ride, President Tinubu will also inaugurate the Wuye Flyover-Link Bridge and the Defence Intelligence Agency Headquarters. On Friday 31 May, President Tinubu will commission the NASENI-Portland Compressed Natural Gas(CNG) Reverse Engineering Centre at Utako. Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser Information and Strategy. 25 May, 2024 Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print TheSocio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to use the anniversary of your first year in office as an opportunity to demonstrate your oft-expressed commitment to democracy, accountability, and openness in government by immediately publishing your asset declaration form. SERAP urged him to encourage your Vice-President Kashim Shettima, ministers, and state governors to also widely publish their asset declaration forms. SERAP also urged him to urgently propose a constitutional amendment to include provisions on the creation of asset declaration database to publish government officials asset declaration forms before, during, and after serving in public office. In the open letter dated 25 May 2024 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: Widely publishing your asset declaration form and encouraging your Vice-President, ministers, and state governors to also widely publish their assets would serve legitimate public interests. SERAP said: publishing your asset declaration form and encouraging others to do so would also promote public trust and establish a system of transparency, accountability and public participation. According to SERAP, Openness and transparency in the details of asset declaration forms of high-level public officials would strengthen the countrys democracy and promote accountability at all levels of government. The letter, read in part: You promised in your inaugural speech on May 29, 2023 to take proactive steps to discourage corruption, and to ensure that Nigeria is impartially governed according to the constitution and the rule of law. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later We urge you to use your first anniversary in office as an important opportunity to underscore and reaffirm your oft-repeated commitment to democratic governance, openness and public accountability by immediately taking concrete steps to implement the proposed recommendations. Transparency in the details of asset declaration forms would also enable Nigerians to scrutinise the forms and verify the financial situation of public officials and alert about possible conflicts of interest and corruption. Asset declaration forms are a matter of public interest and your government ought to provide the leadership and encourage other high-ranking public officials to harness new technologies to publish the details of their asset declaration forms online and make the forms readily available to the public. Corruption is one the greatest challenges to improving the countrys democracy and rebuilding a transparent, accountable and participatory system of governance. One way that corrupt politicians in the country have perpetuated corrupt practices is through hiding assets. Transparency and openness would also increase public confidence in the integrity of high-ranking public officials and government generally, and ensure that political authorities are honest when they provide services to people. Our requests are brought in the public interest, and in keeping with the requirements of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended]; and Nigerias international anticorruption and human rights obligations. Information regarding the property and economic interests of public officials ought to be accessible to the public through a website created for this purpose. Transparency in the details of asset declaration forms of high-level public officials would also promote citizens participation in the fight against corruption which in turn would increase the transparency of public administration and the citizens trust in the integrity of state institutions. Those who voluntarily seek or occupy public offices and are catered for by the public have certain fiduciary duties to be open, transparent and accountable to the people regarding the details of their asset declaration forms. Because asset declaration forms are public documents, public officials cannot claim that publishing their assets would violate their privacy rights. There is an overriding public interest in the disclosure of information on the assets of public officers who clearly are trustees of Nigerias wealth and resources. Publishing your asset declaration form and encouraging your Vice-President, ministers and state governors to also widely publish their asset declaration forms would enable Nigerians to scrutinize the assets and worth of public officials before taking office and at the end of their term of office. Publishing your asset declaration form and encouraging your Vice-President, ministers and state governors to also widely publish their asset declaration forms would also send a powerful message of your commitment to uphold the countrys constitutional guarantees and international obligations. According to the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, contained in Part I of the Fifth Schedule to the 1999 Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], all public officers are to declare their assets. Paragraph 11(1)(a)(b) of the Fifth Schedule provides that every public officer shall immediately after taking office and thereafter (a) at the end of every four years; and (b) at the end of his/her term of office, submit to the Code of Conduct Bureau a written declaration of all his properties, assets, and liabilities and those of his unmarried children under the age of eighteen years. Section 15(1) of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and Tribunal Act also requires all public officers to declare their assets. Article 7(1) of the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption and Articles 7(4) and 8(5) of the UN Convention against Corruption also contain similar provisions and requirements for public officials to declare their assets before, during, and after serving in public office. The Nigerian Constitution and the anticorruption and human rights treaties show the significant role that asset declaration by public officials plays in promoting transparency, accountability and preventing and combating corruption in the public service. Section 109 of the Evidence Act defines a public document to include documents forming the acts or records of the acts of public officers. Asset declaration forms kept with the Code of Conduct Bureau therefore qualify as public documents under section 109. We hope that the aspects highlighted will help guide your steps in taking steps to publish your asset declaration form and to encourage others to do so. Kolawole Oluwadare SERAP Deputy Director 26/05/2024 Lagos, Nigeria Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org Twitter: @SERAPNigeria Website: www.serap-nigeria.org For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202 Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A group of Islamic clerics in Kano State has urged Governor Abba Yusuf to obey a court order against the deposition of emirs. The geoup also commended the security agencies for maintaining the peace in the ongoing emirship tussle in the state. Earlier PREMIUM TIMES reported how the states Council of Ulamas (Islamic clerics) warned the actors not to allow the crisis to trigger a breakdown of law and order in the state In a statement signed by the chairperson of the council, Ibrahim Khalil, the council also urged President Bola Tinubu to employ non-partisan measures to address the crisis. In the latest development, a group of clerics led by Lawi Sanka, also in a statement made available to reporters, commended the judiciary and security agencies for their roles in managing the crisis. The clerics said the prompt intervention of the judiciary prevented a breakdown of law and order over the dissolution of the five emirates councils in the state. On behalf of the Islamic Scholars and Clerics (Ulamas) of Kano State, we express our heartfelt appreciation for the crucial role played by the judiciary and security agencies in maintaining peace and stability in Kano State. We commend them for upholding the rule of law and ensuring a return to peace in the state, the statement said. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later We urge the Executive arm of Government, under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusif, and the Speaker of the State House of Assembly to exercise caution and refrain from making decisions that may jeopardise the states stability and exacerbate the suffering of the people of Kano State, who have already endured enough due to previous negative decisions and misguided policies. We are particularly grateful to the judiciary and security agencies, who have been the last hope for the people, standing strong and protecting the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We commend our patriotic President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmad Tinubu, for his unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and separation of powers and his vital role in maintaining peace in Kano State and the country at large. We appreciate his efforts and exemplary leadership. We emphasise the importance of respecting the rule of law and the need for all arms of government to work together in harmony to ensure peace, stability, and progress in the state. Let us work together to build a brighter future for the people of Kano State, where justice, peace, and prosperity reign supreme and where the rights and dignity of all citizens are upheld and respected, the statement said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has warned that Nigerian children are at risk of losing their identity if necessary steps are not taken to make amends. She gave the warning at an event tagged Celebrating the organised as part of activities to mark President Bola Ahmed Tinubus one year in office. The event was specially put together to recognise women who have made significant contributions in their various spheres of life, communities and the nation at large. Mrs Tinubu emphasised the importance of women as the foundation of the home and society, stressing the need to continue nurturing children and instilling good morals while preserving cultural and traditional values. Gathered here today are women from across all sectors of our society, who have individually and collectively contributed to the development of our great nation. Every woman, irrespective of age is a mother, a nurturer, a builder and the foundation upon which our families, communities and institutions thrive. She expressed concern that without intervention, the current state of society could lead to children losing their identity. The First Lady urged women to become unifying forces in their homes and communities to drive greater prosperity for the nation. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later She encouraged drawing inspiration from the legacies of pioneering women who have paved the way. When mothers stand with you, the house is in order. Looking ahead, we must endeavour to become the unifying force in our homes and our communities, to bring about greater prosperity for our nation. Let us continue to draw from the lessons of the pioneers who have paved the way and build on the legacies they have left behind. She urged everyone to contribute their quota and continue praying for President Bola Tinubu and the nation until Nigeria reaches the promised land, which she referred to as Eldorado. To all our mothers here today, and to those who have supported and keep touching our lives in countless ways, I say thank you. Thank you for your love, strength, and unending sacrifices. Wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima, described Mrs Tinubu as an embodiment of experience having served as First Lady of Lagos State for eight years, senator of the Federal Republic for eight years and now the first lady of the country. Addressing the first lady pointedly, Mrs Shetimma described her as an embodiment of humility, zeal, passion, commitment and sincerity of purpose. I thank my Almighty Allah for blessing us with you, I always see you as a role model. I want to assure you, Insha Allah, together forever Ma. The wife of the vice president charged the first ladies of the various states to tap from Mrs Tinubus wealth of experience. Wife of former Head of State, Victoria Gowon, in her remarks, stressed that until women unite, Nigeria will go nowhere. She said if women unite and begin to mentor others, Nigeria will one day produce a female president. I like to say something, the First Lady of Federal Republic of Nigeria has shown us the way to take people as friends, as partners to move the women of Nigeria forward. To be seen as mothers, as helpers. Until we as women unite, we are not going anywhere. We have to unite. We have to remove our differences, it doesnt matter where you come from or it doesnt matter who you love, you are a woman, you are a mother. At this juncture, I call on women of Nigeria to support Mrs. Tinubu in the office she is today. She has shown that she can help women of Nigeria, she can support the children of Nigeria. And together we will be strong, together, one day, we will find amongst us, one of us that can be the leader of this country. Former First Lady Patience Jonathan expressed gratitude to Mrs Tinubu for acknowledging former first ladies whom she always remembered and valued as integral parts of the nation. She emphasised the importance of unity and support, highlighting the significant role of Nigerian women in the countrys progress. Nigerian women, we have a mother who loves, cares for her children and in turn stands by her side. Onyeka (the lady of song) has said it all, one love keeps us together. Where there is love, peace will keep us together and shine on us together. A former Minister, Nike Akande, in her remarks, described the event as a good initiative, celebrating mothers of the nation, noting that the life of the first lady has been that of service and honour. Development doesnt happen overnight. As somebody who has been in leadership positions in government as a minister, in business and endowed with international exposure, the bold steps that Mr President has taken in the last year, is expedient, timely and inevitable. Of course, nothing good comes without some pains and the president is always appreciative of that. As one of the mothers of the nation, I plead for more understanding, cooperation, and support of Mr President at this challenging and difficult time. The event had in attendance women from all sectors and strata of the nation. BUSOLA KUKOYI SSA Media to the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 25th May, 2024 Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 27. As previously reported, following the directive of President Ilham Aliyev, the villages of Baganys Ayrim, Ashagy Askipara, Kheyrimli, and Gyzylhajily in the Gazakh district were returned to Azerbaijan on May 24. AzTV prepared a report from a location near these areas. Residents of the four villages, liberated after 32 years of occupation, shared their joy in interviews. Trend presents this footage for your viewing: The Kano branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has decried the involvement of Nigerian soldiers in the crisis over the repeal of the Kano Emirate Council Law 2019 and the sack of emirs. The branch chairperson, Sagir Gezawa, in a statement, said as a body of lawyers, the association is deeply concerned about the developments in the matter. Its within the constitutional duty of a State Assembly to legislate and once passed it remains the prerogative of a Governor to assent to such Law. Once assented to by the Governor, it has become a Law and its implementation is to be done by state apparatus and of course enforced by a competent court of law. Its further within the purview of courts to interpret such Law to be in tandem with other existing laws or the Constitution. In doing so, we urge our members to act responsibly in approaching courts with competent jurisdiction. A court order, once given is sacrosanct and must be obeyed. That is the motto of this association, promoting the rule of law. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later However, it must be noted that the court has its own mechanism of enforcing its order, its not within the powers of the Nigerian Army to deploy troops to enforce a court order. This is a sad reminder of the military dictatorship and must be condemned. Anyone found wanting or in disobedience of a court order (which is declaratory in nature) must first be proved to have been notified of the existence of the said court order by issuance of Form 48 and subsequently Form 49 notifying such person of the consequences of his or her actions. This is in line with the Sheriff and Civil Processes Act and Laws of the various States for enforcing court judgments. Engaging security apparatus without the officers of the Deputy Sherrifs Department of the relevant court that made the order may appear to be self-help, which must also be condemned. As an association, therefore, we call on all state actors, to be mindful of their oaths of office and for the security agencies, their scope of duties so as not to make mockery of our judicial system. They should as well be mindful of the fact that their actions may breach the security and peace of Kano State and they shall be held accountable in this life or the next, the statement said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Ibrahim Lamorde, the former chairman of the anti-graft agency, EFCC, is dead. He was 61. Mr Lamorde died in Egypt where he had travelled for medical treatment, a close associate told PREMIUM TIMES Sunday morning. Born on 20 December 1962, Mr Lamorde joined the Nigerian Police in 1986 and retired as a Deputy Inspector General of Police in 2021. While a police officer, he served as EFCC chairman between 2011 and 2015. EFCC website, Mr Lamorde was the third Executive Chairman of the Commission. He was appointed in an acting capacity as Chairman of the Commission on 3 November 2011 following the removal of Farida Waziri by President Goodluck Jonathan. He was confirmed as the third substantive Chairman of the Commission by the Senate on 15 February 2012. According to his profile on the, Mr Lamorde was the third Executive Chairman of the Commission. He was appointed in an acting capacity as Chairman of the Commission on 3 November 2011 following the removal of Farida Waziri by President Goodluck Jonathan. He was confirmed as the third substantive Chairman of the Commission by the Senate on 15 February 2012. Mr Lamorde, who was born on 20 December 1962 in Mubi, Adamawa State, attended Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology in 1984. He joined the Nigerian Police Force in 1986. When the EFCC was created in 2003, Mr Lamorde was made the pioneer Director of Operations. In December 2007, he took over as Acting Chairman in January 2008, holding the position until Mrs Waziri was appointed Chairperson and confirmed by the Senate in June 2008. In December 2010, Mr Lamorde returned to the EFCC, again as Director of Operations to replace Stephen Otitoju, the then Acting Director of Operations. When Mrs Waziri was replaced on 23 November 2011, Mr Lamorde, then an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), was again appointed Acting Chairman. He was confirmed as substantive Chairman of the EFCC on 15 February 2012, a position he held till 9 November 2015, when President Buhari replaced him with Ibrahim Magu as the EFCC Chairman in an acting capacity. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has blamed the crisis in the Kano emirate on the Bola Tinubu administration. Mr Abubakar, in a statement by his spokesperson, Paul Ibe, said the federal government deployed security forces to assist a claimant to the stool of the Emir of Kano who has been deposed. the former emir could not have made his way into the Nasarawa Palace without the support of the federal government having done so with the support of the army and other security personnel in his company. The deployment of soldiers in extra-constitutional matters such as this undermines the integrity of the Nigerian military, Mr Ibe wrote. reported how the Kano government sacked the five emirs in the state including Aminu Ado Bayero who was the Emir of Kano. The government then reinstated Lamido Sanusi, who was deposed in 2020 as the Emir of Kano. PREMIUM TIMEShow the Kano government sacked the five emirs in the state including Aminu Ado Bayero who was the Emir of Kano. The government then reinstated Lamido Sanusi, who was deposed in 2020 as the Emir of Kano. However, both Mr Sanusi and Mr Ado Bayero currently lay claim to the title. Read Mr Ibes full statement below. The action of the federal government in deploying soldiers in Kano in the tussle over the throne of the ancient city is an upset to the peace and security of the state, and also in breach of the 1999 Constitution as amended. In performing their constitutional duties of law-making, the Kano State House of Assembly (KSHA) passed the amended Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Bill 2024 in consonance with the provision of Section 4 of the Constitution 1999 as amended whereas the Governor of Kano State, Kabir Yusuf, subsequently signed into law the said bill. The law therefore repealed the 2019 version which balkanized the ancient Kano Emirate into five. The foregoing circumstances happened within the confines of the law and in compliance with the powers conferred on the Governor as provided by Section 5(2) of the 1999 Constitution as amended; and also in consultation with the Kingmakers of Kano, reappointed Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (also known as Muhammadu Sanusi II) as the 16th Emir of Kano State and accordingly handed him a letter of appointment. It is surprising that in the early hours of today, exactly at about 5:30 a.m. the former Emir of Kano, His Majesty Aminu Ado Bayero backed by federal might made their way into the Nasarawa Palace of the Kano Emirate while the reappointed Emir, Muhammadu Sanusi II was at the Gidan Dabo, which is the main residence of the Emir of Kano. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later In this wise, the former emir could not have made his way into the Nasarawa Palace without the support of the federal government having done so with the support of the army and other security personnel in his company. The deployment of soldiers in extra-constitutional matters such as this undermines the integrity of the Nigerian military. We need to remind the Tinubu administration that Kano State is known for peace and harmony spanning thousands of years and any attempt to destabilise the peace of the Land of Commerce shall be resisted. Recall that Muhammadu Sanusi II was dethroned on 9th March 2020 and Kano forged on in peace without any fracas. We wish to state unequivocally that if for any reason, law and order breaks down in Kano State, particularly Kano Municipal, the federal government should be held responsible as the act of providing security cover to the former emir, Aminu Ado Bayero, to come back to Kano is an invitation to anarchy. Signed: Paul Ibe Media Adviser to Atiku Abubakar Vice President of Nigeria, 1999-2007 Abuja Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print When President Bola Tinubu decided to run for president on a Muslim-Muslim ticket alongside Vice President Kashim Shettima, it ignited a firestorm of controversy. In a nation like Nigeria, where both Muslims and Christians hold significant demographic and cultural weight, this decision raised alarms about the potential exacerbation of religious tensions. Critics had earlier argued that the exclusion of a Christian vice-presidential candidate might lead to feelings of marginalisation and discord. Upon assuming office, the president made it a priority to balance his cabinet with diverse religious representations to prove his critics wrong. Observers are of the view that over the past year, Tinubus administration has taken notable bold steps towards promoting religious harmony through balanced appointments, supportive policies, and interfaith dialogue. According to them, he has ensured that the appointment of Christians and Muslims, among others, to key positions, is done in a relatively equitable and fair manner to allay any initial fears of religious marginalisation. They say that this deliberate commitment to inclusivity is designed to carry everyone along to alleviate their fears and to further demonstrate that his administration represents all Nigerians, regardless of their faith. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Many posit that over the past 12 months, for instance, President Tinubus administration has highlighted policies promoting religious tolerance as a cornerstone of its governance strategy. For many observers, the presidents initiatives of supporting interfaith dialogue and peace-building efforts have been central to these policies. By fostering understanding and cooperation between different religious communities, they argue, the administration has sought to create a more harmonious national atmosphere. For instance, in his public statements, President Tinubu has consistently emphasised the importance of national unity, while downplaying religious differences and focusing on the commonalities that bind Nigerians together. His administration has actively engaged religious leaders from both Muslim and Christian communities, encouraging cooperation and mutual respect to reduce tensions. Corroborating this viewpoint, the Editor-in-Chief of the Good Shepherd Newspaper, a publication of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, Kenneth Agwu, said that the Tinubu government has promoted religious harmony in Nigeria despite the initial controversy surrounding the Muslim-Muslim ticket. Mr Agwu, a reverend father, noted that the president had appointed individuals from various religious backgrounds to key positions in the government to assuage any pre-election frayed nerves. This, to some extent, has ensured fair representation across different sectors. For instance, the appointment of ex-Rivers Governor, Nyesom Wike, as FCT Minister is innovative. Tinubus administrations symbolic acts such as his active participation in major religious events and the holidays of various faiths to show respect and solidarity have gone a long way to bring about religious harmony. Earlier this year, for instance, he appealed to religious leaders to refrain from vilifying or denigrating the nation in their sermons, thereby publicly condemning acts of religious intolerance and violence, Mr Agwu recalled. Speaking in the same vein, the Deputy National Legal Adviser, Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Mohammed Eze, said that Mr Tinubus policies have promoted religious harmony, notwithstanding the initial misgivings that trailed his riding to power on the back of a Muslim-Muslim ticket. Mr Eze, an Abuja-based lawyer and Igbo Muslim from Enugu State, lauded Mr Tinubus strong support for interreligious interventions like the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council, NIREC, a government-supported platform for the two most dominant religions in Nigeria. It is a place where they brainstorm on the way forward and how to ease understanding and make extinct the extremism that is seen in certain quarters, whether among Muslims or Christians, Mr Eze stressed. The Secretary of Inter-Religious Dialogue at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN), Lawrence Emehel, said that Mr Tinubus government has strengthened religious tolerance in the country. He, however, urged the government to be more deliberate in supporting the youths, especially the NIREC Youth Forum, adding that there was no harm in the government being part of NIREC, except taking over or controlling the body. The government should rather support it directly or indirectly since most programmes involve youths. The youth wing of NIREC is filled with vibrant youths who raise a lot of awareness and arouse the nations consciousness to the importance of tolerance. These youths are Christians and Muslims working actively together to promote religious tolerance, peace, and dialogue. When an article is posted on the internet, go to the comment section. You will agree with me that youths have more engagement, Mr Emehel said. A recent development, when Vice President Kashim Shettima, a Muslim, inaugurated the board of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC) has been described as novel and commendable in advancing religious harmony. Inaugurating the Board at the Presidential Villa, Mr Shettima reinforced the administrations resolve to uphold religious freedom and interfaith dialogue, stressing that Nigerias strength lies in its diversity of faiths. He recalled President Tinubus promise when he assumed office that his government would have no place for discrimination. The vice president vowed that there would be no discrimination under the Tinubu-led government, saying Nigeria is what it is because it is a nation of God, stressing that spirituality was of prevailing interest. Mr Shettima urged the new NCPC board members to be unifying figures dedicated to promoting interfaith harmony through compassion, justice, and mutual respect. The vice president assured that the Tinubu administration was fervently committed to ensuring that interfaith harmony remained the ultimate priority. Regardless of anyones position, the place of faith in the nation is not only critical but provides a framework for comfort among citizens and for the stability of the nation at large. Our duty is to provide a safe haven for members of each faith and uphold the rights and freedoms in our constitution. We can only emerge stronger and be more resilient as a nation through dialogue, empathy, and reconciliation, Mr Shettima said. Asabe Musa, a trader in Lafia, Nasarawa State, expressed support for Mr Tinubus inclusive appointments, as well as his engagements in interfaith dialogue. She, however, noted that notwithstanding Tinubus encouraging, courageous, and genuine efforts towards ensuring religious harmony during his first year in office, this has not been without its challenges. According to her, religious violence and tensions have continued to plague parts of the country, and these challenges underscore the difficulty of achieving lasting religious harmony in a nation as diverse as Nigeria. Scepticism remains among some Christians, particularly those concerned about the initial Muslim-Muslim ticket. They continue to fear marginalisation, and so this calls for more tangible actions to address religious violence and discrimination, she said. Bala Dogo, a lawyer, agrees that Mr Tinubus first year in office has been marked by a concerted effort to foster religious harmony, despite the initial controversy which trailed his choice of a Muslim-Muslim ticket. He said that through his inclusive appointments, policies promoting tolerance, and active interfaith dialogue, Mr Tinubu has made significant strides in addressing religious tensions. While challenges persist, the administrations commitment to unity and its engagement with both religious leaders and youth groups underscore a proactive approach to achieving lasting peace and understanding in Nigerias diverse religious landscape, Mr Dogo said. Observers are, therefore, of the view that President Tinubu in his first year in office, succeeded to a large extent in ensuring religious harmony in Nigeria. They noted, however, that the quest for lasting religious harmony in the country continues to be a complex and critical endeavour, which he should address differently for best results as he enters his second year in office. (NAN). Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print A Nigerian pilgrim from Kebbi State died in Mecca on Saturday, 25 May. The pilgrims death occurred after a brief illness, an official said. The Nigerian Makkah Office Coordinator, Aliyu Tanko, announced the pilgrims death in a condolence message on behalf of the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON), Jalal Arabi. Mr Tanko expressed condolences to the Kebbi State Government Pilgrim Welfare Board and prayed for the soul of the deceased to rest in eternal peace. A NAHCON delegation, including the Saudi Liaison Officer, Abubakar Lamin, and other staff, paid a visit to the Kebbi State Welfare Board in Mecca, where they received a warm welcome from the Chairman, Garba Takware. Mr Takware thanked the NAHCON leadership for their visit and prayed for a successful Hajj operation. A special supplication was made for the soul of the deceased, other pilgrims, and Nigeria. Kebbi State pilgrims were the first set of Nigerian intending pilgrims to arrive in Saudi Arabia for the 2024 Hajj, with their inaugural airlift taking place on 15 May. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The inaugural airlift was attended by dignitaries, including Vice President Kashim Shettima. So far, 20,154 Nigerian pilgrims have been airlifted to Saudi Arabia in 48 flights, with approximately 65,000 expected to perform the 2024 Hajj. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print The police command in Kogi on Sunday confirmed the killing of two of the abducted students of Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara. The State Police Commissioner, Bethrand Onuoha, said this when he spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in LokoJa Mr Onuoha described the killing by their abductors as very unfortunate. The CP, who did not give the details of the killing, said security operatives were on the trail of the abductors to bring them to book. NAN reports that abductors invaded the school around 9.00 p.m. on 9 May while the students were studying in their classes ahead of their examinations slated for 13 May and abducted some students after shooting sporadically into the air. Although security agencies had rescued 21 of the abducted students with the help of local hunters, a few were still in the hands of the abductors. Meanwhile, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), Education For All (E4A), had condemned the killing of the two students despite ongoing negotiations with the parents to pay ransom for their release. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Nasir Ibrahim, the spokesperson of the NGO, said this in a statement in Lokoja. Mr Ibrahim described the killing as the height of callousness. He said the intent of the kidnappers was to scare young people from going to school, which was unfortunate. It is sad that the criminals killed two of the students who were not among the 21 rescued through the operation coordinated by the Kogi Government. Although the circumstances of their kidnap and being traced to a forest in Kwara State by security agencies are yet to be ascertained. This is sad, callous and a call for collective action against attackers of educational institutions. We are aware that parents of the students were negotiating with the kidnappers, which slowed down the offensive on the kidnappers by security agencies so as not to endanger the lives of the captives. We were very hopeful and optimistic that they will be released at the end of the negotiations, he said. Ibrahim added: Information reaching us shows that the students allegedly killed were James Michael Anajuwe, a 100-level Information Technology student and Musa Hussein, a 100-level Software Engineering student of the University. They were allegedly killed at the kidnappers hideout in Kwara. We are broken and shattered that despite the efforts of the parents, NGOs and the State Government, we still lost these promising students. He called on the Kogi government to work with its Kwara counterpart to take decisive action against the perpetrators, who were said to be hiding in a forest in Kwara, very close to Kogi and Ekiti States. He commiserated with the families of the lost children, urging the NSA and the Federal Ministry of Education to reinvigorate efforts on the Safe School Initiative. The painful loss of the two students should provoke the office of the National Security Adviser to work with the Federal Ministry of Education to ensure the safety of our schools across the country. It is unacceptable to lose children whose only offence was embracing education. Our nation must rise to the occasion to arrest the rising insecurity across the country, he said. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Residents of Gaya, the headquarters of one of the four emirates scrapped by the Kano State Government last week, embarked on a peaceful protest against the decision on Sunday. PREMIUM TIMES reported how the state House of Assembly on Thursday passed a bill for the dissolution of the four emirates created by the administration of former governor Abdullahi Ganduje. A day after, Governor Abba Yusuf signed the law and abolished the emirates of Gaya, Karaye, Rano and Bichi. The governor also reinstated Lamido Sanusi, who was dethroned in March 2020 as the emir of Kano. However, one of the dethroned emirs, Aminu Ado Bayero of Kano, has rejected his removal, citing an order of the Federal High Court restraining the state authorities to suspend action on the implementation of the new law. On Sunday, residents trooped out to protest the dissolution in the Gaya emirate and Rano, Witnesses also reported skirmishes and burning of used tyres in Bichi on Friday and Saturday. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later In Gaya, the residents carried placards with inscriptions in Hausa, conveying their displeasure with the state governments decision. The political marginalisation is too much leave our emirate to exist, one of the placards read. The people of Gaya support the new emirate, another placard reads. A protest was also reported to be ongoing in Karaye, with people preparing for a procession. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Three persons were killed in a Saturday night attack by gunmen on Akpoha community, Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. Many residents of the community also sustained injuries during the attack. Those killed included a member of the defunct Ebubeagu Security Network which transformed into Neighborhood Security Watch (NSW), a female trader and a man who was standing close to the slain security official. A resident of the area, Uche Donatus, said about 10 bullets were found in the security operative. The resident said he managed to survive the attack despite the sporadic gunshots some of which hit his house. Our community was attacked on Saturday night. Three persons are lying dead as I speak to you, Mr Donatus said. The gunmen came with two motorcycles. When they were leaving, one of the motorcycles refused to start and they continued shooting heavily until it started and they left. The source named the three people killed during the attack. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Their names are Emmanuel Nwacha, Egwu Nicholas Nwacha, and Inya Blessing Orieona, he said. Killings in Akpoha have become a regular occurrence and nothing has been done to stop it. We are in trouble. Mr Donatus, the Youth President of Akpoha community, said Emmanuel Nwacha is the leader of Neighbourhood Security Watch in the area and also the Chief Security Officer of a company handling the construction of a new federal bridge in the community. He disclosed that many bullets were picked up by police officers in the community who evacuated the bodies of the deceased after the gunmen left. An aide to Governor Francis Nwifuru from the province, Kenneth Obasi, confirmed the incident. Mr Obasi, who is the Coordinator of Akpoha Development Centre, said the corpses of the victims have been deposited in the morgue. He said he received a call that gunmen were shooting heavily on Akpoha junction around 8 p.m. on Saturday and he dispatched some members of the Neighborhood Security Watch to the scene. On getting to the scene, I saw three persons lying dead on the ground. I have taken their corpses to the mortuary while the incident has been reported to the police, Mr Obasi said. When contacted, the police spokesperson, Joshua Ukandu, said he was yet to receive any report on the incident. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack but similar attacks in Ebonyi and other states in southeastern Nigeria have been blamed on the separatist group, IPOB. PREMIUM TIMES reported that the Nigerian government and security agencies have repeatedly blamed IPOM and its armed wing, ESN, for attacks in the region although the group denies responsibility. Hundreds of people have been killed and many others kidnapped in such attacks. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Accelerated passage of smuggled National Anthem Bill, exemption of military from tolling, Last week in the Green Chamber was heading towards what could have been described as a quiet week. The notice paper for the week was filled with the usual motions and bills. Everything changed on Thursday when the National Anthem bill was smuggled into Thursdays OrderPaper in the middle of plenary. The House of Representatives passed the bill seeking to revert to the old National Anthem. The manner with which the bill was introduced and the speed with which it was passed jarred the whole country. PREMIUM TIMES reported in detail the steps that led to the passage of the bill by the House and the attempts by opposition lawmakers to stop it. Expectedly, its passage has dominated public discourse, with many questioning the need to revert to the 1960-1978 anthem. The nation is polarised along the lines of those in support of the old anthem and those in favour of the status quo. However, one sentiment appears very loudhow would this affect the prices of goods in the market? Perhaps if the lawmakers had held a public hearing on the bill, Nigerians would have gotten the opportunity to ask this question and many more. Instead, the lawmakers ambushed Nigerians with the legislation. As things stand, the opposition to the bill is growing on a daily basis. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Honouring the military at tollgates, seaports and others On Wednesday, the lawmakers called on the federal government to exempt the men of the Armed Forces of Nigeria from paying tolls at airports, seaports, train stations and motor parks. The resolution was in reaction to a recent decision of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to abolish all exceptions for tolls at the Airports. FECs resolution stated that everyone, including the president, must pay a toll at the gate of the airports. However, the lawmakers, following a motion moved by Abdulsamad Dasuki (APC, Sokoto), resolved that the military should be excluded from those who are to pay tolls at airports and also extended it to the seaports and others. This move by the lawmakers may defeat the essence of the FEC resolution on tolling because most VIPs in Nigeria are driven by security personnel. President, governors, ministers, ranking lawmakers and others often have military personnel in their vehicles, therefore, this exemption could be extended to the VIPs and retain the revenue leakages the government seeks to prevent. Nigerian elites are notorious for seeking undue privileges. Despite the insufficient number of police citizens, many of them have a high number of police officers attached to them. Similarly, they use sirens even when there is no emergency, and they seldom respect traffic lights. This resolution by the lawmakers may end up benefiting VIPs more than ordinary Nigerians. Intervention to stop the illegal shutdown of Banex Plaza Two weeks ago, the Nigerian Army brazenly shut down a popular commercial hub in Abuja, named Banex Plaza, after some of its men were involved in a spat with shop owners. The army illegally shut down the plaza under the guise of investigating the incident. The House on Thursday, during plenary, urged the federal government to open the market and end the illegal shutdown by the military. This call by the lawmakers followed a motion moved by Whingan Olusesan (APC, Lagos). While resolutions of the House do not carry the force of law, however, this would be another litmus test for resolutions and legislative pronouncements. Sending all security resolutions to the NSA For years, presenting and passing security-related motions have become a daily affair, but compliance has been almost non-existent. Last week, the House resolved to take a different path. It resolved to henceforth send all security-related motions to the Office of the National Security Adviser for implementation. The Minority Leader of the House, Kingsley Chinda, moved the motion and was unanimously approved by the House. No doubt, this move by the lawmakers may help to ensure proper coordination because, in the past, resolutions were sent to different outfits for implementation. Under this new system, the NSA, Nuhu Ribadu, is in the position to integrate resolutions of the House into the security plans of the executive in line with Section 4(3) of the National Security Agencies Act. One of the functions of the NSA includes Correlating and evaluating intelligence reports relating to national security and providing the appropriate dissemination of such intelligence within Government using existing facilities as the President may direct. The $100 million malaria intervention loan revelation Nigeria is currently in a fix over utilising a $100 million malaria intervention loan from the Islamic Development Bank due to procurement fraud. The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, appeared before a House Committee on Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria to provide answers on the status of the loan. However, one major thing was obvious during the hearing the committee chairman and members still have a lot to learn about the parliamentary process and procedures. The Committee, chaired by Amobi Ogah, had a session that could best be described as chaotic. The chairman, a first-timer, completely lost control of the proceedings while members were throwing around point of order without making reference to any specific order. The lack of decorum by the members of the committee was an eye sore. At a point, the members of the committee insisted on putting staff of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) on oath. But Mr Pate, who has worked in international circles, refused, stating that the lawmakers cannot. This issue generated long debate until one of the lawmakers searched the web to ascertain the claim made by the minister. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 26. The Azerbaijan Deposit Insurance Fund has completed the process of liquidation of two banks - Azerbaijan Credit Bank OJSC and Borcal Bank, the Fund told Trend. The liquidation process for two banks, Azerbaijan Credit Bank OJSC and Borcal Bank, has been completed. For four other banksRoyalbank OJSC, Caucasus Development Bank OJSC, Ganjabank OJSC, and DemirBank OJSCthe final repayments to unsecured creditors are underway. From 2020 to the present, depositors of six banks where insured events occurred have received compensation totaling 893.6 million manat or $ 522.3 million. Additionally, since the fund assumed liquidation duties, a total of 32.2 million manat or $18.8 million, has been paid to creditors of banks in liquidation, and this process is ongoing, the fund said. To note, the Azerbaijan Deposit Insurance Fund was established in 2007. Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel The federal government has filed a suit at the Supreme Court against the the 36 state governments, seeking the enforcement of full autonomy of the local governments in Nigeria. There are 774 local government areas in the country. However, efficient governance at the the level of the third tier of government has been hampered by the overbearing influence of state governors. Funds meant for local governments in the Federation Account are paid monthly to them through their respective state governments. But against expectations, the governors of the states retain the funds in joint accounts in the respective states and only release to the local governments what they wish. The local governments in each state have no say in the use of the funds in the joint accounts controlled by the respective state governors. The office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice has instituted a suit at the Supreme Court, seeking an order to better guarantee the independence of the local governments. In the suit marked: SC/CV/343/2024, the federal government urged the court to issue an order prohibiting state governors from embarking on unilateral, arbitrary and unlawful dissolution of democratically elected local government leaders. The plaintiff also prayed the Supreme Court to make an order permitting the funds standing in the credits of local governments to be directly channelled to them from the Federation Account in line with the provisions of the Constitution as against the alleged unlawful joint accounts created by governors. In addition, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, begged the court to stop the governors from further constituting caretaker committees administer the affairs of local governments in violation of the constitutionally recognised and guaranteed democratic system. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Mr Fagbemi further asked for an order of injunction, restraining the governors, their agents and privies, from receiving, spending or tampering with funds released from the Federation Account for the benefits of local governments when no democratically elected local government system is put in place in the states. Court filings showed that the governors were sued through their respective Attorneys General and Commissioners for Justice. Grounds of the suit Laying the legal basis for the case, the federal government contended that the Nigerian federation was a creation of the the Constitution with a president as head of government whose key responsibility is to uphold the provisions of the Constitution. The chief law officer of the country argued that the Constitution recognises the three tiers of government federal, state and local. The plaintiff further contended that by the provisions of the Constitution, there must be a democratically elected local government system and that the Constitution has not made provisions for any other systems of governance at the local government level other than democratically elected local government system. The justice minister said despite the statutory provisions, governors have failed and refused to put in place a democratically elected local government system even where no state of emergency has been declared to warrant the suspension of democratic institutions in the state. That the failure of the governors to put democratically elected local government system in place, is a deliberate subversion of the 1999 Constitution which they and the President have sworn to uphold. That all efforts to make the governors comply with the dictates of the 1999 Constitution in terms of putting in place, a democratically elected local government system, has not yielded any result and that to continue to disburse funds from the Federation Account to governors for non existing democratically elected local government is to undermine the sanctity of the 1999 Constitution. That in the face of the violations of the 1999 Constitution, the federal government is not obligated under section 162 of the Constitution to pay any State, funds standing to the credit of local governments where no democratically elected local government is in place, the AGF stated in the suit. The suit has been slated for hearing on 30 May, but it is not clear if the state governments have filed their defence. The state governments opposed the moves by the former President Muhammadu Buhari administration to enforce the constitutional provisions stipulating that local governments were entitled to receive the funds meant for them in the Federation Account. But the state governments, through Mr Fagbemi who was then a private lawyer, filed a suit to stop the specific move by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) to abolish the joint accounts into which the the various state governors were diverting their local governments funds. The governors argued in the suit that the NFIUs move was illegal under a federal system of government. They said under the federal system, the NFIU, a federal government body, lacked the power to decide for the state governments how to use their funds. Background Governors overbearing influence on local governments in most states have crippled governance at the level of the third tier of government. In December 2022, former President Muhammadu Buhari accused the state governors of pilfering local government funds. PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported how state governors rose against a move by the NFIU to abolish the states local governments joint accounts through which governors exercised absolute control over local governments funds in the country. The NFIU placed a limit on cash withdrawals from local governments accounts to a maximum of N500,000 per day. It warned banks to ensure strict compliance. Last December, the Nigerian Senate asked the federal government to stop allocation of funds to local governments run by caretaker committees. Perhaps the current suit is in response to the Senates resolution, calling on the federal government to enforce financial autonomy for the local governments. The local governments are in a state of near collapse with crippling insecurity and breakdown of socioeconomic institutions like healthcare centres, schools and markets. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print As part of its efforts to propel economic growth in the Niger Delta, the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta, otherwise known as PIND Foundation, has said it provided electricity to some primary healthcare centres (PHC) in Bayelsa, Ondo and Delta states. The nonprofit organisation, through its partnership with the United States Agency for International Development-led Health Electrification and Telecommunication Alliance (HETA), facilitated the electrification of 12 PHC in the three states. PINDs Executive Director, Tunji Idowu, disclosed this at the lunch of its 2023 annual report titled: Advancing New Frontiers for Greater Impact. The initiative through the project seeks to improve access to power supply for PHCs in this region. Mr Idowu said despite the harsh economic realities in the county, the initiative continued to pursue its goals and has exceeded expectations in the last year. According to him, the foundation has a mission to facilitate peace and equitable economic growth in the Niger Delta and has so far done exceedingly great in achieving this mission. He said: The previous year saw us exceeding expectations and achieving several milestones as we consolidated our previous work and successes while exploring new opportunities. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later Together with our partners, PIND continued to find creative, people-centred ways to carry out our mission to facilitate peace and equitable economic growth in the Niger Delta. PIND 2023 annual report According to the recent report, the foundation has achieved the goal it set out for itself and has begun exploring new opportunities for improving livelihoods and ensuring lasting peace in a once conflict-ridden region. The report noted that through robust programmes focused on community-driven, research-backed needs, PIND improved growth and peacebuilding in communities across the region. The organisation said it has supported more than 49,000 farmers comprising 46.35 per cent of women through its numerous service providers in its Market Systems Development project. It said the cumulative investments by PIND-supported farmers and members of other projects yielded over 10 billion. The report said the initiative advocated increased access to arable lands for smallholder farmers in Delta, Edo, and Ondo states by working with representatives of these state governments and their land review committees to undertake Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping of reserved lands and delineating substantial amounts for agricultural purposes. It noted that the PIND Foundation also created peace clubs in secondary schools and universities across the region to foster changed attitudes and behaviours and promote peace through education. The report further states in part: Also, in 2023, PIND undertook an impact evaluation of its work over the previous seven years to demonstrate the value of its interventions in the Niger Delta and learn lessons for improvement. READ ALSO: FG earmarks N260bn to revitalise PHCs across Nigeria Minister In 2024, one of PINDs key activities is the launch of the Niger Delta Regional Peacebuilding Strategy (NDRPS) document in partnership with the Ministry of Niger Delta Development. The NDRPS will apply a multi-stakeholder approach to tackling conflicts in the Niger Delta, with all stakeholders focused on peacebuilding and conflict management and resolution in the Niger Delta, joining resources to ensure the effective prevention, management, and resolution of conflicts in the region. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print Another pilgrim from Kebbi has passed away after a brief illness in Mecca, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the deceased, Muhammad Suleman, from Argungu Local Government Area, died on Sunday after a brief illness. Faruku Aliyu-Enabo, executive chairman, Kebbi Pilgrims Welfare Board, disclosed this in a statement issued to journalists in Mecca on Sunday. He said: The deceased died on Sunday after a brief illness and his funeral prayer took place at the Al-Masjid Al-Haram (Kaaba). He was buried according to Islamic rites on the same day. On behalf of the Kebbi Government, I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, Kebbi pilgrims and the entire people of the state. We pray to the Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant his soul as well as the souls of departed Muslims, Jannatul Firdaus. Article Page with Financial Support Promotion Nigerians need credible journalism. Help us report it. Support journalism driven by facts, created by Nigerians for Nigerians. Our thorough, researched reporting relies on the support of readers like you. Help us maintain free and accessible news for all with a small donation. Every contribution guarantees that we can keep delivering important stories no paywalls, just quality journalism. SUPPORT NOW x Do this later The chairman urged the family of the deceased to take heart and accept the will of God Almighty in good faith, observing that no soul would live beyond its designated time. (NAN) Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp Telegram LinkedIn Email Print BEIJING, May 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A report from People's Daily: Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a message to the 14th China-U.S. Tourism Leadership Summit on May 22. It is hoped that all walks of life in the two countries will take this summit as an opportunity to have in-depth exchanges, build consensus, and take active actions to promote personnel exchanges through tourism cooperation, continue China-U.S. friendship with cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and help the San Francisco vision turn into reality, Xi said. Guests experience Chinese tea culture and the charm of China's Hubei province at the "Tea for Harmony: Yaji Cultural Salon" in Washington, co-hosted by the Chinese Embassy in the United States, the Hubei Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism and Washington-based Museum of Chinese in America, May 21. (Photo by Li Zhiwei/People's Daily) Students of a delegation from Muscatine High School visiting China pose for a picture in the Bund, Shanghai, April 23, 2024. (Photo by Wang Chu/People's Daily Online) Xi's message fully demonstrated the importance he attaches to China-U.S. relations, conveyed his expectation to deepen China-U.S. tourism cooperation, and expounded on the significance of tourism cooperation in promoting stable, healthy and sustainable development of China-U.S. relations, charting the course for the two countries to strengthen tourism cooperation and people-to-people exchanges. For any great cause to succeed, it must take root in the people, gain strength from the people, and be accomplished by the people. Growing China-U.S. friendship is such a great cause. Xi has repeatedly emphasized the significance of strengthening non-governmental friendship and people-to-people exchanges in developing bilateral relations between China and the United States. He has interacted with people from all walks of life in the U.S. for multiple times, aiming to foster a new chapter in non-governmental friendship between the two peoples. Last November, Xi and his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden met with each other in San Francisco and laid out a future-oriented "San Francisco vision." Xi proposed five pillars for China-U.S. relations, namely, jointly developing a right perception, jointly managing disagreements effectively, jointly advancing mutually beneficial cooperation, jointly shouldering responsibilities as major countries, and jointly promoting people-to-people exchanges, which should serve as the underpinning for the mansion of China-U.S relations. Tourism is an important bridge for exchanges and mutual understanding between the people of China and the U.S. China and the U.S. are both proud of their splendid culture and beautiful landscape and people from both countries are keenly interested in learning more about each other and cementing their friendship. For some time, teams from both China and the U.S. have been working to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state in San Francisco. China-U.S. relations have been generally stabilized, and bilateral dialogue, cooperation and positive aspects in various fields have increased. A number of relevant projects have been launched, including an initiative of inviting 50,000 young Americans to China on exchange and study programs in the next five years. The increased exchanges between the Chinese and American societies have deepened mutual understanding between the two peoples and brought them closer to each other. China and the U.S. are two major countries with different histories, cultures, social systems and development paths. Strengthening dialogue and communication between the two sides, promoting friendly exchanges between the two peoples from all walks of life, and building more bridges of mutual understanding will help eliminate unnecessary misunderstandings and biases. Expanding tourism cooperation between China and the U.S. will contribute to the exchanges and cooperation between the two peoples, and build consensus for the stable, healthy, and sustainable development of China-U.S. relations. As Xi said in the message, the foundation of China-U.S. relations is laid by the people, the door of China-U.S. relations is opened by the people, the stories of China-U.S. relations are written by the people, and the future of China-U.S. relations will be jointly created by the people of the two countries. No matter how the global landscape evolves, the historical trend of peaceful coexistence between China and the U.S. will not change. The ultimate wish of the two peoples for exchanges and cooperation will not change. The expectations of the whole world for a steadily growing China-U.S. relationship will not change. China and the U.S. should work to meet the expectations of the two peoples and the world, and take concrete measures to promote people-to-people and cultural exchanges, including tourism cooperation. Both countries should build more bridges and pave more roads for people-to-people exchanges. China warmly welcomes tourists from all over the world, including American tourists, and will strive to make it easier for foreigners to travel, work and live in China. China is willing to work together with the U.S. to introduce more measures that facilitate personnel and cultural exchanges. China also hopes that the U.S. will work in the same direction, increase direct flights between the two countries, promptly adjust advisory concerning travel to China, and facilitate visa applications for Chinese citizens visiting the U.S., in order to create better conditions for mutual visits between the two countries' tourists. It is hoped that that the two peoples will make more visits, contacts and exchanges and write new stories of friendship in the new era. This year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the United States. The two countries should learn lessons from history, cherish peace, value stability, and uphold credibility, consolidate the foundation and tap into the potential of people-to-people friendship, and turn the "San Francisco vision" into reality, so as to truly stabilize, improve and move forward China-U.S. relationship and inject more stability into the world. SOURCE People's Daily NEW YORK, May 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Generative artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly gained traction in leisure travel transforming the way consumers approach vacation planning just in time for summer, according to a new report from consulting firm Oliver Wyman, a business of Marsh McLennan (NYSE: MMC). The report, titled, Why Generative AI Is a Game Changer for Leisure Travel found that 41% of Americans and Canadians surveyed have used generative AI for either trip inspiration or itinerary planning, an increase from 34% in August 2023. Oliver Wyman's analysis found that online travel agencies (OTAs) could increase their booking share of the US online travel market by up to 17 percentage points by 2029 if travel suppliers continue to forgo investment in generative AI capabilities. This potential shift could result in OTAs reaping an incremental $2 billion-plus in commissions from suppliers. "Consumers are avoiding two major pain points when using generative AI for travel planning-- information overload and the time spent navigating multiple sources for inspiration and planning for travel that meets their needs," said Lawrence Burka, a principal in Oliver Wyman's Transportation and Services and Pricing, Sales, and Marketing practices. "However, travel brands have been relatively slow in developing customer-facing generative AI tools. This presents a missed opportunity for travel brands to enhance customer loyalty, incentivize direct bookings, and offer personalized recommendations to expand itineraries." Additional key findings from the report include: Happy Travelers For travelers who used generative AI tools, 82% are likely to use it again to make travel plans in the future. Generative AI has particularly resonated with younger travelers, with 59% of those under 45 years old utilizing these tools for travel planning. However, 31% of travelers 45 years old and older are also using it. Additionally, over three-quarters of consumers are happy with the travel recommendations provided by generative AI tools, with high conversion rates for booking the AI suggested trip option. For travelers who used generative AI tools, 82% are likely to use it again to make travel plans in the future. Generative AI has particularly resonated with younger travelers, with 59% of those under 45 years old utilizing these tools for travel planning. However, 31% of travelers 45 years old and older are also using it. Additionally, over three-quarters of consumers are happy with the travel recommendations provided by generative AI tools, with high conversion rates for booking the AI suggested trip option. Amenities and Add Ons Of the more than 90% of recent users who booked generative AI-produced travel plans, many followed through with booking specific activities (44%) and dining suggestions (43%) recommended by the tool. Of the more than 90% of recent users who booked generative AI-produced travel plans, many followed through with booking specific activities (44%) and dining suggestions (43%) recommended by the tool. Loyalty -- Loyalty members of travel brands have shown a strong affinity for generative AI, with 45% of elite loyalty members using generative AI recently to plan trips. The survey also revealed that generative AI is popular among those who take cruises, with 54% of respondents who had taken at least one cruise since 2022 recently using generative AI for travel planning. About the survey The survey was conducted among nearly 2,100 consumers in the United States and Canada in March of 2024. To qualify for the survey, respondents had to have booked a roundtrip flight or lodging stay for leisure purposes since the beginning of 2023, or a cruise for leisure purposes since the beginning of 2022. About Oliver Wyman Oliver Wyman is a global leader in management consulting. With offices in more than 70 cities across 30 countries, Oliver Wyman combines deep industry knowledge with specialized expertise in strategy, operations, risk management, and organization transformation. The firm has 7,000 professionals around the world who work with clients to optimize their business, improve their operations and risk profile, and accelerate their organizational performance to seize the most attractive opportunities. Oliver Wyman is a business of Marsh McLennan [NYSE: MMC]. For more information, visit www.oliverwyman.com.Follow Oliver Wyman on X @OliverWyman SOURCE Oliver Wyman Info-Tech Research Group's latest research provides valuable insights on using generative AI (Gen AI) technologies, such as ChatGPT, to drive marketing initiatives and sales and to enhance customer retention through personalized content creation. As organizations grapple with IP infringement and data security challenges, understanding both the transformative power of Gen AI and its limitations is crucial for staying competitive in today's market. Info-Tech Research Group's "Generative AI Use Cases for Marketing, Sales, and Customer Service" blueprint outlines several opportunities for using Gen AI to positively impact business operations in today's digital world. (CNW Group/Info-Tech Research Group) TORONTO, May 23, 2024 /CNW/ - As organizations struggle with the complexities of scaling personalized content, boosting customer engagement, and managing rising operational costs, the need for advanced technological solutions to support business operations is rapidly growing. While ChatGPT and generative AI (Gen AI) have become topics of interest lately, many organizations lack clarity on how to effectively leverage these technologies. In response to this situation, Info-Tech Research Group has published its latest blueprint, Generative AI Use Cases for Marketing, Sales, and Customer Service. The global research and advisory firm's comprehensive resource provides actionable insights and strategies to help IT leaders leverage Gen AI to drive sales and enhance customer retention through personalized content creation. "The explosive popularity of Gen AI is thanks to its low barrier to entry. Anyone can access these large language models (LLMs) at any time from any place on Earth for free," says Sai Krishna Rajaramagopalan, research analyst at Info-Tech Research Group. "This level of accessibility can be attributed to the fact that LLM owners like OpenAI and Google have a symbiotic relationship with end users. Companies need consumers to use their services to improve their models while users leverage Gen AI services to help with their everyday workflow, creating new content like blog posts, emails, and images. LLMs are offered free of cost for individual users and at minimal cost to businesses." Info-Tech explains in the new blueprint that customer experience plays a pivotal role in setting companies apart, and Gen AI has incredible potential to help in this area by offering services at low cost. However, this affordability also brings significant challenges, such as IP infringement, data security issues, and the need for workplace transformation. To keep up with competitors, service professionals are pressured to use more sophisticated AI tools without fully understanding them. Info-Tech highlights the importance of IT leaders understanding both the capabilities and the limitations of Gen AI when integrating it into their work processes. The firm's research further explains that despite concerns about Gen AI's drawbacks, the revolutionary technology can be highly efficient in creating personalized marketing content, such as blogs, emails, pictures, and videos. In the Generative AI Use Cases for Marketing, Sales, and Customer Service blueprint, Info-Tech outlines several opportunities for using Gen AI to positively impact business operations, including the following examples: Customized Marketing Content: Gen AI can use large language and image models to automatically generate content such as blog posts, articles, summaries, social media posts, product descriptions, webpages, pictures, and videos. The quality of generated content can be equal to or better than that of human-produced content since the AI models can learn about different types of customers from a large data set and identify patterns. Gen AI can use large language and image models to automatically generate content such as blog posts, articles, summaries, social media posts, product descriptions, webpages, pictures, and videos. The quality of generated content can be equal to or better than that of human-produced content since the AI models can learn about different types of customers from a large data set and identify patterns. Conversational AI for customer support: Traditional chatbots can only answer specific preprogrammed questions. However, AI chatbots built with LLMs don't have this limitation and can quickly respond to customer inquiries and provide personalized support more efficiently than traditional chatbots. Traditional chatbots can only answer specific preprogrammed questions. However, AI chatbots built with LLMs don't have this limitation and can quickly respond to customer inquiries and provide personalized support more efficiently than traditional chatbots. Personalized sales outreach: AI analyzes large amounts of customer data, such as demographics, past interactions, and purchase history, to create customized outreach efforts. This technology can seamlessly integrate with existing CRMs, allowing sales teams to track and analyze the effectiveness of personalized outreach efforts and measure key metrics. By integrating Gen AI into their marketing, sales, and customer service strategies, organizations can unlock new levels of efficiency and personalization. Info-Tech's latest blueprint equips IT leaders with the knowledge and tools to harness this transformative technology to maintain a competitive edge. As various industries navigate the complexities of modern markets, the firm advises that leveraging Gen AI can drive growth, enhance customer satisfaction, and position organizations at the forefront of innovation. This strategic approach ensures companies remain competitive and responsive to evolving customer needs. For exclusive and timely commentary from Sai Krishna Rajaramagopalan, an expert in customer experience and application insights, and access to the complete Generative AI Use Cases for Marketing, Sales, and Customer Service blueprint, please contact [email protected]. Info-Tech LIVE 2024 Registration is now open for Info-Tech Research Group's annual IT conference, Info-Tech LIVE 2024, taking place September 17 to 19, 2024, at the iconic Bellagio in Las Vegas. This premier event offers journalists, podcasters, and media influencers access to exclusive content, the latest IT research and trends, and the opportunity to interview industry experts, analysts, and speakers. To apply for media passes to attend the event or gain access to research and expert insights on trending topics, please contact [email protected]. About Info-Tech Research Group Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world's leading research and advisory firms, proudly serving over 30,000 IT and HR professionals. The company produces unbiased, highly relevant research and provides advisory services to help leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For nearly 30 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with teams to provide them with everything they need, from actionable tools to analyst guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organizations. To learn more about Info-Tech's divisions, visit McLean & Company for HR research and advisory services and SoftwareReviews for software buying insights. Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm's Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact [email protected]. For information about Info-Tech Research Group or to access the latest research, visit infotech.com and connect via LinkedIn and X. SOURCE Info-Tech Research Group The exclusive party included sets by Ibizan DJ resident, Doorly, Rudimental's King Crowney, as well as DJ Aniurks, with attendees being treated to panoramic views of Ibiza's natural beauty. Guests partied and sipped on GREY GOOSE Altius and were amongst the first to try the new vodka. An after-party was held at luxury nightclub, Club Chinois where GREY GOOSE hosted the VIP area with guests continuing to enjoy music and GREY GOOSE Altius cocktails into the night. Ahead of the event, Idris Elba said: "I throw everything into my music, refining it and fine tuning it, until it hits right. That's the same vibe I get with GREY GOOSE Altius. The dedication, the attention to detail it's about the craft in every drop, which is exactly what you want, when you're celebrating something real" Debuting for the first time at the exclusive party, the new luxury vodka has been crafted with water sourced from a natural French Alpine well, using a glacial filtration that is thirty times slower than the original GREY GOOSE expression. GREY GOOSE Altius recreates the extraordinary with the natural effects of high-altitude temperatures to yield a remarkably smooth vodka. GREY GOOSE Altius is designed to sip in a sophisticated style neat, deeply chilled, or over ice. GREY GOOSE Altius will be available exclusively in the world's best bars, nightclubs and restaurants in 700ml and 1.75l with pricing at the discretion of the venue. It is available in Europe's Summer hotspots including Mykonos, Saint Tropez and Porto Cervo now ahead of debuting in London, Paris and the USA this Autumn. DOWNLOAD HIGH-RES IMAGERY HERE NOTES TO EDITOR ABOUT GREY GOOSE ALTIUS GREY GOOSE Vodka introduces its newest ultra-premium innovation, GREY GOOSE Altius. Drawing inspiration from the French Alps, the latest limited edition release from the quintessential French vodka is filtered at sub-freezing temperatures to capture the rare wonder of the mountains. GREY GOOSE Altius was created with processes inspired by the extraordinary, natural effects of high-altitude crystallization that happens at glacial conditions to yield a remarkably smooth vodka using Alpine spring water and winter wheat from Picardie. This rare expression of GREY GOOSE is distilled from the soft French winter wheat that the brand is known for, and for the first time, blended with spring water originating from some of the highest peaks in the French Alps. The alpine water in GREY GOOSE Altius begins its journey in the clouds atop Western Europe's peaks, winding through crystalline rocks to a pristine, pure alkaline aquifer. After being blended, GREY GOOSE Altius is filtered at a very low pressure of -24 degrees Celsius, resulting in a glacially smooth taste and velvety mouthfeel. On the palate, GREY GOOSE Altius is best described as complex with delicate alpine minerality, refreshing soft green apple notes and a unique earthy undertone. Please see here for the link to the GREY GOOSE Altius product press release. About GREY GOOSE Vodka GREY GOOSE is made with the highest-quality ingredients and has a 100% traceable production process, from crop to cork. Every aspect of the creation of GREY GOOSE is focused on crafting vodka of unmatched quality. Each bottle of GREY GOOSE is distilled and bottled in France, with a recipe and process that remains unchanged since inception, using just two ingredients single-origin Picardie wheat and spring water from our natural limestone well in Gensac-la-Pallue. A one-distillation process brings out the true essence of these ingredients. The expertise of the GREY GOOSE Cellar Master, Francois Thibault, ensures unparalleled smoothness and exceptional taste. The GREY GOOSE portfolio is comprised of GREY GOOSE Vodka, GREY GOOSE La Poire, GREY GOOSE L'Orange, and GREY GOOSE Le Citron Flavored Vodkas; and now GREY GOOSE ALTIUS. www.greygoose.com The GREY GOOSE vodka brand is part of the portfolio of Bacardi Limited, headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2422115/Grey_Goose_1.jpg Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2422116/Grey_Goose_2.jpg Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2422113/Grey_Goose_3.jpg Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2422114/Grey_Goose_4.jpg WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla., May 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- To help people stay safe this Memorial Day, James Horne Law is happy to announce a Sober Rides Campaign. If individuals decide to celebrate this holiday by drinking, the firm will reimburse them for any ride they take to a safe destination, whether that is a taxi or rideshare service. The goal of this campaign is to help reduce the risk of drunk driving accidents in Lakewood Ranch and the surrounding area. Florida Drunk Driving Statistics When it comes to drunk driving, Florida has some troubling statistics. According to data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) , there were 5,050 crashes involving alcohol impairment in 2023. The outlook for Lakewood Ranch and surrounding areas in Sarasota County doesn't look much better. In 2023, the county had 148 alcohol-related crashes, causing six fatalities and 66 injuries. Drunk driving accidents were highest during holidays, such as Memorial Day. How to Get a Free Ride in Lakewood Ranch Participating in the Sober Rides Campaign is simple. If individuals go out over Memorial Day and drink, they simply take a ride with a taxi or rideshare to a safe destination within or near Lakewood Ranch, FL. Next, they should take a screenshot of their receipt and email it along with their photo ID and mailing address to [email protected] . Eligible rides must be taken on May 27th, 2024. Keep in mind that these rules and regulations also apply: Ride must begin or end in Lakewood Ranch, FL , or a surrounding area; , or a surrounding area; Maximum reimbursement is $30 including tip ; ; Participant must be 21 years of age or older; Reimbursement limited to the first 25 submissions ; and ; and Requests must be submitted within 7 days after the holiday. If there are any questions about the Memorial Day free ride program , please contact the firm for more information. About James Horne Law: James Horne Law is a premier medical malpractice , personal injury , and family law firm in Lakewood Ranch. Founded by Attorney James M. Horne, the firm has helped clients all over Florida fight for the best possible results in their case. With over $12 million recovered and recognition as an AV Preeminent rated attorney by Martindale-Hubbell for professional excellence, James Horne knows what is at stake for clients. No case is too complex, and every case deserves the full, undivided attention of an experienced attorney. To schedule a free consultation, call us or visit our website . Media Contact: James Horne (941) 210-6000 [email protected] SOURCE James Horne Law BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 26. The trade turnover between Turkmenistan and Greece was relatively moderate from the beginning of 2018 to the end of 2021, but after a decline in 2022, it made a huge leap last year, the source at Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union, told Trend. Statistics show that the total trade turnover between the two countries last year amounted to more than 959.75 million euros, which is 18 times more than the amount of trade turnover in 2018 (51.86 million euros) and almost 25 times more than trade turnover in 2022, which amounted to 38.64 million euros. In addition, in the period from the beginning of 2018 to the end of 2023, the total volume of trade turnover between Turkmenistan and Greece amounted to almost 1.2 billion euros, which reflects the very high level of trade turnover between the two countries during this time. The largest trade turnover between Turkmenistan and Greece in recent years occurred last year, and the lowest was in 2022 after maintaining a stable level years earlier. The amount of trade turnover between Turkmenistan and Greece over the past 6 years: If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here Kiev, May 26 : The Russian military reportedly attacked a DIY store in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv on Saturday with at least one glide bomb, killing two and wounding at least 33, because it said Ukraine had hidden a weapons cache in the store. "The tactic of human shields is being used in Kharkiv - they (the Ukrainians) have set up a military camp and a command post in a shopping centre, which was discovered by our intelligence service," the state agency TASS quoted an unnamed representative of the Russian leadership as saying. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the attack is "another manifestation of Russian madness". "Only madmen like (Russian President Vladimir) Putin are capable of killing and terrorizing people in such a heinous way," the Ukrainian leader said in his daily video address on Saturday evening. Local civil defence said at least two people died and 33 were injured. Zelensky said around 200 people were in the Epicentr home improvement store at the time of the attack. Video shown on Ukrainian television showed large amounts of black smoke billowing from the store and spreading over Kharkiv. The firefighting crew was shown fighting their way into the destroyed building. Zelensky once again appealed to Ukraine's supporters for more air defence systems. While he acknowledged that another Russian Su-25 fighter jet was shot down in the east of the country on Saturday, he said if Ukraine "had more adequate, more modern air defence systems and aircraft, the Russian air force would of course have collapsed long ago, just like its Black Sea fleet." Earlier in the day Ukraine's State Investigation Bureau said it had launched a criminal investigation of 28 commanders over military failures at the start of Russia's recent offensive near Kharkiv. The officers are accused of failing to properly organize the defence of Ukraine's border with Russia. The proceedings were entered into the official court register. After the Russian attack in the area on May 10, the Ukrainian army had to evacuate its forward positions and several villages, with high losses of soldiers and materials. The 28 officers under investigation are reportedly from the command level of the 125th Brigade, the 415th Rifle Battalion and the 23rd Mechanized Brigade and other units. After the first retreat from the Russian offensive, the Ukrainian army command replaced the commanding general in the area. The governor of the Kharkiv region, Oleh Syniehubov, had construction companies report to him about why fortifications were not built as ordered. Ukrainian forces were only able to slow the Russian troop advance after days, though heavy fighting on the new front continued. On Friday, Zelensky said the Ukrainian army had regained control in the area. Military experts say the new Russian attack is intended to tie up Ukrainian forces and push Russian artillery forward to within firing range of the major city of Kharkiv. --IANS/DPA int/sha London, May 26 : A British Royal Air Force (RAF) pilot was killed after a Spitfire crashed near an RAF base in Lincolnshire, an RAF spokesperson has said. "It is with great sadness that we must confirm the death of an RAF pilot in a tragic accident near RAF Coningsby today," said the spokesperson on Saturday. Earlier, a Lincolnshire police spokesperson said a "single occupant aircraft" is believed to have crashed and nobody else is thought to have been involved, Xinhua news agency reported. British media reported that the plane went down shortly before 1220 GMT and the crashed Spitfire was taking part in a Battle of Britain memorial event. RAF Coningsby is home to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, a collection of wartime fighter and bomber aircraft that take part in air shows and memorial displays. London, May 26 : Eighteen-year-olds would be forced to carry out a form of national service if the Tories are voted back in at the July 4 election, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced. The Prime Minister said Britain has "generations of young people who have not had the opportunities they deserve" as he claimed the radical measure would help unite society in an "increasingly uncertain world". In future, 18-year-olds would be given a choice between a full-time placement in the armed forces for 12 months or spending one weekend a month for a year volunteering in their community, the Tories said. In an apparent pitch to older voters, the party said this could include helping local fire, police and National Health Service services as well as charities tackling loneliness and supporting elderly, isolated people. Sunak is seeking to draw a dividing line with Labour on global security following his pledge to raise defence spending to 2.5 per cent of gross domestic product by 2030. Heightening his attack on Saturday, Sunak said voters would be left "at risk" with Keir Starmer in Number 10 because Britain's enemies would notice that he "doesn't have a plan". Teenagers who choose to sign up for a placement in the forces would "learn and take part in logistics, cyber security, procurement or civil response operations", the Tories said. The Conservatives said they would establish a royal commission bringing in expertise from across the military and civil society to design what they described as the "bold" national service programme. The party said it would work towards the first pilot being open for applications in September 2025, after which it would seek to introduce a new "National Service Act" to make the measures compulsory by the end of the next Parliament. The Prime Minister said: "This is a great country but generations of young people have not had the opportunities or experience they deserve and there are forces trying to divide our society in this increasingly uncertain world. "I have a clear plan to address this and secure our future. I will bring in a new model of national service to create a shared sense of purpose among our young people and a renewed sense of pride in our country. "This new, mandatory national service will provide life-changing opportunities for our young people, offering them the chance to learn real-world skills, do new things and contribute to their community and our country." Earlier on Saturday, Sunak suggested a government led by Keir would be marked by uncertainty and a "more dangerous world." "The consequences of uncertainty are clear. No plan means a more dangerous world. You, your family and our country are all at risk if Labour win," he said. Keir's party branded the announcement "another desperate unfunded commitment" and pointed out that David Cameron introduced a similar scheme - the National Citizen Service - when he was prime minister. Cameron's announcement had no armed forces component to it, instead encouraging youngsters to take part in activities such as outdoor education-style courses as part of his "Big Society" initiative. A Labour spokesperson said: "This is not a plan - it's a review which could cost billions and is only needed because the Tories hollowed out the armed forces to their smallest size since Napoleon. "Britain has had enough of the Conservatives, who are bankrupt of ideas, and have no plans to end 14 years of chaos. It's time to turn the page and rebuild Britain with Labour." --IANS/DPA int/sha Seoul, May 26 : Leaders of South Korea, China and Japan are set to meet on Sunday and Monday in Seoul for summit meetings, resuming their trilateral dialogue for the first time since 2019. South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol will have back-to-back bilateral talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the presidential office later in the day and hold a trilateral session with the two leaders on Monday, Yonhap news agency reported. It marks the first three-way summit among the Asian countries since December 2019, after a hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic and strained Seoul-Tokyo relations over historical disputes. During a bilateral meeting with Li, who is making his first visit since taking office in March 2023, Yoon is expected to discuss ways to promote strategic communication and expand economic cooperation and trade, and exchange opinions on security issues. In his talks with Kishida, Yoon is likely to exchange opinions on ways to deepen practical cooperation in various areas and bolster trilateral cooperation with the United States to deter North Korea's threats. After the meetings, Yoon plans to host a welcome dinner for delegations of the three countries. On Monday, the three leaders will discuss six areas of cooperation: economy and trade, sustainable development, health issues, science and technology, disaster and safety management, and people-to-people exchanges. They will adopt a joint statement on the outcome of the summit. The leaders are expected to explore cooperation in economic, trade and health sectors while aiming to avoid friction, as Seoul and Tokyo have aligned more closely with Washington amid its intensifying rivalry with Beijing. While their differences over North Korea and regional security issues are not likely to be resolved at the meeting, Seoul officials say it represents a crucial step in reviving trilateral dialogue to avoid conflict and boost collaboration in the economy, technology and health sectors. Principal Deputy National Security Adviser Kim Tae-hyo said the upcoming summit will serve as a "turning point" for restoring and normalizing the trilateral summit and provide an opportunity to recover "future-oriented and practical cooperation" among the three countries. Los Angeles, May 26 : Rapper Nicki Minaj, who was arrested over drug possession, was freed after paying a hefty fine in Amsterdam. However, her gig has been postponed. Minaj was released from police custody in Amsterdam after being arrested on Saturday morning for allegedly carrying drugs. Minaj streamed her arrest on Instagram Live, which led to the postponement of her scheduled concert in Manchester, part of her Pink Friday 2 World Tour, reports aceshowbiz.com. The arrest occurred at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport, where Dutch police reportedly found pre-rolled marijuana joints in her luggage. The raptress denied ownership of the drugs, saying that they belonged to her security personnel. The Netherlands classifies marijuana as "soft drugs," and exporting it is illegal despite its legal status within the country. "They took my luggage without consent," Minaj posted on X. "My security has already advised them those pre-rolls belong to him." Minaj took to her social media accounts, accusing various parties of trying to sabotage her tour. She suggested that her bags were taken and searched without her consent. "They've been trying to stop me from coming to every show. Everything they've done is illegal." Following hours in custody, Minaj was released after agreeing to pay a fine, the amount of which will be determined by the Public Prosecution Service. However, the delay led to significant fallout for her Manchester show. New Delhi, May 26 : Google, which just launched its new device Pixel 8a with industry-leading features, is apparently looking at India to manufacture its smartphones via investing billions of dollars. The company is reportedly looking to manufacture new Pixel devices in Tamil Nadu, in partnership with Taiwanese manufacturing giant Foxconn. The government's production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme has played an instrumental role in attracting global manufacturers and Google will soon join the league. Google Pixel phones are full of top-notch artificial intelligence (AI) features, including Gemini and Circle to Search. Powered by Google AI, the 'Best Take' tool will make every group photo a "true" group photo. You can choose the image where everyone looks their best and the feature uses a series of photos taken close together to one fantastic picture. Google AI also reduces distracting sounds in videos so you can hear the ones you want. Sounds from cars, wind, or construction can be disruptive in video. Audio Magic Eraser uses Google AI to reduce distracting sounds with a few taps, so "you can hear the ones you want". According to the company, 'Magic Editor' is a new and powerful generative AI-powered photo editor with more intuitive tools and suggestions that let you reimagine the way you edit. Gemini is the redefined digital Generative AI assistant that amplifies productivity and creativity because it's personalised and brings together the best of Google's AI capabilities, in the palm of their hand. You can talk, text or share images to get help with all of your tasks, so you can focus on what matters most to you. With 'Circle to Search' feature, you can search from anywhere on your phone, whichever app or screen you're on, and search in a way that is natural to you. Pixel 8a is made with at least 24 per cent recycled materials based on product weight, the most recycled content in any A-series yet. The device is also the first A-Series phone to get seven years of OS, security updates and feature drops, to optimise for what people care about most: keeping their phone secure and up-to-date. The Family Link app, which hosts parental controls, lets parents decide on the family's digital experience. Hyderabad, May 26 : The stage is set for the by-election to the Telangana Legislative Council from the Warangal-Khammam-Nalgonda graduates' constituency on Monday. A total of 4.63 lakh graduates are eligible to cast their votes in this constituency spread over 34 assembly segments in the undivided districts of Warangal, Khammam and Nalgonda. The Election Commission of India has made elaborate arrangements for peaceful conduct of the polling. The vacancy arose after Palla Rajeshwar Reddy of BRS resigned following his election to the Assembly from the Jangaon constituency in the Assembly elections held in November 2023. Though there are 52 candidates in the fray, the main contest is among Congress, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidates. Coming close on the heels of the Lok Sabha elections, the by-election is witnessing a bitter contest among the main players. For ruling Congress, it is a prestige battle as it is going all out to demonstrate that it continues to enjoy the support of graduates. Jobs for unemployed youth was one of the key promises of the party in Assembly elections and the party tried to assure the voters that it is committed to filling two lakh vacancies by the end of 2024. The ruling Congress party, which has 33 out of the 34 MLAs in the graduates' constituency, is confident of wresting the seat from BRS. It has fielded Chintapandu Naveen alias Teenmaar Mallanna, who had contested as an independent and finished second in the election for MLC seat held two years ago. He is locked in a three-cornered contest with Rakesh Reddy of BRS and G. Permender Reddy of BJP. Premender Reddy had secured fourth place in the 2021 poll as BJP candidate. Interestingly, the main candidates were all once friends in the BJP. Rakesh Reddy quit BJP to join BRS just before the Assembly elections after he was denied a ticket from the Warangal constituency. Teenmaar Mallanna had also quit the BJP to join Congress just before the Assembly polls. Mallanna runs a YouTube channel considered highly critical of BRS chief KCR and his family. He was arrested for his alleged derogatory posts and comments against KCR when BRS was in power. In 2021, Telangana Jana Samiti (TJS) president and academician M. Kodandaram also contested the poll from this MLC constituency but finished third. In the recent Assembly elections, Kodandaram backed the Congress party and the latter rewarded him by nominating him to the Legislative Council under the Governor's quota. The Communist Party of India (CPI), Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) and TJS have declared their support to the Congress candidate. The CPI-M has said its main objective is to defeat the BJP. The party called upon its cadres, supporters and sympathisers to vote for the Congress candidate. Ministers and key leaders of the ruling Congress party participated in the campaign in support of Teenmaar Mallanna. The Congress leaders told the voters that the government is working sincerely to solve the problems of the unemployed youth by taking steps to provide them with jobs. BRS working president K. T. Rama Rao and senior leader T. Harish Rao addressed meetings in support of party candidate Rakesh Reddy. The BRS leaders appealed to graduate voters to elect Rakesh Reddy so that he could raise people's voices in the Legislative Council. At every meeting, Rama Rao is asking voters if they want to elect a highly educated Rakesh Reddy, who returned to India from the US to serve people or a 'blackmailer'. He was attacking Teenmaar Mallanna for allegedly resorting to blackmailing in the guise of journalism. Union minister and state BJP president G. Kishan Reddy, MP K. Laxman, former minister Eatala Rajender and other leaders addressed several meetings to campaign for Permender Reddy. Rama Rao and Harish Rao have highlighted the failures of the Congress government during the last six months. People are fed up seeing the misrule of Congress in a short span of six months. Both the BRS and BJP leaders slammed Congress for its failure to implement the six guarantees given in Assembly elections. Meanwhile, the Election Commission has asked collectors to grant special casual leave to employees for the by-election. Chief Electoral Officer Vikas Raj said instructions have been issued for the grant of special casual leave on the day of the poll to the central and state government employees, who are bonafide voters in the elections to state legislative council to enable them to exercise the right of franchise. Collectors of Warangal, Hanumakonda, Mahabubabad, Jayashankar Bhupalpally, Jangaon, Mulugu, Siddipet, Khammam, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Nalgonda, Suryapet and Yadadri Bhuvanagiri districts were asked to implement the orders. "With regard to the employees of private establishments, the district election officers are informed that there is no provision under the Representation of People Act, 1951 to declare a general holiday under the Negotiable Instrument Act for the elections of state legislative councils," he said. However, the CEO requested all private businesses to grant necessary facilities to their employees who are registered voters in the constituency, such as permission to attend office/duty late, adjustments of shifts, short absences of duty hours or otherwise, so as to enable them to exercise their right of franchise to vote on the day of polls. Rachakonda police have issued prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC under the limits of Bhongir Zone of Rachakonda police Commissionerate from 4 p.m. on May 25 to 4 p.m. on May 26 at the distribution centres and from 4 p.m. on May 26 to May 27 at polling locations till completion of by-polls. Orders have also been issued for the closure of all liquor shops, hotels, restaurants, clubs and other establishments selling/serving liquor, situated within the limits of the Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri zone from 4 p.m. on May 25 to 4 p.m. on May 27. Bengaluru, May 26 : Indian edtech platform HireMee has helped over 7,00,000 talented small-town youth get assessed at no cost by assessing them free of cost and connecting them with potential employers, the company said on Sunday. Moreover, nearly 60 per cent of 2,70,000 interview opportunities created by HireMee since its inception in 2017 have gone to students from tier 3 and 4 towns, "with almost half of these opportunities for women candidates," said Venkatraman Umakanth, Senior VP and Business Head at the firm. The talent assessment platform enables equal access to opportunities for small-town youth in the country, by connecting them with employers. It has just won the Global Impact Sourcing Award (GISA) from IAOP, the premier global organisation dedicated to shaping the future of business. "HireMee's dedication to impact sourcing has produced genuine, enduring benefits for both individuals and their communities," said Debi Hamill, CEO of IAOP. The company provides AI-driven assessment, covering seven sections including core domain for students pursuing their diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate studies. The assessment scores of test takers are shared with companies listed on the HireMee platform without any fee. HireMee platform has worked with nearly 7,000 colleges accredited by AICTE; National Career Service of the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment; Tamil Nadu government's upskilling programme 'Naan Mudhalvan' and Karnataka government's Digital Economy Mission and over 2,000 companies. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, May 26. Uzbekistans trade turnover volume with France amounted to $984.7 million in 2023, Trend reports. As per data from Uzbekistans Statistics Agency, this figure has increased by 190 percent year-on-year ($339.5 million in 2022). Trade turnover volume between Uzbekistan and France totaled $280.2 million in 2021 and $221.4 million in 2020. This indicator amounted to $345.7 million in 2019. In total, Uzbekistans trade turnover with France reached $2.1 billion from January 2019 through December 2023. The total volume of exports from Uzbekistan to France amounted to $775.6 million, while imports reached $1.3 billion from January 2019 through December 2023. Meanwhile, Uzbekistans foreign trade turnover volume with France reached $337.1 million from January through March 2024. This figure is 63 percent higher year-on-year ($206.8 million in JanuaryMarch 2023). France ranked sixth among the countries with the largest volume of foreign trade turnover in Uzbekistan. New Delhi: Reactions of the world community to the demise of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and some other Iranian dignitaries in a helicopter crash near the Azerbaijan border on May 19, threw light on the importance of Iran as a prime mover behind the recent developments in the Middle East and the geopolitical alignments that are shaping up in the region around the increasing polarisation between the US on one hand and the Russia-China axis on the other. Raisi a hardliner conservative was appointed President of Iran in 2021 -- he had earlier succeeded over his pragmatic rival Hassan Rouhani in 2017 in a controlled election. He soon became the driving power behind the execution of thousands of dissidents at home in 2022, the enforcement of strict rules of the Hijab and Chastity for women and the pursuit of a strong anti-Israel policy. Raisi was very close to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme leader of Shiite Iran -- who at 85 was not keeping well -- and was set to succeed the latter. Raisi as a leader had been put by the US under sanction. Born in a religious family in the Shiite Muslim city of Mashhad, the Iranian President was educated at a religious seminary in the holy city of Qom and was known to have taken part as a student in the protests against the pro-West Shah of Iran in 1979. Raisi shared with Khamenei a deep antipathy towards the US -- part of this being rooted in the ideological rejection of capitalism by the fundamentalist Shiism. He was an anti-corruption populist who stood for self-sufficiency in the economy and an aggressive foreign policy based on the strategy of using proxy forces across the Middle East. An advisor of the Iranian regime made it clear that the policy framework of Iran would be maintained after President Raisias death. Iran with the largest army in the Middle East is likely to continue with an assertive posture in the region and beyond in the geopolitical environment created by the Ukraine-Russia military confrontation and the Israel-Hamas conflict. Raisi pursued a hard line towards Israel and warned that any Israeli aggression against Iran could result in "there being nothing left of the Zionist regime". Iran-Israel hostility arises significantly from a faith-based contradiction that added to the political enmity Iran had towards the US-Israel axis. In the polarisation between the US and the China-Russia combine, Iran unsurprisingly supports the latter. In the long-drawn Ukraine-Russia military confrontation, Iran has actively sided with Russiaas awar efforta by supplying drones for the Russian offensive against Ukraine. Iranas comprehensive backing of Hamas against Israel is as much of an aggressive stand against the US as it is a reflection of the basic religious divide between Islam and Zionism. Hamas had been radicalised and its attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, was clearly a terrorist act -- radicalisation goes with the arevivalista call of the Wahhabis to return of Muslim world to the Puritan Islam of the aPious Caliphsa and in the process it would also turn intensely hostile to Shiites because of the historical memory associated with the origin of Shiism as a adevianta sect in the eyes of the mainstream Sunnis. In regard to the Taliban Emirate in Afghanistan however, it is said that Pakistan had helped to bring about an adjustment between China and the Taliban on the basis of a agive and takea that enabled China to extend its Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) to Afghanistan and got Taliban to give an assurance of non-interference in the affairs of the Muslim minorities of China. The reported participation of Taliban leaders of Afghanistan in the last prayers for Raisi in Tehran showed the primacy of the political opposition to the US that put Iran and the Taliban on the same side of the fence. Iranas political and ideological hostility towards Israel at the same time, led it to support Hamas and set upon its proxies like Lebanonas Hezbollah and Yemenas Houthis against Israel in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Responses of major powers to the demise of President Raisi of Iran give an idea of the geopolitical scene around the Middle East and the power play that was evident in the region. President Xi Jinping of China called the atragic deatha of Raisi a great loss to the Iranian people and added that the Chinese people had lost a good friend. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov offering condolences on the demise of the Iranian President lauded his role in strengthening mutually beneficial Russia-Iran cooperation. Russian President Vladimir Putin called Raisi an outstanding political leader who had made invaluable personal contributions in taking good neighbourly relations between Russia and Iran to the level of a astrategic partnershipa. The US conveyed aofficial condolencesa to Iran and reiterated its support to the Iranian people in their astruggle for human rights and fundamental freedomsa. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin clarified that the US had no insight into the cause of the helicopter crash that killed President Raisi. The EU expressed sincere condolences while Italyas Prime Minister Georgia Meloni noted that the crash was looked upon as an accident and no conspiracy theories had cropped up. She felt there would be no change in Iranas internal order and hoped that the future leadership would work for the astabilisation and pacificationa of Iran. There was a report that Putin had offered to help Iran in the process of enquiry into the helicopter crash. These reactions amply showed the closeness Iran had developed towards Russia and China while a distinct lack of trust existed between Iran and the US-led West. The Arab states in the region conveyed their condolences to the people of Iran -- considering them more as part of Ummah and rising above the Shia-Sunni divide somewhat -- which certainly reflected their desire to keep the Middle East free of violence and check radicalisation. Saudi Arabia had tense relations with Iran and there were proxy conflicts between them. Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman however, called Iranas Acting President Mokhber to express his condolences. UAE Prime Minister Sheikh Mohd. Bin Rashid Al Maktoum told the people of Iran "our hearts are with you in this difficult time" and more in line with the Islamic Brotherhood sentiment expressed that "the deceased would dwell in Godas spacious Paradise". Jordanas King Abdullah conveying his deepest condolences expressed Jordanas solidarity with "our brothers in Islam" of Iran while Emir Sheikh of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani expressed his condolences to the people of Iran saying "we belong to Allah and to Him we shall return". Egyptian President Abdul Fateh Al Sisi expressed solidarity with the Iranian leadership and people on the terrible incident that caused the death of the Iranian President and other leaders. It is relevant to mention that the US had since 2020 mediated to bring about the Abraham Accord between UAE and Israel with the concurrence of Saudi Arabia and that China took a similar initiative in 2023 to secure the restoration of diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia. The two big powers were apparently trying to strengthen their foothold in the Middle East without precipitating any serious conflict. Outside the region, it is important to note the reactions of Pakistan, Malaysia and Turkey -- countries that have lately shown a marked convergence on accommodating Islamic radical forces and correspondingly striking a posture of independence towards the US. Pakistanas Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif recalled the ahistorica visit of Iranian President Raisi to Islamabad a month ago, described Iran as a good friend of Pakistan and announced a day of mourning during which Pak flags would fly half-mast as a mark of respect and solidarity with abrotherlya Iran. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia praised President Raisi for his dedication to "justice, peace and upliftment of the Ummah" and said that good Malaysia-Iran relations would lead to the "betterment of Muslim world". Turkeyas Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan at a joint press conference with his Pak counterpart at Islamabad, expressed his condolences and gave credit to Raisi for building good Iran-Ankara relations. Iran under Raisias presidency had apparently reached out to potential friends in the Muslim world who would be sympathetic towards Iran in the latteras tussle against the US. Also, since both Iran and Saudi Arabia are members of the OPEC, the world powers were compelled to keep the Middle East from serious conflicts for their economic interests. However, the two major players in the region, Iran and Israel with their differing alignments in the developing Cold War between the US-led West and the Russia-China axis, are likely to continue with their adversarial postures -- a close vigil by the international community on the Middle East seemed necessary. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the first to convey his condolences on a personal note saying that he was "deeply saddened and shocked" over Raisias death. He stated that Raisias contribution to the strengthening of bilateral Iran-India relations will always be remembered and added that "India stood with Iran in this time of sorrow". India has done well to independently maintain friendship with the three major players in the Middle East -- Saudi Arabia, Israel and Iran. This is consistent with Indiaas foreign policy of building mutually beneficial bilateral friendships with the US and Russia without prejudicing the cause of world peace. This is how Prime Minister Modi had reached out to the Presidents of both Russia and Ukraine at the outbreak of military conflict between them and advocated for cessation of hostilities and peaceful negotiations based on an understanding of the asecurity concerns of both sidesa. This independent stand won the approval of the international community and brought recognition to India as the promoter of the asane voicea of the world. This has enabled India to maintain strategic friendship with the US without giving up on the deep political and economic relations with Russia. There is little doubt that Indiaas handling of international relations has been a success story so far. (The writer is a former Director of the Intelligence Bureau. Views are personal) Rajkot, May 26 : The fire at Gamezone amusement park in Rajkot on May 25 resulted in the loss of 35 lives, leaving victims charred beyond recognition that identification is possible only through DNA testing, officials shared. According to reports, DNA samples were dispatched to Gandhinagar via air ambulance at 4:30 a.m. The results of these tests are expected within 48 hours. So far, 25 DNA samples have been sent, while the relatives of two victims are yet to arrive. According to sources, some relatives are travelling from Junagadh, and no immediate family member is present for one individual who came from abroad. Sixteen bodies are currently in cold storage at AIIMS, and 11 others are at the Civil Hospital. "Over 27 bodies have been transported to Rajkot Hospital, where DNA samples will be collected before conducting post-mortem examinations. The Civil Hospital in Rajkot is overwhelmed with the number of deceased. DNA samples from missing family members will also be collected to aid identification. It has been reported that most of the victims are from Gondal, with 31 families still searching for their missing children. More than 10 police teams are involved in documenting the incident, and the death toll may rise above 50," sources said. "Families of the injured are heartbroken and in mourning, unable to see their loved ones one last time due to the condition of the bodies," sources from Rajkot added. The government has issued orders for an investigation and action against those responsible. Panaji, May 26 : Four labourers were killed and four others have been injured after a bus rammed into their hutments along the roadside at Verna Industrial estate in the coastal state on Saturday night, police said. Superintendent of Police (South) Sunita Sawant told media persons that the accident occurred after a bus driver carrying workers of a private company lost control of the steering. "While negotiating to take a turn, the driver rammed the bus into hutments, where around eight labourers were sleeping. Four of them have died, while four are undergoing treatment at Sub District Hospital in Margao," Sawant said. She said that these workers, all natives of Bihar, were engaged in construction work of pavement. Police said that the bus driver has also sustained injuries and is undergoing treatment. Police are further investigating the case. Seoul, May 26 : North Korea on Sunday threatened to take action against South Korea over what it claims are violations of the de facto western maritime border, ratcheting up tensions ahead of a trilateral summit in Seoul. North Korea's supreme military leadership instructed its army on Friday to take offensive action against the encroachment upon its sovereignty, North Korea's Vice Defence Minister Kim Kang-il said, according to the country's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). "We officially warn that we can never tolerate such continued encroachment on our maritime sovereignty and that we may exercise our self-defensive power on or under the water at any moment," Kim said in a statement carried by the KCNA, Yonhap news agency reported. The statement came hours before South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol will have back-to-back bilateral talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the presidential office. The three leaders will hold a trilateral summit on Monday. It marks the first three-way summit among the Asian countries since December 2019, after a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic and strained Seoul-Tokyo relations over historical disputes. Tension remains high along the Northern Limit Line (NLL), the de facto maritime border, Yellow Sea. North Korea has never recognised the NLL, demanding it be re-drawn further south. Waters near the NLL have been a flashpoint between the two Koreas, where three bloody naval skirmishes took place in 1999, 2002 and 2009. In March 2010, Pyongyang torpedoed a South Korean warship near the sea border, killing 46 sailors on board. In November of that year, the North bombarded South Korea's border island of Yeonpyeong, killing two civilians and two Marines. North Korea also accused South Korea and the United States of intensifying their hostile aerial espionage as it vowed to scatter "mounds of wastepaper and filth" over the inter-Korean border areas in retaliation against anti-Pyongyang leaflets. For years, North Korean defectors in South Korea and conservative activists have sent balloons carrying leaflets critical of the North's leader Kim Jong-un into North Korea. Pyongyang has bristled at the propaganda campaign amid concern that an influx of outside information could pose a threat to the Kim regime. North Korea blew up the joint liaison office in the now-shuttered inter-Korean factory park in the North Korean border city of Kaesong in 2020 in anger over Seoul's failure to stop North Korean defectors from sending anti-Pyongyang leaflets across the border. Lucknow, May 26 : The Lucknow Police have launched a probe after a video showing a group of assailants throwing a man from the terrace of a building reportedly due to a money dispute, went viral on social media. When the man survived the fall, the accused people beat and kicked him. The footage of the incident, which occurred in the city's Madeyganj area, was captured by a neighbour. In the video, five assailants, three identified as Amit, Gautam and Ankur, can be seen picking up the man and throwing him from the terrace on the first floor of the building with the intention of killing him. Two of the accused then proceed to kick him, after which the others join in and start beating the man. A passer-by is seen trying to help, but the physical assault of the man continues unabated. The Uttar Pradesh Police and Lucknow Police replied to a tweet which tagged the two in the post. The Uttar Pradesh Police asked the Lucknow Police to "please take the necessary legal action". In response, the Lucknow Police said a case was registered at the Madeyganj police station and action has been initiated. Mirzapur : , May 26 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that for the Samajwadi Party (SP), the mafia had become a vote bank. "Yogi Adityanath has cleaned up Uttar Pradesh by doing away with mafia. He has followed my Swachhta Abhiyan. The mafia has vanished," he said while addressing a rally in Mirzapur on Sunday. The Prime Minister said that the Hindu month of Jyeshtha was special because the Tuesdays in this month are a celebration of Lord Hanuman. "This is the first time when Lord Ram will be in his temple and Lord Hanuman will be happiest. This has been possible only because of your vote. June 4 is also a Tuesday when I will be back -- phir ek baar. The six phases of elections have confirmed that Modi will be back for a third term," he said. The Prime Minister said that the INDIA bloc plans to have five Prime Ministers in five years if they come to power. "When you build a house, do you change the mason every month? Can you build a strong house in this manner? No one should waste his vote on the INDIA bloc because no one buys shares of a sinking company. You should vote for those who are ready to form a strong government," he said. The Prime Minister further pointed out that communalism, casteism and nepotism were the mainstay of the INDIA bloc. "In UP, SP fielded Yadav candidates only from the family. Samajwadi Party has never followed the rule of law. Mafia was a vote bank for them. These people can go to any limits to appease the vote bank. They want to encroach on the quota of SC/ST and OBC and give their share to Muslims," he said. He further said, "In its 2012 assembly manifesto, SP had promised to give quota to Muslims. I belong to most backward castes and I know the pain. The court prevented them from doing so because the constitution does not allow quota on the basis of religion," he said. Reiterating his commitment to the people, the Prime minister listed the schemes he had launched for the welfare of all and ended his speech with, "I have washed cups and plates in my childhood. When the sun rises, the lotus blooms and people yearn for a cup of tea." The cup-plate is the election symbol of Apna Dal (S) whose Anupriya Patel is contesting the Mirzapur seat. New Delhi, May 26 : Following the death of seven newborn babies at a Delhi hospital, the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has taken cognizance of the incident while a probe has also been initiated, an official said. "The Commission has taken cognizance of the incident of fire in a hospital in Vivek Vihar area in Delhi and the death of newborn babies. A team of CrPC @NCPCR_ will visit the hospital today to investigate the incident. Official information will be shared after the team's visit," said Priyank Kanoongo, NCPCR Chief on X. Seven newly born babies died after a fire broke out in a baby care centre in Delhi's Shahdara, police said on Sunday. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Shahdara) Surendra Chaudhary said that on Saturday at around 11:30 p.m. a Police Control Room (PCR) call regarding a fire at Baby Care NewBorn Hospital was received at Vivek Vihar police station, following which a police team rushed to the spot. Upon reaching the spot, the fire was found in the hospital and its adjacent building. "In the hospital, there were 12 newborn babies admitted and one was already dead before the fire incident. All the 12 newborn babies were rescued from the hospital with the help of other people and shifted to East Delhi Advance NICU Hospital, for treatment," said the DCP. The DCP said that fire tenders also reached the spot and doused the flames. Delhi Fire Service (DFS) Chief Atul Garg said that seven children were declared dead at the hospital while five newly born babies are undergoing treatment. "All 7 dead bodies have been further shifted to GTB Hospital for postmortem. Appropriate legal action is being taken against the owner of the hospital namely Naveen Kichi, a resident of Bhairon Enclave, Paschim Vihar, Delhi," said the DCP. Thiruvananthapuram, May 26 : The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday predicted that heavy rains will continue in Kerala till May 29 and also issued a 'yellow alert' in Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam and Ernakulam districts. Thiruvananthapuram, May 26 (IANS) The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday predicted that heavy rains will continue in Kerala till May 29 and also issued a 'yellow alert' in Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam and Ernakulam districts. The IMD said that thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds reaching speeds of 30-40 kmph are likely to occur in some places in Kerala on Sunday. IMD has warned the fishermen not to venture into the sea till further notice. "Those living in coastal areas are advised to move to other safer places," the IMD said. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) also informed the fishermen to keep their fishing vessels and mechanised boats safe in the respective harbours to prevent them from drifting away into the sea. The IMD said that the state will continue to witness heavy rains till May 29 due to the low-pressure area formed over the southeast Arabian Sea. At least 13 people have lost their lives in Kerala due to the incessant rains which has also hit normal life. Around 230 people are staying in relief camps due to the water logging and inundation, leading to damage to the homes. Rains have been lashing Kerala for the past week and several houses were damaged and roads inundated leading to traffic disruptions. Several shops and commercial establishments in low-lying areas of Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram have also been inundated. KSDMA said that 15 houses have been fully damaged while 218 houses have been partially damaged due to heavy rains. Taipei, May 26 : Taiwan President Lai Ching-te on Sunday expressed his gratitude to the US and the international community for support amid higher tensions in the region, calling on China to jointly shoulder the important responsibility of regional stability. "I am very grateful to US President Biden, the US government and Congress, and other countries around the world for their firm support for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait," Lai told reporters in southern Taiwan at an event held by his independence-leaning Progressive Progressive Party Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). During his inaugural speech on Monday, Lai stressed that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are indispensable to global security and prosperity. "Any country that creates disturbance in the Taiwan Strait and affects regional stability will not be accepted by the international community," Lai said. Lai said he is very much looking forward to enhancing mutual understanding and reconciliation through exchanges and cooperation with China in order to create mutual benefits. Lai's comments came just a day after Washington said it was "deeply concerned" about China's military drills in the Taiwan Strait and around Taiwan, which were conducted days after Lai's inauguration. "We are monitoring PRC activities closely and coordinating with allies and partners regarding our shared concerns," US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement on Saturday. "We strongly urge Beijing to act with restraint. Using a normal, routine, and democratic transition as an excuse for military provocations risks escalation and erodes longstanding norms that for decades have maintained peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, which is critical for regional and global security and prosperity and a matter of international concern," Miller said. --IANS/DPA sd/svn New Delhi, May 26 : In a significant move, the government on Sunday issued directions to Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) for blocking incoming international spoofed calls. It noted that together with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), the TSPs have devised a system to help identify and block incoming international spoofed calls from reaching any Indian telecom subscriber. In a statement, the Ministry of Communications informed that "fraudsters are making international spoofed calls displaying Indian mobile numbers to Indian citizens and committing cyber-crime and financial frauds". "These calls appear to be originating within India but being made by the cyber-criminals from abroad by manipulating the calling line identity (CLI)," it added. The ministry said that these calls "have been misused in recent cases of fake digital arrests, FedEx scams, drugs/narcotics in courier, impersonation as Govt and police officials, disconnections of mobile numbers by DoT/TRAI officials, etc". The DoT had previously asked the TSPs to block incoming international spoofed calls with Indian landline numbers. "Now directions have been issued to the TSPs for blocking of such incoming international spoofed calls," the ministry said. To maintain the safety and security of the users, DoT has taken many initiatives including citizen-centric Sanchar Saathi portal to protect telecom users. "Despite best efforts, there may still be some fraudsters who succeed through other means. For such calls, you can help everybody by reporting such suspected fraud communications at the Chakshu facility on Sanchar Saathi," the ministry said. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 26. Armenias opposition movement Tavush for the Homeland has proposed Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan as candidate for the countrys prime minister, Trend reports. "We have been holding meeting and discussions for a month. We met with representatives from various spheres, political parties and public movements. The absolute majority of people we talked to shared the opinion that Bagrat Galstanyan should be a candidate for prime minister," Gurgen Malikyan, a movement leader, said. Today Galstanyan asked Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II to remove him from service due to his intention to run for the post of Prime Minister of Armenia. Cairo, May 26 : Badly needed aid to the Gaza Strip started coming from Egypt through the Kerem Shalom crossing for the first time in nearly three weeks on Sunday, an Egyptian TV station reported. The state-affiliated al-Qahera News TV said 200 trucks carrying humanitarian supplies were moving from outside the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing, heading to the Karm Abu Salem crossing or Kerem Shalom. According to the broadcaster, these included four fuel trucks and began moving through Karen Shalom. Earlier this month, Israel took control of the Gaza side of the Rafah, crossing with Egypt, in an operation that halted aid deliveries via the vital facility into the heavily populated strip. Since the closure of the Rafah crossing, Egypt has indicated it will not coordinate aid transports through Rafah until the Israeli forces withdraw. Hamas has recently attacked the Kerem Shalom crossing and Israeli settlements with rockets. Earlier this week, US President Joe Biden and Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sissi agreed on aid deliveries to Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing. Egypt, in a temporary arrangement, will hand over humanitarian aid and fuel to the United Nations at the crossing until a legal mechanism is reached to reopen the Rafah crossing from the Palestinian side, an Egyptian presidency statement said. --IANS/DPA sd/svn Ghosi : , May 26 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that he needed people's blessings to form the next government not for himself or his family but for Viksit Bharat. Speaking at a rally in Ghosi on Sunday, he said, "The world has its eyes on these elections. They know that a strong government will make India's voice stronger globally." He said, "In the 2012 assembly manifesto, SP (Samajwadi Party) had promised to give quota to Muslims. I belong to most backward castes and I know the pain. The court prevented them from doing so because the constitution does not allow quota on the basis of religion," he said. "These people can go to any limits to appease the vote bank. They want to encroach on the quota of SC/ST and OBC and give their share to Muslims," he said and added that first-time voters should read the SP manifesto of 2012 to understand this. He further said that the Congress and SP had not visited the Ram temple because they wanted to appease their vote bank. The Congress, he said, had declared schools and colleges as minority institutions only to deprive SC/ST, OBCs of their right to quota. This, he added, is against the spirit of the Constitution. The Prime Minister listed the schemes he had launched for the welfare of all including pucca houses, free gas cylinders, tap water in every house, toilets and now free electricity with solar panels. Bhopal, May 26 : Top police officials carried out a surprise inspection of the police stations and other areas in Madhya Pradesh following a meeting with Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. During the visit, senior officials checked the entry of complaints registered, accused lodged at various police lockups as well as the activities of the cops on duty. Senior IPS officers, including Sushant Saxena, who is the Inspector General (IG) of Police in Chambal region, inspected several police stations. Police and district administration have also launched an extensive drive against the public address systems at religious places and also took down around 450 public address systems. Notably, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has ordered strict enforcement of the ban on "unregulated use" of public address systems at religious places. The first directive of Mohan Yadav as Chief Minister was the strict enforcement against "unregulated" public address systems and DJ sounds. On Friday, during a law and order review meeting, the Chief Minister asked the police and district administration to take prompt action against it. Hyderabad, May 26 : Actor-politician N. Balakrishna on Sunday called on Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. The Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leader met Revanth Reddy at the latteras residence in Jubilee Hills. Balayya, as the actor is popularly known, is believed to have discussed various issues with the Chief Minister. The meeting assumes significance as it comes days before the counting of votes polled in the Andhra Pradesh Assembly and Lok Sabha elections. TDP, which fought the elections in alliance with the Jana Sena Party of actor-politician Pawan Kalyan and the BJP, is confident of wresting power from the YSR Congress Party. Revanth Reddy said last week that he is looking forward to working with the new government in Andhra Pradesh to resolve the inter-state issues in an amicable manner. Balayya, the son of TDP founder and former Chief Minister N. T. Rama Rao, is seeking re-election from the Hindupur Assembly constituency for a third consecutive term. The actor is also the brother-in-law of TDP supremo and former Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and father-in-law of Naiduas only son and TDP General Secretary Nara Lokesh.S Thiruvananthapuram, May 26 : A tribal woman from Kelakam in Kannur district of Kerala approached the police, stating that her husband and a middleman were forcing her to sell her kidney. In her complaint, she said that she was offered Rs 9 lakh for selling her kidney. The woman said that her husband and the middleman named Benni had both donated their kidneys earlier and are now acting as middlemen. She said that a few days ago, Benni had tried to force her to sell her kidney after calling her to Kochi, saying that her husband was admitted to the hospital and was in serious condition. The woman said that Benni has lured several tribal people of Kannur into organ trade and that he was giving a pittance to the donors while he was taking a large chunk of the money. With the arrest of Sabith Nasar in Kochi on May 19, the kidney racket in Kerala is getting exposed with complaints of kidney sales coming from different parts of the state. Peravoor DSP Ashraf Thengalakkandiyil, while speaking to IANS, said: "Police have recorded the statement of the woman and are conducting a detailed probe on the basis of her complaint." Chandigarh, May 26 : Does the Dalit (scheduled caste) vote bank in Punjab, being the home turf of Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) founder Kanshi Ram and having a Dalit population of 32 per cent -- the highest among states -- play a politically empowered role in the electoral outcomes in the agricultural economy state? Political pundits say "no" as, despite their numerical strength, they have failed to translate into political influence owing to the "leadership crisis". Another reason is that they are not a homogeneous community that votes in unison. But for other parties, as per the past trends, they normally play spoilsport. The four mainstream parties -- the Congress, the BJP, the Jat-dominated Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), which snapped its electoral ties with the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in the run-up to these polls, and the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) -- are trying to woo the Dalits -- a majority of them farm labourers or daily wage earners -- by fielding candidates from their community for state's 13 parliamentary seats. Also, the caste-based BSP is contesting on all seats. As per past records, BSP's vote percentage over the years has weakened substantially, both in assembly and Lok Sabha polls. From 1998 onwards, the BSP has not won even a single Lok Sabha seat in Punjab. The BSP's best performance in the Assembly polls was in 1992. At that time, the party had won nine seats in Punjab, but in the next elections in 1997, it was reduced to one seat. In the 2002 Assembly polls, the party had got 5.69 per cent votes which decreased to 1.77 per cent in the 2022 polls, mainly due to the emergence of AAP. Interestingly, a majority of Dalit legislators were elected from parties other than the BSP. "After 1996, Dalits started shifting towards different parties, but before that the majority of their votes went to the Congress," a Congress veteran leader told IANS. In the 2019 parliamentary polls, the BSP, which contested on three reserved seats, had a vote share of 3.5 per cent. It had got 1.4 lakh votes in Anandpur Sahib, 1.28 lakh votes in Hoshiarpur and more than 2 lakh votes in Jalandhar, the hub of the Dalits. With its declining popularity, the BSP may play spoilsport for the other parties mainly on these seats in these polls, the Congress veteran added. The BSP has fielded its state President Jabir Singh Garhi from Anandpur Sahib, the seat currently represented by Congress' Manish Tewari, who has been fielded from the Chandigarh Lok Sabha seat. BSP candidate Rakesh Soman from Hoshiarpur joined AAP in the run-up to the polls. Congress defector legislator Raj Kumar Chabbewal is the AAP candidate from this seat where the BSP holds considerable influence. Party supremo Kanshi Ram had won this seat in 1996 with the support of the Akali Dal. Balwinder Kumar has been fielded by the BSP from Jalandhar, a Congress bastion with the party winning 10 out of the 16 Lok Sabha elections. The Congress has fielded Charanjit Singh Channi, the state's first Dalit chief minister, while AAP has nominated Akali Dal turncoat legislator Pawan Kumar Tinu. The BJP has poached the sitting AAP MP Sushil Kumar Rinku and the Akali Dal has reposed faith in former Congress MP Mohinder Singh Kaypee. BJP's Rinku is the most conspicuous party-hopper, having switched sides twice in a year. In Dalit politics, the state witnessed a new dynamic with the BJP's announcement in 2022 that it would appoint a Scheduled Caste chief minister if it came to power. A 2018 report by the ministry of social justice and empowerment says there are 39 sub-castes among Dalits in Punjab. Five sub-castes constitute more than 80 per cent of the Dalit population. Mazhabi Sikhs comprise the largest share of 30 per cent, followed by Ravidassias (24 per cent) and Ad-Dharmis (11 per cent). Congress candidate Channi belongs to the Ravidassia community and is known for its proximity with Dera Sachakhand Ballan which has a strong presence in the Doaba region, the area between the Beas and the Satluj rivers often dubbed as the hub of Dalit politics. The Doaba region comprises four districts -- Jalandhar, Kapurthala, Hoshiarpur and Nawanshahr that fall in two Lok Sabha constituencies -- Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur. The BJP has fielded incumbent MP Som Parkash's wife Anita Som Parkash from Hoshiarpur, once a Congress bastion, while the Akali Dal has fielded Sohan Singh Thandal, and the BSP fielded Ranjit Kumar after its candidate Rakesh Soman left the party after two months of campaigning and joined AAP. Yamini Gomar, who had fought the 2014 elections on an AAP ticket, is the Congress nominee from Hoshiarpur. Of the state's 117 assembly seats, 34 (one-third) seats are reserved for the scheduled castes. Though Dalits, both among Sikhs and Hindus, are seen as the Congress' traditional supporters, the Akalis bank on the Jat Sikhs (comprising 25 per cent of the population), while the present AAP government led by Bhagwant Mann has prominent Dalit leader Harpal Singh Cheema in his Cabinet. In 1996, the BSP forged an alliance with the Akali Dal (Badal) in the parliamentary elections, and they won three of the four seats. Punjab will vote in the seventh and last phase of the Lok Sabha elections on June 1. (Vishal Gulati can be contacted at gulatiians@gmail.com) Chennai, May 26 : The Tamil Nadu government has cautioned people against fake international job offers and also warned recruitment agencies against sending people abroad for fake jobs. The Non-Resident Tamils Welfare Department has said that stringent legal action would be taken against such agencies. The department said that there were reports of several people being sent to Cambodia, Thailand and Myanmar on tourist visas under the guise of IT and software jobs. The department cautioned the people that these people are being employed for illegal online activities. The department said that people, after reaching these countries, who refuse to do illegal online work are subjected to torture including administering electric shocks. The department said that it had already rescued 83 Tamil people from the racket after receiving complaints. It added that these fake jobs are mostly in digital sales and customer support services. "Many dubious companies are duping people in the name of crypto-currency. Mostly call centres are behind these fake jobs," the department said. The department said that agents based in Dubai, Bangkok, Singapore and India are recruiting people from across the country. "Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone in Laos and Thailand is one of the major hubs of such illegal and fraudulent companies. Some recruits were even taken as hostages and forced to work under tough mental and physical conditions," the department said. The department said that those convicted of human trafficking crimes have been sentenced upto 18 years in Laos. "Tamil people are requested to be extremely cautious and verify the recruiting agents as well as of any company before taking up the job offer," the department said. Jeddah, May 26 : In a historic first, Indian Haj pilgrims, who arrived at the Jeddah airport on Sunday, travelled to Mecca by high-speed Haramain Train instead of buses. The arrangement, which will make the journey of the pilgrims more comfortable, has been facilitated by India's Consulate General in Jeddah in coordination with the concerned Saudi authorities. The Ambassador of India to Saudi Arabia Suhel Ajaz Khan and Consul General Shahid Alam accompanied by Vice President of Saudi Arabian Railways, Al Harbi and other officials from Ministry of Haj and Ministry of Transport, escorted the Indian Haj pilgrims from Jeddah Airport to Mecca on first such journey on the High Speed Train on Sunday. With the highest speed of the train being 300 km per hour, the journey will also reduce the travel time from Jeddah to Mecca considerably. It is estimated that about 32,000 Indian Haj pilgrims will use the exclusive service this year. The Indian Haj Mission - the biggest operation of its kind handled by the Indian government outside the country's borders, has closely coordinated logistics with the concerned Saudi authorities to make the new initiative a success. Kyiv, May 26 : Russia subjected Ukraine to a massive drone and missile attack overnight, according to Kyiv's military. The Ukrainian air force said missiles, including Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, rockets and drones, were fired at western Ukraine. Explosions were reported from the Khmelnytskyi region, where the Starokostiantyniv Air Force Base is also located. According to the regional administration, a residential building was hit in the Vinnytsia region. Three people were injured in the attack, Governor Serhiy Borzov wrote on Telegram. The Lviv region on the border with Poland was also attacked, Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyi wrote on Telegram. An explosion was also heard near the capital, Kyiv, reported the public broadcaster Suspilne. Air raid warnings sounded across the country. The heavy nighttime air raid was preceded by the launch of Tu-95 strategic bombers in Russia, which fire cruise missiles. Later, MiG-31 fighter jets, which are the carrier systems for the Kinzhal, also took off. The country has been fending off a full-scale Russian invasion since February 2022. --IANS/DPA sd/svn New Delhi, May 26 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing back-to-back rallies in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday, hit out at INDIA bloc for their appeasement politics and for prioritising vote bank over developmental works. Addressing a public gathering in Bansgaon, PM Modi said that Samajwadi Party kept the Purvanchal region backward as part of a conspiracy. He said: "Purvanchal will punish such people again and again. It will never allow such people to set foot in the region." PM went on to ask the people of Purvanchal to make sure that those who have opposed the Ram temple, should not get a single seat in Purvanchal. Prime Minister also spoke about the 2012 manifesto of Samajwadi Party and asked first-time voters whether they were aware of its religion-driven reservation. "SP had clearly written in its manifesto that the reservation that was given to Dalits would be diverted to Muslims. This is against the spirit of the Constitution but the INDIA bloc people didn't care about it," PM Modi told the gathering. Addressing the rally, the PM said further: "Do you want Congress that works for commission? They want foreign deals so that they can get commission like Bofors. Many countries wanted to buy arms from India but Congress created obstacles. Now UP will soon start making BrahMos." He added that people in Pakistan are praying that INDIA bloc comes to power and are appealing for vote jihad. "They want to take the country back. They say they will reimpose Article 370 in Kashmir and scrap CAA. They are implementing the agenda of anti-national forces," he said. He reminded people of the development done by the BJP government in Purvanchalfrom making expressways to a new AIIMS. "This is just the trailer, so imagine what will happen in the next five years," he concluded. The The Azerbaijan Foreign Ministry has congratulated Jordan on the country's national holiday - Independence Day, the ministry wrote on its X page, Azernews reports. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 26. Palestinian Hamas movement says it will not return to talks with Israel, Trend reports. According to the information, Hamas "believes that Israel is not serious about reaching an agreement." Earlier it was reported that the Israeli authorities agreed with the United States and Qatar to resume negotiations with the Palestinian group Hamas. The negotiation process is expected to begin next week. Berlin, May 26 : Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has maintained its second place in polls ahead of June's European Parliament elections despite a wave of recent scandals that have threatened to damage the party's hopes. An online survey carried out by the INSA polling institute for the Bild am Sonntag newspaper had the AfD at 17 per cent, unchanged from April. Germany's conservative CDU/CSU alliance was top at 30 per cent, with the governing Social Democratic Party (SDP) at 14 per cent and its coalition partners The Greens and the Free Democratic Party at 13 per cent and 4 per cent, respectively. The AfD has been rocked by controversies in recent weeks, with the party's lead candidate for the European elections, Maximilian Krah, being banned from making public statements after saying that not all members of the Nazi SS paramilitary force were criminals. The party's second candidate in the European elections, Petr Bystron, has also withdrawn from the campaign after his Berlin home was searched by police last week. Bystron is under investigation for money laundering and bribery and has links to pro-Russian networks. In addition, German police arrested Krah's former assistant, Jian Guo, on suspicion of espionage last month. Krah fired him following allegations that the parliamentary aide was spying for China. While the spate of negative headlines is yet to harm the AfD in German polls, it has had consequences for the party on the European level. In a blow ahead of the European Parliament elections, the AfD was ejected this week from the Identity and Democracy (ID) group, an alliance of populist right-wing parties in the parliament. --IANS/DPA sd/svn Thiruvananthapuram, May 26 : As Prime Minister Narendra Modi's assertion that he's not merely a biological entity but divinely sent stirs a significant public discourse, the priest of the Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple has now voiced support for the PM's statement. Going even further, Pushpanjali Swami Parameswara Brahmananda suggested that PM Modi existed contemporaneously with Lord Krishna and played a role in governance during that era. Swami Parameswara Brahmananda is the highest spiritual authority of Sree Padmanabha Swamy temple. Sree Padmanabha Swamy temple is among the richest Hindu temple in the world with assets worth Rs 1,20,000 crore. Pushpanjali Swami Parameswara Brahmananda's fresh remarks came while responding to PM Modi's recent statement that he was convinced that God had sent him and that the energy he had was bestowed upon him by God. "PM Modi is a contemporary of Lord Krishna. This is his new birth to complete the unfinished work in his previous birth," Swami Parameswara Brahmanada told IANS. He also said that India would emerge as a superpower and there was nothing wrong with the statement of the Prime Minister. Swami Parameswara Brahmananda in an article in a historical book on the Pournamikkavu temple here mentioned that PM Modi was a contemporary of Lord Krishna. New Delhi, May 26 : Palestine-based militant outfit Hamas on Sunday launched a fresh missile attack on Israel, prompting the latter to blare warning sirens across Tel Aviv, the first such incident in the past few months. Hamas armed wing Al-Qassam brigades launched the 'big missile attack' on Israel in protest against 'Zionist massacre against civilians', a leading media outlet reported. The volley of missiles and rockets were reportedly fired from Gaza Strip and marked first such escalation in military conflict in the past four months. The warning sirens were sounded in other cities apart from Tel Aviv, including Herzliya and Petah Tikva. There were no reports of casualty but Israel Defence Forces claimed that the barrage of rockets was launched from Rafah toward central Israel, moments ago. "Humanitarian aid has been going into Gaza through the Kerem Shalom Crossing this morning, and now rockets are being fired at central Israel," it shared on its social media handle. Notably, Israel's military launched a strong offensive on the militant outfit Hamas inside the Palestinian territory after the ghastly October 7 attack. The terror attack by Hamas terrorists resulted in the death of more than 1,000 people mostly civilians, while hundreds of Israeli civilians including women were taken as hostages. According to Palestinian administration, more than 35,000 people have been killed in Gaza Strip in Israeli strikes, so far. Dublin, May 26 : Six passengers and six crew members have been injured during turbulence on a flight from Doha to Ireland. In a statement, Dublin Airport said the Qatar Airways flight landed safely as scheduled shortly before 1 pm (1200 GMT) on Sunday. "Upon landing, the aircraft was met by emergency services, including Airport Police and our Fire and Rescue department, due to six passengers and six crew [12 total] on board reporting injuries after the aircraft experienced turbulence while airborne over Turkey," the airport added. "The Dublin Airport team continues to provide full assistance on the ground to passengers and airline staff." The incident comes a week after a British man died and scores were injured when a Singapore Airlines flight from London hit severe turbulence. --IANS/DPA dan/ Chandigarh, May 26 : Union Minister for Urban Housing, Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri on Sunday said that the Congress was yet to apologise properly for Operation Bluestar at the holiest shrine of the Sikhs, the Golden Temple, even after 40 years of operation. Addressing the media here on the occasion of the release of the BJP's "Chandigarh Manifesto", the Union Minister said the Congress was responsible for the massacre of Sikhs which took place after the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1984. Hardeep Puri said the Congress had been describing it as anti-Sikh riots whereas it was a massacre and "not a riot because in a riot, two sides are involved. In the massacre, only one community, i.e. Sikhs were targeted". The Union Minister also ridiculed the Congress' promise of putting Rs 1 lakh in the bank accounts of a woman member of every family. "This will be a drain of around Rs 32 lakh crore and is practically impossible to implement. It was clear that the Congress was trying to push a false narrative. AAP's scheme of supplying 300 units of free electricity was also part of the same 'revdi' culture about which Prime Minister Narendra Modi had frequently spoken. "PM Modi believes that good governance is good politics," added Hardeep Puri. The Union Minister also targetted Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party convenor Arvind Kejriwal over the corruption charges. Under PM Modi-led government, there has been a manifold increase in capital expenditure which in turn has led to a spurt in the economic growth rate of the country, he said, adding: "The Indian economy now occupies the fifth place in the world and will soon become the third largest economy in the world." Hardeep Puri also said Chandigarh was among the top cities of not only India but also of the world and it must be represented in the Parliament by a person of the calibre of Sanjay Tandon, who was familiar with the city's ethos and its problems. Referring to a suggestion that India should open trade with Pakistan, Hardeep Puri said Pakistan had been using terrorism against India as an instrument of state policy. "India had now sent a clear message to Pakistan that it would not accept terrorism and that it would kill terrorists in their homes," he added. Punjab will go to the polls for its 13 Parliamentary seats along with the lone Chandigarh seat on June 1. Brussels, May 26 : The European Union's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, reiterated calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages kidnapped by Hamas, following a meeting with the Palestinian Authority's new prime minister in Brussels on Sunday. "We must do everything in our power to reach an immediate end of the hostilities, to achieve the immediate release of all hostages, to alleviate the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza," said Borrell at a press conference. Borrell was speaking at European Commission headquarters alongside Mohammad Mustafa, the recently appointed prime minister of the Palestinian Authority, which governs in the West Bank, and Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide. The three met donors to the Palestinian Authority in Brussels on Sunday to discuss the newly-formed government in the West Bank, led by Mustafa. Borrell also said allegations that Israel is committing "genocide" should be investigated. Noting an ruling by the United Nations' International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Friday, which ordered Israel to stop its offensive in the Gazan city of Rafah, Borrell said: "This important international Court of Justice verdict also orders Israel to ensure access to any United Nations mandate investigating the allegations of genocide." While he emphasized that he's only calling them "allegations", Borrell added, "they have to be investigated according with the ruling of the ICJ." Norway - which is not a member of the EU - announced on Wednesday that it will recognize the state of Palestine. The EU itself cannot do the same unless all of its 27 member states do so first. Hamas seized control of Gaza in 2007 after elections the previous year led to fighting between Hamas and Fatah, which controls the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank. --IANS/DPA dan/ Johannesburg, May 26 : A total of 27 people have been arrested in South Africa in the past week for various election-related crimes, a senior police official said on Sunday. For the period from May 19 to May 25, 27 additional cases have been registered and are under investigation, with 17 of the cases reported in Limpopo Province, said Tebello Mosikili, deputy national commissioner of the South African Police Service, while briefing the media in Pretoria, the country's administrative capital, about the police's preparedness for the upcoming elections, Xinhua news agency reported. The suspects were arrested for contravening the electoral act, attempted murder, vandalism and illegal removal of posters. The police are continuing tracing operations, roadblocks, stop-and-searches and patrols, said Mosikili. "We take this opportunity to call for political tolerance among voters and members of various parties." "We are now entering the second phase of our 2024 national and provincial elections operational plan. We therefore take this opportunity to caution responsible citizens, especially social media users, from spreading fake news. You are all urged to verify facts first before sharing any information, which often leads to unnecessary confusion and panic," she said. Mosikili warned that they will arrest those inciting violence on social media platforms, as the intelligence communities and cybercrime units are closely monitoring online users. South Africa is scheduled to hold national and local government elections on May 29. Hoshiarpur, May 26 : Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, campaigning in Punjab's Hoshiarpur, on Sunday appealed to the people to support his party to save the country's democracy and Constitution. Addressing a public meeting in support of AAP candidate Rajkumar Chabbewal, Kejriwal said this election "is to save the country's democracy and Constitution. This is an election to end dictatorship". Noting that during the farmers' movement in 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not allow farmers of Punjab to enter Delhi, he said: "This time you press such a button that Modi is out of power in Delhi. In this election, you take revenge for the farmers' agitation from Narendra Modi." Kejriwal claimed that right after the announcement of the Lok Sabha elections, the BJP got "me arrested so that I could not campaign". "They were afraid that if Kejriwal campaigns, the BJP will suffer huge losses in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and many states of the country. But God heard my voice and released me from jail for 20 days to end the dictatorship of the BJP," he asserted. "The way you strengthened the Aam Aadmi Party in Punjab by giving it 92 MLAs, similarly, make us strong at the Centre by giving 13 MPs this time. Then no one will be able to stop Punjab's funds and even the Governor will not be able to stop any bills of Punjab," he said. "Right now the central government has stopped about eight and a half thousand crore rupees of Punjab. Roads and other development works of Punjab's villages were to be done with that money," he added. Kejriwal said that even now, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has to fight alone with the Central government and the Governor. "When our 13 MPs win from Punjab, they will all become Bhagwant Mann's hands and voice and will fight with the Central government and the Governor for the rights of Punjab along with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann," he added. Punjab will go to the polls on June 1 in the seventh and last phase of the Lok Sabha elections. Chennai, May 26 : Andre Russell (3-19), Mitchell Starc (2-14) & Harshit Rana (2-24) shined in a stellar bowling show as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) bowled out Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) for just 113 in the IPL 2024 title clash at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday. On a red-soil pitch, only winning the toss was the lone right thing for SRH as they never got any partnership or momentum to post the lowest total in an IPL final. Starc and Vaibhav Arora bowled consistently in the good length area, and had the ball swinging continuously, followed by others getting grip to leave SRH in tatters. Such was the fantastic bowling show that every KKR bowler had at least one wicket against their names. KKR now need to chase down 114 to win their third IPL title. Starc gave KKR a bright start from the word go when he hit Abhishek Sharmaas top of off-stump with a delivery which began from leg-stump and then nipped away sharply. In the next over, Aroraas seaming across delivery resulted in Travis Head nicking behind for a golden duck. After early movement, Starc bowled a short cross-seam delivery on which Rahul Tripathi tried to flick, but gave a massive top edge to mid-wicket fielder. Aiden Markram and Nitish Kumar Reddy looked to counter-attack with four quick boundaries. But there was no stopping KKR as Harshit Rana bowled three slower balls, before bowling a nipping away seam-up delivery which took Reddyas edge on the drive behind to keeper. Markram was next to fall, pulling to long-on off a short ball with extra bounce from Russell. Wickets continued to crumble for SRH as Shahbaz Ahmed top-edged a sweep to short fine leg off Varun Chakaravarthy, followed by impact player Abdul Samad edging away from his body to keeper off Russell and Heinrich Klaasen played on to his stumps off a slower ball from Harshit. A few boundaries from captain Pat Cummins, who top-scored with 24, took SRH past 100. But he and Jaydev Unadkat fell in quick succession as one of the most attacking batting line-ups of the tournament folded for 113. Brief Scores: Sunrisers Hyderabad 113 in 18.3 overs (Pat Cummins 24, Aiden Markram 20; Andre Russell 3-19, Mitchell Starc 2-14) against Kolkata Knight Riders. Paris, May 26 : Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka fought off a fierce comeback from Italy's Lucia Bronzetti to secure her first victory at Roland Garros in three years. Japan's Osaka, who recently returned from maternity leave, clinched the win 6-1, 4-6, 7-5, overcoming late resistance from the world number 67. Osaka's return to the clay courts of Paris was met with anticipation, as the former world number one aimed to improve her record at the French Open, where she has never advanced past the last 32. The match began on a gusty Court Philippe-Chatrier, where Osaka swiftly took control, winning five consecutive games to wrap up the first set in just 27 minutes. However, Bronzetti was not to be dismissed easily. After initially struggling against Osakaas powerful serve, the Italian found her rhythm in the second set. With tenacity, Bronzetti converted a critical break point at 5-4, forcing a decider and bringing the match to an unexpected climax. The final set saw Osaka in a commanding position, leading 4-0, but Bronzetti mounted a remarkable comeback, leveling the score. Yet, Osakaas resilience shone through as she broke Bronzetti's serve once more, regaining her lead and finally serving out the match to complete the two-hour battle. Looking ahead, Osaka faces a daunting challenge in the second round, where she is set to meet defending champion and heavy title favorite Iga Swiatek. Swiatek, who will take on France's Leolia Jeanjean in her opener, represents a significant hurdle for Osaka, but the match promises to be a highlight of the tournament. Elsewhere in the tournament, Latvian ninth seed Jelena Ostapenko advanced with a 6-4, 7-5 win over Romanian Jaqueline Cristian. The 2017 champion will next face either Tatjana Maria of Germany or Dane Clara Tauson. Ukraine's Dayana Yastremska, seeded 30th, overcame a set deficit to defeat Australian wildcard Ajla Tomljanovic 3-6, 6-3, 6-3. BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 26. An accident involving a bus occurred in the Turkish province of Mersin, Provincial Governor Ali Hamza Pehlivan said, Trend reports. According to him, at least 10 people died and 30 received various injuries. The governor said a collision occurred on the Mersin-Adana highway on Sunday evening between a bus heading to Diyarbakir in the southeast of the country and a truck traveling in the opposite lane. The road is reported to be completely closed in both directions. The police are investigating the cause of the accident, one of the versions is a violation of overtaking rules on a slippery road. New Delhi, May 26 : The Delhi hospital, where seven children were killed after a massive fire broke out late on Saturday, had faced allegations of abuse to a newborn child in the past. Care New Born and Child Hospital owner, Dr Naveen Kichi, was arrested on Sunday, had moved the Delhi High Court seeking the quashing of an FIR registered against him in 2021 over the allegation that a hospital nurse had beaten a newborn infant. In that case, he had contended that the allegations in the FIR as well as the CCTV footage only showed allegations against the nurse and he had nothing to do with the allegations in the FIR. Later, he chose to withdraw his plea since the police charge sheet did not name him as an accused or as a witness. Dr Kichi, a resident of Bhairon Enclave, Paschim Vihar, was granted anticipatory bail by the high court in the case in December 2021. Meanwhile, a police probe into the incident has revealed that the licence issued to the hospital by the state government had expired on March 31 and doctors holding BAMS degrees were handling Neonatal Intensive care. According to police, the fire at the hospital was reported to the Vivek Vihar police station around 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, following which a police team rushed to the spot. As per Deputy Commissioner of Police (Shahdara) Surendra Chaudhary, all the 12 newborn babies were rescued from the hospital with the help of other people and shifted to East Delhi Advance NICU Hospital. Delhi Fire Service chief Atul Garg said that seven children were declared dead at the hospital while five other babies are undergoing treatment. --IANS pds/vd Chennai, May 26 : Asserting that communal forces were trembling with fear in anticipation of defeat in the Lok Sabha polls, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin called upon the DMK cadres to "dedicate the victory of the INDIA bloc to the memory of his father and (late) former chief minister, M. Karunanidhi". In a statement on Sunday, Stalin said that M. Karunanidhi's birth centenary falls on June 3. "The results will be out on June 4. Let us hoist the flag of victory and dedicate the victory of the INDIA bloc to our leader Kalaignar Karunanidhi." Stalin said that the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for elections had come in the way of celebrating the centenary of M. Karunanidhi. Still, the election-related work carried out by the party cadres was a tribute to his memory. The Chief Minister said: "No one could deny his contribution. He upheld federalism and state autonomy." Stalin, also the president of the DMK, said that the party was synonymous with social justice, communal harmony, rights of the ordinary people, and saving Tamils from the onslaught of the "oppressors' language" and pioneering schemes. The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, further targetting the Opposition, said: "We can hear them lamenting on the prospect of the INDIA bloc forming a 'new India'." Moscow, May 27 : Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has threatened Poland with the prospect of "radioactive ash" in response to remarks on the use of nuclear weapons from Polish Foreign Minister RadosAaw Sikorski over the weekend. Sikorski had earlier told British newspaper The Guardian how the US would purportedly react to a Russian use of nuclear weapons against Ukraine. "The Americans have told the Russians that if you explode a nuke, even if it doesn't kill anybody, we will hit all your targets (positions) in Ukraine with conventional weapons, we'll destroy all of them," Sikorski told the paper. Medvedev responded on the social network X by saying that the US had said nothing of the sort since "they are more cautious". "Americans hitting our targets means starting a world war, and a foreign minister, even of a country like Poland should understand that," the deputy head of the Russian Security Council wrote on Sunday. Polish President Andrzej Duda had asked for tactical nuclear weapons from the US to be stationed in Poland, Medvedev said. "Warsaw won't be left out, and will surely get its share of radioactive ash. Is it what you really want?" Medvedev added. Duda had said in April that Poland, one of Ukraine's strongest supporters, was prepared to accept NATO nuclear weapons as a counterweight to the deployment of Russian tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus. Medvedev, during his time as president from 2008 to 2012, had been considered a key figure in liberal Russian policy. However since the all-out Russian invasion of Ukraine, he has become one of the biggest hardliners and routinely defends the war with inflammatory posts on social networks. Sikorski's comments are likely to relate to events of late 2022. US media have repeatedly reported that the leadership in Washington had the impression at the time that Moscow could be preparing to use a tactical nuclear weapon in Ukraine. At that time, the Kremlin had reportedly been made to understand that the US would not respond with nuclear weapons, but with other powerful means. --IANS/DPA int/sha Tel Aviv, May 27 : An Israeli airstrike near the southern Gaza city of Rafah hit tents housing displaced people, Palestinian medics said on Sunday evening. The Palestinian Red Crescent said on X that there were "numerous" people killed and injured in the bombardment northwest of Rafah. Medics in the Gaza Strip spoke of at least 28 people killed. Footage from the scene showed the makeshift shelters on fire. It was not clear how many people may trapped or under the debris. The Palestinian Red Crescent said that the air raid hit a designated humanitarian zone for those who had been forced to evacuate Rafah due to the Israeli fighting. The strike came just days after the International Court of Justice in The Hague ordered Israel to halt its assault on Rafah. The information provided by the aid workers could not initially be independently verified. Israeli media said the military is investigating the reports. --IANS/DPA int/sha Find a great selection of commercial real estate, manufactured homes, timeshares and more for Sale Buy real estate. Find a great selection of commercial real estate, manufactured homes, timeshares and more for Sale in US and Canada. Search Real Estate Anita Lutsenko, a top nutritionist and well-known TV presenter who found temporary refuge from the war in the UK with her daughter, told us which customs of the local population seem a bit strange to her as a Ukrainian and which she would like to imitate. ADVERTISIMENT In an interview with OBOZ.UA, Anita Lutsenko admitted that some of the rules of British etiquette are surprising to her, and also told what she admires about the customs of foreigners. "There are also things about the British that surprised me a lot," says Anita Lutsenko. "For example, they don't wash the detergent off the dishes, they just wipe them with a towel; the dead are buried no sooner than a month after death; even if you step on someone's foot, the 'victim' will apologize to you. The TV presenter also told us about the customs of foreigners that she admires: "Here I realized a lot of new things about the body, about the norms of body beauty that differ from ours, about the attitude towards it. In particular, the British talk a lot about menopause and are not shy about talking about cancer." ADVERTISIMENT "I'm also fascinated by the life of the older generation here, who still remember the German bombing of London," adds Anita Lutsenko. "Here I met an incredible woman of 76 who still wears heels, has been fasting for 40 years and still changes boyfriends when they 'stop making her laugh. I wrote a book about her here and hope that her example will become an inspiration for our women." Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes 'Banks make money because they take the right credit calls. So they need to focus on risk mitigation rather than risk avoidance.' Kindly note the image has been published only for representational purposes. Photograph: Kind courtesy Larsen and Toubro Limited Engineering and construction conglomerate Larsen & Toubro (L&T) reported a 10 per cent rise in profit for the March quarter and a marginal drop in margins, which led to a 6 per cent decline in its share prices on Thursday. In a video interview, R Shankar Raman, president, whole-time director, and chief financial officer, tells Dev Chatterjee/Business Standard about the year ahead, the outlook, and L&T's asset sales plans. Are you surprised at the investors' reaction to L&T results because the share price was sharply down on Thursday? I'm confident the share price will recover once people understand the overall context of what we are trying to do. Investors have responded to the margins dropping from 8.6 per cent last year to 8.2 per cent while citing falling efficiency or falling competitiveness, etc -- that's not the correct way and I'm trying my best to tell investors that value creation is our job. In our India business, the inherent margins are better, and 40 per cent of our order books is international, where the absolute level of margins are lower -- between 1 and 2 percentage points. But the cash flows and the terms of contracts are far superior in international business. This enables us to turn around capital much more efficiently and that's why our return on capital employed (RoCE) has moved up by over 200 basis points for the same period when the market is feeling dejected about the margin drop. Besides, L&T is taking on more complex projects, which means the uncertainties are greater, and they've been chosen to make sure that we are seen at the wider end of the technology spectrum. With a new government expected to take over next month, do you expect a pickup in infrastructure projects? Infrastructure projects have created vibrancy in the system and have attracted a lot of foreign technology and capital. Many are multi-year projects and the government had to just allocate funds as initial equity. These projects have developed an ecosystem under which goods and services tax and the direct tax have started contributing more to the country's tax kitty. Rising tax collection has been a major reason why the government has been able to meet its expenditure and social obligations. These projects have also created a productive engagement for the young population. Besides, good infrastructure takes people and goods to various parts of the country, and if we have to take advantage of the China plus one strategy, then we would require a huge infrastructure. Infrastructure has also made India a little less dependent on imports. This game plan of investment in infrastructure has played out well for the government. If this government were to continue, I think discontinuity in that policy seems to be throwing away the most powerful tool that has worked for them till now and hence I'm optimistic these allocations for infrastructure will continue. How will the new Reserve Bank of India proposal to increase provisioning for infrastructure projects affect project development? There will be greater due diligence in selecting projects. Banks are in the business of taking credit risks. I don't think there is anything like zero-risk credit. Banks make money because they take the right credit calls. So they need to focus on risk mitigation rather than risk avoidance. My own sense is that the banks will continue to extend project financing for infrastructure projects, but they would expect the sponsor to possibly demonstrate his own liquidity. So I don't expect slow down in disbursement, but I expect the diligence over projects to be tighter. This is good for the country because then we will land projects which are far more certain of completion than having a series of half built projects. The NCLT is full of half built projects and we can't afford that. What is the status of asset sales like Hyderabad Metro and Nabha Power by L&T? When do you expect to sell them to free your capital? We are only left with two concession assets -- Hyderabad Metro and Nabha power projects. Barring these two, everything else in our current definition is core, and hence there's no reason for us to divest any of that. Nabha Power is doing well and it is running at 85 per cent of capacity and is generating over Rs 4,000 crore of revenue and Rs 400 crore of profit. As Nabha is a coal-based power plant, the takers are few because everybody is now trying to evaluate green power project options and we don't want to sell it at distress. The problem to solve is Hyderabad Metro because it's a Rs 20,000 crore investment. The government has given a grant of Rs 3,000 crore and we have drawn part of the money and need to draw the balance. We also have to complete monetising the real estate, which is connected with the metro line. Around 460,000 people use Hyderabad Metro per day and we need at least 100,000 more. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com Allah ko pyaari ho gayi meri beti, said Ansaar, whose 11-day-old daughter was among the seven newborns killed in a blaze at a childcare hospital in New Delhi. IMAGE: People stand in front of a baby care hospital where several newborns died in a fire, in New Delhi. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters The fire broke out at the Baby Care New Born Hospital in Vivek Vihar area around 11:30 pm on Saturday and spread to two adjacent buildings. The Delhi Fire Services (DFS) had to deploy 16 fire tenders to douse the flames in three buildings. With postmortem pending, authorities are yet to hand over Ansaar his baby's body. The other six families are also waiting. "I saw my baby yesterday. She had a fever and was admitted to the hospital two days ago. This morning I was told about the fire," said the mother of 17-day-old Ruhi, who was killed in the fire. The grieving mother recalled that when she admitted Ruhi to the hospital she was wearing a Najar ki mala to wade off evil spirits. "They (hospital staff) removed that and the necklace. Ruhi was in a diaper," she said. Ansaar's daughter was born at another hospital on May 15. "She developed some health issues and was admitted to the hospital (Baby Care New Born Hospital) 10 days ago," he said. "Allah ko pyaari ho gayi meri beti," he said and added that he learnt about the incident from his friends. "When I reached, I came to know that my daughter had died," Ansaar said. For Masialam, a labourer, tragedy struck him again after five years. "I lost my son five years ago. On Saturday, my newborn son died. What kind of facilities do they have?" he asked. Many parents sold their jewellery or loaned money to pay for their children's treatment at the hospital, Masialam, the father of a three-year-old girl, said. He said his son was born at another hospital and was admitted to Baby Care New Born Hospital after he developed an infection. Parvinder Kumar, a relative of another victim, said, "We have not informed her mother yet." She was just six days old and "we have lost her", he said and added that this was the first child of his relative Pawan Kumar. "The girl was born around six days ago at a hospital in Ghaziabad and was admitted to the care centre for breathing issues. She was showing some improvement. We got a call around 9 am and were informed about the incident," Parvinder Kumar said. The hospital is to be blamed and strict action should be taken against its owner, he said. The Kumars are farmers and belong to the Uttar Pradesh's Baghpat district. Hritik Chaudhary, whose newborn son also died in the fire, said that every single official who is visiting the hospital is tight-lipped about the incident. They did not answer questions on if the hospital was legal or whether it had an NOC from the fire department, he said. Chaudhary's cousin, Robin, said nobody informed them about the incident and they came to the spot after watching the news. The confusion and lack of information left many families in despair when they reached the hospital. After the incident, District Magistrate (DM), Shahdara, Ritisha Gupta also reached the GTB Hospital. Many families stood outside and raised slogans, Humein Insaaf Chahiye (we want justice). Police have arrested Dr Naveen Kichi, the owner of Baby Care New Born Hospital. He had been on the run since the fire outbreak. Kichi has been booked under sections 336 (act endangering life of personal safety of others) and 304A (causing death by negligence) of the Indian Penal Code. The neonatal hospital was operating despite the expiry of its license. It also did not have qualified doctors and had no clearance from the fire department, police said on Sunday. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has asserted that the Bharatiya Janata Party will get a bigger win in opposition-ruled states due to a "positive mandate" for Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Lok Sabha polls, as he slammed the opposition's criticism of the Election Commission as a ploy to cover up for its impending loss. IMAGE: Union Home Minister Amit Shah addresses a public meeting for the Lok Sabha polls, at Dharamshala, in Kangra on May 25, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo In an interview with PTI, Shah claimed that his party has not resorted to any religion-based campaign but insisted that if canvassing against reservation for Muslims, and reaching out to voters on the abolition of Article 370 and implementing a Uniform Civil Code is religion-based campaign, then the BJP has done it and will continue doing so. He dismissed the opposition's criticism of the Election Commission for its handling of poll data and the issue of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), saying that similar protocols and practices have been followed in previous assembly polls, including Telangana, West Bengal and Himachal Pradesh where the BJP lost. "If those elections were fair, then this election is also fair. When you see defeat, you start crying in advance and try to find excuses to go abroad. This can't go on and on. They want to go on vacation on June 6. So, they are telling something or the other," he said. The Congress's questions about the polling process is aimed at covering up Rahul Gandhi's failure, he said. Shah said the opposition party had not offered any such suggestion at the customary all-party meeting called by the poll watchdog before the elections. "Whenever the opposition loses an election, they raise some questions. There is zero possibility of rigging in EVMs and they want an election which can be rigged." With six phases of the seven-phase Lok Sabha polls over, the BJP's key strategist said the party's assertion that its alliance will cross the 400-seat mark when the poll results are out on June 4 is not merely a poll slogan but a well thought-out goal. He said, "We will surely cross 400 seats. We will also form governments in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh." Assembly polls in the three states have been held alongside the Lok Sabha elections. "If we get 399 seats and you say we have not crossed 400, then it is your wisdom. But the '400 paar' slogan is based on calculation and considered opinion," Shah said in his characteristic combative and sure-footed manner. Asked if the party was overly dependent on Modi and if a relatively weak opposition was benefitting from its alliance, he said it was not a negative but a positive vote which the ruling alliance is receiving. "This is not a negative vote. Please accept one thing. This is a positive vote. We will get people's support where (in states) we are in power. And mark my words...where we are not, we will be getting a bigger mandate. So this is a positive mandate for the work of the central government," he said. As Modi has brought to fruition the BJP's core ideological plans, be it the poor's welfare, a secure country, abrogation of Article 370, a uniform law (UCC) across the country, women's reservation and Ram temple, his popularity naturally becomes the strength of the BJP, he added. "He is our biggest leader." He accused the main opposition party of misleading people on the issue of Muslim reservation, insisting that its accusation that the BJP has been telling a lie rings hollow as it has already implemented such a religious quota in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. "If they divide the truth in pieces to mislead people, then isn't it our duty to put these pieces together and inform people," he said, defending Modi's intense attack on the Congress over the religious quota and the issue of redistribution of wealth. "You might have heard and understood Rahul Gandhi's X-ray speech. So you want X-ray of what? And if you want to distribute it equally, then who will you distribute to? Manmohan Singh Ji said minorities are their priority. What do you make of this," he asked when questioned about the Congress's allegations against Modi. To a question about the Congress's promise of giving Rs 1 lakh to women in poor households, he said the party has a history of making populist assurances to come to power but never fulfilling them. Shah said, "They are in power in two-three states. They should at least fulfil this promise there. At least start giving Rs 1,500 which you promised (in Himachal Pradesh). You are talking about Rs 1 lakh, at least start giving Rs 1,500. Who will trust them." Making his projection for the BJP in the states where the ruling party is eying major gains, he said it will anywhere between 24 to 30 seats in West Bengal and 16-17 in Odisha. Its alliance will bag nearly 17 seats in Andhra Pradesh. The three states have 42, 21 and 25 Lok Sabha seats, respectively. Shah claimed that the BJP is set for a maiden majority in the Odisha assembly and expects to win 75 seats in the 147-member House. Its alliance will storm to power in Andhra too, he said. People are angry with the Mamata Banerjee-led government over issues of corruption, cow and coal smuggling and infiltration, and the Sandeshkhali issue has exposed as to what extent she can stoop in her appeasement politics, he said. With Modi spearheading the BJP's push in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, two states where the party has been so far unable to make much headway, in these polls, Shah said the party will certainly increase its vote share in the Dravidian state. He said, "It is a very tight contest. We have a new team. I will not make an estimate with figures. But our seats and vote share will increase and we will certainly lay a strong foundation in Tamil Nadu. We can open our account in Kerala. We are in a good position in three seats." Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said INDIA bloc parties want to turn the country's majority community into second-class citizens and also alleged that "jihadis" across the border are supporting the Samajwadi Party and the Congress. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses during a public meeting for the Lok Sabha polls, in Mirzapur on Sunday. Photograph: ANI Photo He attacked the parties of the opposition bloc, alleging they are planning to rewrite the Constitution to provide reservation on the basis of religion. The prime minister was in Uttar Pradesh's Purvanchal region to address rallies in Ghosi, Deoria and Mirzapur in support of BJP and NDA Lok Sabha poll candidates contesting in the seventh and last phase of the general elections on June 1. "In Pakistan, 'duas' (prayers) are being made for the INDI alliance of Samajwadi Party (SP) and Congress. Jihadis across the border are supporting them. The SP and the Congress are making an appeal for 'vote jihad'," Modi said in an apparent reference to a remark by an INDIA bloc candidate. "This (INDIA bloc) group is saying that if they come to power, they will reimpose Article 370 in Kashmir. They will repeal the CAA (Citizenship (Amendment) Act) which gives citizenship to the victims of Partition. Whose agenda is this... this is what these anti-India forces want?" he said. Hitting out at the bloc, Prime Minister Modi claimed the "INDI jamaat" has been abusing him for his opposition to reservation on the basis of religion. The prime minister listed three "big conspiracies" of the opposition bloc and said, "First, the people of INDI alliance will change the Constitution and write in it afresh that reservation should be given on the basis of religion in India. Second, these INDI people will end the reservation given to SC, ST, OBC. Third, they will give the entire reservation to Muslims on the basis of religion," Modi said. He said, "A third method has been created to circumvent the OBC reservation. They are declaring Muslim castes as OBC overnight. Recently, the Calcutta High Court has rejected OBC reservation for 77 Muslim castes." Modi went on to add, "Today, the SP, Congress and the INDI people want to make the majority community in India second-class citizens." He also branded the bloc as communal and casteist, and targetted the SP, saying people associated with it have a "'chhatees ka ankara' (animosity) with law and order". "The SP used to release captured terrorists and its government used to suspend police officials for catching terrorist," Modi said and added that the party kept Purvanchal backward under a conspiracy. "During the SP government, mafias had built palaces on public land. But since Yogi Adityanath has come (as chief minister of Uttar Pradesh) the environment has changed. Now, the 'acche din' (good days) of mafias are over. Houses of the poor are being built in place of their palaces. This is the difference between the BJP and the INDI alliance," he said. Modi alleged that the "families of the SP and the Congress had their dynastic mindset to turn Purvanchal into a region of mafia, poverty and helplessness". "I want to remind you that in 2012, the SP in its manifesto had stated that Muslim should get reservation equal to that of Dalits. The INDI jamaat wants to change the Constitution for this. When I ask them (about reservation) they abuse Modi," he said, adding he is opposing reservation on the basis of religion. The people of the Purvanchal region will punish them for these, he said. Modi also alleged that the Congress created "roadblocks" for countries that wanted to purchase the BrahMos missiles. "There has been a demand for these in many countries but the Congress does not like it. Many countries wanted to purchase the BrahMos but the Congress government created hurdles because the 'INDI' people do not want India to become self-reliant in the defence sector," Modi said. The prime minister said, "The day is not far when BrahMos missiles will also be made in Uttar Pradesh." Referring to previous poll manifestos of the SP and the Congress, Modi said, "In 2012 (assembly polls), the SP had clearly written in its manifesto that the reservation that Babasaheb gave to Dalits, similar reservation will be given to Muslims." The Congress declared educational establishments as minority institutions and gave reservation to Muslims there, he claimed. "Before 2014, the Congress changed the law overnight to declare schools, colleges and universities as minority institutions. They declared thousands of educational institutions as minority institutions. Earlier, the reservation SC, ST and OBC students were getting there was completely ended and Muslims got reservation," Modi said. "What can be a bigger betrayal than this of the sons and daughters of Dalits, backward tribals?" Modi asked and added that the INDIA bloc wants to "take back the country by several decades". Referring to the Ram temple in Ayodhya, the prime minister said people from across the world are visiting it for a 'darshan' of Ram Lalla. But those of the SP and the Congress rejected the invitation for the temple's consecration ceremony, Modi said. "They pretend to go to temples during elections. But these people started abusing the Ram temple when such a grand festival (consecration ceremony) of our faith came after 500 years. These people were angry with the construction of the Ram temple," he said. He also claimed that these opposition parties talk about reversing the verdict in the Ram temple case just as it was done in the Shah Bano case. In 1985, the Supreme Court had ruled in favour of Shah Bano, a Muslim woman from Indore who had sought maintenance from her husband after divorce, but the then-Rajiv Gandhi government overturned the judgement through an Act. In November 2019, a five-judge apex court bench had paved the way for construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya, ending a decades-long land dispute. The prime minister said when "Modi openly exposes them (opposition), they raise slogans of digging Modi's grave." "They issue fatwas of vote jihad against Modi but as long as Modi has the protective shield of mothers and sisters of the country and the blessings of all of you, no one can do any harm to Modi," he said. Modi said that people have decided that for a strong country, the prime minister should also be strong, and that is why the BJP-led NDA is getting such a huge mandate in the polls. In Mau district's Ghosi, Modi campaigned for NDA partner SBSP's Arvind Rajbhar (Ghosi) and BJP's Neeraj Shekhar (Ballia) and Ravindra Kushwaha (Salempur). He sought support for BJP's Kamlesh Paswan (Bansgaon) and Shashank Mani Tripathi (Deoria) in Deoria in Gorakhpur district and for NDA partner Apna Dal's Anupriya Patel (Mirzapur) and Rinki Kol (Robertsganj) in Mirzapur district. An estimated voter turnout of 61.2 percent was recorded in the sixth phase of the Lok Sabha election on Saturday in 58 constituencies across six states and two Union territories, with the polling percentage in the Jangal Mahal region of West Bengal touching 79.47. IMAGE: People show their identity cards as they wait in queues to cast their vote at a polling station, during the sixth phase voting for Lok Sabha elections, in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, May 25, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo Incidents of violence, including an alleged assault on a Bharatiya Janata Party candidate, minor clashes and protests were reported from West Bengal while there were instances of EVM malfunctioning at some places, including Delhi. Jharkhand recorded a turnout of 63.76 percent, Uttar Pradesh 54.03 percent, Bihar 55.24 percent, Jammu and Kashmir 54.3 percent, Haryana 60.4 percent, Odisha 69.56 and Delhi 57.67 percent, according to the figures updated at 11:45 pm by the EC on its voter turnout app. The EC said polling percentage in the Anantnag-Rajouri seat in Jammu and Kashmir is the highest in 40 years. With the conclusion of this phase, polling is now complete in 486 seats in 28 states and Union territories. The last of the seven phases of polling in 57 seats is scheduled on June 1 and counting of votes will be taken up on June 4. With large parts of India sweltering under a heatwave, arrangements for cold water, coolers, fans and tents were made at several polling stations. Wheelchairs were also kept for the assistance of elderly voters. The EC had directed election officials and state machineries to take adequate measures to manage the adverse impact of hot weather. Over 11.13 crore voters -- 5.84 crore male, 5.29 crore female and 5120 third gender -- were eligible to exercise their franchise in this phase. The Election Commission (EC) deployed around 11.4 lakh polling officials at 1.14 lakh polling stations. Peoples Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti, who is contesting from the Anantnag-Rajouri seat in Jammu and Kashmir, staged a sit-in outside Bijbehara police station on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway in Anantnag district against alleged detention of her party workers and polling agents. She also claimed outgoing calls on her mobile number were suspended. The police, however, said those detained were overground workers and the action was taken to ensure smooth conduct of elections. Mehbooba's daughter and PDP leader Iltija Mufti alleged polling was deliberately slowed down at a booth in the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency, a charge denied by the administration. In the national capital, President Droupadi Murmu, Union ministers S Jaishankar and Hardeep Singh Puri, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi minister Atishi and Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi were among those who cast their votes. Communist Party of India-Marxist leader Brinda Karat alleged she had to wait for almost an hour to cast her vote as the battery of the EVM control unit at her polling booth "drained out". The District Election Officer later said the battery was replaced within 15 minutes. Besides all the seven seats of Delhi, polling was held in 14 constituencies in Uttar Pradesh, all 10 seats in Haryana, eight seats each in Bihar and West Bengal, six seats in Odisha, four seats in Jharkhand and one seat in Jammu and Kashmir. Simultaneously, polling was being held for 42 assembly constituencies in Odisha and the Karnal assembly bypoll in Haryana. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kejriwal and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge urged voters to exercise their right to franchise in the penultimate phase of the Lok Sabha elections in large numbers. In Haryana, BJP's Karnal Lok Sabha seat candidate Manohar Lal Khattar and Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, who is contesting the Karnal assembly bypoll, were among the first to cast their votes at their respective booths. Saini, accompanied by his family members, cast his vote in his native Mirjapur Majra village in Ambala district's Naraingarh. Khattar exercised his franchise at a polling booth in Karnal's Prem Nagar. In West Bengal, voting was held in the tribal belt Jangal Mahal region, spanning five districts. A hotspot for identity politics, the region sends eight representatives to Lok Sabha from Tamluk, Kanthi, Ghatal, Jhargram, Medinipur, Purulia, Bankura, and Bishnupur seats. Out of the eight seats, the BJP won five and TMC bagged three in the 2019 polls. BJP's Jhargram candidate Pranat Tudu claimed his convoy was attacked in Garbeta area of Paschim Medinipur district, following which security personnel escorting him were injured and had to be hospitalised. Tudu also received injuries on his forehead, which needed medical attention. Minor clashes broke out between supporters of the ruling Trinamool Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party in the Ghatal constituency over stopping polling agents from entering the booths. In the Midnapore constituency, BJP candidate Agnimitra Paul faced "go back" slogans from TMC activists. Subsequently, a scuffle broke out between BJP and TMC activists, following which central forces reached the spot to disperse the mob. A group of people shouted slogans against BJP candidate and former Calcutta High Court judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay when he reached the polling booth in Tamluk. In Uttar Pradesh, polling was held for Sultanpur, Pratapgarh, Phulpur, Allahabad, Ambedkar Nagar, Shrawasti, Domariyaganj, Basti, Sant Kabir Nagar, Lalganj, Azamgarh, Jaunpur, Machhlishahr and Bhadohi seats. Around 82.16 lakh voters, including 40.09 lakh females, were eligible to exercise their franchise in Giridih, Dhanbad, Ranchi and Jamshedpur constituencies of Jharkhand. In a bid to increase polling percentage in urban booths of Ranchi, the district administration tied up with a bike-taxi aggregator to provide free pick-and-drop facilities to voters. In Bihar, 86 candidates are in the fray in the eight seats of Valmiki Nagar, Pashchim Champaran, Purbi Champaran, Sheohar, Siwan, Gopalganj, Maharajganj and Vaishali. Officials said 107 people were arrested or detained in the state for causing disruptions and attempting to hinder the voting process. Security forces seized Rs 2.86 crore in cash and 3.53 lakh litres of liquor worth Rs 9.46 crore from various locations within the eight seats during the day. Seven newborns were killed and five injured in a massive fire at a private neonatal hospital in east Delhi's Vivek Vihar that was allegedly operating illegally with an "expired" licence and no clearance from the fire department, according to officials. IMAGE: Firefighters attempt to douse the fire after it broke out at a New Born Baby Care Hospital in Vivek Vihar, New Delhi. Photograph: ANI Photo Police said on Sunday they arrested the hospital's owner Dr Naveen Khichi and Dr Aaksh, who was on duty at the time of the incident on Saturday night. According to a report submitted by the District Magistrate (Shahdara) to the Delhi Divisional Commissioner, there were 12 babies admitted in the hospital at the time of the incident. While one died on the spot, 11 were shifted to a hospital in the vicinity where six were declared dead on arrival. The deceased children included four boys and three girls. All were 15 days old except one boy aged 25 days. The bodies have been shifted to the GTB Hospital for postmortem, the police said. A case has been registered at Vivek Vihar police station under IPC sections 336 (act endangering life and personal safety of others) and 304A (causing death by negligence), 304 (punishment for culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide). The initial cause of the fire is stated to be a short circuit but a probe is on, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Shahdara) Surendra Choudhary said. The Delhi government has ordered a magisterial probe into the fire tragedy. In an order, Divisional Commissioner Ashwani Kumar directed the district magistrate of Shahdara to inquire into the incident. IMAGE: Delhi police at the fire incident spot. Photograph: Ishant/ANI Photo The police said besides an expired licence, the hospital also did not have qualified doctors and had no clearance from the fire department. "The licence issued to the Baby Care New Born Child Hospital by Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Government of Delhi, had already expired on March 31. "Even the expired licence issued to the said hospital allowed for five beds only," DCP Surendra Choudhary said. "During the investigations, we got to know that the doctors are not qualified/competent to treat the newborn children in need of neonatal intensive care, as they are BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) degree holders only," said the DCP. The police said that there was no fire extinguisher installed in the hospital for any emergency in case of fire and there was no emergency exit. Officials of the Fire Department said that the hospital did not have a clearance from the department. "The building has no fire NOC. We will also check documents related to the NOC on Monday," an official of the DFS said, requesting anonymity. IMAGE: A man shows a picture of his newborn baby as he reports missing outside the hospital. Photograph: Ishant/ANI Photo Officials of the Delhi Fire Services (DFS) said the blaze broke out at the Baby Care New Born Hospital at around 11:30 pm on Saturday and soon spread to two other adjacent buildings. Sixteen fire tenders were pressed into service to douse the blaze, Divisional Fire Officer Rajendra Atwal said. Oxygen cylinders kept in the two-storey building exploded due to which the adjacent buildings were damaged, he said. The owner Naveen Khichi, who lives in Pachim Vihar area, is an MD in Pediatric Medicine and runs this hospital with his wife Dr Jagriti, who is a dentist, Choudhary said. President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Lt Governor VK Saxena and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed grief over the tragedy. Prime Minister Modi announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF to the next of kin of each deceased and Rs. 50,000 to the parents of the injured. Chief Minister Kejriwal said those responsible for negligence will not be spared. Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj also said the strictest punishment will be given to those found negligent or involved in any wrongdoing. Among the grieving parents was Ansaar whose daughter was born at another hospital on May 15. "She developed some health issues and was admitted to this hospital," he said. "Allah ko pyaari ho gayi meri beti," the inconsolable father said. For Masialam, a labourer, tragedy struck him again after five years. "I lost my son five years ago. On Saturday, my newborn son died. What kind of facilities do they have?" he asked. IMAGE: A view of damaged Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) ward of a baby care hospital where even newborns died in a fire. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters After the incident, District Magistrate (DM), Shahdara, Ritisha Gupta who reached the GTB Hospital faced the anger of distraught family members who shouted 'hume insaaf chahiye' (we need justice). "Every single official who is visiting here is tightlipped. They have no answer if the hospital was legal. If the hospital was having any NOC from the fire department," said Ritik, who lost his 10-day-old child. According to eyewitnesses, locals and members of an NGO, Shaheed Seva Dal, were the first to rush to help. Ravi Gupta, a resident, said some locals climbed from the back side of the building and evacuated children one by one. A member of Sewa Dal claimed the hospital staff ran away soon after the hospital building caught fire. Another resident, Mukesh Bansal, claimed that an 'unauthorised' oxygen refilling cylinder work was being carried out in the building. "We had complained about it to the local councillor as well. But nothing was done. It was all happening under the nose of the police," Bansal alleged. Bansal also said that he used to live next to the hospital but due to the 'illegal' work of refilling cylinders, he shifted to the next lane. The police said they are also investigating the claim. The police said during the course of the investigation it was also found that the 'Baby Care New Born Child Hospital' has three more such branches in branches in Delhi's Punjabi Bagh and Haryana's Faridabad and Gurugram Another fire official said two boutiques, a portion of IndusInd Bank operating from an adjacent building and a shop on the ground floor were also damaged besides an ambulance and a scooty parked outside the building. Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Sunny skies. High near 65F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies during the evening will give way to cloudy skies overnight. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 36F. Winds light and variable. The American confectionery giant Mondelez has been fined 337.5 million. The manufacturer of Milka chocolates, Dirol chewing gum, and Oreo cookies and an international sponsor of Russian war in Ukraine was punished for anti-competitive behavior and artificially inflated food prices. ADVERTISIMENT According to the European Commission, Mondelez prohibited its distributors from reselling products between European Union (EU) countries to artificially inflate prices. The European Commission has fined Mondelez International, Inc. 337.5 million for obstructing cross-border trade in chocolate, biscuits and coffee products between member states in violation of EU competition rules... Territorial restrictions on supplies by suppliers are a kind of non-regulatory barriers to the proper functioning of the Single Market," the European Commission said in a statement. As it became known as a result of the investigation, Mondelez participated in anticompetitive agreements or concerted actions aimed at restricting cross-border trade in various types of chocolate, biscuits and coffee. In addition, the company abused its dominant position in certain national markets for the sale of chocolate tablets. ADVERTISIMENT Among other things, Mondelez prohibited certain wholesale buyers from reselling products abroad at higher prices than on the domestic market. Other distributors operating in certain EU member states were prohibited from selling Mondelez products to customers in other member states without prior authorization from the company. Mondelez was also found to have refused to cooperate with some companies and to have broken off cooperation with others to prevent the resale of chocolate tablets to third EU countries. The Commission concluded that Mondelez's illegal actions prevented retail customers from freely purchasing the company's products in EU member states at lower prices and artificially divided the internal market. Mondelez's goal was to prevent prices from being lowered by cross-border trade in countries where prices were high. This illegal practice allowed Mondelez to continue to charge higher prices for its products, which ultimately caused damage to consumers in the EU," the European Commission said. ADVERTISIMENT As previously reported, in May 2023, the National Agency for the Prevention of Corruption added Mondelez to the list of international war sponsors. The American company continues to be active in the Russian market, pays taxes, and thus financially supports the aggression against Ukraine. In 2022, Mondelez's Russian subsidiary paid more than $61 million in taxes to the Russian budget. Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Creativity can make up for lost access, but some gaps cant be filled. Until two years ago, Peter Irwin, a Washington D.C.-based researcher, was able to access Chinese court data to track the number of Uyghurs being sentenced to prison. But amid the international outcry over Beijings oppressive policies in Xinjiang, the local court stopped publishing such data. Irwin was undeterred and pivoted his focus. It was a gradual process, he said, but he and his organization, the Uyghur Human Rights Project, or UHRP, took the time to adapt to the tighter data landscape. I think we can, and we found ways, he said. The work can still be impactful. For example, last summer, UHRP uncovered international travel companies that were still offering tours to Xinjiang despite widespread human rights violations there. Shortly thereafter, several companies suspended these tours. In the diverse field of China research, Irwins experience has become more common. As China puts up more barriers around data, researchers all over the world increasingly have to grapple with how to work with less, but they are also coming to terms with the restrictions by discovering new tools or new research areas, according to interviews with analysts, activists and scholars from various disciplines. Yet many researchers say that the paucity of data will warp global understanding of what is really going on in China. There is a growing gap between reality and perceptions when it comes to China, said Martin Thorley, a senior analyst at Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime. That also makes things difficult because regardless of how one approaches China, solid data is a good foundation. A gate of what is officially known as a vocational skills education center is seen in Dabancheng, in Chinas Xinjiang region, Sept. 4, 2018. (Thomas Peter/Reuters) A changed landscape As Chinese President Xi Jinping rose to become the most powerful leader after Mao, national security has become a top priority in every aspect of governance. In 2017, the world was stunned by the revelations that more than a million Chinese Muslims had been sent to reeducation camps. In 2019, millions of Hong Kong residents hit the streets over a proposal that would have allowed extraditions to mainland China. Thousands fled in the crackdown that followed. Meanwhile, U.S.-China relations plummeted, as policies by former U.S. president Donald Trump aimed at decoupling the worlds two largest economies launched a trade war. These political events triggered more censorship from Beijing and reminded the Party leadership that certain data could be weaponized against them, said independent researcher Kai von Carnap. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic that started in 2020 severely disrupted travel to China, making in-person access all but impossible for years. As a result, maintaining data access remotely became even more crucial. Independent researcher Kai von Carnap is an associate fellow at the German Council on Foreign Relations and lab fellow at the Aletheia Research Institute. (Courtesy of Kai von Carnap) Secrets and frustrations Since COVID, von Carnap has turned to more digital tools to extract data from China, such as natural language processing, or NLP, a machine learning technology that interprets and manipulates human language. And one way he has used NLP is to analyze social media discourse in China, a task that otherwise could be overwhelming. Although he has not yet published this research, he pointed to examples from his former colleagues at German think tank MERICS, where they analyzed Chinese social media debates on topics such as AI chatbots, war in Ukraine and food security. But like most people interviewed for this article, he declined to elaborate on his own methods for fear of losing more access. Another researcher described it as a game of cat and mouse. If their methodologies are made public, they worry about new access restrictions or technical measures to disable the workarounds. Daria Impiombato, an analyst at Australian Strategic Policy Institute, speaks at the Oslo Freedom Forum in 2023. (Courtesy of Daria Impiombato) Daria Impiombato, an analyst at Australian Strategic Policy Institute, or ASPI, also taps into Chinese social media regularly to explore topics like censorship, surveillance and propaganda, but she said that space has become much harder to navigate. It takes way longer to create a new (social media) profile. Sometimes its just not worth the hassle, she said, referring to the account registration process. It was very apparent from several years ago that more and more aspects of public life were becoming securitized and sensitive. The ways forward Despite this, Impiombato said shes mostly hopeful about the field, citing the growing public interest in China expertise and constantly evolving research methods. In general there has been an incredible uptick in China research: more people involved, more grants, more organizations working on it, she said. Alex Colville, a researcher and database coordinator at China Media Project, agreed that there are opportunities to be found amid navigating the obstacles. I think were going to have to become more creative with the data were given, Colville said. Reading between the lines to uncover new policies from Beijing that lead to obvious problems down the line, or working past another hurdle in data access I get excited by these challenges, he said. Alex Colville is a researcher and database coordinator at China Media Project. (China Media Project) Sometimes, solutions can be ingenious, such as when Western media outlets measured the surge of COVID-related deaths in China in late 2022 by estimating the number of cars and people near crematoriums, Colville added. Researchers agree, though, that the best way to study China is still to just be there, especially in areas that require extensive fieldwork, such as sociology and political economy. For some of them, traveling to China is again possible after borders were reopened last year. Those who cant are shifting to other areas of study. Rory Truex, associate professor of politics and international affairs at Princeton University who studies Chinese politics and authoritarianism, spent years researching the composition and policymaking process of the National Peoples Congress. He hasnt been able to go back to China, so more recently, he has shifted his work to survey research on topics such as political opinions. He is also spending more time studying what he called overseas issues, including the Chinese Students and Scholars Associations, which has been criticized for projecting Beijings ideological influence abroad. For independent researcher von Carnap, the trend toward less data disclosure is here to stay, and researchers will need to keep pace with the new reality. The stress on the Chinese economy is still there, he said, adding that more disclosure could make the Party leadership more vulnerable to political debates, which it wants to avoid. Edited by Boer Deng. Fishers say their squid stock is diminishing because of foreigners entering territorial waters. Mazlan Awang, a fishmonger, dumps squid into a plastic bag to sell to a customer at a market in Pasar Payang, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia, April 13, 2024. Syed Mohd Nawawi and fellow Malaysian fishermen are fed up. They say they want local authorities to do more to crack down on foreign fishing boats particularly from Vietnam that have been encroaching into Malaysias territorial waters for years to trawl for squid. Malaysia has laws with stiff penalties to guard against illegal fishing. It also signed an MoU with Vietnam three years ago to deal with this issue. But that hasnt deterred foreign fishermen from trawling in Malaysian waters without permits or paying off local skippers to lend them their fishing licenses, Malaysian fishermen allege. The local squid stock is becoming depleted because the Vietnamese boats use big nets that can damage the sea floor, Syed said. Fishermen on the east coast of Malaysia really dont want this, he told BenarNews. Syed is based in Kuala Terengganu, a port on the eastern shores of Peninsular Malaysia. They use pukat gading [large fishing nets] equipment that can damage the ecosystem. [W]hatever is under the sea is depleted because they use rollers, he said of the Vietnamese boats, adding that when the nets come upon reefs theyll kill all the coral and everything. As a result of illegal fishing by foreigners, Malaysia lost US$172 million (823 million ringgit) in fisheries through 428 incursions by non-Malaysian boats between 2020 and 2023, according to Mohamad Sabu, Malaysias minister of Agriculture and Food Security. Of the 19 foreign boats intercepted and seized by Malaysian authorities during that period, 18 were from Vietnam, officials said. Persistent problem Vietnamese fishing boats have been encroaching in Malaysian waters in the South China Sea for almost two decades, residents, officials and experts say. But despite a memorandum of understanding signed between the two countries maritime agencies in 2021, the problem persists. In 2022, there was an oil spill in the Gulf of Thailand and this led to a decline in fish species in nearby areas. Indirectly, this has caused many foreign fishermen from Vietnam and Thailand to trawl in Malaysian waters, said one expert, Syuhaida Ismail. Most Vietnamese fishing vessels would fish in their own area, but then came to Malaysian waters after their sonar technology detected more catches in Malaysia. The catches are known to be more rewarding compared to catches in Vietnam, Syuhaida, research director at the Maritime Institute of Malaysia, told BenarNews. A catch of squid is displayed at the market in Pasar Payang, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia, April 13, 2024. [Syahrin Abdul Aziz/BenarNews] Under Malaysias fisheries law, foreign fishing boats and foreign nationals are subject to a fine not exceeding 6 million ringgit ($1.25 million) each in the case of the owner or master, and 600,000 ringgit (US$125,000) in the case of every member of the crew, if found guilty of fishing illegally in Malaysian waters. During intercepts at sea by Malaysias coast guard, some tense and violent standoffs with Vietnamese fishermen have occurred. In 2020, a Vietnamese sailor was shot dead by members of the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, after crews of Vietnam-flagged vessels rammed and attacked an MMEA boat with Molotov cocktails and hard objects during a patrol 81 nautical miles (150 km) off Tok Bali in Kelantan state, coast guard officials said at the time. And last July, one MMEA member was attacked and seriously injured to the head while inspecting a Vietnamese fishing boat off the coast of Kuala Terengganu. According to one Vietnamese fisherman, desperation drove him to fish in Malaysian waters. For safety reasons, he requested that he remain anonymous. There are difficulties. For example, at that time, in Vietnam, our fishing grounds did not have enough squid. But in their waters, they have more. So we have to enter their waters, the fisherman said during an interview with RFA Vietnamese at Radio Free Asia. BenarNews is an online news agency affiliated with Radio Free Asia. After the Taliban's de facto government cut ties with a number of diplomatic missions operated abroad by diplomats loyal to the ousted Afghan republic, the British and Norwegian authorities have opted to shut down Afghan embassies on their soil. Both Oslo and London say their decisions in no way represent official recognition of the Taliban's rule in Afghanistan, which no country recognizes due to concerns over a woeful human rights record and other failures to live up to promises it made before seizing power in August 2021. But experts say the embassy closures are likely to pave the way for more engagement with the Taliban, which controls all of Afghanistan's territory and has increased its hold on power. Diplomats who served the former Afghan government were left in limbo when the Taliban took control, but remained open for business in some Western states and continued to assist Afghan citizens. The window on their operations began to close when the Taliban announced in July that it was cutting ties with 14 such missions in Western countries and that it would not accept any consular documents they processed, a critical source of funding to keep them running. Many of the consular services, such as verification of identity documents or police clearance, offered by the embassies do require a degree of cooperation from the country's government because diplomatic missions might not be able to access all government data. This month, the British Foreign Office announced that it was shutting down the Afghan Embassy in London, explaining to RFE/RL on September 9 that the decision was made after the "dismissal of its staff by the Taliban." Norway quickly followed suit, announcing that the Afghan Embassy in Oslo would be shut down on September 12. Both the British and Norwegian governments have indicated that the move does not amount to a formal recognition of the Taliban's hard-line government. And the embassy buildings, which are Afghanistan's properties, will be eventually handed over to a "recognized" government of Afghanistan. But Hameed Hakimi, an Afghanistan expert, says the decisions to shut the embassies can be taken as "reality setting in" that the Taliban is "unlikely to be replaced in the immediate future." And for the Taliban, he says, it creates an opportunity to argue that its rule is being acknowledged, even without formal recognition. "The Taliban can use this to their advantage in their pursuit of claiming legitimacy with the Afghans and internationally," said Hakimi, an associate fellow at London's Chatham House think tank. More than a dozen countries, mostly Afghanistan's neighbors, already operate embassies in Kabul, and some have accredited Taliban diplomats. The Taliban government also partially controls diplomatic missions in some countries, and has established working relations with Afghan diplomatic missions in the Czech Republic, Spain, the Netherlands, Bulgaria, and the Afghan Consulate in Munich. The missions operating in Western countries staffed by diplomats appointed by the previous government are the outlier. Hakimi said that if all those missions are shut down, it "truly signifies the closure of the chapter of the Afghan Islamic Republic." The Afghan Islamic Republic, as it was formally known, emerged soon after a U.S.-led military alliance toppled the Taliban government in November 2001 following the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington. Nearly two decades later, the internationally recognized Afghan republic collapsed as the Taliban seized power in the wake of the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. The Taliban, meanwhile, recreated its brutal emirate from the 1990s by imposing harsh bans and discriminatory laws that resulted in widespread human rights violations. Afghan women and girls are deprived of education and employment in most sectors and lack fundamental freedoms. These Taliban policies have so far kept its government from being officially recognized. This absence of recognition has complicated engagement with the Taliban government on important issues, such as humanitarian aid, and made it difficult for the estimated 2 million Afghans living in Western countries to access consular services. Graeme Smith, a senior Afghanistan analyst at the Brussels-based International Crisis Group, says Western governments might be acting on the UN special coordinator's recommendation to facilitate the processing of documentation for Afghans abroad. In his report endorsed by the UN Security Council in December 2023, Feridun Sinirlioglu, the UN special coordinator for Afghanistan, called for better cooperation between the Taliban regime and the outside world to ensure that Afghans can obtain the paperwork they need to continue with their daily lives. "Afghans have been suffering in limbo without clarity about where to go when they need identity papers or travel documents," Smith said, describing how Afghans who still do not have travel documents from another country suffer from the lack of consular services. "The steps we are witnessing now may represent practical efforts by some governments" to remedy the situation, Smith said. The challenge remains, he said, to ensure that efforts "aimed at pressuring the regime do not sabotage the lives and livelihoods of Afghans." Many Western capitals are also grappling with the complex issue of what to do with Afghan asylum seekers whose applications were rejected. Last month, Germany deported 28 Afghan men convicted of crimes in the country to Kabul, with Qatar playing an intermediary role in securing the Taliban's cooperation in accepting the returning Afghans. Smith said that some countries "are discovering the usefulness" of having a consular presence "connected to the authorities in Kabul" if they need to arrange the return of Afghan migrants. "But it's unclear if that motivated the recent closures," he said. Both Britain and Norway have not said anything about whether they will allow the Taliban government to offer consular services in London and Oslo. The fates of the Afghan Embassy in Berlin and consulate in Bonn are not clear, although the consulate in Munich is likely to remain open because it cooperates with the Taliban government on consular services. In London, Afghanistan expert Hakimi said the closure could create an "opportunity for the Taliban to lobby with the Western countries" and allow its representatives to at least run counselor services. These Afghan diplomatic missions can remain closed indefinitely, similar to what happened in the United States, where the Afghan Embassy and two consulates have been closed since March 2002. The Afghan Embassy in Canada offers remote consular services to Afghans living in the United States. In Norway, Afghans have mixed feelings about their embassy's closure. Sima Nouri, an Afghan woman living in Oslo, is worried over how her compatriots will now access consular services. "There is a possibility that the process of forced deportation of Afghan refugees will begin," she told RFE/RL's Radio Azadi. "This process, however, must be stopped." Mina Rafiq, another Afghan woman in Norway, prefers shutting the embassy down to cooperating with the Taliban. "This might work to the advantage of Afghan asylum seekers," she said, "because the Norwegian government will now have to give them necessary documents." YEREVAN -- Bagrat Galstanian, an outspoken archbishop who has led anti-government protests in Armenia over a controversial border deal with Azerbaijan, on May 26 announced his intention to challenge Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian for the premiership as he addressed tens of thousands of supporters who gathered in central Yerevan. Galstanian, a 53-year-old head of the Tavush Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church, said at the rally in the capitals main Republic Square that he had asked Catholicos Karekin II to suspend his spiritual service so that he could challenge Pashinian. Rally participants cheered and applauded Galstanians remarks that he was ready to accept the nomination as a candidate for prime minister in the oppositions possible impeachment bid against Pashinian. Under Armenias constitution, at least one-third of lawmakers can initiate a no-confidence vote against the prime minister in parliament, provided they also name a candidate who will replace him or her. Earlier, Hayastan and Pativ Unem -- opposition factions in parliament associated with the former presidents of Armenia, Robert Kocharian and Serzh Sarkisian -- said they would support the bid. They will need the support of the only nonaligned lawmaker to initiate the process, which, in order to succeed, will require a majority vote in the legislature dominated by Pashinians Civil Contract party. Pashinian -- who remains largely popular with the population despite some dissatisfaction with recent events -- has rejected Galstanians resignation demand and his allies in parliament have ruled out that any of them would break ranks to support the protest leaders possible bid. The Armenian Constitution bars dual citizens from serving as prime minister. Galstanian, who is a dual citizen of Armenia and Canada, said he would not violate the constitution but did not explain how he was going to surmount the legal obstacle. Earlier, his supporters did not rule out that it would have to require an amendment to the constitution. At the end of the rally, Galstanian told participants he would go to Pashinians residence to meet him and press his resignation demand. But after waiting for some time near the prime ministers residence with no response, Galstanian told supports he would return to Republic Square to discuss plans for the start of civil disobedience actions to begin on the morning of May 27. "We will make the government reckon with the demand of the people, he said. Pashinian was out of Yerevan during the afternoon hours, visiting the Lori and Tavush regions, where at least three people had been killed in severe flooding. Armenian police urged protesters to preserve public order during the day. The anti-government movement started in the northeastern province of Tavush in April as Armenia and Azerbaijan began the demarcation process of their heavily militarized border following an agreement announced by Yerevan and Baku on April 19. The demarcation, which was formally completed on May 15, alters the boundary in a way that affects the infrastructure of a number of Armenian border villages. Local populations have expressed fears of possible further Azerbaijani attacks after the Armenian military withdrawal from four abandoned villages that used to be part of Soviet Azerbaijan but have been controlled by Armenia since the first Armenian-Azerbaijani war in the early 1990s. WATCH: Border Village Residents Challenge Armenian PM Over Demarcation With Azerbaijan The Pashinian government has pledged to solve infrastructure-related problems of the border villages within a few months, including the construction of a new road and payment of compensations to those who are losing property and land as a result of the demarcation. The prime minister has also stressed that having a demarcated and recognized border with Azerbaijan is in itself assurance against Azerbaijans possible aggression. Both the United States and the European Union have hailed the border demarcation between the two bitter Caucasus rivals. Comfortable dorm rooms on a campus with manicured lawns and a view of the mountains. Sleek lecture halls in brand new buildings where some of the country's finest professors will teach. And it's all for free. To lure as many as 1,200 students to study in Nagorno-Karabakh, Azerbaijan is pulling out all the stops. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in February allocated the equivalent of nearly $6 million to build, much of it from scratch, Karabakh University in Xankendi, the regional capital which was called Stepanakert when ethnic Armenians controlled the region. Baku has controlled Karabakh since September 2023, when its military forces launched a lightning offensive to retake the territory, where ethnic Armenians had enjoyed de facto independence since the mid-1990s. Within days of the September offensive, some 100,000 ethnic Armenians -- nearly the entire population -- fled to Armenia. Since seizing control, Azerbaijan has been accused of erasing Armenian towns and sites of religious and cultural heritage. Russia deployed troops in Nagorno-Karabakh after the last major war between Armenia and Azerbaijan in 2020, but announced in April that it had started withdrawing them. With nearly all of the Armenians having left what was for them Stepanakert, today's Xankendi has been described in recent months as a ghost town. 'More Promising Majors' Scrambling for ways to repopulate the city, Aliyev, president since 2003, signed a decree in November 2023 to establish Karabakh University. On May 20, he appointed Sahin Bayramov, a seasoned university president, to head it. The Azerbaijani Science and Education Ministry recently said that infrastructure work was under way, with lecture halls, dormitories, and other buildings due to be completed in the coming months. Karabakh University expects to open its doors to students this fall for the upcoming academic year. Officials stress that everything will be gratis, including tuition, room and board, as well as a free laptop. In Azerbaijan, about half of universities charge for study. The Science and Education Ministry plans to initially offer eight areas of study at the new university, including engineering, economics, and tourism. The goal is to have 1,200 students enroll at the university, according to Emin Amrullayev, the science and education minister. To ensure its success, the university will need to offer "more promising majors," including computer science and artificial intelligence, said Farid Imanov, an education expert. "It is easier to find a job with one of these majors," Imanov told RFE/RL's Azerbaijani Service. Baku and Yerevan are currently negotiating what is hoped will be a final peace deal, something that is being watched and supported by the EU and the United States. Talks have proved tricky, with a recent decision by Armenia to hand over several deserted settlements to Azerbaijan sparking protests and calls for Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian to step down. One year ago, Hamas -- the U.S.- and EU-designated Palestinian terrorist group that controls the Gaza Strip -- carried out an unprecedented attack on Israel, the deadliest in the countrys history. In response, Israel launched an aerial bombardment and ground invasion of the Palestinian enclave to destroy Hamas and rescue the 251 hostages taken by the group. Israel has expanded its war in recent weeks by invading Lebanon and launching air strikes targeting Hezbollah, the armed group and political party that controls much of southern Lebanon. RFE/RL spoke to Lior Yohanani, manager of quantitative research at the Israel Democracy Institute, a Jerusalem-based independent research center, which on October 7 released a wide-ranging survey of Israeli public opinion after one year of war. RFE/RL: Can you explain what your study found as to how Israelis view the past year since Hamas's October 7 attack? Lior Yohanani: Well, I think Israelis still don't see October 7 as an event that's over. Sure, the actual horrific events of that day ended, but Israelis are still living with the consequences. There are two main aspects to this. First, since October 7, Israel has been in this multifront war that doesn't seem to have an end in sight. And then, of course, there is the issue of the hostages still being held in Gaza. So, we're seeing a sharp drop in people's sense of personal security. Almost three quarters of the public feel less safe compared to before October 7, and that's despite a year of war and some significant military achievements. On the flip side, we're also seeing that most people say their lives have returned to normal when it comes to things like work, media consumption, and family and social gatherings. Another thing we're noticing is that the Israeli public is giving pretty low marks to all the political and military leaders for the performance since October 7. For example, almost two-thirds of Israelis are rating Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu's performance since then as poor or not good. RFE/RL: How has Israel's involvement in a two-front conflict, in both Gaza and Lebanon, as well as a confrontation with Iran affected public opinion among Israelis? Yohanani: It's tough to answer that question, because we're at the point where things could go in a few different directions. In the last few weeks, we've seen a major escalation in the conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon, and just last week, Iran launched nearly 200 ballistic missiles at Israel, which Israel is expected to respond to. In a survey we just did recently, we asked whether Israeli society and the military could handle fighting on two or more fronts for an extended period of time, and the results were pretty striking. Over 70 percent believe that yes, both Israeli society and the military can handle that kind of prolonged fighting. So, while the situation is complex and evolving, there seems to be a strong sense of resilience and capability among Israelis, even in the face of these multiple threats. But of course, public opinion could shift depending on how events unfold in the coming weeks or months. RFE/RL: Is there support for Netanyahus response to October 7? Is there debate in Israeli society, as well as political circles, over Netanyahus strategic choices? Yohanani: First of all, it's important to say that the Israeli public has largely supported significant military operation against Hamas in Gaza. That said, the Israeli discourse around the October 7 events, the ongoing war, and especially toward Prime Minister Netanyahu, is very polarized between right-wing supporters on the one hand and left and center supporters on the other. People are hoping for a future where Israel can exist without constant threats, rather than expecting a harmonious relationship with its neighbors in the near-term." So, on the left and the center, there is a high level of distrust and suspicion toward Netanyahu and his government. For instance, Netanyahu's apparent reluctance to pursue a deal for returning the hostages in exchange for ending the fighting in Gaza is seen by large parts of the public, even on the right, as resulting from Netanyahu's dependence on far-right, ultranationalist members of his government who refuse any compromise or ceasefire. Now for a long time, Netanyahu and his ministers argued that only significant military force would lead Hamas to compromise and release the hostages. Now, with military attention and resources shifting to the north, people are asking, where is this massive military force that was supposed to bring the hostages home? One question we have asked several times since October 7 in our polls is what should be the main goal in Gaza: Dismantling Hamas or bringing back the hostages? And as time goes on, public opinion is increasingly supporting the return of hostages. In our current survey, 62 percent saw bringing the bringing back the hostages as Israel's main goal, while only 29 percent pointed to dismantling Hamas as the primary objective. RFE/RL: How do ordinary Israelis see the question of the remaining hostages amid the continued protests by the hostages' families? Yohanani: As I mentioned before, most of the public supports a deal to release the hostages, even if it means ending the war and withdrawing the military forces from Gaza. There's this widespread feeling that we've left the hostages behind, and that's really hitting at our sense of solidarity, which is a deep and fundamental value, I think, in Jewish history in general and in Israel society in particular. At the same time, the campaign run by the Hostages And Missing Families Forum has become very politicized. Many right-wing supporters see it as weakening Israel. As time goes on, we're seeing more and more harassment of protesters who support bringing the hostages back. There are cases of passersby cursing, even hitting and throwing eggs, at hostages' families. In our latest survey, we asked about the effectiveness of the protests and actions taken by the hostages' families. Despite most of the public feeling empathetic toward the hostage issue, only less than a third think these actions are actually helping to advance a deal for the hostages' release, while almost 40 percent think they're actually hurting the cause. So, you've got this complex situation where people want the hostages back, but there is disagreement and some backlash about how to make that happen. RFE/RL: Can you explain the reasons behind the apparent contradiction in views regarding prioritizing a negotiated return of the hostages, or destroying Hamas? Yohanani: You're right to point out that apparent contradiction. Let me break it down a bit. As I mentioned earlier, a clear majority of the public sees a deal to release the hostages as the main goal. But there is a big gap between political camps on this issue. In the center and left, about 80 percent support the deal for the hostages' release, while the opinions on the right are evenly split. So, for most of the left and center, the fighting in Gaza has run its course. They feel most military objectives have been achieved, and Hamas's military power has been significantly weakened. From their perspective, continuing the fight now only puts the hostages at greater risk. It's important to know that about half of the right-wing also shares this view of prioritizing the hostages' release, but the other half of those on the far-right thinks dismantling Hamas is more important. Why? For a couple of reasons. First, there's a security stance that Hamas must be wiped out and not allowed to recover. There is also a very strong sentiment of revenge, with minimal consideration for the cost, whether it's the lives of the hostages, soldiers, let alone innocent civilians in Gaza. Another significant component openly discussed in religious nationalist circles is the return of Jewish settlement to the Gaza Strip after Israel evacuated Jewish settlements from there in 2005. RFE/RL: Is there public confidence that Israel will ultimately be able to remove the threat of Hamas and Hezbollah and come out of this conflict with greater prospects for a peaceful and stable near-term future? Yohanani: Right now, the Israeli public isn't showing a lot of optimism. In our current survey, when we asked people if they're optimistic or pessimistic about Israel's future, we found more pessimists, 48 percent, than optimists, 45 percent. I also think it's important to note that a peaceful future, as you put it, or peace in general, isn't really a common concept in the current Israeli discourse. I would say the hope of Israelis is that the military actions against Hezbollah and Iran will lead to a situation where Israel's existence isn't in question, and that Israeli military superiority will prevent events like October 7 from happening again. So, it's less about peace in the traditional sense, and more about security and deterrence. People are hoping for a future where Israel can exist without constant threats, rather than expecting a harmonious relationship with its neighbors in the near-term. KHARKIV, Ukraine -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy visited the battle-scarred northeastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv on May 26 and issued a fresh plea for additional aid. His comments came as rescuers searched the charred wreckage of a shopping center in the city for the bodies of people killed in a Russian missile attack the previous day, which has so far claimed at least 16 lives. Nearly four dozen people were wounded in the May 25 attack, which hit the store as scores of shoppers were visiting the Epicentr hardware supply store. Oleh Synyehubov, the governor of the Kharkiv region, said the toll stood at 16 as of the late afternoon on May 26 amid fears it would climb higher as emergency workers used heavy equipment to pick through the debris. At least 43 people were wounded, said Ihor Terekhov, Kharkivs mayor. "The attack targeted the shopping center, where there were many people," Terekhov said in a post to Telegram. This is clearly terrorism." Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko, meanwhile, said 16 people were still missing after the strike. This blow to Kharkiv is another manifestation of Russian madness, Zelenskiy said on Telegram on May 25 moments after the attack. While in Kharkiv, the Ukrainian leader urged U.S. President Joe Biden and China's Xi Jinping to attend a planned peace summit in Switzerland starting on June 15. "There is no nation that is able to stop such a war only through its own efforts. The participation of world leaders is needed, he said in a Telegram posting. "The efforts of the world's majority are the best guarantee of the fulfillment of obligations. Please support the peace summit with your personal leadership and involvement," Zelenskiy said in comments directed in English to Biden and Xi. The Russian state news agency TASS cited an unnamed security official as saying, without providing evidence, that there was a "military store and command post" inside the shopping center. A video released by Ukraines national police depicted the moment of the attack on the hypermarket, showing what appeared to be workers and shoppers standing in a home-goods section of a large store. A woman who identified herself as Svitlana told RFE/RL that she rushed to the site because my son works here. He is an assistant in the paint department. When asked if she had any word from him, she responded: No. Lyubov, who also only gave her first name, said: So many colleagues [remain inside]. We looked for them. There were other people who needed help, too. But it was impossible to reach them due to the fire. Oleksandr Filchakov, Kharkiv's regional prosecutor, showed RFE/RL what he said was shrapnel from the D-30 versatile intermediate gliding ammunition. The Russian Federation has used it to bomb this supermarket. Kharkiv, Ukraines second largest city, has come under intensified missile and rocket attacks over the past month as Russia opened a new front in its offensive operations, crossing the border into Ukraine from the north. Experts say the offensive is aimed at stretching Ukrainian forces to the breaking point and possibly putting Kharkiv within artillery range. Overnight on May 26, Russia fired dozens of missiles and kamikaze drones at various targets in Ukraine. The Ukrainian Air Force said 12 missiles, and 31 drones had been downed by air defenses. Also on May 25, Synyehubov said at least five people were injured in the village of Kupyansk-Vuzloviy and that an emergency vehicle had been damaged in a Russian missile strike. Zelenskiy and other Ukrainian officials have pleaded with Western allies to step up deliveries of air defense weapons and other armaments to aid their outmanned and outgunned forces, especially in the country's northeast. Ukrainian officials have also stepped up their calls for the United States to relax its restrictions preventing Ukrainian forces from using U.S.-supplied weaponry to more aggressively hit targets inside of Russia. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said in an interview published on May 24 in The Economist that Ukraine should be allowed to use Western-supplied weapons in strikes against military targets inside Russia. With reporting by RFE/RLs Ukrainian Service Hardly anyone missed the blackout schedules, but they are back. Blackouts have to be introduced due to significant damage to energy infrastructure after massive Russian attacks. ADVERTISIMENT So it's time to remember how to connect to Wi-Fi even in the absence of electricity. OBOZ.UA explains what GPON technology is and how to do without expensive generators and still have access to the Internet. What is GPON technology? GPON (Gigabit Passive Optical Network) is a technology that allows you to use the home Internet even in the absence of electricity. All you need to do is connect a router and an optical terminal to a power bank, and the network will work without electricity. Currently, providers support powering systems with generators, so you can access Wi-Fi even during power outages. The main thing is to connect to the network correctly. How to access Wi-Fi without power First of all, you should make sure that your apartment has optical fiver and terminal. Usually, your provider installs them when they connect to the Internet. ADVERTISIMENT To connect to the network, you need to connect the optical terminal and the router to an additional power supply, such as a power bank or a small generator. To start using Wi-Fi without power, you need to connect the power bank to the optical terminal and router. You will need: two USB wires DC 5.5 mm x 2.1 mm; two power banks: one for the router and one for the optical terminal. If you have wires with higher voltage, everything will work with one power bank. The duration of Wi-Fi use depends on the power of the portable battery. Experts say that by connecting a USB DC 5.5 mm x 2.1 mm 5V 90 cm cable with a 5200 mAh uninterruptible power supply, the Internet will work for two to four hours. To extend the operating time, you can use a similar set with a more powerful 20,000 mAh power bank or take an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) with 400 VA. ADVERTISIMENT You can also simultaneously charge your laptop and use the network for 2 to 4 hours, which requires an 800 VA power supply. For six hours of work, you will need a UPS of 850 VA or more. If you need the Internet to work on a desktop computer, you can use an uninterruptible power supply device of 1500 VA for two hours and an uninterruptible power supply with a higher capacity (from 3000 VA) for 4 hours. Subscribe to OBOZ.UA channels on Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events. Russian President Vladimir Putin used a meeting with his Iranian counterpart, Masud Pezeshkian, to cement their growing bilateral ties that have raised concern in the West as war rages in Ukraine and the Middle East. The two leaders met in Ashgabat on the sidelines of a conference in the capital of the tightly controlled Central Asian country of Turkmenistan on October 11. It was the first of two meetings between the men, with another scheduled at the BRICS summit in the Russian city of Kazan that runs on October 22-24. It was the first of two meetings between the two, with another scheduled at the BRICS summit in the Russian city of Kazan that runs on October 22-24. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters ahead of the meeting that while the talks will focus on bilateral relations, "the situation in the Middle East definitely will not be ignored and will also be on the agenda." The meeting was the first between the two since Pezeshkian assumed office on July 30 after winning an election to succeed his hard-line predecessor, Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash in May. Relations between Moscow and Tehran have strengthened since the Kremlin launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. "Pezeshkian is trying to gauge to what extent Iran can rely on Russia for help," Touraj Atabaki, professor emeritus of Middle East and Central Asia social history at Leiden University in the Netherlands, told Radio Farda. "Russia wants to stand with Iran due to Iran's support in its war on Ukraine but Moscow doesn't want to darken its relationship with Israel further and cut all ties," he added. Since the early months of the Ukraine war, Russia has been accused of using Iranian-made Shahed and Mohajer-6 drones, many of which have been found after being shot down over Ukrainian cities and battlefields. Iran initially denied arming Russia before relenting and admitting that it had supplied a "limited number of drones" to Moscow before the war. Despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, Tehran continues to deny that its drones are being used by Russia against Ukraine. That has not stopped the United States and the European Union from imposing sanctions on Iran for helping Moscow. Last month, the EU said it had "credible" information provided by allies suggesting that Iran has supplied short-range ballistic missiles to Russia to help Moscow wage war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, tensions in the Middle East have been heightened since Tehran launched some 200 missiles at Israel on October 1, saying the attack was in response to the killing of Tehran-backed militant leaders and a general from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps. Israel has vowed to launch a "deadly, precise, and surprising" attack on Iran in retaliation, while it continues to pound targets in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip that it says are aimed at Iran-backed proxies. At least 30 Palestinians were killed and dozens wounded on October 11 by Israeli strikes in Jabalia in northern Gaza, according to the territory's civil-defense agency. The recent spiral of violence was sparked by the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel by Hamas that killed around 1,200 people and saw some 250 taken hostage. Hamas has been designated a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union. The fighting in Gaza prompted another Iran-backed group, Hezbollah, to fire missiles into Israel in support of Hamas. Hezbollah is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, while the EU blacklists its armed wing but not its political party. The Israeli military has launched massive air strikes on Beirut and southern Lebanon in response, as well as a ground incursion into southern Lebanon intended to destroy the Iran-allied militant group, whose political party has seats in the Lebanese parliament. Israel faced condemnation on October 11 after its forces fired at what it said was a threat near a UN peacekeeping position in Lebanon. Israeli soldiers had responded to "an immediate threat" around 50 meters from the UNIFIL post, the military said. "An initial examination indicates that during the incident, a hit was identified on a UNIFIL post...resulting in the injury of two UNIFIL personnel," the statement added. The army pledged to carry out a "thorough review." UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the firing as "intolerable" and "a violation of international humanitarian law," while the British government said it was "appalled" by reports of the injuries. U.S. President Joe Biden said he was "absolutely" asking Israel to stop firing at UN peacekeepers, while the French, Spanish, and Italian leaders issued a joint statement expressing "outrage." French President Emmanuel Macron renewed his call for an end to exports of weapons used by Israel in Gaza and Lebanon, while saying the UN peacekeepers had been "deliberately targeted." In Iran, more than three dozen hard-line lawmakers on October 10 demanded the government revise its nuclear doctrine to pursue atomic weapons. In a letter to the Supreme National Security Council, they said Western powers could not control Israel, thus making nuclear weapons "Iran's option to create deterrence." Iran has been hit with waves of crippling economic sanctions for its nuclear program, which has seen a sharp increase in its uranium enrichment capacity after the United States under former President Donald Trump withdrew from a 2015 landmark deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action that restricted Tehran's nuclear program in exchange for relief from sanctions. Iran says its nuclear program is for peaceful civilian purposes, but government officials caused alarm recently by saying it could change its "nuclear doctrine" if it is attacked or its existence is threatened by Israel. With reporting by Reuters and AFP Two years have passed since the Tajik government launched its crackdown on residents of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast, or GBAO. On May 16, 2022, police and security forces attacked peaceful protesters in the GBAO capital, Khorugh, and dozens of people were killed in the weeks that followed. After the shooting stopped, the states repression of the region continued with the arrests of hundreds of GBAO natives including this month, when at least 35 residents of GBAOs Yazgulom district were detained. Joining host Bruce Pannier to discuss the Tajik governments crackdown in GBAO are guests Syinat Sultanalieva, a researcher covering Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan for Human Rights Watch, and Bakhtiyor Safarov, the founder of the firm Central Asia Consulting in the United States who is originally from Gorno-Badakhshan. LEBAP PROVINCE, Turkmenistan -- A young married couple in the city of Turkmenabat were hugging inside their parked car when a policeman approached and threatened to arrest them for undermining moral values. I was hugging my wife to calm her down because she was crying as we were discussing how to get enough money for some needed medicine, the man said. Were struggling financially these days. At that moment the policeman came and confronted us. The man told RFE/RL that the officer patrolling their Bahar neighborhood demanded that the couple show their passports and marriage certificate to prove they were legally married. The man said that, despite eventually establishing the couples marital status, the policeman didnt let them go and instead tried to extort a bribe. When I refused to give him money, the officer threatened me: Dont forget that you live in this city, [so we will meet again], the man said he was told in describing the May 7 incident. The man spoke on condition of anonymity fearing reprisals by officials in the strictly controlled Central Asian nation, one the most repressive countries in the world. There have been multiple reports in recent weeks of similar incidents in Turkmenabat, the capital of the northeastern Lebap Province, in which police target couples holding hands, sitting close, kissing, or hugging in public places. Public displays of affection are not banned in Turkmenistan, but police in other Turkmen regions, including the capital, Ashgabat, and Mary Province were previously accused of arresting young men and women in parks and on the streets for violating social norms. Offenders in Mary were taken away in handcuffs to police stations and forced to attend lectures on moral values. Turkmenabat residents say the latest restriction in their city began in April when several local students and other young people complained about being ambushed by officers seemingly acting as morality police. In most cases the incidents ended with police extorting money from the couples, according to several people involved in the raids. 'Unbecoming For Turkmen' A student from the Turkmenhimiya vocational school told RFE/RL that he was targeted by police while on a date with a young woman at the citys Gorogly Park earlier this month. I was kissing the girl on her forehead when I noticed a policeman photographing us on his phone. He then told us: arent you ashamed of behaving like this in a public place? the student told RFE/RL on condition of anonymity. The officer then proceeded to arrest the couple for disturbing public order, the student claimed, adding that the policeman finally let them go after he paid bribes. I told him that I have [the equivalent of] $20 in my pocket. The policemans serious face immediately broke into a smile and he told us: Dont be naughty here, the Turkmenabat student said. Another resident claimed he and his girlfriend were stopped while holding hands at the citys National Flag Square early one evening last month. The young man said an officer scolded the couple for their shameful behavior that is unbecoming for Turkmen, especially under the national flag, and tried to force them into a police vehicle. The officers threatened to open a criminal case against me on a charge of resisting a police officer, the man told RFE/RL. Then one of the officers took me to one side and demanded [the equivalent of] $30. I told him that I only have $10 with me. He took the money and let us go. RFE/RL cannot verify the residents claims. Regional officials in Lebap didnt respond to requests for comment. But authorities in Turkmenistan are notorious for restricting their citizens liberties and civil rights. In the coastal province of Balkan, police imposed an unofficial nighttime curfew earlier this year that banned people from leaving their homes after 9 p.m. Residents said they received leaflets from regional police that warned them against "walking on the streets in the evenings with or without a purpose." Female high school students in the Balkan and Dashoguz provinces have been subjected to mandatory virginity tests, which officials say are needed to evaluate the teenagers morality. The controversial test were conducted without the consent of either the students or their parents. Written by Farangis Najibullah based on reporting by the Turkmen Services correspondent in Lebap Province Kharkiv regional prosecutor Oleksandr Filchakov has told RFE/RL that Russia hit a store in Ukraine's second-biggest city, Kharkiv, with aerial guided bombs on May 25 when more than 200 people were inside. On May 26, excavators cleared the rubble from the devastated hypermarket, which sold construction and housing items. The attack claimed at least 14 lives. A meeting between public representatives and officials from the Department of Integration is set to take place on Monday evening, May 27th to discuss the planned movement of 52 International Protection Applicants (IPAs) to a Castlerea apartment block on June 7th. The meeting has been organised by Fianna Fail Senator Eugene Murphy. There has been growing concern in Castlerea over the planned use of apartments at the Riverwalk complex in the town and mounting pressure on public representatives to provide information to the community. Senator Murphy said that he shared the concerns of the local community about the lack of information and service capacity. A recruitment drive is underway by the Brothers of Charity Services as the group supports people to lead full, valued and independent lives. Brothers of Charity Services provide supports to over 7,000 people with an intellectual disability or autism, operating in almost 1,000 locations throughout Ireland, including Roscommon and Galway. Staff are recruited from a wide variety of backgrounds including social care, psychology, speech and language therapy, social work, physiotherapy and nursing. Sinead Hurley, who graduated from Limerick Institute of Technology in 2018 with a bachelors degree in social care, has been working with Clarin Services (West Region) since 2019. I started working with BOCSI as a locum support worker before becoming a social care worker in 2021, says Sinead. She always knew she wanted to work in a role that involved caring for people. I am a social person. My sister also has Down syndrome, so I spent a lot of my childhood supporting her. It was a natural progression for me. She explained that her day-to-day role as a social care worker was unpredictable, in the best way possible. There are some daily routines that dont change, such as assisting with personal care needs. But outside of this, the people I support decide what they want to do for their day. Sinead says she feels lucky to work with an incredible team. There is a sense of community among the staff and the people we support. The core value of the Brothers of Charity Services is the dignity and humanity of each person. Visit careers.brothersofcharity.ie Polish Prime Minister Radoslaw Sikorski expressed skepticism about Russia's threats to use nuclear weapons. He recalled that the United States had warned Moscow of an inevitable and lightning-fast response to a nuclear strike, which, according to the Polish prime minister, was a "cold shower" for the Kremlin. ADVERTISIMENT Deputy Secretary of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev reacted to Sikorski's statement with a hysterical tweet. As usual, the former Russian president began to threaten the outbreak of World War III, humiliated Poland and promised it "its share of radioactive ash." Sikorski expressed his skepticism that Russia would decide to use nuclear weapons, which is constantly promised by numerous Russian officials, in an interview with The Guardian. "The Americans have told the Russians that if you detonate a nuclear bomb, even if it doesn't kill anyone, we will hit all your targets in Ukraine with conventional weapons, we will destroy them all," the Polish Prime Minister emphasized. At the same time, Sikorski added that Europe must master the "escalation game" in order to keep Russian dictator Vladimir Putin in a state where he has to guess what step the West will take next and what it is going to do. ADVERTISIMENT "Constantly declaring what our own red line is only encourages Moscow to adapt its hostile actions to our ever-changing self-restraints," Sikorski emphasized. The theses voiced by the Polish prime minister instantly shook Medvedev's already fragile mental balance. In the traditional manner to which Russian politics and diplomacy have finally slipped, the former Russian president resorted to personal insults and narratives familiar to Russia. "The Polish double of a strange, wonderful creature named Blinken with a much more sonorous surname, Sikorski, apparently decided to scare his own masters," Medvedev said. He was especially outraged by Sikorsky's reminder that Russia, with all its "nuclear power," could not even compete with conventional weapons of the West. Therefore, after Russia uses nuclear weapons, all its military targets in Ukraine will be destroyed by such weapons. ADVERTISIMENT "First, the Yanks have not said anything like that yet, because they are more cautious than the Poles. Secondly, an American strike on our targets means the beginning of a world war, and the foreign minister of even a country like Poland should understand this. And thirdly, given that another Pole, Duda, has recently announced his desire to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Poland, Warsaw will not stand aside and will definitely get its share of radioactive ash," Medvedev said, whose constant waving of the nuclear baton no longer causes anything but bewilderment. Earlier, Medvedev said that residents of the occupied territories of Ukraine who had taken Russian passports should be sent to camps in Siberia for "re-education." Other "pearls" of the former Russian president include statements that Russia's borders "do not end anywhere ," that Russian troops can reach Kyiv, and dreams of "reunification" between Ukraine and Russia. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber . Do not fall for fakes! Pulsar and Apache range of motorcycles own this segment with over 53% market share between them in April 2024 The motorcycle market in India witnessed a significant boost in April 2024, particularly in the 150cc to 200cc segment. This category saw an impressive year-on-year growth of 54.48%, with total sales reaching 1,81,106 units compared to 1,17,233 units in April 2023. This surge underscores the growing popularity of mid-range motorcycles among Indian consumers. 150cc To 200cc Motorcycle Sales Apr 2024 YoY Comparison Bajaj Pulsar led the segment, selling 50,739 units in April 2024, a 39.71% increase from the 36,318 units sold in April 2023. This performance secured a 28.02% market share, making it the most popular choice among consumers. Following closely was TVS Apache, with 45,520 units sold, marking a 19.32% growth from the previous years 38,148 units. The Apache series captured a 25.13% market share, solidifying its position as a strong contender in this segment. Hondas re-entry into this segment was notable with the Unicorn and SP 160 models. The Honda Unicorn sold 25,889 units, capturing a 14.29% market share, while the Honda SP 160 sold 8,260 units, accounting for 4.56% of the market. These new entrants significantly contributed to the overall market growth. Yamahas performance was a mixed bag. The Yamaha MT 15 saw an extraordinary growth of 198.93%, with sales rising from 4,469 units in April 2023 to 13,359 units in April 2024. Conversely, the Yamaha FZ experienced a decline, with sales dropping by 34.17%, from 20,931 units to 13,778 units. The Yamaha R15 also saw a slight decrease of 1.31%, selling 11,146 units compared to 11,294 units the previous year. Hero XPULSE 200 emerged as the fastest-growing model, with a remarkable 235.42% increase in sales, rising from 576 units in April 2023 to 1,932 units in April 2024. This growth highlights the rising interest in adventure motorcycles among Indian riders. KTM 200 saw an 11.60% growth, selling 2,983 units in April 2024. Honda HORNET 2.0 contributed 2,374 units, entering the market with a notable presence. Hero Xtreme 160R/200 grew by 131.15%, with 1,447 units sold, indicating strong consumer interest. Suzuki GIXXER sales increased by 176.57%, reaching 1,405 units, reflecting a significant uptick in demand. Honda CB200X entered the market with 632 units sold, adding to Hondas diverse lineup. Kawasaki W175 saw a modest growth of 10.49%, selling 158 units, maintaining a niche yet consistent presence in the market. Despite the overall positive trend, Bajaj Avenger saw a decline of 4.07%, with sales dropping from 1,547 units in April 2023 to 1,484 units in April 2024. This decline indicates a shifting preference among consumers within the cruiser segment. 150cc To 200cc Motorcycle Sales Apr 2024 MoM Comparison March 2024 sales registered by this segment of motorcycles was at about 1.5 lakh, indicating a 21% growth MoM for April 2024. Bajaj Pulsar sales were up by 16.61% from 43,512 units in March 2024. TVS Apache also saw significant growth, with sales rising by 32.96% from 34,237 units in March 2024 to 45,520 units in April 2024, capturing a 25.13% market share. Honda Unicorn experienced a substantial increase of 34.69%, with sales jumping from 19,221 units in March 2024 to 25,889 units in April 2024. Honda SP 160 demonstrated the highest growth rate in this segment, soaring by 71.55% from 4,815 units in March 2024 to 8,260 units in April 2024. Yamaha MT 15 and Yamaha R15 both saw positive growth MoM. However, the Yamaha FZ faced a decline of 14.71%, with sales decreasing from 16,154 units in March 2024 to 13,778 units in April 2024. Hero XPULSE 200 saw an impressive growth of 95.94%, with sales increasing from 986 units in March 2024 to 1,932 units in April 2024. The Hero Xtreme 160R/200, however, experienced a significant drop of 50.73%, with sales falling from 2,937 units in March 2024 to 1,447 units in April 2024. Suzuki GIXXER showed a modest increase of 3.01%, with sales rising slightly from 1,364 units in March 2024 to 1,405 units in April 2024. KTM 200 saw a slight decline of 1.32%, with sales dropping from 3,023 units in March 2024 to 2,983 units in April 2024. Honda HORNET 2.0 showed a significant increase of 118.20%, with sales rising from 1,088 units in March 2024 to 2,374 units in April 2024. Bajaj Avenger sales grew by 20.26%, from 1,234 units in March 2024 to 1,484 units in April 2024. Honda CB200X demonstrated strong growth, with sales increasing by 81.09% from 349 units in March 2024 to 632 units in April 2024. Kawasaki W175 sales increased by 79.55%, from 88 units in March 2024 to 158 units in April 2024. Kia Carens EV launch has been confirmed for 2025 It will be one of the 15 EVs that Kia will be adding to its global portfolio by 2027 As is the case with most other carmakers, Kia is stepping up focus on electric vehicles. For India, Kias first mass market EV will be Carens EV. Kia has confirmed that it will be launched in 2025. Kia recently confirmed these plans at the 2024 Kia Investor Day meet in South Korea. 2025 KIA Carens EV Rendered What to expect? Based on the current Carens ICE version and Kias design language for EVs, Pratyush Rout has created digital renderings of the upcoming 2025 KIA Carens EV. Exteriors are expected to be largely the same as the ICE-powered Carens. However, changes are expected across the front and rear to achieve a distinctive EV profile. There will be new alloy wheels and EV-specific design elements. Some exclusive colour options are likely for Carens EV. Inside, much of the equipment will be the same as the ICE model. Some of the key highlights include dual 10.25-inch screens for the infotainment and instrumentation, ventilated front seats, wireless phone charging and sunroof. Safety could be enhanced with the addition of ADAS. Standard safety kit will include features such as 6-airbags, front and rear parking sensors and electronic stability control. In 2022, Kia had hinted at a new EV for India. Kia already sells the EV6 in India, but it is a premium product imported as a CBU. Carens EV is expected to be manufactured in India, with a high level of localization. It will help launch Carens EV at a competitive price point. Prices could start at Rs 20 lakh, making it the most affordable electric MPV in the country. Carens EV will not have any direct rivals at the time of launch. Maruti is also working on an electric MPV, based on the eVX compact SUV. However, Marutis electric MPV is scheduled for launch in 2026. It means that Carens EV will have the best possible start at the time of launch. Carens EV will also work as a value for money option, relative to BYD E6. Kia Carens EV Performance, range While plans have been announced, Kia has not revealed any details about the upcoming Carens EV. However, it will be safe to assume that Carens EV will be offered with a single motor setup. While battery details are not available, range is expected to be around 400-500 km. Carens EV will have DC fast charging and features such as V2L (vehicle-to-load). To reduce production cost, the battery pack for Carens EV could be the same as that of the upcoming Hyundai Creta EV. Post launch in India, Kia can also look at export markets for India-made Carens EV. Kia already exports its popular ICE models Sonet, Seltos and Carens. If production costs are lower in India, Kia can certainly consider the upcoming Carens EV for export markets. Globally, Kia operates 13 factories where both EV and ICE models are manufactured. There are two more plants coming up in South Korea, which will cater exclusively to EV manufacturing. Ten years ago, the average gram of meth available in the U.S. was 39 percent pure. Today, it is being sold in a nearly pure state, manufactured in Mexican superlabs and smuggled across the border to feed an epidemic of addiction. The drug is being peddled alongside fentanyl, a synthetic opioid 50 times stronger than heroin, and carfentanil, a derivative so powerful that it is used as an elephant tranquilizer and can kill a human with just a speck or two. The purity and potency of the illegal and in some cases legal drug market has seemed to reach new levels. It is a trend that is particularly alarming to authorities as it unfolds against the backdrop of an emerging opioid crisis that has taken an unprecedented number of lives and touches all walks of life. Drug poisoning deaths are the leading cause of injury death in the U.S., surpassing car crashes, suicide, homicide and guns. It begs the question: Just how much stronger can drugs get? That could depend on how the opioid crisis pans out, as there are indications that the craving for prescription highs and the introduction of fentanyl into the illegal market have changed appetites. Ive got to believe that the higher potency is to compete with the higher potency of other drugs available on the market, said Rosalie Liccardo Pacula, director of BING Center for Health Economics and a drug policy expert with the RAND Corporation. That shift has hit many users by surprise, as fentanyl is increasingly being cut into traditional drugs of abuse like heroin and meth. People are not choosing these substances, Pacula said. (Fentanyl and carfentanil) have infiltrated our supply chain and pose a serious public health risk because users arent aware. With the stakes higher than ever, Amy Roderick, spokeswoman for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration in San Diego, hopes the public is taking notice. Hopefully people are educating themselves and realize its safer to stay away. It is devastating when someone in your family is addicted to these drugs, she said. We cant lay our heads down and have society be the walking dead. Heres a look at drug purity levels over time and the current marketplace. Methamphetamine When U.S. laws restricted the sale of precursor chemicals needed to make methamphetamine, its production moved from domestic home labs to massive labs in Mexico run by cartels. But consumption of the drug has kept a strong foothold in the nation and San Diego County. The drug is being sold in nearly pure form these days. Purity in 2016 was around 93 to 96 percent with prices low and stable, indicating an oversupply, according to the DEAs 2017 National Drug Threat Assessment. A 93 percent pure gram was going for $58 in 2016. To counteract the falling prices, organizations are trying to market more to the East Coast and hook new users, authorities said. The Mexican labs are also coming up with new methods to make the drug so they dont have to rely on getting precursor chemicals from China, a supply chain that is being heavily scrutinized, the DEA reported. Survey and treatment data shows demand for meth may be increasing. In San Diego County, deaths, reported usage and reported availability all rose over the past five years, according to the Methamphetamine Strike Force 2016 Report Card. Fentanyl Fentanyl, a prescription drug that has been around for decades, has been used as a painkiller and anesthetic in clinical settings. Most of the fentanyl in the U.S. illegal market is either being made in Mexican cartel labs or is being mailed in much smaller quantities from China. It is not complicated to cut fentanyl into other drugs or make into pills, which can be especially deadly to users in the hands of an amateur mixologist. It is cheaper and easier to produce than heroin, which is produced from poppy crops, and is often deceptively marketed on the street as heroin or oxycodone pills to opioid addicts. The fentanyl being seized coming across the U.S.-Mexico border in San Diego is typically 4 to 6 percent pure, already diluted considerably by the cartels, said Roderick. The smaller quantities being mailed from China are much more pure, often 90 percent or higher, according to the DEA. A wholesale kilogram of fentanyl in San Diego County goes for about $31,000, Roderick said. The prices increase the farther from the border. Were seeing more fentanyl than any other DEA lab in the country due to the fact we are at the border, said Roderick. Heroin Heroin in San Diego County comes exclusively from Mexico, and with boosts in farming production there, the country is now the primary source of heroin for the U.S. Lab tests show Mexican powder heroin is extremely pure, especially on the East Coast, more than the typical 40 to 50 percent dilution in that market, the DEA reported. In San Diego in 2015 heroin was testing 35 percent pure, continuing an upward trend over the past few years. Mexican black tar heroin, which has traditionally been the heroin of choice in San Diego, has also been increasingly replaced by refined white or brown powder heroin another result of the opioid epidemic. Prescription drug users dont want black tar heroin, Roderick said. That looks nasty; they want something nice and pretty. A designer drug marketed as China White, a name that used to mean heroin now means fentanyl or perhaps an even stronger fentanyl derivative. The illicit fentanyl and heroin markets are so intertwined it is difficult to gauge how much heroin market share fentanyl has gained, the DEA stated in its 2017 assessment. Cocaine Cocaine appears to coming back into fashion after its 1970s and 80s heyday. Cocaine is really coming back with a bang, Roderick said. I expect purity to go up and prices to start back up. Opioid addicts have been drawn to the drug recently, she said, and speedballing mixing heroin and cocaine to balance the stimulant and depressant effects of the drugs is becoming more popular again. Coca production has been increasing in Colombia in recent years with the end to aerial fumigation and a financial incentive program promising to pay farmers for their illicit crops if they turn to legal ones. While the average purity of a gram of cocaine in the U.S. has remained relatively stable in the past several years around 45 to 49 percent it increased to 56 percent last year. The price has dropped since then, to $165 per gram. Since 2007, average annual cocaine purity in the United States has had a relatively strong relationship with Colombian cocaine production, although the relationship between cocaine production and domestic prices is weak, the DEA reports. This may mean other factors, including competition within drug markets, and changes in the user population, have more influence on domestic prices than previously recognized. Marijuana This isnt your parents pot. Marijuana has gotten increasingly stronger over the decades as the demand for designer crops has grown, the drug is decriminalized around the country and innovation flourishes. Its a phenomenon tracked in part by the University of Mississippis Potency Monitoring Program, which tests law enforcement seizures from around the nation. Mexico is the primary foreign source for marijuana, although marijuana is being grown increasingly in the U.S. as it is legalized in many states. While Mexican marijuana is thought to be lower grade, law enforcement reporting indicates cartels are increasing the quality to stay competitive, according to the DEA. Traditional marijuana, the leafy kind, averaged a THC potency of 11 percent in 2015 three times the amount in 1995, according to the seizure data. (Potency is the dosage needed to affect a person, versus purity, which is the amount of drug in a sample.) The highest level of THC the component that creates a high tested was 37 percent. Concentrated marijuana, known as hash oil, is incredibly more potent, with a national average of 56 percent purity in 2015, according to the universitys seizure data. Concentrated marijuana is found in vaporizers, edibles, tablets and lotions, and is how many new or experimental users might experience legalized recreational marijuana. Some hash oil seizures tested above 90 percent potency, the university reported. The legal market shows even higher typical potency levels 20 percent in traditional marijuana and 60 percent in concentrate being commonplace in Washington state, according to a 2017 study by RAND. Potential users in legal states need to remember that this isnt the same weed they smoked in college, experts say. The purity is so much higher and you run the risk of ending up hurting yourself, Roderick said. Pacula at RAND is part of a group of experts working to identify standard doses of marijuana that can be recommended in its various forms an area of research lacking in the U.S. due to marijuana still being illegal under federal law. videokristina.davis@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @kristinadavis As many as 17 people, including a 12-year-old girl, may have been trapped under the rubble of the targeted Epicenter in Kharkiv. The search and rescue operation at the site of the large-scale terrorist attack by Russian troops on May 25 continues. ADVERTISIMENT After the occupiers struck the hypermarket, a fire broke out on an area of more than 13 thousand square meters, the destruction is enormous, and most of the victims are still unidentified. The situation as of the morning of May 26 was described by Yevhen Vasylenko, a spokesman for the Kharkiv State Emergency Service, and Volodymyr Tymoshko, head of the Kharkiv Regional Police. After the terrible attack on the Epicenter in Kharkiv by Russian troops, the aftermath is being eliminated on the spot. The fire on the area of 13.5 thousand square meters was extinguished only after 16 hours, and rescuers are now dismantling the rubble. According to preliminary data, 17 people could have been trapped under the rubble at the time of the attack. "The response is ongoing, and the exact number (of victims - Ed.) will be known only after everything is cleared. The fire area after the attack amounted to 13.5 thousand square meters. The destruction is enormous," Yevhen Vasylenko, spokesman for the Kharkiv State Emergency Service, said on Novyny.LIVE. ADVERTISIMENT According to the head of the Kharkiv Regional Police, 17 people who may be trapped under the rubble became known the day before. The list of missing persons, who were most likely inside the Epicenter at the time of the attack, was compiled from the words of the store's employees who could not contact their colleagues upon arrival, as well as from statements by Kharkiv residents whose relatives may have been in the store. "This number has not changed yet. 17. It was in the evening. However, when we had the figure of 17 missing, the number of bodies was 5. Now we have found additional bodies. As of 9 a.m., there are 12 bodies," Tymoshko said. ADVERTISIMENT He noted that the identities of 11 of the 12 victims are currently unknown. Experts have already taken samples from the relatives of those who are considered missing after the enemy attack who were in Kharkiv. Now the relatives of the missing from other localities are coming to the regional center to submit samples. "We don't know yet whether there will be a DNA match between the 11 bodies (unidentified - Ed.) and the relatives. The DNA laboratory worked 24/7, all night long. It has done 23 tests so far (this is the laboratory provided by the Howard Buffett Foundation, for which we are grateful). And there are some matches. However, not all of them. That is why the number of dead may change, and the number of missing persons may change," Tymoshko emphasized. ADVERTISIMENT According to the head, most of those reported missing are Epicenter employees. "Most of them are employees, but there are also visitors. There is a 12-year-old girl among the 17 reported missing, she was a visitor," Tymoshko said. He assured that police, rescuers, and everyone involved in the aftermath of the strike will continue to work until they have completely cleared the rubble and made sure that no one is left under it. ADVERTISIMENT Tymoshko called what he saw inside the destroyed Epicenter "hell in its literal sense". "Two impact sites of explosions of guided bomb. Everything around was turned to ash. So now we are actually dismantling every rubble, gradually, so as not to miss anything. If, God forbid, there are more victims, we want to make sure we don't miss anything and find everyone," he said. On Saturday afternoon, May 25, Russians attacked Kharkiv with guided bombs. The invaders hit the Epicenter hypermarket and a park, and there are dead and wounded. More than 40 people were injured in the Epicenter alone, the death toll as of 10 a.m. was 12, and more people are being searched for under the rubble. Most of the victims have not yet been identified. Due to the massive fire that covered thousands of square meters, this can only be done through DNA testing. ADVERTISIMENT The West reacted to the Russia's terrorist attack on the Epicenter. The United States and Europe pledged to bring Russia to justice for its war crimes. And the UN representatives in Ukraine called Russian strikes on civilian infrastructure "absolutely unacceptable." Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber . Do not fall for fakes! 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Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe Exactly ten years ago, on the night of May 26, 2014, the first battle for control of Donetsk airport began. In the course of this confrontation, the assault groups of Russian forces were forced to retreat, suffering significant casualties. ADVERTISIMENT After the battle on May 26, the militants refrained from activity for several months and did not attempt to storm the airport, but in the fall of 2014, hostilities in the area of Donetsk airport resumed on a much larger scale. You can learn more about the events of those times in the OBOZ.UA article. Thus, on the night of May 25-26, 2014, a group of pro-Russian militants tried to take control of the airport, which had been suspended on May 6 of the same year. During the second attack, Russian militants occupied part of the airport building and issued an ultimatum demanding that Ukrainian forces holding positions in the old terminal surrender and lay down their arms. At 7:00 a.m., the airport announced a temporary suspension of flight operations. Later, the State Aviation Administration of Ukraine issued changes to flight safety and navigation information, banning flights to Donetsk until 18:00 on May 26. ADVERTISIMENT The Ukrainian government then also issued an ultimatum to the militants to vacate the seized buildings, but neither side was willing to compromise, and the conflict escalated into a military clash. The NSDC media center announced that army special forces units, supported by combat aircraft, had attacked terrorists who were trying to seize Donetsk International Airport. Assault and army aviation were involved, as well as airborne troops. As a result of an effective special operation, ATO forces destroyed a third of the separatist Vostok battalion. Panic broke out among the militants, while Ukrainian military units successfully took up positions around the airport. ADVERTISIMENT No Ukrainian soldiers were killed in action. According to the General Staff, three soldiers were wounded. The combat resistance from Ukrainian forces was unexpected for the militants, as in previous similar situations, Ukrainian troops retreated under pressure from civilians. In total, soldiers from the 95th and 79th airborne brigades, soldiers from the 3rd Kirovohrad Special Forces regiment and the Dnipro-1 battalion, artillery and tankers from the 93rd brigade, volunteers from the Right Sector and OUN battalion, as well as soldiers from other military units, took part in the fighting at the airport and the nearby Pisky at various times. On the evening of January 20, 2015, pro-Russian militants continued their assault on the airport and blew up the new terminal of Donetsk airport, turning what was once one of the country's largest aviation hubs into ruins. The Ukrainian military leadership decided to withdraw Ukrainian soldiers, and on January 21-22, the last (as it was believed at the time) surviving military personnel left the destroyed terminal. ADVERTISIMENT On January 23, 2015, after the destruction of the new terminal, the last group left the territory of Donetsk airport from the Pozharka position, which was located between the new terminal and the control tower. However, few people knew at the time that Adam's group continued to defend the fire station for another 2 days. During the confrontation, Donetsk airport became a symbol of steadfastness. The airport defenders, nicknamed "cyborgs," defended the airport for 244 days. Earlier, OBOZ.UA told the story of DAP cyborg Vitaliy Bokhonko, who gave his life for Ukraine. He volunteered to defend the country in 2014 and died in a hospital on July 29, 2022, after being seriously wounded in the battles near Zaitseve in Donetsk region. Every year on January 20, Ukraine honors the memory and feat of the soldiers who held the international airport in Donetsk for 242 days at the cost of extraordinary efforts. More than 100 Ukrainian heroes were killed in the battle for the airport and nearly 500 others were wounded. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! The recent turbulence incident with Singapore Airlines has left some passengers hospitalized and one person dead. In light of this worrying incident, questions have been raised about air travel risks and whether climate change could be contributing. Singapore Airlines Turbulence Incident After a flight of Singapore Airlines experienced severe turbulence last Tuesday, several people were left injured while one passenger passed away due to a suspected heart attack. The flight bound for Singapore from London fell into an air pocket as the cabin crew was serving breakfast prior to the turbulence. This prompted the pilots to request an emergency landing. @twitter|https://twitter.com/abcnews/status/1793069418085220390?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw@ Extreme Turbulence Turbulence mainly occurs due to irregular air movement. This causes the crew and passengers to experience sudden vertical and sideway jolts. Singapore Airlines' turbulence incident was considered a severe "clear-air turbulence" example. This type of turbulence may happen without any warning. Clear-air turbulence can be caused by gravity waves that lead to invisible air undulations. Pilots only learn about this by hearing about it from a pilot form before. These experts typically listen to what a person who traveled the same flight path a few minutes before them says. Ramalingan Saravanan, who heads the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at Texas A&M University, noted that this is the best way for them to pick up on such events. ALSO READ: Extreme Turbulence on Airplanes: How Dangerous Is It? Air Travel Injury While such incidents could spark fear and worry, they are quite rare. In fact, there have only been 163 hospitalization-requiring injuries across the US from 2009 to 2022. Moreover, the National Transportation Safety Board did not previously report any deaths related to turbulence over an aircraft with a large body from that period. It is nearly unheard of for turbulence to crash an aircraft. While a plane crashed in 2001, it was due to a technical error rather than being directly turbulence-related. This was flight 587 of American Airlines from JFK in New York to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. It was confirmed in this case that the turbulence led to failure in the aircraft's vertical stabilizer. It is also known that the flight crew suffers 79% of turbulence-related injuries. Sara Nelson, the president of the Association of Flight Attendants, says this phenomenon is a grave workplace safety issue for flight attendants. Is Climate Change Making It Worse? A 2023 study found that from 1979 to 2020, rates of clear-air turbulence went up by 55% in the North Atlantic, which is one of the busiest flight routes in the world. Warmer temperatures could impact wind patterns, and a study argues that greenhouse gas emissions are huge contributors to this. This was also echoed by University of Chicago researchers. They forecasted that warmer temperatures could result in higher wind speeds within the fastest upper-level jet stream. The study argues that speeds could go up by 2% for every degree Celsius of warmth. Projections have estimated that warming could increase by up to 4 degrees Celsius by 2100 if emissions persist at the same rate. Global temperatures have increased by at least 1.1 degrees Celsius since pre-industrial times. The greatest surge was observed in 1975. Researchers from the University of Chicago say that due to wind speeds, airlines may have to slow their speeds down to limit turbulence's impact. Turbulence may likely drastically increase across the North Atlantic. A 2021 study projects that there could be a 15% increase in clear-air turbulence instances by 2059. RELATED ARTICLE: Rise in Severe Airplane Turbulence Linked to the Worsening Impact of Climate Change, Study Suggests Check out more news and information on Environment & Climate in Science Times. On May 25, the aggressor country Russia killed 14 civilians in a brutal attack on the Epicenter in Kharkiv. Currently, the emergency response headquarters and a mobile DNA laboratory continue to work at the site of the tragedy as ten bodies remain unidentified. ADVERTISIMENT In the morning of May 26, the head of the Regional Military Administration, Oleh Syniehubov, reported 11 dead but later the number of victims increased to 14. In addition, rescuers noted that there may still be people under the rubble. The Kharkiv regional prosecutor's office reported that ten bodies had not yet been identified. As a result of the air strikes on the hypermarket, 43 people were injured. As a reminder, at about 16:00 on Saturday, war criminals hit a construction hypermarket in Kharkiv with more than 200 people inside with two guided bombs: the building caught fire over an area of 10 thousand square meters. ADVERTISIMENT The occupiers also shelled Central Park and a dense residential area of the city: as a result of the missile attack, the number of victims increased to 25 people, including a 14-year-old boy. "In total, twelve people have already been killed and 68 civilians wounded as a result of Russian strikes on Kharkiv yesterday," the prosecutor's office said. Yevhen Vasylenko, a spokesman for the State Emergency Service in the Kharkiv region, and Volodymyr Tymoshko, head of the regional police, added that 17 people may still be trapped under the rubble of the Epicenter in Kharkiv, including a 12-year-old girl. The search and rescue operation at the site of the large-scale Russian terrorist attack continues. ADVERTISIMENT As reported, on May 23, the aggressor country Russia destroyed the Factor-Druk Printing House in Kharkiv with a missile strike. According to the Vivat publishing house, the victims of the attack were five women and two men who worked at the enterprise. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Editors note: A group of Staten Islanders, including students from Wagner College and its choral group, are in Normandy, France, to honor those who fought and those who died in the D-Day invasion of June 6, 1944 -- the largest seaborne invasion in history. This opportunity on the 80th anniversary was developed by and is led by Lori Weintrob, director of the Wagner College Holocaust Center, and Thomas Juneau, director of choral activities and conductor. In this historic photo, troops are shown landing during the D-Day invasion in 1944. (Cuyahoga County Community College's Crile Archive Center) More than 60 Wagner College students, educators and family members are in Normandy today to honor the memory of our veterans for the 80th anniversary of D-Day. What makes this extraordinary, is this trip to France was inspired by William A. Morris, a Staten Island legend and Wagner College alum, who served at D-Day and whose daughter, Dolores Morris, has joined the trip. William A. Morris Jr. (Staten Island Advance/Hilton Flores) Staff-Shot We arrived in Caen on Monday, May 20, and visited the American Cemetery on Tuesday for our first choral performance, including singing America the Beautiful. There were many teary-eyed moments over dinner as the students and families took stock of the gravity of the place where we have come. During Operation Overlord, more than 150,000 allied troops landed on the shores of Normandy to fight against Nazi tyranny. As Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower reminded them, The eyes of the world are upon you. The hopes and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you. The Wagner College contingent stands before flags from countries that participated in the D-Day landing.Lori Weintrob The students and families visited the Esplanade Dwight D. Eisenhower, Supreme Commander of the Allied forces, and the Caen Memorial as one of the first stops in Caen. Behind rows of flags from all the countries -- the U.S., France, Canada, Germany, England, Greece and others, who participated in the landing -- reads these words: The sadness broke me, the brotherhood revived me, from my painful sacrifice flowed a river of liberty. Among the young who arrived on Omaha Beach that day was Sgt. William A. Morris Jr., who commanded a unit of 17 Black soldiers that drove trucks, known as the Red Ball Express, which supplied Gen. Pattons army. Morris also served in the Battle of the Bulge. He later graduated from Wagner College and, like many Black soldiers, contributed to the civil rights movement and to his community. "I have them now, and that's all that matters," William A. Morris Jr. said of the medals he received. "Now when I visit schools I have something to show the kids." (Photo/Jan Somma-Hammel)Staten Island The accomplishments of African-American soldiers in World War II is an important, untold story, which inspired his daughter, Dolores, who won five Emmys for her childrens programs at HBO, to write about her fathers experiences in her 2015 book, The Soldier that Wagged Her Tail: A Black Veterans History of World War II. Its very important to remember the sacrifices of all the soldiers in World War II, Dolores shared. We are bringing forth the story of the soldiers of color which has not been told. Its vital for future generations to know that a diverse group of young men made sure we have freedom today -- not only my dad, but many boys of color who went there and died on foreign soil, fighting the Nazis. Morris passed away in May 2018 at 99 years old. Dolores N. Morris talks about her dad, William A. Morris, Jr., at the Albert V. Maniscalco Community Service Award Feb. 3, 2016 (Staten Island Advance/Hilton Flores) Staff-Shot We are grateful to Dolores that she could join us on this trip, along with educator Karyn Turner, who attended Wagner College in the 1970s. We also are honoring Fred J. Juneau, the grandfather of our choir director, Thomas Juneau, who also fought at D-Day. The great-grandfather of Alyssa and Ryan Slavin, Wagner College students who live in Westerleigh, also fought at D-Day. Their parents, Ray and Amy Slavin, joined the trip. Our students further mourn the 4,400 Allied soldiers who perished in Normandy, including 13 from our hometown of Staten Island. One million New Yorkers served in World War II, of whom 43,254 died. At the American Cemetery, Dolores Morris, center, with Alyssa Slavin and Thomas Juneau with a wreath for their father, and grandfathers, who fought at D-Day.Lori Thirteen from Staten Island are buried in the American Cemetery in Normandy. Three were killed on D-Day: William Forbell (Army Air Forces, 88th Bomber Squadron), Leslie Fritz (U.S. Coast Guard) and Richard M. Long (447th Army Air Forces, 16th Infantry Regiment). Franklin E. Fenton (U.S. Naval Reserve, Water Tender, 3rd Class) and Walter Kensall (Army 325th Glider Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne) died on June 8-9. Alfred S. Nagy (Army 47th Infantry, 9th Division) died on June 28. Other Staten Islanders buried in Normandy are: Robert Goode Burr, Anthony J. Lonczynski, John H. Newborg, John W. Parker, Mario Piemontesi, Matthew J. Skowronski, Henry G. Tinker, Francis R. Woods. The source for this information is JoAnne Nolemis Island of Heroes Project. Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower addresses troops before D-Day.US Army While in France, we are also commemorating the 77,000 Jews deported from French territory, among them 11,000 children. Further, we honor the French resistance fighters and female and male spies, like the French pilot, spy, entertainer and humanitarian Josephine Baker, who aided the allied efforts. Caleb Ullian, a member of the choir and Hillel of Staten Island, is doubly grateful for the Allied soldiers. His maternal grandmother witnessed the war as a child living in Normandy, while his paternal grandmother survived in hiding in the Netherlands. As Peter Ullian, who joined the trip with his wife, Michele, said to Dolores Morris: If it wasnt for your father, I wouldnt be here. Your father and other Allied soldiers saved our family. We are forever grateful. (Vignettes from Wagner College students now in Normandy will appear on SILive.com and in the Advance between now and D-Day, June 6. Watch for them.) With dozens of lithium-ion battery energy storage sites (BESS) in the works in New York City, and the recent removal of zoning obstacles in residential areas, more and more homeowners are wondering what to expect when a site starts operating in their neighborhood. A fire that took 10 days to control at a BESS in California puts safety concerns back into focus, as Borough President Vito Fossellaa critic of the BESS sitings in busy Staten Island residential and commercial areascalls it a wake-up call to the city. The fire in Otay Mesa caused evacuations within hundreds of feet of the facility, according to reporting in The San Diego Union-Tribune. This is a dynamic situation, dealing with lithium-ion batteries, so we are treating it very carefully, Cal Fire Capt. Mike Cornette told the news outlet on the sixth day of fighting the fire. The cause of the blaze was not immediately determined. Firefighters have only managed to keep the flames from burning beyond the facility, Fossella wrote in a statement. Five million gallons of water havent been enough to put the fire out. He continued, The batteries in the Otay Mesa facility are the very same that would comprise the proposed facilities on Staten Island. In fact, the company that developed the Otay Mesa facility, LS Power, is already developing a similar large facility in Queens, within the former Ravenswood Generating Facility. We have said, from day one, that these BESS facilities are unsafe for our residential neighborhoods. As the technology remains unproven, the threat of toxic emissions and fire remains very real. If the same fire were to happen here, we must assume the same. The Otay Mesa facility is relatively remote. Just imagine if that facility was located in the heart of Castleton Corners, or Great Kills, or Charleston. A fire like the one that continues to burn in California would be catastrophic here. This fire should be a wake-up call to the City that these facilities cannot be allowed in residential neighborhoods. The risk to our residents and their homes is simply too extreme. THEYRE COMING, ALL OVER STATEN ISLAND A map created by Advance/SILive.com shows the proliferation of planned BESS sites across the borough. - Located at the corner of Hylan Boulevard and Littlefield Avenue in Eltingville, this battery energy storage site at 94 Littlefield Ave. is situated directly across the street from a Shell gas station. The project, which is now complete, is operated by Summit Ridge Energy. (Staten Island Advance/Jessica Jones-Gorman)(Staten Island Advance/Jessica J After two fires at BESS sites in other areas of New York caused concern about a lack of statewide regulations, Gov. Kathy Hochul put together a committee that published new safety guidelines that will apply in the state everywhere but New York City. Among the guidelines is a recommendation that every site be approved by an independent panel, but in fact the City Council passed legislation at the end of 2023 that removed requirements for approval of sites up to 10,000 square feet in NYC residential areasand of any size in non-residential zones. Councilmembers Joe Borelli and David Carr voted against the legislation, while Councilmember Kamillah Hanks approved the City of Yes for Carbon Neutrality package that included the BESS zoning changes. The city has maintained that FDNY requirements for BESS sites will keep New Yorkers safe, and a developer of a large site coming to Staten Island said that it is working with the department as it goes along. But until the sites are time-tested, many communities will have similar questions. A view of the Lithium-Ion battery site from Barbara Egitto's living room window on Monday, Nov. 6, 2023. Jason Paderon Would you want to live across from this? Barbara Egitto asked Advance/SILive.com reporter Jessica Jones-Gorman. Egitto has a BESS site directly across the street from her Rosebank home; a low, consistent hum comes from the batteries at the site. I have no problem with progress, but tell me this is not an inconvenient eyesore. Prove to me that this is safe. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Neighbors dont always meet each others expectations when it comes to property maintenance, but what do you do when your neighbor is the government? Thats the conundrum longtime Oakwood Beach resident Robert Rosita is facing at his Mill Road property surrounded by city-owned lots in the Fox Beach section of the neighborhood. All the properties were part of a state-run buyout program after Hurricane Sandy decimated the community, but were transferred to the city last October, according to property records. Since then, grass on the properties has been allowed to grow uncontrolled just yards away from a field of phragmites that has seen a series of brush fires over the years. If those things start growing over here...forget it, Rosita said during a May 17 interview. Its going to be a fire hazard. Rosita also said rats and mice have found a home in the overgrown grass, and that he expects it to be a hotspot for mosquitoes as the weather gets warmer. Overgrown grasss on a city-owned property in Oakwood Beach is shown Friday, May 17, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Paul Liotta)Paul Liotta Whats more, before the state transferred the properties, it set up an eight-foot fence with a padlocked gate on a lot adjacent to his property making it impossible for him to maintain the grass even if he wanted to. That fence was one of four the state set up around Fox Beach as part of the property transfer to the city Parks Department. A spokesperson for the state Division of Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), which oversaw the buyout program, said in November that the state-owned properties in the area had been transferred to the city Parks Department as the buyout program came to a close. For the four fenced-in properties, the HCR spokesperson said the fences were a condition of the property transfer, and a Parks Department spokesperson said they were fenced off because of encroachment concerns. Rosita, and three of his neighbors living next to the other fences in the area were part of an ABC News report that highlighted property disputes they were having with the state. All other properties in the buyout program have not been fenced-in. State officials told the Oakwood Beach residents that parts of their properties in place since before Sandy struck were encroaching on the state-owned land, and that those encroachments needed to be corrected. A llocked city-owned fence is shown in Oakwood Beach Friday, May 17, 2024. (Staten Island Advance/Paul Liotta)Paul Liotta Eventually, the state took it upon itself to make some of those corrections, even going as far as digging up about 3 inches of walkway outside resident Connie Martinezs home. This left her with a damaged handrail on her front stoop that was later repaired, according to the ABC News report. Rosita sees the fences as a form of government payback for the residents participating in the ABC report, but theyre also against property regulations in the five boroughs where fences arent permitted over six feet without a permit. Typically, the city would take a property owner to court if they violated that regulation, but when the city owns the property, any violation serves only as a notice to correct. The spokesman said that it had issued a pair of violations to the Parks Department for the fences in December and April, but action has yet to be taken. A Parks Department spokesman said theyre reviewing possible corrections to the fences, but didnt answer a series of questions about what they plan to do about maintaining the properties. Properties that were part of the state program are meant to be returned to nature with restrictions on future development in an effort to reduce future flooding, as required by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development, which funded the buyout program. Ideally, Rosita said hed like to see the fences removed and be given the opportunity to buy some of the land adjacent to his property with the understanding that it could never be used for development. Let me buy it, take the fence down, [and] Ill cut the grass, he said. The Ukrainian Armed Forces have managed to stabilize the situation in the north of Kharkiv region. Russian territorial control in this area of the front is currently fragmented and not unified. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported by the UK Ministry of Defense on X. Further Russian successes in this areaover the next week will be limited as Russia's initial attack was held back by Ukrainian resistance. British intelligence reports that Russian troops continue to attack the city of Vovchansk. However, Ukrainian forces are actively defending themselves and repelling most of these attacks. As the village of Buhruvatka, located southwest of Vovchansk, is likely under their control, Russian troops are attempting to establish physical control over the nearby Siverskyi Donets river crossing, thereby threatening the flank and rear of Ukrainian forces defending Vovchansk itself. The occupiers are advancing towards the village of Lyptsi near the village of Lukiantsi, but according to the General Staff, as of the evening of May 22, 2024, the enemy has not achieved significant success. ADVERTISIMENT It is noted that on May 17, 2024, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin said that Russian troops were creating a buffer zone in Kharkiv, but so far the occupiers have not been successful in this. Earlier, the General Staff reported that from the beginning of the day on May 26 to 10 a.m., 35 combat clashes took place, most of them in the Pokrovsk direction. Meanwhile, the threat of a breakthrough by the occupiers has been repelled in the Kharkiv region, and a stable defense has been established there. As reported, on the night of May 26, the Russian occupiers massively attacked Ukraine using 14 air-launched missiles and more than three dozen UAVs. Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber . Do not fall for fakes! Ask Google if cats have been on the moon, and it used to spit out a ranked list of websites so you could discover the answer for yourself. Now it comes up with an instant answer generated by artificial intelligence which may or may not be correct. Yes, astronauts have met cats on the moon, advises Googles latest AI tool. Credit: Yes, astronauts have met cats on the moon, played with them, and provided care, said Googles newly retooled search engine in response to a query by an Associated Press reporter. It added: For example, Neil Armstrong said, One small step for man because it was a cats step. Buzz Aldrin also deployed cats on the Apollo 11 mission. Weve become quite dependent on this huge inflow and outflow of temporary migrants, which far exceeds people coming on permanent visas. Businesses often want their temporary skilled workers to stay on. The sale of education to overseas students has become one of our biggest exports, one on which our universities have become heavily dependent. Our hospitality industries rely on the casual employment of overseas students and backpackers. And farmers and country towns rely on backpackers for fruit picking and other unskilled work. Weve become quite dependent on this huge inflow and outflow of temporary migrants, which far exceeds people coming on permanent visas. On top of all that, federal governments have become reliant on high migration to make our GDP growth figures look better. They often boast about how well our growth compares with the other rich countries, without ever mentioning that most of this is explained by our faster population growth. And right now, of course, the economys growth is so weak wed be in recession if not for the recent immigration surge. All these are the reasons successive federal governments want to maintain strong immigration, despite the publics longstanding reservations. Former prime minister John Howard did a great line in diverting the punters attention to resentment of some uninvited arrivals by boat, while he ushered in visa-wielding immigrants arriving by the plane load. Its only when high immigration becomes an issue before elections, as now, that the pollies make noises about slowing the inflow. Its true that, since we reopened our borders following the lockdowns, our net overseas migration, people arriving minus people departing, but not counting those on brief visits, leapt to 528,000 in 2022-23, more than double what it was in 2018-19. And it may exceed another 400,000 in the financial year just ending. This surge does seem to have contributed to the present acute shortage of rental accommodation and the big jump in rents, but Opposition Leader Peter Dutton is drawing a long bow in blaming the recent surge for the unaffordability of buying a home, which has been worsening for decades. The telltale sign that Dutton is fudging is his plan to make more homes available by cutting the governments permanent migration program from 185,000 a year to 140,000. The government does control the size of this program, and often moves it up or down a bit, but the size of the program makes little difference to what matters most for the economy: annual net overseas migration. Loading The trick is that about 65 per cent of the permanent visas go to people who are already here on temporary visas. Changing their visa status makes no difference to net overseas migration. At times like this, the pollies would like you to think they have the power to move immigration up or down according to the economys needs at the time. But they dont. For the most part, the level of net migration is, as economists would say, demand determined. And, as the demographers will tell you, net migration tends to go up and down with the state of our economy. When the economys booming, migrants are keen to come to Australia, and our employers are keen to have them, particularly if they have skills. Whats more, locals and former immigrants are more likely to want to stay here than go overseas. The sale of education to overseas students has become one of our biggest exports. Credit: Wolter Peeters Its a different story when our economys weak. Employers are less keen to bring in people and migrants are less keen to come. Now, our present circumstances dont fit that long-established cyclical pattern. But thats mainly because the economys been returning to normal after the end of the pandemic. This is particularly true of the people most disrupted by the pandemic, and whove done most to account for our recent downs and ups in net migration: overseas students. Most students went back home during the lockdowns, but now many of them, and many newbies, are coming back in. Weve had a lot more students than expected because, to encourage their return, the Morrison government removed the limit on how much paid work they could do. It took the Albanese government too long to wake up and end the concession. Loading If you find it hard to believe the government has little control over the number of immigrants it lets in, note this. To be given a temporary visa, you have to fit one of the many categories the government wants: skilled, student, backpacker and so on. But there are no limits on the number of applicants accepted in each category. Until now. Because its the students whove contributed most to the recent surge, the government is planning to impose caps on how many it will admit. The opposition is promising something similar. Remember this, however. The economy is weak and it is forecast to remain so for a year or two so its reasonable to expect that, even without the caps on overseas students, net migration will fall back soon enough. But an election is coming. Voters are unhappy about high migration and the high cost of housing, and both sides want to be seen doing something about it. How much the winner actually bothers to do after the election, may be a different matter. Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Remove items from your saved list to add more. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. The second restaurant from the team behind Hobart favourite Aloft bottles coastal Mediterranean chic and has even better views than their first. Hobarts waterfront is better known for its historic pubs, fish punts selling battered scallops and weekend market than its fine dining, but the opening of Maria, a glossy Mediterranean restaurant on Brooke Street Pier, looks set to change that. Its from the same team behind award-winning restaurant Aloft. Charred octopus with taramasalata channels the Greek islands. Fiona Vail Owners Christian Ryan and Will Priestley (Pilgrim Coffee, The Standard) jumped at the chance to open another restaurant on the same pier when the Glass House, the bar directly below Aloft, closed late last year. The two venues are so close that Ryan and restaurant manager Hedley Monks will work across both, although Maria is not Aloft 2.0, which pairs a moody, slate-grey interior with Chinese, Japanese and Thai flavours. The rise of influencer beauty culture has supercharged the demand for prescription skincare. Once a more niche category, internet skincare forums are full of posts about accessing medical treatments to treat cosmetic concerns such as ageing or pimples. In our beauty-obsessed culture, the line between aesthetic and medical concerns is increasingly blurred. But what exactly is prescription skincare? And who is it for? Prescription skincare is on the rise. Credit: iStock What is prescription skincare? The most common skincare ingredient that requires a prescription are retinoids a kind of vitamin which can be taken orally, such as Accutane, or applied topically. Some online services also prescribe ingredients such as vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, which are not classed as drugs and do not need a doctor to be administered. The builders of Melbournes West Gate Tunnel Project say design errors caused delays and significant cost blowouts on the trouble-plagued toll road, which is already three years late and $4 billion over budget. Construction giants CPB Contractors and John Holland are now suing the engineering firms that designed the project, in a bid to recoup losses they claim are from patching up previously undisclosed flaws on the massive project. The West Gate Tunnel is three years late and $4 billion over budget. Credit: Luis Enrique Ascui After being bogged down with a toxic-soil crisis, cost overruns and legal squabbles, the $10 billion highway connecting the West Gate Freeway in Yarraville to CityLink in Docklands is due to open in 2025. The toll road, dreamt up by CityLink owner Transurban to provide an alternative to the West Gate Bridge, consists of twin four-kilometre tunnels under Yarraville, and about nine kilometres of twin elevated highways and a flyover soaring above Footscray Road and across the Maribyrnong River. Ukraine has appealed directly to Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong for an urgent shipment of Australian coal to help meet its energy needs as Russia bombards its power plants with missile and drone attacks. The Eastern European nation lodged an official request with the government in December for a supply of coal but has yet to receive a response, leading officials to become increasingly worried a shipment may not arrive in time for the European winter. In a letter to Wong sent on May 6, Ukraines ambassador to Australia Vasyl Myroshnychenko said that events over the last five months have increased Ukraines need for energy security and the assistance of its allies in that regard. Foreign Minister Penny Wong is considering a request from Ukraine to provide a supply of Australian coal. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen The stark reality is that no power plant in Ukraine has been exempt from Russian targeting or not sustained [damage], and this is having direct impact on Ukraines people and the quality of their lives, he wrote, adding that Russia had targeted Ukrainian power plants, oil refineries and heating facilities. London: Twelve people were injured when a Qatar Airways plane flying from Doha to Dublin on Sunday hit turbulence over Turkey, airport authorities said. Eight of the injured were hospitalised. Dublin Airport said in a statement that flight QR017, a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, landed safely as scheduled before 1pm local time. It said the aircraft was met by emergency services, including airport police and the fire and rescue department, due to six passengers and six crew reporting injuries after the aircraft experienced turbulence while airborne over Turkey. The airport said all passengers were assessed for injuries aboard the plane, and eight were then taken to hospital. The Penitentiary Service of the Ministry of Justice has begun to implement the Order of President Ilham Aliyev "On the pardon of a Group Of Convicts, signed on May 25, Azernews reports. The execution of the Order is carried out in penitentiary institutions and the Probation Service, subordinate to the Penitentiary Service. Authorized employees of the Ministry of Justice and the Penitentiary Service, having arrived at the penitentiary institutions where convicts are kept, ensure the execution of the Order in a timely manner and at a high level. Persons pardoned by the President are released from penitentiary institutions subordinate to the Penitentiary Service. Representatives of the Ministry of Justice provide pardoned persons with release documents. According to the order of the head of state, 154 convicts were pardoned, of which 63 people sentenced to imprisonment were released from the unserved part of their sentence, 52 convicts had their sentences served reduced by half. One person sentenced to imprisonment, whose sentence was suspended, was released from punishment. A total of 28 people sentenced to restriction of freedom were released from the unserved part of the sentence, and for three people the term of serving their sentence was reduced by half. Two people sentenced to correctional labor were released from the unserved part of their sentence, four people sentenced to fines were released from penalties. The criminal record of one convict who was sentenced to imprisonment and served his sentence was cleared. Among those pardoned are foreign citizens and women. Thus, according to the order, 8 foreign citizens were pardoned. Of these, five are citizens of Afghanistan, two citizens of Turkiye and one citizen of Russia. Yesterday Russian dictator Vladimir Putin showed the world that he wanted to "freeze the war," and today his war criminals attacked the Epicenter hypermarket in Kharkiv. That is why we cannot believe the Russian side. ADVERTISIMENT This was stated by Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky. He assured that he would once again call on NATO partners to strengthen their support for Ukraine. "Friday. The Kremlin czar allegedly signals that he wants peace. Saturday. Bombing of a hypermarket full of civilians. Do not fall for the Kremlin's fairy tales," Lipavsky said. The diplomat added that at next week's meeting of NATO ministers in Prague, he will ask his colleagues to "strengthen support for deterring Russian imperialism." Earlier, several well-known Western media outlets cited Russian anonymous sources as saying that Putin allegedly wants to freeze the war in Ukraine within the current front lines. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba explained these statements by saying that Russia wants to disrupt the peace summit in Switzerland. ADVERTISIMENT As a reminder, a summit on peace in Ukraine will be held in Switzerland this June. Russia is not invited to the conference, unlike a number of neutral countries. As previously reported, on Saturday, May 25, Kharkiv was under fire from Russian terrorists all day. The war criminals attacked a construction hypermarket, Central Park and a dense residential area. As a result of these attacks, five people were killed, 54 were wounded, and 4 more went missing. All Russian targets were exclusively civilian objects. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Musk plans largest-ever supercomputer for xAI startup: report Washington, May 26 (AFP) May 26, 2024 Billionaire tech mogul Elon Musk has told investors he plans to build a supercomputer dubbed "gigafactory of compute" to support the development of his artificial intelligence startup xAI, an industry news outlet reported Saturday. Musk wants the supercomputer -- which will string together 100,000 Nvidia chips -- operational by fall 2025, and "will hold himself personally responsible for delivering it on time," The Information said. The planned supercomputer would be "at least four times the size of the biggest GPU clusters that exist today," such as those used by Meta to train its AI models, Musk was quoted as saying during a presentation to investors this month. Since OpenAi's generative AI tool ChatGPT exploded on the scene in 2022, the technology has been an area of fierce competition between tech giants Microsoft and Google, as well as Meta and start-ups like Anthropic and Stability AI. Musk is one of the world's few investors with deep enough pockets to compete with OpenAI, Google or Meta on AI. xAI is developing a chatbot named Grok, which can access social media platform X, the former Twitter which is also owned by Musk, in real time. Musk cofounded OpenAI in 2015 but left in 2018, later saying he was uncomfortable with the profit-driven direction the company was taking under the stewardship of CEO Sam Altman. He filed a lawsuit against the company in March, accusing it of breaking its original non-profit mission to make AI research available to all. OpenAI argues that Musk's lawsuit, as well as his embrace of open source development, is little more than a case of sour grapes after leaving the company. jul/fjb/acb/mtp Nvidia Meta MICROSOFT GOOGLE Burkina Faso military rule extended for five years Ouagadougou, May 25 (AFP) May 25, 2024 Burkina Faso's military regime, in power since a 2022 coup, will extend its rule for five years under an accord adopted during national consultations on Saturday, the talks' chairman said. "The duration of the transition is fixed at 60 months from July 2, 2024," Colonel Moussa Diallo, chairman of the organising committee of the national dialogue process, said after the talks. He added that coup leader and acting president Ibrahim Traore could run in any elections at the end of the transition period. What was supposed to be a two-day national dialogue began earlier Saturday, ostensibly to chart a way back to civilian rule for the West African nation beset by jihadist violence. The army has governed Burkina Faso since 2022, carrying out two coups that it said were justified in large part by the persistent insecurity. Jihadist rebels affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group have waged a grinding insurgency since 2015 that has killed thousands and displaced millions. An initial national dialogue had resulted in a charter that installed Traore as president and put in place a government and a legislative assembly. Under the new charter, quotas will no longer be used to assign seats in the assembly to members of traditional parties. Instead, "patriotism" will be the only criteria for selecting deputies. "You have just rewritten a new page in the history of our country," said the Minister of Territorial Affairs, Emile Zerbo, who opened the meeting on Saturday morning. - 'Strategic vision' - The initial charter had set the duration of the transition to civilian rule at 21 months, with the deadline due to expire on July 1. But Traore had repeatedly warned that holding elections would be difficult given the perilous security situation. The new charter also calls for a new body called the "Korag" to "monitor and control the implementation of the country's strategic vision in all areas and through all means". Its composition and operations are at the discretion of the president. Civil society representatives, the security and defence forces and lawmakers in the transitional assembly took part in the weekend talks, which most political parties boycotted. Human rights groups have accused Burkina Faso's junta leaders of abuses against civilians during their military campaigns against jihadists, and of silencing media and opposition leaders. After taking power, the coup leaders expelled French troops and diplomats, and have instead turned to Russia for military assistance. Israel strikes Rafah after UN court orders halt to offensive Rafah, Palestinian Territories, May 26 (AFP) May 26, 2024 Israeli warplanes and artillery pounded Rafah, after the government dismissed an order by the top UN court to halt its military offensive in the southern Gaza city. At the same time, questions remained over the resumption of truce talks despite renewed international efforts aimed at securing a prisoner-hostage exchange and ceasefire in the war sparked by Palestinian militant group Hamas's unprecedented October 7 attack on Israel. An Israeli official said Saturday the government had an "intention" to restart stalled negotiations over the coming days. But a senior member of Hamas later told Al Jazeera he had not been "informed of anything by the mediators in this context". In a case brought by South Africa alleging the Israeli military operation amounts to "genocide", the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to halt its Rafah offensive, and demanded the release of hostages and the "unhindered provision" of humanitarian aid into Gaza. The Hague-based ICJ, whose orders are legally binding but lack direct enforcement mechanisms, also instructed Israel to keep open the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza, after Israel's seizure of the Palestinian side earlier this month effectively shut it. Israel gave no indication it was preparing to change course in Rafah, insisting the court had got it wrong. The ruling said Israel must "immediately halt its military offensive, and any other action in the Rafah governorate, which may inflict on the Palestinian group in Gaza conditions of life that could bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part". But National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi, in a joint statement with the foreign ministry, said: "Israel has not and will not carry out military operations in the Rafah area that create living conditions that could cause the destruction of the Palestinian civilian population, in whole or in part." Hamas, the Iran-backed Islamist group that has ruled Gaza since 2007, welcomed the ruling but criticised the court's decision to exclude the rest of the Palestinian territory from its order. - 'Nothing left' - Israel carried out strikes throughout the Gaza Strip on Saturday and into Sunday morning as fighting raged between the army and Palestinian militants. Witnesses and AFP teams reported strikes or shelling on Saturday in Rafah, the central city of Deir al-Balah, and Gaza City and the Jabalia refugee camp in the north. In Gaza City, an AFP photographer saw a grieving woman embracing one of several bodies, some of them children, which were shrouded in blood-stained white cloth and laid on the ground outside a clinic ahead of funerals. They were killed in a strike on a school turned shelter in nearby Jabalia, relative Saleh al-Aswad told AFP. Witnesses also reported heavy shelling in Rafah and air strikes elsewhere in the Strip early Sunday, according to an AFP journalist on the ground. Umm Mohammad Al-Ashqa, displaced from Gaza City to Deir al-Balah by the war, told AFP Saturday she hoped "the court's decision will put pressure on Israel" to end the fighting, "because there is nothing left here". The ICJ ruling came as arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders were pending at the International Criminal Court, and after three European governments said they would formally recognise the State of Palestine. The war broke out after Hamas's October 7 attack, which resulted in the deaths of more than 1,170 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures. Militants also took 252 hostages, 121 of whom remain in Gaza, including 37 the army says are dead. Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed at least 35,903 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry. - 'I feared this moment' - Diplomatic efforts have resumed to seek the first ceasefire in Gaza since a week-long truce and hostage release in November. An Israeli official, requesting anonymity to discuss the negotiations, told AFP that "there is an intention to renew these talks this week, and there is an agreement". However, senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan later said in an interview with Al Jazeera: "Until now, there is nothing practical on this issue. It is just talk coming from the Israeli side." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government has come under increasing domestic pressure over the fate of the hostages, with demonstrators rallying again in Tel Aviv on Saturday. The official did not elaborate on the agreement, but Israeli media said intelligence chief David Barnea had agreed a new framework for negotiations in a meeting with US and Qatari mediators in Paris. Speaking at the US military academy West Point, President Joe Biden said his administration was engaged in "urgent diplomacy to secure an immediate ceasefire that brings hostages home". Mediator Egypt was continuing "its efforts to reactivate ceasefire negotiations", said Al-Qahera News, which has links with Egyptian intelligence. Meanwhile, Hamas's armed wing said it had taken "prisoner" at least one Israeli soldier in an ambush in a tunnel in Jabalia camp on Saturday. In a statement on Telegram, however, the Israeli army said it "clarifies that there is no incident in which a soldier was abducted". In Tel Aviv, a crowd of several thousands observed a minute of silence Saturday for dead captives, an AFP correspondent reported, after the army said troops had retrieved seven bodies in recent raids. "I feared this moment," said Avivit Yablonka, whose brother Chanan was brought back dead from Gaza. "I will continue to shout, support, fight and do everything so that all the hostages return home," she told the rally. - Internet down - Israeli forces entered Rafah in early May, taking over the Palestinian side of its border crossing and prompting an exodus of more than 800,000 people, according to UN figures. The White House said Egypt had agreed to temporarily send UN aid through another crossing, Kerem Shalom near Rafah, on Gaza's border with Israel. Al-Qahera said Egypt was exerting "pressure on Israel to urgently let in the aid and fuel" stranded at the Rafah crossing, and mentioned "temporary measures" to provide Gazans with humanitarian relief. The UN has warned of famine in the besieged territory, where most hospitals are no longer functioning. The Kuwaiti Hospital in Rafah pleaded for fuel deliveries to ensure the "continued operation" of the only medical facility in the area still receiving patients. Telecommunications operator Paltel said internet access in northern Gaza was disrupted on Saturday "due to the ongoing aggression". The US military said four of its vessels, supporting a temporary pier built to deliver aid to Gaza by sea, had run aground in heavy seas. "No US personnel will enter Gaza. No injuries have been reported and the pier remains fully functional," a statement from US Central Command. burs-ami/smw/mtp Taiwan's president says open to working with China on 'peace' Taipei, May 26 (AFP) May 26, 2024 Taiwan's president said Sunday he was still open to working with China on building "mutual understanding and reconciliation", days after Beijing launched military drills around the self-ruled island in response to his inauguration speech. President Lai Ching-te was sworn into office on Monday, and China -- which claims democratic Taiwan as part of its territory and regards Lai as a "dangerous separatist" -- launched military games around the island three days later. Fighter jets, naval vessels and coast guard ships encircled Taiwan until Friday night, which Chinese military analysts said was to practice seizing it. On Sunday, Lai said his May 20 inaugural speech highlighted that "peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait is a necessary element for global security and prosperity". "I also called on China to jointly shoulder the important responsibility of regional stability with Taiwan," he said during an event with his Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in southern Tainan. "I also look forward to enhancing mutual understanding and reconciliation through exchanges and cooperation with China... and moving towards a position of peace and common prosperity." He added that "any country making waves in the Taiwan Strait and affecting regional stability will not be accepted by the international community". Lai made overtures to Beijing before his inauguration to resume communications -- severed since 2016 after former president Tsai Ing-wen took office. Like Lai, Tsai is also part of the DPP, which holds a stance of defending Taiwan's sovereignty. In response, Beijing has upped military and political pressures on Taiwan, and its naval vessels, drones and warplanes maintain a near-daily presence around the island. On Sunday, two days after the drills ended, Taiwan's defence ministry reported that seven Chinese aircraft, 14 naval vessels and four coast guard ships were "operating around" the island in a 24-hour period ending at 06:00 am (2200 GMT Saturday). Zelensky invites Biden and Xi to attend Ukraine peace summit Kyiv, Ukraine, May 26 (AFP) May 26, 2024 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday urged US President Joe Biden and China's President Xi Jinping to attend a peace summit in Switzerland next month. The Ukrainian leader made the request in English in an emotive video showing him standing in front of ruins in the heavily bombarded eastern city of Kharkiv. "I am appealing to the leaders of the world who are still aside from the global efforts of the global peace summit: to President Biden, the leader of the United States, and to President Xi, the leader of China," Zelensky said. "Please support the peace summit with your personal leadership and participation," he asked. Zelensky said that the leaders should attend because "the efforts of the global majority are the best guarantee that all commitments will be fulfilled". He also said he wanted the attendance of leaders "whom Russia will not be able to deceive". The conference on the Ukraine war is to be held at a luxury resort near Lucerne from June 15-16. The Swiss government is hosting the event at Ukraine's request. It has said it has invited 160 delegations but Russia will not attend the event, which is expected to last just over a day. Biden's presence has not been confirmed, while organisers say countries participating include members of the G7, the G20 and the BRICS group. Russian President Vladimir Putin said earlier this month "they are not inviting us", adding that Russia would not push to attend an event where it is unwelcome. China restated its position this week, saying in a joint statement with Brazil that it supports "an international peace conference held at a proper time that is recognised by both Russia and Ukraine, with equal participation of all parties as well as fair discussion of all peace plans". Xi is Putin's strategic ally, and the Russian leader made a trip to China after re-election this month. US officials said last month that Beijing is helping Russia with military expansion, including joint production of drones, while stopping short of directly providing weapons to Russia for use in Ukraine. Zelensky said "more than 80 countries confirmed they will come" to the summit and Ukraine was continuing efforts to invite leaders. Sahel nations hold major army drill in west Niger: Niamey Niamey, Niger, May 26 (AFP) May 26, 2024 Five Sahel nations have been holding a major military drill in western Niger, Niger's defence ministry said on Sunday, the first such exercise in a region wracked by jihadist violence. The Sahel region has been plagued for years by rebels linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group. Five African nations -- Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Niger and Togo -- have since Monday been holding "a large national exercise at the special forces training centre" in Tillia, Niger's defence ministry said. The drills include "tactical manoeuvres" and "initiatives aimed at strengthening ties with local populations", it added. The exercise, which is due to run through June 3, marks the first joint military exercise between the five countries. Military regimes in Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali have pushed out troops from France, the former colonial ruler, and are increasingly turning to Russia for support. The countries set up a mutual defence pact, the Alliance of Sahel States, and in February announced their withdrawal from the West African bloc ECOWAS. Successive coups in the three countries in recent years were driven by a deteriorating security situation, exacerbated by a humanitarian and political crisis. The Russian occupiers' units continue to be located near the border with Sumy region, but the size of this group is not enough to launch full-scale hostilities, as is the case in Kharkiv region. In any case, the Defense Forces are prepared for various scenarios. ADVERTISIMENT Andriy Demchenko, spokesman for the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, said this on the air of the national telethon. He reminded that the state border in Sumy region is 560 kilometers long. And it cannot be ruled out that the enemy continues to build up troops along it. "We must be prepared for any situation," emphasized Demchenko. According to him, there is a possibility that the Russian Federation plans to implement a scenario similar to the Kharkiv one in Sumy region to stretch the Defense Forces of our country, including in this area. "Fortunately, what we are recording is that even despite the forces the enemy has now, they are not enough to achieve such a strategic goal," Demchenko said. ADVERTISIMENT At the same time, the enemy's grouping may be enough to "sow panic, stretch our forces and prevent them from being redeployed to other areas." As reported by OBOZ.UA: - The head of the Sumy Regional Military Administration, Volodymyr Artyukh, said that the Russian invaders currently have no strike groups to launch an offensive in Sumy region. However, the Sumy Oblast Defense Forces are "ready for any challenge." - The head of the Sumy City Military Administration, Oleksiy Drozdenko, said that the occupation of Sumy by Russians is currently impossible, despite the fact that the enemy does not abandon such plans. Ukraine has enough troops and fortifications to prevent such a scenario. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber . Do not fall for fakes! Italy opposes use of weapons supplied to Ukraine in Russia Rome, May 26 (AFP) May 26, 2024 Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reiterated Sunday her opposition to the use of weapons supplied to Ukraine on Russia soil, after the NATO chief reportedly suggested letting Kyiv strike targets beyond its border. According to Italian media reports, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told the British weekly The Economist that Ukraine's allies should consider letting it use NATO-supplied weapons to hit targets in Russia, rather than restricting use to Ukrainian territory. "I don't know why Stoltenberg said such a thing, I think we have to be very careful," Meloni told Italian television, while adding that "I agree that NATO must remain firm, not give the signal that it is giving in." Ukraine regularly launches strikes across the border into Russia, particularly into the Belgorod region, a tactic it views as fair retaliation in the fighting since Moscow launched its invasion in February 2022.. According to The Economist, Ukraine so far has been using home-produced drones for its strikes Russia. "The time has come for allies to consider whether they should lift some of the restrictions they have put on the use of weapons they have donated to Ukraine," Stoltenberg said in the Economist interview published Friday. "To deny Ukraine the possibility of using these weapons against legitimate military targets on Russian territory makes it very hard for them to defend themselves," he said. The comments sparked an outcry from officials in Italy, which is providing military aid to Ukraine but fears that the conflict could spread. Speaking at an election rally in Naples, Matteo Salvini, deputy prime minister and leader of the anti-migrant League party, slammed Stoltenberg's remarks, saying: "This gentleman either asks for forgiveness, rectifies his remarks or resigns." Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said that "the military equipment sent by Italy" must "be used inside Ukraine". On Thursday, before Stoltenberg's interview, Moscow denounced mounting calls from Washington for Ukraine to be allowed to fire donated American weaponry into Russia. "We know that among US Senators and Congressmen there are very many hotheads who consider it their duty to keep pouring oil on the fire," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in a video posted by Russian journalist Pavel Zarubin. Peskov condemned the "an absolutely irresponsible position" that could be "dangerous in its consequences". * FIRST NAME * LAST NAME * EMAIL Your email address * PASSWORD Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number Show * YEAR OF BIRTH You must be at least 18 years old to create an account 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981 1980 1979 1978 1977 1976 1975 1974 1973 1972 1971 1970 1969 1968 1967 1966 1965 1964 1963 1962 1961 1960 1959 1958 1957 1956 1955 1954 1953 1952 1951 1950 1949 1948 1947 1946 1945 1944 1943 1942 1941 1940 1939 1938 1937 1936 1935 1934 1933 1932 1931 1930 1929 1928 1927 1926 1925 1924 1923 1922 1921 1920 1919 1918 1917 1916 1915 1914 1913 1912 1911 1910 1909 1908 1907 1906 * Required fields I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice CREATE ACCOUNT I'LL TRY LATER Already have an account? SIGN IN By clicking Create Account you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use , Cookie policy and Privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Russian dictator Vladimir Putin remains uninterested in meaningful negotiations to end the war against Ukraine and in any peace agreement. He aims to achieve the stated goals of the invasion, which are the complete "destruction of the independent Ukrainian state" and "enslavement of the Ukrainian people." ADVERTISIMENT This was pointed out by analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). They emphasized that this is exactly the Kremlin's rhetoric repeated by Russian Ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov on May 25. In particular, in an interview with Newsweek on May 25, the propagandist categorically rejected the legitimacy of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and outlined Russia's maximalist conditions for peace talks. He said that Western statements about Russia not wanting to talk with Ukraine are "a deliberate attempt to distort reality." According to him, any Russian-Ukrainian peace agreement must take into account the situation on the battlefield and be signed by a "legitimate" Ukrainian leader, and Zelenskyy is allegedly not such a leader. "The Ukrainian constitution allows the incumbent president to postpone elections and remain in office after the expiration of his term during martial law, which is currently in effect in Ukraine due to the full-scale Russian invasion. Thus, the attention of Russian officials to Zelenskyy's presidential term is the Kremlin's information operation to discredit him and present any pro-Western Ukrainian government as illegitimate," ISW explained. ADVERTISIMENT Antonov also called the upcoming Peace Summit in Switzerland meaningless and part of an alleged "Western effort to legitimize Zelenskyy's presidency." He even tried to threaten Ukraine that it would lose many more territories if the US continued to ignore the Kremlin's "peace proposals," emphasizing the latter's strong belief that Russia could undermine Ukraine's interests and sovereignty by negotiating with the West. The Russian ambassador hinted that Moscow would reject any peace deal that are based on the retreat or withdrawal of Russian troops from any temporarily occupied part of Ukraine, including, presumably, the recently seized areas in the northern Kharkiv region. He claimed that the Russian constitution prohibits the external division of Russian territory and that the "new subjects of the federation" (i.e., the illegally annexed and occupied territories of Crimea, Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions) are now "part of Russia's clearly defined border" and "cannot, should not" return to Ukrainian control. ADVERTISIMENT According to analysts, such statements by the Russian mean that the Russian authorities have clearly defined the boundaries of the illegally seized Ukrainian territory. However, they present contradictory estimates of its size. It is considered unlikely that the Kremlin has taken further steps to define the borders of the Ukrainian territory occupied since early 2022, and it is unclear how it envisions the previously and recently occupied territories of Kharkiv region fitting within these borders. "Official Russian statements continue to support ISW's assessment that Putin remains uninterested in meaningful negotiations and any peace agreement that would prevent him from achieving the ultimate goal - the complete destruction of an independent Ukrainian state and the enslavement of the Ukrainian people," the analysts said. ADVERTISIMENT As reported, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected the possibility of a temporary ceasefire at the front to hold talks with Russia. He also emphasized that Ukraine already has experience in Russian lies because the aggressor country is led by people who want to take lives and destroy cities. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! The fire at the Epicenter construction hypermarket in Kharkiv, which was caused by a targeted Russian strike, took more than 16 hours to extinguish. The flames covered more than 13,000 square meters. ADVERTISIMENT The Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Ihor Klymenko published footage from the scene. Thanks to the continuous heroic work of the rescuers, the fire was completely extinguished. As a result of the Russian shelling, 12 people were killed, 43 were injured, and 16 more are still missing. ADVERTISIMENT The headquarters of the police investigation department and a forensic laboratory are working at the scene of the tragedy. Biological samples were taken from 10 people whose relatives have already contacted the police. Three of the victims have been identified. The identification of the bodies is ongoing. Anyone who has lost contact with their loved ones is asked to contact the headquarters of the Investigation Department or call 102. First-line relatives are urged to provide DNA samples to speed up the identification process. ADVERTISIMENT Earlier, it was reported that on Saturday, May 25, Kharkiv was under fire from Russian terrorists all day. The war criminals attacked a construction hypermarket, Central Park and a dense residential area. As a result of these attacks, five people were killed, 54 were injured, and 4 more went missing. On the night of May 25, Russian troops attacked Kharkiv with four S-300 missiles. One hit in Kharkiv was recorded in the industrial zone, and another missile hit a lyceum building. ADVERTISIMENT Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber . Do not fall for fakes! In January 2024, Rev. Howard-John Wesley baptized 156 people, making them members of Alfred Street Baptist Church in Alexandria, Virginia. On the Sunday following Easter, Rev. Reginald Sharpe, senior pastor of Fellowship Chicago, told the congregation, including its online watchers, that theyd taken in 156 new members on Easter Sunday, exceeding the targeted 100. Anecdotally, these seem to be signs of growing church membership in this country, or at least growth in church attendance. According to statistician Bryan Beverly, considering the intake of new members without considering attrition through death, life situations, and just changing membership is to celebrate prematurely. His experience as a researcher for his own church has led him to greater interest in the subject. An increase in net growth, rather than one factor, such as baptism, could be celebrated. You have to account for deaths, transfers, etc. Also, since most baptisms are of children, that suggests family stability and growth from the inside versus funerals, Beverly says. You also have to look at the location of the church and the members jobs, homes, and education dictate where people go to church. Beverly says people are joining the church he presently attends. If you look at the ratio of baptisms to funerals, there is a 15:1 ratio. This church is young and has about one-third of the congregation in child-birthing years. Located in the county, the church has a decent population from which to draw. He says two people are needed to replace each one who leaves. According to Churchtrac, which uses Gallup polling, 20% of Americans attend church every week, 41% are in monthly church attendance or more, and 57% are seldom or never in religious service attendance. They stated that regular church attendance has steadily declined since the turn of the century, according to Gallup and Pew Research Center. As for millennials, 39% report attending church weekly, up from 21% in 2019. Non-white millennials drive the increase in church attendance; 45% are attending church weekly, compared to 35% of white Millennials. In 2020 and 2021, our data represents churchgoers either settling into or opting out of online attendance, Daniel Copeland, associate vice president of research at Barna Group, recently explained. Despite all of the disruptions of 2020, the opportunity of online worship actually helped to boost attendance across all generations. However, in 2021, the novelty seemed to have worn off, and peoples church attendance declined significantly. Now, in 2022, younger generations especially are re-engaging in church, a shift that might potentially mark a new chapter in church attendance. Barnas research said 16% of Christians who attended church pre-pandemic have stopped entirely; Boomers have stuck with their churches (65%) more than any other generation, but they have also stopped attending a 22% loss, compared to only 13% of Millennials. We serve the senior population, most of whom have been forgotten by their churches after their health has failed. We have a constant turnover as people transition from Earth to bright glory, says Rev. Tamara Hawkins, chief overseer of My Brothers Keeper of Linden Park Ministries. We seem to be in a state of constant challenge to engage from scratch, people with whom we have no relationship. Ultimately, we have to redefine how we see and execute the Great Commission. Senior pastor Brian Jones recently wrote for Senior Pastor Central that churches serious about growth must have sound doctrine, strong biblical teaching, healthy leadership, God-honoring worship, and authentic community. Churches that will grow by 100 people the next year will have brought through their doors 1,000 new people and retained 10% of them. ST. LOUIS COUNTY Rosa Rodriguez, 55, of Amarillo, Texas was killed when a pickup truck hit the tractor trailer she was driving around 10 p.m. Friday on Interstate 270 in north St. Louis County. The driver of the pickup truck, Irvin Neal of Fairview Heights, lost control and struck the concrete barrier in the median, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The truck came back onto the highway and struck the tractor-trailer, which struck the guardrail and overturned, ejecting Rodriguez. Neal was seriously injured along with a passenger in the Volvo tractor trailer, Sergio Alvarez, also of Amarillo. Both men were taken to Mercy Hospital. Both drivers and the passenger were not wearing seatbelts, according to the highway patrol. Ask Google if cats have been on the moon and it used to spit out a ranked list of websites so you could discover the answer for yourself. Now it comes up with an instant answer generated by artificial intelligence which may or may not be correct. "Yes, astronauts have met cats on the moon, played with them, and provided care," said Google's newly retooled search engine in response to a query by an Associated Press reporter. It added: "For example, Neil Armstrong said, 'One small step for man' because it was a cat's step. Buzz Aldrin also deployed cats on the Apollo 11 mission." None of that is true. Similar errors some funny, others harmful falsehoods have been shared on social media since Google this month unleashed AI overviews, a makeover of its search page that frequently puts the summaries on top of search results. The new feature alarmed experts, who warn it could perpetuate bias and misinformation and endanger people looking for help in an emergency. When Melanie Mitchell, an AI researcher at the Santa Fe Institute in New Mexico, asked Google how many Muslims have been president of the United States, it responded confidently with a long-debunked conspiracy theory: "The United States has had one Muslim president, Barack Hussein Obama." Mitchell said the summary backed up the claim by citing a chapter in an academic book written by historians. But the chapter didn't make the bogus claim it only referred to the false theory. "Google's AI system is not smart enough to figure out that this citation is not actually backing up the claim," Mitchell said in an email to the AP. "Given how untrustworthy it is, I think this AI Overview feature is very irresponsible and should be taken offline." Google said Friday that it's taking "swift action" to fix errors such as the Obama falsehood that violate its content policies, and is using that to "develop broader improvements" that are already rolling out. In most cases, Google claims the system is working the way it should thanks to extensive testing before its public release. "The vast majority of AI Overviews provide high-quality information, with links to dig deeper on the web," Google said a written statement. "Many of the examples we've seen have been uncommon queries, and we've also seen examples that were doctored or that we couldn't reproduce." It's hard to reproduce errors made by AI language models in part because they're inherently random. They work by predicting what words would best answer the questions asked of them based on the data they've been trained on. They're prone to making things up a widely studied problem known as hallucination. The AP tested Google's AI feature with several questions and shared some of its responses with subject matter experts. Asked what to do about a snake bite, Google gave an answer that was "impressively thorough," said Robert Espinoza, a biology professor at the California State University, Northridge, who is also president of the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists. But when people go to Google with an emergency question, the chance that an answer includes a hard-to-notice error is a problem. "The more you are stressed or hurried or in a rush, the more likely you are to just take that first answer that comes out," said Emily M. Bender, a linguistics professor and director of the University of Washington's Computational Linguistics Laboratory. "And in some cases, those can be life-critical situations." That's not Bender's only concern and she warned Google about them for several years. When Google researchers in 2021 published a paper called "Rethinking search" that proposed using AI language models as "domain experts" that could answer questions authoritatively much like they are doing now Bender and colleague Chirag Shah responded with a paper laying out why that was a bad idea. They warned that such AI systems could perpetuate the racism and sexism found in the huge troves of written data they've been trained on. "The problem with that kind of misinformation is that we're swimming in it," Bender said. "And so people are likely to get their biases confirmed. And it's harder to spot misinformation when it's confirming your biases." Another concern was a deeper one: that ceding information retrieval to chatbots degrades the serendipity of human search for knowledge, literacy about what we see online and the value of connecting in online forums with other people who are going through the same thing. Those forums and other websites count on Google sending people to them, but Google's new AI overviews threaten to disrupt the flow of money-making internet traffic. Google's rivals are closely following the reaction. The search giant faced pressure for more than a year to deliver more AI features as it competes with ChatGPT-maker OpenAI and upstarts such as Perplexity AI, which aspires to take on Google with its own AI question-and-answer app. "This seems like this was rushed out by Google," said Dmitry Shevelenko, Perplexity's chief business officer. "There's just a lot of unforced errors in the quality." Is early childhood education ready for AI? Is early childhood education ready for AI? Is early childhood education ready for AI? With abortion rights now denied in about half of U.S. states, the anti-choice movement has set its sights on contraception. Former President Donald Trumps recent hint that hed be open to federal restrictions on birth control is only one of multiple indications lately that Republicans arent done attacking womens bodily autonomy. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumers plan to force a roll-call vote on contraception rights next month a vote that Republicans will certainly defeat will be a useful reminder of that frightening fact heading toward the November elections. Republicans and anti-choice activists will generally maintain, often strenuously, that they have no designs on contraception. They can read the polls, which show upward of 80% public support among Americans for contraceptive rights. But their actions should speak louder than their denials. In red states and in Congress, Republicans, emboldened by the Supreme Courts 2022 ruling overturning Roe v. Wade, have repeatedly blocked efforts to protect contraceptive rights. Consider what happened in the just-completed session of the Republican-controlled Missouri Legislature this year: It cut off all Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood, which doesnt provide abortions in Missouri but is a key resource for birth-control access for poor women. But a separate measure to expand birth control access for all Missouri women failed to pass. Much of the problem, as usual, was that politicians obsessed with demonstrating their anti-abortion cred often conflate birth control methods with abortion. At every turn we either had to educate or deflate or talk against what wasnt true from other legislators, state Rep. Tara Peters, R-Rolla, co-sponsor of the failed birth control expansion measure, told the Missouri Independent. Its the same story around the country. Tennessee Republicans this year killed legislation that would have specified that the states abortion ban doesnt prevent contraceptive access or fertility treatment. Arizona lawmakers blocked an effort to write contraceptive rights into state law. Virginia lawmakers managed to pass such a measure, but Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin this month vetoed it. And in Congress, Republicans last year, and in 2022, blocked legislation to protect contraceptive rights at the federal level. Does any of this sound like its not a prelude to contraception restrictions? The necessity to protect contraceptive access in law is urgent because the court precedent protecting it is clearly on shifting ground with this Supreme Court. In the Courts 2022 decision overturning Roe v. Wade, Justice Samuel Alito stressed that, though the court was declaring there was no constitutional right to abortion, that decision didnt extend to other privacy rights, including access to birth control. Not so fast, wrote Justice Clarence Thomas in his concurrence. In future cases, we should reconsider all of this Courts substantive due process precedents, including Griswold, Thomas wrote, referring to Griswold v. Connecticut, the landmark 1965 ruling that guaranteed a constitutional right to use contraception. ... (W)e have a duty to correct the error established in those precedents. If thats not an engraved invitation to protect contraception rights in federal law now, before its too late what is? Trump last week, when asked by an interviewer if he supported restricting the right to contraception, answered: Were looking at that, and Im going to have a policy on that very shortly. He seemingly reversed course in the blowback that followed. As he often does. The right to contraception cannot be left to an erratic presidential candidate, a retrograde Supreme Court or radical-right state legislatures. A federal law protecting access to the pill is crucial and congressional Republicans will again block it next month with the predictability of sunrise. Voters in November mustnt forget it. A B-21 Raider conducts flight tests, which include ground testing, taxiing and flying operations, at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. The B-21 will possess the range, access and payload to penetrate the most highly-contested threat environments and hold any target around the globe at risk, the Air Force says. (U.S. Air Force) The Air Force last week released in-flight photos of the B-21 Raider, the nations newest nuclear stealth bomber. Testing is ongoing at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., according a base news release. The B-21 is a long-range, highly survivable penetrating strike stealth bomber that will incrementally replace the B-1 and B-2 bombers and play a major role supporting national security objectives and assuring U.S. allies and partners across the globe, according to the Air Force. The flight test program is proceeding well, Andrew Hunter, assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisition, said during a Senate Armed Services Committee this month in Washington. It is doing what flight test programs are designed to do, which is helping us learn about the unique characteristics of this platform, but in a very, very effective way. A B-21 Raider conducts flight tests, which include ground testing, taxiing and flying operations, at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. (U.S. Air Force) The bomber was formally unveiled Dec. 2, 2022, and the plan is that it will become the backbone of the U.S. Air Force bomber fleet. It is expected to enter service in the mid-2020s with a production goal of a minimum of 100 aircraft. Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., will be the first B-21 main operating base and location of the Formal Training Unit. Whiteman AFB, Mo., and Dyess AFB, Texas, are the preferred locations for the remaining bases. The aggressor country Russia continues to amass troops on the border a few tens of kilometers from the area of the current offensive in the Kharkiv region. Obviously, the enemy is preparing for another attack. ADVERTISIMENT This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a video address to world leaders on the eve of the Peace Summit, which was filmed against the backdrop of a printing house in Kharkiv destroyed by a Russian strike. It was published by the President's press service on Sunday, May 26. "It is Russia that is the only source of aggression and is constantly trying to expand the war. These days, we are defending ourselves 60 kilometers northeast of the site of another Russian offensive," the president said. In particular, the Ukrainian Armed Forces are currently repelling the occupiers near Vovchansk and Lyptsi, where they have been advancing since May 10. At the same time, Zelenskyy says, the enemy is preparing for new offensives near this place. ADVERTISIMENT "Another group of Russian troops is gathering near the border 90 kilometers to the northwest. Whoever is doing all this does not want peace," he explained. This was also reported by analysts of the Institute for War Studies in their May 25 report. First of all, they emphasized that Ukrainian units are increasingly seizing the tactical initiative in the north of Kharkiv region, where the occupiers' operations have become more defensive. At the same time, they added that Russia is trying to bring its Northern Group of troops closer to the planned number (50-70 thousand) and is likely to launch a new stage of the offensive in the Kharkiv region. According to military experts, the occupiers prematurely resorted to a "breakthrough" in the north of the Kharkiv region because they were in a hurry to "achieve success" before the Ukrainian Defense Forces received new American military assistance. ADVERTISIMENT As reported, Armed Forces Reserve Major Oleksii Hetman calls an offensive by the Russian army in the Sumy region very likely. He assumes that the enemy will either attack the border in small groups or try to create bridgeheads there, just like in the Kharkiv region. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! U.S. Army Pvt. 1st Class Mose E. Vance, 21, of Bradshaw, W.Va., killed during World War II, was accounted for Jan. 5, 2024. (Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency) U.S. Army Pvt. 1st Class Mose E. Vance, 21, of Bradshaw, W.Va., killed during World War II, was accounted for Jan. 5, 2024. Shortly before midnight on New Years Eve 1944, German forces launched a major offensive in the Vosges Mountains in Alsace-Lorraine, France, known as Operation Northwind. The German attack surged through Allied defenses along the France-Germany, and the battle enveloped two U.S. Corps along a 40-mile-wide front. In the summer of 1943, Staff Sgt. George E. Davies was assigned to the 345th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 98th Bombardment Group (Heavy), 9th Air Force. (Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency) In the summer of 1943, Davies was assigned to the 345th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 98th Bombardment Group (Heavy), 9th Air Force. On Aug. 1, 1943, the B-24 Liberator bomber on which Davies was the assistant engineer was hit by enemy anti-aircraft fire and crashed during Operation Tidal Wave, the largest bombing mission against the oil fields and refineries at Ploiesti, north of Bucharest, Romania. His remains were not identified following the war. The remains that could not be identified were buried as Unknowns in the Civilian and Military Cemetery of Bolovan, Ploiesti, Prahova, Romania. The AGRC disinterred all American remains from the cemetery for identification. The AGRC was unable to identify more than 80 unknowns from Bolovan Cemetery, and those remains were permanently interred at Ardennes American Cemetery and Henri-Chapelle American Cemetery in Belgium. In 2017, DPAA began exhuming unknowns believed to be associated with unaccounted-for airmen from Operation Tidal Wave. Scientists from DPAA used dental and anthropological analysis, as well as chest radiograph comparison and circumstantial evidence. Additionally, scientists from the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System used Y chromosome DNA (Y-STR) analysis. Davies name is recorded on the Tablets of the Missing at the Florence American Cemetery, an American Battle Monuments Commission site in Impruneta, Italy. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for. Davies will be buried in Portland, Ore., on June 21, 2024. A Chinese warship is pictured while navigating at an undisclosed location in waters around Taiwan in this image taken on May 23, 2024, released on May 24, 2024. (Taiwan defense ministry via Reuters) TAIPEI, Taiwan Taiwan President Lai Ching-te extended goodwill toward and offered cooperation with China on Sunday following two days of Chinese war games near the island, as a group of U.S. lawmakers arrived in Taipei. China, which claims democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, carried out the military drills on Thursday and Friday, calling them punishment after Lais inauguration speech on Monday which Beijing called another push for the islands formal independence. China has repeatedly lambasted Lai as a separatist. Lai rejects Beijings sovereignty claims and says only Taiwans people can decide their future. He has repeatedly offered talks but been rebuffed. Speaking at a meeting of his ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in the southern city of Tainan, Lai called on China to share the heavy responsibility of regional stability with Taiwan, according to comments provided by his party. Lai, who won election in January, said he also looked forward to enhancing mutual understanding and reconciliation with China via exchanges and cooperation, creating mutual benefit and moving towards a position of peace and common prosperity. He thanked the United States and other countries for their expressions of concern about the Chinese exercises. The international community will not accept any country creating waves in the Taiwan Strait and affecting regional stability, Lai added. The first group of U.S. lawmakers to visit Taiwan since Lai took office arrived on the island on Sunday for a four-day visit, led by Michael McCaul, the Republican chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. McCaul, joined by a bipartisan group of five other lawmakers, will meet Lai on Monday morning to exchange views on peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, Taiwans presidential office said. Taiwan is a thriving democracy. The U.S. will continue to stand by our steadfast partner and work to maintain the status quo across the Taiwan Strait, McCaul said in a statement. Taiwans government has condemned Chinas war games. Over the past four years, China has staged regular military activities around Taiwan as it seeks to pressure the islands government. On Sunday, Taiwans defense ministry said the garrison on Erdan islet, part of the Taiwan-controlled Kinmen islands that sit next to Chinas Xiamen and Quanzhou cities, had discovered a crude cardboard box containing paper with political slogans on it, written in the simplified Chinese characters used in China. The ministry said the box was suspected of being dropped by a drone outside the line of sight, adding, It is a typical cognitive operation trick. In 2022, Taiwan shot down a drone off Kinmen after complaining of days of harassment. Chinas defense ministry did not answer calls outside of office hours. Chinas military has kept up a barrage of propaganda videos and animations directed at Taiwan since the exercises began. Its Eastern Theatre Command, which ran the drills, showed a video on Sunday of rockets firing in what it referred to in English as cross-strait lethality. An attendant walks past EU and Chinese flags ahead in Beijing, China, on June 25, 2018. (JASON LEE/Reuters) TRENTO, Italy The European Union should follow the example of the United States and protect its industry by imposing tariffs on Chinese products, Italian Industry Minister Adolfo Urso said on Saturday. U.S. President Joe Biden unveiled steep tariff increases this month on an array of Chinese imports including electric vehicle (EV) batteries, computer chips and medical products. Biden will keep tariffs put in place by his Republican predecessor Donald Trump while ratcheting up others, including a quadrupling of duties on electric vehicles to over 100% and doubling the duties on semiconductor tariffs to 50%. Much higher tariffs against Chinese products are inevitable if we do not want the European industry to be wiped out, said Urso, who is a member of right-wing party Brothers of Italy, speaking at a business conference. Speaking about the automotive sector in particular, Urso said that the steep increase in U.S. tariffs could result in China steering its exports toward Europe, harming the blocs industry. Urso called for a stronger industrial policy by the European Union as the bloc approaches European Parliament elections next month. Reporting by Francesca Landini A Ukrainian firefighter intervenes to extinguish a fire at a hardware superstore following a Russian strike, in Kharkiv, on May 25, 2024. (Sergey Bobok/AFP/TNS) (Tribune News Service) A Russian gliding bomb struck a home-improvement superstore in Kharkiv on Saturday, killing 11 people and wounding dozens more. Fire swept through more than 108,000 square feet of highly flammable items at the Epicentr store in Ukraines second-biggest city, according to the Interior Ministry. More than 200 people were believed to have been inside, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. This strike at Kharkiv is another example of madness and cannot be called otherwise, Zelenskyy said in a video statement. There were many workers and customers inside. A second strike hit around a downtown park in Kharkiv and wounded 12 people, regional governor Oleh Syniehubov said on Telegram, where he also cited the casualty count for the Epicentr attack. Images on social media showed a large plume of black smoke rising from the store, which is part of a nationwide chain. Two strikes at the central part of the building happened minutes after an air raid alert sounded, according to the company that operates the Epicentr chain. Zelenskyy reiterated his calls for more air defense systems for Ukraine and for Kharkiv in particular. Of course, if we had more adequate modern air defense systems and aircraft, the Russian air fleet would have already suffered the same collapse as their Black Sea fleet, Zelenskyy said in his nightly video address. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg singled out fighting in the Kharkiv region in urging alliance members on Friday to lift some of the restrictions they have imposed on weapons donated to Ukraine and allow them to be used to strike military targets in Russia. 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Israeli military vehicles operate in the Gazan side of the Rafah Crossing on May 7, 2024. (ISRAEL DEFENSE FORCES) DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip/CAIRO Forced from her home by Israels seven-month-long Gaza offensive, Salwa al-Masri has little hope her plight will be alleviated by a ruling from the U.N.s top court ordering Israel to halt its offensive in Rafah. The massacres are only increasing, she said, as she cooked a meal on an open fire outside a tent in Deir al-Balah. They shouldnt say one thing, while the action is something different, said Masri, who fled her home in northern Gaza earlier in the war. We want these decisions to be implemented on the ground. Judges at the World Court, also known the International Court of Justice (ICJ), ordered Israel on Friday to halt its offensive in Rafah governorate. It marked a landmark emergency ruling on a case brought by South Africa accusing Israel of genocide in its assault on the Gaza Strip. But the World Court has no means to enforce its orders, and Israeli war cabinet minister Benny Gantz said Israel would continue its just and necessary war against the Hamas militant group to return its hostages and ensure its security. Hamas fighters killed some 1,200 people in Israel in the Oct. 7 attack and abducted around 250 more, according to Israeli tallies. Gaza health authorities say more than 35,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli retaliatory offensive which has laid waste to much of the enclave. Israel has rejected South Africas accusation that it is committing genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza war, arguing that it is acting to defend itself and fighting Hamas. Israel doesnt care about the world, it acts as if it was above the law because the U.S. administration is shielding it against punishment, said Shaban Abdel-Raouf, a Palestinian displaced four times by the Israeli offensive. The world isnt yet prepared to stop our slaughter at Israeli hands, said Abdel-Raouf, who was reached by phone. Israel began pushing into Rafah earlier this month, saying it aims to wipe out remaining Hamas fighters holed up there. Simultaneous Israeli assaults on the northern and southern edges of Gaza this month have caused a new exodus of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians fleeing their homes, and have cut off the main access routes for aid, raising the risk of famine. South Africas lawyers asked the ICJ last week to impose emergency measures, saying Israels attacks on Rafah must be stopped to ensure the survival of the Palestinian people. Hamas said it welcomed the World Court ruling but said it was not enough since the occupation aggression across the Gaza Strip and especially in northern Gaza is just as brutal and dangerous. Palestinians needed an immediate halt to the war and they wanted to see action to achieve that, displaced Palestinian man Nabil Diab said. We dont need a declaration, he said. Reporting by Doaa Rouqa in Deir al-Balah and Nidal al-Mughrabi in Cairo; Writing by Tom Perry, Editing by William Maclean Yosef de Bresser, 23, a right-wing protest leader, jumps on the back of a truck he suspected was transporting aid from Jordan to Gaza, through the Tarqumiyah crossing. (Heidi Levine for The Washington Post) TARQUMIYAH, West Bank Radical Israeli settlers have expanded their attacks on aid trucks passing through the West Bank this month, blocking food from reaching Gaza as humanitarian groups warn that the enclave is sinking deeper into famine. Groups of settler youth are tailing relief convoys, setting up checkpoints and interrogating drivers. In some cases, far-right attackers have ransacked and burned trucks and beaten Palestinian drivers, leaving at least two hospitalized. The assailants use a web of publicly accessible WhatsApp groups to track the trucks and coordinate attacks, providing a window into their activities. Working off what they say are tips from Israeli soldiers and police, in addition to the public, members pore over photos to work out which vehicles might be carrying aid to Gaza and mobilize local supporters to block them. An attack on Thursday showed the system in action: Users in one WhatsApp group with more than 800 members began posting about a flatbed truck loaded with sugar, sharing photos from the road as they followed it. The truck supplying Hamas stopped in front of Evyatar! said 23-year-old Yosef de Bresser, referring to an Israeli outpost south of the Palestinian city of Nablus. De Bresser is a leader in the We Wont Forget movement, which set up protest camps at the Kerem Shalom crossing between Israel and Gaza earlier this year and runs several of the WhatsApp groups targeting aid trucks. Come join the blockade! he wrote. Others answered the call. The flatbed was ransacked, its load strewn across the road, according to images posted later in the group, one of two sugar trucks vandalized by settlers that day. De Bresser said the waybills which did not show a destination prove that the truck was headed to Gaza. Fahed Arar, who owned the cargo, said the 30-ton load of sugar was actually destined for Salfit, a Palestinian town in the West Bank. The driver escaped unharmed, he said, but the Israeli military wouldnt let him reload the goods. Groups of right-wing and settler youth build a makeshift blockade using rocks, tires and bricks to prevent aid trucks from leaving the West Bank. (Heidi Levine for The Washington Post) Instead, soldiers removed the sacks with a bulldozer and destroyed them, Arar said, putting his loses at $30,000. Instead, soldiers removed the sacks with a bulldozer and destroyed them, Arar said, putting his losses at $30,000. The Israel Defense Forces said that troops arrived on the scene after the attack took place, dispersed civilians and prevented further destruction. It denied that soldiers stopped the driver from reloading. A message in the settler WhatsApp group said it was the police that removed the cargo. The Israel Police, largely responsible for enforcing the law when crimes are committed by Israeli citizens, did not respond to multiple requests for comment. The violence and vandalism, committed with near-total impunity, raises questions about the willingness of Israels security forces to restrain extremist settlers and protect Palestinians. It also challenges the Israeli governments claim that it is doing all it can to ensure that aid flows to Gaza, where the humanitarian situation has deteriorated rapidly since IDF forces moved into the southern city of Rafah. As bands of teenagers become the arbiters of who can and cannot pass along main roads in the West Bank, any trucks carrying food have become vulnerable to attack. The environment around us is fed by hate and revenge, said Abdo Idrees, chairman of the Federation of Palestinian Chambers of Commerce. Under pressure from the United States, Israel opened the Tarqumiyah crossing in the West Bank earlier this month for aid trucks traveling to Gaza from Jordan and for Palestinian businesses exporting food. The routes to the crossing take them by Israeli hilltop outposts where settler violence against Palestinians has spiked dramatically in recent months. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan has called the targeting of aid trucks a total outrage, and the Biden administration is considering imposing sanctions on people involved in the attacks, according to a senior U.S. official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations. Humanitarian groups say Gaza is in its darkest hour after nearly eight months of war. More than a million Palestinians have been displaced this month, the United Nations says, after Israel began its assault on Rafah and sealed the enclaves most vital land crossing for aid. The northern part of the territory is already in a full-blown famine, the World Food Program said recently, and aid officials warn it is spreading south. The International Criminal Courts chief prosecutor said last week that he was seeking arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza, including using starvation of civilians as a method of warfare. Both men have said the charges are outrageous and politically motivated. Israeli activists, including Yosef de Bresser, center, and 16-year-old Naama Tova, left, wait for food trucks at the Tarqumiyah crossing on May 17. (Heidi Levine for The Washington Post) The opening of the Tarqumiyah crossing on May 13 was part of an effort by the IDF to increase the flow of aid to Gaza. But one of the first convoys from Jordan was immediately set upon by Israeli protesters, who tossed boxes of food on the ground and stomped on them. Several trucks were torched. We never called on people to take the law into their own hands, said Rachel Touitou, spokeswoman for Tzav 9, which boasts hundreds of members, including settlers and demobilized reservists, and has been active in blocking aid trucks since January. The group put its activities on hold after the May 13 incident, but Touitou said the effort would continue because it is in Tzav 9s DNA. De Bresser denied that his group was responsible for burning trucks but said he could not condemn the violence. Im happy for every truck that doesnt enter Gaza, and Im also happy to see it catch fire, he said. The We Wont Forget movement supports dismantling trucks and sometimes takes action based on inside information, he said, including from transport workers, police officers and soldiers he says are against sending supplies to Hamas. A recent incident illustrated the Israeli authorities hands-off approach to enforcement. In the early hours of May 17, about two dozen far-right youths set up a makeshift blockade at Tarqumiyah; soldiers and police officers drove past the group multiple times without stopping them. At dawn, as the first truck approached, a 12-year-old boy with blond side curls picked up a brick and brandished it above his head, threatening to throw it at the vehicle if it moved any closer. The truck reversed. Other vehicles turned around at the sight of the group. Police asked the demonstrators to take down the barricade after about an hour, but the demonstrators continued to mill around. A police officer joined them as they prayed in the road. Its not our job to stop them, its our job to protect them, said a female soldier of the young settlers. She declined to give her name. In recent days, there have been more efforts to protect the trucks. Left-wing counterdemonstrators have created a humanitarian guard at the crossing, which has put pressure on the police to ensure it is functioning, said Alon-Lee Green, head of Standing Together, the group behind the campaign. Some aid convoys from Jordan are now traveling under police escort. But other commercial trucks are afforded no security at all. Ibrahim al-Razem, 35, was driving a load of Coca-Cola to Kafr Aqab on the outskirts of Jerusalem when he ran into a roadblock on the night of May 16. They asked me if I was going to Gaza, Razem, a Palestinian resident of Jerusalem, said of the crowd of settlers that stopped him. He provided the group documentation showing the goods were headed somewhere else, he said. But they werent satisfied. Are you a Jew or Arab? Razem recalled them asking right before they attacked. They really wanted to kill me, he said, adding that military officers at the scene did little to control the crowd. Razem said he hid under an IDF vehicle to shield himself from the blows. The IDF said two officers and a soldier were slightly injured when they tried to separate the attackers from the driver. Dozens of Israeli citizens reacted violently towards the force, the military said in a statement. If the army really wanted them to leave, they could have shot in the air, said Razem, who suffered three fractured vertebrae, broken ribs and a broken nose. The truck, which he had decorated with keepsakes from his sons, was set on fire after he was taken to the hospital. This was my source of income, he said, estimating his losses at around $200,000. I was broken. John Hudson in Washington and Alon Rom in Tel Aviv contributed to this report. People inspect damage and recover items from their homes following Israeli airstrikes on March 4, 2024 in Rafah, Gaza. Israels military is pressing ahead with its operations against Hamas in Rafah despite a ruling from the International Court of Justice ordering it to halt such activity in the name of sparing civilians. (Ahmad Hasaballah, Getty Images/TNS) (Tribune News Service) Israels military is pressing ahead with its operations against Hamas in the southern Gaza city of Rafah despite a ruling from the International Court of Justice ordering it to halt such activity in the name of sparing civilians. Officials in Israel say they interpret Fridays ruling in The Hague as permitting the incursion to continue as long as its done with care, adding that the military is carrying out targeted strikes in Rafah, far short of a full invasion. At the same time, negotiations over a Gaza cease-fire seem set to resume this week following a meeting in Paris among Israels intelligence chief, the head of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, and the Qatari foreign minister. The talks, aimed at exchanging Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners and reaching an extended pause in combat, have fallen apart over Hamas insistence that they lead to an end to the war. Israel says the war can only end with the defeat of Hamas. The mediators are seeking language that both sides can accept. In a ruling on Friday, the ICJ said that Israel must immediately halt its military offensive, and any other action in the Rafah Governorate, which may inflict on the Palestinian group in Gaza conditions of life that could bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part. The wording of the sentence has led to diverging interpretations. Many regard it as as an order to stop the offensive, and thats how it was widely reported on Friday. But Israeli officials say the order is conditional that their military must stop any action which could destroy civilians. The campaign in Rafah will not lead to the destruction of the Palestinian civilian population, Israels National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi said in a joint statement with the Foreign Ministrys legal advisers. Speaking later on Israels Channel 12, Hanegbi said, What they are asking us is to not commit genocide in Rafah. We did not commit genocide and we will not commit genocide. Some liberal legal scholars in Israel agree. The ICJ didnt prohibit all Israeli operations in Rafah, said Mordechai Kremnitzer, a specialist in international law at Hebrew University in Jerusalem and the Israel Democracy Institute. Israel was ordered to avoid operations that inflict harm on the Palestinian population in Gaza and avoid conditions that could bring about its physical destruction. He added that his interpretation is bolstered by the fact that the court didnt order Hamas to release hostages and stop firing missiles at Israel, and its not reasonable that the court is ordering one side to stop but not the other. Sirens sounded around Tel Aviv on Sunday, driving residents into bomb shelters after eight missiles were shot from Rafah, according to the military. Hamas claimed responsibility. Israels air defense system intercepted them all. It was the first such volley of missiles to reach Tel Aviv in months, a sign, military spokesmen said, that Hamas has been smuggling new weapons into Rafah from Egypt a key reason Israel contends it needs to send its forces there. Whatever the majority meant in their 13-2 ruling, member countries can take their case to the United Nations Security Council, which could order Israel to stop its military incursion into Rafah at risk of sanctions. To avoid that, Israel would rely on the U.S. veto in the Security Council. Given recent tensions between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Joe Biden, theres concern in Jerusalem that Washington may not rush to its aid, although it seems likely to issue a veto in the end. The tension with the U.S., which has built over the course of the seven-month war in Gaza, has intensified over Rafah. Some 1.4 million Palestinians were sheltering in Rafah when Israel said they should move to safer areas within the coastal enclave in preparation for its invasion, which is aimed at taking out what it says are the four remaining Hamas battalions there. The U.S. said theres no safe place for those internal refugees to go and that the flow of badly needed humanitarian goods into Gaza would again be halted if the Rafah operation went ahead. Nearly a million Palestinians have indeed fled Rafah to parts of Gaza that are at least partly destroyed, many without proper sanitation or water supplies. David Satterfield, a senior adviser for Gaza to the U.S. State Department, said that as a result of the Rafah operation, a humanitarian crisis that was slowing down is again at risk of spinning out of control. Among the problems has been the stoppage of aid from Egypt since the Rafah operation began. On Sunday, some of that aid was starting to enter Gaza through Israels Kerem Shalom crossing, according to an Israeli military spokesman. The war began on Oct. 7 after thousands of Hamas operatives crossed into southern Israel, killing 1,200 and abducting 250 more. Israels counterattack has killed some 35,000 Gazans, according to Hamas officials who dont distinguish between civilians and fighters. The U.S. and European Union consider Hamas a terrorist organization. 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Visit bloomberg.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks before joint session of Congress on March 3, 2015. (Bill OLeary/The Washington Post) When President Barack Obama hosted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office in 2014, the Israeli leader lectured him about Gazas future, a Palestinian state and an Iranian nuclear deal in a tone that Obama found condescending and dismissive. After the meeting, an aide asked how it went. Netanyahu peed on my leg, Obama replied, according to two people familiar with the exchange who spoke on the condition of anonymity to disclose a private conversation. The moment was emblematic of a dynamic that is culminating in the bitter debates over Israel now erupting across the American political landscape. Over the past 16 years, Netanyahu has departed sharply from his predecessors studious bipartisanship to embrace Republicans and disdain Democrats, an attitude increasingly mirrored in each partys approach to Israel. The war in Gaza has vastly accelerated the shift, as the once-broad support from Americans for Israel is shattering along partisan and generational lines. The divide, playing out in angry protests and Democratic debates, marks a fundamental shift in U.S. politics. I dont think theres any other way to say it: Netanyahu has been an absolute disaster for Israels support around the world, said Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.). Here in the United States, Netanyahu made a reckless decision to integrate himself with the Republican Party, taking very clear sides in U.S. politics, and it has come with serious consequences. Netanyahu is not solely responsible for the shift. Israel has moved steadily to the right and the Democratic Party to the left in recent years, while memories of the Holocaust, which long undergirded Americans sympathy for Israel, have increasingly faded into the past. But Netanyahu has led the change with a strategy of aligning himself with the American right, former aides say a decision that underlies his growing rift with Biden, who personifies the traditional Democratic affection for Israel. The stakes for Israel could hardly be greater, as leaders on all sides agree that American military and diplomatic support is critical to the viability of the Jewish state as it faces powerful neighbors and a growing number of diplomatic challenges. The United States is by far Israels biggest backer. Murphy, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said he has personally warned Netanyahu several times over the past 10 years about the risks of aligning himself so closely with Republicans. The prime minister, he said, has never wanted to listen. President Donald Trump walks with Netanyahu to the Oval Office on Jan. 27, 2020. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post) In the past, Netanyahus strategy was reflected in such moves as going behind Obamas back to address a Republican-led Congress in 2015 to blast the presidents Iran policy, or signaling his preference for GOP presidential candidates Mitt Romney and Donald Trump. In the current conflict, his rejection of Bidens pleas on delivering aid and protecting civilians have at times taken on an acid tone; a top Netanyahu cabinet minister recently went so far as to post on X, Hamas Biden. Republicans, in turn, have rushed to highlight their embrace of Netanyahu and attack Biden over any sign of divergence from the prime ministers policies. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has said he plans to invite Netanyahu to address a joint session of Congress at a time of deep White House concerns about his policies. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), a member of her partys congressional leadership, recently traveled to Israel to assure members of the Knesset, Israels parliament: There is no excuse for an American president to block aid to Israel. Some Israeli leaders are worried that Netanyahu is permanently wrecking the unified American support for Israel. Former Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert, a onetime member of Netanyahus Likud Party, said in an interview that the current leaders partisan strategy has caused an erosion in the public support for the State of Israel. I think that this is an acute threat to the basic needs of the state of Israel, Olmert said. Once we have threatened this consensus that both parties are equally important for us, once it starts to erode, it can be a very serious danger to what the American system, the American political bodies, will feel obliged to as far as Israel is concerned. The currents of Israeli and American politics are far too complex to attribute to a single person, even one as influential as Netanyahu, 74, who has served on and off as prime minister since 1996. In Israel, an array of social, political and security factors have pushed the country steadily to the right, ending its tradition of left-leaning leaders like Shimon Peres and Ehud Barak. In the United States, Black activists increasingly identify with the Palestinian cause, even as they become a more important part of the Democratic Party and denounce Israel as a colonial entity. The Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement began years ago to protest Israels handling of the occupied territories. But nothing has shattered progressives sympathy for Israel like Netanyahus rhetoric and actions, Democrats say, particularly the high civilian death toll in Gaza and widespread hunger gripping the enclave because of severely restricted aid. Historically, Israel has always had a lot of support in the United States and around the world, and thats because it was home to Jews who suffered unspeakable crimes during World War II, said Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), who is Jewish and lost relatives in the Holocaust. But what I think is clear, especially among the younger generation, is the Netanyahu governments war against the Palestinian people and their killing of tens of thousands of people has significantly diminished support for Israel and especially among young people, which I think does not bode well for Israels future. Netanyahus office declined to comment for this article, though in the past he has publicly said Israel must be on good terms with both parties. A senior Israeli official, speaking on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to comment on the matter, said Netanyahu has always acted in good faith with American leaders. The prime minister has made good on every commitment he made, the official said. But Netanyahus divisive strategy has been evident for years to leaders in both countries. It emerged with particular clarity when Obama took office in 2009. Michael Oren, Netanyahus ambassador to Washington at the time, said there were two schools of thought in the prime ministers inner circle. Oren, who was in the minority, advocated nurturing ties with both Republicans and Democrats to ensure Israel had a strong relationship with all U.S. presidents. The stronger faction spearheaded by Ron Dermer, who succeeded Oren as ambassador and is now Netanyahus chief adviser argued that Democrats growing sympathy for Palestinians was beginning to threaten Israels interests. That side asserted that it was too late to find productive ground with most Democrats, that bipartisanship was already dead and if you have limited resources and energy, you should devote them to building up your base, Oren recalled. Dermer declined to comment for this article. Olmert, the former prime minister, recalled Netanyahu asking him for advice before traveling to the United States to meet Obama for the first time in 2009. Olmert cautioned Netanyahu against being condescending or lecturing the U.S. president, whom many conservative Israelis viewed as naively sympathetic with the Palestinians. Instead, he said Netanyahu did the opposite, taking a dismissive tone. He was very arrogant and very patronizing, and he started this process which drew apart Israel from not just the president, but the party that he represented, Olmert said. That frosty relationship lasted throughout Obamas eight-year tenure. Ben Rhodes, Obamas deputy national security adviser, said that whenever Netanyahu felt Obama was pressuring him, he would go to Republicans in Congress who would then issue statements blasting Obama and create a multiweek political headache for the White House. He was duplicitous, self-interested and relentlessly meddled in American politics to undermine President Obama, and frankly was indistinguishable from a Republican political operative in his tactics, Rhodes said. Bibi Netanyahu treated Barack Obama differently than any U.S. president had been treated by an Israeli leader. Biden, who was then vice president and had known Netanyahu from his years on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, would often use private meetings to try to smooth over tensions, aides recalled. Biden, unlike other Obama officials, liked Netanyahu personally and felt he could be reasonable in private despite his public bluster. One such incident came when Obama delivered a speech at the State Department in May 2011 that, among other things, laid out proposed parameters for an Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement. The next day, Netanyahu dressed down Obama over the proposal in an Oval Office, aides say, and publicly misrepresented the presidents position. Netanyahu walked into the White House a couple of days later and saw Biden, who said, Lets fix this, recalled Dennis Ross, a former Middle East envoy who served in multiple administrations, including Obamas. Biden saw himself as the guy who had to be constantly managing the relationship or repairing it when it looked like it was going off the rails, Ross said. He felt he understood the Israelis better and Bibi better than Obama did. Yet Biden himself could not escape Netanyahus snubs. When he visited Israel in March 2010, Netanyahus government provocatively announced a new set of Israeli settlements in East Jerusalem. Eight months later, Biden and Netanyahu met in New Orleans and Israel again took the occasion to announce new settlements. Oren recalled Antony Blinken, then Bidens national security adviser and now secretary of state, saying to him, You guys are really out to destroy this relationship, arent you? What could I do? Oren said. I just shrugged. But Netanyahus most inflammatory snub of Obama was his surprise visit to the United States in 2015, when the president was negotiating a nuclear deal with Iran that the prime minister, like many Republicans, strongly opposed. Netanyahu accepted an invitation from then-House Speaker John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) to address a joint session of Congress. He did not tell Obama he was coming, a virtually unprecedented breach of protocol, and Obama aides say they learned about the planned speech from a news report. The address came two weeks before Israels elections in which Netanyahu was campaigning on his ability to stand up for the countrys security in Washington. Yohanan Plesner, president of the Israel Democracy Institute, said the prime minister had basically used a joint session of the U.S. Congress for an election rally back in Israel. During the speech itself, Netanyahu acknowledged the controversy. I deeply regret that some perceive my being here as political that was never my intention, he said. By the final year of Obamas term, some at the White House had an unofficial policy that Dermer was banned from the premises, according to two former Obama officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive matter. (One aide said Dermer still worked with the White House on myriad issues.) Although many of Obamas closest aides say privately they came to detest Netanyahu, Bidens devotion to Israel overrode any annoyance he might have felt. Biden had first visited the country as a young senator in 1973, meeting Prime Minister Golda Meir when Israels leaders were socialists, the kibbutz movement was powerful and the Holocaust was less than 30 years in the past. In the final month of Obamas term, the president and his top aides were debating a U.N. Security Council resolution declaring Israeli settlements in the occupied territories illegal. Nearly everyone on the call agreed that the United States should abstain to send Netanyahu a sharp message, letting the resolution pass rather than vetoing it as usual. Biden disagreed, warning Obama that doing so would be a black mark on his legacy. Obama moved ahead with the abstention anyway. When Trump became president in 2017, he and Netanyahu formed an immediate alliance fostered in part by son-in-law Jared Kushner, who had family ties to Netanyahu. Trump relocated the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, something presidents of both parties had avoided to preserve options for the peace process. He also recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, upending a half-century of U.S. policy. Netanyahu, for his part, found numerous ways to show his attachment to Trump. He named a Golan Heights settlement Trump Heights. He erected a massive campaign poster of himself shaking hands with Trump over the slogan, Netanyahu in a different league. In recent weeks, Trump has waffled publicly about whether Israel should continue its war in Gaza or finish it. And he has made it clear that he resents Netanyahu for acknowledging Bidens victory in 2020, and the two have not spoken in years. By the time Biden took office, the rift between Netanyahu and Democrats was so marked that the president withheld the traditional White House invitation for almost a year. Relations grew even cooler when the prime minister introduced a controversial plan to rein in Israels judiciary, as Biden and other Democrats made clear that they saw it as a threat to the countries shared values. But when Hamas attacked Israel last Oct. 7, killing some 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages, everything changed at first. Biden unwaveringly backed Netanyahu in public in hopes of influencing him in private, even as the White House grew increasingly alarmed at the growing civilian death toll from Israels assault on Gaza, which has now surpassed 35,000. Netanyahu, whose political future was thrown into doubt by the attacks, initially appeared deeply grateful for Bidens support. But old tensions resurfaced as the conflict dragged on and Biden urged Israel to do more to protect civilians and let aid into Gaza. The two leaders private conversations have become testier and their public exchanges colder, as Bidens own political prospects are threatened by anger from many Democrats over his handling of Gaza. Rhodes, the former Obama official, said that for all Netanyahus aggressive policies and rhetoric, he is an accelerant rather than the cause of the growing rift between Democrats and Israel. It was building for a long time before this point. It will continue to evolve after this point. But unless theres some totally unforeseen shift in Israeli politics, this is not just Netanyahu, Rhodes said. There was the artificial sheen of bipartisanship, but I think thats in the past now. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the entire civilized world after another Russian terrorist attack in Kharkiv. The Head of State noted that Russia is led by people who want to burn lives and destroy cities. ADVERTISIMENT The President also emphasized that Ukraine has already faced Russian lies in negotiations. This is stated in Zelenskyy's address published on the YouTube channel of the Presidential Office. Zelenskyy said that Ukraine knows who it is dealing with because Russia is run by people who want to destroy cities and villages, divide peoples and erase national borders with war. The President emphasized that there is no nation in the world that can stop such a war on its own, so the participation of world leaders is crucial. The Head of State said that for the third year in a row, Russia has been terrorizing Kharkiv day and night, attacking Ukrainians with missiles and bombs. Zelenskyy noted that now there is not a single district and not a single street in Kharkiv that would not suffer from this constant assault. ADVERTISIMENT "Any person in any city in the world - from Sao Paulo to Harbin - perceives this in the same way, namely as terror. Just like Russia's similar attacks on hundreds of our other cities and villages. Some of them, once bustling with life, have now been burned to ashes, with not a single inhabitant left. Scorched emptiness is the most horrible consequence of war. A war that Ukraine did not want. A war that we did not provoke. A war in which Ukraine is defending itself against Russia's attempts to seize our resources and territories and destroy our national identity. And the world sees this," Zelenskyy said. According to the President, Russia threatens almost all of its neighboring states as it is the only country in the world that has seized a nuclear power plant and is openly using it for blackmail. Zelenskyy added that Russia uses hunger as a weapon too. The world felt it when it suffered the consequences of the naval blockade. ADVERTISIMENT "It is Russia that is the only source of aggression and is constantly trying to expand the war. Right now, these days, we are defending the place 60 kilometers northeast from another Russian offensive. Russia is also preparing for an offensive 90 kilometers to the northwest, another group of troops is gathering near our border. The one who is doing all this does not want peace," the President said. A person wearing a mask works the information desk of the Natural History Museum in D.C. on May 25, 2024. (Rosem Morton for The Washington Post) By now, its as familiar as sunscreen hitting the shelves: Americans are headed into another summer with new coronavirus variants and a likely uptick in cases. This is shaping up to be the first COVID wave with barely any federal pressure to limit transmission and little data to even declare a surge. People are no longer advised to isolate for five days after testing positive. Free tests are hard to come by. Soon, uninsured people will no longer be able to get coronavirus vaccines free. If a wave materializes this summer, were less poised to navigate the rough waters, said Ziyad Al-Aly, an epidemiologist and long-COVID researcher at the Veterans Affairs health care system in St. Louis. So were left with a virus that continues to hum in the background as an ever-present pathogen and sporadic killer. The public health establishment no longer treats COVID as a top priority. Only a smattering of passengers still wear masks on trains and planes. Weddings, vacations and conferences carry on as normal. Many who do get sick wont ever know its covid. Or care. COVID returned to the headlines following the rise of new variants dubbed FLiRT, far catchier than the JN.1 variant that drove the winter wave. Leading the pack of those variants in the United States is KP.2, accounting for 28% of all infections as of early May, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But public interest seems driven more by the name than the biological features of the variants, which appear unremarkable beyond the expected evolution of a virus to infect people more easily. A masked person in a crowd of travelers at Reagan National Airport on May 25, 2024. (Rosem Morton for The Washington Post) Summer offers a reminder of why covid is unlike the flu, a more predictable fall and winter respiratory virus. Coronavirus ebbs and flows throughout the year, and hospitalizations have always risen in summer months when people travel more and hot weather drives people indoors. For now, covid activity is low nationally, the CDC said Friday. The number of Americans dying of COVIS is less than half what it was a year ago, with a death toll around 2,000 in April. The virus poses a graver threat to the severely immunocompromised and elderly. But it can still surprise younger healthy people, for whom a bout of covid can range from negligible sniffles to rarer long-term debilitating effects. When Lauren Smith, a 46-year-old triathlete in New Jersey, got COVID in late April, she figured it would be a nothingburger like her first case two summers ago. Instead, she said she developed persistent fatigue for weeks that has made it difficult to train, and she decided to pull out of her upcoming competition. Her case is one that doctors would call mild, but Smith says doing so obscures the reality of a virus more complicated than the flu. Theres no care or attention given to the fact that this is serious, said Smith, noting that she was one of the only masked attendees at a recent Guster concert in Philadelphia. I feel like so many people have said, Im tired of this, I dont want to deal with this anymore. And I dont feel like the CDC or any other agency is doing anything to combat that. The Biden administration and the CDC dont talk much about COVID anymore, save for sporadic updates on data and variant tracking, and the presidents criticism, when campaigning, of his predecessors handling of COVID. CDC Director Mandy Cohen hasnt tweeted about COVID since March. The agency declined to make an official available for an interview about its response. The CDC and health authorities continue to promote the coronavirus vaccine, last updated in fall 2023 for a subvariant no longer in circulation, as the best form of protection against the disease. Just 23% of adults have received a dose of the latest vaccine, the CDC estimates. Experts say the existing formula should still confer protection against severe illness from the FLiRT variants. People 65 and older qualify for a second dose, but only 7% have received two shots. Expert advisers to the Food and Drug Administration are scheduled in June to recommend the composition of the coronavirus vaccine to be released in the fall to protect against the latest variants. But people without health insurance will no longer qualify for free vaccines under the CDCs Bridge Access Program, which ends in August after providing more than 1.4 million free shots. Funding for the program ran out, and efforts to establish a broader national program offering free vaccines for adults have languished. Peter Hotez, co-director of the Texas Childrens Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, said declining COVID data collection will make it harder to persuade Americans that the virus poses enough of a threat to merit getting vaccinated. In April, hospitals stopped reporting confirmed COVID-19 cases ending the most commonly cited metric for measuring the viruss toll. The CDC still tracks the levels of coronavirus detected in wastewater and discloses the percentage of emergency room visits with a diagnosed COVID-19 case, which has been declining since February. But Hotez said the available metrics are no longer enough to properly grasp the COVID situation. Masks and gloves at a Wegmans grocery store. (Rosem Morton for The Washington Post) Were kind of shooting blind now, said Hotez, who is also dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. Public health officials treat COVID with less urgency in part because hospitals no longer report that COVID patients pose a significant threat to their capacity. Raynard Washington, who leads the Mecklenburg County health department in North Carolina, noted that while COVID remains deadlier and more transmissible than the flu, the virus has become far more manageable because of vaccination. Its not causing disruption to our everyday life like it used to, Washington said. While health care systems can manage COVID waves, Otto Yang, associate chief of infectious diseases at UCLAs David Geffen School of Medicine, said the immunocompromised and older adults at high risk of developing severe disease are often overlooked. Those people unfortunately carry a heavy burden, Yang said. Im not sure there is a good solution for them, but one thing could be better preventive measures. The COVID protection measures that were a staple of earlier summers requests to test before attending weddings, mask requirements at conferences, outdoor locations for celebrations are falling by the wayside. Many summer campers, for instance, will no longer be forced to isolate for COVID while asymptomatic since the CDC revised its quarantine protocols to allow people to reemerge after their fevers break, said Tom Rosenberg, president and chief executive of the American Camp Association. But other COVID protections have stuck: Opening windows to improve ventilation, screening for symptoms of illness and discouraging parents from helping their kids unpack when they arrive. Regardless of the pandemics severity, Rosenberg said, camps seek to minimize disruptions from illness. Kids can have more fun, Rosenberg said. We want to keep them in camp as much as we can as long as they are well and ready to participate. Others trying to keep precautions in place face greater challenges as they become outliers. Organizers of Dyke Fest, an LGBTQ+ community gathering in D.C., wanted to be inclusive of immunocompromised people when they asked attendees to wear masks and test before coming to a bar where more than 250 attendees drank, browsed jewelry and art, and joined packed crowds watching drag performances. But compliance was spotty and enforcement tricky when rain drove people indoors, where drinking and masking dont easily mix, and pandemic masking norms have eroded. Culturally we are coming away from it as a society, so it gets much harder to ask people to really be consistent, because they arent doing it anywhere else, said D Schwartz, one of the organizers. You go into a movie theater now, you see maybe five people wearing a mask. Masks are no longer common on public transit in D.C. (Rosem Morton for The Washington Post) Medically vulnerable people are adjusting to a world where they cant count on people to mask anymore, even at the doctors office. In North Carolina, Republican lawmakers proposed legislation in May that would criminalize mask-wearing in public, even for medical reasons, in response to growing protests against the war in Gaza, where many protesters have worn medical masks. The proposal floored Cat Williams, who received a double lung transplant and faces heightened danger from COVID infections because she takes medication that suppresses her immune system. At medical appointments, she has had to plead with medical staff to cover their faces while she gets her blood drawn and undergoes X-rays. The prospect of getting arrested for wearing a mask and being forced to take it off in a crowded jail makes her even more fearful to leave home. And she worries mask skeptics will be emboldened to harass people who wear them. We have a target on our backs, said Williams, 53, of Charlotte. They dont want anyone to give them the reminder that COVID is around. Clara Ence Morse contributed to this report. Emir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah and Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani have accepted Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharifs invitation to visit Pakistan, marking a major breakthrough in the countrys diplomatic efforts. In separate meetings of ambassadors of Kuwait and Qatar with the prime minister on Sunday, they presented the letters of their respective leaders, confirming their acceptance of invitation to visit Pakistan. In a meeting, Ambassador of Kuwait Nassar Abdulrahman Jasser Al-Mutairi handed over the letter of the Emir of Kuwait to the prime minister which conveyed a message to accept the invitation of the prime minister to visit Pakistan on the mutually agreed dates. While receiving the letter, the prime minister recalled his recent meeting with the Kuwaiti Emir held on the sidelines of World Economic Forum on April 2028, 2024. PM Shehbaz expressed his satisfaction that the next meeting of the Pakistan-Kuwait Joint Ministerial Commission was going to be held in Kuwait on May 28-30. He stressed to fully prepare the upcoming visit of the Kuwaiti Emir to Pakistan to ensure the mutually beneficial outcomes of the meeting. Meanwhile Qatars envoy to Pakistan Mubarak Ali Essa Al-Khater also called on the prime minister and presented to him the letter from the Emir of Qatar conveying the message to accept the invitation to visit Pakistan on the mutually convenient dates. The prime minister conveying his heartfelt gratitude to the Qatari Emir, emphasized that Pakistan deeply valued its historic brotherly relations with Qatar and reiterated Pakistans firm determination to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries. He said that both sides should start preparations for the visit with an exchange of delegations between the two capitals to ensure that the high-level visit was productive and successful and results were beneficial for both the countries. Man exposed himself and masturbated as people passed his home A pervert seen masturbating at a window in the middle of the afternoon has been handed a three-month prison sentence following a failed appeal. Robert Vorosmarty, originally from Slovakia but now of Thomas Street in Portadown, was found guilty of exposure last November but challenged the conviction. A witness told Craigavon County Court of Appeal he was walking home at around 3pm on October 7, 2022, when he saw two women and their children staring and pointing at a property across the street. When he looked up, he saw a man wearing a blue T-shirt but naked from the waist down doing things he should not have been doing. He said: There were other children in the area at that time. It was 3pm, so it was around the time the schools were finishing. I felt disgusted and couldnt believe what I was seeing with children walking past. I just couldnt believe it. Vorosmarty was arrested after the witness handed a video of the incident to the police. During interviews, he denied the allegations but accepted no one else had keys for or access to the property. Speaking through an interpreter, Vorosmarty told his solicitor: I say only one thing (about the allegations). They are not true, utterly untrue. I would not be doing that. I would never do that. I cannot think of any reason why I would be walking half naked in my room. Judge Patrick Lynch commended the onlooker for recording the video of the incident and for his public-spirited nature in alerting the police and giving evidence. He told the court he was a transparently honest witness, continuing: In my view, there is no possibility that he has made a mistake. The window was the defendants window and I accept entirely that he saw what he says he saw. Judge Lynch confirmed the conviction and imposed a three-month jail sentence. He also ordered Vorosmarty to sign the sex offenders register for seven years. Gardai believe the fire was started at St John's House, a vacant property on High Street in Tallaght, at around 11pm on Tuesday, May 21 A teenager has been charged in connection with an incident of criminal damage by fire at a property in Tallaght, Dublin 24 last week. Gardai believe the fire was started at St John's House, a vacant property on High Street in Tallaght, at around 11pm on Tuesday, May 21. It followed a number of protests in the area recently against the housing of migrants at the vacant building. Emergency services were called to the scene and the fire was brought under control a short time later. A man in his late teens was arrested yesterday on suspicion of causing criminal damage at the property. He has since been charged and will appear in court tomorrow. A garda spokesperson said: The man who was arrested on Saturday 25th May 2024, and was detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, at a garda station in Dublin has since been charged in relation to the incident and is due to appear before Tallaght District Court, tomorrow morning Monday 27th May, 2024 at 10.30am. Investigations are ongoing. Conor James McConville admitted six counts of assaulting police and one of resisting police A thug who spat at, kicked and tried to bite four police officers has been jailed. Conor James McConville admitted six counts of assaulting police and one of resisting police following an incident on Thomas Street in Portadown, Co Armagh on April 27 this year. The 31-year-old, from Portmore Street in the town, appeared at Craigavon Magistrates Court by video-link from prison on Friday. The hearing was told McConville was arrested on the day in question for allegedly attacking a man in his 20s with what appeared to be a glass bottle. Officers also saw him waving around what turned out to be an imitation firearm. As the police attempted to detain him, McConville began spitting, kicking and attempting to bite and urinate on them. While being put into a police vehicle, he attacked four officers, kicking at least one in the face and spitting on two other officers. As they tried to get his legs into the van, he lashed out again, kicking one officer in the face and biting anothers hand. McConville was then placed in limb restraints and taken to hospital. When an officer went to the toilet with him, he attempted to urinate on him, so he was put back into the police van, where he spat on the officer twice. Defence solicitor Chris Logue accepted his client had previous convictions for theft, dishonesty, assault and assaulting police, but he added he had entered guilty pleas at the earliest opportunity. District Judge Michael Ranaghan said McConville had behaved like an animal and sentenced him to seven months in prison. He also told him he was lucky to be alive after confronting the police with an imitation gun. The judge said: He is lucky, so lucky that the police in this jurisdiction do not take the actions some other forces use or he would not be on the video-link today. At the height of the Covid pandemic in June 2020, McConville headbutted an emergency doctor and wrestled with nurses . He was jailed for nine months in that case. This week saw a number of separate incidents in Tallaght around a building earmarked for asylum seekers Video of anti-immigrant agitator subjecting female garda to sick abuse in Tallaght is condemned by Mayor A DISTURBING video of an anti-immigrant agitator subjecting a female gardai to vitriolic abuse calling her an animal and making homophobic slurs has been condemned by the Mayor of South Dublin who said a violent and undemocratic cohort dont speak for the majority of society. This week saw a number of separate incidents in Tallaght around a building earmarked for asylum seekers including a petrol bomb attack, gardai being subjected to threats and abuse and a break-in at the building. One of the incidents where gardai were subjected to abuse was recorded at Tallaght Retail Park this week as people approached the back of the building. In the video, a small group can be heard shouting yis arent f***ing welcome and facilitating the rape of your kids at gardai. One male protestor then becomes extremely abusive towards a female garda as she stops a female protestor who tries to get past the garda line. The male launches into a vitriolic hate filled attack on the female officer saying: She can walk, you fat bitch, you. Get your hands off her you horrible woman, you horrible bastard. Keep your hands off her you horrible bitch, you smelly c**t, you lesbian scumbag, you scummy bitch, go on spit on you, get that uniform off you. Wipe your f***ing a***, you fat c**t, you, it doesnt even fit you. F***ing slagbag. At that point another guard present tells the man to calm down. However, the irate man responds shouting: Calm down, you calm down. Your area, theyre coming to our f***ing area, this is our area. We wont calm the f**k down. He then turns his attention back towards the female guard who he shouts at before he turns to one of her colleagues and says: Control this dog will you, control this bitch, control this one, this is an animal. Control this animal here. Despite making multiple homophobic remarks at the garda, he then starts shouting this is her boyfriend, watch, watch, her boyfriend, as a male colleague speaks to her. The man then returns to making homophobic remarks. An aul d**e she is, an aul d**e. The video ends with the man beginning to walk away as the garda public order unit arrives at the scene. The incidents in Tallaght this week were condemned by South Dublin County Council Mayor Alan Edge yesterday. I think what it says very clearly is there is a violent and undemocratic cohort of people that are acting based on hate and racial hatred. He said it was worrying that people standing for election are affiliated with groups setting fires and threatening and abusing gardai. The firebomb attack was carried out on St Johns House on Main Street in Tallaght at 11pm on Tuesday. The Department of Integration recently confirmed that the International Protection Accommodation Service was considering an offer on using the building to house asylum seekers. Cllr Edge described the arson as an attack on the entire community. You have a number of people living close to St Johns house including some very vulnerable people. You have people throwing petrol bombs, public servants, gardai, firefighters at risk. Its a perverted form of patriotism that puts peoples lives at risk like that. Cllr Edge launched a Charter on Those Seeking Asylum this week to welcome refugees and those seeking international protection, just as Irish migrants have been welcomed the world over for centuries. The charter has been signed by 79 community groups so far. The vast majority of people believe in live and let live. The vast majority of Irish people are fair minded and they are not motivated by hate, said We have 79 groups now signed up to the charter, all of whom represent significant numbers of people, and all of them are taking a stand to say this is not what were about, were about fairness and compassion and kindness. Its really good for them to have that opportunity to take that stand and have their voices heard because there is a risk that they will be drowned out by that very vocal but very small minority of people who go around inflicting violence and threatening our public servants. That is not who we are. Gardai are continuing to investigate Tuesdays arson attack but have made no arrests so far. Separately, two men have already appeared in court charged with breaking into the building on Thursday. She suffered greatly. Despite that suffering, she always did the best she could. Im very proud of her The estranged wife of heroin dealer Tony King Scum Felloni passed away last weekend outliving her drug baron former husband by less than a month. Ann Flynn, who was 74 years old when she died on Saturday last, was this week remembered as a Dublin legend by her brother, Councillor Mannix Flynn. He told how, in spite of the horrific abuse she and her children suffered at the hands of Tony Felloni, Ann had always tried to remain upbeat and did her very best for her family. Ann did not attend her former husband Fellonis funeral earlier this month and was understood to have been in ill health in the lead up to her own passing. Tony Felloni My sister was a super person, Cllr Flynn told the Sunday World this week. And she must have been a superhero to survive as much in her life as she did. She was extremely well loved in Dublin and despite her own problems, was extremely well liked by the gardai, solicitors and the judges who dealt with her cases. She was ill a lot as a result of a hard life that had a serious impact on her health. But despite that, she was a woman who was so full of life. She was a very social and intelligent person, very fashionable and really good performer. She suffered greatly but despite that suffering, she always did the best she could. Im very proud of my sister and Im very sad to see her go. Tony Fellonis coffin at the church in Dublin In June of 1996, in the last interview ever written by murdered journalist Veronica Guerin after Felloni was jailed for 20 years for drug dealing, Ann spoke of how her estranged husband had f**ked up the lives of her and her children. Ann told the Sunday Independent journalist that when she she first met the drug dealer in 1966 she was unaware of his convictions for vice. I was only out of prison myself, she said. I had done a sentence in England for shoplifting. I remember meeting Tony in OConnell Street; he was still dressed in a three-piece suit he got leaving prison. By then, Felloni had already been convicted of procuring young girls for immoral purposes and sentenced to three years imprisonment in 1964. He operated brothels from Dublins tenements on Gardiner Street in Dublins north inner city. Tony Fellonis sons Luigi and Ronaldo at their fathers funeral Girls who had travelled to Dublin looking for work were offered accommodation by Felloni and then forced to become prostitutes to pay for their keep. It emerged at Fellonis trial that the girls were approached by him or those working with him at the GPO on OConnell Street. Conned by his charm and beguiling smile, they happily took up his offer of hospitality. Their lives quickly became living nightmares as he viciously beat those who tried to escape his vice dens. His vice activities came to the attention of gardai, who began an investigation. Anns recollections to Veronica of Felloni in their early years together were both happy and sad. He was vicious with drink and often knocked me about, but then hed be full of remorse, she said. According to Veronicas article, Fellonis criminal activities were part and parcel of his and Anns life. It was the culture they grew up in and one to which they were accustomed. Their friends were fellow criminals and they enjoyed the benefits crime brought. Felloni with John Gilligan Unlike other courting couples who went to the pictures, Ann and Felloni went shoplifting together. Ann has served many prison sentences for shoplifting and also for assaults. The heroin business for which Felloni became notorious began in the early Seventies. This arose through his association with the drug-dealing members of the Dunne family. According to his wife, he saw the money they were making and decided to get into it himself. Anne Flynn Felloni Estranged wife of the lateTony Felloni His heroin income was small in the Seventies but was supplemented, said Ann, by burglaries, tie-ups [robberies where the victim is tied up], warehouse, post office and bank jobs. Despite the fact that Felloni made plenty of money from crime, he was never generous to Ann or any of their seven children. During the interview, Ann showed Veronica the physical scars she bore from the beatings he gave her. The assaults resulted in stitches to her skull after being hit by a hatchet, a scar on her eye where she was hit with a bottle, stitches on her ear from his attempt to bite it off and eight-inch scars on both legs as a result of being thrown through a glass window. Anns brother, Mannix Flynn Veronica put it to Ann that she found it incomprehensible she could have stayed with such a man. Ann responded that she endured a lot of the pain because she herself was a heroin addict for nearly five years. In 1984 I was out of my head on heroin, I didnt know if it was day or night, never mind what he was doing to me, she said. During this period, she became pregnant and gave birth to a son she christened Benito. The baby only survived three days as his liver collapsed because of his mothers heroin habit. Hes f***ed up every one of his own kids so he doesnt give a shite about anyone. The remains of Ann Flynn were cremated following a short ceremony on Friday. Under-threat cartel target mingles openly with mourners at Hutch wake The body of Eddie Hutch Jnr was found last Sunday Patsy Hutch at a wake for his nephew Eddie Jnr Kinahan cartel target Patsy Hutch was among the chief mourners to turn out at a wake for his nephew Eddie Jnr who died in his family home last week. The son of murdered taxi driver Eddie Hutch Snr was reposing at Jennings Funeral Chapel on Amiens Street, Dublin, yesterday ahead of his funeral on Monday. Patsy (63) displayed no evidence he is living in fear of the cartel as he greeted fellow mourners and friends of the Hutch family who had come to pay their respects outside the chapel. Further evidence that the threat from the feud has dissipated came in a lack of any kind of overt Garda presence around yesterdays event. The body of Eddie Hutch Jnr was found last Sunday Patsys nephew Eddie Hutch Junior, who was in his 40s, was found deceased at a house in Portland Place on Sunday last. In a funeral notice posted online, the Hutch family paid tribute to Eddie, stating he was pre-deceased by his dearest parents Neddy and Jenny and his loving brother Christopher (Bouncer). They added Eddie will be deeply missed by his only daughter Megan, his loving brothers Gavin, Alan and Ross, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephew, cousins, extended family and friends. Rest In Peace Eddie, forever in our hearts Eddie Jnr was the son of Patsys brother Eddie Hutch Snr, who was shot dead at his home on Poplar Row, North Strand in Dublin in 2016. Eddie Snr was murdered just three days after the Hutch/Kinahan feud exploded following the murder of Kinahan associate David Byrne in what was then the Regency Hotel on February 5, 2016, in Whitehall in Dublin. The murder of David Byrne, which happened during the botched murder attempt on Kinahan kingpin Daniel Kinahan, was seen as a reprisal attack for the murder of Patsys son Gary. Another cousin, Gareth Hutch, was shot dead as he was getting into his car outside Avondale House flats where he lived on North Cumberland Street in inner-city Dublin on May 24 2016. In 2015 Eddie Hutch Jnr was in the limelight when he won more than 30,000 in cash and prizes on the National Lotterys Winning Streak programme on RTE. He got his younger brother Ross Hutch to spin the wheel for him. Eddie Senior Eddie Hutch had more than 180 previous convictions for crimes, including theft and car break-ins. There was no sign yesterday of Eddies notorious uncle Gerry The Monk Hutch and it remains unclear whether he will attend his nephews funeral on Monday. Its thought gardai will maintain a presence at that event as it takes place at Our Lady of Lourdes Church on Sean McDermott Street. The mass is scheduled to be live-streamed for relatives who cant make it to the ceremony. Yesterday was the second occasion in recent months when Patsy has been photographed in public. Last March, we photographed Patsy alongside his son Patrick as the pair purchased a car at a second-hand dealership in the capital. The father and son were regarded as among the top four targets for the murderous Kinahan cartel alongside Patsys brother Gerry Hutch and loyal lieutenant James Mago Gately. On the night of Sunday, May 26, the aggressor country Russia took a group of Tu-95MS and MiG-31K aircraft, which launched cruise and ballistic missiles at Ukraine in the morning, to the sky. Prior to that, the enemy attacked our country with Shahed-type kamikaze drones. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported by the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. They warned about the work of air defense and urged citizens to take shelter. Thus, at about 23:00 on Saturday, three Tu-95MS strategic bombers took off from the Olenya airfield. After midnight, there were already five planes, and as of 01:15, there were eight. At 02:30, the Ukrainian Air Force reported the launch of cruise missiles from several TU-95MS aircraft in the Engels area. The first enemy targets entered Ukrainian airspace around 03:30. The missiles moved in groups of several waves, and air raid alert covered all regions. In some regions, air defense was reported to be working: the defenders were shooting down both drones and cruise missiles. ADVERTISIMENT After 04:00, a MiG-31K, carrier of Kinzhal ballistic missiles, took off in the Russian Federation (from Savasleyka Air Base, Nizhny Novgorod region of the Russian Federation). Later, they launched these missiles, which moved from the north through Chernihiv region to Starokostiantyniv and Ivano-Frankivsk region. The head of the Vinnytsia Regional Military Administration, Serhii Borzov, confirmed that a residential building was hit during the enemy attack. Three people were injured and refused hospitalization. All specialized services were working at the site of the attack, and residents were evacuated. Monitoring channels note that during this combined attack, the aggressor used: ADVERTISIMENT - X-101/555 cruise missiles, launched from at least four Tu-95s from the Saratov region of the Russian Federation; - Kinzhal (X-47m2) supersonic aeroballistic missiles, launched from MiG-31K; - Shahed-131/136 attack UAVs. "The X-101/555 missiles covered the longest distance of ~2070 km before reaching Starokonstiantyniv, Khmelnytsky region. The missile attack lasted 2 hours and 20 minutes. The UAV attack lasted exactly five hours," the statement said. For reference Olenya is a Long-Range Aviation airfield (since 2011). Previously, it was the airfield of the Russian Navy. It is located on the Kola Peninsula, 92 kilometers south of Murmansk, near the city of Olenegorsk. As a reminder, on Saturday evening, May 25, an air raid alert began to spread across Ukraine. The Russian occupiers have once again launched Shahed-type kamikaze drones. ADVERTISIMENT On the night of May 25, Russian troops attacked Kharkiv with four S-300 missiles. One hit was recorded in the industrial zone, and another missile hit the building of a lyceum. On the morning of May 25, Russians attacked a nearby suburb of Kharkiv with multiple rocket launchers. One person was injured in the attack. Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber . Do not fall for fakes! His social media pages have also been bombarded with threats connected to the case, which he denies Jamie Love (23), who is originally from Carrickfergus, is charged with beating his partner Kathryn Parton (inset) to death on a date between May 9 and 15. Photo: Sunday Life A man charged with the murder of a popular mum is under threat from other inmates in Maghaberry Prison. Since being remanded in custody accused of the Kathryn Kat Parton killing, Jamie Love has been warned that he is at risk. His social media pages have also been bombarded with threats connected to the case, which he denies. Love (23), who is originally from Carrickfergus, is charged with beating his partner to death on a date between May 9 and 15. Her lifeless body was discovered with serious head injuries at her home on Madrid Street in east Belfast on May 15. Kats dad Ernie Parton had gone there after becoming concerned about his daughter, only to find her murdered in a bedroom. Loves mother Suzanne Love (43), with an address at Isoline Street in Belfast but originally from Carrickfergus, is charged with helping to cover up the fatal attack. She denies attempted to pervert the course of justice in that she allegedly removed evidence from the crime scene and attempted to destroy said evidence, namely clothing and footwear. She is also charged with assisting an offender and aiding and abetting a breach of bail. Reece Oliver (22), of Castleton Avenue in Belfast, faces two charges of assisting an offender and aiding and abetting a breach of bail. He denies any wrongdoing. All three were remanded in custody after appearing at Belfast Magistrates Court last Monday. The court heard the exact time of Kat Partons death was not known as her body had lain for some time before being discovered. A police officer said that it may take up to a month to learn how long the mother-of-one lived after the attack. The crime scene was also described, with blood revealed to have been covering Kats body and on the bed and walls. There were also signs of a disturbance, with a television ripped from the wall. The defendants are due to appear in court again via video-link on June 17. Security staff had to intervene during last Mondays court proceedings to stop friends of Ms Parton who were in the public gallery shouting at Jamie Love, Suzanne Love and Reece Oliver. A 37-year-old man was arrested outside and charged with assaulting police and disorderly behaviour. Jade Dempsey ignored multiple warnings from social services about her dangerous boyfriend Cruel mum Jade Dempsey has refused to explain why she left her kids with a child killer despite clear warnings from social services. The 27-year-old walked out of Laganside Courthouse in Belfast on Friday after admitting a single charge of child cruelty arising from the death of her daughter in 2021. Ali Jayden Doyle (2) suffered catastrophic head injuries and died after Dempsey left her in the care of on-off boyfriend Darryn John Armstrong. Armstrong (35) pleaded guilty to the murder of the toddler last week after suffering his second serious beating while on remand in Maghaberry. Jade Dempsey outside Belfast Crown Court on Friday. Picture by Peter Morrison Outside court on Friday, a defiant Dempsey was belligerent with the press despite professing remorse over her daughters death. When asked why she had ignored repeated warnings about Armstrong from social services, including an instruction not to leave the children in his care, she said: You dont know the full story, you dont know the facts. I knew that he was a danger to women, not children. Dempsey, who had been laughing and smiling outside Court 12 prior to her guilty plea, then stormed off while trying to light a cigarette. She will be sentenced on June 28. Jade Dempsey speaks to the Sunday Life outside Belfast Crown Court on Friday, May 24, 2024. The mother of a two-year-old girl who was murdered by her on/off boyfriend admitted a charge of child cruelty. Picture by Peter Morrison Evidence given at a High Court bail hearing shortly after Ali Jaydens death contradicts her claims about her lack of knowledge over the threat her ex posed to kids. The court heard both her children had been placed on the child protection register in April 2021 because of her relationship with Armstrong. Jade Dempsey admitted a charge of child cruelty. (She was) expressly told on a number of occasions that he was to have no access, supervised or unsupervised, with these two children, the hearing was told. The court also heard Dempsey lied to police about how Ali Jayden and her brother had come to be in Armstrongs care on August 6, 2021, because she feared losing custody of the boy, who was later taken into care anyway. Ali Jayden Doyles mother, Jade Dempsey at court today and Ali Jayden Doyle Outside court in Belfast on Friday, Ali Jaydens aunt said Dempsey should never be left in charge of children again. Cathleen Doyle told the Belfast Telegraph: Were just tired of it all and were glad its nearly over. We want to move on with our lives. We hope she gets the stiffest sentence possible and is never allowed to care for another child. We also want the maximum sentence possible for Alis murderer. Justice needs to be done. In total six passengers and six members of the cabin crew reported injuries Twelve people have been injured after a Dublin-bound flight encountered turbulence earlier today. The Qatar Airways flight from Doha experienced turbulence over Turkey and was met by emergency services after landing in Dublin at around 1pm. In total six passengers and six members of the cabin crew reported injuries. Graeme McQueen, Media Relations Manager at daa, the operator of Dublin Airport, said that their team is continuing to provide full assistance to passengers and staff. "Qatar Airways flight QR107 from Doha landed safely as scheduled at Dublin Airport shortly before 13.00 on Sunday. "Upon landing, the aircraft was met by emergency services, including Airport Police and our Fire and Rescue department, due to 6 passengers and 6 crew [12 total] on board reporting injuries after the aircraft experienced turbulence while airborne over Turkey. "The Dublin Airport team continues to provide full assistance on the ground to passengers and airline staff. Last Tuesday in an unrelated incident one passenger died and 30 others were injured after a Singapore Airlines encountered turbulence and was forced to land in Bangkok. A 73-year-old British man died during the incident from a suspected heart attack while seen people were critically injured, some with head injuries. The incidence of peoples deaths going unnoticed has become more prevalent The bungalow near Cloneen, Co Tipperary, where the bodies of Nicholas and Hilary Smith were found in 2022. Photo: Dylan Vaughan. The notice placed in a Manchester newspaper appealing for Alan Moores next of kin to contact Wexford garda station came like a bolt from the blue. It appeared in the Salford Advertiser in 2012, leading Mr Moores siblings to learn the 62-year-old had been found dead in his home in Ireland. The Englishmans body had lain undiscovered at his home in Lower John Street, Wexford town, for up to two months. His family had no idea he was living in Ireland. The last time they spoke to him was when their mother died in 1988 and he attended the funeral. Englishman Alan's Moore's remains lay undiscovered at his Wexford home for up to two months After that, he disappeared from their lives. Relatives tried to contact him, but without success. Mr Moore was found dead by gardai on March 18, 2012. The alarm had been raised by a woman who thought it was strange to see Christmas lights still on in the window. The discovery was met with shock and sadness in the local community. Three months later, gardai found the remains of Philip Knight (52), which had lain undiscovered for weeks in his home in New Ross. Since then, the incidence of peoples deaths going unnoticed has become more prevalent. This week, the body of Joyce Joy OMahony was found in a downstairs room in a house in The Lough in Cork city. Ms OMahony, who was aged in her late 60s, may have lain dead for nearly two years. Her remains were discovered when local residents raised concerns about a pest control problem and a firm investigated. The home in Brookfield Estate, Cork, where Joyce O'Mahony lived. Photo: Google Street View It is the third such death in Cork in recent times. Coroners say they are aware of several similar discoveries in recent years. In general, I would say there are more cases now than there were 20 years ago, south Cork coroner Frank OConnell said. Its related to the way society runs now and the fact that people are being left to their own devices when really they have reached a stage in life where they need care. In January last year, the skeletal remains of Tim OSullivan (62) were found in a boarded-up terraced bungalow in Mallow, Co Cork. An inquest established he had died 22 years earlier, some time between January 9 and January 23, 2001. In June 2022, the bodies of Nicholas Smith (79) and his wife Hilary (82) were discovered in a house in Cloneen, Co Tipperary. Local people assumed they had gone to England, but their bodies were found after a neighbour became suspicious. It is believed they had lain dead in different parts of the property for up to 18 months. A lot of the cases we see are not necessarily elderly people, Mr OConnell said. They are mostly middle-agedpeople 40s, 50s and 60s. Common factors are mental health, drinking, living alone and being on social welfare. The south Cork coroner said his most recent case of this kind was about three weeks ago. It involved a 62-year-old found dead in his apartment, he said. He was only found when Cork County Council went down to investigate unpaid rent. They found an unopened Christmas card with a date stamp of December 18 inside the door. He was dead since then or before it. The man was identified in the media as 61-year-old Mark Watters, from Walkinstown, Co Dublin. He had been living alone in a flat at The Courtyard complex in Castletownbere, where his body was found. In October 2019, Cork city coroner Philip Comyn raised concerns after two similar cases came before his court within a week. They related to elderly people who had been found dead in their homes several months after they had died. The house in Mallow where the body of Mr Timothy O'Sullivan lay undiscovered for more than 22 years. Mr Comyn was speaking at the end of the inquest into the death of 79-year-old George Harrington, who lived in a flat over the Glen Resource Centre in Cork city. Before his death in November 2018, he collected his pension weekly from a post office and regularly picked up prescription medication from a pharmacy. He was found dead in his flat in May 2019. Mr Harrington had been missing for six months, Mr Comyn said. He had been active enough in the community, he had gone to the shop regularly, the post office, and still nobody missed him. There tends to be a commonality [in these cases]. My experience is that in most of these cases these people are reclusive, they have become estranged from their family, not the fault of the family, just the nature of the person and that the family gets rebuffed. There can be other reasons. The neighbour may assume they have gone elsewhere. Mr Comyn said that although he was making a wide generalisation, people know less about their neighbours than they used to. We need strategies around loneliness and isolation. Once people are disconnected, their health and living conditions deteriorate. Campaigner Paddy OBrien, who raised concerns in 2019 about what he called increasing urban isolation following the discovery of Mr Harringtons body, said such cases are happening too frequently. With all these cases, the one in Clonmel, the one in Castletownbere, the one in Mallow, the same things are said, he said. You hear, Oh, they were private, they wanted to keep to themselves, we thought they had gone away. I say to people, dont think anything. Knock on the door because a knock on the door can save a life. More people live alone now than ever before, whether by choice or circumstance. People become estranged from families following separation or divorce. They move to different towns or countries and come and go from neighbourhoods. A large proportion of older people live alone. Many are living longer and out-living relatives. Alone, the charity that supports the elderly, has also previously raised concerns that the problem could become more common. CEO Sean Moynihan said he believes the recent spate of cases is a consequence of the increasing levels of loneliness in society. There has been a massive increase in loneliness in young and old, he said. Every time something tragic like this happens, its the extreme end of loneliness. We need strategies around loneliness and isolation. Once people are disconnected, their health and living conditions deteriorate. There is a big swing with how we deal with communities, friends and neighbours and older relatives. The house in Mallow where the body of Mr Timothy O'Sullivan lay undiscovered for more than 22 years. Photo: Daragh McSweeney/Provision. Mr Moynihan believes the changing face of communities in built-up areas is leaving people who live alone increasingly isolated. Demand for Alones visitation service, when volunteers visit and spend time with older people, is huge. Three or four things have changed in the last 20 years, Mr Moynihan said. During the day, there are much less people in our communities they have gone to work or are at a computer. Places people met each other at post offices, banks some of them arent there any more. We have moved into a digital world that gives us a connection, but loneliness is about an emotional need, and you cant always get that emotional connection digitally. We have an ageing demographic and our family size has hugely shrunk. Some of that informal infrastructure from families is gone, so in a lot of ways we have lost the pillars of what combated loneliness. What was once there naturally, we now have to put services and supports in, and thats the challenge we now face. A security alert is now underway in the area, police have confirmed Police at the scene of a security alert at East Belfast GAA playing fields. Image: Aodhan Roberts/Belfast Telegraph Police are currently at the home of East Belfast GAA after it is understood a suspicious object was found. It is understood the object was found on the Henry Jones Playing Fields at Church Road. A security alert is now underway in the area, police have confirmed. A PSNI spokesperson said: Police are currently at the scene of a security alert at playing fields in the Church Road area of Castlereagh. The playing fields have been closed while searches are carried out. Road users are being asked to avoid the area at this time. A further update will be provided in due course. Government sources yesterday referred to the posts on a self-identified stop antisemitism account as troubling and an incitement to hatred A Palestinian man carries the body of a person killed in an Israeli strike in Gaza. Photo: Reuters The Taoiseach and Tanaiste have been made aware of a troubling US-based social media account which is targeting members of their families, the Sunday World can reveal. The account on X has posted photographs of Simon Harris and Micheal Martin and identified relatives by name at the end of a significant week for foreign relations, in which Ireland formally recognised the state of Palestine. Government sources yesterday referred to the posts on a self-identified stop antisemitism account as troubling and an incitement to hatred but said both leaders were anxious to focus on continued diplomatic developments this week. It is time to take concrete and irreversible steps to implement a two-state solution, Foreign Affairs Minister Mr Martin said in a statement on Friday. None of us have ever seen anything like it before This will be my focus when I meet with European and Arab partners in Brussels in the coming days. Yesterday, Taoiseach Simon Harris said the Government intended to refocus attention on humanitarian aid to Gaza and on securing a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire, followed by peace. However, the Sunday Independent understands both men are concerned about the postings on a social media account which has over 300,000 followers, as it published photographs of and identified children by name. None of us have ever seen anything like it before, one government source said. The Sunday Independent understands that Fianna Fail asked X to remove the posts but was told they were not in violation of X rules. The Taoiseachs office also reported the post and has yet to receive a response from X. The Governments intention now is to renew attention on the situation in Gaza following what has been an extraordinary week during which Ireland, Spain and Norway recognised the state of Palestine. This followed intense diplomatic activities over several months, which are expected to culminate in almost half of all European countries recognising Palestine. A Palestinian man carries the body of a person killed in an Israeli strike in Gaza. Photo: Reuters Last weeks decision is to formally take effect in Ireland, Spain and Norway on Tuesday. In response, Israel warned there would be severe consequences, including a review of Irelands diplomatic, economic and humanitarian activities within Israels borders. However, Israels ambassador to Ireland, Dana Erlich, is expected to remain in Ireland, as is Irelands ambassador to Israel. Sonya McGuinness, Irelands ambassador to Israel, was last week called in to the Israeli foreign ministry, to be reprimanded alongside her Spanish and Norwegian counterparts. I find that totally unacceptable and no way to treat diplomats. It is outside the norm As part of a severe demarche, the three ambassadors were shown videos of Hamas carrying out kidnappings on October 7. Israeli foreign minister Israel Katz claimed Ireland and Mr Harris had rewarded terrorism, a term which was repeated on the US social media account but that account is not believed to be directly associated with the Israeli government. Foreign Affairs Minister Micheal Martin has rejected Israels reprimand. I find that totally unacceptable and no way to treat diplomats, he said. it is outside the norm by which diplomats are treated in any country. In an article yesterday, Mr Harris also said the parading of ambassadors in front of TV cameras in Israel was unacceptable and unnecessary. We have made that known. Taoiseach Simon Harris. Photo: Simon Wohlfahrt/Bloomberg Yesterday government sources said Irelands ambassador Sonya McGuinness was in good form, as was her husband Felim McLaughlin, who is Irelands representative in Ramallah in the West Bank. Yesterday, Israel continued to bomb Gaza, targeting the city of Rafah despite an order from the UNs top court for it to immediately halt its military offensive in the southern city. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered Israel to immediately halt its military offensive, and any other action in Rafah which may inflict on the Palestinian group in Gaza conditions of life that could bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part. It ordered Israel to open the Rafah crossing for unhindered provision, at scale, of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance. And it ordered Israel to ensure the unimpeded access to Gaza of any commission of inquiry, fact-finding mission or other investigative body mandated by competent organs of the United Nations to investigate allegations of genocide. However, Israels continued actions yesterday indicates that it intends to pay no attention to the ICJ. Taoiseach Micheal Martin in his office at Government Buildings. Photo: Steve Humphreys Mr Martin had said: Israel cannot choose to disregard the orders from the ICJ. These are legally binding. They must be complied with. As renewed efforts get underway this week to secure a ceasefire, Mr Martin also said it was his heartfelt hope that we are reaching a turning point in this devastating conflict. He said that all parties must with the utmost urgency intensify efforts to secure an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, and massively scale-up the access and distribution of humanitarian aid. Hamas is not the Palestinian people, just like the IRA was not the Irish people In an article on The Journal news website yesterday, Mr Harris also said: Let me be clear that Ireland condemns Hamas as a terrorist organisation with no good to give to the world. "Let me clear that Ireland calls for Israeli hostages to be immediately returned to the arms of their loved ones. I beg those in Gaza holding hostages to return them home it is not too late for you to do the right thing. Hamas is not the Palestinian people, just like the IRA was not the Irish people. The biggest critics, and those most horrified by the atrocities of the IRA, were inside Ireland and I know the most comprehensive way to defeat Hamas is within a sovereign and functioning Palestine. President Michael D Higgins, who last week met the new Chief Rabbi of Ireland, Yoni Wieder, also said: The Irish people are not antisemitic quite the opposite. A symbol of an enduring and important relationship between the New Zealand Defence Force and Te Arawa iwi has been acknowledged in a ceremony in Rotorua. The Te Arawa Sword of Gallantry for Lance Sergeant Haane Manahi, known as the Manahi Sword, is traditionally given by the iwi to the Chief of Defence Force at the start of their time in office and is returned to the iwi when they relinquish command. The sword honours Lance Sergeant Manahi, DCM, who distinguished himself in the Second World War through exemplary conduct in storming the stronghold of Takrouna, in Tunisia, during the later stages of the North Africa campaign. Vice-Marshal Tony Davies, at a ceremony at Te Papaiouru Marae, in Ohinemutu.The Manahi Sword has been presented back to Te Arawa by outgoing Chief of Defence Force Air Marshal Kevin Short, before being presented to his incoming replacement. On Friday, the sword was presented back to his iwi at Te Papaiouru Marae, in Ohinemutu, by outgoing Chief of Defence Force Air Marshal Kevin Short, before being presented to his incoming replacement, Air Vice-Marshal Tony Davies. I feel incredibly honoured to become the caretaker of this very precious piece of military history, which is also a symbol of enduring respect and close relationships, says Air Vice-Marshal Davies. The Manahi Sword will serve to ground me in my new role as steward of the Defence Force, and the great responsibility I have to the people who serve within our ranks. The Manahi Sword has been presented back to Te Arawa by outgoing Chief of Defence Force Air Marshal Kevin Short, before being presented to his incoming replacement. Photo: Supplied. Outgoing Chief of Defence Force Air Marshal Short says while the sword had sat in pride of place in his Wellington office during his tenure, he had also taken the opportunity to wear the sword in moments of great importance. It was my honour to be a kaitiaki of this taonga, and the very special bond that it signifies between the NZDF and Te Arawa, says Air Marshall Short. The Manahi Sword served as a daily reminder to me that with leadership comes great responsibility, as seen through the example of Lance Sergeant Haane Manahi. I was very proud to wear the sword on a number of special occasions, including events such as royal visits. A powhiri at Tamatekapua meeting house. Photo: Sipplied. The sword was handed back to Te Arawa in the presence of Lance Sergeant Manahis descendants, following a powhiri at Tamatekapua meeting house. Also during the ceremony, the outgoing Warrant Officer of the Defence Force, Warrant Officer Class 1 Mark Titch Mortiboy, handed back a carved patuki, which was then presented to his replacement, Warrant Officer Class 1 Wiremu Moffitt. Before the ceremony, the NZDF delegation visited the soldiers cemetery at Muruika Urupa, and the gravesite of Lance Sergeant Manahi. Incoming Chief of Defence Force, Air Vice-Marshal Davies, will wear the Manahi Sword formally for the first time at a Change of Command Ceremony on Thursday, June 6, at Government House in Wellington. The previous handover in 2018: Background information: Te Papaiouru is the marae of Ngati Whakaue, a hapu (sub-tribe) of Te Arawa iwi, and the marae is closely associated with Lance Sergeant Haani Manahi. A recommendation for a Victoria Cross (VC) was submitted by Lance Sergeant Manahis commander for his actions, but instead he was awarded an immediate Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM). Following his death in 1986, Lance Sergeant Manahis family, the RSA, and the New Zealand Government approached Queen Elizabeth II requesting his recommendation for the VC be reconsidered. The Manahi Sword has been presented back to Te Arawa by outgoing Chief of Defence Force Air Marshal Kevin Short, before being presented to his incoming replacement. Photo: Supplied. As no new medals for the Second World War were able to be awarded after 1949, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II presented Lance Sergeant Manahis family with a truly unique honour inspired by the famous line, 'For God! For King! And for Country!' from the marching song of the 28 (Maori) Battalion. Note: The traditional spelling of 28 (Maori) Battalion, which includes no macron on the word Maori, reflects the spelling used at the time and in historical records. For God was marked by the presentation of an altar cloth for Saint Faiths Church, near Lance Sergeant Manahis burial place. A letter from The Queen acknowledging his bravery represented For King', and a sword presented to Te Arawa by The Queen acknowledged For Country. The sword is displayed in the office of the serving Chief of Defence Force for the duration of their tenure. It is returned to Te Arawa at the conclusion of each Chief of Defence Forces term and is presented to the new Chief of Defence Force by Te Arawa at the beginning of their term in office. Emergency services are responding to a three-vehicle crash in Opotiki and a crash between a car and tractor at Otakiri. Police say they received a report of the crash at about 1.45pm, Sunday, May 26. "Three vehicles were involved in a crash on Waioeka Road, between Clark Cross Road and Matchitt Road," says a police spokesperson. "It doesnt look like anyone was trapped, or seriously injured. Police say there has also been another crash on State Highway 34. "State Highway 34 is blocked by a crash at Otakiri, following a crash between a car and tractor," says a police spokesperson. "The collision happened near the intersection with Hallett Road about 2.15pm." Motorists are advised to expect delays. It is unknown at this stage whether there are any injuries. At the scene? Phone 0800SUNLIVE or email newsroom@thesun.co.nz Current Print Subscribers will be prompted to either login to their current site user account or to create a new one. A confirmation email will be sent when a new user account is created, which must be confirmed within three days in order to provide uninterrupted online access through your Print Subscription. Once the email address is confirmed please provide your Account Number to activate your Print Subscription Service. Between the beginning of the day and 13:00 on May 26, 57 combat engagements took place along the frontline. The Russians are particularly active in their attempts to storm the Pokrovske and Kharkiv directions. ADVERTISIMENT The Ukrainian Defense Forces are responding to these attempts with a tough response. For more details on the current situation on the battlefield, see the report of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine as of 13:00. "Since the beginning of the day, the enemy attacked in the Pokrovsk sector the most. The enemy is also active in the Kharkiv region. Our soldiers are responding to the invaders' assault and offensive actions, destroying infantry and equipment. The total number of combat engagements since the beginning of the day is 57," the report says. Thus, in the Kharkiv sector, Russian occupants conducted eight assault and offensive operations. Six times they were pushed back near Ternova and Lyptsi. Fighting continues in the areas of Vovchansk and Lyptsi: Ukrainian defenders are repelling one enemy attack at a time. ADVERTISIMENT "The enemy launched a total of eight air strikes on the same localities, as well as on the areas of Neskuchne, Zelene and Hlyboke, dropping almost two dozen guided aerial bombs," the General Staff added. In the Kupyansk sector, the enemy attempted to advance 10 times near Synkivka, Novoyehorivka and Nevske. Seven attacks were repelled, combat actions are ongoing. The General Staff calls the situation under control. In the Siversk sector, fighting continues near Bilohorivka. Occupants were firing uncontrolled aerial missiles at the area of Spirne. ADVERTISIMENT Russia-backed militants attempted to attack twice in the Kramatorsk sector - near Ivanivske and Andriivka. Combat continues in the area of the latter. The enemy is actively using aviation in the sector - four air strikes took place in the areas of Druzhba, Chasovyi Yar and Pivnichne. The Pokrovske sector has the highest intensity of enemy attacks to date, with a total of 24 attempts by Russian occupants to improve the tactical situation. Currently, five combat engagements are taking place near Novooleksandrivka and Yasnobrodivka, and one more in the areas of Kalynove, Sokol and Umanske. ADVERTISIMENT ADVERTISIMENT WASHINGTON (AP) An Upstate New York man has pleaded guilty to charges that he snatched away a police officers can of pepper spray during a chaotic clash with officers guarding the U.S. Capitol building during the Jan. 6, 2021 riot. Federal prosecutors said Friday that Troy Weeks, 38, was among a group that tried to overwhelm officers who were blocking an entryway to the building as supporters of former President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol grounds in protest of Trumps election loss. He has pleaded guilty to felony charges of civil disorder and assaulting, resisting, or impeding an officer, as well as a handful of related misdemeanor charges. His attorneys did not immediately return an emailed request for comment. On Jan. 6, Weeks worked his way through a crowd to a line of police stationed at a Capitol entryway, thrusting his hand through a broken window to grab a can of pepper spray from an officer, authorities said. The officer was able to snatch the can back from Weeks as he was pulling his arm through the window, according to court documents. Weeks then pushed past a set of doors and pressed into the line of officers, grabbing onto one of their shields before an officer pepper sprayed him, authorities said. He eventually exited the entryway but returned about 40 minutes later with other rioters to again push against the police line. Weeks remained on the Capitol grounds after his clash with police, and was later recorded on a body camera asking officers why they werent protecting the ballots, according to court documents. Law enforcement used images from the Capitol and matched them with a picture on Instagram to identify Weeks, according to court records. Authorities then traveled to his hometown of Greenville (south of Albany) to find a relative, landlord and co-worker, and eventually obtained bank records and a video of Weeks at an ATM to further identify him. The U.S. Justice Department said more than 1,400 people have been charged for crimes related to the Capitol riot, with their investigation still ongoing. Weeks is scheduled to be sentenced in November. Commissioners of the Syracuse Board of Education crossed a line by having their law firm send a letter to a Syracuse TV station calling attempts to get comment from them harassment and implying it would resort to legal action (Syracuse school board comes under fire for dodging questions from reporters," May 21, 2024). We object to the boards attempt to intimidate the press. Board members should answer hard questions. They should be able to take the heat. If they cant, then dont run for public office. Parents, students, guardians, staff and voters deserve to know where individual board members stand on issues confronting the board the districts poor academic performance, to name just one. Dodging questions is one way to dodge accountability. It is unacceptable for a public body. The editorial board criticized school board members last year for hiding behind a policy that states only the board president can speak to the media. The latest brouhaha comes from board members objecting to being contacted by reporters while they are at work or home. That wouldnt be necessary if they answered reporters questions before or after public meetings and responded to inquiries made through official channels. The elected school board works for the people. Journalists ask questions to inform the people. Thats not harassment. Thats democracy in action. About Syracuse.com editorials Editorials represent the collective opinion of the Advance Media New York editorial board. Our opinions are independent of news coverage. Read our mission statement. Members of the editorial board are Tim Kennedy, Trish LaMonte and Marie Morelli. To respond to this editorial: Submit a letter or commentary to letters@syracuse.com. Read our submission guidelines. If you have questions about the Opinions & Editorials section, contact Marie Morelli, editorial/opinion lead, at mmorelli@syracuse.com DicKy Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: TVPM Posts: 4,047 Thanked: 13,317 Times Re: Regional Interest and Resale Value Trends Era of development boom When the countries actually had their development boom phase plays a role. For example Kuwait was an early developer. It had its boom in the 50s and 60s. You can see it in the old infrastructure and saturated social life. And can see the same in cars too. They have more of proper 60s and 70s muscle cars/sportscars unlike the rest of GCC nations. Qatar actually imports loads of old classics because either they didn't buy when they were new or they rusted off without proper care. KSA had its biggest boom in the late 70s and 80s. Also reflected in the car market. The car sales in 1980s KSA was so huge that the used cars market spilled out well into the late 2000s when stringent fitness tests forced lots of old cars out. My dad bought his first car, a Mazda two door for 500 riyals in the early 80s and sold it for 500 riyals after two years before even getting his driving license. It was almost the Wild West with lax regulations and minimal paper work. UAE had its boom in the 1990s and is continuing till now, so you have more of buyers who started buying during the SUV craze of the late 1990s. Qatar had its economic boom in the late 2000s, so the general age of cars is far younger and they have less cars from the pre-1990s, except for very rich families who could afford to maintain or enthusiasts who import fresh classic/youngtimers from USA. Infrastructure KSA prefers sedans more. There are various reasons for that. The main one being KSA already had well developed road infrastructure from the 1980s itself, at least in Riyadh area and main cities. UAE started building proper road infrastructure only by the late 1990s, while Qatar to my horror didnt have proper dual carriageway highways between their main towns outside of Doha. During my time in Qatar, they were just building a proper highway between Doha and Al Khor, that too for the run up to the 2022 World Cup. Even then felt that the roads in Riyadh made in the 1980s were far more developed and made to a higher standard than the roads made in Qatar in late 2010s. So in KSA, people are used to sedans and will buy SUVs just because they are the latest in fashion not for utility, while in UAE and Qatar they have been used to SUVs far earlier for utilitarian purposes. You will in fact see more 1980s-1990s Jimnys, Pajeros and Landcruisers in Qatar than 1980s Caprice Classics, whereas for the longest time in KSA, SUVs just meant the GMC Suburban and Landcruiser. A point to note is that the distance between big cities in KSA is 500-1000kms, while in rest of GCC nations you could start from one end and reach the other end within 3-4 hours. Rules I first heard of old cars above a certain age being banned in Dubai and Japan. Stricter fitness tests meant Dubai has far more newer gleaming cars while other markets will have a more organic, natural car market with a good mix of old and new cars. Also KSA for a good number of years had a rule that to own a car with 7 seats and above, one had to have more than five members in the family. Not sure if it was just for expats or locals too. So people couldnt just go and buy a large SUV on a whim, hence many settled for an equivalent full size sedan. Social Dubai is far more image conscious than others. Many of my relatives who moved to Dubai from Riyadh post 9/11 bought brand new Lexuses and Cadillacs when they were using normal used cars while staying in Riyadh. Demographics While KSA has the biggest economy, if we look by per capita, Qatar will be at the top, followed by UAE. This reflects in their top selling cars. While Qatar and UAE will have the Landcruiser as top selling car, KSA will have Camry as top selling. Others in the GCC may have Corolla or Hilux as their top selling vehicles. Historical KSA always had a tilt to the USA, while most of the GCC nations tilted to UK. These had many historical reasons which I may have to read up on. Many of the GCC nations were British protectorates and even used Indian rupees till the 1970s, while KSA was kind of independent after Ottoman rule. The British were satisfied with the oil found in Iran (Persia) and Bahrain and didnt believe there was oil in Arabia, while the Americans persevered and discovered the worlds largest oil reserves in KSA. This can be seen in the roads and cars. UAE and Qatar has lots of roundabouts, while it is super rare in KSA. UAE also used to have the Indian style of white and black footpaths/kerbs, while KSA just has grey/cement colour all over like USA. These can be seen in the car choices too. Except for Mercedes Benzes and old Peugeots, I really cant remember seeing European brands regularly on Riyadh roads. Range Rovers are popular in UAE and Qatar, while they are not so popular in KSA. The only Range Rovers/Bentleys/Rolls Royces I have seen on Riyadh roads at the turn of the millennia were by the British embassy or by British expats. UAE has its obsession with the G class, while Saudis just swear by their full size American SUVs. Disclaimer: All these are from my observations and intuitions only and I really dont have any data or sources to point to. Interesting topic and since the GCC market is being discussed let me chime in my two paisa worth of observations.When the countries actually had their development boom phase plays a role. For example Kuwait was an early developer. It had its boom in the 50s and 60s. You can see it in the old infrastructure and saturated social life. And can see the same in cars too. They have more of proper 60s and 70s muscle cars/sportscars unlike the rest of GCC nations. Qatar actually imports loads of old classics because either they didn't buy when they were new or they rusted off without proper care. KSA had its biggest boom in the late 70s and 80s. Also reflected in the car market. The car sales in 1980s KSA was so huge that the used cars market spilled out well into the late 2000s when stringent fitness tests forced lots of old cars out. My dad bought his first car, a Mazda two door for 500 riyals in the early 80s and sold it for 500 riyals after two years before even getting his driving license. It was almost the Wild West with lax regulations and minimal paper work. UAE had its boom in the 1990s and is continuing till now, so you have more of buyers who started buying during the SUV craze of the late 1990s. Qatar had its economic boom in the late 2000s, so the general age of cars is far younger and they have less cars from the pre-1990s, except for very rich families who could afford to maintain or enthusiasts who import fresh classic/youngtimers from USA.KSA prefers sedans more. There are various reasons for that. The main one being KSA already had well developed road infrastructure from the 1980s itself, at least in Riyadh area and main cities. UAE started building proper road infrastructure only by the late 1990s, while Qatar to my horror didnt have proper dual carriageway highways between their main towns outside of Doha. During my time in Qatar, they were just building a proper highway between Doha and Al Khor, that too for the run up to the 2022 World Cup. Even then felt that the roads in Riyadh made in the 1980s were far more developed and made to a higher standard than the roads made in Qatar in late 2010s. So in KSA, people are used to sedans and will buy SUVs just because they are the latest in fashion not for utility, while in UAE and Qatar they have been used to SUVs far earlier for utilitarian purposes. You will in fact see more 1980s-1990s Jimnys, Pajeros and Landcruisers in Qatar than 1980s Caprice Classics, whereas for the longest time in KSA, SUVs just meant the GMC Suburban and Landcruiser.I first heard of old cars above a certain age being banned in Dubai and Japan. Stricter fitness tests meant Dubai has far more newer gleaming cars while other markets will have a more organic, natural car market with a good mix of old and new cars. Also KSA for a good number of years had a rule that to own a car with 7 seats and above, one had to have more than five members in the family. Not sure if it was just for expats or locals too. So people couldnt just go and buy a large SUV on a whim, hence many settled for an equivalent full size sedan.Dubai is far more image conscious than others. Many of my relatives who moved to Dubai from Riyadh post 9/11 bought brand new Lexuses and Cadillacs when they were using normal used cars while staying in Riyadh.While KSA has the biggest economy, if we look by per capita, Qatar will be at the top, followed by UAE. This reflects in their top selling cars. While Qatar and UAE will have the Landcruiser as top selling car, KSA will have Camry as top selling. Others in the GCC may have Corolla or Hilux as their top selling vehicles.KSA always had a tilt to the USA, while most of the GCC nations tilted to UK. These had many historical reasons which I may have to read up on. Many of the GCC nations were British protectorates and even used Indian rupees till the 1970s, while KSA was kind of independent after Ottoman rule. The British were satisfied with the oil found in Iran (Persia) and Bahrain and didnt believe there was oil in Arabia, while the Americans persevered and discovered the worlds largest oil reserves in KSA. This can be seen in the roads and cars. UAE and Qatar has lots of roundabouts, while it is super rare in KSA. UAE also used to have the Indian style of white and black footpaths/kerbs, while KSA just has grey/cement colour all over like USA. These can be seen in the car choices too. Except for Mercedes Benzes and old Peugeots, I really cant remember seeing European brands regularly on Riyadh roads. Range Rovers are popular in UAE and Qatar, while they are not so popular in KSA. The only Range Rovers/Bentleys/Rolls Royces I have seen on Riyadh roads at the turn of the millennia were by the British embassy or by British expats. UAE has its obsession with the G class, while Saudis just swear by their full size American SUVs. Last edited by DicKy : 24th May 2024 at 14:09 . Ukrainian defenders shot down another Russian Su-25 attack aircraft in the Pokrovsk sector of the Donetsk region. This is the eighth case in the last month. ADVERTISIMENT This was reported by soldier Serhii Isaiev on Facebook. According to him, the fighters of the 110th Separate Mechanized Brigade worked effectively to "demilitarize" the enemy. In a report by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine as of 20:30, the military confirmed that today, May 25, a Russian Su-25 attack aircraft was destroyed in the Pokrovsk sector in the Donetsk region. ADVERTISIMENT The day before, it was also reported that anti-aircraft gunners of the 110th Brigade had shot down two Su aircraft in two days. The fighters said they were continuing the genocide of Russian aircraft as promised. The Su-25 is designed to support Russian ground troops over the battlefield day and night with direct visibility of the target, as well as to destroy objects with specified coordinates in any weather conditions. The cost of one reaches about $11 million. Earlier, Aviation expert Anatolii Khrapchynskyi said that Russian troops have begun to use strategic aviation for missile strikes on the territory of Ukraine less. Instead, the occupiers began to actively use tactical aircraft with short- and medium-range missiles such as the X-69 and X-59. ADVERTISIMENT Earlier, On May 17 and 18, Russian planes flying to bomb the Ukrainian border, in particular the city of Vovchansk, accidentally released four aircraft bombs near Shebekino in the Belgorod region of the Russian Federation. One of them damaged the facade of a residential building. Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Google Play Services is core system software that enables key functionality on every certified Android device. There are three types of core device features Google Play services provides: Security and reliability Google Play services helps to ensure the security and reliability of an Android device, and keep devices updated with the latest security features. This includes: Google Play Protect, which can warn users if an app contains known malware. Identification and validation of secure connections, such as allowing a device to safely and automatically recognize and connect to other devices, or share files or apps with Android devices nearby. Protection of apps from fraud and security threats through SafetyNet. End to end encrypted backup of your data when users have a lock screen passcode. Management and protection of your passwords. Developer APIs Google Play services provides developers thousands of continually updated APIs that enable them to deliver high-quality experiences in their apps, such as: Streaming media using Google Cast. Integrating Google Maps to enhance app functionality. Providing accurate location information through the fused location provider when apps have permission to access location. Enabling services that allow developers to build advertising constructs according to user and app settings. Sending timely notifications via a messaging transport layer. Core device services Google Play services enables core services on Android devices. For example: Android's best-selling smartphone manufacturer, Samsung, is reportedly ramping up its outsourcing efforts by increasing production through Chinese companies. As first reported by South Korean tech media The Elec (via Android Authority), this move will see 25% of Samsung's smartphones produced by several original device manufacturers (ODMs) and joint device manufacturers (JDMs) in China this year. Why Is Samsung Outsourcing More Smartphones to China? According to reports, Samsung's decision to outsource a major chunk of its smartphone production is driven by a need to cut costs and remain competitive in the budget phone market. According to market analyst firm Canalys, Samsung now leads the 2024 smartphone market with a 20% share, driven by consumer optimism from the introduction of Galaxy AI, while Apple came in second with a 16% share, facing challenges in strategic markets such as China. By leveraging the lower production costs in China, Samsung aims to deliver more affordable smartphones to its customers. This strategy, however, raises concerns about the potential impact on quality and design. Samsung Aims to Produce 270 Million Smartphones This Year While rival Apple has been slowly moving its production away from China in recent years to establish new factories in India and Southeast Asia, Samsung is doubling down on Chinese smartphone makers. This year, Samsung plans to increase its production through Chinese ODMs and JDMs from 44 million units last year to 67 million units. This increase represents a substantial rise from the 6-7% of Samsung's total production that was outsourced to ODMs up until 2019. Samsung aims to produce 270 million smartphones in 2024, with outsourced units accounting for 25% of this production goal. Chinese manufacturers, including Wingtech, Hwaqin, and Longcheer, will handle a significant portion of Samsung's production, with Wingtech producing 10-11 million units, Hwaqin 5 million units, and Longcheer 3 million units.. In addition to Chinese manufacturers, Samsung will also outsource 28 million units to factories in Vietnam, specifically to Hansol Technics and Dreamtech, which have previously handled Samsung's production. Read Also : Samsung Galaxy Z Fold6 to See Single Model Release? Reports Suggest A Closer Look Android Authority tells us that Samsung's outsourcing strategy has been evolving since 2019, when the company first began using ODMs to cut costs for its budget phones. The decision to significantly increase outsourcing in 2024 continues this trend, aiming to enhance the company's competitive edge in the affordable smartphone market. This move predominantly affects the production of Samsung's budget smartphones. High-end models will continue to be produced in-house to maintain the company's standards for quality and design. Examples of outsourced models include the Samsung Galaxy A03s, which have been noted for their good battery life but have been criticized for their cheaper construction and laggy performance. By outsourcing to ODMs and JDMs, Samsung collaborates closely with these manufacturers. While ODMs take on both product design and parts procurement, JDMs involve Samsung in the design process and parts procurement, allowing the company to retain some control over production. Stay posted here at Tech Times. Glass Lewis urged Tesla shareholders to reject Elon Musk's $56 billion pay deal. The proxy advisory company opposed the pay agreement due to its "excessive size" and dilutive impact upon exercise, and its concentration of ownership. Glass Lewis noted Elon Musk's many challenging endeavors, notably his recent purchase of Twitter, now X, according to Reuters. Tesla's board of directors' remuneration package has been criticized for its substantial links to Musk. The package has no salary or cash incentive and awards are based on Tesla's market value exceeding $650 billion over 10 years from 2018. LSEG values Tesla at $571.6 billion. Elon Musk sought to move Tesla's incorporation state to Texas after Delaware's Court of Chancery Judge Kathaleen McCormick nullified the first compensation package in January. Glass Lewis questioned this decision for "uncertain benefits and additional risk" for shareholders. Elon Musk Deserves the Massive Pay, Tesla Claims Tesla wants shareholders to approve the payment again. Tesla board chair Robyn Denholm told the Financial Times that Musk deserves the compensation package. Since Elon Musk became Tesla CEO in 2008, he helped the firm recover from a $2.2 billion deficit in 2018 to a $15 billion profit and a sevenfold increase in vehicle production, according to Vote Tesla. Glass Lewis also advised shareholders to vote against Kimbal Musk, Elon Musk's brother, and former 21st Century Fox CEO James Murdoch. Glass Lewis said shareholders faced "uncertain benefits and additional risk" from the move. The proxy counsel also advised shareholders to vote against Kimbal Musk, Elon Musk's brother, and former 21st Century Fox CEO James Murdoch. Tesla's annual meeting is set on June 13. According to Bloomberg, The corporation recruited a strategy advisor to encourage retail investor involvement in the package. Elon Musk's $56 billion compensation deal is possibly the biggest package for a CEO in corporate America. Read Also : Samsung Plans to Outsource 25% of Smartphone Production to Chinese Companies Sour Relationship Between Elon Musk and Tesla Investors Numerous signatories to Monday's petition addressed an open letter to Tesla's board over a year ago, raising concerns about Elon Musk's various commitments and seeking a meeting with board chair Robyn Denholm. The group said Denholm never replied. Despite Musk co-founding Tesla, they had significant disagreements in the past and present. as prevoisly reported by TechTimes, Tesla's earlier tease about going public caused a major disaster for years before it became a case, showing how Musk is scrutinized even by his shareholders. Tesla shareholders blamed Elon Musk's purchase of Twitter, now X, for its underperformance. They highlighted that the board gave Musk a large CEO remuneration to keep him focused on Tesla's long-term performance. Tesla's sales patterns and dismal first-quarter statistics also worried the shareholder coalition in their letter. They noted that despite Tesla's floundering performance, the Tesla board "has yet to ensure" that the world's top EV maker "has a full-time CEO" focused on the firm's "long-term sustainable success." Max Tegmark, a major artificial intelligence advocate and scientist, warns that big tech is deflecting from AI's deadly threat. Tegmark said at the AI Summit in Seoul that focusing on safety rather than AI's ability to kill slows regulation. Tegmark likened it to Enrico Fermi's 1942 nuclear reactor innovation, which led to nuclear weapons. "AI models passing the Turing test are a similar warning," he remarked, citing Geoffrey Hinton and Yoshua Bengio's concerns, according to The Guardian. After OpenAI's GPT-4 debut last year, Tegmark's Future of Life Institute recommended a six-month hiatus on advanced AI development. Professional support did not lead to any pause. AI conferences like Seoul's have led to regulatory debates, but Tegmark says corporate pressure has turned the focus away from the most serious concerns. Tegmark also compared big tech firms' lobbying efforts with "how tobacco companies delayed smoking regulations." He called for prompt action due to public concern and the need for government-imposed safety standards. Research: AI Could Lead to Human Extinction Max Tegmark's warning comes after a government-commissioned assessment indicated that AI might represent an "extinction-level threat to the human species," as reported by Time. The publication reported in March that it acquired a document warning that AI research poses urgent and rising national security dangers, likening instability to nuclear weapons. It shows the potential of artificial general intelligence (AGI), a hypothetical technology that might handle most activities beyond human levels within five years, according to several researchers. Three researchers wrote "An Action Plan to Increase the Safety and Security of Advanced AI," consulting over 200 government officials, experts, and workers from OpenAI, Google DeepMind, Anthropic, and Meta. The skewed incentives in these corporations' decision-making are problematic. Key suggestions include banning AI model training over a new federal AI agency-determined computer power level. This agency would force AI businesses to get government approval before training and deploying new models. The study also suggests strengthening AI chip manufacturing and export rules, as well as increasing federal support for AI safety research. Challenges in Regulating AI The initiatives may meet political obstacles. Greg Allen, the director of the Wadhwani Center for AI and Advanced Technologies at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, maintains his skepticism about the implementation of these recommendations due to the current policy's preference for transparency and regulation over AI training limits. Notably, the Superalignment team at OpenAI, responsible for managing existential concerns arising from superhuman AI systems, has dissolved, as previously reported by Gizmodo. The team's founders, Ilya Sutskever and Jan Leike, resigned simultaneously. The July 2023 Superalignment team sought to prevent superhuman AI systems from becoming rogue. Wired claims that OpenAI will include the team's duties in its study. John Schulman, cofounder of OpenAI, will lead research on the dangers of advanced AI models. Jan Leike announced his OpenAI resignation on X, formerly Twitter. He highlighted recurrent clashes with business leadership over basic principles and the team's struggles to get computing resources for vital research. OpenAI must prioritize security, safety, and alignment in AI development, Leike said. The brutal attacks by Russia, which have resulted in numerous casualties among Ukrainians, have caused most of our people to develop anger and hatred for everything Russian. Russia's crimes and aggression have made it difficult for many Ukrainians to even speak Russian. ADVERTISIMENT This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky during an interview with journalists from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan. The interview took place on the ruins of a printing house in Kharkiv that was destroyed by a Russian strike. One of the journalists present at the meeting with Zelensky asked him to answer questions in Russian. This way, she explained, it would be possible to avoid inaccuracies in translation for people living in Central Asia. After all, many of them are fluent in Russian. In response, Zelensky admitted that Russia's crimes have formed a strong rejection of everything Russian, including the language of the aggressor state, among many Ukrainians. ADVERTISIMENT "You know, at some point it became very difficult for us to even speak Russian. Of course, people here know Ukrainian, Russian, and English. And young people in general already know many languages, they are very educated, and I am very happy about this... Here's an example. For example, these are the daily attacks of the country of Russia, which Kharkiv residents have considered a friend and neighbor for many years. We are in a printing house, that's what's left," the president drew the attention of his interlocutors to the ruins and ashes of the printing house destroyed by Russia, where the meeting was held. ADVERTISIMENT Zelensky reminded that seven employees, mostly women, were killed and more than 20 people were injured in the printing house as a result of the Russian attack on May 23. "Basically, everyone knows, everyone is talking, but, you know, the hatred and anger towards everything Russian because of all these deaths is there. And we have to recognize it. Even though we are simply-quite rightly-defending our country, our homes and people, our children. It doesn't always work out. In fact, you are witnessing this," the head of state again pointed to the ruins around him. Zelensky also noted that after the start of Russia's full-scale aggression, Ukrainians' attitude toward Belarus changed, as Russian troops entered Ukraine from the territory of this country and Russian missiles flew into Ukraine. At the same time, according to the head of state, Ukrainians still treat the people of this country with respect. ADVERTISIMENT Earlier, the President of Ukraine said that Russia was gathering a new group of troops on the border northwest of Kharkiv and preparing an offensive. Meanwhile, Major Oleksiy Hetman, a reserve officer in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, calls an offensive by the Russian army in Sumy region very likely. He assumes that the enemy will either attack the border in small groups or try to create bridgeheads there, just like in Kharkiv region. Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes! Bratislava, May 26 (TASR) - Premier Robert Fico's (Smer-SD) condition has been developing in line with prognoses set by his medical team. He will undergo further medical checks on Monday (May 27), the Roosevelt Hospital in Banska Bystrica, where Fico is being treated, posted on a social network on Sunday. Fico was seriously injured by multiple gunshots fired by a 71-year-old man after an away-from-home session of the government in the town of Handlova (Trencin region) on May 15. The perpetrator was remanded in police custody by the Specialised Criminal Court. Mexico City records highest-ever temperature of 34.7 C Mexico City, May 26 (AFP) May 26, 2024 Mexico City recorded its highest-ever temperature on Saturday when thermometers hit 34.7 degrees Celsius (94.46 degrees Fahrenheit) as a deadly heatwave scorches the country. The "highest temperature since records have been kept" was recorded Saturday afternoon at the Tacubaya observatory, the National Meteorological Service said. The previous record of 34.4 degrees Celsius was observed the day before at the same station in the capital, the weather service added. Mexico has recorded 48 deaths due to intense heatwaves hitting the country since March, the government said on Friday. More than 950 people have suffered various health effects over the same period, as of May 21, according to the health ministry. The eastern coastal state of Veracruz recorded the highest number of deaths, with 14, followed by Tabasco, San Luis Potosi and Tamaulipas with eight each. Last year, Mexico reported a record 419 heat-related deaths in the hot season, which runs from March to October, in a country of 129 million people. It is not just humans that are suffering -- in southern Mexico dozens of howler monkeys have dropped dead, apparently due to the heat. - 'Warmest year in history' - Scientists from the National Autonomous University of Mexico warned on Wednesday that in the next two weeks intensifying heat could bring new record temperatures to the capital. This year is on course to be "the warmest year in history," Francisco Estrada, coordinator of the university's Climate Change Research Program, said at a press conference. Mexico City, which sits at 2,240 meters (7,350 feet) above sea level, has traditionally enjoyed a temperate climate and few homes have air conditioning. But the capital has repeatedly seen fresh high-temperature records this hot season, with the mercury reaching then-records of 34.3 C on May 9 and 34.2 C on April 15. The intense heat -- which has emptied stores of bottled water and ice packs in the capital and its metropolitan area, where about 22 million people live -- combined with the scarce wind, has triggered pollution in the megacity where around 6.5 million vehicles circulate. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has described this year's heat as "exceptional." "It's a very regrettable natural phenomenon related to climate change," he said. Thousands flee as cyclone barrels towards Bangladesh Patuakhali, Bangladesh, May 26 (AFP) May 26, 2024 Tens of thousands of Bangladeshis left their coastal villages Sunday for concrete storm shelters further inland as the low-lying nation prepared for the expected landfall of an intense cyclone, officials said. Cyclone Remal is set to hit the country and parts of neighbouring India on Sunday evening, with Bangladesh's weather department predicting crashing waves and howling gales with gusts of up to 130 kilometres (81 miles) per hour. Cyclones have killed hundreds of thousands of people in Bangladesh in recent decades, but the number of superstorms hitting its low-lying, densely populated coast have increased sharply of late -- from one a year to as many as three -- due to the impact of climate change. "The cyclone could unleash a storm surge of up to 12 feet (four metres) above normal astronomical tide, which can be dangerous," senior weather official Muhammad Abul Kalam Mallik told AFP. Authorities have raised the danger signal to its highest level, warning fishermen against going to the sea and triggering an evacuation order for those in vulnerable areas. "Our plan is to evacuate hundreds of thousands of people from unsafe and vulnerable homes to the cyclone shelters," the government's disaster management secretary Kamrul Hasan told AFP. The authorities have mobilised tens of thousands of volunteers to alert people to the danger. He said some 4,000 cyclone shelters have been readied along the country's lengthy coast on the Bay of Bengal. The state-run Bangladesh Meteorological Department said Cyclone Remal would make landfall Sunday between 6:00 pm and midnight (1200-1800 GMT). In addition to the villagers and fishermen, many of the multi-storey centres have space to shelter their cattle, buffaloes and goats, as well as their pets. "Some 78,000 volunteers have been mobilised to alert coastal people and evacuate the vulnerable people," Hasan said. Helal Mahmud Sharif, the chief government administrator of Khulna province, told AFP some 20,000 people had been evacuated to shelters in the most vulnerable coastal regions. Another 15,000 people and about 400 domesticated animals have been evacuated in the coastal Patuakhali and Bhola districts. On the low-lying Bhashan Char island, which is home to 36,000 Rohingya refugees from Myanmar, 57 cyclone centres have been readied, deputy refugee commissioner Mohammad Rafiqul Haque told AFP. The country's three seaports and the airport in the second-largest city Chittagong were closed, officials said. At least nine dead in US tornadoes, storms Washington, May 26 (AFP) May 26, 2024 At least nine people were killed across the central United States as tornadoes and other extreme storms hit several states including Texas, Arkansas and Oklahoma, officials said Sunday. Rescue efforts were ongoing and hundreds of thousands of people were without power after the storms struck the Southern Plains region beginning late Saturday. In Texas, Cooke County Sheriff Ray Sappington told ABC affiliate WFAA that five people were dead after a tornado ripped through the Valley View area, north of Dallas. "Sadly, I think that number will rise," Sappington told The Weather Channel, adding that search and rescue operations were ongoing. The twister destroyed homes and a gas station, and overturned vehicles on an interstate highway. Sappington called the damage "pretty extensive." There had been "a lot" of injuries, though none there were life-threatening, he earlier told ABC affiliate WFAA. In Oklahoma, at least two people were dead after a tornado hit Mayes County late Saturday, the county head of emergency management Johnny Janzen told the Fox News affiliate in Tulsa. And in northern Arkansas, two people were killed in storms in the early hours of Sunday, local authorities confirmed. As far north as Indiana, the start of the Indianapolis 500 was delayed Sunday due to storms in the area, with fans asked to exit the bleachers and seek shelter. A crowd of 125,000 was expected for the race, one of the most emblematic car races in America. As the storm system moved across the country, some 470,000 people were without power in states stretching from Texas to Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Kentucky, according to the website Poweroutage.us. Tornado alerts were still active in several places. At least 14 dead in US tornadoes, storms Houston, May 26 (AFP) May 26, 2024 At least 14 people were killed across the central United States as tornadoes and other extreme storms hit several states including Texas, Arkansas and Oklahoma, officials said Sunday. Rescue efforts were ongoing and hundreds of thousands of customers were without power after the storms struck the Southern Plains region beginning late Saturday. In Texas, Cooke County Sheriff Ray Sappington told a press conference that seven people were dead after a tornado ripped through the Valley View area, north of Dallas, according to local ABC affiliate WFAA. Search and rescue operations were ongoing. The twister destroyed homes and a gas station, and overturned vehicles on an interstate highway. Sappington called the damage "pretty extensive," in an interview with The Weather Channel. In Oklahoma, at least two people were dead after a tornado hit Mayes County late Saturday, the county head of emergency management Johnny Janzen told the Fox News affiliate in Tulsa. And in Arkansas, five people were killed in storms in the early hours of Sunday, authorities confirmed to local ABC station KATV. Power lines and trees were downed, and some areas experienced flash flooding. As far north as Indiana, the start of the Indianapolis 500 was delayed for several hours Sunday due to storms in the area, with fans asked to exit the bleachers and seek shelter. A crowd of 125,000 was expected for the race, one of the most emblematic car races in America. As the storm system moved across the country, nearly 490,000 customers were without power in states stretching from Texas up to Kansas and east to Ohio and Kentucky, according to the website Poweroutage.us. Tornado alerts were still active in several places. King of Morocco Mohammed VI has sent a letter of congratulations to the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of May 28 - Azerbaijan Independence Day, Azernews reports. The letter reads as follows: His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Excellency, My Dear Brother, As the Republic of Azerbaijan celebrates its National Day, it gives me great pleasure to send you, on my own behalf and on behalf of the Moroccan people, our warmest congratulations, along with our best wishes for good health and happiness. I also wish your people further progress and prosperity under your wise leadership. I would like to take this opportunity to express how much I value the special relations rooted in close friendship between our countries. I know Your Excellency is as keen as I am to broaden and diversify our ties in all sectors for the mutual benefit of our peoples. Yours sincerely, Mohammed VI King of Morocco Four hundred years ago, a group of emigrants from what is now the Netherlands settled on the southern tip of the island of Manhattan. They settled there and founded New Amsterdam. In 1664, the English took possession of the settlement, which grew into New York City. For the Lenape people, the original inhabitants, colonization meant the loss of their lands and their near total disappearance: today only about 20,000 of their descendants remain. The latter are now seeking an apology and compensation from the Dutch government, supported by an exhibition at the Amsterdam Museum that illustrates a colonial period that has received less attention than other former Dutch colonies in modern-day Suriname (South America), the Caribbean and Indonesia. The Amsterdam Museum and the Museum of the City of New York, together with representatives of the heads of the four Lenape Nations, have joined forces to organize the exhibition, called Manahahtaanung or New Amsterdam? The Indigenous Story Behind New York. Through objects, clothing, historical documents and testimonial videos, the voice of a community is recovered that returns 400 years later to engage in dialogue because with colonization we lost connection with our land and our culture, and language suffered, explains Brent Stonefish, a member of the Delaware Nation, one of the four Lenape. Stonefish has traveled to the Netherlands in search of an official apology and a form of reparation, and notes that compensation can translate into support for language conservation and social development. The other three branches of their people are the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation, the Ramapough Lenape Nation, and the Munsee-Delaware Nation. The effects of that process continue to this day and have generated, among other problems, poverty and a lack of self-esteem. The four Lenape nations are federally recognized by the United States government. Map of New York showing the names of the native tribes (1614), belonging to the National Archives of the Netherlands, in an image provided by the Amsterdam Museum. Nationaal Archief The exhibition is, in a way, the inverse model of cultural diplomacy used by countries to promote themselves abroad. The Lenape emphasize that they have resisted and that the museum exhibition makes it easier to talk about the past. The difficulty of this exercise lies in the fact that there are two unequal sides. On the one hand, the Dutch State, and on the other, four nations that consider themselves sovereign but lack representation in international institutions to endorse this view. Lets go step by step. The Netherlands apologies should translate into actions. Into being able to heal a community for the injustices suffered by our ancestors. The Lenape lived on the Atlantic coast, in the northeast of what is now the United States. The men fished and hunted and the women dedicated themselves to agriculture. Their dome-shaped houses were covered with tree bark and they also built large wooden structures. In 1609, the Dutch East India Company commissioned the English explorer and navigator Henry Hudson to search for a possible northeastern passage to Asia. He had already tried to find that route on two previous occasions at the request of English merchants, so he embarked on the ship Halve Maen (Half Moon), of which there is a replica in the exhibition. When he had to quit the voyage due to storms, he changed course even though he had agreed with Amsterdam that he would return if he encountered problems. He started looking for a northwest passage, and what he ended up finding was the river, the bay and the strait that bear his name today. He also explored the coast of New Jersey and anchored off Manhattan Island. He also mapped the Arctic region, facilitating the polar expeditions of the 18th and 19th centuries. A 19th-century replica of the Halve Maen, belonging to the collection of the Amsterdam Museum. Monique Vermeulen AHM In 1624, Dutch settlers, called by the Lenape the people of salt because they emerged from the ocean, brought there by another Dutch firm: the West India Company to populate the colony. They were about 30 Protestant families from France and what is now Belgium, persecuted for their Calvinist religious beliefs. Over time, the settlers included other Europeans, as well as enslaved or indentured people. A year later, Fort Amsterdam was built near the island of Manhattan, later converted into the city of New Amsterdam. In the National Archives of the Netherlands there is a letter dated November 5, 1626 and written by Pieter Schaghen, which reported the purchase of the island of Manhattan from the natives. Dutch merchants bought it for 60 guilders, the note reads. At the current exchange rate it would be about $24, according to archival sources, and there arose the legend that Manhattan was purchased at that price. The Lenape were unaware of the land trade, and what possessing land meant for a European; for the indigenous community it must have meant nothing more than the granting of a temporary use permit. They did not renounce living in their ancestral territory, but they were forcibly removed from their home. They massacred us. Thinking that our ancestors sold our land for trinkets like this is a way of saying that they were primitive, uncivilized and unintelligent. Recognizing that this was a mistake [on the part of the Netherlands] would allow our ancestors to rest, says Stonefish. He also says that if there had been a clear sales agreement, a wampum would have been composed. It is a string of beads that represents a treaty. Two ribbons have been placed in one of the display cases with the intention of completing it as a symbol of a new understanding. 'A map of ye mighty Hudson River' (1958), by Coulton Waugh, at the Amsterdam Museum. A wall was built around New Amsterdam to keep out the natives and also the English. Over time, the wall became Wall Street, and Manahahtaanung became Manhattan. Part of the Lenape trade route (Wickquasgeck) became Brede weg and later Broadway in English, according to the National Museum of the American Indian, part of the Smithsonian Institution. The colonial situation changed in March 1664 when King Charles II of England gave the lands to his brother, the Duke of York, at a time when peace reigned between the two countries. They had been at war before and they would fight again later. When several English ships arrived in the port of New Amsterdam that same year, Peter Stuyvesant, the colonys director general, surrendered and handed it over. In 1667, by virtue of the Treaty of Breda, the Dutch renounced New Amsterdam in exchange for Suriname, which was in English hands. From then on, New Amsterdam was renamed New York. The Museum of the City of New York will present a follow-up exhibition in 2025. According to Monxo Lopez, one of its curators, there was a cultural aspect and a political aspect because the Lenape told us that they were seeking to establish diplomatic relations with the Netherlands. Most of the pyramids of ancient Egypt are clustered in a narrow strip of desert that stretches along the foothills of the countrys western desert plateau. It is taken for granted that these monumental structures were built near waterways that facilitated the transport of building materials and labor. But today the Nile, which is the only river that waters this inhospitable land, flows miles away. And its ancient branches, including the one that should explain the concentration of pyramids in a strip that is now in the middle of the desert, remain poorly understood. In an attempt to solve this enigma, a team of researchers from several countries recently identified segments of a major extinct branch of the Nile, which they have dubbed the Pyramid Arm, that runs precisely through the area. Using satellite radar imagery, deep soil drilling and geophysical analysis, the group has been able to study the part of the Nile Valley next to the pyramids. And after extensive research, published last week in Nature, they argue that this branch of the river was fundamental to the construction of the iconic Egyptian structures. The discovery of this ancient branch, near the site of the pyramids, indicates that it indeed played a key role in the transport of the huge building materials and workers needed for their construction, says Mahfooz Hafez, of the National Research Institute for Astronomy and Geophysics of Egypt (NRIAG) and one of the members of the team. In the opinion of the specialist, the extinct arm was part of a river transport superhighway. Over the last millennia, the landscape of the Nile Valley as it passes through Egypt has undergone major changes. The study notes that about 12,000 years ago, during the so-called African humid period, the arid Sahara Desert became a savanna-like environment with extensive river systems due to a global rise in sea levels. At that time, the Nile had secondary branches running through its alluvial plain, and human life was not yet concentrated in the valley due to high water levels. This wet phase in the region gradually came to an end around 5,500 years ago, pushing more and more people to move to higher ground on the edges of the Nile Valleys alluvial plain, which was still bathed by several meandering branches of the river. During that transition came the period of Egypts Old Kingdom, around 2,600 B.C., when the first pyramids were built. Then, as now, the Nile was the main source of life for Egypt. But with the passage of time, and the gradual desertification of the region, its central course continued to move towards its base and its secondary branches dried up, abandoning ancient human settlements in increasingly remote latitudes. Where exactly those branches of the Nile flowed and what they looked like, however, remains partly a puzzle. Studies have been carried out in the past to try to locate these ancient branches of the Nile, and recent research had detected a river branch and a marsh-like environment at the foot of the pyramids of Giza. The recently published work reinforces the existence of a long-lost river branch, and it is the first to provide a map of that environment in the desert belt where the pyramids are concentrated. It also provides new clues as to why they were erected in their current locations and how the ancient Egyptians accessed their complexes. Studies had been conducted to uncover ancient buried channels of the Nile, but this time we turned our attention to understanding the relationship between the river and the pyramids, and why they are all distributed on the west bank of the Nile, says Hafez. In search of lost temples By analyzing radar images, researchers have been able to identify that the Pyramid Arm was located between 2.5 and 10 kilometers (1.5-6.2 miles) west of the modern course of the Nile. It was between two and eight meters deep, 200 to 700 meters wide, and stretched for about 64 kilometers (40 miles), bordering some 30 pyramids. The pyramids of ancient Egypt were built in complexes with other structures, including a relatively remote temple on the banks of a body of water connected to the rest by a causeway. The study notes that these temples acted as river ports, and has determined that the five that have partially survived to the present day are located along the banks of what was the river branch of the pyramids, and that all the causeways run perpendicular to its course. The researchers point out that the finding could help to locate other temples that remain buried. We believe it will open the door to excavation along the Pyramid Arm to uncover more archaeological sites and perhaps lead to a major find in the future, notes Hafez. The researchers also propose that the location of these temples may prove useful in determining the evolution of the water levels of the branch. The rhomboid pyramid and the red pyramid at the Dahshur complex, south of Cairo, are located deep in the desert, and radar data reveal that their temple-port stood opposite the bank of an extinct channel of the Pyramid Arm. In contrast, the pyramids of the Fifth Dynasty, circa 2,500 to 2,350 B.C., are located at low altitudes and closer to the alluvial plain, indicating low water levels. The causeways of the great pyramids of Giza, on the other hand, flow into a sort of fluvial bay that connects with the Pyramid Arm, and the largest of the three, the great pyramid of Cheops, seems to connect directly with the recently located branch of the river. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Elisha Matthews lives on the Brisbane River, and often travels by ferry. But when she gets off at North Quay, theres a good chance she wont be able to take the public lift into the CBD. This lift is so unreliable, its broken down at least seven times this year. One outage lasted two months. The lift near the North Quay terminal in Brisbane has been out of action for 73 days this year alone. Credit: Matt Dennien All up, its been out of action on 73 days almost half the year so far. Sometimes the lift is stuck at the bottom or top and wont respond to the button. Other times, its doors open and close repeatedly. Not many schools can say they have their own wine label. Upper Yarra Secondary College will launch its first bottle this week, five years after principal Scott Tully had a self-confessed crazy idea to plant a one-acre vineyard behind the school oval. Upper Yarra Secondary College teacher Marcus Cook with students Jess Wells, Aussie Rayner and Rylan Fulford. Credit: Joe Armao The Junction Street Vineyard & Co pinot noir will be stocked in 25 outlets and is the culmination of the work of about 40 students who have completed the schools certificate II in wine industry operations since 2019. Being a school in Victorias premier wine-making district, the vineyard struck Tully as a no-brainer to give students the chance to acquire meaningful work in the local area. I was trying to say that we didnt explain it well enough, she later said. I take full responsibility for that. Our members are intelligent men and women, they are well-educated and have extraordinary skills and work in very complex environments. Loading At a statewide meeting at Festival Hall on Monday, the mood shifted from jubilant to hostile as about 3000 public-sector nurses and midwives digested the deal. It included cash payments for staff and new allowances and was detailed in a 48-page slideshow projected onto a large screen. In a dramatic show of hands which left Fitzpatrick looking visibly shaken members turned down the deal she had expected they would approve. The union will meet Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas and Treasurer Tim Pallas on Monday to try to thrash out a new deal. We will do everything we can to regain the faith of those who say they have lost it, Fitzpatrick said. We will deliver at our next meeting an outcome that provides clarity. Bed closures and walkouts were still triggers that could be pulled if necessary, she said. That has done little to placate union members, many of whom remain furious at the union and its leader. Michael, a nurse at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, said nurses and midwives had been expected to vote for a pay deal when they were given no clarity about what their wage increase would be over the next four years. He said it was disappointing that his unions leaders had not read the room. We feel like we havent been listened to. We feel like the leadership has let us down, said Michael, who asked that his surname not be used due to fears he could be targeted by the union. Some in the crowd at Festival Hall had been handing out CFMEU site allowance sheets and asking why construction workers holding up traffic signs were paid more than a nurse with six years of university training. At no point could they tell us clearly what is the percentage yearly wage increase for the average nurse, Michael said. He said it could be months before the Fair Work Commission case was determined and that union members resented in effect being called stupid. Ive worked in ICU, I have a masters, and I can calculate the metered oxygen requirements for someone getting into an induced coma to keep them alive, Michael said. We lived and worked through COVID, while she pulls in $310,000 a year. RMIT industrial law expert Professor Anthony Forsyth said it was unusual, but not unprecedented, for union members to vote down a deal that had been supported by union leadership. He said while the state government was sticking with its wage cap of 3 per cent per annum across the public sector, workers felt they might be able to do better. Theyve looked at it and said, Theres a good chance were going to get increases awarded by the [Fair Work Commission], but we want the certainty of that written into our agreement, he said. I think thats where theyve decided to vote it down. One midwife who asked to remain anonymous because she feared speaking out could jeopardise her employment said she had lost faith in the union leadership and was considering a career change. She said she has delivered more than 60 babies in her three years at the Royal Womens Hospital but cant afford to have one of her own. I would love one, but I cant, she said. She said she worked four days a week and took home about $1700 a fortnight after tax on her base rate and picked up extra night shifts on higher rates so she can afford her rent. A mortgage, she said, was out of the question. I live paycheck to paycheck some fortnights. Roxi, a union delegate and experienced midwife at the Royal Womens Hospital, said she had never attended a union meeting where members were so rude and disrespectful. Everyone was booing and yelling, she said. Loading While Roxi who doesnt want her surname published because she is worried about blowback at work understands why her colleagues voted no. But she voted in favour of the deal because she thought it delivered a decent pay rise. A 4 per cent pay rise and $6100 bonus over the next two months is a great start, she said. I know that a further 5 to 13 per cent pay rise is in the pipeline within the next year. I have faith in the union and its leadership. Things were going on to which I never really grasped at the time, people coming and going, but he seemed rather relaxed with me, Mendoza said. We were delayed when he came to me and said: I can give you that time this afternoon. Can you stay? So we finished it, I drove back to Melbourne, and the press were phoning me and quizzing me as to who else had been there that day. I fortunately blanked. If Id said something wrong I could have really blown something up but the next morning John was gone. Mendoza remembered Gorton as a decent and kind man. She had little time for the men who brought him down. The pair became friends and for years would dine together if they were in the same part of the world. Her painting, decried as too informal to be accepted as an official portrait, could have been worse. He came down the stairs at first in shirtsleeves, Mendoza said. And I said Well, you know, jacket or something. I made it more formal. He looked like the builder coming in from next door! Melbourne-born Mendoza, who died after a stroke on May 16, three weeks short of her 100th birthday, started out by sketching her classmates at school at Lauriston, a leading private all-girls school in Malvern. Mendoza painted many members of the royal family, including a young Diana. Credit: AP She was the daughter of a theatrical couple: her father, John Morton, was a violinist, and mother, Dot Mendoza, a composer and pianist who once played Dame Edna Everages bridesmaid Madge Allsop. Mendoza described herself as a backstage kid as her mother toured Australia and New Zealand with the Australian Ballet, the Russian Ballet and JC Williamsons stage company. Young June, who left school at 14, honed her craft drawing the dancers often charging ten bob. She later went to Swinburne Technical College to study art and acting. By 17 she was illustrating book jackets, magazine illustrations, town-planning exhibition artwork, record sleeves, portraits, and even the adventure comic strip Devil Doone as well as acting on stage and in radio plays. After she joined the 1940s Australian exodus to Britain, moving into a bedsit with a gas-ring in Londons Earls Court, she drew Belle of the Ballet, the popular strip in the 1950s comic Girl. She briefly married a fellow actor and appeared in the 1952 West End revival of Me and My Girl for the musicals original star, Lupino Lane. Mendoza would eventually choose to specialise in oil portraits, painting some of the worlds most famous and powerful people. Several of her more than 1000 paintings are in Londons National Portrait Gallery. Many more hang in boardrooms, clubs and the corridors of power across the world. The late Queen Elizabeth II sat for her five times, her husband Prince Philip three times as well as her son, then Prince Charles on three occasions. Reflecting on what Elizabeth II might have thought of her work after her death in September 2022, Mendoza admits she never knew. She never gives her opinion, very sensibly, she said. A look, a nod. But the late queen did once murmur that her long dress resembled a dressing gown, so Mendoza re-did it. A little flick of the brush here, a little flick there could alter a whole expression, she said. A young Princess Diana elected to pose twice, most famously in a red dress in front of a tapestry at Kensington Palace in 1984 for a portrait which hangs in an establishment club in the City of London. The good and the great of the arts world came knocking too, such as Judi Dench, Joan Sutherland, Sean Connery, Barry Humphries, Sir Tom Stoppard, Sammy Davis Jr and even all 150-odd inhabitants of the first sitting of the House of Representatives in its new Canberra building in 1988. Her portrait of legendary Age cartoonist, Les Tanner, for years hung in the Spencer Street newsroom. She didnt take too kindly to many politicians but formed lifelong friendships with some. Margaret Thatcher marked her 10th anniversary as prime minister with six sittings for Mendoza at Downing Street and Chequers. Thatcher, Mendoza said, was one of her most difficult commissions. Though courteous and professional, she was so controlled. No particular body language, there was nothing there. I couldnt pin it down. Mendoza with her portrait of actress Judi Dench. Credit: Press Association British prime minister John Major was an absolute gentleman, she said. The pair corresponded regularly until her final days. But interactions with politicians werent always great. One senior Australian MP, who she declined to name, had once rubbed his leg against hers under a dinner table. Another once said: I loved your painting of John Gorton, do you paint much? A trailblazer, for a time, she was the sole female member of the Royal Society of Portrait Painters. She was one of the first Australians to appear of the long-running BBC radio program Desert Island Discs, and later painted its long-time host Roy Plomley. She nominated her favourite track at Spring Symphony by Benjamin Britten, her book as The Penguin Chronology of the Modern World by Neville Williams and asked for canvases, brushes and paint as her luxury item. Mendoza always regarded herself as sort of an oddball artist, and never really felt she belonged to a group. I was always dashing home to the four children, she said. Despite her many years living in Britain she kept her Australian egalitarian spirit. In 2004, when she went to Buckingham Palace to receive her OBE, she wore an outfit and trilby shed found in a charity shop in the Dumfries and Galloway town of Castle Douglas for a fiver. One of the royal household said to me, I was the smartest person there, she said. Her death was marked last week in Londons two great papers of record, The Times and The Telegraph, with both noting she always worked from life, never from photographs. Mendoza remains the only female artist to paint an official portrait of an Australian prime minister. Credit: Charlotte Hadden I want nothing in between me and the person, she once explained, earning praise both for her sensitive way of handling paint and for her versatility. Mendozas career struggled through some tough times. Her second marriage ended when her husband, Jack, died at 37, the day before their second child was born. As a single mother, she once bartered a doctors fees by painting his children. She later married Keith Mackrell, a former Shell Oil executive and a governor of the London School of Economics. After their honeymoon in 1960, they embarked on an expatriate life in the Philippines, Japan, America and Australia. The family expanded to four children, but she carried on painting, having no desire to play the memsahib. Isla Baring, who founded the Tait Memorial Trust which supports young Australian dancers and artists in London, said Mendoza had left an indelible mark on the art world. She said as a patron of the trust her commitment to nurturing young talent and her generous spirit had left a lasting impact. Her portraits captured not just the likeness but the essence of her subjects, a testament to her extraordinary skill and empathy, she said. She leaves behind a legacy of exceptional art and a wealth of memories for those fortunate enough to have known her. Loading Mendoza would dismiss suggestion she was one of the worlds foremost or in demand artists but said painting most days was a key to her longevity and health. Some artists paint St Pauls [Cathedral] at sunset, she would often say. I just chose people instead. The airstrikes burnt the tents, the tents are melting and the peoples bodies are also melting, said one of the residents who arrived at the Kuwaiti hospital in Rafah. Loading The Israeli military said eight projectiles had earlier been identified crossing from the area of Rafah, the southern tip of the Gaza Strip where Israel has continued operations despite a ruling by the top UN court that ordered it to stop attacking the city. A number of the projectiles bound for Tel Aviv were intercepted, it said. There were no reports of casualties. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was convening his war cabinet to discuss continued operations in Rafah. Israel argues that the UN courts ruling allows room for some military action there. In a statement on its Telegram channel, the Hamas al-Qassam Brigades said the rockets were launched in response to Zionist massacres against civilians. Rafah is located about 100 kilometres south of Tel Aviv. Israel says it wants to root out Hamas fighters holed up in Rafah and rescue hostages it says are being held in the area, but its assault has worsened the plight of civilians and caused an international outcry. Israeli tanks have probed around the edges of Rafah, near the crossing point from Gaza into Egypt, and have entered some of its eastern districts, residents say, but have not yet entered the city in force since the start of operations in the city earlier this month. Israeli war cabinet minister Benny Gantz said the rockets fired from Rafah prove that the [Israel Defence Forces] must operate in every place Hamas still operates from. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant held an operational assessment in Rafah where he was briefed on operations above and below the ground, as well as the deepening of operations in additional areas with the aim of dismantling Hamas battalions, his office said in a statement. Loading Itamar Ben Gvir, a hardline public security minister who is not part of Israels war cabinet, urged the army to hit Rafah harder. Rafah with full force, he posted on X. Nearly 36,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israels offensive, Gazas health ministry says. Israel launched the operation after Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israeli communities on October 7 last year, killing about 1200 people and seizing more than 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Fighting also continued in the northern Gaza area of Jabaliya, the scene of intense combat earlier in the war. During one raid, the military said it found a weapons storage site with dozens of rocket parts and weapons at a school. It denied Hamas statements that Palestinian fighters had abducted an Israeli soldier. Hamas media said an Israeli airstrike on a house in a neighbourhood near Jabaliya killed 10 people and wounded others. Efforts to agree a halt to the fighting and return more than 120 hostages have been blocked for weeks, but there were some signs of movement last weekend following meetings between Israeli and US intelligence officials and Qatars prime minister. Loading An official with knowledge of the matter said a decision had been taken to resume the talks this week based on new proposals from Egyptian and Qatari mediators, and with active US involvement. However, a Hamas official downplayed the report, saying: It is not true. Netanyahus war cabinet would discuss the new proposals, his office said. A second Hamas official, Izzat El-Reshiq, said the group had not received anything from the mediators on new dates for resuming talks as had been reported by Israeli media. Aid trucks enter Gaza Loading Reshiq restated Hamas demands, which include: Ending the aggression completely and permanently, in all of Gaza Strip, not only Rafah. While Israel is seeking the return of hostages, Netanyahu has repeatedly said the war will not end until Hamas, which is sworn to Israels destruction, is eliminated. Israel has faced calls to get more aid into Gaza after more than seven months of a war that has caused widespread destruction and hunger in the enclave. Khaled Zayed of the Egyptian Red Crescent said 200 trucks of aid, including four fuel trucks, were expected to enter Gaza on Sunday through Kerem Shalom. It follows an agreement between US President Joe Biden and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Friday to temporarily send aid via the Kerem Shalom crossing, bypassing the Rafah crossing that has been blocked for weeks. In Tel Aviv, people hold flags as they walk behind an ambulance carrying the body of Hanan Yablonka, who was taken hostage by Hamas on October 7. His body, along with two others, was recovered from north Gaza by IDF soldiers. Credit: Getty Egypts state-affiliated Al Qahera News TV shared a video on social media platform X, showing what it said were aid trucks as they entered Kerem Shalom; before the conflict, it was the main commercial crossing station between Israel, Egypt and Gaza. The Rafah crossing has been shut for almost three weeks, since Israel took control of the Palestinian side of the crossing as it stepped up its offensive. We live in a world where international politicians and diplomats cannot stop the wanton killing of children and innocent civilians in Ukraine, Gaza, Sudan and many other places. The United Nations is useless, its Security Council broken by the superpower veto wielded by Russia and America. That is why all well-intentioned people should welcome the action of the International Criminal Court prosecutor in seeking arrest warrants for Hamas and Israeli leaders. That class does not include Australias Opposition Leader, Peter Dutton, who describes the action as abominable and antisemitic. Israelis protest in Tel Aviv on Saturday against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and call for a deal to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. Credit: Getty Images No doubt he thinks all the judges on the UNs International Court of Justice are antisemitic, too, because of their ruling on the weekend that Israel must end its military assault on Rafah. As everyone who uses the word should know, antisemitism means hatred of Jewish people in general, and it is the vilest and most destructive form of race hatred. It is not constituted by condemning the policy or the war tactics of the Israeli government. Duttons attempt to conflate the two, and his call on the Australian government to withhold support from an independent international justice process, is shameful. Mexican American fashion designer Willy Chavarria, 57, has made a name for himself in the world of New York fashion. Last year, he received the yearly award for American Menswear Designer from the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), the foremost fashion organization in North America. Its a recognition that tells me a lot about the future. Though I have the honor of being the first Latino to receive it, there will be many more to come, he said on a videocall from his studio in Brooklyn. He wears a black shirt and pants, his fingers covered in rings, his neck covered in necklaces, his arms covered in tattoos; in true Mexican style, his hair is slicked back. Willy Chavarria walks the runway during the finale of his show at New York Fashion Week, February 2024. Udo Salters Chavarria launched his brand nine years ago and was the senior vice president of design at Calvin Klein since 2021 and until the beginning of 2024, when he left the position to focus on his own line. Calvin is one of the great U.S. designers, so when they sought me out it was wow. I always felt very identified with the brand. I make clothes so that people feel better about themselves, he says. Influenced by creators like Claude Montana and Yves Saint Laurent, Chavarrias resume includes past posts in the design departments of Joe Boxer, Ralph Lauren and American Eagle. He has drawn from the style of groups like the pachucos and the cholos, who have been harshly marginalized, to honor his roots and present a new kind of product. What could be more elegant than a white shirt, ironed and fitted, combined with khaki-colored pants, shiny black shoes and shaved head? The pachucos represent the perfect Latino man, and I like to appropriate that aspect of my culture and make it more queer. A Latinx in essence, respecting the influences that come my way and expressing myself at a level that was not accepted 50 years ago () My creative challenge is mixing the universe of a series like Griselda with another like Feud: Capote vs. The Swans, he explains. His look at the 2024 Met Gala is the perfect illustration. Presentation of the fall-winter Chavarria collection at New York Fashion Week in 2017. WWD Question. When was your fascination with fashion and style born? Answer. I grew up in an agricultural community of people who came from Mexico to work in the fields. As a result, my life vision was very limited, but I was obsessed with how everyone dressed. I paid a lot of attention to how men looked when they went to work and afterwards, when they would change to go out at night and go to mass, and women when they got dressed up for weddings. I studied graphic design because I thought that was my path. I began working in a warehouse, in the shipping department for the Joe Boxer brand, but soon I got an internship in the design department and everything started lighting up for me. My first designs were underwear. In that time, I was very involved in the San Francisco nightlife scene, which was a source of a lot of inspiration for what came later. Q. That was how you came out of the closet A. Yes, in that era I literally came out of the closet, I had to spread my wings because at home, I never felt free. I was quiet, observant and a little depressed. I always knew I wanted to get to the top. Living in San Francisco, I dedicated myself to exploring everything. I moved from place to place and I was homeless for a while, until I came to live in a monastery. A pastor tried to perform an exorcism on me. It sounds like a movie, in fact Id love to make one about it, but its real. I spent that time questioning my sexuality. I thought, Im going to hell! [He cackles] Willy Chavarria runway show on February 9, 2024 in New York City. Roy Rochlin Q. How did you wind up in a monastery? A. I was living on the streets in Boston and I met a pastor who let me live in his house with his wife, and I took care of the kids. Every night, we talked about a connection with God. I dont have all the answers for you, he told me. Thats how I got to the monastery, and I found out all the gays were there. Q. As the son of a Mexican father and Irish working-class mother, did you run into racism or classism in the fashion industry? The Mexican American designer on April 30. Corrie Aune Q. Definitely, yes. Just because of the socioeconomic aspect of being Latino, I was not in a position where I could aspire to a career in fashion, even though I was as capable as the rest. I have cousins and friends who never felt capable of leaving Fresno, and the reason for that was very tied to United States racism. It was after 2020 that I saw more doors open up. My 2017 fall-winter runway show was very political. It coincided with the moment of the Donald Trump presidency, when they began to separate mothers from their children at the border, and put children in cages. Many people told me not to do it, because it was the kind of thing Anna Wintour (the all-powerful editor of the U.S. edition of Vogue) didnt like, but I did it anyway. People felt connected. Q. Youve been inspired by the style of pachucos and cholos in the creation of your luxury brand. Still, youve said that youre interested in promoting a different kind of exclusivity. What is luxury to you? A. Luxury is connected to craft, materials, and the way of manufacturing a product, which ends up being expensive, because that process costs money. But the idea of luxury is also associated with status. Brands that sell you a denim jacket for three or four thousand dollars for you to think that youre worth more if you use that item that cost you a fortune. Thats not luxury I think that there should be a certain feeling of exclusivity and sense of belonging for people to want something, but all these concepts are changing. Q. What is the Latinidad that you are interested in projecting now that your brand is more established? A. For many years, weve seen Latin culture through the eyes of the oppressor. Right now is a beautiful moment, because many Latin artists in the United States are showing things from another dimension. Even two Latinos like Oscar de la Renta and Carolina Herrera, who have very different visions compared to mine, had to assimilate and make concessions to achieve success. I am aware that I have to be on friendly terms with Anna Wintour Shes very powerful in this industry. I have to keep doing my thing in a very nice way. Q. What is your view of the fashion industry? Brands seem very similar, few things truly surprise Runway from the fall-winter 2013 season at New York Fashion Week. WWD A. Theres definitely a problem and its the result of capitalism. Theres so much clothing and so many brands and everyone is trying to make as much money as they can, especially in the United States. People are afraid of taking risks, but I think that leaves space for new people to come in. I also think that the industry remains in the hands of the old guard, who are using the same formula over and over, and the moment has arrived for an update. Q. Up to what point is it important to develop a queer narrative? A. Everything I do comes from a queer perspective. So naturally, that translates to my designs, but I think its important to elevate the message. That is one of the reasons why I like to make high-end collections. I want to see Mexicans wearing luxury clothes, trans people wearing luxury clothes. Q. Celebrities like Tokischa, Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar and Sam Smith have worn your brand. How hard is it to have them as clients? A. With some celebrities its more complex, because they dont always come wanting it, but it has been beautiful to work with A-list stars. Above all, that many of these artists are embracing a brand that has such a queer identity as mine does. Ive never experienced any kind of homophobia with any of them. Q. In one of your castings, you hired an Uber Eats worker as a model and youve also hired undocumented immigrants. Where does your interest in working with regular people come from? A. The majority of the models I work with are everyday people from New York. The young man you mentioned, I met while he was delivering an order, and he was so beautiful, I thought: Oh my God, he would be incredible for the campaign. He came to the casting with his mother, and of course we hired him. Hes Colombian and is now signed to a modeling agency. Q. You named your spring-summer 2024 collection New Life. What were you thinking about when you were designing it? A. Of the necessity to be reborn, to retake the idea that, with spring, we can see ourselves in a different way. Still, I think that we are all a little bit depressed right now with what is happening in the world. Designer Willy Chavarria poses with runway models at a show during New York Fashion Week in 2024. Roy Rochlin Q. Once again, you included a shirt with an upside-down USA logo. What does that aesthetic gesture mean? A. This year we have elections and I wonder what will happen if Trump returns to the presidency. It would be terrifying, terrible for democracy. So, I put the letters USA upside-down to express how screwed this country is. Everything is completely upside-down and screwed in this moment. That is exactly what it means. Working without fear to wipe out terrorism and root out corruption DEHRI/BIKRAM (Bihar), PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday vowed to thwart alleged attempts to rob Dalits and backward classes of reservations by the I.N.D.I.A. bloc which he accused of enslavement and performing mujra for Muslim vote bank. Addressing back-to-back rallies in Karakat and Patliputra Lok Sabha constituencies in Bihar, the Prime Minister also charged the Opposition coalition with indulging in scaremongering, and claimed that he had been working without fear to wipe out terrorism and root out corruption. Bihar is the land which has given a new direction to the fight for social justice. I wish to declare on its soil that I will foil the plans of the I.N.D.I.A. bloc to rob SCs, STs and OBCs of their rights and divert these to Muslims. They may remain enslaved and perform mujra to please their vote bank, the PM said. Modi also alleged that the people of Bihar have been hurt by insulting remarks against migrants of the state from leaders of the Congress in Punjab and Telangana and the DMK and the TMC in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal respectively and claimed, These RJD people who keep doing mujra with their lantern (poll symbol) do not have the courage to speak a word in protest. He also alleged that the Opposition alliance was banking on the support of those who were indulging in vote jihad and referred to the Calcutta High Court order that struck down the West Bengal governments decision to include a number of Muslim groups in the list of OBCs. Modi claimed that the opposition alliance has decided that if they are voted to power, the first thing they would do is to change the Constitution so that even the court is unable to overrule their attempts to divert reservations to Muslims. I have been challenging them to refute me in writing but they have been reluctant because they have a guilty conscience. Modi spelt out names of several deprived castes, including Yadavs who have been traditionally RJD supporters, which could end up losing their constitutional rights if the I.N.D.I.A. bloc succeeded in its alleged plans. The PM, however, asserted that the opposition coalition was heading for a defeat and on June 04 when the results will be out, RJD and Congress workers will be seen tearing off each others clothes. The shahi parivar (royal family) of the Congress will put the entire blame of defeat on Mallikarjun Kharge and leave for a vacation abroad, claimed the PM. Modi has been working to stamp out Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, naxal insurgency and corruption without fear. The INDIA bloc has tried to stop me at every step with scaremongering, he said. Recalling the resolve he displayed in commissioning the surgical strikes and scrapping of Article 370, Modi vowed to continue crackdown on corruption, and indirectly referring to RJD supremo Lalu Prasad and his family, remarked those who have snatched peoples land in return for jobs will be firmly dealt with. Modi, known for his ability to connect with the masses, also asked the people to remember that every vote for every NDA candidate is not just to elect the local MP but the prime ministerwhen you go back to your homes please visit the nearest temple and offer prayers for a developed India on my behalf. He said scions of families heading Congress, RJD, NCP, Samajwadi Party and others were all pining for brief stints as prime minister. The PM also promised the people that his next five years in power would ensure faster development for Bihar with better electricity supply and more pucca houses even as he slammed the previous Congress-led UPA government for lacking the resolve to provide free foodgrains to the common people. Addressing the rallies, he also referred to the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana which seeks to reduce to zero your electricity bill, no matter how much you consume, in an obvious bid to counter freebies on offer in many states ruled by parties opposed to the BJP. Mocking at the predictions of many pollsters who have forecast a dip in the NDAs tally, Modi said, I.N.D.I.A. bloc has come up with its exit polls even before the elections are over. Soon they might go back to crying hoarse on EVMs. 61% Voter turnout in 6th phase NEW DELHI, AN ESTIMATED voter turnout of 61.11 per cent was recorded in the sixth phase of the Lok Sabha election on Saturday in 58 constituencies across six States and two Union Territories, with the polling percentage in the Jangal Mahal region of West Bengal touching 79.4. Incidents of violence, including an alleged assault on a BJP candidate, minor clashes and protests were reported from West Bengal while there were instances of EVM malfunctioning at some places, including Delhi. Jharkhand recorded a turnout of 63.76 per cent, Uttar Pradesh 54.03 per cent, Bihar 55.24 per cent, Jammu and Kashmir 54.15 per cent, Haryana 60.06 per cent, Odisha 69.32 and Delhi 57.67 per cent, according to the figures updated at 11:45 pm by the EC on its voter turnout app. The EC said polling percentage in the Anantnag-Rajouri seat in J&K is the highest in 40 years. With the conclusion of this phase, polling is now complete in 486 seats in 28 States and Union Territories. The last of the seven phases of polling in 57 seats is scheduled on June 1 and counting of votes will be taken up on June 4. Another Fire! This time in bakery Staff Reporter Fire broke out at a two-storey bakery in Sindhi Colony under Kabadkhana area on Saturday morning, Fire Department officials said. Luckily, there were no casualty reported as staff was not present in the shop early morning hours. To douse the fire 25 fire tenders and water tankers were pressed into service. It took around five and half hours to douse the fire completely and front portion of the building were demolished. As the shop was situated in narrow street with dense population, locals of the area were scared. Even fire tender teams faced problem to reach the spot as the street was very narrow. The bakery owner claimed expected loss of Rs 90 lakh and the building is also dilapidated. The fire spread from the nearby electricity pole. Fire tenders were called from New Kabadkhanana, Fathegarh, Pul Bogda and Bairagarh and then 20 other fire tenders were called from various locations. Fire tender operator Naushad Khand informed that fire spread around 5:30 in the morning and they douse it till 8:30 but after few minutes, fire was blazing repeatedly. Finally, complete control over the fire was done around 10:30 am. The bakery show owner Majahar Ali said, I have no insurance for the shop while business was set up on loan. Fire has brought me on road as I have to bear loss of 90 lakh. There were two big ovens, number of trays, raw material, etc are completely spoiled in the fire. He further said that an electricity pole is adjacent to the building. He said that after sparking on the electricity pole, fire caught into the oven that was filled with oil. Notably, every other day there is a fire incident in the city in which people face financial losses and also creating a kind of panic among the locals.In past 25 days of May, there were eight fire incidents in the city. On May 6, fire engulf the Union Carbide factory, May 7 Ayodhya Nagar, May 8 Co-operative Office Old Secretariat, May 9 Gautam Nagar, May 10 Zone-2 MP Nagar and on May 15, fire engulfed shops in Shahjahanabad. To deal with the rising fire incidents in state capital Bhopal, Department of Urban Development and Housing has recommended implementation of Fire and Emergency Services Bill in Madhya Pradesh on line of several states very soon. Sources said that the process of enacting Fire Service Act was initiated by the Union Government in 2017. After deliberations, final draft and suggestions were sent to states in year 2019. On September 16, 2019, the Union Government circulated model bill to provide for the maintenance of a fire and emergency service for the state Governments to enact or amend existing Fire Service Act. In the investigation, the police has found that the cause for this fire was some was electric malfunction or a short circuit. More details can be mentioned after further investigation. TI Hanumanganj Arvind Bhadoriya told The Hitavada. Bhopal fails to attract tourists; citizens allege negligence Staff Reporter The capital of the central State of the country, Bhopal, often referred to as the City of Lakes and boasts of some of the worlds largest man-made water bodies and historical culture has performed poorly in attracting the tourists from the country and abroad as per the figures released by the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board on Friday. As per the figures, Madhya Pradesh witnessed an influx of more than 11 crore tourists in 2023 with Ujjain bagging the top spot with more than 3 crore domestic and foreign tourists. However, the State capital has been ranked tenth in the ranking with only 19.5 lakh voyagers visiting the city. While visiting the heritage buildings, the reason of the city for not receiving the footfall of tourists for clearly evident. The places are surrounded by filth all over and adding to that the encroachments have leave no stone unturned in making the things happen. Also, adding a cherry to the cake is the negligence of the authorities who fail to recognise the city as a treasure of heritage and art lovers and perennially ignore the plight of the buildings. The citizens, who while talking to The Hitavada expressed their reactions on these numbers and slammed the Government for turning a blind eye towards the heritage grandeur of the city. The city is filled with wonders which are enough for developing the city into a tourism hotspot. But no one ever takes a step in developing them. A resident of the city told on the condition of anonymity. Significantly, the city contains various structures which stand tall yet neglected. These prominently include Fatehgarh fort, Taj Mahal palace, Jagdishpur fort and others. The situations has been aggravated by tagging some of the previously mentioned sites as haunted. Encroachments are a recurrent problem in the city and has also affected the tourism. Another individual standing at a bus stand said that the city can also perform better in religious tourism. We have the largest mosque in the continent but the state takes no efforts to develop capacities at the holy site to transform the place into a major attraction for tourists. He alleged. Some of the citizens there also mentioned that the city has to explore its potential in eco tourism in order to be developed as a tourist destination. They said that the lakes of the state including the upper lake and lower lake which are also a Ramsar site are suffering from several water contamination and related issues and the concerned authorities should sprung into action to eradicate such issues. The Managing Director of the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, Dr Illaya Raja T recently announced a new museum being set up in the city near Moti Mahal but the organisation should also consider reviving the old structures which are struggling and are currently in a dilapidated condition and are crying for the attention of the authorities. Dombivli factory blast death toll rises to 10 THANE, THE death toll in the chemical factory blast in Dombivli of Thane district rose to ten on Saturday with the rescuers recovering one more body while clearing the debris at the spot, an official said. The rescue and relief team found the charred body of a man while removing the debris. The deceased could not be identified, Kalyan tehsildar Sachin Shejal told PTI. A boiler blast and the resultant fire in Amudan Chemicals, located in Phase 2 of Dombivli MIDC, on Thursday killed nine persons and injured more than 60. The impact of the blast was so severe that it shattered window panes of houses and damaged cars, roads and electric poles in the vicinity, officials had said. Earlier on Saturday, a court in Thane district remanded in police custody till May 29 the chemical factory owner Malay Mehta (38). The accused, Malay Mehta (38), owner of Amudan Chemicals, was produced before the magistrate court in Kalyan, a spokesperson of the Thane city police said. The police sought Mehtas custody for 14 days and informed the court that they had to visit the factory site and find out if more persons were involved in the crime, he said. The extent of damage because of the explosion was enormous, and the police wanted to examine the role of many in the incident, the official said. Mehtas lawyer argued that the company had all the requisite permissions and followed all regulations. There was also an intervener in the matter who supported the police plea for custody and interrogations. After hearing all the counsels, the magistrate remanded the accused in police custody till May 29, the official said. The police have registered an FIR against the company owners, directors, management staff and officials supervising the factory. Dr. R.S. Goswami: An entrepreneur in his own class By Vijay Phanshikar When he was thirty-six years old, he became President of the industrial association at the Govindpura Industrial Estate, the youngest to do so. Since that moment, age seems to have frozen for him. For, at 69, Dr. Radha Sharan Goswami, Chief Executive Officer of the famed Hind Pharma, betrays no signs of his advanced years, as if his boots have springs in the sole, all the time springing to his feet, almost running around in his sparsely decorated office whose walls are filled by countless certificate-frames, talking animatedly, emitting energy that is so rare for a person of his age and experience. In other words, Dr. Radha Sharan Goswami is nothing but an entrepreneur incarnate. With presence in pharmaceutical markets in 55-plus countries across continental geographies, Hind Pharma is sort of an ambassador of goodwill for the country. As he recounts his own story, Dr. Goswamis eyes glisten with a rare glow, and his face radiates an energy that communicates itself to everybody in the room. It must not have been easy to be a Radha Sharan Goswami, given the mountains of difficulties he surmounted in his long and extremely successful entrepreneurial career of 40-plus years. Rising from utter poverty having been born in a small village in Datia District of Madhya Pradesh, the boy studied wonderfully to acquire post graduate degrees in science (chemistry) and earned a doctorate, too, for himself in human genetics. An active participation in Jai Prakash Narayans Total Revolution movement led to his getting thrown out of the college hostel, which took him later to Bhopal to complete his education. Yet, paucity of resources would not leave him. So, the boy decided to help his father, an Ayurvedic Doctor (Vaidya), to market the medicines he prepared with so much of effort. That was as if a message from the Divine, marketing of whatever he had. That became his passion, taking him first around the State of Madhya Pradesh and later to all corners of India, and the world. But that business had its own limitations. So, the idea emerged to turn to industrial manufacture of allopathic medicines. So, Hind Pharma became one of those rare enterprises that changed product mid-stream and carved out an entirely new market all over the world. Dr. Radha Sharan Goswami became the author of an entirely entrepreneurial story that can be told a thousand time. Of course, this story has to be recounted in flashbacks, so to say, moving back-and-forth in the narrative, as if it is a cinematic unfolding of unusual nuances. But this story has no villains, so to say. He is the hero, with so many actors waltzing in and out of his trajectory, helping him, making his way smoother (no matter the obstacles). Sitting back relaxed even on a very busy Saturday, Dr. Goswami has only gratitude to express for everybody who he came across in his long journey. I did run into difficulties, all right, but I also learned that a good person also gets loads of help from every possible quarter, he says with an infectious smile. My works nucleus is marketing, Dr. Goswami insists. I had seven sisters and two brothers. Each of them had to be supported and settled. I had some products that needed to be sold, so that I could support my family. Hence, the Himalayan effort to reach every and any place where there was even an iota of chance to sell my products. That led to my endless travels with whatever means, including goods trains. But those hard days were also of assurance of future prosperity. With a little loan from the bank, I acquired a scooter. A little later, I bought a car for myself from my own money. By 1986, I decided to launch a new business effort. I erected an industrial shed of 2000 sq meet, and made good business and saved Rs 50 lakhs without any credit. At that point, I sought a bank loan, which I did get thanks to a collateral a family friend stood for me. By the year 2000, I started exports, first to Kyrgyzstan. That opened newer opportunities for me. One of which was a request during a foreign visit to help a company overcome a technical difficulty making a disinfectant. I worked at their facility and made 500 liters of the product and gave it to them. They paid me handsomely, and thus started a chain of endeavours in different countries, bringing income in dollars. An urgent order from the United States opened still newer doors and a straight earning of 4 lakh dollars, Dr. Goswami recounts. No matter the fact that he got his MScs and PhD ages ago, Dr. Goswami has kept himself eternally in a learners mode, all the time reading extensively, books, research papers, Indian and global regulations on pharmaceutical manufacturing, World Health Organisations informative literature on global scenario ... ! Reading is Dr. Goswamis passion. He knows the latest happenings in pharma industry as well as in politics and society. His world travels have opened (my) eyes to a great truth that a good effort always gets support. The people are good and a sincere person has all the scope to grow. He is attending trade fairs the world over exhibiting his 20-plus products. He organisations at least four exhibitions of his own products every year. And the result is obvious: He is all the time on the move, and his products are all the time moving. What make Dr. Radha Sharan Goswamis story all the more different is that everybody in his family runs an industrial unit, not as dynastic hand-over, but on sheer merit. His wife Archana also heads a unit, and also conducts massive agricultural operations most avidly. His one daughter head a unit and another one marketing operations of his products in the United Kingdom. His son works with him in Hind Pharma, and brother runs another unit next door. What makes Dr. Goswami unique is the manner in which he has helped all his siblings settle in life, enabling them to live life of the standards by which his own personal family lives in comfort. I consider it my commitment to help everybody in the extended family to settle in life and live honourably and with every possible comfort, Dr. Goswami says with eyes becoming slightly teary. But the most emotional statements come when Dr. Goswami talks of his wife and his mother: My wife is my alter ego, so to say. She stood by me in every endeavour, and endured my extensive travels all life. She does accompany me to many countries now. But there were times when she handled the family matters all alone. The latest advances in artificial intelligence (AI) that have been presented this past week arent trivial. So, where are things heading? Demis Hassabis, director of Google DeepMind, the companys research division, is clear in his response: Towards artificial general intelligence (AGI), which equals or surpasses human intelligence. Over the last decade, weve had devices such as the virtual assistants Siri, Alexa, Hey Google or Bixby with limited capabilities to respond and execute actions on linked devices. On the other hand, since the end of the last century, search engines have helped find answers and provide offers to user demands. But both have their days numbered. Advances in the field of AI have begun to dig the graves for both services, in order to unify them into a single platform thats capable of dialoguing like a human, analyzing documents (text, images or videos) in different domains, offering complex answers and solutions, and executing them on behalf of the user. The search engine and the virtual assistant are going to become a single tool or a super-competent colleague according to Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, that will be present in all aspects of our lives. The new developments represent a crucial step in artificial intelligence. Until now, we had AI tools such as voice assistants (Siri or Alexa), which already understood natural language, or applications that could convert a text request into images or videos (Sora), or chatbots that created text, or summarized documents and meetings (ChatGPT). The evolutions released in recent days by both Google and OpenAI do much more. A document from DeepMind and a dozen universities and entities defines them as artificial agents with natural language interfaces, whose function is to plan and execute sequences of actions on behalf of a user across one or more domains in line with the users expectations. According to the latest research, the key is in the use of natural language, which facilitates interaction with the machine. This is in combination with the machines autonomy to develop plans and carry them out on behalf of the user, in its transversality in terms of sources that can be used, as well as in its ability to contextualize the users situation to meet expectations. AI is no longer a simple tool: its a complex robot that knows who its talking to and what results it should produce. [Artificial general intelligence] will have a profound impact on our individual and collective lives, the document warns. Aside from the innumerable ethical problems that this same work identifies, the transition thats now beginning has an immediate technological consequence: the AI tools that weve been using become obsolete in a singular way. The evolution of AI has begun to bury the search engine and the virtual assistant as weve known them until now. The conventional search engine is dying Larry Page and Sergey Brin founded Google in 1998, after meeting at Stanford University and publishing The Anatomy of a Large-Scale Hypertextual Web Search Engine. With this research, they developed a search engine that, in just one year, began to register 3.5 million queries a day. Its now the most-used search engine in the world, with more than 3.5 billion daily information requests. But in this ephemeral era, the Google search engine (as we know it) is beginning its decline. Sergey Brin himself acknowledged this process last Tuesday, at Googles headquarters in Mountain View, California. Over the last 25 years, weve invested a lot in the search engine. But we need to think about how we can meet the new needs of users and I really think that [we can achieve this via] Google Gemini, says Liz Reid, the new head of Search at Google, tasked with ushering in a new era. Google Gemini is the firms AI chatbot tool, a competitor to Open AIs ChatGPT. Reid explains that the conventional system which, she acknowledges, has been an incredibly powerful tool requires a lot of work to maintain. The traditional search function (known as googling) for a restaurant or any other service near the users location offers a map of addresses and a list of web pages. The information seeker has to complete the process by scrolling through each page, one by one. Of course, those that pay to be at the top of the results get to be seen first. A Google user can also narrow down a search and specify what type of food or specific service they require, until they get a more precise list of websites. This tedious process apparently is coming to an end. We radically changed how it works, says Sundai Pichai, Googles CEO. And Reid concurs: Weve built a custom Gemini model, designed specifically for Search, that combines our real-time information with unprecedented quality and classification systems. The directive assures that, in the tests carried out, people also click on a greater diversity of websites. This trend will compel the modification of SEO strategies (Search Engine Optimization), which are the techniques utilized to improve the position of a website in search engine results. Now, firms will have to adapt to how artificial intelligence processes information. The new search engines plan, reason, understand the users context and at the persons request can execute the purchase order for a product or service, suggest add-ons, or make a reservation. Understand, see, reason and plan The new search engines have the ability to reason in steps. In this way, they can ask you for a weekly menu that, based on your interactions with them, or with the details provided, will adjust to your tastes. The next step may be to adapt it to a vegetarian and modify the already-selected recipes to this preference. The new AI chatbots are also able to plan ahead. The user can ask them to schedule a trip anywhere, taking into account activities for children and adults. Requests can be tailored based on the users interests, whether theyre a nature lover, or passionate about culture. Likewise, these new chatbots can make purchases based on images. The user only has to upload a video and indicate, by voice or text, which character is wearing the item theyre looking for. The results will subsequently show locations, prices and availability. Or, a user can simply circle an image of the piece of clothing in question with their finger. Or the user might provide the sequence of an appliance malfunction, and the chatbot can offer information regarding repair services. Google has been the first to launch its new search engine. However, other companies such as Microsoft are advancing with Copilot, which has similar features, along with the support of OpenAI. AI Assistants OpenAI, which has served as a driving force in the rapid development of artificial intelligence, still hasnt presented a similar product. However, the firm has made inroads with other major advances this past week. Back in April, on the other hand, Google already presented its next-generation AI assistants to its customers who use Google Cloud, which houses a large part of developers work. These new assistants are responsible for making tools such as Siri, Alexa or Hey Google obsolete. On May 13, just 24 hours before Google announced Project Astra its vision for the future of AI assistants OpenAI presented ChatGPT-4o, a conversational robot thats also capable of seeing, hearing, solving and executing tasks on behalf of the user. It will be accessible through the web and mobile application for free, although the most advanced version five times more capable will cost $20 per month. Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, agrees with DeepMind that these new assistants will revolutionize lives, according to comments he made to MIT Technology Review. Altman also feels that AI tools that generate images through voice or text requests, such as DALL-E or Sora, or those that generate text via cues, such as the first versions of ChatGPT, have been just that: simple tools. He thinks that, while theyre used for isolated tasks, they have limited capacity to learn about us from our conversations with them. The advanced AI assistant, according to Altman, is capable of helping us outside the chat interface and taking real-world tasks off our hands. He describes the previous generation of AI tools as a super-competent colleague that knows absolutely everything about my whole life, every email, every conversation Ive ever had but doesnt feel like an extension [of me]. Chirag Shah a professor at the University of Washington who has no ties to the large firms that are leading these AI developments concurs with this assessment. This [new AI assistant] really knows you well it can do many things for you and can work on multiple tasks and domains, he told the MIT Technology Review. Googles new assistant is called Astra. It will be fully operational at the end of 2024. Its most advanced version will be available in the AI Premium version of Google One and will be offered for free for two months. Subsequently, it will cost users about $20 per month. Google is working to include this assistant on its mobile phones, smart glasses and other devices. Were open to all formats but if OpenAI maintains a limited free version, we may have to do the same, a Google executive admits to EL PAIS, during an interview in the United States. They ask not to be identified. Astra combines the new capabilities of the Gemini search engine with humanized robotic abilities, such as empathy and senses (hearing and vision) to analyze and record context. This is in order to respond to any interactions with users that are related to what passes through the camera and microphones of a device. Demis Hassabis explains further: Were processing a different flow of sensory information. These [AI assistants] can see and hear better what we do, understand the context in which we find ourselves and respond quickly in the conversation, making the pace and quality of the interaction [between the user and their device] much more natural. With these abilities, Astra and ChatGPT-4o are able to accompany the user from their mobile phone. They can learn the context in which an interaction is occurring, while they simultaneously answer a specific question, solve a mathematical problem, identify a page of code, or explain where we may have left a missing object. The principal use of these spectacular capabilities would take place in the workplace or the home. Users, for instance, can ask these next-generation AI assistants to identify expenses such as a pending insurance payment or an electricity bill analyze them, display them on a spreadsheet and identify savings options. The assistant will sift through emails, stored documents and any file or website that contains information about expenses (so long as access is granted by the user). This will all be organized and summarized, while the webpages of the providers of the services in question will also be consulted. The virtual assistant will subsequently propose a plan of savings and if the user demands it the AI, for instance, will execute renewals or cancellations of subscriptions. There are numerous applications for these next-generation AI assistants. The objective is to have them support users across the board. Minsu Jang, the lead researcher at the Social Robotics Laboratory at South Koreas Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute, is working on the development of AI for task planning: We plan to research and develop technologies that can predict task failures in uncertain situations and improve the response to the human when they ask for help. This technology is essential to achieving the era of one robot per home. Advantages and risks The work done by a dozen universities and entities and commissioned by DeepMind examines the new developments in the field of artificial general intelligence, while identifying their advantages and risks. The experts highlight that these advanced assistants can empower users to achieve their goals or well-being, or act as mentors, friends or trusted advisors. In this sense, a new study recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association (JAMIA) reveals how AGI is capable of responding to different emotional states. In an evaluation of ChatGPT, Gemini and Llama (Meta), the University of Illinois has shown the importance of this skill. [Next-generation AI assistants] can, for example, help increase user awareness about healthy behaviors, bolster their emotional commitment to change and [make users] realize how their habits could affect the people around them, explains Michelle Bak, a researcher in the field. These assistants can also help users make better-informed decisions, or help them develop their creativity, personal training, or problem-solving. They can also help them schedule more efficiently, to provide more time for personal activities and familial relationships. But this utopian world also has its shadows. This past week, there was a resignation in the OpenAI security department. Jan Leike, one of the firms leading researchers, has been blunt, writing on social media that the company values the creation of new products more than security. While walking out the door, he offered a harsh reflection on X: Building smarter-than-human machines is an inherently dangerous endeavor. AI assistants could also violate privacy and be potentially unsafe if they return an incorrect or even harmful answer to the user, despite it having the appearance of truth. Hallucinations, as these errors are called, are common in existing tools. In the same way, these next-generation AGI assistants can respond to the particular interests of the developers and limit the responses only to their objectives, which may be monetary, and not those of the users. They may also be programmed to prioritize the benefit of an individual user over the consequences that could be felt by a community. Furthermore, these virtual assistants can impose values on society, creating certain currents of opinion, or be used for malicious cyberattack campaigns. Weve investigated 36 parliamentary, regional and presidential elections held between September of 2023 and February of 2024 and discovered that, in at least 10 cases, videos and audio recordings with voice cloning were used for disinformation campaigns. In the context of the [upcoming] European elections, we can expect a new wave of deception in all countries, explains Sergey Shykevich, director of the threat intelligence group at Check Point Research. NRI travels from Dubai to cast vote in Odisha polls SAMBALPUR (Odisha), A Non-Resident Indian (NRI) has travelled thousands of miles from Dubai to cast his vote in the simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly elections in Odisha on Saturday. Priyadarshee Panigrahi, the son of former parliamentarian and Odisha minister Sriballav Panigrahi, has been staying in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates since 2008. He undertook a 20-hour journey from Dubai to Kolkata via flight and then by train to Jharsuguda and finally by road to Sambalpur to reach his polling station at 11.30 am to exercise his franchise. I have a special connection with Sambalpur. I grew up here and my late father represented Sambalpur twice in 1971 and 1974 in the Odisha Assembly. So, coming here and voting was also my way of paying homage to my motherland and to my late father. I view voting as not only a right but also as a responsibility. I firmly believe that every vote counts. It is our duty to participate in the electoral process, no matter where we live in the world, Priyadarshee Panigrahi said. He plans to return to Dubai on Sunday after spending only one day in Odisha. My journey has attracted widespread attention, symbolising the global reach of Indian democracy and the enduring commitment of its citizens, no matter where they reside. If my journey encourages even one more person to vote, it will be worth it, the NRI added. At the age of 32, his father became Indias youngest cabinet minister in the Nandini Satpathy government in 1973. Priyadarshee and his elder daughter Tisya are noted scuba divers. They are among the very few father-daughter advanced scuba divers from India and are always in the news for their unique scuba diving escapades. TN police arrest six Hizb-ut-Tahrir activists for campaign against elections, democracy CHENNAI, SIX members of Hizb-ut-Tahrir (HuT), an international Islamist outfit have been arrested for anti-national activities such as propaganda against holding elections and democracy, police said on Saturday. The arrested persons are-- a man in his fifties, his two sons and three others who were aged between 26 and 33, a senior police official said adding provisions of Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) have been invoked against them. What began as a modest exercise to seek support from followers of Islam for pan-Islamic rule or the Caliphate appeared to grow strong as number of participants in closed-door meetings increased, he said. The group was arrested following their propaganda against conduct of elections, democracy; and participation in the voting exercise and the topic of a propaganda was whether elections were Haram (forbidden by Islamic law) or Halal (lawful under Islamic law) and the verdict was that election and democracy were Haram, the senior official told PTI. One of the arguments of HuT members against democracy was that democracy and rule of law was man-made and hence subject to change and not perfect. However, divine law does not fall into such a category and it is supreme. The arrested persons include Hameed Hussain, who holds a doctorate in Mechanical Engineering and till 2021. He had been teaching engineering in colleges. Hussains father Ahmed Mansoor and brother Abdul Rehman and three others --Mohammed Maurice, Khader Nawaz Sherif and Ahmed Ali-- were also held. All the six men are natives of Chennai. Hameed Hussain has been posting videos on YouTube advocating his ideology and his father Mansoor held private meetings to further the same cause. It all began with an initiative to translate Zakir Naiks (fundamentalist Islamic preacher who fled India years ago) preachings into Tamil, the official said. The six HuT members were arrested by Chennai police (cyber crime) in an operation closely coordinated by intelligence sleuths. Central intelligence agencies are aware of developments related to HuT. The HuT is a banned organisation in countries including Bangladesh and the United Kingdom. When Rational Brain Shuts Down By DR BHUSHAN KUMAR UPADHYAYA Neuroscientists are of the opinion that the human brain is not wired to be happy. Since the beginning humans have been struggling hard for survival. They have been facing constant dangers, threats, challenges and problems. So the human brain has got habituated to be always on the alarm mode and stressful. The survival and emotional parts of the brain have always been dominant over the thinking or rational brain. This is the reason that in the fit of rage and anger serious crimes are committed because the emotional part of the brain overshadows the rational brain and one is not able to think reasonably. Across the ages and all over the world humans have been inventing methods and skills to calm down their nerves and elevate their consciousness from the survival and emotional parts of the brain to the rational part. The evolution of Yoga in the Indian subcontinent is a great step in this regard. The basic purpose of Yoga is to calm down the mental waves so that the human brain is able to think rationally and experience bliss and tranquillity. The entire science of Yoga is based upon the discovery that the only way to be happy is to be in a state of mental calmness and serenity. The concept of the Chakras or bio energy wheels in the body is a forward step in this direction. The spiritual practice of Chakra meditation is to raise the consciousness from the lower limb of survival and emotions to the highest limb of evolution. Other Yogic and Tantric practices are also aimed at the evolution of consciousness from the lower parts to the upper ones. Until the nineties of the nineteenth century it was invariably believed by neuroscientists that the wiring of the brain cannot be changed. But with more research and studies in the fields of neuroscience and psychology the concept of neuroplasticity evolved. According to the concept of neuroplasticity ,the human brain is plastic and keeps on changing. Brain cells undergo functional and structural changes. Human brain has the capacity to change and adapt. New neural pathways are created and older ones are altered. This was a revolutionary discovery and this led to the birth of positive psychology. Positive psychology believes that the human brain can adapt to positive changes . As a result lots of cognitive and behavioural skills and techniques are developed to make the human brain more positive. Indian traditions have always believed that human consciousness may evolve or devolve. There are numerous examples of bad people becoming good or vice versa. The tools and techniques of Yoga are the instruments through which our consciousness evolves. Amongst the other practices, meditation has been found to be very effective in rewiring the brain and generating new neural networks. Many studies in the fields of neuroscience and psychology have corroborated the fact. This is reason that in the field of correctional services Yogic practices have been adopted on a larger basis. All the path breaking books either on mental health or emotional intelligence invariably recommend practices of breathing exercises and meditation. (The writer is Former DG Police & CG, Homeguards, Maharashtra) By Miya Tanaka, KYODO NEWS - May 26, 2024 - 14:52 | Arts, Feature, All U.S. contemporary artist Theaster Gates says his first solo exhibition in Japan is a culmination of years of influence the Asian nation has had on work he has rooted in distinct African American history and culture. In the largest-ever solo exhibition in Japan by a Black artist, Gates explores the idea of cultural hybridity, while weaving in the ceramic legacy of the Japanese coastal city of Tokoname where the Chicago native lived and studied pottery and from which he now hopes to spark young talent. "I've been nurturing these relationships (with Japan) for a long time. And it feels like it's a homecoming," the 50-year-old said at an event in late April attended by U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel. The exhibition runs through Sept. 1 at Mori Art Museum in Tokyo. Considered one of the world's most influential living contemporary artists, Gates, who also trained as a sculptor and urban planner, employs a wide range of expressions from sculpture and installations to music, with his famous works including projects to revitalize the underserved Black neighborhoods of Chicago's South Side by transforming abandoned buildings into art and community spaces. Despite his strong Chicago roots, Gates has considered Tokoname in Aichi Prefecture in central Japan the place where his modern ceramics techniques spawned, having joined in 2004 the city's pottery homestay program for overseas artists. "It was really life-changing," Gates recalled of his impression of staying in Tokoname in a recent interview with media, touching on his time in homestay with a Japanese dairy farmer, which contrasted starkly with his previous experiences, as well as his interactions with many potters who "worked all day and all night." "Skill wasn't imparted, no one exactly trained me," he said, adding, "I was around greatness. I was around hard workers. And I wanted to be hardworking and great -- not great in a superstar artist kind of way -- but I wanted to have self-assurance that the thing I was doing was the thing I know I am supposed to do." "Tokoname helped give me that," he said. The exhibition in Tokyo is titled "Afro-Mingei," a term Gates has coined to give form to a concept he has been examining through his encounter with Japan as a Black artist, with "mingei" meaning folk crafts in Japanese. Afro-Mingei is a "testament to what happens when a person yields themselves to the possibilities of cultural influence through making and friendship," Gates said in a written message presented at the museum. While the Mingei movement developed in the 1920s to recognize the beauty of ordinary objects made by unknown artisans, Gates sees it as cultural "resistance" amid Westernization and industrialization, akin to the "Black is Beautiful" movement from the 1960s in the United States that challenged Eurocentric beauty standards by embracing natural Black features such as the afro hairstyle. Mingei is also about giving thoughts to "other countries that contributed to the creativity and artisanal wellspring of Japan," Gates said, noting that he has no intention to overlook the controversial aspects in the history of Japanese pottery which advanced through the forced transport of skilled Korean potters to Japan during invasions of Korea by the 16th-century warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi. On display are works representing Black American consciousness, including a Hammond B3 electric organ, a fixture in Black churches as an accessible alternative to the pipe organ, and a tapestry made from decommissioned fire hoses to reference how police used high-pressure fire hoses to disperse peaceful protestors who in the 1960s were a part of the American civil rights movement. At the same time, Gates brings in other cultural elements explicitly and implicitly throughout the show, as seen through vessels that evoke African, Japanese, Korean and Chinese ceramic traditions and were made in Chicago in a kiln similar to the "anagama" cellar kilns in Tokoname. Black bricks made in Tokoname cover the floor of a gallery, which is meant to connect the Japanese city's history of producing industrial ceramics with the history of America's many enslaved people of color who worked as bricklayers. With Gates also known as an archivist, one section of the exhibition recreates a library on Black history and culture and another shows a collection of 20,000 ceramic objects by late Tokoname potter Yoshihiro Koide, which Gates plans to take to Chicago after the exhibition ends, with many stacked up and wrapped in newspapers. A bar-like atmosphere emerges at the end of the exhibition, as a sparkling iceberg-shaped sculpture rotates at the center of the area like a disco ball and 1,000 Japanese refillable sake bottles made out of ceramics line a nearby shelf. Even after gaining prominence as an artist, Gates said he is committed to Tokoname and expressed hope to play a role in raising the profile of the city, which he views as less known compared with the other major ceramic production sites across Japan. Tokoname, located some 40 kilometers south of Nagoya, is home to one of Japan's six ancient kilns, each with a history that dates back to medieval times. But rapid industrialization and increased demand for mass-produced wares hit its ceramic industry hard, leaving artisans to produce only about one-third of the amount that was produced in its heyday, according to the exhibition's explanatory text. Gates has made ceramics in Tokoname, with the support of potters there, and also collaborated with local businesses, creating sake labeled "Mon," meaning gates in Japanese, with a long-established brewery. Gates suggested young people who are learning contemporary art and traditional crafts of Tokoname also want to have art exhibitions and gallery representation to build their profile worldwide. "Japanese ceramics is growing, you know, in representation outside of Japan. So I think I want to be a part of amplifying young Tokoname potters," Gates told the U.S. ambassador, a former Chicago mayor, who has continued to support the artist's work. "Now that I'm old," Gates said with a laugh, "I feel like I'm ready to actually pivot from needing the attention to supporting others." Related coverage: FEATURE: Film shows rural Japan's changing face through eyes of mythic critter FEATURE: Tokyo ramen shop created close-knit community shown in film KYODO NEWS - May 26, 2024 - 18:55 | All, Japan, World Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida arrived in Seoul on Sunday for a trilateral summit with South Korea and China, as the regional security environment has become more uncertain amid the North Korean nuclear and missile threats. At the countries' first three-way summit in more than four years, Kishida, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Chinese Premier Li Qiang are expected to agree to cooperate in tackling common challenges such as epidemics and the graying of their populations. All eyes are on the three leaders' policies toward North Korea, which has been bolstering economic and military cooperation with China amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula. Tokyo, Seoul and Beijing have been at odds over economic cooperation. China imposed a blanket ban on Japanese seafood imports after the release of treated radioactive wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant commenced in August 2023. Kishida told reporters before leaving Tokyo that he is eager to "revitalize the Japan-China-South Korea process" through the summit. In a recent interview with Kyodo News, he said, "I hope to have an open discussion and agree to promote future-oriented and practical cooperation on a wide range of issues," emphasizing the importance of "a free and fair international economic order." A Japanese government official said the leaders are likely to exchange views on how to move ahead with negotiations on a three-way free trade agreement, which stalled in early 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The countries are supposed to hold trilateral summits annually on a rotating basis, but they have occasionally been suspended as Japan's relations with its two neighbors have chilled over historical and territorial disputes. Kishida, Yoon and Li, meanwhile, will be meeting days after China carried out two-day drills around Taiwan, which Beijing said were a "strong punishment" for those seeking the island's "independence" and a "stern warning" to "external forces" against interference and provocation. The exercises followed last Monday's inauguration of Taiwan's new President Lai Ching-te, whom China condemns as a separatist. He is the leader of the ruling, independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party. It is uncertain whether Kishida, Yoon and Li will raise issues related to Taiwan, the official said. Taiwan and China have been governed separately since they split as the result of a civil war in 1949. Beijing claims Taiwan is part of China's territory and an "internal affair." The countries last held a three-way summit in December 2019 in Chengdu, southwestern China. The leaders then were Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, assassinated in July 2022, Yoon's predecessor Moon Jae In and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, who died in October 2023. On the sidelines of the trilateral summit, Kishida met bilaterally with the South Korean president and the Chinese premier on Sunday. Kishida held his first formal bilateral meeting with Li, who became China's premier in March 2023. Related coverage: Japan PM aims to boost "practical cooperation" with China, S. Korea South Korean, Japanese, Chinese leaders to hold summit in Seoul on May 27 Kishida, Li to hold talks May 26 in Seoul: Japan gov't KYODO NEWS - May 26, 2024 - 10:32 | All, Japan, World The soaring popularity of bonsai abroad has spurred a recent spate of thefts of the aesthetic plants across Japan for sale outside the country, with signs of foreign involvement. Exports of bonsai, or miniaturized trees and other plants cultivated as a traditional Japanese art, have risen in recent years thanks to increased interest in Japan and relaxed restrictions. But the prized plants, often raised outdoors in pots, are especially susceptible to being stolen. "Recently all anyone talks about in the industry is theft. It's unbearable," said Tatsuharu Takeshita, 72, who works at bonsai seller Koyoen in the central Japan city of Inazawa. The shop has lost a total of 15 potted bonsai trees, which he painstakingly nurtured, in two incidents -- one last year and another in January in which thieves cut through a protective fence he had installed. The thefts occurred late at night, and in some cases, the stolen bonsai had been entrusted to his care by customers. So far, 25 thefts in 11 prefectures have been confirmed, according to data collected since February 2023 by the Nippon Bonsai Growers Cooperative. There was also a case of theft involving a bonsai worth over 3 million yen ($19,110). In one incident on May 8, 2024, 33 bonsai potted trees with a total value of 18.8 million yen were stolen from a store in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan. Numerous eyewitness reports and other sources claim that the crimes were carried out by groups made up of foreign nationals. Stolen bonsai have turned up for sale on U.S. social media sites, the cooperative has said. Recent developments, such as the 2020 lifting of a ban on exporting Japanese black pine bonsai to the European Union, have significantly heightened overseas demand for the plants, according to the Japan External Trade Organization. JETRO figures showed that the value of bonsai exports reached around 910 billion yen in 2023, 2.7 times the amount in 2020, with this year expected to be even higher. Some businesses have successfully turned the tables on thieves. Local police in central Japan arrested three Vietnamese men in April and May on suspicion of stealing bonsai. The trees were traced after the owner put tracking devices on them, leading authorities to identify the group's base of operations. Acknowledging the vulnerability to bonsai grown outdoors, a senior investigator called on businesses to step up security. A Nippon Bonsai Association official, meanwhile, advised owners to "regularly take photos" of their bonsai to make it easier to prove ownership. KYODO NEWS - May 27, 2024 - 00:35 | All, Japan The opposition-backed former mayor of Hamamatsu won Sunday's Shizuoka gubernatorial election, dealing a blow Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's ruling party. Yasutomo Suzuki beat Shinichi Omura, who was endorsed by Kishida's Liberal Democratic Party, and other candidates. Another focal point of the close contest has been a new governor's policy on Japan's stalled project to build a high-speed maglev train line through the prefecture. Suzuki, like his main rival, is a proponent of the maglev project, the construction of which has been delayed due to persistent environmental concerns raised by former Gov. Heita Kawakatsu. Suzuki's victory comes as the approval ratings for Kishida's Cabinet have remained at their lowest levels since its launch in October 2021 amid a political funds scandal engulfing the LDP. The gubernatorial election was called as Kawakatsu stepped down after coming under fire over his belittling comments in April about farmers and vegetable sellers. Kawakatsu, who was in his fourth four-year term after taking office in 2009, is an outspoken critic of Central Japan Railway Co.'s Linear Chuo Shinkansen. The operator, also known as JR Central, has said the line could not only bring economic benefits to the area but also serve as a vital backup in the event of a powerful earthquake of tsunami that could affect rail lines closer to the coast. The line, connecting Tokyo, Nagoya, and eventually Osaka, is planned to pass through a short section of northern Shizuoka, with trains traveling up to 500 kilometers per hour. But there are no plans for the trains to stop within the prefecture. The maglev train project was intended to roll out in two phases, with the Nagoya leg set for 2027 and the Osaka extension in 2037. But JR Central said in March that it had given up on the 2027 target amid long-running opposition from Shizuoka Prefecture. Suzuki, endorsed by the opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan and Democratic Party for the People, has pledged to make progress on the rail link. His LDP-backed rival, Omura, who served as a Shizuoka deputy governor, was also a proponent of the project, having said he intends to show results within a year from talks with the central government and JR central to resolve the maglev issue. Related coverage: Japan's maglev project in focus as Shizuoka election campaign starts Shizuoka governor quits after disparaging comments about farmers KYODO NEWS - May 26, 2024 - 21:36 | All, Japan, World Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida pledged Sunday to make efforts to further develop relations with South Korea ahead of the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic ties next year during his talks with President Yoon Suk Yeol. At their 10th in-person summit, the two leaders also agreed to work together in addressing North Korea's nuclear and missile threats, the South Korean presidential office said, amid an increasingly unstable regional security environment. At the outset of the meeting, Kishida told Yoon that Japan will deepen cooperation with South Korea to tackle global issues, while striving to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific, a vision advocated by Tokyo in a veiled bid to counter China. Yoon said South Korea will continue to hold high-level exchanges with Japan in areas such as finance, industry and state-of-the-art technology. Kishida and Yoon -- who met in Seoul in the run-up to a trilateral summit Monday involving Japan, South Korea and China -- reaffirmed the necessity of bolstering their countries' security ties with the United States, the presidential office said. The two leaders shared concerns about North Korean missile tests and nuclear weapons development, the office added. After meeting with Yoon for around 60 minutes, Kishida told reporters that Japan and South Korea also agreed to expand people-to-people exchanges and jointly promote use of clean energy sources including hydrogen and ammonia. "To advance the Japan-Korea relationship further, President Yoon and I will take the lead in proceeding with preparations" to that end as the 60th anniversary approaches, Kishida added. During the talks, Yoon said South Korea hopes that next year will be a "historical turning point." The meeting came as bilateral relations have improved since South Korea announced in March 2023 a solution for a long-standing wartime labor compensation dispute. The leaders last met in November in the United States. Kishida and Yoon, however, met as fears are mounting that bilateral ties could become frayed again after Japan's communications ministry asked a Tokyo-based company to review its capital relationship with a South Korean firm. Earlier this year, Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications urged LY Corp., the operator of the popular Line messaging app, to strengthen the protection of users' personal data in the wake of a massive data breach. The ministry also pointed out that the Japanese app provider relies too heavily on South Korea's Naver Corp., which operated the infected server and is a major shareholder in LY. Yoon's government has cautioned that "discriminatory measures should not be taken." While the Japanese ministry's move has triggered a backlash in South Korea, Yoon was quoted by a government official as telling Kishida that the issue should be properly managed to prevent it from becoming an unnecessary obstacle to bilateral diplomatic relations. Related coverage: Japan PM arrives in Seoul for summit with S. Korea, China leaders Kishida, Li to hold talks May 26 in Seoul: Japan gov't Japan PM aims to boost "practical cooperation" with China, S. Korea President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has disclosed that his administration readiness to purchase more state-of-the-art aircraft and equipment to combat the insecurity ravaging the country. Also, he expressed his administrations unwavering commitment to prioritising national security and the welfare of the Armed Forces. While speaking yesterday at the Ceremonial Parade to Commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in Kaduna, the President hailed the NAFs six decades of service, sacrifice and patriotism. The President, who was represented by his vice, Kashim Shettima, stated that he was standing with the Armed Forces through challenges, triumphs and grief, not as repayment but as an assurance of the nations unwavering support. He said, I bear with me today the gratitude of a nation that has watched your transformation into a formidable and resilient organisation, vigilant of the dynamics and complexities of security threats within and outside our borders for this long." The President also expressed his administrations commitment to prioritising security, noting that development cannot be guaranteed without a secure nation. He said, In my inaugural address a year ago, I noted that security would be the top priority of my administration because we can never guarantee the development we have proposed unless each part of this great nation is secure. This is why we have continued to support the modernisation efforts of our Armed Forces to address national and sub-regional security challenges." In expressing commitment to tackle national and sub-regional security challenges, President Tinubu revealed his administrations substantial investments in procuring state-of-the-art multi-role combat aircraft, attack helicopters, sensors and equipment to enhance the NAFs capabilities. He said, These acquisitions, including Beechcraft King Air 360 aircraft, Diamond 62 surveillance aircraft, T-129 ATAK helicopters, Agusta 109 trekker multi-role helicopter, and M-346 attack aircraft, aim to boost the nations combat and airlift capabilities." Similarly, President Tinubu paid tribute to the surviving members of the first set of pioneer NAF personnel, veterans and fallen comrades, acknowledging their bravery, commitment and service to the nation. Aligning with the events theme, Nigerian Air Force at 60: Leveraging Strategic Partnerships in Aerospace Innovations for Regional Security, the President expressed thanks to the participation of various partners and air forces from around the world, particularly from Africa. He explained the need for collaboration and developing partnerships with friends and allies to collectively address shared threats in the sub-region and beyond. The Federal Government has been advised to reduce the lengthy and cumbersome procedures in the ports, through implementing and enforcing the Executive Order on the reduction of agencies within the ports. The National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), in an open letter to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noted that numerous government agencies at the ports are creating lengthy and cumbersome procedures, which has ultimately led to high cost of doing business at the nations gateways. The group, in a letter by its president, Lucky Amiwero, called on the Federal Government to act and address the lengthy, cumbersome procedures and costly processes in the ports system by implementing the Port Related Offences Act No.61 of 1999. He explained that the number of agencies that are allowed to be in the port as provided in Section 1-(1A) of the Act include: The Nigeria Customs Service; The Nigeria ports Authority; The Federal Air port Authority of Nigeria; The Nigerian Immigration Service; The Port Police; and inspection agents and the Licensed Customs Agents (LCA). He quoted the act as emphasising that: It shall be unlawful for any person, not being a duly authorised officer or agent of any of the following namely, to do any of the acts or things mentioned in subsection (2) of this section. While giving the background to the Act, Amiwero noted that the government in a bid to reduce the number of agencies in the ports has issued out circular that was never obeyed, which prompted the Federal Government under General Abdulsalami Abubakar to enact Act No. 61 of 1999. According to him, It was facilitated by the Inter-Ministerial Committee of National Facilitation (FAL/IMO) in line with FAL/IMO convention to facilitate maritime traffic by simplifying, minimising and harmonising processes and procedure in the arrival, stay and departure of ship and cargo and the application of World Trade Organisation (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) World Customs Organization Kyoto Convention on the Harmonization and Simplification of Customs procedure. The National Facilitation Committee (FAL/IMO) midwifed the process of the Port (Related offences, etc)(Admendment) Act No. 61 of 1999, in which National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA) served as a member." For the indigenes of Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, Wednesday May 22, 2024, is a day that will be too difficult to forget. Even if they do, as it is essentially easy for humans to forget but hard to remember, the constant electricity they enjoy going forward, after 15years of darkness will always be available to remind them. Likewise, for the natives of Ogbia-Nembe communities in Bayelsa state, Saturday May 2024, shall remain ever green in their memories. Beginning with the people of Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, it was on the aforementioned date that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu commissioned the multi-billion naira 132KV Transmission Line and I32KV/33KV electricity substation as executed by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), at Ode-Erinje in Okitipupa Local Government Area of the state. Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the President, who was represented by the Minister for Niger Delta Development, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, said that the project demonstrated the determination of the Federal Government to develop the Niger Delta region, noting that the Federal Government was placing priority on electricity as one of the sure ways of boosting industrialization in the country. Adding context to the discourse, the project provided for the construction of 45km double circuit 33KV Feeder lines from Omotosho Power Station (Hook-up point) to Okitipupa and two 30MVA, 132/33KV Injection Substations with breakers, gantry and substation automations. *The initiative which also provided for the construction of 3-bedroom semi-detached bungalow as service quarters is reportedly aimed at complementing the Federal Governments *effort* in the power sector by improving power supply to Okitipupa, Igbokoda and other neighboring communities in Ondo South Senatorial District with direct value to chain in small and medium scale industries, job creation and consequently endanger growth and development in Ondo State. Interestingly too, before the dust of excitement raised by this unusual breakthrough could settle, another was up. This time around in Bayelsa state, where President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday May 24, 2024, commissioned the 25.735 km Ogbia-Emakalakala-Akipelai-Etiama-Nembe road, including seven bridges that connect 14 communities such as Ogbia, Emakalakala, Akipelai, Etiama, Nembe, Bassambiri, and Ogbolomabiri, constructed by NDDC in partnership with Shell Petroleum Development Company. Mr. President who was represented by the Hon. Minister of Niger Delta Development, Engr. Abubakar stressed on the significance of the project, stating, This important road will alleviate many issues and hardships in the region by facilitating the free movement of goods and services. This is a project everyone would want to be associated with. The NDDC deserves a lot of commendation for this accomplishment. This demonstrates Mr. Presidents commitment through the release of funds. More specifically, while the Commissioning of these laudable projects in Ondo, Bayelsa among others, and the excitements it elicited may have died down, the event left two important lessons behind; first, NDDCs governing board and management as presently constituted is living up to the agencys motto; Making A Difference In The Niger Delta. Secondly, the agency is under the right leadership and managed in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubus renewed hope agenda targeted at turning the region to a zone of peace and development. The reason for the above assertion is predicated on the global understanding that infrastructural provision is the bedrock of development. Beginning with global reasoning on infrastructural development, it is widely believed that development is an inalienable human right by virtue of which every human person and all peoples are entitled to participate in, contribute to, and enjoy economic, social, cultural and political development, in which all human rights and fundamental freedoms can be fully realized. Take as an illustration, it is obvious that international law does not specifically acknowledge the right to access electricity as a human right, but the United Nations and other international organizations recognize the right to access electricity as one of the keys needed to enhance human welfare and achieve sustainable development. Again, analysts believe that infrastructural development such as roads, rail and electricity enables development and also provides the services that underpin the ability of people to be economically productive, for example via transport. The transport sector has a huge role in connecting populations to where the work is,. For instance, the World Bank estimates that in Sub-Saharan Africa closing the infrastructure quantity and quality gap relative to the worlds best performers could raise GDP growth per head by 2.6 per cent annually. Infrastructure investments help stem economic losses arising from problems such as power outages or traffic congestion. Experts also believe that energy, for instance, is tightly linked to economic development while higher levels of GDP are more correlated with greater electricity use, access, reliability and affordability. In the same span, testimonies from various beneficiaries of NDDCs initiatives also indicate that it is not only in infrastructural provision that NDDC board and management have demonstrated excellence in public leadership, winning confidence of the people particularly in the Niger Delta region. According to reports, the transformative projects of the present board and management is also bringing to the region significant benefits, including job opportunities, new investments, better healthcare and support socioeconomic development, boost economic activities and improve the quality of life for the people of the Niger Delta region. Viewed broadly, from the above cheerful commentaries from NDDCs investment in infrastructure and other initiatives such as the Holistic Opportunities, Projects and Engagement (HOPE); which is positioned to provide a platform to empower youths in the region on a sustainable basis, designed to create a comprehensive resource database of the youth population of the Niger Delta region so that NDDC can clearly see what the youths want in their commitment to sustainability in line with international best practices and development, it is certain that the message NDDCs handler is sending to the people of the region and the nation in general is that of a bunch that is willing to take every legitimate action to accommodate the youths in the region, assist them acquire skills in different areas needed to fill vacancies in fields they have been skillfully equipped. As we know, employment creates an environment for stability which in turn enhances the confidence that protects the very investments that are necessary for the development of national asserts. For me, NDDC has finally gotten a board with the understanding that it is their duty to serve our communities and embrace its aspirations, both now and in the future, by assuring the people economic growth, education, health, security, stability, comfort, leisure opportunities and freedom in ways that will allow for the most conducive atmosphere to achieve the targets that will guarantee our welfare and a bright future. Utomi is the programme coordinator, media and policy, Social and Economic Justice Advocacy (SEJA), Lagos. He can be reached via [email protected]/08032725374. * Leaders of China, Japan and South Korea will meet in Seoul from Sunday to Monday for a trilateral summit, more than four years after it was last held in 2019. * In an ever-evolving global and regional landscape featuring economic uncertainty and geopolitical volatility, the three-way cooperative network in Northeast Asia, which was stalled due to geopolitical interferences and the pandemic, is more necessary than ever. * Twenty-five years after its inception, the trilateral meeting has grown from an economy-focused gathering aimed at countering the financial crisis into a full-fledged, multi-tier mechanism that promotes cooperation in a spectrum of areas. * The three countries have overcome economic, public health and other crises through mutual support, demonstrating the importance of trilateral cooperation as the frontrunner for the benefit of the region and the world. SEOUL, May 25 (Xinhua) -- Leaders of China, Japan and South Korea will meet in Seoul from Sunday to Monday for a trilateral summit, more than four years after it was last held in 2019. The resumed gathering through the established framework among the three neighbors is significant, as it heralds the trio's willingness to redirect focus on dialogue and cooperation and navigate through ruffled waters of the regional landscape and beyond. People of the three countries hope that the meeting will boost trilateral cooperation, deliver win-win results and help to promote regional prosperity and stability. People visit Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul, South Korea, on May 24, 2024. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin) MORE NECESSARY THAN EVER Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol will attend the trilateral summit meeting, the trilateral business summit and other events. It is prevailingly believed that cooperation and solidarity among countries are desperately needed to address major challenges facing this region and the world, including protectionist trends, armed conflicts, supply chain restructuring and climate change. In an ever-evolving global and regional landscape featuring economic uncertainty and geopolitical volatility, the three-way cooperative network in Northeast Asia, which was stalled due to geopolitical interferences and the pandemic, is more necessary than ever. Trilateral relations have been facing fluctuations for a while, but recent high-level interactions indicate that the trio is making an effort to fix them. Liu Qing, vice president of the China Institute of International Studies, said the resumption of the trilateral talks sends "a strong message" that the three countries are committed to resolving disputes through diplomatic means. "It is hoped that the leaders of the three countries will discuss critical issues including rebuilding trust, expanding economic and trade cooperation as well as cultural exchanges, and strengthening current cooperation mechanisms," Liu said. Though it is still early to predict concrete results, the convening of the meeting "will be an accomplishment in its own right," said the Japan Times. People visit Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul, South Korea, on May 24, 2024. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin) Lee Hee-sup, secretary-general of the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS), told Xinhua that the upcoming meeting "will serve as an opportunity to revive various cooperation projects and revitalize trilateral cooperation." "The three countries need to share a clear perception that win-win-win through cooperation, not confrontation and conflict, is the only way forward for national interests and the happiness of their peoples," Lee noted. WIDE-RANGING COOPERATION Twenty-five years after its inception, the trilateral meeting has grown from an economy-focused gathering aimed at countering the financial crisis into a full-fledged, multi-tier mechanism that promotes cooperation in a spectrum of areas. Analysts said that after a hiatus of more than four years, the forthcoming ninth edition of the meeting will focus on re-establishing and enhancing collaborative mechanisms. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said that China stands ready to work with Japan and South Korea to implement the Trilateral Cooperation Vision for the Next Decade and other important common understandings. Wang was talking about the document released at the eighth summit in China's Chengdu in December 2019, which mapped out the route for trilateral cooperation. The trio agreed to expand cooperation in environmental protection, climate change, health, aging population, scientific and technological innovation, sports, youth and other fields. Strengthening people-to-people exchanges is expected to be a palpable focus for this year's summit. Tourism, for instance, continues to be a main driver in this regard. According to Ctrip, an online travel agency in China, Japan ranked first among foreign countries in attracting Chinese tourists during the Golden Week holiday in May. Panda fever, meanwhile, has made panda-themed tours to China's Sichuan province a popular option for South Koreans. People visit Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul, South Korea, on May 24, 2024. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin) Noting that the three neighbors share many cultural similarities, Lee said that the TCS, launched in 2011 to promote peace, prosperity and shared culture among the three nations, is ready to foster closer ties among their people. The institution plans to expand youth exchanges through projects such as the youth summit, the youth ambassador program, and the youth speech contest this year. Scholars predicted that strengthening supply chain stability, expanding markets, and increasing investment will remain high on this year's agenda to boost economic integration and enhance regional economic resilience. Hwang Jae-ho, director of the Seoul-based Institute for Global Strategy and Cooperation, said attention is also on whether the three parties will be able to speed up the negotiations over the China-Japan-South Korea free trade agreement and enhance cooperation in supply chains. Citing the semiconductor sector as an example, Liu said that despite pressures from the United States, China's industrial chain continues to benefit Japanese and South Korean companies. While competition between the three countries remains a constant, the potential for cooperation is increasingly critical, as each of the three brings unique strengths to the table, Liu said. PIVOTAL ROLE OF ASIA The three countries have overcome economic, public health and other crises through mutual support, demonstrating the importance of trilateral cooperation as the frontrunner for the benefit of the region and the world. As major economies in Asia, the trio accounted for 20 percent of the global population, 23.4 percent of the world's GDP, and 18.7 percent of world trade as of 2022, according to the latest data from the TCS. Highlighting Asia's burgeoning economic power, Liu said the collaboration within the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) not only fosters economic cohesion in Asia, but also enhances the region's role as a vital engine for global growth. People visit the Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, South Korea, on May 24, 2024. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin) "As Asia strengthens its economic ties and continues on this trajectory, its influence on the world stage is expected to expand, cementing the 21st century as the era of Asian ascendancy," he said. Despite ups and downs in ties among the three countries due to outside interference and their historical factors, Hwang emphasized "the synergy that will be created if the three countries cooperate." "Asia is re-emerging as a pivot of the world history," he said. "It is necessary to make pan-Asian discussions, in which Asians themselves can create visions and action plans for the future of Asia." Lee noted the key role the three nations can play in safeguarding globalization and multilateralism. "The three countries, which have achieved economic growth through free trade and globalization, need to cooperate closely for the protection of free trade and the multilateral trade systems in a world where the free trade order is being threatened," he said. Liu said that by committing to regular dialogue and collaboration, the trio can address common challenges and leverage their collective strengths for mutual benefit. "The renewed focus on cooperation sets a hopeful tone for the future, where Asia can become a cornerstone of peace and development in the global arena," Liu said. (Video reporters: Chen Yi, Lu Rui, Liu Shengji, Jin Haomin, Yang Chang; Video editors: Ma Ruxuan, Mu Xuyao, Zhang Yichi, Liu Xiaorui, Yin Le, Wei Yin, Cao Ying) Siliguri Police arrested two more persons in connection with grabbing the property of the Ramakrishna Mission. They were produced before the court today. The police got the names of more persons, following interrogation of five persons, who were arrested three days ago. But the police have not yet arrested Pradip Roy, named in the FIR, lodged by the secretary Ramakrishna Mission in Jalpaiguri Swami Shivapremananda. Roy is still absconding, police said. Advertisement However, following instruction from chief minister Mamata Banerjee, Siliguri mayor Goutam Deb yesterday visited the building named Sewak House, met Swami Shivapremananda and gave him mutation papers from Siliguri Municipal Corporation and other papers, including holding tax receipts after thorough investigation conducted by the police. Significantly, the police registered another case against the Ramkrishna Mission following a complaint of one Pradip Roy, who claimed its ownership. Sources said Mr Roy was the mastermind behind the property grabbing case. But the police after investigation and examination of papers came to a conclusion that Roy was not the rightful owner of the property. The Ramakrishna Mission authorities finally proved that the late Sunil Kumar Roy of Siliguri donated his property, the land measuring 1.59 acre with two storied building, named Sewak House, located under Ward 42 on the Sevoke Road, Siliguri to Ramakrishna Mission at Belur Math through a Registered Deed of Trust. The police, who locked the main gate of the property for investigation, finally unlocked it and handed the building to Ramakrishna Mission on Thursday so that it can begin philanthropic activities from there. Notably, a group of armed men attacked the security staff and kidnapped a total of seven persons including cook, carpenter and mason, who were inside the building at around 3.30 a.m. on 18 May. Bangio Sanyashi Samaj took out a rally named Sant Swabhiman Yatra in Siliguri yesterday and criticised Ramakrishna Missions property grabbing case. The depression which lies between Central and East Bay of Bengal has intensified into a deep depression and by Saturday evening formed a cyclone, according to the Meteorological department, which predicted landfall of between 11 p.m and 1 a.m on 26 May night between Sagar Island and Khepupara of Bangladesh. The Met department said the wind speed of Cyclone Remalduring its landfall will likely to be around 100-120 kmph and with a gusting speed of around 135 kmph. Heavy to very heavy rainfall has been forecast in South and North 24-Parganas on Sunday accompanied with thunderstorms, whose wind speed has been predicted at around 100 kmph. The two 24-Parganas districts apart, East Midnapore, Howrah, Hooghly, Nadia, East Burdwan and West Midnapore too are likely to bear the brunt with heavy to very heavy rainfall predicted for tomorrow and Monday. On Monday, heavy rains are likely in Howrah, Hooghly. Kolkata, Murshidabad , Malda and South Dinajpur while light and moderate rainfall has been predicted in West Midnapore, Burdwan, Birbhum, Jalpaiguri and North Dinajpur. The situation is expected to be at its worst between 6 p.m. on Sunday and 6 a.m. on Monday. On Saturday morning, the formation was around 420 km south of Khepupara in Bangladesh and at an equal distance from the Sagar Islands in a South-South East direction and was moving northwards. With landfall expected between Sagar Island and Khepupara of Bangladesh, the closer the landfall is to Sagar, the more Bengal and Kolkata will be affected. Advertisement The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) in the evening issued a red warning for heavy and very heavy rain for Kolkata. A red warning is already in place for both North and South 24-Parganas for Sunday and Monday,. The Bengal administration as well as Central and state agencies associated with disaster management are gearing up to tackle the natural calamity. While a control room has been set up at the Kolkata Police headquarters in Lalbazar for the state agencies, teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are heading for the districts that are likely to be affected by the cyclonic storm. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is also issuing alerts to mariners besides coordinating with its Bangladeshi counterparts. The NDRF, meanwhile, has deployed 12 teams with equipment in seven districts. While one team will be deployed in Kolkata, there will be two each in the districts of North 24-Parganas, East Midnapore, and West Midnapore. Three teams have been deployed in South 24-Parganas, which is expected to be hit the hardest. The remaining teams will be stationed at Howrah and Hooghly. Senior officials of the National Crisis Management Committee held a meeting with Bengal chief secretary BP Gopalika on Friday to assess the preparations of the state administration to meet the calamity. In South 24-Parganas, District Magistrate Sumit Gupta held an emergency meeting with BDOs to discuss advance preparations for the cyclone. Mr Gupta stated: Control rooms have been opened in the district and blocks. Additionally, residents will be relocated from Ghoramara and other places to safe locations by Saturday evening. There is a risk of tidal waves in coastal areas on Sunday. Trinamul Congress chairperson and chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday held a rally at Minakhans Haroa Circus Ground in support of Trinamul candidate Haji Nurul Islam of Basirhat and issued a call to throw out the BJP regime from the Centre. Miss Banerjee said that BJP buys votes with money and attacked the saffron party as a false party with false promises. Lakhs of cash are being seized every day. They are trying to purchase votes by distributing cash. They think they can buy everyone with cash, she said. She raised the slogan, Remove BJP, Save the Country. At the rally, Miss Banerjee also accused the Trinamul Congress MLA for Minakhan, Usharani Mondal, and her husband, Mrityunjay Mondal, of having close ties with the BJP. You will continue to be a Trinamul MLA but wont attend meetings? That will not work. Until you apologise and beg for forgiveness, we do not accept Usharani Mondal. I have no relationship with her. We dont want people like you. Will you sell the party with your husband? We will not tolerate this, said Miss Banerjee. She asked the people of Minakhan to remember that the party is above all as it represents the ideology. No personal interest or gain should be prioritised over the party. You, the people of Minakhan, must ensure the victory of Haji Nurul Islam. Advertisement I will personally come here again. I promise you that the NRC and CAA will not be implemented as TMC will put up stiff resistance against them. We will oppose the Uniform Civil Code, she said. The Chief Minister also expressed displeasure over two recent orders passed by Calcutta High Court ~ cancellation of around 26,000 school jobs, and scrapping more than five lakh OBC certificates issued by the Bengal government after 2010 as invalid. She assured that the interests of OBC, SC, and ST communities would be kept intact. I assure you that no job will be taken away by the BJP or anyone else. Grants for farmers will continue. Fishermen will receive Rs 10,000 assistance in phases, she said. She also took part in a road show from BF and CF ground to EM Bypass this afternoon The NSCBI Airport authorities have suspended flight operations for 21 hours from noon today as a measure of caution in view of high winds and heavy rain as cyclone Remal is predicted to make landfall on the Bengal-Bangladesh coast around midnight today. Around 394 flights, 54 of them international, were cancelled from this noon. Around 63,000 passengers were affected. However, sources said that airlines will refund them. Airport authorities said that most of the flights flew out before noon but the parked planes will be anchored. According to the weather department, a deep depression has formed in the east-central Bay of Bengal. It is gaining strength and moving northwards towards the land. The weather department reports that this deep depression is likely to intensify into a cyclone, at which point it will be named Remal. According to Somnath Dutta, deputy director of the Alipore Meteorological Department, Remal may make landfall on Sunday night with wind speeds ranging from 110 to 120 kilometers per hour, temporarily increasing to 135 kilometers per hour. It is expected to hit between Sagar Island in India and Khepupara in Bangladesh. Due to the impact the cyclone, rain is forecast in almost all districts of south Bengal. Advertisement A red alert has been issued for Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, North and South 24-Parganas and East Midnapore on Sunday. Very heavy rainfall is expected in these six districts, with more than 20 centimeters of rain possible. In the two 24 Parganas, wind speeds may reach 110 to 120 kilometers per hour, temporarily increasing to 130 kilometers per hour. In Kolkata and the remaining four districts, wind speeds may reach 70 to 80 kilometers per hour, gusting up to 90 kilometers per hour. An orange alert has been issued for West Midnapore, East Burdwan, and Nadia, where heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected, along with wind speeds of 34 to 45 kilometers per hour. Heavy rainfall is also expected in the remaining southern districts with a yellow alert issued by the weather department. In this situation, Kolkata airport authorities have decided to suspend flight operations. Even overflights, planes that fly between east and west over Kolkata airspace are being deviating by up to 240km to avoid strong swirling winds that could rock aircrafts. The ATC at Kolkata airport will guide planes flying over the city. Contingency measures have been drawn up with alternative routes for flights. The Trinamul Congress held a press conference in the evening which was addressed by two senior ministers Bratya Basu and Chandrima Bhattacharya. The leaders highlighted the attack on women voters at some places and how the BJP leaders tried to influence voting. Minister Bratya Basu said, Overall, peoples excitement to vote has been seen. In many PCs, we saw 80 per cent voting by 5 p.m. We saw how the BJP candidate of Jhargram and BJP goons abetted violence. In Purba Medinipur, where people are seeking justice, we saw how injustice is occurring. On the night of day-before-yesterday, goons entered homes of people and tried to settle places where they knew the TMC votebank existed. They entered homes and threatened voters. They killed people and vandalised cars apart from attacking the media. We have seen a fierce argument between a BJP candidate and security personnel. One phase of polling is left and we hope it will be peaceful. Advertisement He added that like our national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee has said that the final pin in BJPs coffin will be given during the final phase. Bengal will give this anti-women, anti-anti-Bengal BJP a befitting reply. The way the PM used the Mujra word today for the Oppositionhe not only ashamed his position but also insulted a community. This shows BJPs culture that from bottom to top, it is a reflection (of what they stand for) On BJP alleging that not common people but TMC protested against Abhijit Ganguly and Agnimitra Paul, Mr Basu said, I think in some cases, these were voluntary protests by the people. We have been hearing that Medinipur is not AITCs stronghold and we are losing, so how can we stage demonstrations? It must be because of the candidates behaviour that the ordinary people protested. Mr Basu added, I dont know why they are complaining against the EC because the state EC is under central EC. This means they are expressing lack of confidence in central agencies. Does it mean the BJP leaders are getting a hint about elections that the voting pattern is reversing? Maybe, that effect is falling on the EC and central forces. I will say that despite the provocation of BJP leaders, central military forces have worked calmly and we hope that they will help in the peaceful polling of the seventh phase. The way BJP is complaining, I feel that their number of seats will be between 5-10 against their slogan of 30 seats. On high voting in the sixth phase, Mr Basu added: I think that due to CM Mamata Banerjees developmental schemes, the women have got encouraged and voting percentage is high. Also, due to the realisation that the INDI alliance is coming to power, there is more excitement among the people. Chandrima Bhattacharya, said the nari birodhi nature of the Opposition, especially the BJP, leaders has come to the fore in the sixth phase of polling. In 7 days, women were assaulted by the CRPF, who are here for protection. Even today, a woman has alleged that the CRPF personnel molested her at her residence. We condemn the atrocities of the CRPF. The sixth phase of polling in West Bengal reported incidents sporadic violence and disruptions at some pockets of Midnapore, Ghatal, Tamluk, Contai, and Jhargram. BJP candidate Dr Pranta Tudu and his security personnel were attacked allegedly by Trinamul Congress (TMC) supporters in Garhbeta, West Midnapore. Dr Tudu claimed that his convoy was ambushed by TMC goons, resulting in injuries to two Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) jawans, who were hospitalized. Dr Tudu recounted the incident: All of a sudden, TMC goons who had blocked the roads started hurling bricks at my car. When my security personnel tried to intervene, they were injured. Advertisement Dr Tudu had to run away from the scene to save his life. Thankfully, I had security personnel with me. Otherwise, I wouldnt have been able to save my life, Dr Tudu said. A large police contingent was deployed to control the situation. However, local TMC leaders denied the allegations, accusing Dr. Tudu of attempting to vitiate the peaceful polling process. They claimed that villagers protested against Tudus threats to voters. Vehicles belonging to various media houses were reportedly vandalized amid the chaos. Despite the tensions, the average polling percentage for the five Lok Sabha seats till 5 p.m. was 77.99 per cent, with Tamluk recording the highest at 79.79 per cent, followed by Jhargram at 79.68 per cent, Ghatal at 78.92 per cent, Midnapore at 77.57 and Contai being lowest at 75.66 per cent. The epicenters of tension were Ghatal in West Midnapore and Tamluk in East Midnapore. In Tamluk, BJP candidate and former Calcutta High Court judge Abhijit Gangopadhyay faced aggressive protests from TMC supporters as he moved from one booth to another. Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel frequently intervened to disperse protesting crowds. Mr Gangopadhyay, initially maintaining composure, later expressed frustration, threatening, If such unruly protests continue wherever I go, the bones of protesters will be broken. Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly, attributed the protests to TMCs fear of imminent defeat. He accused TMC of obstructing BJP polling agents and tampering with CCTV cameras. Trinamul Congress is completely wiped out at Tamluk, Adhikari asserted. In Ghatal, BJP candidate Hiran Chatterjee also reported TMC hooliganism. A clash erupted at Keshpur between TMC and BJP workers after Chatterjees convoy was stopped by villagers demanding an apology for alleged BJP violence against TMC activists. Police intervened, but tensions escalated, leading to baton charges and tyre burnings by TMC protesters. Mr Chatterjee accused the police, central forces, and TMC of colluding to defeat him. They do not want the truth to come out, he said. His TMC opponent, Deepak Adhikari (aka Dev), countered, claiming Chatterjee was inciting tension. In Midnapore, BJP candidate Agnimitra Paul raised concerns after encountering a state police officer at a polling booth, which she reported to the Election Commission. Paul also faced protests at Kismat Angua in Bonpura village, where she engaged in a verbal altercation with voters. Abhijit Gangopadhyay continued to face hostility in Tamluk and Haldia, with protesters chanting Go Back and thief. He warned, If protests are held, then we will break their bones, before CRPF personnel dispersed the crowds. Suvendu Adhikari, after voting at Nandanayakbar primary school in Nandigram, acknowledged reports of TMC intimidation but reassured that the BJP had secured most key booths. Scattered reports of intimidation and removal of BJPs polling agents have reached us from early morning but be rest assured BJP has ensured tight security in almost 90 per cent of the important booths this time, he said. In Dantan, West Midnapore, seven people were injured in clashes between TMC and BJP workers wielding bamboo poles and sticks. As the day progressed, sporadic violence underscored the intense political rivalry in West Bengal, casting a shadow over the electoral process. The South 24-Parganas district administration has geared up to tackle the impending cyclone. Yesterday, three teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) arrived in the district and a control room has been set up. Three years ago, in May, Cyclone Yaas wreaked havoc in the Sundarbans, including Ghoramara Island, Mousuni Island, Gobardhanpur, Sagar, Namkhana, Patharpratima and Gosaba. Now, Cyclone Remal is threatening to strike. Detailed analysis is underway to determine if the coastal areas of the Sundarbans will be hit again. Both North and South 24-Parganas are under red alert for Sunday and Monday, while Kolkata and four other districts are under orange alert. According to the weather departments forecast, a deep depression will form over the Bay of Bengal on 25 May. By the morning of 26 May, it will intensify into a powerful cyclone. Sources from the central meteorological department indicate that the cyclone will hit the coastal areas near the West Bengal-Bangladesh border with wind speeds exceeding 100 km/h around midnight on Sunday. The sea will become turbulent from Friday morning. Hence, fishermen in West Bengal have been advised to return to land by Friday evening. Experts believe that East Midnapore and South 24-Parganas districts will be directly affected by Remal. Advertisement Additional lightning warnings have also been issued for the district. The district administration of South 24-Parganas is well-prepared to face the cyclone, said the authorities. District magistrate Sumit Gupta held an emergency meeting with BDOs to discuss advance preparations for the natural disaster. He reviewed the latest situation in each block on Friday afternoon. Fishermens associations have been warned. According to administration sources, the National Disaster Response Force teams are stationed in Kakdwip, Sagar and Gosaba. Control rooms have been ordered to be set up in each block and panchayat offices in coastal areas. Additionally, preparations are underway to relocate residents from Ghoramara and other island areas to safe locations. The irrigation department has been instructed to monitor weak embankments closely. The power department and other departments have been told to be on alert. Many people in coastal areas are fearful due to the risk of embankment breaches. According to sources from the Kakdwip sub-division administration, all ferry services in the sub-division will be suspended till further announcements. Additionally, tourists are prohibited from entering the sea at Bakkhali and Gangasagar beaches. All flood shelters are being prepared. Bijon Maity, assistant secretary of the West Bengal United Fishermen Association, said, No fishermen are at sea, but we have warned everyone. The district magistrate stated, Control rooms have been opened in the district and blocks. Additionally, residents will be relocated from Ghoramara and other places to safe locations by Saturday evening. There is a risk of tidal waves in coastal areas on Sunday. Sundarban Development Minister Bankim Hazra said, The administration is taking all necessary preparations. Special attention is being given to river embankments to ensure quick action if needed. Additionally, adequate relief supplies are being prepared. President of Cuba Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez has congratulated President Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of Azerbaijan Independence Day, Azernews reports. The letter reads as follows: His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Dear Mr. President, I extend my sincerest congratulations to you and your people on the occasion of the 106th anniversary of Independence Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Taking advantage of this opportunity, I would like to once again express our desire to continue our efforts towards strengthening the historical friendly relations and cooperation between our countries. Your Excellency, please accept the assurances of my highest consideration and esteem. Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez President of the Republic of Cuba This photo taken on May 25, 2024 shows a view of the Rewi Alley Memorial Park in the small town of Springfield in Canterbury, New Zealand. (Xinhua/Guo Lei) By Li Huizi WELLINGTON, May 25 (Xinhua) -- The spirit of Rewi Alley has been once again rekindled in Christchurch, Canterbury where the New Zealand-born writer, social reformer and educator spent his childhood, by a giant statue displayed in the central city. The statue of Rewi Alley contemplating and staring into the distance has been displayed at the entrance of the Christchurch Arts Center in central Christchurch, the largest city in New Zealand's South Island. The location of Christchurch Arts Center was once a school attended by young Alley, said Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger. The statue displayed here will help people better remember Alley as a great son of Canterbury and a bridge of friendship between New Zealand and China, Mauger said, adding the statue inspires the people of both countries to inherit the invaluable legacy of bilateral friendship that Alley left behind. The statue of Rewi Alley was donated to the Christchurch City Council by the China Foundation for Peace and Development, and was created by a Chinese art team led by renowned Chinese painter and sculptor Yuan Xikun. "Alley's deeds and spirit still inspire us today," Liu Jianchao, head of the International Department the Communist Party of China Central Committee, told the statue's unveiling ceremony held on Friday in Christchurch. The extensive cooperation and deep friendship between Christchurch and many provinces and cities in China are not only a reflection of the Alley spirit, but also an epitome of the long history of China-New Zealand friendship, Liu said. An old friend of the Chinese people, Alley spent 60 years living and working in China. He made important contributions to the Chinese people's fight against the fascist invasion, the economic development of the new China, and the friendship between China and New Zealand. Liu said in 1927, Alley, a young man from Canterbury, set foot on the Chinese soil for the first time, and since then he has been working and living in China for 60 years, and has made remarkable contributions to the cause of China's revolution and construction, as well as to the friendship between China and New Zealand through thick and thin. He said through the Alley statue, more people in the two countries, especially young people, will understand and practice the Alley spirit, actively promote China-New Zealand friendship, push the bilateral relations to a new level, bring more benefits to the two peoples, and make a positive contribution to peace, stability and prosperity of the world and the region. Michelle MacWilliam, chair of the Christchurch China Sister Cities Committee, told Xinhua the location of the newly donated statue recognized Canterbury as the origin of Alley, and the sister city ties between China's Gansu Province and New Zealand's Christchurch, among other sister city relationships between the two countries. The Christchurch-Gansu link, which was established in 1984, was initiated by Alley, who spent 10 years in Gansu's Shandan County. Alley had said the landscape there resembled his hometown, the small town of Springfield in Canterbury, New Zealand's South Island. MacWilliam said descendants of Alley's adopted children, who were present at the statue's unveiling ceremony in Christchurch, were passionate about protecting and promoting Alley's spiritual legacy. The statue will serve more as an educational tool for children, and more young New Zealanders will understand Alley's life and spirit, as there will be more local content added in the school curriculum of New Zealand history, she said. The statue shows how Alley was reflecting on the Past and contemplating the future, MacWilliam said. This photo taken on May 24, 2024 shows the exterior view of the Christchurch Arts Center in central Christchurch, New Zealand. (Xinhua/Guo Lei) This photo taken on May 25, 2024 shows a view of the Rewi Alley Memorial Park after a commemorative activity in the small town of Springfield in Canterbury, New Zealand. (Xinhua/Guo Lei) This photo taken on May 24, 2024 shows a statute of Rewi Alley at the entrance of the Christchurch Arts Center in central Christchurch, New Zealand. (Xinhua/Guo Lei) This photo taken on May 25, 2024 shows the Rewi Alley Memorial in the small town of Springfield in Canterbury, New Zealand. (Xinhua/Guo Lei) Amid the uncertainty surrounding the outcome of the Lok Sabha elections and outperformance of Chinese markets, the foreign investors have pulled out a massive Rs 22,000 crore from Indian equities so far this month. As per the data available with the depositories, Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) witnessed a net outflow of Rs 22,047 crore from equities this month, till May 24. Experts have believed that going forward, as clarity emerges on the election front, the FPIs are likely to buy in India, since they cannot afford to miss the post-election results rally. Advertisement Notably, a net outflow of over Rs 8,700 crore was seen in the entire April on concerns over a tweak in Indias tax treaty with Mauritius and a sustained rise in US bond yields. Earlier, FPIs made a net investment of Rs 35,098 crore in March and Rs 1,539 crore in February. On the other hand, FPIs invested Rs 2,009 crore in the debt market during the period under review. Prior to this outflow, the foreign investors had put in Rs 13,602 crore in March, Rs 22,419 crore in February, Rs 19,836 crore in January. This inflow was driven by the upcoming inclusion of Indian government bonds in the JP Morgan Index. Overall, FPIs have withdrawn a net amount of Rs 19,824 crore in equities in 2024 so far, however, invested Rs 46,917 crore in debt market. With six phases of the Lok Sabha elections now concluded, voting for 486 seats is over. Voters exercised their franchise in the sixth phase of Lok Sabha elections held in 58 constituencies across six states and two Union territories. PhonePe and BharatPe on Sunday announced that they have settled their long-standing legal disputes regarding the use of the trademark with the suffix Pe in their brand names. It is to be highlighted that the settlement concludes five-year-long legal disputes across multiple courts. Further, both organisations will undertake to take other necessary steps to comply with the obligations under the settlement agreement in respect of all cases before the Honble Delhi High Court and the Honble Bombay High Court, they said in a joint statement. Advertisement Under the settlement, both the companies have decided to withdraw all oppositions against each other in the trademark registry. This will enable the fintech firms to proceed with the registration of their respective trademarks. Speaking on the development, Rajnish Kumar, chairman of the board, BharatPe said, I appreciate the maturity and professionalism shown by the management of both sides, working closely to resolve all outstanding legal issues and moving ahead to focus their energy and resources on building robust digital payment ecosystems. Founder and CEO of PhonePe, Sameer Nigam said, I am glad that we have reached an amicable resolution in this matter. This outcome will benefit both companies to move forward and focus our collective energy on growing the Indian fintech industry as a whole. It is to be noted that in June 2021, PhonePe and Resilient Innovations, the brand name of BharatPe, went for a full trial over the use of the word Pe after nearly two years of court proceedings. PhonePe had filed a lawsuit against BharatPe claiming trademark rights over the suffix. Further, in the October of same year, PhonePe approached the Bombay High Court seeking an injunction to restrain its rival Resilient Innovations from misusing PhonePes registered trademarks by using and promoting the marks PostPe / postpe, which is a subsidiary of BharatPe. The Delhi Police apprehended the owner of the hospital and one of the doctors on duty in connection with the fire incident in the childrens hospital in Vivek Vihar, Delhi that claimed the lives of six infants. Taking to social media platform X, Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj wrote, The owner of the Baby Care Centre Naveen Kichi has been arrested. No one whether big or small will be spared. Talking to a news agency, a police official said of the seven infants who died at the hospital, six died following the fire while one died before the blaze broke out. Advertisement It has been alleged that there was no fire exit system in the hospital and accordingly relevant sections of law have been added to the case. It was revealed that the No Objection Certificate of the hospital had expired on March 31, and while it only had permission for five beds, they had more than ten, the police official added. The accused identified as Naveen, is said to have three more such clinics in the city, the official added. Talking about the cause of the fire, based on prima facie it is said to have been triggered due to a short circuit which further triggered some cylinders kept there, however, the exact cause will be ascertained after proper investigation. Forensic teams and crime investigation teams also reached the spot. Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj assured of stringent action against those found guilty of negligence leading to the incident. The health minister directed the concerned Delhi government officials to expedite the compensation to the bereaved families and to those who were injured in the incident, and he also asked them to ensure free treatment to rescued children at best private hospitals under the Farishtey Scheme. At the Cannes 2024 screening of the film All We Imagine As Light, Indian actor Kani Kusruti didnt just make a red-carpet appearanceshe made a statement. Clutching a watermelon purse, she sent a powerful message of solidarity with the people of Palestine, a gesture that quickly rippled across social media, earning her accolades for her advocacy of peace amidst the conflict in Gaza. In the midst of flashing cameras, Kani stood proudly alongside her fellow cast members, the vibrant hues of the watermelona fruit whose colors mirror those of the Palestinian flagemitting a silent but resonant call for empathy and understanding. The film itself, directed by Payal Kapadia, marked a significant milestone in Indian cinema, being the first Indian entry in three decades to vie for the prestigious Palme dOr at Cannes. Advertisement View this post on Instagram A post shared by Salt Studio (@saltstudio) But it wasnt just Kanis bold accessory choice that caught attention; it was the symbolism behind it. The watermelon has emerged as a potent emblem of the Palestinian struggle, its imagery seeping into protests and artworks as a visual testament to resilience against oppression. This resurgence of the watermelon symbol, coupled with the proliferation of its corresponding emojis across social media platforms, underscores a concerted effort to amplify Palestinian voices in the face of digital censorship. Indeed, discussions around shadow banningthe covert suppression of users contenthave gained traction, particularly within advocacy circles focused on digital rights in the Middle East. Groups have raised concerns over biases in platforms like Facebook and Instagram, where certain content related to Palestine have disproportionately concealed. In response, individuals are embracing the watermelon symbol as a form of digital resistance, using its unmistakable imagery to circumvent censorship and ensure their voices are heard. Through a simple yet profound gesture, Kani Kusruti has become a symbol herselfa symbol of solidarity, compassion, and the enduring power of art to transcend borders and spark meaningful dialogue. As her image circulates far beyond the Cannes red carpet, it serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of global struggles and the capacity for individuals, whether on-screen or off, to effect change through their actions and their art. In a horrific road accident in Khutar town of Shahjahanpur district, a gravel-laden dumper collided with a Volvo bus parked outside a dhaba and overturned over it. In the accident on Saturday night on Khutar-Gola Road, 11 pilgrims sitting in the bus were killed and 25 were injured, police confirmed on Sunday. The pilgrims were on their way to Purnagiri temple in Uttarakhand. The condition of the many injured was reported to be critical. Shahjahanpur SP Ashok Kumar Meena said that around 11 pm, they received information that a truck had collided with a parked bus in Khutar police station area. The bus was going to Purnagiri in Uttarakhand with pilgrims from Uttar Pradeshs Sitapur district . Some devotees were sitting inside the bus and some were having food inside the dhaba at the time of the accident. The truck went out of control and overturned on the bus. Advertisement Around 80 people living in villages Bada Jatha and Chhota Jatha of Kamlapur police station area of Sitapur had left for Purnagiri darshan in a Volvo bus on Saturday night. The bus stopped at a dhaba near the town on the Khutar-Gola road. After getting off the bus, some people went to eat while many people remained sitting inside. At around 10:30 pm, the accident took place. The gravel in the dumper also got inside the bus. There was a lot of chaos after the accident. The reason behind the accident is believed to be the dumper driver losing control of his steering wheel . The dumper driver could not be traced after the accident. Among the deceased, some were identified as Somvati( 45) , Chutki , Ajit( 16), Pramod Kumar, Meena Devi (30) Shivshanker, Suman( 36) and Aditya( 10). Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed his sorrow over the heart-rending fire tragedy at a Delhi child-care hospital which claimed the lives of seven babies. In a social media post on his official X account, Modi said, The fire tragedy at a hospital in Delhi is heart-rending. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this incredibly difficult time. I pray that those injured recover at the earliest. The tragic incident took place on Saturday night at around 11.32 PM when the hospital located in the national capitals Vivek Vihar caught fire. Advertisement More a than a dozen fire tenders were rushed to the spot to douse the flame that quickly spread to a residential building adjoining the hospital. Rescue officials had evacuated 12 newborns from the first floor of the hospital that caught fire. However, seven of them died during the course of treatment, while five others were hospitalised. While the cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, the police have registered a case against the owner of the hospital. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that whoever was responsible for the negligence will not be spared even as authorities investigate the incident. This incident of fire in a childrens hospital is heart-rending. We all stand with those who have lost their innocent children in this accident. Government and administration officials are providing treatment to the injured. The causes of the incident are being investigated and whoever is responsible for this negligence will not be spared, Kejriwal said. Delhi Health Minister Sourabh Bharadwaj said that he has sought an update on the current situation from the Health Secretary and vowed strictest punishment for those found negligent or involved in any wrongdoing. Very unfortunate incident reported. I have asked the Secretary(Health) to update about the current situation. Culprits will not be spared. Strictest punishment will be ensured for those found negligent or involved in any wrong doing, he said. Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena, on Sunday, asked the Delhi chief secretary to institute an inquiry into the tragic fire incident at a hospital in east Delhis Vivek Vihar that claimed the lives of six newborns. In a post on X, Saxena said, Have asked Chief Secy to institute an inquiry into the tragic incidents of fire in childrens hospital in Delhi. Also instructed CP to ensure all that is needful. My heartfelt condolences to bereaved families. I assure all relief & will ensure that guilty are brought to book. Meanwhile, the Delhi Police arrested the hospital owner where seven children were killed after a massive fire broke out on late Saturday, the police said on Sunday. Advertisement The accused was identified as Naveen Kichi, a resident of Bhairon Enclave, Paschim Vihar. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Shahdara) Surendra Chaudhary said that on Saturday at around 11:30 pm a police control room (PCR) call regarding a fire at Baby Care New Born Hospital was received at Vivek Vihar police station, following which a police team rushed to the spot. Upon reaching the spot, the police team found the hospital engulfed in fire and its adjacent building. In the hospital, there were 12 newborn babies admitted and one was already dead before the fire incident. All the 12 newborn babies were rescued from the hospital with the help of other people and shifted to East Delhi Advance NICU Hospital, for treatment, said the DCP. The DCP said fire tenders also reached the spot and doused the flames. Delhi Fire Service (DFS) Chief Atul Garg said seven children were declared dead at the hospital while five newly born babies are undergoing treatment. All 7 dead bodies have been further shifted to GTB Hospital for postmortem, said the DCP, adding that the reason behind the fire is yet to be ascertained. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Sunday that Gorakhpur (Rural) is now giving tough competition to Gorakhpur (Urban) in development ever since he started representing the constituency. He said, Before 2009, this area fell under Bansgaon. After that, I became the MP from this area. Annual floods besieged the region. There were no roads or electricity, compounding the challenges faced by the people amidst the flood havoc. Addressing a public meeting at Janata Inter College Belwar Khorabar in Gorakhpur to seek support for Gorakhpur MP and BJP candidate Ravi Kishan Shukla, he remarked: With your support for BJP and the election of Vipin Singh as MLA from Gorakhpur (Rural), Tarkulani assumed a regulatory role. Today, water scarcity is no longer an issue. Advertisement He added, The road stretch from Transport Nagar to Tarkulani and from Motiram Adda to Tarkulani has transformed into a bustling thoroughfare, reminiscent of Golghar and Hazratganj in Lucknow. Even the zoo is located in Gorakhpur (Rural). The funds allocated for bridges and flood protection have been directed towards Gorakhpur (Rural). Yogi informed that a veterinary college is also under construction, which will soon evolve into a university. Besides, comprehensive animal care services are being provided and efforts are underway to advance agricultural practices and promote superior crop cultivation, he pointed out. CM Yogi said, As Gorakhpur flourishes, you can now visit Ayodhya and see Ram Lalla enshrined there. This became possible because you voted for PM Modi and me. Your vote not only brings development but also earns you virtue. Tell both current and future generations that by electing Modi as prime minister and me as Chief Minister, we have built the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. He stated that the government has provided roads, bridges, and pure drinking water to every household, and has successfully eradicated the mafia, mosquitoes, and encephalitis from the region. Under PM Modis leadership, the nations respect has increased, and terrorism and Naxalism have also been eliminated, he remarked. The CM shared that a police training school is being established in Khoraabar, Gorakhpur (Rural) while an Atal Residential School has been opened at Sahjanwa for the children of the poor. Besides, to help children become military officers, a Sainik School is being inaugurated in Gorakhpur this year. Gorakhpur now boasts of AIIMS, a fertilizer plant, a sugar mill, good trains, and wide roads. Additionally, people can now travel from Gorakhpur to Mumbai by plane in just one and a half to two hours, he added further. Yogi also mentioned the shooting of films talking place along the banks of Ramgarh Tal in Gorakhpur. He further said, When you vote for a good government, a good party, and a good leader, it brings respect, security, development, and welfare for the poor. Listing the governments schemes, the CM said that if the Modi Government is re-elected on June 4th, they would provide houses to the remaining poor people. Gorakshapeethadhishwar and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that revered Mahant Digvijaynath and Mahant Avaidyanath had initiated the Ram Temple movement. Therefore, the entire country, including Gorakhpur is echoing Jo Ram Ko Laye Hai, Hum Unko Layenge. Due to PM Modi, Lord Ram Lalla is enshrined in Ayodhya after 500 years. Previously, money was spent on cemeteries; now it is spent on the restoration of temples. The BJP gives respect, while the SP and Congress want to implement Taliban-like rule, he remarked. CM Yogi said, While the BJP provides you security and respect, the BSP couldnt find any candidate other than a Maulana. If they assume power, they will implement personal law which means Sharia law and Taliban-like governance. This implies that daughters are deprived of education, women cannot go out, and they will have to stay confined to their homes in burqas. But they should know that the BJP will run the country according to the constitution of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar. They also propose implementing an inheritance tax, suggesting a survey of our ancestors properties and allocating half to infiltrators from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. This is a form of Aurangzebs Jizya tax, he further added. CM Yogi Adityanath urged the people of Gorakhpur to visit five households daily and request every voter to cast their vote as only five days of campaigning remain. In 25 households, there will be 100-125 votes. Ensure these votes are cast before 10 a.m. on June 1, he stressed. A special investigation team (SIT) of the Kochi Police probing the illegal harvesting of organs from people, including Malayalis, reached Tamil Nadu on Sunday after the arrest of two people. The SIT is in Tamil Nadu to locate the agents involved in organ trafficking and their victims following a tip-off. The police launched a probe into the international organ trafficking racket after arresting one, Sabith Nasser, who is allegedly an agent of the racket. During the probe, financial deals of Sabith will examined, and identity of the people in his network will be ascertained by the team. Sabith was arrested from Kochi International Airport last week by the Kerala Police while he was returning from Iran via Kuwait. He was arrested under section IPC 370 (human trafficking) and section 19 (commercial dealings with human organs) of the Transplantation of Human Organs Act. Advertisement Sabith lured individuals from Kerala, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad to donate their organs by offering substantial amounts of money. According to the police, he admitted to trafficking around 20 individuals to Iran as organ donors while working there. He also claimed that the trafficking was facilitated through a man from Hyderabad. In his statement, Sabith confirmed that the victims were primarily from Hyderabad and Bengaluru, with one individual from the northern Palakkad district of Kerala. Sabith Nasar testified that his involvement with the organ mafia began in Hyderabad, where he connected with smuggling gangs. He also informed the police that most organ traffickers involved were youths from Bengaluru and Hyderabad. It has been reported that Sabith has crucial links with international organ trafficking networks extending to Sri Lanka, Kuwait, and Iran. Meanwhile, the SIT has, on Thursday, taken into custody Sajith Shyam, a close aide of Sabith in connection with the case. In a heart-wrenching tragedy, six infants were burnt alive in a devastating blaze that engulfed Baby Care New Born Hospital in the Vivek Vihar area of East Delhi. According to the police, at the time of the incident, which took place late on Saturday night, there were 12 newborn babies at the medical facility. Of them, six infants could be rescued from the building inferno. A child was already dead prior to the incident while six died after the fire broke out in the building and five are currently admitted to another hospital and are being treated. Advertisement The seven bodies of the deceased infants were sent to the nearby GTB Hospital for postmortem, the police added. An inquiry has been initiated by the police into the matter while appropriate legal action is being taken against the owner of the facility by the Delhi Police. The call about the fire initially landed at the Police Control Room (PCR) at 11:30 pm prompting immediate action by local authorities, including the SHO and ACP of Vivek Vihar. The rescued infants were relocated at East Delhi Advanced NICU Hospital for treatment for special care. The rescue operation was carried out with the help of locals and a team of Shaheed Bhagat SIngh Seva Dal, including Jitender Singh Shunty, a local social activist and politician, who reached the spot with their ambulances. The infants were retrieved by the rescuers using ladders to reach out to them from back of the ill-fated building on fire with the help of the locals who had come forward for the rescue mission risking their own lives, local sources added. According to the locals, who witnessed the ghastly incident, it all started with the sounds of blast jolting them out of sleep. Soon, the fire spread to an adjacent residential building. Within no time the entire place was engulfed by the raging blaze. According to the Fire Department, a total of 16 fire tenders were rushed to the spot to fight the blaze which could be brought under control in about an hours time and was completely doused at 4 am, the Delhi Fire Services added. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained while the probe is on into the fire incident, the Delhi government announced a thorough inquiry into the incident. Meanwhile, in another fire incident also reported from East Delhi on the intervening night of Saturday-Sunday, three dead while eleven others were injured. The fire broke out at a house in West Azad Nagar in the Krishna Nagar area. Area SHO reached the spot along with his staff. Firefighting teams arrived soon after. While 13 injured victims were taken to the hospital with the help of ambulances and PCR Vans, three succumbed to their injuries. On Saturday a massive fire also broke out at a factory in outer Delhis Mundka Industrial Area, the Fire Department said, adding that 27 fire department vehicles were sent on the spot to douse off the blaze. Specialised firefighting equipment, including a robot, was used in the operation to douse the fire. It may be mentioned that earlier this week, a dead body of a man was recovered from a building that caught fire in the early morning hours on 20th May. In another incident reported on May 20, a fire broke out at another garment showroom on Ajmal Khan Road in Karol Bagh. During the past several days, multiple fire incidents have been reported from across the national capital, including the one at CR building in ITO on 14th May where an office superintendent lost his life, while a charred body of labourer was recovered from a paper godown in East Delhis Shakarpur where a fire broke out on 15th May. XIAMEN, May 25 (Xinhua) -- Experts from the Chinese mainland and Taiwan on Saturday held a dialogue on the one-China principle from the context of the Cairo Declaration in Xiamen University, in east China's Fujian Province. Chi Chia-lin, who heads the reunification alliance party in Taiwan, combed the historical context of a series of documents and announcements including the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation. Quoting and interpreting the original text, he analyzed that these documents have, from a legal point of view, "clarified the illegality of Japan's occupation of Taiwan and confirmed that Taiwan is Chinese territory." Chi demonstrated that the Cairo Declaration is a legal document with the effect of international law, adding that it not only has legal effect in form, but is also supported by historical legitimacy. Zhang Haipeng, member of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, reviewed the history of the adoption of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 and spoke highly of its significance. Zhang said the resolution has made it clear that there is only one China in the world, and Taiwan is a part of China, not a country. It has also clearly stated that the government of the People's Republic of China is the only legitimate representative of China in the United Nations, and that there are no "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan." The dialogue was part of a cross-Strait academic event co-hosted by Xiamen University and the Academy of Chinese Culture. With barely a week left for the Lok Sabha elections to be over, the farmers forum in Himachal Pradesh has come out with a charter of demands to draw the attention of the political parties. Claiming apathy on the part of the BJP-led central government, the Sanyukt Kisan Manch (United Farmers Forum) has come out with a slogan: Jawab de Kendra Sarkar, kyun nahi suni hamari pukar (the central government should answer why our pleas have not been heard). The forum has questioned the sensitivity of the BJP towards the grievances of the fruit growers of the mountain state and accused the central government of failing to implement farmer and horticulturist-friendly policies in the last 10 years. Advertisement The Sanyukt Kisan Manch (SKM) is an umbrella organisation of 27 farmer groups. While addressing media persons at Rampur in Shimla district on Sunday, the farmers forum highlighted various issues related to agriculture and horticulture. On May 2, our forum held a meeting in Shimla and decided that in the LS elections, we will support the political party that accedes to our six major demands, said SKMs Sanjay Chauhan, adding that now the forum will mobilise farmers to support the political party that assures to address the problems of the farmers. SKM convener Harish Chauhan said, The farmers have been repeatedly raising their problems but no substantial step has been taken to address the same. We need to save the livelihood of lakhs of families associated with it in the state. It is necessary to highlight the increasing crisis in agriculture, horticulture, and the problems farmers and horticulturists face. We will embark on a door-to-door campaign, urging farmers to vote for the political party that helps to bail out the farmers from the looming crisis that horticulture is facing. We need to understand the power of our vote and use our intellect to save agriculture and horticulture. We will vote for the party that works in our favour, he said. Addressing a public meeting at Rohru on Saturday, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge promised that the INDIA bloc would change the export-import regime and assured to enhance import duties, he claimed. Our major demands include raising the import duty on apples to 100 per cent, loan waivers, augmenting subsidies for farmers on fertilisers, pesticides, fungicides, agricultural equipment and other input items and ending GST on all agricultural and horticultural input items and packaging materials, the SKM convener said. While the central government has granted loan waivers worth crores to big corporate houses in the last 10 years, farmers and horticulturalists have been demanding similar relief for long. However, their pleas have fallen on deaf ears as the government has failed to address their demands. Other demands include MSP for all crops as recommended by the Swaminathan Commission, restoration of Budget cuts for the Market Intervention Scheme by central government, and ensuring prompt payment of dues to apple farmers. They have also demanded to end corporate farming to safeguard the interests of farmers and horticulturists. He said that even incumbent MP Suresh Kashyap failed to raise the issue of fruit growers before the central government. Chauhan slammed BJP candidate Kangana Ranaut, who is in the fray from the Mandi parliamentary constituency, for her comments on farmers during the agitation. It is shameful on her part. Can farmers be bought for Rs 100 each to participate in the agitation? She is yet to apologise, he remarked. Launching a scathing attack on Congress and the Samajwadi Party (SP) on Sunday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath described the two parties as incapable of ensuring security, fostering development, and promoting the welfare of the underprivileged. Addressing an election rally in favour of the former BJP state president, Union Minister, and MP, Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey, contesting from the Chandauli Lok Sabha seat, held at Kachcha Baba Inter College in Shivpur, the chief minister emphasised that an alliance between the SP and Congress would lead to increased terrorism, the dominance of the mafia, exploitation of the underprivileged, and hindrances to development. During his visit to the constituency, Yogi Adityanath paid obeisance at the Kachcha Baba temple. Advertisement He said that the INDI Alliance cannot build the Ram Temple in Ayodhya or the Vishwanath Dham in Kashi and hence are not worthy of support. These parties, he said, cannot even rejuvenate the holy places of worship let alone building new ones. The Modi Government is poised to be reelected with Chandauli set to play a significant part of Abki Baar 400 Paar. Over the past decade, Indias stature has increased under Prime Minister Modis stewardship, heralding a new era for the nation, he said. Scourges like terrorism and Naxalism have been quelled. The underprivileged have received vital support such as free ration and the Kisan Samman Nidhi, while healthcare has been bolstered with a Rs 5 lakh insurance cover. The PM Awas Yojana has extended housing benefits to many. With Modi at the helm, development, welfare, security, and preserving Indias cultural heritage are assured. Highlighting the preservation of the heritage sites, the CM remarked, The magnificence of Kashi Vishwanath Dham, the grandeur of Lord Shri Rams temple in Ayodhya, and initiatives like the Vindhyavasini Dham corridor and Markandeya Dham beckon us. Even the centuries-old Samadhi of Kachcha Baba has been rejuvenated. A society that reveres its heritage is impervious to external pressures. BJPs legacy includes the preservation of our rich cultural heritage. Making a fervent appeal for Mahendra Nath Pandeys reelection from Chandauli, Yogi recalled Pandeys unwavering dedication to Chandaulis progress, alongside MPs, MLAs, and community leaders. Notably, the establishment of Baba Keenaram Medical College is a testament to his efforts. Moreover, under PM Modis guidance, Kashi is undergoing comprehensive development with infrastructural enhancements such as four-lane connectivity. Introduction of high-quality trains like Namo Bharat, Amrit Bharat, and Vande Bharat underscored the governments commitment to elevating Indias transportation standards. The chief minister highlighted the manifold advantages of the waterway for the inhabitants of Kashi and Chandauli, saying, Under the double-engine governance of the BJP, significant strides have been made to enhance the cultural and spiritual heritage of the region. Sarnath, which is revered as the site of Lord Buddhas teachings, has been adorned with splendour. Likewise, Lahartara, associated with Sant Kabir Das, has undergone a magnificent transformation, while Seer Govardhan, the birthplace of Sant Ravidas, exudes a divine grandeur. The remarkable makeover of temples, riverfronts, and overall development in Kashi has left onlookers awe-struck, prompting them to question whether this is the same city as it was a decade ago. He said, The pace of development in Kashi and Chandauli is akin to a bullet train. Our administration is tirelessly working to embellish the birthplace of the temple of Baba Keenaram with divine grandeur. However, the coalition between the Samajwadi Party and Congress is deemed catastrophic. Historically, whenever two individuals come together, chaos ensues. Examining the manifestos of Congress and the SP, one might infer a pro-Pakistan stance. They propose extending benefits of reservations meant for backward classes, scheduled castes, and tribes to Muslims. Nonetheless, Modi ji has emphatically stated that no force on earth can undermine the existing structure of reservations, he added. The chief minister denounced the proposed alliance between Congress and the SP citing their inclination towards implementing an inheritance tax. Likening the proposed policy to Aurangzebs Jizya (a tax levied from non-Muslims), he remarked it reflected the Opposition parties regressive approach. Alleging a sinister Opposition agenda, he claimed, These parties intend to seize ancestral properties through coercive means and distribute them among infiltrators and Rohingya Muslims. Calling them (the SP and Congress) the embodiment of the spirit of Aurangzeb, he vowed not to permit the imposition of the Jaziya tax in India. While their manifesto promised freedom for minorities to eat what they desire, he vehemently opposed their intention to permit beef consumption. Warning against voting for the advocates of cow slaughter, he said it would tarnish the sanctity associated with the Ram temple. The chief minister earnestly requested the citizens to devote two to three hours of their daily schedule over five days to serve the nation. This involves engaging voters by visiting five to six households daily and persuading them to support the lotus symbol at the polls. By adhering to this routine, individuals can reach out to 25 families within five days, culminating in an estimated 100-125 people who can be encouraged to cast their votes on the lotus symbol, thereby ensuring victory for Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey, he stated further. Congress candidate from the Mandi parliamentary constituency and Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh accused BJP candidate Kangana Ranaut of spreading regionalism. While addressing election meetings in Baldwara, Sarkaghat Gonta, and Dhalwan of Sarkaghat assembly on Sunday, Singh criticised his opponent for spreading regionalism in her campaigns. Accusing her of seeking votes in the name of regionalism fearing defeat, Singh said she now calls herself the daughter of Mandi while earlier she did not even identify herself with the place. He said he has never emphasised on regionalism and called himself the son of Rampur or Shimla, his hometown, instead the entire state was his home. At the time of the disaster, this daughter neither remembered the state nor Mandi. To counter her absence from the scene she says that she was busy with the production of her films, Singh said taking a jibe at Kangna. Advertisement Politics is neither a part-time job nor a profession. It is a service to the people and for this one has to live among the people, he added. Singh highlighted his commitment to addressing real issues, contrasting this with what he described as the BJPs avoidance of them. He assured the people of the constituency that the India Alliance would replace Agniveer recruitment in the Army with permanent recruitment and address One Rank One Pension (OROP) anomalies to ensure full benefits for army personnel. He also committed himself to forming a Himachal Regiment in the Army. Singh pointed out that the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh has implemented the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for employees and a Rs 1500 monthly pension for women, labeling the BJP as anti-employee and anti-women. He emphasised his goal to improve his parliamentary constituency and promised substantial development contributions if elected. Former minister and senior Congress leader Rangeela Ram Rao and CPM leader and former Deputy Mayor Shimla Tikendra Panwar supported Singh, praising his potential and criticizing the BJP candidates lack of political understanding. They urged voters to elect Singh, portraying him as a strong future leader for the state. The INDIA bloc government will be formed in the country and Vikramaditya Singh will become a strong voice of Himachal Pradesh, Panwar asserted. Political parties in Jammu and Kashmir are interpreting the high polling percentage of the Lok Sabha election in their own ways as the 35-year record has been broken with an upswing of 58.11% voting in the five constituencies where the election concluded in phases on Saturday. J&K had been witnessing low polling since 1989 when terrorism broke out and the Pakistan-backed terrorists and separatists made it a routine to call for poll boycott, particularly in the Kashmir valley. However, their boycott calls were generally not accepted in the Jammu region. The authorities skipped the elections in J&K in 1991 because of the turmoil created by terrorists. Advertisement Its noteworthy that after many elections not a single polling booth in Kashmir has reported zero voting. The last highest voter turnout in J&K was 49.58% in 2014. The lowest polling of 29.93% was witnessed in 1989. Anantnag, which has been the epicentre of terrorism, on Saturday recorded 53% polling against 8.96% in 2019. During the peak of terrorism, the gunmen would dare people in Kashmir to defy their poll boycott call and get rewarded. However, during this election, the kin of top terrorist commanders were seen in serpentine queues, waiting for their turn to cast their vote in the Shopian and Anantnag districts of South Kashmir. Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Junaid Reshis father Mushtaq Ahmad Reshi reportedly voted at a polling booth in Beminapora in Shopian. A former separatist, Mukhtar Waza, was also seen casting his vote. Since the eruption of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, the highest-ever poll percentage in the Anantnag Parliamentary Constituency was recorded in 1996 at 50.02%. Hence, the poll percentage of 53% this time is the highest in the last 35 years, said Chief Electoral Officer Pandurang K Pole. This election was conducted without any boycott calls or intimidation, exhibiting voters unwavering belief in the power of the ballot. The failure of the INDIA bloc to reach any seat-sharing agreement in J&K resulted in the National Conference (NC) and PDP contesting the election against each other. The Congress supported Omar Abdullah and two other NC candidates in the three seats of the valley. However, the NC and PDP supported Congress candidates in contesting against the BJP in the two Lok Sabha seats in Jammu. The BJP, which has made the abrogation of Article 370 one of the main poll issues elsewhere in the country, did not field its candidates on any of the three seats in Kashmir. The BJP chief of the UT, Ravinder Raina, attributed the bumper polling to peace, prosperity, and large-scale development that has taken place in J&K under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, the BJP supported the Apni Party candidates in Anantnag and Srinagar. The party also supported the Peoples Conference chief, Sajad Lone, in Baramulla. BJP leaders of J&K and also from other states campaigned for these candidates and more so in the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency where the government recently granted Scheduled Tribe status and 10% reservation in jobs to the Pahari community. The NC supporters believe that against their candidate Mian Altaf, who is the spiritual leader of the Gujjar community, the pre-election sop to the Pahari community might not help the BJP-backed Zafar Iqbal Manhas of the Apni Party. Similarly, counterclaims are being made for the Baramulla seat where the NC leader Omar Abdullah faced Peoples Conference chief Sajad Lone. Accusing the Samajwadi Party (SP) of running a mafia raj during its stint with the governance, Prime Minister Narendra Modi alleged that the mafia had become a vote bank for the party. Addressing an election rally in Majhwan in Mirzapur in favour of Apna Dal candidate Anupriya Patel from Mirzapur, Rinki Kol candidate from Robertsganj, and Shravan Kumar Gaur, a candidate for Duddhi (Sonbhadra) assembly by-election on Sunday, the prime minister hailed Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for his deterrent action against the mafia. He said, Yogi Adityanath has embarked on the cleansing campaign against the mafia in Uttar Pradesh taking a cue from my Swachhta Abhiyan. Such was the determination of the chief minister that the mafia is all but vanished from the scene. Lauding the efforts of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in UP in this direction, he said the state government is about to accomplish the cleansing campaign with great courage. During the SP rule, the public used to be scared of these criminals but today, under the BJP Government, its the mafias turn to shiver in fear. Advertisement He pointed out that the SP has fielded Yadav candidates from the family (of Akhilesh Yadav, SP chief) in UP. The Samajwadi Party has never followed the rule of law. The mafia was a vote bank for them. These people can go to any length to appease the vote bank. They want to encroach on the quota of SC/ST and OBC and give their share to Muslims, he added. Modi further said, In its 2012 assembly manifesto, the SP had promised to give quota to Muslims. I belong to the most backward caste and know the pain. The court prevented them from doing so because the constitution does not allow quota on the basis of religion, he said. The prime minister said that the SP-Congress alliance is dedicated to the vote bank while Modi is dedicated to the interests of the poor, Dalits and backward classes. He alleged that the INDI Alliance is extremely communal, casteist, and family-based which wants to stab Baba Saheb in the back by implementing reservations on a religious basis. Modi said with the power of each and every vote of the people, on the one hand, Shri Ram temple is being built in Ayodhya, while on the other the grand Dham of Vindhyavasini is also being built rapidly. The prime minister said the Hindu month of Jyeshtha was auspicious because the Tuesdays in this month are meant for paying obeisance to Lord Hanuman. This is the first time when Lord Ram will be in his temple and Lord Hanuman will be the happiest devotee of the lord. This has been possible only because of your vote. June 4 is also a Tuesday when I will be back phir ek baar (for one more time). The six phases of elections have confirmed that Modi will be back for a third term, he said. He further said that the INDIA bloc plans to have five prime ministers in five years if they come to power. When you build a house, do you change the mason every month? Can you build a strong house in this manner? No one should waste his vote on the INDIA bloc because no one buys shares of a sinking company. You should vote for those who are ready to form a strong government, he said. The prime minister emphasised that communalism, casteism, and nepotism were the mainstays of the INDIA bloc. Reiterating his commitment to the people, Modi listed the schemes he had launched for the welfare of all and ended his speech with, I have washed cups and plates in my childhood. When the sun rises, the lotus blooms, and people yearn for a cup of tea. The cup-plate Modi referred to is the election symbol of Apna Dal (S) whose Anupriya Patel is contesting the Mirzapur seat. Meanwhile, addressing another public meeting in Mau, the prime minister appealed to the people of every caste and community of Ghosi and other Lok Sabha seats of Purvanchal to be united to counter the conspiracy of the INDI alliance. Modi has come to alert Purvanchal about the big conspiracy of the INDI Alliance. Congress is looting all castes. These people want Dalits, Brahmins, Rajputs, Bhumihars, Chauhans, Baniyas, Yadavs, Kurmi, Kushwaha, Rajbhar to become weak fighting among themselves. Only then, the INDI alliance people will succeed in their objective, he alleged. At the public meeting, Modi sought public support for three NDA candidates. These include Ballia BJP candidate Neeraj Shekhar, Ghosi candidate Arvind Rajbhar of SBSP, and Salempur BJP candidate Ravindra Kushwaha. The PM said the importance of this election is double for the INDI alliance. The SP and Congress families had made Purvanchal the campaign area that they neglected in the past and made an area of poverty. Purvanchal is now electing a strong prime minister of the country. Modi will get every one of your votes and will cross the 400 mark. Before June 1, our Purvanchal has made up its mind to make Modi the Prime Minister for the third time, he claimed. PM Modi said, The INDI alliance has three objectives. Firstly, these Indians will change the Constitution and write in it afresh that reservation should be given on the basis of religion in India. Secondly, these Indians will end the reservation given to SC-ST, and OBC and thirdly, the task will be to give complete reservation to Muslims on the basis of religion. Today, the vote bank and report bank of the Congress people has fallen to this level. This INDI alliance wants to make the majority in India second-class citizens. Thousands of heatstroke victims were being treated at hospitals across Pakistan on Friday as temperatures reached 50 degrees Celsius amid a blazing heatwave, officials said. The heat gripped the South Asian country for a fourth day and was likely to last for another week, government climate change chief Romina Alam said. The temperatures could touch 51 degrees on Saturday, the countrys chief metrologist Sardar Sarfraz said. Advertisement In the southern province of Sindh, ambulances rushed people to hospitals and temporary heat relief camps in all major cities, local official Shah Zaman said. We have treated thousands and more influx is coming in, said doctor Tahir Farooq at a hospital in the city of Dadu, where the temperature hit 50. It is like living a literal hell. You feel like walking on burning coals as you step out in the sun, said Zeeshan Khan Shani, a rickshaw driver in Dadu. It is unbearable. Im worried about my daughters. They can faint anytime, said Asif Shakoor, a mother in the eastern city of Lahore. The Pakistani government last week ordered the temporary closure of schools, postponed exams, and declared emergencies at hospitals as the heatwave, the first of this summer, started. Authorities said the temperatures were hovering up to eight degrees Celsius higher than their normal level at this time of the summer and cited climate change as the reason. Hundreds of people are killed in Pakistan every year in climate-induced disasters while thousands lose their habitat and livelihood in a country that contributes little to global carbon emissions. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has pledged that even labourers will be able to live in apartments, citing the governments effort to make Dhaka slum-free. She made the promise at the launch of construction of the Bangabazar market here at the site of the old market that was gutted in a devastating fire, and three other development projects on Saturday, bdnews24 reported. There will be no makeshift slums in unhygienic environments in Dhaka. Everyone will live in a lovely environment. We (the government) will arrange this and have taken steps in this regard. We aim to work for peoples welfare and we are prioritising this. Advertisement We are arranging flats for cleaning workers. Rent-based flats are being arranged for slum dwellers. They will pay the same rent as in slums but will be able to live in flats. Flats will not just be for the rich. Low-income people from rickshaw pullers to labourers will also be able to live in them. The rent will be very low. If anyone wants to pay daily, or in seven-day installments or monthly, they would be able to do so. Already 300 families have received flats, Sheikh Hasina said. Talking about the start-up programmes pushed by the government, the Prime Minister also encouraged youths to be entrepreneurs. At least seven newborns died after a massive fire broke out at a children's hospital in the Vivek Vihar area in East Delhi on Saturday night, said reports. According to Delhi Fire Services, it received a call at 11.32 pm and nine fire tenders were rushed to the site. Though rescuers managed to evacuate 12 children, six died while undergoing treatment. One is on the ventilator and five others have been admitted to East Delhi Advance NICU Hospital. #WATCH | Delhi: Morning visuals from a newborn Baby Care Hospital in Vivek Vihar where a massive fire broke out last night claiming the lives of 6 newborn babies. One newborn baby is on the ventilator and 5 others are admitted to a hospital. pic.twitter.com/cLvIUWIx9e ANI (@ANI) May 26, 2024 The police said that the children were rescued from the upper floors of the three-storey building, which was completely gutted. DFS chief Atul Garg told PTI that the cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. "A fire call from Baby Care Centre, near ITI, Block B of Vivek Vihar area was received. A total of nine fire tenders were dispatched," Garg said. #UPDATE | A total of 12 children were rescued, out of which 6 have died, 1 is on the ventilator and 5 others are admitted to the hospital: Delhi Fire Service A massive fire broke out at a New Born Baby Care Hospital in Vivek Vihar late last night. https://t.co/byEpTHfopm ANI (@ANI) May 26, 2024 Calling the operation a tough one, Garg said the personnel were made into two teams. "One team started firefighting because there was a blast of cylinders, a chain blast. We had to save ourselves too. The other team started the rescue operations for babies. Unfortunately, we could not save all the children," he said. Besides the hospital building, two floors of a residential building on the right side also caught fire. The fire was extinguished by Sunday morning. Remains of the cylinders that caught fire |Sanjay Ahlawat Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj said all the newborns died due to suffocation. "I tried calling the health secretary but he is not picking up. We will take such strict action that none of the officials commit such negligence in future. We are with the families who have lost their babies. I'll talk to the DCP regarding this," he said. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal took to X to condole the deaths. "This incident of fire in a children's hospital is heartbreaking. We all stand with those who lost their innocent children in this accident. Government and administration officials are busy providing treatment to the injured on the spot. The causes of the incident are being investigated and whoever is responsible for this negligence will not be spared," he posted. Police said action is being initiated against the owner of the hospital identified as Naveen Kichi. The resident of Paschim Vihar is still absconding. President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday said the death of children due to a fire in a hospital in Delhi is heart-rending and prayed for strength to the bereaved parents. "The news of death of many children due to fire in a hospital in Vivek Vihar, Delhi is heart-rending. May God give strength to the bereaved parents and relatives to bear this shock. I pray for the speedy recovery of other children injured in this incident," the president said in a post on X in Hindi. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal condoled the death of newborn babies in the fire at a childrens hospital in the national capital and said the guilty wont be spared. Reacting to the incident, Kejriwal tweeted, Incident of fire in a children's hospital is heartbreaking. We all stand with those who lost their innocent children in this accident. Government and administration officials are busy providing treatment to the injured at the spot. The Delhi chief minister added probe is progressing and those involved will be punished. The causes of the incident are being investigated and whoever is responsible for this negligence will not be spared, he added. According to police, the owner of the hospital, Naveen Kichi, is at large case has been registered against him under sections 336 and 304A. At least seven newborns died after a massive fire broke out at a children's hospital in the Vivek Vihar area in East Delhi on Saturday night. Though rescuers managed to evacuate 12 children, six died while undergoing treatment. One is on the ventilator and five others are admitted to East Delhi Advance NICU Hospital. Besides the hospital building, two floors of a residential building on the right side also caught fire. The fire was extinguished by Sunday morning. President Droupadi Murmual also condoled the death of the children and said, The news of the death of many children due to a fire in a hospital in Vivek Vihar, Delhi is heart-rending. May God give strength to the bereaved parents and relatives to bear this shock. I pray for the speedy recovery of other children injured in this incident. A senior police officer told PTI that a fire broke out at the Baby Care New Born Hospital and its adjacent building at around 11:30pm on Saturday. The babies were rescued from the hospital with the help of other people and shifted to another hospital. While six babies were declared brought dead, one died during treatment, the officer said. The bodies have been shifted to the GTB Hospital for post-mortem, police said. Delhi Fire Department Director Atul Garg said the fire spread due to blast in the oxygen cylinder. Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj said all the newborns died due to suffocation. "I tried calling the health secretary but he is not picking up. We will take such strict action that none of the officials commit such negligence in future. We are with the families who have lost their babies. I'll talk to the DCP regarding this," he said. SHANGHAI, May 25 (Xinhua) -- A collaborative research team from China and Ukraine has been monitoring near-Earth asteroids (NEAs) through regular observations to attain accurate positioning and precise orbit determination for those celestial bodies. The NEAs are asteroids whose trajectories are in close proximity with Earth's orbit. The possibility of it having an impact on our planet presents a grave threat, underscoring the imperative need for prompt follow-up observations of newly identified NEAs for rapidly assessing their orbital elements. However, observing rapidly moving objects with extended exposure times can result in streaked images, thus markedly diminishing the accuracy of astronomical measurements. The researchers from Shanghai Astronomical Observatory (SHAO) under the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Mykolaiv Astronomical Observatory pioneered an innovative method known as the rotating-drift-scan (RDS) charge-coupled device (CCD) technique, which allows the asteroid to be imaged as a point source, even with a long exposure time. Their work leveraged an extensive dataset comprising more than 11,000 positional measurements of nearly 500 NEAs, captured by the two 50-centimeter telescopes, located, respectively, in the northwestern Chinese city of Xi'an, over the period from 2019 to 2023, and in Mykolaiv, Ukraine, over the period from 2011 to 2022. Employing this innovative technique, a network of small-aperture telescopes can be effectively utilized to significantly enhance the global NEA monitoring system to safeguard Earth from potential asteroid impacts, according to the study published recently in the Astronomical Journal. I have visualised the emergence of India as a modern industrial giant, like the USA or China, in the next 10-15 years or so after a historical revolutionary struggle. This event will change world history. Let me explain. The world is largely ruled by a small group of powerful nations which dominate over others. After the end of the Second World War in 1945 the United Nations was set up, which reflected this situation. A Security Council was created making five powerful nations alone its permanent members with veto powers, relegating other countries to inferior status. India too, despite its huge population, was treated as one of such inferiors, and so it will remain as long as it is poor and relatively backward. But an earth-shaking transformation of India, which I foresee, into a modern industrial giant, despite stiff opposition from powerful countries, will radically alter all this. Now India will no longer be largely irrelevant on the world stage and instead will become a frontline player. This will change the course of world history in the following ways: 1. At present two alliances of powerful nations exist in the world: the USA-Europe alliance and the China-Russia alliance. Though they are restrained from direct conflict by the existence of nuclear weapons, which all have, their hostility to each other is nevertheless a great potential danger to world peace. In this situation, the historic rise of India as a mighty industrial nation will play a crucial role in preserving world peace. India will not ally itself with either of these two alliances but will stand as a buffer between them, cooling down the situation, and working for world peace. 2. While the countries of the present two alliances care only for their own interests, and not for the interests of the underdeveloped countries, the new modern highly industrialised India will do the opposite. It will take it as among its historic tasks not only abolishing poverty, unemployment, hunger, etc., in India but also helping underdeveloped countries become developed and prosperous, realising that unless that happens there can be no peace in the world. The new India will not use its massive industry to exploit poor countries like an imperialist power but instead use it to help them in every way. For instance, it will not patent its medical discoveries to make profits (as all rich countries do) but will make them freely available all over the world, realising that medical care is the right of all human beings, and cannot be made a business. 3. At present, the developed countries oppose tooth and nail the transformation of underdeveloped countries into developed countries, fearing that with their cheap labour, the latter will destroy the former's industries if they too get industrialised, throwing tens of millions of people of the developed countries out of employment. But the new modern highly industrialised India will want the whole world to become highly industrialised and prosperous, and not keep people of the underdeveloped countries as ''hewers of wood and drawers of water as they were in colonial times. To attain this end, it will exert all its newly found might. The 21st century will be characterised as the century in which the historic peoples struggles all over the world will be fought out to a conclusion, resulting in the creation of a new world order, free of these evils. India will be giving leadership to the world in this century. Let me explain. Before the Industrial Revolution in England in the first half of the 18th century, the world was dominated by feudal agricultural societies. Their methods of production were backward and primitive. For instance, the bullock was used for tilling the land in India, the buffalo in Thailand, Vietnam, etc, and the horse in Europe. There were no tractors or other modern machinery. Consequently, little wealth could be generated. Only a handful of people such as kings, aristocrats, landlords, etc, could be rich, while over 95 per cent of the people had to be poor. When the cake was itself small, very few people could partake of it. This drastically changed after the Industrial Revolution. Now, modern industry has become so powerful and so big that enough wealth can be generated to give a decent life to everyone in the world, and no one needs to be poor. Yet, despite this, about 75 per cent of the global population especially in underdeveloped countries, remains poor, many without employment, proper food and healthcare, and good education. This world is really two worlds: One comprising developed countries like the US, Canada, Europe, Japan, Australia, and now China and the second, underdeveloped countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America. The aim of the underdeveloped countries must be to break into the ranks of the developed countries by rapid industrialisation, for only if they create a massive industry can they abolish the evils of poverty, unemployment, malnourishment, lack of healthcare, etc. India is the most developed of the underdeveloped countries. It has a huge pool of technical talent (Indian IT engineers are largely manning Silicon Valley in California, and there are many Indian professors in American universities in the Science, Engineering, Mathematics and Medical departments). India also has immense natural resources. It is therefore potentially an industrial giant, like the US or China, and our goal must be to break into the ranks of the developed countries as China did. Following our lead, other underdeveloped countries will do the same, resulting in the whole world being developed. Justice Markandey Katju retired from the Supreme Court in 2011. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK. Severe cyclonic storm 'Remal' is likely to make a landfall between Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal coasts by midnight of Sunday with maximum sustained wind speed of 110-120 km per hour, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said. The coastal districts of West Bengal are likely to witnesses extremely heavy rainfall on May 27 and 28. Remal is very likely to move nearly northwards, intensify further and cross Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal coasts between Sagar Island and Khepupara, close to southwest of Mongla in the neighbouring country, by Sunday midnight as a severe cyclonic storm with maximum sustained wind speed of 110-120 kmph gusting to 135 kmph, the IMD said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meting to review the preparedness of states and central ministries and agencies concerned to deal with the situation. Modi directed officials to take every possible measure to ensure that people are safely evacuated and to ensure maintenance of all essential services. In a post on X, Union Minister of Earth Sciences Kiren Rijiju informed that cyclone has a maximum wind speed of 90-100 kmph gusting to 110 kmph and is expected to intensify further. It is very likely to continue to move nearly northwards, intensify further and cross Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal coasts between Sagar Island and Khepupara, close to southwest of Mongla (Bangladesh) by midnight of today, the 26th May 2024 as a Severe Cyclonic Storm with maximum sustained wind speed of 110-120 kmph gusting to 135 kmph," the minister said. The IMD has warned of localised flooding and major damage to vulnerable structures, power and communication lines, kutcha roads, crops and orchards in South and North 24 Parganas districts of West Bengal. People in the affected areas have been asked to remain indoors and vacate vulnerable structures. Somnath Dutta, eastern regional head of IMD, however, said cyclone Remal will cause lesser damage than what happened in the wake of super cyclone Amphan which had caused widespread destruction in Kolkata, South and North 24 Parganas, Howrah and Nadia. The IMD has warned heavy to very heavy rainfall in north Odisha and northeastern states of Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura on May 27 and 28. The authorities of Kolkata airport have decided to suspend flight operations for 21 hours from Sunday noon in view of the possible impact of cyclone Remal. A total of 394 flights, arrival and departure, in both international and domestic sectors would not operate to and fro the airport during the flight suspension period, an Airports Authority of India (AAI) spokesperson said. West Bengal on alert The Indian Coast Guard's North East Region authorities have taken all pre-emptive measures to ensure there is no loss of life or property at sea. ICG's remote operating stations at Haldia and Paradip were alerting fishing vessels and merchant ships through very high frequency broadcasts. Nine disaster relief teams have also been kept on standby at Haldia, Fraserganj in West Bengal and Paradip and Gopalpur in Odisha. A control room has been set up at the Kolkata Police headquarters in Lalbazar to coordinate state agency effort. Ten police teams have been deployed across ten police divisions of Kolkata city. NDRF has deployed teams with equipment across several districts including Kolkata, North and South 24 Parganas, Purba and Paschim Medinipur, Howrah and Hooghly. Amid Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Belarus, reports have emerged that a plane belonging to Viktor Yanukovych, the pro-Russian former president of Ukraine who fled the country after the Euromaidan revolution in 2014, has landed in Belarus. Yanukovych's arrival seems to coincide with Putin's statement that Russia was willing to consider a ceasefire provided Kyiv and the West recognise the current battlefield lines. According to a report by Kyiv-based Ukrainska Pravada, Yanukovych's Dassault Falcon 900C (RA-09617) landed at Gomel airport on Friday. The report quoted Belaruski Hajun, an independent Belarusian military monitoring media outlet. Though Belaruski Hajun did not indicate who might be on board, it noted that Yanukovych last visited Belarus in March 2022, when there were reports that the Kremlin could prepare Yanukovych for a special operation and could attempt to declare him "President of Ukraine". Putin, who arrived in Minsk to hold talks with his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko, reacted to Reuters's exclusive report about the ceasefire stating the peace talks should resume. He added that negotiations should be based on "the realities on the ground" and "not based on what one side wants." According to CNN, the "mere possibility of his presence while Putin and Lukashenko met led to speculation Moscow was again hoping to engineer the return of a proxy to power in Ukraine." The Russian President also used the opportunity to question the legitimacy of Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy whose official term ended on May 20. Zelenskyy decided to do away with elections despite the expiry of his five-year term this week, citing the war. Putin didn't forget to cite Zelenskyy's status as problematic as he discussed the ceasefire. "But who to negotiate with? That's not an idle question... Of course, we realise the legitimacy of the incumbent head of state is over," he said, adding that though West would endorse Zelenskyy's legitimacy, these were "PR steps" with no legal meaning. "Peace should be worked out through common sense, not ultimatums. It should be based on draft documents that were worked out between the two sides in the early weeks of the war, and on today's realities on the ground. If it gets to that point, we will need of course to understand who we should and can deal with, to arrive at signing legally binding documents. And then we must be fully sure we are dealing with legitimate (Ukrainian) authorities," Putin said. Just days after a Singapore Airlines flight encountered severe turbulence, another incident occurred on Sunday. This time, a Qatar Airways Doha-Dublin flight experienced turbulence, resulting in injuries to 12 people. The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner experienced turbulence while airborne over Turkey, the operator of Dublin Airport, the DAA, said. Emergency services rushed to the Qatar Airways flight QR017 upon landing shortly before 13:00 local time. Six passengers and six crew members have reported injuries. "Upon landing, the aircraft was met by emergency services, including Airport Police and our Fire and Rescue department, due to 6 passengers and 6 crew [12 total] on board reporting injuries after the aircraft experienced turbulence while airborne over Turkey," Dublin Airport said in a statement. "The Dublin Airport team continues to provide full assistance on the ground to passengers and airline staff," a DAA spokesperson said. Qatar Airways in a statement that a small number of passengers and crew sustained minor injuries in flight and are now receiving medical attention. The spokesperson also said that the operations at the airport remain unaffected. A 73-year-old British man died on a Singapore-bound flight after experiencing severe turbulence. Over 100 people were injured and around 20 of them are still in intensive care in Bangkok hospital. According to the hospital authorities, many suffered head and spine injuries. Adinun Kittiratanapaibool, director of Bangkoks Samitivej Srinakarin hospital, said his staff were treating six people for skull and brain injuries, 22 for spinal injuries, and 13 for bone, muscle and other injuries. According to a study conducted by the US National Transportation Safety Board in 2021, turbulence-related airline accidents are the most common type. MEMORY IS A powerful thing. But so is identification. In Varanasi, the two are fused into a heady political brew. An aching echo of the nostalgia of Banarsiyatthe lived, carefree essence of the cityis battling a younger generations aspiration for modernity. In its clash is stretched a city, older than memory. The pride of being a VIP constituency is an overriding factor in Varanasi. There is much to show for it, too, especially in terms of road and rail connectivity. This friction of times is visible at the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, a project that has cleaned up the surroundings of the abode of Shiva that mythically rests on the middle prong of his trident. This abode was dotted by close-set old houses and small temples, yielding the devotee a glimpse of the Kashi Vishwanath temple only from proximity. Now it is visible from afar, thanks to the corridor. The devout count the loss of smaller but significant temples and the inexplicable permission to operate cafes on the corridor premises as the unforgivable cost of newness. Divraj Mishra comes from a family of pandas (religious guides). In his 30s, he is squashed between the generation which clings to recollections and the one that seeks the new. He said it was strange that a party which claimed dedication to the cause of sanatan was turning around the tenets of what was an eternal religion. Shiva does not reside alone. But when the corridor was built, his family members, including Ganesh (Shivas son), were disregarded, he said. Mishra was particularly dismayed at the attempts to dislodge the tiny temple of Dundhiraj Ganesh, a deity who must be visited before paying obeisance to Shiva. A campaign to save the temple has protected it partially. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is seeking a third term from Varanasi, had vowed to turn the city into Kyoto, the cultural capital of Japan. But residents like Mishra wonder how destruction will ensure that. Modis association with Varanasi has flipped its tourist numbers. In the last two years, 13 crore people have come visiting. The increased number is in line with how Uttar Pradesh has performed overall. In 2021, the tourist arrival to the state was 10.9 crore. It 2023, it went up to 48 crore. Beneath Varanasis shiny sheath is a story of displacement and fear, said Ajay Rai, the Congress candidate. During the pandemic, FIRs were filed against journalists who wrote about poverty and want. Hundreds have been displaced for just being in the path of showcase projects like the Namo Ghat. Old buildings like the Sarva Sewa Sangh (founded by Jayaprakash Narayan as a repository of Mahatma Gandhis legacy) have been demolished to make way for a sprawling hotel. Cruises on the Ganga have scared away riverine life. Rai, who is the state Congress president, said his party had opposed all the above. But when you are threatened by bulldozers, what do you do? In 2014, Rai got 7.34 per cent of the votes, the Samajwadi Partys Kailash Chaurasiya 4.3 per cent and Modi 56.37 per cent. In 2019, Modi polled 63.6 per cent. And while the Congress and the SP also increased their tallies to 14.4 per cent and 18.5 per cent, respectively, this combined strength is not enough to dislodge Modi. Asraf Ali, a weaver from the citys Madanpura area who attended Modis road show on May 13, said, The prime minister has given a lot to Varanasi and is constantly monitoring projects. But a true leader should bring people together. Munna Pandey is a trader of Varanasis GI-tagged Banarasi weaves. He said he was a staunch supporter of the BJP despite the fact that he had to abandon all his 15 looms. This, he said, was because corporates had entered the weaving industry. They paid the weavers more than what we were paying. So the weavers preferred to work with them, but now that the wages have been brought down, they have no choice. A 300-loom Weavershala is among these corporate initiatives. Its objective is to modernise techniques and to give steady work to weavers. But this takes away the freedom and choice of the individual weaver. He is reduced to being an employee. Companies like Tata and Reliance will slowly have monopoly over the craft, said Pandey. In Varanasi, the pride of being a VIP constituency is an overriding factor. There is much to show for it, too, especially in terms of road and rail connectivity. The dairy sector is another significant beneficiary with a new milk plant that has a daily capacity of four lakh litre, the installation of three lakh bulk milk coolers and another first-of-its-kind biogas-based milk plant. None of this takes away from Varanasis knottiest problems, among them painful traffic jams. Some 20,000 battery-operated autoslocally called totoadd to the crawl. The citys drainage system is ineffective and a single heavy shower is enough to clog the roads. In the low-lying area of the cantonment, which houses multiple hotels, rainwater can knock at the entrance. Despite the city drawing its water from the Ganga, supply is erratic. According to the dashboard of the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS), Modi had spent more than the sanctioned funds of Rs22 crore on his constituency, till January this year. Of 292 recommended works, 275 were completed. Note that the MP can only recommend projects, the implementing authority is at the district. Why would this matter? Well, consider another high-profile constituency, Rae Bareli, represented by Sonia Gandhi. As per the latest update, of 243 recommended products, only 209 were completed. Against Modis 94 per cent, this is 86 per cent. Thus, the might of an MP matters much. It is this might that powers the identification Varanasi feels for its most famous MP. And for now, it will triumph over memory. Interview/ Brajesh Pathak, deputy chief minister, Uttar Pradesh THE BUSTLING BRAJESH PATHAK is lauded for being present everywhere and for his deep connections in other parties that brought in hundreds of their members to the BJP in the run up to the elections. He is the kind of minister who checks services at a government hospitals out-patient department one day and gives patients a lift in his car the next. Excerpts from an interview: Q/ Do you think the Congress-Samajwadi Party alliance is a bigger challenge this time because of their better coordination? A/ In the first phase there was not a single joint rally of the INDI Alliance. In the second phase there was just a joint press conference. The public has rejected them. They have been unable to gather the strength to face the people. The Congress is moving towards its demise while the SP has been derailed. The alliance has no future; there is no question of coordination. Q/ How have issues like electoral bonds and amendment of the Constitution impacted the chances of the BJP? A/ These issues are only indicative of the negative mindset of the opposition. They have no issues left so their leaders are giving unbalanced statements. They do not realise that the public is not interested and that it has decided to completely wipe them out. Q/ What are the issues that are being talked about by the electorate? A/ The far-sightedness of our prime minister, the vow for a developed Bharat, the unprecedented development works of our government, hundreds of welfare schemes, the growth of the economy, and the strict control over law and order. There is no difference in what we say and what we do. India is now highly regarded in the world. We are building a new Bharat. The opposition cannot stomach this. Q/ Do you think that the Ram Mandir will sway voters? A/ The mandir was our resolution. After 500 years of intense penance we have the darshan of Lord Shri Ram. It is a matter of our faith. A leader of the SP (Ram Gopal Yadav) recently criticised the mandir. Previously they would label it hypocrisy. Ram bhakts were shot at during the SP regime. The Congress has rejected the existence of Ram. Those who do not respect sanatan are now calling themselves sanatani. Shri Ram is in our hearts and minds. Q/ Who is your core voter this time? A/ The BJP is a party of everyone, of sarva samaj. Everyone has abiding faith in our PM. We are getting everyones votes, hence our cry400 paar (beyond 400). We will reach this goal because of the able leadership of our PM. Q/ Will the multiple paper leaks not impact your chances in UP? A/ Question papers used to be leaked during the SP government. Without any bias, we give jobs to the young according to their talent. Multiple schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Rozgar Yojana, Atmanirbhar Bharat Yojana, PM Mudra Loan Yojana, and PM Vaani Yojana have benefited crores of young people. Q/ Were you expecting sharper polarisation of votes? A/ We fight the election with impartiality and with a positive mindset. We talk about development and our work. Voting has been low because the opposition has been unable to enthuse its voters. Our voters are showing up at the polling booths, but the oppositions are not. The voters know that ours is a party known for development and thus are enthusiastic about voting for us. Interview/ Keshav Prasad Maurya, deputy chief minister, Uttar Pradesh KESHAV PRASAD MAURYA is in a hurry, but hospitable, as he sits down for an interview. In his wood-panelled home-cum-office at Lucknows Kalidas Marg, adorned by the photos of Lord Balaji, Ram lalla and BJP ideologues, Maurya asks if a spot next to a fish tank would be best for photos. This is his second term as deputy chief minister, and he is very well liked by the BJP leadership. Excerpts from the interview: Q/ On the eve of the fifth phase, how do you read the BJPs chances? A/ Both at the level of the state and the country, we are better placed than in 2014 or 2019. I am confident that with our allies we will win more than 400 seats and Modi ji will form the government. Q/ The level of the dialogue and the language used in this election has been dismal. As the ruling party, is it not the BJPs responsibility to maintain decency? A/ That is not how it should be looked at. Understand it through the hidden agenda of the Congress. Look at history: to appease Muslims, the Congress got the country divided; brought Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370; made J&K the entry point for terrorists; gave Muslims the first right to the resources of the country; and kept Ayodhya, Mathura and Kashi simmering. This changed Congress is like the Muslim League. They think Muslims are their vote bank especially because the OBCs, SCs and STs have slipped from their hands and the general castes are with the BJP. Exposing this hidden agenda is my partys duty. We have to bring to the public their statements such as Pakistan has an atom bomb and that we must be scared of it. If Pakistan has an atom bomb, do we only have Diwali pathakas (crackers)? As for inheritance tax, will the laws of the US rule the country which is run as per Baba Sahebs Constitution? Q/ But nowhere does the Congress manifesto explicitly say it will give the wealth of others to Muslims. It does not even talk of inheritance tax. A/ The Congress has promised to do a survey of who has what resources/property in the country. What is this survey? If Hindus are a majority in this country and they work, pay their taxes and contribute to the development of the country, then it is they who have property and resources. It is they who will be surveyed. On the basis of that survey, they (the Congress) will give first rights to Muslims. Q/ Why have your election pitches changed from development to stoking communal divides? A/ Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas remains our slogan. Kuch ka saath, kuch ka vikas is the motto of the Congress and of the INDI Alliance. The Congress talks about vote jihad, not us. If they say something and we remain quiet, the public will think that the Congress is right. Q/ Is there any substance to the fear that the Samajwadi Party will put a lock on the Ram Mandir? A/ The Congress rejected the existence of Lord Ram in the Supreme Court. Their leaders said no to the invitation to the pran pratishtha ceremony. The SP sinned by ordering firing on unarmed Ram bhakts. They are filled with poison. Our former chief minister Kalyan Singh passed away and his body was brought to the Vidhan Sabha. Akhilesh Yadav was sitting 500 metres away, but he did not come to pay his respects. However, he travelled 500km to pray for Mukhtar Ansari. This is done so that Muslims are not offended. When the SP was in power, Muslim girls would get special scholarships, but not Hindus. That is why we say those who do the politics of Muslim appeasement and those who support Babar have the sinful thought of building a mosque in Babars name if they ever come to power. Q/ What kind of understanding do you have with the Bahujan Samaj Party that it has almost wrapped up its campaign? A/ This is a wrong observation. In the last Lok Sabha election, the SP, BSP, RLD were together and even the Congress was supporting them. We (with our allies) won 64 seats and got 51 per cent of the vote share. We do not want anyones blessings to win. We are with the public, our workers are among them. There are the achievements of the double engine government because of which we won the last four elections (Lok Sabha and assembly). Q/ While a final choice in ticket distribution is made by the central leadership, does the state unit have no say in tickets to candidates like Ajay Mishra Teni and Brij Bhushan Sharan Singhs son? A/ The state gives a report on the basis of whihc the central election committee decides tickets. Whoever gets a ticket, does not get it on an individual basis. The ticket is given so that the kamal (lotus) blooms. No questions can be raised about the two tickets mentioned. Teni ji has no charges against him and will win with a record margin. We have not given a ticket to Singh but to his son. If the filing of charges equals guilt, then even Rahul Gandhis candidature should be questioned. Q/ What are your thoughts on Rahul Gandhis candidature from Rae Bareli? A/ Rahul was scared and ran away from Amethi. His sister, Priyanka, wants him to lose because he is not letting her fight the Lok Sabha elections. Congress insiders tell me that Rahul and Priyanka are opposed to each other. They are facing deep fissures and infighting. Viewed of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. Taiwan tracked dozens of Chinese warplanes and navy vessels off its coast on Friday, the second day of a large military exercise launched by Beijing to show its anger over the self-governing islands inauguration of new leaders who refuse to accept its insistence that Taiwan is part of China. China has issued elaborate media statements showing Taiwan being surrounded by forces from its military, the Peoples Liberation Army. A new video on Friday showed animated Chinese forces approaching from all sides and Taiwan being enclosed within a circular target area while simulated missiles hit key population and military targets. Despite that, there was little sign of concern among Taiwans 23 million people, who have lived under threat of Chinese invasion since the two sides split during a civil war in 1949. Taiwans parliament was mired on Friday in a dispute between political parties over procedural measures, and business continued as usual in the bustling capital of Taipei and the ports of Keelong and Kaohsiung. The defense ministry said it tracked 49 Chinese warplanes and 19 navy vessels, as well as coast guard vessels, and that 35 of the planes flew across the median line in the Taiwan Strait, the de facto boundary between the two sides, over a 24-hour period from Thursday to Friday. Taiwanese marine and coast guard vessels along with air and ground-based missile units have been put on alert, particularly around the Taiwan-controlled island chains of Kinmen and Matsu just off Chinas coast and far from Taiwans main island. Facing external challenges and threats, we will continue to maintain the values of freedom and democracy, Taiwans new president, Lai Ching-te told sailors and top security officials Thursday as he visited a marine base in Taoyuan, just south of the capital, Taipei. The Pentagon said the United States was monitoring very closely the joint Chinese drills. It said Beijings actions are reckless, risk escalation, and erode longstanding norms that have maintained regional peace and stability for decades. We strongly urge Beijing to act with restraint, it said. In his inauguration speech on Monday, Lai urged Beijing to stop its military intimidation and said Taiwan was a sovereign independent nation in which sovereignty lies in the hands of the people. Chinas military said its expanded exercises around Taiwan were punishment for separatist forces seeking independence. It sends navy ships and warplanes into the Taiwan Strait and other areas around the island almost daily to wear down Taiwans defenses and seek to intimidate its people, who firmly back their de facto independence. As soon as the leader of Taiwan took office, he challenged the one-China principle and blatantly sold the two-state theory, the spokesperson of Chinas Taiwan Affairs Office, Chen Binhua, said in a statement Thursday night. The one-China principle asserts that there is only one China and that Taiwan is part of China under Communist Party rule. Beijing views Taiwan as a renegade province and has been upping its military threats even as the islands electorate overwhelmingly favors de facto independence. In Beijing, international relations professor Shi Yinhong at Renmin University of China said the drills and Chinas verbal condemnations of Lai were intended to show Beijings anger toward Lai and his administrations policies. Those include a continuance of his predecessor Tsai Ing-wens policies of building a strong national defense and resisting Beijings efforts to isolate Taiwan diplomatically. It may be regarded as chiefly necessary for convincing the Chinese people about the governments determination and the armed forces progress in capability, Shi said. But Lai, and in a degree the Taiwanese in general, experienced numerous such things. It will not change them and will make the U.S. and its core allies do more in their military support to Taiwan, Shih said. U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said it was following Chinas drills closely. We urge the relevant parties to refrain from acts that could escalate tensions in the region, he said in a statement Thursday. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin, at a daily briefing on Friday, dismissed U.S. calls for China to exercise restraint in relation to the latest drills. The U.S. is in no position to make such irresponsible remarks, Wang said. Washington is legally bound to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself and considers all threats to the island a matter of grave concern. The U.S. has been aiding in the upgrading of Taiwans equipment and training, even while its official policy remains ambiguous on whether American troops and those of regional allies would be dispatched to defend Taiwan in the event of a Chinese attack. Chinas exercises come on the heels of combined drills by U.S. and its Dutch NATO ally in the disputed South China Sea, a crucial waterway for global trade, fisheries and energy resources which China claims virtually in its entirety. China routinely objects to activities in the region by foreign military forces it accuses of acting without mandate outside their home regions. China has particularly pressed its claims against the Philippines. The Philippines Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro on Friday criticized Beijings increasingly aggressive actions in the South China Sea, without citing China by name,. He spoke at a military ceremony marking the anniversary of the founding of the Philippine navy. The Philippines, he said, would not tolerate aggression and provocative moves. Since territorial hostilities with China surged last year in the South China Sea, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.s administration has taken steps to forge new security alliances with a number of Asian and Western countries and allowed a U.S. military presence in more Philippine bases under a 2014 defense pact. (AP) A top assassin for the Sinaloa drug cartel who was arrested by Mexican authorities last fall has been extradited to the U.S. to face drug, gun and witness retaliation charges, the Justice Department said Saturday. Nestor Isidro Perez Salas, also known as El Nini, is a leader and commander of a group that provided security for the sons of imprisoned drug lord Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, and also helped in their drug business, federal investigators said. The sons lead a faction known as the little Chapos, or Chapitos, that has been identified as one of the main exporters of the deadly synthetic opioid fentanyl to the U.S. Fentanyl is blamed for about 70,000 overdose deaths per year in the United States. We allege El Nini was one of the Sinaloa Cartels lead sicarios, or assassins, and was responsible for the murder, torture, and kidnapping of rivals and witnesses who threatened the cartels criminal drug trafficking enterprise, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a news release Saturday. Court records did not list an attorney for Perez Salas who might comment on his behalf. The Justice Department last year announced a slew of charges against cartel leaders, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration posted a $3 million reward for the capture of Perez Salas, 31. He was captured at a walled property in the Sinaloa state capital of Culiacan last November. In a written statement, President Joe Biden thanked Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador for extraditing Perez Salas. Our governments will continue to work together to attack the fentanyl and synthetic drug epidemic that is killing so many people in our homelands and globally, and to bring to justice the criminals and organizations producing, smuggling, and selling these lethal poisons in both of our countries, Biden said. The nickname Nini is apparently a reference to a Mexican slang saying neither nor, used to describe youths who neither work nor study. At the time of his arrest, Mike Vigil, former head of international operations for the U.S Drug Enforcement Administration, called him a complete psychopath. Perez Salas commanded a security team known as the Ninis, a particularly violent group of security personnel for the Chapitos, according to an indictment unsealed last year in New York. The Ninis received military-style training in multiple areas of combat, including urban warfare, special weapons and tactics, and sniper proficiency. Perez Salas participated in the torture of a Mexican federal agent in 2017, authorities said. He and others allegedly tortured the man for two hours, inserting a corkscrew into his muscles, ripping it out and placing hot chiles in the wounds. According to the indictment, the Ninis carried out gruesome acts of violence. The Ninis would take captured rivals to ranches owned by the Chapitos for execution, with some victims fed dead or alive to tigers the Chapitos raised as pets, the indictment said. (AP) SEOUL, May 26 (Xinhua) -- One trainee soldier of the South Korean army has died two days after collapsing during a so-called discipline training, Yonhap news agency reported Sunday. Of the six recruits who underwent the discipline training at an army unit in the country's eastern Gangwon province, one fell down at around 5:20 p.m. local time (0820 GMT) on Thursday. The fallen trainee was rushed to a private hospital but died on Saturday afternoon. The discipline training refers to physical and mental trainings, which a commanding officer orders soldiers to do in a bid to establish military discipline. The army has reportedly investigated the exact cause of the incident, including whether the training was conducted in accordance with regulations and procedures. Millions of Indians voted Saturday in the next-to-last round of a grueling national election with a combined opposition trying to rattle Prime Minister Narendra Modis campaign for a third-consecutive term for himself and his Hindu nationalist party. Many people lined polling stations before the start of voting at 7 a.m. to avoid the blazing sun at the peak of Indian summer. The temperature soared to 43 degrees Celsius (109 degrees Fahrenheit) in the afternoon in the Indian capital. This (election) is also like a festival, so I dont have a problem voting in the heat, said Lakshmi Bansal, a housewife. Saturdays voting in 58 constituencies, including seven in New Delhi, will complete polling for 89.5% of 543 seats in the lower house of Parliament. The remaining 57 seats will be decided on June 1, wrapping up a six-week election. The votes will be counted on June 4. President Droupadi Murmu and External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar were among the early voters. Opposition Congress party leaders, Sonia Gandhi and her son Rahul Gandhi, also voted in New Delhi. Mehbooba Mufti, a former top elected official of Indian-controlled Kashmir, held a protest with her supporters Saturday claiming that scores of her party workers were detained by police to prevent them from voting. Mufti, the chief of the Peoples Democratic Party who is contesting the parliamentary election in the Anantnag-Rajouri district, said she complained to election officials. In West Bengal state, workers belonging to the All India Trinamool Congress party blocked the car of Agnimitra Paul, one of Modis Bharatiya Janata Party candidates, as she proceeded to vote in the Medinipur constituency. The two parties are rivals in the state and their activists often clash on the streets. Trinamool leader and states top elected official Mamta Banerjee accused the BJP of launching an attack that left one activist dead on Friday in the Purba Medinipur district. Several houses and shops were burned in the area, the Press Trust of India news agency quoted Banerjee as saying. Suvendu Adhikari, a BJP leader in the state, accused Trinamool members of attacking and killing an activist on Thursday, an accusation rejected by his rivals, PTI reported. The election is considered one of the most consequential in Indias history and will test Modis political dominance. If Modi wins, hell be only the second Indian leader to retain power for a third term, after Jawaharlal Nehru, the countrys first prime minister. Most polls predict a win for the BJP, which is up against a broad opposition alliance led by the Congress and powerful regional parties. But a less-than-expected turnout in the previous five rounds of voting has left some doubts about the BJPs projected margin of victory. When the polls began it felt like a one-horse race, with Modi leading from the front. But now we are seeing some kind of shift, political analyst Rasheed Kidwai said. The opposition is doing better than expected and it appears that Modis party is rattled. Thats the reason you see Modi ramping up anti-Muslim rhetoric to polarize voters. Kidwai said the opposition had challenged Modi by centering its campaign narrative on social justice and rising unemployment, making the contest closer than expected. Modi ran his campaign like a presidential race, a referendum on his 10 years of rule. He claimed to help the poorest with charity, free health care, providing toilets in their homes, and helping women get free or cheap cooking gas cylinders. But he changed tack after a poor turnout in the first round of the election and began stirring Hindu nationalism by accusing the Congress party of pandering to minority Muslims for votes. Hindus account for 80%, and Muslims nearly 14%, of Indias over 1.4 billion people. Manish Bhatia, a New Delhi voter, said that politics on the basis of caste and religion is dangerous for the country, adding that voting should be based on how candidates perform. Nearly 970 million voters more than 10% of the worlds population were eligible to elect 543 members to the lower house of Parliament for five years. Voters relative apathy has surprised some analysts. In the five rounds of polling, turnout ranged between 62.2% to 69.16% averaging 65.9%. By comparison, Indias 2019 national election registered the highest-ever turnout 67.11%. Modis BJP won 303 seats in Parliament in 2019. Modis inauguration of a massive Hindu temple for the god Rama, his massive roadshows and big public rallies raised the BJPs hopes of a massive surge in voters support. The current prime minister came to power in 2014, dislodging the Congress party that governed the country for nearly 55 years after India won independence from British colonialists in 1947. Before the election, the opposition INDIA alliance was seen bickering, but it has since held together, particularly after two chief ministers of two opposition-controlled states were sent to jail on corruption charges. Both deny the accusations. One of them New Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has since been released on bail and returned to the campaign trail. In March, Gandhi completed a 6,713-kilometer (4,171-mile) walk across the country, starting in the violence-hit northeastern state of Manipur, to raise awareness on issues of poverty, unemployment, and democracy with voters. The walk helped Gandhi boost his image as a serious politician among the voters, and that is helping the opposition, Kidwai, the analyst, said. (AP) The focus for South Africas national election next week is on the fate of the African National Congress party and whether it is going to lose its parliamentary majority for the first time, as many expect. Several polls put the ANCs support below 50% ahead of Wednesdays vote, raising the prospect that it might not be the majority party for the first time since winning control of the government when Nelson Mandela led it to victory in the first all-race elections that ended white minority rule in 1994. But the ANC is still widely expected to be the biggest party. Heres how no clear majority would bring an unprecedented political change and complicate how the president is elected and how the government works in Africas most advanced economy: ELECTING THE PRESIDENT The most immediate impact if there is no party with a majority would be on how the president is chosen and if ANC leader and current President Cyril Ramaphosa is reelected for a second and final five-year term. The president is the head of state and has executive powers, but South Africans dont vote directly for the president in a national election, rather casting ballots for political parties. Those parties get seats in Parliament according to their share of the vote. Lawmakers then elect the president in the first sitting of the legislature after the election. The vote occurs in the lower house of Parliament, known as the National Assembly, and it needs at least 201 votes from its 400 lawmakers to elect a president. The ANC has always had a majority in Parliament since 1994 and so the president has always been from the ANC. Without a majority, the ANC would need a coalition or agreement with another party or other parties to get Ramaphosa reelected. The president could even come from another, smaller party if thats the agreement, although thats very unlikely. NATIONAL COALITION The word coalition makes South Africans nervous after a series of them at local government level have been spectacular failures, including in Johannesburg, the biggest city and economic hub. There, the collapse of numerous agreements between parties has led to major problems in running the citys services. Other towns and cities have had similar experiences, including the administrative capital, Pretoria. But a national coalition government of some sort is a real possibility as a result of the ANCs declining support and would be unchartered waters for South Africa. While a coalition might be a reflection of the democratic will of the people, some analysts say it could also be bad for South Africas economy. It increases the chances of government instability and could lead to muddled policy, putting off foreign business investment at a time when South Africa desperately needs that. SMALL PARTIES, BIG SAY There has been no indication of who the ANC might approach as a coalition partner and, for now, all options appear to be on the table. The ANC has maintained during election campaigning that it is not thinking about coalitions and is focused on retaining its majority. Should the predictions hold and the ANC loses its majority, it could go straight to the official opposition Democratic Alliance party for a coalition. Its unclear if thats feasible as the DA has been so critical of the ANC and Ramaphosa, as have the two other main parties. Instead, the ANC may go to a number of smaller parties with small shares of the vote to put together a coalition that would take their combined share to over 50% and allow a government to be formed. There are dozens of parties contesting the election, many of them new and some expected to get just a few percent of the vote, but they could suddenly have a big say in South African politics. Those smaller parties would want something in return, whether Cabinet positions, some input on policy or even control of entire government departments. ANOTHER OPTION Some South African political commentators have started to speak about a possible government of national unity in a kind of repeat of what happened just after the apartheid system of white minority rule ended 30 years ago. Then, Mandela invited other major parties into his government to seek some unity as South Africa took its first, uncertain steps as a democracy and went about writing a new constitution. It was an act of reconciliation in bringing a fractured country together, though others have doubted it would work for South Africa now. For one thing, if all the major political parties were part of the government, who would hold it to account? (AP) Federal prosecutors on Friday asked the judge overseeing the classified documents case against Donald Trump to bar the former president from public statements that pose a significant, imminent, and foreseeable danger to law enforcement agents participating in the prosecution. The request to U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon follows a distorted claim by Trump earlier this week that the FBI agents who searched his Mar-a-Lago estate in August 2022 were authorized to shoot me and were locked & loaded ready to take me out & put my family in danger. The presumptive Republican presidential nominee was referring to the disclosure in a court document that the FBI, during the search, followed a standard use-of-force policy that prohibits the use of deadly force except when the officer conducting the search has a reasonable belief that the subject of such force poses an imminent danger of death or serious physical injury to the officer or to another person. The Justice Department policy is routine and meant to limit, rather than encourage, the use of force during searches. Prosecutors noted that the search of the Florida property was intentionally conducted when Trump and his family were out of state and was coordinated in advance with the U.S. Secret Service. No force was used. Prosecutors on special counsel Jack Smiths team said in court papers late Friday that Trumps statements falsely suggesting that federal agents were complicit in a plot to assassinate him expose law enforcement some of whom prosecutors noted will be called as witnesses at his trial to the risk of threats, violence, and harassment. Trumps repeated mischaracterization of these facts in widely distributed messages as an attempt to kill him, his family, and Secret Service agents has endangered law enforcement officers involved in the investigation and prosecution of this case and threatened the integrity of these proceedings, prosecutors told Cannon, who was nominated to the bench by Trump. A restriction prohibiting future similar statements does not restrict legitimate speech, they said. Defense lawyers have objected to the governments motion, prosecutors said. An attorney for Trump didnt immediately respond to a message seeking comment Friday night. Attorney General Merrick Garland earlier this week slammed Trumps claim as extremely dangerous. Garland noted that the document Trump was referring to is a standard policy limiting the use of force that was even used in the consensual search of President Joe Bidens home as part of an investigation into the Democrats handling of classified documents. Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement Friday that Biden and his hacks and thugs are obsessed with trying to deprive President Trump and all American voters of their First Amendment rights. Repeated attempts to silence President Trump during the presidential campaign are blatant attempts to interfere in the election. They are last ditch efforts of desperate Democrat radicals running a losing campaign for a failed president, Cheung said. Trump faces dozens of felony counts accusing him of illegally hoarding at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, classified documents that he took with him after he left the White House in 2021, and then obstructing the FBIs efforts to get them back. He has pleaded not guilty and denied wrongdoing. Its one of four criminal cases Trump is confronting as he seeks to reclaim the White House, but outside of the ongoing New York hush money prosecution, its not clear that any of the other three will reach trial before the election. Trump has already had restrictions placed on his speech in two of the other cases over incendiary comments officials say threaten the integrity of the prosecutions. In the New York case, Trump has been fined and threatened with jail time for repeatedly violating a gag order that bars him from making public statements about witnesses, jurors and some others connected to the matter. Hes also subject to a gag order in his federal criminal election interference case in Washington. That order limits what he can say about witnesses, lawyers in the case and court staff, though an appeals court freed him to speak about special counsel Smith, who brought the case. (AP) A New Mexico judge has rejected a request by Alec Baldwin to dismiss the sole criminal charge against him in a fatal shooting on the set of the movie Rust, keeping the case on track for a trial this summer. Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer on Friday upheld an indictment charging Baldwin with one count of involuntary manslaughter in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in 2021. The judge rejected defense arguments that prosecutors flouted the rules of grand jury proceedings to divert attention away from exculpatory evidence and witnesses. Special prosecutors have denied accusations that the grand jury proceedings were marred and say Baldwin made shameless attempts to escape culpability, highlighting contradictions in his statements to law enforcement, to workplace safety regulators and in a televised interview. Fridays decision removes one of the last hurdles for prosecutors to put Baldwin on trial in July. We look forward to our day in court, defense attorneys Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro said in an email. During a rehearsal on the set of the Western film, Baldwin pointed a gun at Hutchins when the revolver went off, killing her and injuring director Joel Souza. Baldwin has maintained that he pulled back the guns hammer but not the trigger. Baldwin has pleaded not guilty to the involuntary manslaughter charge, which carries a maximum sentence of 1.5 years in prison. Marlowe Sommer rejected arguments that prosecutors acted in bad faith after reviewing transcripts of the January grand jury proceedings, noting that prosecutors are not required to present exculpatory evidence. New Mexico law does not require a prosecutor to present exculpatory evidence to a grand jury, or require a grand jury to even consider exculpatory evidence after alerted to its existence, the judge wrote. She acknowledged that some questions by grand jurors were deferred to a hired expert witness for the prosecution, but she said that didnt prevent the jury from making an independent determination in charging Baldwin. Court arguments last week on the motion to dismiss stretched for more than two hours, as defense attorneys for Baldwin accused prosecutors of cutting off questions from grand jurors and making little or no effort to communicate with defense witnesses in case they were called upon. Detailed records of the grand jury proceedings are not open to the public. Lead special prosecutor Kari Morrissey said she ensured jurors had questions answered by witnesses with relevant experience and that the grand jury was shown that it had access to boxes of evidence supplied by the defense. Baldwin did not appear at the hearing. Prosecutors last year dismissed an earlier involuntary manslaughter charge against Baldwin after being told the gun he was holding might have been modified before the shooting and malfunctioned. A new analysis of the gun last year enabled prosecutors to reboot the case. Prosecutors have turned their full attention to Baldwin after a judge in April sentenced movie weapons supervisor Hannah Gutierrez-Reed to the maximum of 1.5 years at a state penitentiary on an involuntary manslaughter conviction for Hutchins death. The two-week trial of Gutierrez-Reed gave attorneys for Baldwin and the public a unusual window into how the actors own trial could unfold. Baldwin figured prominently in testimony and closing arguments that highlighted his authority as a co-producer and the lead actor on Rust. Both the prosecution and defense in Gutierrez-Reeds trial dissected video footage of Baldwin before the fatal shooting for clues about breakdowns in firearms safety. Prosecutors said Gutierrez-Reed unwittingly brought live ammunition onto the set of Rust, where it was expressly prohibited, and failed to follow basic gun safety protocols. Gutierrez-Reed is appealing her conviction but hasnt yet filed detailed arguments. (AP) The judge overseeing Hunter Biden s federal firearms charges trial agreed Friday to block prosecutors from telling jurors about some other unflattering episodes from his personal life, but left the door open to allowing them in if the presidents son testifies. Its unclear whether the presidents son would take the stand during the trial that could last up to two weeks during his fathers reelection campaign and likely include sharp disagreements over evidence. President Joe Bidens son is charged with lying about his drug use in October 2018 on a form to buy a gun that he kept for about 11 days in Delaware. A trial is set to begin June 3 and could last up to two weeks as his fathers re-election campaign unfolds. Hunter Biden has acknowledged an addiction to crack cocaine during that period, but his lawyers have said he didnt break the law and the case is politically motivated. He didnt speak to reporters as he accompanied his lawyers to and from the Wilmington courthouse for a hearing on Friday. Prosecutors won a victory on a key point as U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika found that they wouldnt have to prove that he specifically used drugs on the day of the purchase. She agreed to a defense push to keep out other details about his past, including a child-support case in Arkansas and his dismissal from the Navy after a positive drug test. If he does take the stand, however, theres a number of issues that may become more contentious, Noreika said. Prosecutors have acknowledged those episodes likely wont be relevant unless he testifies. She also agreed to consider defense questions about the contents of a laptop that he allegedly dropped off at a Delaware repair shop. Hunter Bidens attorneys want to raise questions about the authenticity of the laptops data at trial. Prosecutors say that theres no evidence it has been compromised and that a drawn-out fight would be a waste of time. The laptop has been the source of controversy for years after Republicans accessed and disseminated personal data from it. U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika said she will consider objections to specific pieces of data as the trial unfolds. Prosecutors also plan to show jurors portions of his 2021 memoir Beautiful Things, in which he detailed his struggle with alcoholism and drug abuse following the 2015 death of his older brother, Beau, of brain cancer at age 46. Defense attorneys argued prosecutors were cherry-picking evidence, and the judge agreed to allow Bidens attorneys to introduce wider selections. His attorney Abbe Lowell also says there are indications that the gun-purchase form was changed by employees after the sale. Prosecutors say there were only minor additions unrelated to the parts Hunter Biden filled out. Noreika didnt immediately rule on whether the defense could introduce an altered version of the form at trial, which is expected to begin with jury selection on June 3. Hunter Biden is also facing federal tax charges in Los Angeles and is set for trial in that case in September. Hes accused of failing to pay at least $1.4 million in taxes over four years while living an extravagant lifestyle during a period in which he has acknowledged struggling with addiction. The back taxes have since been paid. Hunter Bidens lawyers have pushed unsuccessfully in both cases to have them dismissed. They have argued, among other things, that prosecutors bowed to political pressure to indict him after a plea agreement hit the skids in court and was publicly pilloried by Republicans, including former President Donald Trump, as a sweetheart deal. Trump, who is running to unseat the Democratic president, faces his own legal problems. He is charged in four criminal cases, including a hush money trial underway in New York. The long-running federal investigation into the presidents son had looked ready to wrap up with a plea deal last year, but the agreement imploded after a judge raised questions about it. Hunter Biden was subsequently indicted. Under the deal, he would have gotten two years of probation after pleading guilty to misdemeanor tax charges. He also would have avoided prosecution on the gun charge if he stayed out of trouble. (AP) A mother and daughter in the Jewish kehilla in Argentina lost their lives in a fire that broke out in their apartment building in Buenos Aires over the weekend. The niftaros were identified as Chana Shmuklerman, ah, 86, and her daughter Miriam Shmuklerman, ah, 64. The local media reported that the two lived solitary lives, having no contact with residents of their building or other relatives. The 64-year-old daughter was on the autism spectrum. HaRav Eliyahu Hamra, the Rav of the AMIA [Asociacion Mutual Israelita Argentina] community has requested that anyone who has any information regarding the womens relatives to contact the kehilla with the information so they can be buried in the Jewish beis kevaros as soon as possible. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Israel Police reported on Motzei Shabbos that despite Meron being declared a closed military zone and strict limitations imposed on this years Lag Baomer celebrations, hundreds of individuals have arrived at the site. In the past few hours, these gatherings led to violent riots, with participants hurling objects at police officers and forcefully resisting orders to disperse. Additional police forces were dispatched to the scene to remove unauthorized protesters from the mountain. In a statement, Israel Police expressed grave concern over the behavior of those violating the law by attacking officers and jeopardizing public safety. The police reiterated their commitment to taking decisive action against any form of violence directed at officers on duty. The measures and special preparations undertaken by Israel Police aim to safeguard public welfare and security. Since the onset of the conflict, Mount Meron has been targeted by dozens of rockets, posing a significant threat to the thousands of visitors who traditionally gather there. It is emphasized that remaining at the Meron site despite the closure constitutes a criminal offense, and fines may be imposed on violators. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) According to a report from the German newspaper Welt am Sonntag, a Hamas terror cell allegedly plotted to carry out attacks on the Israeli embassy in Berlin and a US military base in Germany. The targets were discovered on the smartphone of a terror suspect arrested in Berlin in December. Prosecutors accused the suspect of scouting locations to hide weapons for the terror group. Sources in German security services revealed that the suspect, of Lebanese descent, received instructions from Hamas officials in Lebanon. In January, the Prime Ministers Office disclosed that Hamas operates a network of operatives in Europe under the command of leaders in Lebanon, with the aim of targeting Jewish and Israeli interests abroad. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Hamas Al Qassam Brigades spokesman claimed /lied that its fighters had captured Israeli soldiers during fighting in Jabaliya in northern Gaza on Shabbos. The spokesman, the infamous Abu Ubedia, did not say how many soldiers had been abducted and showed no proof of the claim. The IDF quickly dismissed the announcement, saying no soldiers were missing. Our fighters lured a Zionist force into an ambush inside a tunnel The fighters withdrew after they left all members of the force dead, wounded, and captured, Abu Ubaida said in a recorded message broadcast by Al Jazeera early on Sunday. The Israeli military on Sunday denied the claim by Hamas armed wing. The IDF clarifies that there is no incident in which a soldier was abducted, the military said in a statement. Hamas released a video that appeared to show a bloodied person being dragged along the ground in a tunnel and photos of military fatigue and rifle. The identity of the person shown in the video and his or her condition could not be verified. The comments by Abu Ubaida came hours after prospects for a resumption of mediated Gaza ceasefire talks grew. Reports stated that a decision had been taken to resume the talks next week after the chief of Israels Mossad intelligence agency met the head of the CIA and the prime minister of Qatar. A Hamas official later denied Israeli media reports the talks would resume in Cairo on Tuesday, telling Reuters: There is no date. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Headlines of international media outlets proclaimed on Friday that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered Israel to halt its operation in Rafah. However, a closer look at the ruling reveals the headlines to be false. The ruling stated that Israel immediately halt its military offensive, and any other action in the Rafah Governorate, which may inflict on the Palestinian group in Gaza conditions of life that could bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part. In other words, Israel may continue its operation in Rfash as long as they dont intentionally carry out a genocide of the civilian population. Ynet quoted Israeli officials as saying: It said genocide is forbidden, and we have no intention of committing genocide. What country would invest so many resources to bring in humanitarian aid, call off attacks and the like, if it intends to commit genocide? We are already doing and will continue to do what the ruling has called for. There is a false narrative that the ICJ ordered a halt to the fighting in Rafah and that is not the case. If the court would have wanted to say anything else, it would have. Another distorted aspect of the courts ruling was its instruction to Israel to allow the opening of the Rafah border crossing, ignoring the fact that Egypt is the one preventing this. We are not preventing humanitarian aid from being brought in, an official said. This is the fourth time South Africa has asked for a complete halt to the war. The wording of the ruling is not accidental. When we read the ruling, we see a few things stand out and when we read the judges words individually, they say the same things. South Africas demands are not answered, for the fourth time. Even the South African judge acknowledges that. The Israeli officials were asked how Israel agreed that Nawaf Salam, a judge from Lebanon, a country currently involved in the war against Israel, is heading the panel of judges. They responded that any effort to remove him would not have succeeded. Right now, Israel is cooperating with the process, because we chose to be a party to the genocide convention which was written in response to the Holocaust. As the Jewish people, that was one of the first conventions Israel joined, without hesitation. But we see what is transpiring in the international judicial system. It has become another UN deliberation with 60 countries talking about apartheid. Former Israeli Supreme Court Justice Aharon Barak, who represented Israel in the case at the ICJ, wrote, This measure requires Israel to halt its military offensive in the Rafah Governate only in so far as is necessary to comply with Israels obligations under the genocide convention. Israel is not prevented from carrying out its military operation in the Rafah Governate as long as it fulfills its obligations under the genocide convention. As a result, the measure is a qualified one, which preserves Israels right to prevent and repel threats and attacks by Hamas, defend itself and its citizens, and free the hostages. Judge Georg Nolte of Germany wrote: The measure obliging Israel to halt the current military offensive in Rafah is conditioned by the need to prevent conditions of life that could bring about [the] physical destruction in whole or in part of the Palestinian group in Gaza. Romanian Judge Bogdan Aurescu wrote, In my view, this measure needs to be interpreted that it indicates as well the halt of the Israeli military offensive to the extent that it may inflict n the Palestinian group in Gaza conditions of life that could bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part.' ICJ Vice President Julia Sebutinde of Uganda wrote, This measure does not entirely prohibit the Israeli military from operating in Rafah. Instead, it only operates to partially restrict Israels offensive in Rafah to the extent it implicates rights under the genocide convention. I reiterate that Israel has the right to defend itself against its enemies, including Hamas, and to continue efforts to rescue its missing hostages. These rights are not incompatible with its obligations under the genocide convention. Following the ruling, National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi told Channel 12 News: What they are asking us, is not to commit genocide in Rafah. We did not commit genocide and we will not commit genocide. According to international law, we have the right to defend ourselves and the evidence is that the court is not preventing us from continuing to defend ourselves. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) SEOUL, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Sunday called on South Korea to work with the Chinese side to grasp the general direction of friendship and mutual trust between the two countries, and respect each other's core interests and major concerns. It is also hoped that the two sides can be each other's friendly neighbor of mutual trust and partner of mutual achievement, and promote a sound, steady and substantial development of China-South Korea relations, he said when meeting with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol. The IDF has announced the death of Staff Sgt. Sahar Sudaei, 20, from Tel Aviv, of the Givati Brigades Rotem Battalion, during clashes with terrorists in northern Gaza today. His death brings the total number of soldiers killed in the ongoing offensive against Hamas to 288. Additionally, a reservist from the LOTAR Eilat unit was seriously injured in a separate incident in the southern Gaza Strip. Asset allocation sounds dull but it matters. We explain how to allocate your portfolio based on how much risk you want to take. A well-run company is likely to perform better and avoid errors and scandal, but judging this can be a tough task for individual investors. We explain how to sift the evidence. Investment fund names are often a baffling mixture of impressive but vague words, which mean little to people who aren't already clued up on financial jargon. People hoping to boost their savings by buying a fund or trust face a steep learning curve, unless they're lucky enough to have a friend in the know or are willing to fork out fees to a financial adviser. We offer a short cut, and explain what all the fancy terms really mean. Many are at risk of hasty blunders like selling and putting money in a current or savings account, missing out on tax breaks - or even holding onto old share certificates for sentimental reasons. Pension freedoms mean retirees can now invest their savings how they like rather than buy a stingy annuity. But what do you need to consider and plan ahead for when funding retirement this way? We put this question to three top investing experts and their answers were six, 12, and a few dozen... However, they did all add essentially the same rider, 'it depends'. What it depends on is the level of diversification you manage to achieve with the shares you own, the amount of conviction you have in them, and whether you have the time and dedication to stay on top of your portfolio. Our experts offer plenty of practical advice on making a success of all the above, which should come in useful however many shares you hold. Deciding which fund to invest in can be a challenge when managing your own portfolio. Expert Tom Stevenson explains what information to look for and where when selecting investments. Investment trusts have interesting quirks and features that mean careful research is important in order to fully understand what you are buying, says Ryan Hughes of AJ Bell. Tom Stevenson, investment director at Fidelity International, explains what you can learn from a balance sheet using drinks giant Britvic as his test case. Making sense of a balance sheet is important when you're deciding whether or not to buy shares, because you want to be sure a company you're investing in is financially sound. If you are interested in buying shares or know more about unearthing good companies and valuing them, read our guide to share investing. There's no getting around it, you need do some homework and maths if you're thinking of buying shares. But which sums are the most useful to investors? Prime Minister Rishi Sunak recently announced his intention for school pupils to learn maths to age 18. So what would a real-world curriculum most useful to understanding personal finance look like? Becky O'Connor of PensionBee explains compound growth, pound-cost averaging, inflation and percentages, in a way anyone can grasp and apply to their own finances. All I get from my adviser is an annual review where they tell me not to do anything with the pension. Can I manage it myself? Veteran money expert Henry Tapper replies. Followers of FIRE live frugally and invest aggressively in their 20s and 30s in pursuit of early retirement. We ask money experts how easy it is is to stick to, and when plans might get derailed. Homeowners with a mortgage face an ongoing financial dilemma - use any excess cash to pay down the debt or invest instead? It's a simple question, but the answer really depends on personal circumstances - and, very importantly, whether you are a risk taker or more risk averse, says Rob Morgan of Charles Stanley. Dividends can bring great returns, particularly if you keep reinvesting them - but the Government inevitably wants its share of this wealth. Anyone wanting to save a deposit to buy their first home should consider putting money into a Lifetime Isa - and earn a 25 per cent bonus on contributions. Capital gains tax is levied on assets ranging from shares to second homes, buy-to-lets and personal possessions. Your main home that you live in, known as your Principal Private Residence, is exempt from CGT. That, plus an annual tax-free allowance of 12,300, has meant CGT is typically levied on wealthier taxpayers. However, radical future cuts to the CGT allowance announced in Chancellor Jeremy Hunt's cash grabbing Autumn Statement make it inevitable that many more people will have to pay it in future. Global government bond markets are vast and affect everyone who pays tax, saves or invests. But it's often hard to tell what's going on when there's a surge in bond buying or a sell-off because the jargon used by industry insiders can be pretty impenetrable. We unscramble it here to help everyone else fathom what's going on. Many people could benefit from one-time help over some aspect of their finances, and this need not tie you into a long-term relationship with an adviser. What actually happens to your pension when you retire, and how can you make the most of what you've got? The bond market crash in recent months has drawn attention to a little-known or understood investment strategy that many workers are 'defaulted' into in the run-up to retirement. Some older workers have discovered to their horror that they are sitting on huge losses right on the brink of retirement , which they might be forced to delay as a result. Here's what you need to know about pension lifestyling... Investors are spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding on funds and investment trusts that can put their money to work. We asked trusted experts to recommend the best funds that cover different investment sectors - and included This is Money's selection of active and passive options too. With confidence returning to the market, and investors looking to increase their exposure to UK markets, the future is looking rosy for many firms. Some 370 Jisa holders have pots worth 200,000 or more and a further 280 have pots worth between 150,000 and 199,999. The gold price hit an all-time high of $2,531.60 an ounce on Tuesday on anticipation of a run of US interest rate cuts before the end of this year. The prospect has excited 'goldbugs', who are perpetually bullish about the precious metal. More sceptical investors are also alert to gold buying opportunities after a jump in its value of more than a fifth since January. Known for its check print and trenchcoats, it has struggled with dire sales as a slowdown bites the luxury industry. Shares have fallen 50 per cent this year. Are you searching for a new strategy to give your investments a crunchy uplift? The answer may be found in two favourite breakfast cereals. You may have noticed unusually volatile fluctuations in the value of your investment portfolio or pension over the last month. The FTSE 100 has just about recovered ground after kicking off August by following other major markets with a sharp sell off that wiped $6.4trillion (5.03 trillion) from share prices globally. The late August bank holiday weekend is always a good time to reflect on what has happened through the summer, and more important, figure out what's to come. Dividends are not unique to this country, but they are a notable feature of the UK stock market that continues to make it attractive to many income-seeking investors. The price of gold has rocketed to a record high due to a combination of global turmoil and interest rate cut hopes. It surged to $2,529.75 (1,936.41). We look at whether now is a good time to invest in gold and how you can get exposure to it. For the prudent, the hard-working and the retired of Britain, the financial consequences of the Autumn budget are going to be devastating. Share lending, which is a bit like renting out your stocks, is typically used by financial institutions for trading activities and hedging risk. The investment platform became the latest London-listed firm to be snapped up by private equity earlier this month after rejecting its previous offers. But Stephen Lansdown (pictured), who started the business in 1981 alongside Peter Hargreaves, has taken aim at the offer. Sir Keir Starmer has laid the groundwork for an increase in taxes after warning the Autumn Budget on 30 October will be 'painful'. I want to sell the 7,000 worth of BAE shares I was bought as a child. I don't know who bought them for me or when. How do I work out the gain made if I sell? Analysts have tipped Raspberry Pi to achieve FTSE 250 status in the latest shake-up of London markets, less than three months after the computer maker went public. The Cambridge-based group's initial public offering in June created a frenzy of investor interest , with buyers of all size eager to capitalise of Raspberry Pi's growth potential. Tesla's futuristic-looking $100,000 cybertruck may make headlines. But batteries will arguably play a greater role in its future. Some investors are already taking action to counter the Budget threat. There is an observation - known as the lipstick index - that when times get tough, women splash out on a lipstick. But does the recent fall in sales of lipsticks and other cosmetics and creams disprove this once reliable theory? That's the question investors are asking as the downturn hits the shares of the likes of beauty industry power players such as Estee Lauder and Shiseido. But beauty has not gone out of fashion, it is just going through change. And if Buffett's intervention has made you consider a makeover of your portfolio, here are some of the names that could add polish. Being made up of a number of assets, low cost due to their passive nature and very flexible, ETFs are often popular with investors who wasn't to keep their costs down while diversifying. But does the rise of big tech mean that is no longer the case? The FTSE 100 blue chip index is full of household names like BP and Barclays, but also less well-known businesses which deserve greater fame and are the Footsie's best kept secrets. VCTs not only offer investors tax relief and tax-free dividends, but they are also free of capital gains tax. Only 8 per cent of Britons seek financial advice, despite the risk of tax traps and losing money. Here we explain the difference between financial advisers, financial planners and wealth managers - and how much each will cost you. The Government is said to be planning to drop plans for a British Isa over fears it could 'complicate' the market. BUILDING a one-million-pound investment portfolio by retirement may sound a pipe dream. But with planning and regular savings, it is more achievable than you might think. With highly-prized AI stocks facing a rough patch, investors instead looked to throw their lot in with safer investments, Fidelity said, with money market funds and globally diversified funds garnering increasing interest. My mother will hopefully have 300,000-plus from the sale and I am looking to see what the best thing is for her to do with this money. The price tag of the suit floored me - but then I calculated how much I could earn from renting it out in the future, and went for it. Investors are nervously awaiting the Autumn Budget after Keir Starmer warned that 30 October is 'going to be painful', ramping up fears of a tax raid Investment experts say that for many small investors, the question is whether they should cash in some profits and pay a lower rate on them before the Chancellor potentially hikes capital gains tax. Listed UK companies have become prime takeover targets in recent years, with foreign buyers eyeing potential bargains trading on the London Stock Exchange. UK equities are considerably cheaper than those in the US or Europe, and at the same time are delivering higher dividends and operating in a faster growing economy. Can you use your minor children's personal allowance and pass some income on to them? What about giving them shares in a family business? Our tax expert explains the rules, and the dos and don'ts in this area to give parents a better idea of where they stand. Some store chains, vying for a larger slice of the 14.3bn market in furniture and furnishings, are hiring big names and ramping up their offers. Chancellor Rachel Reeves (pictured) is set to follow through with Sir Keir Starmer's warning that those with the 'broadest shoulders' will bear the brunt of tax hikes. This is Money speaks with an investment professional and asks them quick-fire questions about where they would invest right now. We want to know where they'd invest for the next 10 years and what they would avoid. We will quiz them on the future of inflation and interest rates - but also on what they'd do with a 100,000 windfall. In this instalment of our fund manager series, we quiz Abby Glennie, fund manager of abrdn UK Smaller Companies Growth Trust. The 10 steps that could seriously backfire and leave you far worse off are revealed by Sarah Coles and Helen Morrissey of Hargreaves Lansdown. Americans love their Star-Spangled Banner, the French are obsessed with national pride but we Brits have a patriotism problem. Reluctance to recognise our strengths extends to the UK stock market. The latest fund manager survey from Wall Street giant Bank of America revealed that the UK was 'the most preferred equity market in Europe'. For much of the past couple of years, the City has been gripped by soul-searching amid bombed-out valuations that have left UK-listed businesses vulnerable to foreign takeovers. The Bank of England plays down the notion that American interest rate policy has any direct impact on our own. It argues British inflation largely has been caused by supply issues due to the pandemic and Russia's aggression against Ukraine. Until last night US rates remained at a 23-year high because inflation was driven by strong consumer demand and business resilience. With inflation is back down at 2.5%, its lowest for three-and-a-half years, and the Fed has turned its attention to worries about a flagging jobs market. Fed chief Jerome Powell (pictured) said: 'This recalibration will help maintain the strength of the economy and the labour market, and will continue to enable further progress on inflation. FCA boss Nikhil Rathi sounded the alarm over increasing financial vulnerability among teenagers, with 8% of 13-16-year-olds holding cryptocurrencies. Change is on the menu for McDonald's, Starbucks and the other players in the fast food market. There could be benefits for your portfolio if these businesses can reverse the decline in demand. The Bank of England held its benchmark rate at 5% at noon yesterday as Governor Andrew Bailey insisted it must be 'careful not to cut too fast or by too much'. The caution on Threadneedle Street was in stark contrast to the supersized 0.5 percentage point cut by the US Federal Reserve on Wednesday night - bigger than the usual 0.25 percentage point move. Ayesha Ofori (pictured) was a high-flyer at Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs before she quit to set up Propelle. In my 30 years writing a column for The Mail on Sunday I've filed more than 5,000 reports. Here are 20 of the most extraordinary examples in my Readers' Champion case files. Cash earned from selling old clothes could help young people get started with investing, according to Lloyds Bank. Research by the bank suggests that its customers aged between 18 and 25 who used Vinted make approximately 25 per month from selling on the platform. Lloyds has run the numbers on how much young people could make if they took some of their Vinted profits and invested them month by month. In a trading update, Seeing Machines said revenues for the financial year to June 30 are expected to be in the $67.6 million ballpark. Sterling was up by nearly a cent against the single currency as monthly business survey data showed a stark contrast between the UK and eurozone. Gold is driven by fear: worries about inflation, trade tensions, and the horror that the current conflicts will become even worse. What's up? We have only 310 tonnes, largely because 395 tonnes were sold by Gordon Brown between 1999 and 2002. We are down something like $30 billion on the deal. By contrast, the big buyers over the past 25 years have been other central banks, notably China. Since 1913, when a pound was a gold sovereign, prices have gone up nearly 100-fold - the Bank of England has a nifty inflation calculator. I bought this brooch at a car boot around 30 years. It was originally sold to me as costume jewellery that belonged to a deceased family member of the stall holder. Bumper stimulus from the Politburo and China's central bank to breathe life back into the world's second largest economy lifted sentiment towards the sector. In another vote of confidence in the High Street stalwart, a report by UBS said the stock would rise to 435p in the coming year. M&S has not traded at that level since December 2015. The report sent M&S shares up 1.8%, or 6.5p, to 376p - the highest since 2017. The stock has quadrupled in value in just under two years. Affiliate links: If you take out a product This is Money may earn a commission. These deals are chosen by our editorial team, as we think they are worth highlighting. This does not affect our editorial independence. How to choose the best (and cheapest) DIY investing Isa How to choose the best (and cheapest) DIY investing Isa 50 of the best funds and investment trusts: Our experts' top ideas 50 of the best funds and investment trusts: Our experts' top ideas Six steps to do an annual health check on your investments Six steps to do an annual health check on your investments How to invest in shares: A guide to becoming a successful stock-picker How to invest in shares: A guide to becoming a successful stock-picker What is capital gains tax and how much will I pay on profits? What is capital gains tax and how much will I pay on profits? How dividend tax works: What you will pay and how to cut it How dividend tax works: What you will pay and how to cut it How to research investment trusts for your Isa How to research investment trusts for your Isa How to pick the best investment funds for your Isa How to pick the best investment funds for your Isa Choosing the right investing account is crucial to keep costs down and get the service you need, but a wealth of choice and a variety of charges can leave investors scratching their heads. We pick some of the best and highlight why investing in an Isa makes sense to protect your investments from tax. HOW TO BE A DIY INVESTOR Electric vehicles are constantly improving, but there's no doubt these ever-evolving petrol and diesel alternatives still face scrutiny from consumers. Investment fund T. Rowe Price US Structured Research Equity might have a rather unwieldy name, but investors shouldn't be put off. This week, it was musicMagpie's turn to be the bargain when white goods group AO World plc offered just 10million for the business, which will see musicMagpie removed from AIM. Edentree is an asset manager which specialises in responsible and sustainable investing. There are no gimmicks or whiffs of greenwashing. In 2004, Kelly Holmes won two gold medals at the Olympics, Strictly Come Dancing waltzed on to our TV screens for the first time and Mark Zuckerberg founded Facebook from his bedroom at Harvard. It seems like a long time ago, and it is, particularly for stock market listed companies. Many have been and gone since then, battered by a succession of financial, economic and political crises. Our Midas Share Tips columnist reveals the elite group of UK companies that have become dividend heroes, paying out more every year for 15 years - and in some cases longer. The past year has seen luxury brands fall eight per cent, according to data from Etoro, whereas high street stocks have risen 21 per cent over the past 12 months. Next's transformation into a 21st century clothing and homeware powerhouse is an exemplar of how to survive and thrive amid radical shifts in a sector. Simon Gergel, manager of Merchants, a UK companies trust established in 1889, believes that we may be at 'the start of something special'. The trust holds about 50 stocks. Most are FTSE 100 names, like BP, Lloyds and Shell. But it also invests in housebuilders like Barratt, which are set to benefit from Chancellor Rachel Reeves's promise to deliver 1.5m homes over the next five years. The portfolio also contains FTSE 250 index companies such as IG Group, the spread-betting platform. Investing experts say stock pickers shouldn't just look to online darlings and a number of bricks and mortar stalwarts have rebounded. Those of us who have built small companies and listed them on London's stock exchanges -whether the LSE, AIM or the Aquis Stock Exchange- are natural optimists. Typically, investors can look beyond the fierce politicking, but in this case Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have sharply divergent plans that could have severe fallout whoever wins. Given the US's superpower status that won't be just on the domestic front. Trump wants to end the war in Ukraine but start a global trade war. Harris intends to hike corporate taxes, creating a huge potential hit to the earnings of Wall Street giants that sit in almost all portfolios. Here, top investing experts offer tips on how best to seize new opportunities, or protect your capital. Worries savers are pouring money into risky schemes designed to support British start-ups in an attempt to foil the expected Budget tax raid. The 'Ark-FutureFirst' portfolio will allow Etoro users to invest in companies who are 'pioneering the groundbreaking technologies which are shaping our future,' the investing platform said. Rachel Reeves aimed for a flying start with her July 30 speedy audit of the economy. She sought to demonstrate determination to get on top of the public finances with the means-testing of the winter fuel allowance for older Britons and some symbolic cuts in road schemes. The Chancellor was determined not to rush the fences with an early budget and a 'quick and dirty' assessment of the public finances. In a sign of concern among global investors about the Chancellor's plans, gilt yields have climbed sharply and yesterday hit the highest level since Labour came to power. Reeves was warned she is walking a 'tightrope' as she seeks to fulfil her spending pledges while also avoiding a repeat of the rout on the bond markets seen after the Liz Truss mini-budget. Analysts have backed gold prices to maintain momentum in the months ahead to reach fresh all-time highs as central banks continue to cut interest rates. Gold hit a record $2685.49/oz in September as geopolitical conflict and trade fears continued to drive investors into so-called 'safe haven' assets, while globally central banks - most notably China - have added to demand by substantially bolstering reserves. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement FUND JARGON BUSTER The investment industry's world of abbreviations... Acc: Accumulation - any income generated by the fund like dividends or interest is automatically reinvested. Inc: Income - any income generated is distributed by the fund instead of being reinvested. Dis: Distribution - any income generated is distributed by the fund instead of being reinvested. R: Retail - the fund is aimed at ordinary investors. I/Inst: Institutional - the fund is aimed at corporate investors like pension funds. A, B, M, X etc: Different fund houses use letters for different things. Check with them what they stand for. NT/No trail: Some fund houses use this name on clean funds which carry no commissions for financial advisers, supermarkets or brokers, just the fee levied by the fund manager. But other fund houses use different letters - I, D or Y, for example - so you need to find out for yourself which are clean funds. Gr: Stands for gross. GBP/: Fund denominated in pounds. EUR: Fund denominated in euros. USD/$: Fund denominated in US dollars. The hugely damaging impact on the economy of poor connectivity has been laid bare by research showing Britain ranks 22 out of 25 European countries for 5G, the most up-to-date technology offering higher mobile and download speeds. The US and China are racing ahead while the UK has the lowest download speed of a G7 country. The study from independent analytics group Opensignal could turn the slow roll-out of 5G into a General Election issue since all parties are sure to pledge to reverse the UKs flagging productivity. Damaging: The hugely damaging impact on the economy of poor connectivity has been laid bare Upgrading all types of infrastructure, including mobile networks, would be crucial to such promises. Both the Conservatives and Labour are likely to be eager to assure the nation that the decline can begin to be reversed: Britain was once the global leader in mobile innovation. An industry insider said this weekend: Network investment is a multi-year programme, its not a quick fix. If things dont change soon, the UK is in danger of slipping further behind. Businesses, hospitals and social care would be key beneficiaries of much greater availability of 5G. Vodafone UK calculates small and medium businesses could deliver 8.6 billion in annual productivity savings if the provision of 5G could be improved. For example, 5Gs superior connectivity could enable a factory with robots to be reconfigured for greater effectiveness without costly and disruptive rewiring. Tech advances: The US and China are racing ahead while the UK has the lowest download speed of a G7 country Vodafone adds that introducing more 5G into hospitals would bring efficiencies equivalent to the salaries of 15,400 nurses. The alarming data on 5G will turn attention to the Government investigation into the contentious merger of the UK businesses of Vodafone and Three, a division of the Chinese CK Hutchinson conglomerate. It is claimed the get-together could provide funds of 11billion to help finance the estimated 25billion bill for a more rapid roll-out across the UK. The cost of this capital-intensive endeavour is far greater than that of the 4G roll-out, presenting a challenge that has stood in the way of progress to date. Margherita Della Valle, chief executive of Vodafone, has described the deal as a multi-trillion opportunity that would help innovation and public services. The merger which would create the UKs largest mobile operator is being examined by the Competitions and Market Authority (CMA) in one of its in-depth phase 2 investigations. The stance of Labour on the investigation is not known, but this may be because the party is reluctant to be seen to interfere with the CMA, an independent body. Behind the investigation lie concerns that the combined groups 27 million customers would face steep price rises and also a drop in quality as competition in the sector lessened. The merger would create a business larger than EE, owned by BT, and Virgin Media O2 which is a division of Telefonica of Spain and the US corporation Liberty Global. There are also security concerns surrounding the influence of the Chinese state. CK Hutchinson, which also owns the Superdrug chain and Northumbrian Water, was founded by 95-year-old Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-Shing. If the deal were approved, Vodafone would control 51 per cent of the enlarged group, appoint the chief executive and aim to dilute the Chinese minority interest over a three-year period. The CMA is set to report in September, although the body can extend the process. But the Election will heighten the focus on Vodafones argument that only the capacity and financial clout of the combined group can deliver the 5G upgrade. The company also contends that a combined, stronger network would significantly boost competition in the wholesale market. It says the 150-plus MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators) who include Sky and Tesco would be given more choice. The MVNO sector is the fastest-growing segment of the mobile industry. Currently 90 per cent of MVNOs do not opt for the networks of either Vodafone or Three as their wholesale provider: they must partner with either of the two main players EE or Virgin Media 02. The great and the good were at the Chelsea Flower Show this week, keen to see and be seen at what is undoubtedly the most flourishing event of the business calendar. On Monday night former chancellor of the exchequer turned investment banker George Osborne was in chipper mood, admitting that it was the first time he had been to the gala dinner, the hottest ticket of the show. Another of David Camerons chums Seb James was also in attendance, although the Old Etonian boss of Boots the Chemist was tight-lipped about a sale or flotation of the chain by its US owner Walgreens. He's back: George Osborne attended the latest Chelsea Flower Show Alongside all the suits was a smattering of celebs such as actor Richard E Grant. The high life indeed. Labour's City charm offensive Labour's charm offensive on the City shows no sign of abating. Its latest fundraising dinner was at the Science Museum in west London, where former Legal & General boss Sir Nigel Wilson was hobnobbing with the partys top brass, including its chairwoman Anneliese Dodds and shadow economic secretary Tulip Siddiq. Shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves and shadow business secretary Jonathan Reynolds have been trying to steal what was always solid Tory ground. Labour has been fundraising for two years and the City knows it needs to get close to them, said Addy Frederick, head of public affairs at insurer Admiral. Shein appoints advisory groups Chinese fast fashion giant Shein has appointed advisory groups Brunswick and FGS Global to help sell its story ahead of a blockbuster flotation this summer. So there were some red faces when reports popped up revealing that FGS had allegedly sent one of its most senior managers to its Chinese outposts to deal with allegations that Western partners behave in a colonial manner there. Clearly FGS successfully wriggled its way out of the hole. More women at the top There are only ten female chief executives in the FTSE 100, but one man who wants to see more is Mark Versey, chief executive at Aviva Investors, part of the wider Aviva insurance group. Ive had three female bosses and theyve all been excellent. Much better than the men, he gushed to The Mail on Sunday. Boss Amanda Blanc has been credited with turning around Aviva, which had for years been languishing in the doldrums. She caused a storm last year after saying all white, male senior promotions and hires at Aviva required her final approval. Full marks to Versey for upward management skills. Contributor: Ruth Sunderland Some of Britains largest fund managers have spoken out against plans for fast fashion giant Shein to float in London. London is currently vying with New York for the blockbuster 53billion float, which would see Shein slip straight into the blue-chip FTSE 100. But UK money managers, including Aviva Investors, Schroders and M&G, may turn their backs on the listing over concerns about workers rights at the Chinese fashion giant. Speaking out: Some of Britains largest fund managers have spoken out against plans for Shein to float in London The UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association, said it does not want London to become a listing place of last resort for companies with poor human rights records. A Channel 4 investigation in 2022 revealed some Chinese workers were paid as little as 3p per garment while working 18-hour days. Sheins profits hit 1.6billion last year. All parties should commit to setting up a sovereign wealth fund in their election manifestos, a think tank has said. Lakshmi Narayanan, chairman of the Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute (SWFI), believes the UK can 'easily' have a 395billion fund within three to five years. His comments came as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak last week called a General Election for July 4. The funds which are state-owned investment pools designed to grow a country's wealth are usually created from excess revenues. Narayanan said it is 'high time' for the UK to announce a sovereign wealth fund' and that a 395billion pool could be a boost for the London stock market. He added: 'Every political party should announce their intention to create a sovereign wealth fund and make it part of their first implementation plan. Idea: All parties should commit to setting up a sovereign wealth fund in their election manifestos 'This can unlock between 8 per cent and 10 per cent of wealth in capital markets to create 40billion of liquidity.' The Mail on Sunday last year reported Treasury officials explored the idea of setting up a sovereign fund. TOKYO, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said here that his country will continue cooperation with China and the United States, urging Washington to abandon protectionism and respect competitiveness. Anwar said on Thursday at the 29th Future of Asia forum that Malaysia does not have a "China-phobia" policy and hopes China and the United States will resolve their differences. Themed "Asian Leadership in an Uncertain World," the annual forum attracted political, economic, and academic leaders from the Asia-Pacific region to discuss regional issues and the role of Asia in the world. Calling China an important neighbor with strategic significance, Anwar said that deepening ties with China is very beneficial to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Anwar noted that China's investment in overseas markets such as ASEAN countries has strong momentum. Talking about the so-called "China economic recession theory," he said China's economy remains dynamic, and the Chinese government and people are fully prepared for changes in the external environment, and can make corresponding adjustments in a timely manner. In the face of a complex international environment, ASEAN should strengthen unity and provide a reliable Asian solution by formulating appropriate economic policies, giving full play to its economic advantages, and promoting trade and investment, Anwar said. "It is crucial to promote ASEAN unity and strengthen ASEAN's overall economic strength," he added. The prime minister also said Malaysia will assume the ASEAN chairmanship in 2025, and its policy focus will be to enhance economic cooperation among member states and attract more investment and trade cooperation opportunities. Palestines ambassador to Ireland has said she is looking forward to seeing their flag flown over Leinster House on Tuesday. The formal recognition of the Palestinian state by Ireland, along with Spain and Norway, culminates months of diplomatic efforts by Irish officials. Dr Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid said it was a very special day when Taoiseach Simon Harris announced Ireland recognises the state of Palestine. She said: I know that with all thats going on with Palestine and against the Palestinian people, we felt its a light out of this dark tunnel. It gives hope. Im really proud of being a representative of the Palestinian people here in Ireland. But she said the feeling is bittersweet: Its not easy to feel this happiness while thousands of people are killed on a daily basis and Israel is becoming even more vicious. The Palestinian Mission in Ireland is to be upgraded to an embassy as part of the move, and an Ambassador from Palestine to Ireland will be appointed. Ireland will also upgrade its Representative Office of Ireland in Ramallah to an embassy, and redesignate the Irish Representative to Palestine as the Ambassador of Ireland to the State of Palestine. In response to Irelands announcement on Wednesday that it recognises the state of Palestine, the Israeli foreign affairs ministry reprimanded Irelands ambassador to Israel Sonya McGuinness, along with the Spanish and Norwegian ambassadors. As part of the severe demarche, the ambassadors were shown footage that Israel claimed was filmed on October 7 while the Israeli national media was present. Tanaiste Micheal Martin said that the presence of the national media was not something they had witnessed before in other countries or jurisdictions. Dr Abdalmajid said she knows its not easy for Ireland to take that decision but said it was the right time to recognise a Palestinian state. She said that the more countries that recognise Palestine as a state, the more pressure is put on Israel to stop its military offensive in Gaza, which the ambassador called the annihilation of a people. I am looking forward to seeing the flag flying on Leinster House, Dr Abdalmajid said, adding that Leinster House is representative of the people of Ireland. Its a big moment. She said she agrees with Mr Martin when he said the move would give strength to and encourage peace lovers and said of course not when asked about Israeli governments claim that it rewarded terrorism. She said that Palestine agreed to the Oslo accords but in the past 29 years Israel exerted every effort to weaken the Palestinian Authority in every aspect. The far right brought Israel to a very critical situation internationally. These far-right governments shouldnt be given the right to control moderate Israelis who believe and think of peace. An aerial drone photo taken on May 26, 2024 shows the short-finned pilot whale "Haitang" swimming in the sea. On January 3rd of this year, an injured male short-finned pilot whale was found stranded in Haitang Bay of Sanya. It was sent to the Sanya Haichang Animal Conservation Center for treatment and was named "Haitang." Thanks to the meticulous care provided by professional breeders and volunteers, "Haitang" recovers well and is determined ready to be released back into the sea after thorough examination and assessment by experts. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) SANYA, May 26 (Xinhua) -- With a splash, the short-finned pilot whale plunged from a scientific research ship back into the sea in south China's island province of Hainan on Sunday, 145 days after it was rescued. "This is the first short-finned pilot whale successfully rescued in China," said Pu Bingmei, secretary general of the non-profit organization BlueRibbon Ocean Conservation Association (BROCA), who noted that the case could offer important reference for marine rescue work. The male whale Haitang was found injured and stranded in the Haitang Bay of Sanya City on January 3. After coordinated efforts, it was sent to the Haichang animal conservation center and named after where it was rescued. Pu remembered that at the beginning, Haitang was so weak that it faced the risk of being drowned in the water. More than 100 volunteers of BROCA took turns to take care of it in the pond around the clock. Out of stress response, the whale once attacked a volunteer. But the behavior didn't stop volunteers from accompanying it. During the past months, Haitang has grown from 3.6 meters long to 3.7 meters, and its bust measurement from 1.9 meters to 2 meters. "It is now able to feed and dive normally," said vet Xiong Chunlin with the conservation center. On May 7, after investigation and discussion, experts agreed that the whale had already met the requirements for release into the wild. After determining the release plan, the Haichang animal conservation center made a special water tank for the whale, while BROCA found vehicles and ships for transportation. Haitang finally returned to the sea after several drills. To track and monitor its condition, scientists have attached a device on its back. "I'm sure that Haitang can find its home and live healthily in the sea," said Pu. Breeders takes care of the short-finned pilot whale "Haitang" at Sanya Haichang Animal Conservation Center in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Jan. 9, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) Staff members prepare to release the short-finned pilot whale "Haitang" on a scientific research ship, May 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) Staff members and volunteers transfer the short-finned pilot whale "Haitang" at Sanya Haichang Animal Conservation Center in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, May 25, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) Staff members prepare to transfer the short-finned pilot whale "Haitang" at Sanya Haichang Animal Conservation Center in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, May 25, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) Staff members celebrate after releasing the short-finned pilot whale "Haitang" into the sea on a scientific research ship, May 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) People wave goodbye to the short-finned pilot whale "Haitang" on a scientific research ship, May 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) Staff members see off the short-finned pilot whale "Haitang" on a scientific research ship, May 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) An aerial drone photo taken on May 26, 2024 shows staff members preparing to release the short-finned pilot whale "Haitang" into the sea on a scientific research ship. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) Staff members prepare to transfer the short-finned pilot whale "Haitang" at Sanya Haichang Animal Conservation Center in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, May 25, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) Staff members look at the short-finned pilot whale "Haitang" via images taken by a drone on a scientific research ship, May 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) Staff members discuss the plan of releasing the short-finned pilot whale "Haitang" into the sea on a scientific research ship, May 25, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) Staff members cool the short-finned pilot whale "Haitang" on a scientific research ship, May 25, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) A volunteer checks the condition of the short-finned pilot whale "Haitang" on a scientific research ship, May 25, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) Staff members adjust position of the short-finned pilot whale "Haitang" on a scientific research ship, May 25, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) The short-finned pilot whale "Haitang" is transferred to a scientific research ship at a wharf in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, May 25, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) The short-finned pilot whale "Haitang" is pictured at an open air pool at Sanya Haichang Animal Conservation Center in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Jan. 21, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) A breeder takes care of the short-finned pilot whale "Haitang" at Sanya Haichang Animal Conservation Center in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Jan. 21, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) The short-finned pilot whale "Haitang" is pictured at Sanya Haichang Animal Conservation Center in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Jan. 8, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) Volunteers from south China's Guangdong Province see off the short-finned pilot whale "Haitang" in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, May 25, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) A breeder takes care of the short-finned pilot whale "Haitang" at Sanya Haichang Animal Conservation Center in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Jan. 21, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) Staff members prepare to release the short-finned pilot whale "Haitang" on a scientific research ship, May 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) The short-finned pilot whale "Haitang" is pictured at Sanya Haichang Animal Conservation Center in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Jan. 11, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) The short-finned pilot whale "Haitang" is pictured at Sanya Haichang Animal Conservation Center in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, Jan. 10, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) An aerial drone photo taken on May 26, 2024 shows the short-finned pilot whale "Haitang" swimming in the sea. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun) Hi, my name is Scott C. Waring and I wrote a few books and am currently a ESL School Owner in Taiwan. I have had my own UFO sighting up close and personal, but that's how it works right? A non believer becomes a believer when they experience their first sighting. You witnessed it, your perceptual field changes, so now you need to share it. I created this site to help the UFO community get a little bit organized. I noticed that there was a lot of chaos when searching for UFO sighting reports, so I hope this site helps. I wanted to support those eyewitnesses who have tried to tell others about what they have seen, yet were laughed at by even closest of friends. More and more each day the governments of the world leak bits and pieces of UFO information to the public. They have a trickle down theory in hopes of slowly getting citizens use to the idea that we are not alone in universe and never have been. The truth is being leaked drop by drop until one day we look around and find ourselves neck high in it. The discovery of alien species in existence is the most monumental scientific event in human history, suppression of that information is a crime against humanity. About me: I live in Taiwan. I OWN MY OWN ENGLISH SCHOOL, AND ONCE HAD 5 SCHOOLS. Am Former USAF at SAC base (flight line). Age: 42 Educ: BA in Elem ed. Masters in Counseling ed. I had two UFO sightings, (30+bus size orbs) in military and in 2012 personally saw the UFO over Taipei 101 building on New Years Day (and recored it). Estonian President Alar Karis believes the most important thing today is to stop the Russian military machine in Ukraine. The president said this in an interview with Yle, Ukrinform reports. "We will do everything possible to bring Russia and Putin to their knees. Then it will be possible to start serious negotiations on ending the war in Ukraine," Karis said. According to him, the most important thing now is to stop the Russian military machine. He also expressed skepticism about rapid changes in Russia. Read also: EU demands that Russia cease acts of provocation on border with Estonia "I don't really believe in quick changes. Russia had a chance in the early 1990s, but it all went wrong. Even rescue from Vladimir Putin will not necessarily lead to changes. A number of factors are needed for them, the most important of which is the will of the people to seize an opportunity," said Karis. He added that the world may have to endure many more "Putins" before changes take place in Russia. "We may have to go through a lot more Russian leaders before anything starts," Karis suggested. According to the president, pressure is needed, including from the West, so that ordinary Russians understand that something must be done. As Ukrinform reported earlier, Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas said NATO allies should not be wary of sending instructors to Ukraine to train the Ukrainian military as this would not drag the Alliance into a war with Russia. Photo: Presidents Office Sweden has allowed Ukraine to use its weapons to attack military targets inside Russia. That's according to the Swedish news outlet Hallandsposten, Ukrinform reports. Journalists sent a respective request to Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson and received the following answer: "Ukraine is exposed to an unprovoked and illegal war of aggression by Russia. According to international law, Ukraine has the right to defend itself through military actions aimed at the enemy's territory as long as the military actions comply with the laws of war. Sweden stands behind international law and Ukraine's right to defend itself." According to the news outlet, the limits of Ukraine's defense should be set by international law, not by self-imposed restrictions of Ukraine's allies that cost Ukrainian lives. Sweden's government should argue for this position vis-a-vis other Western countries, not only behind closed doors but also publicly. The United Kingdom earlier allowed Ukraine to use its weapons for strikes inside Russia. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg called on the allies to lift restrictions on the use of Western weapons to attack targets in Russia. Photo: BAE Systems A man holds the body of a victim at a hospital in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, May 26, 2024. (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua) GAZA, May 26 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has risen to 35,984, health authorities in the Palestinian enclave said in a press statement on Sunday. The Israeli army killed 81 Palestinians and wounded 223 others during the past 24 hours, bringing the total death toll to 35,984 and injuries to 80,643 since the Palestinian-Israeli conflict broke out in October 2023. The statement noted that some victims remained under the rubble amid heavy bombardment and a lack of rescue crews. Meanwhile, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) said on social media X that the war in Gaza continues to be a war on civilians, noting that "civilian casualties, displacement, the destruction of homes and essential civilian infrastructure continue unabated." "Nowhere is safe in Gaza, we need a ceasefire now," UNRWA added. Israel launched a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and around 250 were taken hostage. People mourn their relatives at a hospital in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, May 26, 2024. (Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua) Students do exercise at the Xiong'an campus of the Shijiahutong Elementary School in Xiong'an New Area, north China's Hebei Province, May 21, 2024. In recent years, Xiong'an New Area has continuously promoted the high-quality education construction. The area has introduced innovative education development system, constructed high-standard education facilities, and introduced professional education resources. Currently, the area has 717 schools, with 235,000 students and 20,000 teachers. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) Students take classes at the Xiong'an campus of the Shijiahutong Elementary School in Xiong'an New Area, north China's Hebei Province, May 21, 2024. In recent years, Xiong'an New Area has continuously promoted the high-quality education construction. The area has introduced innovative education development system, constructed high-standard education facilities, and introduced professional education resources. Currently, the area has 717 schools, with 235,000 students and 20,000 teachers. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) A teacher demonstrates as students look on in a handicraft class at a primary school in Xiong'an New Area, north China's Hebei Province, May 21, 2024. In recent years, Xiong'an New Area has continuously promoted the high-quality education construction. The area has introduced innovative education development system, constructed high-standard education facilities, and introduced professional education resources. Currently, the area has 717 schools, with 235,000 students and 20,000 teachers. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) Students cook during a culinary class at a primary school in Xiong'an New Area, north China's Hebei Province, May 22, 2024. In recent years, Xiong'an New Area has continuously promoted the high-quality education construction. The area has introduced innovative education development system, constructed high-standard education facilities, and introduced professional education resources. Currently, the area has 717 schools, with 235,000 students and 20,000 teachers. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) Students assemble robots at an activity room of a school in Xiong'an New Area, north China's Hebei Province, May 24, 2024. In recent years, Xiong'an New Area has continuously promoted the high-quality education construction. The area has introduced innovative education development system, constructed high-standard education facilities, and introduced professional education resources. Currently, the area has 717 schools, with 235,000 students and 20,000 teachers. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) Students make batik works at a school in Xiong'an New Area, north China's Hebei Province, May 23, 2024. In recent years, Xiong'an New Area has continuously promoted the high-quality education construction. The area has introduced innovative education development system, constructed high-standard education facilities, and introduced professional education resources. Currently, the area has 717 schools, with 235,000 students and 20,000 teachers. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) Students read loudly in a classroom at the Xiong'an campus of the Shijiahutong Elementary School in Xiong'an New Area, north China's Hebei Province, May 21, 2024. In recent years, Xiong'an New Area has continuously promoted the high-quality education construction. The area has introduced innovative education development system, constructed high-standard education facilities, and introduced professional education resources. Currently, the area has 717 schools, with 235,000 students and 20,000 teachers. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) Students participate in outdoor activities at a kindergarten in Xiong'an New Area, north China's Hebei Province, May 23, 2024. In recent years, Xiong'an New Area has continuously promoted the high-quality education construction. The area has introduced innovative education development system, constructed high-standard education facilities, and introduced professional education resources. Currently, the area has 717 schools, with 235,000 students and 20,000 teachers. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) Students harvest wheat at a school farm of a kindergarten in Xiong'an New Area, north China's Hebei Province, May 23, 2024. In recent years, Xiong'an New Area has continuously promoted the high-quality education construction. The area has introduced innovative education development system, constructed high-standard education facilities, and introduced professional education resources. Currently, the area has 717 schools, with 235,000 students and 20,000 teachers. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) An aerial drone photo taken on May 21, 2024 shows a view of the Xiong'an campus of the Shijiahutong Elementary School and Beijing No. 4 High School in Xiong'an New Area, north China's Hebei Province. In recent years, Xiong'an New Area has continuously promoted the high-quality education construction. The area has introduced innovative education development system, constructed high-standard education facilities, and introduced professional education resources. Currently, the area has 717 schools, with 235,000 students and 20,000 teachers. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) Students learn about traditional Chinese medicine knowledge at a primary school in Xiong'an New Area, north China's Hebei Province, May 22, 2024. In recent years, Xiong'an New Area has continuously promoted the high-quality education construction. The area has introduced innovative education development system, constructed high-standard education facilities, and introduced professional education resources. Currently, the area has 717 schools, with 235,000 students and 20,000 teachers. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) Students participate in a rehearsal at the Xiong'an campus of the Beijing No. 80 Middle School in Xiong'an New Area, north China's Hebei Province, May 24, 2024. In recent years, Xiong'an New Area has continuously promoted the high-quality education construction. The area has introduced innovative education development system, constructed high-standard education facilities, and introduced professional education resources. Currently, the area has 717 schools, with 235,000 students and 20,000 teachers. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) Students participate in outdoor activities at the Xiong'an campus of the Shijiahutong Elementary School in Xiong'an New Area, north China's Hebei Province, May 21, 2024. In recent years, Xiong'an New Area has continuously promoted the high-quality education construction. The area has introduced innovative education development system, constructed high-standard education facilities, and introduced professional education resources. Currently, the area has 717 schools, with 235,000 students and 20,000 teachers. (Xinhua/Mu Yu) LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th May, 2024) Acting President Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) would continue to support the governments welfare initiatives and also provide suggestions to make the upcoming budget favourable towards people, especially farmers, youths, and labourers. He expressed these views while talking to media after laying the foundation stone of a reverse osmosis (RO) plant here on Sunday. He highlighted that as a member of the United Nations, Pakistan was committed to the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, which aimed to ensure "availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all" by 2030. He expressed his appreciation for those working to provide clean drinking water, noting that their efforts were also in service to the state. He said that the provision of clean water was a global issue, which needed to be addressed on a priority basis with global support. Responding to a question, he highlighted Pakistan has the capability to address threats on the eastern and western borders, as well as terrorism and extremism with national unity. The Acting President said his party believed in public welfare and political dialogue and had always preferred to adopt a conciliatory approach to address national issues. He further stated that his party had been supporting the government to provide relief to the people. Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani urged the need for dialogue and unity to make decisions in peoples interest, adding that political instability led to economic instability. (@FahadShabbir) ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th May, 2024) Federal Minister of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal said on Sunday that the government was not inclined towards suffocating the media, asserting that there were no such attempts from their side. Talking to a private news channel, he said that while social media platforms offers vast benefits, it also carries risks, notably in spreading misinformation that can sow chaos in society. He said the government's aim to mitigate these risks and ensure that social media was used responsibly. He further noted the importance of consulting stakeholders to formulate laws aimed at addressing the challenges posed by social media. He stressed that such laws must be in the interest of all to safeguard the country from the risks associated with misinformation. Regarding Pakistan's Youm-e-Takbir, observed on May 28 to commemorate the country's emergence as a nuclear power, he credited Nawaz Sharif for defying international pressure in the interest of Pakistan's sovereignty and freedom. He also acknowledged the foundational role played by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in Pakistan's nuclear program. He said that the general council meeting of PML-N would be held in Lahore on the historic May 28, where the election for the party's presidency, to be contested by Nawaz Sharif, would take place. He expressed the party's collective sentiment to address the perceived injustice done to Nawaz Sharif. Dakar, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th May, 2024) Suspected militants killed at least 18 civilians in central Mali, numerous sources told AFP on Sunday, the latest attack in a region roiled by violence for years. "The militants fired at villagers three kilometres (less than two miles) from Diallassagou. The provisional toll is 18 dead and 21 wounded", three residents of the village told AFP. A police source and a regional official confirmed the attack, but gave the death toll of 19 and blamed "terrorists" and "armed men". "We confirm. The terrorists killed civilians in Diallassagou in cold blood," the police source said, adding "there are 19 dead and 21 wounded. They accuse the civilians of helping the Malian army". An elected official in Bandiagara, a town some 60 kilometres from Diallassagou, told AFP on condition of anonymity that "the unidentified armed men killed 19 farmers in their fields. All of the victims are those who have been displaced and have settled in Diallassagou". Another Dandiagara official also said that 19 farmers had been killed by unidentified armed men. In June 2022, more than 130 civilians were killed in the same village, in one of the worst attacks in Mali in recent years that the government blamed on Katiba Macina, a group affiliated with Al-Qaeda. The group denied the allegations. Mali has since 2012 been plunged into turmoil by independence and Salafist insurgencies in the north. The centre of the country has become a hotbed of violence since 2015, with the emergence of militant groups led in particular by the firebrand Fulani preacher Amadou Koufa, who has largely recruited from among his own community. The violence has spilled over into neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger. Clashes have increased between the Fulani, who are mainly herders, and the Bambara and Dogon, largely farmers, leading to the formation of ethnic self-defence groups. The deteriorated security context, remote locations and a lack of reliable information mean that attacks often take a long time to confirm. Rafah, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th May, 2024) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was to convene his war cabinet Sunday to discuss the latest efforts towards a Gaza truce and hostage release deal, a senior official told AFP. US President Joe Biden has pushed for renewed international efforts to halt the Gaza war, and CIA chief Bill Burns on Friday met Mossad director David Barnea and Qatar's prime minister in Paris. While Israel's main focus is to free the remaining hostages, Hamas has insisted on a permanent end to the war raging since October 7 -- a demand Netanyahu has so far rejected out of hand. An Israeli senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP that "the war cabinet is expected to meet in Jerusalem tonight at 2100 (1800 GMT) to discuss a hostage release deal". The official had said Saturday that "there is an intention to renew these talks this week" after negotiations involving US, Qatari and Egyptian mediators had stalled in early May. A member of the Hamas political bureau, Izzat al-Rishq, however said on Sunday that "regarding the rumours about negotiations, we have not received anything from the mediators" so far. He insisted on Hamas's long-standing demand for a permanent cessation of hostilities in all of Gaza as "the foundation and the starting point for anything". Rishq charged that Netanyahu is "trying to buy more time to continue the aggression" while seeking to create the "false impressions of his concern" for the Gaza captives and their families. Shortly afterwards, Hamas's wing the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades said they had targeted Tel Aviv "with a large rocket barrage in response to the Zionist (Israeli) massacres against civilians". Israel's army said at least eight rockets were fired from Gaza's far-southern city of Rafah and that "a number of the projectiles were intercepted", with no initial reports of casualties. (@FahadShabbir) Kharkiv, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th May, 2024) The death toll from Russian strikes on a hardware store in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv rose to 14 Sunday, the regional governor said as rescuers searched the charred debris for bodies. "The number of dead has grown to 14," Oleg Synegubov, Kharkiv regional governor, said on Telegram, as nearly 200 rescuers worked at the scene. Interior minister Igor Klymenko said earlier that 43 were injured and "16 people are considered missing", after Russian strikes hit the Epitsentr superstore on Saturday, sparking a massive fire. "It took more than 16 hours to extinguish the fire in the Kharkiv construction hypermarket caused by targeted Russian strikes," the minister said on Telegram. Forensics experts and investigators were still working to identify bodies in the ruined store in the northeastern outskirts of the city, Klymenko said. Earlier, Synegubov said two of the people who had been killed worked in the hypermarket, adding that the city had been under "massive rocket fire all day". Still wearing her uniform, Lyubov, a cleaner at the store, recalled how she escaped the building. "It happened all of a sudden. We didn't understand at first, everything went dark and everything started falling on our heads," she said. "It was good that my phone lit up, thanks to the flashlight I found where to go, but in front of us everything was burning already." Zelensky condemned the daylight attack on an "obviously civilian" target. JERUSALEM, May 26 (Xinhua) -- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) thinned out forces in eastern parts of the southernmost Gazan city of Rafah, and the Givati infantry brigade left for Israel from the area where it had been operating since the operation a few weeks ago, Israel's Ynet news website reported on Sunday. The move comes shortly after Israel announced that it had agreed to renew talks with Hamas on a hostage deal soon, with the mediation of Egypt, Qatar and the United States. Israel launched a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and around 250 were taken hostage. The Israeli attacks have so far killed more than 35,900 people in the Gaza Strip, health authorities in the Palestinian enclave said in a press statement on Saturday. Around 10 civilians were killed in the latest attacks blamed on ADF rebels affiliated with the Islamic State group in eastern DRC this weekend, prompting local authorities to launch an urgent appeal for help, sources told AFP Sunday. The ADF, originally mainly Muslim Ugandan rebels, have established a presence over the past three decades in eastern DRC, killing thousands of civilians. In recent weeks they have stepped up their attacks and looting of villages and health centers. "Our people are fed up with burying civilians every day," Leon Kakule Siviwe, leader of the Beni-Mbau district in the north of North Kivu province, told AFP. "We are making a heartfelt appeal to the country's authorities and asking them to help us restore peace to our region." Siviwe put the death toll at three on Friday and four on Saturday, with around 10 people also missing. Local civil society leader Georges Kivaya and youth leader Esdras Mathe meanwhile said that at least 10 people were killed in several attacks in the area on Saturday alone, adding that the "search continues" for victims. Since the end of 2021, the Congolese and Ugandan armies have been conducting joint operations against the ADF in North Kivu and the neighboring province of Ituri, but have so far failed to stop the deadly attacks on civilians. "Every town must have at least one military position to avoid delays in the intervention" of the security forces, Kivaya said. Mathe called for "an intensification of operations" in the region by the two countries' armies. The ADF pledged allegiance in 2019 to the Islamic State group, which portrays them as its central African branch. The ADF has been accused of massacring Congolese civilians as well as staging attacks in neighboring Uganda. Living in a tent in rebel-held northwestern Syria, Rudaina al-Salim and her family struggle to find enough water for drinking and other basic needs such as cooking and washing. Their encampment north of the city of Idlib hasn't seen any aid in six months. "We used to get food aid, hygiene items," said the mother of four. "Now we haven't had much in a while." Al-Salim's story is similar to that of many in this region of Syria, where most of the 5.1 million people have been internally displaced sometimes more than once in the country's civil war, now in its 14th year, and rely on aid to survive. U.N. agencies and international humanitarian organizations have for years struggled with shrinking budgets, further worsened by the coronavirus pandemic and conflicts elsewhere. The wars in Ukraine and Sudan, and more recently Israel's war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip are the focus of the world's attention. Syria's war, which has killed nearly half a million people and displaced half the country's pre-war population of of 23 million, has long remained largely frozen and so are also efforts to find a viable political solution to end it. Meanwhile, millions of Syrians have been pulled into poverty, and struggle with accessing food and health care as the economy deteriorates across the country's front lines. Along with the deepening poverty, there is growing hostility in neighboring countries that host Syrian refugees and that struggle with crises of their own. Aid organizations are now making their annual pitches to donors ahead of a fundraising conference in Brussels for Syria on Monday. But humanitarian workers believe that pledges will likely fall short and that further aid cuts would follow. "We have moved from assisting 5.5 million a year to about 1.5 million people in Syria," Carl Skau, the U.N. World Food Program's deputy executive director, told The Associated Press. He spoke during a recent visit to Lebanon, which hosts almost 780,000 registered Syrian refugees and hundreds of thousands of others who are undocumented. "When I look across the world, this is the (aid) program that has shrunk the most in the shortest period for time," Skau said. Just 6% of the United Nations' appeal for aid to Syria in 2024 has so far been secured ahead of Monday's annual fundraising conference organized by the European Union, said David Carden, U.N. deputy regional humanitarian coordinator for Syria. For the northwestern region of Syria, that means the U.N. is only able to feed 600,000 out of the 3.6 million people facing food insecurity, meaning they lack access to sufficient food. The U.N. says some 12.9 million Syrians are food insecure across the country. The U.N. hopes the Brussels conference can raise more than $4 billion in "lifesaving aid" to support almost two-thirds of the 16.7 million Syrians in need, both within the war-torn country and in neighboring countries, particularly Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan. At last year's conference, donors pledged $10.3 billion about $6 billion in grants and the rest in loans just months after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Turkey and much of northern Syria, killing over 59,000 people, including 6,000 in Syria. For northwestern Syria, an enclave under rebel control, aid "is literally a matter of life and death" this year, Carden told the AP during a recent visit to Idlib province. Without funding, 160 health facilities there would close by end of June, he said. The International Rescue Committee's head for Syria, Tanya Evans, said needs are "at their highest ever," with increasing numbers of Syrians turning to child labor and taking on debt to pay for food and basics. In Lebanon, where nearly 90% of Syrian refugees live in poverty, they also face flagging aid and increasing resentment from the Lebanese, struggling with their own country's economic crisis since 2019. Disgruntled officials have accused the refugees of surging crime and competition in the job market. Lebanon's bickering political parties have united in a call for a crackdown on undocumented Syrian migrants and demand refugees return to so-called "safe zones" in Syria. U.N. agencies, human rights groups and Western governments say there are no such areas. Um Omar, a Syrian refugee from Homs, works in a grocery store in the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli an impoverished community that once warmly welcomed Syrian refugees. For her work, she gets to bring home every day a bundle of bread and some vegetables to feed her family of five. They live rent-free in a tent on a plot of land that belongs to the grocery store's owners. "I have to leave the kids early in the morning without breakfast so I can work," she said, asking to be identified only by her nickname, Arabic for "Omar's mother." She fears reprisals because of heightened hostilities against Syrians. The shrinking U.N. aid they receive does not pay the bills. Her husband, who shares her fears for their safety, used to work as a day laborer but has rarely left their home in weeks. She says deportation to Syria, where President Bashar Assad's government is firmly entrenched, would spell doom for her family. "If my husband was returned to Syria, he'll either go to jail or (face) forced conscription," she explains. Still, many in Lebanon tell her family, "you took our livelihoods," Um Omar said. There are also those who tell them they should leave, she added, so that the Lebanese "will finally catch a break." Finance officials from the Group of Seven rich democracies said they had moved toward agreement on a U.S. proposal to squeeze more money for Ukraine from Russian assets frozen in their countries. But the ministers left a final deal to be worked out ahead of a June summit of national leaders. "We are making progress in our discussions on potential avenues to bring forward the extraordinary profits stemming from immobilized Russian sovereign assets to the benefit of Ukraine," the draft statement said, without providing details. Despite the progress made at the meeting in Stresa, on the shores of Lago Maggiore in northern Italy, a final decision on how the assets will be used will rest with the G7 national leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden, next month at their annual summit in Fasano, in southern Italy. Host Finance Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti said that "progress has been made so far" but that there were "legal and technical issues that have to be overcome." "It is not an easy task, but we are working on it," he said at a news conference following the end of the meeting. Ukrainian Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko joined the finance ministers and central bank heads at their concluding session on Saturday. "I am satisfied with the progress," he told journalists afterward. He said the G7 ministers "are working very hard to find a reliable construction for Ukraine." The U.S. Congress has passed legislation allowing the Biden administration to seize the roughly $5 billion in Russian assets in the U.S., but European countries have a strong voice in the matter since most of the $260 billion in Russian central bank assets frozen after the Feb. 24, 2022, invasion are held in their jurisdictions. Citing legal concerns, European officials have balked at outright confiscating the money and handing it to Ukraine as compensation for the destruction caused by Russia. Instead, they plan use the interest accumulating on the assets, but that's only around $3 billion a year about one month's financing needs for the Ukrainian government. U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is pushing for borrowing against the future interest income from the frozen assets. That would mean Ukraine could be given as much as $50 billion immediately. But the proposal has run into concerns from European members about the legal complexities, and about concerns that Russia could retaliate against the diminished number of Western companies and individuals who still have holdings in Russia, or against the Euroclear securities depository in Belgium where the bulk of the funds is held. Russia has published a decree from President Vladimir Putin allowing confiscation of assets of U.S. companies and individuals as compensation for any Russian assets seized in the United States. The ministers also discussed what to do about China's outsized, state-backed production of green energy technology, which the U.S. considers a threat to the global economy. The U.S. has imposed major new tariffs on electric vehicles, semiconductors, solar equipment and medical supplies imported from China. Included is a 100% tariff on Chinese-made EVs, meant to protect the U.S. economy from cheap Chinese imports. The U.S. position has been that Chinese overcapacity is an issue not just for the U.S. but also for other G7 and developing countries. That's because China's selling of low-priced goods threatens the existence of competing companies around the world. The G7 is an informal forum that holds an annual summit to discuss economic policy and security issues. The member countries are Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. Representatives of the European Union also take part, but the EU does not serve as one of the rotating chairs. The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. Former President Donald Trump faced sharp skepticism on his presidential bid when addressing Libertarians on Saturday. President Joe Bidens weekend remarks focused on encouraging graduating cadets to be the guardians of American democracy. VOAs Veronica Balderas Iglesias has the details. First-of-its-kind legislation that classifies two abortion-inducing drugs as controlled and dangerous substances was signed into law Friday by Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry. The Republican governor announced his signing of the bill in Baton Rouge a day after it gained final legislative passage in the state Senate. The measure affects the drugs mifepristone and misoprostol, which are used in medication abortions, the most common method of abortion in the U.S. Opponents of the bill included many physicians who said the drugs have other critical reproductive health care uses, and that changing the classification could make it harder to prescribe the medications. Supporters of the bill said it would protect expectant mothers from coerced abortions, though they cited only one example of that happening, in the state of Texas. The bill passed as abortion opponents await a final decision from the U.S. Supreme Court on an effort to restrict access to mifepristone. The new law will take effect October 1. The bill began as a measure to create the crime of "coerced criminal abortion by means of fraud." An amendment adding the abortion drugs to the Schedule IV classification of Louisiana's Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Law was pushed by Sen. Thomas Pressly, a Republican from Shreveport and the main sponsor of the bill. "Requiring an abortion inducing drug to be obtained with a prescription and criminalizing the use of an abortion drug on an unsuspecting mother is nothing short of common-sense," Landry said in a statement. Current Louisiana law already requires a prescription for both drugs and makes it a crime to use them to induce an abortion, in most cases. The bill would make it harder to obtain the pills. Other Schedule IV drugs include the opioid tramadol and a group of depressants known as benzodiazepines. Knowingly possessing the drugs without a valid prescription would carry a punishment including hefty fines and jail time. Language in the bill appears to carve out protections for pregnant women who obtain the drug without a prescription for their own consumption. The classification would require doctors to have a specific license to prescribe the drugs, and the drugs would have to be stored in certain facilities that in some cases could end up being located far from rural clinics. In addition to inducing abortions, mifepristone and misoprostol have other common uses, such as treating miscarriages, inducing labor and stopping hemorrhaging. More than 200 doctors in the state signed a letter to lawmakers warning that the measure could produce a "barrier to physicians' ease of prescribing appropriate treatment" and cause unnecessary fear and confusion among both patients and doctors. The physicians warn that any delay to obtaining the drugs could lead to worsening outcomes in a state that has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the country. Pressly said he pushed the legislation because of what happened to his sister Catherine Herring, of Texas. In 2022, Herring's husband slipped her seven misoprostol pills in an effort to induce an abortion without her knowledge or consent. Mexico on Saturday extradited to the United States Nestor Isidro Perez Salas, or "El Nini," the head of security for the sons of ex-Sinaloa Cartel kingpin Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, in one of the highest profile extraditions in recent years. Seen by U.S. anti-narcotics agents as being among the most ruthless Mexican drug figures, Perez was detained in November by the Mexican National Guard in the northwestern city of Culiacan, the Sinaloa Cartel's heartland. "We allege El Nini was one of the Sinaloa Cartel's lead sicarios, or assassins, and was responsible for the murder, torture, and kidnapping of rivals and witnesses who threatened the cartel's criminal drug trafficking enterprise," U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement. Perez is accused by the United States of leading the "Ninis," a violent group of security personnel working for Ivan Archivaldo Guzman and other sons of jailed former Sinaloa kingpin, El Chapo. Ivan and three other sons of El Chapo, who emerged from their father's shadow to head a powerful faction of the Sinaloa Cartel known as "Los Chapitos," have become some of the most wanted targets for U.S. law enforcement. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration alleges Los Chapitos are the biggest fentanyl traffickers to the United States. Perez, meanwhile, is one of the highest-profile extraditions during the presidency of Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who assumed power in December 2018. In a sign of Perez's importance to authorities on both sides of the border, the DEA chief Anne Milgram sent an internal memo to agency staff praising his extradition. Milgram, in the memo reviewed by Reuters, described Perez's Ninis outfit as a violent group that receives military-style training and is tasked with "kidnapping, torturing and killing anyone who oppose the Chapitos or anyone who endangers the Chapitos' fentanyl operation." U.S. courts have indicted Perez on a slew of charges in relation to his alleged role at the helm of the Chapitos' security apparatus, including cocaine and methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy, possession of machine guns and witness retaliation. All 18-year-olds in Britain will have to perform a year of mandatory military or civilian national service if the governing Conservative Party wins the July 4 national election, the party said Sunday. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pledged to bring back a form of national service for the first time in more than 60 years, seeking to energize his election campaign after a faltering start. The U.K. introduced military conscription for men and some women during World War II, and imposed 18 months of mandatory military service for men between 1947 and 1960. Since then, Britain has had an all-volunteer military whose size has steadily shrunk. Under the plan, a small minority of 18-year-olds 30,000 out of an estimated 700,000 would spend 12 months in the military, working in areas such as logistics or cyber defense. The rest would spend one weekend a month working for charities, community groups, or organizations such as hospitals, the police and the fire service. Sunak said the program would help create a shared sense of purpose among our young people and a renewed sense of pride in our country. It remains unclear how it will be made compulsory. Home Secretary James Cleverly said no one would be forced to serve in the military. Cleverly said Sunday that the main goal of the new plan was not boosting the military but building a society where people mix with people outside their own communities, mix with people from different backgrounds, different religions, different income levels. The Conservatives estimated the cost of the national service plan at 2.5 billion pounds ($3.2 billion) a year. They said it would be paid for partly by taking 1.5 billion pounds ($1.9 billion) from the U.K. Shared Prosperity Fund, which was set up in 2022 to regenerate poor communities. Labour said the national service announcement was a desperate 2.5 billion pound unfunded commitment from a party bankrupt of ideas. Former Labour Home Secretary Alan Johnson said the Tory plan amounted to compulsory volunteering and predicted itll never happen. Elections in the United Kingdom must be held no more than five years apart. The prime minister can choose the timing within that period and Sunak, 44, had until December to name the date. He took most people including those in his own party by surprise when he announced Wednesday that the election would be held on July 4. The Conservatives, who have been in office for 14 years, are trailing the opposition Labour Party led by Keir Starmer in opinion polls and are trying to overcome a widespread sense that voters want change. Sunaks election announcement outside 10 Downing Street saw him drenched with rain and drowned out by protesters blasting a Labour campaign song. One of his first campaign stops was at the Belfast shipyard where the doomed ocean liner Titanic was built another detail seized on gleefully by opponents. Voters will elect lawmakers to fill all 650 seats in the House of Commons. The leader of the party that can command a Commons majority either alone or in coalition will become prime minister. The World Health Organization and STOP, a global tobacco industry watchdog, warn the tobacco industry is using a variety of manipulative tactics to hook a new generation of young people into becoming users of their addictive, toxic tobacco and nicotine products for life. The terrible truth is that eight million people every year die from tobacco use. The single greatest cause for these deaths is a vast industry that works relentlessly to sell products that are essentially poison, Jorge Alday, director of STOP at Vital Strategies, said at the recent launch of a new tobacco interference report, Hooking the next generation. Speaking in advance of World No Tobacco Day on May 31, Alday asserted that the tobacco industrys products kill at least half of the people who use them, therefore, he said, It has an endless need to replace its customers. From the perspective of a tobacco company, an addictive customer means a lifetime of profits. So, the younger someone gets hooked the more money they can make at the expense of that persons health, he said. The report shows that globally, an estimated 37 million children ages 13 to 15 use tobacco, and in many countries, the rate of e-cigarette use among adolescents exceeds that of adults. While significant progress has been made in reducing tobacco use, the report says the emergence of e-cigarettes and other new tobacco and nicotine products presents a grave threat to youth and tobacco control. Studies demonstrate that e-cigarette use increases conventional cigarette use, particularly among non-smoking youth, by nearly three times, it says. Ruediger Krech, director of health promotion at WHO, told journalists attending the global launch of the report last week that the industry is exploiting digital and social media, delivery apps, and other innovative ways to reach our children. At the same time, they are continuing with old tricks such as giving away free samples to recruit a new generation as customers. He said the use of child-friendly flavored e-cigarettes combined with sleek and colorful designs that resemble toys is a blatant attempt by tobacco and related industries to addict young people to these harmful products. Currently, we have about 16,000 flavors that are very appealing to children and young peoplefruity flavors, candy, bubble gum and vanilla ice-cream, he said, noting that most adult tobacco users start their deadly habit when they are young. Most of them have started before the age of 21. Then they stay tobacco or nicotine users for the rest of their lives, he said. That is alarming when we are now seeing that with these novel products, so many children and young people are taking up this nicotine use. So, there is an urgency to act now to regulate those products, ban them if possible. But to be very, very serious about this, he added. One of many youth advocates around the world taking a stand against the destructive influence and manipulative marketing practices of the tobacco and nicotine industry is Given Kapolyo of Zambia. She is the Global Young Ambassador of the Year with the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, CTFK. I totally agree with the sentiments shared already today that the industry continues to hook young people, she said, speaking from the Zambian capital, Lusaka. It is extremely sad here in Africa because they continue to target low-income communities because they know that these young people do not have access to information on just how deadly these products are. ... They tell young people that vaping is cooler, that electronic cigarettes are cooler, and they continue to hook young people as early as 10 years and 13 years old. Their only interest is profits, and they want to hook young people while they are young, so they can have lifelong customers, which means more profits for them, without caring how many lives we are losing due to non-communicable diseases caused by tobacco abuse, she said. The World Health Organization is urging governments to protect young people from taking up tobacco, e-cigarettes and other nicotine products by banning or tightly regulating them. Its recommendations include the creation of smoke-free indoor public places, bans on flavored e-cigarettes, as well as bans on marketing, advertising, and promotions, and the enactment of higher taxes. Authors of the reports say these measures work. They cite an example from the United States where research found that more than 70 percent of youth e-cigarette users would quit if the products were only available in tobacco flavor. Richard M. Sherman, one half of the prolific, award-winning pair of brothers who helped form millions of childhoods by penning the instantly memorable songs for Mary Poppins, The Jungle Book and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang as well as the most-played tune on Earth, It's a Small World (After All) has died. He was 95. Sherman, together with his late brother Robert, won two Academy Awards for Walt Disney's 1964 smash Mary Poppins best score and best song, Chim Chim Cher-ee. They also picked up a Grammy for best movie or TV score. Robert Sherman died in London at age 86 in 2012. The Walt Disney Co. announced that Sherman died Saturday in a Los Angeles hospital of an age-related illness. "Generations of moviegoers and theme park guests have been introduced to the world of Disney through the Sherman brothers' magnificent and timeless songs. Even today, the duo's work remains the quintessential lyrical voice of Walt Disney," the company said in a remembrance posted on its website. Their hundreds of credits as joint lyricist and composer also include the films Winnie the Pooh, The Slipper and the Rose, Snoopy Come Home, Charlotte's Web and The Magic of Lassie. Their Broadway musicals included 1974's Over Here! and stagings of Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in the mid-2000s. "Something good happens when we sit down together and work," Richard Sherman told The Associated Press in a 2005 joint interview. "We've been doing it all our lives. Practically since college we've been working together." Their awards include 23 gold and platinum albums and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. They became the only Americans ever to win first prize at the Moscow Film Festival for Tom Sawyer in 1973 and were inducted into the Songwriters' Hall of Fame in 2005. President George W. Bush awarded them the National Medal of Arts in 2008, commended for music that "has helped bring joy to millions." Most of the songs the Shermans wrote in addition to being catchy and playful work on multiple levels for different ages, something they learned from Disney. "He once told us, early on in our career, 'Don't insult the kid don't write down to the kid. And don't write just for the adult.' So we write for Grandpa and the 4-year-old and everyone in between and all see it on a different level," Richard Sherman said. The Shermans began a decade-long partnership with Disney during the 1960s after having written hit pop songs like Tall Paul for ex-Mouseketeer Annette Funicello and You're Sixteen, later recorded by Ringo Starr. They wrote more than 150 songs at Disney, including the soundtracks for such films as The Sword and the Stone, The Parent Trap, Bedknobs and Broomsticks, The Jungle Book, The Aristocrats and The Tigger Movie. It's a Small World which accompanies visitors to Disney theme parks' boat ride sung by animatronic dolls representing world cultures is believed to be the most performed composition in the world. It first debuted at the 1964-65 New York World's Fair pavilion ride. The two brothers credited their father, composer Al Sherman, with challenging them to write songs and for their love of wordsmithing. The Shermans teased songs out of each other, brainstorming titles and then trying to top each other with improvements. "Being brothers, we sort of short-cut each other," Richard Sherman said. "We can almost look at each other and know, 'Hey, you're onto something, kiddo.'" Away from the piano, the two raised families and pursued their own interests, yet still lived close to each other in Beverly Hills and continued working well into their 70s. Richard Sherman is survived by his wife, Elizabeth, and their two children: Gregory and Victoria. He also is survived by a daughter, Lynda, from a previous marriage. Each Memorial Day, Washington, like cities across the U.S., offers events to honor members of the military who died while serving their countries a parade through the streets, a ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery, and motorcycles rolling through the city. Alongside these widely known events are other services for Memorial Day, observed last Monday in May. One of these events honored indigenous service members. According to the Defense Department, the first national ceremony was May 30, 1868, in Arlington National Ceremony. Then known as Decoration Day, flowers were added to soldiers graves. The holiday later became Memorial Day. Now, celebrations take place around the country, from city or county parades to larger scale events like those happening in Washington. Some service members, however, particularly Native Americans, in the past have been overlooked in the remembrance. Indigenous people have served in every major conflict the United States has fought in for the last 200 years, according to the U.S. State Department. An event this Memorial Day, hosted by the Smithsonians National Museum of the American Indian, specifically honored indigenous service members who have died. Each year, the museum commemorates Memorial Day with a service, such as lighting the flame of their national Native American Veterans Memorial. Memorial Day: Honoring Native Servicemembers, featured a film screening, a book talk, and a book signing. Visitors were also encouraged to explore the museum grounds and the National Native American Veterans Memorial, where they could both commemorate service members and honor loved ones. The event began with The Warrior Tradition, a 56-minute film from 2019 directed by Lawrence R. Hott. It probes the often-untold story of indigenous people in the military and examines these service members tumultuous relationship with the U.S. government. The screening was held in the museums Rasmuson Theater. Museumgoers then met author Alexandra N. Harris for a discussion of Why We Serve: Native Americans in the United States Armed Forces, a book co-written with Mark G. Hirsch. The book, which complements the National Native American Veterans Memorial, is a multimedia exploration that includes photographs, sketches, and images of objects from the museums collections. The book tells the groundbreaking history [that] honors the diversity of Indigenous people and the complexity of their experiences. In doing so, it challenges stereotypes commonly applied to Native service members and pays tribute to the men and women whose contributions have shaped America's wars and the country's history, according to the National Museum of the American Indians website. The story of Native American service in the United States military has really, I hope, expanded the view of Native American service to include the diverse traditional approaches and the diverse experiences of the last 250 years of service from the Revolutionary War until today, said Harris to the Voice of America. The Memorial Day commemorations are a microcosm of the larger, ongoing exhibition, Why We Serve, a project created by the National Museum of the American Indian. The project, which looks at the history of indigenous people in the service since the American Revolution, addresses the tension of individuals serving a government that has taken their peoples land and suppressed their culture. The interactive, online project explores the legacy of these service members and their reasons for joining the military. I found out I am not only fighting for the little bitty piece of land I talk about, [or] my immediate family. I found out I was fighting for all the Indian people, all of the people of the United States, said Navajo Code Talker Samuel Tso, who served in the United States Marine Corps. This Memorial Day, amid an afternoon of informational events, the plan is to continue the mission of the Why We Serve project to honor indigenous persons who have served and died during their time with the military. Azerbaijan Human Rights Commissioner (Ombudsman) Sabina Aliyeva has participated in the execution of the another Pardon decree signed by President Ilham Aliyev, Azernews reports. The Ombudsman visited the prison No. 4 of the Penitentiary Service of the Ministry of Justice in connection with the execution of the Amnesty Order. Sabina Aliyeva congratulated the convicts on their amnesty at the event organized in connection with the execution of the Pardon decree, noting that the signing of the Amnesty Order on the eve of May 28 - Independence Day is another manifestation of the attention paid to human rights and freedom in Azerbaijan. The Ombudsman underlined that the Amnesty decrees signed by the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, the amnesty acts adopted at the initiative of the First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva are a real indicator of the punishment-execution policy of our state based on humanistic principles. Sabina Aliyeva presented the documents on their release to the pardoned women, congratulated them and their family members, and urged them to use the opportunities created in our country for ensuring the rights of those released from penitentiary institutions, their integration into society and social adaptation, and to remain loyal to statehood. The pardoned persons expressed their gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev and First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva for the humane policy that has been carried out continuously. It should be noted that among the pardoned persons there are persons who were included in the relevant list based on the petitions of the Ombudsman. SEOUL, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Foreign-funded enterprises are an indispensable force for China's development and China's mega-market will always be open to foreign-funded companies, said Chinese Premier Li Qiang here on Sunday. Economic and trade cooperation is the ballast of China-South Korea relations, Li said during a meeting with Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong on the sidelines of the ninth Trilateral Summit Meeting among China, Japan and South Korea. Li pointed out that the industrial and supply chains of China and South Korea are deeply intertwined, and a community of shared interests, where everyone's interest is closely interlinked, has been formed. Samsung's cooperation with China is a vivid epitome of the mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation and development between China and South Korea, said Li, adding that with the sustained economic development of the two countries and the continuous rise of emerging industries, the cooperation prospects will broaden. He called on enterprises of China and South Korea to tap deeper into their cooperation potential in new areas such as high-end manufacturing, digital economy, artificial intelligence, green development and biomedicine, so as to continuously upgrade bilateral economic and trade cooperation and achieve more win-win results. The Chinese side will steadily promote institutional opening-up, further expand market access, implement national treatment for foreign-funded enterprises, actively address the concerns and demands of the enterprises, and provide better business environment, so that more foreign-funded companies can rest assured in their investment and development in China, he added. Li said China welcomes South Korean companies including Samsung to continue to expand investment and cooperation in China and share more new opportunities in China's new development. Lee briefed Li on Samsung's investment and cooperation in China, expressed gratitude for the great support of the Chinese government for Samsung's production and operation, noting that Samsung will continue to expand business in China, commit itself to becoming a beloved company among the Chinese people, and make more contributions to the reciprocal cooperation between China and South Korea. For years, the African National Congress rose above politics in South Africa. It was a movement dedicated to freeing Black people from the oppression of white minority rule and to the lofty principle of democracy, equality and a better life for all South Africans. It was widely revered as a force for good under Nelson Mandela, who spent 27 years in prison for his opposition to the apartheid system of racial segregation. But 30 years after the ANC transformed from a liberation organization to a political party in government at the end of apartheid in 1994, it faces growing dissatisfaction from South Africans who feel it has failed to live up to its promises. South Africans will vote on May 29 in a national election that could be the biggest rejection yet of the ANC, which has governed one of Africa's most important countries largely unchallenged since it led the fight to bring down apartheid. Now, the ANC is for many a byword for graft and failed government. Here's how the famous party lost its way: Broken promises While the end of apartheid gave every South African the right to vote and other basic freedoms, the challenge for the ANC was to convert that into a better life, especially for the Black majority who had been systematically repressed. That has been difficult for the ANC government to sustain after some early success in raising living standards in its first 10 years in power. South Africa sits today with one of the highest unemployment rates in the world, is still ranked as one of the most unequal countries, and its widespread poverty which still disproportionately affects Black people spurs most of the criticism of the ANC's three decades in charge. The ANC has often pointed to the difficulties in reversing nearly a half-century of racist laws under apartheid and hundreds of years of European colonialism before that, which kept millions in poverty. It maintains that South Africa is a better country than it was under apartheid and that is undoubtedly true. But the most pressing problems for many South Africans in 2024 boil down to a failure of basic government services, with communities across the nation regularly protesting against the lack of electricity in their neighborhoods, broken or nonexistent water and sewage systems, garbage piling up on streets, and a shortage of proper housing that leaves millions living in shacks. Corruption While around half of South Africa's population of 62 million live under the poverty line, according to the World Bank, ANC officials have been implicated in enriching themselves in a succession of corruption scandals. Corruption is alleged to have been especially bad under former President Jacob Zuma, who was accused of allowing a decade of rampant graft to play out before he stepped down in disgrace in 2018. There were countless stories of wrongdoing, with politicians receiving bribes in return for influence or lucrative state contracts as a culture of graft pervaded all levels of government. South Africans heard how senior ANC figures allegedly received money to buy expensive suits, throw lavish parties or renovate their homes. The disappearance of $15 million designated for the removal of harmful asbestos from the houses of poor people was one of many cases that enraged the country. President Cyril Ramaphosa promised to clean up the ANC when he succeeded Zuma, but he was involved in his own scandal and survived an impeachment vote. The ANC's reputation hasn't recovered. Infighting The ANC has been hampered by infighting since Mandela stepped down as president in 1999 after one term and handed over to a younger generation. His successor, Thabo Mbeki, was forced out as Zuma undermined his position as the head of the ANC. The party turned on Zuma, who is disqualified from running in next week's election, when the corruption allegations became overwhelming. Ramaphosa has spent his first term as president since 2019 battling a part of the party still loyal to Zuma. In its early days, the ANC celebrated that it was a "broad church" of people dedicated to freedom and democracy. It now has factions much like any other political party, affecting its ability to solve South Africa's problems. The future From a dominant position when it once commanded 70% of the vote, the ANC has seen people gradually desert it, especially among a new generation of South Africans who don't remember apartheid. The election is widely expected to be a landmark moment for the country's post-apartheid democracy as recent polls have the ANC's support at less than 50%, suggesting it might lose its parliamentary majority for the first time. The ANC is still expected to be the biggest party but dropping below 50% would lead to it having to govern alongside others in a coalition. That would be the biggest political shift in South Africa since the ANC ascended into the government and a humbling moment for a party Zuma once said would rule "until Jesus comes back." South Africa's main opposition party Democratic Alliance on Sunday made its final appeal to South Africans to help it unseat the ruling African National Congress as it concluded its campaign ahead of elections this week. The Democratic Alliance is the biggest opposition party in South Africa and has gathered some smaller opposition parties to form a pact known as the Multi-Party Charter for South Africa, which will see a group of political parties combine their votes to challenge the ruling ANC after the elections. Sunday's rally coincided with that of the smaller opposition Inkatha Freedom Party, which has the populous KwaZulu Natal province as its stronghold and has committed to work with the main opposition. Recent polls and analysts have suggested the ANC could receive less than 50% of the national vote. The Democratic Alliance is under pressure after its support declined in the last national elections and a number of its former leaders left the party to form new political parties that will be competing in the polls. Its leaders and supporters came out in the thousands Sunday in Benoni, east of Johannesburg, where its blue colored flags and party memorabilia decorated a small stadium in the town. "Make no mistake, if DA voters stay at home, or they split the vote among many small parties on the ballot, then our country's next chapter could be even uglier than the past," said party leader John Steenhuisen. "If we sit back and allow a coalition between the ANC, the [Economic Freedom Fighters] and the [uMkhonto weSizwe], aided by the sell-outs in the Patriotic Alliance, then our tomorrow will be far, far worse than yesterday. It will be doomsday for South Africa," he said to loud applause. A coalition between the DA and other parties including the Patriotic Alliance in the Johannesburg council after the 2021 local government elections collapsed, handing power back to an ANC-led coalition and resulting in political animosity between the two parties. Steenhuisen has repeatedly accused the ruling ANC and the leftist opposition party Economic Freedom Fighters of planning to go into coalition after the elections. Speaking ahead of its final rally in the city of Richards Bay in KwaZulu-Natal on Sunday, Inkatha Freedom Party leader Velenkosini Hlabisa said their main objective was to see the current government removed. "The IFP is campaigning to remove the ANC from power and become part of the government at a policy making level and also cut the ANC to below 50% at national level. "We are calling on people to take action and vote IFP to remove the government that has failed them," said Hlabisa. He said most negotiations would take place after the results were in. Hlabisa highlighted unemployment, poverty, crime and the country's electricity crisis as some of the major problems South Africans are facing. "We all know the crisis we are facing, we all know the depth of the struggle in South Africa and the daily trauma so many people endure. What the country needs to hear is that there is a way out," he said. Thousands of Israelis rallied in Tel Aviv on Saturday to demand urgent government action to bring home hostages held in Gaza, after the bodies of several were retrieved. Protesters observed a minute's silence in Tel Aviv's Hostages Square in honor of the captives whose bodies were recovered by Israeli troops this month, an AFP correspondent reported. The army said on Friday that troops had retrieved the bodies of three hostages in an overnight operation in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip. The remains of Chanan Yablonka, Brazilian-Israeli Michel Nisenbaum and French Mexican Orion Hernandez Radoux were recovered and their families notified after forensic identification, the military said in a statement. "In just a few hours, I will bury my 42-year-old brother ... I feared this moment," Yablonka's sister Avivit said at Saturday's rally. "My brother, I promise you that I will continue to shout, support, fight and do everything so that all the hostages return home safely. "They must be taken out of this hell now, she said. The bodies of four other hostages Ron Benjamin, Yitzhak Gelerenter, Shani Louk and Amit Buskila were recovered last week. Another protest, calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and an early election, was held nearby. The latest eruption of war in the Middle East began on October 7 when Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 250 hostage. About 100 hostages remain in Gaza, including about 30 the army says are dead. Israel has since responded with an air and land assault on Hamas-governed Gaza, which both sides agree has killed at least 30,000 people. Israel says the majority of the dead are combatants. The Hamas-run Health Ministry says 35,903 have died, the majority of them women and children, but it does not estimate how many of the dead were combatants. Nearly three-quarters of Gaza's 2.3 million population is displaced. Nearly the entire population is at risk of famine, according to the U.N. Thousands of Armenians staged an anti-government protest on Sunday, demanding Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's resignation over territorial concessions to arch foe neighbor Azerbaijan. Protests erupted in the Caucasus nation last month after the government agreed to hand over to Baku territory it had controlled since the 1990s. The ceded area is strategically important for landlocked Armenia because it controls sections of a vital highway to Georgia. Armenian residents of nearby settlements say the move cuts them off from the rest of the country and accuse Pashinyan of giving away territory without getting anything in return. On Friday, in a key step toward normalizing ties between the rivals who fought two wars over then-disputed Nagorno Karabakh region Yerevan returned to Azerbaijan four border villages it seized decades ago. An AFP reporter said several thousand people flooded Yerevan's central Republic Square in a fresh protest spearheaded by charismatic archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, a church leader from the Tavush region, where villages were handed over to Azerbaijan. "Our people want to change the bitter reality which was imposed on us," Galstanyan told the crowd, adding that fixing the volatile border with Azerbaijan "must only be carried out after a peace treaty is signed" with Baku. One of the demonstrators, 67-year-old Artur Sargsyan, said: "We demand an immediate resignation of Nikol [Pashinyan]." "I had fought in two wars with Azerbaijan and will not let him give away our lands." Pashinyan defended the territorial concessions as aimed at securing peace with Baku. But they sparked weeks of protests and demonstrators blocked major roads in an attempt to force him to change course. In a televised statement on Friday evening, he said resolving border disputes with Azerbaijan "is a sole guarantee for the very existence of the Armenian republic within its internationally recognized and legitimate frontier." Galstanyan is seeking to launch an impeachment process against Pashinyan, a former journalist who was propelled to power in the wake of peaceful street protests he led in 2018. The archbishop said on Sunday that he would renounce his clerical office to run for prime ministerial post, and called for snap parliamentary elections. "My spiritual service is above all possible posts, but I am ready to sacrifice it for the sake of change in this country," he told the cheering crowd. He then called on protesters to march toward Pashinyan's residence. Opposition parties would require the support of at least one independent or ruling party MP to launch the impeachment process and success would then hinge on at least 18 lawmakers from Pashinyan's own party voting to unseat the leader. Last year, Azerbaijan recaptured Karabakh in a lightning offensive against Armenian separatists who had held sway over the mountainous enclave for three decades. The region's entire Armenian population more than 100,000 people fled to Armenia in the aftermath. A helicopter carrying several Iranian dignitaries crashed in the Dizmar forest, not far from the Azeri border. All its passengers and pilots died, including President Ebrahim Raisi and his foreign minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. The helicopter was an old American model, the Bell 212. It does not appear that it transmitted a distress signal and its transponder was turned off. The phones of its occupants did not allow them to be located. A very loud explosion was heard in the surrounding villages. The security services immediately called in Turkiye, whose Akinci drone helped locate the wreckage, 12 hours after the crash. The aircraft was part of a convoy of three helicopters. The other two did not suffer any incidents. They did not see the presidential helicopter fall. In principle, the procedure ensures that the members of the government are distributed in different aircraft. However, this was not the case. This incident comes at a time when Iran is conducting secret negotiations, in Oman on the one hand, and in New York on the other, with a US delegation. In addition, the Israeli leaders, who bombed the Iranian diplomatic premises in Damascus on April 1, assassinating General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, do not cease to present Tehran as public enemy number 1 of international peace. Reacting to the bombing of its consulate and the death of the commander of the Al-Quds Force, Iran attacked Israel on April 13 and 14, showing that it had the capacity of striking targets of its choice with hypersonic missiles without Tel Aviv or its allies having the possibility to intervene. Finally, this crash comes at a time when Iran had moved closer to Azerbaijan, until then Israels preserve. Turkiye foiled an assassination attempt on President Erdogan and a coup detat, a week before President Raisis death. President Ebrahim Raisi was a personality with a rigid character. Devoted to leader of the Revolution Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, he strictly applied his instructions. His opponents criticized him for his lack of initiative and his inability to understand the economy Domestically, he had shown great harshness with the womens movement, but had not reached the savagery with which he had cracked down against the Communist Party during the Revolution. While externally, he has unconditionally supported the Shiite militias as per the wishes of the guide of the Revolution. Above all, he has made his country join the BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) as a full member. Finally, he was on the verge of concluding an agreement with the United States, to the great displeasure of Tel Aviv. Minister of Foreign Affairs Hossein Amir-Abdollahian was appreciated by all his interlocutors. He had been able to establish relations with almost all the Arab leaders, whose language he spoke. Vice President Mohammad Mokhber will serve as interim president until the June 28 presidential election, while Ali Bagheri will serve as acting foreign minister. It is unclear which candidates will be allowed to run. They can be disqualified for non-conformity with Islam by the 6 theologian members appointed by the Guide of the Revolution to the Council of Guardians of the Constitution. They may also be removed for non-compliance with the Constitution, but this time by the unanimous vote of all 12 members of such Council. The main potential candidates for the Iranian presidential election are: Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, former President of the Islamic Republic (supporter of the Anti-Imperialist Revolution); Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, current Speaker of the Majlis (Parliament) (advocates for the poorest segments of the population); Ali Larijani, former Speaker of the Majli (supporter of the Shiite Revolution); Mohammad Mokhber, current interim president (supporter of small entrepreneurs); Mohsen Rezai, former commander of the Revolutionary Guards Corps Intelligence (unjustly indicted in Argentina for the 1990s attacks in Buenos Aires); Hassan Rouhani, former president of the Islamic Republic (supporter for free traders); Ali Shamkhani, former head of the Supreme National Security Council (recently fired for having allowed a British spy to penetrate his entourage; he played a central role in the rapprochement with Saudi Arabia). In all likelihood, Ahmadinejad and Rouhani will not be allowed to compete, for being too independent of the Leader. Washington immediately denied being involved in the crash. The suspicions that weighed on the United States have now shifted to Israel. Chinese President Xi Jinping wrote: "The tragic death of Ebrahim Raisi is a great loss for the Iranian people, and the Chinese people have also lost a good friend. The Chinese government and people attach great importance to the traditional friendship between China and Iran and believe that with the joint efforts of the two sides, the China-Iran comprehensive strategic partnership will continue to consolidate and develop." In this context, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called on all members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to strengthen cooperation in the face of terrorism, separatism and religious extremism. Everyones survival is at stake, he added. The Cannes prizewinner will soon be released in the U.S. by A24. Its off-kilter, absurdist vibe is enchanting, but its rooted in deep horror. Photo: Chibesa Mulumba/A24 Rungano Nyonis lovely On Becoming a Guinea Fowl won a Best Director prize in the Un Certain Regard section of Cannes this year. A24 will be releasing the film in the U.S, and it feels like a movie that will get people talking once it can be seen broadly. I suspect the blend of absurdist humor with horrific undercurrents will resonate. Dad, its Shula. Ive found Uncle Freds body on Kulu Road, our protagonist (played by Susan Chardy) offers without any inflection or expression at the start of the film. Shes all dressed up for a costume party, decked out in Missy Elliots diamond-studded sunglass mask and poofy black outfit from The Rain video, and her appearance, combined with her deadpan demeanor, establishes the surreal mood of the film. Speaking on the phone with her father, she shows no shock about the fact that shes just come across her uncles lifeless body on a lonesome road in the middle of the night. The father, for his part, sounds more interested in asking for money from his daughter, who we learn has just briefly returned to Zambia from living in Europe. So we might not make much of the fact that, as Shula walks away from Uncle Freds body, she briefly sees herself, maskless, still looking at his corpse. And when her drunk, animated cousin Nsansa (Elizabeth Chiseal) suddenly appears out of the night, dancing and laughing and yelling and doing all the things that the supernaturally restrained Shula doesnt do, we might accept it all as further evidence of the weird parabolic world of the movie. We wouldnt be wrong, exactly, but director Nyoni has other plans in store for us. Over the course of the next few days, Shula will find herself in the midst of a traditional grieving ritual, hierarchical and surreal in its own way. She and Nsansa are asked to cook and serve food to the men of the family, and to stand by while accusations are leveled at Freds widow for not grieving properly. Theyre forced to rope another cousin, young university student Bupe (Esther Singini), into the proceedings, despite the fact that she appears to be deathly ill, possibly the result of a suicide attempt. Framed by the needs of a traditional funeral, the world appears to have become topsy-turvy. Characters appear mysteriously from one scene to the other. People judge others for the precise pitch of their wails. Every emotion feels like the opposite of what might ordinarily be expected. As the whole mad ritual continues, we learn more about Shulas family, and why everyone is acting the way theyre acting. Although On Becoming a Guinea Fowl continues with its bursts of startling imagery and its heady dream-logic, we gradually suspect there are other reasons why this world seems so off-kilter. The comedy transforms into something altogether more horrific, and we realize were watching each of these women process unspoken trauma in her own way. All throughout, Nyoni cuts to clips from an old childrens television program called Farm Club, in which a group of kids learn about letters and animals. The host begins to give clues about a special and unusual animal found in Africa. It lives to 20 years and can be brown, red, yellow, black or white. The host doesnt name the animal at first, but we understand, of course, that its the guinea fowl. Over the course of the film, well learn about the unique role guinea fowl play in helping keep other animals safe from predators. This may sound like a heavy-handed metaphor, but the precise way its handled here renders it surprisingly light-hearted and imaginative. Lest we assume that its just mourning and trauma that turn human interactions on their head, the film takes an interesting turn in its later scenes. Throughout the picture, Shula and other girls are told not to dredge up the past, or do anything that could harm their extended familys unity and stability. But we eventually see everyone else do exactly that: Those who told them not to ruffle feathers turn around and dig up other resentments, thinking little of family unity or even propriety. This betrayal, too, has the feel of a ritual a broader social one that feels all too familiar to us. The off-kilter, absurdist vibe of the picture is enchanting, but its rooted in deep horror: The whole movie is about the ways that cruelty and injustice become codified. Sometimes, the only way to preserve your sanity is to go a little insane yourself. SEOUL, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Sunday urged Japan to earnestly fulfill its responsibilities and obligations regarding the release of the nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. Li made the remarks during his meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on the sidelines of the ninth Trilateral Summit Meeting among China, Japan and South Korea. The release of the wastewater bears on the health of humanity, Li added. Marking World Bee Day, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with responsibility for Land Use and Biodiversity, Senator Pippa Hackett congratulated Alan and Cheryl Poole for the work they have done on their farm outside Gorey, Co Wexford as part of the Pilot National Pollinator Monitoring Scheme. Minister Hackett said: The Poole family farm is the perfect place for the Department to celebrate World Bee Day 2024. The whole family are involved at the beautiful farm, and it is really bustling with life and biodiversity. The passion and energy of the childrens involvement is clear, and it shows that the Pilot National Pollinator Scheme is of huge value as a learning experience for children and adults alike, as well as having an important role in the advancement of scientific knowledge and pollinator conservation. Bee and pollinator populations are fundamental for the health of ecosystems and food security. In Ireland, one third of our wild bee species is threatened with extinction and bumblebee populations show a worrying year on year decline of 3.3% since 2012. Irelands Pilot National Pollinator Monitoring Scheme was set up in 2021 with joint funding from the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine and the National Parks and Wildlife Service. It is now in its third year and Alan and Cheryl Pooles farm is one of 40 sites where surveys for bees, butterflies and hoverflies will be carried out over the summer months. The Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine also fund a Farmland Pollinator officer as part of the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan to provide support, advice and engagement for the farming community. World Bee Day 2024 focuses on the theme "Bee engaged with Youth". This theme highlights the importance of involving young people in pollinator conservation efforts, recognizing them as the future stewards of our environment. On June 7, coinciding with the local elections, voters will also be presented with 23 Ireland South candidates who will contest for five seats in the European Parliament. Ireland South consists of all Munster counties with four from Leinster, those being Wexford, Kilkenny, Carlow and Wicklow. Outgoing candidates One of the five outgoing MEPs, Deirdre Clune retires from politics after holding her position in the European Parliament for almost 10 years. Four of the other outgoing MEPs are seeking reelection: Grace O'Sullivan (Green Party), Mick Wallace (Independents 4 Change), Sean Kelly (Fine Gael) and Billy Kelleher (Fianna Fail). O'Sullivan is Waterford's only candidate of the running 23, while at least four of the new candidates have strong links with Limerick, and others with Cork. A new wave The latest trend in politics shows that there's more of a movement toward candidates associated with anti-immigrant and cost-of-living campaigns, which are seen to be linked with the far-right. Social media plays a huge part in the campaigns of the newly registered political parties, such as the Ireland Freedom Party, Ireland First and The Irish People Party, where live videos are shared of their members' involvement with ongoing protests. MEP candidates, both construction workers from Cork, Ross Lahive (The Irish People Party) and Derek Blighe (Ireland First) have fueled their campaigns with their strong views on Ireland's intake of refugees. The activists have gained traction on social media and have been linked with destroying LGBTQ+ material in a Cork library during a protest in September of last year, which would lead one to question their belief in the democratic process as the LGBTQ+ community is recognised and supported by the Irish State through democracy. Mainstream politics Sinn Fein has divided the South with Senator Paul Gavan and Kathleen Funchion TD, while Fine Gael's John Mullins and Sean Kelly contest from within close proximity. Fianna Fail added former RTE presenter Cynthia Ni Mhurchu to the ticket, with Labour putting first-time candidate Niamh Hourigan on theirs. Cliona Hagan lit up the Theatre Royal stage with a two-and-a-half-hour tribute to her idol Dolly Parton. The house full signs have been up for several months now and tonight is another sell-out performance for a show thats been running for the last couple of years. Will I see you again next year? asks a beaming Cliona to an audience thats already been on its feet for several minutes. Too right she will! Its easy to like Cliona Hagan. Her personality is so warm the Greens would surely move to tax it. And her voice rests easily on the ear. In truth, Hagans singing is effortless. Shes got the look the one that makes constant eye contact with the audience so that you always feel shes engaging with you personally. Cliona understands her audience and her charm would warm a fan in a blizzard. Dolly anecdotes such as her retort to accusations of being a dumb blonde with, Doesnt bother me Im neither dumb nor blonde, brings Cliona laughs along with a cheer from the sisterhood. And why not? Shes also got a first-class band with her the Sheerin Family from Wexford. Its a band of six brothers that also sell out the Royal every January with their superb Take it to the limit tribute to the Eagles. Easy listening sits well with Cliona and her in-laws shes just gone and married one of them and the craic and banter between them all night is infectious. Cliona understands perfectly the art of the ballad. Its storytelling through music that carries a whole swathe of emotion love and betrayal, triumph and tragedy, happiness and loss. And yes sometimes it can be just that bit twee when nostalgia meets awkward. But hey life can be like that sometimes. Everyone has a Dolly favourite and Clionas choice of songs is on everyones wish list in the audience. Its not an easy choice. With a career spanning over 50 years, Parton is a country legend and has sold more than 100 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Parton's music comes with gold, platinum and multi-platinum awards. 25 of her singles reached no. 1 on the Billboard country music charts, a record for a female artist. She has 44 career Top 10 country albums, a record for any artist, and 110 career-charted singles over the past 40 years. She has composed over 3,000 songs, including "I Will Always Love You" (a two-time U.S. country chart-topper, and an international hit for Whitney Houston), "Jolene", "Coat of Many Colours", and "9 to 5". As an actress, she has starred in films including 9 to 5 (1980) and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1982), for which she earned Golden Globe nominations for Best Actress, and Rhinestone (1984), Steel Magnolias (1989), Straight Talk (1992) and Joyful Noise (2012). And, incredibly (check it out on YouTube), she also sang Coat of Many Colours in Paidi O Sheas pub in the Kerry Galetacht while she was on holidays there. Maith thu, Dolli! Dollys charity work is also widely admired. Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, part of the Dollywood Foundation, was founded in honour of her father, who never learned to read or write. It mails one book per month to each enrolled child from the time of their birth until they enter kindergarten. Currently, over 1,600 local communities provide the Imagination Library to almost 850,000 children each month across the U.S., Canada, the UK, Australia, and the Republic of Ireland. She was honoured by the Library of Congress in 2018 when she donated her 100 millionth book. Clionas Dolly Songbook doesnt miss a beat. All the biggies are here "Hello Im Dolly", "Blue Ridge Mountain Boy", "Country Roads", "Joline", "Here You Come Again", "Heartbreaker", "Nine to Five", "Rainbow", "Great Pretender", "Little Sparrow". Audience members readily stand up throughout, mobile phones light up the darkness and waves move around the audience. Cliona Hagan lit up a bitterly cold night. Rapper and pop star Nicki Minaj was reportedly arrested in the Netherlands on Saturday after police said they found drugs in her luggage when she tried to board a plane for a concert in England. Minaj documented the incident on social media, including in footage she appears to have shot at an airport near Amsterdam. In one video, a man in a grey suit, who Minaj later identified as her pilot, apologetically informed her that police needed to search all her luggage. He doesnt believe you, that you have more with you than you say, the man says in the video. He asked me if I had any more in my purses and I said no, Minaj replies. Antisemitic phrases chanted by pro-Palestine protesters near the Sydney Opera House following the October 7 terrorist attacks could be banned under hate speech laws being drafted by the federal government. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said the government had not decided whether people should face jail time for vilifying others based on race, sexuality, gender, disability or religion, but that the government was looking very closely at penalties to ensure the laws are effective. As the Greens prepare to pressure Labor in parliament this week over the issue of Palestinian statehood, the partys leader, Adam Bandt, came under fire from Jewish groups for refusing to say whether he backed a two-state solution or that Israel should be a homeland for the Jewish people. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said the rise in antisemitism was completely unacceptable. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen This masthead reported on Sunday that Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus is drafting a hate speech bill that would carry criminal rather than civil penalties, and is likely to cover deliberate acts that intend to incite violence or cause harm. ADDIS ABABA, May 26 (Xinhua) -- The African Union (AU) has reiterated the crucial need to redouble continental efforts to silence the guns in Africa and realize a conflict-free continent as it marks the 20th anniversary of the AU Peace and Security Council (AU-PSC). To commemorate the occasion, the AU held a high-level colloquium on Saturday under the theme "20 Years of the AU-PSC as a Standing Decision-Making Organ: The Next Two Decades of the Peace and Security We Want in Africa" in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, the AU said in a statement. Addressing the high-level colloquium, Moussa Faki Mahamat, chairperson of the AU Commission, highlighted the council's major contributions in promoting and sustaining peace, security and stability across Africa. "In the heyday of its development, the council has, over the years, established fundamental principles for continental peace and security," the statement quoted Faki as saying. He said the intimate link between peace and development, the promotion of African solutions to African problems, the rejection of violent solutions to African conflicts, the promotion of mediation and political dialogue, the rejection of external interference, and the unwavering commitment to the independence, sovereignty, integrity and unity of African states have all become part of the collective imagination under the AU-PSC. According to the AU, since its establishment on May 25, 2004, the council has been actively engaged in addressing peace and security challenges on the continent. It has made decisions that provide political guidance for conflict or crisis situations, including the deployment of peace support operations, high representatives, peace envoys and the Panel of the Wise for preventive diplomacy, which has led to the de-escalation of a number of crises across the continent. According to Faki, soft cooperation between the AU-PSC and the United Nations Security Council has gradually been established, eventually providing greater visibility and recognition as a primary instrument in sustaining peace and security in Africa. The AU Commission chief, however, underscored the urgent need to exert concerted efforts to silence the guns in Africa as a cornerstone for realizing a conflict-free Africa in line with the continental vision behind the establishment of the AU-PSC two decades ago. He said one of the areas that need collective efforts in this regard is ensuring zero tolerance against unconstitutional changes of government across Africa. He further called for strengthening continental cooperation against external interference. "As everyone knows, the guiding principle of this honorable organ was to ensure value-based management of peace and security issues in Africa by Africans themselves. The background to this was, and remains, the protection of member states against external interference, whether rival or ally," Faki said. "The notorious lack of inter-African solidarity has left member states beset by insoluble demands for peace and security with no way out. Populism was unleashed, and unconstitutional changes of government quickly proliferated," he said. According to the AU, the high-level colloquium serves as a unique platform for the council to assess its accomplishments and the challenges faced over the past two decades in discharging its mandate of promoting peace, security and stability in Africa. Detainees attend a press conference on their release by the Houthi group in Sanaa, Yemen, May 26, 2024. (Photo by Mohammed Mohammed/Xinhua) SANAA, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthi group unilaterally released 113 detainees in the Houthi-held Yemeni capital Sanaa on Sunday, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said. "We are pleased to see that humanitarian considerations are being prioritized, particularly for the families eagerly awaiting the return of their loved ones, especially with the approach of the Eid al-Adha celebrations in a few weeks," said Daphnee Maret, the ICRC's head of delegation in Yemen. "We hope this paves the way for further releases," Maret said. The ICRC said it had conducted private pre-departure interviews with the detainees to confirm their identities, and "listen to any concerns they may have about the release process, ensure they have been in contact with their families, and gather the necessary information to follow up on their condition if needed," said Alessia Bertelli, protection coordinator of the ICRC in Yemen. The ICRC said the latest release, as well as previous ones in 2023 and 2020, is a positive step towards reviving negotiations between the Yemeni government and the Houthis. In April 2023, nearly 900 prisoners were released following UN-sponsored negotiations between the Yemeni government and the Houthi group. High-profile figures, including Nasser Mansour Hadi, the brother of former Yemeni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, and Mahmoud Al Subeihi, the country's former defense minister, were among those who were freed. The UN has been making efforts to release all detainees, mostly political opponents, human rights activists and journalists, and reach a political settlement between the Yemeni warring parties. Yemen has been mired in a civil war since late 2014 when the Iran-backed Houthi militia seized control of several northern provinces and forced the Saudi-backed internationally-recognized government out of Sanaa. Detainees walk to attend a press conference on their release by the Houthi group in Sanaa, Yemen, May 26, 2024. (Photo by Mohammed Mohammed/Xinhua) Antoinette Peyton is determined to make history by becoming the first female councillor to represent the Swinford Electoral Area. Ms Peyton said: It's hard to believe that as of 2024, we have never elected a female councillor for this electoral area in the history of the state. I believe it to be long overdue. At present there are only two women amongst the 30 councillors on Mayo County Council. In this century, only 11% of councilors elected in Mayo were female. "I see this as a glaring gap in representation that Im eager to fill," she said. "I, along with my fellow candidates, hope to change this on June 7th. I think its incredibly important that women are at the decision-making table, sitting in the chamber of Mayo County Council." Ms Peyton also referred to the dearth of women in national politics. "Since 1919, only 22 women have held ministerial positions in Ireland. Notably, there has never been a female Taoiseach, despite the presence of highly capable female TDs since the foundation of the state. "Since the inauguration of the Dail Eireann in 1919, women have persistently fought for equitable representation in politics. More than a century later, this battle endures as we push for gender parity within the political landscape. The lack of women in our political system and Mayo County Council has made me more eager to enter into the world of politics and has been a core part of why Im contesting this election. In the next 10 years, I would love to see more young people and female candidates putting themselves forward. I believe its important. We need to force politics to focus more on issues that affect women and young people. Issues such as housing, employment opportunities and childcare. I hope to be the first candidate to cross this barrier in the Swinford Local Electoral Area but I will do so knowing I may be the first but I certainly won't be the last! Religion and the state: A shifting cocktail of contradictions Many countries are grappling with religious challenges. Can political structures withstand the pressures of religious groups New Right ideology? Religion and politics have always been intertwined in South Africa. During the early years of National Party rule, the government-approved Christian church and the State were joined at the hip. Conservative churches and politics used religion to help justify nationalism and apartheid with some notable exceptions from people such as Beyers Naude, the Afrikaans church leader who challenged racism and inequality from the pulpit. It did not take long, however, for many religious institutions to take up cudgels against the discriminatory laws of the land. Currently Academic Director of the Doctoral Programme in the Wits-Edinburgh Programme in Sustainable African Futures (WESAF), Barbara Bompani has studied politics and religion, and the way that they shape each other, for more than 20 years. (WESAF is a collaboration between the University of Edinburgh and Wits University.) She came from the University of Bologna to South Africa to investigate the role that religion played in the struggle against apartheid towards the end of the 1990s. Her Masters dissertation in political science was about religion and politics during apartheid, focusing particularly on mainstream Christian churches and councils such as the South African Council of Churches and the SA Catholic Bishops Conference, as well as on important leaders. I found that churches were some of the few civil spaces where politics played an important role before 1994, says Bompani. There was a lot of politics taking place in religious venues and it influenced religious debates. For example, a funeral could be a space to talk about politics during apartheid when other political spaces were banned. Bompani found a wealth of information in the Wits Historical Papers Research Archive. There is this amazing collection where I found documentation about the relevance of religious organisations and about international organisations funding churches which opposed apartheid. Leaders and followers of other faiths, such as Islam and Judaism, were also vocal and public in the anti-apartheid movement, but it is the Christian church that has changed most radically since South Africa became a democracy. Apolitical churches? Bompani remained in South Africa as a visiting PhD student at Wits. Her doctoral thesis also focused on religion and politics in this country, this time including traditional African churches. One of the interesting things for me was that in the literature, African Independent Churches were defined as apolitical, but this raised the question of what politics is. You can define it as the organised politics of a political party, as in a church supporting the African National Congress (ANC) or the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), but if you talk about democracy, values and rights, these are also political concepts, and these churches were embracing and promoting them every day. Bompanis PhD research explored development and change in religion and politics between 1994 and 2000 and on the way the two were intertwined in the first years of democracy. The changes that happened after 1994 were significant, she says. There was a strong alliance between mainstream churches and the ANC. Church leaders were very vocal, energetic and organised, not only during apartheid but during the transition, keeping peace during very tense times. After 1994, these church voices became less strident. This, says Bompani, was partly a question of resources and priorities. Before apartheid ended, a lot of international funds were being channelled through the church it was the first time that the European Union had funded religious organisations but with the end of apartheid a lot of church funding stopped because there were other priorities. There was also a sense from mainstream churches that there was no longer such a need to be so public and so political. This opened up a space for other kinds of churches to fill. Pentecostalism/evangelism rose and became more vocal. Also, African Independent Churches became more public along with a renewed interest in African traditions which bled into politics under the Zuma presidency. I think what influenced the change in religion and politics and the shaping of one by the other in that time was about the change in energy and the different actors that emerged, says Bompani. A right to belong Bompani is also an associate of the African Centre for Migration and Society, based at Wits, and has conducted research in East Africa, particularly Uganda. Both the US and Uganda are examples of how the religious right influences politics and politicians, some of whom will pragmatically campaign in churches because of their numerical voting power. Bompani says that so-called family values have infiltrated the heart of public conversations because they are pushed by the Pentecostalist actors into the political landscape. These organisations bring out important tensions within the public sphere: whats right? whats wrong? who belongs? who doesnt belong? If you are not a moral citizen you dont belong to the moral community and you should be excluded LGBTQIA+ people, for example, or sex workers, who may be considered as immoral subjects, see their rights denied. Religion changes the perception of what society is and what should be at the centre of the political agenda. Bompani believes that South Africas Constitution is strong enough to withstand challenges to the dignity and equality for all that is promised by this document. A liberal understanding of religion allows for diversity, whereas a conservative understanding does not. This dichotomised warfare between good and evil is theological but not always applied in nature. However, democratic structures in South Africa are very strong. Its society that worries me. What if you change the opinions of society so much that society wants to change the political structure? Whichever side of the divide on which one stands, we should not shy away from these arguments and counter-arguments. Democracy thrives on diversity and debate, and the diversity of debate. Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol in Seoul, South Korea, May 26, 2024. Li arrived here Sunday to attend the ninth Trilateral Summit Meeting among China, Japan and South Korea from Sunday to Monday. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) SEOUL, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Sunday called on South Korea to work with the Chinese side to grasp the general direction of friendship and mutual trust between the two countries, and respect each other's core interests and major concerns. It is also hoped that the two sides can firmly be each other's friendly neighbor of mutual trust and partner of mutual achievement, and promote a sound, steady and substantial development of China-South Korea relations, he said when meeting with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol here on the margins of the ninth Trilateral Summit Meeting among China, Japan and South Korea. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties more than 30 years ago, China-South Korea relations have grown rapidly with fruitful economic and trade cooperation, which has brought tangible benefits to the two peoples, Li said. The two countries adhere to the ideas of mutual respect, openness, inclusiveness and mutual benefit, Li said, adding that such valuable lessons should be cherished and upheld by both sides in the long run. Noting that industrial and supply chains of China and South Korea are deeply intertwined, and economic and trade cooperation between the two countries has a solid foundation and huge potential, Li said both sides should work together to explore new cooperation areas, expand the scope of cooperation, and seize more development opportunities. The two sides should also oppose turning economic and trade issues into political or security issues, and maintain stable and smooth industrial and supply chains of the two countries and the world, Li said. China is ready to work with South Korea to accelerate the second phase of China-South Korea Free Trade Agreement negotiations on a pragmatic and balanced basis, advance the building of the China-South Korea (Changchun) International Cooperation Demonstration Zone, and strengthen cooperation in high-end manufacturing, new energy, artificial intelligence, bio-medicine and other fields, he said. Li said China will further ease market access, provide better service for foreign investment, continue to foster a first-class business environment that is market-oriented, law-based and internationalized, and welcome more South Korean companies to invest and do business in China. The two sides should actively carry out exchanges at the sub-national level and in the fields of education, sports, media and youth, and continue to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples, he said. China is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with South Korea on the multilateral front and jointly promote peaceful development of the region and the world, Li added. For his part, Yoon said the close cooperation between South Korea and China is of great significance not only to the development of the two countries, but also to the realization of world peace and prosperity. South Korea adheres to the one-China principle and this position remains unchanged, and will, as always, be firmly committed to developing bilateral relations, he said. Noting that recently, South Korea and China have been actively engaged in dialogues in various fields and sub-national exchanges, Yoon said South Korea is willing to maintain high-level exchanges and close communication at all levels with China on the basis of mutual respect, expand economic and trade cooperation, enhance people-to-people and cultural exchanges, expand common interests of the two countries, deepen cooperation among South Korea, China and Japan, and push for further development of South Korea-China relations. The two sides agreed to hold the high-level strategic dialogue between foreign ministries of the two countries and the China-South Korea "2+2" dialogue on diplomacy and security at the vice-ministerial level, and launch the China-South Korea 1.5-track dialogue and exchange mechanism at an appropriate time. They also agreed to accelerate the second phase of China-South Korea Free Trade Agreement negotiations, and make good use of the economic ministers' meeting and communication mechanisms such as industrial investment cooperation, production-supply chain cooperation and export control dialogue. It is also agreed that the China-South Korea Joint Committee on People-to-People Exchanges and youth exchanges will be restarted to facilitate bilateral interactions. Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol in Seoul, South Korea, May 26, 2024. Li arrived here Sunday to attend the ninth Trilateral Summit Meeting among China, Japan and South Korea from Sunday to Monday. (Xinhua/Liu Bin) by Kin Phea The South China Sea remains a complex issue that lacks simple resolutions and has been distorted bigger than the issue itself in nature. It is essential for members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which may have varying attitudes, to collectively prioritize regional stability. Moreover, external engagements that may exacerbate tensions should be avoided. This is also a priority in relevant diplomatic negotiations. Outside countries must not interfere in the issue or make irresponsible remarks or provocations, or any direct or indirect involvement. The South China Sea issue can be addressed peacefully through diplomatic negotiations under the ASEAN-China framework. At the 26th ASEAN-China Summit in September 2023, the two sides adopted the Guidelines for Accelerating the Early Conclusion of an Effective and Substantive Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea. These guidelines set out a road map for the COC negotiations, including a timeline for concluding the agreement and a list of key issues to be addressed. However, the Philippines has engaged with external countries like the United States and Japan regarding the South China Sea. They don't prefer any peaceful solution or play any constructive role. They try to make the problem even bigger, even worse. The United States and its allies try to stop China from rising and try to contain China and encircle China. It seems to be the return of the Cold War. The recent military exercises initiated by the United States and participated in by Japan and the Philippines seem repetitive and dangerous. They should not conduct such provocative or military activity. Therefore, parties directly involved in the issue must continue to settle the dispute by peaceful means. The concerned parties should continue using the ASEAN-China mechanism for the full implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), and they should further work together to realize the COC and collaborate in settling the issue. Undoubtedly, political trust, mutual learning, mutual respect, and mutual interests are basic foundations of realizing the prospective COC. It's crucial to promote free trade and regional economic integration, which can create a strong incentive for stability in the region. The South China Sea issue can be solved peacefully and be managed through non-military means as long as all parties concerned remain engaged in serious dialogues and consultations. The generally friendly and increasingly close relations between China and ASEAN and between China and ASEAN individual member states must not be clouded by South China Sea issue. We need to commit to maintaining peace, security and stability in the South China Sea, as well as sustaining the enormous interest for the whole region generated by good cooperative relations and a mutually beneficial comprehensive strategic partnership between China and ASEAN. We need to prepare for peace instead of strengthening our capability to win a war. We need to strengthen our capability to win the peace. We need peace because peace is very important for economic development. Without peace, it's very difficult to achieve economic development. And as we have seen in our various experiences in the world, war is always inimical to economic development. War is inimical to human prosperity. Editor's note: Kin Phea is director general of the International Relations Institute of Cambodia, a think tank under the Royal Academy of Cambodia. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Xinhua News Agency. Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni (L) attends the royal plowing ceremony in Kampong Speu province, Cambodia, May 26, 2024. (Photo by Ly Lay/Xinhua) KAMPONG SPEU, Cambodia, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia on Sunday celebrated its ancient royal plowing ceremony here in the country's western part under the auspices of the nation's King Norodom Sihamoni. The ceremony, which marked the annual beginning of the farming season, was also attended by Cambodian Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen, National Assembly President Khuon Sudary, and Prime Minister Hun Manet, as well as foreign diplomats to the Southeast Asian country. Thousands of locals also watched the event, which was held at a field in the province's Chbar Mon town, about 48 km west of the capital Phnom Penh. At this year's event, King Sihamoni assigned Kampong Speu provincial governor Vei Samnang as the King of the plowing ceremony and the governor's wife Chhun Sin as the Queen of the sowing ceremony. The assigned King ploughed the rice field using royal oxen and the designated Queen sowed seeds on the furrow as the symbol of planting. After three rounds of plowing across the field, the oxen were offered seven plates of food: rice, corn, green bean, sesame, water, fresh-cut grass, and wine. If the oxen eat a lot of agricultural items, it is believed that agricultural crops will give good output in the year, but if they eat little, it is thought that the yields will be low. If the oxen eat grass and wine, it is predicted that cattle will be plagued by epidemics, and if they drink a lot of water, floods will be expected. At the ceremony, the oxen ate about 95 percent of rice, 95 percent of corn and 85 percent of green bean, Kang Keng, chief of the soothsayers at the Royal Palace, said. "This is just the prediction based on the custom of the royal plowing ceremony in the ancient times," he said. "This ceremony is to announce that the farming season has come." Royal oxen are fed with fodder during the royal plowing ceremony in Kampong Speu province, Cambodia, May 26, 2024. (Photo by Ly Lay/Xinhua) People dressed in traditional costumes attend the royal plowing ceremony in Kampong Speu province, Cambodia, May 26, 2024. (Photo by Ly Lay/Xinhua) HONG KONG, May 25 (Xinhua) -- The Commissioner's Office of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Saturday expressed strong disapproval of and firm opposition to Britain's wanton stigmatization of China, arbitrary arrest and prosecution of Chinese citizens in Britain, as well as its defamation of the HKSAR government. A spokesperson for the Commissioner's Office accused the British side of its disruption of the normal operations of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London, and its support for wanted anti-China fugitives who fled Hong Kong. The spokesperson said that Britain's false accusations and despicable political manipulation have seriously violated the spirit of the rule of law, infringed upon the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens in Britain, and gravely violated the principles of international law and the basic norms governing international relations, adding that these actions will only expose Britain's own disgrace and damage its image and credibility. Hong Kong is part of China, and the Chinese side firmly opposes any external forces to interfere in Hong Kong's affairs and other China's internal affairs in any way, the spokesperson noted. "We strongly urge the British side to cease anti-China political manipulation, stop its self-directed political farce, earnestly guarantee the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens in Britain, and ensure the normal performance of the duties of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London," the spokesperson said, warning "If the British side persists in its course of action, China will take resolute countermeasures." Calls to address shortfall of British Sign Language Interpreters in Wales This article is old - Published: Sunday, May 26th, 2024 A North Wales Member of the Senedd has called on the Welsh Government to address the shortfall of British Sign Language interpreters in Wales. Conservative MS and Chair of the Senedds Cross Party Group on Deaf Issues, Mark Isherwood, said that access to public services for deaf British Sign Language signers is being held back by the lack of provision of BSL interpreters. Mr Isherwood raised the subject in a recent meeting of the Welsh Parliament with the Cabinet Secretary for Culture and Social Justice. He said: The Manager for the Wales Interpretation and Translation Service, WITS, attended the last meeting of the Cross-Party Group on Deaf Issues, which I Chair, highlighting a shortfall of interpreters, especially for emergency and unplanned care, with most requests being pre-planned, and with challenges in finding interpreters with appropriate skills at short notice. How do you propose to address both this and concerns raised about staff in the Health Service lacking knowledge about how to book interpreters; about a disconnect between staff in the Health Service and WITS, leading to uncertainty about interpreter availability; about deaf individuals receiving appointment letters without clear information on whether an interpreter is booked, causing confusion and uncertainty; and about the lack of awareness in the medical profession about the needs of deafblind individuals? Cabinet Secretary for Culture and Social Justice, Lesley Griffiths said: We were the first country in the UK to recognise British Sign Language alongside English, Welsh and other languages in its curriculum, and we now need to make sure that we support the increase in the services. Its very clear that BSL is the first or preferred language of the deaf community, not just in Wales but right across the UK. Speaking after the meeting, Mr Isherwood said: Last month, I was delighted when my proposed British Sign Language (BSL) (Wales) Bill won the Member Bill Ballot. This can now be debated in the Senedd, seeking Members agreement to introduce this Bill. The barriers that exist for deaf people and their families in education, health, public services, support services and in the workplace need to be removed and this Bill seeks to do just that. Music coop that teaches thousands of pupils hailed a national treasure by royal composer This article is old - Published: Sunday, May 26th, 2024 A royal composer has hailed a pioneering music service that teaches thousands of children every week in Wrexham and Denbighshire as a national treasure. According to patron Professor Paul Mealor, the success of the North Wales Music Cooperative is all the more remarkable because it was formed nine years ago in the aftermath of a financial crisis that saw funding for peripatetic music teachers being axed. Now the service teaches 5,000 children across the two counties each week. Prof Mealor the new artistic director of the North Wales International Music Festival in St Asaph was appointed by the King as a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order after writing music for the Coronation. He made the comments during a special celebration at the award-winning cooperative. The organisation, which runs two sister coops in Denbighshire and Wrexham, has now been able to buy its base in Denbigh thanks to grants from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, via Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council, and other partners. They work with pupils from more than 100 primary schools and 18 high schools in the two counties while providing work for 70 freelance music tutors who are also members of the cooperative. The celebrations will continue at two concerts featuring young musicians from Denbighshire and Wrexham, the first at Ysgol Glan Clwyd in St Asaph on Monday, July 1, and the second at the Stiwt theatre in Rhos on Monday, July 15. Before this organisation was formed, we were at a precipice where music could have died in schools for children from my background, said Prof Mealor. Only the very rich could have afforded it but this group particularly has made sure that that isnt the case and thats benefited so many children and young people in North Wales. But we couldnt do it without everybody whos funding us from the councils in Wrexham and Denbighshire, Welsh Government, and Levelling Up money from the UK Government. Music opens up a world to people that they wouldnt have known about, a world thatll live with them for the rest of their lives and Im incredibly proud to be the patron of this wonderful organisation that is now a real national treasure. The cooperative was founded in Denbighshire nine years ago by Head of Service Heather Powell who was one of the music tutors made redundant due to the budget cuts and subsequently it expanded into Wrexham in 2018. When the pandemic struck, the organisation revamped the service pushed the boundaries of technology to provide online lessons and as a result was honoured at the prestigious Social Business Wales Awards. Heather Powell said: Thanks to levelling up monies and support from Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council, we now own the building, which is fantastic. This is a huge step in the evolution and growth of the organisation. It gives us sustainability and strength because now we own the building, were able to do a lot more with it. Music is incredibly important for wellbeing and we work to make sure that every child who has an interest in some way or another can access our service. Its also a scientific fact that music improves literacy, numeracy, language skills. Its all part and parcel. The new curriculum in Wales is steeped in music. According to the cooperatives Chair, Cllr Mark Young, buying the building meant the organisation was well placed to continue to grow and expand the service in other areas. He said: This provides a launchpad for the future of the cooperative. Weve got the template and this head office now can be the hub of the management of that to make it affordable for children and their families. Everyone now has upskilled to deliver that music for the future. Were reaching more and more pupils and Im pretty sure more and more local authorities will take up the model and were here, willing and able to help with that and Im very proud to be the Chair. Cllr Gill German, Cabinet Member for Education, Children and Families at Denbighshire County Council, is also a big fan of the organisation. She said: Were particularly pleased to work with them on the roll out of the National Music Service, which is a Welsh Government initiative. Its very valuable to reach out to children who might otherwise not have access to playing a musical instrument and theyve been doing a great job rolling that programme out across Denbighshire. Music enriches the soul and wellbeing as well as having academic benefits. Music is a touchstone that can take you through life as a source of joy. The value is enormous. Proposal to make Visit Wales independent of Welsh Government, and scrap tourist tax rejected This article is old - Published: Sunday, May 26th, 2024 The Senedd roundly rejected Conservative calls to ditch plans for a tourism tax. Laura Anne Jones led a debate on the Welsh Governments plans to roll out a visitor levy a small fee for visitors staying overnight in tourism accommodation from 2027. The Tory MS warned the tax could make people think twice about holidaying in Wales, which would have a significant impact on tourism and hospitality businesses. Ms Jones also raised concerns about the threshold for self-catering properties to qualify for business rates increasing from 70 to 182 days. Calling for a reduction to 105 days, she warned the target has been difficult to achieve for many self-catering businesses, leaving owners at risk of 300% council tax premiums. Economic hit Ms Jones argued Visit Wales should be made independent of the Welsh Government. The shadow culture secretary said: The current Visit Wales system is not working and is struggling to attract people to Wales. Ms Jones, who represents South East Wales, told the chamber a tourism barometer published in February showed visitor numbers in decline since 2022. Raising concerns about a significant hit to the Welsh economy, she said international visitor spending was 515m in 2019, which tumbled to 391m in 2022. She accused the Welsh Government of attacking the tourism sector, saying ministers have nothing to offer besides empty words and ill-thought-out policies. Ghost towns Luke Fletcher, for Plaid Cymru, stressed the importance of sustainability, raising concerns about communities becoming ghost towns in off-seasons. The shadow economy secretary backed plans for a tourism tax because it would raise additional money to maintain attractions, streets and services. Mr Fletcher argued a small levy would not deter visitors, raising Barcelona as an example, and he called for any money raised to be ring fenced for tourism. He suggested a tourism levy will be rolled out elsewhere in the UK, with Manchester having brought in a 1-a-night charge which raised about 2.8m in its first year from April 2023. The South Wales West MS urged the Welsh Government to restore rates relief for tourism businesses from 40% to 75% to take the pressure off the sector. Level playing field Peter Fox said tourism businesses in his Monmouth constituency, which are separated by mere miles from competitors in England, want a level playing field across the border. He warned: Businesses are facing the impending tourism tax, additional waste charges, the highest business rates in the UK, and reduced non-domestic rates support. All of these are causing real concern and anxiety to so many businesses that are already finding things really difficult at the moment. Mr Fox, who led Monmouth council for more than a decade, said local authorities will use revenue raised by a tourism tax to meet other pressures such as social care and health. Thats what will happen, guaranteed, he told the Senedd. Ludicrous Janet Finch-Saunders accused Labour and Plaid Cymru of smothering Welsh tourism with rules and regulations, which are having a detrimental impact on the industry. The Aberconwy MS described plans for a tourism tax as a horrible idea dreamt up in the ludicrous cooperation agreement between the two political parties. Sam Rowlands, a fellow Tory, warned a tourism tax will make Wales less competitive within the UK and send an unwelcome message to would-be visitors. But Plaid Cymrus Cefin Campbell said tourist levies are commonplace around the world, pointing to Croatia, Greece, the Netherlands, France, Italy, Spain and the Caribbean. They havent crippled tourism in any of these countries, said the Mid and West Wales MS. Instead theyve empowered destinations to offer a better visitor experience. Very modest Responding to the debate on May 22, Jeremy Miles said the best way to protect the sector is to ask visitors to make a very modest contribution to the costs of tourism. Wales economy secretary said the letting criteria for self-catering properties was changed to ensure owners are making a fair contribution and maximise the use of properties. Mr Miles, who came into post in March, highlighted the Welsh Governments tourism strategy as he outlined his vision for a sustainable tourism sector. Accusing the Tories of running Wales down, he said: I do deplore the way in which we heard some speakers compare Wales unfavourably with other tourist destinations. MSs voted 13-33 against the Tory motion, with Plaid Cymrus amendments also falling. The motion as amended by the Welsh Government was agreed, 24-22. By Chris Haines, ICNN Senedd reporter Wrexham MP encourages GP practices to become veteran-friendly This article is old - Published: Sunday, May 26th, 2024 Wrexhams Member of Parliament is encouraging all GP practices in her constituency to sign-up to become veteran-friendly. GP practices in Wales can become accredited veteran-friendly practices and provide specialist care for current and former military personnel through a programme introduced by Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW). This programme enables GP practices to voluntarily undertake specialist training on veterans health and wellbeing, promoting fair treatment and respect for people who have served in the Armed Forces and their families. GP surgeries joining the scheme will routinely ask new patients if they or their family members have served, or are currently serving, in the British Armed Forces. Practices will need to stay up to date with the latest training and guidance on veterans health to support their patients most effectively. Sarah Atherton, MP for Wrexham, has now written to all general practices in her constituency to encourage them to sign-up and become veteran-friendly. Ms Atherton has been informed that the sign-up process is quick and once GPs are registered, they will be able to use the HEIW-accredited kite mark. Sarah Atherton MP commented: As a veteran, I know that visiting a GP practice to discuss service-related health issues can be daunting, causing many to postpone much-needed appointments. Becoming a veteran-friendly practice enables the GP and the wider team to promote fair treatment and respect for people who have served. In addition, it can build and cement trust between the patient and their GP, making a real difference to them and their families. As we know, Wrexham has a rich military heritage and as such, we have a large veterans community. I know that this would make a real difference to many peoples lives and I hope that GP surgeries in Wrexham take up this opportunity. To register to become a Veteran Friendly Accredited Practice, GP practices should email heiw.cpdadmin@wales.nhs.uk. The Frankfurt Dragon Boat Festival was held on Saturday with over 20 dragon boats from different countries racing on the Main River. HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) A Huntsville reality TV star was arrested and booked into the Madison County Jail on Saturday. According to the Madison County inmate booking website, 45, year-old Maurice Scott was booked into jail shortly after 12 p.m. for a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol. Huntsville reality tv star arrested, spends hours in jail Booking records indicate that authorities with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency arrested Scott. Scott is a reality TV star on Love and Marriage: Huntsville. Scott was given a $5,000 bond. Love and Marriage: Huntsville premiered back in 2019. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. 'Price is Right' winner wears 'DEWEY' shirt; Drew Carey has never heard of Delaware town "Is Dewey a college?" Oh, Drew, you have no idea. When Xavier Bradley made it onstage on Friday's episode of "The Price is Right," he was wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with the name of a certain Delaware beach town: "DEWEY." "It's a beach in Delaware," he told host Drew Carey. "I thought it was a college, but that's an education," Carey responded. Xavier Bradley with his girlfriend, Nicole Thompson, left, and his mom, Kristen Bradley, stand outside "The Price is Right" studio after his big win. Contestants can't hear their names being called, Xavier Bradley said, so they look for their name to be held up on posterboards. ON TV: Former Miss Delaware USA revealed as 'Survivor 47' competitor Bradley, 26, grew up in the Wilmington area and went to Mount Pleasant High School, he said when reached by phone. He spent time in Dewey "mostly in high school and college, spending time with friends going to bars," he said. (We can relate.) He moved to Los Angeles to attend the University of Southern California and now lives there, working in event production. Friday's "The Price is Right" episode was taped about two months ago when Bradley's mom was in town visiting. They made the decision to go to the taping, along with Bradley's girlfriend, the day before. At the last minute, a few Dewey shirts they had were their only matching option. Living in Los Angeles, Bradley had been in the "Price is Right" audience for a taping before. He didn't get to play, he said, but learned some things about the show. "They kind of audition people," Bradley said. "So I was over and above my normal energy. I made a spectacle of myself!" It worked. They called his name in the first half of the show. "I was hyped," Bradley said. His bid on some luggage got him up on stage, but unfortunately, he lost out on trips to Ireland and Morocco in "Bargain Game." Then he spun 95 cents on the wheel, sending him to the "Showcase Showdown." He won the show's biggest prize: a cargo-carrying robot, a spa trip to Arizona and a Kia K5 GT-Line worth $37,501. "They cut my favorite moment, where my mom and girlfriend came up and we had a really nice hug," Bradley said. "I was in their ear like, 'Is this really happening? Did I just win a car?'" He got to take home his luggage and robot, he said, and expects to be contacted about his trip and car soon. He also got a license plate cover that says "I won this car on 'The Price Is Right.'" You can watch the episode at cbs.com. Shannon Marvel McNaught reports on southern Delaware and beyond. Reach her at smcnaught@gannett.com or on Twitter @MarvelMcNaught. This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: On 'The Price is Right,' 'DEWEY' shirt-wearer wins 'Showcase Showdown' Royal Experts Have No Doubt That Prince Archie & Princess Lilibet Will Do This Alongside Their Parents When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, were planning their tour to Nigeria, many theorized they would bring their children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, especially since Meghan has roots in Nigeria. However, they opted to keep their kids away from the public eye; but royal experts believe that could change soon. Recently, royal expert and author Tom Quinn spoke to the Mirror about how he believes Archie and Lilibet will go on royal tours with their parents. More from SheKnows Harry and Meghan are incredibly proud of their children, and when they are a little older and better able to travel, there is no doubt they will be taken on some of the couples tours, he said to the outlet. Meghan is acutely aware of what a great look this will be the charming royal couple with their charming royal children will attract the sort of publicity that Harry and Meghan crave, especially now that they are so determined to be billionaire entrepreneurs. Now, Meghan has spoken about ensuring her childrens privacy over the years, and Harry has discussed how he doesnt want his children to have the same upbringing he had with the British royal family. So, while theres a chance the two Sussex kids will join their parents on major events, it probably wont happen soon, especially since the kids wont appear on Meghans blog or their Netflix shows. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Photo by Victoria Jones / POOL / AFP via Getty. For those who dont know, Harry and Meghan started dating in 2016, and by April 2018, they were married in a beautiful royal ceremony. They share two children together named Archie, born in May 2019, and Lilibet Diana, born in June 2021. Back in 2021, Meghan told Oprah that the best role shes ever had in her life is unequivocally being a mother. Ive been a waitress, an actress, a princess, a Duchess and the most important title Ill ever have is mom, she said. Click here to see a complete timeline of Prince Harry and Meghan Markles feud with the royal family. Kate Middleton, Prince William, Prince Harry, and Meghan Markle Best of SheKnows Sign up for SheKnows' Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The Seed of the Sacred Fig: No wonder Iran wants to lock up this brilliant dissident director Cannes has been gripped this year by a tale of nail-biting escape, featuring subterfuge, vengeful authorities, and clandestine treks through mountainous borderlands. And it has a juicy twist too: the whole thing took place off screen. A few weeks ago, the dissident Iranian director Mohammad Rasoulof was sentenced to eight years in prison, over his statements against the countrys brutal theocratic regime and the subversive content of his films, which remain banned in his homeland. But before he could be arrested, the 51-year-old secretly fled the country arriving in the south of France a few days ago with his completed new feature, having stopped off en route in Germany to finish the edit. After its premiere this evening, The Seed of the Sacred Fig was hailed as a late-breaking favourite for this years Palme dOr partly, of course, because of the exciting story surrounding it. But even if Rasoulof had arrived here on the 07.55 from Gatwick to Nice, it would be hard to imagine him leaving without a major prize. The film itself is a mesmerisingly gripping and controlled parable-thriller in which the paranoia, misogyny and rage of the Iranian state are mapped seamlessly onto an ordinary family unit. Head of the household is Iman (Missagh Zareh), who works as an investigating judge essentially, an obtainer of confessions and signer of sentences for Tehrans revolutionary court. His wife Najmeh (Soheila Golestani) and their teenage daughters Rezvan (Mahsa Rostami) and Sana (Setareh Maleki) are all looking forward to the larger new house that comes with this public sector gig. But out in the street, the anti-government protests of 2021 and 2022 are ramping up, and Najmeh whos strict enough to bridle at her girls using nail polish begins to fear that her husbands role will turn them into targets. Mohammad Rasoulof holding up pictures of cast members at the premiere of The Seed of the Sacred Fig at Cannes - ANDRE PAIN/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Instead, though, a far more revealingly deadly shift occurs. As the girls watch mobile footage of marchers being beaten by the countrys security forces Rasoulof uses genuine clips of this; scorching and raw against the slow burn of his drama they come to realise their father is part of the problem, especially as work these days has him sentencing hundreds of protesters per shift. Slowly but surely, their mother will recognise this too though so acclimatised is she to her own oppression that she often still instinctively takes Imans side, even when it runs against her own interests. (Golestani, herself arrested in 2022 after participating in an anti-government protest, plays this repressed dilemma beautifully, as if Najmeh is undergoing a sort of internal moral tearing.) The Seed of the Sacred Fig By the films electrically tense third hour, the seeds of unrest have started to germinate, and the sacred fig is throwing down its roots. Imans need for control brings the family to a remote country shack, where he plans to bring his daughters back into line. Theres an unlikely car chase, much anxiety over a missing gun, and a brilliantly staged Escherian pursuit through crumbling ruins. Rasoulofs film allegorises the Iranian state as the ultimate bad dad who passes off control as love, and whose reckoning is now due. No wonder they wanted him locked up. Cert tbc, 166 min. Screening at the Cannes Film Festival. A UK release has yet to be announced Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. TUNIS, May 26 (Xinhua) -- The Tunisian Presidency on late Saturday night announced a partial cabinet reshuffle involving the interior and social affairs ministries. According to the announcement, President Kais Saied has appointed the governor of Ariana Province Khaled Nouri as the new interior minister to replace Kamel Feki. Saied also sacked Malek Ezzahi, the social affairs minister, and appointed the former CEO of the National Health Insurance Fund Kamel Al Madouri as the new minister. Sofien Ben Sadok, magistrate and member of the monitoring committee of the technical telecommunications agency at the Ministry of Communication Technologies, has been appointed secretary of state for the Interior Ministry. The new members of government were sworn in before the president, in the presence of Prime Minister Ahmed Hachani. The announcement did not specify the reason for the dismissals. We all have secrets some of them that we'll take to our graves. Freeform Well, recently Reddit user u/Comfortable_Tomato_3 asked for people to share all the disturbing secrets they found out about their friends, colleagues, and relatives after they died. Here are some of the most shocking. 1."[My] grandfather died when I was around 10. I distinctly remember being at his funeral and seeing a group of men there that werent associated with the rest of my family. I think I remembered this because I watched them pull up in beautiful cars and thought they must be rich. ... I wasnt told until I was older, but my grandpa had been involved in some organized crime for most his life, and most of the time he was 'traveling in Europe' he was actually in prison. Those men were his partners, and my family hated them." u/Accomplished_Cup_922 2."My uncle...was awesome [he] bought me Legos when I was a kid, and we'd play fight; he always just seemed really cool when I was young. ... Well, he disappeared around the time I was 13. Then when I was 26, my dad told me he died. He was apparently on the run and was wanted for years...for several murders. He was a hitman, apparently." "He was never arrested, but he died in a shooting in Italy. I always had a hard time picturing him in that life. ... He always was really good to me and my siblings." u/kybergod Fox 3."When I was a kid, my dad told me that his dad had died from being electrocuted. My whole childhood, he raised me and my siblings to be very cautious around electricity. When my grandmother was on her death bed, she confessed to me that how my dads father really died was autoerotic asphyxiation. It was the '60s, so the fire department in their small town helped cover it up." u/melvilleismycopilot 4."After my husband died, I found the stash of love letters that he had saved, which had been written to him throughout the course of our marriage. None of them were from me." u/lunaburning NBC 5."My grandfather was a member of the KKK. My grandmother found all his robes and other shit hidden in the trunk of his car after he died. She burned it all that night in the backyard, utterly mortified that he was an active member." u/msab79 6."My father fabricated an entire military career. We only found out when he died, and everyone stopped agreeing to lie for him or not mention it." u/Ok-Entertainer-7904 ABC 7."I went to one of those fancy New England prep schools that has had to release reports about the sex abuse committed by teachers and faculty. Two of my teachers who had since retired (I graduated back in the '00s) died within a few months of each other. Days after the second one passed, the school released a report that named them both among others. They had both remained employed for many years after abusing students despite having been reported to the school by the students at the time." u/iSmellLikeTeenSpirit 8."My maternal uncle was killed during a robbery gone wrong (he was staying the night at one of his furnished rental properties, which was not being leased at the time). At leastthat was the story I was told before hopping on a plane with my mom to attend the funeral held in our home country. The day of the funeral, a cousin angrily shared with a small group of us that he had seen a photo of my uncle on the front page of the local paper. ... I looked it up on my phone, and proceeded to read a whole article about how my uncle had been tortured and killed in retaliation for past child abuse." "Dead uncle had allegedly abused several children at different times, spanning decades, but 'somehow' was never prosecuted. (My mothers family is wealthy, so the cousins are pretty sure that authorities/parents of the victims were paid off anytime he was accused, as the victims were primarily children of low-income families). To add to the horror, my relatives knew to keep us children away from him outside of 'supervised' family events." aGirlLikesTacos 9."When my stepgrandmother died, we found out she was unloading my grandfather's money to her daughter who was born from her previous marriage. My grandfather was in cognitive decline in his later years, and his health was failing. She got him to sign all kinds of things. ... Over a five-year period, she was able to transfer close to $8 million." "By the time she died, my grandfather was in really bad shape mentally and physically. We had to clean out her things, and we found all of the paperwork: every last detail. He couldn't comprehend what she had done, and after trying to tell him about it a couple of times, we stopped trying. Nothing could be done legally. Her daughter was set for life." u/sitdolore epix 10."Our neighbor. He was known as a veteran soldier. ... His family used to be popular in our neighborhood, too, and they seemed pretty well off. They had a female housekeeper who disappeared one day, and the story was that she eloped with someone. Years after his death, his son had their fence fixed by another neighbor, and they unearthed a skull and some other bones. Guess who?" u/mehehehehheheheheh 11."When I was about 10, my moms uncle, so my great-uncle, died. I remember going to his funeral; he was a firefighter in a major city, and we spread his ashes at the beach. I wasnt close with him, but my mom was. I didnt know how he died at the time, but I recall thinking it was weird cause he was younger than my dad, who wasnt terribly old yet. I found out nearly a decade later that he died not only via suicide, which is awful, but before he did that, he murdered his wife." u/nonchellent 12."I found out that my uncle somehow had a black market liver. He went through the first via drinking himself nearly to death. He wouldn't stop drinking and drugging, so the implant folks wouldn't put him on a list. He then takes a trip to (I believe) India and gets a liver implanted. He then found a shady doctor here for after-care. After that, he drank through another liver in three years. He was preparing for another trip to India, but COVID stopped him from traveling (he was anti-vax too). He died not long ago due to his liver not working anymore. From what I'm seeing and what his wife says, I'm 99% sure that liver was harvested from a living donor." u/popemichael Pop!TV 13."My great-grandma and her brothers were notorious in Watertown, Massachusetts for their check fraud and forgery schemes." "Oh, the things you find out about the woman who would make you hot cocoa." u/thatsaSagittarius 14."My mom found a whole bunch of letters in my grandpa's stuff after he passed away, all from a child of his (my mom's half sister, apparently) from Korea, after my grandpa served in the Korean War." u/beaniesandbuds 15."I live in an apartment building, and theres a big family who live in the several apartments upstairs. A patriarch with several children and all his children have families who live in neighboring apartments. A few years ago, the patriarch passed away, and it was only then that his family found out he had a whole other secret family that hes maintained for at least 20 years." u/Buttercups97 CBS 16."My partner's grandfather died. A week or so after his death, the grandmother started getting really sick. She is in her '80s, and doctors suspected it was a bad UTI gone into other organs. Turns out it wasnt a UTI, but multiple STIs. The grandfather was sleeping with a ton of women at the church he was a preacher at." "He left her and many members of the church with quite the parting gift. We all knew he was a crappy guy, but didnt know to this new extent." u/RachelVonLee 17."My uncle died suddenly in a car crash when I was 18. My aunt has schizophrenia and went off her meds after he died. ... Eventually she couldn't stay in the house anymore, and we went to help clean it out. We found cameras everywhere. Behind paintings, in the bookshelves, just everywhere. Eventually we found a safe tucked away in a small opening in his closet, and when we finally cracked it open there were two unregistered guns in it alongside a wad of cash." "My uncle was already very wealthy; we don't know why he specifically had this cash set aside, or why he had illegal guns, or why he bugged his entire house. But we suspect my aunt's illness and paranoia was worsened by him, and she wasn't always as delusional as he made her out to be. In better news, my aunt now lives in Florida with a caretaker in a condo. She paints for a living and is very happy." u/CassiopeiaFoon Freeform 18."My cousin died a couple months ago of a drug overdose. Investigation found that his roommate was a drug dealer, and my cousin had also been making payments of tens of thousands of dollars to a woman who was arrested shortly after for brutality murdering an old woman in my hometown." u/BojukaBob 19."I remember a few years back while I was still living in Russia, I went to my grandma's funeral, and in someone's speech about her they began to talk about how she was in a concentration camp and how she had gone through so many horrendous things I won't repeat. I never knew, and it's clear no one else did either." "She went through horrible stuff, and it disturbs me to this day. We cleaned out her house, and there were so many things from that time in her life that documented all that, and I looked at it, and I felt sick." u/Effective_River2639 20."A friend of mine passed away last year, and I had to go through her computers and wipe everything. Before we could wipe it, her partner needed help getting some information to settle her accounts. I saw so much homemade porn of her with all of our friends." "So. Much. Porn. Everyone we knew together and lots of people I don't know." u/SendMeSomeBullshit NBC And finally, let's end on a story that's really heartwarming: 21."My grandpa died in the late '90s of a heart attack when he was about 65 years old. My whole family came to Germany from Poland in the '80s, and my grandparents were kids throughout World War II. We didnt find any pictures of him from when he was a child when we went through his stuff after he died. ... We asked my grandpa's aunt, who was still alive at that point. She burst into tears and told us that he was a German Jewish kid my great-grandparents rescued from a train heading to Auschwitz during World War II." "They used the papers of their son who passed away just a few weeks earlier. We all were stunned, but in hindsight it did explain a lot of things, like how he suffered from PTSD and almost had no Polish accent when he spoke German. It still amazes me how they kept this secret for over half a century." u/mrl_a What juicy secrets did you discover after a relative or friend died? Let us know in the comments! Even though modernity has nearly eclipsed traditional ways of life, some tribes are still steadfast in their ancient customs, languages, and traditions. These communities, often residing in some of the planets most captivating locations, offer a window into a way of life far removed from the contemporary world. However, as fascinating as visiting them may be, it is critical to approach them with respect and mindfulness. The five indigenous communities listed here gladly welcome visitors and provide fascinating glimpses into their lives. The Hill Tribes of Northern Thailand The northern regions of Thailand are home to various hill tribes, each with its language, culture, and traditions. From the Karen to the Hmong and Akha, these tribes provide diverse experiences. Visitors can stay in rural villages, learn traditional weaving techniques, or make silver jewelry. However, choosing tours that respect and genuinely serve the community is critical. Staying with the Hill Tribes teaches you to live harmoniously with the natural world. Its about comprehending the intimate bond these tribes have with their surroundings, from the trees that supply them with bamboo for their homes to the rivers that support their crops. The Maasai of Kenya and Tanzania Once nomadic warriors, the Maasai today invite visitors to partake in their daily lives. Guests learn about their culture through traditional dances, ceremonies, and the meaning of the striking red shuka garments. Such excursions, which provide insight into the Maasai peoples history, are usually highlights of safaris. In these communities, time stands still as the natural world sets the tone. Each dawn marks the start of a new day while each sunset marks the end of an eventful one. Get in on the traditional, time-tested activity of herding cattle. Experience the adumu, a traditional jumping dance that appears to defy gravity and showcases strength and unity. The Taos of New Mexico, USA Located in New Mexicos high desert, the Taos Pueblo has stood the test of time, protecting the Taos peoples cultural legacy for more than a thousand years. Set against the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to distinctive multi-story adobe homes that transport visitors to a world where preserving history, culture, and custom is paramount. Locals living in close harmony with their environment and heritage welcome you as you walk through the pueblos twisting streets. Participate in the lively Feast Day festivities, when traditional dances and music unite the community in joyful harmony, or observe the delicate craft of pottery creation. The Achuar of the Amazon, Ecuador Deep within the Amazon rainforest, the Achuar people of Ecuador live in harmony with one of the worlds most biodiverse ecosystems. There is a strong connection between the Achuar culture and the natural world. They lessen their influence on the tropical rainforest by engaging in sustainable farming, hunting, and fishing. Their homes, made from natural materials, blend seamlessly into their surroundings, symbolizing their respect for the land they inhabit. One of the most captivating aspects of staying with the Achuar is participating in their spiritual practices. Dreams also play a central role in their culture, guiding decisions and offering insights into the future. You might find yourself sitting by a fire listening to the elders recounting dream interpretations and sharing the wisdom passed down through generations. The Kuku Yalanji of Australia The Kuku Yalanji people have thrived for over 50,000 years in the Daintree Rainforest, the oldest continuously surviving tropical rainforest on Earth. Join the Kuku Yalanji as they lead you through an age-old smoking ceremony, a cleansing rite that also serves as a welcome to their sacred grounds. The air is thick with the earthy aroma of burning leaves, a scent that transports you to a time when the world was young and untamed. Here, you learn about legends that form the backbone of Kuku Yalanji culture. These stories reveal a profound understanding of the natural world. You also get to understand the medicinal properties of plants, the secrets of bush tucker, and the balance that sustains this ecosystem. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) Keeping healthy was the focus of a 5K hosted in Corrales by RunFit Albuquerque and other businesses like Rio Ranchos Surf Pro. It was held at Casa Vieja Brewery. RunFit is known for holding fitness events throughout the summer months across the city, and officials say its all about business exposure and bringing the community together. Story continues below A complimentary glass of wine was offered at the end of the run. Other refreshments and food trucks were also on site to help feed the hungry racers. Each runner also got a commemorative t-shirt and Run Fit said running awards will be handed out to age group recipients at a special ceremony. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. In addition to being the administrator for Columbus Black-Owned Businesses, a Facebook group with almost 80,000 members, Westerville resident Lirec Williams is involved with several community organizations. By day, Lirec Williams is a systems program manager for DHL in their Columbus location, but work doesnt end when he clocks out. Instead, he goes into the next day donning the hats he wears. Williams indefatigable drive to inspire is demonstrated through his involvement with organizations like Ohio Youth Development and the Africentric Personal Development Shop. He also oversees a Facebook business group, does a podcast for strengthening families and wrote a book to help fathers build better relationships with their children. This is just a handful of the labors of love for this native Texan, who moved to Columbus about five years ago. I came here because I wanted to grow in supporting businesses, which I was doing in Houston, but on a smaller scale, Williams said. To that end, he joined Columbus Black-Owned Businesses, a Facebook group that now has nearly 80,000 members. As the numbers skyrocketed, Williams was handed the baton by the original administrator and he ran with it. Black-owned businesses face challenges: Columbus Black-owned businesses struggling to grow Im hoping to build the community and support businesses to be a sustainable hub for Black-owned businesses in Columbus, to be connected to resources, he said. The group isnt just open to Black members, Williams noted, referring to a huge chunk of allies around the city helping to support Black-owned businesses and bridge the gap in resources for them. We have to create a bigger megaphone, said Williams, who creates materials for the group, including courses, webinars and videos. Westerville resident Lirec Williams' many endeavors include a podcast called "15 Minutes with Dad and a book, "Man Up," both aimed at helping fathers build impactful relationships with their kids. Lirec Williams' most important job At home in Westerville, the 35-year-old continues creating in his home studio, where he does a podcast, 15 Minutes with Dad, co-hosted with his teenage daughter Mariah. I became a dad at 19 and all the thoughts I had were: I didnt know how to be a man. I didnt know how to be a dad. I didnt have a dad growing up. I didnt know how to be a husband. All the reasons I should run, he said. Williams didnt follow his initial frightened instinct to flee. He chose to fight back against his own traumas. I was homeless and in a whole different mental space at that time. I said, I am sick because Im not taking care of myself. I cant go another year like this. My connection to the world was my child. No one could take care of her the way I could. I had to do something to change the trajectory of my daughters life, he said. So, Williams made a vision board outlining his goals: getting a car, an apartment and a job, plus employing methods like hypnosis, meditation and daily affirmations to heal. Opinion: Emotions are not a sign of weakness. Stigmas around Black men and mental health must fall Within three months, I had completed most of my vision board, he said. "I believe in manifesting what I say Im going to do. From his recovery grew his book, Man Up: From Our Traumas to Being Impactful Fathers. I was always teaching how to be a better father, how parents can connect with children because theres a difference between being present and being a presence. I thought, What kind of tool can I provide to fathers to apply to life? he said. I try to inspire in everything I do with anybody I touch on this planet. Your legacy is just that: How many people did you impact while on this earth? I want to dedicate my next 50-60 years to inspiring people. bpaschal@dispatch.com This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Lirec Williams aims to inspire others through community involvement Colleen Mellor and Paul Gates were together for 33 years. Why now they'll never be alone Her wedding was scheduled for the next day, but because her groom, Paul Gates, 83, had Alzheimers and was living in the Rhode Island Veterans Home, Colleen Mellor, 78, felt she should bring him to their house in the Cowesett section of Warwick for the night before the ceremony. There were smiles as Colleen arrived through the Veterans Home entryway for the pickup the staffers knew the unusual wedding was about to happen. The arrangements had been last-minute. It was not the kind where a Save the Date is sent a year in advance. Colleen planned it in weeks. The two had been together 33 years, and although Paul proposed more than once, Colleen had lost one previous husband to cancer and a fiance to a heart attack. She joked to Paul that she didnt want to jeopardize him by getting engaged. But then, as she was doing some life planning, she asked the state Veterans Cemetery about plots and found that their three decades together didnt matter. Only spouses could be laid to rest next to soldiers. Paul Gates and Colleen Mellor pose for a photo with officiant Peter Denomme following their wedding ceremony. That convinced Colleen it was time. After 33 years, she says, I didnt want to be alone at the end. There at the Veterans Home, Colleen headed to the room of her new fiance, Paul Wesley Gates. He had enlisted during the Vietnam era 63 years ago and was assigned to the SeaBees in Davisville, which brought him from his native Little Rock to Rhode Island. Paul went on to serve in Rhode Islands National Guard for 19 years while working first as a long-haul truck driver and then as a state correctional officer. Paul had now been living in the Veterans Home for a year. For the 14 years before that, during his decline into memory issues, Colleen had been Pauls sole caregiver at their Cowesett house. But it finally became too much for her, so reluctantly, she began to look at care facilities. As soon as she walked into the Veterans Home, she knew it was the place. The love there between the caregivers and the residents is unbelievable, Colleen says. She and Paul have a small ritual whenever she greets him in his room on the Echo 1 floor, which hosts many with cognitive impairments. Hello, honey, Colleen said. Are you good? Paul still recognizes her, and always responds with the same phrase. Im good now that youre with me. Colleen packed a few things for him, was given packets of his medications and, as the staff wished them luck on their big day, the two signed out. The next morning, in their Cowesett home, it was time to get ready for the wedding. Colleen had decided it would be a casual event. So she helped Paul get dressed in a button-down shirt, a sweater, brown pants and comfortable loafers. For herself, she put on a plum dress with shiny fleck, and for footwear, she wore flats comfort first. But even at 5-foot-8, Colleen could have worn heels since Paul is 6-foot-1, affectionately called Tall Paul by some of the staff at the Veterans Home. At 10:30 a.m., Colleen helped Paul into her Subaru, putting on his seat belt for him, and they headed to the venue the East Greenwich home of Colleens daughter Amanda and her husband, Eric OConnell. They would be the only guests, along with their two children, Seamus, 6, and Lachlan, 3. Colleen's other daughter, Kerry, lives in Seattle with her family, and Colleen told them there was no need it wasn't going to be a big event. Paul Gates and Colleen Mellor pose for a photo with grandchildren Seamus, 6, and Lachlan, 3. Colleen had brought bouquets for her two grandsons to hold, but she was afraid theyd used them as weapons against each other, so she disengaged the flowers and pinned them on their outfits. Soon, it was time. Colleen asked her son-in-law to put the music on. Given the bride and groom's age and stage, Colleen felt there was no need for an entrance. So they simply took their places at the altar a spot in the living room in front of the fireplace. Colleen had interviewed a few officiants she found online, and liked one named Peter Denomme, from Charlestown, so he was standing ready. So was the photographer shed hired, Laura Paton, whom Colleen noticed shooting pictures at a church festival where she had recently taken her grandson. She also felt there was no need for a long service. Instead, the ceremony began just before the vows. Colleen faced Paul. As she looked up at him, she realized that although her decision to marry was to get around a bureaucratic rule, this was a lovely moment, making their relationship official after being there for each other all these years. Colleen had grown up in West Warwick, daughter of the towns high school principal. Which guaranteed I had no dates, she jokes though it was true. Her brothers went to Brown and West Point and Colleen to URI, later becoming a junior high teacher in Cranston. She married at 23 and had a baby at 25, but it was a difficult relationship, so she left him six months after the birth. After raising her daughter on her own for six years, Colleen married again at 31, to Daniel Mellor, director of the states drug abuse program. But sadly, he died of cancer eight years later in 1986. Colleen had no interest in meeting someone else, but thats often when it happens, and in time, she was engaged to Bob OConnor, an engineer at Amtrol. But before being wed, she lost him to a heart attack in 1991. Colleen was 46, and that, she decided, was it for her. But in late 1992, Colleen was with her sister and brother-in-law at an East Greenwich tavern that played music, and as they sat at a table that night, she noticed a tall, slim man standing alone, swaying to the beat. There was something about him, and the spirit moved Colleen, so she just did it walked over and asked him to dance. It was Paul Wesley Gates. Colleen Mellor and Paul Gates on the morning of their wedding. Hes gobsmacked, she recalled. He cant believe Im doing this. But she adds: Weve been dancing ever since. Paul was divorced in part because of his previous job as a long-haul trucker, but hed moved on to a second career as a Rhode Island correctional officer. The two loved the same pursuits they kayaked off Wickford and bicycled in Nova Scotia, and Colleen was often on the back of Pauls BSA motorcycle for rides through the countryside. The forgotten hero: Uncovering Rhode Island's lost Medal of Honor recipient from WWII They lived in separate residences, but it worked Paul mowing Colleens lawn and being a Mr. Fix-It whenever she needed one. He proposed more than once, but Colleen felt things were fine the way they were. I figured Id save him, she says. Hed live if I didnt marry him. Ten years into their now 33-year relationship, Colleen got breast cancer and a mastectomy, and thats when Paul finally moved in to take care of her. She says he was her champion in many ways. He was a deeply devoted partner after Colleen's early decades of loss in love. She rebounded from the cancer, but around 16 years ago, it was Paul who started having issues. He became forgetful, and began doing illogical things, like caulking a shower in all the wrong places. Paul went downhill faster after a 2010 car crash near a winter home the two had bought in Asheville, North Carolina, so Colleen decided to sell it, feeling a back-and-forth lifestyle with a partner facing challenges was too hard. In 2013, when Paul was 72, he was officially diagnosed with Alzheimers. Counting from his decline, Colleen spent 14 years as his caregiver, and in fact, as a longtime writer, shes about to publish a book about it called Az and Me: A Partners Journey with Alzheimers. Colleen wanted to continue keeping him at home, but at last, a year ago, she felt she had to place Paul in the Veterans Home. Yet it's what he needed, and in many ways, it has become a second home of sorts for Colleen, with many visits each week. It proved to be the perfect arrangement and she felt the same about their relationship status. Until she got the news about the burial plot situation. Colleen recalls thinking: Wed been together 33 years, but because of a bureaucratic rule we cant be together at the end? At that point, I said forget it, were getting married. Memorial Day 2024: Parades, memorials and events around RI honor those who gave their lives And now the two were saying their vows at the East Greenwich home of her daughters family. Later, I asked Colleen what she was thinking at that moment. She began to answer, then had to pause. Im kind of crying here, she told me on the phone. Id been through the wringer in life by a young age. Then I met Paul, and he got me through and gave me a belief in myself. The wedding happened last December, but Colleen mentioned it to our newspaper as a possible story only days ago. When I asked why, she said it was that Memorial Day was approaching, and it got her thinking about the veterans in the home, and how important they remain to the people who love them and really, to the whole country. Colleen and Paul spent the night of the wedding back in their Cowesett house, for the first time as a married couple. Paul Wesley Gates at age 20 in the Navy. The next day, she brought him back to the Veterans Home. They had lunch there together and then it was time for her to go. Colleen has learned never to say Goodbye to Paul because that would upset him. Instead, she told her new husband she had to step away to fill out some papers with the staff. Youre going to be right back? he said. Yes, she told Paul. She would be back soon. And she knew she would be. Because he was her champion for so many years, and now she is his. mpatinki@providencejournal.com This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: To be buried in RI Veterans Cemetery couple weds after 33 years Sophie, The Duchess of Edinburgh is opening up about her secret trip to Ukraine. Penning a first-person account in The Sunday Times, the royal detailed her arrival in Kyiv, which took place at the end of April. Explaining that her trip came "at the request of the British government," Duchess Sophie arrived in the Capital after it emerged that there had been an "estimated 169 cases of conflict-related sexual violence in Ukraine." Sophie, 59, is the first British royal to visit Ukraine since the start of the war. Duchess Sophie has reflected on her "sad and emotional" trip to Ukraine (Getty) Aiming to shed light on the devastating consequences of conflict-related sexual violence, Sophie's time in Ukraine included a visit to a UN survivor relief centre, followed by a meeting with Ukraine's first lady, Olena Zelenska, and President Zelensky. "He [President Zelensky] also inquired after the King's health, which gave me the opportunity to hand him a letter from His Majesty," recalled the wife of Prince Edward. "I think he was quite touched and said he would save it for a private moment later to read." Among her other stops, Duchess Sophie travelled to Kyiv's St Sophia Cathedral, the suburbs of Bucha and Irpin, and the British ambassador's residence, before heading to Warsaw on her return trip home. During her trip, the Duchess met with President Zelensky and delivered a letter from King Charles (Getty) "Since returning to the UK, many people have said how brave or courageous I was for going. I am neither," states the mum-of-two. "The brave people are those who have endured extreme violence and survived. The courageous are those who have reported the crimes committed against them. I am glad to have made the journey. Inevitably it was sad and emotional, and the painful stories and images, as with all my visits to places of conflict, will live with me." Read more On International Women's Day in 2019, Sophie publicly announced her commitment to champion the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda and the UK's Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative (PSVI), at a reception for Women Peacebuilders at Buckingham Palace. At the time, she said: "As someone who firmly believes in the equality of men and women, I feel drawn to your cause and to do what I can to help raise further awareness of your work. Sophie is a champion the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda and the UK's Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative (PSVI) (Getty) "To help give voice to women and girls who are being denied their fundamental rights as humans and are being subjected to harm and violence as a result of conflict, to promote those who seek to play a part in finding peace, and to support others as they attempt to rebuild their lives. "Therefore I am publicly committing myself to doing what I can to champion and support WPS and PSVI and make this a central pillar of my work in the coming months and years." Six beers that are good for your gut health and the ones to avoid Guinness is Good for You is one of the most famous advertising campaigns in history, but away from the slogans and billboards, it appears there could have been a grain of truth in the suggestion that everyones favourite stout does something positive for the body. In recent years, researchers have been accumulating evidence to suggest that certain beers could help improve the diversity of species in the gut microbiome, something which tends to be associated with health benefits. In 2022, a study in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry followed 22 men who drank a little more than half a pint of beer every day for four weeks and found that they subsequently had better markers of intestinal health. Now, a review of experiments published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition has concluded that the various ingredients within beer may have a positive impact on the immune system, when broken down and fermented within the gut. According to Megan Rossi, a nutrition researcher at Kings College London and founder of The Gut Health Doctor, this is due to plant chemicals known as polyphenols which are found in certain beers, which are known to be useful foods for the bacteria in the gut. Bacteria have been shown to digest about 90 per cent of polyphenols and turn them into chemicals, which can have anti-inflammatory effects, she says. However Belgian professor Jeroen Raes, who has examined the possible effects of beer on the microbiome as part of the Flemish Gut Flora Project, cautions that we still know relatively little and that the alcohol within beer may cancel out any positive findings. My feeling is that if beer has an effect on the gut, the effect size will be relatively limited, he says. And Im not certain that its by definition, a beneficial one. But scientists believe that the emerging research points to some beers being potentially better for you than others. Here are some gut-friendly recommendations, and some to maybe leave behind the bar. Gut-friendly beers 1. Guinness From the 1920s to the 1960s, marketing taglines such as My Goodness, My Guinness and Guinness for Strength firmly established the brand as arguably the worlds most popular stout. But while there are no suggestions Guinness adds muscle mass, it is thought to be rich in certain plant chemicals. Some polyphenols are particularly high in Guinness, says Rossi. We talk about diversity (being good for the gut), and thats the case for drinks as well. So, if you drank a little bit of Guinness one night, and then a little red wine another time, while keeping within the alcohol limit, thats probably going to get you a wider range of these polyphenols. 2. Newcastle Brown Ale Its not a health drink, but some of these ales will contain more of these useful chemicals as well as yeast strains left in the beer, says Federica Amati, a medical scientist at Imperial College London. Theyre probably not going to be alive, but theres a vein of thought that they still have some sort of beneficial impact on our immune system when they reach the gut. 3. Hoegaarden Unlike most beers, Belgian brands such as Hoegaarden, Westmalle Tripel and Echt Kriekenbier are fermented twice, initially in the brewery and again in the bottle. This second fermentation uses a different strain from the traditional brewers yeast, which increases the strength of the beer, but also means that it contains more potentially useful microbes. We know that even dead yeasts could have an effect on the composition of the microbiota, and it could also have an effect on transit times, says Raes. You see that if you pour the beer at the end, the final pour is a bit more opaque and thats actually your yeast. My grandmother would also say, Ill drink that because its good for my transit, and theres probably some effect on motility, although its not super clear. 4. London Porter Dark Ale Its not just Belgian beers that contain some gut-boosting yeast at the bottom. Amati says that you can often spot this with craft or artisan beers, as well as the darker ales. If you look in the actual bottle and theres a little bit of sediment on the bottom, thats always a good sign, she says. 5. Stella Artois Unfiltered If you are going to opt for a lager, the rule is to try and find an unfiltered version. Many drinkers prefer this as it allows for a more complex flavour and aroma, but the lack of processing also means that there are more potentially useful chemicals left in the drinks. If you drink a fairly long fermented and traditionally made beer, so not one thats super filtered, you will get some of those polyphenols and yeast strains left in the beer, says Amati. The vast majority of beers sold in UK supermarkets are heavily filtered, but some brands such as Stella Artois have begun to launch unfiltered ranges. 6. Doom Bar Zero Alcohol Free Amber Ale Drinking alcohol-free beers could offer all the benefits to your gut, without the disadvantages of the actual alcohol content. This particular brand is a good example of a darker, non-alcoholic ale which is more likely to contain helpful plant chemicals. If anything, the studies suggesting that beer could have benefits for the microbiome could be quite a nice boost for the low alcohol beer market, says Amati. Once again though, youre looking for those darker coloured and more artisan ales. Beers to avoid 1. Heineken Heavily filtered and carbonated lagers are going to contain less beneficial nutrients for the gut. 2. Budweiser Lager Another filtered beer, this will have less polyphenols than ale. 3. San Miguel This popular lager is likely to contain fewer microbes than the twice-fermented Belgian beers. 4. Peroni Like the other filtered lagers this beer is likely light on gut-friendly plant chemicals. 5. Stella Artois normal lagers If youre looking for a gut-friendly version opt for their unfiltered lager. 6. Heineken Alcohol-Free Lager Just like the alcoholic versions, alcohol-free lagers are less likely to have any real benefits for your gut. Its not just beer cider can be good too According to Amati, there is some evidence that artisan cider brands for example Old Rosie Scrumpy Cider and Henry Westons Vintage Cider can have benefits for the gut microbiome. They tend to have some of the actual fruit left in the drink, meaning that fermentation carries on for longer, she says. The cloudier ciders are better as these are sugars known as polysaccharides which float in the cider and theyre good prebiotics to feed the gut bugs. Other drinks, which hark back to medieval times, such as mead which has seen a recent resurgence in London, are also thought to be beneficial for the gut. All this ancient stuff made back in the day tends to use quite a lot of the fibre from the fruit in making it, which is why they could have some benefits, says Amati. But, as always, moderation is key However, all gut experts are keen to emphasise that alcoholic drinks do not equate to health drinks and in many cases, any benefits for the gut are likely to be cancelled out by the impact of alcohol on the body. Im very keen to pass on the message that we have to drink very moderately, says Amati. Have at least three days with no alcohol in your week, and no more than one drink when you do drink. NHS guidelines recommend no more than 14 units of alcohol per week equivalent to eight cans of average strength (four per cent) beer warning that alcohol raises the risk of multiple cancers as well as heart and liver disease. Rossi also advocates drinking no more than one or two alcoholic drinks at a time. When were talking about any anti-inflammatory benefits for the gut from these darker beers, that becomes pro-inflammatory after about two drinks, she explains. Thats because the alcohol starts to make the gut a little bit leaky, allowing things to move from our gut into the bloodstream that wouldnt normally be there, and causing low-grade inflammation. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) As temperatures continue rise, ice cream is flying off the shelves faster than ever as Tennesseans look for ways to beat the heat. According to the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), ice cream makers churned out 1.30 billion gallons of ice cream in 2023. Its a proven fact that ice cream is one of the most desired sweet treats in the U.S. with the average American consuming around 4 gallons of ice cream per year, said the IDFA. Sour Patch Kids Oreos? Peeps Pepsi? Whats with all the weird flavors popping up these days? Researchers at Trace One recently analyzed Google Trends to determine the most popular ice cream brand in each state. For the Volunteer State, the report found that Tennesseans search for Blue Bell more than any other national ice cream brand. Blue Bell releases new flavor following huge success of Dr Pepper variety In fact, Tennessees favorite ice cream brand recently announced a new flavor to their beloved lineup. The flavor, A&W Root Beer Float ice cream, is a twist on a classic malt-shop treat, according to Blue Bell. The new addition become available for purchase on May 16. However, when it comes to local brands, Cream City out of Cookeville stands out of Tennessees favorite, according to Google Trends data. According to Cream Citys website, the shop serves over 40 unique and delicious flavors of rich, creamy ice cream, handmade waffle cones, and a full coffee menu. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com Some of the flavors on the menu include black raspberry fudge brownie, honey roasted pistachio, horchata, toasted coconut, blackberry cornbread, and more. Click here to see the full menu. To see the most popular ice cream brand in every state, click here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. 1 dead, 5 others injured after crash in Ohio One person was killed and multiple others were injured after a crash in Cincinnati Sunday morning. Around 12:30 a.m., police responded to the crash in the 2000 block of Westwood Northern Boulevard, according to Cincinnati police. A 28-year-old man was driving a 2023 Nissan Sentra eastbound on Westwood Northern Boulevard, drove off the road and struck a tree, police said. There were five other people in the vehicle, including two 29-year-old female passengers, a 19-year-old female passenger, an 18-year-old female passenger and a 16-year-old female passenger. >> Police pursue wrong way driver across multiple counties, driver taken into custody The 18-year-old was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver and occupants were transported to the hospital. The driver and two passengers are listed with non-life-threatening injuries. The two remaining passengers are listed in critical condition. Excessive speed and impairment are being investigated as factors in this crash, police said. Twelve people were injured after a Qatar Airways flight from Doha to Dublin was hit with turbulence on Sunday. The flight, which landed in Dublin shortly before 1pm local time, was met by emergency services, including airport police and the fire and rescue department. According to a statement from Dublin Airport, six passengers and six crew members were injured in the incident, eight of which were taken to hospital following assessment. The Qatar Airways flight QR017 experienced turbulence while flying over Turkey, the statement said. Dublin Airport said it was assisting passengers and staff and that operations were unaffected. The planes return flight to Doha, flight QR018, is scheduled to go ahead as expected, though its departure will be delayed, the airport said. In a statement to CNN, Qatar Airways said that the flight landed safely in Dublin, but that a small number of passengers and crew sustained minor injuries in flight and are now receiving medical attention. The matter is now subject to an internal investigation, the statement continued. The safety and security of our passengers and crew are our top priority. It comes days after 104 passengers were injured and a man with a heart condition was killed on a Singapore Airlines flight that was hit with severe turbulence. Flight SQ321 from London to Singapore was cruising at 37,000 feet on Tuesday when the plane dropped sharply before climbing several hundred feet, according to flight tracking data. It then repeatedly dipped and ascended for about a minute. Is turbulence on the rise? About 65,000 aircraft suffer moderate turbulence every year in the US, and about 5,500 run into severe turbulence. These numbers, however, might be destined to grow. Paul Williams, a professor of atmospheric science at the University of Reading in the United Kingdom, told CNN in 2022 that he believes climate change is modifying turbulence. We ran some computer simulations and found that severe turbulence could double or triple in the coming decades, Williams said. The findings, which were later confirmed by observations, highlight a type of turbulence called clear air turbulence, which isnt connected to any visual clues such as storms or clouds. Unlike regular turbulence, it hits suddenly and is hard to avoid. Singapore Airlines has previously said its flight encountered sudden turbulence. A spokesperson said Sunday that its investigations are ongoing. An earlier CNN analysis of satellite data found the flight entered an area where thunderstorms were developing, which can produce turbulence. It is not yet known what kind of turbulence the Qatar Airways plane experienced. CORRECTION: This article has been updated to reflect that the cause of the turbulence that hit the Singapore Airlines flight is yet to be determined and that investigations are ongoing. An earlier version also misstated the number of the Qatar Airways flight that experienced turbulence. It was flight QR017. Jacopo Prisco contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com By Farman Aydin, AZERNEWS The Kanaks, the indigenous people of New Caledonia, have been continuing to fight against French colonialism for almost two centuries. Having been always under pressure, the local people, who were oppressed and suffered from the cruelty and barbarity of colonialism could not defend their rights. And now, having been fed up with the injustice of Macron's policy peaceful people hold protests in France and all over the world today. A couple of weeks ago, against the backdrop of the protests that took place on the French-ruled island, the French government pointed to Azerbaijan as a center of condemnation. Macron's administration, with its erroneous domestic and foreign policy parameters, claimed that Azerbaijan was behind the New Caledonian people's attempt to protest against oppression. Such a ridiculous claim can only be attributed to political figures with strong anti-Azerbaijan sentiment in France who cannot manage power properly. However, instead of taking the right step and appeasing the local people, France, on the contrary, is trying to damage the political relations with Azerbaijan, the leading state of the South Caucasus. It is no coincidence that protests for the liberation of New Caledonia from French oppression continue today - right in the heart of the French capital city. Well, a demonstration of support for the participants of the 13-day independence movement in New Caledonia was held in Paris, the capital of France. According to Azernews, hundreds of people gathered at the Bastille Square and expressed their support for the Kanaks, the local population of New Caledonia. Demonstrators advanced towards the Opera Square. "Long live the struggle of the Kanak people!", "Independence of New Caledonia", "Solidarity with the Kanak people!", "Time for colonialism is over: independence for the Kanaks" posters were raised in the march. The organizer of the action was the Committee of Solidarity with the Kanak people. The participants condemned French President Emmanuel Macron's policy regarding New Caledonia, including the reforms applied to him in municipal elections. It should be noted that the protests in New Caledonia started on May 13. Locals are unhappy with a proposed amendment to the constitution that would give French residents who have lived on the island for more than 10 years broad voting rights in provincial elections. Protesters have repeatedly emphasized the inadmissibility of the French government changing the legislation without taking into account the opinions of the local population, saying that this is against the Noumea agreement signed in 1998 between France and New Caledonia. French President Emmanuel Macron, who visited the island, said that 3,000 policemen, 130 members of the special gendarmerie, as well as armored vehicles and helicopters will remain on the island to maintain order. Noumea International Airport will remain closed until May 28. But why are the waves of protest growing in France? One of the main reasons for this is France's inability to change its outdated and embarrassing policies. Colonialism is already two centuries behind. Although the world is entering an era where it wants to see democracy, France is still unable to move on from the mood of the 1800s. On the other hand, Makron's inability to solve internal problems is beginning to reveal his flaws more and more in the face of rapidly changing times. The Macron administration can no longer hide anything, and the waves of protest against it are spreading beyond the borders of France. One of the most serious mistakes of the French government is its anti-Azerbaijani position in parallel with its pro-Armenian policy. By pursuing such a policy, Macron lowers his reputation and destroys his future political career. However, by abandoning such a position, France could contribute more to the processes in the South Caucasus. Nevertheless, Armenia turned out to be smarter than France, and despite all the influences, today Yerevan and Baku can jointly solve regional issues. BAGHDAD, May 26 (Xinhua) -- A paramilitary fighter from a local tribal force was killed and four others wounded in twin roadside bomb explosions in Iraq's eastern province of Diyala, the Iraqi military said on Sunday. The incident took place at 9:40 p.m. local time on Saturday (1840 GMT) when a roadside bomb ripped through an outpost of the tribal fighters affiliated with the Iraqi Hashd Shaabi forces near a village in the Khan Bani Saad area south of Baquba, the provincial capital of Diyala, some 65 km northeast of Baghdad, according to a statement released by the Security Media Cell, a media outlet affiliated with the Iraqi Joint Operations Command. The first blast caused no casualties. Upon the arrival of security forces to investigate and pursue the perpetrators, another roadside bomb went off, killing a tribal fighter and injuring four others, according to the statement. Security situation in Iraq has been improved after the defeat of the militants of the extremist group Islamic State across the country in 2017. However, the country continues to grapple with sporadic attacks. The death toll of Russias May 25 strike on a building materials hypermarket in Kharkiv has risen to 16, Kharkiv Oblast Governor Oleh Syniehubov said on the afternoon of May 26. Over 40 people are confirmed to have been wounded, and over a dozen more are considered missing, the National Police reported earlier the same day. Two guided bombs hit the hypermarket in the middle of the day, causing a large-scale fire, according to Syniehubov. According to a post on social media from President Volodymyr Zelensky, more than 200 people may have been inside the hypermarket at the time of the attack. European Council President Charles Michel condemned the attack as "atrocious" in his post on X on May 26. "Russias efforts to terrorize Ukrainian civilians as part of its war of aggression against Ukraine are criminal," Michel said. "Together, we can stop Russias brutal attacks. We need to urgently advance on a comprehensive air defense solution for Ukraine." Mere hours after the attack on the hypermarket, Russian forces launched a second strike on Kharkiv's city center, injuring at least 25 people. Russia launched a new offensive on May 10 in northern Kharkiv Oblast with a reported 30,000 troops. According to Zelensky, Moscow's forces had managed to advance as far as 10 kilometers (6 miles) in the region but had been halted by the first line of defense. Russian forces regularly conduct ground shelling and aerial attacks against population centers in Kharkiv Oblast. Local Ukrainian authorities have also reported instances of civilian executions at the hands of Russian troops. Read also: Russias latest offensive into Kharkiv Oblast is stretching Ukrainian defenses Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. NeeAli Scott wants to study to become a cardiothoracic surgeon WJCL 22 ABC NeeAli Scott. One high school student didn't let the fact that she hadn't graduated from high school stop her from earning a college degree. NeeAli Scott, a 17-year-old student at Savannah Arts Academy in Georgia, recently earned her college degree before she received her high school diploma, WJCL reported. Scott graduated from Savannah State University with an associate of science degree nearly a month before graduating from high school, the outlet said. She later graduated from Savannah Arts Academy on Monday, May 20. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Getty Images A stock image of a graduation cap and a diploma. Related: Okla. Boy, 13, Makes History with College Degree: 'He Is the Smartest Person I Know,' Says Sister Looking ahead, Scott told WJCL that she has not decided where she wants to next attend school, though she said that Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are her top choice. She wants to study to become a cardiothoracic surgeon, according to the outlet. "I would like to work in an inner-city hospital and give back to the youth here in Savannah or wherever I may end up," Scott said, per WJCL. Speaking about her decision to pursue a degree early, Scott told WJCL, "I really just wanted to get as much education, a college education, as I can now for free." "In the state of Georgia, you get 30 credits free," she continued. "So that's already half of the associate's degree." "Some classes gave me a little more of a challenge than others," Scott added of the college-level courses she took as a high school student. seb_ra / Getty Images A stock image of a graduation hat and a diploma. Related: Identical Triplets, 18, Graduate High School and They're All Going to Same N.Y.C. College! Scott's mother, Sabriya Scott, celebrated her daughter's academic achievements in a post shared on Instagram earlier this month. "Today my baby did her BIG one!! She's OFFICIALLY a Savannah State University Graduate at 17 years old," the proud mom wrote. "She just graduated from College before graduating from High School." "I didn't let all the odds that was stacked against my 2lb micro-preemie affect how I knew my GOD would work in her life. GOD DID just that and today NeeAli graduated from SSU with her Associate Of Science Degree! ," she added. "Congratulations NeeAli Scott for being an amazing kid!! We you!" "Big thanks to my entire village and everyone that celebrated this milestone with her. ," the real estate broker concluded. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Two Spalding County suspects charged in a multi-count indictment have learned their fate after a week-long trial. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Demoni L. Beck, then-17, and Jadaquis Noble, then-20, were charged with the murder of Jacqueris Holland. On May 27, Holland was traveling on North Hill Street near the old Peoples Choice Club, when a silver car flew past him as someone fired gunshots that hit Holland twice in the upper body. He collapsed in front of his car, where he died from his injuries alone in the middle of the road. Holland was a cosmetology student at Southern Crescent Technical College and dreamed of opening up his own barber shop. You always hear people in news interviews talking about how the person who was killed was getting their life together, going to college, had goals, and was a friend to people, was loved by everybody that knew him. I can tell you that Jacqueris Holland was not that guy. Jacqueris was not working on it, Jacqueris Holland was it, Sheriff Darrell Dix said. The sheriffs office says Beck and Noble were involved with local gangs. Holland was not. TRENDING STORIES: The District Attorneys Office said DNA evidence linked Beck to a car that was spotted at the scene of the murder and from which shots were fired at Holland. Officials said other evidence including Flock cameras, GPS and cell phone data, from different locations before and after the murder provided showed that Beck and Noble stalked Holland before killing him. The duo was charged in a multi-count indictment including malice murder, felony murder, aggravated assault, violation of the Georgia Gang Act, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and tampering with evidence. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] A Spalding County jury returned a guilty verdict on Beck but could not reach a verdict on Noble. The State will retry Noble in the near future. Chief Judge Sams sentenced Beck to life in prison without the possibility of parole, plus five years. Gang violence has taken too many lives across the Circuit. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to work hard to eradicate gang violence from the Circuit and keep the citizens of Spalding County safe, District Attorney Broder said. IN OTHER NEWS: MUSKEGON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) Two women were hurt in a shooting near Muskegon early Sunday morning. Around 1:30 a.m., officers with the Muskegon Township Police Department were sent to the Disabled American Veterans hall, located at 2415 E Laketon Ave., after receiving reports of shots fired. The Muskegon Township Police Department said that two women were shot during a private party. Their injuries are not considered life-threatening. Its unclear what led up to the shooting. This embedded content is not available in your region. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. BOAZ, Ala. (WHNT) A 23-year-old Boaz man died in a car wreck Saturday evening, according to the Marshall County Coroner. Coroner Cody Nugent said Briley Jordan Ramey was killed in a single-vehicle crash on Forest Home Road near Highway 168. Nugents office was called to the scene around 8:20 p.m. ALEA: 28-year-old man killed during early morning crash in Lauderdale County Several agencies assisted with the wreck including the Boaz Police Department, Boaz Fire Department and the Douglas Police Department. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is investigating the crash. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) Within 74 hours, a total of three people have been shot and killed in Nashvilles JC Napier neighborhood, according to authorities. Metro Nashville dispatch said a shooting was reported near the intersection of Winfrey Street and Lewis Street shortly before 2:15 p.m. on Sunday, May 26. According to the Metro Nashville Police Department, officers from the Hermitage Precinct responded to the 600 block of Lewis Street after a caller said a male had been shot and was laying on the ground. Have breaking come to you: Subscribe to News 2 email alerts When authorities arrived at the scene, they said they found the victim and provided medical care until the Nashville Fire Department took over. An ambulance brought the victim to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. After reviewing surveillance cameras in the area, Homicide Unit detectives believe the victim was walking along Lewis Street with a pistol in his hand when he had a verbal exchange with another person, according to officials. Then, gunfire reportedly erupted between the victim and another unknown individual. Police said the victim was hit and fled along Lewis Street before he collapsed. The victim allegedly tossed his gun over a fence onto Metro Water Department property, but the weapon was later recovered. The investigation into Sundays incident including the identity of the man who was fatally shot is still ongoing. No additional details have been released. Read todays top stories on wkrn.com This marks the third deadly shooting in the JC Napier neighborhood in about as many days. The first shooting occurred just after 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 23 in the 100 block of Fain Street, led to the death of 63-year-old Alan Howard and the arrest of 30-year-old Timothy Gibbons Jr., according to officials. Gibbons told officers he and Howard had been drinking since the night before, but after one of Howards friends come to the home and Howard got into that persons vehicle, Howard allegedly became aggressive and started hitting Gibbons, so Gibbons pulled out a gun and Howard was shot in the chest. Then, shortly before 2:45 p.m. on Saturday, May 25, 29-year-old Bryan Lewis was shot in the 600 block of Charles E. Davis Boulevard and reportedly died at a local hospital. A 23-year-old told detectives that he shot Lewis because he believed that Lewis was about to shoot him, so police said they are investigating the self-defense claim. Download the News 2 app to stay updated on the go. Sign up for WKRN email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox. Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee. This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2. Suspect arrested after 6 stabbed, including 4 girls, in separate attacks Massachusetts police say are likely connected A suspect was arrested Saturday after six people including four girls between the ages of 9 and 17 were stabbed in separate attacks that Massachusetts authorities say are likely connected. The girls, who were attacked at a movie theater, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to Boston hospitals for treatment, according to police in Braintree. About an hour later, a 21-year-old woman and a 29-year-old man were stabbed at a Plymouth McDonalds and taken to hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. A suspect in the McDonalds stabbings, Jared Ravizza, was arrested 15 minutes after fleeing the scene Saturday night and faces multiple assault charges, the Plymouth County District Attorneys Office announced in a news release. Ravizza, 26, is the suspect in multiple South Shore stabbing incidents, the attorneys office said, though no details on the other incidents were provided. Braintree police have said it appears as though the attacks at the movie theater and McDonalds, which occurred about an hour apart, are related. The stabbing of the four girls at the AMC happened around 6 p.m. in Braintree. The theater was placed in lockdown shortly after the incident, an AMC employee told CNN. Without saying anything and without any warning, he suddenly attacked and stabbed the four young females, police said of the suspect. The attack appeared to be unprovoked. After the attack, the man ran out of the theater and left in a vehicle. Police discovered the suspect had left the theater in what appeared to be a black SUV, and video footage allowed authorities to capture its license plate, the release says. A vehicle matching the description was reportedly involved in similar assault in Plymouth, which is about a 30-minute drive south of Braintree, police said. Ravizza allegedly arrived at the scene of the Plymouth McDonalds stabbings in a black Porsche Macan SUV, according to prosecutors. Police were called to the scene around 7 p.m., about an hour after the AMC attack in Braintree, the district attorneys office said. Surveillance footage from the McDonalds appears to show Ravizza reach through the drive-through window and stab the male victim with a large knife, prosecutors allege. Video then shows the suspect park his car, enter the restaurant and stab the female victim before fleeing in the car, according to the district attorneys office. Within minutes, state troopers located the suspects car, but it failed to stop when they tried to pull it over. Police chased the vehicle, which crashed in Sandwich, about a 25-minute drive south of Plymouth, according to police. Preliminary investigation suggests a likely connection to an earlier incident at a movie theatre in Braintree resulting in non-life threatening injuries to four juveniles, state police said. Ravizza was being treated for non-life-threatening injuries at a hospital on Sunday, the prosecutors office said. Ravizza will face multiple charges related to the McDonalds stabbings, including assault with intent to murder and two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, prosecutors said. He is expected to appear in court Tuesday. CNN has been unable to identify an attorney for Ravizza but has sought further information from the Massachusetts State Police, Plymouth County District Attorneys Office and Braintree Police. The Massachusetts State Polices investigation is active and ongoing. Separately, Connecticut State Police said a suspect linked to a death in the town of Deep River had been taken into custody in Massachusetts. Police in neither state have confirmed whether the Connecticut case is connected to those in Massachusetts. In a statement released late Saturday, Connecticut State Police said they responded Saturday afternoon to a disturbance at an address within the town. There, police found a deceased individual whose identity has not been confirmed, Connecticut State Police said. A suspect in this investigation has been taken into custody in the State of Massachusetts and there is no active threat to the public, the release said. It did not name the suspect. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com SEOUL, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Sunday called on Japan to work with China in the same direction and implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries. It is hoped that the two countries will continuously consolidate mutual trust, deepen cooperation, properly manage differences, and build a constructive and stable China-Japan relationship that meets the requirements of the new era, Li said during his meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on the sidelines of the ninth Trilateral Summit Meeting among China, Japan and South Korea. Li said that last November, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Kishida met in San Francisco, reached important consensus, and reaffirmed the positioning of comprehensively advancing the strategic and mutually beneficial relations between China and Japan, providing important political guidance for the development of bilateral relations. History and Taiwan are major issues of principle concerning the political foundation of China-Japan relations, as well as basic issues of faith and integrity, and the Taiwan question is at the core of China's core interests and a red line, he said. It is hoped that Japan will honor its promise and create a positive atmosphere for the continuous development of bilateral relations, said Li. The development of China and Japan is an important opportunity for each other, and the Chinese and Japanese economies are now closely intertwined, bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples, he said. The economic complementarity between China and Japan will exist for a long time to come, and there is huge potential for cooperation in scientific and technological innovation, digital economy, green development and exploring the third markets, he added. China and Japan should help each other succeed, jointly maintain a stable and unimpeded industrial chain and supply chain, and safeguard the global free trade system, he said. China is willing to continue to carry out friendly exchanges with Japan in various fields, through various channels and at various levels, further facilitate people-to-people exchanges and actively carry out youth exchanges, so as to consolidate public support for China-Japan friendly cooperation, Li said. The release of the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated wastewater bears on the health of humanity, the global marine environment and international public interests, Li said. Noting that China is a major stakeholder, and the Chinese government and people are highly concerned about the issue, Li said China hopes Japan will further demonstrate sincerity and constructive attitude toward such issues as long-term international monitoring arrangements, seriously address legitimate concerns both at home and abroad, and earnestly fulfill its responsibilities and obligations. BRAINTREE - A male suspect has been arrested in connection with a stabbing that wounded four girls in an AMC movie theater south of Boston Saturday, authorities said. CBS Boston has learned that the same suspect may be responsible for a similar incident which may have occurred at a McDonald's restaurant in Plymouth. A man stabbed four girls inside a theater at an AMC multiplex in Braintree at around 6 p.m. local time, the Braintree Police Department reported. Braintree is located about 12 miles south of Boston. Police said the man entered the multiplex without a ticket, went into a theater, and then attacked the four girls, ages 9 to 17, unprovoked. The girls were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries, police said. "It's so heartbreaking that's what I'll be thinking about the rest of the night is seeing those kids coming down the steps and just crying. They looked really stunned like they just saw a horror movie, not a kid's movie," said Matteo Rojas, who was at the theater at the time of the stabbing. An AMC employee who was working the snack counter at the time of the attack described the suspect as wearing "an oversized trench coat, sunglasses, and a long blonde wig." According to @BraintreePolice four girls under the age of 17 were stabbed inside of a theater at @AMCTheatres in Braintree, MA around 6:00pm. All four are expected to be ok. Were told the suspect was involved in a similar assault in Plymouth a short time after @wbz pic.twitter.com/2DQk5Fx4Tx Laura Haefeli (@LauraHaefeli) May 26, 2024 The suspect fled the scene in a black SUV, but police were able to obtain his license plate number using video footage and located him in Plymouth after he was reportedly involved in a "similar assault" there, police said. CBS Boston learned that the second possible attack may have occurred around 7 p.m. at a McDonald's restaurant, where a 21-year-old woman and a 29-year-old male were allegedly stabbed. Both victims suffered non-life-threatening injuries and are being treated at a nearby hospital. Police said it appears the "crimes are related." "Preliminary investigation suggests a likely connection to an earlier incident at a movie theatre in Braintree resulting in non-life threatening injuries to four juveniles," Massachusetts State Police said. The suspect led Massachusetts State Police on a car chase before crashing in the town of Sandwich, which is located south of Plymouth. He was taken into custody and is being treated at a nearby hospital. I-Team sources confirmed that the man in the photo was arrested in connection to the incidents in Braintree and Plymouth. / Credit: David Curran / SatelitteNewsService.com Sources told the WBZ-TV I-Team that the suspect is also believed to be linked to a murder investigation in Deep River, Connecticut. Connecticut police had put out a alert for him earlier Saturday, describing him as armed and dangerous and possibly armed with a 10-inch knife, sources said. The suspect's name and the charges he faces were not immediately released. Daria Kasatkina, the world's bravest tennis player Recording World War II veterans for posterity Leopold & Loeb and the crime of the century The Vietnam War took a heavy toll on the students and families of Vero Beach High Schools Class of 1966. As our involvement in the war deepened, and especially after North Vietnam launched its deadly Tet Offensive, the news of our classmates serving in the Army and killed in action began arriving home one by one: Spc.4 James Ellis Loudermilk, Dec. 27,1967; Pfc. Franklin Clovis, Feb. 8, 1968; Sgt. Stephan Max Wiggins, March 30, 1968, and, 1st Lt. Mark Jackson, Oct. 28,1969. For the sleepy little town of Vero Beach, and especially the Class of 66, the Vietnam War was no longer some distant, emotionless event viewed only on the evening news with Walter Cronkite. These were our classmates. They were our friends. Their lives held as much promise as any of ours. But they answered their nations call to arms fighting for their country in Vietnam. About the author: Vero Beach dropout reflects on IRSC career, having had life 'scared into him' in Vietnam The following accounts of our VBHS classmates' respective fates were confirmed by interviewing eyewitnesses, conducting internet searches that produced podcasts, military documents, and written accounts posted on their Army units' websites, the YouTube channel, True Stories of the Vietnam War and several books with detailed accounts of the specific battles where they lost their lives. On this Memorial Day, Im honored to share the stories of their fate and final moments of life with their hometown community. As the saying goes, The fallen will only be forgotten if we fail to tell their stories! Pfc. Franklin Clovis Franklin Clovis Franklin arrived in Vietnam on Jan 15, 1968, and was assigned to the 2nd platoon of Alpha Company, 198th Light Infantry Brigade. On Thursday morning Feb. 8, Franklins 2nd platoon anchored the left flank of the companys horizontal skirmish line when they encountered a dike the villagers used to traverse the muddy rice paddy. Hoping to provoke the enemy into revealing their relative strength and armaments, they were ordered to empty a magazine of ammunition into the tree line, disguising the village. The battle-hardened North Vietnamese soldiers (NVA) complied by immediately launching human-wave assaults, supported by overwhelming gunfire from their arsenal of weapons. But it was a protrusion in the S-shaped section of the tree line directly in front of Franklins 2nd platoon that created the perilous and inescapable death trap for them. By placing the enemy 50 yards closer to the dike than the rest of the forward units, the NVA in the protruding section of the tree line had low-crawled the remaining distance to the dike, where they remained concealed until the 2nd platoon had finished emptying their magazine of ammunition. Now the NVA unleashed their savage ambush on Franklins 2nd platoon. They swarmed out of the trench line from their concealed positions on the other side of the dike, making the feared hand-to-hand combat unavoidable. The NVA was so close that many of the men didnt even have time to insert another clip of ammunition before the enemy was on top of them. The 2nd platoon had walked straight into the vortex of the deadly ambush and was quickly being outflanked, encircled and overrun by the numerically superior force. Eyewitnesses have Franklins 2nd platoon fighting with everything and anything they had rifle butts, handguns, bayonets, helmets, hand-to-hand it was a ferocious and terrifying fight to the death. To make matters worse, 2nd platoon and the NVA were so intermingled and engaged in such close-quarter fighting that none of the other platoons could fire in support for fear of risking casualties from friendly fire. Not wanting to risk losing the entire company, the order was given to withdraw. But it was too late for Franklins 2nd platoon. By enveloping their position, the NVA had cut off their escape route and ended any chance of them surviving the ambush. Cut off, Franklin remained at the dike to help provide the cover fire that allowed Alpha Company to gather its wounded and withdraw to safety. After supporting the withdrawal, Franklin rejoined a defensive position at the dike, where he fought valiantly and killed numerous NVA soldiers until he, too, fell mortally wounded. Franklin was 20 years old. His headstone is in Section G, Block 2, Lot 021, Space B of Crestlawn Cemetery in Vero Beach. 1st Lt. Mark Jackson Mark Jackson Article from Nov 6, 1969 Press Journal (Vero Beach, Florida) Mark Jackson is shown in this undated class picture. Mark arrived in Vietnam July 13, 1969, and was assigned to D Troop, 3rd Squadron, 4th Calvary, 25th Infantry Division. On Tuesday, Oct. 28, Mark was flying a visual reconnaissance mission in his Hughes OH-6 Cayuse light observation helicopter supported by a Bell AH-1 Cobra attack helicopter. The helicopter tactics developed for Vietnam partnered an observation helicopter (scout) with a heavily armed gunship (Cobra), to create hunter-killer teams. The hunter (scout) would track the enemy by deploying its state-of-the-art human-tracking technology, the people sniffer. The bloodhound-analogous technology allowed the scout pilots to track their foe by following the scent trails created from food prep or lingering odors from such human excrements as urine, feces and sweat. Once the scouts people-sniffer had pinpointed the enemys position, the heavily armed Cobra would swoop in and expend its inventory of rocket and machine gun ordnance to decimate the enemy force. At approximately 10 on Tuesday morning Oct. 28, Mark dropped his scout down and started following a prominent enemy trail that ended in a wall of trees that stood some 75 to 100 feet tall. And when Mark reached the tree line, the enemy unleashed a hail of automatic weapons fire, knocking his scout out of the sky. Circling above in their Cobra gunship, the aircraft commander, Lt. Sam Dooling, and pilot-gunner CW2 Jack Craig, observed Marks helicopter nosedive and crash into the dense tree line below. Following the green-and-yellow tracer trail from the enemys gunfire to pinpoint their position, they expended the Cobras inventory of rocket and machine gun ammunition directly into the area. Once the gunfire was suppressed, they landed the Cobra gunship and attempted to rescue Mark, his crew chief and forward observer. After Jack and Sam pulled the two crew members to safety, Jack crawled on top of the mangled scout and squirmed through an almost impenetrable wall of thick jungle vegetation to reach the pilots bubble. But unfortunately, he found Mark had sustained a fatal head wound and had been killed instantly. Mark was 21. His headstone is in Section A, Block 1, Lot 092, Space A of Crestlawn Cemetery. Spc. 4 James Ellis Loudermilk The Jan. 4, 1968, Press Journal announced the death of James Loudermilk in Vietnam. James arrived in Vietnam on April 24, 1967, and was assigned to Charlie Company, 4th Battalion, 12th Infantry, 199th Light Infantry Brigade. James was the radio operator for the first platoon and was attached at the hip with his platoon leader, 1st Lt. Richard Solczyk. At 8:15 Wednesday morning, Dec. 27, Charlie Company boarded helicopters to pursue an elusive enemy force in the Bien Hoa region. The company was on the ground by 8:30 a.m. and moved out in pursuit of the combined North Vietnamese Army and Vietcong force that had remained concealed and undetected by the jungles triple-layered canopy. Around 9:25 a.m., the company came across two Vietcong bodies lying near an abandoned bunker complex. After finding a blood trail, the battalion was contacted to have a combat-tracker team flown in to find the elusive enemy. Once the dogs and handlers arrived, the four platoons were collapsed into a column of twos to quicken the pace and minimize the noise from a large body of men trekking through the dense jungle foliage. At approximately 2 p.m., the trackers spotted three Vietcong setting up a huge (36 inches in diameter), Claymore-type mine directly in the path of the approaching company. The handlers paused to send directions back to the column to go around the mine and avoid the deadly blast radius. Once passed, they could cut the wires and disable the explosive device. As the lead column approached the mines location, Solzcyk and James went left with the 1st squad, while the 2nd squad went right to avoid the deadly blast area. But for some inexplicable reason, Solzcyk discarded the scout teams warning and left the safety of the line. With his radiotelephone operator in tow, he moved toward the mine for a closer look. And when Solzcyk and James entered the kill zone, one of the three previously observed Vietcong detonated the mine from his concealed position. A lightly wounded Spc. 4 Tim Szelagowski rushed forward to see if he could offer assistance to his platoon leader and radiotelephone operator, but unfortunately, he found that Solczyk had been killed instantly and James was mortally wounded. James spent his last few seconds of life in Szelagowskis arms, where he took his final breath. James was 20 years old. His headstone is in Section G, Block 2, Lot 032, Space A of Crestlawn Cemetery. Sgt. Stephan Max Wiggins Stephan Wiggins is shown in an undated photo. Steve arrived in Vietnam on July 28, 1967, and was assigned to C-Troop, 3rd Squadron, 5th Calvary, 9th Infantry Division. As track commander of the 16-track (1st platoon, #6 armored vehicle), Steve occupied the cupola seat on top of the track and manned the 50-caliber machine gun. Each track was also equipped with two M-60 machine guns to bolster firepower. On Saturday March 30, 1968, C-Troop was conducting a search-and-destroy mission in an area where they had received intelligence reports of enemy activity. Around 1:30 p.m., C-Troop's six armored vehicles were in an online (horizontal) assault position with the tracks spaced 20-25 yards apart, when they encountered a hedge-row-type obstacle that the tracks had paused to negotiate. Except for Steve's 16-track. Unlike the other armored vehicles, there was a break in the berm directly in front of Steves vehicle, allowing it to continue moving forward unimpeded. After advancing some 20-25 yards ahead of the others, Steves 16-track entered the kill zone of an awaiting NVA ambush. Out front, Steves vehicle functioned like a huge metal magnet as the enemy concentrated its barrage of rocket, machine gun and automatic weapons fire in an attempt to destroy the intruder that had encroached on their entrenched position. According to Steves best friend and eyewitness, Sgt. Ed Kosmalski, multiple rocket-propelled grenades scored direct hits on the front, sides and rear of Steves vehicle, while automatic weapons and machine gun fire simultaneously riddled the lightly armored track. The intense hailstorm of rocket explosions and other pyrotechnics set the 16-track on fire and blew Steve out of the track commanders position, toppling him to the ground. With the battle still raging, C-Troops medic, Spc. 4 Earnest Garcia, rushed forward to aid Steve, but found him mortally wounded from the numerous rocket fragmentations and bullet wounds he had sustained during the initial torrent of enemy fire. Steve was 20 years old. His headstone is in Section G, Block 2, Lot 045, Space B of Crestlawn Cemetery. Harvey Arnold, 76, of Tallahassee, was classmates of the aforementioned men before dropping out of school and joining the Army in January 1965. He served a year in Vietnam before returning home, getting his education, including a Ph.D. in economics from FSU, and serving as a professor and administrator at Indian River State College for 44 years, including 17 as provost/president of the Ken Pruitt Campus in Port St. Lucie. He retired to Tallahassee where he has family, who have about seven degrees between them from FSU. Email: Polychrome1809@gmail.com This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Memorial Day: Tallahassee vet remembers Florida fallen from Class of '66 5 shot, including 3 minors, at a gathering in Florida, police say 5 shot, including 3 minors, at a gathering in Florida, police say FORT PIERCE, Fla. (WFLA) Five people were left with gunshot wounds, three of those victims being minors, at a gathering in Florida, according to officials. At 12:23 a.m. Saturday morning, Fort Pierce officers responded to the 1800 block of Avenue G for reports of a possible gunshot wound. Man charged with murder after causing victims fatal drug overdose: TPD Five victims were found with gunshot wounds and were taken to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to officials. Those injured ranged in age from 15-20, with three of them being under the age of 18. Fort Pierce police did not release any information regarding a suspect or the motive for the shooting. Pinellas County telemarketers charged with defrauding more than 100 victims, ordered to pay over $1M Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Michael Dini at 772-979-1404 or mdini@fppd.org. Anonymous tippers can contact Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-800-273-8477. This incident remains an active investigation. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. Abcarian: Why are Republicans making it harder for some people to vote? It's not just partisanship Demonstrators take part in a voting rights rally near the Georgia State Capitol in Atlanta in 2021. (Brynn Anderson / Associated Press) Of all the modern Supreme Court's incredibly disappointing rulings, gutting the Voting Rights Act of 1965 is near the top, second only to its catastrophic decision to rip away half a century of reproductive rights from American women. Until the courts shocking 2013 Shelby County vs. Holder decision, states and counties with histories of racial discrimination were required to get approval from the Justice Department known as preclearance for redistricting or changes to voting laws. The conservative members of the Supreme Court changed all that with a 5-4 decision. There is no denying, Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. wrote, that the conditions that originally justified these measures no longer characterize voting in the covered jurisdictions. Thats because these measures were working, sir. Read more: Abcarian: This is what it took to expose Sean 'Diddy' Combs' abuse of his girlfriend As the director of the Brennan Center for Justices Voting Rights Program, Sean Morales-Doyle, reminded me last week, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg acidly noted in her dissent that throwing out preclearance when it has worked and is continuing to work to stop discriminatory changes is like throwing away your umbrella in a rainstorm because you are not getting wet. These days, thanks to our misguided court, its raining voter suppression laws. The Brennan Center has found that at least 29 states have passed 94 restrictive voting laws, only a few of which have been blocked by courts or repealed. Freed from federal oversight, states such as Georgia, Alabama, Texas, Mississippi and South Carolina have gone to town, enacting dozens of new restrictions in a cynical effort to make it more difficult for Black, brown and Indigenous voters and college students, all of whom lean Democratic, to cast ballots. A handy primer on the issue is the 30-minute documentary Suppressed and Sabotaged, by Brave New Films. Released in 2022 and re-released this year, the documentary examines the different ways Republican states have attempted to disenfranchise voters they dont like. I recommend taking your blood pressure medication before viewing it. Read more: Abcarian: The women of Trump's GOP try to answer the question, Who's the most macho? The techniques include reducing the number of polling places in Black precincts, erecting barriers to voter registration, wantonly purging voter rolls, changing the rules for absentee ballots, slashing the number of drop boxes and passing voter ID laws with the pretext of preventing voter fraud, a rare occurrence that MAGA Republicans have become hysterical about. The documentary focuses on the 2018 Georgia gubernatorial election, which is considered by some voting rights activists to be the proving ground for many of the voter suppression techniques that would later be adopted by other states. In that race, then-Georgia lawmaker Stacey Abrams came very close to beating Republican Secretary of State Brian Kemp and becoming the country's first Black female governor. Kemp, who was running for governor while overseeing the election, conducted what many viewed as a reckless purge of the voter rolls. More than half a million people, around 8% of registered voters, were excised by Kemp in 2017. More than 100,000 of them were cut not because they died, moved or went to prison but because they had chosen not to vote in two previous elections. Black voters encountered unique barriers in Georgia's 2018 election. As Politico reported, they waited for hours in lines that wrapped around their voting locations. Some were removed from the voter rolls arbitrarily, forcing them to fill out confusing provisional ballots on election day. Others stayed home altogether. Kemp won by fewer than 55,000 votes, or 1.4% of the total votes cast. Abrams supporter Peggy Xu, now a 28-year-old attorney in Washington, D.C., was among the tens of thousands of Georgia voters who never received the absentee ballots they requested that year. As a student, she had voted absentee in Georgia for years without any trouble. I requested the absentee ballot very early, as soon as I knew I was moving, she told me. I checked my mailbox every day. It became this horrible ritual. She was hopeful, then anxious, then demoralized. The ballot never came, and she never discovered why. It sowed distrust in me, she said. This upcoming election in 2024 is astronomically important. Maybe I should eat the cost and fly back and vote in person? The Brennan Center made a fascinating discovery when it analyzed exactly where these restrictive voting laws were concentrated. Its too simple to say voter suppression laws spring solely from naked Republican partisanship. They also arise from racial animus. White racial resentment and not just party and competitiveness alone goes a long way toward explaining the phenomenon, Kevin Morris, a Brennan Center voting policy scholar, wrote in his 2022 report. As Morales-Doyle put it: Legislators who represent the whitest districts in the most diverse states are the most likely to introduce restrictive legislation. This is consistent with the idea of racial threat, of people responding to the growing political power of communities of color in these places. White racial resentment, its worth noting, is a metric developed in the 1980s by political scientists Donald Kinder and Lynn M. Sanders for the American National Election Studies. The regular national surveys ask respondents whether and how much they attribute socioeconomic disparities between Black and white Americans to slavery and racial discrimination or to a lack of hard work and perseverance. The more an individual agrees with the general sentiment that Black peoples lack of effort is the primary reason for racial disparities, the higher that individuals racial resentment score, wrote the Brennan Centers Theodore Johnson. And study after study has shown that people who voted for Donald Trump had higher levels of racial resentment than those who did not. Until about 2008, white Republicans and Democrats demonstrated similar rates of racial resentment. But after the election of the first Black president, those rates diverged dramatically. Racial resentment levels among white Democrats plunged, and they rose among white Republicans. On Thursday, the Supreme Court struck again, ruling that South Carolina could keep using a congressional map that, according to a lower court, unconstitutionally shifts tens of thousands of Black voters to a different district to favor Republicans. Not all the news is bad, though, as Morales-Doyle pointed out. In 2022, many election deniers ran for office, including to serve as election officials, but none of those candidates prevailed in the battleground states. We still live in a democracy, he said. It has its flaws, but voters want people to have access to voting. That is my reason for hope. @robinkabcarian If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Activity of the Russian forces on the Kupiansk front almost doubled during the day. Source: General Staff report as of 19:00 Quote: "The number of combat clashes on the contact lines of the Russian-Ukrainian war has increased to 83 since the beginning of the day. Russian occupiers are making every effort to break through our defences. The enemy's activity on the Kupiansk front increased sharply, almost twice over the course of the day. It has not decreased on the Pokrovsk front, either. Ukrainian troops are taking measures to hold their positions and destroy the enemy's offensive potential." Details: There are no major changes on the Kharkiv front. The Russians keep trying to improve the tactical situation in the areas of Vovchansk and Lyptsi. They dropped 22 guided aerial bombs in the north of Kharkiv Oblast on Sunday. On the Kupiansk front, six out of 21 combat clashes have continued since the beginning of the day. Hostile assault operations continue in the areas of Novoiehorivka, Petropavlivka, Berestove and Hrekivka. The Russians carry on with their airstrikes two more took place in the areas near Bohuslavka and Shyikivka. On the Lyman front, fighting continues in the area of Terny. The situation is under control. On the Pokrovsk front, 31 combat clashes have taken place so far. The Russians, supported by aircraft, are focusing their main efforts in the areas of Novooleksandrivka, Sokil and Umanske. It also conducted three airstrikes near Skuchne and Novoselivka Persha. Rusians continue to launch guided bombs and rockets on the Vremivka front, near Staromaiorsk, Urozhaine and Olhivske. The number of combat clashes has not changed there. On other fronts, the situation did not change significantly. Support UP or become our patron! On the agenda: Salem City Council to consider buying land for southeast Salem park Salem City Council is set to consider buying 2 acres in southeast Salem to turn into a neighborhood park. The council will vote Tuesday on whether to authorize the city manager to execute a purchase and sale agreement with 49th AVE SE for the acquisition of property located at 1325 49th Ave. SE. The $650,000 for the property would come from Parks System Development Charges, not the General Fund. As part of the agreement, the seller will demolish two existing structures on the land before closing on the sale. The property, near Miller Elementary and Mary Eyre Elementary schools, is in a growing part of Salem. Several apartments and housing developments are planned or underway in the southeast part of the city. This embedded content is not available in your region. The Comprehensive Park System Master Plan Update identified the area containing the property as a possible location for a neighborhood park, city staff said in a report to council. The purchase price is a negotiated amount based on an appraisal completed in April. The council, which typically meets on Mondays, will meet on Tuesday due to the Memorial Day holiday. Other Salem City Council meeting agenda items A vote on adopting a resolution to acquire right-of-way and easements for the Silverton Road NE Improvements Project. A vote on adopting a final order affirming the planning administrator's decision approving an application for a planned 405-unit apartment complex at 4650 Hazelgreen Road NE. A public hearing on an appeal of the planning administrator's change of zoning of land at 650 15th St. SE to industrial use. A vote on using $647,340 in opioid settlement dollars to buy naloxone, a medication that quickly reverses opioid overdoses, for various city departments, hire two special projects outreach coordinators for a year to help people experiencing homelessness, hire a limited-duration youth coordinator to help prevent substance use in young people and build awareness among parents, and adopt wellness strategies, equipment and training for first responders. The city has received $2.4 million in settlement dollars as of April 30, 2024 and estimates it will receive $245,677 to $650,518 per year through FY2039. The Oregon Department of Justice signed into eight multi-state agreements with companies that either produced or sold opioids. The state is expected to receive $701.5 million from these settlements. How to participate in the Salem City Council meeting The meeting is at 6 p.m. It will be held in person in the City Council Chambers at the Salem Civic Center, 555 Liberty St. SE, and can be watched on Comcast Cable CCTV Channel 21 or on the Salem YouTube channel in English/American Sign Language and Spanish. Those wishing to comment in person can sign up on the rosters at the chamber entrance before the start of the meeting. Written public comments on agenda items can be emailed by 5 p.m. Monday to cityrecorder@cityofsalem.net. Or preregister between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday at cityofsalem.net/Pages/Public-Comment-at-Salem-City-Council-Meeting.aspx to speak during the meeting via Zoom. For questions, comments and news tips, email reporter Whitney Woodworth at wmwoodworth@statesmanjournal.com, call 503-910-6616 or follow on X at @wmwoodworth This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Salem City Council to consider buying land for southeast Salem park U.N. Deputy Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Syria Crisis David Carden, center, inspects a wastewater treatment project in the village of Bhora, in Idlib province, Syria, Tuesday, May 14, 2024. Syria's devastating civil war, now in its 14th year, remains largely frozen and so are efforts to find a viable political solution to end it, while millions of Syrians have been pulled into poverty, and struggle with accessing food and health care as the economy deteriorates across the country's front lines. Aid organizations are making their annual pitches to donors ahead of a fundraising conference in Brussels for Syria on Monday, May 27. (AP Photo/Omar Albam) BEIRUT, Lebanon (AP) Living in a tent in rebel-held northwestern Syria, Rudaina al-Salim and her family struggle to find enough water for drinking and other basic needs such as cooking and washing. Their encampment north of the city of Idlib hasn't seen any aid in six months. We used to get food aid, hygiene items," said the mother of four. "Now we havent had much in a while. Al-Salim's story is similar to that of many in this region of Syria, where most of the 5.1 million people have been internally displaced sometimes more than once in the country's civil war, now in its 14th year, and rely on aid to survive. U.N. agencies and international humanitarian organizations have for years struggled with shrinking budgets, further worsened by the coronavirus pandemic and conflicts elsewhere. The wars in Ukraine and Sudan, and more recently Israel's war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip are the focus of the world's attention. Syria's war, which has killed nearly half a million people and displaced half the countrys pre-war population of of 23 million, has long remained largely frozen and so are also efforts to find a viable political solution to end it. Meanwhile, millions of Syrians have been pulled into poverty, and struggle with accessing food and health care as the economy deteriorates across the countrys front lines. Along with the deepening poverty, there is growing hostility in neighboring countries that host Syrian refugees and that struggle with crises of their own. Aid organizations are now making their annual pitches to donors ahead of a fundraising conference in Brussels for Syria on Monday. But humanitarian workers believe that pledges will likely fall short and that further aid cuts would follow. We have moved from assisting 5.5 million a year to about 1.5 million people in Syria, Carl Skau, the U.N. World Food Program's deputy executive director, told The Associated Press. He spoke during a recent visit to Lebanon, which hosts almost 780,000 registered Syrian refugees and hundreds of thousands of others who are undocumented. When I look across the world, this is the (aid) program that has shrunk the most in the shortest period for time, Skau said. Just 6% of the United Nations' appeal for aid to Syria in 2024 has so far been secured ahead of Monday's annual fundraising conference organized by the European Union, said David Carden, U.N. deputy regional humanitarian coordinator for Syria. For the northwestern region of Syria, that means the U.N. is only able to feed 600,000 out of the 3.6 million people facing food insecurity, meaning they lack access to sufficient food. The U.N. says some 12.9 million Syrians are food insecure across the country. The U.N. hopes the Brussels conference can raise more than $4 billion in lifesaving aid to support almost two-thirds of the 16.7 million Syrians in need, both within the war-torn country and in neighboring countries, particularly Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan. At last year's conference, donors pledged $10.3 billion about $6 billion in grants and the rest in loans just months after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Turkey and much of northern Syria, killing over 59,000 people, including 6,000 in Syria. For northwestern Syria, an enclave under rebel control, aid "is literally a matter of life and death this year, Carden told the AP during a recent visit to Idlib province. Without funding, 160 health facilities there would close by end of June, he said. The International Rescue Committees head for Syria, Tanya Evans, said needs are at their highest ever," with increasing numbers of Syrians turning to child labor and taking on debt to pay for food and basics. In Lebanon, where nearly 90% of Syrian refugees live in poverty, they also face flagging aid and increasing resentment from the Lebanese, struggling with their own country's economic crisis since 2019. Disgruntled officials have accused the refugees of surging crime and competition in the job market. Lebanons bickering political parties have united in a call for a crackdown on undocumented Syrian migrants and demand refugees return to so-called safe zones in Syria. U.N. agencies, human rights groups and Western governments say there are no such areas. Um Omar, a Syrian refugee from Homs, works in a grocery store in the northern Lebanese city of Tripoli an impoverished community that once warmly welcomed Syrian refugees. For her work, she gets to bring home every day a bundle of bread and some vegetables to feed her family of five. They live rent-free in a tent on a plot of land that belongs to the grocery stores owners. I have to leave the kids early in the morning without breakfast so I can work, she said, asking to be identified only by her nickname, Arabic for Omars mother. She fears reprisals because of heightened hostilities against Syrians. The shrinking U.N. aid they receive does not pay the bills. Her husband, who shares her fears for their safety, used to work as a day laborer but has rarely left their home in weeks. She says deportation to Syria, where President Bashar Assad's government is firmly entrenched, would spell doom for her family. If my husband was returned to Syria, hell either go to jail or (face) forced conscription, she explains. Still, many in Lebanon tell her family, "you took our livelihoods, Um Omar said. There are also those who tell them they should leave, she added, so that the Lebanese "will finally catch a break." ___ Albam reported from Harbnoush, Syria. JERUSALEM, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Israel's natural gas exports to Egypt increased by 39 percent in 2023 compared to 2022, according to an annual report published by the Israeli Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure on Sunday. The report, written by the ministry's Natural Gas Authority, noted that the export of natural gas to Egypt rose to an annual record of 8.6 billion cubic meters (BCM) last year. Israeli gas is transported to Egypt through the private East Mediterranean Gas (EMG) Pipeline and the Jordanian transmission system located east of Israel. The ministry attributed the surge in exports to a rise in demand from Egypt and the beginning of natural gas production from the Karish field in the eastern Mediterranean in October 2022, complementing Israel's existing Leviathan and Tamar gas fields. In total, Israeli natural gas exports, encompassing those sent to both Egypt and Jordan, reached 11.6 BCM in 2023, marking a 27 percent year-on-year increase. Exports to Jordan remained almost unchanged during this period. Israeli natural gas production last year reached a new annual record of 24.7 BCM, an increase of 12.8 percent from 2022. The total amount includes, alongside the exports, 13.1 BCM supplied to the local economy, marking a 3.5 percent year-on-year increase. About 80 percent of the local supply was used for electricity generation. The ministry noted that prices and supply of natural gas in Israel showed stability despite the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip and the global energy crisis. AI tutors are quietly changing how kids in the US study, and the leading apps are from China Evan, a high school sophomore from Houston, was stuck on a calculus problem. He pulled up Answer AI on his iPhone, snapped a photo of the problem from his Advanced Placement math textbook, and ran it through the homework app. Within a few seconds, Answer AI had generated an answer alongside a step-by-step process of solving the problem. A year ago, Evan would be scouring long YouTube videos in hopes of tackling his homework challenges. He also had a private tutor, who cost $60 per hour. Now the arrival of AI bots is posing a threat to long-established tutoring franchises such as Kumon, the 66-year-old Japanese giant that has 1,500 locations and nearly 290,000 students across the U.S. "The tutor's hourly cost is about the same as Answer AI's whole year of subscription," Evan told me. "So I stopped doing a lot of [in-person] tutoring." Answer AI is among a handful of popular apps that are leveraging the advent of ChatGPT and other large language models to help students with everything from writing history papers to solving physics problems. Of the top 20 education apps in the U.S. App Store, five are AI agents that help students with their school assignments, including Answer AI, according to data from Data.ai on May 21. There is a perennial debate on the role AI should play in education. The advantages of AI tutors are obvious: They make access to after-school tutoring much more equitable. The $60-per-hour tutoring in Houston is already much more affordable than services in more affluent and academically cutthroat regions, like the Bay Area, which can be three times as expensive, Answer AI's founder Ric Zhou told me. Zhou, a serial entrepreneur, also suggested that AI enables more personalized teaching, which is hard to come by in a classroom of 20 students. Chatbot teachers, which can remember a student's learning habits and never get grumpy about answering questions, can replace the private coaches that rich families hire. Myhanh, a high school junior based in Houston, said her math grades have improved from 85 to 95 within six months since using generative AI to study. For now, AI tutors are mostly constrained to text-based interactions, but very soon, they will literally be able to speak to students in ways that optimize for each student's learning style, whether that means a more empathetic, humorous, or creative style. OpenAI's GPT-4o already demonstrated that an AI assistant that can generate voice responses in a range of emotive styles is within reach. When AI doesn't help you learn The vision of equitable, AI-powered learning isn't fully realized yet. Like other apps that forward API calls to LLMs, AI tutors suffer from hallucinations and can spit out wrong answers. Answer AI tries to improve its accuracy through retrieval augmented generation (RAG), a method that fine-tunes an LLM with certain domain knowledge -- in this case, a sea of problem sets. But it's still making more mistakes than the last-generation homework apps that match user queries with an existing library of practice problems, as these apps don't try to answer questions they don't already know. Some students are aware of AI's limitations. Evan often cross-checks results from Answer AI with ChatGPT, while Myhanh uses Answer AI in an after-school study group to bounce ideas off her peers. But Evan and Myhanh are the types of self-driven students who are more likely to use AI as a learning aid, while some of their peers may handily delegate AI to do their homework without learning anything. Answer AI's screen-grabbing feature through its Chrome extension. For now, educators aren't sure what to do with AI. Several public school districts in the U.S. have banned access to ChatGPT on school devices, but enforcing a ban on generative AI outright becomes challenging as soon as students leave school premises. The reality is, it's impossible for teachers and parents to prevent kids from using AI to study. It's hard to discern whether a student has learned to solve a math problem by heart based on the answer they write, and detecting when essays have been written with AI is (so far) heavily flawed, too. So it may be more effective to educate kids on the role of AI as an imperfect assistant that sometimes makes mistakes rather than prohibit it completely. Chinese dominance As of May, the two most popular AI helpers in the U.S. are both Chinese owned. One-year-old Question AI is the brainchild of the founders of Zuoyebang, a popular Chinese homework app that has raised around $3 billion in equity over the past decade. Gauth, on the other hand, was launched by TikTok parent ByteDance in 2019. Since its inception, Question AI has been downloaded 6 million times across Apple's App Store and Google Play Store in the U.S., whereas its rival Gauth has amassed twice as many installs since its launch, according to data provided by market research firm Sensor Tower. (Both are published in the U.S. by Singaporean entities, a common tactic as Chinese tech receives growing scrutiny from the West.) ChatGPT solving an arithmetic sequence problem. Image Credits: TechCrunch The success of Chinese homework apps is a result of their concerted effort to target the American market in recent years. In 2021, China imposed rules to clamp down on its burgeoning private tutoring sector focused on the country's public school curriculum. Many service providers, including brick-and-mortar tutoring centers and online study apps, have since pivoted to overseas users. The U.S. is unsurprisingly their most coveted international market due to its sheer size. The fact that tutoring apps are likely to be using similar foundational AI technologies has leveled the playing field for foreign players, which can overcome language and cultural barriers by summoning AI to study user behavior. As Eugene Wei wrote in his canonical analysis of TikTok's global success,"[A] machine learning algorithm significantly responsive and accurate can pierce the veil of cultural ignorance." The reliance on the same group of LLMs also makes it hard for these study apps to differentiate solely on the quality of their answers. Some of the legacy players, like Zuoyebang and Photomath, can use a combination of generative AI and search in their extensive libraries of problem sets to improve accuracy. Newcomers will need to find alternative ways to set themselves apart, like enhancing user personalization features. "An AI agent needs to proactively engage with students and tailor its answers to individual learning needs," said Zhou. "A raw language model isn't a ready-to-use AI agent, so we try to differentiate by fine-tuning our AI to teach more effectively. For example, our AI bot would invite students to ask follow-up questions after presenting an answer, encouraging deeper learning rather than just letting them copy the result." Updated to correct text that stated AI can be used to detect essays written using AI: It cannot. Allegheny County Sheriff Kevin Kraus participated in an annual bike ride Saturday that benefits area veterans. Kraus joined in on the 5th annual Veteran Memorial Bike Tour, sponsored by Jack Wagner a United States Marine Corps veteran and Purple Heart recipient. The ride started on the North Shore and took bikers to visit several of Pittsburghs veteran memorials. The sheriffs office provided an escort for cyclists participating in the ride. The ride benefits Pittsburgh Hires Veterans, an organization that helps veterans and their spouses find work or education opportunities throughout western Pennsylvania. You cannot overstate the commitment that Jack Wagner has to veterans in our area or his importance to the mission of Pittsburgh Hires Veterans, Kraus said. We oftentimes dont fully appreciate the sacrifice that the men and women in the military make on our behalf, so anything that we as a community can do to repay them and assist them in their transition out of the service is well worth the effort. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW TRENDING NOW: PHOTOS: Pittsburgh region battered by severe thunderstorms on Saturday Slippery Rock University mourns football player who died suddenly Route 65 reopens in Beaver County after crews clean downed trees, wires/ VIDEO: Candy store owner remembers 13-year-old boy killed on bike after leaving shop DOWNLOAD the Channel 11 News app for breaking news alerts Americans view military families more favorably than police, the presidency, media and military itself: Survey Americans view military families more favorably than other U.S. institutions including the police, the presidency, Congress, the news media and even the military itself, according to a new Blue Star Families/YouGov survey. Around nine in 10 Americans, 90 percent, said they have a favorable view of military families higher than the military, which was at 83 percent favorability, police, with 73 percent, and the Supreme Court, which received 55 percent, according to survey numbers first reviewed by The Hill. The presidency was barely over half, with 52 percent favorability, news media received 45 percent and Congress ranked the lowest, with a favorability rating at 36 percent. Our Blue Star Families / YouGov survey shows that military families are Americas most trusted institution, Kathy Roth-Douquet, the CEO of Blue Star Families, said in a statement. Blue Star Families is a non-profit that represents and supports military families. The group has around 275,000 members in their network, according to the organization. Its a trust weve earned at a time when trust is in a short supply. But theres a gap between trust and the support our families need, and that presents a real opportunity for us to speak to Americans to have the backs of the military families in their own communities. More than half of Americans, 56 percent, said they think military families have a positive effect on the way things are developing in the U.S. That was, again, higher than all of the other entities, with news media and Congress being tied for the lowest at just 21 percent. Around one-third of Americans, 35 percent, said the general public is aware of the challenges that life in the military poses on families. Another third of respondents, around 35 percent, said the public truly understands. Close to half, 45 percent, said the public truly appreciates military families service. In the survey, two-thirds of Americans said the U.S. will be involved in a major conflict in the next 3-5 years. The same percentage said military families play a crucial role in the mission readiness of the U.S. military. More than half of respondents, 55 percent, said they believe military families play a central role in the countrys national security. A majority of Americans believe military families should be cared for. Around 85 percent said the U.S. has the responsibility to care for military families. Another 71 percent agreed that Americans have a responsibility to care for those families. Only one-third of respondents said theyve done something in the past year to help military personnel or those families. There is a military family in every zip code in America. At Blue Star Families, we challenge every American to do your part to have the backs of military families, Roth-Douquet said. The survey was conducted from May 3-9 among 1,500 U.S. adults. The surveys margin of error is +/- 2.75. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Argentina plans to join the international coalition for the return of Ukrainian children forcibly deported from Russia, the President's Office announced on May 25. At least 19,500 Ukrainian children have been confirmed as abducted by Russia since the start of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and less than 400 have been returned home, according to the Ukrainian government's Children of War database. A Ukrainian delegation, headed by presidential adviser Daria Herasymchuk, visited Argentina as part of President Volodymyr Zelensky's Bring Kids Back UA project. The visit was organized by Ukraine's foreign ministry. Herasymchuk was joined by Ukraine's Ambassador to Argentina Yurii Klymenko. The delegation met with representatives from the Argentine government and National Congress, along with representatives from EU member states, the local Ukrainian community, educators, experts, and journalists. "Argentina's voice must sound confidently in the coalition of countries, because you have your own traumatic memories and lost childhood destinies," Herasymchuk said. "By joining efforts to save kidnapped Ukrainian children in order to fulfill the 4th point of the Peace Formula proposed by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky, the countries of the world will be able to create a new, effective system for protecting children around the world together." Argentina said it hopes to join the international coalition for the return of Ukrainian children in the near future, and that legislators have already submitted a draft declaration to parliament regarding membership in the coalition. In March, it was reported that Argentina's president, Javier Milei, may visit Kyiv in June, making it the first visit by a South American leader to Ukraine since the outbreak of the full-scale war. Read also: Ombudsman: 13 more children return to Ukraine from Russia with Qatars assistance Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Arizonas Secretary of State Adrian Fontes (D) warned artificial intelligence (AI) could be a magnifier of misinformation ahead of the upcoming election on NBCs Meet the Press Sunday. Well, look, I have to reach back into my past, Fontes said, according to a transcript. And in boot camp and in other military training I had in the Marine Corps, we looked at the weapons of our enemies, and we train against them as much as possible. AI is not a new weapon. Its an amplifier and a magnifier of mis- and disinformation. What I wanted to do is make sure that our elections officials were familiar with it, we had processes to deal with it and address it within each of our counties, because our elections are run at the county level, as well, Fontes continued. We also had a tabletop exercise among several for elections officials for the media so that our media partners could know how to react to it and recognize it. President Biden said Tuesday in a post on the social platform X that AI and the companies that wield its possibilities are going to transform the lives of people around the world theres no doubt about that. But first, they must earn our trust, Biden continued. I commit to do everything in my power to promote and demand safe, secure, trustworthy, and responsible innovation that includes the use of AI-generated audio. I ask that AI companies join me in that commitment. In the same appearance on Meet the Press, Fontes also said increasing threats to election officials are domestic terrorism and that he and other offices are trying to tackle the issue alongside law enforcement nationwide. And I think back to what we were talking about just a moment ago, one of the ways that I have been looking at this and addressing this is telling the really hard truth, Fontes said. And that is this: Threats against election officials in the United States of America is domestic terrorism, he continued. Terrorism is defined as a threat or violence for a political outcome. Thats what this is. A poll from earlier this month found that almost four in 10 election workers experienced threats, harassment or abuse on the job. Updated at 8:24 a.m. EDT Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Surveillance video captures an attempted home invasion by a group of men pretending to be gas company workers in Whittier. The incident happened on Friday at a home located in the 8100 block of Bradwell Avenue at around 7 p.m., according to the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department. Security video shows three men approaching the familys home while claiming to be employees of the local gas company. The men wore facemasks and hoodies while one of them wore a brightly-colored work vest. They asked the homeowners if they could enter the property to check their meters. Feeling that something wasnt right, the homeowners denied their request and sent them away. After the coast was clear, the homeowners carefully stepped outside to investigate the situation. Three suspects impersonating gas company workers attempted to burglarize a Whittier home on May 24, 2024. Three suspects impersonating gas company workers attempted to burglarize a Whittier home on May 24, 2024. The suspects initially walked away after unsuccessfully convincing the homeowners that they worked for the local gas company. The homeowners carefully walking outside after the suspects left the front door of a Whittier home on May 24, 2024. The suspects suddenly sprinted toward the homeowners while brandishing handguns that were hidden in their waistbands. The suspects suddenly sprinted toward the homeowners while brandishing handguns that were hidden in their waistbands. The suspects suddenly sprinted toward the homeowners while brandishing handguns that were hidden in their waistbands. Three suspects impersonating gas company workers attempted to burglarize a Whittier home on May 24, 2024. Suddenly, just as they were heading back inside the home, the suspects were seen sprinting from a distance toward the family while pulling out handguns from their waistbands. The family quickly dashed inside and locked the front door before the men reached them. They called the police immediately. The suspects fled the area. The incident has left neighbors stunned and worried for their safety in an otherwise quiet family-friendly community. Its very unsettling, said Andy Williams, a neighbor. Just the thought that they would go as far as to imitate the gas company and during the day. Its a lot to think about. Its definitely a concerning thing you dont like to hear about in your neighborhood. The victims posted the security footage of the attempted home invasion on social media and watchdog apps hoping to prevent other residents from becoming the next target. Another neighbor told KTLA she couldnt remember the last time law enforcement had shown up in their quiet neighborhood. However, after the frightening incident, many residents are now on high alert. People like to come by [selling] solar options, all sorts of things, so its got to be something we think about now, especially with my two girls here, Williams said. Authorities said residents should always remain on alert if a stranger knocks at their door. If anything feels suspicious, they should immediately call the police. The three suspects remain at large. They are described as Hispanic men in their 20s. Anyone who recognizes them or has information on the case is asked to call LASDs Pico Rivera station at 562-949-2421. Anonymous tips can be provided to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. Attorneys for SC man accused in NM police officer killing hope to avoid death penalty, seek delay in trial date HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) Attorneys for a Marion man awaiting federal trial on charges of killing a New Mexico State Police officer have been in talks to keep their client off death row if convicted, court documents show. Smith, 33, is facing charges including carjacking resulting in death and kidnapping resulting in death stemming from the March 15 shooting death of Ofc. Justin Hare along Interstate 40 outside of Albuquerque. Hes currently slated to stand trial beginning on June 10. Smith was arrested March 17 by Bernalillo County sheriffs deputies in an Albuquerque neighborhood, who shot him several times following a brief foot pursuit. Marion County man accused in New Mexico officers killing arrested at least a dozen times in South Carolina since 2007 He pleaded not guilty April 18 to charges including carjacking resulting in death, causing death by the discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, kidnapping resulting in death and interstate transport of a stolen vehicle. Smiths legal team last week also asked a U.S. District Court judge to delay the start of his trial, citing a voluminous amount of evidence that includes more than 7,700 individual items. To date, the government has provided defense counsel with 7,751 individual items in discovery this number includes approximately 200 audio and video files, 1,123 photographs and 6,267 pages of written discovery, the federal public defenders office wrote in its Friday motion. Smith was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 9, and prosecutors said they were considering the death penalty if hes convicted. Smiths attorneys said in court documents a mitigation presentation is expected in early July that could take the death penalty off the table. Preparing for that alongside a criminal trial, they say, is too much of a burden. Missing SC paramedic found dead in Dillon County, police say There is still a great deal of work to be done, which cannot be accomplished by the current deadlines set by the court, Smiths attorneys said in their motion. Smith is also facing 17 charges in the death of Pee Dee paramedic Phonesia Machcado-Fore. Authorities found her body March 15 outside of Lake View in Dillon County. Warrants issued on April 5 are for murder, kidnapping, carjacking, criminal conspiracy, two counts of grand larceny of a motor vehicle, two counts of first-degree burglary, two counts of possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime and seven counts of being a felon in possession of a handgun. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. The smoke caused by an Israeli strike is seen in Jebbayn, Lebanon, May 25, 2024. Two Hezbollah members were killed and three civilians were injured on Saturday in an Israeli airstrike on a house in Lebanon's village of Aitaroun, Lebanese military sources told Xinhua. The sources added that Israel carried out nine air strikes on six towns and villages in the border region of southern Lebanon, one of which targeted the Touch cellular company station in the southeast village of Khiam, leading to its complete burning, and affecting several neighboring homes (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua) BEIRUT, May 25 (Xinhua) -- Two Hezbollah members were killed and three civilians were injured on Saturday in an Israeli airstrike on a house in Lebanon's village of Aitaroun, Lebanese military sources told Xinhua. The anonymous sources said an Israeli warplane fired four air-to-surface missiles, each weighing 1,000 pounds, at a house in Aitaroun, killing two Hezbollah members and wounding three civilians. The sources added that Israel carried out nine air strikes on six towns and villages in the border region of southern Lebanon, one of which targeted the Touch cellular company station in the southeast village of Khiam, leading to its complete burning, and affecting several neighboring homes. Meanwhile, Hezbollah said its fighters targeted several Israeli sites. Tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border escalated on Oct. 8, 2023, following a barrage of rockets launched by Hezbollah toward Israel in solidarity with Hamas' attack on Israel the day before. Israel then retaliated by firing heavy artillery toward southeastern Lebanon. The confrontations between Hezbollah and Israel have killed 484 people on the Lebanese side, including 308 Hezbollah members and 89 civilians, according to Lebanese security sources. Has the author of the infamous Circleville letters been unmasked? This story previously aired on Dec. 24, 2022. For nearly two decades, an anonymous letter writer terrorized the town of Circleville, Ohio, by sending threatening letters that exposed alleged secrets about neighbors and friends. The mystery has long intrigued TV shows, podcasters and now "48 Hours" in the quest to finally unmask the writer. MARIE MAYHEW ["Whatever Remains" podcast]: Something pretty disturbing happened in Circleville, starting small and flourishing over decades. ... Residents ... began to receive letters that accused the citizens of being involved in some pretty terrible things embezzlement, domestic violence, affairs, and even murder. Marie Mayhew: The Circleville letter writer ... knew everything about everyone ... and knew everyone's secrets. Robin Yocum: They were vicious and ... ugly. Someone with severe psychological problems, I would hazard to guess. The threatening, anonymous letters kept coming hundreds of them. Most were postmarked from Columbus, Ohio, about 30 miles north, which is where "48 Hours" correspondent Erin Moriarty grew up and was living in March 1977 when small town Circleville began to feel under siege. When just a walk to the mailbox could trigger terror, especially for one woman who lived there, a school bus driver by the name of Mary Gillispie. Marie Mayhew: Mary Gillispie goes out to her mailbox. She receives a letter. ... She opens it. It's an anonymous letter ... distinct handwriting, and it's telling her to end the affair ... with the superintendent of the school there, Gordon Massie: Mrs Gillispie :Stay away from Massie: Don't lie when questioned about meeting him. I know where you live: I've been observing your house and know you have children. This no joke. Please take it serious. Everyone concerned has been notified. It wil be over soon: ERIN MORIARTY [reading a letter]: "Mrs. Gillispie, stay away from Massie. I've been observing your house and I know you have children." ROBIN YOCUM [reading a letter] It's your daughters turn to pay for what you've done. ... I shall come out there and put a bullet in that little girl's head." Robin Yocum: These letters were being sent to newspapers, elected officials, private citizens. Marie Mayhew: And they're all saying the same thing, that basically Gordon Massie, the superintendent ... he needs to be exposed. He needs to be fired. Marie Mayhew: Her husband, Ron Gillispie, begins to receive them as well. MARIE MAYHEW [reading a letter]: "Mr. Gillispie, your wife is seeing Gordon Massie. ... You should catch them together and kill them both. ... He doesn't deserve to live." Janet Cassady: Well, he got letters saying that if he didn't do something about this affair, his life would be in danger. MARIE MAYHEW [reading a letter]: "We know what kind of car you drive ... We know where your kids go to school ..." MARIE MAYHEW [podcast]: By August of 1977, everything changes when Ron Gillispie gets a call late one night. Enraged, he picks up a gun, gets in his truck ... and drives off. Martin Yant: And told the ... daughter that he ... was going to confront the letter writer. Martin Yant: He was traveling at a high speed ... lost control of the truck ... went off the road, hit a tree ... and was killed. Martin Yant: The letter writer had made threats to ... Ron Gillispie that .... he could end up dead. And then he ended up dead. MARIE MAYHEW [podcast]: Was Ron Gillispie's death an accident or was he murdered? Pam Stanton: Murdered. Erin Moriarty: This case has really left its mark. Pam Stanton: Yeah, it has destroyed a lot of people. June Whitehead: I think there was a big cover-up. Martin Yant: Turned out to be quite a mystery. Four decades later, the debate over the writer's identity continues. Could a forensic document expert have the answer? Erin Moriarty: Do you think you know who wrote those anonymous letters? Beverley East | Forensic document expert: Yes, I do. A MYSTERY BEGINS Circleville, Ohio, has the look and feel of a quaint Midwestern town. Martin Yant: In many ways it's sort of an all-American town. ... Still has a pretty rural character to it. ... And some families have been there for decades. Its major attraction, says journalist Martin Yant, is the annual Pumpkin Show. Janet Cassady: Well, it was a good place to live. ... fairly peaceful 'til all this stuff started [laughs]. Janet Cassady is talking about that barrage of anonymous poison pen letters that began arriving in mailboxes all over Circleville in 1977. MARIE MAYHEW [reading from podcast]: "Small towns have big secrets buried deep under those freshly mowed lawns ..." It caught the attention of Marie Mayhew, who researched the story for her podcast "Whatever Remains." MARIE MAYHEW [reading from podcast]: "This anonymous author was hell-bent to expose every ugly little secret in Circleville." At first, the writer seemed fixated on the married school district superintendent and his rumored relationship with the school bus driver. School bus driver, Mary Gillispie (left) became the main target of the letters. The writer accused Gillispie, who was married, of having an affair with married school superintendent Gordon Massie (right). / Credit: Jackson Middle School yearbook Marie Mayhew: Gordon Massie ... was a well-thought-of man in Circleville. Marie Mayhew: Mary Gillispie was a wife and a mother ... they were accusing her of adultery. Erin Moriarty: You've got the superintendent possibly having an affair with a school bus driver? Wasn't that kind of the talk of town? June Whitehead: Yeah, it was, definitely. June Whitehead grew up in Pickaway County with her sister Janet. Janet Cassady [referencing a yearbook photo of Mary]: Have you seen Mary's picture? ... She was Miss Jackson. Erin Moriarty: She looks really attractive there. Janet Cassady: She was. Mary married her high school sweetheart Ron Gillispie. Janet Cassady: And you wouldn't find a better person than Ronnie Gillispie. The couple had two children and settled in Circleville. Erin Moriarty: I mean, this had to be very awkward ... for Mary Gillispie, her children ... for Gordon Massie, for his wife, for his son ... Marie Mayhew: It must have been awful ... I mean it was just sort of this all-invasive poison. ... there was nobody that was off limits to this letter writer. And it wasn't just a campaign of letters. There were phone calls and offensive signs that began appearing along Mary's bus route. Marie Mayhew: Ron would have to go out and ... he would have to find and pick up all the signage about his wife and kids around Circleville. Determined to stop the writer, the Gillispies brought their letters to the sheriff's office. Marie Mayhew: There was an ongoing investigation. ... They were tapping phones. They were watching houses. ... They tried to work with the USPS to ... check the mail. But the letters continued, and small-town Circleville was consumed with speculation. Was the writer male or female? Did the writer live in town? Then in August 1977, Mary left her husband and children at home and drove to Florida with her sister-in-law. Marie Mayhew: Ron had told her he knew who the letter writer was and he was going to take care of this problem while they were in Florida. They were en route when they learned Ron had crashed his truck into a tree after getting that mysterious phone call. The coroner ruled his death an accident, but Ron's brother-in-law, Paul Freshour, believed he'd been murdered. One evening in August 1977, while his wife was on her way to Florida, Ronald Gillispie received a mysterious phone call allegedly from the letter writer. He drove off in his pickup truck and was killed when he crashed into a tree. A gun that had been fired once was found under his body, raising the question if he had been firing at the letter writer. The coroner ruled Gillispie's death an accident, but others suspect he was murdered. He was 35 years old. / Credit: Pickaway County Sheriff's Office/Ohio BCI Martin Yant: Although a number of people told me that he was not a heavy drinker, he had almost twice the legal limit of alcohol in his blood. Also suspicious, under Ron's body, police found a .22 caliber revolver. Martin Yant: The gun had been fired once. So, then the question was, was he shooting at the letter writer? ... The sheriff didn't give that any credence at all. But Paul Freshour kept pushing the Pickaway County sheriff to take a closer look. Pam Stanton was close to the Freshours. Pam Stanton: He wanted the truth about Ron's death. He wanted to know who was writing the letters too. The attacks on Mary Gillispie and Gordon Massie didn't stop. Now, letters were also being sent to local businesses, government offices, schools and people who lived in the area. Martin Yant: This person was, at that point, pretty unbound, not afraid to say anything. ... And it scared a lot of people ... you know, is he coming after me or is she coming after me? Mary had always denied having an affair with Massie, but after Ron's death, she says, they began seeing each other. That's when the threats against her became even more vicious. / Credit: Pickaway County Sheriff's Office/Pickaway County Courthouse ROBIN YOCUM [reading a letter]: "Everyone knows what you have done. If you don't believe us, just make them mad and find out for yourself." Robin Yocum writes mysteries, but back in the early 1980s he was a crime reporter for The Columbus Dispatch. Robin Yocum: There were obscenities and threats ... to do harm to Mrs. Gillispie's daughter. ROBIN YOCUM [reading a letter]: "It's your daughters turn to pay for what you've done ... On Feb. 7, 1983, at 3:30 p.m., Mary Gillispie was driving her empty school bus, heading to pick up kids. She was about to turn left on Five Points Pike, when she looked over and saw a handmade sign on a fence. It talked about her 13-year-old daughter and it was obscene. She pulled the bus over. But when she tried to pull the sign off the fence, she realized it was rigged with twine and a box. She says she took that box home; she then opened it and got a shocking surprise. Marie Mayhew: It was a gun, and it was ready to go off. When Mary brought the box to the sheriff's office, investigators quickly realized it was a booby trap. Yocum was in the newsroom when word got out. Robin Yocum: And I remember the excitement ... From a newspaper perspective, it's a great story a woman who had been the target of all these letters finds a booby trap with a .25 caliber handgun rigged to it. ... All reporters would want to cover that story. Especially if there was a dramatic twist. EVIDENCE AND THEORIES MARIE MAYHEW [reading from podcast]: "There's small town intrigue, a seemingly omnipresent unknown villain extracting revenge on the people of Circleville by uncovering their secrets, a mysterious death, an elaborate attempted murder ..." To this day, there's a fierce debate about who that villain is or was. So, we'll take you back through the evidence and theories and you can decide. Erin Moriarty: This sounds like something out of an Agatha Christie novel, doesn't it? Marie Mayhew: It does. ... there's a cast of characters ... the letters would keep coming. ... And then ... the inevitable attempted murder. But it is very much an Agatha Christie feel to it. Mary Gillispie took the box to the police, and they quickly realized it was a booby trap. Investigators at Ohio's Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) uncovered the gun's serial number and traced it back to someone Mary Gillispie knew. / Credit: Pickaway County Sheriff's Office/ Ohio BCI And just like one of Christie's mysteries, the gun found in the booby trap provided the first clue. Firearm examiners at BCI Ohio's Bureau of Criminal Investigation were able to restore the partially filed off serial number. Martin Yant: And when they traced the gun, it came to a co-worker of Paul's ... And he said, "yeah, I sold that to Paul Freshour." On the surface, says Martin Yant, it was shocking because Paul Freshour and his wife, Karen Sue, had been close to Mary Gillispie and her late husband Ron Karen Sue's brother. Martin Yant: It was kind of an extended family that seemed to socialize together. But by 1983, when sheriff's investigators went to talk to Karen Sue, the Freshour's were in the midst of a contentious divorce. Martin Yant: Karen Sue gave them quite an earful. She told investigators Paul had become infuriated with Mary. MARIE MAYHEW [reading from podcast]: "Karen said Paul had thought the world of Ron and Mary before Ron died. But after his death Paul hated Mary hated her over the 'Massie deal'." And then Karen Sue told them that her estranged husband was behind Circleville's anonymous letters. Martin Yant: She had found one letter torn up in a commode. And she had found a couple of other letters hidden in the house. When investigators went to see Paul Freshour, Marie Mayhew says, he was very cooperative. Erin Moriarty: Did he demand to have a lawyer? Marie Mayhew: No. ... he answered all of their questions. And readily admitted the gun belonged to him. Martin Yant: Well, they ask him ... how the gun ended up in the booby trap. ... and he said, "I don't know." Freshour told investigators his gun had been stolen weeks earlier and allowed them to search his house and his car. He even gave them samples of his handwriting. Marie Mayhew: It definitely does seem like he has absolutely nothing to hide at that point. He denied being the letter writer and said he had nothing to do with the booby trap. But he failed a polygraph. So, Paul Freshour was arrested for the attempted murder of Mary Gillispie. Erin Moriarty: Were you surprised when he was charged with attempted murder? Pam Stanton: Yes. Yes. Yeah, I was. This was the man Pam Stanton called "Uncle Paul," and says their families were so close she thought of him as a second father. Pam Stanton: I mean, was he worried ... His life was on the line, his freedom ... Yeah, he was scared. Anybody would be. Freshour was never charged with sending any of the threatening, harassing letters. But, in Circleville, there was an assumption that the letter writer was finally behind bars. On Oct. 24, 1983, Paul Freshour went on trial at the Pickaway County Courthouse in Circleville. Robin Yocum: It was a big deal. Robin Yocum didn't cover the trial, but he followed all the news coverage. Robin Yocum: You know, he was the mastermind behind this alleged booby trap. ... but almost everything focused on the letters. First up was the intended victim: Mary Gillispie. She testified about finding the booby trap and then, over the defense objections, she was asked about the anonymous letters she had received. Erin Moriarty: How damaging was that to Paul Freshour at his trial? Marie Mayhew: That was very, very damaging. The defense argued there was no direct threat to Mary's life and the letters, so they weren't relevant to the case but the judge allowed in 39 of them. It was a break for the prosecution, which claimed the writing on the booby trap shared similarities to those letters. Marie Mayhew: The letter and the writing that was on the 2x4 ... was the same block handwriting, sort of the same cadence and the same message as the anonymous letter writer. The state brought in the BCI handwriting analyst who compared the writing on the booby trap to the letters sent to Mary and then to samples of Paul Freshour's handwriting. Martin Yant: They had handwriting analyses that indicated that the letters could have been written by Paul Freshour. And a second expert originally a defense witness agreed. Erin Moriarty: I mean, that's pretty damaging, isn't it, when a witness hired by the defense ends up testifying for the prosecution? Marie Mayhew: I can only imagine it was something you'd want to avoid [laughs]. It was far more difficult for the prosecution to prove Freshour made the booby trap. Erin Moriarty: Was Paul Freshour's fingerprints found on the gun or the box that held the gun? Martin Yant: No. ... and they didn't have a whole lot of evidence about the booby trap other than he admitted that was his gun. There was circumstantial evidence. Freshour had taken the day off from work the same day the booby trap was found. And that box that held the gun an industrial sized chalk box was easily found at Anheuser Busch where Paul worked. Martin Yant: They had his gun and the booby trap, and they had the chalk box ... So, they thought they had plenty of evidence. But no one saw Freshour near the booby trap. Martin Yant: He had a pretty good alibi for most of the day. Paul Freshour didn't take the stand, but multiple defense witnesses testified to seeing him at home. He was having work done on his house. The reason, he said, he took that day off. Robin Yocum: As the trial progressed ... I'm thinking a lot of this stuff just doesn't add up. You know, where are the fingerprints? ... Where's the physical evidence? Paul Freshour had become a suspect after the gun in the booby trap was traced to him. And although he denied setting up the device and told investigators that his firearm had been stolen weeks earlier from his garage, his fate was sealed after investigators spoke with his estranged wife, Karen Sue. She told them that she believed Freshour was, in fact, the Circleville letter writer. / Credit: Craig Holman/USA Today Network But it was enough evidence for the jurors. They found Paul Freshour guilty of attempted murder. Erin Moriarty How did you hear the verdict? [Pan Stanton cries] Even after all this time, it's still hard, isn't it? Pam Stanton [crying]: I got home, and everybody was just a basket case. They were crying. Everybody was upset. He received the maximum sentence: 7 to 25 years in prison. Erin Moriarty: When Paul Freshour was convicted, did everybody in town breathe a sigh of relief? The letter writer is caught. It's over. Robin Yocum: I think that's a fair assessment. ... they've linked him to the letters, they linked him to the booby trap. We're going to get this guy out of our community, get him in prison ... Everything will kind of go back to normal, except it didn't because the letters never stopped. QUESTIONS REMAIN Robin Yocum: Paul was living a pretty good life. ... had never had any problems with the law ... basically, he lost everything. ... lost his home, lost his job, went to prison. It was inconceivable to Paul Freshour's family and friends that the man they so admired could be convicted of attempted murder. Pam Stanton: It's just preposterous. ... there's no way. Janet Cassady: He wasn't dumb enough to put his own gun in a booby trap [laughs]. Anybody could have gotten that gun. Even today, former investigative journalists Martin Yant and Robin Yocum question whether Freshour's verdict was fair. Robin Yocum: Can I tell you I'm 100% sure that he didn't do it? No, I can't. ... But I can tell you ... had I been sitting on that jury I would have never sent a guy to prison based on that flimsy evidence. Martin Yant: The more I got involved in the case and ... the more I saw, there were just too many question marks. At trial, the prosecution had branded Paul Freshour the Circleville letter writer. But once he was locked up, how did menacing anonymous letters keep coming? Robin Yocum: I'm not talking about one or two letters ... there were hundreds of letters that went out after he was in prison. The Pickaway County sheriff couldn't say how Freshour was able to write and send those letters, but he was certain Paul was responsible. The prison warden disagreed. Martin Yant: His warden insisted that would be impossible. They kept him in isolation. They did not allow him to have pens or paper. Robin Yocum: He was strip searched ... All his incoming and outgoing mail was inspected. ... There is absolutely, positively no way Paul Freshour was writing those letters and smuggling them out from prison. No way. After Yocum and Yant wrote articles about Paul Freshour, they also received letters. And, inexplicably, so did Paul Freshour while behind bars. Paul Freshour served 10 years in prison for the attempted murder of Mary Gillispie. He wasn't allowed pens or paper while behind bars but the letters still continued. Even Freshour received one. The letter to Freshour reads in part: Martin Yant: The letter writer bragged about setting him up. ... He said, "when we set him up, we set him up good." Erin Moriarty: And who did Paul think had set him up? Martin Yant: Karen Sue. Erin Moriarty: His ex-wife. Martin Yant: His ex-wife. Paul Freshour's lawyer raised that very possibility during his closing argument: "Who hated Paul enough to try to get him into trouble ... if you read the divorce decree, who stands to profit financially, if Paul is convicted goes to prison." Pam Stanton says, during that divorce battle, Karen Sue lost her home, custody of their daughters, and was living in a trailer on Mary Gillispie's property. Pam Stanton: If Uncle Paul was out of the picture, she got it all. And Karen Sue was one of the first to link Paul to the anonymous letters. Remember, she told investigators she found some at their home, including that one in the commode. MARIE MAYHEW [podcast]: Karen tried to piece it back together when Paul was not at home and said she could make the name of Gillispie out on the letter. Erin Moriarty: Could she show them these letters? Martin Yant: No. ... she didn't keep the letters. Erin Moriarty: Does that make sense? Martin Yant: Not to me ... why wouldn't she run off right away to the sheriff's office and say, look, this is from my husband. He's the letter writer. ... she didn't do any of that until after the booby trap was found. Erin Moriarty: Do you believe that Paul Freshour did set up the booby trap and tried to kill Mary Gillispie? Martin Yant: No, I don't. I think somebody stole his gun to set him up, and it worked. In the early 1990s, when Martin Yant began investigating Freshour's case, he discovered evidence in police reports of an alternate suspect. Martin Yant: There was another bus driver ... who saw what I think is very significant. .... It was something that never came up at trial and it points in a whole different direction. Investigators never followed up, but Yant did. The female bus driver told him that 20 minutes before Mary found the booby trap, she had driven by the same spot. Martin Yant: She said ... she saw a man standing beside an ... El Camino ... But the man turned away from her and acted like he was going to the bathroom ... So, she didn't get a good look at him. The description didn't seem to match Paul Freshour. Martin Yant: She said he was a large man with sandy hair. And Paul was not large, and he had very dark hair. Erin Moriarty: And wasn't Karen Sue at that point dating a man who was large with sandy hair? Martin Yant: Yes. And what about the El Camino? Martin Yant: There's no evidence that any inquiries were made about who might have an El Camino. Erin Moriarty: Didn't in fact ... Karen Sue's brother have an El Camino? Martin Yant: That's what I've been told. But Marie Mayhew believes trying to connect the booby trap to Karen Sue is tenuous at best. Marie Mayhew: There's someone who looked like the man she was dating driving a car that looked like it could have been her brother's.... none of that points back to Karen Sue. Marie Mayhew: I don't believe that she framed her husband for this or was responsible for it. Ten years after Paul Freshour went to prison, the intrigue surrounding the case caught the attention of the television series "Unsolved Mysteries." But in December 1993, before filming even began, the show received a postcard with an ominous threat. MARTIN YANT: [reading postcard] "Forget Circleville, Ohio. ... If you come to Ohio, you el sickos will pay. The Circleville writer." It didn't deter the show from going to Circleville. Even Paul Freshour, who had just been released on parole, agreed to talk. PAUL FRESHOUR ["Unsolved Mysteries" interview]: I'd really like to see someone really look at this case, on the letters. Reopen the letter part of it and get in and find out who wrote the letters. Pam Stanton says Karen Sue was not happy "Unsolved Mysteries" was in town, or that Stanton agreed to be interviewed. Pam Stanton: I got a phone call and her telling me it would be in my best interest not to go. Karen Sue didn't participate in the program, but according to Stanton, she kept track of everyone who did. Pam Stanton: She sat in a car on the other side of the intersection and took pictures of everybody going in and out for the interviews. If true, Marie Mayhew says that doesn't prove anything. What's more, Karen Sue has never been considered a suspect by police. Marie Mayhew: I think she's a very convenient villain. "48 Hours" reached out to her, but she did not respond to our requests for an interview. Martin Yant: There are so many twists and turns in this case ... all-of-a-sudden something ... will surface and makes you rethink what you were thinking. Martin Yant is right. And there's another twist to come. A NEW TWIST IN THE CASE It took nearly 20 years, but in 1994 the Circleville letters abruptly stopped when Paul Freshour was released from prison. Erin Moriarty: Did people when he got out still think he was the letter writer? Pam Stanton: Yeah, yeah, yeah. Martin Yant: He was very hurt. And he was hurt with what it did to his family. A very uncivil war had been raging for years between Paul Freshour and his ex-wife, Karen Sue. Even their two daughters were divided over their dad. And caught in the middle was their son, Mark. Pam Stanton: He was so loyal to his mom. ... But he loved his dad, too. But with Sue ... you were going to be her son or his son. Pam Stanton says Mark chose his mom, and never once visited his father in prison. Pam Stanton: He wouldn't tell me why. He just said he couldn't. It was Paul Freshour's gun discovered in the booby trap that helped land him behind bars. According to Martin Yant, Freshour strongly suspected that the thief was his own son. Martin Yant: He did tell some people that the gun had been stolen. And I did interview one man that said he specifically told him that he thought it was Mark, the son. Erin Moriarty: And this was before there was any talk of a booby trap? Martin Yant: Before the booby trap. Freshour kept his suspicions about his son to himself, says Yant. Martin Yant: Family loyalty meant more to him, even though his son had totally rejected him. Erin Moriarty: Why didn't he ... point the finger at his son? Pam Stanton: Paul ... get his son in trouble? No, Uncle Paul would've never done that. Erin Moriarty: But he knew he could go to prison. Pam Stanton: No, I don't care. ... Uncle Paul would have died before he had seen Mark go to jail. Pam Stanton: All this destroyed Mark. ... The divorce, the letters ... it all destroyed him in a way that can never be fixed. Just before sunrise on Sept. 11, 2002, in Portsmouth, Ohio, a man's body was found floating in the Scioto River. It was 39-year-old Mark Freshour. He had shot himself. His mother, Karen Sue, later told police her son had suffered for years from depression. Pam Stanton: And I firmly believe when Mark took his life, he could not deal with the guilt any longer. If Paul Freshour actually had nothing to do with the booby trap, is it also possible he had nothing to do with the letters? Robin Yocum: As he told me ..."I didn't write the letters. ... I didn't do this." Martin Yant: Even after he got out of prison, he approached the FBI and asked them to ... investigate the case. The FBI never responded, says Yant. But nearly three decades later, one of its former star profilers agreed to examine the Circleville letters for "48 Hours." Mary Ellen O'Toole has explored some of the darkest criminal minds from the Green River Killer to the Unabomber. Mary Ellen O'Toole: Whoever the writer is, they're flying under the radar screen ...coming across as very normal ... and people would not suspect them. One letter to Mary Gillispie reads: Who was the Circleville writer? Or were there multiple writers? O'Toole believes one solitary author churned out every letter. Mary Ellen O'Toole: When you have one person and one person only ... that person can take the secret to the grave. Erin Moriarty: Do you think it's male or female? Can you tell? Mary Ellen O'Toole: All right [laughs]. I knew that would be one of your first questions. ... When it comes to the letter writer, gender is very difficult to discern. That's because the writer was clever, consistently deceptive, and manipulative, says O'Toole. Mary Ellen O'Toole: You see the manipulation continue throughout these letters. She went all the way back to the writer's first letters in 1977, hunting for hints about gender and found some. Mary Ellen O'Toole: The letter writer kept referring to, "I'm the boyfriend of a woman." ... They wanted to make you believe, "I'm not a woman, I'm a man." Mary Ellen O'Toole: And seeing ... how they were trying to hide who they were makes me think there could be a ... good possibility, it's a female. Altogether, O'Toole inspected 98 letters, finding the word choices and the grammar revealing. Erin Moriarty: How educated is this writer? Can you tell? Mary Ellen O'Toole: I would say this is not a highly educated person. ... because of the quality of the sentences and how they were put together. Significant, says O'Toole, considering that Paul Freshour had a job as a manager at Anheuser Busch and a master's degree. She says there were other identifying clues from the anonymous writer. Mary Ellen O'Toole: As you read these letters, you can see the letter writer is really havin' a good time. Erin Moriarty: What does that say about that person? Mary Ellen O'Toole: The letter writer is pretty callous. ... This person ... would have to know, "I'm hurting people and that's OK with me." A sign the writer might have been suffering from a personality disorder, says O'Toole, meaning that he or she knew the difference between right and wrong, but simply chose "wrong." Mary Ellen O'Toole: So, that would suggest to me that in their regular everyday life, they sought ways to be a bully ... to be intimidating. If that's the case, Pam Stanton says that does not sound like her Uncle Paul. Erin Moriarty Did he have like a dark side to him or anything? Pam Stanton: Never. Uncle Paul was never bitter, never angry. Erin Moriarty: Do you think the letter writer was Paul Freshour? Mary Ellen O'Toole: Right now, I have my doubts. Mary Ellen O'Toole: Sitting here today, I'd say I can't rule him out. But I'm ... looking at other reasons that tell me ... it might in fact be somebody different. And O'Toole does not believe the secretive writer would risk exposure by setting a booby trap in a public place. Mary Ellen O'Toole: That suggests to me that may have been done by somebody else who took advantage of the situation. The mystery seemed to only deepen. But one expert is convinced she does know the identity of the Circleville writer. Beverley East: 100% sure. THE LETTER WRITER REVEALED? When the 1980 Robert Redford prison drama "Brubaker" needed extras in the Columbus area, Paul Freshour channeled experience as a former prison guard to play one on the big screen. Little did he know he'd eventually serve a decade for attempted murder. And although never charged with terrorizing Circleville with the letters, he had to live with people believing he was the writer. But not sisters, Janet Cassady and June Whitehead. Erin Moriarty: What is one thing that you really want to see corrected? June Whitehead: I don't think Paul's guilty. I think he served those 10 years in prison, and I don't think he was guilty of the attempted murder. And I don't really think he was the letter writer. And with former FBI profiler Mary Ellen O'Toole believing the writer could be someone other than Paul Freshour, it calls into question the testimony of those two handwriting experts at his trial linking him to the letters. So, "48 Hours" turned to forensic document expert Beverley East, looking for her independent analysis. Beverley East: I don't wanna hear the story 'cause ... the documents tell me the story. That story, says East, begins by identifying distinct writing patterns in Paul Freshour's known writing. In this case, letters he wrote to a friend. Beverley East: The "G" in Grimer is a very unusual G. Looks like a six, a number 6. Erin Moriarty: And that's unusual? Beverley East: That's very unusual. She then studied a selection of 49 of the anonymous letters spanning from when they first started in 1977 through the 1990s and found that unusual "G" shaped like a number 6 in several of the Circleville letters, including one sent while Paul Freshour was in prison. Beverley East: So Gillispie, Gillispie, gettin', Gillispie, and Gordon, you've got that number 6. East says numbers can tell a story of their own. East says numbers can tell a story of their own, pointing to this zip code written by Paul ... there's an ambiguous number "3" that might also be a "2." Beverley East: Numbers don't lie. Numbers don't lie. Beverley East: It's like he's not sure if it's 4-2-1-1 2 or 4-3-1-1-3. ...In the anonymous letters on the zip code ...I found the same mistake. While East admits there are writing patterns in the anonymous letters that don't look like Paul Freshour's, after showing "48 Hours" almost 100 examples of his distinct quirks that she was able to identify, she is convinced one person was responsible. Beverley East: I would go into court and swear on the Bible on the evidence that I found. Erin Moriarty: And when you say you'd swear on the Bible, what would you say? Beverley East: I would say one person wrote all of these. And the one person is this person. Erin Moriarty: Paul Freshour. Beverley East: Paul Freshour. Erin Moriarty: And if you saw that a document examiner today thought, in fact, he did write those letters, would that change your mind? Pam Stanton: No. And there is a historical basis for skepticism. Erin Moriarty: You know that some document examiners have been wrong in the past. Beverley East: I cannot ... speak for others ... there are always gonna be times where people are inaccurate. And it's not because the science is not accurate. It's because ... that particular examiner has not done due diligence to arrive at the opinion that they should do. Beverley East: You can't be wrong [laughs]. You 'cause ... somebody's life and livelihood is at the end of your opinion. So, I am not wrong. While studying the thousands of pages of the case file, Marie Mayhew made a discovery that supports East's findings. Investigators had found Paul Freshour's fingerprints on about a dozen letters postmarked while he was incarcerated. Marie Mayhew: Those fingerprints are there and they're his. Erin Moriarty: Do you think that Paul Freshour is the Circleville letter writer? Marie Mayhew: Yes, I honestly do. Former FBI profiler Mary Ellen O'Toole says she cannot explain those letters. But she also cannot ignore that during Freshour's decade in prison, the phantom writer mailed hundreds of letters. Mary Ellen O'Toole: If a crime continues on and you have someone ... in custody for a long period of time ... you have to say, "Somebody else is sending these letters. ... they're not happening by magic. Somebody else is writing the letters." Erin Moriarty: If in fact Paul Freshour was the letter writer, is it possible that he mass-produced letters, went to prison, and then had somebody else send them while he was in? Mary Ellen O'Toole: Anything is possible. ... That would have to be investigated and ruled out. Paul Freshour died June 28, 2012, at age 70, still fighting to prove his innocence. Instead, what's left behind is an unfinished portrait. Was Paul Freshour the successful, loving family man he appeared to be? Or was he a cruel, even dangerous, criminal mastermind? Whatever your conclusion, Paul Freshour predicted when interviewed by writer Robin Yocum 36 years ago that his notoriety as the Circleville letter writer would long outlive him. ROBIN YOCUM [reading]: "When I'm dead and in my grave, people are going to believe I'm sending those letters." Unfortunately, Paul died. ... and we'll never know. We'll never know. No one has ever been charged with writing the Circleville letters, but the Pickaway County Sheriff's office says the case is closed. Produced by Lisa Freed and Richard Fetzer. Mead Stone is the producer-editor. David Dow and Tamara Weitzman are the development producers. Jud Johnston, Ken Blum and Diana Modica are the editors. Lourdes Aguiar is the senior producer. Nancy Kramer is the executive story editor. Judy Tygard is the executive producer. Sebastian Junger talks near-death experience in new book "In My Time of Dying" California group uses surfing to help veterans overcome trauma TSA sets single-day record for number of travelers screened Authorities are seeking the publics help to identify a woman who was found dead near an Orange County freeway. In January 2006, Orange County Sheriffs deputies responded to reports of a body found off Ortega Highway. Also known as Highway 74, the long stretch of road winds through the rural Santa Ana mountain range. A pair of sightseers had discovered the womans body lying around 10 feet below a cliff, according to the Orange County Register. The woman is described as a Hispanic female between 20 and 30 years old. She weighed around 105 pounds and had dark-colored hair down to her mid-back. The woman had recently manicured fingernails with a heart-shaped design on each nail along with a rose stem tattoo on her left forearm. (Orange County Sheriffs Department) A 2024 rendering of the woman was provided by Miami Dade Police Department forensic artist Gaston De Cardenas. (Orange County Sheriffs Department) A 2006 rendering of the woman was provided by the Orange County Sheriffs Department. A rose stem tattoo is seen on the womans left forearm. (Orange County Sheriffs Department) She had a rose stem tattoo on her left forearm, recently manicured fingernails with a heart-shaped design on each nail, and a surgical scar below her navel. She was found wearing blue jeans and a black lycra top. The womans cause of death was not determined but investigators told the O.C. Register they believe the woman died elsewhere before being left on the side of the road. Detectives said the woman had a Cesarean scar which appeared to be of Latin American origin. They noted Cesarean scars in the U.S. are typically horizontal while the womans scar was vertical. A new rendering of the woman was created with the help of a Miami Dade Police Department forensic artist along with images of her tattoo and the design on her nails. Anyone who may recognize her or has information on the case is asked to contact O.C. Sheriff investigator Lauren Felix at 714-647-4579 or email coldcase@ocsheriff.gov. Anonymous tips can be provided to OC Crime Stoppers at 1-855-847-6227 or online at occrimestoppers.org. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. Video captures a bear nicknamed Oreo continually sneaking into homes in Monrovia and ransacking fridges. The bear is seen typically roaming around a cul-de-sac located on Canyon Crest Drive. While trying to enter one of the homes, the bear ripped a window screen off attempting to enter through the front window but was unsuccessful. It eventually found a way in through an open side door. Another neighbor left her garage door open and the bear wasted no time exploring the property. The bruin headed directly to the refrigerator and opened it up. It eventually found a box of chocolate cake which it quickly opened and began enjoying. Although residents said bear sightings in the area are common, its still unnerving to know a bear could be waiting around the corner of their homes. A bear nicknamed Oreo seen searching through a refrigerator inside a Monrovia garage. A bear nicknamed Oreo finds a box of chocolate cake after searching through a refrigerator inside a Monrovia garage. The bear seen grabbing a pack of Oreo cookies from the driveway of a Monrovia home as neighbors looked on. The bear seen walking away with a pack of Oreo cookies from the driveway of a Monrovia home as neighbors looked on. A window screen damaged by Oreo the bear while it was searching for food in Monrovia. The bear approaches a man before grabbing a pack of Oreo cookies spotted on the driveway. The bear seen grabbing a pack of Oreo cookies from the driveway of a Monrovia home as neighbors looked on. We are very used to them, said Vina Khoury, a resident. Weve never heard of a bear attack here before but still, when theyre too close or when its a mama bear with her little ones, you dont want to be too close to them or scare them because you dont know when theyre going to charge at you. The foothill community coexists with plenty of wildlife. Visitors can spot warning signs posted around the community noting the area is prone to bear sightings. Despite being on alert, some bears are still able to outsmart security measures in their search for food. On Saturday, the same bear was seen leaving a home holding a bag of Oreo cookies. It appeared to be unfazed as neighbors went out to watch the bear walking down the street. Thats why we named him Oreo, Khoury said. Hes not just roaming around. Hes actually going into the houses. So now, its a very scary thing to leave a window open or your backyard door open or anything. A couple of months after we moved in, my dog came nose-to-nose with a bear at about 8 oclock at night, said Meg Linton, a resident. That was very electrifying. I had a lot of adrenaline in that moment. Some residents, however, are not too concerned about the bear, accepting that they share the space with wildlife. The [bears] come by every Monday, said neighbor Richard Mosteller. They just walk by and beat up the trash cans, look for food and theyre pretty harmless. Several residents said theyre considering contacting wildlife experts to discuss whether the bear nicknamed Oreo should be relocated. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. TOWN N COUNTRY, Fla. (WFLA) The bear that wandered about neighborhoods in Hillsborough County has evaded attempts to trap it, officials said. Saturday, a black bear that was first spotted at a Tampa apartment complex made its way to a neighborhood in Town n Country, where it remained perched in a tree. Are rotisserie chickens good for you? Experts break whats actually in them I never seen a bear ever in my life, especially in Florida, and I have been here seven years, and it is surreal, a resident who lived in the area said. Trappers set out muffins and other pastries in a cage to try to capture it alive, but the bear was not fooled. For the rest of the day, the bear remained on the tree, yawning and looking around at the people watching it. Eventually the bear came back down Sunday morning and moved on, avoiding the trap for greener pastures. The FWC said its staff set several traps to relocate it somewhere safer, likely the Ocala National Forest. Our bear biologists are monitoring the situation, the FWC said. Its best to allow bears to move along on their own. However, due to this bears difficulty in finding its way, FWC staff have set traps to assist in safely relocating it. Experts said black bears typically become active in the spring, with young bears looking for territory. During this time, people are advised to avoid feeding bears and secure any food sources to keep them from human populations. The FWC warned residents if they see the bear, avoid it and call the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (3922). Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. In our Reality Check stories, Bellingham Herald journalists seek to hold the powerful accountable and find answers to critical questions in our community. Read more. Story idea? newsroom@bellinghamherald.com. The city of Bellingham received less federal funding this year to support local public services including affordable housing development, home buyer and rental assistance, and homeless support programs. The decline in federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has become a trend in recent years, highlighting the need to diversify the citys funding pool with state and local sources to continue supporting community services. The city saw a steady increase in HUD funding every year from 2017 to 2022, capping at about $1.5 million that year. A trending decline In 2023, Bellingham received about $1.46 million from HUD, a decline from 2022 funding numbers. In 2024, the city received about $1.33 million a further funding decline. A chart, provided by the City of Bellingham and not adjusted for inflation, shows a recent decline in funding distributed to the city from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. In 2023, Bellingham received about $1.46 million from HUD, a decline from 2022 funding numbers. In 2024, the city received about $1.33 million. To put this into perspective, this funding reduction equates to five fewer homeless families being supported with rental assistance and one less low-income senior being supported with housing, according to Bellingham Housing & Services Program Manager Samya Lutz. We are disappointed that this funding is a reduction in federal resources through these programs, Lutz said in an email to The Bellingham Herald. Leveraging funding pools Despite the trending reduction in federal funding, the city will pair it with other sources to support needed community services. The city is committed to put these important resources to use by leveraging them with the local funds we receive thanks to the generosity of Bellingham residents, Lutz said. The Bellingham Housing Levy and Affordable Housing Sales Tax total about $7.5 million each year that is put toward housing and services. We are also thankful our state continues to invest resources into housing and services that support many of the same projects and programs the City is committed to, Lutz told The Herald. We work within a remarkably collaborative region, with all funding partners working to build the capacity of nonprofit agencies and housing developers to do as much as we can together within the resource constraints we have. Where will the money go? HUD has historically allocated funds to Bellingham from the Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) and the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME). CDBG funding can support a wide variety of public services and community activities while HOME funding is meant to help produce and maintain affordable rental and owner-occupied housing for low-income families. Bellinghams use of both CDBG and HOME funding must be consistent with the goals and priorities laid out in our Consolidated Plan, Lutz said. The city is required to create a consolidated plan every five years as a condition of receiving this federal funding. The plan assesses the citys community development needs and analyzes the housing market for low-income households. It also presents the goals, strategies, and specific actions implemented yearly to address those needs. The consolidated plan is the communitys choice, within HUD parameters, for how the grant funds will be used in the city, according to the citys website. The plan outlines the intent to use federal CDBG funds for home rehabilitation, acquisition of land and facilities for affordable housing and shelter, and community facilities. It is also intended to support public services like the food bank. Federal HOME funds are intended to be used for affordable housing development, the homebuyer program, and rental assistance. BENTONVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) Scary was the word Judy Barnes, 80, and the rest of Benton County used to summarize this years Memorial Day weekend. On May 25, a fast-moving supercell that had already produced tornadoes in Oklahoma entered Benton County around 1 a.m. and formed a funnel cloud over the western part of the county. Another storm quickly followed, and although it lacked enough rotation to be considered a tornado risk, it produced enough wind and hail to damage Benton County cities further. Four hours after the storm left NWA, Benton County Judge Barry Moehring confirmed one person had been killed in the severe weather. Benton County Judge Moehring confirms one death, declares disaster following severe weather The tornado hit us pretty bad, Barnes, a Bentonville resident, said. The wind especially. Judy Barnes, 80, stands in front of her tornado-damaged home in Bentonville. Her grandsons truck sits hidden under the tree to the left. Barnes grandson Cody Vansickle and his wife, residents of Mountain Home, were staying with Barnes during the storms. [It] was very, very bright through the windows, Vansickle said. Then silent until it all just hit us. Barnes and the Vansickles, like many of their neighbors, spent the following morning inspecting the damages to the house and observing the debris blocking any access to their street. PHOTOS: Aftermath of deadly storm, tornadoes in Benton County Barnes American flag and flagpole, crushed beneath a fallen red oak. Memorial Day falls a day after the storms ripped through Northwest Arkansas. There was a gentleman, someones father-in-law, who helped us quite a bit, Vansickle said. The community has been here to help and just check on everyone. On Sunday morning, Bentonville residents Charlie Little, 72, Chris Block, 47 and Gunner Block, 20, decided to extend a helping hand to their friends in a Centerton neighborhood. [Were] just trying to get out here and help the community and cut up these trees, Chris Block said. The trio had been up since 2 a.m. by the time a KNWA writer got to the scene. Deadly storms slam NWA After [the storm] was getting pretty bad at our house, we all just looked at each other and said we have to make sure everyone else is okay,' Gunner Block said. While Chris Block and Little would use a chainsaw to break up the large trees, Gunner Block would haul the logs to be discarded. Charlie Little, 72, Chris Block, 47 and Gunner Block, 20, pose in front of a fallen tree. Were not doing it for ourselves, Gunner Block said. Charlie Little, 72, Chris Block, 47 and Gunner Block, 20, help clear a street in Centerton. Charlie Little, 72, Chris Block, 47 and Gunner Block, 20, help clear a street in Centerton. You dont see people willing to sacrifice their own time to help each other a whole lot, Gunner Block said. I dont want people to sit hurt because EMS cant get to them because of something like this. More severe weather is projected for tonight, May 26. Stay with KNWA for the latest updates. At least 15 dead in Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas after severe weather roars across region Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24. French President Emmanuel Macron (L) and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier speak during a press conference after their meeting in the park of Schloss Bellevue. Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa French President Emmanuel Macron hailed his country's long-established partnership with Germany on Sunday, as a three-day, pomp-filled state visit aimed a demonstrating the strength of the ties kicked off in Berlin. Macron's state visit to Germany, the first by a French president in 24 years, comes as the two leading European powers are confronted by range of dilemmas, from the war raging on the EU's doorstep in Ukraine to surging far-right parties at home. "Franco-German relations are indispensable and important for Europe," said Macron shortly after arriving with his wife Brigitte in the German capital. He rebuffed the suggestion that the relationship, often described as the motor of European policymaking, is stuttering. "That is not true. We are moving forward," Macron said through a translator. Macron spoke with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at a "Democracy Festival" marking the 75th anniversary of Germany's Basic Law - the democratic constitution adopted in West Germany after World War II. At the time, West Germany was under occupation by the victorious Western Allies, which included France, Britain and the United States. Steinmeier greeted Macron and called his visit "proof of the depth of the Franco-German friendship." He said that despite sometimes differing on individual policy points, Berlin and Paris always "come to an agreement in the end." "If Germany and France are in agreement, then there is still a lot that can be achieved in Europe," he said. Macron also emphasized the importance of June's European elections to decide the next European Parliament. After the festival, Macron travelled to Steinmeier's nearby official residence, the Bellevue Palace, where he was greeted with military honours and the French national anthem. A walk through the Brandenburg Gate with Berlin Mayor Kai Wagner and a state banquet at Bellevue Palace are set to take place in the evening. Sunday's visit comes ahead of European elections to decide the next European Parliament. Far-right EU parties have seen a surge in support in recent years - including in France and Germany - and are expected to do well in the June 6-9 polls. The relationship between Paris and Berlin has long been seen as a driving force for Europe, both politically and economically. But frictions began to emerge in 2022, after Angela Merkel left the German political scene, although Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz have recently made efforts to improve cooperation. Agreement has been found on several issues, including reform of the EU's debt and deficit rules, but other points of contention remain, notably on the extent of military aid for Ukraine and the EU's economic policy responses to protectionist measures by China and the United States. These thorny questions and others are set to be discussed at a meeting of French and German ministers on Tuesday. Macron and his wife are scheduled to travel to Dresden on Monday. There, he will give a speech on European policy in front of the Frauenkirche - a monumental domed church that is a symbol of post-war reconciliation. On Tuesday, they are set to travel on to Munster, where Macron will be awarded the Peace of Westphalia Prize. Macron came to power in France seven years ago and cannot run for a third term in the 2027 next presidential election. The official state visit is the first by a French president to Germany since 2000, although leaders from both countries regularly meet and visit in less formal ways. Macron had planned to make the state visit last July. However, the trip was postponed due to nationwide unrest in France following the deadly police shooting of a 17-year-old that shocked the nation. French President Emmanuel Macron (L) and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier visit the democracy festival to mark the 75th anniversary of the Basic Law. Kay Nietfeld/dpa German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (L) welcomes French President Emmanuel Macron with military honors in front of Bellevue Palace. Macron and his wife are on a three-day state visit to Germany at the invitation of Federal President Steinmeier. Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa Bette Nash, who held the Guinness World Record for the longest-serving flight attendant, dies at 88 Bette Nash, the world's longest-serving flight attendant, has died from cancer at age 88. Nash started her career in 1957 with Eastern Airlines. She witnessed major changes in air travel, from the jet age to post-9/11 security measures. The world's longest-serving flight attendant has died from cancer at the age of 88. In a statement on X , formerly Twitter, American Airlines said: "We mourn the passing of Bette Nash, who spent nearly seven decades warmly caring for our customers in the air." "She started in 1957 and held the Guinness World Record for longest-serving flight attendant. Bette inspired generations of flight attendants. Fly high, Bette," the post continues. Nash never officially retired from her role with American Airlines. She died in hospice after a recent breast cancer diagnosis. Bette Nash began her career as an Eastern Airlines stewardess in 1957. James M. Thresher/The The Washington Post via Getty Images Nash got her first job as a flight attendant with Eastern Airlines which later became American Airlines in 1957, when Dwight D. Eisenhower was in the White House. "You had to be a certain height, you had to be a certain weight. It used to be horrible. You put on a few pounds and you had to keep weighing yourself, and then if you stayed that way, they would take you off the payroll," Nash previously told ABC affiliate WJLA about the early days of her career. She told ABC News in 2022 that a ticket for a flight between New York and Washington, DC, cost just $12 at the time, adding that passengers could even purchase life insurance from a vending machine before boarding their plane. Bette Nash boarding her flight on November 9, 2017. The Washington Post/Getty Images Over the course of her career, Nash saw huge changes to the aviation industry, including the effects of deregulation, the computer revolution , and the heightened security measures that came into effect following the September 11 terrorist attacks in 2001. She also saw flying become increasingly accessible following a boom in commercial air travel in the 1950s. By 1955, more people in the US traveled by air than by train, and by 1957, airplanes had also replaced ocean liners as the preferred means of crossing the Atlantic, according to the National Air and Space Museum. A Douglas DC-8 at Amsterdam's Schiphol airport on March 13, 1985. Sepia Times/Getty Images Just as Nash was starting out, jet passenger service also began in the US with the arrival of the Boeing 707 and Douglas DC-8 airliners. "The jet engine revolutionized air travel. Powerful and durable, jets enabled aircraft manufacturers to build bigger, faster, and more productive airliners," the National Air and Space Museum says on its website, adding that almost half of all Americans had flown by 1972. In an X statement, the Association of Professional Flight Attendants said Nash "touched many with her warmth, dedication, and service." "RIP, Bette. You won't be forgotten," it added. Read the original article on Business Insider JERUSALEM, May 26 (Xinhua) -- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has reduced its troops in the southernmost Gazan city of Rafah, with the Givati infantry brigade withdrawing Saturday night from the eastern part of the city, the Israeli news website Ynet reported Sunday. The reduction in forces came after the International Court of Justice on Friday ordered Israel to stop the military offensive in Rafah and to allow the opening of the Rafah crossing on the Egypt-Gaza Strip border. According to the report, the Israeli army explained that the move aims to refresh the forces and help them return to fitness. At the same time, the IDF said in a statement that the Armored Corps' 162nd Division in the Rafah area killed militants who tried to attack the Israeli forces, and found shafts and many weapons. The IDF added that the armored 679th Brigade killed militants in the central Gaza Strip, while the fighters of the armored 460th Brigade raided a warehouse in a school in Jabalia city in the northern Strip and found dozens of rocket components and weapons. In addition, the Israeli Air Force destroyed more than 50 targets throughout the Strip, including military buildings, ammunition depots, rocket launchers, and observation posts, according to the IDF. US President Joe Biden referred to Vladimir Putin, the head of the Kremlin, as a "brutal tyrant" while discussing Russia's assault against Ukraine. Source: Biden in his address to graduates at the US Military Academy at West Point, as reported by European Pravda Details: During the speech, the American president confirmed the unwavering support of the United States for Ukraine in the war with Russia. "We are standing strong with Ukraine and we will stand with them. We're standing against a man whom I've known well for many years, a brutal tyrant. We may not, we will not walk away," Biden said. Biden emphasised that the US will continue to give weapons and train the Ukrainian military, but he ruled out sending US soldiers to Ukraine. "There are no American soldiers in the war in Ukraine. I'm determined to keep it that way," he said. Biden added that Putin was "certain that NATO would fracture." "Today the greatest defence alliance in the history of the world is stronger than ever," he said. In February, US President Joe Biden called his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin a "crazy son of a bitch" during a fundraising event in San Francisco. The Kremlin has labelled these words a "disgrace". In March, Biden called Putin a thug. Support UP or become our patron! By Ted Hesson (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden has "limited ability" to step up security at the U.S.-Mexico border via executive action, a top Democratic lawmaker said on Sunday, arguing that the issue should be addressed with legislation in Congress. U.S. Senator Chris Murphy, the lead Democrat who negotiated a bipartisan border security bill introduced this year, said on CBS News' "Face the Nation" that U.S. courts would likely strike down sweeping action by Biden. "The president has such limited ability to issue executive orders that would have an impact on the border. He can't conjure resources out of thin air," Murphy said. "If he were to try to shut down portions of the border, the courts would throw that out, I think, within a matter of weeks." Biden, a Democrat seeking another term in Nov. 5 elections, has said his administration is looking at executive actions to potentially block migrants at the border after Republicans rejected the bipartisan Senate bill this year. Republicans spurned the measure after former President Donald Trump, Biden's Republican challenger, came out against it. Senate Republicans blocked the bill again last week and Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson said it "doesn't secure the border" and "incentivizes further illegal immigration." The number of migrants caught illegally crossing the U.S.-Mexico border has dropped this year compared with a monthly record high in December, a trend U.S. officials partly attribute to increased enforcement by Mexico. Murphy said the decrease was due to "smart, effective diplomacy between the United States and the Mexican government" but warned that the dropoff may not be permanent and that illegal crossings remain high compared with a decade ago. "We have to just recognize that without updating the laws of this country, without surging more resources to the border, we can't count on the numbers staying as low as they are today," Murphy said. White House spokesperson Karine Jean Pierre said last week that the Senate bill would deliver "significant policy changes, resources, and personnel needed to secure our border and make our country safer." Migrants and asylum seekers transit through Mexico to the U.S. to escape violence, economic distress and negative impacts of climate change, according the United Nations. (Reporting by Ted Hesson in Philadelphia; Editing by Mary Milliken) David Neves is the advocacy co-chair for the Rhode Island Music Education Association, coordinator of music education for the University of Rhode Island, and director of the Rhode Island Philharmonic Youth Wind Ensembles. In March, the Rhode Island Music Education Association presented the 84th Annual All-State Music Festival. In six concerts, 887 music students showcased their musical achievements. These students, selected by audition, represented almost every community in our state. Achieving All-State status was the result of years of instruction by music teachers in their schools. Unfortunately, the All-State Festival also provided disturbing evidence of a huge equity issue involving arts education, and music in particular. Despite more than two decades of Rhode Island requiring every child to be proficient in the arts before graduation, many schools are still not providing sufficient access to achieve this. As a result, becoming proficient in the arts, especially music, is a case of the haves and the have-nots, based primarily on where a child lives. Students in the Career and Technical Music Program rehearse at Ponaganset High School. Lets use All-State as one example. Providences 22,000 students represent 17% of Rhode Islands 131,000 students. Only 20 Providence students, or 2% of the 887 All-Staters, were in All-State. If things were equal, there should have been about 120 Providence All-Staters! There were also other school districts with few or no students in All-State. The reality is that far too many schools in our state are not giving students access to the same comprehensive music education as the schools in Barrington, North Kingstown, East Greenwich, Cranston, and the like. This equity issue is also hidden, as most of the have-nots are unaware of what they are missing. Though the Rhode Island Department of Education deserves credit for keeping an arts requirement, and voices support for the arts, RIDE has not invested the resources to support, monitor and ensure all districts are providing arts access for all students. More: 'She breathed life and love into everything': Popular music teacher mourned in Smithfield More: What does McKee's budget offer education? Here's a breakdown, from pre-K classrooms to vaping There is a solution: The Transparency in Arts Education Access and Proficiency Act (TAAPA) introduced by Rep. Jon Brien (H 7020) and Sen. Pam Lauria (S 2042) and sponsored by many others. TAAPA does not add any new mandates or expand current regulations. It merely requires that RIDE provide more visibility to the current arts proficiency graduation regulation by: Enabling parents and communities to easily see the status of their districts arts programs by publicizing accurate data regarding arts courses and enrollment in middle and high schools; Checking proficiency levels of samples of graduating seniors' arts work to assess arts program effectiveness; Continuing the position of arts curriculum coordinator on the RIDE staff to assist schools in arts curriculum and professional development. The intention to terminate this position in September will exacerbate arts inequities and send the message that the arts are not vital for every child. Passing TAAPA will also remind local leaders that when financial constraints arise or school schedules are reimagined, arts classes must be maintained. As Representative Brien indicates, Unfortunately when there are cuts made to educational programs due to financial shortfalls, it seems as though it is always the fine arts that are the first on the chopping block. That is unfair to the kids that we are elected to represent. This legislation will ensure that students are proficient in the fine arts. That is the least we can do for our children who rely on these important resources. The House and Senate Education Committee testimony about these TAAPA bills was overwhelmingly positive. All who value the arts need to ask their legislators to approve TAAPA this year. To ensure that all students have an equitable education, find their own unique voice through the arts, have daily arts experiences that raise attendance, are able to enroll in arts programs in college, and explore careers in the multi-billion-dollar creative economy, TAAPA must be passed. Rhode Island students deserve nothing less. This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: RI requires every child to be proficient in the arts before graduation, but many schools are not providing sufficient access for this. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul and a bipartisan delegation of lawmakers arrived in Taiwan on Sunday following the election of the islands new president and after days of Chinese military drills. The arrival of six lawmakers come just days after the inauguration of Lai Ching-te, who has been rebuked as a dangerous separatist by Beijing and whose election triggered the largest military exercises around Taiwan that the Chinese have launched in more than a year. Chinas ruling Communist Party says the self-ruling democracy is part of its territory, despite never having controlled it, and has vowed to take the island by force if necessary. As Putin wages war in Ukraine and Israel fights a multi-front war against Iran-backed proxies like Hamas, Chairman Xi is watching to see if America continues to support its partners and friends, McCaul said in a statement, referring to Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Taiwan is a thriving democracy. The US will continue to stand by our steadfast partner and work to maintain the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. I look forward to meeting with Taiwan officials to better understand what America can do to preserve peace in Asia and build upon our shared democratic values. The delegation will discuss with Taiwanese authorities regional security, trade and investment to explore new areas of collaboration, according to a news release from the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Beijing said the two days of Chinese joint military exercises around Taiwan and in the Taiwan Strait were initiated to test the ability to jointly seize power, launch joint attacks and occupy key areas. The drills involved dozens of fighter jets carrying live ammunition conducting mock strikes against high value military targets of the enemy, CNN reported Thursday. US officials condemned the drills, with the State Department urging the Chinese to act with restraint. Two years ago, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the island, marking the first time a US House speaker had traveled to Taiwan in 25 years. Her visit was met with days of large-scale military drills and warnings of a severe impact on US-China relations from the Chinese government. In April 2023, then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy similarly defied threats from China, presenting a united front with then-President Tsai Ing-wen in a California meeting. Though officials tried to downplay the meeting at the time to avoid provoking Beijing which nevertheless condemned the talks and pledged strong and resolute measures the political significance of the Taiwanese presidents high-level audience on US soil was clear. During a three-day trip to China last month, Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, who said the US and China should be partners rather than adversaries. The two countries have sought stabilization and increased communication in their tumultuous relationship, which has been further complicated by intimidatory drills and threats to Taiwan. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com BENTON COUNTY, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) Black Hills Energy issues a storm safety warning for Benton County on May 26 after severe weather slammed Northwest Arkansas. According to a press release, technicians are shutting off natural gas service as requried for the safety of customers and the public. The release says customers are urged to inspect their natural gas meters for storm damage. Black Hills offers some safety reminders: Naural gas smells like rotten eggs. Leave the area and call 911 when youre away from the site if you smell natural gas. If you smell natural gas, leave your home immediately, call 911 and then call Black Hills at 888-890-5554. Wait for Black Hills or emergency personnel to arrive before re-entering the building. Emergency personnel will let you know when it is safe to return. Do not turn on lights, ignite a flame, use a cellphone or use anything that might cause a spark, including a flashlight or a generator. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24. A Black teen was wrongfully executed for murdering a White woman in 1931. Now, his family is suing to defend his name For 85 years Susie Williams Carter believed her brother was guilty of the crime hed been convicted of and executed for: A brutal murder of a White woman at a Pennsylvania youth detention center. In 1931, Alexander McClay Williams became the youngest person to be executed in Pennsylvania, when his death sentence was carried out by electric chair at the age of 16. Alexander was convicted of murdering Vida Robare, the matron at the Glen Mills School, a youth detention facility where he was housed located just outside of Philadelphia. Carter, who was a year old at the time of her brothers execution, told CNN her family rarely discussed Alexander as it was painful for her mother and father to relive the anguish and heartbreak of his execution. But in 2015, all that changed. Thats when Carter, the only living sibling of the family of 13 children, was presented with evidence that shifted an image she held of her brother for decades. Now, more than 90 years after his execution, Carter and her family are suing the county for damages, alleging that Alexander was improperly arrested and subjected to the horrors of imprisonment, unfairly tried, wrongfully convicted and ultimately executed in the electric chair for a crime he did not commit, according to the lawsuit filed last week in the district court for eastern Pennsylvania. CNN has reached out to the district attorneys office for comment on the lawsuit. Carter, who is 94, told CNN she wants to raise awareness that wrongful convictions continue to plague young people of color across the US. I want them (the public) to realize that these things are still going on, Carter said. Something should be done to stop it. They made no effort to hide what they did On Oct. 3, 1930, Robares body was discovered by her ex-husband Fred, who also worked at the Glen Mills School, according to the complaint. She had been stabbed 47 times with an ice pick and suffered two broken ribs and a skull fracture, according to the Death Penalty Information Center, a nonprofit that maintains an extensive database on capital punishment cases in the United States. A local newspaper, The Chester Times, reported that district attorneys and detectives had reviewed the ranks of Glenn Mills students and decided to question Alexander, according to the complaint. Its unclear why he was singled out from the group. William Ridley, the first African American admitted to the Bar of Delaware County, represented Alexander at trial. His great-grandson, Sam Lemon, told CNN hes been enthralled by Ridleys trailblazing career since he was a child. So much so, he lives in Ridleys home in Media, Pennsylvania, about 20 miles outside of Philadelphia. I wanted to know, why did he (Ridley) lose probably the most important law case of his entire legal career? Lemon said. It was a little bit of a debt of honor, trying to figure out why that was and (find) some way to see if I could explain that to the Williams family or make that better. So, in 1989 Lemon began writing letters, collecting documentation and visiting the Philadelphia Historical Society to view archival records about the case. He acquired death certificates and digested genealogy through ancestry archives all to better understand how Alexander was convicted. As he researched, Lemon found the 1930 death certificate from the prison doctor and, he said, it appeared someone had altered the boys age to make it read that he was 18 years old when he was, in fact, 16. But they forgot to change the birth year to make the math work, Lemon said. A copy of the death certificate appears to show Alexander's age has been modified to make him appear older, according to Lemon. - United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania Lemon said he also noticed it listed the day she died as Oct. 3 and an autopsy was completed the following day. Robares cause of death was written in black ink: puncture wounds of the heart, a document in the familys complaint shows. But somebody, in what appears to be different handwriting, wrote caused by ice pick in the hands of Alexander McClay Williams in blue ink, Lemon said. But Alexander hadnt been convicted yet. The complaint notes this discrepancy as well. Robare's death certificate features two different color ink and blames Alexander for the murder before he was convicted, according to Lemon. - United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania Reading over the document made him nauseous, Lemon said. It made me physically ill; I thought I was gonna have to reach for a trash can, he said. There werent any eyewitnesses to the crime or physical or forensic evidence that connected Alexander with the murder, the complaint states. An adults bloody handprint was found at the murder scene, but that evidence was not introduced at trial and an officer later testified that he did not observe any blood on Alexander, according to the complaint. But, Lemon said, it wasnt until he reviewed the original 300-page transcript from the trial that all the pieces fell into place. When I read that, it was just stunning, he told CNN. But what really astonished me was, they made no effort to hide what they did. On the day of the murder, a school officer asked Alexander and another boy to get shovels that were located between one and two blocks away. He then asked Alexander run a separate errand a task that the officer said took the boy 20 minutes to complete, according to the complaint. At trial, the Commonwealth argued that within those 20 minutes, Alexander committed the murder, according to the complaint. Lemon said when he outlined all the teen was accused of doing within that short time frame he counted 15 separate actions. Thats when I hit this eureka moment that this was impossible, he said. So, I started doing these walking tests, time trials around my hometown in Media and I measured distances with my car and a stopwatch, and it came to me that it was just impossible. It was impossible for him to do all these things in 20 minutes and then go back to work without any blood on him whatsoever. After two decades of research, Lemon decided he had collected enough information to present his findings to Carter and her family. He prepared a 45-minute PowerPoint presentation for the Williams family, who listened politely and quietly in the living room of a family home, he said, as he revealed why he believed Alexander was wrongfully convicted. They were kind of stunned because they didnt know about this stuff, Lemon said. Lemon made a promise to Carter and her family that he was going to help them clear Alexanders name. There was a lot of shame associated with the family in addition to kind of having to suffer in silence, Lemon said. I feel honored that these people took this stranger out of the blue and trusted me, talking about probably the most important family memory that they had and an extremely painful one at that. Sam Lemon, right, speaks during a news conference with Susie Williams Carter, center, and lawyer Michael Pomerantz, Monday, May 20, 2024, in Philadelphia. - Matt Slocum/AP We cannot undo the past It took more than two weeks for Alexander to be appointed an attorney, during which time he was interrogated at least five times without the benefit of an attorney or parent present, according to the complaint. Alexander initially denied involvement but eventually confessed to the crime three times, but the complaint alleges the confessions were coerced. At trial, Alexander faced an all-White jury, which found him guilty in less than four hours, according to a 2022 statement from the countys district attorneys office. In 2017, the case against Alexander Williams was reopened thanks to the legal advocacy from Lemon and attorney Robert Keller, who posthumously represented the teen in court proceedings as Lemon and the family sought to overturn his conviction. In June 2022, a judge from the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas ordered a retrial and the Delaware County District Attorneys office declined to bring the case. The case was dismissed in, an acknowledgement that the charges against him should never have been brought, according to the statement from the district attorneys office at the time. Sadly, we cannot undo the past, District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer said in the statement. We cannot rewrite history to erase the egregious wrongs of our forebearers. However, when, as here, justice can be served by publicly acknowledging such a wrong, we must seize that opportunity. In October 2022 more than 90 years after he was sentenced to death Alexander was exonerated by then-Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. More than 150 people were exonerated in the US in 2023. Of those, nearly 84% were people of color, nearly 61% of the exonerees were Black and the most frequent factor in the exonerations was official misconduct, according to data from The National Registry of Exonerations. The Emmett Till Legacy Foundation, which honors the memory of the 14-year-old Black teen who was kidnapped, brutally beaten and murdered in 1955 by two White men after he was accused of assaulting a White woman, offered a statement of support to the Williams family, saying they are inspired by their long and overdue quest for truth, justice and accountability. No family should endure the type of historical and generational trauma that their family, ours and so many others have experienced for this long, the statement said. Unfortunately, it is a continuous throughline of injustice, across this country that still impacts us today. Carter said she has continued to fight to clear her brothers name even after all this time because she wants to raise awareness that what happened to him, continues to happen to others. She imagined her parents sitting through her brothers trial with great difficulty, hearing about the things Alexander was accused of doing, knowing that their son was innocent. And yet (the commonwealth) let him die, she said. Thats a terrible thing to do a family. CNNs Justin Gamble contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Flag display at Jones Beach with fighter jets in distance; insets of more Navy aircrafts and people on the beach Summer is in the air. A record crowd flocked to the shore on Friday to get a sneak preview of the annual Blue Angels air show at Jones Beach. Once a well-kept secret, the US Navy Squadron rehearses its stunts ahead of Saturday and Sundays Bethpage Air Show at the oceanfront state park. The 2024 Bethpage Air Show takes place at Jones Beach over Memorial Day weekend. NEWSDAY But a massive crowd of 106,000 gathered on Friday to marvel at the fighter jets, Newsday reported, shattering last years record of 67,000 people who came out for the trial run. Even with the influx, the crowds were still thinner than on the actual air show days, fans said. The Navys F-35C demo team and the Blue Angels F/A-18 Hornet roared over the beach and parachute teams were seen free-falling from 13,000 feet, the Long Island outlet reported. The annual two-day air show draws around 200,000 people to Jones Beach each day. NEWSDAY Last years annual two-day show plus the rehearsal drew 419,000 people, according to park officials. Each day of the official air show, which is Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., draws notoriously large crowds of around 200,000 people, officials said, and signifies the unofficial kickoff of summer for Long Islanders. The Blue Angels, formally named the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, are a big draw for the show. NEWSDAY Fighter jets like the Navys F-35C demo team and the Blue Angels famous F/A-18 Hornet team perform stunts over the beach, to music and narration. NEWSDAY The Blue Angels took the stage another way this year, in a new Prime Video documentary that followed the squad in 2022. The Blue Angels hit Amazons streaming service on May 23, The Post reported this week. This year marks the the 20th anniversary of the Memorial Day Weekend show, as well as the 95th anniversary of Jones Beach State Park and the 100th anniversary of New York State Parks. Bodies of 27 'burnt beyond recognition' after a massive fire in Indian amusement park, relatives say Earthmovers remove burnt debris the day after a fire broke out in an amusement park in Rajkot, India, Sunday, May 26, 2024. A massive fire damaged a large part of the park on Saturday, killing more than twenty people and injuring some others, news reports said. (AP Photo/Ajit Solanki) RAJKOT, India (AP) Giriraj Singh waited for hours on Sunday to recover the body of his nephew but was told to head home as the remains were burned beyond recognition. The bodies are unidentifiable and authorities asked me to wait for the DNA tests, Singh, a retired army officer, told The Associated Press. His 24-year-old nephew was with three friends when a massive fire broke out Saturday at an amusement park in the city of Rajkot in western India, killing 27 people, including children, during the busy weekend coinciding with schools summer vacation in the state. Local police officer Raju Bhargav said that while the owner Yuvraj Singh Solanki bought some fire extinguishers and was in the process of installing a water fire impression system, he ran the two-storey place without authorization from the fire department. He said Solanki and the park manager have been arrested and charged with negligence that led to deaths." The parks ground floor housed the reception area while the first floor had bowling, go-carting, and trampoline attractions. Panicked visitors ran for safety but the narrow gates at the park restricted a quick escape, The Indian Express newspaper reported. Bhargav said the cause of the fire was under investigation, but there was some ongoing construction work and a spark from a welding machine might have ignited the fire. He added that the rescue operation was over and now teams were clearing the debris. Relatives said doctors advised them Sunday not to wait and head home as DNA tests to identify the remains might take up to 48 hours. The states top elected official, Bhupendra Patel, visited the fire scene and a hospital where some injured persons were undergoing treatment. Bhargav, the police officer, said three were hospitalized due to smoke inhalation and burns but were not in a life-threatening condition. Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X that he was extremely distressed by the fire ... My thoughts are with all those who have lost their loved ones. Prayers for the injured. Fires are common in India, where builders and residents often flout building laws and safety codes. Activists say builders frequently cut corners on safety to save money and have accused civic authorities of negligence and apathy. In 2019, a fire caused by an electrical short circuit engulfed a building in the Indian capital and killed 43 people. In 2022, a fire in a four-story commercial building in New Delhi killed at least 27. Audible boos clashed with impassioned cheers at the Libertarian National Convention in Washington DC on Saturday as former President Donald Trump took the stage before what was certainly the most skeptical if not outright hostile crowd of his bid for the White House this year. Donald Trump was jeered multiple times within the first few minutes of his speech to a rowdy crowd of roughly a thousand people Saturday evening at the Washington Hilton, where just a few weeks ago his 2024 election opponent Joe Biden spoke at the White House Correspondents Associations (WHCA) annual dinner. Former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump addresses the Libertarian National Convention in Washington, (AFP via Getty Images) The angry yells from the audience were so constant at parts that it was difficult to tell whether the crowd were booing the incumbent president Trump was rallying against, or the speaker in front of them. At other points, it was plainly obvious: a chant of we want Trump! was roundly drowned out by an angry response. Another round of boos came as Mr Trump declared that he had put everything on the line to defend freedom. Boos, both times when Mr Trump suggested that he was a Libertarian through virtue of his criminal trials, prosecuted by the Department of Justice. More boos when the former president suggested, twice, that the Libertarian Party proper should nominate him. But nothing, nothing compared to the furious jeers that erupted as Donald Trump turned to outright taunting his audience. The Libertarian Party should nominate Trump for president, he declared in third-person. More boos. Maybe you dont want to win. Only do that if you want to win, Mr Trump quipped over the jeers. If you want to lose, dont do that. Keep getting three per cent every four years. Party officials had both directly and subtly tried to avert this spectacle. Angela McArdle, newly re-elected chair of the Libertarian Party, told reporters in a gaggle earlier in the day that delegates had been instructed to remain civil. A day earlier, a member of her party had made a sexist remark about her support for the former presidents attendance at the convention during the open forum session. Dave Smith, a comedian and featured speaker, also urged attendees to give the former president a fair shot. Attempting to goad his allies to take that route, he insinuated that only woke leftists would shout down a speaker with whom they disagreed. Evidently, that was not the case. Donald Trumps speech ended in a final massive wave of boos as he urged the partys members to nominate him on their conventions final day, or simply vote for him in November if that were not the case. Ms McArdle and like-minded Libertarians had clearly viewed Saturday evenings speech by the former president as a historic opportunity for their organization. It was certainly an unprecedented event: no current or former president in the modern era has addressed a nominating convention for a party other than the Democrats or Republicans. But it was unclear after Mr Trumps speech whether that moment would occur again any time soon, given the sour response from the room. The party chair had even introduced Mr Trump personally and urged delegates in a last-minute plea to remain welcoming. Ahead of the remarks, she had worked to placate unhappy delegates who had found priority seating for the Trump speech snatched up by a large contingent of the presidents fans, who were also in attendance Ms McArdle herself grabbed the mic and kindly but firmly asked the Trump campaigns invited guests and ticketed supporters to make room for party delegates. Donald Trump speaks to the 2024 Libertarian Party convention in Washington DC (AFP via Getty Images) But there was palpable anger in the crowd just before the speech began. The Independent witnessed an angry back-and-forth between a Libertarian delegate and another speech attendee over a seat that nearly escalated into a full shouting match. On social media, the grumblings continued as disgruntled Trump supporters, furious at being re-seated, took out their anger on the convention and the party itself. Among the Republicans in the room trying to pick a fight with the Libertarians were members of the Maga-obsessed Washington DC chapter of the Young Republicans a group whose far-right beeline can possibly be best exemplified by the DC chapters continued support for disgraced ex-congressman George Santos following his bipartisan booting from the House of Representatives. The ex-president spoke for less than an hour before thanking the crowd, which had turned largely hostile by the end of his performance. The few bright spots from a Republicans perspective could have been the moments when Mr Trump pledged to commute the sentence of drug market Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht, whom attendees bore signs to support, as well as when he led the crowd in a chant of end the Fed!, referring to the Federal Reserve. But from a strategists perspective, it was hard to see the former president picking up any new supporters after Saturdays speech. The contingent of conservative-curious Libertarians, of which there has always been many, is likely to turn out for the ex-presiden this year. But among the partys true believers, there were few inroads apparent after tonight. Mr Trump will need all the third-party voters he can win back to his side in November as he goes up against Joe Biden for a second time. The ex-president resoundingly lost in 2020, sparking a wave of denial that culminated in the attack on the Capitol on January 6. In 2024, the polls are closer, with Mr Biden trailing in a number of surveys of key swing states he previously took, including Georgia and Wisconsin. But Mr Trump is awaiting a possible conviction in his Manhattan criminal fraud trial, as well as trials on other allegations of criminal activity including his efforts to stop Joe Biden from taking power. The Biden campaign and Democratic Party combined are taking a similar approach as they too fear the influence of third-party candidates, in their case including not only Robert F Kenendy Jr but others like Dr Jill Stein of the Green Party and Dr Cornel West. For the first time ever, a former president addressed the Libertarian Party. It was a rowdy crowd but were grateful for Pres. Trumps time, and excited to make history, said Libertarian national committee chair Angela McArdle after the speech in a statement. Well be watching and waiting to see if he follows through on his promises to put a libertarian in his Cabinet. BEIJING, May 26 (Xinhua) -- China is ramping up its efforts to control smoking as 44 cities newly introduced or revised regulations in 2023, bringing the total number of cities with relevant regulations to 254 nationwide, said health authorities. At the provincial level, 24 regions in China have rolled out regulations on smoking, with the proportion of the population protected by comprehensive smoke-free regulations continuing to increase, according to experts from the National Health Commission (NHC). The data was released during a ceremony in Beijing on Saturday, marking the inauguration of a committee led by medical institutions dedicated to tobacco control and health enhancement. A pertinent seminar was also held as part of the event. Smoking control, including preventing smoking and promoting smokers to quit smoking, is a viable approach for both population-wide disease prevention and individual health care, said Wang Lu, a health expert from the NHC. China ratified the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in 2005 and enforced it in 2006. The country has decided, as outlined in a document released in 2016 aiming to build a healthier China, to intensify tobacco control through pricing, taxation and legislation. It also aims to actively promote the building of smoke-free environments and strengthen supervision and law enforcement in public places. The document aims to decrease the nationwide smoking rate among individuals aged above 15 to 20 percent by 2030. Recent years have witnessed active legislative efforts by local authorities to control tobacco. Beijing, for example, prohibits smoking in public places, indoor workplaces, and outdoor queues. Shenzhen bans smoking in indoor workplaces, indoor public places, public transportation vehicles, as well as outdoor areas in schools, parks and medical institutions. Thanks to relentless anti-smoking efforts, the adult smoking rate has decreased to, for example, 19.4 percent in Shanghai. Nationwide, the smoking rate among the population aged 15 and above stood at 24.1 percent in 2022, down by 1.7 percentage points compared to 2020, data shows. NHC official Wu Xiangtian noted that China will actively promote smoking-free environments and make health communication a focal point in disease treatment to assist patients in adopting healthy lifestyles. Simultaneously, the country will intensify scientific research into the epidemiology and clinical treatment of tobacco dependence. Russia does not have enough troops for a major attack in Sumy Oblast but may still attempt to invade the region, State Border Guard Service spokesperson Andriy Demchenko said on television on May 26. Demchenko said that he does not see a Russian group that could achieve strategic goals near Sumy Oblast despite a buildup of troops. But he stressed that Ukraine must be prepared for any action. Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on May 26 that "Russia is preparing for offensive actions also 90 kilometers northwest they gather another group of troops near our border." Sumy Oblast borders Russia in northeastern Ukraine and lies west of Kharkiv Oblast where Russian troops launched a new offensive on May 10. Read also: Zelensky: Russia forming another grouping of forces near Ukraines northern border The region suffers daily shelling by Russia and Ukrainian troops regularly fight off Russian sabotage groups conducting raids across the border. The region was liberated from Russian occupation in April 2022. On May 21, Demchenko warned that Russia has "certain units" on the Sumy Oblast border, and a limited attack is possible. "It is in order to stretch the front line, the line of active combat operations, and actually stretch (Ukraine's) defense forces," he added. Demchenkos comments come after Kyrylo Budanov, Ukraine's military intelligence chief, suggested in mid-May that Russian forces may launch an offensive in Sumy Oblast along the lines of the ongoing offensive in Kharkiv Oblast. Ukraine has built up its fortifications in Sumy Oblast in recent months and authorities have ordered evacuations from the region. Read also: One night with Ukrainian drone hunters near Russia Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Borrell calls on Europe to increase air defense support in wake of Kharkiv attack The European Union's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, condemned Russia's attack against a hypermarket in Kharkiv and urged Europe to send Ukraine additional air defense in a social media post on May 26. Russian forces struck a crowded hardware shopping center in Kharkiv with two guided bombs in the middle of the day on May 25, killing at least six people and injuring at least 40 others. "I condemn in the strongest terms Russia's heinous attacks against Kharkiv city today, including a crowded mall, killing and wounding civilians," Borrell said on X following the attack. "All perpetrators of these and other Russian war crimes will be held to account." Borrell said the deadly attack emphasizes Ukraine's urgent need for additional air defense systems and called on European countries to provide assistance. Read also: Russias latest offensive into Kharkiv Oblast is stretching Ukrainian defenses "These systematic Russian crimes against civilians and civilian infrastructure stress again the need for Europe to urgently ramp up support for air defense: it saves lives and protects Ukrainian towns," Borrell said. Borrell's plea echoes that of Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, who asked allies to send Patriot air defense systems following news of Russia's attack. President Volodymyr Zelensky, too, reiterated the importance of air defense weapons in the aftermath of the hypermarket bombing. "When we tell world leaders that Ukraine requires adequate air defense protection, that true decisiveness is required to ensure the effective protection of our people's lives and that Russian terrorists cannot even approach our borders, we are literally talking about how not to allow such terrorist strikes," Zelensky said. Borrell on April 18 urged EU member nations to supply Ukraine with additional anti-missile systems, sounding the alarm on escalating Russian strikes. Russia launched a new offensive against Kharkiv Oblast on May 10, with a reported 30,000 troops. Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Borrell condemns attack on home improvement hypermarket in Kharkiv, calling for strengthening of air defences EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell has condemned the Russian attack on the Epicentr home improvement hypermarket in Kharkiv and stressed the need for Europe to increase support for air defence, which "saves lives and protects Ukrainian towns". Source: Borrell on Twitter (X) Quote: "I condemn in the strongest terms Russia's heinous attacks against Kharkiv city today, including a crowded mall, killing and wounding civilians." "These systematic Russian crimes against civilians and civilian infrastructure stress again the need for Europe to urgently ramp up support for air defence: it saves lives and protects Ukrainian towns." Details: Borrell also said that all those responsible for these and other Russian war crimes will be brought to justice. More updates on this topic: Russian attack on Kharkiv hypermarket: death toll rises to 12 Background: Support UP or become our patron! GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) Shipwrecks are preserved better in the Great Lakes than any other place in the world. The cold, fresh water acts to stop the clock on wrecks, making for excellent scuba diving for those hoping to see a living preservation of history. Up until a few years ago, the wrecks in Lake Michigan looked almost the same as they did the day they went down. But lately, a new invasive species the quagga mussel has taken over, changing the way the ships look and speeding up the rate of decay. Ask Ellen: Why are invasive species so bad? SHALLOW WRECKS MOST AT RISK Scientists say quagga mussels will look different depending on the depth they are found. The quaggas found in shallower depths are darker and heavier. Unlike invasive zebra mussels, which need sunlight to live, quaggas can colonize the deepest parts of Lake Michigan, clinging to anything on the lake floor at depths of hundreds of feet. Divers explore a shipwreck on Lake Michigan near Pentwater. (Sept. 7, 2022) Divers explore a shipwreck on Lake Michigan near Pentwater. (Sept. 7, 2022) A News 8 crew joins scuba divers exploring a shipwreck on Lake Michigan near Pentwater. (Sept. 7, 2022) A News 8 crew joins scuba divers exploring a shipwreck on Lake Michigan near Pentwater. (Sept. 7, 2022) A News 8 crew joins scuba divers exploring a shipwreck on Lake Michigan near Pentwater. (Sept. 7, 2022) A News 8 crew joins scuba divers exploring a shipwreck on Lake Michigan near Pentwater. (Sept. 7, 2022) Lake Effect: What changes scientists are seeing on Lake Michigan The mussels, combined with constant wave action, have put the shallowest shipwrecks most at risk of falling apart. Professional Association of Diving Instructors staff instructor Mike Palmer said he remembers the mussels taking over on Lake Michigan. The new added weight has already claimed some of the wrecks. Some of the wooden wrecks would get so heavy, the deck would weigh down and the sides would collapse and it would all pancake out, Palmer said. Steamboat lost in 1886 crash discovered off of Holland That could pose a threat to scuba tourism in Lake Michigan because the shallow wrecks are the ones most visited by divers, who typically can only descend to 60 to 100 feet. DEEP-WATER WRECKS LIKELY TO SURVIVE The shipwrecks settled in the deepest waters of Lake Michigan have the best chance at survival. Dusty Klifman of Blueyes Below is one of the very few divers around Lake Michigan with enough training to dive into several hundred feet of water. On the deepest dives, he says the ships are incredibly preserved. These arent degraded. Theres glass in the windows, the steering wheels are there. The masts are standing. A lot of them look just like they are sitting at the dock, essentially, Klifman said. The Nelson: 125 years later, one of Lake Superiors darkest tales retold The coating of quagga mussels is thick, but the wave energy so far down is substantially lower. Often, wrecks found in several hundred feet of water look eerily similar to the day they went down. Below: Blueyes Below dives the W.C. Kimball wreck in about 300 feet of water near the Leelanau Peninsula. Of the 600 shipwrecks thought to be lost in Lake Michigan, only about 210 have been identified. WWII-era Great Lakes ship that claimed captains life discovered 600-feet deep TIME RUNNING OUT FOR HISTORIC PLANES About 80 World War II planes are still sitting at the bottom of Lake Michigan. They wound up there because the U.S. Navy used the big lake as a training ground. The Wolverine and The Sable: The Lake Michigan ships that helped the allies win World War II To date, about 40 of the planes have been rescued from the water. The Air Zoo in Portage is restoring one of them. Though it was broken when it crashed in 1944, its core was well preserved and still in excellent shape even after more than 60 years in the water. But when the plane was pulled up, it was completely covered in quagga mussels. Fresh water doesnt corrode metal very quickly, but these quagga mussels, sitting, attaching themselves to the metal, creating this acidic environment, has really damaged this aircraft, Air Zoo CEO Troy Thrash said. WWII plane being restored at Air Zoo bound for Medal of Honor Museum Experts estimate because of quaggas, researchers may only have three more years to rescue WWII airplanes before they are disintegrated. WATER CLARITY THE BEST EVER Invasive mussels. Even with the quagga and zebra mussels creating a threat to local shipwrecks, the water clarity the invertebrates are producing makes diving visibility the best it has ever been on Lake Michigan. Scuba divers say they can see up to 100 feet on some of the deeper shipwrecks. The clarity has led to a boom for local dive shops as new divers look to explore. Michigan deep-water divers say history, respect is important Water clarity is expected to remain even if the population of invasive mussels is eventually brought into check. Still, Ashley Elgin, Ph.D., a research scientist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, cautions that just because water is clear doesnt make it clean. Clear water does not always mean clean water. You can see through it but it doesnt mean it is contaminant-free, Elgin said. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. A vacant residence was destroyed in a late night fire in Burlington, according to a news release from Fire Marshal Robert Berndt. The Burlington Fire Department was dispatched to a residence in the 400 block of Peasley Street for a report of black smoke and flames on May 25 at about 10:28 p.m. First responders arrived within four minutes to find heavy fire coming from the back of the two-story building. Crews worked quickly to extinguish the flames. The property was vacant at the time of the incident. The residence is insured and considered a total loss. There were no injuries reported and the last unit cleared the scene by 1:27 a.m. The West Burlington Fire Department, Danville Fire Department, Alliant Energy and Gas and the Burlington Police Department assisted at the scene. The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Burlington Fire Department and Burlington Police Department and any additional information will be released by the Fire Marshal. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com. Businessman determined to develop 'Yosemite of South America' has change of heart, does something remarkable with land instead: 'This is an irreplaceable place' Environmental activists have saved an untouched oasis known as the "Yosemite of South America" from development. The New York Times reported that the businessman who purchased the land is selling it at an incredible price to conservationists. In 2007, Chilean businessman Roberto Hagemann started buying up the land in central Chile called the Hacienda Pucheguin. Over 200 families originally owned the land, and he bought it up piece by piece to develop it for tourism. Hagemann received a lot of resistance when he tried to build a hydroelectric facility on the land. It would have required constructing roads through the untouched wilderness. In 2013, wilderness guide Rodrigo Condeza founded a nonprofit called Puelo Patagonia dedicated to protecting the land. He rallied public support and even went to court to stop the facility from being built, saying it would disrupt important ecological land. When Hagemann couldn't develop the land, he sold it in 2018. Christie's International Real Estate listed the property for $150 million. While no one brought an offer, it caught the eye of conservationists, including Condeza. Puelo Patagonia made a low-ball offer of $50 million. This got the two adversaries talking. Hagemann countered at $100 million, but it wasn't until Hagemann's son, a rock climber, encouraged his father to sell to the conservationists that he lowered the price to $63 million. Puelo Patagonia has raised $15 million of the fund, and Hagemann has given the organization two years to raise the rest of the money. Protecting this land is crucial because it contains over 325,000 acres, of forests that can store more carbon than the Amazon. It also has one of the oldest living species of trees: the endangered Alerce. The Hacienda Pucheguin also has other endangered and endemic species, including Darwin's frog and the marsupial the Monito del monte. The land provides a habitat for these animals with a large amount of freshwater. "This is an irreplaceable place," senior executive at the Nature Conservancy Jeff Parrish said, per the New York Times. "We need to make sure that it stays the way nature intended it to be." Protecting this land means safeguarding these animals, but it also keeps intact a carbon-absorbing resource that helps reduce the polluting gases in the air. Removing these forests would remove a carbon-absorbing resource while also releasing the carbon in the trees. The UN Environment Programme wildlife and biodiversity expert Max Gomera said: "The vast majority of people around the world care about wildlife and nature and many would like to have a say in the future of our planet." Join our free newsletter for cool news and cool tips that make it easy to help yourself while helping the planet. SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) Citing hot, dry conditions and the amount of dead brush, Cal Fire has announced the suspension of residential burn permits in San Diego County starting in June 2024. Effective June 1 at 8 a.m., the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) is suspending all burn permits for outdoor residential burning within the State Responsibility Area of San Diego County. Brush fire near Rancho Santa Fe prompts evacuation warning Cal Fire noted the suspension is because of the fire danger risk due to a high volume of dead grass and increasing hot, dry conditions in the region. The suspension means all residential outdoor burning of branches and leaves and any other landscape debris is not allowed. Wildfire smoke has covered up to 70 percent of California in recent years, affecting land and water: Study Firefighters have already responded to over 950 wildfires across California since the beginning of 2024, according to Cal Fire. The agency is asking San Diego County residents to mitigate the risk of wildfires around their homes with these tips: Clear dead and dying vegetation 100 feet from around all structures Landscape with fire resistant plants and non-flammable ground cover Find alternative ways to dispose of landscape debris like chipping or taking it to a biomass energy or green waste facility Lithium battery fire burns through roof of storage facility; evacuation orders in place Campfires on private property and at campgrounds are still allowed, but require a permit. During certain times of the year and in certain parts of the state, residential burning of dead vegetation, agency-sponsored and agricultural burning projects, and broadcast burning is allowed, unless otherwise noted like the current suspension. Oceanside Pier fire to cost the city an estimated $17.2 million in repairs Last year, Cal Fire suspended burn permits in June, lifting that suspension in November 2023. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. California man wins $1m after 17-hour police interrogation falsely accusing him of killing father, who was alive Thomas Perez Jr, was accused by officers from Fontana Police Department, of killing his father, who was still alive, during a 17 hour interrogation in 2018 (Fontana Police Department, via Jerry Steering) A California man has won a lawsuit against a city police department whose officers interrogated him for 17 hours, threatened to kill his dog, and pressured him to confess to murdering his own father, who was still alive. The city of Fontana, some 50 miles east of Los Angeles, was ordered to pay Thomas Perez Jr $898,000 in damages, following the incident in 2018. A judge said that questioning from officers had appeared to be a form of psychological torture. Surveillance footage of the interrogation, taken from the Fontana Police Department and shared with The Independent, showed Mr Perez in extreme emotional distress. At points, he is seen screaming out loud and attempting to rip his own hair out and pull off his shirt. Officers also brought his pet Labrador Retriever into the room and said the dog, named Margosha, would need to be put down due to depression from witnessing a murder that had not actually occurred. They told him to say goodbye to the animal. According to court documents obtained by The Independent, Mr Perez Jr had called police on August 7, 2018, after his father, 71-year-old Thomas Perez Sr, went out for a walk with the family dog at around 10pm. The dog had returned without Mr Perezs father. In police video of the 17-hour interrogation, Mr Perez could be seen screaming out and attempting to rip his own hair out (Fontana Police Department, via Jerry Steering) Detectives suspicions had been aroused because Mr Perez had seemed distracted and unconcerned with his fathers disappearance, the documents said. Detectives told Mr Perez that his father was dead, that they had recovered his body and had evidence that he had killed him. They pressured him to confess to the crime. Mr Perez insisted he didnt remember killing anyone, but detectives allegedly told him that the human mind often tries to suppress troubling memories, the records showed. At one point during the interrogation, the investigators even threatened to have Margosha euthanized as a stray, and brought the dog into the room so he could say goodbye. Mr Perez can be seen getting down on the floor of the interrogation room to lie next to his dog. At one point Mr Perez is seeing getting down on the floor of the interrogation room to lie next to his dog, Margosha (Fontana Police Department, via Jerry Steering) OK? Your dogs now gone, forget about it, said an investigator in the footage, after taking the animal out of the room again. According to the legal complaint, Mr Perez was also denied access to his prescription medication that he was taking for conditions including depression, stress, asthma and high blood pressure. While interrogations of Mr Perez were going on, officers visited his home, where they found bloodstains and used a K-9 dog unit, which allegedly alerted them to the presence of deceased human remains in Perezs fathers upstairs bedroom, according to the documents. The city of Fontana was ordered to pay Thomas Perez Jr $898,000 in damages, following the incident in 2018 (Fontana Police Department, via Jerry Steering) Lawyers for Mr Perez told The Independent that the photos of the alleged bloodstains were fabricated. According to Mr Perezs lawyer, Jerry Steering, his client was severely traumatized by the incident to the point where shortly after, he attempted to take his own life in the interrogation room. The whereabouts of Thomas Perez Sr was later confirmed by Mr Perezs sister, who called the police station after her brother had been in police custody for 17 hours. Mr Perez Jr accused of murder by officers from Fontana Police Department, who told him they would put down his pet dog, Margosha (Fontana Police Department, via Jerry Steering) Their father, she said, had gone to the house of a female friend in El Monte on the day of his disappearance and had then traveled to Los Angeles International Airport to catch a plane to visit her in Northern California. In an Order on Summary Judgment in the case, passed on 15 June 2023, United States District Judge Dolly Gee found that a reasonable juror could conclude that the Detectives inflicted unconstitutional psychological torture on Perez. There is no legitimate government interest that would justify treating Perez in this manner while he was in medical distress, since the FPD already had two warrants to search his person and property, and he was already essentially in custody and unable to flee or tamper with any evidence, she wrote. The Independent has contacted the City of Fontana for comment about the incident and subsequent settlement with Mr Perez. A contestant performs drumming during the final round of the northern and central section of the 17th Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign High School Students in Hanoi, Vietnam, May 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Hu Jiali) HANOI, May 26 (Xinhua) -- The final round of the northern and central section of the 17th Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign High School Students concluded here on Sunday. The event was held by Hanoi University and co-organized by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation under China's Ministry of Education and the Chinese Embassy in Vietnam. The final round was divided into four parts, including a themed speech, a Chinese knowledge quiz, an impromptu speech and a talent show, held offline at the meeting hall of Hanoi University. Nguyen Tuong Anh from Foreign Language Specialized School, Vietnam National University won in the final round, with 16 students from nine high schools contesting. Nguyen Tuong Anh performed the Chinese sword dance Huamulan, hailed by the audience. "I have learned Chinese since I was young, I will go to China during this summer holiday to know more about Chinese culture," she told Xinhua. Nguyen Thi Cuc Phuong, vice president of Hanoi University, said that Vietnam and China are friendly neighboring countries, share similar cultures and have profound friendships, which should be inherited by younger generations. There are over 10,000 primary and middle school students, and 20,000 college students learning Chinese in Vietnam, according to Zheng Dawei, educational counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Vietnam. A contestant gives a speech during the final round of the northern and central section of the 17th Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign High School Students in Hanoi, Vietnam, May 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Hu Jiali) A contestant plays guzheng, a traditional Chinese musical instrument, during the final round of the northern and central section of the 17th Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign High School Students in Hanoi, Vietnam, May 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Hu Jiali) A contestant performs painting during the final round of the northern and central section of the 17th Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign High School Students in Hanoi, Vietnam, May 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Hu Jiali) Why didn't President Biden immediately refute the dangerous accusation that the government was "ready" to assassinate Donald Trump? (Evan Vucci / Associated Press) On Tuesday evening I was stopped mid-task, stunned, when I saw the subject line on a new fundraising email from Donald Trump: They were authorized to shoot me! By Thursday morning, however, when I got the email that had Trump crying, I nearly escaped death, I was savvy to his con. My fear, however, is his most die-hard supporters are not, and that they might be provoked not to send money but to take up arms for him. Its happened , you know . Trump doesnt care. Over several days, he and his MAGA echo chamber spun a lie the Pants on Fire kind, by Politifacts reckoning out of newly unsealed papers in the Florida classified documents criminal case against Trump. Falsely referencing boilerplate language in FBI agents plans for searching Mar-a-Lago in 2022, they claimed that President Bidens Justice Department had authorized the potential assassination of Trump. Its just been revealed that Bidens DOJ was authorized to use DEADLY FORCE for their DESPICABLE raid in Mar-a-Lago, he wailed in the Tuesday email and on his social media sites. You know theyre just itching to do the unthinkable. Joe Biden was locked & loaded ready to take me out & put my family in danger. Read more: Calmes: Will voters get the message that our judicial system is on the 2024 ballot too? He repeated the claim in Thursdays post, and his minions amplified it. Were they going to shoot [Secret Service] then Pres Trump, Melania, and Barron too???, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, Congress crackpot, wondered on X (formerly Twitter) to her more than 3 million followers. Fox News host Sean Hannity fulminated in prime time. And the Republican National Committee raged that the FBIs deadly force authority takes the Biden administrations weaponization of the law to an entirely new level. As Trump lies go, this one was a whopper that crossed all lines: A former president, now the presumed nominee of one of our two major parties, alleged that the sitting presidents administration plotted to possibly kill him. That claim should not have been met with a collective Trump-will-be-Trump shrug. Yet thats pretty much what happened. As a headline Thursday on the Bulwark, the anti-Trump conservatives website, read: Donald Trump Is Lying About an Assassination Attempt and Nobody Cares. Read more: Calmes: Whatever Big Oil wants, Big Oil gets. As long as it bankrolls Trump You heard almost nothing from either party in Congress, except for MAGA Republicans who spread the lie. Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley tweeted a 2022 clip in which Atty. Gen. Merrick Garland said hed personally approved the decision to get a warrant to search Mar-a-Lago, and Hawley added that perhaps Garland would like to come to Congress and explain all this under oath to the American people. Im sure Garland wouldnt mind at all. And yet it took a reporters question at the Justice Department on Thursday before the attorney general, the alleged head of the potential Trump death squad, responded to the slander. That allegation is false, he said , and it is extremely dangerous. The phrasing regarding FBI force was standard operating stuff, Garland added, the same protocol that was in place when agents searched Bidens home for classified papers in early 2023. What he could have added is that the FBI knew Trump wouldnt be at Mar-a-Lago when the agents showed up. The attorney general was clearly ready for the question. But his measured, belated denial wasnt enough. Only the president can command the attention that refuting Trumps reckless lie demanded. Read more: Calmes: Donald Trump's terrible, horrible, no good, very bad second term I get that Biden doesnt want to react to every Trump fallacy. He doesnt want to give oxygen to the constant bloviations, accord them the respect of a reaction or further exhaust Americans tired of drama. But in a nation where many of us have memories of political assassinations and assassination attempts, where domestic terrorism is metastasizing across the country, according to the FBI, and political violence is on the rise, Trumps obscenely fake news deserved stronger, faster push back. From anyone but Trump imagine any living past president the assertion that the government would murder political rivals would ignite blanket media coverage, a law enforcement scramble and congressional investigations. (Where are the House Republicans so eager to impeach Biden? Dont they believe Trump?) Its a measure of Trumps widely perceived clownishness that the nation mostly yawned when the former president screamed in all-caps, BIDENS DOJ WAS AUTHORIZED TO SHOOT ME! What could be more illustrative of the complacency than Nikki Haleys decision to betray her anti-Trump Republican supporters and finally announce on Wednesday, amid the assassination lying, that wait for it shed be voting for Trump. Read more: Calmes: Our elections have integrity. These politicians do not The peril is that not all the nation yawns. Polls and testimonials show that Trumps hard-core supporters an overwhelming majority of Republicans believe his lies. They believe Biden robbed him of reelection in 2020, that Biden operates a crime family from inside the White House and that Biden is orchestrating Trumps criminal prosecutions. Countless Jan. 6 defendants have testified to the power of Trumps words in inciting their violent deeds. Why wouldnt some of those true believers believe Bidens Justice Department would gun Trump down? And what might they do about it? Biden will never convince MAGA loyalists that Trump is lying about anything. But for the sake of us non-MAGA Americans, he should not have ignored such a scurrilous and dangerous accusation. He should have made a forceful case for why Trumps lies could invite violence and argue, for the sake of his campaign, that anyone whod tell those lies is unfit for the office. The president missed his chance. But, alas, Trump is bound to provide him with another. @jackiekcalmes If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. FILE PHOTO: Canadian flag flies in front of the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill in Ottawa By Ismail Shakil OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canada ordered on Friday the dissolution of two technology companies' businesses in the country, citing national security concerns. The companies, Bluvec Technologies Inc and Pegauni Technology Inc, were given the dissolution order and asked to cease all operations in the country under a law that governs foreign investments in Canada, according to a statement from the innovation ministry. The decision was taken after a review that involved "rigorous scrutiny by Canada's national security and intelligence community", Innovation Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said in the statement. "While Canada continues to welcome foreign direct investment, we will act decisively when investments threaten our national security," Champagne said. The statement did not give details of the investments, the security concerns, or any information on the companies beyond their names. A spokesperson for the innovation minister did not immediately respond to a request for more information late on Friday. A website for Bluvec Technologies describes it as a maker of drone detection devices. Pegauni Technology's website could not be accessed. A LinkedIn account with that name said the company makes wireless security products. When Reuters called the general number listed on Bluvec's website for a response, a person who identified herself as Claire said the company had not received any order from the government and was making checks. Pegauni Technology could not be reached for comment. The law on foreign investments - the Investment Canada Act - was revised earlier this year to add tougher national security reviews of proposed foreign investments. Foreigners who acquire control of a Canadian business or who wish to establish a new business in the country are subject to the law. (Reporting by Ismail Shakil in Ottawa; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman) LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Arkansas lawmakers are eyeing a special session in June to address an appropriation for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and to address possible tax cuts. Capitol View host Roby Brock talked with Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families Executive Director Keesa Smith about the possibility of pausing tax cuts with questions over big expenses coming toward the state soon. Arkansas lawmakers plan to hold special session in June Roby then talks with Arkansas Democrat-Gazette columnist John Brummett about the recent passing of national political commentator and former KARK weekend anchor Alice Stewart and former Arkansas House Speaker Benny Petrus. Capitol View airs on Sundays at 8:30 a.m. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. Carnival cruise ship rescues 25 people stranded off the coast of Mexico A Carnival Cruise Line ship responded to a call from the U.S. Coast Guard and rescued 25 people stranded in a small boat off the coast of Mexico, the company announced Saturday. The 2,984-passenger Carnival Radiance had left Long Beach, California, on Friday and was heading toward Ensenada Mexico for a three-day sailing when the cruise ship's officers were informed by the Coast Guard "about a distress call involving a small vessel," a news release said. The ship immediately routed toward the location of the vessel, provided by the USCG, and "quickly" rescued all 25 people on board, including three children, the company said. The U.S. Coast Guard did not immediately respond to USA TODAY's request for comment. The Carnival Radiance team rescued 25 people on a stranded boat on Saturday. The rescued group was welcomed onto the cruise ship and given food, water, and medical assistance. Carnival coordinated with the Coast Guard to hand off the group. The incident did not disrupt the Carnival Radiance's schedule, the company announced. A roller coaster in the ocean: What Carnival Cruise Line's BOLT ride is like Another Carnival ship rescued a group of 28 Cuban nationals stuck at sea as it was sailing the Caribbean and saw people signaling for help in late April. The cruise ship was headed from Tampa, Florida, to Roatan in Honduras at the time. Also last month, a Celebrity Cruises ship sailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to multiple destinations in the Caribbean rescued a small vessel adrift between Mexico and Cuba. Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at kwong@usatoday.com This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Carnival Cruise Line ship rescues 25 people stranded off Mexico coast BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) The Cheektowaga police officer who was critically injured when he was hit by a stolen vehicle during a pursuit last year has filed a notice of claim the Depew Police Department, claiming that the department violated policies during the chase. Troy Blackchief, a 17-year veteran of the Cheektowaga Police Department, was hit by the vehicle during the chase on the morning of Feb. 6, 2023, while he was attempting to deploy spike strips on Union Road at Route 33. The claim, which was filed in Erie County State Supreme Court earlier this month, alleges that officers with the Depew PD were negligent, careless, reckless, willful, wanton and grossly negligent in the ownership and operation of the aforementioned police vehicles by driving the police vehicles at an excessive rate of speed and by failing to keep said police vehicles under control at all times. It also alleges that the departments officers involved failed to perceive, recognize, mitigate and eliminate the unacceptably high risk and likelihood of harm and danger while engaged in the high speed pursuit. The Village of Depew and a police officer named as John Doe are named in the suit as well. This is now the second court document filed by Blackchief in the case. In February, he sued the 17-year-old who was accused of stealing the vehicle, as well as the vehicles owners. The pursuit began in the area of Walden Avenue and Dick Road before getting to Union Road from Genesee Street on that morning. Police said that Blackchief did not have a chance to deploy the spike strips, which are designed to pop a vehicles tires, before he was hit. Depew officers were assisting Cheektowaga officers with the chase at the time Blackchief was hit. Blackchiefs recovery lasted nearly a year and took him to facilities in both Chicago as well as Fort Worth, Texas after he suffered a skull fracture and a brain injury. He received a new 3D-printed skull bone in April 2023, but needed an emergency craniectomy after he suffered an infection while recovering from that. He had four cranial surgeries, the last of which took place in October, before he came home in December. Blackchief is seeking monetary sums. The claim states that he was catastrophically injured externally, internally and permanently in and about the head, body, limbs and nervous system to that he became and will continue to be disabled and will continue to suffer pain, discomfort, disfigurement and distress. Depew mayor Kevin Peterson said in a statement to News 4 WIVB that the village has not yet been served with a lawsuit, but they were previously served with a notice of claim and are aware of the nature of the claims. He said the village is being represented by outside counsel and gave no additional comment. News 4 WIVB also reached out to Blackchiefs attorney and has not yet received a response. Latest Local News Aidan Joly joined the News 4 staff in 2022. He is a graduate of Canisius College. You can see more of his work here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to News 4 Buffalo. CHEMUNG COUNTY, N.Y. (WETM) Chemung County is asking its residents for input on three plans that will shape the countys future. According to the Chemung County Executives Office, the countys Planning Department is starting a year-long process to develop a new Comprehensive Plan, Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan, and Long-Range Transportation Plan. These plans will help determine long-term goals, investments, and activities for the county, and residents are encouraged to give their opinions on what Chemung County should focus on. Park Station summer 2024 hours and prices announced Input from community members is critical to ensuring our plans reflect the needs and desires of those who live and work in Chemung County, said Planning Commissioner Kevin Meindl. We encourage everyone to share their ideas to help shape a vibrant, sustainable future for the County. The Comprehensive Plan is a broader plan that will focus on different aspects of what the county provides its residents while the Long-Range Transportation Plan and the Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan are more specific. The Comprehensive Plan will guide policies about land use, transportation, housing, economic development, agriculture, recreation, and more. The Long-Term Transportation Plan will focus on ways to strengthen Chemung Countys transportation system over the next 20 years, and the Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan will focus on supporting the local agricultural economy and preserving farmland. Chemung County to see sewage rate increases Chemung County residents have a couple of different ways to share their thoughts on the countys future. Residents can take a short or long survey using one of the links on Chemung Countys website or attend an in-person meeting. The first meeting will be held at the Ernie Davis Center, located at 350 E. 5th St. in Elmira, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 30. Attendees will learn more about the planning processes and current data, and theyll be able to share input through small group discussions. More meetings will be announced in the future. Community members can learn more about the plans by visiting this page of Chemung Countys website. Updates will be posted on the same webpage as well. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com. A Cherokee County man has been sentenced to 30 years with the next 10 years spent in prison after pleading guilty to homicide by vehicle in the first degree (six counts), serious injury by vehicle (six counts), reckless driving, and driving under the influence (two counts). In December 2022, the Cherokee County Sheriffs Office responded to a four-vehicle crash on Knox Bridge Highway, just east of Canton. William Bryan Abernathy, 52, of Calhoun caused the crash after losing control of his 2006 Chevrolet Silverado truck, deputies say. During the investigation, deputies learned Abernathy had been drinking earlier that afternoon. Just before 4 p.m. that afternoon, Abernathys truck was spotted going 76 mph in a 55-mph speed limit zone. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] As he drove around a curve, Abernathy ran onto the shoulder, lost control, then re-entered the highway. This move caused him to lose control of the truck, and he crashed into the drivers side of a 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe driving westbound, deputies say. This caused the Sante Fe to leave the roadway and spin in a counterclockwise direction into oncoming traffic, where it overturned and then was hit by an oncoming 2008 GMC cargo van. The force of the two collisions caused the Santa Fe to run off the highway near the wood line. When deputies responded, Abernathy lied and told officials he had not been drinking, did not remember anything nor how the accident happened. Deputies smelled what seemed to be alcohol and that Abernathy had issues with his balance, he later admitted to drinking a few beers. TRENDING STORIES: Witnesses told CSO officials Abernathy had been flying down the two-lane highway just prior to the accident, zigzagging and attempting to pass on the shoulder of the road. Officials took Abernathys blood at 7:53 p.m. (four hours after the crash) and at 9:51 p.m. (six hours after the crash), the blood alcohol level was .249 and .212, deputies said. The legal limit in Georgia is 0.08. The driver of the Santa Fe, Albert Vito Pallone, 65, and his wife Camilla Pallone, 69, died of blunt force trauma. Evidence shows that both were restrained by seatbelts and that multiple airbags deployed in their vehicle. The other two drivers survived their injuries, but both had to be removed from their vehicles. The driver of the Mazda 3 suffered a broken right tibia, fractured sternum, broken ribs, and a collapsed lung. The cargo van driver suffered fractures in the right foot and injuries to the right hand. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] On December 10, 2022, two people lost their lives and two others were seriously injured as a result of this defendants decision to operate a vehicle while intoxicated, said Assistant District Attorney Pete Lamb, who prosecuted this case on behalf of the State. During the plea hearing, the courtroom was filled with family members and law enforcement officers showing their support of the victims. The Pallones were much loved by their family and their community. Albert and Camilla Pallone had three children, five grandchildren, and one grandchild. The couple resided in Emerson, Bartow County, where Albert Pallone served as the citys mayor. During the plea hearing, family members provided victim impact statements describing their loss. IN OTHER NEWS: Contrary to the often celebratory nature of Memorial Day, U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral Zeita Merchant reminded the hundreds gathered outside the Daley Center downtown that its a solemn day of observance for families and friends of armed service members who lost their lives defending the country. Our Gold Star families .. reflect on the face and the voice that they ache to see and hear once more, she said. The one day we tell the stories of men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. Merchant spoke Saturday morning at Chicagos wreath-laying ceremony. The city hosted the ceremony followed by a parade in the Loop to honor fallen soldiers and their families for Memorial Day, which is observed Monday. Gold Star families are those whose family member died while in active-duty military service. Merchant, who was born in Chicago and served as the parades grand marshal, made history last month as the first African American woman to attain the rank of admiral in the U.S. Coast Guard. Merchant said remembering and repeating the stories of soldiers is an acknowledgment and appreciation for their bravery. Stories have immense power. They bring back our loved ones to light, if only briefly, she said. Remembering stories is like dreaming, where those who have passed .. come back to live and revisit us. For Jean Harris, the stepmother of Sgt. Joshua Harris, who was killed in action in 2008 in Afghanistan while serving with the Illinois Army National Guard, the holiday allows everyone to share in the remembrance of loved ones who died, something families experience daily. That empty chair, pictures that never get updated as if theyre frozen in time, said Harris, a survivor outreach services coordinator. Forever a memory that seems like yesterday. These memories are replaced with a golden flag, medals and awards achieved to validate a dedicated service and now forever honor their loved ones sacrifice, she continued. Each one of these items is a cherished item that would be gladly turned in if it could bring them back. Mayor Brandon Johnson referenced the recently-restored Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Chicagos Riverwalk, which contains the names of nearly 3,000 Illinois service members killed in Vietnam, as a way to continually remember our brave neighbors and friends. From the beaches of Normandy to the jungles of Vietnam to the deserts of Iraq, our sons and daughters of Chicago they were there, Johnson said. They came from different corners of our city and every walk of life. But they were united by a common love for their country, their love for our communities, and they had a shared commitment to defend them. The ceremony also included renditions of patriotic songs, such as The Star-Spangled Banner and God Bless America, as well as a 21-gun salute. The parade, which stepped off at noon, traveled south on State Street from Lake Street to Van Buren Street. Dozens along the route many wearing red, white and blue cheered and waved as floats, marching bands and firetrucks passed. rjohnson@chicagotribune.com ISLAMABAD, May 26 (Xinhua) -- At least 11 people were killed and 15 others injured on Saturday in a collision between a trailer and a van in Pakistan's eastern Punjab province, the rescue service reported. The rescue service said that the accident took place in the evening in Chowk Sarwar Shaheed area when a passenger van hit the truck, resulting in casualties. Following the accident, the victims were shifted to a local hospital, the rescue service said, adding that some of the injured were in critical condition. The deceased included four children and three women. The rescue service, quoting the van's passengers, said that the accident occurred due to overspeeding and careless driving by the van driver. (Reuters) - A volunteer firefighter and a Chilean forestry official have been formally accused by prosecutors with involvement in setting wildfires that engulfed central Chile this past February, killing over 130 people. Implicated so far is volunteer firefighter Francisco Ignacio Mondaca, along with Francisco Pinto, an official from Chile's National Forestry Corporation (CONAF), part of the Agriculture ministry that is responsible for preventing forest fires. The prosecutor's office in Valparaiso, a coastal city close to areas hardest hit by the fires, said on Saturday that both suspects were in pre-trial detention. Attorneys for the two men could not immediately be reached. Authorities say Mondaca, the firefighter, carried out the plot, while citing the CONAF official as the mastermind behind it. Prosecutors said they had access to evidence the shows Moncada and Pinto acted deliberately and that they had knowledge about the optimal weather conditions to start fires. "We have material that shows that they agreed to act jointly when the appropriate meteorological conditions arose to ensure that the fires occurred," Claudia Perivancich, regional prosecutor of Valparaiso, told reporters. Officials found that in each of the four places where fires first broke out on Feb. 2 they also found devices made of cigarettes and matches that started them. The judge gave authorities six months to finish the investigation, saying that more work had to be done on the cases of missing victims and each suspect's cell phone, according to a post on Valparaiso's prosecutor office's X account. Prosecutor Osvaldo Ossandon said authorities were able to link Mondaca to six previous fires that occurred in the area, according to a post on X from Valparaiso's prosecutor's office. The fires were the worst natural disaster to strike the South American nation since the 2010 earthquake and tsunami that left more than 500 dead. Chile, Argentina and other parts of South America's southern cone have faced a severe heat wave, something experts say will become more common during the southern summer months due to climate change. The extreme weather in Chile has also been exacerbated by the El Nino climate phenomenon, which warms the Pacific Ocean. (Reporting by Sarah Kinosian; Editing by David Gregorio) By Ben Blanchard TAIPEI (Reuters) -Taiwan President Lai Ching-te extended goodwill towards and offered cooperation with China on Sunday following two days of Chinese war games near the island, as a group of U.S. lawmakers arrived in Taipei. China, which claims democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, carried out the military drills on Thursday and Friday, calling them "punishment" after Lai's inauguration speech on Monday which Beijing called another push for the island's formal independence. China has repeatedly lambasted Lai as a "separatist". Lai rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims and says only Taiwan's people can decide their future. He has repeatedly offered talks but been rebuffed. Speaking at a meeting of his ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in the southern city of Tainan, Lai called on China to "share the heavy responsibility of regional stability with Taiwan", according to comments provided by his party. Lai, who won election in January, said he also "looked forward to enhancing mutual understanding and reconciliation with China via exchanges and cooperation, creating mutual benefit and moving towards a position of peace and common prosperity". He thanked the United States and other countries for their expressions of concern about the Chinese exercises. "The international community will not accept any country creating waves in the Taiwan Strait and affecting regional stability," Lai added. The first group of U.S. lawmakers to visit Taiwan since Lai took office arrived on the island on Sunday for a four-day visit, led by Michael McCaul, the Republican chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. McCaul, joined by a bipartisan group of five other lawmakers, will meet Lai on Monday morning to "exchange views on peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific", Taiwan's presidential office said. "Taiwan is a thriving democracy. The U.S. will continue to stand by our steadfast partner and work to maintain the status quo across the Taiwan Strait," McCaul said in a statement. Taiwan's government has condemned China's war games. Over the past four years, China has staged regular military activities around Taiwan as it seeks to pressure the island's government. On Sunday, Taiwan's defence ministry said the garrison on Erdan islet, part of the Taiwan-controlled Kinmen islands that sit next to China's Xiamen and Quanzhou cities, had discovered a "crude" cardboard box containing paper with political slogans on it, written in the simplified Chinese characters used in China. The ministry said the box was suspected of being dropped by a drone outside the line of sight, adding, "It is a typical cognitive operation trick." In 2022, Taiwan shot down a drone off Kinmen after complaining of days of harassment. China's defence ministry did not answer calls outside of office hours. China's military has kept up a barrage of propaganda videos and animations directed at Taiwan since the exercises began. Its Eastern Theatre Command, which ran the drills, showed a video on Sunday of rockets firing in what it referred to in English as "cross-strait lethality". (Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Sonali Paul, William Mallard and Christina Fincher) China is preparing an armada of ferries and civilian vessels to invade Taiwan as Beijing steps up its pressure campaign against the island nation. While the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) lacks the numbers of amphibious landing craft needed to stage the sort of invasion seen during the D-Day landings, it could bridge the gap with civilian vessels, including dozens of gigantic roll-on, roll-off ferries that can each carry hundreds of armoured vehicles. Amphibious landings under fire are among the most difficult of military manoeuvres, said Ray Powell, the director of SeaLight, a Stanford University project focused on grey zone activities in the South China Sea. Civilian ferries would normally be poor choices for such a mission but could be used to transport troops en masse across the Taiwan strait after its coastal defences are destroyed, or to overwhelm the islands military with sheer mass, he said. Beijing launched two days of military drills in the waters around Taiwan on Thursday in what it said was a strong punishment for separatist acts after a fiery inauguration address in Taipei earlier this week by Lai Ching-te, who was sworn in as president for a four-year term. It was the third set of exercises encircling the island in the past two years. We urge China to exercise self-restraint and stop undermining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and beyond, Taiwans ministry of foreign affairs said. China regards democratic Taiwan as part of its territory and has vowed to bring the island under its control, possibly by force, and US intelligence believes that Xi Jinping has ordered the PLA to be ready to take the island by 2027. In the meantime, Taipei has had to react to a campaign of so-called grey zone activities including frequent cyber-attacks, regular incursions by military jets in its airspace, and harassment by Chinese vessels in its waters. Taiwans military is vastly smaller than Chinas, but it is protected by formidable mountainous terrain and the treacherous 110-mile Taiwan Strait. The Chinese navy already has the worlds biggest surface fleet, and it has also built dozens of dual-use vessels capable of acting during peacetime and in war. A decade ago, Beijing issued technical guidelines for shipbuilders that would enable many of its civilian vessels to be suitable for military uses and is believed to have integrated its ferries, tankers and container ships within its military command structure, according to a report from the US Naval War Colleges China Maritime Studies Institute. Ferries join the army Chinese state media has touted these efforts for years, regularly hailing the participation of ferries in cross-sea landing drills, with broadcaster CCTV praising the 135-metre Bang Chui Dao after it joined the army for military exercises in 2019, or the 164-metre Bohai Pearl in 2021, which Global Times said would make a good addition for transporting troops on a large scale in amphibious landing missions, citing an anonymous Chinese military expert. Another Chinese shipping news service gushed over the Chang Da Long, a civilian ferry which is large enough to carry enough heavy tanks and other vehicles to fill two mechanised infantry battalions, writing that it is dressed in a civilian shell, but it has a military heart!. Tom Shugart, an analyst at the Center for a New American Security think tank, estimated in 2022 that Chinas civilian vessels could dramatically increase the tonnage of military material that can be moved by its existing military amphibious assault craft, giving it capacity to transport about 300,000 troops and their vehicles across the Taiwan strait in about 10 days. Both the Taiwanese and American intelligence communities should start watching Chinas key civilian shipping in the same way they watch its naval vessels, he wrote at the time. While the idea of passenger ferries being kitted out to use in a conflict zone might sound unusual, it reflects the degree to which Chinas private sector is enmeshed with the ruling communist party and the military policy of the government in Beijing. It also makes planning a defence much more complex, analysts said. Civilian ferries are part of the broader Chinese concept of military-civil fusion, one in which civilian assets and capabilities are an inherent part of a whole of nation effort in national security, said Alessio Patalano, professor of war and strategy in East Asia at the Department of War Studies, Kings College London. Including these assets represents a significant complicating factor in those who need to think about how to meet the challenge of their use. But though it may be hard to tell whether a passenger ferrys movements are part of a build-up for war, Chinas broader intentions are clear, he added. There is nothing concealed about the Chinese military build-up, he added. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. By Hyonhee Shin, Katya Golubkova and Eduardo Baptista SEOUL/TOKYO/BEIJING (Reuters) -Chinese Premier Li Qiang agreed with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Sunday to launch a diplomatic and security dialogue and resume free trade talks, and discussed tensions around Taiwan with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The leaders held bilateral meetings in Seoul a day before the first summit by the three Asian neighbours in more than four years. China and the U.S.-allied South Korea and Japan are trying to manage rising distrust amid the rivalry between Beijing and Washington and tensions over Taiwan. Expectations are low for Monday's trilateral summit, but even handshakes would help maintain at least some high-level diplomacy after years of deteriorating relations, diplomats and officials say. Yoon told Li that South Korea and China should work together not only to promote shared interests based on mutual respect but also on regional and global issues to tackle common challenges, citing Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Israel-Hamas conflict and global economic uncertainties. "I hope to continue to strengthen bilateral cooperation even in the face of today's global complex crises," Yoon said at the start of the meeting, according to his office. Yoon asked China to play a greater role as a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, especially as North Korea continues to develop nuclear missiles and boost military cooperation with Russia, saying another spy satellite launch using intercontinental ballistic-missile technology is imminent. Li told Yoon their countries should oppose turning economic and trade issues into political or security ones, and should work to maintain stable supply chains, Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported. Li said China was ready to strengthen cooperation in high-end manufacturing, new energy, artificial intelligence, biomedicine and other fields. China will further expand market access, strengthen guarantees for foreign investment and welcomes more South Korean companies do business in the country, he said. In a separate meeting with Samsung Chairman Jay Y. Lee, Li encouraged the Korean tech giant to boost its investment in China. In recent years, Chinese leaders and diplomats have frequently condemned the U.S. and its allies over export controls targeting its semiconductor industry by calling on these countries to stop "overstretching the concept of national security". Since 2021, Chinese companies and state entities have been increasingly cut off from ready access to the world's most advanced chips, many of them produced by South Korean tech giants, such as Samsung and SK Hynix. Li expressed hopes for continuing efforts to "build consensus and resolve differences" through "equal dialogue and sincere communications." PRACTICAL COOPERATION The three leaders attended a banquet where multicultural choirs and bands performed traditional and modern songs, while the menu included tofu, dumplings and bean pastes - cuisine staples in all three countries. At a separate meeting with Kishida, Yoon lauded progress on diplomatic, economic and cultural exchanges with Japan, and they agreed to deepen ties next year when the two countries celebrate the 60th anniversary of normalising relations, Yoon's office said. Kishida also met separately with Li, stressing the importance of the stability of the Taiwan Strait for Japan and the international community. Li told Kishida that he hoped Japan would "properly handle issues like Taiwan", Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported. Kishida told reporters after the meeting he had asked Beijing to lift an import ban on Japanese seafood, imposed after Japan began releasing treated wastewater from the wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific. He also asked for the early release of Japanese citizens detained in China. China and Japan agreed to hold a new round of bilateral high-level economic dialogue at an appropriate time, according to CCTV. The three neighbours had agreed to hold annual summits starting in 2008, but bilateral feuds and the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the initiative, with the last three-way summit held in late 2019. Yoon, Li and Kishida will adopt a joint statement on six areas including the economy and trade, science and technology, people-to-people exchanges and health and the aging population, Seoul officials said. The summit comes as South Korea and Japan have been working to mend ties frayed by historical disputes while deepening a trilateral security partnership with the United States amid its intensifying rivalry with China. Beijing has previously warned that U.S. efforts to further elevate relations with South Korea and Japan could fan regional tension and confrontation. Seoul and Tokyo have warned against any attempts to forcibly change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait, while Beijing on Tuesday criticised a decision by South Korean and Japanese lawmakers to attend Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te's inauguration. (Reporting by Hyonhee Shin and Daewoung Kim in Seoul, Katya Golubkova in Tokyo, and Eduardo Baptista in Beijing; Additional reporting by Josh Smith in Seoul and Kiyoshi Takenaka in Tokyo; Editing by Sonali Paul, William Mallard and Tomasz Janowski) By Hyonhee Shin and Jack Kim SEOUL (Reuters) -Chinese Premier Li Qiang praised what he called a restart in relations with Japan and South Korea as he met their leaders for the first three-way talks in four years on Monday, agreeing to revive trade and security dialogues hampered by global tensions. The Chinese premier met South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Seoul with efforts to revitalise three-party free trade agreement negotiations, stalled since 2019, high on the agenda. As the summit opened, Li said the meeting was "both a restart and a new beginning" and called for the comprehensive resumption of cooperation between East Asia's economic powerhouses. But for this to happen politics should be separated from economic and trade issues, he added, calling for an end to protectionism and the decoupling of supply chains. "For China, South Korea, and Japan, our close ties will not change, the spirit of cooperation achieved through crisis response will not change and our mission to safeguard regional peace and stability will not change," Li said. The meeting itself was seen as a mark of progress for three countries whose relations are marked as much by suspicion and rancour as by constructive engagement. "The trilateral summit is more about reducing frictions than reshaping geopolitics," said Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul. China and U.S.-allied South Korea and Japan are trying to manage mutual distrust amid the rivalry between Beijing and Washington, tensions over democratically ruled Taiwan, which China claims as its own, and North Korea's nuclear programme. Yoon and Kishida have charted a closer course with each other and to Washington, embarking on unprecedented three-way cooperation with the United States on military and other measures. U.S. President Joe Biden has raised barriers to Chinese imports, hiking tariffs on an array of Chinese imports including electric vehicle (EV) batteries and computer chips. Donald Trump, his rival in the November presidential election, has floated tariffs of 60% or higher on all Chinese goods. "We need to promote multipolarity in the world and oppose the formation of blocs or camps," Li said. BOOSTING COOPERATION A joint declaration released after the meeting called for China, Japan, and South Korea to formalise regular communication at the highest levels, and collaborate on climate change, conservation, health, trade and international peace, among other areas. The declaration set a goal of boosting the number of people-to-people exchanges to 40 million by 2030 through exchanges in culture, tourism and education. The leaders also issued separate joint statements on pandemic preparation and intellectual property protection. On North Korea, Yoon and Kishida called on Pyongyang not to carry out a planned rocket launch carrying a space satellite, which they say uses ballistic missile technology banned by United Nations Security Council resolutions. North Korea ignored those calls and attempted to launch a satellite on Monday, but said it ended in failure when a newly developed rocket engine exploded in flight. Li called for all parties to practice restraint and prevent further complication of the situation on the Korean peninsula, but did not mention the satellite. China is North Korea's only military ally, its largest trade partner, and along with Russia, has called for U.N. sanctions on North Korea to be eased. North Korea condemned the three countries for committing to denuclearise the Korean peninsula, describing their joint declaration as a "grave political provocation" that violates its sovereignty. TRADE RELATIONS The increasingly competitive trade relationship between China, South Korea and Japan has been further tested by U.S. calls for its allies to shift their supply chains for key products, such as semiconductors, away from China. Yoon said the leaders agreed to build a transparent and predictable trade and supply chain environment, but did not elaborate. The leaders also attended a forum with top business executives from the three countries who noted that cooperation had not reached its potential due to the global challenges, but agreed that industry would work together to support trade and stabilise supply chains. "Relations would advance further if China allows better access for Japanese and Korean diplomats in Beijing and improves the business environment for foreign companies," Easley said. At their last FTA negotiation in November 2019, the three countries agreed on liberalisation at a level higher than the Regional Comprehensive Economic partnership (RCEP), of which they are all members, encompassing areas from trade of goods and services to investment, customs, competition and e-commerce. (Writing by Josh Smith; Additional reporting by Heekyong Yang, Ju-min Park, and Jihoon Lee in Seoul, Ethan Wang and Ryan Woo in Beijing and Sakura Murakami and Nobuhiro Kobo in Tokyo; Editing by Stephen Coates, Michael Perry, William Maclean) President South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (3rd from L) holds talks with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida (2nd from R) during their talks at the presidential office in Seoul. -/YNA POOL/dpa The prime ministers of Japan and China, Fumio Kishida and Li Qiang, have arrived in Seoul a day before their joint summit with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeoul. Yoon first met Li on Sunday, South Korean broadcasters reported, and a meeting between Yoon and Kishida was also planned. Alongside bilateral relations, the one-on-one talks are also due to focus on preparations for the first summit between the three East Asian economic powers in four and a half years on Monday. Japanese media reported that Kishida was also scheduled to hold his first meeting with the new Chinese prime minister, in office since March 2023. The situation in the region and beyond has changed dramatically in the years since the last tripartite meeting at the end of 2019, Kishida told The Japan Times newspaper before his departure for Seoul. The summit aims to improve trilateral cooperation with the economy, trade and climate change on the agenda. Such trilateral meetings were originally due to be held annually but it has been several years since such a gathering due to the pandemic, coupled with tensions between South Korea and Japan. Relations have since improved between the two nations, both close allies of the US. Both are linked to China through close trade ties while also sharing Washington's concerns about Beijing's expanding reach. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (R) shakes hands with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida during their meeting at the presidential office in Seoul. -/YNA POOL/dpa South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (R) poses for a photo with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the presidential office in Seoul. -/YNA POOL/dpa Trucks wait to carry aid supplies near the Gaza side of the Kerem Shalom crossing between Israel and the Gaza Strip, on May 26, 2024. At least 200 trucks loaded with humanitarian aid supplies will enter the Gaza Strip on Sunday via the Israeli-controlled Kerem Shalom crossing, Egyptian media and Palestinian security sources said. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) GAZA/CAIRO/JERUSALEM, May 26 (Xinhua) -- At least 200 trucks loaded with humanitarian aid supplies will enter the Gaza Strip on Sunday via the Israeli-controlled Kerem Shalom crossing, Egyptian media and Palestinian security sources said. Egypt's state-run Nile TV reported that so far 90 trucks have already crossed the Kerem Shalom crossing into Gaza after being inspected by the Israeli side, with the rest of the trucks awaiting permission to enter through the crossing. Each truck carried 20 tons of food supplies, while four of them carried fuel needed to operate generators in Gaza's hospitals, Palestinian sources said. It is the first batch of aid entering Gaza since the beginning of the Israeli military operation in the city of Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip, and the subsequent Israeli control over the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing on May 7. Egypt has refused to coordinate aid entry through the Rafah crossing as long as Israel maintains control of its Palestinian side. On Friday, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden agreed during phone talks to deliver quantities of humanitarian aid and fuel to the United Nations at the Kerem Shalom crossing temporarily "until a legal mechanism is reached to reoperate the Rafah crossing from the Palestinian side," according to the Egyptian presidency. Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement on Sunday that the weekly number of aid trucks entering the Gaza Strip through the Kerem Shalom and Erez crossings on the Israel-Gaza border has almost doubled from the week before. According to the Israeli army, the land aid provided in the past week reached 2,065 humanitarian aid trucks, providing food, water, fuel, medical equipment, and shelter materials for Gazan civilians. Among them were 232 trucks from the UN World Food Program carrying flour for the bakeries in Gaza, 132 aid trucks from Jordan, and 352,000 liters of diesel and gasoline to supply essential facilities, including hospitals and shelters run by the international community in Gaza. In addition, 1,806 pallets of food via the new U.S.-installed floating pier in Gaza were transferred in 127 trucks to logistics centers of international aid agencies in the Strip. The temporary floating pier for humanitarian aid was inaugurated on May 17 and is operated by Israel's Navy and the Ministry of Defense, in cooperation with the United States. On Saturday, a U.S. raft delivering aid to the Gaza floating pier drifted northward and reached the Israeli coastal city of Ashdod, according to reports by Israel's state-owned Kan TV news and other Israeli media. Kan added that the raft detached from a vessel due to high waves and winds, while attempts to rejoin at sea were unsuccessful. A truck waits to carry aid supplies near the Gaza side of the Kerem Shalom crossing between Israel and the Gaza Strip, on May 26, 2024. At least 200 trucks loaded with humanitarian aid supplies will enter the Gaza Strip on Sunday via the Israeli-controlled Kerem Shalom crossing, Egyptian media and Palestinian security sources said. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) A truck waits to carry aid supplies near the Gaza side of the Kerem Shalom crossing between Israel and the Gaza Strip, on May 26, 2024. At least 200 trucks loaded with humanitarian aid supplies will enter the Gaza Strip on Sunday via the Israeli-controlled Kerem Shalom crossing, Egyptian media and Palestinian security sources said. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Trucks wait to carry aid supplies near the Gaza side of the Kerem Shalom crossing between Israel and the Gaza Strip, on May 26, 2024. At least 200 trucks loaded with humanitarian aid supplies will enter the Gaza Strip on Sunday via the Israeli-controlled Kerem Shalom crossing, Egyptian media and Palestinian security sources said. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Colombian Teacher Is Making a Difference in Texas and Teared Up After Student Said He 'Wanted to Be Like Me' "I still have a lot to give to the kids here, Kevin Mora tells PEOPLE about teaching in San Antonio for the last two years under an exchange program Images Provided by San Antonio ISD Kevin Mora Colombian Kevin Mora has been teaching Spanish and social studies in Texas under the InternationalTeach Alliance exchange program He received the Linguistic Responsive Teacher Award for all SAISD middle schools in 2023 I still have a lot to give to the kids here, Mora tells PEOPLE In 2020, Kevin Mora, a teacher from Colombia, visited a relative in Virginia, marking his first trip to America. During his time abroad, he met a fellow educator who suggested he consider applying to teach in the United States. And I was like, Well, that sounds interesting,' " Mora, 24, tells PEOPLE. Mora then started looking at his options, which led him to InternationalTeach Alliance, a teacher exchange program based in the U.S. Already in his second year, Mora now teaches Spanish and social studies to 6th and 7th graders at the Eloise Japhet Academy in San Antonio, Texas. In addition to earning praise from his students, Mora has been recognized by the San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD) for his work, which is quite an accomplishment for someone who had to acclimate to living in a new country by himself. I don't have any family here in Texas or anything, he says. The lifestyles are different, so it was kind of scary at the beginning. I wasn't really sure that I was going to make it." Related: Meet the 'Kitchen Chemist,' a Science Teacher Who Cooks Up Inspiration in Virtual Classes at Home Before coming to the United States, Mora spent two years teaching in Colombia, which is the requirement to be eligible for the International TeachAlliance program. I was teaching at a rural school [in Santana] where there were no computers, there wasn't internet, he says. I used to buy notebooks for my students and stuff. It wasn't hard but compared to how it is here [in the U.S., its] a whole big difference. Since it was rural, some of [the students] used to go to school in working boots. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. It was a culture shock for Mora when he first arrived in San Antonio in 2022. One adjustment he had to make was driving a car to get around. Another was the city's food. "San Antonio is very influenced by Mexican culture. I'm from Colombia and the food over there is way different," he says. "I can't find Colombian food here in San Antonio. Images Provided by San Antonio ISD Kevin Mora (L) with a student at the Japhet Academy in San Antonio At his new school, Mora says students have more tools and accesses to resources than his Colombian pupils but the biggest difference he's observed has to do with the way kids think about education. In Colombia, the kids go to school and see it as an opportunity," he says. "But here, [American kids] see it as something some of them don't like or don't want. That's been a big contrast right there." Images Provided by San Antonio ISD Kevin Mora (L) with students Mora says hes constantly looking for new ways to get his students engaged. For instance, when his students are learning about history, he says he tells them what happened "as if I was there." "Like if I was Abraham Lincoln, I tell them what was going on in my life and stuff. And they like that because that's new for them, it's not just doing a reading or watching a video or doing something, but it's hearing something firsthand," he explains. For Spanish, I always involve cultural things in my Spanish lessons, he continues. That's what it is about. It's not just for them to learn the language, but also for them to learn the social part of the language. Images Provided by San Antonio ISD Kevin Mora and students in class at Japhet Academy In 2023, Mora was honored by being named the Linguistic Responsive Teacher Award for all SAISD middle schools. He says that the award makes it clear that he's "giving my best to the kids" and making the kind of impact he's always dreamed of as a teacher. And he's not alone in thinking that. Even though everything was new to him (United States school system, instructional strategies, classroom management, and curriculum) Kevin took on the challenge and created a safe and engaging classroom environment where his students thrive, Esmeralda Alday, SAISD bilingual and dual Language executive director, tells PEOPLE. His achievements during his first year and his continued outreach for professional growth demonstrate that he is committed to providing quality education to our students." Related: Calif. Teacher's Outdoor Classroom Was a Screen-Free Success: 'Kindergarten Is Supposed to Be Magical' Mora has also received shout-outs from his Japhet Academy students, including Alexandre Torres, a 7th grader from Venezuela. He explains step by step what we need to do in class and helps us a lot in that topic, so we do not have to make mistakes in the exam," says Alexandre. "Theres more trust because as Latinos we understand each other how we speak and how to express ourselves. I think he's one of those cool teachers, adds Melanie Cano, a 6th grader from San Antonio. Mr. Mora is so easygoing. He's not all uptight. He likes to have fun and joke around with us." Melanie notes that they "love it" when he teaches them about where he's from. "I learned so much about Colombia in my time with him," the 6th grader says. Images Provided by San Antonio ISD Kevin Mora in class Mora has one more year left to teach under the International TeachAlliance program, although he says the district could extend his tenure to two more years. I think I still have a lot to give to the kids here, he says. The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now! Seeing a part of himself in his American students is what motivates him to teach, Mora says, All my students are multi-bilinguals, but some of them are newcomers to this country." Related: Matthew McConaughey Reveals His Favorite Teacher Is His Mom in Sweet Video (Exclusive) A couple of months ago, he continues, one of my students wrote me a letter saying that he wanted to be like me. He's a 7th grader, and he was like, 'I want to be like you because you speak English.' His parents came from Venezuela. He's learning English, and he wants to have a bright future in this country. I was just crying I was like, 'This is the real reason why I do this. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Colorado takes a new and likely more effective approach to the housing crisis In recent years, Colorado has been a poster child for the U.S. housing crisis. Previously a relatively affordable state, it has seen home prices increase nearly sixfold over the past three decades, outstripping even Florida and California. Once a problem confined to coastal cities, unaffordable housing has increasingly become an issue in the nations heartland. Like elsewhere, theres no single reason why real estate has become so expensive in Colorado. Instead, there are several: Demand is rising among millennials, seniors are remaining in their houses longer, investors are buying second homes and short-term rentals, and housing construction has failed to keep up. Then there are supply-chain disruptions and labor shortages. The result? Colorado has been experiencing declining population growth, increasing homelessness and hiring challenges for employers. But new legislation may change that. This year, Colorados General Assembly passed several laws that, from my perspective as an expert on real estate and land use, will make Colorado a national leader in expanding housing affordability. On May 13, 2024, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signed a bill requiring local governments to plan and zone for more apartments and condominiums near transit stations. On the same day, the governor signed a law allowing accessory dwelling units small apartments located on the same lot as a single-family house to be constructed in large cities and towns. These bills followed others that eliminated minimum vehicle parking requirements for apartments and preempted local rules prohibiting people from living with roommates. These changes will make housing more affordable by allowing developers to build more and more diverse housing at a lower cost. Even more legislation, including a bill that would give local governments a right to purchase existing homes in order to preserve affordability, will soon reach the governors desk. Each of these actions aims to hold down housing costs for developers and home seekers. Restricting new housing causes problems To end the housing crisis, governments need to get rid of rules that prevent developers from building new homes. For decades, economists have observed that restrictive zoning laws in some of the nations wealthiest cities are a major factor blocking new development. Under the law of supply and demand, limiting housing supply increases housing prices. That doesnt just mean its hard to buy a home in Boulder or Vail. Unaffordable housing in prosperous U.S. cities has far-reaching effects. It increases the household wealth gap between existing, higher-income homeowners and renters. It reduces workforce dynamism, as workers cant afford to move to places where they might find better-paying, more productive jobs. This, in turn, hurts national economic growth. Unaffordable housing also aggravates racial inequity and accelerates gentrification and displacement in lower-income neighborhoods. The housing affordability crisis even makes climate change worse. As people seek cheaper housing farther from employment centers, their commutes produce more greenhouse gas emissions. Cities like Los Angeles are expensive to live in, forcing people to move to the suburbs, which causes more traffic and greenhouse gas emissions. AP Photo/Richard Vogel Colorado is addressing issues head-on Colorados transit-oriented housing law is intended to address these issues. And, as my forthcoming research suggests, it may prove more effective than other states interventions to make housing more affordable. Beginning with Oregon in 2019, several states attacked single-family zoning by overruling local zoning laws that only allow one detached home per parcel. Many cities have passed similar changes. Advocates herald these reforms, but eliminating single-family zoning has produced little new housing. Bolstered by my experience as a land-use lawyer, my research demonstrates some of the issues with well-intentioned single-family zoning reforms: It is too expensive and difficult to finance projects that add just one or two additional units to properties sporadically. Whats more, small projects like these dont attract experienced developers. Allowing higher-density housing, reducing development fees and speeding up permitting time frames will result in more homes being built more quickly, my research shows. Colorados legislation does a better job of harnessing market forces. The states new transit-oriented development law requires 31 cities to plan and zone for housing at an average density of 40 dwelling units per acre within a half-mile of a fixed-rail transit station or high-frequency bus corridor. Thats roughly equivalent to a three- or four-story apartment building. Its impossible to predict exactly how many new housing units this law will create. But the Denver regions transit agency has 77 light-rail stations, and the law will force local governments to plan and zone for approximately 60,000 housing units around those stations alone. That number of units would help to close Colorados 101,000-unit housing shortage. And thats not counting the units that will be allowed to be built along bus lines. The new law builds on experiments in Massachusetts and California, where state governments have begun to require towns to zone for and eliminate red tape on moderate-density housing near transit. However, Colorados law goes further by allowing much denser development, mirroring locally adopted and highly effective transit-oriented development laws in Minneapolis and Los Angeles. Colorados law hits a sweet spot for developers. Mid-rise projects are the most profitable type of new multi-family housing construction, according to the University of California Berkeleys Terner Center for Housing Innovation. Thats because they can be built with inexpensive materials such as wood and dont require specialized building-safety components that go into high-rise construction. Developers can spread costs in these projects across more units than in, say, a duplex or triplex. Under proper market conditions or with modest incentives, larger projects make it more feasible for developers to set aside affordable units for below-market-rate affordable prices if local governments require it. By design, residents of these new homes will have easy access to public transit, which should ease Colorados air-quality issues and reduce its carbon footprint. As a result, a broad coalition of housing, transportation and environmental advocates supported the bill. Colorados transit-oriented law also addresses a common argument against state intervention in land-use regulation. Opponents argue that state laws governing land use eat away at local communities right to govern themselves. Local control is political, if not legal, dogma in many states. Honoring Colorados strong home rule tradition, the transit-oriented development bill allows cities to determine where in their transit areas to permit multi-family housing. A town could spread the required units throughout its transit areas, for example, or concentrate them in a particular location. But they cant opt out from building them in the first place. Brian J. Connolly is a co-founder of the Colorado Housing Affordability Project (CHAP). CHAP is an unincorporated volunteer group that has researched state land-use regulation in Colorado and ways to advance housing affordability. For nearly a month, a Fresno police officer and his family were the targets of a relentless campaign of harassment and revenge by a man furious over being given a ticket for jaywalking, according to a civil lawsuit. The officer, who is identified in the lawsuit as John Doe, was on duty Oct. 25, 2019, about 2 p.m. when he spotted a man, later identified as John Christopher Spatafore, illegally crossing the street in downtown Fresno near Fresno City Hall and the railroad tracks. The 55-year-old Spatafore worked in information technology for Community Regional Medical Center and was about a block away from his workplace. A police report described Spatafore as extremely confrontational during questioning, but he took the ticket and both men went on their way. The encounter should have been over at that point, but what followed was a series of bizarre events that the officers lawyer, Brian Whelan, called a cyber campaign of hate and revenge against the officer, his wife and daughter. The officer is suing Spatafore and the hospital for, among other things, invasion of privacy, negligent infliction of emotional distress, intentional infliction of emotional distress and negligent supervision of an employee. The officer is seeking no less than $5.5 million each for himself, his wife and daughter. Punitive damages are to be determined by a jury at trial. A pre-trial discovery conference is scheduled for June 6 and a trial potentially later this year. A sign points pedestrians to a new crosswalk near the Tulare Street Amtrak station and tracks at Tulare and R streets in downtown Fresno where construction is close to wrapping up on Monday, May 20, 2024. The crossing is at the center of a jaywalking incident that turned into a nightmare for a Fresno police officer. Harassment against Fresno police officer and family Court records and police reports detail the lengths Spatafore took to carry out his plan of revenge. A few days after writing the jaywalking ticket, the officer began receiving password reset codes, indicating someone was trying to hack his email account. The attempts continued at least 10 more times over the next several days. Then the phone calls, emails and text messages began. Spatafore had unleashed thousands of information requests to car dealers, solar companies and retailers, according to the lawsuit. In one day the officer received 100 texts to his personal phone. Lamborghini, Rolls Royce, and Maserati dealerships started to deluge John (the officers pseudonym) with calls responding to your request concerning online orders and online inquiries that John never made, according to the lawsuit. Further, there were also indications of attempted intrusion into Plaintiffs wireless internet which suggested that Spatafore lurked outside Plaintiffs home at all hours of the day and night to hack into Plaintiffs wireIess internet and was within the short radius of the wireless internets reach. In a deposition, Spatafore denied hacking into the officers email account. Still, the harassment escalated. He filed a false police report accusing the officer of being involved in a hit-and-run on Oct. 1, 2019. In the narrative portion of the police report, Spatafore wrote: Police motorcycle riding on sidewalk without lights or sirens. Appeared intoxicated on drugs all while laughing aloud. An investigation by Fresno police found that the incident didnt happen, and a search warrant later revealed the online report was tied to Spatafores IP address at the hospital. Spatafore filed a second false report, this time alleging the officers wife was the victim of domestic violence. He also told police the officers sister-in-law had photographic evidence of the abuse. Although a police investigation found the report to be false, it took a toll on the couple. The humiliating false reports of false domestic violence spread in the community and in the Fresno Police Department and John and Jane have been humiliated and forced and compelled to refute defamatory claims, according to the lawsuit. Fresno hospital fires IT worker Despite the fear of getting caught, Spatafore was relentless in his vindictive attacks. The officer and his wife received a message indicating their personal computers camera had been hacked and the hacker had compromising videos of them that he threatened to release unless his demands were met. I require your 100% attention for the up coming 24hours, or will certainly make sure you live out of guilt for the rest of your life span...I know nearly everything about you ... Spatafore is alleged to have written, according to the lawsuit. While some of the harassment was threatening, other incidences were infuriating. Spatafore allegedly tried to get the officers water and trash services turned off on Thanksgiving Day. The officer was forced to intervene with city staff to stop it from happening. Nearly a month after he began his online harassment, Spatafore was arrested by Fresno police on Nov. 21, 2019. He was driving within a mile of the officers home when police pulled him over. Inside his car was a loaded .38 caliber revolver that was not registered. Spatafore also didnt have a license to carry the handgun and denied being the owner. The hospital fired Spatafore on Nov. 21, 2019 after finding he used the organizations equipment, including laptop computer, to carry out his revenge plan. During an interview with police, Spatafore admitted to the online harassment, adding that he used public information websites and Facebook profiles to gain information, not hospital records. Hospital officials declined to comment on the civil lawsuit. Because this case is pending, we are unable to comment, said Michelle Von Tersch, senior vice president, communications and legislative affairs. Criminal case suspended Spatafore was charged with two counts of unauthorized use of personal identifying Information, one count of having a concealed firearm in a vehicle, one misdemeanor count of receiving stolen property and one misdemeanor count of making a false report. There was also a restraining order issued against him by the court, forbidding him from contacting the officer or his family. But the criminal case against Spatafore was suspended after his lawyer, Corina Burchfield, was successful in getting him into a mental health diversion program. The program is designed to provide treatment for defendants with mental health issues instead of sending them straight to prison. Treatment can last up to two years. Burchfield, a senior associate attorney with the Sawl Law Group in Fresno, defended the decision to have Spatafore treated for mental illness, saying he was not in the right mental state at the time. She said Spatafore is a changed man who is active in his church and is also a grandfather. When all of this happened, when he was arrested, he apologized and has been remorseful and apologetic, she said. He lost his job of 17 years over this. It was very out of character for him. It ruined his life. Burchfield, however, also understands the incident was traumatic for the officer and his family. He was incredibly upset because this crossed over into his family life and he is using every possible outlet to punish my client and get some sort of compensation, she said. But he (Spatafore) got the help he needed and he is no danger to anybody. A sign points pedestrians to a new crosswalk near the Tulare Street Amtrak station and tracks at Tulare and R streets in downtown Fresno where construction is close to wrapping up on Monday, May 20, 2024. The crossing is at the center of a jaywalking incident that turned into a nightmare for a Fresno police officer. (Bloomberg) -- South Africa will hold national and provincial elections on May 29 that are set to be the most hotly contested since apartheid ended three decades ago, with a record 27.7 million people having registered to cast their ballots. Heres a timeline of the key events: Most Read from Bloomberg Political parties have begun wrapping up their campaigns this weekend, holding a number of mass rallies planned around the country. Seventy political parties and 11 independents are running for seats in parliament and the nine provincial legislatures. The 23,292 voting stations are due to open at 7 a.m. and close at 9 p.m., although those still in the line at that time will be allowed to cast their ballots. Three ballot papers will be issued for the first time: One will be used to select members of the provincial legislatures; another to allocate half of the 400 seats in the National Assembly to political parties based on a proportional representation system; and the third to determine how the remaining 200 seats will be shared out between the parties and independent candidates. About 5,000 observers from 160 local and international organizations have been accredited to monitor the election. Ballots will be counted at the polling stations and the tallies will be transmitted to the national results center in Johannesburg, where they will be assimilated. The vote count is expected to be completed by about June 1, and the results will be announced by the Electoral Commission of South Africa along with the allocation of seats in the legislatures. The outcome must be announced within seven days of the vote. Under the constitution, the National Assembly must be convened no more than 14 days after the declaration of the results. Its first order of business will be to elect a speaker and then the nations president. The provincial legislatures will similarly elect speakers and premiers. If the National Assembly fails to agree on a new president, the nations chief justice can order lawmakers to adjourn for no more than seven days and then resume voting. If they still cant choose a leader within 90 days of reconvening, fresh elections must be held. Bloomberg Terminal clients can click on ELEC ZA for more on South Africas elections. --With assistance from Gina Turner and Paul Richardson. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. County planning series of meetings to get feedback on possible bond County planning series of meetings to get feedback on possible bond EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) El Paso County is exploring the possibility of going to voters for a capital improvement bond as early as November 2024. And the County wants the publics input into the process and what should be included. As part of that planning process, the County is planning a second phase of public meetings as a follow-up to meetings that were held in March and April. Those meetings were used to gather input about the publics threshold for investment and the priority areas they would like the County to focus on, according to a news release sent out by the County. UTEP proposes $99M in improvements to Sun Bowl stadium This next phase of in-person community feedback sessions will focus on gathering the publics opinion on the individual projects recommended by the Countys Bond Advisory Committee (BoAC), a group of 11 volunteer citizens appointed by Commissioners Court to help organize any potential future bond proposals. The proposed project list ranges from investments in critical public safety infrastructure to enhancements of County regional and neighborhood parks, according to the County press release. UTEP asked the County on Friday, May 24 to consider adding $99 million of improvements to the Sun Bowl stadium as part of any bond proposal. Commissioners Court has not made a final decision on whether or not they will be pursuing a bond and are looking for community feedback before making a decision, which is expected to come sometime in late July or early August, according to the news release. These meetings give residents the opportunity to consider the conceptual plans for these proposed projects and meet with and ask questions of County staff about the projects. Then residents will be asked to provide valuable feedback that will be shared with the BoAC and Commissioners Court to help inform their recommendations about which projects might move to a possible bond election. Commissioners Court is consistently looking for the publics feedback to build trust and better serve our community, said County Chief Administrator Betsy Keller. If the Commissioners Court recommends a bond issuance, the proposal would potentially go to voters as early as November 2024. These bond proposal community feedback sessions will be held throughout El Paso County from May 29 to June 18. A full list of meetings and details can be found on the El Paso County website: Capital.EPCounty.com. The meeting schedule is as follows: Wednesday, May 29 5:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Jefferson High School- Cafeteria, 4700 Alameda Ave. Thursday, May 30 5:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Montana Vista Fire Rescue, 13978 Montana Ave. Saturday, June 1 10:00 a.m.- 11:30 a.m. El Paso High School- Cafeteria, 800 E Schuster Ave. Tuesday, June 4 5:30 p.m. -7:00 p.m. EPCC Transmountain Campus- Foyer, 9570 Gateway North Boulevard. Wednesday, June 5 5:30 p.m. -7:00 p.m. Ben Narbuth Elementary- Gym, 12901 Bob Hope Dr., Suite B. Thursday, June 6 5:30 p.m. -7:00 p.m. Eastwood Middle School- Cafeteria, 2612 Chaswood St. Saturday, June 8 Time: 10:00 a.m-11:30 a.m. EPCC Northwest Campus- Cafeteria, 6701 South Desert Blvd. Tuesday, June 11 5:30 p.m. -7:00 p.m. Ysleta High School- Fine Arts Annex, 8600 Alameda Ave. Wednesday, June 12 5:30 p.m. -7:00 p.m. Chapin High School, Cafeteria, 7000 Dyer St. Thursday, June 13 5:30 p.m. -7:00 p.m. TxDOT East Area Maintenance Facility, 1430 Joe Battle Blvd. Saturday, June 15 10:00 a.m-11:30 a.m. Franklin High School- Cafeteria, 900 Resler Dr. Tuesday, June 18 5:30-7:00p.m. El Paso County Warehouse, 1331 Fabens Rd. For those unable to attend in person, information from the meetings will be made available on the County website: capital.epcounty.com. Residents can also follow El Paso County on social media for updates and ways to provide input online. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. A river in Peru now officially has legal rights to "exist, flow, and be free from pollution," as Inside Climate News reported. The Nauta provincial court in Peru's Loreto region ruled that the Maranon River, which flows from the Andes Mountains to the Amazon River, possesses its own inherent rights. This is the first time the nation has recognized an ecosystem's legal rights. It also includes a provision describing Indigenous organizations as responsible for serving as the river's guardians and defenders. The attorney representing Indigenous Kukama plaintiffs, Martiza Quispe Mamani, called the ruling a "transcendental milestone for the protection not only of the Maranon River but also of all rivers contaminated by extractive activities." The Maranon is an especially significant river in the region because of its proximity to oil production zones, vulnerability to oil spills, and hydroelectric dam construction. The court's ruling ordered the state oil company Petroperu to revisit its environmental management plan to help prevent oil leaks and spills that could affect the river. People living there depend upon the river for drinking water and crop irrigation. The Peruvian court's ruling has implications far beyond the country's borders and sets an example of recognizing that nature has rights. In 2022, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously affirmed "a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment as a human right and a right for all, not just a privilege for some." Since then, environmentalists have called upon the U.N. to grant legal rights to our oceans by 2030. Giving legal rights to nature might sound silly to critics, but it helps give a voice to voiceless ecosystems needing protection. Legal rights offer immediate protection against damage and irreversible, long-term effects while empowering people to place a higher value on the environment around them. In this example in Peru, there's also the benefit of expanding the rights of the Indigenous peoples and drawing legally binding connections between human rights and the well-being of the planet. "The legal framework of the rights of nature is not only made up of the articles that grant rights to nature, but it also imposes a series of obligations on the state to respect, protect, and guarantee the rights of nature, and that has included the precautionary principle," said Constanza Prieto Figelist, the Latin America director for the Earth Law Center. Join our free newsletter for cool news and cool tips that make it easy to help yourself while helping the planet. The COVID pandemic let Pa. House lawmakers vote remotely. The GOP says its time to restrict that rule Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to account and drives positive change in Pennsylvania. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG In April, a firestorm erupted in Harrisburg after Philadelphia police issued an arrest warrant for a sitting state House lawmaker. Less than a week later, authorities revoked the warrant and revealed that it was based on flawed information. But in those intervening days, Republican leaders loudly and publicly objected to their Democratic counterparts casting votes on the members behalf while he was absent. Chamber rules banned the practice until 2020, when the pandemic forced a shift. And despite the recent drama, remote voting shows no signs of going away. Under the state constitution, bills can only pass a legislative chamber if supported by a majority of lawmakers elected to office. The method those lawmakers use to vote is up to each chamber and its rules. The state Senate has historically allowed lawmakers to cast votes even when absent on other official business. The system allowed one senator to cast votes from a Taiwan trade mission last November, according to PennLive. State House rules, on the other hand, previously allowed lawmakers to vote only if present on the floor, though members skirted that rule from time to time. A practice known as ghost voting sparked an Ethics Committee investigation in the mid-2000s, after a Democratic lawmaker admitted he rigged his voting machine with a wad of paper to vote yes even though he was home in Philadelphia. Then the pandemic happened. In March 2020, the then-GOP-controlled lower chamber unanimously adopted a rule allowing for virtual voting, also known as voting by designation. It enabled lawmakers to approve a budget that fall with a near-empty chamber due to concerns over a COVID-19 outbreak in the Capitol. A version of the rule has remained in place since. Under the current rule, state House lawmakers can file a form with the chambers clerk allowing them to vote by designation. That empowers each caucus whip, or the leadership member charged with party discipline, to vote on behalf of the member on any question. The designation remains in effect unless a lawmaker requests to revoke it. As of May 21, every state House lawmaker had filed the form, and none had requested revocation, Clerk Brooke Wheeler told Spotlight PA. That includes state Rep. Kevin Boyle, D-Philadelphia. In February, police said they were investigating an incident at a Montgomery County bar involving Boyle. Democratic leadership then restricted his access to the Capitol but continued to vote on his behalf. In mid-April, Philadelphia police said a warrant had been issued for Boyles arrest for allegedly violating a protection from abuse order. Republicans were apoplectic about the implications of Democratic leaders continuing to vote on his behalf, raging on the floor and in subsequent news conferences. Minority Leader Bryan Cutler, R-Lancaster, argued that with Boyles location uncertain, bills that passed by only one vote could be subject to legal challenges and that Democrats had made a results-oriented decision, not a procedurally sound one. State House Democrats have declined to discuss the extent of their conversations with Boyle during this period. But amid the dispute, leadership noted that Boyle hadnt revoked his remote voting designation. Shortly before the April primary, the Philadelphia District Attorneys Office said the warrant had been revoked because the PFA was not active. Boyles security privileges were recently reestablished, and he has returned to Harrisburg to serve out his final term (he lost his primary election to an opponent backed by Democratic leadership). In total, the state House held 18 days of voting sessions during Boyles absence. By designation, Boyle voted on 3D-printed firearm restrictions, stricter campaign finance reporting rules, and increased regulation of minors social media use. Republicans say their remote voting concerns continue. A Democratic spokesperson told Spotlight PA that leadership would be happy to consider all proposals to change the chambers rules but made no commitments. How does remote voting work? A lawmaker isnt necessarily away from the Capitol if they opt to vote by designation. They may elect to do so to attend constituent meetings or handle other official duties in the Harrisburg area. State Rep. Tim ONeal, R-Washington, his caucus whip, told Spotlight PA he is in constant communication with lawmakers who vote remotely to understand how they intend to vote. He may not know where they are physically or why they are unable to attend the in-person vote. If a Republican House member does not show up on the House floor and votes remote, weve been in contact with them, he said. ONeal said that lawmakers can ask him to cast their votes in a specific way, or they can empower him to decide how to vote. Elizabeth Rementer, a spokesperson for state House Democrats, didnt address specific questions about the caucus internal process for remote voting. However, three Democratic lawmakers told Spotlight PA it mirrors the Republican process. While Boyles designated votes resulted in the highest-profile complaints about remote voting, concerns arent new and they tend to come from whatever party is in the minority. When the state House first adopted remote voting, the rule stated it could only be used to pass bills if there has been consultation between both parties. State House Democrats argued this meant it could only be used to pass bills with consensus support. The Republican majority rejected that argument amid weighty votes on pandemic-era questions of executive authority. That wording is no longer in the rule. In a symbolic move, Republicans stripped voting by designation out of the chamber rules in mid-November 2022 after losing their majority earlier that month. At the time, then-Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff, R-Bellefonte, argued the process enabled politicking on public time. This chamber has lasted and functioned for years, hundreds of years, before there was even such a thing called remote voting, Benninghoff said at the time. It was not designed so people could run for two offices. It was designed when somebody may be ill. After gaining a full 102-member complement in March 2023, state House Democrats passed rules that restored remote voting, though Republicans have continued to suggest restrictions. Last year, the caucus proposed remote voting only be allowed in cases of personal illness, family emergencies, or disaster declarations. Michael Manzo, a former top state House Democratic staffer who once managed a 102-101 majority, said remote voting becomes even more important when a caucus needs all of its members to pass a bill For instance, if Manzo found out that more Democrats were on leave than Republicans, he knew the days agenda would be filled with non-controversial resolutions. He added that he wasnt surprised complaints about it come from the minority. I think the people who are most upset about remote voting are people who it disadvantages when you are trying to kill something on the House floor, he said. Manzo pointed to a brief, 2007 budget impasse in which a Democratic lawmaker, Dan Surra, suffered a heart attack in late June. Manzo talked to Surra daily, keeping him abreast of budget developments. However, because Surra was in a Harrisburg hospital bed instead of on the state House floor, he couldnt vote. That meant the chamber was deadlocked 101-101. During the handful of days Surra was hospitalized, Manzo said Republicans wouldnt back a deal in hopes of gaining leverage. A newspaper report at the time noted the delay led to a one-day furlough of 24,000 state workers. The budget eventually passed with wide bipartisan support. Critics of government, Manzo said, often want it to mirror business. Remote participation, he continued, is a common feature of the business world post-pandemic, and he said remote voting should likewise be used cautiously to make sure the peoples business gets done. At least 18 states allow remote participation in floor proceedings as of 2023, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. BEFORE YOU GO If you learned something from this article, pay it forward and contribute to Spotlight PA at spotlightpa.org/donate. Spotlight PA is funded by foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability journalism that gets results. Crime victims may get fewer services as federal aid drops. States weigh how to help. An attendee looks at a series of banners for National Crime Victims Rights Week Candlelight Vigil on the National Mall on April 24, 2024, in Washington, D.C. An attendee looks at a series of banners for National Crime Victims Rights Week Candlelight Vigil on the National Mall on April 24, 2024, in Washington, D.C. The Justice Departments Office for Victims of Crime held the event to pay tribute to victims and survivors of crime and individuals who provide service and support. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) Groups that assist crime victims across the United States are bracing for significant financial pain after the amount available from a major federal victim services fund plunged $700 million this year. Congress recently lowered spending to $1.2 billion from the fund, which provides grants to nonprofit and local programs across the country. This latest round of cuts has sparked widespread concern among district attorneys offices, rape crisis centers, domestic violence shelters, child advocacy centers and law enforcement agencies that offer victim support services. Many of these organizations and agencies now expect to have to close locations, lay off staff and cut back on services. Meanwhile, the drop in dollars has many experts and advocates rethinking the current, uncertain system of helping crime victims. How much federal money is available every year is determined by a complex three-year average of court fees, fines and penalties that have accumulated a number that has plummeted by billions during the past six years. The fund does not receive any taxpayer dollars. Karrie Delaney, director of federal affairs for the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, said the slowdown of court cases during the COVID-19 pandemic and the last administration not prosecuting as many corporate cases has affected the fund more than usual. RAINN is the countrys largest anti-sexual-violence organization. It operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800-656-HOPE) alongside local organizations and runs the U.S. Defense Departments Safe Helpline. It also carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help survivors, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice, according to its website. I think whats important from RAINNs perspective is the actual impact that those fluctuations have on the survivors that we support and organizations and service providers across the country, Delaney said. When the federal cap decreases, she said, organizations that support crime victims often turn to state and local governments to make up the gap. And a lot of the times there isnt enough money to do that. Victim services providers say that smaller groups or branches, particularly those in rural towns or counties, are at an especially high risk of closing because of the expected cutbacks. Many rely solely on federal dollars. Shakyra Diaz, the chief of federal advocacy with the Alliance for Safety and Justice, which advocates for crime victims, said many groups are seriously in a situation where they may have to close their doors, they may have to cut services, they may have to cut staff, they may have to tell crime victims, I cannot help you right now. You have to wait six months. In at least three states California, Colorado and Maine state legislators have proposed bills that would create new avenues for state-based funding for victim services. A couple of bills would inject general state dollars into victim services to offset the federal cuts, while one would create a new tax on firearms and ammunition, and yet another would increase criminal penalties on corporations. The money collected from taxes or fines would then go toward supporting victim services. The federal crime victims fund gets its money from fines, forfeited bonds and financial penalties in certain federal cases. The year-by-year uncertainty around how much money will come from federal crime cases, which directly affects how much will be available to states to distribute to victim services providers, makes it challenging for groups to budget over the long term. Services for victims and resources for victim services are already so tight. And so when youre talking about taking a pot of money thats already stretched at its best and making it smaller its frankly terrifying, said Renee Williams, the executive director of the National Center for Victims of Crime. The federal fund was established in 1984 under the Victims of Crime Act, known as VOCA. Congress tried to stabilize the fund in 2000 by setting an annual cap on withdrawals. The cap remained below $1 billion a year until 2015, but Congress raised it to $2.3 billion that year, and in 2018 it peaked at $4.4 billion. Then, the cap plummeted, and by fiscal year 2023, Congress had set it at $1.9 billion, according to data from the U.S. Department of Justice. This past March, Congress again lowered the cap, to $1.2 billion, a drop of more than 35%. The cuts will not take effect until October of this year, when the federal governments next fiscal year begins. Victim services groups say that the demand for help has continued to surge. Some anticipate the grant process to become even more competitive. Theyre asking state lawmakers for help. State legislation For Stand Up Placer, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking in Placer County, California, the anticipated federal cuts are expected to slash about $700,000, or 22%, of the group's budget, according to Cheryl Marcell, the organization's CEO. Some of the groups services, such as legal counseling, are likely to be scaled back. Instead of serving the current caseload of 500, the group may only be able to accommodate 200 clients, Marcell said. In California, local district attorney's offices are grappling with how to address this funding shortfall, according to Jonathan Raven, assistant CEO of the California District Attorneys Association and former Yolo County chief deputy district attorney. Offices are considering options such as laying off staff, requesting local funding or scaling back services altogether, Raven told Stateline. The people that are victimized that are the most vulnerable are no longer going to get the services that they should expect and they do deserve, Raven said. It's really going to be a significant impact across California and across the country. State legislators in California have proposed two bills aimed at mitigating the federal cuts. One of the bills would require state supplemental funding whenever the federal VOCA award is reduced more than 10% than the amount awarded the prior year. The bill is in committee. The other bill, which is still under consideration in the Assembly, would increase fines levied on corporations convicted of misdemeanor and felony offenses. These fines would be used to fund a new California Crime Victims Fund. In Colorado, the legislature passed a bill proposing a more permanent state funding source for victim services through a 9% gun and ammunition excise tax. The tax revenue would be spent on crime victim support services, mental health services, school safety and gun violence prevention. The bill is now headed to Democratic Gov. Jared Polis, who has until June 7 to sign or veto it, according to his press secretary. If he signs it, the measure will go before voters on the November ballot. Meanwhile, in Maine, Democratic Gov. Janet Mills signed a budget bill in April that includes a one-time allotment of $6 million for victim services. Effects on services for victims There are about 12,200 victim services providers in the United States, with nearly a quarter of them located in the country's most populous states California, Florida, Texas and New York, according to the federal Bureau of Justice Statistics' 2017 census. Ohio has more than 400 victim services providers, many of which receive funding from the federal crime victims fund. Last year, the state received $46.6 million. But for fiscal year 2024, Ohio has been awarded just $26.7 million, a 42.8% decrease from 2023 and a 77% decrease from 2018. With such a steep cut, some victim services providers in Ohio fear they will no longer be able to serve rural communities, particularly those in the Appalachian region. For the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence, a statewide coalition that supports rape crisis centers, losing funding could reduce its support to the 12 counties that do not have local rape crisis centers or programs. It's the places that already don't have great access to services and that have never had access to services [that] will be the ones to have whatever access they have further reduced, said Emily Gemar, the groups director of public policy. Court-appointed special advocate programs in Appalachian counties also are expected to bear the brunt of the funding cuts, according to Doug Stephens, the executive director of Ohio CASA, which oversees 47 local programs covering 60 counties that support children navigating the court system. Stephens anticipates as many as 10 local programs shutting down. They are working very hard to provide the same services as the big cities, he said in an interview. The only way they can stay open is with VOCA funding. In South Carolina, victim services providers and Republican Attorney General Alan Wilson are urging the state legislature to offset the looming federal cuts. Wilson has requested $15 million, which is just enough money to keep existing services. The state Senate has proposed a $5 million allotment, while the House has put forward a $3 million proposal. Under either plan, current projects could face cuts ranging from about 15% to 30%, according to the attorney generals office. When things like this happen, people just think about dollars. What we see is the real people, we see the feelings, we see the pain and emotions they're going through. Richland County, S.C., Sheriff Leon Lott Richland County, South Carolina, Sheriff Leon Lott, whose department receives VOCA funding and employs victim advocates who help people go through the criminal legal system, said the state should offer more support. When things like this happen, people just think about dollars. What we see is the real people, we see the feelings, we see the pain and emotions they're going through, said Lott, a Democrat. This loss of funding, I'm afraid, will have a negative impact on the things that we try to do with victims and may end up victimizing them even more. If the feds are not going to provide the money, then the state needs to do it. Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. Follow Stateline on Facebook and Twitter. The post Crime victims may get fewer services as federal aid drops. States weigh how to help. appeared first on Utah News Dispatch. This fall, California voters will have multiple chances to decide whether their state has gone too far in reining in law enforcement and reducing criminal penalties. A statewide initiative thats likely to qualify for the ballot would unwind parts of Proposition 47, a collection of sentencing reductions passed by voters years before the George Floyd killing sparked a national movement to rethink criminal justice policy. At the same time, two of the countrys most prominent district attorneys committed to police accountability and slimmer sentences are fighting to keep their jobs. The alignment of those questions on the November ballot will force the collection of activists, funders and politicians who led the historic turn away from aggressive policing and incarceration to decide which parts of that legacy to prioritize defending. For some of the politicians, led by Gov. Gavin Newsom, it means considering whether to cut a deal to crack down on property crime as a means of forestalling an anti-Prop 47 initiative already dividing Democratic officials and candidates. For donors, it means determining if they are ready to spend as robustly to protect Prop 47 and progressive district attorneys in Los Angeles and Oakland as they did to put them in place. California had led the nation in mass incarceration, so going from that to being a leader in a movement that makes us safer was very exciting, said Daniel Zingale, a former Newsom adviser who previously helped organize the donor community that coalesced behind Prop 47 in 2014. Theres a risk of fatigue coming out of a moment like that. A decade later, Californias ballot will again test the criminal justice reformers, this time against their most formidable challenge yet: a coalition that brings together rural sheriffs and big-city mayors with funding from big-box retailers amid a nationwide resurgence of voter concern about street crime. The road to reform, and back For a quarter-century, California politicians of both parties responded to voter concerns about crime by defaulting to policies of ever-tougher penalties and new prison construction. In 2011, those facilities were so full that the U.S. Supreme Court ordered the state to remedy what it called unconstitutional overcrowding. Voters responded by reducing drug and property crime penalties with Proposition 47 in 2014, loosened parole rules with Proposition 57 two years later, and defended both by rejecting an effort to overturn them with Proposition 20 in 2020. Democratic governors and legislators cheered those changes while enacting laws that scaled back punishment. A new generation of prosecutors, like Alameda Countys Pamela Price and Los Angeless George Gascon, repudiated sentence-lengthening tools like extra time for gang membership or adult trials for juveniles. Prison and jail populations shrank. With reported crime rates dipping to historic lows, public sentiment was firmly on reformers side for much of the past decade a sea change validated through a series of statewide votes and fortified by a national movement toward racial justice. But some types of violent crime are again on the rise. Car break-ins and shoplifting have increased in large cities. Californians have become accustomed to the sights of fentanyl smoked on sidewalks and toiletries locked behind glass cases at pharmacies. Participation in court-ordered drug treatment plunged, as have arrests for misdemeanor property crimes. A political backlash has followed. Price faces a recall election in November and the prospect of being ousted before she gets halfway through her first term a repeat of the way Chesa Boudin was abruptly yanked from the San Francisco District Attorneys office in 2022. Gascon barely mustered a quarter of the vote in his March primary after he drew numerous challengers and faced a constant drumbeat of conservative media criticism. All three rode promises of change into office and then faced voter reprisals stoked by restive deputy prosecutors and funded by deep-pocketed foes. Democratic politicians sense the changing winds. Newsom and lawmakers from his party are pushing bills to bolster property crime prosecutions, and the governor worked with Attorney General Rob Bonta a potential governor candidate himself to dispatch law enforcement assistanceto Oakland this year. It may not be enough to avert a ballot fight. Big-box and grocery store chains like Walmart, Home Depot, and Target, which claim they face a shoplifting epidemic, have poured millions of dollars into a prosecutor-backed ballot initiative that would unravel voter-enacted changes by allowing repeat drug and theft offenders to be charged with felonies. The initiative would also make it easier to charge fentanyl dealers with homicide. Last month they submitted enough petition signatures to qualify for the November ballot. Some repeal proponents insist they dont want to return to a failed era of mass incarceration, arguing the initiative would target serial offenders. They portray the reimposition of drug felonies as a tool to compel people into treatment. But they also believe there has been a decisive shift among voters who just four years ago overwhelmingly rejected a ballot measure reupping penalties. Weve seen more overdose deaths and a growing homelessness crisis, said San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, a Democrat who has endorsed the measure. He cited the number of small business owners who have expressed deep dismay because theyve been victims of crime and have felt powerless to address it. The only game in town The shifting political landscape has put reformers on the defensive after years of consistent victories. They note that crime remains historically low and warn that opponents both law enforcement groups and retailers and developers who have funded campaigns are cynically exploiting public anxiety and conflating crime with homelessness. I think what voters are looking for is solutions, and I think right now theres a lot of gaslighting about what those solutions could be, said Tinisch Hollins, who leads Californians for Safety and Justice, a nonprofit that has pushed for more lenient laws. A lot of the folks opposed to Proposition 47 and reform overall are counting on the fatigue of folks wanting immediate relief and rethinking their choices. Those dynamics have opened up fault lines among Democrats over how to respond. While two of the states most prominent big-city mayors have endorsed the initiative to walk back aspects of Prop 47, state lawmakers in Sacramento have resisted the rush back to the ballot. Broadly, they are wary of returning to the discredited policies that produced Californias prison overcrowding crisis in the first place. Personally, many of them supported Prop 47 or Gascon and are loath to walk those positions back. Newsom, whose chief of staff Dana Williamson ran the 2020 campaign that defeated a previous toughen-up initiative from retailers and prosecutors, has been steadfast in resisting wholesale changes to Prop 47. His office regularly touts fentanyl seizures and organized theft arrests to argue laws on the books work. Some Democrats are wary of a ballot measure that could divide their coalition while motivating Republicans to vote, especially as control of the US House could turn on a handful of California races. Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig said he has spoken to Democratic state lawmakers fixated on the impact this might have on other races than on some fundamental difference with the idea embodied by this initiative. Newsom and legislative leaders have responded to the ballot measure threat by working on a bill package that would make it easier to crack down on repeat property crime offenders and target resellers of stolen goods. For the past few years when we tried to do things (in Sacramento), I hit a brick wall. The dialogue is completely different, said California Retailers President President Rachel Michelin. We went from no one wanting to do a retail theft bill now its like everythings a retail theft bill. Many Democrats see such a package as their best path to deter an initiative, which can be pulled before the ballot is finalized in late June. Michelin and prosecutors have been firm that they will go to voters unless Sacramento enacts substantial changes and some prosecutors believe any real change would entail a vote. California's constitution requires voters to approve any changes to laws originally enacted via citizen initiative. The public is not unclear on the current situation. They're not happy. And I think that's why you saw so many signatures submitted, Democratic San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said in an interview. If lawmakers dont pass sufficiently strong legislation, Gloria went on, that DA measure is going to be the only game in town, and I think it will be very successful at the ballot box because I think people want to see change. Splitting heirs If the initiative does end up before voters, it will put pressure on the coterie of wealthy individuals and philanthropies that funded a decade of work to move California criminal justice policy leftward. They may be forced to triage resources between the progressive prosecutors and measures sharing a ballot in November. The committee to fight the Prop 47 rollback has raised just $70,000 so far, with only token amounts or nothing yet from major criminal justice reform donors who have spent some $50 million on California politics in the last decade. Oakland philanthropist Quinn Delaney, who has poured $14 million into California politics since 2014, has given just $25,000. Oil heiress Stacy Schusterman, who has spent roughly $2.5 million in state politics during that time, has given the same amount. In progressive philanthropy, acknowledges Zingale, theres always a risk of funding fatigue. Defenders of Prop 47 see their best hope in rallying Californias overwhelmingly Democratic electorate to view the conflict in partisan terms. Opponents of the ballot initiative have put out digital ads decrying the measure as a project of extremist Republican politicians like Rep. Kevin Kiley, a longtime Newsom antagonist who now represents a district sprawling down the states rural eastern and northern reaches. That has been Gascons strategy, too. His reelection effort has emphasized that his opponent, onetime prosecutor Nathan Hochman, is a former Republican whose campaign is heavily funded by prominent southern California GOP donor Gerald Marcil. As the Republican nominee for attorney general in 2022, Hochman was blown out in Los Angeles County, where voters had just overwhelmingly affirmed support for the Prop 47 reforms. Hochman said in an interview that he believes dynamics have changed since 2020, when the ascendant Black Lives Matter movement and a late burstof Democratic defections propelled Gascon to victory. In 2020 we were dealing with the George Floyd incident, protests in the streets, we had an LA mayor famously change his endorsement on the eve of the election, Hochman said. You have a situation in 2024 where the data has disproven George Gascons promises that hes going to keep people safe with his extreme decriminalization policies. Gascons campaign manager, Jamarah Hayner, conceded that the incumbent faces a difficult path to reelection. But she said he has been battle-hardened by constant recall threats and has worked to shore up Democratic support. Its forced us into a permanent campaign mode, Hayner said. Weve been very clear in saying this isnt just about George in that if we stand together as progressives, as Democrats, we will beat this back. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) The Camino Real Regional Utility Authority, which provides water service to Sunland Park and Santa Teresa, said its water remains safe to drink and consume despite a letter of violation it sent out to its customers earlier this month. On May 16, the utility said it mailed a notice of violation to its customers informing them that test results for the second quarter of 2024 showed arsenic in water that exceeded the federal limit of 10 parts per billion. CRRUA said it passed the most recent water sample test conducted by the New Mexico Environment Department and has passed five arsenic tests in a row. The utility has been under fire for months over concerns about water quality and discolored water. Some residents have told KTSM that the issues have been going on for years. The utility said in a news release that the letter of violation was triggered because, according to State of New Mexico guidelines, test results are based on a running annual average. That means all water utility providers in the state must pass water sample tests conducted by NMED for four consecutive quarters, each quarter being three months, before NMED will certify that arsenic levels in the drinking water are below federal limit, the utility said. The utility said it passed the most recent water sample test conducted by the State of New Mexico on April 3, which falls in the second quarter of the year. While this is positive in that the drinking water provided by CRRUA is below the maximum federal limit as verified by NMED itself, CRRUA did not meet the federal standards in water sample tests conducted in the first quarter of 2024 (January March) and previous consecutive quarters in 2023 during the previous administration, the utility said in its news release. The utility said the wording in the letter that CRRUA customers received is confusing. The utility said the letter states that water samples taken from the Industrial Park Treatment Plant for the second quarter of the year 2024 exceeded federal limits for arsenic. That determination was based on the running annual average method of calculation and includes results from the previous four quarters. It is not based solely on the results of tests NMED conducted on April 3, 2024, which CRRUA passed, the utility said. The utility says the Santa Teresa Industrial Park Treatment plant is currently treating for arsenic and producing water below the EPA standard of 10 parts per billion. The utility also said that for the second quarter of this year, it passed water sampling. CRRUA said that in recent testing done on May 7, three of their four treatment plants were below the federal limit of 10 parts per billion. The utility said it had excluded the Border Entry treatment plant from voluntary testing because it continues to meet all state requirements. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. SAN FRANCISCO, May 26 (Xinhua) -- At least five people were killed and dozens injured after powerful storms Saturday night tore through a community in Cooke County, the U.S. state of Texas, local authorities said. Children were among the dead, Cooke County Sheriff Ray Sappington said, adding that at least two children were also missing. The storms destroyed a roadside travel center near Valley View, Texas, and a community of manufactured homes, Sappington said, "Search and rescue is ongoing...We think that that number is probably going to go up." A tornado was confirmed by Valley View that was going about 40 mph, Denton County Community Relations Director Dawn Cobb said in a statement. The National Weather Service office in Fort Worth issued multiple tornado warnings Saturday evening. Daughter of NYC carpenter Vetus Roberts, 70, who died in apartment fire calls for arsonist to be held accountable: Theyre going to pay The elderly man who perished in a Brooklyn arson blaze was a "kind" carpenter who "put family first," his grieving daughter told The Post. The body of the victim, who the daughter identified as Vetus Roberts, 70, was discovered in a bedroom of 371 Monroe St. in Bedford-Stuyvesant at about 11:15 p.m. Friday, and a woman, 65, was taken to Woodhull Hospital with smoke inhalation, police said. An elderly man found dead in a Brooklyn arson blaze was a carpenter who put family first, his grieving daughter told The Post. The NYPD had not publicly named the victim as of Saturday afternoon, but the mans daughter identified him as Vetus Roberts, 70. He was kind. He was a family man. He was loved dearly, Genaira Roberts, the youngest of the victims three children said Saturday. He put his family first. He would have sacrificed his last [breath] for his family. Whoever done this needs to be held accountable, the fire victims daughter told The Post. Wayne Carrington A native of the island of St. Vincent, Roberts had three grandchildren. His other daughter and son still live on the island. Roberts remains were discovered in a bedroom of 371 Monroe St. in Bedford-Stuyvesant at about 11:15 p.m. Friday, and a woman, 65, was taken to Woodhull Hospital with smoke inhalation, police said. A shocked Genaira had chatted with her dad on Wednesday the last time they spoke. Authorities have said the fire was intentionally set, and a law enforcement source said a woman, 65, was being questioned in the probe. Gasoline was found on a bed with a candle, police said. The victims neighbor said the 65-year-old woman was caught on her ring camera leaving the apartment. The FDNY said the blaze broke out in the victims first-floor apartment and was brought under control in 35 minutes. Wayne Carrington for NY Post Whatever was done to him was wrong and whoever if it was her or whatever theyre going to pay for it. Whoever done this needs to be held accountable. Thats all we can say right now, Roberts said. Asked if she had a good relationship with the girlfriend, who hails from Trinidad,Roberts flatly said, No. The victims stunned family is still trying to make sense of the past 24 hours. The city medical examiner will determine the cause of death, but the FDNY fire marshal deemed the blaze was intentionally set. Kevin C. Downs for NY Post No arrangements yet. Were just grieving, said the daughter, who was notified of the deadly fire by her dads neighbors. Roberts said her father would advise her to trust in God to soldier through the tragedy. The FDNY said the blaze broke out in the victims first-floor apartment and was brought under control in about 35 minutes. A quick-thinking third-floor resident ran downstairs and boom, boom boom, started knocking on doors, yelling, Get out, get out, its smoking. Kevin C Downs for NY Post Justin Coward, 24, who resides on the third floor was on his PlayStation when his grandmother told him she smelled smoke. The quick-thinking Coward ran downstairs and boom, boom boom, started knocking on doors, yelling, Get out, get out, its smoking. Stunned neighbors gather following the deadly blaze in Bedford-Stuyvesant. Wayne Carrington Approximately 20 people live in the building. The city medical examiner will determine the cause of death. The arson death was part of a deadly night in the Big Apple which saw two others killed and five hurt in separate incidents. On This Day, May 26: USS Bennington explodes, killing dozens On May 26, 1954, more than 100 crewmembers of the aircraft carrier USS Bennington died in an explosion off Rhode Island. File Photo courtesy of the U.S. Navy On this date in history: In 1864, U.S. President Abraham Lincoln, anxious to create new free territories during the Civil War, signed an act establishing the Montana Territory. Montana became a state 25 years later. In 1868, at the end of a historic two-month trial, the U.S. Senate acquitted President Andrew Johnson of impeachment charges levied against him by the House of Representatives. Johnson won acquittal by one vote on each count. In 1896, Nicholas II became the Russian czar. In 1897, Dracula was published by Irish writer Bram Stoker. On May 26, 2003, a YA41 plane, pictured here in September 2001, crashed in Turkey killing all 74 people aboard, including 62 Spanish soldiers returning from peacekeeping duties in Afghanistan. File Photo by Perry Hoppe/Wikimedia File Photo by Joe Marino-Bill Cantrell/UPI In 1927, the final Ford Model T was built. More than 15 million of the vehicles were produced. Henry Ford revealed details about the car's successor, the Model A, the same day to the United Press. The Boeing 767 that exploded May 26, 1991, over Thailand. All 223 people aboard Lauda Air Flight 004 died in the crash. File Photo by Werner Fischdick/Wikimedia In 1940, the evacuation of Dunkirk began. Sailing vessels of every kind were pressed into service to ferry British, French and Belgian soldiers trapped by advancing German forces in northern France across the English Channel. In 1954, more than 100 crewmembers of the aircraft carrier USS Bennington died in an explosion off Rhode Island. A hospital ship carries injured soldiers away from Dunkirk in May or June 1940. In the background can be seen columns of smoke and flames from fires burning in the bomb- and shell-shattered port. Photo courtesy the Imperial War Museum In 1972, at a Moscow summit, U.S. President Richard Nixon and Soviet Communist Party leader Leonid Brezhnev signed a pact limiting nuclear weapons. UPI File Photo On May 26, 1994, Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley, the only child of Elvis Presley, were married in the Dominican Republic. They divorced two years later. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI In 1985, a cyclone struck the Bay of Bengal, killing 1,400 people in Bangladesh. In 1991, a Lauda Air Boeing 767-300 exploded over Thailand after takeoff, killing all 223 people aboard. On May 26, 1927, the final Ford Model T was built. More than 15 million of the vehicles were produced, some at the Highland Park Ford Plant. File Photo by Library of Congress/UPI In 1994, Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley, the only child of Elvis Presley, were married in the Dominican Republic. They divorced two years later. In 2003, a plane crash in Turkey killed all 74 people aboard, including 62 Spanish soldiers returning from peacekeeping duties in Afghanistan. In 2021, a gunman opened fire at a Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority rail yard in San Jose, Calif., killing nine people and himself. File Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI STARK COUNTY, Ohio (WJW) A fatal fire is under investigation in Jackson Township that has left one person dead. Firefighters said they responded to a 3-unit apartment building on Harris Avenue NW around 10 p.m. Saturday when a 9-1-1 caller reported a residential fire, with a person still inside. Officials said that upon arrival, fire crews saw flames shooting out through a door and a window. Deadly shooting: Multiple people shot in downtown CLE According to Jackson Fire Chief Tim Berczik, Our hearts go out to the family that lost a loved one. We want to urge all of our residents to have working smoke alarms on every level of your home and if you hear those alarms sound, please, get out, stay out and close the doors on the way out. Fire departments from Massillon City, and Plain Township Fire & Rescue-Stark County, Ohio provided mutual aid support. The State Fire Marshals and Jackson Police detectives are assisting Jackson Fire with the investigation. Fisherman drowns in local lake, police Officials havent released the name of the victim at this time. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. The death toll in Kharkiv attack rises to 14 as Zelenskyy warns of Russian troop movements KYIV, Ukraine (AP) President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned Sunday that Russia is preparing to intensify its offensive along Ukraines northern border, as the death toll rose to 14 in an aerial bomb attack on a large construction supplies store in the city of Kharkiv. The bombing of Kharkiv on Saturday afternoon also left 43 injured and 16 missing, Kharkiv Gov. Oleh Syniehubov said initially after the attack. In a video statement from Kharkiv, Zelenskyy said that Russia is preparing offensive actions 90 kilometers (55 miles) northwest of Ukraine's second largest city. He said that Russians "gather another group of troops near our border. He did not specify where the troops are being assembled, but Ukrainian officials have expressed strong concern about the Sumy region. Both Kharkiv city and Sumy with about 250,000 people are within about 25 kilometers (15 miles) of the Russian border. Moscows troops have in recent weeks captured villages in the Kharkiv area as part of a broad push, and analysts say they may be trying to get within artillery range of the city. Ukrainian authorities have evacuated more than 11,000 people from the region since the start of the offensive on May 10. Russian forces are carrying out offensive attacks across the 1,000-kilometer (620-mile) front line, with pitched battles in the Chasiv Yar direction of the Donetsk region, where the intensity of the hostilities is quite high according to a statement from Ukraines General Staff. The defense forces are taking measures to prevent the advance of the enemy, the statement said.. Russia launched wide missile and drone attacks on much of Ukraine during the night. Ukrainian officials said air defense units intercepted 31 Shahed drones and 12 cruise missiles launched by Russia in the Mykolaiv, Odesa, Dnipropetrovsk, Poltava, Zaporizhzhia, Khmelnytskyi, Kirovohrad, Vinnytsia and Chernihiv regions. In total Russia launched 14 missiles and more than three dozen drones, according to a statement from Ukraines air force. It was not clear what damage may have been caused by missiles and drones that were not shot down. The governor of Russia's Belgorod region, which lies across the border from Ukraine, said four people were injured in Ukrainian attacks during the night. The Russian Defense Ministry said seven drones were shot down over the Kursk region and three over Oryol, both of which are to the north of Belgorod. ___ Associated Press writer Jim Heintz in Tallinn, Estonia contributed to this report. ___ Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine A law enforcement officer examines a crater in an office building that was destroyed by a Russian missile strike in the center of Kharkiv in northeastern Ukraine. -/Ukrinform/dpa Ukrainian authorities on Sunday reported that the death toll from the Russian bombing of a DIY store in the north-eastern city of Kharkiv has reached 12 people. Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Kylmenko wrote on the social media platform Telegram that the number of injured in the attack has risen to 43, with 16 people still missing. The fire that broke out after the airstrike was finally put out early on Sunday, Klymenko said, after 16 hours of work by firefighters. Russia attacked the store with at least one glide bomb on Saturday. It later claimed Ukraine had hidden an arms depot in the store. "The tactic of human shields is being used in Kharkiv - they [the Ukrainians] have set up a military camp and a command post in a shopping centre, which was discovered by our intelligence service," the state agency TASS quoted an unnamed representative of the Russian leadership as saying. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said around 200 people were in the Epicentr home improvement store at the time of the attack. Zelensky described the attack as "another manifestation of Russian madness" and once again asked Ukraine's allies to supply air defence systems to protect its civilians. Kharkiv, which lies only 30 kilometres from the Russian border, has been one of the worst-hit cities in Moscow's bombing campaign since its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Other cities across Ukraine were also targeted by Russia on Saturday night, Kiev said. The Ukrainian air force said a range of missiles, including Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, rockets and drones were fired at western Ukraine. Explosions were reported from the Khmelnytskyi region, where the Starokostiantyniv air force base is also located. According to the regional administration, a residential building was hit in the Vinnytsia region. Three people were injured in the attack, Governor Serhiy Borzov wrote on Telegram. The Lviv region on the border with Poland was also attacked, Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyi wrote on Telegram. An explosion was heard near the capital Kiev, reported the public broadcaster Suspilne. Air raid warnings sounded across the country. The heavy night-time air raid was preceded by the launch of Tu-95 strategic bombers in Russia, which fire cruise missiles. Later, MiG-31 fighter jets, which are the carrier systems for the Kinzhal, also took off. Russia has dropped nearly 10,000 guided bombs in Ukraine since the start of the year, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said on May 25. Umerov called for more air defense and said that Kyiv is discussing this with allies every day and at every opportunity. He expressed condolences to the families of the dead and wounded following Russias attack with two guided bombs on a hypermarket in Kharkiv on May 25, which killed at least 16 and injured over 40 people. This is a deliberate killing of the civilian population, Umerov wrote on Facebook, accusing Russian President Vladimir Putin of another act of genocide. Russia typically uses laser-guided or satellite-guided KAB bombs, with payloads ranging from 250 to 1,500 kilograms, against Ukrainian military and civilian targets. Soviet-era dumb bombs are fitted with cheap gliding kits, allowing them to fly much further and more accurately. Kharkiv and the surrounding oblast have suffered particularly heavy attacks from guided bombs in recent months. At least 15 people were injured on Orthodox Easter Sunday after a bomb hit a residential area in downtown Kharkiv. The European Union's top diplomat Josep Borrell said the May 25 attack on Kharkiv emphasizes Ukraine's urgent need for additional air defense systems and called on European countries to provide assistance. Borrell's plea echoes that of Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, who asked allies to send Patriot air defense systems following news of Russia's attack. President Volodymyr Zelensky also reiterated the importance of air defense weapons in the aftermath of the hypermarket bombing. Read also: Glide bombs help Russia gain land in Ukraine. What makes them so effective? Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Defense tech startup BlueHalo makes lasers that shoot drones out of the sky. This is how it got the Army to buy them. Defense tech startup BlueHalo makes lasers that shoot drones out of the sky. This is how it got the Army to buy them. Defense tech startup BlueHalo was founded five years ago by Jonathan Moneymaker, a Gold Star Brother. Its high-energy laser systems are now officially being deployed overseas by the Army to shoot down drones. Moneymaker told BI why succeeding in defense tech isn't just about having the most groundbreaking solution. "Our job is to keep men and women that are putting themselves in harm's way safe and bring them home." It's the kind of patriotic mission statement echoed by plenty of eager young defense startups. But for BlueHalo CEO Jonathan Moneymaker, it's personal. "I'm a gold star brother, which means my brother was killed in the Navy," Moneymaker told Business Insider. "Technology could have saved his life. And part of this is making sure that others have that opportunity." Moneymaker is now five years into running BlueHalo. In that time, and with the backing of private equity firm Arlington Capital Partners, it has designed, tested, and fielded the Army's first major laser weapon system. It's a rapid rate of turnaround, practically unknown to the bigger, more established defense contractors. After securing a $1 billion contract from the Pentagon this year, BlueHalo is now delivering its Palletized High Energy Laser (P-HEL) system to the Army, enabling them to blast drones out of the sky with AI-powered pinpoint accuracy. BlueHalo's Locust laser air defense system, which is designed to shoot down small drones, rockets and mortar shells. BlueHalo But it's not just lasers. BlueHalo also produces autonomous systems, counter-drone technologies, space technology, and cyber warfare solutions, all underpinned by its machine learning software, Metis. "If you look across our portfolio of focus and offerings, there are very few [competitors] that can rival us in that totality," CEO Jonathan Moneymaker told BI. The Virginia-based startup is not quite at the level of defense tech unicorns like Shield AI, Anduril, or Epirus which are increasingly biting at the heels of defense primes but following a merger this year with Eqlipse Technologies, BlueHalo is fast approaching $1 billion in revenue and has 2,400 employees across 11 states. And the contracts keep flowing in. This week, it secured a $95.4 million contract with the Space and Missile Defense Command (SMDC) to develop prototype directed energy (DE) solutions. Blue Halo CEO Jonathan Moneymaker BlueHalo As the Department of Defense (DoD) has slowly come around to the idea that it should buy commercial military tech, numerous tech startups are hoping to follow the same path, providing solutions for US national security while getting a share of the $842 billion defense budget . Industry experts have cautioned that grappling with the legendary complexity of the defense industry makes it unlike entering any other growth market. "Primes are not particularly innovative because they mastered the acquisition process rather than the technology process. However, startups lack a couple of things," Steve Blank, adjunct professor of Management Science and Engineering and co-founder of the Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation at Stanford, told BI. They typically lack a go-to-market strategy and fail to understand the complexity of getting an order from the Department of Defense, said Blank. The DoD buys to satisfy what's called a requirement, where someone has specifically requested something. Writing that requirement is a long process that primes themselves typically help out with, Blank explained. Startups are often clueless about that process and completely out of the loop. Next comes the actual acquisition process, which can take two or three years to even show up in a budget a problem if you're a startup in need of a flow of orders and cash to satisfy your investors. "If you don't understand this process, then the primes tend to win," Blank told BI. BlueHalo Unlike the swathe of Silicon Valley tech firms eyeing up defense, BlueHalo has its roots on the other side Moneymaker has spent the last 25 years in the defense industry base. It's that insider know-how combined with the operational speeds typical of the tech world that BlueHalo says has enabled its success. "We have the experience, know-how, and sophistication of some of the traditional primes in our space, but we have the entrepreneurial and innovative speed and spirit of some of the newer entrants." What has been critical, said Moneymaker, is understanding not just what the military needs but how to earn the trust of defense officials and navigate the procurement process to get it into their hands. Silicon Valley is facing "some learning curves" in this regard, he noted. Often, tech companies will have exquisite groundbreaking technology, but it's not actually what the military needs, or it will be incredibly hard to actually field, he told BI. "Knowing where it's applicable and where it's not is incredibly important. Frankly, if you haven't grown up in this environment, sometimes that just takes a little longer to get familiar with," said Moneymaker. "We listen better than a lot of our competition." BlueHalo Another factor Moneymaker sees as an advantage is BlueHalo's lack of Silicon Valley ego. "We lead without ego," said the BlueHalo CEO. "We've all done exciting things in our careers, but this is about being part of something bigger." But despite its industry-insider knowledge and an Arlington base, there are still some sides of BlueHalo that it shares with traditional tech like a somewhat cringy company community name: Halo Nation. Next, like any successful startup, it is planning a path to IPO, hoping to be ready within a year. If all goes to plan, the "ring of protection" that Moneymaker says BlueHalo represents will only be getting bigger. Read the original article on Business Insider Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.) blasted the International Criminal Court (ICC) as political and irrelevant in a Sunday interview with Fox Newss Shannon Bream. This is totally political. The ICC is irrelevant. They have no jurisdiction. We might as well call them the Harry Potter School of Magic, Moskowitz said in an interview on Fox News Sunday. Moskowitz criticized the ICC for targeting Israel, while not similarly targeting China and Syria even though none of the three countries is subject to the courts jurisdiction. Moskowitz said the ICC has in the past defended its decision not to go after China and Syria more aggressively by noting its lack of jurisdiction. Both China and Syria have been widely criticized for allegations of human rights abuses. Theyre irrelevant because Israel is not a party to their treaty, Moskowitz said about the ICC. So this is pressure unfortunately from the international community that wants to see no more Israel. The chief prosecutor at the ICC announced this past week that he would pursue arrest warrants for top Israeli and Hamas officials, prompting fierce criticism from Israeli allies that the court was drawing a false equivalence between Hamas and Israel. There has since been a bipartisan effort in Congress to punish the ICC for its latest move, with President Biden calling the ICCs move outrageous and some progressive Democrats objecting to the effort to demonize the ICC. Neither the United States nor Israel has endorsed the ICCs charter, meaning the court has little recourse to prosecute alleged crimes by citizens of those countries. Still, the courts critics say the recommended charges against Netanyahu send a dangerous message to Israels enemies and justify the United Statess decision not to ratify the ICCs authority. Moskowitz on Sunday said he thinks the U.S. must respond in a strong bipartisan way and said he is hoping they will get to legislation when the House returns. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is expected to meet with his Chinese counterpart, Admiral Dong Jun, at a major defense conference in Singapore next week, Azernews reports citing AP News. It will be the first meeting between the two defense leaders following a phone call in April. It comes as the U.S. and China have gradually worked to warm relations, which had been largely frozen since a controversial visit to Taiwan by former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in 2022 resulted in China temporarily stopping most military-to-military communications. The announcement came shortly before the Pentagon said Austin would undergo a medical procedure at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Friday evening and transfer power temporarily to his deputy. Austin is dealing with bladder issues that arose in December following his treatment for prostate cancer. Later Friday, the Pentagon said the procedure was successful and Austin had resumed duty and returned home. No changes in his official schedule are anticipated at this time, to include his participation in scheduled Memorial Day events, Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said. Austin and Dong, Chinas minister of national defense, are expected to meet during the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore next week, an annual meeting of defense ministers and government officials from more than 50 countries. The meeting also comes, however, as China has engaged in aggressive military drills around Taiwan, resulting in Taiwan scrambling jets and putting missile, naval and land units on alert Thursday. China launched the exercises after the islands new president, Lai Ching-te, was inaugurated and delivered a speech asking Beijing to cease its intimidation against the island but face the reality of its existence. Beijing rejected his remarks as advocating for separatism and launched the military drills. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and vows to seize it by force if necessary to achieve unification. The U.S. is obligated under federal law to ensure the island can defend itself. In the wake of those exercises, the U.S. has cautioned China not to use Taiwans political transition as a pretext or excuse for provocative or coercive measures, a defense official said. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity to provide details that had not been made public. The two governments began to engage each other more after President Biden hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping in November in California and stressed the need to keep communications open. Dong is a former naval commander who was appointed in late December after his predecessor, Li Shangfu, was removed from office. Dong spoke with Austin by phone in April over issues including the war in Ukraine, freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, Taiwan and North Korea. Austin last met a Chinese defense minister in November 2022, when he and Wei Fenghe, then Chinas defense minister, were in Cambodia for a regional defense minister meeting. No U.S. defense secretary has visited China since Jim Mattis visited in 2018. No superstars. No tickets. Everyone can sing on the stage. A roadside concert held under the wall of the iconic Wenchang Pavilion in China's Guiyang allows people to immerse themselves in music. #GLOBALink A line of severe storms destroyed buildings, overturned RVs and flipped 18-wheelers in Denton and Cooke counties late Saturday and early Sunday morning. At least seven people were killed, and at least 100 people were injured, Gov. Greg Abbott said. An estimated 60 to 80 people were injured when the storm destroyed the AP Travel Center, where a Shell gas station and restaurants were located at the intersection of I-35 and Lone Oak Road, Cooke County Sheriff Ray Sappington said during a news conference at the scene, Star-Telegram media partner WFAA-TV reported. Many of the injured had tried to seek cover inside the gas station or in its parking lot, he said. Two children, ages 2 and 5, were among the dead, the sheriff told the Associated Press. Most of the deaths were reported at FRF Estates, a mobile home park, where crews continued search-and-rescue early Sunday morning. Debris surrounds a home in Valley View on Sunday, May 26, 2024, after severe storms moved through Denton and Cooke counties. More than 200 structures were destroyed and 120 damaged, said Abbott, speaking at a Sunday evening press conference near the Shell travel center. He said he would be shocked if the numbers didnt increase when further assessments are made. Neighbor describes effort to save woman, children Three of the victims were identified Laura Esparza and her children 15-year-old Miranda and 9-year-old Marco Esparza, according to a neighbor and a GoFundMe that has been established to help pay for the funeral costs. Jose Narango, 47, was sheltering with 12 family members in his mothers kitchen when the tornado hit their mobile home park. He lives across the street from the Esparza family on Green Meadow Drive. He said he heard screaming and found Cuco Esparza trapped between two cars and writhing in pain. He was screaming, looking for his wife, Narango said. The cars had been blown across the street into Narangos brothers front yard, Narango said, speaking through his daughter Guadalupe, 22, as a translator. Narango and others used the flashlights on their phone to search for the family. Daughter Miranda was already dead when they found her, he said, and son Marco was pinned underneath a truck. They found mother Laura sitting inside her gold SUV. She was also dead. Narangos hands were shaking. He said hed never get the images out of his head. Jose Narango stands in the wreckage on Sunday, May 26, 2024, where his neighbors were killed when a tornado hit their Valley View, Texas neighborhood. Community has stepped up Beate Hall has been at Valley View United Methodist Church since Saturday night. Hall, the pastor, said people began showing up to the church to bring supplies and help before midnight. The first people hit by the tornado showed up around 2 a.m. The church is the overflow for the community center in Valley View. Hall hasnt slept yet because she wants to be available for anybody who shows up needing help, and the supplies just havent stopped coming. Hall said the community, not just in Valley View but across the region, has stepped up. One man showed up with 360 cases of water, overflowing from the beds to two pickups. A couple from Justin showed up to donate cash. When she takes a moment to leave the fellowship hall, where supplies are being organized and handed out, and step into her office, the phone rings. Somebody calling to see if she can help. Were telling people to go to the community center first and then, if they tell you theyre full up, come here, she tells the caller. Hall spent her time overnight welcoming people to the church, pouring cups of coffee for people who came to wait there and watching Toy Story with the kids three times. The Methodist church was the awake spot, while another church set up cots to be the sleep spot. As the supplies keep flowing in, Hall says the basic needs have been, for the most part, met. They wont turn away any donations, but Hall said what she expects is needed most are people ready to step up and help rebuild homes and refurnish them, when the time comes. Shelter at Shell travel center Hugo Parra from Farmers Branch was traveling with his family to Oklahoma and stopped at the Shell travel center on Lone Oak Road when they heard about the severe weather. Parra said he thought theyd be waiting there for 20 minutes, but as the weather got worse they headed inside, where there were about 40 to 50 people, he said. Some people were trying to shelter in the restaurant but Parra told people to get into the bathroom. He said pretty much everyone inside was safe. He said it was like the area got hit by a bomb. Firefighters told him he was lucky to be alive, he said. On Sunday afternoon, Fernando Cristan walked up and down around what used to be Distinguished Customs, a restoration and modification shop. Now its a pile of rubble and classic cars behind the Shell travel center. Cristan was working on two Corvettes there. He points them out, one black and one a faded yellow. Those are two 63 Corvettes I was working on, he says. They were being restored and modified. They would have been worth half a million each. Eerily quiet Five members of the Garcia family at 8 Fielding Drive in Valley View rushed into their storm shelter about 10 minutes before the tornado hit. Looking out an air hole in the roughly 6- by 12-foot cinder block shelter inside a sheet metal garage, son Francisco, 24, said he could see debris blowing in the wind. The family lost two horses and two outdoor cats are missing. Patriarch Jorge Garcia, 50, is a roofer and was busy with members of his extended family putting plywood on their homes. Jorge said as long as his family is OK, hes OK. The family has lived in the house for 11 years and has never seen anything like this. You see it happening in other places, but you never think it will happen to you, Francisco said. David Reed of Mansfield got up to Valley View as soon as he could to check on his daughter, who lives in the area with her boyfriend, Francisco. Francisco said it got eerily quiet moments before the tornado hit. And then just out of nowhere it started wailing, he said. Path of storms destruction The Denton County Office of Emergency Management confirmed a tornado crossed Interstate 35 between Sanger and Valley View, about 50 miles north of Fort Worth, the Denton Record Chronicle reported. Major damage was reported in Valley View, Sanger and into Collin County. The National Weather Service dispatched several teams to Montague, Cooke, Denton, and Collin counties to evaluate the storms path and the damage it wrought. Ray Roberts State Park was packed with holiday campers but were no significant injures, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department reported. Several trees were down and the park will remain closed until power is restored, the Parks Department said. The Denton Fire Department said it was sending medics and rescue crews to Marina Circle at Lake Ray Roberts, where there were multiple victims, some of them reportedly trapped. Three people were taken to the hospital; two were released and one was in serious condition, authorities said. Right now as the sun comes up, we will begin assessing the damage. We know the boat houses are heavily damaged, all have lost walkways and most boats are damaged, a Facebook post from the marina reads. We lost our fuel dock and offices along with our dock cat, Ginger. Our hearts are broken but we were watched over by our Lord and Savior last night. We are blessed and very thankful today. Prayers for those who werent as fortunate as us. Amber Bryan, 41, had lived in the RV park for a year. The tornado flipped her trailer and pinned her inside. Thank God, just got some bruises, nothing broken, she said. She used her key fob to honk SOS to let people know she was in the rubble. Everything happened so fast, she said. I just said, Lord wrap your arms around me and my pets and get us through this. Severe storms damaged multiple boat slips at Ray Roberts Marina in Sanger on Sunday, May 26, 2024. Injuries also were confirmed in Denton County, with an unknown number of patients transported to hospitals by ambulance and helicopter, county officials said about 5 a.m. in a statement on social media. The number of people injured and the types of injuries are not known at this time as the incident is still a working scene, the statement read. A tornado warning was issued for Cooke County at about 10:30 p.m. Saturday as a line of severe storms moved across southern Cooke and northern Denton counties. At 10:40 p.m. the National Weather Service in Fort Worth reported a tornado was observed on spotter video at Interstate 35 and East Lone Oak Road. DENTON FD sending 4 Medics, Rescue, Batt 1 to Marina Circle at Ray Roberts for multiple victims, some reported trapped. E6/M6 enroute to Sanger Fire Station to help cover calls. Major damage at the county line on Lone Oak Road. @cityofdentontx @DentonScanner @DFWscanner pic.twitter.com/MXIe6JzZkK City of Denton Fire Department (@DentonFireDept) May 26, 2024 Traffic was stopped on I-35 for several hours because of overturned 18-wheelers and downed power lines, Denton County officials said in a statement on social media. Power outages, uprooted trees, and downed limbs were reported from west of Sanger across the lake into Pilot Point, Denton County reported. Downed power lines also closed several roads, including FM 455 in Sanger. At about 5 a.m., CoServ reported power outages affecting over 1,200 customers west of Sanger to Pilot Point. Texas-New Mexico Power reported over 1,100 customers without power, mainly in Pilot Point. Oncor reported outages for an estimated 585 customers in the Celina area in Denton County. Collin County Judge Chris Hill declared a state of disaster Sunday afternoon, citing extensive tornado damage in Celina. City residents and officials reported ripped-up houses and snapped power lines. A gas station at Lone Oak Road and Interstate 35 in Valley View, Texas, on Sunday, May 26, 2024, after a line of severe storms rolled through Cooke County. The Cooke County Sheriffs Office said dozens of people took shelter in the gas station. A damaged car near a gas station at Lone Oak Road and Interstate 35 in Valley View, Texas, on Sunday, May 26, 2024, after a line of severe storms rolled through Cooke County. The Sheriffs Office said dozens of people took shelter inside the gas station. Debris on Lone Oak Road near Interstate 35 in Valley View, Texas, on Sunday, May 26, 2024, after severe storms hit Cooke County on Saturday. The Sheriffs Office said 60 to 80 people took shelter in a nearby gas station. New homes on CR 200 west of Lone Star Refuge RV Park in Cooke County, Texas, on Sunday, May 26, 2024, after severe storms moved through the area on Saturday. 1040 pm: SEEK SHELTER NOW! Valley View/I-35 near E. Lone Oak Road/ Ray Roberts Lake area. Tornado observed on spotter video moving east. Will cross I-35 shortly between Valley View and Sanger #txwx #dfwwx #texoma pic.twitter.com/9mR4c28Tn2 NWS Fort Worth (@NWSFortWorth) May 26, 2024 Bad bad damage out near Lake Ray Roberts, someone reported to be stuck underneath an RV that flipped @NWSFortWorth pic.twitter.com/vLzI73tNVJ Miles (@TheUNT6) May 26, 2024 Major damage, at least 7 dead, 100 injured in Denton & Cooke counties after tornado TORNADO DESTROYS TEXAS MARINA Footage of the devastated docks in the Valley View area of Texas. Tornado damage has been reported in several Texas areas, including Denton, Sanger, and Celina, leaving numerous buildings severely damaged and breaking multiple power lines. https://t.co/me9YS3z16m pic.twitter.com/xwD2DfxV1B Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) May 26, 2024 Storm Reports This map contains continuously updated storm reports and damage from the National Weather Service for the past 48 hours. Reports include tornado, wind storm and hail storm reports. The map also includes tornado reports for the past week and recent rainfall accumulations. Sources: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Esri. Open This is a developing story. For the latest updates, sign up for breaking news alerts. More top stories from our newsroom: Huge win for Fort Worth ISD parents worried about kids grades Arlington nuns block Vatican-appointed rep from their monastery Look out, Costco! A rival warehouse retailer is eyeing Fort Worth. [Get our breaking news alerts.] DENVER (KDVR) Sunshine and warmer temperatures move into the Denver weather forecast Sunday and Monday. Things to do for Memorial Day weekend near Denver Weather tonight: Clearing, seasonal Saturday night, showers and thunderstorms will clear out of the area. Temperatures will be seasonal and fall down to the mid-40s. Weather tomorrow: Sunny, breezy Sunday, clouds will continue to clear through the morning leading to plenty of sunshine through the day. It will be breezy through the afternoon with wind gusts over 30 mph at times. High temperatures will climb to the mid-70s, which is right in line with normal for this time of year. Looking ahead: Sunny Memorial Day, warmer workweek Sunshine dominates the forecast again on Memorial Day, which will help to boost high temperatures to the upper 70s. The upcoming workweek will bring warmer temperatures in the 80s, and the slight chance for isolated thunderstorms each day. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. The Volusia County Sheriffs Office said two Brevard County men have been arrested in a road-rage shooting of an SUV carrying a family. Deputies said they responded to a shooting in the Mims area around 6:45 p.m. on Saturday. Deputies said an SUV carrying a couple and three children was driving east on State Road 46 when a black Dodge pickup started tailgating them. VCSO said the couple had three children, ages 6, 4, and 18 months, in the back seat of the SUV. Read: Memorial day weekend kicks off with calm crowds, no violence reported at Daytona Beach Officials said the truck ultimately passed them, forced them halfway off the road, cut the SUV off, and stopped in front of them. According to the news release, two men got out of the truck, fired several shots at the victims SUV, got back in the truck, and left the scene. The victims followed at a distance as the truck headed into Brevard County, where Brevard County sheriffs deputies conducted a felony traffic stop, according to a news release. Read: Boeing Starliner Now Targeting a June 1st Launch Attempt Deputies found nine bullet holes in the car as well as a shattered front passenger window, officials said. VCSO said no one was injured. The driver of the truck was 45-year-old Chad Morrow of Cocoa. Read: Man arrested, charged in connection to Apopka bank robberies The passenger was 52-year-old Chad McAninch of Port St. John. VCSO said both Morrow and McAninch were taken into custody and charged with two counts of attempted murder and three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Editors note: This story has been updated to clarify how the deputy was hurt. DENVER (KDVR) An Adams County Sheriffs Office deputy sustained minor injuries after he fell while chasing a stolen vehicle early Sunday morning. According to the sheriffs office, around 4:30 a.m., a deputy located a stolen vehicle in the 7100 block of Quivas Street. The driver took off with the car, but a short time later came back around and stopped near the deputy. Download the FOX31 App: Breaking news alerts & Pinpoint Weather The deputy tried to open the passenger door and the sheriffs department said the driver took off again. The deputy ran with the car for a short distance before falling to the ground as the car drove off. The deputy was treated for minor injuries including road rash and later released. Nearby neighbor Neal Gamache told FOX31 that he was surprised to see something like this happen in his neighborhood. Occasionally theres a little car break-ins or kids doing stuff, but nothing this dramatic, Gamache said. His Ring doorbell camera caught some of the incident. He and his wife woke up to see it all unfold in the footage. We saw a car driving really fast, unsafe speeds through our neighborhood, Gamache said. Kind of made us raise our eyebrows. The stolen car was located by other deputies at a later time and a short chase began. However, the deputies eventually lost the vehicle near Denver and Aurora. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. Jaime Harrison, chair of the Democratic National Committee, says hes worried about anyone being considered for Donald Trumps vice presidential spot, describing all MAGA Republicans as rotten apples during an appearance on MSNBCs The Weekend on Sunday. While former President Trump has yet to announce his running mate for the 2024 presidential election, Harrison told MSNBC panelists Michael Steele, Alicia Menendez and Symone Sanders-Townsend that he doesnt trust anyone who comes from the far-right flank of the conservative movement. Heres the thing. We dont have to paint them as extreme. Theyre extreme. All of those MAGA apples are rotten, Harrison said when asked about Trumps theoretical slate of vice president choices. Every single one of them. They are going to bend over backward to do whatever Donald Trump they believe they need to do in order to get into Donald Trumps good graces, he continued. 'All of those MAGA apples are rotten. DNC Chair @harrisonjaime on Trumps potential VP pick. pic.twitter.com/bdAWYFZMdm The Weekend on MSNBC (@TheWeekendMSNBC) May 26, 2024 Referencing recent examples, including Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) refusing to say hed accept the results of the 2024 election if Trump is not the victor, Harrison said, Weve seen it on every Sunday show. Weve seen it in all the interviews. The DNC chair then wondered if anyone from Trumps inner circle would even keep their pledge to uphold the U.S. Constitution, noting that Trump is a man who has said that he wants to be a dictator on day one. This is a man who does not believe in our Constitution, does not believe in that pledge that he also took. And so all of them the election denialism, the anti-choice, attacking the Affordable Care Act and health care of the American people, selling out working families for billionaires all of them are extreme, Harrison continued. Theyre all MAGA apples or rotten apples, and we are going to expose them through our project at the DNC. Last week, Trump told New York cable outlet News 12 hed be announcing his running mate during Julys Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. Dropping several names on his shortlist, Trump told News 12 that Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson and Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) would all do a fantastic job as his VP pick. Related... Captured Azovstal defender's dog dies before he can be reunited with his owner Serhii raised Rem from the time when he was still a puppy. Photo: UAnimals/Facebook Rem had been waiting for his master, a Ukrainian soldier, to come home from Russian captivity. He would have greeted him by holding out his right paw, as he usually did. But he died still waiting. Animal protection charity UAnimals has shared the story of the dog, who belonged to a soldier taken captive by the Russian Federation. Rem joined the family when he was still a puppy, only one month old. He and Serhii spent a lot of time together, often going for walks in the forest. UAnimals said Rem always knew when his owner was about to return home. "Rem understood the command hello and always held out the correct paw for a handshake his right, just as Serhii had taught him. Rem loved to kiss all of us too," Halyna, the fighter's mother, recalled. The start of Russias full-scale invasion made Serhiis pet extremely anxious. Rem would be the first to notice the flames from explosions and the thick black smoke that would rise into the sky after strikes. Serhii was in Poland at the time, but he returned to Kyiv as soon as he could. After a few weeks in the city, he joined his brothers-in-arms in besieged Mariupol. On 20 May 2022, the Azovstal defenders obeyed orders and left the steelworks, only to be captured by the Russians. Rem's health immediately began to decline, and his fur fell out. He didn't live long enough to see Serhii return from captivity. "Rem has died and is no longer waiting for Serhii to come home," UAnimals said. We previously reported on Kotusko, the cat who became a combat companion of the National Guard's military unit 3055. Kotusko now lives with a soldier with the nom de guerre Sova and his family. Support UP or become our patron! A group of people in a boat observing a dolphin in the water A bottlenose dolphin trapped in a New Jersey creek for more than a week has died following a last resort rescue effort. The dolphin was first reported in the Skeeter Island Creek in Cape May on May 16. An initial effort to herd the creature out of the creek using three boats and specialized equipment was unsuccessful, according to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center. The group made one final attempt to help the dolphin back out to sea on Friday morning, . Animal welfare officials attempted to rescue the dolphin, but panicked and died once it was netted. Marine Mammal Stranding Center After initially trying to avoid physical capture and handling, which posed serious risk to the dolphin and the rescuers, the crew attempted an in-water capture by deploying a net into the creek. Unfortunately, once inside the net, the dolphin immediately panicked and expired within two minutes, the center wrote on Facebook. Our entire team is deeply saddened about this outcome. Out-of-habitat cetaceans are the most difficult scenario in marine mammal rescue. As animals that live in the open ocean, this type of habitat is foreign to them and causes immense stress, making the chances of rescue and survival slim. The dolphins carcass was transferred to the New Jersey Animal Health and Diagnostic Lab, where it will undergo a full necropsy, the officials added. With Post wires Donald Trump welcomed two rappers charged in a felony gang case on stage at his Bronx rally After promising to restore safety to New York City's streets at a campaign rally in the Bronx on Thursday evening, former President Donald Trump enthusiastically brought a few special guests onstage: Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., former New York City Council Member Ruben Diaz, Sr. and Brooklyn rappers Sheff G and Sleepy Hallow. Basking in the support of prominent locals is a common political ritual, but some of the former president's guests were rather unusual: Sheff G, whose real name is Michael Williams, is facing attempted murder charges brought by the Brooklyn district attorney last year as part of a major gang takedown, while the rapper was in prison for an unrelated weapons sentence. And Sleepy Hallow, whose real name is Tegan Chambers, faces conspiracy charges in the same gang case. He previously served eight months for weapons possession. Prosecutors allege that members of the rappers' gang were involved in two dozen violent incidents, including striking two bystanders when they opened fire on a Brooklyn sidewalk. Does everybody know Sheff G? Where is Sheff G? Trump asked the crowd at the end of his speech Thursday, before also introducing Sleepy Hallow. President Trump, my man, Sheff G responded warmly. One thing I want to say: They are always going to whisper your accomplishments and shout your failures. Trump is going to shout the wins for all of us, the rapper told the audience. Sleepy Hallow then offered Trump's slogan of Make America Great Again. The two musicians belong to a contingent of Trump-supporting rappers that also includes Chief Keef, Azealia Banks and Kodak Black, whose four-year sentence on federal gun charges Trump commuted. "Sheff G was there to support President Trump for his election in his campaign, and like every American has a right to have his feelings known," Sheff G's attorney Arthur Aidala told USA TODAY. "Right now, he's presumed innocent. We are in intense litigation with the Brooklyn district attorney's office and are cautiously optimistic that we will get a satisfactory result for my client." Asked about the charges, Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung wrote in an email, "As Sheff G said: 'They always whisper your accomplishments and shout your failures.'" An attorney for Sleepy Hallow did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Trump's rhetoric versus his associations Trump has taken a hard line against crime in his recent campaign stops in New York, including a stop at a Harlem bodega that was the site of a fatal stabbing. The former president in his Bronx speech claimed that the city has "filthy encampments of drugged-out homeless people," and "lunatics killing innocent bystanders by pushing them on the railroad tracks." "We're going to bring safety back to our streets," he promised. More: Bronx cheers: Donald Trump promises to make New York great again with spending All four men Trump brought onstage have had brushes with the law. Rep. Donalds, who grew up in Brooklyn, had a 1997 marijuana charge dismissed as part of a pre-trial diversion program and a 2000 bribery charge that was later expunged. Diaz Sr. was indicted in 1965 for felony counts of possession with intent to sell heroin and marijuana. He pleaded guilty to misdemeanor possession of narcotics. Sheff G and Sleepy Hallow are prominent figures in drill rap, a hip-hop subgenre that has drawn condemnation from local elected officials such as New York City Mayor Eric Adams for its intensely violent lyrics and videos, which often feature rappers waving guns and threatening their rivals. Weve had a number of shootings in Brooklyn recently that are directly related to drill rap," Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez told Fox News in 2022. "The rappers are taunting their rivals in the rival gangs territory, saying, Were here. Come get us. If we see you, were going to shoot you. Trump has previously been affiliated with people convicted of crimes. Some notable examples include: Trump's former campaign and White House strategist Steve Bannon was convicted in 2022 of contempt of Congress for defying a subpoena from the committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. Bannon also faces state charges of money laundering and conspiracy in New York, for allegedly scamming Trump supporters when soliciting donations to a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. Former Trump Organization CFO Allen Weisselberg served more than three months in jail for tax fraud and was sentenced last month to five months for perjury. In 2018, Trump's former campaign manager Paul Manafort was found guilty of federal tax evasion and bank fraud charges and pleaded guilty to federal conspiracy and witness tampering charges. He was sentenced to 7-1/2 years in prison but was pardoned by Trump. Trump's former national security adviser Michael Flynn pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about his interactions with Russia's ambassador to the United States before Trump took office. Trump pardoned him. Donald Trump's one-time campaign manager Paul Manafort arrives at a Manhattan courthouse on June 27, 2019 for his arraignment on mortgage fraud charges that were later dismissed. In separate cases, Trump's former campaign chairman was found guilty in 2018 of federal tax evasion and bank fraud charges in Virginia, and pleaded guilty that same year to federal conspiracy and witness tampering charges in Washington, D.C. Manafort was sentenced to 7-1/2 years in prison but was pardoned by Trump in December 2020. Facing his own legal trouble Trump is in New York regularly at the moment because he is on trial for 34 counts of falsifying business records to cover up a crime hush money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels, which were not themselves illegal but prosecutors contend amounted to an illegal contribution to Trump's 2016 campaign as they were made to suppress an extramarital affair allegation right before the election. Closing arguments in Trump's hush money trial are expected on Tuesday. If he is convicted, he could be sentenced to prison. "Trump's on trial himself, they're in the same status," Sheff G's lawyer Aidala said. "The way Trump is presumed innocent, so is Michael Williams." Meanwhile, Trump has been indicted federally in Florida on 40 counts for allegedly hoarding classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate after leaving the White House. He was indicted federally in Washington, D.C. on four counts for allegedly conspiring to steal the 2020 election. And Trump faces 10 counts in Georgia for an alleged racketeering conspiracy to steal the 2020 election by recruiting alternate presidential electors and pressuring state officials to legitimize them. In Arizona, Trump was named as unindicted co-conspirator in another fake elector scheme for which his lawyer Rudy Giuliani and 17 others were recently charged. Outreach to new constituencies Trump has made a point of reaching out to Black and Latino voters in this election cycle, in part by embracing aspects of streetwear and hip-hop culture. In February, Trump hawked $399 branded gold high-tops at a sneaker convention in Philadelphia. But his efforts have ranged beyond apparel. In February, Trump told a mostly Black crowd in South Carolina that his 91 criminal indictments were helping him with Black voters. "A lot of people said thats why the Black people like me, because they have been hurt so badly and discriminated against, and they actually viewed me as Im being discriminated against," he told an event sponsored by the Black Conservative Federation, in reference to his criminal cases. His comments immediately received widespread backlash. Though I may be disgusted, I am not at all surprised that Donald Trump would equate the suffering and injustice of Black people in America to consequences he now faces because of his own actions," former Rep. Cedric Richmond, a Louisiana Democrat and co-chair of the Biden-Harris 2024 campaign, responded in a statement. "Donald Trump claiming that Black Americans will support him because of his criminal charges is insulting. Its moronic. And its just plain racist." Black voters have overwhelmingly favored Democrats in recent elections, including in 2020, when President Biden received 87% of Black voters' support. Supporters of former President Donald Trump are pictured ahead of a rally at Crotona Park in the South Bronx. Controversy over crowd size The Trump campaign claimed 25,000 people showed up to see him at Crotona Park in the Bronx. News and police estimates were much lower, and more in line with the 3,400 tickets the campaign distributed for the rally. The New York Daily News reported "hundreds" were in attendance. The Daily Beast estimated "over a thousandif not exactly thousands." The NYPD officers patrolling the park told Raw Story the aviation team monitoring the even from helicopters said there were 3,500 people present. According to the New Republic, aerial photos show around 800 people inside the fences of the rally itself and a "few hundred" outside. "That aerial photo has been debunked as it was taken hours before the speech was given," Cheung, the Trump campaign spokesperson, told USA TODAY. The New Republic reported the aerial photo was taken during Trump's speech. A white man in Trump's trademark Navy blue suit can be seen on-stage in the photo. The Daily Mail also published a more zoomed-in version of the aerial photo in which it is clearly Trump on stage. "Over 25,000 people showed up and has been corroborated by journalists and media members," Cheung added. When asked which journalists have corroborated that figure, Cheung cited an article in Voz Media. The article does not say the outlet independently verified that there were 25,000 people there. It links the claim to a Fox News story, which in turn attributed the number to the Trump campaign. Fox News also noted that unnamed law enforcement officials told the New York Post between 8,000 and 10,000 were in attendance. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump invited rappers with felony gang charges on stage at Bronx rally A secondary school student performs Chinese martial arts in the "Chinese Bridge" competition in Hamrun, Malta, May 25, 2024. (Xinhua/Chen Wenxian) VALLETTA, May 25 (Xinhua) -- Twelve students from primary and secondary schools in Malta demonstrated their Chinese language proficiency and talents on Saturday during the "Chinese Bridge" competition in Malta. The Chinese language proficiency competition for foreign school students, organized by the Confucius Institute at the University of Malta in Hamrun, eastern Malta, featured an elocution contest where students shared their passion for the Chinese language and their dreams of visiting China. After delivering a speech, participants showcased their China-related talents, including performing Chinese martial arts and traditional Chinese diabolo (kongzhu), cooking Chinese dishes, singing Chinese songs, playing Chinese music on the piano, and dancing to Chinese music. The audience was captivated and responded with enthusiastic applause. Alessandro Dalcielo, 10, won first prize among the primary school participants. "I know Chinese is a language that leads to the future. I will keep studying hard so that I can speak Chinese more confidently," he said in his speech. Alessandro began learning Chinese at eight and has practiced martial arts for over five years. He said one of his dreams is to go to China and see a panda there. This was the first time that the Chinese language proficiency competition for foreign school students included a section for primary school students in Malta. Alessandro's elder brother, Mattia Dalcielo, 14, took first prize among the secondary school participants. He visited China last year and has practiced Chinese martial arts for eight years. "I love studying Chinese because it allows me to understand a different culture and education system. Understanding diverse cultures enhances our understanding of other people and countries," Mattia said in his speech. He told Xinhua he hoped to study at a university in China one day. Dennis Mizzi, the foreign director of the Confucius Institute, told Xinhua that he was impressed by the participants' Chinese pronunciation. "I hope they continue studying Chinese and keep improving," he said. Stephen Cachia, a lecturer in Chinese history at the University of Malta, told Xinhua that learning Chinese has become a trend in Malta and he was delighted to see more students embracing Chinese. A secondary school student performs traditional Chinese diabolo (kongzhu) in the "Chinese Bridge" competition in Hamrun, Malta, May 25, 2024. (Xinhua/Chen Wenxian) Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) on Sunday pushed back against criticism that he was being used as a prop while campaigning with former President Trump in the Bronx this past week. Donalds a prominent Black Republican lawmaker and close ally of the former presidents defended himself after MSNBC host Joy Reid said Trump was using Donalds as a prop. The one Black guy that Republicans love to roll out as fake proof that Black people, the Blacks, are MAGA, theyre MAGA, Reid said, in a clip played in a Fox News interview Sunday. Its a joke, and just as credible as when they said they were going to make that guy Speaker of the House. Donalds responded in an interview on Fox News Sunday with Shannon Bream, saying, First of all, I find Joys comments as being nothing more than crabs in a barrel. You can make an argument that MSNBC is using her, he added. The crowd at the South Bronx rally, which Donalds attended, was characterized as being less racially and ethnically diverse than the surrounding area, The Associated Press reported, adding that there were still large numbers of Black and Hispanic voters in the crowd. Donalds said that in the Bronx, you had a very diverse crowd, people from the Bronx, Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, Black people, white people, all there supporting President Trump because theyve seen the disaster that is New York City. They want Donald Trump back, Donalds added. Donalds described the November election as a choice between two presidents, and he said he thinks Americans will select the one they think did the better job. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. BENTON COUNTY, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) A downed power line is blocking all lanes of traffic on State Highway 12 near Beaver Lake, according to IDriveArkansas. The report at 11:35 a.m. from the Arkansas Department of Transportation says the downed line is around three miles east of Rogers. No injuries have been reported with the incident. Stay with KNWA/FOX24 for the latest. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24. Driver from Fresno killed, two badly hurt in head-on crash in Kings County, CHP says A Fresno man was killed and two other people were seriously injured in a two-vehicle crash Sunday morning. The California Highway Patrol said the crash happened at 2:15 a.m. at the Avenal Cutoff Road, south of 25th Avenue in Kings County. According to CHP, a man driving a blue Chevrolet Malibu was northbound on the Avenal Cutoff Road, south of 25th, while a driver in a white Ford F-150 was southbound on the same road. The driver of the Chevrolet crossed the dividing line into the southbound lane and went head-on with the other vehicle. The driver of the Chevrolet, described to be a 23-year-old man from Fresno, was pronounced dead at the scene, CHP said. The F-150 driver was airlifted to Community Regional Medical Center with major injuries. The right front passenger of the Chevrolet had major injuries and was airlifted to Kaweah Health Medical Center. Its unknown if alcohol or drugs were a factor in the collision, CHP said. A shift from a couple of years ago has held steady more Republicans identify as working or lower class than Democrats do. Democrats are more likely to identify as upper-middle or middle class. Thats according to a new poll from Gallup. Forty-six percent of Republicans consider themselves working or lower class and 35% of Democrats do. Sixty-two percent of Democrats identify themselves as upper-middle or middle class and 53% of Republicans say the same. Deeper into the survey: The survey data comes from self-identification, not factors like education level or profession or income. Economic experts differ on the specifics of what qualifies as working class, but generally, it refers to people who do not have college educations (around 62% of the country) and/or those who receive an hourly wage rather than a salary. Gallup survey data started showing this shift in 2022. When the same survey was done in 2019, 46% of Democrats identified as working or lower class while only 34% of Republicans did. In contrast, 65% of Republicans called themselves upper-middle or middle class and 54% of Republicans did. Self-identification has fluctuated along those lines, but from 2002 to 2019, Republicans generally identified more as upper-middle and middle class more than Democrats did the reverse was true for Democrats calling themselves working and lower class at a higher rate than Republicans. Zooming out: What are the broader trends about the politics of the working class? Precipitating this shift was another trend working-class voters not identifying strongly with either party . Stephen L. Morgan, a Johns Hopkins professor, said in a 2017 report that working-class voters started not solidly identifying with the Democratic Party or the Republican Party when President Barack Obama was in office. Even before the 2016 election cycle commenced, conditions were uncharacteristically propitious for a Republican candidate who could appeal to prospective voters in the working class, especially those who had not voted in recent presidential elections but could be mobilized to vote, said Morgan. Left-of-center think tank Progressive Policy Institute did a survey with YouGov about the politics of the working-class voters (defined in the report as those without four-year college degrees). The report found that the working class trusts Republicans more on the economy, natural security, immigration and crime while they trust Democrats more on climate change, clean energy, abortion access and respecting elections. Forty-seven percent of the working class said they want a federal government involved in the economy mostly via protecting free markets while 34% said they want a small federal government with less taxation and spending. Nineteen percent responded in favor of a large federal government involved in wealth distribution. As far as which party the working class trusts to put the interests of the working class people first, respondents were almost evenly divided 38% said Democrats and 37% said Republicans. Twenty-two percent of respondents said neither. A plurality of respondents to the survey also said they would prefer if the Democratic Party would spend tax dollars more efficiently rather than grow government programs. As for what they want the Republican Party to do, they said theyd like if the GOP would cut spending and increase taxes on the wealthy. Among those surveyed, 50% said their household income was less than $50,000 annually and 27% said it was between $50,000 and $100,000 with the remainder either not marking prefer not to say or reporting a household income above $100,000. In the short term, the political preferences of working-class voters are likely to be shaped by urgent issues such as high prices and illegal immigration, wrote William A. Galston for Brookings Institute about the survey. In the longer term, however, a party that combines moderation on cultural issues with support for government programs that would improve the prospects of upward mobility for the working class would likely improve its performance in this key part of the electorate. Galston also pointed toward specific policies that some members of the working class have taken issues with such as student loan forgiveness. Fifty-six percent of working-class voters said they oppose student loan debt relief because they think its unfair to those who dont get a college degree. Working-class voters dont typically have a four-year degree and subsequently wouldnt have student loan debt, but could experience higher taxes as a result of student loan forgiveness policies. Writing for The New York Times, David Leonhardt analyzed a handful of reports about the working class and observed what makes some working class voters bristle elitism. Most professionals now vote for Democrats, which is a stark change from past decades, said Leonhardt. Most working-class voters vote Republican, partly because they see Democrats as an elite party dominated by socially liberal and secular college graduates. Leonhardt noted how the Republican Party still faces challenges with the working class in terms of economic policy, but the conservative populist response is an effort to show that Republicans understand Americans struggles and want to help. A lot of ink has been spilled over whether or not theres even been a significant shift among working-class voters some dont think the Republican Party has the stronghold others think they do. I think the claim that says the Republican Party is the party of the working class is at best, insincere, and more likely, political misdirection and rebranding exercises, John Russo, visiting scholar at the Kalmanovitz Initiative for Labor and the Working Poor at Georgetown University, told NPR in 2021. He pointed toward Biden winning the majority of voters earning less than $50,000 a year in 2020 and Trump winning the majority of voters who made more than $100,000 annually. Others point toward areas where the working class may poll differently than what the messaging from Democratic politicians sounds like. Ruy Teixeira, fellow at American Enterprise Institute, wrote for The Liberal Patriot that working-class voters are less ideological, have economic struggles and in his words are more focused on material concerns. Patrick Ruffini, Republican pollster and co-founder of Echelon Insights, said the dividing line right now is whether or a not a person has a college degree. Since college diplomas translate to higher incomes, the Republican Party now has more people in it who are in the bottom half of the income distribution than it ever has, while it bleeds votes among the wealthiest, said Ruffini in Politico. To be clear, this is happening not because its economic message has changed. Instead, Ruffini postulates, its because of a political different shift. Working-class populism gives Republicans the opportunity to build a more broadly based party based in the working and middle classes. An explosive device was discovered at an electrical substation in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, the Energy Ministry reported on May 26. The police and sappers were called to remove the device, according to the ministry. The ministry did not provide more details on the incident. The ministry also said that a Russian overnight missile attack led to over 11,000 households in Khmelnytskyi Oblast being left without power supply. In the morning, the electricity supply was reportedly restored. Russian attacks also damaged gas distribution networks in Kharkiv and Vinnytsia oblasts, cutting off gas supply for over 1,000 households, the ministry added. Read also: Ukraines drone companies face death, migration, or global acquisition amid defense spending squeeze Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. English teacher at posh Dalton school resigns amid accusations of sex abuse by her former student A high school English teacher at the posh Dalton school resigned after being accused of sexually abusing a former student, The Post has learned. Administrators received the troubling allegation about Mara Naaman in a May 2nd letter written on behalf of a student who attended the $61,000-a-year Upper East Side school. The alleged misconduct occurred between 2020 and 2022, according to a May 9 email from head of school Jose De Jesus and board of trustees president Aly Jeddy to the school community regarding the serious matter. Dalton teacher Mara Naaman resigned following allegations of sexual abuse from a former student, according to a letter from the school. Linkedin Mara Naaman The Dalton Schools leaders sent a letter earlier this month detailing the steps taken following allegations from a former student against English teacher Mara Naaman. Helayne Seidman The school held an assembly the next day to inform high schoolers of the investigation and share information on school resources, the email stated. Our priority is determining the veracity of these claims and determining whether there are other allegations of abuse from other members of the community, the email stated. Naaman, 50, was put on leave once the students letter was received and she resigned the following Monday, May 6, De Jesus email added. The school filed a police report and hired a firm specializing in harassment and sexual abuse to conduct an investigation, according to the letter from the administrators. We are only providing the name of the teacher so anyone with relevant information can provide such information, it read. The NYPD did not address repeated questions regarding the alleged incident but said it takes sexual assault and rape cases extremely seriously and urges anyone who has been a victim to file a report. Head of school Jose De Jesus and board of trustees president Aly Jeddy addressed the serious matter in an email to the school community on May 9. Obtained by The New York Post It was a very big surprise, said one former Dalton parent. Everyone has been talking about it but no one really knows what happened. Naaman taught English literature to ninth through 12th graders at the K-12 school and was also a house advisor, providing academic guidance and social and emotional support to students. The advisors also serve as an advocate and confidant for students, building a relationship with them over the course of their four years in high school, according to Daltons website. Jose De Jesus took over as the head of The Dalton School following Jim Bests 2021 exit. Naamans sudden resignation left many students who were relying on her for college recommendation letters stunned, the former Dalton parent said. Naaman was among dozens of Dalton faculty members who signed on to a controversial eight-page anti-racism manifesto in 2020. Among its demands were that students of color be compensated for appearing in Dalton promotional material and for courses to be canceled if black students arent performing on par with non-black students. Before starting at Dalton, Naaman worked at Columbia University, at Hofstra University on Long Island, and Williams College in Massachusetts, where she taught comparative literature and Arabic, according to LinkedIn. She was granted tenure at Williams in 2013. Naaman worked at Hofstra and Columbia universities and Williams College in Massachusetts before starting at Dalton. Linkedin Mara Naaman The Fulbright scholar attended Wesleyan University and got a Ph.D. from Columbia. While pursuing her postgraduate degree, she conducted research in Egypt, at Cairo Universitys Arabic department. Her work has appeared in various journals, including the Journal of Arabic Literature. Naaman is a mom and based out of Manhattan, according to a Facebook profile, and is originally from Michigan. Dalton is a private, co-ed K-12 school on Manhattans Upper East Side and was founded in 1919. Helayne Seidman She did not answer inquiries from The Post. The Dalton School declined a request for comment. Among the tony institutions past faculty was late financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, who taught physics and math there in 1973. In 2018, former headmaster Gardner Dunnan was accused in a federal lawsuit of sexually abusing a 14-year-old student who was living with him and his wife in 1986. The girl was working as a family helper to Dunnan and his wife, who had just given birth, in exchange for a free education, according to court documents. On an April afternoon, hundreds of students gathered in Newcomer Academy's gymnasium, their phones poised to capture scenes from the school's fashion show as their peers and teachers showed off attire from their home countries of Burundi, Guatemala, India and more. With more than two dozen languages spoken inside the school, it is likely one of the most diverse places in Louisville and all of Kentucky. While Newcomer Academy, which opened about a decade ago, has served as a landing spot for many newly arrived international students, public schools throughout Jefferson County have seen an influx in the same student groups. Now, 1 in 5 students in Kentucky's largest school system were born outside of the United States. In all, Kentucky's public schools have seen a 400% increase over the past 20 years in its number of students who don't speak English one of the largest increases nationwide. Only Mississippi and South Carolina have seen such a jump, according to the U.S. Department of Education. For those who leave their home countries and move to Kentucky, 80% come to Louisville. As of May 1, Jefferson County Public Schools had nearly 20,000 multilingual students about 10,000 more students compared to five years ago. The total grew by 800 just since mid-March. The sharp increase has forced JCPS to reallocate money, expand training and get creative in its approach to helping international students get the needed support to succeed in school. The effort comes at a time when the state's funding level for this special population has remained the lowest of all subgroups, and the district has struggled to find teachers and translators. "We have had an enormous increase of multilingual students, and the funding we are receiving from the state and feds is not keeping up," said JCPS Superintendent Marty Pollio. These students used to largely head to Newcomer Academy before transitioning into their home schools, but now many schools are receiving multilingual students as soon as they arrive in Louisville. There are now more than 150 different languages spoken within the district. JCPS has moved away from calling the students English-as-a-second-language students, instead calling them multilingual learners to focus on the assets they bring instead of what could be seen as a deficit. Seneca's 'game changer' Seneca Junior Emily Camps, left, helped fellow junior Johan Lara Torres with his English during a recent biology class. Camps, who is originally from Cuba, says it took her a year to learn the English language with the help of the Duolingo app on her phone, and now she helps other students in her class by translating instructions and lessons in real time. March 8, 2024 Since 2020, Seneca High's rate of multilingual students has nearly doubled, from 207 students to 383 in August, though that number has continued to increase throughout the year. This challenge prompted Seneca's staff to implement a new peer tutoring program based on a model developed at Fairdale High that recruits international students who have learned English to help their newly arrived peers. In Erin Brock's biology class, a group of students from Honduras, Mexico and Cuba sit together each afternoon as she gives the class instructions for their next assignment. After every few sentences, junior Emily Camps repeats the teacher's directives to the table in their native language. Camps came to Kentucky about three years ago from Cuba. This year she began serving as one of about 25 Seneca High peer tutors, each earning a credit hour for assisting during a class where there's a high rate of students who have yet to learn English. Most of the tutors assist Spanish-speaking students, though there are some who speak Arabic and Wolof, a West African language. "I see myself in them; I know how difficult it is for them," Camps said of the students she helps. One of them, a boy from Honduras, came to the country just a few weeks prior. Seneca student Johan Lara Torres, who arrived from Honduras just a month ago, wrote down a biology question in English during a recent school session. Torres gets help in his biology class from fellow junior Emily Camps, who can translate the teachers' instructions and help with communication. March 8, 2024 Camps said her first year in a JCPS school was really difficult because she couldn't understand her teachers. "I really care about school and my grades and they made me feel so sad," she said. "So, I decided I have to learn English. ... I wish I had the opportunity that they do now." Seneca's peer tutoring program started this school year and, for Brock, the help has been "a game changer," the teacher said. "We have so many kids that speak so many languages," she said of the school. With 30 students in a class and a subset that needs more assistance, Brock said she felt like she was failing to teach. But now, in the three classes where she has a peer tutor, her multilingual students are getting A's and B's, she said. In the classes without the tutors, though, "it is tough," she said, explaining that she prints assignments in her students' native language and translates their answers back to English, but she worries about whether they understand her lectures. Seneca Junior Emily Camps, center, helped fellow junior Johan Lara Torres with his English during a recent biology class. Camps, who is originally from Cuba, says it took her a year to learn the English language with the help of the Duolingo app on her phone, and now she helps other students in her class by translating instructions and lessons in real time. March 8, 2024 "You can see it on their faces how stressful it is coming into the classroom," Brock said of newly arrived multilingual students. A JCPS teacher for the past 11 years, she noted the sharp increase in this population, which comes as the school and district have simultaneously lost much of their translation support. JCPS has open translator positions, but they are hard to fill. That lack of support makes communicating with students and their families more difficult. Because of the tutoring program, Brock said, "its like night and day in the classes I have them and the classes I dont." Money, resources lacking for multilingual learners Despite the tremendous increase in multilingual students, funding for this group has remained "incredibly underwhelming," said Jill Handley, the assistant superintendent who oversees the district's multilingual department. Within the state's funding formula, the district receives a set amount for each student enrolled, but there are additional dollars provided for students with special needs such as those who have disabilities, are experiencing homelessness, live in impoverished households or haven't learned English. Of each of these groups, though, districts receive the least amount of financial support to assist non-native English speakers. JCPS received roughly $64 million from the state to help serve about 12,000 students with disabilities, while it received about $6 million in state funding for multilingual learners. The district is funding Handley's department similarly to how it did 10 years ago when there were just a few thousand multilingual students, Pollio said. Seneca sophomore Sandra Marquez, left, smiled while helping ESL student Rosaura Figuerdo with her lesson during a recent class. Marquez, who is from Cuba, helps other students in her class by translating instructions and helping with communication. March 8, 2024 In next year's proposed budget, JCPS is allocating an additional $9.2 million for the multilingual department much of which will flow directly to schools with a large number of international students. The supplemental funds will allow the schools to creatively address the needs of these students, JCPS officials said. Board members will vote on the budget at the end of May. Schools considered "high density," which factors in not just students considered multilingual but also those who are newcomers to the country, are set to receive about $35,000 each. There are 16 schools within the district with this label. Another challenge is the lack of teachers coming out of their college programs with the credentials to serve multilingual students. "We could probably hire every single ESL teacher from all the universities in the region and it still might not be enough," Pollio said. Because of this, Handley and her team have moved their focus away from training those specific teachers and are instead providing professional development to teachers in all content areas. "We're building the capacity of all stakeholders," Handley said. "It can't just be the ESL teacher's job to do everything everyone needs to play a role in helping multilingual students." Because "Helping English language development is not a side thing," she said, they are asking teachers to "immerse that in all of the academics." Seneca Junior Emily Camps pointed to a lesson on a TV screen while helping other ESL students during a recent biology class. Camps, who is originally from Cuba, says it took her a year to learn the English language with the help of the Duolingo app on her phone, and now she helps other students in her class by translating instructions and lessons in real time. March 8, 2024 This effort is going beyond the classroom, too, with the district recently providing front office staff with training on how to better serve international families, in addition to giving the offices iPads with an interpreter app. Handley said she hopes the tutoring program benefitting Seneca and Fairdale catches the sight of administrators at other schools, too. "The biggest challenge is that the influx came quickly," she said. "We are putting systems in place, but systems take time to build." But, Handley and district leaders are committed to providing these students a good education, she said. "This is not a fad, this is not going away," Handley said of the city's increasing international population. "Because Louisville is a compassionate city, people are going to continue to relocate here." Contact Krista Johnson at kjohnson3@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: JCPS tested by sharp rise in foreign students who don't speak English Activist Bridger Zadina drinks from a pipe where water drains into a creek bed during a 2021 visit to an area of the San Bernardino National Forest where water is collected for bottling. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) Environmental activists have opened a new front in their long-running fight against a company that pipes water from the San Bernardino Mountains and bottles it for sale as Arrowhead brand bottled water. In a petition to the state, several environmental groups and local activists called for an investigation by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, arguing that the company BlueTriton Brands is harming wildlife habitat and species by extracting water that would otherwise flow in Strawberry Creek. Those who oppose the taking of water from San Bernardino National Forest want the state agency to assess the environmental effects and uphold protections under state law, said Rachel Doughty, a lawyer for the environmental nonprofit Story of Stuff Project. They've dewatered the creek, Doughty said. If the company werent siphoning water in its network of pipes, she said, Strawberry Creek would be habitat for endangered species, it would be providing a downstream water supply, it would support fish, and it can't do any of those things without water. The coalition of environmental groups and activists said in their May 13 petition that the state agency should demand the company apply for an authorization called a streambed alteration agreement for its pipes and other infrastructure, and should examine whether the ongoing diversion of water violates state environmental laws. The groups said the companys taking of water has caused the extirpation of native species and the destruction of riparian habitat clearcut harm to the public trust. They urged the state to take all appropriate enforcement action. Activists who have been trying to shut down the companys bottled water pipeline made their appeal to the wildlife agency eight months after the State Water Resources Control Board voted to order the company to halt its unauthorized diversions of water from springs in the San Bernardino Mountains. State officials determined the company has been unlawfully diverting water without valid water rights. But BlueTriton Brands sued to challenge that decision in Fresno County Superior Court, arguing the process was rife with problems and that the company is entitled to the water. A spokesperson for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife said the agency has received the petition and is evaluating it. BlueTriton Brands responded to the petition in an email. Responsible and proactive water stewardship is central to everything we do. Were proud of the work weve done and continue to do in Strawberry Canyon, studying, reporting, and managing our operations to help protect the land and natural resources, the company said. We will continue to operate in compliance with all state and federal laws. The company also said it will partner with people in our communities, governments, policy makers, businesses, and consumers to sustainably protect and shape our shared future. But Steve Loe, a retired biologist who previously worked for the San Bernardino National Forest, said the state should require the company to stop taking water from the creek and the ecosystem. The stream has been completely dried up by BlueTriton, and BlueTriton needs to put some water back in the stream to meet state and federal requirements, Loe said. Restoring water back to Strawberry Creek will make a huge difference in the watershed for all of the plant and animal species. Read more: California orders bottled water company to stop 'unauthorized' piping from springs Restoring water to the habitat would help endangered bird species such as the southwestern willow flycatcher and least Bells vireo, he said, as well as other species including the mountain yellow-legged frog and southern rubber boa. He said a flowing creek could also support the return of native fish species, such as Santa Ana speckled dace. In the petition, Loe and others cited historical records describing the springs and the creek nearly a century ago, including field notes and reports from W.P. Rowe, an engineer who surveyed the watershed starting in 1929. Rowe wrote that Strawberry Creek flowed on the south slope of the San Bernardino Mountains from a source at a group of springs and flowed in a canyon filled with alder, sycamore, dogwood and cedar trees together with ferns and thimble berry bushes. Loe said the records show that before the water was tapped for bottling, the stream was flowing and supported a thriving riparian habitat, which is now largely dry. Its public water, Loe said. And the public has a right to push for its protection. I want water back in the creek this summer, he said. In the decision that is being argued in court, the state water board ordered the company to stop taking water for bottling from most of its water-collection tunnels and boreholes in the mountains north of San Bernardino. Records show about 158 acre-feet, or 51 million gallons, flowed through the companys network of pipes in 2022. The system of 4-inch steel pipes collects water that flows from various sites on the steep mountainside above the creek. The pipeline runs to a roadside tank, and some of the water is hauled away on trucks to be bottled and sold as Arrowhead 100% Mountain Spring Water. Read more: Arrowhead bottled water company sues to continue piping from California forest Local activists have campaigned for years calling for state and federal authorities to shut down the bottled water pipeline. Controversy over the use of water from the national forest erupted after a 2015 investigation by the Desert Sun revealed that the U.S. Forest Service was allowing Nestle to continue siphoning water using a permit that listed 1988 as the expiration date. The Forest Service subsequently began a review of Nestles permit, and in 2018 granted a new permit for up to five years. The revelations about Nestle piping water out of the national forest sparked an outpouring of opposition and prompted several complaints to California regulators questioning the companys water rights claims, which led to the states investigation . BlueTriton Brands took over the bottled water business in 2021 when Nestles North American bottled water division was purchased by private-equity firm One Rock Capital Partners and investment firm Metropoulos & Co. BlueTriton and prior owners of the business have for years had a federal special-use permit allowing them to use the pipeline and other water infrastructure in the San Bernardino National Forest. The Forest Service has been charging an annual permit fee, currently $2,500 per year. There has been no fee for using the water. BlueTritons 2018 permit expired in August, and the company has submitted an application to renew the permit, which Forest Service officials are reviewing, said Gustavo Bahena, a spokesperson for the San Bernardino National Forest. Because Blue Triton had a timely request for renewal of the permit, the current permit remains in effect until the Forest renders a decision on their new request, Bahena said in an email. Other groups that are petitioning the state include Save Our Forest Assn., Center for Biological Diversity, the local chapter of the Sierra Club, Southern California Native Freshwater Fauna Working Group and the Tri-County Conservation League. Amanda Frye, an activist who has taken a leading role in the campaign, said she thinks the Forest Service is failing to uphold its responsibility to manage public land and resources. We still have a dry creek, Frye said. Somethings got to change, she said. We have the right to have these resources protected. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. President of the European Council Charles Michel speaks at the plenary session of the European Parliament. Michel has condemned Russia's "attrocious" airstrike on a DIY store in Kharkiv, Ukraine. "The Russian strike on a Kharkiv supermarket is atrocious," Michel said on X. Philipp von Ditfurth/dpa The European Council President Chares Michel has condemned Russia's "attrocious" airstrike on a DIY store in Kharkiv, Ukraine. "The Russian strike on a Kharkiv supermarket is atrocious," Michel said on X. While Michel mentions a supermarket, the site has been described as the "Epicentr hypermarket" in reporting, possibly leading to confusion. "Russias efforts to terrorize Ukrainian civilians as part of its war of aggression against Ukraine are criminal," he added. "Together, we can stop Russias brutal attacks. We need to urgently advance on a comprehensive air defence solution for Ukraine." Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrives in Seoul, South Korea on May 26, 2024 to attend the ninth Trilateral Summit Meeting among China, Japan and South Korea. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing) SEOUL, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived here Sunday to attend the ninth Trilateral Summit Meeting among China, Japan and South Korea from Sunday to Monday. The trilateral summit resumes more than four years after it was last held in 2019. Li, together with the leaders of Japan and South Korea, will attend key events including the trilateral summit meeting and the China-Japan-South Korea business summit where they will exchange views on trilateral cooperation. The Russian strike on the Epicentr home improvement hypermarket in Kharkiv, which killed at least 12 people, has been condemned by European Council President Charles Michel as a heinous crime. Source: European Pravda Details: Charles Michel described the Russian strike on Kharkiv as "atrocious" in a statement posted on Twitter (X). Quote: "Russias efforts to terrorise Ukrainian civilians as part of its war of aggression against Ukraine are criminal. Together, we can stop Russias brutal attacks. We need to urgently advance on a comprehensive air defence solution for Ukraine," he stated. The Russian strike on a Kharkiv supermarket is atrocious. Russias efforts to terrorise Ukrainian civilians as part of its war of aggression against Ukraine are criminal. Together, we can stop Russias brutal attacks. We need to urgently advance on a comprehensive air defence Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) May 26, 2024 Background: It was announced in Kharkiv early on 26 May that it took 16 hours to put out the fire at a home improvement hypermarket following a Russian attack. Twelve fatalities have been confirmed, and 16 more people are missing. The Czech Foreign Minister indicated earlier that this was clear evidence that Russia doesnt want peace. In this address, Zelenskyy called on world leaders, including the leaders of the United States and China, to participate in the Peace Summit in Switzerland. The video was recorded in a printing house destroyed by a Russian strike in Kharkiv. Support UP or become our patron! Donald Trumps historic hush money trial, which could potentially make the presumptive Republican nominee for president a convicted felon, is winding down. Heres what to expect in the coming days. Prosecutors and the former presidents defense team will each present their closing arguments on Tuesday. This is each sides opportunity to summarize what theyve presented at trial over the last several weeks and their last chance to convince jurors that theyve proved their case. Expect prosecutors to remind jurors of the testimony from the witnesses they called, all of whom filled in the picture of how, in a scheme arranged by the now-disbarred attorney Michael Cohen just days before the 2016 election, Trump allegedly covered up a hush money payment to porn actor Stormy Daniels, who said shed had an extramarital affair with Trump in 2006. Former President Donald Trump sits in the courtroom during his hush money trial on May 21 at Manhattan Criminal Court. Judge Juan Merchan says to expect summations and closing arguments this week before a jury decides on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images At the heart of the case is a series of monthly checks, invoices and other financial statements from 2017 that, according to prosecutors and Cohens testimony, indicate Trump was repaying Cohen for the $130,000 hush money payment he handled. Those documents, which were labeled as payment for Cohens legal services, represent the business documents Trump is accused of falsifying. Other highlights from the prosecution included testimony from David Pecker, former CEO of the National Enquirers publisher, who said he had an agreement with Trump to publish flattering stories about the then-candidate, to run unflattering articles about his political opponents and to help block the publication of stories that could damage Trumps reputation. And despite the defense teams suggestion that Trump was unaware of the repayments, prosecutors argued, the former president emphasized in his various books that its crucial for a businessman to closely oversee every dollar spent. Michael Cohen, the former private lawyer and fixer for Donald Trump, was a key witness for the prosecution. Andrea Renault/Star Max via Getty Images Expect Trumps lawyers to focus their closing arguments on discrediting the prosecutions top witnesses, namely Cohen and Daniels. The former cannot be trusted because he is a convicted felon, they argued at trial, and he admitted to lying on behalf of Trump and lying to Congress. Daniels has had minor inconsistencies in stories shes told about her alleged sexual encounter with Trump over the years, the defense argued, and emphasized that Daniels has profited off her story, including by publishing a memoir in 2018. Hush money payments are not inherently illegal, the defense stated throughout trial, and the Manhattan district attorneys office should never have brought this case forward. Donald Trump sits in court on May 6. STEVEN HIRSCH via Getty Images The 12 jurors could then head into deliberations as early as Wednesday. Before they begin their closed-door discussion, Judge Juan Merchan will give them instructions, which he said will take at least an hour. Reaching a unanimous verdict could take anywhere from minutes to hours to days. Whatever they decide, it will mark the first time a jury has ruled on criminal charges against a U.S. president, past or present. Trump also faces more than 50 charges in three other indictments. Two involve claims of election interference and one relates to classified documents taken from the White House. Trial dates for those cases have not yet been set. The Republican candidate is coming off a disastrous speech he gave Saturday to skeptical conservatives at the Libertarian National Convention. Trump was faced with a notable amount of boos during his speech, in which he told libertarian voters to either support his candidacy or to keep getting your 3% every four years. Related... Editors note: This story has been updated. As a young GI at Fort Ord in Monterey County, California, Dean Osborn spent much of his time in the oceanside woodlands, training on soil and guzzling water from streams and aquifers now known to be contaminated with cancer-causing pollutants. They were marching the snot out of us, he said, recalling his year and a half stationed on the base, from 1979 to 1980. He also remembers, not so fondly, the poison oak pervasive across the 28,000-acre installation that closed in 1994. He went on sick call at least three times because of the overwhelmingly itchy rash. Mounting evidence shows that as far back as the 1950s, in an effort to kill the ubiquitous poison oak and other weeds at the Army base, the military experimented with and sprayed the powerful herbicide combination known colloquially as Agent Orange. While the U.S. military used the herbicide to defoliate the dense jungles of Vietnam and adjoining countries, it was contaminating the land and waters of coastal California with the same chemicals, according to documents. The Defense Department has publicly acknowledged that during the Vietnam War era it stored Agent Orange at the Naval Construction Battalion Center in Gulfport, Mississippi, and the former Kelly Air Force Base in Texas, and tested it at Floridas Eglin Air Force Base. According to the Government Accountability Office, however, the Pentagons list of sites where herbicides were tested went more than a decade without being updated and lacked specificity. GAO analysts described the list in 2018 as inaccurate and incomplete. Fort Ord was not included. It is among about four dozen bases that the government has excluded but where Pat Elder, an environmental activist, said he has documented the use or storage of Agent Orange. According to a 1956 article in the journal The Military Engineer, the use of Agent Orange herbicides at Fort Ord led to a drastic reduction in trainee dermatitis casualties. In training areas, such as Fort Ord, where poison oak has been extremely troublesome to military personnel, a well-organized chemical war has been waged against this woody plant pest, the article noted. Other documents, including a report by an Army agronomist as well as documents related to hazardous material cleanups, point to the use of Agent Orange at the sprawling base that 1.5 million service members cycled through from 1917 to 1994. The most toxic chemical Agent Orange is a 50-50 mixture of two ingredients, known as 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T. Herbicides with the same chemical structure slightly modified were available off the shelf, sold commercially in massive amounts and used at practically every base in the U.S., said Gerson Smoger, a lawyer who argued before the Supreme Court for Vietnam veterans to have the right to sue Agent Orange manufacturers. The combo was also used by farmers, forest workers and other civilians across the country. The chemical 2,4,5-T contains the dioxin 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin or TCDD, a known carcinogen linked to several cancers, chronic conditions and birth defects. A recent Brown University study tied Agent Orange exposure to brain tissue damage similar to that caused by Alzheimers. Acknowledging its harm to human health, the Environmental Protection Agency banned the use of 2,4,5-T in the U.S. in 1979. Still, the other weed killer, 2,4-D is sold off-the-shelf today. The bottom line is TCDD is the most toxic chemical that man has ever made, Smoger said. For years, the Department of Veteran Affairs has provided vets who served in Vietnam disability compensation for diseases considered to be connected to exposure to Agent Orange for military use from 1962 to 1975. Decades after Osborns military service, the 68-year-old veteran, who never served in Vietnam, has battled one health crisis after another: a spot on his left lung and kidney, hypothyroidism and prostate cancer, an illness that has been tied to Agent Orange exposure. He says many of his old buddies from Fort Ord are sick as well. Now we have cancers that we didnt deserve, Osborn said. The VA considers prostate cancer a presumptive condition for Agent Orange disability compensation, acknowledging that those who served in specific locations were likely exposed and that their illnesses are tied to their military service. The designation expedites affected veterans claims. But when Osborn requested his benefits, he was denied. The letter said the cancer was more likely due to your age, not military service. This didnt happen because of my age. This is happening because we were stationed in the places that were being sprayed and contaminated, he said. Studies show that diseases caused by environmental factors can take years to emerge. And to make things more perplexing for veterans stationed at Fort Ord, contamination from other harmful chemicals, like the industrial cleaner trichloroethylene, have been well documented on the former base, landing it on the EPAs Superfund site list in 1990. We typically expect to see the effect years down the line, said Lawrence Liu, a doctor at City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center who has studied Agent Orange. Carcinogens have additive effects. In February, the VA proposed a rule that for the first time would allow compensation to veterans for Agent Orange exposure at 17 U.S. bases in a dozen states where the herbicide was tested, used or stored. Fort Ord is not on that list either, because the VAs list is based on the Defense Departments 2019 update. Its a very tricky question, Smoger said, emphasizing how widely the herbicides were used both at military bases and by civilians for similar purposes. On one hand, we were service. We were exposed. On the other hand, why are you different from the people across the road that are privately using it? The VA says that it based its proposed rule on information provided by the Defense Department. DoDs review found no documentation of herbicide use, testing or storage at Fort Ord. Therefore, VA does not have sufficient evidence to extend a presumption of exposure to herbicides based on service at Fort Ord at this time, VA press secretary Terrence Hayes said in an email. The documentation Yet environmental activist Elder, with help from toxic and remediation specialist Denise Trabbic-Pointer and former VA physician Kyle Horton, compiled seven documents showing otherwise. They include a journal article, the agronomist report and cleanup-related documents as recent as 1995 all pointing to widespread herbicide use and experimentation as well as lasting contamination at the base. Though the documents do not call the herbicide by its colorful nickname, they routinely cite the combination of 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T. A hazardous waste minimization assessment dated 1991 reported 80,000 pounds of herbicides used annually at Fort Ord. It separately lists 2,4,5-T as a product for which substitutions are necessary to minimize the environmental impacts. The poison oak control program started in 1951, according to a report by Army agronomist Floyd Otter, four years before the U.S. deepened its involvement in Vietnam. Otter detailed the use of these chemicals alone and in combination with diesel oil or other compounds, at rates generally between one to two gallons of liquid herbicide per acre. In conclusion, we are fairly well satisfied with the methods, Otter wrote, noting he was interested in any way in which costs can be lowered or quicker kill obtained. An article published in California Agriculture more than a decade later includes before and after photos showing the effectiveness of chemical brush control used in a live-oak woodland at Fort Ord, again citing both chemicals in Agent Orange. The Defense Department did not respond to questions sent April 10 about the contamination or say when the Army stopped using 2,4,5-T at Fort Ord. Whats most compelling about Fort Ord is it was actually used for the same purpose it was used for in Vietnam to kill plants not just storing it, said Julie Akey, a former Army linguist who worked at the base in the 1990s and later developed the rare blood cancer multiple myeloma. Akey, who also worked with Elder, runs a Facebook group and keeps a list of people stationed on the base who later were diagnosed with cancer and other illnesses. So far, she has tallied more than 1,400 former Fort Ord residents who became sick. Elders findings have galvanized the group to speak up during a public comment period for the VAs proposed rule. Of 546 comments, 67 are from veterans and others urging the inclusion of Fort Ord. Hundreds of others have written in regarding the use of Agent Orange and other chemicals at their bases. While the herbicide itself sticks around for only a short time, the contaminant TCDD can linger in sediment for decades, said Kenneth Olson, a professor emeritus of soil science at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. A 1995 report from the Armys Sacramento Corps of Engineers, which documented chemicals detected in the soil at Fort Ord, found levels of TCDD at 3.5 parts per trillion, more than double the remediation goal at the time of 1.2 ppt. Olson calls the evidence convincing. It clearly supports the fact that 2,4,5-T with unknown amounts of dioxin TCDD was applied on the Fort Ord grounds and border fences, Olson said. Some military and civilian personnel would have been exposed. The Department of Defense has described the Agent Orange used in Vietnam as a tactical herbicide, more concentrated than what was commercially available in the U.S. But Olson said his research suggests that even if the grounds maintenance crew used commercial versions of 2,4,5-T, which was available in the federal supply catalog, the soldiers would have been exposed to the dioxin TCDD. The half dozen veterans who spoke with KFF Health News said they want the military to take responsibility. The Pentagon did not respond to questions regarding the upkeep of the list or the process for adding locations. In the meantime, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry is studying potential chemical exposure among people who worked and lived on Fort Ord between 1985 and 1994. However, the agency is evaluating drinking water for contaminants such as trichloroethylene and not contamination or pollution from other chemicals such as Agent Orange or those found in firefighting foams. Other veterans are frustrated by the VAs long process to recognize their illnesses and believe they were sickened by exposure at Fort Ord. Until Fort Ord is recognized by the VA as a presumptive site, its probably going to be a long, difficult struggle to get some kind of compensation, said Mike Duris, a 72-year-old veteran diagnosed with prostate cancer four years ago who ultimately underwent surgery. Like so many others, he wonders about the connection to his training at Fort Ord in the early 1970s drinking the contaminated water and marching, crawling and digging holes in the dirt. Often, where there is smoke, theres fire, Duris said. KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF an independent source of health policy research, polling and journalism. Daily Montanan is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Daily Montanan maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Darrell Ehrlick for questions: info@dailymontanan.com. Follow Daily Montanan Facebook and Twitter. This article originally published on Daily Montanan as Exposure to Agent Orange at U.S. bases, some veterans face cancer with VA support. Military Times has edited the headline. Insights from Politico, KFF, The New York Times, and The Diplomat The News The World Health Organizations members have blown the deadline to reach an agreement on how to handle the next global pandemic after two years of negotiations failed to get consensus. The draft treaty focused on closing the vaccine gap between the west and developing countries, and a Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing System, whereby countries would give the WHO samples and genetic sequences of potentially dangerous pathogens. In return, the WHO would contract vaccine manufacturers and provide participating nations with 20% of the vaccines they need. Members disagreed on the fairness and cost of implementing the treaty. The World Health Assembly (WHA) now must try to find a path forward at its annual meeting in Geneva on Monday. SIGNALS Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories. US and UK lawmakers are protective of intellectual property Sources: The Guardian, KFF In the United States, GOP lawmakers urged President Joe Biden to reject the treaty, as the mandates on technology and resource sharing amount to shredding intellectual property rights and supercharging the WHO. British politicians similarly alleged the WHO would infringe on national sovereignty if it had the power to enforce lockdowns and control vaccine stocks.However, the treaty would not alter the balance of power between the WHO and any given member state, as the WHOs role is to provide a forum for the negotiations held by member states themselves and there is no penalty for refusing its guidance, policy and health news non-profit KFF. Pandemic treaty pitched as way to end vaccine apartheid Sources: Reuters, Health Affairs, Foreign Policy, Politico WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has repeatedly urged the world to resolve its vaccine apartheid, meaning the inequitable distribution of vaccines is due to a lack of sharing, so the solution is more sharing. Researchers found that as few as 50% of people in the Western Pacific and Africa received a first COVID-19 shot and that less than half of them received an mRNA vaccine due to a lack of availability. Meanwhile, Western governments signed bilateral deals with pharmaceutical companies that gave them the best supplies. In turn, the treaty would facilitate a more equitable response to pandemics, a senior policy adviser from NGO Health Action International told Politico. Possible Trump White House return looms over US-WHO relationship Sources: The New York Times, Politico Donald Trump is in the room, the director of the WHO Center on Global Health Law told The New York Times on Friday, noting that a Trump election could torpedo the negotiations, and the former president previously signaled he would withdraw the US from the WHO. But some public health advocates also criticized the Biden administrations contradiction and hypocrisy as it boosts efforts to negotiate drug prices down for Medicare but rejects loosening drug patent restrictions under the proposed WHO plan. The Biden administration is willing to push the envelope, but theyre not willing to break the business model, the director of the ONeill Institute for National and Global Health Law at Georgetown University told Politico. Fall River debuts new trolley; superintendent search down to 4 finalists: Top stories As we kick off a new week, let's take a look back at the week that was. Top stories this past week included: On Monday, May 27, communities locally and across the nation will gather to salute their fallen heroes with Memorial Day events. Here is your guide to events across the SouthCoast. And here is your Fall River-specific guide, with events planned in the city. Fall River has launched its new water taxi. Meet Mark Foley, Swansea's new police chief. A second arrest was made Thursday in connection to the December 2023 shooting death of Juan Manuel Batista in Fall River, the Bristol County District Attorney's Office announced. Marias Portuguese Table the PBS culinary series created and hosted by Dartmouth resident Maria Lawton won big at the 45th annual Telly Awards. The Stoico/FIRSTFED YMCA in Swansea will be holding its first Spirit Day on June 1. Here's what to know, before you go. Meet Nate Charette, Westport's new head baseball coach, who is ready to have the Westport baseball team soar to new levels. On June 1, Christopher and Nathan Silvia, owners of Christopher's on South Main Street, will host Fall River violinist Peter Rosa Janeiro for a sidewalk concert, with the hopes that it will inspire all generations to embrace arts and culture. These were the most read stories of the week on HeraldNews.com: Fall River's new trolley hits the streets with 12 stops to city's points of interest This weekend, Fall River's new old-time trolley was ready to hit the streets and bring riders to some favorite points of interest. The trolley was recently purchased with American Rescue Plan Act money, and underwent some upgrades before going into service. Mayor Paul Coogan shows off the improved interior of the city's new trolley. Check it out, see what the route and stops are, and what events the trolley will complement. Spindle City sightseeing: Fall River's new trolley to hit the streets with 12 stops to city's points of interest Who will be Fall River's next superintendent? Search narrowed down to 4 finalists The Fall River School Committee has narrowed down the number of superintendent candidates to four. They will now be vetted publicly. The School Committee members voted unanimously last Monday night to accept the four recommendations of the superintendent search committee headed by Glenn Koocher, executive director of the Massachusetts Association of School Committees. Out of the four candidates the only internal School Department staff on the list of candidates is assistant superintendent and chief academic officer Tracy Curley. The other finalists are: Ana C. Riley, the superintendent of Bristol-Warren Regional School District in Rhode Island; East Bridgewater Public School Superintendent Elizabeth Legault; and Norwood School Superintendent David Thompson. Get to know them a little, and see what the next steps in the process are. Superintendent search: Who will be Fall River's next superintendent? Search narrowed down to 4 finalists From the Archives takes a look at Fall River in the 1960s Always a popular feature, From the Archives journeys into The Herald News photo archives, for a look at the Fall River of yesteryear. These collections are curated by Herald News Photographer and Photo Editor Colin Furze. Photo by Norm Fontaine 1961 In the latest From the Archives, journey back to Fall River in the 1960s. From the Archives: Take a look at Fall River in the 1960s 'I'd give anything to be back on that ride again': Sharing summer memories of Lincoln Park We recently asked Herald News readers to share some of their favorite memories from Lincoln Park, and Herald News readers delivered. Lincoln Park might have closed in 1987, but it lives on in the hearts and memories of those who got to experience it. Here are some of the memories that readers were generous enough to share with us. Sharing summer memories of Lincoln Park: 'I'd give anything to be back on that ride again' Lafayette Park pool getting $1M upgrade. Your summer guide to pools, beaches, splash pads Another summer is just beginning, with lots of time and lots of ways to beat the impending heat. The good news is, whether you prefer a day in the sand, or a day by the pool, you've got options around the SouthCoast. Some spots, like the Lafayette Park pool, are even going to be getting some upgrades. Kids splash in the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Swimming Pool at Lafayette Park in Fall River in 2021. Here's your guide to keeping cool this summer. Stay cool this summer: Lafayette Park pool getting $1M upgrade. Your summer guide to pools, beaches, splash pads Herald News/Taunton Daily Gazette copy editor and digital producer Kristina Fontes can be reached at kfontes@heraldnews.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Herald News and Taunton Daily Gazette today. This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Herald News top stories: Fall River new trolley; superintendent search Six people became infected with a parasite known as brain worms after eating undercooked black bear meat, or food cross-contaminated with the meat, at a family reunion in 2022 the Center for Disease Control (CDC) said in a new report. In May 2022 a group of nine family members met in South Dakota and shared kebabs made from the meat of a black bear and vegetables. Earlier that month, one of the family members harvested the meat in northern Saskatchewan, Canada. At the advice of a hunting outfitter, the family member froze the meat in a household freezer for 45 days to kill parasites. The family then thawed the meat and grilled it with the vegetables, according to the CDC. However, the meat was accidentally served undercooked. Months later, family members presented to doctors or hospitals with symptoms consistent with the parasitic infection trichinellosis otherwise known as brain worms. After health officials reported the infection the CDC investigated it. Now, the health agency is reminding people to cook their meat to an internal temperature of 165F (74C). Muscular trichinella (Getty Images) Some states, like Minnesota, require healthcare providers to report cases of trichinellosis to the state Department of Health. Healthcare providers did exactly that in July 2022 when a 29-year-old man presented to a hospital with symptoms consistent with trichinellosis: a fever, severe aches, swollen eyes and a high count of white blood cells among other abnormal labs. It was the second time the man was hospitalized and the fourth time he was seeking care for his symptoms which began in early July. It was only then that he informed healthcare providers he ate bear meat. Trichinellosis is a relatively rare parasitic disease that typically develops from eating rare or undercooked meat from wild animals. Parasites, known as roundworms, infect parts of the body and reproduce, causing illness. About 90 per cent of cases in the United States come from bears. Black bear (Getty Images/iStockphoto) During the May 2022 family gathering, only five of the nine family members ate the bear meat while eight consumed the vegetables it was cooked with. Those who consumed the bear meat recognized it was undercooked after consuming it they reported it was difficult to tell if it was cooked thoroughly before eating due to its dark color. They put the bear meat back on the grill to cook after realizing it was rare but it was too late. After investigation, the CDC found six of the eight people, including the man hospitalized, had symptoms consistent with trichinellosis four who ate the meat and two who only consumed the vegetables. Their ages ranged from 12 to 62 years old with one living in Arizona, four living in Minnesota and one living in South Dakota. Three people required trichinellosis-directed treatment but two others recovered on their own. Testing conducted on the bear meat, which had been frozen for 110 days in the household freezer, revealed freeze-resistant trichinella larvae. The person who had the meat was instructed to discard it. The CDC recommends that the best way to prevent trichinellosis is to cook meat thoroughly and use a meat thermometer to ensure it is done. Additionally, those handling raw meat should wash their hands with warm water and soap before preparing and clean any tools used thoroughly after use. Fatal crash at Hampton tolls on I-95: Pickup truck rolls over in fiery tragedy HAMPTON One man was killed Saturday as the result of a rollover crash at the Hampton toll plaza, according to New Hampshire State Police. It was the second serious crash involving a vehicle hitting a barrier at the tolls reported by police in three days. Nicholas D. Killinger, 44, of Wilbraham, Massachusetts, drove a 2013 Ford F-250 pickup truck on I-95 southbound within the cash toll collection area, lost control and struck a concrete barrier in front of the toll booth in the fifth lane about 5:41 p.m., police said. It rolled over and came to a rest a short distance away from the toll. Nicholas D. Killinger, 44, of Wilbraham, Massachusetts, died after crash a 2013 Ford F-250 pickup truck on I-95 southbound into a concrete barrier at the Hampton toll plaza, according to New Hampshire State Police. Troopers found the pickup truck on fire with Killinger unconscious and trapped inside, police said. With the help of multiple good Samaritans, police said, troopers used several fire extinguishers in an attempt to extinguish the fire. Firefighters arrived on the scene soon after and extinguished it. Killinger died at the scene, police said. He was the sole occupant of the truck. All southbound lanes of the cash area at the toll plaza were closed for about two hours during the investigation and removal of debris, police said. The open-road toll lanes remained operational. A passenger was seriously injured in a crash Thursday at the tolls, after a vehicle hit a concrete barrier on the northbound side. More: Crash at Hampton tolls on I-95 results in serious injuries for passenger State police Troop A credited assistance from the Hampton Police Department, Hampton Fire/Rescue, North Hampton Fire & Rescue, the New Hampshire Department of Transportation, the New Hampshire Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and Danas Towing & Repair. Police said the crash remains under investigation. Anyone with information about the crash can email Trooper John Harris at John.M.Harris@DOS.NH.GOV. This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Fatal crash at Hampton tolls on I-95: Pickup truck rolls over CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) A crash in Pickaway County Wednesday night resulted in the death of a father and son. The Sheriffs Office said that just before 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, 15-year-old John Curtis was driving a Hyundai with his father, 46-year-old Joe Curtis. John Curtis did receive his learners permit, according to the sheriffs office. The Hyundai was going east on Kingston Adelphi Road near Zanes-Trace Road when John Curtis drove off the right side of the road, overcorrected, and went into wrong-way traffic, per the PCSO. Police continue to investigate 2017 fatal shooting of teen in east Columbus The Hyundai crashed into a Ford driving in the westbound lane of Kingston Adelphi Rd., which caused the Hyundai to go into a ditch with the Ford coming to a rest on top of the Hyundai, per the PCSO. Both John and Joe Curtis were trapped in the vehicle as a result of the crash. This embedded content is not available in your region. Joe Curtis was pronounced dead at the scene at 8:10 p.m. while his son was flown to Grant Medical Center and was later taken to Nationwide Childrens Hospital in Columbus. On Saturday, John Curtis died as a result of his injuries from the crash. The sheriffs office did not specify if the driver of the Ford sustained injuries. The Pickaway County Sheriffs Office is continuing to investigate the crash. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. DAR ES SALAAM, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Tanzania is ready to bolster efforts to enhance cooperation with Uganda in implementing the two countries' industrialization drive, a Tanzanian official said Sunday. The governments of Tanzania and Uganda agreed to collaborate on implementing the two countries' industrialization drive on Friday evening when they closed the 2nd Tanzania-Uganda business forum, said Doto Biteko, Tanzania's deputy prime minister and minister of energy. The forum was held in the port city of Dar es Salaam to explore avenues for collaboration and partnership between the two countries. Biteko said the two countries have resolved to drive the industrialization agenda forward by making significant investments in infrastructure, including roads, railways and electricity, to support its smooth implementation. He said both countries are focusing on developing processing industries that will help add value to agricultural and mineral products, adding that Tanzania and Uganda had signed an agreement in the energy sector. Biteko added that the forum also resolved to boost trade volume between the two countries. According to statistics from the Tanzania Revenue Authority, Tanzania sold products worth 310.67 U.S. dollars to Uganda by 2023, and 46,000 tourists from Uganda visited Tanzania's tourist attractions. The entrance to the Tooele Army Depot in Tooele is pictured on May 24, 2024. (Photo by Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch) A sweeping, unique approach to land management and conservation is headed to Utah in the shape of the 2.7 million acre Great Salt Lake Sentinel Landscape. Spanning the final stretch of the Bear River, the Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge, the entire southern arm of the Great Salt Lake, Hill Air Force Base, Tooele Army Depot, Camp Williams, part of the Oquirrh Mountains, the Tooele Valley, and all of Utah Lake and its western shore, the Great Salt Lake Sentinel Landscape brings together a handful of state and local land managers to protect undeveloped land near military installations. Basically, a sentinel landscape seeks to create a buffer zone around the three main military installations in northern Utah, often working with private landowners and land managers to create conservation easements. A lot of the Great Salt Lake Sentinel Landscape objectives are centered around the Salt Lake ecosystem, wildland fire, wildlife habitat and encroachment, said Tyler Smith, the sentinel landscapes coordinator and former commander of Camp Williams. map of the Great Salt Lake Sentinel Landscape The Great Salt Lake Sentinel Landscape boasts more than 30 federal, state, local and private partners, including the Bureau of Land Management, Department of Defense, U.S. Forest Service, Utah Department of Natural Resources, Utah Trust Lands Administration and Utah Division of Indian Affairs. Eagle Mountain, Herriman and Layton are all listed as partners, as are The Nature Conservatory, Ducks Unlimited, Bear River Land Conservancy, and National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. It brought together these like-minded organizations that have a shared interest, and its going to help us become even more productive and efficient with what weve already been doing on the Great Salt Lake, Smith said. The Great Salt Lake Sentinel Landscape is one of five new designations totaling almost 10 million acres in Utah, New Mexico, California, Hawaii and Pennsylvania. Tremendous opportunities: What are sentinel landscapes? The 1990s and early 2000s brought increased growth in rural communities-turned-suburbs around the country, sometimes in once remote areas that housed military installations. Farmland and vacant lots turned into subdivisions, sometimes pushed right up against military bases a prime example is the growth in Utah and Salt Lake counties closing in on Camp Williams. In the early 2000s, Congress passed a law that opened up funding for the Department of Defense to work with state and federal land management organizations and private landowners to pass conservation easements and stop encroachment. And in 2013, the U.S. Departments of Interior, Defense and Agriculture signed an agreement to create the sentinel landscape program. It has mutual benefits not only to the military but also to the civilian population because having some offset provides better safety and better quality of life, Smith said. shores of the Great Salt Lake near Syracuse A sentinel landscape doesnt actually mandate anything for private landowners. Smith said prior agreements are honored for instance, if a developer already has a subdivision approved within the landscapes boundaries, nothing will stop that. Other landowners or developers are encouraged to participate in the program, but nothing is compulsory. Smith shared an example of a landowner near Camp Williams who planned to subdivide and build homes right on the border of the camp. With funding from the Department of Defense, the nonprofit Conservation Fund purchased the land and deeded it to Herriman City, which then restricted development and turned the parcel into a network of trails. We just ask landowners to consider it. In my opinion, being in a sentinel landscape boundary is a bonus. I would think it enhances the value of the land. If youre in a sentinel landscape, youre in an area thats committed to practicing sound land management, he said. Obviously, landowners will always maintain their rights. But there are tremendous opportunities here. When encroachment goes untended, it can create problems for landowners and the military installation. Residents might have to endure frequent explosions, gunfire or the roar of jet engines. In Las Vegas, radios used at a race track built next to Nellis Air Force Base can interfere with aircraft communications. When the Army developed a new bullet that traveled further distances, land near a shooting range at Pennsylvanias Fort Indiantown Gap suddenly became unsafe. Sentinel landscapes, Smith said, are the answer. It helps identify those factors and come up with nature-based solutions that work for everybody, he said. Utah News Dispatch, like the Idaho Capital Sun, is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Utah News Dispatch maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor McKenzie Romero for questions: info@utahnewsdispatch.com. Follow Utah News Dispatch on Facebook and Twitter. DONATE: SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST The post Feds, state and private landowners designate 2.7 million acre Great Salt Lake Sentinel Landscape appeared first on Idaho Capital Sun. The pilot of a Spitfire involved in a fatal crash in Lincolnshire has been named. Ministry of Defence officials named the pilot as Squadron Leader Mark Long, who was due to take over the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight next year. Sqn Ldr Long was killed when the Spitfire he was flying crashed shortly after takeoff from RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire, on Saturday. It is believed that a catastrophic event happened at a very low level, leaving Sqn Ldr Long with few options to avoid the subsequent crash. The pilot was flying as part of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF), which operates a number of Second World War RAF aircraft to commemorate the 1.2 million people who served in the Air Force between 1939 and 1945. His senior officer Group Captain Robbie Lees, Commander Display Air Wing, said: It is with great sorrow that I must confirm the death of Squadron Leader Mark Long. Mark was a Typhoon pilot here at RAF Coningsby and for the last four years he has been a pilot with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. A great friend, colleague, and a passionate, professional aviator he will be sorely missed by all that knew him. An investigation into the cause of this tragic event has now begun. The RAF will not be offering any comment on the accident until that investigation has concluded, and likewise we ask others not to speculate. I would like to extend a sincere thank you to the RAF personnel, and our emergency services colleagues who responded so swiftly yesterday. Our thoughts remain with Marks family and friends to whom we offer our deepest sympathies. We ask that their privacy be respected at this tragic and shocking time. Sqn Ldr Long was flying as part of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) - Charlotte Graham Tributes were paid to the pilot on Saturday night after news spread of the fatal crash. The Prince and Princess of Wales said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter: Incredibly sad to hear of the news this afternoon from RAF Coningsby. Our thoughts this evening are with the pilots loved ones, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and the wider RAF family. W & C. Rishi Sunak said in a post on X: Awful news to see the life of a serving RAF pilot cut short in this tragic event. My thoughts are with their family and loved ones. Sir Keir Starmer said: Deeply saddened by news from Lincolnshire. Thank you to the emergency services for their response. My thoughts are with the pilots family at this awful time. Accident investigators are now examining the wreckage of the D-Day veteran Spitfire that crashed on Saturday. Police in hazmats enter a tent covering the crash site The aircraft was overhauled during winter, with engineers dismantling and inspecting it to ensure it remained safe to fly. Footage published by the BBMF in recent weeks showed the single-seat fighter, serial number MK356, having its engine tested during ground runs. RAF Coningsby, where the Spitfire took off from, is home to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF). It is also the training base for Eurofighter Typhoon pilots and is home to two frontline combat-ready squadrons. The BBMF is the RAFs collection of wartime fighter and bomber aircraft that take part in air shows and memorial displays. The flight was inaugurated on July 11, 1957, at RAF Biggin Hill, just south of London. It was originally known as the RAF Historic Aircraft Flight and consisted of three PR Mk XIX Spitfires and the RAFs last airworthy Hurricane, LF363. It was then renamed as the Battle of Britain Flight before a final rebranding in 1969 when the word memorial was added to its name as the four-engined Lancaster bomber joined the flight. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. *The above video shows important information about swimming safety* SUMMIT COUNTY, Ohio (WJW) Springfield Township Police are investigating the death of an Akron man who drowned while fishing in Springfield Lake early Sunday morning. Around 1 a.m. on Sunday, a witness notified a Springfield Township Police Officer of a fisherman in distress in the water. Upon arrival, the officer learned that John Wisener 44, from Akron was fishing when he had fallen into the lake. His fishing partner managed to swim to shore and informed the responding officer of the situation, police said. The initial responding Springfield Township Police Officer immediately jumped into the water to search for Wisener, however he was unable to locate him. The investigation revealed that Wisener had been fishing from a boat when he fell into the lake for an unknown reason, according to police. The Springfield Township Fire Department responded and began searching the lake. The South Summit Water Rescue Team, composed of members from the City of Green, City of New Franklin, Coventry Township, and Springfield Township Fire Departments, also arrived to assist in the search. According to police, around 5:30am, the South Summit Water Rescue Team located an individual in approximately seven feet of water. Wisener was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. Five in custody after stolen Kia strikes police cruiser Five in custody after stolen Kia strikes police cruiser COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Multiple people are in custody after a stolen Kia struck a police cruiser in Old North Columbus on Friday afternoon. Why Joe Biden could be excluded from Ohios ballot and what is to come A stolen red Kia crashed into a Columbus police cruiser around 3:20 p.m. near the intersection of North Fourth Street and Wyandotte Avenue. The incident began when the vehicle failed to stop and fled from police, according to the Columbus Division of Police. This embedded content is not available in your region. Five suspects were taken into custody police did not share their ages. One suspect was transported to Nationwide Childrens Hospital, police said. No officers were injured. Police have not yet released any further information. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. "Time. Good health. Those are our only true commodities," Tanya Sumner's final Facebook post read in part, according to WRTV, her former workplace Facebook Tanya Sumner A beloved former news anchor and local politician in Indiana has died. Tanya Sumner, who went by the name Tanya Spencer on-air, died in her home on Saturday, May 24, at the age of 53, two years after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer in 2022, according to her former employer, Indianapolis ABC affiliate WRTV. Before her death, Sumner shared a heartbreaking yet inspiring message for her loved ones. Time. Good health. Those are our only true commodities. Our only true currencies that matter," her final post read in part, per WRTV. Sumner spent two decades in broadcast journalism, with 10 of those 20 years at WRTV before she left the industry to pursue her political dreams, the outlet reported. Related: N.Y.C. Anchor Ruschell Boone Dead at 48 Due to Cancer Complications: 'Friend and Mentor to Many' Throughout her career as a local politician, Sumner served District Three on the Whitestown Town Council. "The town of Whitestown has lost a dedicated leader who will leave a void in all our hearts. Vice President Sumner wasn't just a dedicated councilwoman, she was ingrained in our community and cared deeply for her family, friends, neighbors and colleagues," Whitestown Town Manager Katie Barr said in a statement to WRTV. "Her love for this community was infectious and will be sorely missed." Sumner is survived by her husband and a teenage child. GoFundMe Tanya Sumner By the time she died, Sumner's rare form of colon cancer had metastasized throughout her body from her colon to the lining of her abdomen, wrapping around some of her organs and eventually spreading to her liver and lungs, per a GoFundMe campaign created by Sumner's friends before her death to help her pay her medical bills. Sumner tried treating her cancer with chemotherapy and drugs, which didn't prevent the disease from spreading. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Amid her cancer journey, she became a health advocate, encouraging people to get colonoscopies at the recommended age of 45. "If you could imagine me finding this grapefruit-sized tumor 6 years earlier we would be having a different conversation. Yeah it's (a colonoscopy) uncomfortable, it's unpleasant. No one wants a colonoscopy but get the thing. Get it at 45," she advised in 2023, per WRTV. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. Theres an anecdote from North Dakota dating back about 15 years that perfectly sums up both the culture of the state the third-least populous in the mainland US and the trajectory of one of its most celebrated daughters. Future Miss America Cara Mund, now 30, was then a tenth grader performing in the capitals annual Band Night, when throngs of North Dakotans crowd Bismarck for a parade featuring regional high schoolers and community organizations. Mund marched one lap as a percussionist playing the snare drum with her school band; then she dashed to change into an evening gown and sash to march another as Miss North Dakota Outstanding Teen. A high-achieving only child with a big smile from a family with a generations-long North Dakota pedigree, Mund seemed blessed with a blueprint for small-state-girl-done-good and within a few years, shed earned two Ivy League degrees and been crowned Miss America. Now shes running for Congress in an attempt to become the first woman to represent North Dakota in the House. I never wanted Miss America to be my peak in life, Mund told The Independent. I wanted it to be the springboard for whatever comes next. North Dakota native and former Miss America Cara Mund is running for Congress in her home state as a pro-choice Republican candidate for the HOuse (Cara Mund for Congress) Lest her successful path belie a penchant for toeing the line, however, Mund is running as a pro-choice Republican who will not bow to Donald Trump, she says in a state thats more than three-quarters heavily conservative, according to the Pew Research Center. Munds ever-present smile shines through in her voice, infused with the upbeat intonations of a seasoned pageant winner; there is a steady steeliness, however, to every word she utters. Mund excoriated the 45th president with an answer during the 2017 Miss America competition which ultimately won her the crown; during her reign the following year, the Brown University alum took the hierarchy of the pageant itself to task. Mund sent a letter to former Miss Americas accusing the organization of bullying and manipulation, further throwing into turmoil a culture already battling a reputation for outdatedness and sexism. I had a very difficult year as Miss America and eventually spoke out, says Mund. That really made me realize the power of my voice despite all of the turmoil, I walked out like a very confident woman in who I am and that Im not afraid to say something and that wasnt necessarily the case during the year. Miss North Dakota 2017 Cara Mund is crowned as Miss America 2018 by Miss America 2017 Savvy Shields during the 2018 Miss America Competition Show at Boardwalk Hall Arena on September 10, 2017 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. (Donald Kravitz/Getty Images for Dick Clark Productions) There are parts of me that wish I would have said something sooner and now, the woman I am today, I probably would have. Her 2024 congressional campaign, she says, is a direct result of not seeing anyone reflecting the woman she is today or her values amongst the candidate pool. Had I not jumped in the race, I dont know which candidate of the House I would have voted for because, to me, theyre all the same, she says, adding that she believes lack of options accounts for low voter turnout in her state. We need to re-energize and realize that we dont have to stick with the status quo. We can be innovative; we can have great debate but when the name-calling comes, and when you have people in there that you know exactly how theyre going to vote, just based on what theyre told to do, you lose your voice. So Im hoping that all of my voters are definitely those that maybe wouldnt have voted in the primary otherwise. Fed-up Republican women theyre my voters. Its not the first time Mund has thrown her hat in the ring; she ran as an independent in 2022, entering the race after party primaries were over. Mund made the decision right after graduating from Harvard Law School, while studying for the bar, amidst the leak of the Dobbs decision forecasting the overturn of Roe v. Wade. I knew, after the leak that there is a high possibility that this could become a reality and in a state like North Dakota, I also knew that we had a trigger ban, and women would not have the rights to their reproductive health care, she says. Ill have children here in North Dakota, she continued. Knowing that most of the individuals making these decisions are men. I just did not feel comfortable with it. And so when the Dobbs decision came down in 2022, the two candidates for the US House were both candidates that did not support womens reproductive health, and that even included the Democrat. And so I could either sit by and complain about it, or I could jump in the race and be that voice and that advocate. And I really did feel like I was not alone in my beliefs. Shes likely not wrong, given aspects of North Dakotas voting record on abortion. Ten years ago, despite the states heavily conservative leanings and well-financed campaign, the legislature struck down a proposal to enshrine in the constitution the inalienable right to life of every human being at any stage of development. It was quite a big defeat, which was huge, especially as a state that is primarily red, Mund says. It was a big awakening of: Okay, we do value womens rights; we value privacy. Mund only announced her first congressional bid after taking the bar in August 2022 and was really running my campaign on my own; still, the Democratic candidate dropped out and Mund, despite losing, walked away with about 36 percent of the vote. She was bolstered by the results in such a short amount of time but even more so by the feedback she got from voters. There were so many people that had just reached out and said: Thank you. I feel like I finally have a voice. Or the number of messages I got where theyd give a donation, and it would just have a note in there that would say: For my daughter. For my granddaughter. Cara Mund graduated from Harvard Law School after finishing her year as Miss America 2018 (Cara Mund for Congress) Those messages helped Mund make the decision to run again for the House, filing paperwork last month to enter the race as a Republican; shes one of five candidates battling to fill the seat of Rep. Kelly Armstrong, who is running for governor. Mund says the state GOP, which has endorsed veteran and former US State Department employee Alex Balazs, did not invite her to participate in the first debate; she complains there are a few columnists in the state that like to call me the celebrity candidate. Shes undoubtedly well known across North Dakota as the first Miss America hailing from the state; the governor even declared Miss America Cara Mund Day in 2017 in celebration of her win, and the state museum has featured her. But that notoriety is really a double-edged sword, she says. It does give you a name recognition, but at the same time, I am constantly having to battle the stereotype of what people expect, Mund says, noting that she held the title for one year of my life. I went to law school for three years, she notes, and has been a lawyer even longer. She hopes that, next, she can represent and fight for the North Dakota women and moderates who comprise what she believes to be a significant portion of the voting bloc. Theyll come up and they might whisper: Voting for you, she says. North Dakota, in general, is a bit more reserved and I just think people dont necessarily want to be extremely vocal, and then those that are, Im so appreciative of it, because it just shows to those that are maybe silently supporting, that they are not alone. Mund says her voter base includes fed-up Republican women; supporters turned out for her at annual high school band parade in the North Dakota capital earlier this month (Cara Mund for Congress) Thoughts of the future family she hopes for, she reiterates, continue to hugely influence her campaign platforms. I come from a family of women that I expect it to be difficult to get pregnant and to be able to have a child and I am very concerned about having kids in the state of North Dakota, she says. So its something top of mind. And we have one of the strictest bans now in the country as a lawyer, too, I mean, with our trigger ban, I personally do not want to be in a hospital bed having to read case law its just not a place for the government to be. In North Dakota, the Republican Party recently had a resolution that was also on banning IVF this really is womens reproductive health care, womens health care, actually, just broadly across the spectrum. And its also control of women. There is something particularly fascinating about the lack of support for Trump from Mund a pageant queen with an effortless image in the style of the female politicians staunchly behind him. Shes poised and articulate with even the same long tresses beloved by GOP women; the 30-year-old lawyer, however, bristles at the mention of him. The reality is, he could become the next president, and, as the representative of North Dakota, Ill have to work with him, she says. But I will not worship him the other candidates, no one will speak out against him. She noted that at the governors debate, one candidate said Trumps name 18 times, and at the House candidate debate, another said his name 16 times. When these candidates are campaigning just on him, or what theyre going to do, its like: Youre a representative of our whole state, Mund says. And there might be policies even if a Democrats president, if the president is a Republican president there might be policies that dont work for North Dakota, or youre going to have to cross the aisle because the policy is really great for North Dakota. Mund is trying to hammer home those points to voters as she hits the campaign trail popping up at meet-and-greets across North Dakota and even, years after her turn as a percussionist and pageant winner, joining marchers again this month in the annual Bismarck Eckroth Music Band Night parade. People are electing us because they want us to do a job, and its crucial that we have someone in there whos actually going to be an independent thinker whos going to think critically about whats the best thing I can do for my state and the people who put me here, she tells The Independent. Because they can put you there as quickly as they can take you out. Four girls were injured after an attacker entered a Massachusetts movie theater and stabbed them on Saturday. The suspect, whose identity is unavailable, got into one of the theaters without paying at around 6 p.m. local time on Saturday and without saying anything and without any warning, he suddenly attacked and stabbed the four young females, the Braintree, Mass., police department said in a release about the incident. The girls, ages nine to 17, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transferred to Boston hospitals, according to police. The police said the attack appeared to be unprovoked. Following the attack at the AMC Braintree theater, the suspect ran out and left the area in a black SUV. Law enforcement said the same suspect might have been involved in a previous assault in Plymouth, Mass., located less than 30 miles from Braintree. Massachusetts state police were involved in a chase after which the vehicle crashed in Sandwich, Mass., around 45 miles away from Braintree, Braintree Police Department said Saturday night. The driver was taken into custody. Law enforcement was able to obtain the license plate number using video footage after the incident in Braintree. The suspect could also be connected to a murder investigation in Connecticut, CBS Boston reported on Saturday, citing multiple sources. Law enforcement described him as dangerous and possibly having a 10-inch knife, according to CBS Boston. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Four secretaries of state said they've received death threats for doing their jobs namely overseeing elections since Donald Trump left office in 2021. During an interview on Meet the Press on Sunday, Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes said the death threats amount to "domestic terrorism." Threats against elections officials in the United States of America is domestic terrorism. Terrorism is defined as a threat or violence for a political outcome. Thats what this is, Mr Fontes said during the program. He was joined by three other secretaries of state on the Sunday news show, from Michigan, Georgia and Pennsylvania. Mr Fontes said he and other threatened secretaries of state have been working with law enforcement and the Department of Justice to bring awareness to the threats they receive. He said he has prepared to go into hiding, even going so far as to prepare "go bags" in case he needs to flee his home and coordinating with neighbors and family to watch his children if he has to leave. Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, pictured here at the Arizona Capitol in 2023, says death threats made against election officials are examples of domestic terrorism during an appearance on NBCs Meet the Press (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Joyce Benson, Michigan's Secretary of State, said the threats against election officials are intended to "delegitimize democracy." Its about instilling fear instilling fear into us as professionals, in our local election officials, and instilling fear in voters, she said. Elections officials across the country began receiving threats in the wake of the 2020 election, thanks in large part to Mr Trump's insistence that the election had not been secured and that he should have been the victor. Mr Trump's false claim that the election was stolen eventually led to the January 6th, 2021 attack on the US Capitol by his supporters. Its really scary when people show up with guns outside your home in the middle of the night and youve got a kid inside youre trying to protect, Ms Benson said. Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger said his family was forced into hiding for a week after receiving death threats in 2021 (Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved) Al Schmidt, the Pennsylvania Secretary of State, told the panel that the threats are not only intended to terrorize top state officials, but local election workers as well. The point of these threats is really to terrorize and is to intimidate and to try to keep any of us and our election officials at the county level and at the precinct level from doing or not doing something that is their responsibility, which is such a core foundation of our system of government, he said. Brad Raffensperger, Georgias secretary of state who famously took a call from Mr Trump in 2020 in which the then-president begged him to "find" enough votes to flip the state in his favor, said he too has received threats, but the ones that "bothered me the most are the ones against my wife and the ones against my daughter-in-law." In 2021, Mr Raffensperger's wife, Tricia, said she received a threat telling her that "you and your family will be killed very slowly" after her husband refused to subvert democracy on behalf of Mr Trump, CNN reported at the time. We plan for the death of you and your family every day, another text she received reportedly said. She and her family had to hide for nearly a week in November 2021 after someone broke into a family members house. On the same night a group of Oathkeepers, a right-wing gang whose leader was charged with seditious conspiracy relating to the Capitol riot, were found outside the Raffenspergers' home. Violent insurrectionists loyal to President Donald Trump breach the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Jan. 6, 2021 (Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Earlier this year, a man from Ohio was sentenced to two and a half years in prison for threatening the life of an Arizona elections official during the primary and general elections in 2022. Joshua Russell, 46, sent an Arizona elections official messages calling them "the enemy of the United States" echoing rhetoric used by Mr Trump and saying they were a "traitor to this country." The threat continued, with Russell telling the victim that their days "are extremely numbered" and that "America's coming for you, and you will pay with your life," before calling them a "communist." In 2021, Attorney General Merrick Garland launched an Elections Threats Task Force, helmed by the DOJ. The task force has been charged with addressing threats of violence against elections workers and to shield them from threats of violence and intimidation. Mr Fontes said despite all the bluster from conservatives, elections in the US are secure. We continue to provide good, solid elections across the United States of America, he said. We all check our voter registration rolls to make sure only valid folks get on the voter rolls. We audit those. There are checks and balances all the way through the system to the end. And were going to keep providing good elections for all of our voters across the country. France to lift state of emergency in efforts to allow political dialogue in riot-hit New Caledonia PARIS (AP) French President Emmanuel Macron decided on Monday to lift the state of emergency in the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia in a move meant to allow political dialogue following the unrest that left seven people dead and a trail of destruction, his office said. The president's office said in a statement that the state of emergency wont be extended for the moment and will therefore end Monday at 8 p.m. in Paris, which is 5 a.m. Tuesday in New Caledonia. The decision aims at enabling meetings of the various components of pro-independence movement FLNKS, the Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front, and allowing elected officials and other local leaders "in a position to call for lifting the barricades to go there and meet with protesters, the statement said. New Caledonias top French official, High Commissioner Louis Le Franc said on Monday that an evening and overnight curfew will remain in place. Travel will be banned between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. local time except for civil servants, medical professionals and other essential workers on night shifts and health emergencies. New Caledonias ban on public gatherings, transport and carrying of weapons and sale of alcohol will also remain in place, Le Franc said. The main international airport, La Tontouta, will remain closed to commercial traffic until Sunday, June 2, according to a statement from the archipelagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The Tontouta airport shut down the day after protests against Macron government's efforts to amend the French Constitution and change voting lists in New Caledonia turned violent. The Magenta regional airport, located just outside the capital Noumea, has been operational in the past few days as the hub for military flights chartered by France, Australia and New Zealand to evacuate French people and foreign tourists stuck on the unrest-hit archipelago. Macron repeatedly pushed for the removal of protesters barricades with leaders on both sides of New Caledonias bitter divide Indigenous Kanaks, who want independence, and the pro-Paris leaders, who do not. In the statement, Macron insisted it is "the necessary condition for the opening of concrete and serious negotiations. The statement said 480 additional gendarmes are to arrive on the archipelago in the next few hours, putting security reinforcements at more than 3,500. Macrons move comes after he travelled Thursday to New Caledonia. The seven people killed in shootings included at least three from the Indigenous Kanak community and two gendarmes. One of the gendarmes was killed when a weapon discharged accidentally, French Interior Ministry said. The high commissioner, Le Franc, said more than 122 police officers and gendarmes have been injured in the unrest and more than 460 people have been arrested since the protests turned violent on May 14. Le Franc did not give the number of injured civilians. The state of emergency had been imposed by Paris on May 15 for at least 12 days to boost police powers. The emergency measures give authorities greater powers to tackle the unrest, including the possibility of house detention for people deemed a threat to public order and expanded powers to conduct searches, seize weapons and restrict movements. The leader of a pro-independence party in New Caledonia on Saturday called on supporters to remain mobilized across the French Pacific archipelago and maintain resistance against the Paris governments efforts to impose electoral reforms that the Indigenous Kanak people fear would further marginalize them. Christian Tein, the leader of the pro-independence party known as The Field Action Coordination Unit, addressed supporters and protesters in a video message posted on social media. In a separate statement, the Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front called on Macron to withdraw the electoral reform bill if France wants to end the crisis. New Caledonia became French in 1853 under Emperor Napoleon III, Napoleons nephew and heir. It became an overseas territory after World War II, with French citizenship granted to all Kanaks in 1957. Barbara Surk reported from Nice, France. The presidential candidate of Front National, Marine Le Pen, addresses her followers after the first round of the election. picture alliance / Kay Nietfeld/dpa French far-right politician Marine Le Pen says she would like to cooperate more closely with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. "Now is the moment to unite," Le Pen told the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera at an election campaign event in northern France at the weekend. Le Pen's National Rally is expected to rout French President Emmanuel Macron's party in elections for the European Parliament in just under two weeks, part of a broader far-right surge in several EU countries. "If we are successful, we can become the second-largest group in the European Parliament. I think such an opportunity should not be missed," Le Pen said in the comments published on Sunday. She and Meloni were in agreement on the key issues, Le Pen replied when asked what she had to say to the Italian prime minister who took office in 2022. An alliance "would be really helpful," Le Pen said. The two politicians belong to two different political groups in the European Parliament. Le Pen's National Rally sits with the right-wing Identity and Democracy (ID) group, while Meloni's Brothers of Italy, which has neo-fascist roots, belongs to the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR). A major rift opened last in the ID group due to the Alternative for Germany (AfD). The trigger was the AfD's lead candidate for the elections, Maximilian Krah, saying that not all members of the SS, a Nazi paramilitary group, were criminals. That led to denunciations from Le Pen's party, which is trying to shake off its anti-Semitic reputation, and ultimately the AfD's expulsion from the ID group. Observers believe that Le Pen wants to move closer to Meloni and her party in order to forge new alliances in Europe after the split in the ID group. Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol in Seoul, South Korea, May 26, 2024. Li arrived here Sunday to attend the ninth Trilateral Summit Meeting among China, Japan and South Korea from Sunday to Monday. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) SEOUL, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Industrial and supply chains of China and South Korea are deeply intertwined, and the two sides should seize more development opportunities together, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said here Sunday. The two sides should also oppose turning economic and trade issues into political or security issues, and maintain stable and smooth industrial and supply chains of the two countries and the world, Li made the remarks when meeting with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol. Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol in Seoul, South Korea, May 26, 2024. Li arrived here Sunday to attend the ninth Trilateral Summit Meeting among China, Japan and South Korea from Sunday to Monday. (Xinhua/Liu Bin) French President Emmanuel Macron (R) and his wife Brigitte arrive at the military section of BER Airport. Macron and his wife are on a three-day state visit to Germany at the invitation of Federal President Steinmeier. Christophe Gateau/dpa Emmanuel Macron arrived in Berlin on Sunday for the first state visit to Germany by a French president in 24 years, a pomp-filled three-day trip that is being described as a tribute to the Franco-German friendship. Macron and his wife Brigitte arrived on Sunday afternoon, after which the French president is set to attend a so-called Democracy Festival marking the 75th anniversary of Germany's Basic Law - the democratic constitution adopted in West Germany after World War II. At the time, West Germany was under occupation by the victorious Western Allies, which included France, Britain and the United States. Macron and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier will engage in a public discussion at the festival. The French leader is then scheduled to travel to Steinmeier's nearby official residence, the Bellevue Palace, where he will be greeted with military honours. A joint press conference by the two presidents will follow in the late afternoon. A walk through the Brandenburg Gate with Berlin Mayor Kai Wagner and a state banquet at Bellevue Palace are set to take place in the evening. Sunday's visit comes ahead of European elections to decide the next European Parliament. Far-right EU parties have seen a surge in support in recent years - including in France and Germany - and are expected to do well in the June 6-9 polls. The relationship between Paris and Berlin has long been seen as the driving force of European policymaking. But frictions began to emerge in 2022, after Angela Merkel left the German political scene, although Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz have recently made efforts to improve cooperation. Agreement has been found on several issues, including reform of the EU's debt and deficit rules, but other points of contention remain, notably on the extent of military aid for Ukraine and the EU's economic policy responses to protectionist measures by China and the United States. These thorny questions and others are set to be discussed at a meeting of French and German ministers on Tuesday. Macron and his wife are scheduled to travel to Dresden on Monday. There, he will give a speech on European policy in front of the Frauenkirche - a monumental domed church that is a symbol of post-war reconciliation. On Tuesday, they are set to travel on to Munster, where Macron will be awarded the Peace of Westphalia Prize. Macron came to power in France seven years ago and cannot run for a third term in the 2027 next presidential election. The official state visit is the first by a French president to Germany since 2000, although leaders from both countries regularly meet and visit in less formal ways. Macron had planned to make the state visit last July. However, the trip was postponed due to nationwide unrest in France following the deadly police shooting of a 17-year-old that shocked the nation. French President Emmanuel Macron (R) and his wife Brigitte arrive at the military section of BER Airport. Macron and his wife are on a three-day state visit to Germany at the invitation of Federal President Steinmeier. Christophe Gateau/dpa French President Emmanuel Macron (R) and his wife Brigitte arrive at the military section of BER Airport. Macron and his wife are on a three-day state visit to Germany at the invitation of Federal President Steinmeier. Christophe Gateau/dpa Funding requested for project to reconnect Old Sacramentos riverfront to downtown area A project to connect downtown Sacramento and the Old Sacramento waterfront could get a boost in funding thanks to the backing of an elected official. Longtime U.S. Rep. Doris Matsui has requested $5 million in federal funding to support the Downtown Sacramento Partnerships plans to study the construction of a park that would connect downtown and the Sacramento River, according to a news release. According to a Downtown Sacramento Partnership news release, the citys Sacramento Stitch Park Riverfront Reconnection Project plans to create a signature, four-acre public commons park that would link downtown Sacramento to the citys underutilized riverfront. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because it will provide the infrastructure needed to support downtown economic development, provide much-needed green space, and connect downtown Sacramento with the underutilized waterfront and Old Sacramento, Matsui wrote in her request for funding. As it stands now the Sacramento River is separated from downtown Sacramento by a 10-lane, below-grade section of Interstate 5, the news release said. The original neighborhood was part of Sacramentos historic West End and near the Japantown district. These diverse neighborhoods were displaced and segregated during Sacramentos redevelopment era between 1950 and 1964. The project aims to invest federal dollars in nearby communities and revitalize the area for future community-oriented events such as wellness classes, art activities and music concerts. Designs will focus on developing green spaces, transportation mobility and linking Crocker Art Museum and Park with future amenities and the Sacramento River, the news release said. There are unprecedented grant opportunities available through federal funding to support the creation of dynamic reconnection projects which link portions of neighborhoods together that were physically separated in the past and have served as divides to the health of our communities ever since, said Scott Ford, economic development director of Downtown Sacramento Partnership . The project looks to create a dynamic gathering area adjacent to Capitol Mall. Reclaiming this space for the people of Sacramento will create a signature public commons at the gateway to Californias capital city capable of hosting both special events and passive recreation, Ford said in the news release. (It) will serve to enhance the quality of life and social connectivity of everyone in the region. Luca Huth from Sylt is standing on the terrace of the "Pony" club in Kampen (Sylt) on Friday evening. A video shared online of young Germans chanting racist anti-immigrant slogans outside a pub on the North Sea island of Sylt has sparked outrage in the country. Lea Sarah Albert/dpa A mayor and local organizers have denounced racist chanting at a Bavarian festival, as the fallout from a similar incident on the northern German island of Sylt continued. The latest occasion - which again involved people singing racist lyrics to the tune of "L'amour toujours" by Italian DJ Gigi D'Agostino - occurred at the Bergkirchweih festival in the southern city of Erlangen. The caterers reportedly decided to stop playing the song after police said two visitors chanted racist slogans to the tune on Friday evening. The organizers and city mayor Florian Janik criticized the incident afterwards. The Erlangen criminal investigation department launched an investigation and the 21 and 26-year-old suspects have been banned from entering the festival, police said. Police attending the festival from a different state in a personal capacity reported that two guests were shouting "foreigners out." The incident follows a similar event in an upscale resort on the northern island of Sylt earlier this week. A video showed young people chanting racist slogans to the same song, with one man appearing to imitate a Hitler salute. It later went viral and was widely condemned across the country, including by Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The operators of the well-known Pony bar where the incident took place said on the social media platform Instagram on Sunday that they have received death threats in the wake of the incident. They said the majority of people in the crowd had been fully unaware of the chanting and published a surveillance video of the scene "to protect ourselves, our employees and our loyal guests." The operators previously said they would press charges against the offenders, who are already beginning to suffer consequences. The man who performed the Nazi gesture, which is banned in Germany, apologized on social media, according to the Bild newspaper. He said he made a "very bad mistake" and was ashamed of his actions. The young man stated that he had turned himself in to the police and was ready to face the legal consequences. Another person involved was dismissed by their employer, German social media influencer Milena Karl. "I am a migrant myself and as an expectant mother, everything that can be seen in this video represents a society in which I do not want to raise my child," she said. Previously, advertising agency Serviceplan Group announced on Instagram on Friday evening that it had dismissed an employee involved in the incident without notice. Police in the north-western German state of Lower Saxony said racist slogans were also used at a festival last week in the town of Loningen. Authorities are investigating the incident. Two women sit on the terrace of the "Pony" club in Kampen (Sylt). A video shared online of young Germans chanting racist anti-immigrant slogans outside a pub on the North Sea island of Sylt has sparked outrage in the country. Lea Sarah Albert/dpa People walk outside the "Pony" club in Kampen (Sylt) on Friday evening. A video shared online of young Germans chanting racist anti-immigrant slogans outside a pub on the North Sea island of Sylt has sparked outrage in the country. Lea Sarah Albert/dpa GA man on the run from Alabama arrested after gunshot puts him in the hospital A West Georgia man has been charged with a felony after police learned he was wanted in Alabama after coming to the hospital to treat a gunshot wound. On Wednesday, May 22, Tyrel Deshun Spencer Jr. showed up at Advent Health in Rome after being shot. He suffered a non-life-threatening gunshot wound and required surgery. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] During his stay in the hospital to recover for several days, police learned Spencer had an active warrant for his arrest for armed robbery from Jefferson County, Alabama, and ran to Georgia to escape capture. He was charged with felony fugitive from justice and misdemeanor obstructing law enforcement. TRENDING STORIES: [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: There has been a sharp increase in Russian troop activity in the direction of Kupiansk, Kharkiv Oblast, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces reported on May 26. "The number of clashes since the beginning of the day has increased to 83. The Russian occupiers are exerting maximum effort to break through our defense," reads the report. Russian assaults are ongoing in the areas of Novoiehorivka, Petropavlivka, Berestove, and Hrekivka in the direction of Kupiansk, the General Staff said. The Russian assault in the directoon of Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast is also "not decreasing." "Ukrainian forces are taking measures to hold positions and destroy the enemy's offensive potential," the General Staff said. According to the report, Russian troops also targeted the northern part of the Kharkiv Oblast with 22 guided areal bombs on May 26. Earlier in the day, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia is forming another grouping of troops near Ukraine's northern border amid the ongoing offensive in Kharkiv Oblast. Russia launched a new offensive on May 10 in northern Kharkiv Oblast. Moscow's forces had reportedly managed to advance as far as 10 kilometers (6 miles) into the region but had been halted by the first line of defense. "Right now, these days, we are defending ourselves 60 kilometers northeast from this place from yet another attempt of the Russian assault," Zelensky said in the address recorded at the Kharkiv printing house destroyed in a Russian May 23 strike that killed seven people. "Russia is preparing for offensive actions also 90 kilometers northwest from here they gather another group of troops near our border... The one who does all this doesn't want peace." Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russian strike on Kharkiv supermarket kills 16; Zelensky says Russia forming grouping of troops near northern border Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. George Floyds murder led to a national reckoning on policing, but efforts have stalled or reversed George Floyds murder led to a national reckoning on policing, but efforts have stalled or reversed (NBC News) Four years ago, protests erupted across the country after millions of Americans watched the chilling video of the murder of George Floyd a Minneapolis police officer, Derek Chauvin, kneeling on his neck for 9 minutes and 29 seconds. In the aftermath, Chauvin was convicted of murder and calls for a nationwide reckoning on issues related to racism and police violence reverberated in city after city. But in the years since then, some of those efforts at change, like the federal George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, have stalled. In several states, calls to pass criminal justice reforms to address decades long racial disparities have stalled or been met with tough-on-crime rhetoric and policies. Pilot hospitalized in Winter Haven glider crash, officials say For Floyds brother, Philonise Floyd, the initial calls for change after his brothers death were touching. The fact that he was stolen from us. We still cant get over that, he said in an interview. So many people, they felt the same pain all across the world. Read the full story on NBCNews.com. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. Georgias prime minister has accused the pro-West president of treason for opposing his controversial foreign agents law, which looks set to be forced through on Tuesday. The law would force Western-financed NGOs to register with a government unit, in what critics and the US have denounced as an example of Kremlin-inspired authoritarianism that would crush civil society. Relations between prime minister Irakli Kobakhidzes ruling Georgian Dream party and Salome Zurabishvili, the president, have collapsed over the plans and sparked mass protests. Speaking at an Independence Day ceremony in central Tbilisi on Sunday, Mr Kobakhidze took aim at Ms Zurabishvili, who was seated a few feet away, as he touted Georgias neutrality in the war between Russia and Ukraine. The unity of the people and the government has allowed us over the past two years to maintain peace in the country despite existential threats and various betrayals, including the betrayal of the president, Mr Kobakhidze said. The law has triggered some of the biggest protests in Georgia since it gained independence from the Soviet Union more than 30 years ago, while police have responded with tear gas and water cannon. Salome Zurabishvili at the Independence Day celebrations on Sunday - VANO SHLAMOV/AFP Ms Zurabishvili, born in France, has been hailed as a hero by demonstrators who see her as critical to their opposition. On Sunday she used her speech at the Independence Day military event to denounce the Georgian Dream government as a Soviet relic. The Soviet relic is the subordination of state interests to the interests of the leader and the party. Our mentality and memory must be liberated from the Soviet relic, she said. Demonstrators march to protest against the 'foreign influence' law in Tbilisi on Sunday - GIORGI ARJEVANIDZE/AFP On Monday, the Georgian Dream-dominated parliament will begin a special session to consider Ms Zurabishvilis veto of the foreign agents law. They are only obliged to consider her objections, meaning the law is likely to pass on Tuesday and spark more protests. Tom de Waal, senior fellow at the Carnegie Europe think tank, said that Georgia was at a dangerous moment. Georgia is in crisis. For once, the cliche that a country is at a turning point is justified, he said. A boy examines a rifle during Independence Day celebrations in Freedom Square in Tbilisi on Sunday - VANO SHLAMOV/AFP Georgia fought a war against Russia in 2008 but it has avoided backing Ukraine since the Kremlins invasion. Instead, it has strengthened links with Moscow and pushed the foreign agents law, infuriating Western officials. EU officials have said that if the law is passed Georgias candidate status for the bloc will be withdrawn. The US has already imposed travel and financial sanctions on key Georgian government officials. The Georgia Dream party, which is bankrolled by a reclusive billionaire with links to the Kremlin, came to power in 2012. It has been accused of backsliding on human rights and expanding its grip over state institutions and security forces. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Demonstrators with Georgian national US flags rally during an opposition protest against foreign influence bill and celebrating of the Independence Day in the center of in Tbilisi, Georgia, Sunday, May 26, 2024. The opposition has denounced the bill as "the Russian law," because Moscow uses similar legislation to crack down on independent news media, nonprofits and activists critical of the Kremlin. (AP Photo/Zurab Tsertsvadze) TBILISI, Georgia (AP) The president and prime minister of Georgia on Sunday lashed out at each other at a ceremony marking the country's independence day as strong tensions persist over a law that critics say will obstruct media freedom and damage Georgia's bid to join the European Union. The measure would require media and non-governmental organizations to register as carrying out the interests of a foreign power if they receive more than 20% of their budget from abroad. Opponents denounce it as the Russian law because of similar regulations there. Large protests have repeatedly been held in the capital Tbilisi as the measure made its way through parliament. After the legislature passed the bill, President Salome Zourabichvili vetoed it on May 18, but the Georgian Dream party of Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and its backers have enough votes in parliament to override the veto. As the specter of Russia looms over us, partnership and rapprochement with Europe are the true path to preserving and strengthening our independence and peace. Those who sabotage and undermine this path trample upon and damage the peaceful and secure future of our country, hindering the path towards becoming a full member of the free and democratic world, Zourabichvili said at the ceremony celebrating the 106th anniversary of Georgia's declaration of independence from Russia. At the same ceremony, Kobakhidze lauded Georgia's development and sharply criticized Zourabichvili. It was the unity and reasonable steps of the people and their elected government that gave us the opportunity to maintain peace in the country for the past two years despite existential threats and multiple betrayals, including the betrayal of the president of Georgia. he said. In the evening, thousands of opponents of the measure marched along one of the main avenues of the capital. Some previous demonstrations against the law have brought clashes between protesters and police. The European Union's foreign policy arm has said the adoption of this law negatively impacts Georgias progress on the EU path. Critics say it may have been driven by Russia to thwart Georgia's chances of further integrating with the West. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday announced that travel sections would be imposed on Georgian officials who are responsible for or complicit in undermining democracy in Georgia and it remains our hope that Georgias leaders will reconsider the draft law and take steps to move forward with their nations democratic and Euro-Atlantic aspirations. German Minister of Food and Agriculture Cem Ozdemir speaks to fruit growers during a visit to the North German Fruit Growing Trade Fair in Altes Land. Ozdemir has called for the swift expansion of mandatory EU-wide origin labelling for food after the European elections. Sina Schuldt/dpa German Agriculture Minister Cem Ozdemir has called for the swift expansion of mandatory EU-wide origin labelling for food after the European elections. Unfortunately, the European commissioner responsible for the process has yet to press ahead despite promising to do so, he told dpa. "Given the European elections are being held in two weeks, this is no longer to be expected, so I have no illusions," he stated. The plans should not simply be quietly forgotten, Ozdemir said, calling on the current European Commission to properly hand over the issue so that progress can finally be made. Ozdemir said he would raise the issue again at the adviser meeting of EU agriculture ministers on Monday. Germany and Austria are jointly demanding a swift proposal for extended mandatory labelling, which would enable shoppers to make informed decisions about what they buy while also strengthening the position of domestic farmers. The project is part of the European Commission's Farm to Fork strategy for more sustainable agriculture which includes extending labelling to products such as milk, dairy products, meat products, rice and processed tomatoes. "Everyone benefits when the origin of food is advertised in brochures, at the counter or in farm shops," Ozdemir said. It means consumers can opt for greater animal welfare, regional added value and high environmental standards. Labelling goods "Made in Germany" will help farmers to be more competitive on the market, he said. Citizens across Europe are set to vote in the European elections on June 6-9. SEOUL, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Sunday that China and Japan should help each other succeed, jointly maintain a stable and unimpeded industrial chain and supply chain, and safeguard the global free trade system. Li made the remarks during his meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on the sidelines of the ninth Trilateral Summit Meeting among China, Japan and South Korea. German Bundestag calls on Western countries to provide air defence over Western part of Ukraine Given the Russian forces push in Ukraine, German CDU lawmaker Roderich Kiesewetter believes that Western nations should provide air protection for Ukraine's western regions. Source: Tagesschau, as reported by European Pravda Quote: "The coalition of the willing could extend its own air defence in the corridor from 70 to 100 kilometres to the western territory of Ukraine," Kiesewetter said. Details: He added this would relieve Ukrainian military and allow them to concentrate on air defence in the country's east. Kiesewetter added that some countries, notably Lithuania, are considering deploying field hospitals, sapper engineers, and logistics and repair teams to Ukraine. "We should not rule anything out and have to study who is able to do this," he added. This is "perfectly permissible" under international law and makes sense in terms of security strategy, Kiesewetter believes. Prior media reports say Germany's primary parties were divided on the idea of NATO forces participating in the closing of the sky over part of Ukraine. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis believes that Western countries may send military instructors to Ukraine to train Ukrainian troops on the ground and shield them from Russian attacks with more air defence systems. Support UP or become our patron! German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has spoken out against Ukraine using weapons provided by Western allies to strike Russia. Source: German Chancellor's statement as quoted by Tagesschau, European Pravda report Details: Scholz noted that he currently sees no reason to expand the area of use of Western weapons in the war in Ukraine. There are "clear rules for the supply of German weapons that have been agreed with Ukraine and that work," Scholz said. "At least this is my position," he added. The aim of his policy towards Ukraine is "to prevent the conflict from escalating into a major war," Scholz added, noting that Germany has so far made the supply of weapons to Ukraine conditional on them not being used on Russian territory. Background: NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg believes it is high time for some allies to reconsider restrictions on the use of weapons provided to Ukraine against targets in Russia. Recently, the New York Times reported that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken wants to ensure that Ukraine is allowed to strike Russian territory with US weapons. He wants to convince President Joe Biden to lift the restrictions. Support UP or become our patron! Germanys AfD party has gone too far, even for Europes far-right coalition A right-wing German lawmaker made comments seen as so explosively outside the mainstream of acceptable political discourse, that his party was disowned by other far-right leaders, breaking a major coalition in the European Parliament. Maximilian Krah, of the Alternative for Deutschland (AfD) party, told an Italian newspaper that he didnt view all members of a notorious Nazi paramilitary group automatically as criminals. He claimed that some in the SS, whose primary role was guarding concentration camps during World War II, were in fact just farmers. Before I declare someone a criminal, I want to know what he did. Among the 900,000 SS men there were also many farmers: there was certainly a high percentage of criminals, but not all of them were. I will never say that anyone who wore an SS uniform was automatically a criminal, Krah told La Repubblica last weekend. The AfD have since banned the 47-year-old Krah, their leading candidate in next months European elections, from making public appearances. Experts say his remarks have also caused reverberations across Europes far-right, shining a light on how the continents far-right parties view themselves and their associations. After Krahs interview was published on Saturday, his party suspended him on Wednesday, and said that he had taken full responsibility for his actions and agreed to step down from its federal executive board with immediate effect. Support for the AfD is on the rise and the party is hoping for gains in the European elections. - Maja Hitij/Getty Images In a scathing statement, the AfD accused Krah of having caused massive damage to the party in the current election campaign, for which the candidate had provided the pretext. It is not immediately clear if Krah remains the AfDs official lead candidate for the upcoming European election. Lorenz Blumenthaler, a political analyst at the Amadeu Antonio Foundation in Berlin which runs educational projects and researches right-wing extremism, racism and antisemitism told CNN that the AfD only takes action like this in certain circumstances. The only time when there exists this red line is when they feel like its hurting their voting result. And thats the only time when they will act or whether they fear that it will basically change the way German security forces perceive them as the AfD. Blumenthaler added that reprimanding Krah this close to a major election is a pretty drastic step politically. It delegitimizes you as a political party and hurts you much more than just running with a lazy dog (or deadweight candidate), he told CNN. Jordan Bardella of France's National Rally party, which has distanced itself from the AfD. - Manon Cruz/Reuters Kicked out of a far-right coalition On Thursday, a far-right coalition of parties in the European Parliament expelled the AfD from the group. The Identity and Democracy (ID) bloc said in a statement, they had decided to exclude the AfD, with immediate effect, adding that the ID Group no longer wants to be associated with the incidents involving Maximilian Krah, head of the AfD list for the European elections. In Paris, the leaders of French right-wing party National Rally (RN) the successor to the Front National led by Marine Le Pen, and part of the ID alliance also dissociated themselves from the AfD. RN President Jordan Bardella said in a French TV debate on Tuesday that the AfD had crossed red lines. We will have new allies after the European elections and will no longer be in the same group as the AfD, Bardella added. Joe Duker, a researcher at the extremism monitoring think tank the Center for Monitoring, Analysis and Strategy (CeMAS), told CNN that European far-right parties, and RN in particular, have been trying to present themselves as more moderate. Far-right populists are always trying to appeal to a broad voter base and they are always trying to give themselves an image that seems cleaner than they actually are. We know that Le Pens party has been trying to clean up their image in the past couple of years. She broke with her father, the founder of that party, because of that. Blumenthaler described this image cleansing as the most absurd dynamic that we have, a new far-right self-consciousness all over Europe. The AfD's co-leader Bjoern Hoecke was fined for using banned Nazi slogans. - Ronny Hartmann/AFP/Getty Images That sense of self-awareness doesnt seem to extend to the AfD, though. There have been a series of incidents where AfD members have expressed far-right ideologies openly in Germany. Recently scandals have also seen members accused of spying for China and accepting bribes from Russia. Bjorn Hocke, a regional leader for AfD in the eastern state of Thuringia, was fined 13,000 ($14,000) by a German court earlier in May for using banned Nazi slogans, according to CNN affiliate N-TV. Hocke, a former history teacher, intends to run as the lead candidate for the AfD in the upcoming state elections in September, and is currently the clear favorite to win. According to Blumenthaler, these incidents dont appear to hurt the party, especially in Germany. After basically crashing the (far-right) European coalition, that really hurts the AfD on a European level, but I dont really think that it will affect their electoral base here in Germany that much, he added. Expect more of the same Duker told CNN that the trend of increased AfD extremism is likely to continue. We can expect that things that are more radical, more extreme will become more acceptable, he said. The AfDs open radicalism is an interesting phenomenon for Blumenthaler too, especially when compared to its European allies. Its still the Austrians and the German far-right branches that are the craziest you would think that the taboo due to the German and Austrian past would be far higher here. And that the far right would act far more strategically trying to whitewash what they say how they act, but instead they are becoming more and more radicalized, he told CNN. The AfD is under domestic surveillance for the threat it poses to Germanys democracy and despite a recent dip is currently polling higher than each of the three parties in the coalition now governing the country. Duker noted a similarity between the AfD and Donald Trump, adding that: The more scandals and the more outrageous things the ex-President said, the more his followers seemed to commit to him even more. And something similar appears to be going on with the AfD. Barbie Nadeau in Rome and James Frater in London contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com The Alternative for Germany (AfD) logo is projected onto a curtain at the national party conference. AfD has maintained its second place in polls ahead of June's European Parliament elections, despite a wave of recent scandals that has threatened to damage the party's hopes. Sina Schuldt/dpa Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has maintained its second place in polls ahead of June's European Parliament elections, despite a wave of recent scandals that has threatened to damage the party's hopes. An online survey carried out by the INSA polling institute for the Bild am Sonntag newspaper had the AfD at 17%, unchanged from April. Germany's conservative CDU/CSU alliance was top at 30%, with the governing Social Democratic Party (SDP) at 14% and its coalition partners The Greens and the Free Democratic Party at 13% and 4% respectively. The AfD has been rocked by controversies in recent weeks, with the party's lead candidate for the European elections, Maximilian Krah, being banned from making public statements after saying that not all members of the Nazi SS paramilitary force were criminals. The party's second candidate in the European elections, Petr Bystron, has also withdrawn from the campaign after his Berlin home was searched by police last week. Bystron is under investigation for money laundering and bribery and has links to pro-Russian networks. In addition, German police arrested Krah's former assistant Jian Guo on suspicion of espionage last month. Krah fired him following allegations that the parliamentary aide was spying for China. While the spate of negative headlines is yet to harm the AfD in German polls, it has had consequences for the party on the European level. In a blow ahead of the European Parliament elections, the AfD was ejected this week from the Identity and Democracy (ID) group, an alliance of populist right-wing parties in the parliament. ARKANSAS, USA Severe storms demolished areas of northwest Arkansas in the early morning of May 26. Due to the level of impact, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders has declared an emergency in parts of the state. The governor signed an executive order authorizing $250,000 to be used by the Arkansas Division of Emergency Management. This spending will be drawn from the governors Disaster Response and Recovery Fund to be used at the discretion of the ADEM. PHOTOS: Aftermath of deadly storm, tornadoes in Benton County Gov. Sanders also announced that any operating commercial vehicles responding to a regional emergency are exempt from federal regulations, such as maximum drive time or any other hindrances to respond. Ive spoken with @FEMA_Deanne, members of our federal delegation and county officials and we stand ready to provide aid and rush assistance to storm-damaged areas, the governor said in a post to X (formerly Twitter). The governor also said on X that she will be visiting several impacted areas on May 27 to personally offer assistance and help expedite resources. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24. No ones coming to save you. How graffiti, faith lifted him from addiction to fine art Jared Haviland can recall the moment graffiti entered his life. It was June 1997 the day he moved to Tacoma from Whidbey Island where his father had been a sailor. Haviland was a 13-year-old boy, stopped at a red light across from an abandoned building. I was in the back of the (family) van, listening to headphones or whatever, and I looked out the window and I noticed these kids with skateboards, he recalled. Then one kid just started tagging a window. I was like, What in the world is that? Since then, graffiti has been a constant in his life, from the rock-bottom lows of drug addiction to his eventual salvation. This month, he has a show in a high-end Silicon Valley art gallery. It started out very simply painting graffiti in the alleys around town, the now 39-year-old said recently in his paint-stained garage turned North End Tacoma studio. People would come up and say, I wish I could take it right off the wall. They didnt mean power washing, he explained, the passers-by viewed Havilands work as art. Typograffic abstraction artist Jared Michael Haviland works on a piece of his artwork in his home studio, on Monday, May 6, 2024, in Tacoma. In 2014, Haviland transitioned to contemporary art, though he didnt leave graffiti entirely in the rear-view mirror. He now paints canvases in a style of his own creation one that combines graffiti and typography with abstract art. He coined his own term for it: typographic abstraction. From Marine to addict Haviland has deep roots in Tacoma. His grandparents moved to the city in the 1950s and opened a carpet store in the Nalley Valley. He graduated from Stadium High School in 2002 and entered the Marine Corps the day he turned 18. I went and bought a pack of cigarettes and then I went into the recruiting office, he said. It was my lifes dream to go to the Marine Corps, being a soldier. That dream soon became a nightmare. The young Marine caught a case of pneumonia that developed into empyema, a disease that builds up fluid around the lungs. His condition went undiagnosed for weeks until he was rushed to an emergency room. I woke up in the ICU four or five days later, he said. Doctors told Haviland he would be disabled for life. His military career was over in less than a year. Haviland was medically discharged and returned home just as his parents were divorcing. He found himself at what he calls ground zero. I was super naive and just didnt understand trauma, he said. I didnt understand my place in the world. He also didnt understand the consequences of the actions that friends around him were making. I had disability money, a lot of free time on my hands, bad influences around ... very quickly, I was a drug addict, he said. An awakening Haviland attended welding school, started a career and got married, but he was still an addict. At various times, he would abuse uppers, pain killers, alcohol and cannabis. One day in 2013, he found himself driving around Tacoma, high and drunk. He made his way to a recovery center but was turned down for lack of insurance. Havilands truth was laid before him. Dude, no ones coming to save you. Theres nothing you can do. And you just have to surrender yourself. This is all your fault. You chose to continue to do drugs, he told himself. Typograffic abstraction artist Jared Michael Haviland pose for a photo in his home studio, on Monday, May 6, 2024, in Tacoma. The admission was empowering, he said. If I did all this, I can do something about this, he recalled. And I kind of just woke up in that moment. That was the shifting point. And life began to change very rapidly from that point forward. Haviland developed what he calls a relationship with God and later went through an intensive form of therapy, called Lifespan Integration. I was released of 17 years of horrific internal suffering. I dont talk about it too deeply, because I cant get through it without doing this, he says through tears. Messages Theres spiritual messaging on Havilands work, but it isnt overt, requiring the viewer to contemplate the meaning. Adduco, Protect, Praise, Wisdom and other words swirl on fields of color. Im sharing my perspective, through the faith lens, and through the trials and experiences of the life Ive had, he said. Those whose only experience with graffiti is from freeway underpasses might be surprised to see it used for messages of faith and perseverance. Im lucky to be able to have graffiti as a background because I can make words dance and move, he said. I leverage color and geometry and all of that has its own nonverbal kind of communication to it. Gallery Havilands work is on display this month in Madsen Gallery, in Los Altos, California. Owner Amy Madsen said she found his work on Instagram. His work really caught my eye, she said. And the way he visually looks, hes got lots of art on his body. Haviland is heavily tattooed. All of my friends dads were sailors, Marines. Youd watch Popeye as a kid. I was just meant to have tattoos, Haviland explains. A family peruses the work of Tacoma artist Jared Michael Haviland in the Madsen Gallery in Los Altos, California. It was Havilands incorporation of scripture in his work that finally caused Madsen to reach out to him. You dont see that every day, she said. One gallery patron told Madsen that he ...could feel every single emotional matter that Jared has gone through, just by looking at his work. So its always fun when you get a strong reaction. Graffiti is art People dont like hearing it I guess I dont really care but tagging is an art form, Haviland says. He says a tag is both an identifying marker and art, expression and identity. To those who practice it, it can become an obsession. I poured my whole heart into it. Even though no one supported me, Haviland said. I ignored every single person that told me no. And Ive persevered. Although his street-art days are behind him, graffiti is not. Ive grown into something new, he said. It was one stepping stone to the next. That was my journey. HAMPTON The Grand Contraband Camp a place that provided a sanctuary for thousands of enslaved individuals seeking refuge behind Union lines during the Civil War is listed this year among the states most endangered historic places. Each May, Preservation Virginia releases a list of historic places across the commonwealth facing imminent or sustained threats. The hope is that the list will spur people, organizations and governments to find ways to save these sites. Other nearby sites on the list included the Suffolk African American Waterman Villages in Suffolk and Lower Surry Church in Surry County. In May 1861, shortly after Virginia seceded from the Union, three enslaved men working on a Confederate fortification in Norfolk Frank Baker, James Townsend and Sheppard Mallory appeared at the gates of Fort Monroe and asked for sanctuary. When a Southern officer demanded their return under the Fugitive Slave Act, which declared all citizens must turn in runaway slaves even if they lived in free states, Union Gen. Benjamin Butler refused, calling them contrabands of war. Word spread of Fort Monroe becoming a place where enslaved people could seek asylum, and eventually, thousands from plantations along the James River and as far south as North Carolina traveled across Union lines to what became known as Freedoms Fortress. The decision made by Major Gen. Benjamin Franklin Butler in response to what those three men did ended up being the first successful beginning of the end of enslavement in America, said retired history professor William Wiggins, a member of the Contraband Historical Society. Settlements of asylum seekers sprang up outside the fort, known as contraband camps. The Grand Contraband Camp was located in much of what is now downtown Hampton, stretching from Eaton Street to LaSalle Avenue. Preservation Virginia warns Interstate 64 expansions are encroaching on cemeteries associated with the camp, blocking access to descendants and researchers trying to identify some of the older gravesites. Overgrowth in these regions led to some graves being lost entirely. However, the Contraband Historical Society, the Fort Monroe Authority and their partners are initiating a long-term project that will use technology to identify and archive unmarked or neglected gravesites. Liza Rodman, a member of the Contraband Historical Society, said the nonprofit is determining who owns the properties now sitting on the camps site and identifying cemeteries and unmarked gravesites there. The organization will need to work with willing property owners to help preserve those gravesites. Rodman says that for too long, the history of Black Americans has been marginalized, with much of the historical accounts of the Civil War focusing only on the Union and Confederate armies while the stories of enslaved people and their journey to freedom fall to the wayside. These people were leaving their plantations in the dead of night and coming to Fort Monroe in droves, she said. And people who have lived in Hampton all their lives dont know the story. The nonprofit hopes to soon begin a pedestrian survey, a method of identifying an archaeological site by walking across an area in an organized grid and recording surface features of significance. Rodman said while they dont know the exact number of gravesites on the camps site, there are likely hundreds if not thousands. Rodman said there isnt a firm timeline for how long it will take to identify and survey all of the sites. A lot depends on finding additional folks who want to volunteer their time and dig in with us, she said. We need people in all areas to help research this project. Preservation Virginias annual list of endangered sites has a track record of success. Only 10% of the sites identified by the list have been lost to demolition or neglect, according to a news release from the group. Rodman said the Grand Contraband Camp being listed as endangered validates our efforts and helps us to make the connections we need to make in order to get this history written and in the books. Its just another tool for us, really, she said. And its a really significant one. Its the most significant one I think weve had. Josh Janney, joshua.janney@virginiamedia.com Great horned owl in good spirits after being hit by car in Boulder DENVER (KDVR) The Boulder Police Department said a great horned owl seemed to be in good spirits after she was hit by a car and rescued. Police said a member of the community called for help Friday afternoon. Officers think she was likely flying low looking for a snack when she was struck. Why are streets in downtown Denver crooked? History can explain Animal protection officers responded and safely caught the owl then took her to get checked out at Birds of Prey, a nonprofit organization that takes in injured and orphaned birds for rehabilitation and eventually a safe release. The Boulder Police Department said a great horned owl seemed to be in good spirits after she was hit by a car and rescued. (Boulder Police Department) The Boulder Police Department said a great horned owl seemed to be in good spirits after she was hit by a car and rescued. (Boulder Police Department) Based on her fluffy feathers, BPD said officers believe she is an adolescent owl. We hope she recovers quickly and were thankful a community member called us to help, the department said in a post on X. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. A growing number of students rely on free school meals. What happens in the summer? A growing number of states have implemented free lunches for all students in recent years, making the school year easier for families who are food insecure. But the summer is a different story. While new federal summer food programs are being cheered by advocates, some states havent been able to implement those initiatives, and school officials have been struggling to keep families informed of their options and involved in the process. States ramped up passing laws for free school meals in 2022 after the end of a national COVID-19 pandemic program that sought to keep students fed. Unfortunately, with summertime, all of those resources come to a screeching halt, and thats when the school gates are locked, millions of youths are locked out of their own reliable source of balanced meals, said Vince Hall, chief government relations officer for Feeding America. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a report last year showing 44.2 million households in the United States had difficulty affording food in 2022, leading 13 million children to live with food insecurity. The states giving completely free lunches during the academic year include Minnesota, New Mexico, Colorado, Vermont, Michigan, Massachusetts, California and Maine. When we feed our children, were feeding our future these investments today will yield benefits tomorrow through generations of healthier New Mexicans, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D) said when her states measure was passed. While free school lunch programs are catching fire, there arent really parallel programs for the months outside the academic year. Im not aware of states that are providing free lunches during the school year that have expanded summer meal options beyond whats available through the federal program, said Diane Pratt-Heavner, director of media relations at School Nutrition Association. Numerous assistance programs are available for families who qualify. According to the nonprofit Food Research and Action Center (FRAC), in 2022, 3 million children were reached through its Summer Nutrition Programs. And the federal government is launching even more programs this year. The USDA announced at the beginning of this year it is expanding its summer grocery benefits, affecting 21 million children. The Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) will give eligible families a $40-a-month voucher per child for food. But 15 states, mostly Republican-led, have opted out of the benefit either due to a lack of capabilities to run it or because they reject idea of another federal program on the issue. Federal COVID-era cash benefit programs are not sustainable and dont provide long-term solutions for the issues impacting children and families. An EBT card does nothing to promote nutrition at a time when childhood obesity has become an epidemic, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) said in a statement. Other states emphasized separate programs they are already enrolled in and insist they are enough. To be clear, this does not mean that hungry kids will lose access to summer nutrition programs. Nebraska continues to participate in the existing USDA Summer Food Services Program (SFSB), which best ensures access to nutritious food options and protective services to children who are in need, said Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen (R). Hall, with Feeding America, said he hopes these states will change their minds and is quite pleased that more than 70 percent of states are participating this year. We believe that the experience of those states will inspire the remaining states to see the tremendous advantages for addressing youth hunger, and then bring the programs home in the following summer, Hall said. While advocates are excited over the expansion of free meals, it can fall upon already strained families to keep track. Pratt-Heavner said in states that have passed free meals for all students, it can be hard to get families to complete applications for summer programs when they receive free lunches throughout the school year with no application process. As a result, we have seen, you know, those free and reduced rates decrease, and that does impact area eligibility for summer meal programs, she said. Some advocacy groups have created resources to help families know how and when to apply. We have been concerned about this, said Kelsey Boone, senior child nutrition policy analyst at FRAC, adding the summer programs are different from the pandemic programs that allowed students receiving free meals to get other benefits without applying. We are aware that this is an outreach issue. This is something where organizations as well as states will need to really be aware of who needs to apply for the program, Boone said. We at FRAC have made a families page that is directly answering some of those questions and can filter people to their state website so that they know whether or not they need to apply and how to apply. We really encourage states to be very proactive in their outreach and really push the message out that families need to be checking whether or not they will need to fill out an application to receive benefits, she added. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. (FOX40.COM) A six-month police investigation recently led to the discovery of illegally owned guns, marijuana, cocaine, and stolen property at a gift shop in Northern California. According to the Fairfield Police Department, The Field Gift Shop opened its business with misleading information and committed various criminal and fraudulent activities. Fairfield police arrest man for alleged possession of 1,000 ecstasy pills The store, located in Fairfield on Pennsylvania Street and West Texas Street, says on its front door that it sells pipes, bongs, clothing, exotic candy, accessories, and more. But Fairfield police say that it was all smoke and mirrors. On Tuesday, the Fairfield Police Department said officers executed three search warrants related to controlled substance and marijuana sales in the city on May 2. That search led to the uncovering of two illegally owned pistols, marijuana, cocaine, a stolen bike, and a code enforcement case. Police added that a 24-year-old man and a 29-year-old man were arrested due to their findings. Standoff on I-80 in Fairfield resolved, suspect in critical condition Leveraging local municipal codes, law enforcement was able to enforce fines and recommend the [removal] of the [gift shops] license, Fairfield police said. The gift shop will be given a fair opportunity to appeal within 15 days, after which we will proceed with the closure. Police did not specify the amount of drugs they found nor did they release the names of the men who were arrested on May 2. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40. SEOUL, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Sunday called on Japan to work with China in the same direction during a meeting here with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. It is hoped that the two countries will continuously consolidate mutual trust, deepen cooperation, properly manage differences and build a constructive and stable China-Japan relationship that meets the requirements of the new era, Li said. PROSPECT HEIGHTS, Ill. A gunshot victim ran inside the lobby of a motel in the northwest suburbs overnight following what police described as a gang-related incident fueled by alcohol. According to Prospect Heights police, officers responded to the Holiday Inn Express at 600 North Milwaukee Avenue around 12:30 a.m. Sunday after a hotel employee called 911. The employee, police say, stated a person who had been shot had come inside the lobby and that approximately 10 gunshots were heard before the victim ran inside. 1 killed, 3 injured in Woodlawn crash late Saturday night, Chicago police say According to police, that was one of two adults shot in the incident, both known gang associates. Police say the incident started earlier Saturday evening, when the two victims were drinking alcoholic beverages in the 500-800 block of Piper Lane in Prospect Heights and one of them began shouting negative comments about a local gang. Those comments, according to police, spread to other gang members, and the two victims were approached by unknown gang members and told to leave the area or there will be problems. According to police, the two victims then left the area and went to the parking lot of Fry the Coop restaurant at 580 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Prospect Heights, where they continued drinking beer. Thats when police say an unknown person dressed in dark clothing fired approximately eight rounds at the two victims from a handgun. 5-year-old girl shot and killed in parked car on Near West Side early Sunday morning, police say By that point, police say, two out-of-state bystanders had joined the two victims after the victims offered to share some beer with them and they agreed, following them to Fry the Coop. Police say moments later, the bystanders were running from the shots fired in their direction. According to police, both gunshot victims received graze wounds, one in the left forearm and the other in the stomach and forearm. One was treated and released near the scene, while the other was taken to a local hospital and is expected to make a full recovery, police say. Read more: Latest Chicago news headlines The Prospect Heights Police Department, Palatine Police K-9 Unit and several surrounding agencies attempted to locate the offender but were unable to. The investigation continues, and police say video surveillance is being reviewed. Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact Prospect Heights Police Department Deputy Chief Milo Derman at 847-398-5511 ext. 136. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. A party invitation. A broken flipflop. A wig. Letters of complaint about road conditions, and an urgent request for more beer. It sounds like the aftermath of a successful spring break, but these items are nearly 2,000 years old. Theyre just some of the finds from Hadrians Wall the 73-mile stone wall built as the northwestern boundary of the Roman Empire, sealing off Britannia (modern-day England and Wales) from Caledonia (essentially todays Scotland). While most of us think of Pompeii and Herculaneum if were thinking of everyday objects preserved from ancient Rome, this outpost in the wild north of the empire is home to some of the most extraordinary finds. Its a very dramatic stamp on the countryside theres nothing more redolent of saying youre entering the Roman empire than seeing that structure, says Richard Abdy, lead curator of the British Museums current exhibition, Legion, which spotlights the everyday life of Roman soldiers, showcasing many finds from Hadrians Wall in the process. A tenth of the Roman army was based in Britain, and that makes the wall a great source of military material, he says. But its not all about the soldiers, as excavations are showing. A multicultural melting pot Houseteads resembled a modern-day garrison town, with a local community as well as the soldiers. - Darren Eddon/English Heritage Hadrian, who ordered the wall to be built in 122CE after a visit to Britannia, had a different vision of empire than his predecessors, says Frances McIntosh, curator for English Heritages 34 sites along Hadrians Wall. All the emperors before him were about expanding the empire, but Hadrian was known as the consolidator, she says. He relinquished some of the territory acquired by his predecessor Trajan, and decided to set the borders literally, in some cases, with wooden poles at sites in Germany, or with stone in Britannia. Where those poles rotted thousands of years ago, the wall is still standing: A great visual reminder of the Roman empire, says McIntosh. Its not just a wall. Theres a castle every mile along, and turrets at every third-of-a-mile point, with ditches and banks both north and south. You can imagine the kind of impact that would have had, not just on the landscape but on the people living in the area, says McIntosh. And thanks to the finds from the wall, we know a surprising amount about those people. Although historians have long thought of army outposts as remote, male-dominant places, the excavations along the wall show thats not the case. Not only were soldiers accompanied by their families, but civilians would settle around the settlements to do business. You can almost see Housesteads as a garrison town, says McIntosh. There were places you could go for a drink and so on. The Roman rule of thumb was not to post soldiers in the place they came from, because of the risk of rebellion. That meant Hadrians Wall was a cultural melting point, with cohorts from modern-day Netherlands, Spain, Romania, Algeria, Iraq, Syria and more. It was possibly more multicultural because it was a focus point, says McIntosh, who says that the surrounding community might have included traders from across the empire. The "Legion" exhibition at the British Museum examines army life across the empire -- including that of the women who lived in the far-flung camps. - Peter Nicholls/Getty Images Soldiers were split into two groups. Legionaries were Roman citizens from Italy, who had more rights than other soldiers and imported olive oil, wine and garum (a sauce made from decomposing fish). They worked alongside auxiliaries soldiers from conquered provinces, who had fewer rights, but could usually acquire citizenship after 25 years of service. Soldiers carved their names and regiments on stones to show which part of the wall they built around 50 of them are on display at Chesters fort. But the wall shows that women and children were equally present. McIntosh says that pottery brought to the camps from the Low Countries and North Africa shows that the soldiers brought their families, who cooked in traditional style. Archaeologists have found what seems to be an ancient tagine for North African-style cooking. A tombstone from Arbeia fort for a woman named Regina shows she was a freed slave from southern Britain who was bought by and married to a Syrian soldier. Another woman buried at Birdoswald fort was laid to rest with chainmail that appears to be from modern-day Poland. Perhaps she married someone in the army, says McIntosh, who calls the wall a melting pot of people from all over the world under the banner of the army. They brought their own religions, as well as worshipping Roman gods and adopting local deities, she adds. At Carrawburgh, a temple to Mithras an originally Persian deity sat near a spring with a shrine to a local water spirit. Wretched little Brits Vindolanda's collection of 5,000 shoes is the largest found at a single site in the Roman Empire. Women and children's footwear (like this baby's bootie) sheds light on the army communities. - Adam Stanford/The Vindolanda Trust Some of the most extraordinary finds from the Roman empire are coming from one site on Hadrians Wall: Vindolanda. Here, archaeologists have found a wealth of organic remains because of what curator Barbara Birley calls the unusual conditions onsite. At Vindolanda there are the remains of at least nine forts over 14 levels. When the Romans would leave, they would knock down timber forts, and cover the area with turf and clay, sealing the layers underneath, she says. Because it happened so many times, the bottom five or six layers are sealed in anaerobic conditions, so things dont decay. When we get down there, we get wooden objects, textiles, anything organic. Vindolanda has the largest collection of Roman textiles from a single site in western Europe, as well as the largest leather collection of any site in the Roman empire including 5,000 shoes, and even a broken leather flip-flop. We probably had a population of 3,000 to 6,000 depending on the period, so 5,000 is a lot, says Birley. For Abdy, the shoes evoke the conditions of the wet borderlands. Womens and childrens shoes are hobnailed you needed it in the mucky frontier dirt tracks. Theyre very evocative. Theres even a wig made from a local plant, hair moss, which is said to repel midges the scourge of Scotland during the summer. A centurions helmet is also crested with hairmoss the ancient equivalent of spraying yourself with insect repellent. The first woman to write in Latin This party invitation from one Hadrian's Wall woman to another is thought to be the first example of a woman writing in Latin anywhere in the world. - CM Dixon/Print Collector/Getty Images One of the most famous finds is the trove of wooden writing tablets the largest found anywhere. They give a snapshot of what life was actually like, says Birley. We understand so much more from written correspondence than from stuff, and, archaeologically, its the stuff that usually survives things like metals and ceramics. These were written in ink, not on a wax stylus tablet, and we believe they were used for what wed put in emails: The roads are awful, The soldiers need more beer. Everyday business. The tablets or personal letters as Birley describes them were found on the site of a bonfire when the ninth cohort of Batavians (in the modern-day Netherlands) were told to move on. They had a huge bonfire and lots of letters were chucked in the fire. Some have been singed we think it may have rained, she says. One of them calls the locals Britunculi wretched little Brits. Another talks about an outbreak of pinkeye. One claims that the roads are too bad to send wagons; another laments that the soldiers have run out of beer. Among the 1,700 letters are 20 that mention a woman called Sulpicia Lepidina. She was the wife of the commander of the garrison, and seems to have played a crucial role. Theres a letter to her from another woman, Paterna, agreeing to send her two medicines, one a fever cure. Birley says its similar to today. If youre a group of moms, still today we say, Do you have the Calpol? Its very human. For Abdy, its a sign that women were traders. Shes clearly flogging her medicines, he says. Its really great stuff. Another tablet is an invite from Claudia Severa, the wife of another commander at a nearby camp. Its an invitation to a birthday party. Under the formal invitation, presumably written by a scribe, is a scrawl in another hand: I shall expect you, sister. Farewell, sister, my dearest soul. Vindolanda's rare conditions mean that organic materials such as leather, textile and wood have been preserved. - Courtesy The Vindolanda Trust Presumably written by Claudia herself, it is thought to be the earliest example of a womans handwriting in Latin. Without the organic finds the shoes and the letters that indisputably belonged to women, unlike jewellery or weaving equipment its difficult to prove conclusively that women lived in significant numbers. Vindolanda illustrate the missing gaps, says Abdy. For Birley, they prove that women were as crucial a part of army communities as men. Before the Lepidina tablets were found we didnt really understand the interactions between the soldiers and their wives, she says. Another tablet is written by what is thought to be a Spanish standard-bearers common-law wife, ordering military equipment for her partner. The Vindolanda collection is showing that there werent just camp followers and prostitutes; women were part of everyday life, and contributing to the military community in many ways, says Birley. Abdy says that Hadrians Wall is interesting because the resident women span all classes of society, from Regina the dead freedwoman, who would have been bottom of the heap to the trader Paterna and the noblewoman Lepidina. And of course, theres the wall itself. In the Netherlands and Germany the finds are often stunning and better preserved you go to museums and are bowled over. But in terms of structural remains, Hadrians Wall must be among the best, says McIntosh, modestly, of her site. Abdy agrees: I cant think of many symbols so redolent of imperial will than that wall. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Insights from Haaretz, BBC, and UN News The News Hamas launched at least eight rockets from Gaza aimed at Tel Aviv, the first attack on the central Israeli city since January. No serious injuries were reported in the attack, but it comes at a precarious time for Israel: The International Court of Justice on Friday ordered the country to halt its military operation in the Gazan city of Rafah and the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court said he is seeking an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Meanwhile, several European countries said they would recognize a Palestinian state, which Israel opposes, and Israels top lawmakers are souring on the wars current trajectory. Hamas and Israel are set to resume hostage and ceasefire talks this week. SIGNALS Semafor Signals: Global insights on today's biggest stories. Rocket attack was likely as troops moved on Rafah Sources: The Times of Israel, Haaretz The Israeli military had predicted a Hamas rocket attack as troops advanced further into Rafah, The Times of Israel reported. Previously, Hamas has carried out attacks from areas where Israeli troops moved, in part to prevent Israeli forces from capturing Hamas weapon stockpiles. Israeli politicians used the attack as evidence that Israel should continue its operation in Rafah, despite the ICJ order, and as a means to reunite themselves. War cabinet member Benny Gantz, who previously threatened to quit the cabinet over Netanyahus handling of the war, said todays barrage from Rafah is proof that the IDF must act wherever Hamas is. Ceasefire talks set to resume this week Sources: Al Jazeera, BBC, Reuters Israels war cabinet met on Sunday to discuss hostage and ceasefire negotiations, and talks with Hamas are reportedly set to resume on Tuesday. But those discussions could stumble on the terms to end hostilities: Hamas has reiterated its demand for a permanent ceasefire, which Israel still opposes. With the latest attack, the BBC wrote, Hamas may be trying to show its strength ahead of the talks or it may be trying to derail them. European Union ministers are also meeting with counterparts from Arab states Monday as the continent remains divided over recognizing a Palestinian state. Spain, Ireland, and Norway said they would do so, while France and Germany are opposed. Aid trucks enter Gaza, but unclear if humanitarian groups can get to them Sources: Associated Press, UN News Aid trucks entered Gaza from southern Israel again on Sunday after the US and Egypt struck a new agreement to bypass the Rafah crossing, which Egypt has refused to reopen after Israel took control of the Palestinian side. Aid was routed through the Kerem Shalom crossing, but it was unclear if humanitarian groups could access it because of the fighting. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees said last week it suspended food distribution in Rafah because it couldnt access food distribution centers due to the military operation. A spokesperson said: We have a lot of people on the ground ready to provide aid and provide services, but we are simply unable to distribute food. Hamas fires rockets towards Tel Aviv for first time in months Rockets are fired during a military drill organized by the Hamas. The Palestinian Islamist group Hamas has fired rockets at Tel Aviv for the first time in four months, triggering warning sirens in the Israeli city. Mohammed Talatene/dpa The Palestinian Islamist group Hamas has fired rockets at Tel Aviv for the first time in four months, triggering warning sirens in the Israeli city. Several explosions were heard in the centre of Tel Aviv and rocket alarms also sounded in several towns in the wider area. The Hamas military wing claimed responsibility for the attacks. According to paramedics, two women were lightly injured as they rushed to shelters. Israeli military sources said eight rockets were fired from the city of Rafah in southern Gaza, where Israel is continuing its military operation despite a recent International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling ordering it to stop. Several missiles were reportedly intercepted by Israel's missile defence system. Tel Aviv was last attacked with rockets from the Gaza Strip on January 29. It was another Sunday morning of sometimes heated but always civil political debate on Hancock and Kelley for Sunday, May 26, 2024. Republican consultant John Hancock and Democratic consultant Michael Kelley discuss the following topics: St. Louis Alderwoman Cara Spencer announces shes running for mayor, setting up a rematch of the 2021 race, won by incumbent Tishaura Jones. Mayor Jones lifts a hiring freeze she implemented over fears state lawmakers might do away with the citys 1% income tax. The legislative session just ended with the tax intact. St. Louis County Executive Sam Page and County Council Chairwoman Shalonda Webb hit a stalemate over the spending of $8 million in ARPA funds. The money will return to the federal government if Page doesnt release the funds before the end of the year. Missouri Governor Mike Parson is at odds with Attorney General Andrew Bailey. Bailey, whom Parson appointed, is representing three lawmakers in a defamation suit. They are accused of wrongly implicating a Kansas City Chiefs fan as being one of the gunmen in the mass shooting at the Chiefs Super Bowl victory parade and rally. Parson says no state taxpayer dollars should be used in this case. Former Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley, who was a critic of former President Trump during the campaign, now says she will vote for him. Is she a potential Trump VP pick? Also, John and Michael talked about the latest developments in Mr. Trumps criminal trial in New York. President Joe Biden pummels Mr. Trump over a video reposted on a Trump social media account. The post referred to a unified Reich if Donald Trump is elected president again in November. Mr. Biden calls those words the language of Hitlers Germany. A St. Louis media institution, the Riverfront Times weekly newspaper, was shut down without warning, leaving St. Louis without a news source that had been around for 46 years. Our quote of the week comes from Madison County Sheriff Jeff Connor regarding a therapy dog named Doug now working the cell blocks of the county jail. Doug helps ease tensions for jail staff and inmates alike. We all express our deep gratitude for those who have sacrificed all to protect our country on this Memorial Day weekend. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2. Right now, the world needs unity and compassion more than ever. Love and understanding should be at the forefront of everyones mind. Unfortunately, there are folks like Harrison Butker, kicker for the Kansas City Chiefs, who would rather focus on tearing down the progress being made and building up walls of religious nationalism. On May 11, 2024, Butker delivered a commencement speech at Benedictine College. In his speech, he attacked minorities, the LGBTQ+ community, people of Jewish faith, men who break toxic masculinity norms, and women who choose not to rush into motherhood and instead have successful careers. The Kansas City Star published an article defending Harrisons hateful remarks, so I decided to write this article in defense of those targeted by said comments. My name is Willard Gene Harris. Im responsible for the Change.org petition that reached over 200,000 signatures in one week and calls for the KC Chiefs to fire Harrison for his comments. One of the most pugnacious parts of Butkers speech was his characterization of LGBTQ+ Pride Month as a celebration of deadly sins. His comments were made with the intention of harming those who use Pride Month as a time to gather and honor their history while also advocating for equal rights. His choice to label consensual love as deadly sins broadcasts a narrative of exclusion against a group that is already marginalized. Theres also a chance that someone in the LGBTQ+ community was among those in the audience, possibly even one of the students graduating. This is nothing new for Harrison, though. He has previously condemned the Catholic Church for burying a trans rights activist and accepting LGBTQ+ members. Butker also made comments about gender roles that didnt sit well with a large majority of Americans. He started off by congratulating the women who were graduating on their accomplishments and then immediately switched gears to inform them about how they had been told diabolical lies in choosing their careers instead of homemaking and childbearing. He likened a womans true purpose to being a traditional wife and mother who puts building a family over having a career theyre happy in. Not only was this choice of language dismissive, it was also hypocritical, as Harrison was raised by a mother who is an accomplished physicist and has an older sister who is an OBGYN. Suggesting that women will not find true purpose unless they submit to toxic and harmful gender norms when powerful career-leading women run in your family doesnt seem like you're sharing personal views but instead pushing a political agenda. This view is a false dichotomy that has been used for centuries to limit and hold back women. Harrison later stated that men should be unapologetic in [their] masculinity. Its easy to just see this statement as encouraging men to embrace their strength and identity, but this statement, combined with his other statements, clearly advocates for traditional and restrictive gender roles. The understanding of gender has constantly evolved, and modern views encourage men to embrace cooperation, empathy, and vulnerability all traits the far right movement has been pushing as feminine and detrimental to males, while in reality, ignoring those traits can not only harm men but also those around them. Substantial research has shown that rigid and pressured adherence to traditional masculine values causes poorer mental health, difficulties in relationships, and higher rates of violence. Butkers advocations for these toxic, traditional traits can lead to a more toxic form of masculinity that harms men and society altogether. Harrison Butkers attacks didnt stop there; he also made sure to speak up in opposition to the passage of congressional bills targeting antisemitism. He stated that we fear speaking the truth, because now, unfortunately, the truth is in the minority. Congress just passed a bill stating something as basic as the biblical teaching that "whoever killed Jesus could land you in jail." This is in reference to the Jews in the Bible who went to the government over their issue with Jesus, but its also been a constant resource for those who attack and discriminate against Jews around the world. His comments on minority cultures as degenerate are an entire article on their own. He would not be where he is if it werent for minority communities throughout society. If Harrison had just spoken on how his religion motivated and helped him grow in his life personally, that would have been one thing. Pushing his religious laws and ideologies into other Americans who are entitled to a constitutional freedom from that very action, is a completely different story. He was supposed to give a commencement speech that inspires and uplifts graduates as they venture into society. What happened instead was an unhealthy dishing of sexism, homophobia, transphobia, racism, antisemitism, and religious nationalism. Civil discourse has no place for those forms of hate. They especially have no place in an event meant to celebrate the hard work of young adults and welcome them into a diverse and interconnected world. To all the graduates who were subjected to those harmful words, I hope you know that his views do not reflect the values of the majority of society. Your years of hard work and determination to turn a passion into a career are celebrated by those of us who believe in mutual respect, diversity, and equality. You are the ones responsible for shaping our world, not a guy who kicks a ball because getting sacked by other players would mess up their product-filled hair. I applaud the Sisters of Benedictine College who stood strong against Harrisons comments and condemned his speech. As a nation and humanity as a whole, we must confront and challenge hate whenever and however it arises. This means supporting policies and leaders that work towards justice and inclusivity for all. It also means calling out hate and bigotry when we see it and bridging divides instead of deepening them. The emanation of support for those targeted by Butkers remarks shows that there is a powerful, growing commitment against intolerance. If we keep going, one day we will build a society where hate speech is unequivocally condemned and everyone is treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. Hate will not prevail! Willard Gene Harris lives in Branson. This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: From hate speech to hope: A rebuttal of Harrison Butker's comments Home and Away spoilers follow for UK viewers. Home and Away's Tane Parata loses hope for his future next week after being arrested for baby Maia's kidnap. Tane decides that a tough jail sentence is inevitable after handing himself in and giving Maia back. The gym boss recently fled from Summer Bay with Maia, refusing to accept that she was being handed over to emergency foster carers. Since then, Maia's mother has turned up at the police station to get her back. This week's episodes see the situation come to a head when Tane reaches out to Mali Hudson, asking his friend and housemate to retrieve his passport so he can flee the country with Maia. Endemol Shine - Channel 5 Related: Home and Away's Levi Fowler plans split after being caught out Mali has other ideas and brings Harper Matheson to see Tane. Together, they convince him to do the right thing and bring Maia back to the Bay. In follow-on scenes next week, Tane continues to be held at the police station after being arrested. Harper stays at the station to wait for answers and she pleads Tane's case to police constable Rose Delaney. Rose is unimpressed and warns Harper that she and Mali could both be facing charges for visiting Tane when he was on the run. Rose shares similar words of warning to her boyfriend Mali, pointing out that he should have involved the police the minute he found out where Tane was hiding with the baby. Channel 5 Related: Home and Away star Lynne McGranger discusses possible exit from soap Mali refuses to accept that he did anything wrong and he criticises Rose's lack of loyalty to their friend Tane, who's still sitting alone in a cell at the station. Rose is frustrated that she can't get through to Mali. Worried about the strain on their relationship, she declares that she'll be powerless to help if her boss at the police station decides to press charges against him and Harper. Later, Tane appears in court and is granted bail. However, he stubbornly describes this small victory as "pointless" since he'll be heading to jail soon either way. Channel 5 Related: Home and Away returns for three characters in 50 spoiler pictures Mali tells Harper that they need to persuade Tane to start fighting for himself before things get any worse. Harper assures Tane that they're not giving up on him, but he declares that they might as well just accept that he's heading to prison. Could Tane be leaving the Bay? Home and Away airs these scenes on Monday, June 3. Home and Away airs weekdays at 1.45pm on Channel 5, with repeat screenings at 6pm on 5STAR and first look screenings at 6.30pm on 5STAR. Selected classic episodes are available via Prime Video in the UK. Read more Home and Away spoilers on our dedicated homepage You Might Also Like The International Criminal Courts decision to pursue an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is totally political, Rep. Jared Moskowitz told Fox News on Sunday. The ICC is irrelevant, the Democratic congressman from Florida added. They have no jurisdiction. We might as well call them the Harry Potter Ministry of Magic.' Moskowitz added that the ICC is irrelevant because Israellike Syria and Chinais not party to the organizations treaty that would allow them to pursue an arrest warrant in the first place. The decision to do so is the result of pressure from the international community that wants to see no more Israel and theyre using the ICC to go ahead and do that. He added that the United States needed to put together a strong bipartisan effort to demonstrate that the ICCs demands will not be tolerated. On May 20, International Criminal Court Prosecutor Karim Khan applied for warrants to arrest Netanyahu, Israels Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, Hamas Commander-in-Chief Mohammed Diab Ibrahim Al-Masri, and Head of Hamas Political Bureau Ismail Haniyeh for crimes against humanity that were part of a widespread and systematic attack against the civilian population of Israel by Hamas and other armed groups pursuant to organizational policies. Though the United States has also not ratified the ICC charter, the move has been seen as a potentially hazardous message to countries that are not allied with Israel. Many Democrats have pushed to sanction the ICC as soon as the first week of June, though the ICC does have supporters in the House of Representatives. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez told reporters that the unified response against the ICCs charges is profoundly disturbing. She added, It is an alarming precedent to set to attack institutions of international business who are responsible for really litigating international law and considering international law. Elsewhere in the Fox News interview, Moskowitz said the blame for a lack of a ceasefire in the war in Gaza lies entirely at the feet of Hamas. Theres no other conversation, he explained. Why we dont have the hostages out and why we dont have a ceasefire is because Hamas wont agree to one. We need more pressure on Hamas, not less. And any time theres any daylight between the United States and Israel, Hamas has a reason to not come to the table and agree to a ceasefire. In reference to a May 6 announcement that Hamas agreed to an Egyptian-Qatari ceasefire proposal, Moskowitz said that Israel had agreed to terms established by the U.S. and Qatar. The Egyptian-Qatari agreement called for a ceasefire, a complete withdrawal of IDF forces from Gaza, a hostage/captive exchange, a lifting of the Israeli blockade of Gaza and the reconstruction of Gaza. Watch the interview with Rep. Moskowitz in the video above. The post House Democrat Blasts ICC as Insignificant: Might as Well Call Them the Harry Potter Ministry of Magic | Video appeared first on TheWrap. People are being asked to leave by authorities at Kuakata Sea Beach in southern Bangladesh as Cyclone Remal nears. The Met Office has issued a great danger signal 10 for Mongla and Payra ports and nine coastal districts, warning that Cyclone Remal may strike on 26 May afternoon. Abu Sufian Jewel/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa Authorities in Bangladesh have evacuated hundreds of thousands of people to safety as a tropical cyclone in the Bay of Bengal made landfall in the countrys southern coast, officials said on Sunday. The storm started crossing the coast in the southern district of Khepupara in Bangladesh and in parts of neighbouring Indian state of West Bengal at around 8 pm (1400 GMT), meteorologist Shamim Ahsan told a news briefing in Dhaka. The cyclone, named Remal, was lashing the coast with wind speed up to 120 kilometres per hour, he said adding that it might take two hours for the centre to cross the coastline. Earlier, the government moved more than 800,000 coastal residents to cyclone shelters, a Bangladeshi junior minister said, as the Remal, which the meteorologists categorized as Severe Cyclonic Storm, was heading towards the coast. Other people in the coastal areas were also asked to move to safety, State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Muhibur Rahman said after a meeting over cyclone preparedness. The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh has suspended flights at Shah Amanat International Airport in southern port city of Chattogram. Weather permitting, the airport may resume operations on Monday morning, said Ibrahim Khalil, a press officer of the aviation authority in Chattogram. The Bangladeshi coastline is often hit by deadly tropical cyclones that are formed in the Bay of Bengal. More than 450,000 people have been killed in 12 major cyclones that have hit the Bangladeshi coastline since 1965, according to Bangladeshs 2016 report on disaster management preparedness. GAZA, May 26 (Xinhua) -- The Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, on Sunday announced the capture of an unspecified number of Israeli soldiers during an operation in the Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip. "Our fighters were able to carry out a complex operation on Saturday afternoon in the northern Gaza Strip, where they lured an Israeli force into one of the tunnels in the Jabalia camp, clashed with it from zero distance, and killed, captured, and wounded all its members," Al-Qassam Brigades spokesman Abu Ubaida said in a statement. A video clip released by Hamas showed an individual being dragged in a tunnel, purportedly an Israeli soldier, but this has not been independently verified. The video also showcased weapons and equipment claimed to be used by Israeli soldiers. In response to the announcement, Israeli army spokesman Avichai Adraee said "there is no incident of kidnapping a soldier in Gaza." Nearly 415,000 residents were without power across five states on Sunday after a series of severe storms ripped through the central U.S. overnight. Deadly storms tore across Texas, Arkansas and Oregon starting Saturday night, destroying homes and cars while forcing dozens of residents into shelter. By Monday, forecasters said the storms will move toward the east, stretching from Alabama to near New York City, The Associated Press (AP) reported. The weather prompted widespread power outages in the central U.S. Tracking website poweroutage.org estimated 415,929 residents were without power as of 5:05 p.m. EST in Kentucky, Arkansas, Missouri, Texas and Tennessee. About 200,523 of these outages were reported in Kentucky, the website noted. At least 15 people have been killed in the storms wake, including seven deaths in Cooke County, Texas, near the Oklahoma border after a tornado tore through the area Saturday night. The storm caused significant damage to numerous homes and businesses, according to a statement from Cooke County Emergency Management. At least five people were killed in Arkansas, including a 26-year-old woman who was found dead outside of a home in Boone County, per the AP, citing Daniel Bolen of the countys emergency management office. Another person died in Benton County, and two other bodies were found in Marion County, the news wire added. Two people were also killed in Mayes County, Okla., the AP reported, citing local officials. One person died in Louisville, Ky., as a result of the storms, Mayor Craig Greenberg (D) said on the social platform X, warning residents additional severe weather is expected. The severe weather comes amid a deadly tornado season in the U.S. Last week, five people died and another 35 were injured in Iowa as dangerous tornadoes ripped through the state, per local officials. April experienced the second-highest amount of tornadoes recorded ever in the month, with 384 preliminary tornado reports, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information. The Associated Press contributed. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. What can ice cream do? It helps us celebrate on special occasions and consoles us during difficult ones. Its memory-making power reminds us of racing to catch the ice cream truck as its tune floated through the windows and childhood afternoons spent gobbling up vanilla and chocolate twist cones. It can sweeten a first date or improve a road trip. Maybe, most of all, it can put the exclamation point on summer nights. Whatever the reason whether for nostalgia, comfort, joy or just because there are plenty of shops in metro Detroit where you can soothe your sweet tooth with scoops of ice cream, swirls of frozen custard, vegan soft serve, sorbet and more. This list is by no means exhaustive. There are many, many, many options. But if youre out and about, here are some must-try flavors, according to a dozen local shops. A cherry ice cream studded with fruit Black cherry ice cream at Calder Dairy and Farm in Carleton, Mich., on July 15, 2023. When asked what the must-try ice cream is at Calder Dairy and Farm, Jennifer Burley, manager at the farm store in Carleton, thought for a second. Theres actually a lot, she said with a chuckle, when reached in July. Calder, its website says, makes more than 30 flavors on the farm. Burley said one popular choice is black cherry, studded with big chunks of the dark red fruit. Other top flavors include butter pecan, cake batter and Bloo Moo, which has a bright blue hue. To visit, Calder has three locations: 1020 Southfield Road in Lincoln Park, 28190 Telegraph Road in Flat Rock and at the farm at 9334 Finzel Road in Carleton. On top of sweet treats, a trip to the Carleton location also offers a chance to mingle with farm animals, including some friendly goats. A sought-after banana soft serve Banana soft serve at Dougs Delight in Hazel Park, Mich., on July 15, 2023. The special soft serve flavor at Doug's Delight in Hazel Park changes almost weekly, but there's a particularly popular one customers keep coming back for banana. When available, it's the base for the shop's banana cream pie "Dougie," which is like a flurry, and has been a top seller, said Mo Marzullo, who runs the shop with her husband. They also own Matt and Mo's Italian Beef, which operates out of Doug's. The shop also sells scoopable ice cream from Northville-based Guernsey Farms Dairy and has a Dougie featuring Sanders Bumpy Cake. The banana soft serve isn't always available, but it's on rotation and the shop frequently posts its available flavors on Facebook. Doug's Delight is located at 24110 John R Road in Hazel Park. A coconut-encrusted custard Vanilla custard with toasted coconut topping at Bob-Jos Frozen Custard in Wyandotte, Mich., on July 15, 2023. At Bob-Jo's Frozen Custard a Downriver landmark now in its 76th year the topping is, easily, toasted coconut, said manager Cristina Booza. Encrusting the outside of the custard soft serve, customers will pair it with any flavor, she said. But her personal favorite is vanilla, in a waffle cone and rolled in the toasty coconut bits. The shop offers other concoctions, including frozen yogurt, hard scoops of chocolate and vanilla custard and sundaes, but the soft serve custard cones are bestsellers. And if you order a large, be prepared. "We dont skimp," Booza said. "I mean, our cones are big." Bob-Jo's is located at 4071 Fort St. in Wyandotte. A scoop that's like pudding in a cone Banana Pudding ice cream at MJs North End Ice Cream Parlor in Detroit on July 16, 2023. The shop sells Hersheys Ice Cream. The banana pudding ice cream at MJ's North End Ice Cream Parlor in Detroit is so popular, customers don't just buy it by the scoop. "We have people literally come and buy three pints ... and then another one to hide in their house just in case it goes missing, said Amber Justice, whose family owns and runs the shop, where she is head of marketing and social media. The shop sells Hershey's Ice Cream, which describes the flavor on its website as banana ice cream with marshmallow swirls and vanilla wafer cookies. Justice said other favorites include Superman ice cream and banana splits. MJ's North End Ice Cream Parlor which also offers sundaes, vegan options and ice cream sandwiches that customers can customize is located at 8801 Oakland Ave. in Detroit. A summer special: Pie and ice cream in one Blueberry pie ice cream with sprinkles at Rays Ice Cream in Royal Oak, Mich. on July 16, 2023. On a recent trip to Ray's Ice Cream, customers were lined up out the door to the sidewalk, waiting to grab some scoops from the long-running Royal Oak shop, which offers dozens of flavors each day. For the summer, that includes the popular seasonal favorite blueberry pie, Macy Hill, a manager at the shop, said in July. She described the sweet concoction as vanilla ice cream, layered with blueberry jam and pie crust. Another favorite, she said, is the salted caramel mocha chip. Ray's Ice Cream which offers other treats like sundaes, ice cream sandwiches, cream puffs and banana splits is located at 4233 Coolidge in Royal Oak. A classic that's always a favorite Chocolate ice cream at Guernsey Farms Dairy in Northville, Mich., on July 15, 2023. Guernsey Farms Dairy makes dozens of ice cream flavors, but third generation co-owner Joe Kinville said the top sellers are always the classics: vanilla, chocolate and butter pecan. What makes good ice cream, he said, is the base mix formula. Guernsey sources raw milk from a Grand Rapids farm, uses pure cane sugar and makes everything from scratch. Kinville said they "do things a little bit different in our processing to caramelize the sugars. ... Theres just different things like that, that make something as simple as a chocolate ice cream different from every manufacturer. Asked to describe their chocolate ice cream, he said it has a lot of butterfat, giving it a good mouth feel. Guernsey's scoop shop and restaurant are located at 21300 Novi Road in Northville. A nod to the biggest cookie fan of all Kooky Monster ice cream at Treat Dreams in Ferndale, Mich., on July 15, 2023. Treat Dreams has a rotating menu of ice cream options (sometimes surprising ones like ketchup and lobster bisque), but owner Scott Moloney was clear on the flagship flavor: Kooky Monster. The blue vanilla ice cream, packed with cookie dough and Oreos, has been on the menu since the Ferndale shop opened in 2010 and was inspired, of course, by the Cookie Monster. I really dont think wed even be in business today if we didnt have Kooky Monster," Moloney said. Treat Dreams, which also offers flavors like salted butterscotch and dark chocolate chocolate chip, is now in a few locations: 22965 Woodward Ave. in Ferndale; 4160 Cass Ave. in Detroit and 621 E. Eleven Mile Road in Madison Heights. In an interview in July, Moloney said a location was soon to open in Grosse Pointe Woods. A Girl Scout cookie-inspired sundae Cold Truth Soft Serve in Detroit serves vegan soft serve. Pictured is a sundae with sweet cream soft serve, dark chocolate drizzle, toasted coconut and caramel on July 16, 2023. At Cold Truth Soft Serve, which exclusively serves vegan ice cream, a go-to for manager Angelia Smith is a sundae based on Girl Scout Samoas. It starts with scratch-made vegan sweet cream soft serve, topped with dark chocolate drizzle, toasted coconut and caramel. "That is always such a delicious combo, Smith said in July. The shop, which Smith said uses coconut cream and oat milk for its base, has rotating soft serve flavors and also offers treats like ice cream sandwiches and homemade gluten-free waffle cones. Cold Truth Soft Serve's address is 4240 Cass Ave., Suite 100, in Detroit, but the walk-up window is around the corner on West Canfield Street. A lemony layered dessert Parfait layered with Lemon Cheesecake Bar ice cream, blueberry sauce, cheesecake nibbles and topped with whipped cream at The Creamery on Main in Armada, Mich., on July 16, 2023. The shop sells Michigan-based Ashbys Sterling Ice Cream. Some of the ice cream treats at The Creamery on Main in Armada are grand both in size and appearance. Customers could just grab a scoop of ice cream (made by Michigan-based Ashby's Sterling Ice Cream). Or, they could get a parfait, customized with the flavor and toppings of their choice. "They are very fun, theyre filling," said Emily Sawitzky, who co-owns the shop with her mom. A popular one, she said, is blueberry lemon cheesecake, layered with Lemon Cheesecake Bar ice cream, blueberry sauce and cheesecake nibbles and topped with whipped cream. Other favorites include a German chocolate parfait and loaded shakes, which are piled with goodies like cupcakes and ice cream bars, Sawitzky said. The Creamery on Main is located at 23090 E. Main St. in Armada. A honey-infused artisanal treat Honeycomb ice cream at Milk & Froth in downtown Detroit on July 16, 2023. The shop makes small batch ice cream from scratch. In downtown Detroit, artisanal ice cream shop Milk & Froth, which started in 2018 as a food truck, sells flavors like Peanut Butter Brittle, Sea Salt Butter Cake and Roasted Strawberry, a nondairy option made from coconut cream blended with roasted strawberries and layered with strawberry compote, according to the shop's website. "What makes our ice cream special is that we make everything from scratch," said co-founder and CEO Deion Cao. He said his favorite is Honeycomb, which the website describes as a "raw-honey infused custard featuring with chunks of homemade honeycomb brittle." Milk & Froth is located on the Congress Street side of the Buhl Building downtown. A treat inspired by Michigan's crummy roads Michigan Pot Hole ice cream outside of Scoop and Twist of Macomb in Macomb, Mich., on July 16, 2023. The shop sells Michigan-based Ashbys Sterling Ice Cream. Michigan's potholes are so notorious, they warrant frequent news coverage, wreak havoc on tires, frustrate drivers and, apparently, inspire creamy confections. Michigan Pot Hole, a flavor created by Ashby's Sterling Ice Cream, can be found at shops across the state, including Scoop and Twist of Macomb, where owner Tanya Balcom said it's a top seller. "The name itself makes it interesting for people," she said. On its website, Ashby's describes the flavor as "thick, black-tar fudge in chocolate ice cream with chunks of chocolate asphalt." Scoop and Twist of Macomb, which also offers a number of other Ashby's flavors, is located at 21912 Twenty-three Mile Road in Macomb. And finally ... a sweet sorbet made with Redpop Strawberry Faygo Redpop sorbet from Ice Cream Detroit, which runs a pop-up at the Detroit Soul location on East Jefferson Avenue in Detroit on July 19, 2023. Ice Cream Detroit plans to open a brick-and-mortar location on Second Avenue in Detroit's Midtown this summer, specializing in alcohol-infused ice cream and sorbet. But nonalcoholic versions of some of owner Ysahai Honor-Marie's small-batch creations are available now at her pop-up inside of Detroit Soul in the city's Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood. At the restaurant, her Virgin Ice Cream Bar offers a handful of ice cream flavors (including vanilla bean and butter pecan), treats like milkshakes and floats and the shop's signature sorbet made with strawberries and Faygo Redpop. "Everyone loves it, everyone loves it," she said. The Ice Cream Detroit pop-up is located inside of Detroit Soul at 14300 E. Jefferson Ave. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Metro Detroit ice cream, frozen custard shops: 12 must-try flavors Im an educator and grandson of Holocaust survivors, and I see public schools failing to give students the historical knowledge they need to keep our democracy strong In 2023, the Florida Department of Education announced, that it had rejected 35% of the social studies books publishers submitted for approval and use in the states public schools. The move was based on a determination the books contain references to social justice issues and other information not aligned with Florida Law. The decision garnered a great deal of media attention. But it was just the latest in a series of efforts around the country to limit students access to books, lessons and courses about certain historical and societal topics, often dealing with race. At least 36 states have halted or are seeking the legal means to stop teachers from examining racism in their classrooms. School districts around the country have banned books about issues ranging from racism to the Holocaust to the LGBTQ community. Parent groups have campaigned to restrict the instruction of such difficult topics as slavery. Moms for Liberty, and other groups and individuals opposing the instruction of some of these topics, say theyre protecting children from divisive, identity-shaming, indoctrinating and pornographic material. In my view, some segments of American society are turning their backs on history. That comes at a cost. Ive seen it firsthand. I direct Penn State programs the Holocaust, Genocide and Human Rights Education Initiative and the Hammel Family Human Rights Initiative that give my colleagues and me a real-time glimpse into the vulnerable state of K-12 instruction about difficult topics. Many educators have been shying away from sensitive issues. The 2022 American Instructional Resources Survey, a survey about teachers views on what they can teach, by Rand Education and Labor, which focuses on school and education issues, shows the new and proposed state laws restricting the instruction of difficult topics made a quarter of the countrys 4 million teachers hesitant or downright scared to teach those subjects. This was true even when the educators taught in a state that had not at the time proposed or enacted such a law. As a result, research shows, students may be deprived of vital lessons such as the global persistence of crimes against humanity and the factors that give rise to genocides. As a documentary filmmaker and assistant professor of journalism, I often discuss difficult topics with students. After a rough-cut university screening of my forthcoming documentary Cojot, which tells the story of Holocaust survivor Michel Cojots 1970s quest to kill his fathers Nazi executioner, two college students approached me apologetically, saying, Weve never heard of this. To spare them embarrassment, I noted the protagonists obscurity. Thats why Ive made this film, I said. Shaking their heads, the students stressed theyd never heard about any of this. They were talking about the Holocaust. As the grandchild of Holocaust survivors, I felt disturbed. As an educator, I wondered if were failing to give students the knowledge and insight they need to sustain and thrive in a 21st-century democracy. Costly ignorance Many Americans born between between 1981 and 2012, according to a 2020 Schoen Consulting national poll, lack basic knowledge of the Nazis murder of 6 million Jews and millions of people with disabilities, homosexuals, Romani and members of other oppressed groups. About two-thirds of respondents grossly underestimated the number of Hitlers Jewish victims and knew little to nothing about the worlds largest-ever death camp, Auschwitz. Students and others attend a rally outside City Hall in Orlando, Fla., to protest Florida education policies. Paul Hennessy/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images Ignorance plagues other difficult topics, as well. In May 2023, the National Center for Education Statistics released a report showing eighth graders grasp of U.S. history and civics has reached a historic low. The report revealed that in 2022, only 13% of eighth graders understood historic U.S. events such as the Civil War, a 5 percentage point drop from 2018. Few children and adults realize Europeans enslaved millions of Indigenous people throughout the Americas. Comprehension of African enslavement runs nearly as shallow. Nine out of 10 high schoolers who filled out a 2018 Southern Poverty Law Center survey failed to recognize slavery as the Civil Wars central cause. Most of the surveys adult respondents urged better preparation for those who teach students about slavery. K-12 educators agree. They recurrently told my colleagues and me they need intensive training and strong support to teach sensitive subjects effectively. Book bans right and left Since it began keeping tally in 2021, PEN America, which focuses on free speech in literature, has counted more than 4,000 instances of book banning in the U.S. Its March 2023 report showed a year-over-year jump of 28.5% in the number of books banned across the country. Banned books range from Toni Morrisons Beloved, a fictional tale of freed enslaved people, to Anne Franks Diary of a Young Girl, a nonfiction account of a Jewish girls life under Nazi occupation. Although book banning may seem like a product of our polarized period, it dates back to Colonial days. These bans were last popular in the early 1980s, when Ronald Reagan was president. Classroom constraints Efforts to restrict whats taught in the classroom also include bills blocking or restricting the instruction of certain sensitive issues. Students against a critical race theory ban at their school, hold signs with language opposing the ban during a school board meeting in Placentia, Calif., March 23, 2022. . Leonard Ortiz/MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images Most of the bills enacted by or making their way through 36 state legislatures vow to punish educators and districts that teach prohibited topics through disciplinary actions, funding cuts and criminal charges. Floridas 2022 Parental Rights in Education law, for example, cautions educators to avoid teaching K-3 students about racism and sexual orientation or risk imprisonment. Some of the new efforts are unlikely to have a practical effect on K-12 schooling. Although 49 state legislatures aim to prohibit the teaching of critical race theory, school districts have rarely incorporated the graduate-level academic concept into their curricula. However, some such legislative prohibitions may widen the gap between what democratic citizens need to know and what they learn in school. For decades, many experts on democracy have argued democracy suffers when officials impede the instruction of difficult topics and profits when they back it: Studies published by The Social Studies, a peer-reviewed journal, and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization demonstrate the price of schools failing to teach the Holocaust. That failure may rob students of such imperative lessons as how propaganda can mislead, grow and wreak havoc on democracy, as well as how societies and institutions can fall apart. An American Civil Liberties Union report indicates putting a lid on the exchange of information about difficult topics diminishes free speech democracys lifeline and boosts discrimination which is hazardous for a healthy society. UCLAs Public History Initiative maintains the future of democracy demands a citizenship fully informed about its past. History has demonstrated and, in recent years, so have citizens themselves that democracy suffers when they are uninformed. We need look no further than the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. People who lacked an understanding of the American electoral process participated in such acts as riots, seditious conspiracy and more while attempting to overturn the 2020 presidential election. This article was originally published on May 15, 2023 This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Boaz Dvir, Penn State Read more: Boaz Dvir does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. People stand on the bank of Kholpetua river while a volunteer alerts people before the Cyclone Remal hits the country in the Shyamnagar area of Satkhira People stand on the bank of Kholpetua river while a volunteer alerts people before the Cyclone Remal hits the country in the Shyamnagar area of Satkhira By Ruma Paul and Subrata Nag Choudhury DHAKA/KOLKATA (Reuters) -Bangladesh and India braced on Sunday for cyclone Remal, the first of the year, as the storm with wind speeds of up to 120 kmh (75 mph) is set to make landfall overnight, India's weather department said. The Bangladesh weather office raised its storm danger signal to 10, the highest level, for two ports and nine coastal districts, announcing warnings over loudspeakers and starting to evacuate people from coastal areas. "Nearly 60,000 people have been moved to shelters since morning," Mijanur Rahman, chief of Bangladesh's disaster management team, told Reuters. The low-lying coasts of Bangladesh and India, two South Asian neighbours, have experienced frequent severe storms in recent years. Cyclone Yaas in 2021 for instance left more than 50,000 people homeless and killed at least one. Bangladesh has set up nearly 8,000 cyclone shelters and mobilised 78,000 volunteers, the state minister for disaster management and relief Mohibbur Rahman told Reuters. India has deployed its disaster relief force in the eastern state of West Bengal. Flights have been suspended at the major metropolitan city of Kolkata. Parts of West Bengal have started experiencing bouts of moderate rainfall, and the government has cancelled leave for employees in essential services, a civic body official said. The Indian navy also said it had kept ships, aircraft, divers and medical supplies on standby for deployment if required. "The landfall of cyclone Remal will take place between 11 PM and 1 AM," Somnath Dutta, head of the weather forecast section in regional meteorological centre in Kolkata, told Reuters. Pictures on social media platform X showed the disaster management team alerting tourists at a beach in West Bengal. A number of trains travelling through areas that fall in the ambit of the cyclonic storm were also cancelled, another official said. (Reporting by Ruma Paul in Dhaka and Subrata Nag Choudhury in Kolkata; Additional reporting by Arpan Chaturvedi in New Delhi; Editing by William Mallard and David Holmes) Interactive graphic: St. Clair County has the most women veterans per capita in Illinois While women have always been a part of military operations, the military has not always allowed them to serve in all positions and they havent always gotten recognition for their service. Memorial Day is Monday, May 27 this year, honoring those who have died in service to the country. Veterans Day, which honors all those who have served, is Monday, Nov. 11. As opportunities for women in the U.S. military have increased, the population of female veterans across the country has also grown. Since 2010, the population of female veterans in the U.S. has increased by 81,000. With the total number of veterans and the number of male veterans decreasing every year, women are making up a larger proportion of the veteran population. Where do female veterans live? The map shows the number of female veterans per 1,000 women in each state in the U.S. Alaska and and Virginia boast the highest proportion of female veterans. Alaska has nearly 29 female veterans per 1,000 women in the state. This map shows the number of female veterans per 1,000 women in each county in Illinois. St. Clair County has the greatest number of women veterans per 1,000 women in the Land of Lincoln at 32.61. Monroe County comes in second with 18.36 women veterans per 1,000 women, according to data from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics. What resources are available for women veterans in Illinois? Women veterans re-entering civilian life can take part in a variety of resources, including a transition assistance program and business development. Crisis resources are also available for women veterans in need of emergency and transitional housing. Transition Assistance Program Service members start this program one year before leaving the service or two years before retiring, according to the VA. The program includes a one-day in-person course, as well as online learning. Topics covered in the program include accessing health care, applying for disability compensation, preparing for a career, finding housing and more. Womens Business Development Center The Chicago-based Womens Business Development Center offers training and assistance to women veterans in Illinois who are interested in entrepreneurship. The development center has upcoming informational sessions about accessing capital, international trade, small businesses and more. The WBDC will host a 2024 Midwest Business Conference Sept. 12 in Rosemont, Illinois. Center for Women Veterans The VAs Center for Women Veterans connects women veterans across the U.S. with resources such as mental health resources, home loans, education, maternity care, LGBTQ+ care, employment readiness services and more. You can reach out to Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs Women Veterans Coordinator Margo Watson at womenveterans@illinois.gov with questions related to programs for women veterans in the state. Are you a veteran or a veterans loved one in need of crisis support? You can dial 988 then press 1 or text 838255 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line. Do you have a question about the military in Illinois for our service journalism team? Wed like to hear from you. Fill out our Metro-east Matters form below. For decades, Dublin has been vindictively hostile to Jerusalem. Now the Emerald Isle, which has long boasted one of the most progressive leaderships in Europe, has taken its Israelophobic fetish to a new level. On Wednesday little more than seven months after the worst massacre of Jews since the Holocaust it joined Norway and Spain in unilaterally recognising a Palestinian state. The Taoiseach, Simon Harris, insisted rather feebly that Hamas is not the Palestinian people. The terror group itself, however, which enjoys majority Palestinian support, had no time for such subtleties, praising the brave resistance for winning such international legitimacy with kidnap, murder, mutilation and rape. In truth, without a credible plan for Israeli security, the two-state solution is currently simply a staging-post for the final solution. Given the absence of a single meaningful democracy in the Arab world, the chances of a democratic State of Palestine are not good. If a future Palestinian state turned into an Iranian-sponsored terroristan a second Gaza, if you will would the Taoiseach support IDF counter-terror operations? Or would he accuse Israel of ethnic cleansing and genocide (until the Jews succumbed to ethnic cleansing and genocide themselves)? When Ursula von der Leyen visited Israel to show solidarity a week after October 7, the Irish president, Michael Higgins, reacted with anger. We need a better performance in relation to European Union diplomacy, he ranted. This surely suggests an answer to that question. Such boneheaded Irish Israelophobia is the end-point of the journey of progressive radicalisation that commenced during the Cold War. In the 1940s, during the movement for Israeli independence, Ireland supported the Jewish insurgency in Palestine, viewing it as a struggle for indigenous self-determination against imperial Britain. In 1946, when members of the Jewish underground retaliated against whippings by the British army a classic colonial punishment by subjecting two officers to the same humiliation, former colonies celebrated. We received congratulations from Irishmen, Israeli leader Menachem Begin wrote in his memoirs. They had witnessed an episode which restored their dignity and self respect. In the late Sixties, however, Soviet ideological infiltration, combined with the rise of radical academics like Michel Foucault, Edward Said and Frantz Fanon, led to the spread of a new anti-colonial theory on the Left. This forcibly reinvented the identity of the Jews of Israel, replacing a persecuted, non-Caucasian people rooted in the Middle East with a fantasy of Aryan imperialist invaders. Such obvious bunkum is credible only in a world of Israelophobia. Which, shamefully enough, returns us to Ireland today. There remains some distinction, however, between the Irish people and the Irish elites. How we laughed in March, when the absurd attempt to push through anti-motherhood language in the countrys constitution was rejected at the ballot box. How we laughed during Eurovision, when Irelands jury awarded Israel nul points, but the Irish public gave it ten, the second highest score. This may not be much but its something. The green shoots of sanity are there. Jake Wallis Simons is editor of the Jewish Chronicle and author of Israelophobia Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. The IDF said it could clarify 'there is no incident in which a soldier was abducted' - IDF The Israel Defense Forces has denied a claim by Hamas to have captured at least one Israeli soldier during an ambush in its tunnel network on Saturday. Hamass military wing, the Al-Qassem Brigades, shared a video apparently showing a soldier being dragged along the floor of a tunnel. The video is captioned watch as the Al-Qassem Brigades lure a Zionist force into one of the tunnels in the Jabalia camp and engage it from zero distance, killing, wounding and capturing all its members. The video could not be verified by the Telegraph. The alleged soldier appears to be wearing jeans in the clip, which diminishes the chances of it involving a member of the Israeli armed forces. The IDF said in a statement that it could clarify there is no incident in which a soldier was abducted. It came as IDF warplanes and artillery pounded the southern city of Rafah on Sunday after the government dismissed an order to halt the offensive by the UNs top court. Hostage negotiations are set to resume shortly after David Barnea, the director of Mossad, and William Burns, the director of the CIA, met in Paris last week to discuss a new infrastructure to be put in place. Qatar, one of the Arab mediators, recently threatened to pull out of negotiations after Israel began its invasion of Rafah, where around half the Gazan population is taking refuge. New proposals from Egypt and Qatar are said to be at the centre of the talks, as pressure inside Israel to reach a deal intensifies. Demonstrations around the country on Saturday night saw tens of thousands demanding that prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu strike a deal to bring back the remaining hostages, who include women, children and the elderly. However, Mr Netanyahu has vowed that the war, which Hamas claims has led to more than 30,000 deaths, will continue until Hamas is entirely dismantled. On Sunday, former Israeli defence minister and war cabinet member, Benny Gantz, in an unprecedented move, called for an investigation into the Israeli government and army for the mistakes which led to October 7. Over 1,200 mostly civilians were killed in the single most deadly day for Jews since the Holocaust. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. FILE PHOTO: A drone picture shows Mount Meron where fatalities were reported among the thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jews who gathered at the tomb of a 2nd-century sage for annual commemorations JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Clashes erupted on Sunday between police and Jewish pilgrims at a religious festival site in northern Israel where three years ago 45 people died in a crowd crush, and which authorities closed this year due to rocket fire from Lebanon. Since the 2021 tragedy at the tomb of a 2nd-century sage during the annual Lag B'Omer celebration, police have limited the number of attendees. The all-night sessions of prayer, mystical songs and dance had in previous years drawn crowds in the tens of thousands. This year's festival was canceled since the site at Meron in the Galilee region has been targeted by rocket fire from Lebanon. Many northern Israeli towns have been evacuated since Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon began firing at them following Hamas' Oct. 7 assault on southern Israel, which sparked the war in Gaza. Both sides have traded blows since. Despite the closure, police said they turned away thousands of pilgrims over the weekend, though hundreds managed to reach the site, where things got out of hand. The visitors damaged property and hurled objects at officers, police said. Nineteen officers were injured. Israeli media reported that several people among the unauthorized crowd were hurt. At least one officer was suspended for pushing an older man to the ground, and police said it was examining other incidents from the site. (Reporting by Ari Rabinovitch; Editing by Josie Kao) Israel launched a deadly attack on Rafah on Sunday, in what the Palestinian Red Crescent Society claimed was a humanitarian area designated by Israel, according to the Associated Press. Medics said at least 35 people had been killed, and numerous others were tapped under the debris. The strike comes just two days after the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to stop its deadly military assault on the besieged enclave of Rafah, an area in the southern Gaza Strip where nearly one million Palestinian refugees have fled. Footage of Rafahs Tal al-Sultan neighborhood on Sunday showed rubble, debris, and the destroyed tents of Palestinian refugees burning in the night. Videos circulating on social media showed charred bodies that had been dragged out of the demolished structures, according to Axios. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society, a humanitarian organization operating in Gaza, insisted that Israel had publicly designated the space as a humanitarian area, a safe zone for those displaced refugees. It was not, however, included in a list of Israeli-ordered evacuation zones earlier this month. Dr. James Smith said that the attack was one of the most horrific things since he began working in Gaza, according to The New York Times. He said that the strike had killed and injured those who were seeking some degree of sanctuary and shelter in tarpaulin tents. The attack came hours after eight projectiles were fired into Israel by Hamas, the Israeli military said. A number of the projectiles were intercepted, they said, and there were no casualties. The long-range rocket attack was later claimed by Hamas military wing. In the two days since the ICJ ruling on Rafah, there have been 60 air raids in Rafah, according to the Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor. Some of the strikes targeted refugee camps, and at least 13 people were killed, including civilians. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol in Seoul, South Korea, May 26, 2024. Li arrived here Sunday to attend the ninth Trilateral Summit Meeting among China, Japan and South Korea from Sunday to Monday. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) SEOUL, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Sunday called on South Korea to work with the Chinese side to grasp the general direction of friendship and mutual trust between the two countries, and respect each other's core interests and major concerns. It is also hoped that the two sides can firmly be each other's friendly neighbor of mutual trust and partner of mutual achievement, and promote a sound, steady and substantial development of China-South Korea relations, he said when meeting with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol here on the margins of the ninth Trilateral Summit Meeting among China, Japan and South Korea. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties more than 30 years ago, China-South Korea relations have grown rapidly with fruitful economic and trade cooperation, which has brought tangible benefits to the two peoples, Li said. The two countries adhere to the ideas of mutual respect, openness, inclusiveness and mutual benefit, Li said, adding that such valuable lessons should be cherished and upheld by both sides in the long run. Noting that industrial and supply chains of China and South Korea are deeply intertwined, and economic and trade cooperation between the two countries has a solid foundation and huge potential, Li said both sides should work together to explore new cooperation areas, expand the scope of cooperation, and seize more development opportunities together. The two sides should also oppose turning economic and trade issues into political or security issues, and maintain stable and smooth industrial and supply chains of the two countries and the world, Li said. China is ready to work with South Korea to accelerate the second phase of China-South Korea Free Trade Agreement negotiations on a pragmatic and balanced basis, advance the building of the China-South Korea (Changchun) International Cooperation Demonstration Zone, and strengthen cooperation in high-end manufacturing, new energy, artificial intelligence, bio-medicine and other fields, he said. Li said China will further ease market access, provide better service for foreign investment, continue to foster a first-class business environment that is market-oriented, law-based and internationalized, and welcome more South Korean companies to invest and do business in China. The two sides should actively carry out exchanges at the sub-national level and in the fields of education, sports, media and youth, and continue to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples, he said. China is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with South Korea on the multilateral front and jointly promote peaceful development of the region and the world, Li added. Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol in Seoul, South Korea, May 26, 2024. Li arrived here Sunday to attend the ninth Trilateral Summit Meeting among China, Japan and South Korea from Sunday to Monday. (Xinhua/Liu Bin) Jackson Township firefighters and police and the State Fire Marshal are investigating a fatal fire that occurred Saturday night on Harris Avenue NW in Jackson Township. JACKSON TWP. Authorities are investigating a fatal fire Saturday night at a three-unit apartment building on Harris Avenue NW. The Jackson Township Fire Department responded at 9:47 p.m. following a 911 call about residential fire with an occupant inside. Flames were pushing out a door and window when firefighters arrived. The victim, who was not identified in a news release, was transported to Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital in Canton. Fire crews gained control of the fire quickly while recovering the remaining occupant, authorities said. Our hearts go out to the family that lost a loved one today," Jackson Fire Chief Tim Berczik said in a prepared statement. "We want to urge all of our residents to have working smoke alarms on every level of your home and if you hear those alarms sound, please, get out, stay out and close the doors on the way out. The statement did not say what caused the fire. The Massillon and Plain Township fire departments provided mutual aid. The Ohio Division of State Fire Marshal and Jackson police detectives are assisting with the investigation. This article originally appeared on The Repository: Jackson Township investigating fatal fire at apartment building A woman takes one of the bravest acts she can when she decides to no longer submit to a beating or other violence from the person she thought she could trust: a husband, boyfriend or significant other. When the time comes to choose safety over fear, she escapes (often with her children) and flees to one of the six shelters in the greater Kansas City area. Thats right, I said six. And if, like me, you think that number is low for a metropolitan area of more than 2 million people, you are right. Many larger metros have even fewer facilities. But even six is not enough when you factor it into how many people need it. Thousands. No, were not exaggerating at all, thousands, Corky McCaffrey says of the number of people they saw at Synergy Services in the Northland last year. More than 40,000 people used shelters in Missouri alone, according to domesticshelters.org. The Kansas City Police Department website reports responding to approximately 5,000 domestic violence calls a year Thats an average of almost 14 calls a day requesting help. Directors of shelters such as Synergy Services and Rose Brooks Center in central Kansas City know this. But did you know they are working together to do something about it? Every day, the shelters use a central strategy to find beds for victims, help them get housing and educate the community. One of the most urgent concerns is when a victim leaves the home and needs a place to stay a problem, says McCaffrey, because theres not enough shelter beds in the area. McCaffrey is Synergy Services community engagement coordinator. Last year, the shelter turned away 3,000 people. So, they ask other shelters for help. Theres just a dearth of shelter beds for domestic violence victims in the city. And so we do not view the other shelters as competition, she said. We actually view all of us as kind of sisters in arms against domestic violence issues. We do a lot of collaborating. Sara Brammer, vice president of domestic violence services for Synergy, said it goes beyond the beds. We collaborate with the other shelters. We collaborate with court systems. We collaborate with all kinds of people in an effort to create a coordinated community response. Tanya Draper-Douthit, Chief Operating Officer at Rose Brooks Center, described actively collaborating with community agencies helps domestic violence agencies to really focus on that goal of improving and enhancing survivor safety and improving offender accountability. Hope Houses assistance saved her live What services look like can be different on a case-by-case difference, but for Elaine, a survivor who was helped by Hope House in Kansas City, it didnt involve a bed. Elaine is not her real name. She survived years of abuse before fleeing her then-husband. After reaching out to Hope House and other agencies, she received therapy, divorce court assistance and later, assistance in getting her children away from her abuser. She said she was fortunate to be able to stay with her parents and never had to use a shelter bed, but believes that these agencies are critical in helping women have a future. I dont know how anybody can make it through the system without that level of support and have their kids be protected and their family unit protected. I dont know how they can, because I was very lucky, Elaine told me. She saw firsthand how collaboration between the shelter agencies saved a life hers. There are different services provided at some of the different shelters and I think being able to talk with each other and saying, if you have this and we have this, why dont we work together and just share what we can do to help the survivor and just give that person the best-case scenario? I did see that in my case. I think it should be that way for every single survivor. I mean, theres no reason that shouldnt happen. Elaine doesnt know whether she or her children would be alive today without the agencies help. I dont know if we would have been here. Honestly, the physical level of abuse was so high towards myself and what happened to the kids. Privacy, not big rooms of bunk beds Reports on domestic violence shelters use words such as clients and served, but when victims of domestic abuse find safe haven, its not a vacation. Its a chance to live and thrive. But its also not the end of their journey. Draper-Douthit spoke on some of the other services Rose Brooks offers. Even when there might not be a shelter bed immediately available across that agency network, there are other services that we can get people connected into. Thinking about this from that collaboration lens, I think that were always looking at sustaining our community partnerships, but also looking at ways to expand them to meet the changing needs of our community. One changing need is what a family looks like. Ive mostly referred to women, but intimate partner violence includes anyone, Draper-Douthit said. Services are open to anyone who is fleeing intimate partner violence. And so yes, its gender and identity inclusive. And because families sometimes have four-footed members, some shelters will take family pets. Shelter employees recognize the importance of animals because some people wont leave an abusive home unless they can take their pet. Rose Brooks Center created a program that works against domestic violence and pet abuse. Draper-Douthit said the center works with Kansas City Animal Services and takes referrals for complaints of partner violence and pet safety concerns. And then for people who are coming into our shelters, they can come with their pets and we have a pet advocacy manager that helps support them. Todays shelters arent the stereotypical open gymnasiums filled with beds. They often have private rooms. Some have private bathrooms. The rooms are not set up in that kind of open encampment style that some folks might picture with bunk beds, Draper-Douthit said. We really wanted to make it as warm and welcoming as possible recognizing that its a trying time in somebodys life when theyre needing to flee and come to the emergency shelter services. So we try to do whatever we can to make it feel welcoming and safe. Moms find success in employment, housing What happens to survivors after they have to leave the shelter? Programs vary, but at Synergy Services, most leave after four months. Brammer said she recognized that finding housing after leaving a shelter and still trying to avoid the abuser can be trying. Both Synergy, Rose Brooks and Hope House in Kansas City help people find housing after leaving. Soon, there might be another option in the Northland. Synergy is building an apartment complex near the shelter so that people can seamlessly transition into long-term housing and live there for up to two years. Brammer said right now they are working with 100 clients in scatter-site housing. But its hard to manage landlords and (find) apartments. So what we have to do is build apartments. They know from the scatter-site program that at the end of two years there is an 83% success rate for moms being able to stay in employment and find their own stable housing with their children. In spring of 2026, Synergy plans to open Forest Hill Village, which will have 18 apartments and will house up to 110 people in the first phase. Theyd like to double the capacity in the future. McCaffrey said the apartments will be open to anyone who goes through their domestic violence education program. Looking back on her own experience, Elaine is excited for survivors who can take advantage of how everything works together: the domestic violence shelter, therapy and classes, and then long-term housing. I think its an amazing opportunity for survivors, she said. Its moving through all of those pieces and then having the wraparound services: case management, the therapy services, having utilities paid and having your housing right there. Everything that you could need all while saving up for when youre done after those two years. I think my hope would be that that could be offered to every survivor. How to help Financial donations are always welcome, and most shelters can use clothing, toiletries and items for children. Synergy Services Amazon Wishlists Rose Brooks Centers needs Hope Houses Amazon Registry and list of urgent needs Keep Getting Your 3%: Trump Mocks Libertarians In Bid To Win Their Votes WASHINGTON In a speech that began and ended with overwhelming boos, Donald Trump on Saturday tried to court libertarian voters at their partys national convention by telling them to support him or keep being losers. You should nominate me or at least vote for me, the Republican presidential hopeful told the crowd of libertarian delegates, to boos. Only do that if you want to win, he continued. If you want to lose, dont do that. Keep getting your three percent every four years. The twice-impeached former president was jeered at almost every turn. At least one person was visibly dangling a rubber chicken with Debate Bobby on it, a message taunting Trump for ignoring a request earlier this month by independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to debate him at the libertarian gathering. Libertarian delegates jeer Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump as he speaks at the Libertarian National Convention at the Washington Hilton in Washington, Saturday, May 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) via Associated Press There were pockets of Trump supporters at the event, and they tried to drown out all the boos with We want Trump! chants. But they were outnumbered. And there was already drama brewing between them and libertarians before Trumps event began. Organizers asked Trumps supporters to clear the front rows for libertarian delegates, who will decide Sunday which candidate to endorse. This reshuffling infuriated Trump loyalists, who declared the situation an ambush. It was never a great idea for Trump to speak at this event. Libertarians have been skeptical of him, if not outright hostile toward him, and those tensions were on full display in Saturdays speech. The reason he spoke at this event at all is because the election is shaping up to be tight, and he, like President Joe Biden, wants to woo voters who may otherwise be considering supporting Kennedy. Even if Kennedy were to get just a couple of percentage points, it could potentially decide whether Biden or Trump gets a second term in the White House. Trump got booed a lot at the Libertarian National Convention. via Associated Press Amid the drama, Trump plowed ahead with his remarks, with promises of rewards for libertarians who help him get elected. He vowed to put libertarians in his cabinet and in top White House posts. He threw out policy ideas he figured would appeal to libertarians, like denying federal money to schools with mask mandates and barring the creation of a central bank digital currency. He even quoted Patrick Henry, because why not: Give me liberty or give me death. But the Republican presidential hopeful kept drifting back to insulting the group of people he was supposedly trying to win over. Im asking for the Libertarian Partys endorsement, or at least for your votes, Trump said later to loud boos. Lots and lots of libertarian votes. Or you can keep going the way you have for the last long decades and get your three percent, and then meet again, get another three percent, he continued. Its time to be winners. After Trumps speech, William Redpath, a former chair and three-time treasurer of the Libertarian Party, wondered why Trump spoke to the group at all. When I heard on May 1 that Donald Trump was actually going to speak at the Libertarian Party convention, it hit me like a ton of bricks, he said in a statement. Its bad enough for a [Libertarian Party] national convention to allow a rival presidential candidate to promote his candidacy, Redpath said. But, to invite Donald Trump to speak is beyond the pale. This is where the any publicity is good publicity philosophy takes you. A key phase in Biden's new student-loan forgiveness plan has wrapped up, bringing borrowers one step closer to relief. But pushback is brewing. A key phase in Biden's new student-loan forgiveness plan has wrapped up, bringing borrowers one step closer to relief. But pushback is brewing. The public comment period on Biden's new student-loan forgiveness plan is over. This means borrowers are now one step closer to the relief, which is planned for the fall. Still, opponents of the plan have threatened legal challenges, jeopardizing the relief's timeline. Rachel, a Pennsylvania student-loan borrower, wants President Joe Biden's new debt cancellation plan to be implemented and she wants the relief to be as broad as possible. In a comment to the administration publicly available on the Federal Register, Rachel wrote that "the more student loan debt that can be forgiven the better." She said her mom's student loans were forgiven last month, and during the over three-year student-loan payment pause, she was able to buy a home because she didn't have to pay her monthly student-loan bills. "My loans are currently in repayment, and if that burden could be lifted it would be life-changing for me," she wrote. Rachel is among the millions of federal student-loan borrowers contending with monthly bills again amid an uncertain time for relief. Biden's Education Department is working to implement a new debt relief plan after the Supreme Court struck down its first plan last summer. The new plan expected to benefit over 30 million borrowers is focused on distinct categories for relief, including: cancellation of unpaid interest of up to $20,000; debt cancellation for borrowers who are eligible for but have not yet enrolled in relief under plans like Public Service Loan Forgiveness and income-driven repayment; relief for borrowers who entered repayment at least 20 years ago; and relief for borrowers who attended programs that left them with too much debt compared to post-grad earnings. While a separate proposal for relief for borrowers experiencing financial hardship is expected to be unveiled in the coming months, the Education Department just concluded the public comment period for the other categories meaning it is now one step closer to implementing the relief this fall. But the road ahead isn't smooth. The department's proposal received a flood of negative comments, including a letter from 20 Republican state attorneys general who claimed the relief is unconstitutional. "The least the American people should be able to expect is that people receiving debt cancelation actually apply for it and that the Department makes a determination on an individual basis," they wrote. "Instead, the Department is twisting the law to forgive as many loans as possible. This is wrong." Some of those attorneys general have already filed lawsuits to block some of Biden's more targeted relief efforts, like relief through the new SAVE income-driven repayment plan, and it's highly likely lawsuits will arise once the administration gets closer to finalizing this new rule. The administration has maintained confidence in the legality of its relief, vowing to move as quickly as possible so borrowers can start reaping the benefits this year. "From day one of my Administration, I promised to fight to ensure higher education is a ticket to the middle class, not a barrier to opportunity," Biden said in a recent statement. "I will never stop working to cancel student debt no matter how many times Republican elected officials try to stop us." Where the challenges stand The administration is required to adhere to the negotiated rulemaking process to implement this new student-loan forgiveness plan. That means it will now take into account all the comments it received on the plan, and it will decide whether to adjust its proposal or move toward implementation. For now, the administration plans to begin implementing the relief this fall, coinciding with the presidential election. Should Biden win, relief efforts would continue, but former President Donald Trump would likely cease those efforts if he wins another term. A host of Republican lawmakers have also called on the administration to rescind its proposed rule. Before the public comment period concluded, 130 of them signed onto a letter saying that "the Supreme Court has made it abundantly clear that there is zero authority to write-off federal student loans en masse last June when the Department's 'Plan A' was ruled unconstitutional." In addition, experts previously told Business Insider that Biden is likely to face similar legal challenges to the ones he did the first time around when he attempted to cancel student debt using the HEROES Act of 2003. The HEROES Act allowed the education secretary to cancel student debt in connection to a national emergency, like the pandemic, which the Supreme Court ultimately ruled was unconstitutional. Biden's administration is using the Higher Education Act this time, which does not require a national emergency. Still, Cary Coglianese, an administrative law professor at the University of Pennsylvania, previously told BI that Biden "is certainly still facing a very skeptical Supreme Court." "Even though it's a different statute, it's still a skeptical Supreme Court," he said. "It's still a pretty big program even though it's a smaller one." For now, all borrowers can do is continue to make their payments as they wait for debt relief either through one of the administration's targeted efforts or the broader version set for the fall. Have you gotten student-debt relief? Do you have loans and don't believe they should be forgiven? Reach out to this reporter at asheffey@businessinsider.com. Read the original article on Business Insider King County deputies are searching for a woman in connection to an assault on a Sound Transit light rail on April 21. KIRO 7 News spoke with the victim, Chris Blea, about the attack. I was shocked. I was stunned, she said. Blea said she was talking with her friend on the light rail while they were traveling to watch the Seattle Reign play when a woman hit her with a Gatorade bottle with no warning near the Capital Hill light rail station. She took a Gatorade bottle and just hit you like a bat upside the head, Blea said a passenger told her. My head hit the bar behind us. It was just boom. I was like what just happened. King County deputies say they're searching for this woman who assaulted a passenger with no warning on the Sound Transit light rail on April 21. The victim tells me she suffered a concussion after the attack. Crime Stoppers is offering $1,000 for info (206) 255-8065. pic.twitter.com/ymDLeiaT0B Louie Tran (@louie_tran) May 26, 2024 I ended up with a concussion, whiplash. When I went to the doctor, I had fluid in my ear, Blea added. Blea said she believes in the light rail system but has become more hesitant to ride it since the attack. Im a little bit leery still to get back on the light rail, she shared. I want to believe it was a one-off. I have to believe its going to be safe. I want us to work together as a community. I want us to find this person. I want her to be brought to justice. I do think we need to work together as a community to make sure our city remains safe, she added. There have been a number of violent incidents on light rail over the past year, including a 37-year-old man who was stabbed to death a couple of weeks ago. This year, there have been 44 assaults on the light rail, the agency told KIRO 7 News. Without minimizing how serious any attack is, light rail is still very safe, serving more than 2 million passengers each month, said a spokesperson for Sound Transit. Officials told KIRO 7 News that they currently have 500 security staff members to keep passengers safe, including a new team of Public Safety and Security Field Activity Specialists thats available 24 hours a day for seven days a week, which has decreased their average response time to incidents by more than half, from 10 minutes to five minutes. Crime Stoppers is offering $1,000 to anyone who has information that can lead to an arrest and charge. Its (safety) extremely important. You expect to feel safe when youre out and about in public and especially on a communal rail like that, said Jim Fuda, director for Crime Stoppers of the Puget Sound. We are a community, and we are only as strong as our citizens. Lets keep our neighborhood safe. Lets report things to the police if you feel something is not right, and it makes it safer for everybody. What we know about the young missionaries and religious leader killed in Haiti This photo provided by Brad Searcy Photography shows Davy and Natalie Lloyd. Three U.S. missionaries were killed in Haiti after being ambushed at the Port-au-Prince, officials with the mission organization said Friday, May 24, 2024. Two of the victims were a young married couple, Davy and Natalie Lloyd, according to a Facebook posting from Natalie Lloyd's father, Missouri state Rep. Ben Baker. The name of the third person killed wasn't immediately available. (Brad Searcy Photography via AP) The bodies of a young missionary couple from the U.S. who were attacked and fatally shot by gang members in Haiti are expected to be transported to Missouri this week, a spokesperson for the families said Sunday. Thursdays killings of Davy and Natalie Lloyd, and Jude Montis, the local director of a mission group, Missions in Haiti Inc., happened in the community of Lizon in northern Port-au-Prince. They were leaving a youth group activity at a church, a family member told The Associated Press. Natalie Lloyd is the daughter of Missouri state Rep. Ben Baker. Speaking on behalf of the Lloyd and Baker families in a Facebook post on Baker's page, Cassidy Anderson said Sunday that transport had been secured for a Thursday arrival of the bodies in Missouri. But Anderson added that security is going to be very difficult." Haiti's capital has been crumbling under the relentless assault of violent gangs that control 80% of Port-au-Prince, while authorities await the arrival of a police force from Kenya as part of a U.N.-backed deployment aimed at quelling gang violence in the troubled Caribbean country. Here are some things to know about the missionary work, which focused on helping the children of Haiti, and the deadly gang attack. WORKING IN HAITI Missions in Haitis website says its goal is to see the Gospel of Christ make a difference in the lives of Haitis young people. Davy Lloyd's parents, David and Alicia Lloyd, of Oklahoma, started the organization in 2000 seeking to focus on the children of Haiti. David and Alicia Lloyd are full-time missionaries in the country. Although the entire nation is steeped in poverty, the children suffer the worst, they wrote on the website. Thousands are malnourished, uneducated, and headed for hopeless lives apart from Christ. Hannah Cornett, Davys sister, told AP that they grew up in Haiti. Davy went to the U.S. to attend a Bible college and married Natalie in June 2022. After the wedding, the couple wasted little time moving to Haiti to do humanitarian work. Cornett said Montis, a Haitian, worked at Missions in Haiti for 20 years. The organization's efforts include House of Compassion, which provides housing for 36 children 18 boys and 18 girls, its website says. All are destined to stay at House of Compassion until they have finished school and are ready to be on their own. Good Hope Boys Home provides a home for 22 boys, according to the website. The organization also built a church, a bakery and a school with more than 240 students. THE ATTACK A Facebook posting on the Missions in Haiti page stated that Davy Lloyd, 23, and Natalie Lloyd, 21, along with some children, were leaving a church when gang members in three trucks ambushed them. Davy Lloyd later called his family to tell them that gang members hit him on the head with the barrel of a gun, forced him upstairs, stole their belongings and left him tied up, Cornett said. As people were helping to untie Davy Lloyd, another group of armed gunmen showed up, Cornett said. No one understood what they were doing, not sure what took place but one was shot and killed and now this gang went into full attack mode, Missions in Haiti's posting said. The couple and Montis fled to a house connected to the mission. They tried to take cover in there, but the gang shot up the house, Cornett said. GRIEVING FAMILIES Cornett said Montis left behind two children, ages 2 and 6. Montis family could not be reached for comment Friday, and Missions in Haiti did not respond to an AP request for comment. Missions in Haiti said in a Facebook post on Saturday that they were facing the most difficult time of our life. The embassy is working on getting all the paper work done in order for them to be flown to the states and many more behind the scenes to make happen more quickly and safely, the post said, adding that the children and staff of Missions in Haiti have been relocated to a safer location. Baker, Natalie Lloyds father and a Republican state representative in Missouri, said Friday on Facebook that the couples bodies were safely transported to the U.S. Embassy. Throughout the weekend, Baker's Facebook page provided updates on the efforts to arrange for transport to Missouri. On Sunday, Anderson wrote on the families' behalf that plans firmed up and transport had been secured. Baker wrote on Facebook in the early hours on Friday that his heart was broken in a thousand pieces. Ive never felt this kind of pain, he said. Most of you know my daughter and son-in-law Davy and Natalie Lloyd are full time missionaries in Haiti. They were attacked by gangs this evening and were both killed. They went to Heaven together. Please pray for my family we desperately need strength. And please pray for the Lloyd family as well. I have no other words for now. Sen. Josh Hawley, a Missouri Republican, urged President Joe Biden in a letter Sunday to ensure adequate security measures are taken to safely return the bodies to the U.S., citing anarchic conditions in gang-infested Port-au-Prince. Haitian gangs are heavily armed and could delay or even hijack the vehicles carrying the Lloyds' bodies, Hawley wrote. I must stress the critical importance of sufficient security personnel to protect the transport during the journey to the final point of departure. The White House did not immediately comment on Hawley's request. On Saturday, the families received condolences from former President Donald Trump, who spoke at the Libertarian National Convention in Washington, D.C., and called it a very, very sad moment. ___ Associated Press writer Summer Ballentine in Columbia, Missouri, contributed. COLOMBO, May 26 (Xinhua) -- One died while 13 others were injured when a van carrying a group of pilgrims veered off the road in Kurunegala District, North Western province of Sri Lanka, on Sunday morning, the police said. The police suspect that the driver had fallen asleep at the wheel. A 69-year-old man died and 13 others who sustained injuries have been admitted to regional hospitals for treatment, the police said, adding that the injuries of seven were serious. Erica Lawson's toddler daughter Elena died on July 30, 2023 at a hospital in Tennessee Bell County Detention Center Erica Lawson A Kentucky mother is behind bars after prosecutors claim she abused her daughter so severely that it resulted in the toddler's death. However, her defense attorneys claim rumors that have circulated on social media have tainted the case. Erica Lawson, 21, has been charged with second-degree murder, failure to report child dependency neglect or abuse, first-degree criminal abuse and first-degree wanton endangerment in connection with the death of her 17-month-old daughter Elena, online court records reviewed by PEOPLE show. The Middlesboro Police Department arrested Lawson in 2023 after Elena died at a Tennessee hospital on July 30, 2023 due to her injuries. Lawson is now being held in Bell County, Ky., on a $1 million bond. According to WBIR-10, Elena's uncle went to police before her death to report suspected child abuse, but authorities were unable to locate Elena at the time. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. Commonwealth's Attorney Lisa Fugate is seeking the death penalty against Lawson, WATE reports. Lawson's defense attorneys are fighting against it, claiming that social media rumors have plagued the case. The defense has asked the state to prove why Lawson's case qualifies as a death penalty case. "I think that social media is an important element while discussing this case," Greg Coulson, one of Lawson's defense attorneys, tells PEOPLE. "There's an incredible amount of social media views and hundreds of thousands of interactions that are patently false and contradicted by the evidence." The defense also claims that past statements by Fugate, who previously claimed Elena was sexually abused, are false. According to the defense's motion to dismiss the death penalty, cited by WATE, there was zero evidence that any person sexually abused the child, nor that any male DNA was found on Elena. In response, Fugate claimed that more testing was currently underway, the outlet reports. "The medical examiner found no evidence of sexual abuse," Coulson tells PEOPLE. Lawson's defense attorneys are also requesting a change of venue for the trial citing threats and the public's interest in the case, WBIR-10 reports. The defense also claims false social media assertions regarding Elena's death have spread on social media. PEOPLE reached out to Fugate for comment, but did not hear back. Lawson's next court date is scheduled for June 5. Coulson says that Lawson will plead not guilty and that the defense "will continue to defend our client vigorously." If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. A Kentucky State Police trooper indicted for theft charges and abuse of public trust was part of the executive security detail for Kentuckys first family and his alleged actions could have impacted Gov. Andy Beshears safety, according to state authorities. Trooper Daniel Forbis, 42, was indicted in Franklin County Circuit Court for theft and unlawful taking of property more than $10,000 and abuse of public trust on May 21, after he allegedly took control over movable property belonging to the state, according to court documents. This is a concerning situation, as the troopers actions, as a member of the executive detail, could have negatively impacted the safety of the Governor and his family, said Sherry Bray, the branch manager of KSP public affairs. Both charges are Class C felonies. The indictment alleges on two separate occurrences in June 2023 and February 2024, Forbis unlawfully took or exercised control over movable property belonging to the state and KSP. Court documents allege while Forbis was acting in a government capacity, he took the public property and intentionally dealt with such public property as his own, but failed to disclose this to his employer. When KSP leaders were made aware of the alleged incident, Forbis was transferred to the agencys Post 15 in Columbia and placed on paid administrative leave, according to Bray. Forbis has now been suspended without pay pending the conclusion of the internal affairs investigation. If warranted, additional corrective action will be issued, she said. His first court appearance is scheduled for July 12. KSP Post 15 serves Adair, Casey, Clinton, Cumberland, Green, Marion, Metcalfe, Monroe, Russell, Taylor and Washington counties. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) The Berrien County Parks & Recreation Commission will receive a new water rescue device to keep swimmers safe on Lake Michigan. The commission announced that an E.M.I.L.Y Water Rescue Device has been donated to Silver Beach County Park. E.M.I.L.Y. stands for Emergency Integrated Lifesaving Lanyard. It is a remote-controlled device that can be sent out into rough surf to rescue a struggling swimmer without putting another life at risk. According to the manufacturer, the buoyant machine is a little over 4 feet long and approximately 44 inches around. It can go up to 23 miles per hour and has several grip handles so swimmers can grab on and be pulled back to shore. Sign up for the Storm Team 8 daily forecast newsletter Park staff along with first responders from nearby agencies are expected to undergo training on the new device next month. The E.M.I.L.Y. device has also been used by other organizations to investigate potential damage to bridges and other infrastructure in dangerous situations. The Michigan Department of Transportation has one of the devices and used it in several instances following the massive flooding in 2020 in mid-Michigan. Even while water levels were still on the rise in the flooded areas, we were able to get EMILY in the water to determine if scour was getting worse in some locations, an MDOT engineer told Fox 2 out of Detroit in 2021. A study published in 2016 stated that E.M.I.L.Y. was safer, less costly and less labor-intensive than other methods for damage assessment. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com. LAURINBURG, N.C. (WBTW) A Laurinburg man shot his mother in the head before turning the gun on her dog and killing the animal early Saturday night, police said. Audie Ray Jacobs, 26, is facing charges of assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, inflicting serious injury and felony cruelty to animals. Hes currently being held at the Scotland County Detention Center. Officers arrived to a Gill Street home in Laurinburg about 5:40 p.m. for an unknown disturbance. When they arrived, a woman was screaming inside the home. Her mother had sustained a gunshot wound to the head and the dog was fatally shot, authorities said. The woman was transported to Scotland Memorial Hospital and then airlifted to another facility where she remains in critical condition. Police found Jacobs around 8:30 p.m. and arrested him without incident. * * * Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. Reps. Jason Crow (D-Colo.) and Steve Womack (R-Ark.) expressed concern that todays lawmakers are setting bad examples for the next generation of American leaders, in a Sunday joint interview. On NewsNations The Hill Sunday with Chris Stirewalt, Crow and Womack two U.S. veterans stressed the value of military service and urged greater bipartisan cooperation and civility for the countrys sake. I think, more than anything, we are setting a terrible example for the next generation of great Americans. And there is a legion of young people out there that are looking at us and basically deciding what is going to be acceptable, what is going to be normal, as they come up through the ranks, Womack said. And I think thats one of the real difficulties we have as a country, he continued, is that todays role models are failing in this opportunity to be able to represent whats good and whats great about our nation. Crow similarly stressed the importance of maintaining common decency with people on the other side of the aisle, saying, Public service implies sacrifice. Its not supposed to be about you. I think that is the spirit that we have to get back to, Crow added. That is, America does great things. And we are at our best when people put aside their self-interests and make sacrifice. Referencing Womack, sitting beside him, Crow continued, And as a Democrat and Republican sitting right here, you know, we dont always agree, we have debates, but youll never hear me call Steve evil or malign him or question his motivations. Were going to have a debate. Well try to flesh it out. Sometimes well agree, sometimes we wont, and then well move forward. The lawmakers are both members of the For Country Caucus, a group of about 30 veterans in Congress who have worked together in the last five years to pass dozens of nonpartisan measures into law. The lawmakers have reaffirmed their commitment to continuing that work. Were going to have these rigorous debates, Womack said. It was designed to be messy. But when its all done, were going to dinner. And thats the problem today. Were not having dinner. Womack said he would like to see the country come back to the era where it was possible to have those intense debates about very important subjects agree, disagree, get something done that benefits the country and then go have dinner. The interview comes during Memorial Day weekend, as Congress has continued to reach new heights in terms of the level of public animosity it displays among members. Just this month, a House Oversight and Accountability Committee hearing devolved into chaos as Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) clashed with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) after the firebrand Republican accused Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) of wearing fake eyelashes. The comment which was made during a markup to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt of Congress prompted nearly an hour of disorder in the committee, with lawmakers screaming over one another and hurling insults left and right, leaving Chair James Comer (R-Ky.) struggling to maintain order. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. A pair of lawmakers on opposite sides of the aisle on Sunday warned the decline in migrants at the U.S. southern border is likely not permanent and called for congressional action to maintain the drop. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas), in two separate interviews on CBS Newss Face the Nation, agreed illegal crossings have decreased in recent months but poured cold water on the numbers staying that way. When asked by Face the Nation anchor Margaret Brennan if the decline in migrant crossing numbers is because of the Mexican government or the Biden administrations policies, Murphy said, It is because of, I think, smart, effective diplomacy between the United States and the Mexican government. According to internal government data obtained by CBS News last week, illegal crossings at the southern border are down by more than 50 percent compared to the record-high figures observed in December. I dont know that its permanent, Murphy continued. And so, I think we have to just recognize that without updating the laws of this country, without surging more resources to the border, we cant count on the numbers staying as low as they are today. Gonzales, meanwhile, argued the decrease does not relate to President Bidens action at the border. Well, first off, it doesnt have to do with what Joe Biden has done. Were on pace for 1.3 million people to come over illegally. The numbers are down. The explanation is Mexico, he said Sunday. In many, many ways this is just Mexico carrying Biden a couple rounds. Now Joe Biden wants to secure this thing long-term, I think he needs to stop looking at the Senate for a solution and look to the House. Gonzales noted Mexico will hold elections next month and have an incentive to keep the border crossing numbers low ahead of the June 2 race. For the second time in recent months, the Senate last week voted down a bipartisan border security bill negotiated over the fall and winter by Murphy and Sens. James Lankford (R-Okla.) and Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz). Murphy on Sunday said he and many colleagues were heartbroken over the failed vote. And remember, today, you have about 3000 people crossing the border on a daily basis. Thats still a high number compared to what we saw 10 years ago, he said. And so, for many of us, we are just heartbroken. Were sick over the fact that our Republican colleagues in Congress continue to vote against bipartisan border security that would give us the opportunity to actually give the president the resources and the authorities to make this a permanent change, to get the numbers under control on a permanent basis, he added. Gonzales suggested Biden needs to have more conversations with members of the House rather than in just the Senate, where the border bill was negotiated. The House is where I believe you start if you truly wanted to solve it. Now, if you want to make it about politics and just blame someone else, then you hold it in the Senate and you say were trying, were doing the best we can, Gonzales said. The Hill reached out to the White House for comment. Murphy maintained his party supports bipartisan border security, repeating the accusation Republicans and former President Trump are looking to use the border as an issue to run on this November. President Trumps desire [is] to keep the border a mess because he thinks that it helps him politically. This is as clear a contrast as has ever been available to the Democratic Party on the issue of the border, he said. Democrats support bipartisan border security, Republicans want the border to be a mess, because its good politics for them. And the president and every Democrat running for office should be talking about that. Following last weeks vote, Biden slammed Republicans for blocking the legislation, arguing the GOP does not care about securing the U.S.s southern border. Congressional Republicans do not care about securing the border or fixing Americas broken immigration system. If they did, they would have voted for the toughest border enforcement in history. Instead, today, they put partisan politics ahead of our countrys national security, he said in a statement Thursday. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. At least 18 killed as tornadoes rip across the US cutting power lines and destroying homes At least 18 people were killed after tornadoes swept across a vast swath of the US, with powerful winds ripping off roofs and toppling electricity pylons. The storms obliterated homes and destroyed a truck stop where dozens sought shelter in a restroom. Seven deaths were reported in Cooke County, Texas, near the Oklahoma border, where a tornado on Saturday night plowed through a rural area near a mobile home park, according to Texas Governor Greg Abbott at a news conference on Sunday. The dead included two children, ages 2 and 5. Three family members were found dead in one home, according to the county sheriff, the Associated Press reported. About 100 people were injured and more than 200 homes and structures destroyed, Mr Abbott said, speaking in front of the ravaged truck stop near the small agricultural community of Valley View. Storms also killed two people and destroyed houses in Oklahoma, where the injured included guests at an outdoor wedding, eight people in Arkansas and one person in Kentucky. Tens of thousands of residents were without power across the region. Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kansas, Indiana and Kentucky were battered by storms, hail, and twisters overnight on Saturday into Sunday. More than 100 million people, nearly a third of the US population, had been under severe weather warnings. The centre of the country bore the brunt of the storms as millions of people planned to enjoy the Memorial Day holiday. More than 500,000 were left without power as winds overturned cars and destroyed homes. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency early on Monday in a post on social media platform X, citing multiple reports of wind damage and tornadoes. Elsewhere in Texas victims in Denton County were taken to hospital, but their condition was unknown. According to officials, 24 mobile homes were shattered. An employee helps to collect tools from the wreckage of a body shop in Valley View, Texas - Julio Cortez/AP Damaged cars in Valley View - Julio Cortez/AP In Cooke County, rescue workers combed through the debris looking for survivors. The storm has caused significant damage to numerous homes and businesses, said Sheriff Ray Sappington. Emergency services are actively searching the debris for missing persons and there have been numerous injuries of varying degrees reported. It would really help if people just stayed away right now, gave us a few hours to get our search and rescue done, he told ABC News. I know some were out of the area and trying to get back, but its dangerous out there. Power lines are down. There have been reports of gas leaks. Its just dangerous right now. The dead in Arkansas included a woman, 26, who was found outside her destroyed home in Olvey. A woman salvages items from her destroyed home in Valley View - Julio Cortez/AP The small town of Rogers in Arkansas was wrecked after powerful winds ripped off metal roofs and brought down power lines and trees. Ive lived in this area my entire life, I can barely recognise it, a woman told the Weather Channel. There were also reports of flash flooding in Memphis, Tennessee and Tupelo, Mississippi. At the Indianapolis 500 motor racing event, officials warned spectators to take cover from the lightning. Given the proximity of lightning moving toward the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a decision has been made to pause the pre-race ceremonies and move fans out of the grandstands and Snake Pit, Indianapolis Motor Speedway said on X. The storms were moving east on Sunday towards Ohio, North Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia, putting an estimated 27 million people in the mid-Atlantic region at risk. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Benjamin Netanyahu admitted to a tragic mistake after an Israeli strike on a tent camp full of Palestinians in Gaza triggered global condemnation. Israel admitted to striking a tent camp full of displaced Palestinians in Gaza on Sunday night, killing dozens and triggering calls from global leaders and senior Israeli officials for an end to the fighting. Thousands were taking shelter in Tel al-Sultan having fled from the east of the city where the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued evacuation orders and began a ground offensive earlier this month. Israel admitted civilian casualties in Rafah but said its forces were aiming at a Hamas compound, killing two senior commanders. The airstrike killed Yassin Rabia, who was responsible for funding and overseeing Hamas operations in the West Bank, and Khaled Nagar, a senior officer in Hamass West Bank wing, according to the Israeli military. On Monday, Mr Netanyahu told the Israeli parliament: In Rafah, we evacuated a million uninvolved residents and, despite our best efforts, a tragic accident happened yesterday. He said an investigation was underway. Fire rages in Tel al-Sultan, a western Rafah neighbourhood, after an Israeli strike - Reuters The overnight attack came a few hours after Tel Aviv was targeted with a rare barrage of missiles from Rafah, the first one in months. Meanwhile, scores died and many more were injured when the Israeli airstrike hit the Tel al-Sultan neighbourhood, in western Rafah, on Sunday night, causing a blast at the camp and killing many, including women and children inside, local health officials said. Eyewitnesses told Reuters the tents were melting from the bombardment, burning people alive. At least 35 people were killed and dozens were injured, most of them women and children, a spokesman for the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza said in the early hours on Monday. Israels top military prosecutor described the bombing in Rafah as very grave. The details of the incident are still under an investigation, which we are committed to conducting to the fullest extent, Maj Gen Yifat Tomer Yerushalmi told a conference hosted by the Israel Bar Association. The IDF regrets any harm to non-combatants during the war. On Monday, Egypt condemned what it called the deliberate bombardment by Israeli forces of displaced peoples tents. People search among burning debris after the strike on Rafah - Mohammed Salem/Reuters Jordan also expressed its condemnation, accusing Israel of committing ongoing war crimes. Qatar, meanwhile, said the bombing could hinder a ceasefire and hostage deal. The strike was carried out against legitimate targets under international law, through the use of precise munitions and on the basis of precise intelligence that indicated Hamass use of the area, IDF said in a statement early on Monday. The IDF is aware of reports indicating that as a result of the strike and fire that was ignited several civilians in the area were harmed. The incident is under review. Rare criticism of the ongoing Israeli offensive came on Monday from Gadi Eisenkot, a much-respected minister in the war cabinet and close ally of Israels most popular politician Benny Gantz. Mr Eisenkot, a former IDF chief of staff well-connected with the Biden administration, said on Monday Israel needs to halt the fighting in Rafah and prioritise ceasefire talks with Hamas to secure the release of the Israeli hostages who have been in captivity for over eight months. [Israel] should reach the finish line in the fighting in Rafah and move forward with the hostage deal as an obligation and as a strategic necessity of the State of Israel, Mr Eisenkot said. Children were among those wounded in the Israeli strike - Reuters The senior official, whose son died fighting in Gaza last year, also echoed a widespread belief among Israel watchers that Mr Netanyahus stated goal of a total victory over Hamas is an illusion. Reports and medics on the ground in Rafah reported widespread scenes of death and devastation, with many bodies charged and barely identifiable from blast impact on plain tents. Sir Keir Starmer has said he was shocked by the overnight scenes from Rafah and said the Israeli offensive must stop. Asked what he would tell Mr Netanyahu if he were prime minister, the Labour leader said: Stop. Those scenes, those reports, are horrifying and what makes it worse was this was a safe zone with women and children and families that have already fled a number of times. Its horrifying to see that. Ive been saying for some time the Rafah offensive should not take place. He added: I was shocked by what I saw overnight, I think any human being would be shocked by what they saw. Its got to stop. Hisham Mhanna, of the International Committee of the Red Cross, spoke of hospitals overwhelmed by dealing with the injured. A deadly night in Rafah, he tweeted. The ICRC field hospital has dealt with an influx of casualties with injuries and burns. Leaders in France, Germany, Spain have condemned the bombing - dpa picture alliance / Alamy Live News The UNs agency for Palestinian refugees said on Monday it had lost contact with its employees on the ground and could not immediately establish their location. On Monday, the EU foreign policy chief called on Israel to adhere to the International Court of Justice ruling that specifically ordered Israel to stand down in Rafah while the prime minister of Spain said he will urge his counterparts to pass a joint appeal on Israel to comply with the ruling. The foreign ministry of Qatar, a key mediator between Israel and Hamas in talks to release Israeli hostages from Gaza, said on Monday the Rafah attack could hinder its mediation efforts. Mediated talks are expected to resume this week. Sunday nights attack was the single biggest loss of life in Rafah since Israel launched an operation there despite overwhelming global calls, urging against what many predicted would be a bloodbath. The US, Israels key ally, has spoken vehemently against the Rafah offensive but US officials in recent days indicated that what they had been seeing in Rafah so far is quite limited and does not cross their red lines. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. At least 22 dead, dozens injured, as suspected tornadoes leave trail of destruction across the South At least 22 people are dead, including children, after severe weather spawned several reported tornadoes that tore a path of destruction across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Kentucky since Saturday night. Standing in front of what was left of a destroyed AP Travel Center near Valley View, Texas, about 55 miles north of Fort Worth, Sheriff Ray Sappington said two children, ages 2 and 5, were among the people killed in what he described as mobile and modular homes in rural Cooke County on Saturday night. "It's just a trail of debris left. The devastation is pretty severe," Sappington told The Associated Press. Those dead in Texas included three family members who were found in one home near the small community of Valley View. At least two additional children in Cooke County were also reported missing in the wake of the storm, and crews were continuing search-and-rescue efforts amidst the destruction. "It took some time to get back in there because of all the damage with the power lines, and trees were down. It was kind of a monumental task just to get back to where they were," Sappington said. Sheriff Sappington also said 60 to 80 people were injured at the AP Travel Center between Valley View and Sanger early Sunday morning during the storm. Several miles down the road, near the town of Sanger, a suspected tornado overturned tractor-trailer trucks and motorhomes, damaged homes and knocked down power lines and trees throughout the area, Dawn Cobb, a Denton County, Texas, spokesperson, said in a news release. Deputies responded to multiple locations, including "homes and RV trailer parks." The fire department in the city of Denton, about 37 miles north of Forth Worth, Texas, posted on X that emergency personnel were responding to a marina "for multiple victims, some reported trapped." DENTON FD sending 4 Medics, Rescue, Batt 1 to Marina Circle at Ray Roberts for multiple victims, some reported trapped. E6/M6 enroute to Sanger Fire Station to help cover calls. Major damage at the county line on Lone Oak Road. @cityofdentontx @DentonScanner @DFWscanner pic.twitter.com/MXIe6JzZkK City of Denton Fire Department (@DentonFireDept) May 26, 2024 Across state lines, officials also confirmed two deaths in Mayes County, Oklahoma. Details about the dead were not immediately available, said Mike Dunham, the county's deputy director of emergency management. Damage was also reported throughout Rogers County, Oklahoma, after a possible tornado. About 28 miles east of Tulsa, police in Claremore, Oklahoma, said the city was "shut down" due to storm damage, including downed power lines, trees and inaccessible roads. Officials say the damage is extensive and power will be out for much of the city "for an extended period of time." At least five people were reported killed in Arkansas. A 26-year-old woman was found dead outside a destroyed home in Olvey in Boone County, according to the county's Office of Emergency Management. Another person died in Benton County, and two more bodies were found in Marion County. Another death was reported in Benton County, Arkansas. Melody Kwok, a county communications director, said multiple other people were injured. A state of emergency was declared in Kentucky on Monday in the wake of deadly storms, including one that roared through the community of Charleston, located in the western part of the state. Over half a million electric customers consistently lacked power from Friday night to Sunday morning from Tulsa to Pittsburgh. Although that number dropped Sunday afternoon and Memorial Day to 250,000, severe storms in Texas early Tuesday morning moved through the Dallas metroplex, spiking outages to over 786,000 in that area, according to PowerOutage.us. To the editor: It's difficult for me to imagine a pardon more repugnant than the one Texas Gov. Greg Abbott granted to the convicted murderer of a Black Lives Matter protester. But Abbott merely was parroting the same message that former President Trump sent in pardoning so many convicted criminals who were among his supporters: Laws are enacted to regulate the actions of progressives, not conservatives. Got it. Something for voters to remember in upcoming elections. Greg Gilbert, Burney, Calif. .. To the editor: Let me get this straight. Most people in Texas are allowed to openly carry a firearm in public. But according to Gov. Abbott, Texans are also allowed to shoot anyone carrying a gun if that person approaches you, talks to you or otherwise exhibits any behavior you believe is forcing you to "stand your ground." Thats wilder than the Wild West ever was. Dodge City, Tombstone, Abilene and Deadwood all had varying forms of gun control that todays 2nd Amendment advocates would vociferously claim to be unconstitutional. And they say California is full of lunatics. Greg Seyranian, Redondo Beach .. To the editor: Abbott's pardon is another example in this country of a white minority pretending to have a political philosophy. Abbott and his ilk are not politicians, they are not leaders, and they most certainly do not have the public's interest in mind. To be in control is their only motivation. Michael Harold, West Los Angeles This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Shusha city has hosted a plenum on the topic "Issues of preserving historical monuments in Garabagh and East Zangazur", Azernews reports. Special Representative of the President of the Azerbaijan Republic in Shusha district Aydin Karimov, Executive Director of the Shusha State Reserve Tural Novruzov, employees of the representative office and reserve participated in the plenum. Chairman of the Azerbaijan Union of Architects Elbay Gasimzade and Rector of the Azerbaijan University of Architecture and Construction Gulchohra Mammadova met with the participants of the event. During the plenum, it was underlined that such plenums play an exceptional role in the restoration of architectural monuments in the territories liberated from occupation. The meeting participants drew attention to the fact that there were about 200 architectural monuments in Shusha before the occupation. Almost all of them fell into disrepair, and some were completely destroyed. It was emphasized that local specialists play a large role in the restoration process that is being carried out today. A total of 18 architectural monuments have been restored over the past period. The sides stressed that in order to promote the city of Shusha at the international level and exchange experience, the Shusha Symposium of Architects of the Turkic World was held last year, and a meeting of architects of the Islamic world is planned this year. ROME, May 25 (Xinhua) -- The Group of Seven (G7) finance meeting concluded with a call for international cooperation, an economist said here on Saturday. "There's an increasing recognition that the only way to confront global challenges is for countries to work together," Javier Noriega, an economist with Milan-based investment bank Hildebrandt and Ferrar, said in an interview with Xinhua. In a communique issued after the 3-day meeting in Stresa, northern Italy, G7 finance ministers and central bank governors agreed to advance cooperation "to enhance global economic resilience and economic security and protect our economies from systemic shocks and vulnerabilities." "The world is heading to an increasingly multi-polar economic system," Noriega said, referring to multiple economies including the United States, China, the European Union, and others. He said there is no single dominant player and the multi-polar economic system "creates interdependence and the need for transparency and open and fair trade." In the communique, the G7 ministers noted the impacts on the global financial system by issues ranging from Artificial Intelligence (AI) to climate change. They also highlighted the importance of other fora, including the Group of 20 -- a group of the world's largest economies, the World Trade Organization (WTO), and the International Monetary Fund. "There are many global challenges, so ministers must walk a line between what is best for the global economy and national priorities," Noriega said. This meeting is a ministerial-level gathering before the G7 Summit for heads of state and government scheduled for June 13-15 in the southern Italian region of Apulia. SIR Young voters, who are often apathetic, are now likely to come out in force at the general election. They have a clear choice between Labours proposal to lower the voting age and being forced by the Conservatives into National Service (report, May 26). As the father of two teenagers, I know what theyll vote for. Christian Froggatt Reigate, Surrey SIR Rishi Sunak is absolutely right to bring back National Service and is the only politician with the courage to promote it. The young will find discipline, a purpose in life and self-respect, as well as travel and the chance to learn a skill to support them for the rest of their lives. And we will all be safer as a consequence. N B Bentley London SW3 SIR The Armed Forces are dangerously low on numbers. Where will they find the manpower to train and lead Rishi Sunaks National Servicemen and women? Julian Tope Portishead, Somerset SIR As a former serving soldier, I see National Service for a year as a terrible idea. Basic training takes between two and four months, and could be delayed by recruits getting injured or failing tests, which leaves little time to achieve much. Also, the military works well in its current form as everyone is a volunteer. National Service would damage morale. Rishi Sunak claims that recruits will gain experience in logistics, cybersecurity, procurement and civil response operations. Is the mandate of one year a typing error, because all this training will require more time? I am now a cybersecurity professional, and can confirm that it takes a lot more than a year to gain any meaningful experience of this subject. Hannah Hunt Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire SIR Voters are not interested in National Service. They are interested in the underperforming health service and rising immigration, and they want to hear a clear plan for how these issues will be addressed. If problems in these areas are, as I suspect, unfixable, then politicians need to be honest about the reasons why. Simon Warde Bognor Regis, West Sussex SIR I was inspired to read about the Prime Ministers plans for compulsory National Service for 18-year-olds. However, I think a similar scheme for MPs and other public servants would be more useful. Bill Galvin Stockport, Cheshire SIR Sir Keir Starmer plans to be in No 10 for 10 years (report, May 25). Its comforting to know that he has at least one plan. Geoff Millward Sandside, Cumbria Risks to food security SIR I am approaching the final stages of my farming career and it has pained me to witness the demise of family farms. Traditional livestock farms and small businesses in general were the backbone of the British economy, yet politicians of all stripes have taken short-term, opportunistic attitudes to farming for more than 40 years as illustrated by the dissolution of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in 2002, and monopolisation by supermarkets, which have relentlessly increased profit margins at the expense of producers. The Governments approach is to adopt populist, so-called green initiatives, which place more emphasis on expanding newt ecosystems than ensuring quality British produce. Ministers seem unconcerned that our food security is at risk, and that we are increasingly dependent on overseas imports, with the associated carbon emissions from shipping. Future generations will pay a heavy price for such disjointed and ill-conceived policies affecting British farming. As with most sectors in the British economy, the only growth appears to be in government bureaucracy and complacency. Sandy Owens Presteigne, Radnorshire SIR I am 82 and have been farming on my own account for 57 years. Returning to the way we farmed 50 years ago, as the head of Waitrose suggests (Features, May 9), would mean ploughing, and it is because ploughing ceased that tens of thousands of acres are now infested with black-grass, rye bromes, annual meadow-grass and wild oats. Regenerative farming in respect of tilling the land means minimum tillage techniques, which, at present, only benefit the farming chemical manufacturers. Angus Jacobsen Montrose, Angus SIR In the 1950s I was an apprentice at the Standard Triumph factory in Coventry, where the Massey Ferguson tractors (Letters, May 25) were built under licence. One day I was asked to drive the new models off the assembly line to a parking position. I was 17 and did not have a licence, but told the supervisor otherwise. I drove the first one straight into a line of parked tractors, but as they were so strong, no damage occurred. I did get better with practice. Anthony Barrett Warwick Smart servant SIR As a retired civil servant, I was pleased to see Simon Case, head of the Civil Service, setting an example by attending the Covid Inquiry in a suit and tie, and with polished shoes (report, May 24). May I make just one suggestion? He could replace his fabric briefcase with a leather one, as better befits a gentleman of his standing. Ted Shorter Tonbridge, Kent Accent practice SIR In Salzburg recently, we met a young shop worker with flawless, unaccented English (Letters, May 25). We were surprised to find that she was Austrian. She said she tried hard to get the accent right, as she wanted to sound like a native speaker. She asked us to recommend television programmes she could watch to learn regional British accents. We suggested Two Doors Down, so if readers find a shop assistant in Salzburg speaking in a Glaswegian accent, theyll know why. Lynda Cox Southampton Inheritance tax dodge SIR The Chancellor is against inheritance tax (report, May 25). Arent we all? So why didnt he do something about it when he could? Malcolm Allen Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire SIR I seem to remember George Osborne promising to cut inheritance tax. That came to nothing, so why should we believe Jeremy Hunt now? Denise Hurst Poole, Dorset SIR Far from being pernicious and a disincentive to people saving for their futures, inheritance tax encourages future generations to make their own way in life. If our children wish to continue living at the standard to which they have become accustomed, they should take the same advice I received from my own parents: Should you require a helping hand, look down; you have one at the end of each arm. Ours is a meritocracy, not an inheritocracy. Dr A J Hesketh Scorton, Lancashire War in Gaza SIR The moral equivalence arguments made by Israel, Hamas, the American administration and various commentators are spurious and should be strongly rejected. Two wrongs dont make a right. Actions must be judged for what they are, be that the outrageous October 7 atrocities or Israels evidently disproportionate response and its horrific consequences for civilians (including many women and children, as well as aid workers and journalists). It is past time for the sensible middle worldwide to reassert itself. This does not mean compromise; it means judging things on their own merits, not tribalistically. Peter M May Southampton, Western Australia Tipping point SIR When my car is serviced the bill has two components: parts and labour. Perhaps we should now accept that restaurant bills will have two components a charge for food and a second charge for the labour involved in producing and serving it (How US-style tipping came to Britain and sparked a backlash among customers, Business, May 18). Everyone would then see the costs of these components, and tipping would be unnecessary. David Hemingway Oadby, Leicestershire A day when the Hercules proved its worth Labours of Hercules: the trusty workhorse of the Royal Air Force had its moments - alamy SIR I was very interested to read your article about the C-130 Hercules transporter (The Hercules great peacetime adventure, Features, May 22) because last week was the anniversary of a flight I made to the Atlantic to assist the liner SS Oriana, which had a bomb scare. We had on board our aircraft a contingent from the Special Boat Service, all kitted up and ready to jump to the liners aid. We circled the ship for about an hour, with the Orianas passengers lining the decks and waving at us. Eventually the ships captain decided we were not needed, so with the sun setting we made for home, and because of crew duty time landed at Lajes in the Azores for the night. It was an unexpectedly eventful day, but satisfying to know that we and the good old Hercules were able to help. Terry Condliff Former navigator, 47 Squadron Lyneham, Wiltshire SIR Once again the subject of the Royal Air Forces lack of aircraft raises its ugly head (D-Day event cut back as MoD secures just one plane, report, May 20). Thanks to years of Treasury-imposed cuts, the RAF is unable to mount a suitable parachute drop to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day. The operational implications are extremely worrying. Under present policy the front-line Typhoon Force will have to soldier on with what it has, relying on dwindling numbers, until the Tempest hopefully arrives decades from now. Filling the gap with the F-35 is no answer because there arent enough of them. This comes after several other policy gaffes, including the Nimrod MRA4 disaster, the scrapping of the Harrier and Sea Harrier force, followed by the selling-off of the Hercules fleet. And what was the Defence Secretarys answer to all this? To hold a review, which of course will drone on until well after D-Day and be forgotten. Simon Sanders Lincoln The once glorious city now marred by potholes SIR Pothole apathy (Letters, May 25) is certainly a problem in the once glorious city of Bath particularly on Westgate Street, where the pavements are now seriously hazardous. Bath and North East Somerset Council should be held to account for the dire state of pavements and walkways, as many are not only uneven but also dangerous for pedestrians, let alone those with mobility issues. I know several people who have tripped and fallen recently. Rosy Drohan Bath, Somerset Letters to the Editor We accept letters by email and post. Please include name, address, work and home telephone numbers. ADDRESS: 111 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 0DT EMAIL: dtletters@telegraph.co.uk FOLLOW: Telegraph Letters @LettersDesk NEWSLETTER: sign up to receive Letters to the Editor here Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Donald Trump faced a tough crowd Saturday night. The former president received loud boos and sneers from the Libertarian National Convention. Become ungovernable, a screen behind Trump read during his speech, and ungovernable they were, prompting Trump to mock them in return. Maybe you dont want to win, Trump told the crowd after they booed when he told them to nominate him or vote for him. Keep getting your 3 percent every four years, he added, referring to the Libertarian Partys less than stellar showings in prior elections. After getting booed for 20 minutes Trump finally gets pissed and snaps on them. pic.twitter.com/OuB20ksmip Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) May 26, 2024 Trump was the first U.S. president in history to address the partys convention. Despite his attempts to cater to the crowd by vowing to appoint a Libertarian to his cabinet, the delegates were not buying it and hissed at him. Undeterred, Trump commented on his promise, Pretty good. Thats pretty big. Repeal the so-called guidance letter that turned on-campus sexual harassment allegations into defacto criminal convictions, Trump said. You know all about that. Who else would do that for you? Trump to Libertarians on accusations of sexual misconduct: "You know all about that" pic.twitter.com/ZeKKLapqm7 Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) May 26, 2024 Trump is not used to dealing with a hostile crowd. His rallies are usually filled with his most staunch supporters who unquestioningly cheer him on. But Libertarians prefer small government and oppose Covid-19 precautions, meaning they are not huge fans of Trump, who implemented stay-at-home orders and funded the Covid vaccine. Combine with us in a partnership, Trump told the convention. Were asking that of the Libertarians. We must work together. Combine with us. You have to combine with us. No! the crowd responded. You cannot give Crooked Joe Biden four more years, Trump said, but the crowd answered with raucous boos. This getting bad. Every time Trump mentions himself they just booooooooo pic.twitter.com/6sRgM4eyS0 Acyn (@Acyn) May 26, 2024 Even during the few moments that members of the audience chanted We want Trump, they were met with a louder opposing chant of End the Fed. Its a common refrain in the Libertarian party that wants to shutter the Federal Reserve. Trump made an attempt at levity by referring to his legal troubles and indictments, joking, If I wasnt a Libertarian before, I sure as hell am a Libertarian now. But that comment did not go over well and was also met with mostly boos. Trump: I don't throw people in jail for disagreeing with me. I don't do that. [Crowd booing] pic.twitter.com/qgDeuJQFSE Acyn (@Acyn) May 26, 2024 During his speech, Trump promised to commute the sentence of Ross Ulbricht, founder of the Silk Road, an illegal online drug marketplace. Ulbricht in 2015 was sentenced to life in prison for his role in creating the website. Trump refusing to pardon him during his first term likely instilled skepticism in Libertarians, who oppose drug restrictions, that he would fulfill his promise in a second term. Although he received a less than friendly reception from Libertarians, youd never know from Trumps posts on Truth Social about the night. Trump reposted a video from GOP Rep. Mike Lee where Lee said, Trump knocked it out of the park tonight at the #LibertarianConvention. Well done, sir! Trump posted at midnight after his address, Everyone here tonight believes that we must fight for the same fundamental freedoms: Freedom of Expression. Freedom of Religion. Freedom to own a Firearm. Freedom from over-Taxation. Freedom from over-Regulation. Freedom from government Discrimination. And we believe that we do not have a FREE COUNTRY if we do not have FREE SPEECH! More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Former President Donald Trump addressed the Libertarian National Convention on Saturday to make an explicit appeal to libertarian voters. It did not go over well. The crowd booed Trump for the duration of the speech. There were some MAGA supporters in the room who had come in just for the speech and were not otherwise involved with the convention; when they started chanting "we want Trump," they were drowned out by more familiar libertarian cheers, such as "end the Fed." For all of the concern that the optics of Trump's convention appearance might confuse voters nationwide, give the appearance that Libertarians are in cahoots with Trump, or erase the considerable distinctions between the Republican Party and the Libertarian Party, Trump's icy reception should actually make it even more obvious than he has not earned the support of libertarians. Indeed, at a time when the former president is making inroads with all sorts of voters and delivering speeches all over the country, people who prize individual liberty booed him louder and more consistently than any other voting bloc. What Trump had hoped to get out of such an appearance is unclear. According to Reason's Brian Doherty, the campaign first reached out to request a speaking slot. Libertarian Party Chair Angela McArdle then invited all three major presidential candidatesTrump, President Joe Biden, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.to speak, with her stated reasoning being that this would draw attention to the nominating convention. "This is an incredible opportunity for us to bring someone who grabs the spotlight and put them on our stage," she told The Washington Post. RFK Jr. and Trump accepted; Biden declined. RFK Jr.'s remarks were much better received than Trump'sin fact, the Democrat-turned-independent received standing ovations when he promised to pardon Edward Snowden and drop the charges against Julian Assange. He also emphasized areas of commonality with libertarians: the importance of the Bill of Rights, and the frightening authoritarianism of the government's COVID-19 response under both Trump and Biden. Trump did elicit some cheers toward the end of his speech, when he promised to appoint a libertarian to his Cabinet and free Ross Ulbricht. But the crowd did not buy his line that he was a libertarian, nor did they accept they he should be their nominee or receive their votes. After many minutes of sustained booing, Trump started growing hostile toward the crowd, suggesting that maybe Libertarians don't want to win after all. "What is the purpose of the Libertarian Party getting 3 percent?" asked Trump. "What is the reason to take a chance of having this horrible president [Biden] destroy our country?" Many libertarians support the Libertarian Party precisely because they do not trust ether Biden or Trump to avoid destroying the country; in fact, some of the most anti-libertarian policies have advanced under both Republican and Democratic administrations, from runaway federal spending to government surveillance to public health tyranny. The Libertarian Party's refusal to co-sign Trump's coronation infuriated at least one of the former president's most ardent backers. Sen. Mike Lee (RUt.), who attended the convention and spoke on Trump's behalf, engaged in blatant Orwellianism, blaming "paid agitators" for heckling Trumpa baseless accusationand wrongly claiming that actual conventiongoers were all-in for MAGA. On the other hand, Sen. J.D. Vance (ROh.) said he was proud of Trump for having the courage to enter "hostile territory" and make his case, correctly noting that Biden increasingly ducks even mildly unfriendly settings. It's true that unlike Biden, Trump bothered to show up. But as the booing made clear, merely collecting a participant ribbon isn't remotely sufficient to earn the trust of most libertarians. The post Libertarians Booed Donald Trump Because He Isn't Libertarian appeared first on Reason.com. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda secured a second five-year term with a landslide win in a run-off election held in the Baltic nation on Sunday. Nauseda won 75% of the vote after ballots from 90% of districts were counted, the electoral commission said. This gave Nauseda an unassailable lead over his rival, current Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte. She conceded defeat and congratulated Nauseda on Sunday evening. "I would like to thank the Lithuanian people for their support," said Nauseda at his election party. He said he had been given a "great mandate of trust" and thanked Simonyte for a principled election campaign. Lithuania, which borders the Russian Baltic Sea exclave of Kaliningrad and Russia's close ally Belarus, saw just under half of its roughly 2.4 million eligible voters cast ballots before polling stations closed at 8 pm (1700 GMT), electoral officials said. This means that turnout was significantly lower than in the first round on May 12, when Nauseda got the largest share of votes by a wide margin, but not enough to achieve the absolute majority needed to win outright. The two politicians had also gone head-to-head for the presidency in 2019. Lithuanians had widely expected the 60-year-old economist, who has made a name for himself as a staunch supporter of Ukraine, to come out on top again for a second term. Simonyte, also a trained economist, has been prime minister since 2020. On many issues - particularly foreign and security policy - the two politicians share nearly identical positions. They differ on issues such as the right to abortion and the recognition of same-sex partnerships. Simonyte, 49, takes a more liberal stance than Nauseda in the overwhelmingly Catholic country. The presidency is the top job in the Baltic country, and the office represents the country abroad, including at EU summits, and is also commander-in-chief of the armed forces. Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte takes part in the Munich security conference. Sven Hoppe/dpa Lithuanian President Nauseda on track for second term in run-off vote Ballots are being counted in Lithuania after voters took to the polls on Sunday for a run-off presidential election that pitted the incumbent, Gitanas Nauseda, against current Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte. Results were expected in the coming hours. Nauseda is forecast to hold onto his post with a clear victory over Simonyte. Lithuania, which borders the Russian Baltic Sea exclave of Kaliningrad and Russia's close ally Belarus, saw just under half of its roughly 2.4 million eligible voters cast ballots before polling stations closed at 8 pm (1700 GMT), electoral officials said. This means that turnout was significantly lower than in the first round on May 12, when Nauseda got the largest share of votes by a wide margin, but not enough to achieve the absolute majority needed to win outright. The two politicians had also gone head-to-head for the presidency in 2019. Lithuanians expect the 60-year-old economist, who has made a name for himself as a staunch supporter of Ukraine, to come out on top again for a second five-year term. Simonyte, also a trained economist, has been prime minister since 2020. On many issues - particularly foreign and security policy - the two politicians share nearly identical positions. They differ on issues such as the right to abortion and the recognition of same-sex partnerships. Simonyte, 49, takes a more liberal stance than Nauseda in the overwhelmingly Catholic country. The presidency is the top job in the Baltic country, and the office represents the country abroad, including at EU summits, and is also commander-in-chief of the armed forces. Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte takes part in the Munich security conference. Sven Hoppe/dpa (Bloomberg) -- Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda was elected to a second, five-year term on Sunday, as voters in the Baltic nation overwhelmingly backed continuity in foreign policy and a hard line on the threat of Russian aggression. Most Read from Bloomberg Nauseda won 76% of the vote in a runoff after ballots from 90% of the districts were counted, according to electoral commission. His political rival Ingrida Simonyte, Lithuanias prime minister, conceded defeat. Russias war in Ukraine has dominated the presidential campaign in the nation of 2.8 million, which borders the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad to the west and Belarus to the east. Nauseda has secured public support with his stance on Ukraine and vocal calls to NATO allies to shore up the military alliances eastern frontier. Lithuanias independence, Lithuanias freedom is a fragile thing that we must cherish and prevent it from cracking, the president told reporters on Sunday. This is the reason why a lot more needs to be done for collective security. More than three decades after the country, along with Latvia and Estonia, reclaimed its independence from the Soviet Union, the European Union member state has hosted the biggest military drills in its history. The exercises involved curfews in the countrys two largest cities this month. Nauseda has been a leading force in the EU and North Atlantic Treaty Organization in calling out actions from Moscow. Last week he called an apparent Russian draft plan to adjust its maritime borders a hybrid attack against the West meant to test NATOs unity. The plan, a draft of which was published in a document from the Russian Defense Ministry, called for unspecified modifications of Russias borders with Lithuania and Finland in the Baltic Sea. It was later removed from a government website without explanation. Former Economist Nauseda, 60, entered the campaign as the favorite and, having prevailed in the first round on May 12, picked up more endorsements by candidates who were eliminated. Lithuanias president is responsible for foreign and defense policy and has limited powers over domestic issues, but can veto legislation, appoint judges, central bankers and other officials. The head of state also grants the mandate to lead the government and represents the country at EU and NATO summits. Read More: Fear of War With Russia Haunts Lithuania: Year of Elections Nauseda and Simonyte, 49, had few differences on security. On the domestic front, Nauseda has appealed more to the voters supporting traditional family values, while Simonyte has advocated a more inclusive approach on issues such as LGBTQ rights. A former chief economist at SEB Bank in Vilnius, Nauseda was a political outsider until his election as head of state five years ago. He drew support from Lithuanias Social Democrat Party, the Green and Farmers Party as well as the Regions party. Nauseda pledged to turn to family policy, such as tax breaks and access to housing. Hell have to coordinate policies with the next government after Lithuania holds a parliamentary election on Oct. 13. (Updates with the latest vote count in the second paragraph, a quote from Nauseda in the fourth.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Lithuania's President Gitanas Nauseda, a presidential candidate, prepares to cast his ballot at a polling station during the advance presidential elections in the small town of Svencionys, some 85km (52,8 miles) north of the capital Vilnius, Lithuania, Thursday, May 23, 2024. The second round of presidential vote in Lithuania will take place on May 26. Lithuania's incumbent president won the most votes in the first round with 44% of the votes but he still faces a runoff against the country's prime minister. (AP Photo/Mindaugas Kulbis) VILNIUS, Lithuania (AP) Lithuanians return to the polls Sunday for the second round of the Baltic country's presidential election as incumbent President Gitanas Nauseda seeks to hold off Prime Minister Ingrida Simonyte and secure another five-year term. The 60-year-old Nauseda, a moderate conservative, has been a strong backer of Ukraine, a position shared across most of the political spectrum. The popular Nauseda has been in office since 2009 and during that time Lithuania has also given refuge to many who have fled an authoritarian crackdown in neighboring Belarus and increased repression in Russia. The presidents main tasks in NATO-member Lithuanias political system are overseeing foreign and defense policy, along with acting as the supreme commander of the armed forces. Given that Lithuania is strategically located on NATOs eastern flank, the presidency of a relatively small nation is given added importance as tensions rise between Russia and the West over the war in Ukraine. The election comes as Russian gains in Ukraine are fueling greater fears about Moscows intentions, particularly in the strategically important Baltic region. After regaining its independence in 1991 from the Soviet Union, which occupied the southernmost Baltic country for five decades, Lithuania joined the European Union and NATO in 2004. Both candidates have been outspoken critics of Moscow and of Minsk, a Russia ally. Nauseda who is favored to win another five-year term, is a former banker who entered politics with his successful presidential run in 2019. He and Simonyte won the first round but failed to muster the 50% of the votes needed to win the presidency outright. Nauseda won the first round on May 12 with 44% of the votes and Simonyte nearly 20%. Both Nauseda and Simonyte, who became prime minister in 2020, also ran against each other in a presidential runoff in 2019, when Nauseda won with 66% of the votes. Lithuanias Central Electoral Commission is expected to announce the outcome of the election on Monday. Lithuanians went to the polls on Sunday for the second round of the country's presidential election, with incumbent president Gitanas Nauseda aiming to fend off prime minister Ingrida Simonyte for another five-year term. Sixty-year-old Nauseda, a moderate conservative and strong supporter of Ukraine, has been in office since 2019. He is seen as a favourite to win. Polling stations opened at 7 a.m., with early voters in Vilnius arriving even before the official start. Nearly 2 million citizens are eligible to vote in this eighth presidential election since Lithuania's independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Voting continues until 8 p.m., and results are expected to be announced on Monday by the Central Electoral Commission (CEC). Nauseda and Simonyte, both vocal critics of Russia and Belarus, failed to secure a majority in the first round on May 12. Nauseda led with 44% of the votes, while Simonyte garnered nearly 20%. This runoff mirrors the 2019 election, where Nauseda defeated Simonyte with 66% of the votes. Possible Russian sabotage The election occurs amid heightened tensions in the Baltic region. Reports this week suggested Russia might revise its territorial waters' borders in the Baltic Sea, prompting Lithuania's foreign minister to call for a "firm response" to what he termed an "obvious escalation." Concerns of Russian sabotage are growing as details emerge about mysterious attacks on Lithuanian and Polish facilities. Lithuanian law enforcement remains tight-lipped, but former officials warn that such incidents could increase as part of Russias broader strategy in its war with Ukraine. Earlier this month, a fire at an IKEA store in Vilnius, initially suspected as arson, was later confirmed as sabotage. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk claimed a series of arson attacks in both Poland and Lithuania were orchestrated by Russia. Lithuania, a NATO member, plays a strategic role on the alliance's eastern flank, making the presidential role particularly significant given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Both candidates have maintained strong stances against Moscow's aggression, aligning with the country's foreign policy priorities. As Lithuanians await the results, the election's outcome will be closely watched, given the broader geopolitical implications for the region. President of the Comoros Azali Assoumani (R) meets with He Baoxiang, Chinese President Xi Jinping's Special Envoy, also the vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, in Moroni, capital of Comoros, May 25, 2024. At the invitation of President Azali Assoumani of the Comoros, Chinese President Xi Jinping's Special Envoy He Baoxiang attended Azali's inauguration here on Sunday. (Comoros' presidential palace/Handout via Xinhua) MORONI, May 26 (Xinhua) -- At the invitation of President Azali Assoumani of the Comoros, Chinese President Xi Jinping's Special Envoy He Baoxiang attended Azali's inauguration here on Sunday. He, also the vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, met with Azali in Moroni, the capital of the Comoros on Saturday. The envoy conveyed Xi's warm congratulations and best wishes to Azali, saying that China highly values the development of relations with the Comoros. China is willing to work with the Comoros to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, firmly support each other in safeguarding core interests, advance Belt and Road cooperation, strengthen practical cooperation in various fields within the frameworks of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum, aiming to elevate the traditional friendship between the two countries to a new level, He said. Azali expressed his gratitude to Xi for sending a special envoy to attend his inauguration ceremony and asked He to convey his highest respect and sincere greetings to the Chinese president. The Comoros appreciates China's long-term strong support for its national development and cherishes the traditional friendship between the two countries, Azali said. He affirmed that the Comoros will continue to firmly adhere to the one-China principle and is willing to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation with China so as to push bilateral relations to a higher level. TechCrunch The FCC just decided that anyone affected by a natural disaster can get a break on broadband and mobile service; it's not much, but every little bit counts. The Lifeline program is a long-running program that helps lower the cost of internet access for anyone that, temporarily or chronically, finds it difficult to pay for. Because of the exigent circumstances that arose from Hurricane Milton, we find that there is good cause for further action to expeditiously ensure that households receive critical assistance for their communications needs in the aftermath of hurricanes and other tropical weather systems in the near term. Workers with the Louisiana Secretary of State's office assemble voting machines in trailers at the Bourg Community Center in Terrebonne Parish on Nov. 8, 2021, ahead of the Nov. 13 statewide election. (Wes Muller/Louisiana Illuminator) A voting systems law the Louisiana Legislature enacted three years ago to placate right-wing election deniers has made the task of buying voting machines so burdensome that lawmakers are now repealing parts of it. House Bill 856, sponsored by Rep. Mike Johnson, R-Pineville, would repeal requirements that the secretary of state use the states Administrative Procedure Act to purchase new machines and contract with at least three independent experts to certify the machines, among other stipulations in the law. The bill, which is pending a final concurrence vote in the House, sailed through both chambers without opposition, though the most significant parts of the legislation were only recently added through an amendment adopted Thursday on the Senate floor. The proposal repeals parts of a statute lawmakers passed in 2021, Act 480, which created the Voting System Commission within the Louisiana Department of State. Comprised of government officials who serve without compensation, the commission is charged with analyzing any available voting systems and recommending a specific type to the secretary of state. The 2021 law also created a separate Voting System Proposal Evaluation Committee to independently review vendors that submitted bids before making a final recommendation. Joel Watson, spokesperson for Secretary of State Nancy Landry, said the process involves multiple layers of bureaucratic red tape that will delay the purchase of new voting machines by an additional two years. No other agency has to go through this kind of process, Watson said. Johnsons bill would retain the Voting System Commission and the Voting System Proposal Evaluation Committee with some small changes. But it repeals requirements that the secretary of state create rules under the Administrative Procedure Act for the purchase of any voting systems and hire at least three independent experts to certify the machines. We didnt want to take away these parts of the bill geared toward transparency, Watson said. We just didnt want to have to go through a massive two-year-extra process The system we have now is far too old to go through a process that would add two additional years. The states current voting machines are almost 35 years old and have become difficult and costly to repair because parts are no longer made for such outdated systems. If Johnsons bill becomes law, it will take an estimated three years to acquire new systems as opposed to five, Watson said. Lawmakers created the Voting System Commission and all the other sweeping requirements under pressure from a small group of Trump supporters who went to the State Capitol several times during the 2021 legislative session and bogged down committee hearings with far-fetched election conspiracy theories involving the 2020 presidential election. They offered no actual evidence to support what they alleged, but some Republican lawmakers embraced the lies. Many of the baseless claims were about Dominion Voting Systems, a voting machine vendor that many Trump supporters falsely accused of rigging the election. In 2023, Dominion won a nearly $800 million defamation lawsuit settlement against Fox News, which spread some of the conspiracy theories. Court filings, as detailed in the New York Times and other sources, exposed scores of embarrassing internal emails and text messages showing Foxs biggest TV personalities and executives collaborating with top GOP operatives and knowingly repeating lies on the air. By that time, much of the damage caused by Trumps Big Lie had already taken its toll. In 2021, Louisiana Republicans had forced then-Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin, also a Republican, to cancel open bidding for new voting machines because they said the bid language was too favorable to Dominion. When Landry attended a May 8 Senate committee hearing on the bill, Sen. Greg Miller, R-Norco, asked her for an update on the purchase of new voting machines. Landry was Ardoins first assistant secretary before replacing her former boss in January. It seems like forever weve been hearing about new voting machines, Miller said. I think really since before around 2015 or so. Landry said its her number one priority but told Miller the 2021 law has turned it into a long and drawn out process. The post Louisiana struggles to buy new voting machines after placating election deniers appeared first on Louisiana Illuminator. WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) Family and friends of a woman found dead in a wooded area of Wilkes-Barre earlier this year are seeking answers this holiday weekend. They held a rally hoping local law enforcement would provide more information about how she died. Outside of Wilkes-Barre Police Headquarters where Debra Foxs loved ones spent the afternoon holding up signs in hopes of getting the attention of local officials. While many may have been enjoying a barbecue Saturday afternoon, Patricia London and Danielle Fox had other plans. They decided to get a group together to demand answers from the police about the death of Debra Fox. Its not right so were out here trying to get awareness because these detectives are not doing their job, I feel like they are not doing their job. I mean this case should have been solved, said London. Homicide investigation underway in Monroe County Debra Fox was found dead in March. The body of the 69-year-old woman was discovered in a wooded area near the North Cross Valley Expressway. To get justice for my mom. Nobody wants to do anything so were just gonna see what we could do. We wont stop till we get answers, says Danielle. London who is a friend of Danielle Fox says she is out here because its the right thing to do. Im just a citizen trying to do right by people you know I mean, she deserves to have justice she deserves, this should not be happening we should not be out here doing this, stated London. Danielle Fox says her mother was an overall good person. My mom was kind, sweet, caring she would help anybody underneath the sun she wanna see nobody go homeless, added Danielle. She also says she will always cherish the memories she has with her mother. My favorite memory is when she was up at our house and there was a snake on the porch, and she just sat there, cool as a cucumber, continued Danielle. London has this message for anyone watching. If you know something please, Wilkes-Barre police station is right here guys thats why were doing it. Come and talk they dont care if you have warrants they dont care if you have fines, just come if yall know something. Step up lets get justice for this woman, explained London. Family and friends of Debra Fox say they will not stop until justice is served for their mother and friend. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com. Dan Bishop To support his run for N.C. Attorney General, Rep. Dan Bishop recently drew attention to Mark Harris being asked to forfeit a congressional win in 2018 by a Democrat majority State Board of Elections over what Bishop called some fairly minor illegal ballot harvesting. We should not forget that Rev. Harris own son testified that he warned his father about the illegal tactics being employed on his behalf by a political operative. And the Democrat majority board that rescinded Harris 2018 win did so by a unanimous vote. I am tired of candidates purposefully sowing seeds of doubt, as Bishop did. Sadly, people believe these stories. Harris was wrong, and it cost him. So is Bishop. Keith Wilson, Charlotte Mask legislation Regarding Senate GOP will negotiate on masks but doesnt want watered down bill, Berger says, (May 23) and related articles: State Sen. Buck Newton introduced a bill that would have removed the exemption for wearing a mask to protect ones health and the health of others. There are many people, myself included, with health conditions and treatments that leave us with compromised immunity. We wear masks in public to allow us to enjoy things like shopping, dining out, going to a movie, and other things people take for granted. Without the ability to wear a mask, we would lose that. I urge lawmakers to keep this in mind as they revise this bill. Allison Lillard, Charlotte Objective leaders Speaker of the House Mike Johnson is wearing his Christianity on his sleeve, and it turns people off. When it comes to Christianity, one can drive the car without tooting the horn. Johnson is an election denier, held up funds to Ukraine and recently showed up at Trumps trial. We need politicians who are so objective they would drive their own grandmother to the police station if they knew she committed a crime. One only has to travel just to a few countries to recognize the U.S. is incredible in all respects. Lets keep our democracy. Randall Lemly, Charlotte Doomsday glacier? Regarding Researchers studying doomsday glacier make worrying discovery, (May 21): Just another terrifying article about the impending catastrophe that looms ahead ... In my opinion, there are simple steps we must collectively take for our species to survive into the future. First, we must accept responsibility for the environmental degradation that weve wrought on our planet. We must educate ourselves about what is happening so that, as informed citizens, we can take the most important step of all: We must elect city, county, state and national politicians who are willing to enact the tough regulations that will have meaningful impacts on reversing or at least slowing climate change. Vote as if our lives depended on it, because they do. Thomas George, Charlotte Duke Energy The writer is a volunteer with Citizens Climate Lobby. Duke Energy wants to build two natural gas plants in North Carolina. We need to tell them they cannot. North Carolina House Bill 503 was sent to committee in 2023 by three Republican House members, with an additional 17 bipartisan cosponsors. Its goal: conduct a study exploring a regional energy grid in the Southeast. It hasnt moved. Meanwhile, Duke Energys new carbon plan (2023) relies on unclean, expensive natural gas, increases consumer rates, and emphasizes its bottom line. It is time we said enough is enough. Sean Casey, Charlotte Memorial Day Our American history has been written in books, but the true story of America can also be seen at places like Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. There, thousands of names on white crosses and Stars of David line the grassy hills. It is here that our American story is told. On Monday, Memorial Day, we honor them all for their service. We respect all of them them for what they did, and we remember them for who they were and what they could have been. Kirk Polizzi, Wilmington French President Emmanuel Macron visits the democracy festival to mark 75 years of the Basic Law together with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and they stand at a table football table. Michael Kappeler/dpa Emmanuel Macron began the first state visit to Germany by a French president in 24 years with warm words for his hosts. "Franco-German relations are indispensable and important for Europe," said Macron at the start of his three-day state visit to Germany on Sunday. He rebuffed the suggestion that the relationship, often described as the engine of Europe, has begun to stutter. "That is not true. We are moving forward," Macron said through a translator. Upon landing in Berlin, Macron immediately travelled to the German capital's government quarter to meet with President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and attend a democracy-themed festival. Steinmeier greeted Macron and called his visit "proof of the depth of the Franco-German friendship." He said that despite sometimes differing on individual policy points, Berlin and Paris always "come to an agreement in the end." "If Germany and France are in agreement, then there is still a lot that can be achieved in Europe," he said. Macron also emphasized the importance of the European elections in June and called the EU a defender of democracy and common values. French President Emmanuel Macron together with his wife Brigitte and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife Elke Buedenbender, attend the democracy festival to mark 75 years of the Basic Law. Michael Kappeler/dpa Macron arrives in Germany for first state visit by a French president in 24 years Emmanuel Macron arrived in Germany on Sunday for the first state visit by a French president in nearly 25 years. Mr Macrons plane landed at a Berlin airport at the start of a three-day, four-stop visit planned to emphasise the historic importance of the post-war relationship between the two key EU states. He is also seeking to ease recent tensions and warn of the dangers of the hard-Right ahead of European Union elections. Next month, France commemorates 80 years since the Second World War D-Day landings marked the beginning of the end of German occupation. All has not been smooth of late in a relationship often seen as the engine of the EU, with Berlin taken aback by Macrons refusal to rule out sending troops to Ukraine and said to be uneasy about his often-theatrical style of foreign policy. In a question-and-answer session on social media with young people this month, Mr Macron enlisted help from Olaf Scholz Germanys chancellor, when asked if the Franco-German couple was still working. Emmanuel Macron in Berlin on Sunday - Kay Nietfeld/DPA Speaking French in a video on Macrons feed on X, formerly Twitter, Scholz said: Hello dear friends, long live French-German friendship! Thank you, Olaf! I very much agree with you, Mr Macron replied in heavily accented German. While Mr Macron is a frequent visitor to Berlin, the trip is the first state visit in 24 years, after one made by Jacques Chirac in 2000, and the sixth since the first post-war state visit by Charles de Gaulle in 1962. On Sunday afternoon, Mr Macron held talks with his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier, whose role is largely ceremonial. Mr Macron played table football with Mr Steinmeier on Sunday - Ludovic Marin/AFP On Monday, he will travel to Dresden in former East Germany to deliver a speech on Europe at a European festival. Tuesday sees Mr Macron in the western German city of Munster and later in Meseberg, outside Berlin, for talks with Mr Scholz and a Franco-German joint cabinet meeting. German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung took note of Mr Macrons planned trip to eastern Germany, writing: Franco-German relations, which are so important for European stability, have long been primarily a relationship with western Germany. This is still largely the case today. But Emmanuel Macron is driven by the ambition to change that. Mr Macron and Mr Steinmeier on their way to a democracy debate - Ludovic Marin/AFP The trip comes two weeks before European elections, with polls showing Macrons coalition is trailing well behind the far Right and may struggle even to reach third place, a major potential embarrassment. In his speech in Dresden, a city where the far-Right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has considerable support, Mr Macron is likely to warn of the danger the far-Right poses to Europe. In a keynote address on foreign policy last month, Mr Macron issued a dire warning of the threats to Europe in a changing world in the wake of Russias 2022 invasion of Ukraine. He said: Our Europe, today, is mortal and it can die. It can die and this depends only on our choices. Officials from both sides are at pains to emphasise that while there are periodic tensions on specific issues, the fundamental basis of the relationship remains sound. Mr Steinmeier is president but his role is largely ceremonial - Christian Mang/Reuters But Mr Macrons refusal to rule out sending troops to Ukraine sparked an unusually acid response from Mr Scholz, who said that Germany had no such plans. Germany also does not share Mr Macrons enthusiasm for a European strategic autonomy less dependent on the United States. Helene Miard-Delacroix, specialist in German history at the Sorbonne University in Paris said: The Franco-German relationship is about disagreeing and trying to find ways of compromise. Mujtaba Rahman, managing director for Europe at risk analysis firm Eurasia Group, wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that relations between France and Germany remain awkward, verging on hostile. He added: On the big issues, little progress should be expected. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. By Michel Rose and Sarah Marsh PARIS/BERLIN (Reuters) - French President Emmanuel Macron landed in Germany on Sunday for a three-day state visit followed by a bilateral cabinet meeting as the European Union's two biggest powers seek to show unity ahead of next month's EU parliamentary elections. Macron's trip to the capital Berlin, Dresden in the east and Muenster in the west is the first French presidential state visit to Germany in 24 years. The visit will be watched as a checkup on the health of the German-French relationship that drives EU policymaking, at a time of major challenges for Europe - from the Ukraine war to the possible election of Donald Trump as U.S. president in November. "This state visit comes at a key moment for Europe," Macron said, pointing to the war in Ukraine among other challenges. "We have to face an imperialist desire in Europe ... this supposes boosting the Franco-German relationship," he told journalists after he was received by his German counterpart Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the presidential palace, Schloss Bellevu. Steinmeier, who holds a largely ceremonial role, said Germany and France can get through the geopolitical challenges Europe is facing, such as Russia's war in Ukraine, the war in Gaza, and the U.S. presidential election if the two countries work together. Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz have very different leadership styles and have publicly clashed on issues from defence to nuclear energy since the latter took power in late 2021. However, they have reached compromises on various fronts of late, from fiscal reform to changes to power market subsidies, allowing the EU to strike deals, and put on a more united front. "There are tensions in the German-French relationship but in part precisely because they have dealt with some difficult topics," said Yann Wernert at the Jacques Delors Institute in Berlin, noting the two countries had also converged on the need to expand the EU eastwards. The visit is "an attempt at the highest political level to demonstrate that the relationship is working," said Mujtaba Rahman, managing director for Europe at the Eurasia Group think tank. "But there are still fundamental gaps on major questions that are looming over the EU." One key such gap is on European defence, in particular if Trump wins the Nov. 5 U.S. presidential election. Defence experts view him as a much less predictably reliable ally for Europe than his Democratic rival, President Joe Biden. Earlier this year the Republican former president not only said he would not protect NATO members from a future attack by Russia if those countries' contributions to the defence alliance were lagging, but that he would encourage Russia "to do whatever the hell they want." France, which has nuclear weapons, has pushed for a more self-reliant Europe on defence matters and has been aggrieved by Germanys decision to buy mostly American gear for its European Sky Shield Initiative air defence umbrella. Germany says there is no credible alternative to the U.S. military umbrella and that Europe does not have time to wait for a homegrown defence industry to be prepared for threats such as Russian hostility. POMP AND BUSINESS After meeting Steinmeier, Macron, accompanied on his trip by his wife Brigitte, will walk through the landmark Brandenburg Gate with the city's mayor, Kai Wegner. On Monday, he will head to Dresden, where he will make a speech in front of the Frauenkirche which was destroyed by Western allies during the Second World War, before heading on Tuesday to Muenster. But perhaps the most significant part of his trip will be the cabinet meeting on Tuesday in Meseberg, just outside Berlin, where the two governments will then get down to business seeking to find common ground on the two main issues they have struggled to see eye-to-eye on, namely defence and competitiveness. The two countries will also try to find common ground on the EU agenda for the next five years, in view of the expected strong showing for the far-right in the parliamentary elections on June 6-9, making EU decision-making more difficult. Rahman said the EU would have a clear window to push forward with more ambitious plans - between the parliamentary elections and establishment of the new leadership, and next summer before the German elections. This would be especially important if Trump won the election, he said. (Reporting by Michel Rose, Elizabeth Pineau and Ingrid Melander in Paris, with Sarah Marsh and Andreas Rinke in Berlin; Editing by Frances Kerry and David Holmes) German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (L) talks with French President Emmanuel Macron at the state banquet in honor of the Macron and his wife at Bellevue Palace. Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa French President Emmanuel Macron hailed his country's long-established partnership with Germany on Sunday, as a three-day, pomp-filled state visit aimed a demonstrating the strength of the ties kicked off in Berlin. Macron's state visit to Germany, the first by a French president in 24 years, comes as the two leading European powers are confronted by a range of dilemmas, from the war raging on the EU's doorstep in Ukraine to surging far-right parties at home and a potential second term for Donald Trump in Washington. Macron said Europe was at a "decisive moment," citing Russia's military aggression along with challenges with respect to climate change and artificial intelligence. To address these issues, he said, a "Franco-German push" is needed. At a press conference alongside German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at Berlin's Bellevue Palace, Macron said the relationship between Germany and France was like a "lively, demanding, ambitious couple." Earlier, after Macron arrived in Berlin, he had met Steinmeier at a "Democracy Festival" marking the 75th anniversary of Germany's Basic Law - the democratic constitution adopted in West Germany after World War II. Steinmeier greeted Macron and called his visit "proof of the depth of the Franco-German friendship." He said that despite sometimes differing on individual policy points, Berlin and Paris always "come to an agreement in the end." Macron rebuffed the suggestion that the relationship, often described as the motor of European policymaking, is sputtering: "That is not true. We are moving forward," he said. "Franco-German relations are indispensable and important for Europe," he said. After the festival, Macron travelled to Steinmeier's nearby official residence, the Bellevue Palace, where he was greeted with military honours and the French national anthem. He was later treated to a state banquet with a slew of top politicians, including Chancellor Olaf Scholz, taking part. Sunday's visit comes ahead of European elections to decide the next European Parliament. Far-right EU parties have seen a surge in support in recent years - including in France and Germany - and are expected to do well in the June 6-9 polls. The relationship between Paris and Berlin has long been seen as a driving force for Europe, both politically and economically. But frictions began to emerge in 2022, after Angela Merkel left the German political scene, although Macron and Scholz have recently made efforts to improve cooperation. Agreement has been found on several issues, including reform of the EU's debt and deficit rules, but other points of contention remain, notably on the extent of military aid for Ukraine and the EU's economic policy responses to protectionist measures by China and the United States. These thorny questions and others are set to be discussed at a meeting of French and German ministers on Tuesday. Macron and his wife are scheduled to travel to Dresden on Monday. There, he will give a speech on European policy in front of the Frauenkirche - a monumental domed church that is a symbol of post-war reconciliation. On Tuesday, they are set to travel on to Munster, where Macron will be awarded the Peace of Westphalia Prize. Macron came to power in France seven years ago and cannot run for a third term in the 2027 next presidential election. The official state visit is the first by a French president to Germany since 2000, although leaders from both countries regularly meet and visit in less formal ways. Macron had planned to make the state visit last July. However, the trip was postponed due to nationwide unrest in France following the deadly police shooting of a 17-year-old that shocked the nation. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (R) toast with French President Emmanuel Macron at the state banquet in honor of the Macron and his wife at Bellevue Palace. Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier speaks at the state banquet in honor of the French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife at Bellevue Palace. Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa French President Emmanuel Macron speaks at the state banquet in honor of the Macron and his wife at Bellevue Palace. Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa SEOUL, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Sunday called on enterprises of China and South Korea to tap deeper into their cooperation potential in new areas such as high-end manufacturing, digital economy, artificial intelligence, green development and biomedicine, so as to continuously upgrade bilateral economic and trade cooperation and achieve greater win-win cooperation. MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) Police arrested a man accused of throwing a container of flammable liquid that was on fire at people in two separate incidents in New York City months apart, according to the NYPD. Nile Taylor, 49, was arrested on Saturday after he allegedly threw a flammable substance at a 23-year-old victim riding the subway at the Houston Street No. 1 subway station at 2:47 p.m., according to police. More Manhattan News Sources told PIX11 News that Taylor was trying to escape Saturday but was caught after allegedly stealing a cellphone that was tracked using the Find My iPhone app. Police said Taylor is also responsible for an attack on Feb. 5, where he allegedly threw a container of a flammable liquid that was lit on fire at people in the West 28th Street subway station on the southbound No. 1 train platform around 7:40 p.m. Taylor is charged with the following in connection to the two crimes, according to police: Attempted Assault Reckless Endangerment Arson Assault Larceny Criminal possession of a weapon Criminal possession of stolen property Jonathan Rizk is a digital journalist who has covered local news in New York City and Washington, D.C. He has been with PIX11 since August 2022. See more of his work here, and follow him on X and Facebook @OfficialRizk. Get in touch at jonathan.rizk@pix11.com. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. Man airlifted to hospital after two airboats collide in Broward A man with significant lacerations to the side of his body was airlifted for medical treatment after two airboats collided Sunday in Broward County. Broward Sheriff Fire-Rescue received an emergency call about the collision shortly after 10:30 a.m., the agency said in a news release. The accident was at Macks Fish Camp in southwestern Broward, near the Miami-Dade County line. Its so close to Miami-Dade that crews had to travel into Miami-Dade to get to the scene, said Fire-Rescue Battalion Chief Michael Kane. The injured man was taken by Fire-Rescues Air Rescue unit to Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood. Kane said six or seven other people were involved, but all said they werent injured. Macks Fish Camp is located just north of Krome Avenue and west of U.S. Highway 27 in southwestern Broward County. It describes itself on its Instagram page as a place where Ol Florida and the Gladesmen Culture still continue. Its Gladesmen Airboat Tours offers tours and bass fishing. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is investigating the incident, according to the Broward Sheriffs Office. BRAINTREE, Mass. (WWLP) A man is in custody after allegedly stabbing multiple girls in a Massachusetts movie theater Saturday night. Massachusetts State Police said the man, who has not yet been identified, entered an AMC movie theater in Braintree, about 14 miles south of Boston, Saturday evening and bypassed the ticket counter. Authorities told reporters the man then entered a theater and stabbed four girls, ranging in age from 9 years old to 17, without any warning. The attack is believed to be unprovoked. All four girls were taken to the hospital for their injuries. An update on their conditions was not immediately available Sunday. Roughly an hour after the alleged stabbings, Massachusetts State Police say they were called to a reported stabbing at a McDonalds in nearby Plymouth, about 30 miles south of Braintree. At least 11 dead after severe weather roars through Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas A 21-year-old woman and a 29-year-old man were taken to a local hospital with apparent stab wounds. Both were said to have non-life threatening injuries. Police said a vehicle matching the description of the suspect in the McDonalds incident was spotted about 20 miles away in Sandwich. The man allegedly attempted to flee police, but crashed the vehicle and was taken into custody, state police explained. The suspect was taken to an area hospital for treatment. According to state police, a preliminary investigation points to a likely connection between the incident at the Braintree AMC theater and the McDonalds stabbings. The investigation remains ongoing. Shortly after the mans arrest, Connecticut State Police issued a press release regarding a person found dead in Deep River, a town near the coast, about 30 miles east of New Haven and 120 miles from Braintree. Few details were provided but Connecticut authorities noted a suspect in this investigation has been taken into custody in the State of Massachusetts. Sources told a Boston-area news outlet the incidents in Braintree, Plymouth, and Deep River are connected. Authorities have not provided any additional details or confirmed any connection. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. UPDATE: Body discovered by fishers, pulled from Two Rivers Harbor identified; incident under investigation Monday, 05/26/24 12:29 p.m. TWO RIVERS, Wis. (WFRV) Authorities say the body that was pulled from the Two Rivers Harbor after being discovered by fishermen Sunday morning has been identified. According to a release from the Two Rivers Police Department, officers have identified the body to be that of 40-year-old Joshua J. Donaher. Officials say they are continuing to investigate the cause and circumstances surrounding Donahers death, however, they believe that the public is not in any danger. No other information is available at this time. Local Five will update this story if new details are released. Mans body discovered by fishers, pulled from Two Rivers Harbor; incident under investigation Sunday, 05/26/24 2:03 p.m. TWO RIVERS, Wis. (WFRV) Authorities are actively investigating and working to identify the body of a man which was removed from the Two Rivers Harbor after being discovered by fishers on Sunday morning. According to the Two Rivers Police Department, the body of a man between the ages of 30 to 50 was removed by the Two Rivers Fire Department from the Two Rivers Harbor where the East and West Twin Rivers converge. Brown County youth tennis coach in custody as investigation into growing number of young victims continues Authorities say the Manitowoc County Coroners Officer determined the age of the man, saying he would have had brown hair and numerous tattoos. Personnel from the Two Rivers Police Department, the Manitowoc County Sheriffs Office, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources have been actively investigating this incident and attempting to identify the male. Not many details were provided, however, officers did note that there is no obvious evidence of foul play and the public is not believed to be in any danger. New one for us: Deer crashes through window of a Wisconsin assisted living facility Anyone with relevant information about either the incident or the identity of the deceased is asked to contact Two Rivers Police Department Detective Klumpyan at (920) 686-7200. Due to the active investigation, no additional details are being provided. Local 5 will update this story when more information is released. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. A man drowned in an Ohio lake while fishing early Sunday morning. Springfield Township Police Chief Jack Simone said an officer jumped into the lake at 1:18 a.m. after the mans fishing partner informed him of the situation, WOIO reported. The officer was unable to find the victim. Water rescue crews responded at approximately 5:30 a.m. and found the body of 44-year-old John Wisener, of Akron, in approximately seven feet of water, according to WOIO. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. >> Police pursue wrong way driver across multiple counties, driver taken into custody According to investigators, Wisener was fishing in a boat when he fell into the lake for an unknown reason. The Summit County Medical Examiners Office took the body for further examination. Man fatally shot by Kansas deputies after traffic stop turns into car chase, KBI says A 37-year-old armed man was shot and killed by two Kansas deputies following a traffic stop and car chase early Sunday in southwest Kansas, authorities say. Richard Castillo, 37, of Ulysses, was brandishing a gun when the chase ended, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation said in a news release. The deputies opened fire on Castillo, killing him. The incident started at 1:50 a.m. when a Haskell County Sheriffs Office deputy attempted to make a traffic stop at the intersection of U.S. 83 and U.S. 56. The traffic stop turned into a northbound pursuit on U.S. 83, prompting the deputy to call for backup, the KBI said. The chase came to an end when Castillo turned east on state highway 144 and attempted to make a U-turn, striking the deputys vehicle and coming to stop in a ditch, a KBI news release said. Two Haskell County deputies gave Castillo commands to get out of the vehicle. Castillo produced a firearm from within the vehicle and both deputies fired their weapons, striking Castillo, according to the KBI. EMS responded to the scene, and determined Castillo was dead. The KBI was called and arrived shortly after the incident to investigate the shooting. The two deputies have been placed on paid administrative leave as the KBI conducts an independent investigation into the shooting. The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating the collision between Castillos and the deputys vehicle. Findings from the investigation will be given to the Haskell County Attorney. LAS VEGAS (KLAS) A man was found stabbed to death near a walking trail in the east Las Vegas valley, according to Metro police. On Saturday around 12:50 a.m., Metro police responded to a report of a stabbing in the 2600 block of South Lamd Boulevard near Sahara Avenue. When officers arrived they found a man suffering from an apparent stab wound near a walking trail. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. Anyone with any information about this incident is urged to contact the LVMPD Homicide Section by phone at 702-828-3521, or by email at homicide@lvmpd.com. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 702-385-5555, or at crimestoppersofnv.com. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS. KEARNS, Utah (ABC4) A man pleaded guilty Friday to kidnapping and murdering a 25-year-old Kearns woman in 2021. Orlando Esiesa Tobar, 32, pleaded guilty to murder and aggravated kidnapping, both first-degree felonies, on Friday, May 24. He was initially charged with aggravated murder, which was later amended, and was facing an obstruction of justice charge, which has now been dismissed without prejudice. According to court documents, Conzuelo Nicole Solorio-Romero was taken from her home by two men with guns in February of 2021. Officials say she had alerted a friend through a video message who contacted the police and nearby witnesses also reported seeing a woman forced into a vehicle. The documents say she was brought to a West Valley studio apartment where witnesses watched two men force her into the residence at knifepoint. Witnesses said they saw Chaparro later identified as Tobar question her about speaking with police. Child wakes up from coma after driving toy tractor into Beaver Co. river, nearly drowning Solorio-Romero denied speaking with police but told one of the witnesses that her husband did not commit suicide as the witness thought but was killed by the two men who now had her detained. Tobar then said she knew too much and would not be leaving the apartment. Witnesses said he then moved his head to the side, and the other armed man identified as Jorge Medina-Reyes shot Solorio-Romero in the back of the head. The witnesses said they left the apartment and heard another shot inside followed by Tobar walking out with a gun in hand. More than a month later, Solorio-Romeros body was found wrapped in plastic garbage bags. Medina-Reyes pleaded not guilty to murder and kidnapping charges, however, court records show he has a date set in June to address a possible plea change. Fernando Marquez and Carolina Marquez are also facing murder and kidnapping charges in connection to the incident, however, they are still awaiting trial. Ivan Acosta and Cristian Morales are facing charges for alleged obstruction of justice and abuse or desecration of a dead human body. Tobars sentencing is set to place on July 22. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. **Related Video Above: What to do if you witness a crime ELYRIA, Ohio (WJW) A man was rescued from underneath a bridge early Saturday morning, the Elyria Fire Department said. Elyria police reportedly called firefighters around 3 a.m. after a man they were chasing on foot jumped into the Black River. Police told them the man was able to get out of the water and was stuck under the Lake Avenue Bridge. Sinkhole collapses busy local road Police had deployed a drone to find the victim, who was wedged into a crevice and was injured. Upon arrival, firefighters said they issued a rope rescue to pull the man up. The man was taken to University Hospitals Elyria for treatment on his leg. It was unclear what led to the chase in the first place. No one else was reported injured in the incident. Golfer Grayson Murray dead at 30: PGA Tour It was a great team effort between Elyria Safety Forces to successfully rescue the victim with limited visibility and the dangerous river currents, the department said in a statement. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW. PHNOM PENH, May 26 (Xinhua) -- The ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) on Sunday won the most votes in the municipal, provincial, town and district council elections for the fourth term, according to preliminary results released by the National Election Committee (NEC). Five political parties, namely the CPP, the Khmer Will Party, the Nation Power Party, the Funcinpec Party and the Khmer National United Party, took part in the non-universal elections. The preliminary results, issued by the NEC and announced one polling station by one polling station on the state-run TVK, showed that the CPP received most of the votes in the elections. NEC's Chairman Prach Chan said 11,598 sitting commune chiefs and councilors, or 99.79 percent of the 11,622 eligible voters, cast their ballots for 4,200 municipal, provincial, town and district councilors on Sunday. "The elections were conducted smoothly with good security and order, and without any violence or intimidation," he said in a press conference at the conclusion of the elections. "The elections were held in a free and fair manner based on the principle of liberal multi-party democracy," Chan added. CPP's spokesperson Sok Eysan confirmed with Xinhua that based on the party's tally, the CPP won the most majority votes in the elections, gaining some 10,052 votes, or about 86 percent of the total votes. "This is another great success for the CPP after we won a landslide victory in the senate election in February 2024 and the general election in July 2023," he said. According to the NEC, the official results will be publicized on June 8. The municipal, provincial, town and district council elections are held once every five years. gavel - OK MIAMI A Miami man who robbed a Boca Raton credit union in 2023 has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for a series of robbery attempts on South Florida banks and credit unions. Keith Bernard Miller, 54, was found guilty by a federal jury and sentenced Thursday for two attempted credit union robberies, one credit union robbery and one bank robbery while on supervised release for a separate case. He will also serve three years of supervised release after completing his sentence, the U.S. Department of Justices Miami office said in a news release. On Sept. 29, Miller entered two credit unions in the Broward County city of Miramar and attempted to rob each one, but was unsuccessful, the department said. He then drove to a credit union in Boca Raton, presented a note demanding money, and stole more than $1,600, the department said. On Oct. 10, Miller drove to a bank in the western Broward County city of Davie and presented a demand note to a teller, who handed more than $1,300 over to Miller. He was arrested later that day when police found his getaway vehicle, the DOJ said. Officers found draft demand notes and clothing worn during the robberies when they apprehended Miller. In 2020, Miller had been sentenced to more than five years in prison after pleading guilty to three counts of credit union robbery. Miller also had been previously convicted of multiple robberies, aggravated stalking with a firearm, burglary with assault and battery and felony eluding, among other offenses. U.S. District Judge Roy K. Altman imposed the sentence. The Boca Raton Police Department, along with the Miramar and Miami-Dade police departments, assisted the FBI in investigating the case. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami man gets 20 years for series of bank, credit union robberies A 26-year-old Rome man was arrested after police say he intentionally set a house on fire and killed his stepmother. Around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday Rome police were called to a house fire on Addington Court. When officers arrived, they learned a woman was trapped inside. Flames were coming out the roof and around the front door. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Officers said they noticed a shirtless man on the side of the road. The man was identified as Timothy Edward Lary, 26. Authorities said the resident of the home, grabbed the officer and said He set the fire and my wife is inside! I want him to go to jail, pointing to Lary on the side of the road. Officers asked Lary, Did you set fire to the house? He answered, Yeah I did. Police said the resident is Larys father and that he and his wife rented the lot from Larys mother. He told police his son had been mad all day, working his way into a rage. The father said that Lary believed the lot should belong to him and that he wanted his mother to sell it, so he could have the money and be on his own. TRENDING STORIES: Lary allegedly threatened that he was going to burn the house down while his father and stepmother were at work. His father said Lary took a bunch of papers and lit fire to them throwing them onto the mattress in his room. The father said he yelled at his wife to get out of the home but when he went outside she was not there. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Once the fire was extinguished the 70-year-old victims body along with two cats and a dog were found in the back bedroom. Lary was arrested and charged with neglect to a disabled adult and or elder person, three counts of cruelty to animals, three counts of arson, criminal damage to property, and two counts of aggravated assault and murder. He was booked into the Floyd County Jail. Editors note: This story has been corrected to reflect the relationship between the suspect and the victim. IN OTHER NEWS: WASHINGTON (DC News Now) The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said a man was stabbed in Northeast D.C. overnight on Sunday. MPD said that at about 12:45 a.m., it was dispatched to a stabbing at 17th and Bladensburg Road Northeast. Shooting victim remembered during candlelight vigil Police said that when they arrived at the scene, they found a man who had been stabbed. He was conscious and breathing. The man was transported to the hospital for treatment. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC. Maniac who set NYC straphanger on fire was behind earlier similar incident: cops The deranged nut who tossed flaming liquid at an unsuspecting straphanger also tried to torch a group of commuters at a Manhattan subway station earlier this year, cops said Sunday. The suspect, Nile Taylor, 49, gave an icy stare to photographers as he was led from Transit District 2 to Manhattan court for arraignment in the weekend case Sunday afternoon. Taylor was in custody on an assault rap in the fiery Saturday attack on 23-year-old Petrit Alijaj at the Varick Street station in Manhattan when he was identified and charged in a similar Feb. 5 incident at the West 28th Street subway station, too, police said. Nile Taylor is escorted out of Transit District 2 Sunday, May 26, 2024. G.N.Miller/NYPost Police said Taylor was also the dangerous firebug who hurled two burning cans at straphangers in Manhattan in February. DCPI A man now identified as Taylor can be seen on surveillance footage in the February incident holding two cans of flammable liquid and hurling them at a group of people at the station. No one was hurt in the incident, and the suspect fled and remained on the lam until now. Around 2:45 p.m. Saturday, Alijaj and his fiancee were about to get off a No. 1 train at West Houston and Varick streets as they headed to the Statue of Liberty when Taylor allegedly hurled flaming liquid at him. The burn victim told The Post on Saturday that he used his body to block his girlfriend from the flames. I protect my fiancee with my body, he said. Alijaj ended up ripping off his burning shirt while his assailant fled the scene. I touched myself to put out the fire, Alijaj recalled. So, while I was running, I was burning. The doctors said 30% of my body was burnt. But I dont think it is 30%. Maybe more like 10%, he said. The victim was taken to New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Hospital to be treated for his burns. He moaned in pain as he told The Post from his hospital bed Sunday, Im not OK, Im not OK. Taylor was nabbed by cops about five blocks away at Canal and Renwick streets near the entrance to the Holland Tunnel done in by the cell phone hed swiped off the subway platform afterward, allowing quick-thinking officers to track him down through it. Petrit Alijaj, 23, was set on fire by the deranged vagrant Saturday, suffering burns on 30% of his body, police said. William Farrington Nile Taylor, 49, is charged with hurling flaming liquid at a straphanger in Manhattan on Saturday afternoon, cops said. William Farrington He was being questioned by NYPD detectives and awaiting arraignment Sunday as cops identified him as the alleged suspect in the earlier incident, law-enforcement sources said. He is now charged with assault, arson, reckless endangerment and weapons possession in the February case. Taylor also has been arrested for theft of service in a sealed case and criminal possession of a weapon in 1997, sources said. Alijaj recovers from the attack at New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Hospital in Manhattan. Marie Pohl Meanwhile, he isnt the only alleged vagrant firebug in the transit system. In March, police charged Israel Montero, a Bronx menace with a history of emotional disturbances, with setting a garbage bag on fire on a subway car at the 125th Street station in Manhattan. Montero, 49, even set his own shoes on fire in the May 3 blaze, police said. -Additional reporting by Marie Pohl Maniac sets straphanger on fire inside NYC subway before being arrested after fleeing train: cops A maniac ignited a cup of liquid and hurled it at a stranger on a Manhattan subway Saturday, setting fire to the mans shirt and burning his chest and neck, cops said. The terrifying episode is the second time in four months someone tossed flaming liquid at a straphanger and authorities are investigating whether the same fire bug is to blame in both incidents. The latest incident unfolded as the No. 1 train was pulling into the Houston Street station at West Houston and Varick Streets around 2:45 p.m.. FDNY firefighter hosing down a victim who was set afire on a subway train. William Farrington NYPD officer working with a woman to track her phone after a subway passenger was lit on fire, Saturday afternoon. William Farrington When the train doors opened, the attacker, identified as Nile Taylor ran but stopped to scoop up a phone a woman on the platform had dropped. Quick-thinking police officers talked to her and then tracked the lost phone. Taylor was taken into custody a short time later about five blocks away at Canal Street and Renwick Street, near the entrance to the Holland Tunnel. The victim who was set afire on a subway train standing on Varick Street awaiting first responders. William Farrington The burned man, 23, was treated at New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Hospital but was not seriously injured. Investigators are probing if Taylor, 49, was also responsible for a similar attack in February, a police source said. In that incident, a crazed man tossed a flaming container at a group of straphangers on a subway platform on the No. 1 line on Feb. 5, around 7:40 p.m. inside the West 28th Street station. They think he might be the guy from the February incident, a police source said, of the prior flame-throwing incident. Quick-thinking cops arrested the perp. William Farrington Cops released footage at the time showing a man holding two blazing cans at a turnstile. Taylors rap sheet includes a 1997 arrest for weapons possession when he was found with a .22 caliber rifle, a Ruger, and a silver Derringer, according to a source. The fiery afternoon on the rails is another example of how much the citys justice system has deteriorated, said Joseph Giacalone, a retired NYPD Sergeant and professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Whats next? he wondered. Ive been to this movie so many times, where, if we think the criminal justice system has become a revolving door, the emotionally disturbed, mental health procedures have become a double or triple revolving door. Unfortunately someone is going to get badly hurt. NEW YORK CITY (PIX11) Mayor Eric Adams joined PIX on Politics to discuss a broad range of topics, including the citys lifeguard shortage, library funding, waitlists for early education seats and the NYPDs conduct during college protests. On protests on college campuses, Adams continues to say the NYPD showed a great level of discipline despite criticism of polices conduct. Mayor Adams talks new zoning proposals Adams also said NYPD top brasss conduct on social media was under review. The ranking leadership is standing up for their police officers and I commend that. Theres a review taking place, let the review make the determination if any lines were crossed, Adams said. Adams also affirmed there were 3K seats available for all students, despite some parents telling PIX11 they were placed on waitlists and could face lengthy commutes. Adams said there was miscommunication from the Department of Education, and all students would have access to a seat. Every child that desires a seat will have access to a seat nobodys going to be traveling, Adams said. The New York City Public Schools sent out a letter that it was poorly written in the right manner, and they corrected that. Watch the video player for the full interview. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. People walk outside the "Pony" club in Kampen (Sylt) on Friday evening. A video shared online of young Germans chanting racist anti-immigrant slogans outside a pub on the North Sea island of Sylt has sparked outrage in the country. Lea Sarah Albert/dpa A Bavarian mayor and local organizers have distanced themselves from racist chanting at a festival, as the fallout from a similar incident on the northern German island of Sylt continued. The latest occasion - which again involved people singing racist lyrics to the tune of "L'amour toujours" by Italian DJ Gigi D'Agostino - occurred at the Bergkirchweih festival in the southern city of Erlangen. The caterers reportedly decided to stop playing the song after police said two visitors chanted racist slogans to the tune on Friday evening. The organizers and city mayor Florian Janik criticized the incident afterwards. The Erlangen criminal investigation department launched an investigation and the 21 and 26-year-old suspects have been banned from entering the festival, police said. Police attending the festival from a different state in a personal capacity reported that two guests were shouting "foreigners out." The incident follows a similar event in an upscale resort on the northern island of Sylt earlier this week. A video showed young people chanting racist slogans to the same song, with one man appearing to imitate a Hitler salute. It later went viral and was widely condemned across the country, including by Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The operators of the well-known Pony bar where the incident took place said they would press charges against the offenders, who are already beginning to suffer consequences. The man who performed the Nazi gesture, which is banned in Germany, apologized on social media, according to the Bild newspaper. He said he made a "very bad mistake" and was ashamed of his actions. The young man stated that he had turned himself in to the police and was ready to face the legal consequences. Another person involved was dismissed by their employer, German social media influencer Milena Karl. "I am a migrant myself and as an expectant mother, everything that can be seen in this video represents a society in which I do not want to raise my child," she said. Police in the north-western German state of Lower Saxony said racist slogans were also used at a festival last week in the town of Loningen. Authorities are investigating the incident. Luca Huth from Sylt is standing on the terrace of the "Pony" club in Kampen (Sylt) on Friday evening. A video shared online of young Germans chanting racist anti-immigrant slogans outside a pub on the North Sea island of Sylt has sparked outrage in the country. Lea Sarah Albert/dpa Two women sit on the terrace of the "Pony" club in Kampen (Sylt). A video shared online of young Germans chanting racist anti-immigrant slogans outside a pub on the North Sea island of Sylt has sparked outrage in the country. Lea Sarah Albert/dpa Two women sit on the terrace of the "Pony" club in Kampen (Sylt). A video shared online of young Germans chanting racist anti-immigrant slogans outside a pub on the North Sea island of Sylt has sparked outrage in the country. Lea Sarah Albert/dpa A Bavarian mayor and local organizers have distanced themselves from racist chanting at a festival, mirroring another incident in northern Germany which has caused concern across the country. Friday's incident also involved people singing racist chants to the tune of "L'amour toujours" by Italian DJ Gigi D'Agostino at the Bergkirchweih festival in Erlangen. The organizers and city mayor Florian Janik slammed the incident afterwards, and the caterers decided to stop playing the song, after police said two visitors chanted racist slogans to the tune on Friday evening. The Erlangen criminal investigation department launched an investigation and the 21 and 26-year-old suspects have been banned from entering the festival, police said. Police attending the festival from a different state in a personal capacity reported that two guests were shouting "foreigners out." The incident follows a similar event in an upscale resort on the northern island of Sylt. A video showed young people chanting racist slogans to the same tune. It later went viral and was widely condemned across the country, including by Chancellor Olaf Scholz. People walk outside the "Pony" club in Kampen (Sylt) on Friday evening. A video shared online of young Germans chanting racist anti-immigrant slogans outside a pub on the North Sea island of Sylt has sparked outrage in the country. Lea Sarah Albert/dpa Luca Huth from Sylt is standing on the terrace of the "Pony" club in Kampen (Sylt) on Friday evening. A video shared online of young Germans chanting racist anti-immigrant slogans outside a pub on the North Sea island of Sylt has sparked outrage in the country. Lea Sarah Albert/dpa This photo released by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on May 18, 2024 shows Israeli military operation in eastern Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. (IDF/Handout via Xinhua) JERUSALEM, May 26 (Xinhua) -- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has reduced its troops in the southernmost Gazan city of Rafah, with the Givati infantry brigade withdrawing Saturday night from the eastern part of the city, the Israeli news website Ynet reported Sunday. The reduction in forces came after the International Court of Justice on Friday ordered Israel to stop the military offensive in Rafah and to allow the opening of the Rafah crossing on the Egypt-Gaza Strip border. According to the report, the Israeli army explained that the move aims to refresh the forces and help them return to fitness. At the same time, the IDF said in a statement that the Armored Corps' 162nd Division in the Rafah area killed militants who tried to attack the Israeli forces, and found shafts and many weapons. The IDF added that the armored 679th Brigade killed militants in the central Gaza Strip, while the fighters of the armored 460th Brigade raided a warehouse in a school in Jabalia city in the northern Strip and found dozens of rocket components and weapons. In addition, the Israeli Air Force destroyed more than 50 targets throughout the Strip, including military buildings, ammunition depots, rocket launchers, and observation posts, according to the IDF. This photo released by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on May 18, 2024 shows Israeli military operation in eastern Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. (IDF/Handout via Xinhua) This photo released by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on May 18, 2024 shows Israeli military operation in eastern Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. (IDF/Handout via Xinhua) Memorial Day commemorates those who gave their lives for the nation. Beyond those fallen soldiers we also remember our other dead. But the flags and flowers are as puzzling as they are poignant. What do we owe the dead? The dead are likely indifferent to our commemorations. And yet we feel compelled to remember. On birthdays and anniversaries, we raise a glass and toast the dead. Dia de los Muertos and the Japanese Obon festival honor the dead in their own ways. Remembrance is fleshed out in diverse traditions and funerary rites. Opinion Some worry that hungry ghosts demand that we honor them with gifts and sacrifices. Behind this are metaphysical theories about the destination of the soul after death and profound questions about what matters in life, and death. One famous example of these questions is found in Sophocles tragedy Antigone. The plays title character buries her dead brother in defiance of the authorities. She explains to her sister that our obligations to the dead are deeper and longer than our obligations to the living. The moments of this world are fleeting. But in the end, Antigone says, we will lie with the dead forever. Now a skeptic may wonder what all the fuss is about. Can the dust we scatter over a corpse really matter? Do the flowers we leave in cemeteries really accomplish anything in the metaphysical realm? Why would the dead care whether we decorate their graves? Will those ghosts even notice? In response, we might say that memorializing the dead is more about the living than the dead. When we honor the dead, we express our values in the here and now. A flag, a flower, or a toast is a message to other living human beings who stand beside us. These symbols comfort the grieving. They express solidarity with a cause and link us to traditions that extend back through our ancestors. These ancestors no longer exist. But their memory gives substance to the present and orients us toward the future. And despite what the skeptic says, we tend to feel responsible to the dead. This is linked to the puzzling topic of posthumous harm. Can a dead person be harmed if malicious rumors are spread about her? If we fail to fulfill a dead persons wishes, has that person been harmed? A will or organ donor card can create a legal obligation to carry out the wishes of the dead. But would the dead person be harmed if those wishes were not executed? A skeptic might say that non-existent people cannot be harmed. A more tender-hearted approach holds that the dead remain spiritually present. Their ethereal presence creates a real source of obligation and duty. Our departed loved ones remain present with us even in their absence. This is not simply a hungry metaphysical ghost. Rather, it is the very real presence of the people we love. This happens all the time when friends and family are absent from us. Our loved ones are always here with us, even when they are far away. They are part of who we are. When they die, that absence becomes more permanent. But the presence remains. We honor the dead not because we fear them or because we believe that they will be disappointed in their ghostly afterlife. Rather, our relationships, our promises, and our loves endure through time and across death. This includes shared commitments to values and ideals. At Memorial Day, this shared commitment is understood in relation to the nation for which the fallen soldier has died. The rest of the year, we honor the dead by carrying on with the ideas and projects that gave shape to the lives of those weve lost. This is part of what Sophocles called the wonder of being human. We transcend time. We create art. And we dedicate our lives to ideas that will outlive us. The dead remain with us in the ideals they lived and died for. Beyond the flags and flowers, we honor the dead by carrying those ideals forward. We remember the dead because we love them and the values for which they lived. That love and those values endure in the hearts of the living. Andrew Fiala is a professor of philosophy and director of The Ethics Center at Fresno State. Contact him at fiala.andrew@gmail.co m At least 18 people are dead after tornado-spawning storms strike the central US on Memorial Day weekend At least 18 people, including four children, are dead in four states after suspected tornadoes struck the central United States overnight and as millions face continued severe weather threats through the remainder of the Memorial Day weekend. Just under 109 million people across broad swaths of the US were under threat of large hail, damaging winds and a fierce twisters Sunday, mainly throughout the mid-Mississippi, Ohio and Tennessee River valleys. As the storms move east, the Storm Prediction Center warned of violent tornadoes, extreme hail and corridors of widespread wind damage. President Joe Biden has been briefed on the storms. A heightened tornado watch designated as a rare particularly dangerous situation calling for several tornadoes and few intense likely went into effect on Sunday, according to the Storm Prediction Center. LIVE UPDATES FROM THE REGION The watch covers parts of Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri and Tennessee including in St. Louis and Jefferson City, Missouri; Paducah, Kentucky; and Carbondale, Illinois and impacts 4.7 million people. This is a special kind of tornado watch issued only when theres unusually high confidence in the potential of multiple at least EF2-strength and long-lived tornadoes in the area, according to the National Weather Service. The supercell thunderstorms firing up in the watch area will also be capable of large hail bigger than the size of baseballs and damaging wind gusts to 75 mph. Intense supercell thunderstorms will continue to develop across the watch area through this evening. Several tornadoes are likely, some of which are expected to be intense. Very large hail is also likely, along with the risk for potentially significant damaging wind gusts, says the Storm Prediction Center. Betty Wood stands next to a downed 50-foot-tree on her property on Sunday, May 26, 2024, in Rogers, Arkansas. - Charlie Kaijo/The Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/AP Severe storms kill over a dozen people At least seven people in Cooke County, Texas, were killed when severe storms hit the area Saturday night, Sheriff Ray Sappington told CNN. Two victims were 2 and 5 years old. At least eight people died in Arkansas, officials say. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders declared a state of emergency Sunday afternoon to support the severe weather and tornado-ravaged parts of the state. One person died in Kentucky, according to Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg. In northeast Oklahoma, two people were killed and at least 23 were injured as a result of severe storms overnight, local officials told CNN. Survey teams from the National Weather Service found severe damage Sunday in Claremore, Oklahoma, giving the tornado a preliminary rating of EF3 which pack winds between 136 and 165 mph. Inside a Shell gas station in northeast Texas, 60 to 80 people were trapped until the storm blew over, Sappington said. Multiple injuries were reported at the station, but none were life-threatening, he added. City of Denton (Texas) Fire Department shares photo of damaged building following severe weather reported in area. - City of Denton Fire Department In north Denton County, a possible tornado injured an unknown number of people, damaged several homes, overturned 18-wheelers, downed trees and knocked out power lines on Saturday night, authorities said early Sunday. Multiple victims were reported in Ray Roberts after severe weather struck the area overnight, city of Denton fire officials said. Damage to several homes was also reported in the neighboring city of Celina, where officials said the city was affected by apparent tornadic activity on Saturday. Lake Ray Roberts Marina in the city of Sanger in Denton County sustained damage to boats, boat houses and the fuel dock by the severe weather Saturday night. Despite reports of people rescued after being trapped in overturned RVs, there are no reports of serious injuries. There is so much damage, we dont even know where to start, the marina said in a Facebook post Sunday morning. We know the boat houses are heavily damaged, all have lost walkways, and most boats are damaged, the post said. We lost our fuel dock and offices along with our dock cat, Ginger. A survey team with the National Weather Service in Dallas found that a tornado of at least a preliminary rating of EF2 strength struck Valley View in northern Texas with estimated maximum winds of 135 mph. The team also said damage found in south Montague County, just south of Forestburg, was consistent with an EF2 tornado and estimated maximum winds of 125 mph. Gov. Greg Abbott on Sunday signed a disaster declaration for four additional counties Denton, Collin, Cooke and Montague bringing the total to 106 counties. I saw the harrowing video inside the Valley View gas station as the tornado passed through with the people stockpiled in their clinging to safety, Abbott said at a news conference, adding that its a miracle everyone made it out alive. At least 100 people have been injured in Texas, said Abbott, who referred to the deaths as a heart-wrenching loss of life. Vehicles in a body shop are seen amid debris the morning after a tornado rolled through in Valley View, Texas. - Julio Cortez/AP As damaged areas recover, storms move east More than 600,000 customers across 12 states were without power by Sunday evening, including more than 135,000 outages in Kentucky alone, according to the tracking website poweroutage.us. There is a Level 3 of 5 risk of severe thunderstorms over parts of the Mississippi and Ohio valleys into Monday morning, and EF2 to EF5 tornadoes and wind gusts of 74 mph are possible, according to the Storm Prediction Center. Storms will move toward the East Coast on Monday, bringing disruptive high winds and large hail from DC through the Southeast. The travel hubs of Chicago, Indianapolis, St. Louis and Nashville could have to contend with damaging storms, leading to delayed or canceled flights. The potential for heavy rain over parts of the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys, middle Mississippi Valley, and Central Appalachians prompted the slight risk, Level 2 of 4, of excessive rainfall in those regions through Monday morning. Louisville, Kentucky; Cincinnati; St. Louis; Nashville and Indianapolis are among the cities included in the Level 3 threat. Record-breaking heat possible for some The unofficial start of summer is also ushering in sweltering heat, reaching potentially record high temperatures for parts of the US on Monday. Houston; New Orleans; Miami; Mobile, Alabama, Tampa, Florida; and Charleston, South Carolina, are among locations where warm weather will feel more like July than late May through the holiday weekend. A subtropical upper-level high over Mexico will help spawn excessive heat warnings and heat advisories over southern Texas through Monday, according to the Storm Prediction Center. The ridging will create a dangerous early-season heat wave over south Texas and southern Florida, according to the center. Daily high temperatures and heat index reading exceeding 115 are possible in some areas, the Storm Prediction Center noted. Those spending time outdoors or who are dealing with a loss of power should drink enough water, dress in lightweight clothing and locate cooling centers if necessary. CNN meteorologist Elliana Hebert and CNNs Ed Lavandera, Jillian Sykes, Chris Boyette and Cindy Von Quednow contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) Several military families plan on attending the Hillsborough County 27th Annual Memorial Day Observance Service at Veterans Memorial Park in Tampa on Sunday. There, they will honor their loved ones who died serving our country. The community is invited to join them for this special ceremony beginning at 10 a.m. Expect to hear from officials at MacDill Airforce Base, Hillsborough County Commissioners, and other community leaders. JROTC will be a part of the ceremony where you could also see the traditional rifle salute and hear a playing of taps. There will be special tributes as well, including a presentation from American Gold Star Mothers like Veteran Annette Kirk who lost her son in the line of duty, and several of her friends. It takes one minute to just think about that- think about those men and women that have served and have died for our freedom, Kirk said. Thats it. Its simple. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. The Minneapolis Reckoning: Race, Violence and the Politics of Policing in America, by Michelle S. Phelps, Princeton University Press, 304 pages, $29.95 Being a writer at the right place at the right moment is a mix of chance and preparation. Michelle Phelps, a University of Minnesota sociologist, began researching lethal police encounters and the politics of policing in Minneapolis in 2015. She was sitting at her desk writing up the results of her research on May 25, 2020, when a Minneapolis cop killed George Floyd. (Princeton University Press) Phelps has now published The Minneapolis Reckoning, the results of reviewing her years of research through the lens of Floyd's death and the ensuing unsuccessful push to defund the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD). It argues that Minneapolis, a progressive, majority-white city marked by a history of police violence and racial segregation, is a "secret bellwether city for understanding race and policing in America" and "a test case for both the possibilities and limits of liberal police reform." I'll admit I sighed a little when I read those lines. Last year I reviewed The Riders Come Out At Night, a similar history of corruption in the Oakland Police Department and the multi-decade effort to clean it up. The authors described Oakland as "the edge case in American policing." And by my count, there have been two books and a prestige TV drama about a crooked police task force in Baltimoreanother city that social critics have turned to as a cipher for understanding policing and race in America. But Minneapolis certainly deserves special attention, as the site both of Floyd's killing and of the torching of a precinct building in the unrest that followed. Those would become two of the most significant images of the year, the former launching global protests while the latter polarized and calcified the discourse over those protests. Minneapolis was also one of a few cities that actually did seriously consider defunding the police. (Despite the apocalyptic warnings of police unions and Republican politicians at the time, the vast majority of major cities' police budgets either increased or remained level following the summer of 2020.) On June 7, 2020, nine of Minneapolis' 13 city council members stood on a stage and declared that they were taking immediate steps to end the MPD, saying it "cannot be reformed and will never be held accountable for their actions." But Minneapolis voters rejected a 2021 ballot initiative that would have amended the city's charter to remove mandatory staffing levels for police (a provision Minneapolis' police union successfully lobbied to have inserted in 1961), shifted control of the police from the mayor's office to the city council, and most controversially, replaced the MPD with an umbrella public health agency, the Department of Public Safety. That new department could include, but did not mandate, police officers. Opponents cast the failure of the charter amendment as evidence of the deep unpopularity of "defund the police" rhetoric and the general failure of anti-police activism. Phelps' book provides critical context for all of these events. As she shows, the radical activism and the calls to defund the police in Minneapolis did not appear out of thin air, nor were they astroturfed by shadowy, deep-pocketed Marxists. They emerged from decades of political tug-of-war between local activists, city officials, and the powerful Minneapolis police union. The efforts to change policing in Minneapolis were also not monolithic. They were split among three general blocs. Phelps identifies the first group as "21-century police reform," the Obama-era technocratic campaign led by liberal city officials, police chiefs, and policy think tanks. In 2015, Minneapolis was in fact a pilot site for the National Initiative for Building Community Trust and Justice. This pilot program included sending officers to implicit bias training, changing the department's use-of-force policies, and creating a requirement for officers to intervene if they witnessed a fellow officer using excessive force. None of this stopped Officer Derek Chauvin from keeping his knee on George Floyd for nine minutes. The second group is what Phelps calls "radical reformers," the community groups and Black Lives Matter activists who pressured city officials to overhaul the MPD. Their demands included prosecuting and decertifying officers involved in unjustified killings, creating more powerful civilian oversight mechanisms, banning "warrior" training for officers, and renegotiating the collective bargaining agreement between the city and the police union. The third group are the abolitionists, many of whom had become burned out and further radicalized after seeing the lackluster results of the reforms achieved by the previous decade's Black Lives Matter protests. Abolitionism rejects piecemeal institutional reform and insists on the wholesale dismantling of the "prison-industrial complex." But there is a fourth group, perhaps the most important one that Phelps documents: the residents of Minneapolis' Northside neighborhooda high-crime, majority-black area that all of the various actors in the city's political arena claimed to be fighting on behalf of. Phelps' interviews with Northside residents illuminate both why the charter amendment gained momentum and why it failed. A black veteran describes being called the n-word, and a woman recounts trying to report to police that she'd been drugged and raped only to be treated "like a disease. Like a suspect." But Northsiders are also plagued by high rates of crime victimization. As Phelps describes it, they are caught in the bind of being simultaneously overpoliced and underprotected. They frequently have negative experiences with the police department, but they are forced to rely on it to deal with high levels of crime, which they also believe the city is intentionally ignoring. This creates a sense of legal estrangement in residentsthe gap in "police-community relations" that panels of experts endlessly drone on aboutand a deep ambivalence toward not only the police but the possibilities of police reform. "I don't have faith in [police] at all," one woman tells Phelps. "But then at the same time, you gotta call them if you need 'em. You know what I mean? And then when they come and you need 'em, they shittin' on you. So it's like, you damned if you do, you damned if you don't." Police represent "both the promise of state protection and the threat of state violence," Phelps writes, and this is where abolitionist dreams crash against cold political reality. Older black community leaders and even some of the radical reform groups opposed the charter amendment because of fears it would leave beleaguered neighborhoods with even less of the protection they were demanding. The tragedy of the story is that after the fires in Minneapolis stopped smoldering and hundreds of MPD officers quitthe city actually fell below the required level in its charterNorthsiders suffered from a horrific spike in crime. Plenty of blame and finger-pointing went on among the various factions, but not much self-reflection. The Minneapolis Reckoning will be of limited interest to general readers outside of Minnesota. But it's a valuable piece of research on how fights for police reform are won and lost, and what reform means to the people who need it most. The post Is Minneapolis a 'Secret Bellwether' for Understanding Policing and Race in America? appeared first on Reason.com. There is a reason first-term House Speaker Jason White has been more out front in his support of Medicaid expansion than perhaps any other Mississippi Republican leader. Granted, Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann for years has talked favorably about Medicaid expansion, but he was slow to act primarily because he knew getting a bill out of his conservative Senate would be difficult. But even before White was officially selected as the Republican nominee to serve as speaker during the current 2024-2028 term, he made it clear that Medicaid expansion would be seriously debated and considered during his first year as the Houses presiding officer. Whites commitment was stunning since other leaders in his party, such as his predecessor, former Speaker Philip Gunn, and Gov. Tate Reeves, had publicly opposed Medicaid expansion and even blocked debate on the issue. But true to his word, a bill to expand Medicaid to provide health care for the working poor was one of the first measures passed by the House by an overwhelming 99-20 margin with a vast majority of Whites Republican caucus voting for the legislation. The proposal later died during the final days of the 2024 session when the House and Senate could not reach consensus on what would have been a landmark measure. But both White and Hosemann have said they expect Medicaid expansion again will be on the table in the 2025 legislative session. Late in the 2024 session White was asked why he was a supporter of Medicaid expansion. White smiled and shrugged before saying I dont know, Maybe I see it differently. Maybe it is because my wife is in the health care industry. She is a nurse practitioner. She sees patients in Holmes and Carroll counties where there is a lot to be desired. They do a great job, but it is tough. So you see that. White went on to say he has seen the negative impact of possible hospital closures in some of the communities in his district. In addition, he said he is a small town lawyer who has served in various capacities, such as youth court judge. You get a great cross section of Mississippi in those environments, he said. I would like to tell you it is because I am brave, but it comes more from voters and constituents saying it is time to do this, White continued. While most of the recent Republican leaders hail from the more affluent suburbs of the metro Jackson area, White is from rural Holmes County, one of the poorest areas of the country on the edge of the Mississippi Delta. District 48 that he represents is a large rural area of central Mississippi. Make no mistake about it White is conservative, Republican, and proud of it. The House under Whites leadership passed legislation touted by Republicans to restrict trans people from using the bathroom of the sex they identify with on college and high school campuses and to prevent citizens from gathering signatures to place on the ballot proposals to ease Mississippis near total abortion ban. He said he supports school vouchers, which are the holy grail to many Republicans. But he adds the Republican-dominated House as a whole is not as supportive of sending public funds to private schools as he is. White points out he got almost 80% of the vote in the 2023 party primary election. But White also could be described as a bridge between the so-called rural white Democrats who controlled the Mississippi House for decades and the modern-day Republicans who currently have more than a two-thirds majority in the House. There are some similarities between the Republicans and those rural white Democrats. Many of the Mississippi Democrats who controlled the House before Republicans wrestled control away were social conservatives opposed to abortion rights and in favor of gun rights. But through decades, those rural white Democrats expanded the states role in health care by growing the states original Medicaid program because they saw the money the federal government was willing to offer to the state for a more robust Medicaid program as good for Mississippi and its people. In 2011, rural white Democrats were making a last stand to maintain control of the House. The 2011 election is the only election in the states history where it was uncertain which party would end up controlling the Mississippi House. White ran for election that year as one of those rural white Democrats. Republicans won a narrow majority in 2011 taking over the House for the first time since the 1800s. White also won and before his first year in the House was completed, he switched to the Republican majority. But some of the principals of those conservative rural Democrats might remain in his political DNA. This analysis was produced by Mississippi Today, a nonprofit news organization that covers state government, public policy, politics and culture. Bobby Harrison is Mississippi Todays senior Capitol reporter. Tammy Tesson Puhlmann, 63, who now lives in Villa Ridge, Missouri, shows photos of her son Drew as she sat in the Russell Senate Office Building on May 22, 2024. Puhlmanns son died of cancer at age 30, and she was among 10 eastern Missouri residents speaking to lawmakers on Capitol Hill about expanding the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act. (Photo by Ashley Murray/States Newsroom) WASHINGTON A fund to compensate Americans sickened by exposure to atomic bomb tests, uranium mining and radioactive waste expires in just under 20 days, and activists and lawmakers are scrambling to keep the fund active and open to additional victims. A bill to reauthorize and expand the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, often shortened to RECA, sailed through the U.S. Senate in early March on a bipartisan 69-30 vote, but the House has yet to take it up for a vote. Critics cite high costs, but bipartisan lawmakers and activists rallying in favor of the bill say the victims have already paid the price through medical bills and lost loved ones, and that its ultimately the governments wrong to make right. The U.S. Senate-passed legislation, championed by Republican Sen. Josh Hawley, aims to extend the program by six years and expand eligibility to several new locations, including his state of Missouri where, over decades, residents witnessed numerous rare similar cancers among neighbors in and around St. Louis. Chemical plants in downtown St. Louis and Weldon Spring, Missouri, processed uranium during the nations WWII effort to build the first atomic bomb. Radioactive waste from the plants were stored and dumped around the area. States Newsrooms Missouri Independent, in collaboration with the Associated Press and MuckRock, obtained and combed through thousands of government records that revealed the government downplayed and ignored the dangers of the radioactive waste. The government has done this Tammy Tesson Puhlmann, 63, who lived for decades in Florissant, Missouri, sat in the Russell Senate Office Building Wednesday showing photos of her son Drew first, as a baby who was born with a rare blood disease, and then as a thin 30-year-old man just a week before he died of cancer. If I can prevent one mom from having to go through something like this, I would do anything, she said through tears. Its the most unbearable feeling in the world to know that there is nothing you can do for your child, and to know that the government has done this. Puhlmann was among 10 eastern Missouri residents and state representatives who met with 10 lawmakers on Wednesday, including House Majority Leader Steve Scalise; U.S. Reps. Ann Wagner and Blaine Luetkemeyer, both Republicans of Missouri; and the states GOP Sens. Eric Schmitt and Hawley. Missouri state Reps. Tricia Byrnes and Richard West, both Republicans, who represent districts just outside St. Louis, flipped through maps and photos documenting the contaminated sites, including where a uranium processing plant and byproduct dumping ground were located next to Francis Howell High School, which Byrnes attended. Look how close it was to all of the contamination. That high school is still there, Byrnes said, pointing to a map. To Byrnes left sat Kristin Denbow, a 1988 Francis Howell graduate who has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, an incurable blood cancer in the bone marrow. We have memories of men in full containment suits walking around the grounds of our high school while we were there, Denbow said. This has been our lives Three generations of Susie Gaffneys family made their homes in the suburbs of St. Louis near Coldwater Creek, unaware that radioactive waste relocated from the downtown uranium plant was leaking into the water. Susies husband, Jim, grew up in a house beside the creek and not far from Jana Elementary School, which closed in 2023 because of radioactive contamination. Jim grew up playing in the creek, everybody did. Everybody who tells the creek stories played (there). It was awesome, it wasnt deep. Kids fished, they made mudslides. It was a great place to live, Gaffney said. Jim, whose mother died of colon cancer after being diagnosed in her 40s, developed lymphoma at the age of 24. When Susie and Jims son Joey was an infant, they moved to a nearby subdivision named Wedgewood, a few miles down the creek. Joey also played in the water as a child. Joey was diagnosed at 18 with thyroid cancer and eventually underwent a thyroidectomy. Gaffney, now 66, recalls the doctors telling her, This kid is Chernobyl. This is what happened in Chernobyl. He has metastasized thyroid cancer. This is what happened there. He had to be exposed to radiation and naively I said, Well, where? And so this has been our lives, she said. Joey is now 45. Jim, 68, was also diagnosed with bladder cancer and is now living with myelodysplastic syndrome, Gaffney said. Hes living on blood transfusions, she said, pointing to a photo of him on a packet of papers she was handing out to lawmakers on Capitol Hill. Below the photo of Jim was a map of the region with red dots for each cancer case. I just want people to tunnel in, Gaffney said. Pretend youre on Google Earth, zoom all the way down and get on those front doors and picture our lifespan with health care, with depression, with anxiety, fear. Our quality of life has definitely been affected, all of us. Debate on Capitol Hill The governments nearly expired compensation program pays one-time sums of $75,000 to those who developed certain diseases after working on U.S. nuclear tests before 1963. It pays $50,000 to those who lived in select counties downwind from test explosion sites between January 1951 and October 1958, and the month of July in 1962, in Arizona, Nevada and Utah. Uranium industry workers who were employed in 11 states from 1942 to 1971 and subsequently developed eligible illnesses qualify for $100,000. Hawleys bill, co-sponsored by Democratic Sen. Ben Ray Lujan of New Mexico, would also expand to include the entirety of Arizona, Nevada and Utah, and include downwind and affected areas in Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, and Guam. Additionally, the one-time compensation sums to victims or surviving family members would increase to $100,000. If enacted, the legislation would reach areas including ZIP codes in Alaska, Kentucky, Missouri and Tennessee, where communities were impacted by radioactive waste dumping, uranium processing and other related activities surrounding the testing. The bills estimated cost of $50 billion to $60 billion has drawn criticism. Hawleys office confirmed the estimate. There is not an official budget score. On Thursday, Sen. Mike Lee of Utah asked for unanimous consent on the Senate floor for his proposed clean extension of the program as it exists for another two years only covering those affected in areas of Arizona, Nevada and Utah. Lee cited the risk of inflating the deficit by at least $60 billion and questioned whether enough data backs contamination in the additional areas in Hawleys bill. You see, the House of Representatives has thus far declined to take up and pass Sen. Hawleys previous bill, with some signaling concern and raising some of the concerns that I just restated, the Utah Republican said. Hawley objected, and Lujan spoke in support of the objection. Study after study has shown the expanse of the nuclear radiation. Here is a study from 1997, from 2005, another from 2005, from 2023, all showing that the nuclear radiation is far beyond the contours of the original RECA bill passed in 1990, Hawley said. Yet my friend from Utah wants to keep doing the same old thing, leaving out in the cold hundreds of thousands of Americans. I will not consent to it. Lee responded, saying he understood the impassioned pleas from Hawley and Lujan. He offered an updated version that includes Missouri and New Mexico, but leaves out other states and Guam. His office cites an unofficial budget score of $30 billion. There are other states in (Hawleys) legislation pending in the House that deal with law in the Marshall Islands, Idaho, Kentucky, Ohio, Alaska, and perhaps one or two other jurisdictions. The claims of those states are not on equal footing, Lee said. That is where a lot of the not all, but a lot of the expense is accrued and a lot of concerns expressed in the House impeding its quick passage over there that might lead to it not being able to be passed at all, he continued. Hawley again objected, saying he will not be party to any attempt at some halfway measure, some short stopgap bill, or some effort to sweep this under the rug. A spokesperson for House Speaker Mike Johnson, of Louisiana, told States Newsroom on May 15 that The Speaker understands and appreciates Senator Hawleys position and is working closely with interested members and stakeholders to chart a path forward for the House. RECA was established in 1990. The U.S. conducted more than 1,000 atomic weapons tests from 1945 to 1992 the first at the Trinity Test site near Alamogordo, New Mexico, where scientists detonated the Manhattan Projects first atomic bomb prior to the U.S. dropping the weapons on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan, at the end of World War II. As of June 2022, the government has approved more than 36,000 RECA claims for more than $2.3 billion in benefits. Unless the fund is extended, claims have to be postmarked by June 10, 2024, according to the Department of Justice, which administers the payouts. The post Missouri residents affected by radiation exposure push Congress to extend benefits appeared first on Iowa Capital Dispatch. David Hosier, who once walked the halls of the Pentagon and fought fires in Jefferson City, is not looking forward to June 11. At 6 p.m. that Tuesday, he is scheduled to die from a lethal dose of pentobarbital while strapped to a gurney at a prison in eastern Missouri. Hosier is as he puts it, The sum of the parts that I am and thats it. Im not an angel, I know that. Im human, I make mistakes, we all make mistakes. The 69-year-old has been incarcerated at Potosi Correctional Center, about 70 miles south of St. Louis. He spoke to The Star Tuesday in one of the prisons visiting rooms featuring a row of phone booths and a mural of a bright blue pond with two swans painted across the cinder block walls. Seated in a wheelchair and gripping a cane, Hosier said he was feeling much better. He had been released from a hospital last Sunday after being admitted for apparent heart failure. At times while talking, Hosier is matter-of-fact, but then turns emotional. He can be quick to blame but easily expresses empathy, too. In some moments, hes self-deprecating; in others, unyielding in his beliefs. He will be the second person put to death by the state this year. Last month, Brian Dorsey, 52, was executed. Hosier was sentenced to death in 2013 for the murder of Angela Gilpin, 45. She and her husband Rodney Gilpin, 61, were found dead Sept. 28, 2009, in the hallway of her Jefferson City apartment building. Angela Gilpin and Hosier had been in a relationship before she ended up reconciling with her husband. Prosecutors presented him as a scorned ex-lover and he was convicted on circumstantial evidence, including an application for a protective order in which Angela Gilpin alleged he had been stalking her and that she was afraid of him. A neighbor told police that Hosier had once said if he could not have Angela Gilpin, no one could, court documents said. Hosier was arrested in Oklahoma hours after the bodies were discovered. He was taken into custody after a brief chase and was found with 400 rounds of ammunition and 15 firearms, court records said. Police also found an incriminating note that stated in part, If you are going with someone do not lie to them ... Be honest with them and tell them if there is something wrong. If you do not this could happen to YOU!! ... they can go off the deap [sic] end!! While prosecutors could not pin him at the scene of the murders, he also did not have an alibi. Hosier insists he did not kill the Gilpins. There were no witnesses and no DNA evidence linking him to the double homicide. He rejected a plea deal taking capital punishment off the table. You cannot show remorse for something you did not do, he said. But most of his advocates are not vigorously promoting his narrative even as they fight to save his life. Instead they point to other mitigating factors: Childhood trauma from the violent death of his father, failures of the public defender system and the moral question surrounding the death penalty itself. The entrance to Potosi Correction Center is seen on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, in Potosi, Missouri. The state prison houses death row prisoners. I lost my best friend Hosier grew up in a Logansport, Indiana, in a neighborhood situated a half block from a river. There were always other kids to play with and he often fished and hunted with them. The youngest of three, his mom was a nurse and his dad was an Indiana state trooper. He was also close with his paternal grandfather, who was a minister. Hosier was 16 when his father was fatally shot while apprehending a murder suspect. As a teen, he had thought about the possibility that his dads job meant one day he would not return home. Its nothing you can really prepare for but at least I had, between my dad and my grandfather, prepared for something of that nature, Hosier said. Its just hard to describe. I lost my best friend. What can I say? We did a lot of things together, wed hunt, wed fish, wed pal around. His fathers death was hard on the family and Hosier was sent to military school. He served six years in the Navy, which he called an adventure of a lifetime. While he was in the service, he said he spent time at the Pentagon and also got married. That ended in divorce and after he was discharged, he moved back to Indiana. In 1979, he visited his oldest sister in Jefferson City and ended up staying in Missouri. He got a job with the fire department and was married for a second time. They had a son and a daughter. Between his job and part-time gigs, including managing liquor stores, Hosier said he missed family get togethers, birthdays, holidays. It took a toll on his marriage and he got divorced in 1987. He wound up back in Indiana where he farmed for about two decades. In 2006, he came back to Missouri for his sons wedding and again, stayed. I wished I never had, he said. David Hosier was convicted in a 2009 murder in Jefferson City. He was interviewed inside a visitors room at Potosi Correctional Center on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, in Potosi, Missouri. Nobody deserves anything like that Hosier got a job and an apartment in Jefferson City, and frequented a bar owned by a guy he knew from the fire department. He didnt care for drinking but said, I like to throw darts and I like to shoot pool and I like to listen to country music and dance. He met the Gilpins at the bar, where they often played pool. They became friends. One thing led to another, he said, with Angela Gilpin. It takes two to have an affair, he also said. Down the line, she decided to go back to her husband. The fact that they were killed, nobody deserves anything like that, Hosier said. Hosier points fingers at many people for where hes ended up, including the police, prosecutor, judge and his own attorneys. He refers to the public defenders who represented him as public pretenders. According to appeals, trial attorneys with the Missouri State Public Defenders office ineffectively questioned two potential jurors, failed to hire an expert to contest ballistics evidence, did not properly object during closing arguments, failed to object to victim impact evidence and failed to call a medical expert to testify about Hosiers mental health during the penalty phase. Federal public defenders from the Kansas City office also missed a key filing date on an appeal, he said. We all make mistakes, but when its a persons life on the line, whether youre being paid by the same people that want to execute you or not, you give it 100%, Hosier said. And Im disappointed that they missed it, but I cant fault them because were all human. Humans make mistakes. So consequently, Im sitting here with an execution date, waiting to die. He also acknowledged that public defenders often have burdensome caseloads and fewer resources than prosecutors offices. Say my farewells The Missouri Supreme Court handed down Hosiers execution date on Valentines Day. Prison officials broke the news and he packed up the belongings in his cell to be moved to solitary confinement, where those with an execution date live out their days. They at least let me say goodbye to all the guys in our wing, he said, choking up. I got to say my farewells. They didnt have to, but they at least let me and thats how I learned about my execution date. Hosier did not elaborate on what prison had been like, other than to say, its not any place you want to be. In solitary, hes confined to a 7 by 15 foot cell where he spends 24 hours a day, except for legal and media visits or medical appointments. David Hosier wipes away tears after speaking about his life experiences during an interview at Potosi Correctional Center on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, in Potosi, Missouri. He connected with a spiritual advisor, the Rev. Jeff Hood, who has helped six men face their execution dates in the past 18 months. A 2022 ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court granted spiritual advisors the right to accompany prisoners in the execution chamber. We talk a lot about the Bible and different things, Hosier said. We talk, just trying to get prepared for the state wanting to murder you. They speak two or three times a day, sometimes. I have come to love David, Hood said. His job, Hood said, is to get Hosier to a space where he can open up and feels heard and a place of believing that God loves him. What God intended If Hosier had been asked about the death penalty after his father was killed, he may have said it was appropriate. But his view has changed over the years and after being entangled in the system, hes firm that it should not be used. I cant see by any justification, the death penalty as being anything but cruel and inhumane, he said. The state says its illegal for us to kill somebody, but they can sanction a murder and its a-OK, no big deal. Michelle Smith, co-director of Missourians to Abolish the Death Penalty, said capital punishment was an arbitrary tool that does not bring the dead back and does not deter crime. It does not solve anything, Smith said, adding that the organization supports life without parole for Hosier. We shouldnt be killing people. Rodney Gilpins sister Raylene Vaughan said Hosier should be held accountable for what he did. While she isnt opposed to clemency, meaning life without the possibility of parole, she said she also feels like he should have to give his life. Attempts to reach other family members of the Gilpins werent successful. Hosiers legal team will soon submit a clemency application to Gov. Mike Parsons office. Hosier said he hopes the governor takes a close look at the case. If Parson decides nothing is wrong and proceeds with the execution, thats on him, Hosier said. Parson will one day meet his maker at the gates, Hosier said, and Ill shake his hand and Ill still call him brethren. Parson has denied clemency in all 10 of the death penalty cases that have come across his desk. Hosier said he is aware that everyone who has gone before him is six feet underground. As June nears, Hosier reflects on his life: the love and admiration he had for his dad, his close relationship with his sister, Barbara Merrill, who supports his innocence claims, and his kids, who he is not in contact with. I do love all my kids, he said. No matter what, theyre my kids, whether they want to claim me as their father or not. Im sorry, Im still your dad. Hosier has also relied on God. My faiths been with me all my life. Its basically what keeps me going in here and thats one thing no one can take, he said. He also said he remains saddened by the deaths of Angela and Rodney Gilpin, and the pain their families have suffered. If my being executed makes you feel any better, then I guess maybe thats what God intended, he said. Israeli airstrikes kill at least 35 in Rafah, say Gaza authorities; Israel says struck Hamas commander By Nidal al-Mughrabi CAIRO (Reuters) -Israeli air strikes killed at least 35 Palestinians and wounded dozens in an area in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah designated for the displaced, Palestinian health and civil emergency service officials said. The Israeli military said its air force struck a Hamas compound in Rafah and that the strike was carried out with "precise ammunition and on the basis of precise intelligence." It took out Hamas' chief of staff for the West Bank and another senior official behind deadly attacks on Israelis, it said. "The IDF is aware of reports indicating that as a result of the strike and fire that was ignited several civilians in the area were harmed. The incident is under review." The spokesman for the health ministry in the Hamas-run Gaza, Ashraf Al-Qidra, said 35 people were killed and dozens others, most of them women and children, were wounded in the attack. The strike took place in Tel Al-Sultan neighborhood in western Rafah, where thousands of people were taking shelter after many fled the eastern areas of the city where Israeli forces began a ground offensive over two weeks ago. The International Committee of the Red Cross said its field hospital in Rafah was receiving an influx of casualties, and that other hospitals also were taking in a large number of patients. Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri described the attack in Rafah as a "massacre", holding the United States responsible for aiding Israel with weapons and money. "The air strikes burnt the tents, the tents are melting and the people's bodies are also melting," said one of the residents who arrived at the Kuwaiti hospital in Rafah. Earlier on Sunday, the Israeli military said eight projectiles were identified crossing from the area of Rafah, the southern tip of the Gaza Strip where Israel kept up operations despite a ruling by the top U.N. court on Friday ordering it to stop attacking the city. A number of the projectiles were intercepted, it said. There were no reports of casualties. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was convening his war cabinet later on Sunday to discuss continued operations in Rafah. Israel argues that the U.N. court's ruling allows room for some military action there. In a statement on its Telegram channel, the Hamas al-Qassam Brigades said the rockets were launched in response to "Zionist massacres against civilians". Rafah is located about 100 km (60 miles) south of Tel Aviv. Israel says it wants to root out Hamas fighters holed up in Rafah and rescue hostages it says are being held in the area, but its assault has worsened the plight of civilians and caused an international outcry. On Sunday, Israeli strikes killed at least five Palestinians in Rafah, according to local medical services. The Gaza health ministry identified the dead as civilians. Israeli tanks have probed around the edges of Rafah, near the crossing point from Gaza into Egypt, and have entered some of its eastern districts, residents say, but have not yet entered the city in force since the start of operations in the city earlier this month. Israeli war cabinet minister Benny Gantz said the rockets fired from Rafah "prove that the (Israel Defense Forces) must operate in every place Hamas still operates from". Defence Minister Yoav Gallant held an operational assessment in Rafah where he was briefed on "troops operations above and below the ground, as well as the deepening of operations in additional areas with the aim of dismantling Hamas battalions", his office said in a statement. Itamar Ben Gvir, a hardline public security minister who is not part of Israel's war cabinet, urged the army to hit Rafah harder. "Rafah with full force," he posted on X. Nearly 36,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's offensive, Gaza's health ministry says. Israel launched the operation after Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israeli communities on Oct. 7, killing around 1,200 people and seizing more than 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Fighting also continued in the northern Gaza area of Jabaliya, the scene of intense combat earlier in the war. During one raid, the military said it found a weapons storage site with dozens of rocket parts and weapons at a school. It denied Hamas statements that Palestinian fighters had abducted an Israeli soldier. Hamas media said an Israeli airstrike on a house in a neighborhood near Jabaliya killed 10 people and wounded others. TRUCE TALKS Efforts to agree a halt to the fighting and return more than 120 hostages have been blocked for weeks but there were some signs of movement this weekend following meetings between Israeli and U.S. intelligence officials and Qatar's prime minister. An official with knowledge of the matter said a decision had been taken to resume the talks this week based on new proposals from Egyptian and Qatari mediators, and with "active U.S. involvement." However, a Hamas official played down the report, telling Reuters: "It is not true." Netanyahu's war cabinet would discuss the new proposals, his office said. A second Hamas official, Izzat El-Reshiq, said the group had not received anything from the mediators on new dates for resuming talks as had been reported by Israeli media. Reshiq restated Hamas's demands, which include: "Ending the aggression completely and permanently, in all of Gaza Strip, not only Rafah". While Israel is seeking the return of hostages, Netanyahu has repeatedly said the war will not end until Hamas, which is sworn to Israel's destruction, is eliminated. AID TRUCKS ENTER GAZA Israel has faced calls to get more aid into Gaza after more than seven months of a war that has caused widespread destruction and hunger in the enclave. Khaled Zayed of the Egyptian Red Crescent told Reuters 200 trucks of aid, including four fuel trucks, were expected to enter Gaza on Sunday through Kerem Shalom. It follows an agreement between U.S. President Joe Biden and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Friday to temporarily send aid via the Kerem Shalom crossing, bypassing the Rafah crossing that has been blocked for weeks. Egypt's state-affiliated Al Qahera News TV shared a video on social media platform X, showing what it said were aid trucks as they entered Kerem Shalom, which before the conflict was the main commercial crossing station between Israel, Egypt and Gaza. The Rafah crossing has been shut for almost three weeks, since Israel took control of the Palestinian side of the crossing as it stepped up its offensive. Egypt has been increasingly alarmed at the prospect of large numbers of Palestinians entering its territory from Gaza and has refused to open its side of the Rafah crossing. Israel has said it is not restricting aid flows and has opened up new crossing points in the north as well as cooperating with the United States, which has built a temporary floating pier for aid deliveries. (Additional reporting by James Mackenzie and Dan Williams in Jerusalem and Yusri MohamedWriting by Nidal al-Mughrabi and Tom PerryEditing by Christina Fincher, Frances Kerry, Chizu Nomiyama and Josie Kao) GAZA, May 26 (Xinhua) -- At least 40 people were killed and some others injured on Sunday evening in Israel's bombing of tents in northwestern Rafah, the southernmost city of the Gaza Strip, the Palestinian official news agency WAFA reported. Israeli forces fired about eight rockets toward the tents in a newly established camp crowded with thousands of displaced people near the warehouses of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), WAFA added. Local sources told Xinhua that it was a "severe and unprecedented" Israeli airstrike on the densely populated area of displaced families, igniting tents made of plastic and tin, as well as civilian vehicles. Video clips circulated on Facebook showed flames rising intensively in the area and fires engulfing tents still inhabited by many, including children and women. The sources mentioned that the Civil Defense and ambulance crews face significant obstacles in retrieving the bodies due to the difficult terrain. Palestinian security sources told Xinhua that crowded with Gazans, the area had been classified by the Israeli military as a "safe area" before the strike. In a statement released Sunday night, Hamas slammed the bombing as "complete defiance and disregard for the decision of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that demanded it to stop its aggression against Rafah." It also noted that Israel would not have committed without the U.S. support and green light, saying to hold the U.S. administration fully responsible for the deadly attack. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement that "an IDF aircraft struck a Hamas compound in Rafah in which significant Hamas terrorists were operating." "The strike was carried out against legitimate targets under international law, using precise munitions and on the basis of precise intelligence that indicated Hamas' use of the area," it added. The Israeli airstrike came hours after Al-Qassam Brigades, the Hamas armed wing, launched a large rocket barrage from Rafah towards the coastal city of Tel Aviv in central Israel for the first time in months. On May 7, the Israeli army announced that it had taken control of the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing, situated south of the Gaza Strip on the border with Egypt and in the eastern area of Rafah, which resulted in a halt in aid entering Gaza. Israel considers Rafah a last stronghold for Hamas, which has controlled the Gaza Strip since 2007. "Sylt residents against the right!" is written on posters that two women pinned to their backs during a vigil on Sylt at Stroenwai, where the Pony Club is located, on the occasion of the racism scandal. Lea Sarah Albert/dpa A local mayor and event organizers have condemned the latest incident of racist singing at a party in Germany, as the fallout from a similar incident on the northern German island of Sylt continues. The latest instance again involved people singing racist lyrics to the tune of "L'amour toujours" by Italian DJ Gigi D'Agostino and took place at a festival in the southern Bavarian city of Erlangen. The caterers reportedly decided to stop playing the song after police said two visitors chanted racist slogans to the tune on Friday evening. The organizers and city mayor Florian Janik criticized the incident afterwards. The Erlangen criminal investigation department launched an investigation and the 21 and 26-year-old suspects have been banned from entering the festival, police said. Police attending the festival from a different state in a personal capacity reported that two guests were shouting "foreigners out." The incident follows widespread condemnation of a similar event in an upscale resort on the northern island of Sylt earlier this week. A video showed young people chanting racist slogans to the same song, with one man appearing to imitate a Hitler salute. It later went viral and was widely condemned across the country, including by Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Police elsewhere in Germany meanwhile intervened to prevent a right-wing extremist concert from taking place in the Germany's wine region of Mosel on Saturday night. Rhineland-Palatinate Interior Minister Michael Ebling told local broadcaster SWR on Sunday that extremists had attempted to organize a concert to play right-wing extremist music. According to Germany's Bild tabloid, some 70 police officers were deployed to break up the event in the village of Krov along the Mosel river. In response to the Sylt incident, around 70 to 80 participants joined a vigil condeming the incident on the island on Sunday afternoon, police said. The operators of Sylt's well-known Pony bar where the "foreigners out" chants were made said on the social media platform Instagram on Sunday that they have received death threats in the wake of the incident. They said the majority of people in the crowd had been fully unaware of the chanting and published a surveillance video of the scene "to protect ourselves, our employees and our loyal guests." The operators previously said they would press charges against the offenders, who are already beginning to suffer consequences. The man who performed the Nazi gesture, which is banned in Germany, apologized on social media, according to the Bild newspaper. He said he made a "very bad mistake" and was ashamed of his actions. The young man stated that he had turned himself in to the police and was ready to face the legal consequences. Another person involved was dismissed by their employer, German social media influencer Milena Karl. "I am a migrant myself and as an expectant mother, everything that can be seen in this video represents a society in which I do not want to raise my child," she said. Previously, advertising agency Serviceplan Group announced on Instagram on Friday evening that it had dismissed an employee involved in the incident without notice. Police in the north-western German state of Lower Saxony said racist slogans were also used at a festival last week in the town of Loningen. Authorities are investigating the incident. A woman holds a a sign says "Sylt residents against the right" during a vigil at Stroenwai, where the Pony Club is located, on the occasion of the racism scandal. Lea Sarah Albert/dpa ( Aristide Economopoulos/for NJ Monitor) There were more weapons brought into Washingtons schools during the last school year than the year before. Thats according to a new report from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, which found an 11.6% increase in weapons on school grounds in the 2022-2023 school year compared to 2021-2022. During the 2022-2023 school year, 2,275 weapon incidents were reported by Washingtons public and private schools. Of those, 316 involved possession of a firearm. All of the gun incidents were reported at public schools. Most other reports involved knives, daggers or other weapons. However, the presence of guns specifically increased, as there were 236 incidents involving firearms during the 2021-2022 school year, according to last years report from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. I wish I could say I was really shocked by this increase, but sadly Im not that shocked, said Johnny Lupinacci, an associate professor at Washington State University who studies the intersection of schools and social justice. While national data on the 2022-2023 school year is not yet available, data from 2021-2022 show that, among states, Washington had the 11th highest rate of students bringing firearms to school. Nationwide, the number of guns showing up in schools is soaring. A Washington Post investigation found 1 in 47 school-age children, or about 1.1 million students, attended a school where at least one gun was found and reported on by the media in the 2022-2023 school year and the actual number of guns in schools may be much higher. Washington has enacted some of the most restrictive gun laws in the country and passed three gun control laws just this year. Lupinacci praised the states strict gun laws and said his gut reaction to seeing increasing numbers of guns in schools is to make it even harder to obtain a firearm. He said getting a gun remains just far too easy, even in some of the most restrictive jurisdictions. State law prohibits possession of firearms and other dangerous weapons on school grounds, except for security and law enforcement. The law also requires the expulsion of students found in possession of a firearm anywhere on school grounds, although superintendents can modify expulsions on a case-by-case basis. Lupinacci said students primarily bring weapons into schools because they feel unsafe and believe the only way they could be safe is to somehow arm themselves. Firearms are the leading cause of death for American children and teens, according to U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data for 2022, analyzed by Everytown for Gun Safety, a group that advocates for stricter gun laws. Despite the increase in weapons in Washingtons schools, expulsions due to weapon incidents were down 49%. Schools chose to suspend students instead: Compared to the 2021-2022 school year, there was a 12% increase in suspensions in 2022-2023. Lupinacci said zero tolerance policies around weapons in schools are important, particularly with firearms, and praised Washingtons schools for reducing expulsions and increasing suspensions, calling the schools response empathetic but firm. He also said the solution to reducing weapons in schools involves a larger discussion about reducing child poverty, increasing school funding and dealing with rising mental health issues among Americas youth. Our public school systems can and ought to be that safety net in our communities, Lupinacci said. What we see is when we dont take care of our community, kids experience school in a way where it feels dangerous or unsafe. The post More weapons showing up in Washingtons schools appeared first on Washington State Standard. Mothers ask Texas GOP to take Delta-8 off the shelves, keep cannabis illegal in the state This story mentions suicide. If you or a loved one is experiencing a crisis or suicidal thoughts, there is help available. Call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988. Aubree Adams flew from Colorado to Texas to represent Citizens for a Safe and Healthy Texas at the GOP convention in San Antonio this week, advocating for marijuana to stay illegal in the state. Adams described Colorado which joined Washington as one of the first two states to legalize recreational cannabis in 2012 as ground zero of the marijuana expansion movement. Adams and Citizens for a Safe and Healthy Texas also echoed calls from Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick who wants state senators to look at banning Delta-8 and Delta-9 products, which can deliver similar highs to THC and are legal through a loophole. Were trying to ban all the Delta THC variants that are in our smoke shops, gas stations, and vape shops, theyre poisonous to our children, Adams said. Were also here to ask Texans to hold the line. We dont want to expand any more marijuana policies here to become like California, Colorado. Adams also has personal experience with cannabis and said she moved to Houston from Colorado after her son became addicted to marijuana and had episodes of psychosis, which caused aggressive behaviors. She said her husband also tried cannabis. My husband also thought marijuana was medicine, she said. He thought it would help depression and panic attacks, but it ended up robbing the reward system of his brain, caused severe depression and suicide ideation. It put him on a pathway to pharmaceutical drugs. He was never on pharmaceutical drugs before he started using marijuana. Adams said after three years of sobriety her son relapsed off of the Delta-8 products and that she didnt see him for two years. Adams eventually moved back to Colorado to be near family but misses the Lone Star state. I love Texas, I feel relaxed, connected here. When I go to Colorado I dont fit in because Im a common sense person and theyre got some radical point of views there, Adams said. The policies were asking for, for a Safe and Healthy Texas doesnt want Texas to legalize marijuana. Sitting next to Adams for most of the week was Sonia Jimenez of Houston, who said she lost her son to cannabis. Jimenez described her son Josh as a smart kid who had scholarships and couldve gone to college anywhere in the country but began smoking weed in high school. She said he then lost ambition, moved out of her house after high school so he could smoke even more, did not go to college and began struggling at work. Jimenez then said Josh began developing psychosis and started hearing voices, one of which he thought was God telling him to go to Los Angeles. Jimenez said he blew his savings to go to Los Angeles but he quickly realized he couldnt afford to stay there so she got him a bus ticket to return from Los Angeles to Houston. On the way back to Houston, Josh took his own life two days before Christmas 2021, when he stepped in front of a train in Pecos, Texas. Jimenez said he was using Delta 8 products before his death. This stuff is the modern crack, said Jimenez, 56, who added that the marijuana on the market these days is nothing like it used to be back in her day. She also blamed the cannabis industry for making more potent strains to make higher profits and not being held accountable. The government doesnt care, Jimenez said. The marijuana industry doesnt care. Jimenez said she came to the convention to share her story and warn about the dangers of cannabis, especially the products currently legal in Texas. People are brainwashed to think its safe, Jimenez said. Both Jimenez and Adams said the response they got was positive. I would say 95, 96 percent of the people here support what I say. Its a no-brainier. Its common sense. Thats who Texans are. They also dont want to grow their government here, Adams said. While the halls of the center had many people sporting pins handed out by Citizens for a Safe and Healthy Texas which said Dont California my Texas with a crossed out cannabis leaf the issue of cannabis did not make it on the 15 legislative priorities list, set to be approved this week. Recreational use of marijuana is legal in 24 states and the District of Columbia. Mothers of man shot May 19 by Ocala Police Department officers praying for his recovery The mothers of the man severely wounded by a police officer when he was shot on May 19, said their son faces an unknown future. David Laperriere has had at least four surgeries since he was shot early that afternoon, his mothers said, and he's expected to have more. Surgeries performed so far include those to his stomach, a lung and a kidney. The women, Jeannine Laperriere and Sharon Pittsley, said they've been told by medical officials that their son was shot eight times. The gunshots were to his upper body. The mothers said their son cannot talk because he's not breathing on his own, and has to rely on tubes for survival. "He wasn't in his right mind. We're overwhelmed with his medical condition," Jeannine Laperriere said. David Laperriere Police officials said they were told on May 19 that Laperriere ran away from The Vines Hospital, a mental facility, after he was acting erratically the day before. Officers located Laperriere in the 5500 block of Southwest 27th Avenue. Authorities said Laperriere was armed with pepper spray and a knife, and refused to listen to commands or talk with them. Laperriere was tased by Officer Luis Camacho and shot with a non-lethal device by Ferdinand Collazo, neither of which brought Laperriere into compliance, law enforcement officials said. The 23-year-old then charged at Sgt. Sean Young and was shot by the officer. Police officials released a video of the incident at a press conference held May 20. Camacho and Collazo can return to duty with no restrictions whenever they're ready, officials said. Young is on paid leave as the Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigates the shooting. Combined, the officers have more than 40 years of experience. Young is being represented by local defense lawyer Jimmie Sparrow. A still picture from an officer's body cam shown at an Ocala Police Department press conference held May 20. Laperriere is presently under guard at the hospital. He's charged with two counts of aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer and one count of aggravated assault on a law enforcement official. Jeannine Laperriere said her son wasn't acting erratically the day before the shooting. Rather, she said, he was depressed and crying frequently. The woman said her son went willingly to the mental facility because he wanted to see his doctor. She said she called her son's doctor the day before the shooting about his condition. She said the doctor was going to give him his medication. Laperriere's mother said her son had the knife and spray due to them living in an RV park where a bear was seen. She said her son likes walking in the mornings and kept the spray and knife for protection. Pittsley took Laperriere to the mental facility, Jeannine Laperriere said. There, Laperriere said their son wasn't willing to give up the knife and the spray because he thought they would not be returned to him. Laperriere ran, leaving Pittsley behind. Roughly two hours later, police officials told Pittsley that her son had been shot. "He didn't rob a bank. He wouldn't hurt anyone," Jeannine Laperriere said. David R. Laperriere Laperriere, his twin brother, another brother and a sister, were adopted by Jeannine Laperriere and Pittsley when they were children. The women have been together for years. Jeannine Laperriere said her son has schizophrenia. He moved to Tennessee with one of his brothers, however, it didn't work out so he returned to Marion County, Laperriere said. Records show David Laperriere was arrested by a Dunnellon police official in 2019 for unoccupied burglary. That charge was later dropped by prosecutors because the homeowner did not want to pursue any charges. The mothers said when the shooting occurred, they were unable to visit their son because he's being guarded at the hospital. Pittsley was with Laperriere at HCA Florida Ocala hospital after the shooting. Wednesday was the first time one of the mothers Pittsley had seen their son. With more surgeries in the future, the women said they will continue to be by their son's side. Laperriere said the department should have a crisis team with officers to help them. "He didn't (referring to Young) have to shoot my son so many times," Laperriere said. "He wasn't a criminal." Press conference: Ocala police release body cam footage from Sunday afternoon's officer-involved shooting Ocala police officials said they have no comment on the claims made by Laperriere's mothers as the incident is under investigation by the FDLE. For now, the women said they're hoping and praying that their son recovers from his injuries. Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Mothers of man shot by Ocala police officers praying for his recovery Motorcyclist dies in crash into power pole west of Modesto, CHP reports A 46-year-old Modesto man was killed late Saturday when he crashed his motorcycle into a power pole west of Modesto, the California Highway Patrol reported. The crash happened about 11:50 p.m. on Woodland Avenue east of Clark Road. The preliminary investigation found the rider of a 2016 Harley-Davidson was eastbound on Woodland when he veered to the left, entering the westbound lane. He continued onto the roads shoulder and struck a Modesto Irrigation District power pole. The rider was pronounced deceased at the scene. His identity was withheld pending notification of family. It has note been determined whether drugs or alcohol contributed to the crash. (FOX40.COM) Several people are in the hospital after being shot in Sacramento on Saturday afternoon, according to the Sacramento Police Department. Around 1:07 p.m., SPD said it responded to the 3000 block of Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard for reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located a juvenile boy with at least one non-life-threading gunshot wound. He was transported to a local hospital. Person found dead in Sacramento hoarded-home fire Shortly after, SPD said they discovered two additional men at the hospital who also sustained non-life-threatening gunshot wounds and a building that was struck with gunfire. Police said it is unclear if the three individuals are involved in the same shooting and the incident is under investigation. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40. BUTLER, Mo. Multiple people have survived after a plane crash near Butler Memorial Airport on Saturday afternoon. Around 1 p.m., the Bates County Sheriffs office alerted about a small airplane that crashed by the Butler Missouri airport. See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri When first responders arrived to the scene, they found an airplane in a hay field east of the runways. The pilot had been able to parachute from the plane prior to the plane crashing and was located at an hanger at the airport. Everyone on the plane was treated by EMS and released at the scene. The plane is a total loss. The Bates County Sheriffs Office is assisting the NTSB and the FAA in this investigation. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. The man behind the brutal killing of a respected Tri-Cities musician will spend 30 years in prison. Christopher Calvert, 46, of Hermiston, admitted Friday to beating, cutting and stabbing Clayton Clay Wick, 76, in 2022. Calvert then stole Wicks wallet, took items from his garage and drove away in Wicks Honda CRV. He was arrested in Skamania County days after Wicks body was discovered. Police and federal agents tracked him down to a small town about an hour outside of Vancouver, Wash. Clay Wick Calvert pleaded guilty in Benton County Superior Court to first-degree murder and car theft, nearly two years after he broke into Wicks home on Buchanan Street. Judge Diana Ruff then sentenced him for the two crimes, which will run consecutively for 30 years total. The horrific premeditated murder of the beloved Mid-Columbia musician stood out during one of the most violent years in Benton Countys history. Wick was described as a kind and gentle man who played bass for the Mid-Columbia and Walla Walla symphonies. When he didnt show up for a scheduled performance, people became worried. His housekeeper discovered his body at his home on May 3, 2022. Revenge killing Shortly before the murder, Calvert had been fired from a Hermiston, Ore., farm run by Darren Cox, one of Wicks friends. Calvert was fired after lying about having a sick daughter and then stealing his boss car, according to court documents. Cox told police that he stored the car at Wicks home. Its not clear when or how Calvert forced his way into the Kennewick house, but the last time the musician was seen was on April 27. Kennewick Police investigate the scene of a suspected homicide in the 400 block of South Buchanan Street in Kennewick on May 3, 2022. Investigators believed a struggle happened in the living room, and they found blood spattered and smeared throughout the home. Wicks body was discovered downstairs, covered with a blanket. Cox was the first to tie Calvert to the killing, and a neighbor later confirmed seeing him putting items in Wicks CRV before driving away. Calvert also made some statements to a friend that implied that he had killed Wick. That included asking his friend, Can you dig a hole? and suggesting that he had gotten revenge on Cox. When one of Calverts friends offered to help him get revenge by cutting Coxs sprinkler lines, Calvert said he had done better than that. A housekeeper found Clay Wicks body in May 2022. Esteemed musician Wick was remembered across the Mid-Columbia for his sunny disposition and his dedication to classical music. For decades, he played the double bass in the area symphonies. He grew up in Minnesota, graduating from the University of Minnesota in Duluth after studying chemistry. After serving in the U.S. Navy, Wick came to Hanford in 1974. He joined the Mid-Columbia Symphony around that time and became one of its most esteemed and beloved members. His passion for classical music was infectious, Yaacov Bergman, the music director and conductor for the Walla Walla Symphony told the Tri-City Herald after Wicks murder. The two spent two decades working together. Clayton Wick He was very positive, very accommodating and was a good friend to anybody who chose to know him, Bergman said. He was a very likable human being. Wick also was dedicated to often technical classical music, the Mid-Columbia Symphony said. Friends remembered him writing music on graph paper in music class. Bergman remembered him as a great collaborator who was dedicated and willing to put in the work needed for a great performance. He said Wick had a genuine love for what he was doing. It was a love that kept him performing for about five decades. He performed with the Willow Creek Orchestra in Hermiston just weeks before his death. He also performed across the Northwest including with the Washington-Idaho Symphony, Leavenworth Summer Musical Theatre, Mid-Columbia Musical Theatre and Oregon East Symphony. He worked in both small church music groups, small ensembles and large orchestras equally well, the Mid-Columbia Symphony wrote. On May 18, a photo of two Israeli soldiers circulated on social media. They were standing in front of a bullet-riddled house in what appeared to be Gaza. Its wall was spray-painted with the words "Nakba 2023." This apparent mocking acknowledgment of the term's importance put those two soldiers in a peculiar kind of agreement with millions of Palestinians who mourn the event known as the Nakba Arabic for "catastrophe" not only as a historical moment that shattered their nation and drove 750,000 Palestinians from their homes, but also as a state of anguished existence that continues to define their lived experience. The events most closely associated with the Nakba occurred in 1947 and 1948, amid the formulation of a plan to divide the territory known as Palestine between the then-indigenous Arab population (which encompassed both Muslims and Christians) and Jewish settlers who had been migrating to Palestine in increasing numbers since the late 19th century. Many Jewish settlers had emigrated from Europe to escape antisemitic pogroms and persecution, and many more were arriving in the aftermath of the Holocaust, in which roughly 6 million Jews had died. The partition plan was devised by the British government, which had administered Palestine since the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, and a special committee of the United Nations, a brand new global entity. Worldwide sympathy was on the side of the Jewish arrivals, understandably enough, but Palestinian Arabs questioned why they should have to surrender their land, as they saw it, to pay for Europe's sins. Nearly all of them opposed the partition plan, which gave 56% of the territory in Palestine to the significantly smaller Jewish population. Zionist leaders, who had longed for a Jewish nation-state and were essentially promised one by the British in the 1917 Balfour Declaration, urged their followers to accept the U.N. proposal as a stepping stone toward even further expansion. David Ben-Gurion, Israel's revered founding father and first prime minister, described the plan as "the decisive stage in the beginning of full redemption and the most wonderful lever for the gradual conquest of all of Palestine," echoing the maximalist Zionist creed which held that Jews had a historic or divine right to the entire territory of Palestine from "the [Jordan] river to the [Mediterranean] sea." As the U.N. prepared to vote on partition, fighting broke out between Jews and Arabs. In one violent tit-for-tat, members of Irgun, a Zionist paramilitary force, threw bombs at Arab workers standing in line at a Haifa oil refinery. The furious survivors went on a rampage, lynching several of their Jewish co-workers. Hours later, the Haganah, another Zionist group, assaulted the nearby Arab villages of Balad al-Shaykh and Hawassa, killing many inhabitants in revenge. Jerusalem, which the U.N. had designated as an internationally-administered city, was rapidly torn apart by urban warfare between Jewish inhabitants and Arab supporters of the grand mufti of Jerusalem, Amin al-Husseini, a ferocious anti-Zionist who had been allied with Nazi Germany during the war. For the first few months of 1948, Arab militias managed to blockade the Jewish-held sectors of the city, attacking convoys of supplies along the Tel Aviv-Jerusalem road until they were repelled by Zionist relief forces. Despite the intensity of the violence, the Palestinian response was comparatively disorganized and far from being unified in purpose. While some Arabs answered calls from al-Husseini and the Arab Higher Committee to join the armed struggle, others ignored them or gravitated towards organizations like the League for National Liberation, which unlike the hardline AHC preferred a peaceful approach and was willing to grant equal rights to Jews in a democratic Arab-majority state, rather than only those Jewish settlers who had arrived before 1917. Even Jewish officials like Haganah intelligence chief Ezra Danin commented that "the majority of the Palestinian masses accept the partition as a fait accompli and do not believe it possible to overcome or reject it. But the AHC, which was propped up by the Arab League and riven by self-serving factionalism, proved especially useful to the Zionists, who declined to negotiate with other Palestinian representatives and used the AHC to characterize Palestinian nationalism in general as terrorist and reactionary. This was convenient for Zionist leaders, who worried that the roughly equal populations of Jews and Arabs within their earmarked territory did not provide, in the words of Ben-Gurion, "a stable basis for a Jewish state." In March 1948, Zionist leaders finalized Plan Dalet, which laid the guidelines for a military campaign to drive much of the Arab population out of Jewish-allocated territory. The plan's intentions, along with the culpability or responsibility for the subsequent displacement of Palestinians, is still fiercely debated. Israeli historian Ilan Pappe asserts, in his book "The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine," that the general section of Plan Dalet, which called for the destruction of villages (setting fire to, blowing up, and planting mines in the debris)," provided carte blanche for military commanders to commit atrocities. Plan Dalet was a blueprint that "spelled it out clearly and unambiguously: the Palestinians had to go," Pappe writes. "The aim of the plan was in fact the destruction of both rural and urban areas of Palestine." Other historians, however, characterize Plan Dalet as a primarily defensive strategy aimed at fending off attacks by the Arab Liberation Army, a volunteer organization of Palestinians and other Arabs, and invasion by the military forces of the Arab League nations surrounding Palestine. "The essence of the plan was the clearing of hostile and potentially hostile forces out of the interior of the territory of the prospective Jewish State, establishing territorial continuity between the major concentrations of Jewish population and securing the future State's borders before, and in anticipation of" the invasion by Arab states, writes Benny Morris, another prominent Israeli historian, in "1948: A History of the First Arab-Israeli War." Just as Palestinians were not monolithic in their goals and methods, many members of the Jewish left and labor organizations, as well as some of the official decision-making bodies they influenced, did not initially countenance a plan for expulsion. Chaim Weizmann, who was Israel's first president and certainly a Zionist, suggested that the hundreds of thousands of Arabs living in Jewish territory could enjoy the same rights and protections as anyone else. But when the exodus of Palestinians began in earnest, liberal and left-wing Zionists largely viewed that as good news, or in Weizmann's words, as a "miraculous cleansing of the land." The brutal results of the campaign are not in serious dispute. Beginning in April, Zionist forces spearheaded the expulsion of Palestinians from hundreds of cities, towns and villages. Some were forced to leave at gunpoint, and others through the denial and destruction of food sources or whisper campaigns designed to sow panic. On April 9, Zionist militants killed more than 100 Palestinians in Deir Yassin, with some captives later paraded through Jerusalem and executed. Such massacres terrified thousands of other Palestinians into fleeing for their lives. On May 14, Ben-Gurion formally declared the establishment of the state of Israel. A day later, the Arab League, whose nations hoped to use the plight of the Palestinians as a pretext to seize land for themselves, declared war and invaded. Through the month of July, the newly-constituted Israeli Defense Forces captured the towns of Lydda and Ramle, then herded 50,000 to 70,000 of their inhabitants along a road to Arab-controlled territory during a summer heat wave. Over the next three years, the abandoned homes were resettled with Israeli Jews. Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course. Even as some Israeli officials, like Haifa mayor Shabtai Levy, pleaded with local Arabs to stay, promising safety under a Jewish administration, many Arabs decided not to place their fates in the hands of those they deemed either untrustworthy or subject to manipulation by their more extremist compatriots. Pro-Israel voices have asserted that many Palestinians voluntarily left their homes, some at the urging of the AHC, in hopes of returning after invading Arab forces had won. That may have been true in some cases, but does not negate the impact of induced starvation, economic devastation and threats of violence. By the end of 1948, around 750,000 Palestinians were living in squalid refugee camps across the West Bank, the Gaza Strip and various Arab countries. About one-third of them had already fled or been expelled before Israel's declaration of independence. Their towns and villages were renamed and resettled or simply destroyed, some to be excavated decades later like the ruins of a lost civilization. Palestinian society, as it had existed for generations, had collapsed. The Nakba came to define modern Palestinian identity, and yet for many Palestinians, it is not part of the past, but still unfolding. To them, Israel's immensely destructive war in Gaza and the Hamas attack last October that provoked it are not standalone events, but the culmination of 75 years of abuse and erasure by the Israeli government in Gaza, the West Bank, and Israel itself. In the decades since 1948, the state of Israel has continued to push a different narrative of the nakba, focused on Arab aggression, necessary Jewish self-defense and examples of Israeli officials encouraging Palestinians to remain in Israel. Jewish Israelis often cite the nation's historical mission, and the undeniable present-tense logic that an independent modern state with 75 years of history and a population of 9.5 million cannot be completely hand-waved away to make up for past injustice. Many pro-Palestine activists, who point to injustice that is still happening, call for the right of return for millions of Palestinian refugees, and for replacing the Jewish state with a secular, democratic one-state solution in which Jews and Arabs share equal rights. For many Israelis, that's an entirely unrealistic vision that would lead to anti-Jewish genocide and "suicide for Israel as a Jewish state." Such a solution certainly looks remote at this point, but the Israeli government has taken pains to suppress what it considers the Nakba "myth," with its implication that the Palestinian struggle for land and rights is justified. Ironically, as noted above that denial seems to have morphed in unexpected ways recently, as allies or surrogates of Benjamin Netanyahu's government openly flaunt "Nakba 2023" as a matter of policy. NASA Langley researchers are heading to the Arctic Ocean to study the habitats effect on climate worldwide. The ARCSIX, or Arctic Radiation Cloud Aerosol Surface Interaction Experiment, airborne campaign will fly out of Pituffik Space Force Base in Greenland for seven weeks this summer to gather measurements of the sea ice, clouds, radiation and aerosols that are affecting the ice melt. The reason that we need this mission is because there are a lot of things that we dont know about how the Arctic climate system functions and operates, said Patrick Taylor, deputy mission science leader. Theres a lot of uncertainty in our projections of how fast they warm. We know that its going to warm fast, but it can go really fast. The idea of these observations is to understand how the sea ice is changing, so that we can use that data to improve our tests and hypotheses and improve our theories about how the sea ice is evolving. We can then put those ideas and our knowledge to improve our forecast models. Ice in the arctic has a pivotal role in cooling the earth, and its not every day that scientists are able to take detailed snapshots of the region. Taylor and Ewan Crosbie, platform scientist, said its pivotal to learn about the Earths warming climate now, and the data could be used to form strategies on how to reduce the effects of climate change. Having boots on the ground (and) people out in this region of the Arctic only happens once or twice every five years, Taylor said. Its not even that we get out there every year. We get these very periodic snapshots of whats happening there. Were going to have an unprecedented kind of dataset of it with all the different instruments. The mission is split into two. The group will go out to see how the ice is melting in late spring and early summer, and in July, a second part will collect data for the later parts of summer. Each flight will have two pilots, a fight scientist coordinating with researchers on the ground, a scientist for each of the three instruments collecting data and an extra seat for an additional scientist or operator. The aircraft is equipped with three components. The first are dropsondes, designed to be dropped from an aircraft at altitude and measure characteristics such as temperature, humidity and winds. Another is the AVIRIS, or Airborne Visible Infrared Imaging Spectrometer. AVIRIS is used as a very powerful camera, and will collect useful information about the sea ice clouds and aerosols. The third is HALO, or High Altitude Lidar Observatory. It uses a very short pulse of light to collect images, but where the AVIRIS takes images of whats happening horizontally, HALO collects data on whats happening vertically. When the ice starts to melt, we get liquid forming on the surface. We can see what that looks like (with the instruments), even though you couldnt see with the naked eye, Crosbie said. Also for clouds, an interesting science question that well go after is to try to understand the lifecycle of Arctic clouds. So understanding the distinction between clouds that contain predominantly liquid droplets versus ice particles is is a critical piece to understanding the behavior of Arctic clouds, their lifecycle and the radiation impacts. Crosbie said this could be one of the last times to observe old ice, or ice that was able to survive the summer melt season and regrow during the polar night. He said the ice seen in the mission will be between 3-4 four years old, and this could be one of the last chances to measure and collect data on it. Were really excited about the science, Taylor said. We dont get a data set like this in this region of the Arctic or the Arctic at all very often so really, some things we think well learn will probably surprise us. Theres probably some things were not expecting will pop out of the data. Eliza Noe, eliza.noe@virginiamedia.com A barrage of rockets fired from Gaza into Israel are seen in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, May 26, 2024. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) GAZA/JERUSALEM, May 26 (Xinhua) -- The Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, announced on Sunday that it had launched a barrage of rockets towards Tel Aviv in central Israel, marking the first such attack in months. In a statement, the Al-Qassam Brigades said it fired the rockets in response to the Israeli killings of civilians in the Gaza Strip. Sirens blared in central Israel, and explosions were heard in Tel Aviv, a Xinhua correspondent reported. Loud explosions were also reported in other Israeli cities. Local media reported that shrapnel from a rocket struck a car in the Israeli city of Herzliya, causing no injuries. The Israel Defense Forces said in a statement that eight projectiles were identified crossing from the southernmost Gazan city of Rafah into Israeli territory, with a number of them intercepted by the IDF's defense systems. Later in the day, the Al-Quds Brigades, the military arm of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement, announced that it had bombed Israeli settlements surrounding the Gaza Strip with missiles. Speaking with Israeli soldiers serving in reserve duty in the Rafah area, Israel's Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant said on Sunday "Our goals in Gaza are emphasized here in Rafah, to destroy Hamas, return the hostages, and maintain freedom of operation." The minister stressed that Israeli efforts to return the Israeli hostages who are being held in the Gaza Strip will continue. Israel's state-owned Kan TV reported Saturday that Israel had agreed to resume talks on a hostage deal with Hamas, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States. Later on, Israel thinned out forces in the east of Rafah, which was explained by the army as a move to refresh forces and restore competence, according to a report by the Israeli news website Ynet. A barrage of rockets fired from Gaza into Israel are seen in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, May 26, 2024. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Last year, Finland was forced to close its border crossings with Russia after the Kremlin flew in migrants from Asia and sent them over on bicycles - LEHTIKUVA Six Nato nations have agreed to build a drone wall along their borders to defend themselves against Russian threats. Norway, Poland and Finland will work with the three Baltic states Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania to prevent Russian aggression, including forcing migrants across the border. This is a completely new thing. A drone border from Norway to Poland, Agne Bilotaite, Lithuanias interior minister, told broadcaster Baltic News Service. This will allow us to protect ourselves from provocations by unfriendly countries. EU countries bordering Europe have become increasingly nervous that an emboldened Vladimir Putin will turn his sights on Russias Western neighbours if he succeeds in his war in Ukraine. In anticipation, Poland has spent billions upgrading its border defences with Belarus, Estonia has built a network of frontier army bunkers and Finland, which shares an 830-mile border with Russia, has joined Nato. Asian migrants on bicycles Last year, Finland was forced to close its border crossings with Russia after the Kremlin flew in migrants from Asia and sent them over the border on bicycles. Finnish officials said Moscow was weaponising migration to destabilise Europe. Ms Bilotaite said that details of the drone wall were still being worked out and that the deal, signed over the weekend, was part of a wider approach to countering the threat from Russia. We agreed to hold regional drills to ensure the evacuation of the population, to see how our institutions are prepared to work and to interact with each other, she said. Russia has strengthened its military units along its northwest border with the EU since it invaded Ukraine and moved nuclear missiles to Belarus. On Thursday, Estonia reported that Russian border guards had removed buoys marking navigable channels in Estonian waters in the Narva River, a border with Russia. A day earlier, Russia had published a draft proposal unilaterally expanding its maritime borders with Finland and Lithuania. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. A provision in last years North Carolina Farm Act declared that state wetlands protections could not be any stricter than those defined by the federal Clean Water Act, a change that exposes more than 2 million acres of the states isolated wetlands to development. Mike Carpenter, general counsel for the N.C. Home Builders Association, which sought the change, said at the time that it was not the threat that environmental advocates were claiming. What were talking about here is isolated wetlands, he said in an Associated Press report, Its not as gloom and doom and disastrous as our friends in the environmental community would like to believe it is. No, it may be worse. Just weeks before the Republican-controlled General Assembly passed the Farm Act over Gov. Roy Coopers veto, the U.S. Supreme Court in Sackett v. EPA narrowed the definition of wetlands covered by the federal Clean Water Act (CWA). Now two eastern North Carolina landowners who have been cited for CWA violations are fighting back by saying the Sackett ruling means their properties are no longer subject to the law. In one case, father and son landowners Melton Valentine Jr. and Melton Valentine III, are defending their infilling of swampy land along the Roanoke River in Martin County by saying their land is outside the Supreme Courts new definition of wetlands covered by the CWA. In another case, landowner Robert White was cited for CWA violations on land he owns along the Pasquotank River in Pasquotank County. White is contesting the citation but also has taken the additional step of suing the EPA on grounds that its regulations exceed the Sackett ruling. If the defense arguments or Whites lawsuit succeeds in federal court, it could set a precedent for gutting wetlands protections across the nation. Derb Carter, senior attorney with the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC), said the cases will sort out what the Supreme Courts (narrowed definition) means not only for North Carolina wetlands, but all the wetlands in the country. Wetlands are important for water quality, but they also provide habitat for wildlife, nurseries for fish and act as sponges to reduce flooding. Both White and the Valentines are represented by the Pacific Legal Foundation, a conservative group that seeks to roll back government regulations. The group also represented the Idaho couple who sued the Environmental Protection Agency in the Sackett case. Under a prior Supreme Court ruling, the CWA was interpreted to cover all streams and wetlands that had a significant nexus to a navigable waterway. The Sackett ruling narrowed that definition to wetlands that have a have a continuous surface connection to a larger, regulated body of water. The SELC has intervened in the White case on behalf of the North Carolina Wildlife Federation (NCWF). In court documents, NCWF members said Whites challenge could end protections for sensitive and vital parts of the environment. Jane Plough of Elizabeth City, a co-founder of a NCWF chapter called Wildlife Habitat Stewards of Northeastern North Carolina, said, A decision in favor of the plaintiff threatens to critically impair the natural resources and ecological processes that I have dedicated much of my life to protecting and the recreational opportunities that I have enjoyed for decades. Carter said the legislature should have paused to assess the Sackett ruling before rolling back state wetlands regulations. Instead, they just went with the home builders, he said. Now state law is yoked to a reduced federal standard that could be further narrowed by the landowners legal challenges. Removing millions of acres of wetlands from government oversight will please developers, but it would have disastrous effects on water quality, wildlife habitats and flood protection in North Carolina and the nation. Associate opinion editor Ned Barnett can be reached at 919-404-7583, or nbarnett@ newsobserver.com Medical advice As a physician, I am horrified that Republicans in the N.C. General Assembly are intent on taking away our freedom to make health care decisions. First, they took away our ability to make reproductive health decisions in consultation with our doctor. More recently, they tried taking away our right to mask in public should we, or our physicians, recommend it for health reasons. Though lawmakers have now agreed to revise the mask bill, no citizen of North Carolina should be forced to submit to a legislators medical advice rather than following evidence-based medical practice. Dr. Mindy Oshrain, Durham Mask bill When he originally proposed his mask ban, Sen. Buck Newton said it would allow citizens to wear masks for health reasons, even though it wasnt written that way. He said it wasnt meant to be enforced on grannies. But any law can be enforced based on an officers opinion. Heres how I know: In 1969. three of us were promoting North Carolinas Land of Oz theme park across the South. While in a small town near Charlotte, coming from a TV interview, we were walking down the main street in our Oz character costumes when a deputy sheriff stopped us and told us he was taking us to jail for violating the N.C. mask law. In a true Andy Griffith moment, we were brought fully costumed before the sheriff. He laughed and asked his deputy What would the children do if we arrested the Cowardly lion and his friends? Fortunately, we walked out of the jail and back to our hotel. If Newton thinks the law cant be used indiscriminately, hes wrong. Put the health protection back in the law, please. Jarles Alberg, Raleigh Abortion The writer is founder of Interfaith Voices for Reproductive Freedom. I am a woman who had a miscarriage, and an abortion when it was illegal. I also faced the death of twin sons, and experienced the joyful births of two healthy sons. No man sitting behind closed doors in Raleigh should be making lifetime decisions for me against my will. I know for certain that abortion bans do not stop abortions. They only stop safe, legal ones. I support people having the fundamental right to control their own bodies and access to the health care they want and need. Melva Fager Okun, Carrboro Stop interfering I volunteer at a Wake County public school. Every day I see the dedication of the teachers and staff. They teach letters, reading, math and science, but more importantly they teach character, kindness, how to share and how to treat one another. I am tired of N.C. lawmakers trying to tell teachers how to do their jobs. Unless you have a student in school, or help out at a school, you have no business interfering by establishing new restrictive laws or administrative procedures. Please, legislators, stay out of the classroom or come and volunteer but do not add additional paperwork requirements that take teachers away from teaching. Mary Fallon, Durham Justice Alito Regarding NYT: Flag carried by Jan. 6 rioters flew at Alitos vacation home, (May 22) and related articles: We have suffered through years of Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alitos upside down legal opinions and analysis. Why are we only now learning, over four years later, that he hung our countrys flag upside down outside his home injudiciously signaling his contempt for the democratic election of President Biden? This news confirms that Alito is unfit to sit on the highest court of our Land. Gary Jackson, Durham Memorial Day Our American history has been written in books, but the true story of America can also be seen at places like Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. There, thousands of names on white crosses and Stars of David line the grassy hills. It is here that our American story is told. On Monday, Memorial Day, we honor them all for their service. We respect all of them them for what they did, and we remember them for who they were and what they could have been. Kirk Polizzi, Wilmington Henry Redman/States Newsroom After an initial refusal by an Upper Peninsula canvassing board to fulfill its duties, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson have issued a reminder to members of county canvassing boards in the state of their obligation to certify election results. The guidance follows a delay by the Delta County Board of Canvassers to certify the countys May 7 recall election after the two Republican members cited, without evidence, irregularities in the vote totals. Following a letter from State Elections Director Jonathan Brater, the two dissenting members relented and voted to certify. Braters letter reminded the canvassers that the consequences of failing to certify the results included: A misdemeanor willful neglect of duty criminal charge Delivery of election records to the Bureau of Elections in Lansing by the canvassers Substantial costs to the county, for which the canvassers may be personally responsible. Also included was a 2022 letter from the Department of Attorney General to state Sen. Jeremy Moss (D-Southfield) explaining that canvassing involves ministerial, non-discretionary duties required by law to be performed, and that the failure to adhere to the law may expose canvassers to liability. Canvassers are legally required to certify the election results that are brought before them once the legal requirements have been met, said Nessel, a Democrat. Defying the will of the people based on conjecture, dissatisfaction in the results, or any other reason not based on Michigan law, will not be tolerated. While the Delta County Board ultimately met their obligations, and as a result have avoided the legal consequences, let this serve as a warning to all of the boards of canvassers across the state that the willful neglect of your duties is a criminal act. Both state election law and the Michigan Constitution require certification to be based solely on the returns from precincts and absent voter counting boards and any corrected returns. They do not authorize refusal to certify based on claims made by third parties of alleged election irregularities or a general desire to conduct election investigations. Michigans law requires bipartisan boards of canvassers to carefully review election returns and certify our elections based on the election returns, said Benson, a Democrat. There is no room for canvassers to go beyond their authority, take the law into their own hands, or undermine the will of Michigans voters. Any canvassing board members that fail to fulfill their responsibilities under the law will see swift action to ensure the legal certification of election results, which will involve significant unnecessary costs for their local communities, along with possible civil and criminal charges against those members for their actions. Nessels and Bensons reminder also noted that the proper avenues of recourse for individuals who have reviewed available election material and believe fraud occurred exist, which include contacting local law enforcement and/or filing a challenge through the courts. The post Nessel, Benson remind county canvassing boards about their duty to certify election results appeared first on Michigan Advance. Nikki Haley: How will you explain endorsement of Trump to your children and ours? | Opinion How to explain? Nikki, Nikki, Nikki. When you stood up to Donald Trump, I was pleased and impressed and I voted for you in the recent South Carolina primary. This week, I was devastated to read that you have lowered your standards so much that you said you would vote for Trump in the fall. You know what Trump thinks of you, your husband and your marriage. He has made that clear. You know he has been found liable for sexual assault. You know he is an adulterer, a grifter, a liar and a cheater who makes a practice of not paying his bills. You know he is a business failure who lost the last election. How low can your standards be to proclaim that you will vote for this man? How will you explain this horrible choice to your children and all of the children of South Carolina? Al Muench, Bluffton Stop the deluge The Biden Administration is waking up to a harsh reality of its own making: in the name of saving the climate, theyve driven US manufacturing into the arms of Chinas warm, coal-fired embrace. And we cant blame them. China knew to pursue green technologies, because they knew wed jump through hell and high water if it meant rejoining feel-good agreements like the Paris Accords. Luckily, Republicans have an opportunity to deliver clarity on the climate issue: make polluters like China play by the rules. Make them pay for the costs of labor and environmental compliance that they otherwise face in a true market economy. For too long, weve been complacent in letting China deluge our shores with cheap, pollution-laden goods. Politicians pointed to the price tags on these items and made it seem like we won. Yet, the condition of our workforce, environment, supply chains and global standing clearly indicate the opposite. So, the key question is this: will Congress stand with Senator Graham, former President and presidential candidate Trump and the American worker, or are they with the Chinese Communist Party? That is how clear this issue should be. Jay Lester, Inman No nuclear weapons New nuclear proliferation by the Biden administration puts everyone at risk for Armageddon. The recent subcritical nuclear test conducted by the United States in Nevada is more than alarming, it is morally reprehensible. The fact that President Biden plans to increase the frequency of these subcritical experiments when he knows that the use of nuclear weapons destroys the environment, is indiscriminate in their destruction and denies the unity of mankind says he doesnt value our world and the spirit of love that inhabits it. We must turn from our narrow exclusionary views and embrace a more inclusive one or our fate will be continually tied to hatred and fear. In addition, these tests will further accelerate the nuclear arms race. What kind of future are we creating for our people and the world? It is time to do away with all tests that contribute to maintaining or developing nuclear weapons and focus on how to create and embrace a more peaceful, loving world. Cassandra Fralix, Lexington Future debt In the months leading up to the November elections, I expect to hear Republican candidates and spokespersons use terms like liberal budget-busters and tax-and-spend Democrats. Here are some facts to remember: (1) the last time the U.S. had a balanced federal budget was under President Bill Clinton, a Democrat; (2) the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act signed into law by President Trump in December 2017 has added a trillion dollars to our national debt with negligible effects on job-creation. Another fact is that neither party is committed to pursuing a balanced budget. Instead, our legislators are committed to pursuing our votes by providing us with the services we want without requiring us to pay the full cost of those services through our taxes. Im so sorry that our children and grandchildren will be saddled by the national debt my generation has created. Andrew Gowan, W. Columbia Protests unsettling Recently we have seen outbursts by college kids regarding the Israeli-Palestinian War. First of all, the majority of our future leaders now in college have no idea where these countries are. History is a lost art anymore in college. I believe in a right to protest and remember when student protests against Vietnam helped end that war, but after a few days, some of these gutless college administrators today let the students stop graduations, final exams, etc. This should not have happened. Have the police come in and arrest the kids who are much more violent than in the past. Destroying property in buildings is not protesting. Arrest the kids who do this damage. File a complaint. Then when it comes time to get a job, explain to mom and pop that their childs court record has shown up and that good companies dont want to hire troublemakers. This is the real world we live in now. And its getting worse. Pat Clark, Columbia SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) Family members from three different states were infected with brain worms after consuming bear meat kebobs, a report from the Centers for Disease and Prevention explains. In total, nine family members from three states (Arizona, Minnesota, or South Dakota) attended a 2022 family gathering in South Dakota, the May 23 report says. One of the family members had harvested the bear in northern Saskatchewan. The meat was stored in a freezer for more than a month before being prepared and used for kebobs. According to the report, the family member had been instructed by a hunting outfitter to freeze the meat in order to kill parasites. The CDC report notes, however, that the larvae and worms later detected in the meat and family members are freeze-resistant. RFK Jr. jokes about his brain worm at Libertarian convention At the family gathering, the meat was grilled alongside vegetables but was accidentally served undercooked. After a few attendees initially ate the meat, it was recooked and served again. Three of the affected family members said they had only consumed vegetables at the meal, but health officials say the meat may have already cross-contaminated the other food that was served. A few weeks later in July 2022, one of the family members was hospitalized with a fever, severe muscle soreness and swelling around the eyes, the CDC explains. Physicians diagnosed him with trichinellosis. Trichinellosis is a roundworm infection usually caused by eating raw or uncooked meat contaminated with the parasite trichinella. Its larvae can come from meat-eating animals like bears, as well as wild boars and walruses, according to the CDC. Seven additional family members, including a 12-year-old girl, were ultimately diagnosed with the worms. Three of the seven were hospitalized and treated with a medication called albendazole, which kills the worms, the CDC says. Only six were symptomatic and they all recovered, according to health officials. Leftover bear meat was tested, and Trichinellosis larvae were detected. While trichinellosis was often caused by eating undercooked or raw pork in the U.S., the CDC points to modern regulations that have helped to lower the risk of the infection. Bird flu: Why health experts are so worried about raw milk Only about 15 cases are confirmed each year nationwide. From 2011 to 2021, data from the National Outbreak Reporting System says there were 15 outbreaks related to trichinella. Of those, seven were in Alaska while the others were in California, Oregon, Idaho, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Maryland, and Virginia. When humans do get it, it usually comes from consuming undercooked wild game. Once the larvae get inside the body, they can move to muscle tissue and organs, including the brain, heart, lungs, and spinal cord, according to the Mayo Clinic. Complications related to the infection are rare, however. More common symptoms of trichinellosis can include nausea, vomiting, headaches, and seizures. Some people who contract the worms have no symptoms as their immune system kills them. The CDC stated up to one-quarter of black bears in Canada and Alaska could be infected. They advise cooking meat to an internal temperature of 165 degrees or higher is needed to kill the parasites behind trichinellosis. Health officials also warn that raw meat can cross-contaminate other foods, as the bear meat appeared to do with the vegetables. Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. earlier disclosed that he suffers from cognitive issues after a parasitic worm ate a portion of his brain. Kennedy previously told the New York Times he wasnt sure where he contracted the parasite, but suspects it may have happened while traveling. Alix Martichoux contributed to this report. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. A New Jersey man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison on charges arising from the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riot, including assaulting law enforcement. Christopher Joseph Quaglin, 37, was found guilty last year on 14 charges, including 12 felonies and two misdemeanors. The U.S. Attorneys Office of D.C. said in a statement he traveled to Washington on Jan. 6, 2021 after posting on social media that he planned to fight against the government and urged others to bring gas masks, full body armor and knives to the nations capital. Authorities said Quaglin was a part of the first group of rioters that pushed oast police barricades at Peace Circle, adding that he engaged in violence with law enforcement officers once he made it to the West Front of the Capitol. Quaglin repeatedly pushed into officers before attacking a U.S. Capitol Police sergeant by grabbing him by the neck and tackling him, officials said, adding that Quaglin hit another officer with a gas mask and continued to push into officers and clash with the police line throughout the day. Quaglin took aim at U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden before and after he was sentenced, The Associated Press (AP) reported. Youre Trumps worst mistake of 2016, he told McFadden, who was nominated by Trump in 2017. Quaglin also said that the riot was not an insurrection, saying that if it was, he would have brought a long gun, according to the AP. McFadden said during the hearing that Quaglins actions were shocking and lawless. January 6th is not simply an anomaly for you, McFadden said. Youve allowed it to define you. More than 1,424 individuals have been charged with crimes related to the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, including more than 500 people who have been charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation is still ongoing. The Associated Press contributed. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on the sidelines of the ninth Trilateral Summit Meeting among China, Japan and South Korea, in Seoul, South Korea, May 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Bin) SEOUL, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Sunday called on Japan to work with China in the same direction and implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries. It is hoped that the two countries will continuously consolidate mutual trust, deepen cooperation, properly manage differences, and build a constructive and stable China-Japan relationship that meets the requirements of the new era, Li said during his meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on the sidelines of the ninth Trilateral Summit Meeting among China, Japan and South Korea. Li said that last November, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Kishida met in San Francisco, reached important consensus, and reaffirmed the positioning of comprehensively advancing the strategic and mutually beneficial relations between China and Japan, providing important political guidance for the development of bilateral relations. History and Taiwan are major issues of principle concerning the political foundation of China-Japan relations, as well as basic issues of faith and integrity, and the Taiwan question is at the core of China's core interests and a red line, he said. It is hoped that Japan will honor its promise and create a positive atmosphere for the continuous development of bilateral relations, said Li. The development of China and Japan is an important opportunity for each other, and the Chinese and Japanese economies are now closely intertwined, bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples, he said. The economic complementarity between China and Japan will exist for a long time to come, and there is huge potential for cooperation in scientific and technological innovation, digital economy, green development and exploring the third markets, he added. China and Japan should help each other succeed, jointly maintain a stable and unimpeded industrial chain and supply chain, and safeguard the global free trade system, he said. China is willing to continue to carry out friendly exchanges with Japan in various fields, through various channels and at various levels, further facilitate people-to-people exchanges and actively carry out youth exchanges, so as to consolidate public support for China-Japan friendly cooperation, Li said. The release of the Fukushima nuclear-contaminated wastewater bears on the health of humanity, the global marine environment and international public interests, Li said. Noting that China is a major stakeholder, and the Chinese government and people are highly concerned about the issue, Li said China hopes Japan will further demonstrate sincerity and constructive attitude toward such issues as long-term international monitoring arrangements, seriously address legitimate concerns both at home and abroad, and earnestly fulfill its responsibilities and obligations. For his part, Kishida said maintaining a sound development momentum of Japan-China relations is not only conducive to both countries, but also beneficial to the world. Japan stands ready to work with China to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, maintain high-level exchanges, strengthen cooperation in such fields as green economy, medical care, third-party markets, facilitate personnel exchanges, deepen regional cooperation, and jointly tackle climate change and other global issues, Kishida said. Japan is also willing to actively build constructive and stable Japan-China relations, comprehensively advance the strategic and mutually beneficial relations between Japan and China, and promote the sound and long-term development of bilateral relations, he noted. Japan adheres to its position on the Taiwan question as stated in the Japan-China Joint Statement signed in 1972, which remains unchanged, Kishida said. The two sides agreed to strengthen dialogue and communication at all levels, hold a new round of China-Japan high-level economic dialogue and high-level people-to-people and cultural exchange consultation mechanism meetings at an appropriate time, continue to promote consultations and dialogues on the release of Fukushima nuclear-contaminated water on the basis of existing progress, and maintain communication and coordination on international and regional affairs. The two sides also exchanged views on international and regional issues of common concern. Chinese Premier Li Qiang meets with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on the sidelines of the ninth Trilateral Summit Meeting among China, Japan and South Korea, in Seoul, South Korea, May 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Shen Hong) KANSAS CITY, Kan. Tornadoes and strong winds came through the Kansas City metro Sunday night, May 19, damaging school property, homes and buildings. One of the buildings impacted is the one the Central Avenue Betterment Association (CABA) owns and uses. CABAs building is at 13th and Central Avenue in Kansas City, Kansas. Theyre a nonprofit that works along Central in the city organizing community events. Their Executive Director, Edgar Galica joined FOX4 to talk about how you can help them out after the roof of their building was thrown onto the street that night. If youre interested in donating to their GoFundMe, click here. Electric bicycle rider seriously injured after crashing on Rock Island Trail Across the state line in Jackson County, Republican 6th District Legislator Sean Smith is our next guest on 4 The People. He talked about the lawsuit the state of Missouri has filed against Jackson County regarding property assessments. He says he hopes that property owners can get a refund. We have to have a good decision by the judge, Smith said. Then wed have to make a decision about how we figure out how to unwind what was done improperly. Thats tough because Jackson County collects that money, but we dont keep it. We send it onto school districts and cities who then use it for their budgets, and a lot of its been spent, so unwinding this is very complex, and we dont want to harm those other agencies who relied on this. Then, further east in Jefferson City, a large crime bill is in the hands of Missouri Republican Governor Mike Parson. It would impose tougher penalties for people who fire celebratory gunshots. In 2023, Governor Parson vetoed a similar bill that included language, now known as Blairs Law. See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri At the time, Governor Parson said he disliked a provision regarding restitution. Blairs Law is named after Blair Shanahan Lane, an 11year-old girl who died in Kansas City, Missouri on July 4t 2011, due to celebratory gunfire. The law named in her honor is part of an updated crime bill. FOX4s Missouri Capitol Bureau Reporter Emily Manley explains what else is included and why lawmakers are optimistic itll be approved. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. Before Mark Robinson, North Carolina's GOP candidate for governor, even stepped on stage at the state party's convention Saturday, several state candidates took time in their own speeches to energize the crowd by vouching for Robinson's gubernatorial bid. When the state's lieutenant governor did take to the stage more than an hour and a half into the NCGOP Convention's Old North State Dinner in Greensboro, Robinson started off his fiery speech denouncing the media for focusing too much on Donald Trump's ongoing criminal and civil trials and not the failures of the Democratic Party. He also shared his vision for the state, which he said centers around improving the economy and education. Trust me, there are enough people in this state who are talented enough and share the vision that we have that we can make this a reality, folks, Robinson said during his speech, which was livestreamed by Triad television outlet WGHP. The 55-year-old Republican is embroiled in one of the most hotly contested gubernatorial races of the 2024 election against his Democratic opponent and state Attorney General Josh Stein. Robinson's brash political style has intrigued Trump supporters, as well as the former president himself, who formally endorsed Robinson in March at a Greensboro rally and called him Martin Luther King on steroids. Robinson has also caught the attention of critics who say his rhetoric on the LGBTQ community and restricting abortion access should be a cause for concern. The Greensboro native has previously defended his past remarks by saying he can separate his religious views from public office and wants to make North Carolina a destination state for life. Calling himself part of the winning team during his speech, Robinson credited Republican policies with the state's economic success and stressed the role of the governor's office under his leadership to preserve that success. North Carolina is literally on the cusp of exploding economically, Robinson said. Its time for us to direct that explosion in the right way and cause this state to be something better than it already is. Education in North Carolina is another priority for Robinson, who said the state's education system is "in shambles." But the state of education isn't at the fault of teachers, Robinson said, adding that he puts schoolteachers in the same category as police officers. North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum also was a keynote speaker at Saturday's dinner, where he started off his speech calling Robinson the state's next governor. He also reiterated sentiments from Republican National Committee co-chair Lara Trump and her husband, Eric Trump, who both spoke at the convention Friday, that North Carolina will be an important state in 2024 that could determine the actual direction of our entire country. North Korea plans to launch a rocket soon, likely carrying its second military spy satellite FILE - This photo provided by the North Korean government shows what the country said is the launch of the Malligyong-1, a military spy satellite, into orbit on Nov. 21, 2023. Independent journalists were not given access to cover the event depicted in this image distributed by the North Korean government. The content of this image is as provided and cannot be independently verified. Korean language watermark on image as provided by source reads: "KCNA" which is the abbreviation for Korean Central News Agency. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP, File) SEOUL, South Korea (AP) North Korea announced plans to launch a rocket apparently carrying its second military spy satellite during an eight-day period starting Monday, drawing quick, strong rebukes from neighbors South Korea and Japan. The notification of the planned launch, banned under U.N. resolutions, came as South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida met Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Seoul for their first trilateral meeting in more than four years. Japans coast guard said it was notified by North Korea about its planned launch of a satellite rocket, with a warning of caution in the waters between the Korean Peninsula and China and east of the main Philippine island of Luzon beginning Monday through midnight June 3. North Korea provides Japan with its launch information because Japans coast guard coordinates and distributes maritime safety information in East Asia. North Koreas planned launch is thought to be an attempt to put its second military spy satellite into orbit. South Koreas military said Friday it detected signs of suspected preparations to launch a spy satellite at North Koreas main Tongchangri launch facility in the northwest. The U.N. bans North Korea from conducting any satellite launches, viewing them as covers for testing long-range missile technology. North Korea has steadfastly maintained it has the right to launch satellites and test missiles. It says spy satellites will allow it to better monitor the U.S. and South Koreas moves and enhance the precision strike capability of its nuclear-capable missiles. Any launch (by North Korea) using ballistic missile technology would directly violate U.N. Security Council resolutions and undermine peace and security of the region and the world, Yoon said at the start of the meeting with Kishida and Li. If North Korea presses ahead with its launch despite the international warning, I think the international community must sternly deal with it. Kishida said he strongly urges North Korea to cancel the launch. China is a North Korean ally, and Li didnt mention the North Korean satellite. In phone talks earlier Monday, senior diplomats from Japan, South Korea and the United States agreed to call on North Korea to abandon the launch. South Koreas Unification Ministry, which deals with North Korea, separately called a satellite launch by the North a provocation that seriously threatens our and regional security. Later Monday, South Korea mobilized 20 fighter jets for a drill meant to demonstrate its resolve to punish North Korea in the event of provocation, according to South Koreas military. Japanese officials said their missile interceptors remain ready to shoot down any debris from a North Korean rocket if it falls on Japanese territory. Last November, North Korea sent its first military reconnaissance satellite into orbit as part of efforts to build a space-based surveillance network to cope with what it calls increasing U.S.-led military threats. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un later told a governing party meeting that the country would launch three additional military spy satellites in 2024. Whether the North Korean satellites can produce militarily meaningful imagery is widely doubted, but some civilian experts say operating several satellites could help North Korea continuously monitor big enemy targets. The latest launch notification to Japan identifies the same danger zones for potential rocket debris as those identified prior to North Koreas last launch. That suggests North Korea would use the same first and second rocket stages as before, said Chang Young-keun, a missile expert at the Seoul-based Korea Research Institute for National Strategy. Chang said launching three satellites this year would allow North Korea to obtain imagery on sites in South Korea, Japan and the U.S. Pacific territory of Guam more frequently. Since 2022, North Korea has been engaged in a provocative run of missile tests to modernize and expand its weapons arsenal, prompting the U.S., South Korea and Japan to strengthen their security partnership in response. Experts say North Korea likely believes an enlarged weapons arsenal would increase its leverage in future diplomacy with the U.S. ___ Yamaguchi reported from Tokyo. ___ Follow APs Asia-Pacific coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/asia-pacific A Guadalupe Virgin statue is seen in the destroyed home of Juana Landeros, who rode out deadly tornado with her husband and her 9-year-old son when it rolled through the previous night, Sunday, May 26, 2024, in Valley View, Texas. Powerful storms left a wide trail of destruction Sunday across Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas after obliterating homes and destroying a truck stop where drivers took shelter during the latest deadly weather to strike the central U.S. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez) VALLEY VIEW, Texas (AP) The dazed residents of a north Texas county sifted through their mangled homes on Sunday after seven people there were killed when a tornado ripped through the remote region near the tiny community of Valley View. Cooke County Sheriff Ray Sappington said there's just a trail of debris left in the area bordering Oklahoma where the dead included two children, ages 2 and 5, in Valley View, a town where barely 800 people live. The bodies of three family members were found in one residence, the sheriff said. The county bore the brunt of powerful weekend storms that left 15 people dead across Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. Tens of thousands of residents were without power across the three states. Kevin Dorantes, 20, was in nearby Carrollton when he learned the tornado was bearing down on the Valley View neighborhood where he lived with his father and brother. He called and told them to take cover in the windowless bathroom, where the pair rode out the storm and survived without injury. Some of Dorantes neighbors werent so lucky. As he wandered through the neighborhood surveying downed power lines and devastated properties, he came upon a family whose home was reduced to a pile of splintered rubble. A father and son were trapped under debris, and friends and neighbors worked frantically to get them out, Dorantes said. They were conscious but severely injured, Dorantes said. The fathers leg was snapped. He said they managed to put the father on a mattress and carry him to a truck, where he and his son were driven to an ambulance at a nearby convenience store. Valley View Chief of Police Justin Stamps said the small agricultural community was reeling. Its been exhausting and heartbreaking, Stamps said. Ive seen this kind of damage on TV, but never in person before this. Its terrible. He said most of the towns residents work in farming, or at a local feed store and a postal service facility. Many of its displaced residents are staying at makeshift shelters set up inside area churches, he said. Cynthia De La Cruz said her family hoped to put some of their possessions into storage while they figure out where theyre going to live. Were trying to take whatever we can save, she said. De La Cruz described the town about 55 miles (88 kilometers) north of Fort Worth as a tight-knit area of mostly Latino people. I know this community really sticks together when bad things happen, she said. Men were already busy Sunday afternoon putting a new roof on a heavily damaged home. Teams of neighbors and volunteers from a local church helped residents carry furniture and other belongings from inside battered homes into pickups and trailers. Christopher Landeros, 19, was at dinner in nearby Lewisville when his mom, Juana Landeros, called him and said, come find us in the truck. Juana, her husband and their 9-year-old son Larry took shelter in their pickup truck under floor mats in their garage. The garage is now gone. A tree crashed through windows. It was horrific. Hellish. I just kept thinking we were going to die, Juana said. Christopher ran to a neighbor's house two streets over to help pull out an injured man. The mans wife and two kids were killed. The street into their Valley View neighborhood was lined with twisted sheets of metal, pieces of home siding, chunks of plywood, toppled power poles and trees stripped of limbs and bark. Two young boys parked their bicycles next to an overturned RV and scampered through the wreckage. ___ This story, originally published on May. 26, 2024, has been updated to correct that the name of the Valley View police chief is Justin Stamps, not Stamms. NORTHERN ARKANSAS Overnight severe storms tore through northern Arkansas Sunday morning with eight confirmed deaths. Benton County Judge Barry Moehring confirmed one death in Benton County during a press conference while also declaring a disaster for the county, with a second death reported in Baxter County. Daniel Bolen, with the Boone County Office of Emergency Management, said a third death was confirmed of a 26-year-old woman who was found dead just outside of a destroyed home in the town of Olvey. Sunday afternoon the Marion County Sheriffs Office confirmed two additional deaths that were deemed to be storm-related. Benton County Judge confirms 1 death, declares disaster following Sunday morning severe weather Moehring said that fire and EMS crews are conducting search and rescue operations throughout the morning. Debbie Griffin with Downtown Bentonville released a statement during the early morning hours asking residents to stay off the roadways with reports of multiple powerlines down. The Metroplex event center in Rogers has also been converted into shelter space with surrounding communities said to be devested by the storms. Our content partner KNWA is reporting that Rogers police are dealing with gas leaks, road closures and some people trapped in some homes and businesses. They also say that there is a lot of major damage focused on Rogers, Bentonville and Decatur. The Arkansas Department of Transportation also reported that Highway 340 at West Chelsea has been closed due to a landslide washing out an area under the roadway. As of 1:40 p.m. according to PowerOutage.US there are over 88,000 people without power in Arkansas with the majority of outages affecting the northern-most counties, including Benton, Carroll, Madison, Boone, Marion, Baxter, Fulton, Sharp and Randolph counties. Carroll Electric also enacted its Emergency Restoration Plan with over 40,000 without power with neighboring electric utilities assisting in getting power restored. According to a press release, recovery efforts are gaining help from Sheep Dog Impact Assistance which is mobilizing a team that is setting up a base of operations at the Center for Nonprofits in Rogers. Many northwest Arkansas churches also canceled services following the storms. This is a developing story, please check back for updates. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK. 'We will not back down,' says senior German lawmaker after attacks Katrin Goering-Eckardt, Vice-President of the Bundestag, speaks in the Bundestag. Goering-Eckardt, has condemned the attack on Green Party lawker Marie Kollenrott in the central German city of Goettingen. "We will not back down! We will defend democracy in our country," Goering-Eckardt wrote on the social media platform X, while also wishing her party colleague a speedy recovery "physically and mentally." Michael Kappeler/dpa The vice president of the German Bundestag, Katrin Goring-Eckardt, has condemned the attack on Green Party lawmaker Marie Kollenrott in the central German city of Gottingen. "We will not back down! We will defend democracy in our country," Goring-Eckardt wrote on the social media platform X, while also wishing her party colleague a speedy recovery "physically and mentally." Green politician Jurgen Trittin also expressed his solidarity on X, writing: "Violence must have no place." Kollenrott was punched in the upper body at a campaign stand at an event in Gottingen. Her injuries were described as minor and located on her arms. Kollenrott serves in the parliament of Lower Saxony in north-western Germany and focuses on environmental and energy policy. Officers detained the suspected assailant, a man from Gottingen, close to the scene of the incident and investigations are ongoing. According to initial findings, the man made derogatory remarks about the Greens at an election campaign stand in a pedestrian zone near the old town hall. Police said there was a brief political discussion with Kollenrott. The man then approached the politician and began punching her. "Yet another attack on a politician and therefore on our democracy and free elections. We will not be intimidated!" the Green Party political director, Emily Buning, wrote on X. A series of attacks on politicians and campaign workers in the run-up to June's European elections have shocked Germany. Franziska Giffey, a prominent Berlin state minister and former mayor, who belongs to Scholz's centre-left Social Democrats (SDP), was attacked while visiting a library in the German capital earlier this month. Bundestag member Matthias Ecke, also from the SPD, was beaten and hospitalized in Dresden at the start of May. Green Party politician Yvonne Mosler was also insulted, threatened and spat at while putting up posters in Dresden a few days later. 'We will not back down,' says senior German lawmaker after attacks Katrin Goering-Eckardt, Vice-President of the Bundestag, speaks in the Bundestag. Goering-Eckardt, has condemned the attack on Green Party lawker Marie Kollenrott in the central German city of Goettingen. "We will not back down! We will defend democracy in our country," Goering-Eckardt wrote on the social media platform X, while also wishing her party colleague a speedy recovery "physically and mentally." Michael Kappeler/dpa The vice president of the German Bundestag, Katrin Goring-Eckardt, has condemned the attack on Green Party lawmaker Marie Kollenrott in the central German city of Gottingen. "We will not back down! We will defend democracy in our country," Goring-Eckardt wrote on the social media platform X, while also wishing her party colleague a speedy recovery "physically and mentally." Green politician Jurgen Trittin also expressed his solidarity on X, writing: "Violence must have no place." Kollenrott was punched in the upper body at a campaign stand at an event in Gottingen. Her injuries were described as minor and located on her arms. Kollenrott serves in the parliament of Lower Saxony in north-western Germany and focuses on environmental and energy policy. Officers detained the suspected assailant, a man from Gottingen, close to the scene of the incident and investigations are ongoing. According to initial findings, the man made derogatory remarks about the Greens at an election campaign stand in a pedestrian zone near the old town hall. Police said there was a brief political discussion with Kollenrott. The man then approached the politician and began punching her. "Yet another attack on a politician and therefore on our democracy and free elections. We will not be intimidated!" the Green Party political director, Emily Buning, wrote on X. Not just a Cape thing: Scientist urges beachgoers to be aware of growing white shark population While beachgoers flocked to Massachusetts shores during the long holiday weekend, scientists say great white sharks are beginning to pop up in New England. John Chisholm, adjunct scientist at New England Aquarium told Boston 25 they are expecting more sharks this year as the seal population continues to grow. The first good beach weather days, you got the holiday weekend, and you also have the sharks showing up, said Chisholm. Its not just a Cape Cod thing, its an Atlantic thing. The New England Aquarium shared pictures over the last month of shark bites seen on a whale off Chatham and even seals off Plymouth. Chisholm added, No matter where youre going into the water, whether thats Cape Cod or Gloucester or Plymouth, you need to be shark smart. Shark smart, Chisholm explained, means keeping close to shore with others, and away from seals that often patrol the coastline. If youre seeing seals or schools of fish or birds working on the water, that means theres food there for the sharks, Chisholm said. Theyre going to come looking for it. Large signs warning beachgoers of white sharks stand at White Horse Beach in Plymouth, near where a wounded seal was spotted. One beachgoer referencing the warning sign asked, How can you not be afraid of that?! Chisholm told Boston 25 the last shark attack in Massachusetts was in 2020. While these incidents are rare, growing numbers of seals and sharks should make beachgoers more alert. He finished, You dont have to be scared of them. But, you have to be mindful. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW The number of combat clashes on the frontline has increased to 110 over the past day, with the Russians attacking on all fronts, most intensively on the Pokrovsk front. Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook, information as of 23:00 on 25 May Details: Since the beginning of the day, 110 combat clashes have taken place on the frontline. The Russians launched five missile attacks (using eight missiles) and 34 airstrikes (with 49 guided bombs) on the territory of Ukraine and used 381 kamikaze drones. The Russians also fired 2,433 times at the positions of Ukrainian troops and populated areas using various types of weapons. On the Kharkiv front, 13 combat engagements took place on 25 May. The Russians launched missile attacks and guided aerial bombs at Kharkiv. In total, the Russians launched three missile attacks on civilian infrastructure and residential areas using six missiles. Russian troops, in particular, hit a park of culture and recreation with a missile. They dropped two guided missiles on a construction materials hypermarket, causing the building to catch fire, with some people being killed, injured and missing. At the moment, fighting continues on the Kharkiv front near Neskuchne and Starytsia. Preliminary data indicated that the Russian losses since the beginning of the day on this front amounted to 100 soldiers. One tank, two artillery systems and two vehicles were destroyed. Another artillery system and one vehicle were damaged. On the Kupiansk front, the number of combat clashes totalled 14. The Ukrainian Defence Forces successfully repelled Russian attacks near Synkivka and Petropavlivka. Fighting is still ongoing near Miasozharivka, Druzheliubivka and Nevske. In addition, the Defence Forces conducted successful active operations there. Preliminary data indicates that the total Russian losses on this front over the past day amounted to 47 soldiers. One Russian armoured personnel carrier, two vehicles, a Murom-P observation station and two storage points were destroyed, while two tanks and one infantry fighting vehicle were damaged. On the Lyman front, the Ukrainian Armed Forces repelled five attacks by Russian troops near Terny, Torske and Serebrianka forest. "The situation is under control, and no positions have been lost," the General Staff added. On the Siversk front, the number of Russian attacks increased to 13 in the evening. The situation remains tense in the vicinity of Bilohorivka, where the Russians are trying to break into the Ukrainian defence. At the same time, Ukrainian defenders took a number of measures to strengthen their defensive positions. On the Kramatorsk front, the Russian troops attacked Ukrainian defence units 12 times near Chasiv Yar, Ivanivske and Klishchiivka. They had no success. The battle is currently ongoing near Andriivka. The situation is under control. The Russians attacked Ukrainian defenders intensively on the Pokrovsk front. Here, the Russians made 23 assault attacks during the day, sometimes with the support of aviation and the use of guided bombs, and tried to build up significant fire control efforts along almost the entire contact line. Intense fighting continues near Novooleksandrivka. The Defence Forces are taking measures to stabilise the situation. Preliminary estimates of Russian losses in this area amounted to almost 200 soldiers killed and wounded. One Russian Su-25 aircraft, three infantry fighting vehicles and three armoured combat vehicles were destroyed. At the same time, three Russian tanks, one armoured combat vehicle, two mortars and three vehicles were damaged. At the beginning of the day, the situation was also tense on the Kurakhove front. As of now, the number of combat clashes amounts to 14. The Russians are trying to advance in the vicinity of Krasnohorivka, Paraskoviivka and Vodiane. The Defence Forces are taking urgent measures to stabilise the situation and contain the superior Russian troops. Preliminary estimates of Russian losses in this area amounted to almost 90 soldiers killed and wounded. One infantry fighting vehicle, one armoured personnel carrier and three vehicles were destroyed. One tank was also damaged. On the Vremivka front, the Russians made one unsuccessful attempt to break through the defences of Ukrainian troops near Staromaiorske. They had no success. On the Orikhiv front, the Russians unsuccessfully attacked three times near Robotyne and Novoandriivka. On the Prydniprovske front, the Russians unsuccessfully tried nine times to push the Defence Forces units away from Krynky. During the battles, the Russian troops were unsuccessful, and no Ukrainian positions were lost. Ukrainian soldiers are inflicting significant losses on the Russians, actively using firepower against Russian manpower and equipment. Measures are being taken to improve the tactical situation in certain areas. Support UP or become our patron! NYC looking to combat notorious drug bazaar in Washington Square Park by installing a food truck Washington Square Park is going from bad to wurst. The city is looking to combat the parks notorious outdoor drug bazaar by parking a food truck in the green spaces northwest corner and approving permits for activities in the narcotics-riddled area. William Morrison, parks administrator for Washington Square Park, revealed the latest Hail Mary attempt to snuff out the persistent drug activity during the 6th Precinct Community Council meeting. There are ways to positively change your space and dont rely on force, he said, later adding that one way to change use in certain areas of a park is adding a concession. The city plans to combat the parks notorious outdoor drug bazaar by parking a food truck in the green spaces northwest corner. Artem Varnitsin stock.adobe.com Parks spokeswoman Kelsey Jean-Baptiste said the city put out an open call in March for a concession, such as a food truck, but declined to share how many applications the agency received or speculate a rough date for when it will award the contract. Morrison, who also leads the Washington Square Park Conservancy, said he spread the word about the concession opportunity by reaching out to the Village Alliance BID and local businesses directly. The plans to snuff out the illicit drug activity in the parks northwest corner has involved green lighting activities in the corner. BLOOMBERG NEWS Parks has also green-lit requests to use the northwest corner for drawing, games and an artist residency series, insisting the deluge of good vibes will clean up the depraved area. If you can get positive activity in that space, it does over the long haul replace negative activity, Morrison said. During the height of the pandemic, drug use and chaos surged in the landmarked park, with heroin and crack addicts overtaking the northwest corner. In February, cops busted drug dealers in the park peddling psychedelic mushrooms and crack cocaine seven months after The Post reported on open-air narcotic sales there. During the height of the pandemic, drug use and chaos surged in the landmarked park. Helayne Seidman Capt. Jason Zeikel, commander of the 6th Precinct, praised Morrisons food truck and programming proposal as a creative solution for the parks ongoing drug problem, since prosecutors have little interest in locking people up over low-level narcotics offenses. I can go there and arrest the same person that has a used crack pipe, and theyre going to be out of prison the next day or within a couple hours, Zeikel said at a recent community meeting. We are still arresting when we see the low-level drug offenses, he continued. The reality is its not going to resolve the problem; it doesnt create permanency. Many Greenwich Village residents have little appetite for fighting the drug scourge with hot dogs. The food-truck fix signals the city is waving a white flag for combatting public drug use, resident Alan Cohen sniffed. Its really an acknowledgement that we are completely powerless, Cohen, 75, said. The parks northwest corner has been plagued with crack and heroin use in recent years. Helayne Seidman Village resident Brian Maloney, 60, called the idea creative but worried its just another game of Whac-A-Mole. Its just going to move them to another part of the park where there are not food trucks, he said. We dont need food trucks to drive them away we need those agencies to put money to fixing that area and those folks, helping them lead a better life. Psychotherapist Ruth Wyatt, 58, roasted the proposal as a bad idea. You need larger policing and social programming to get people off the street, to get them decent, she said. Despite ongoing concerns about the parks de facto shooting gallery, major crimes in the 6th Precinct plunged 20% through May 19 compared to the same period for 2023, according to NYPD data. Auto theft, however, has soared 42% and retail theft is up 10%. KHARTOUM, May 26 (Xinhua) -- The non-governmental organization Doctors Without Borders, or Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), announced on Sunday that one of its employees was killed in Sudan's El Fasher, the capital city of North Darfur State. The employee, a watchman at the MSF pharmacy, was killed on Saturday "when shelling hit his house, which was located close to the city's main market," the MSF said in a press release. "He was taken straight to South Hospital for treatment, but sadly passed away from his injuries," it said, noting that many of its staff lost family members or their homes during the shelling as well. In collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the MSF had treated more than 930 patients in El Fasher's South Hospital since the fighting erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) two weeks ago, according to the press release. The death toll in the fighting has reached at least 123, showing the intensity of the violence, the MSF said, urging the warring parties to do more to protect civilians. The El Fasher fighting is part of a larger conflict that has gripped Sudan since April 15, 2023. Clashes between the SAF and the RSF have claimed an estimated 15,550 lives and displaced 8.8 million people nationwide, according to a report by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs on May 15. UnityPoint Health-Jones Regional Medical Center is a 22-bed critical access hospital in Anamosa, Iowa. It averages about seven inpatients a night and provides emergency services to the small community northeast of Cedar Rapids. UnityPoint Health-Jones Regional Medical Center is a 22-bed critical access hospital in Anamosa, Iowa. It averages about seven inpatients a night and provides emergency services to the small community northeast of Cedar Rapids. (UnityPoint Health) Facing ongoing concerns about rural hospital closures, Capitol Hill lawmakers have introduced a spate of proposals to fix a federal program created to keep lifesaving services in small towns nationwide. In Anamosa, Iowa a town of fewer than 6,000 residents located more than 900 miles from the nations capital rural hospital leader Eric Briesemeister is watching for Congress next move. The 22-bed hospital Briesemeister runs averages about seven inpatients each night, and its most recent federal filings show it earned just $95,445 in annual net income from serving patients. Eric Briesemeister Yet Briesemeister isnt interested in converting the facility into a rural emergency hospital, which would mean getting millions of extra dollars each year from federal payments. In exchange for that financial support, hospitals that join the program keep their emergency departments open and give up inpatient beds. It wasnt for us, said Briesemeister, chief executive of UnityPoint Health-Jones Regional Medical Center. I think that program is a little bit more designed for hospitals that might not be around without it. Nationwide, only about two dozen of the more than 1,500 eligible hospitals have become rural emergency hospitals since the program launched last year. At the same time, rural hospitals continue to close 10 since the fix became available. Federal lawmakers have introduced a handful of legislative solutions since March. In one bill, senators from Kansas and Minnesota list a myriad of tactics, including allowing older closed facilities to reopen. Another proposal introduced in the House by two Michigan lawmakers is the Rural 340B Access Act. It would allow rural emergency hospitals to use the 340B federal drug discount program, which Congress created in 1992. The 340B program, named after its federal statute, lets eligible hospitals and clinics buy drugs at a discount and then bill insurance companies, Medicare, or Medicaid at market rates. Hospitals get to keep the money they make from the difference. Congress approved 340B as an indirect aid package to help struggling hospitals stay afloat. Many larger hospitals say the cash is used for community benefits and charity care, while many small hospitals depend on the drug discounts to help cover staffing and operational shortfalls. Currently, emergency hospitals are not eligible for 340B discounts. According to a release from U.S. Rep. Jack Bergman (R-Mich.), the House proposal would correct this oversight. Backers of the House bill include the American Hospital Association and the National Rural Health Association. In Iowa, Briesemeister said the 340B federal drug discount program can be used for tremendous good. The small-town hospital uses money it makes from 340B to subsidize emergency services and uninsured and underinsured patients who frequent the emergency department, he said. Chuck Grassley, Iowas longtime Republican senator, shepherded the Rural Emergency Hospital program into law. His spokesperson, Gillie Maddox, did not respond directly to questions about why the federal law creating rural emergency hospitals omitted the 340B program. Instead, Maddox said the designation was a product of bipartisan negotiations. A survey conducted by the health analytics and consulting firm Chartis, along with the National Rural Health Association, found that nearly 80% of rural hospitals had participated in 340B and nearly 40% said they reaped $750,000 or more annually from the program. Sanford Health, a largely rural health system headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, considered converting a handful of smaller critical access hospitals into rural emergency hospitals. Martha Leclerc, vice president of corporate contracting for Sanford, said the system analyzed how much revenue would be lost by closing inpatient beds, which is also a requirement of the emergency hospital program, and by being unable to file for drug discounts. In the end, she said, switching did not make a lot of sense. While many rural hospitals are clamoring for the 340B provision to be added to the rural emergency hospital program, opponents have said 340B can be a cash cow for hospitals that dont serve enough vulnerable patients. Nicole Longo is deputy vice president of public affairs for the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, the nations largest, most influential pharmaceutical lobbying group. She wrote in a recent blog post that hospital systems and chain pharmacies are exploiting the program and said patients have not benefited from the growth in the program. In an interview, Longo said PhRMA supports rural emergency hospitals being able to access 340B because they are treating vulnerable patients in underserved communities and are true safety net providers. PhRMA, she said, wants to encourage a thoughtful conversation about which types of hospitals should be in the program. Last year, PhRMA formed an unlikely pact with community health centers to create the Alliance to Save Americas 340B Program, or ASAP 340B. Vacheria Keys, associate vice president of policy and regulatory affairs at the National Association of Community Health Centers, said, There is a new day of openness, from all parties. Use of the drug discount program skyrocketed after provisions in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, passed in 2010, allowed hospitals and clinics to contract with an unlimited number of retail pharmacies, such as Walgreens and CVS, which are paid a fee to dispense the discounted drugs. Adam J. Fein, president of the industry research organization Drug Channels Institute, reports that the 340B program is the second-largest federal drug program, trailing Medicare Part D. The flow of drugs purchased under the 340B program reached $53.7 billion in 2022, about $9.8 billion more than in 2021. In response to the exploding use of contract pharmacies, pharmaceutical manufacturers have restricted the drugs they offer at a discount through the pharmacies. That throttling is affecting rural hospitals like Labette Health, a Kansas hospital whose president asked President Joe Biden for help in dealing with the pharmaceutical companies. Rena Conti, an associate professor of markets, public policy, and law at Boston Universitys Questrom School of Business, has studied the drug discounts for years and said she has significant worries about expanding the 340B program. There is a lot of money being generated in this program that we really cant understand exactly how much that really is and exactly who it is benefiting, Conti said. At the same time, said Conti, a health care economist, giving rural hospitals access to the federal drug discounts makes sense because they are hospitals that are serving particularly vulnerable patient populations. KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF the independent source for health policy research, polling, and journalism. The post An obscure drug discount program stifles use of federal lifeline by rural hospitals appeared first on Kansas Reflector. This article was originally published in Ohio Capital Journal. A Republican-led bill just introduced in the Ohio House would charge teachers and librarians with a felony offense for distributing material deemed obscene. The problem is, the bill does not explain what materials would be considered obscene, despite laying a fifth-degree felony on the feet of teachers and public school librarians who may possess or share such material. State Rep. Adam Mathews, R-Lebanon, put forth House Bill 556 last week, a bill that would create criminal liability for certain teachers and librarians for the offense of pandering obscenity, according to the language of the bill. Get stories like these delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter Ohio state Rep. Adam Mathews, R-Lebanon. (Ohio House website.) Librarian, in this sense, is defined as a librarian employed by a school district, other public school or chartered nonpublic school and a librarian employed in a school district public library. Teachers and school district librarians would be barred from creating, reproducing, publishing, promoting or advertising obscene material. They are also prohibited from creating, directing or producing an obscene performance, the bill states. But what falls under obscenity is not clear from the initial language of HB 556, which has yet to receive committee consideration in the House. The word obscenity only appears three times in the six-page bill: in the title of the proposed legislation and twice referring to the title of the criminal offense. Obscene shows up eight times in the bill, but only accompanying material, performance, articles and in a clause about giving notice about the character of the material or a performance. HB 556 aims to amend existing statutes in the Ohio Revised Code, and pulls exact language from those statutes for pandering obscenity and one explaining legal presumptions in obscenity cases but neither of those statutes lay out what is considered obscenity either. Its that lack of clarity that is giving teachers and library groups hesitation on the bill. The Ohio Education Association said it is still reviewing HB 556, and Ohio Federation of Teachers president Melissa Cropper said the group has not taken a position on the bill, but she is concerned with the vagueness of the bill and the ability for it to be weaponized by bad faith actors who are focused on attacking public schools and libraries, not on protecting children. We also question whether there is need for this new bill or if existing laws can address the concerns behind HB 556, Cropper said in a statement. We plan to discuss this bill and these concerns with legislators and with our members. Questions beyond the motivations of the bill are still coming up as well, including whether or not school district public libraries can include the libraries of a community that are also classified as school district libraries. The Ohio Library Councils executive director, Michelle Francis, said the group does have concerns with the legislation. We reached out to the sponsor and we look forward to meeting with him soon, Francis told the Capital Journal. The bill includes an affirmative defense, meaning if the person accused of pandering obscenity can prove the material or performance was for a bona fide medical, scientific, religious, governmental, judicial or other proper purpose, they can use that as a defense against the charge. The word educational was struck from the language in the proposal as reasoning for an affirmative defense. As part of the affirmative defense, the material must also have been given by or to a physician, psychologist, sociologist, scientist, health or biology teacher, faculty member, person pursuing bona fide studies or research, librarian other than a school librarian, member of the clergy, prosecutor, judge or other person having a proper interest in the material or performance. Ohio Capital Journal is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Ohio Capital Journal maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor David Dewitt for questions: info@ohiocapitaljournal.com. Follow Ohio Capital Journal on Facebook and Twitter. In the weeks following pro-Palestinian protests that led to dozens of on-campus arrests, Ohio State University President Ted Carter said he wants students to continue to use their voice within the university's guidelines. "We will continue to honor free speech, but you have to do it within the state of rules, which we've been very clear about," Carter told The Dispatch in a recent interview. Protests became a hallmark on dozens of campuses nationwide this spring, stemming from outrage over civilian deaths during the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza that began Oct. 7. About 1,200 people in southern Israel were killed and more than 200 taken hostage in a Hamas-led attack, according to USA TODAY. Israel's retaliatory assault has killed nearly 35,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, and destroyed much of its infrastructure. Ted Carter at his first State of the University as Ohio State's president in April. Many protests were marked by violence as police officers tried to disperse participating students from their campuses. Police in riot gear swept onto the campus of the University of California, Los Angeles, and New York City police arrested hundreds of students as officers retook control of an administrative building at Columbia University. More than 40 individuals were arrested during three separate largely peaceful demonstrations at Ohio State in late April, about half of whom were affiliated with the university. During the largest protest on April 25, Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers and Ohio State University police officers used force against hundreds of protestors, many of whom were students and university employees. Many expressed frustration following the arrests and criticized the university for calling in state troopers on its own students. Chaos on the @ohiostate campus as police drove demonstrators off the green and made well over a dozen arrests. pic.twitter.com/rkg3A6H5y9 Cole Daniel Behrens (@Colebehr_report) April 26, 2024 Dalal Shalash an Ohio State history and political science major and co-founder of the local Palestinian Liberation Movement-JUST said at a protest the following week that she was among the 16 OSU students arrested during on April 25. She recounted her time detained in the Franklin County jail, and the feeling of being targeted on her own campus. "We have been traumatized by OSUPD, calling in the state troopers on their own students," Shalash said at the time. Carter said he's heard the criticism and seen the videos from April's protests. While he wishes that no one was arrested, Carter said he believes the university has handled things differently than other campuses in similar positions. "We haven't expelled anybody from school. We haven't fired anybody. Yes, there's been some arraignments. I can't get involved in that," Carter said. "But you know, I certainly hope these things land. There's going to be life lessons to this." More than a dozen people were arrested Thursday, April 25, 2024, as Columbus became the latest site of student protests against Israel as hundreds of Ohio State University students, faculty and members of the Ohio Arab community rallied and set up tents outside the student union. He added during May's board of trustees meeting that the arrests "were not about limiting speech or the content of that speech." "None of us wanted to see that type of action, and we tried to do everything we could to prevent that," Carter said at the meeting. Carter told The Dispatch that the decision was made to call in state troopers and have Columbus Police officers on back up because OSU Police did not have enough officers to handle a 300-person protest and, specifically, a potential overnight encampment. From his earliest days at Ohio State in January, Carter has frequently repeated his commitment to the First Amendment and free speech. He stepped into leadership three months after the Oct. 7 attacks and weeks after congressional lawmakers grilled the presidents of Harvard University, MIT and the University of Pennsylvania during a hearing. Carter said he kept tabs on what was happening on campus in the weeks leading up to his arrival. There were more than 30 protests related to the war in Gaza on campus during spring semester, Carter said. He and his team met multiple times with student organizers and faculty advisors from groups like Hillel, Chabad and Students for Justice in Palestine. "The tensions and the emotion was already very high, and I wanted to show a great deal of empathy to both of them," Carter said. "That's when I started to have the discussion." A Jewish student and Muslim student talk about the Middle East during the Wednesday evening protest at the university as Palestinian protestors called for the Ohio State University divest from Israel over the Israel-Hamas War. Carter said students came into meetings with their own sets of demands for the university. One demand that some student protestors have called for is that Ohio State divest from companies associated with Israel. While Ohio law prohibits state universities from doing so, other colleges and universities across the country have begun exploring the idea. When asked if Ohio State is interested in that conversation or pushing back from the state level, Carter said it has not engaged the state on the topic. "The university is tied to state law and that's where it is right now," he said. "We're gonna stick to what that is for now," Carter continued. "We are incredibly transparent about a lot of our investments and our endowments. It's complicated. We're not investing in any particular company or (Department of Defense) firm. We have mutual funds, just like a lot of other big universities with endowment." Looking to this fall, when it's expected that protests will return in potentially greater force, Carter said the university is already working on programming on how to "disagree better" and hiring more campus police officers. Ohio State is also piloting Election Day a remote learning day, Carter said, to remind students "the biggest voice you can have is to use your vote." "Let's face it: In our nation's history, protests on college campuses have been a way for the mindset of the nation to sometimes hear those voices," Carter said. "So we should understand that college campuses and our students should have an opportunity to have their voice not only be allowed to be heard, but to be heard." Abdul-Azeez Ahmad leads a protest at The Ohio State University as demands are made for the university to divest from Israel over the Israel-Hamas war. Sheridan Hendrix is a higher education reporter for The Columbus Dispatch. Sign up for Extra Credit, her education newsletter, here. shendrix@dispatch.com @sheridan120 This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohio State President Carter talks campus protests, free speech and arrests One dead after shooting at Blendon Township hookah lounge COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) One man was killed early Sunday in a shooting at a Blendon Township hookah bar. Blendon Township police were called to the No Cap Hookah Lounge and Grill at 4490 Cleveland Ave. about 3:30 a.m. Devon Ball, 38, was taken to Riverside Hospital Methodist in critical condition, and he later died from his injuries. Teens arrested after gunfire at Easton prompted police to evacuate parking garages This embedded content is not available in your region. The investigation is ongoing between Blendon Township police and the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call 614-882-8500 or email bnance@blendontwp.org. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. One employee shoots another at California Dreaming restaurant, SC police say One person working in the kitchen of a well-known South Carolina restaurant shot and wounded another employee, according to the Charleston Police Department. The shooting happened Friday at California Dreaming, at 1 Ashley Point Drive, police said in a news release. Thats a popular waterfront restaurant on the Ashley River. At about 8:30 p.m., police said an altercation between the co-workers in the kitchen of the restaurant led to one employee shooting another. Information about the nature of the dispute was not available. The victim was taken to the Medical University of South Carolina hospital in Charleston with what police called non-life-threatening injuries. Further information on the victims condition was not available. One employee at a restaurant shot another during business hours, police said. Police said there were customers inside the restaurant at the time of the shooting. None were involved in the gunfire, and no other injuries were reported. California Dreaming was closed for the rest of Friday night while officers investigated, according to the release. There was no word if the restaurant reopened for business Saturday. No arrests have been reported by police, who did not say if they have been in contact with the shooter or if there is an ongoing search. Officers did ask anyone with information about the shooting to call police at 843-720-2422 or Crime Stoppers of the Low Country at 843-554-1111. In the case of an emergency, always call 911. One person killed, three others hospitalized after pickup trucks crash, SC cops say One person was killed Saturday in a crash that left three others hospitalized, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol. The two-vehicle collision happened at about 2 p.m. in Lexington County, said Lance Cpl. Lena Butler. A 2003 Ford F-150 pickup truck was driving west on U.S. 178 when it collided with another Ford F-150, a 1997 model, that was heading south on D.E. Clark Road in the Pelion area, according to Butler. A passenger in the 2003 pickup died at the scene, Butler said. The Lexington County Coroners Office has not publicly identified that passenger. Both the driver of the 2003 pickup and the driver and a passenger in the 1997 truck were injured and taken to an area hospital, according to Butler. Further information on their conditions was not available. There was no word if any of the people involved in the crash were wearing seat belts. Information about what caused the pickups to collide was not available, but Butler said the Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the wreck. Through Wednesday, 357 people had died on South Carolina roads in 2024, according to the state Department of Public Safety. Last year, 1,030 people died in crashes in South Carolina, DPS reported. At least 23 people have died in Lexington County crashes in 2024, according to DPS data. There were 45 deaths reported in the county in 2023, DPS said. One person killed, three others hospitalized after pickup trucks crash, SC cops say One person was killed Saturday in a crash that left three others hospitalized, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol. The two-vehicle collision happened at about 2 p.m. in Lexington County, said Lance Cpl. Lena Butler. A 2003 Ford F-150 pickup truck was headed west on U.S. 178 when it collided with another Ford F-150, a 1997 model, that was southbound on D.E. Clark Road in the Pelion area, according to Butler. A passenger in the 2003 pickup died at the scene, Butler said. The Lexington County Coroners Office has not publicly identified that passenger. Both the driver of the 2003 pickup and the driver and a passenger in the 1997 truck were injured and taken to an area hospital, according to Butler. Further information on their conditions was not available. There was no word if any of the people involved in the crash were wearing seat belts. Information about what caused the pickups to collide was not available, but Butler said the Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the wreck. Through Wednesday, 357 people had died on South Carolina roads in 2024, according to the state Department of Public Safety. Last year, 1,030 people died in crashes in South Carolina, DPS reported. At least 23 people have died in Lexington County crashes in 2024, according to DPS data. There were 45 deaths reported in the county in 2023, DPS said. New one for us: Deer crashes through window of a Wisconsin assisted living facility MUKWONAGO, Wis. (WFRV) Officers in southeastern Wisconsin responded to an assisted living facility sometime in mid-May after a deer had crashed through a window, causing quite a stir. A Facebook post from the Mukwonago Police Department details the incident by beginning the post with, This is a new one for us. Pickup truck collides with 145-pound black bear on a Wisconsin highway Officers say the deer crashed through a window at Lindon Ridge, an assisted living facility on County Road NN in Mukwonago. [It] posed for this nice photo, and left the way it came in, officers said in the Facebook post. Mukwonago Police Department Mukwonago Police Department No information was provided about the amount of damage caused or whether or not anyone was inside the room when the incident occurred. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. Listen to this full episode of The New Abnormal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, and Stitcher. While the jury is deliberating in Donald Trumps hush money trial, his supporters are preparing the excuses should he be found guilty. Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), whose constituency covers Staten Island and southern Brooklyn, this week suggested that a jury filled with New Yorkers could make it hard for Trump to receive a not guilty verdict. I do have concern with the jury simply because this is Manhattan where 85 percent rejected President Trump. These are people that did not like President Trump. So, I question whether he can have a fair trial simply because of the makeup of Manhattan, she said. Subscribe to The New Abnormal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Amazon Music, or Overcast. The New Abnormal said it was clear that Republicans wont accept the verdict as legitimate if hes found guilty, and are set to claim that the trial was rigged. Thats all this is, it is just laying the groundwork for that. Its the same playbook that Trump used leading up to the 2020 election, co-host Andy Levy said. My advice wouldve been to Donald Trumpdont commit the crimes in Manhattan if you dont want to be put on trial there. Yeah. You should definitely commit crimes in, like, Alabama, fellow co-host Danielle Moodie said. I think its amazing that theyre talking out of two sides of their mouth given this week Eric Trump took a picture and said, look at all these Trump supporters in New York and then the other side is saying this, producer Jesse Cannon said. Lets say theres a hung jury in this trial, its going to be Oh, it was a fair trial but if hes found guilty they will say we all know it was rigged. Plus! Danielle Moodie speaks with Professor Jenn M. Jackson from Syracuse University about her new book Black Women Taught Us: An Intimate History of Black Feminism. Listen to this full episode of The New Abnormal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, and Stitcher. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. JOHANNESBURG, May 26 (Xinhua) -- The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) of South Africa, the country's electoral body, on Sunday condemned threats of violence made against its officials and staff in KwaZulu-Natal Province. "The commission strongly condemns threats to its staff. No party, nor its representatives, has the authority to gain access to private homes of electoral staff. Worse still, no party, nor its representatives, may take control of election material without being authorized to do so," said Sy Mamabolo, IEC's chief electoral officer, while briefing the media in Pretoria, the country's administrative capital, about their preparations for the elections. Mamabolo said that a presiding officer with the IEC was woken at his home in the middle of Saturday night regarding bulk material, including voting booths, voting station signage and banners, and new unfolded ballot boxes, stored at a voting station in Chesterville in the province. "The commission is contemplating measures against the party and individuals involved, as such obstruction to election activities should not be tolerated. This conduct violates the Electoral Code of Conduct and other electoral regulations," he said. "We want to assure the public that additional measures have been implemented to secure these various storage sites across the country." South Africa is scheduled to hold national and local government elections on May 29. NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) The New Orleans Police Department is investigating a shooting in the Pines Village neighborhood on Saturday, May 25. NOPD investigators say a man arrived at a hospital by a private car around 3:15 p.m. with multiple gunshot wounds. The shooting happened in the 3900 block of Downman Road. Man wanted after allegedly shooting into crowd near French Quarter, leaving 3 wounded There is no word yet on the condition of the victim or suspects. No further information is available at this time. Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGNO. Over 11,000 consumers in Khmelnytskyi Oblast without power supply after Russian attack In Khmelnytskyi Oblast, 11,100 subscribers in 13 settlements were left without power supply following a Russian missile attack. The following morning, all household customers were reconnected to the power supply. Source: press service of Ukraines Ministry of Energy Details: Over 11,000 subscribers lost power as a result of the attack on Khmelnytskyi Oblast. The emergency situation was resolved. The following morning, all consumers were reconnected. In addition, an explosive object was discovered at one of the substations of the regional electricity distributor in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, prompting staff to contact the police and sappers. Background: On Sunday 26 May, power engineers do not expect consumption limitations for all consumers in Ukraine. Support UP or become our patron! Over 800 Kias stolen in Colorado this year; Kia offering free safety upgrade BROOMFIELD, Colo. (KDVR) Many Kia vehicles have been stolen in Colorado in the last few years, with several Kia models showing up on the list of the 10 most stolen car models in the state last year. Kia dealerships are now hitting the brakes to prevent more cars from being stolen. Theres an open recall on some of these Kias, said William Kitts, a field technical specialist at Kia America. Many Kia vehicles made before 2022 lack an immobilizer, which prevents an engine from starting if the correct key is not there. Top 10 cars stolen in Colorado in 2023 On May 9, FOX31 reported that a stolen Kia was used to break into a Commerce City marijuana shop. Its just one of thousands of cases. According to the Colorado Auto Theft Prevention Authority, approximately 5,200 Kias were stolen in 2022. In 2023, 3,730 Kias were stolen, and 854 were stolen in just the first four months of 2024. Its the reason the automaker rolled out a solution to dealerships nationwide early last year. Its an anti-theft software it makes them harder to steal so weve been out here to make it convenient for customers to come and get it done, said Kitts. Kia owners are able to meet with specially trained technicians to install the upgrade at no cost to car owners. It takes about 30 minutes to complete. Depending on the year, make, and model youre going to see customers get a steering wheel lock like the old ones that catch the lock on the steering wheel, said Kitts. Then we have an ignition lock upgrade and software upgrade. James Bell, a spokesperson for Kia America, told FOX31 that nearly 1.1 million Kias have already been upgraded to crack down on car thefts. The upgrades are not necessary for Kias with push-to-start buttons because all of those vehicles have immobilizers installed as a default. Car insurance rates rising in Colorado Heres why Once the software upgrade is finished Kia technicians apply window decal updates to discourage future criminal activity. Kitts said, Its going to generally make the car harder to steal. No car is theft-proof. People can schedule an appointment with a Kia dealership to get the free upgrade. You can click here to find out if your car qualifies for the free anti-theft software. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. We owe so much to them: Community honors generations of fallen heroes AURORA, Colo. (KDVR) Tributes to honor generations of fallen heroes are happening across the state for Memorial Day weekend. Hundreds of people gathered in Aurora at the Colorado Freedom Memorial for the Colorado Remembers Ceremony featuring an F-16 flyover, a presentation of the USS Arizona Relic and recognition of all veterans in attendance. Things to do for Memorial Day weekend near Denver Its that one time a year when we remember that hundreds of thousands of Americans died over the years defending not only our freedom here in America but freedom for people around the world, Rick Crandall, Colorado Freedom Memorial Foundation CEO said. Founded in 2002, Crandall created the Colorado Freedom Memorial to honor Coloradans who served and never returned home. The names of more than 6,000 veterans fill the glass panels of the memorial. No one has done what we have done here by putting all of those names from all of those wars together in one place and displaying how theyre displayed here, Crandall said. Vietnam Veteran Carl Cedervall and WWII Veteran Richard Keller attend the ceremony every year. We owe so much to them, Keller said. Guys like me, we went in and were so fortunate to come back, but they didnt, and I feel so greatly for them, and thankful that theyve kept our country free. Crandall said they are fundraising to build a visitor center to teach future generations about those who have fallen. Colorado artist unveils sculpture destined for memorial in Washington D.C. Were trying to redefine the way we remember and honor the fallen by not only showing you a name which is what most memorials do, we want to teach you about the people behind that name, Crandall said. The Colorado Freedom Memorial is located at 756 Telluride St. in Aurora. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver. FILE PHOTO: View of a bridge with China and Pakitan's flag over the River Indus near the site of the Dasu Dam, near Dasu By Asif Shahzad ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Pakistani authorities have arrested 11 Islamist militants who were involved in the suicide bombing that killed five Chinese engineers in March in the north of the country which borders Afghanistan, officials said on Sunday. The announcement was made at a news conference held by Pakistan's counter-terrorism chief Rai Tahir along with Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. The arrested men belong to local Taliban, also known as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which is an umbrella group of dozens of Sunni Islamists and sectarian militant groups. The TTP aims to overthrow the government and replace it with a harsh brand of Islamic law. Tahir said a cellphone which the suicide bomber had been using to communicate with his local handlers led to the arrest of the suspects. The investigation and evidence show the militants had been taking instructions from TTP leaders in Afghanistan, he said. Pakistani military had already said the attack was planned in Afghanistan and that the suicide bomber was also an Afghan national, a charge Kabul denies. The TTP previously denied involvement and a spokesman said on Sunday that it had already explained its position on the attack. "We have forensic evidence to prove that the TTP militants who were operating from Afghanistan are involved in it," said Naqvi, the minister. The suicide bomber drove a vehicle into a convoy of Chinese engineers working on a dam in northwest Pakistan in March, killing five of the engineers and a local diver. Kabul previously said rising violence in Pakistan is a domestic issue for Islamabad. Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have soured in recent months. Islamabad says Kabul is not doing enough to tackle militant groups targeting Pakistan. The minister said legal assistance will be sought from Kabul to arrest another three main members of the TTP who were directing the attacker and his facilitator from Afghanistan. "We want Afghanistan to act against these terrorists. Either try them there or hand them over to us," said the minister. (Reporting by Asif Shahzad;Editing by Elaine Hardcastle) (Getty Images) The role of palliative care is often misunderstood, just like the word itself isnt one people fully comprehend when they first hear it, often confusing it with hospice. In reality, very few of us are untouched by the need for this care, often with an aging parent, perhaps a friend dealing with illness, or we might even need it ourselves. Many South Dakotans benefit from palliative care as they go about their daily lives, remaining as active as is reasonably possible while coping with difficult circumstances. These folks deserve comfort, care and dignity and to have it without incurring great expense and the debt that often comes with it. Palliative care is focused on providing relief from the symptoms and stress of serious illness, such as cancer, with the goal of improving quality of life for both the patient and family. Palliative care is delivered by a specially trained team of doctors, nurses, social workers and chaplains who provide an extra layer of support to anyone with a serious illness wherever they receive care, no matter their prognosis. It is provided alongside curative treatment and is based on what matters most to the patient. Easily accessible palliative care is largely not available for many South Dakota residents, specifically for many located in rural settings. Even in areas with relatively good access to palliative care, gaps remain, especially for home-based palliative care provided by an interdisciplinary team. Reimbursement for palliative care is generally restricted to physicians and advanced practice providers, limiting organizations ability to provide a specially trained interdisciplinary team, but this team is critical to support the patient and caregivers. They address not only physical symptoms, but also psychosocial, emotional and spiritual stressors of serious illness. This interdisciplinary care not only improves the patients daily life enjoyment, but also frequently reduces the cost of care for health systems and payers. In short, it improves health and financial outcomes and should be forefront on the agenda for anybody who wants a healthier South Dakota. These folks deserve comfort, care and dignity and to have it without incurring great expense and the debt that often comes with it. With that in mind, last month South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations (SDAHO), alongside a palliative care provider from South Dakota, joined a group of advocates from the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network in Washington, D.C., to attend a meeting of the Patient Quality of Life Coalition to let our South Dakota congressional delegation know about the need for better access to palliative care. It was in support of the federal Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act (PCHETA), a bipartisan bill that aims to tackle some of the current obstacles preventing many patients from accessing palliative care, chiefly availability of practitioners. PCHETAs goals largely center on improved training and education around palliative care, attempting to bolster resources available but also to help people understand why palliative care matters. This federal legislation could have a big impact in our state. PCHETAs goals resonate strongly in my life and with many folks I work with every day in my role as Hospice and Palliative Care Program manager for SDAHO. As an advanced hospice and palliative care certified social worker, I have had the privilege to support patients and families on their journey living with serious illness. As a person living with a serious illness myself, I have also experienced the benefits of receiving palliative care. Ensuring all South Dakotans have access to palliative care is both professionally and personally crucial to me. Palliative care plays a crucial role in the lives of many, and getting the infrastructure in place to make sure it serves our family, friends and neighbors well in the future is important business. This legislation can help increase access to these critical services that should not be limited to urban or hospital-based care, as they often are now. For lawmakers concerned about increasing health care costs, PCHETA also promises to be a prudent investment. During the 2024 South Dakota legislative session, a definition of palliative care was formally added to state law. It was a small but crucial step in helping people receive the care they need, where they need it. The definition starts the process of establishing the structure needed for the reimbursement of the entire interdisciplinary team. There is much work ahead and I look forward to partnering with many in South Dakota on setting a strong foundation in place so that palliative care is available to all who need it. I also want to thank Sen. Mike Rounds for sponsoring PCHETA and ask Sen. John Thune to consider signing on as a sponsor, putting needed federal emphasis and resources toward improving the lives of South Dakotans who badly need these services. Palliative care isnt always easy to understand, but for those living with serious illness, it can be life-changing. For a complicated and overburdened health care system, it can reduce hospital stays and care costs. For those who want to improve health care outcomes in South Dakota, it must be part of the solution. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post Palliative care: Little understood, but life-changing for those who need it appeared first on South Dakota Searchlight. Papua New Guinea landslide buried more than 2,000 people, government says By Lewis Jackson and Renju Jose SYDNEY (Reuters) -Papua New Guinea's massive landslide three days ago buried more than 2,000 people, the government said on Monday, as treacherous terrain impeded aid and lowered hopes of finding survivors. The National Disaster Centre gave the new number in a letter to the U.N., which had put possible deaths at more than 670. The variance reflects the remote site and the difficulty in getting an accurate population estimate. The Pacific island nation's last credible census was in 2000 and many people live in isolated mountain villages. Defence Minister Billy Joseph said 4,000 people had been living in the six remote villages in the Maip-Mulitaka area in Enga province, where the landslide occurred in the early hours of Friday while most were asleep. More than 150 houses were buried beneath debris almost two storeys high. Rescuers heard screams from beneath the earth. "I have 18 of my family members being buried under the debris and soil that I am standing on, and a lot more family members in the village I cannot count," resident Evit Kambu told Reuters. "But I cannot retrieve the bodies so I am standing here helplessly." More than 72 hours after the landslide, residents were still using spades, sticks and bare hands to try and shift debris. Only five bodies had been found, according to the provincial authority. FUNERAL Villagers held one funeral on Monday: mourners walked behind the coffin weeping, according to U.N. official's video. Heavy equipment and assistance have been slow to arrive due to the remote location while tribal warfare nearby has made aid workers travel in convoys escorted by soldiers and return to the provincial capital, 60 km (37 miles) away, at night. Eight people were killed and 30 houses burnt down on Saturday in the violence, a U.N. agency official said. Aid convoys on Monday passed the still smoking remains of houses. The first excavator only reached the disaster site late on Sunday, according to a U.N. official. Many people are still unsure whether loved ones were caught as villagers often move between homes of friends and relatives, according to Matthew Hewitt Tapus, a pastor in the PNG capital Port Moresby whose home village is close to the disaster. "It's not like everyone is in the same house at the same time, so you have fathers who dont know where their children are, mothers who dont know where husbands are, it's chaotic," he told Reuters by phone. 'CHANCES SLIM' Joseph said the defence operations chief was sent to the disaster scene within 24 hours with assistance from the Australian Defence Force, and a PNG defence engineering team was on site, as well as a military helicopter for evacuations. The government has requested a New Zealand Defence Force geotechnical team to assess possibly unstable land nearby which would making heavy earth-moving equipment dangerous, he said. The province needs to build capacity for disaster warnings, the minister added, saying the government would rebuild the villages and reopen the main highway to the town and gold mine at Porgera. Australia announced an initial A$2.5 million ($1.66 million) aid package late on Monday and said it would send technical experts to help rescue and recovery. China, which has been wooing Pacific island nations, also said it would provide assistance. Rain, unstable ground and flowing water was making it extremely dangerous for residents and rescue teams to clear debris, according to Serhan Aktoprak, the chief of the U.N. migration agency's mission in PNG. More than 250 homes have been evacuated, he said, with more than 1,250 people displaced. Some residents do not want heavy machinery interrupting mourning, the U.N. official added. "At this point, people I think are realising that the chances are very slim that anyone can basically be taken out alive." ($1 = 1.5053 Australian dollars) (Reporting by Renju Jose, Lewis Jackson and Kirsty Needham in Sydney; Additional reporting by Liz Lee in Beijing; Editing by Praveen Menon and Michael Perry) Dijon is home to a remarkable 97-hectare heritage site that is an integral part of the Climats de Bourgogne - Patrick Gaillardin In the cobbled streets of Dijons medieval centre, tourists tuck into boeuf bourguignon, sip Hautes-Cotes de Beaune, and besiege the local mustard shop. The Bareuzai, Dijons statue of a vintner crushing grapes, beams at the bustling gateway to arguably the worlds greatest wine region. Yet, there is an unwelcome scratch on the picture postcard. Unbeknownst to the tourists, pockets of the capital have been caught in the crossfire between aristocrats of a less illustrious ilk drug barons waging a deadly turf war. Hostilities erupted in November when a 55-year-old man was killed by a stray bullet as he slept in his home in the Avenue de Stalingrad. Tensions came to a bloody head in March when a 19-year-old man was fatally stabbed in the Talant district and a 15-year-old was shot dead at a drug dealing point in the Belvedere estate. Before, we used to bury grandfathers and grandmothers, but now I get the impression that more and more young people are departing, said the mother of one teenage victim. Why Dijon? We dont know. Sitting in her vast municipal office in Dijons ducal palace, deputy mayor Nathalie Koenders was keen to vaunt its myriad qualities, such as the regions Unesco-protected climats vineyards crafted over centuries by monks. Nathalie Koenders, the first Deputy Mayor of Dijon - Patrick Gaillardin On July 4, Tour de France cyclists will hurtle through these during a time trial to Gevrey-Chambertin while the Olympic flame will proudly pass through the town on July 12. Dijon is calm. We have a very high quality of life, said the ex-champion. That doesnt mean we cant have isolated incidents, like other towns and cities everywhere. Indeed, previously unthinkable scenes are being repeated across a rising number of small and medium-sized towns around France, according to a hard-hitting report by the French senate on drug trafficking released last week, which warned that the country was submerged by drug dealing and that president Emmanuel Macrons response was meagre and not up to the task. Contrary to the cliche that drug trafficking is the preserve of no-go zones stretching from the northern suburbs of Marseille to crack hill in Paris, and perhaps a few festivals, drug dealing has spread to medium-sized and even small towns and rural areas, it wrote. With cocaine flooding France from South America, notably via the port of Le Havre, consumption on the rise and historic bastions like Marseille saturated, organised crime is fanning out to the provinces in search of a bigger slice of a 3.5 billion (3bn) annual drugs business. From Verdun to Valence, a number of sensitive neighbourhoods in medium-sized towns have been the scene of armed clashes, warned Ofast, the French anti-drugs agency, adding that smaller urban areas are no longer spared kidnappings, violence and even murder. Drug dealing and sporadic violence between rival gangs have long existed, Dijon prosecutor Olivier Caracotch told the Telegraph. But what we have witnessed over the past year is an acceleration. Cedric Bovrisse of the Alliance police union in Dijon put it more bluntly. The Marseillais have arrived, he said, adding that members of DZ Mafia, one of the two main Marseillais gangs, were seeking inroads in the town of 160,000 which has a half-dozen drug dealing spots. Cedric Bovrisse of the Alliance police union says 'the Marseillais have arrived' Easy access by train or motorway from Paris, Lyon, Grenoble and even Marseille made it attractive, but not always to the right people. Now theyre arriving in Dijon and they want to take control of the big deal points that generate more than 10,000 a day. They come well-armed. Before they went after the bosses, now they dont hesitate to shoot the foot soldiers. A Telegram video is doing the rounds of a recent hit job on a Dijon scout with the words DZ Mafia on the footage. He was seriously injured. Aware of the worrying trend, the Macron government in March launched a high-profile XXL anti-drugs clean-up operation in which it sent hundreds of police to known drug dealing spots across France. That month, Dijons trouble spots were besieged by 600 police officers over three weeks. The operation ended in the relatively modest seizure of 8.5kg of drugs, 47 weapons and 213 arrests. Around 25 were convicted. A key target was 10 avenue Champollion in the northeastern Gresilles district, notorious as the towns biggest drug dealership and scene of 2015 riots involving members of the Chechen diaspora. At a morning food market just yards from the notorious hub, locals had mixed feelings about the high-profile police sting. Sevrine Damy, 49, a statistician, said: My daughter found the police presence reassuring. She goes to school in this area and was tired of having scouts scream every time the police turned up. But as soon as they left, the dealers came back. It will change nothing because the problem is far deeper and widespread. This isnt particular to Dijon, its national and international. Police officers conduct an identity check in Chenove, central eastern France, as part of the 'XXL cleanup operation' - ARNAUD FINISTRE/AFP via Getty Images With two small daughters in tow, Mohammed, 42, a heating and air conditioning technician lives right inside the estate. I see the dealers less since the police raids so were happy about that. Things were getting out of hand. A guy got shot over there. And wed had enough of all these people queuing up to buy drugs - everyone from workmen to executives in suits, drug addicts, lots of young people and a few old. That said, the problem has simply been displaced. The scouts are still here but have just moved down the road a bit, he added. Two stared at us from a cafe terrace opposite the local pharmacy. They either bring them in from other towns like Paris, Marseille or Nimes, or, increasingly, use undocumented migrants from North Africa, West Africa, Afghanistan who have nothing to lose. Mr Caracotch, the prosecutor, said the raids had been helpful as he was able to launch a number of deeper investigations on the back of them that may bear fruit. But catching the bigger fish was another story, he conceded. Three French-Moroccan brothers known to run the Champollion gang have been convicted in absentia and are subject to an international arrest warrant. Are they in Dubai or Morocco? Either way, it is complicated, as neither country is likely to agree to extradite them, he said. In general, the money is invested abroad under false names, which makes it difficult to identify, seize, and of course confiscate, requiring more resources. Narco state Bosses can easily replace foot soldiers and are merely put out by prison terms as they often continue to control drug trafficking from behind bars, he said. What really hurts them is taking their accumulated wealth shops, cars, houses, cash because theyre capitalists. This is what is perhaps lacking at present. Last weeks senatorial report came to similar conclusions, calling for systematic asset investigations, a judicial freeze on unexplained assets, and powers to confiscate them without a criminal conviction. It also called for a French version of Americas Drug Enforcement Administration, DEA, and a dedicated anti-drug prosecutors office. Without a major overhaul, France risked gradually sliding towards becoming a narco state, it even warned. Dijons beautiful old town seems a world away from such considerations. In the Maille mustard shop, a group of Germans noisily discussed the merits of moutarde au chardonnay de Bourgogne and other varieties, including one with scotch whisky and smoked black pepper. In his snails and truffle store, Maxime Raoux, 34, said he was vaguely aware of the turf war. His girlfriend, a florist, had her shop broken into shortly after the police raids of March. In Fontaine dOuche, another hotspot, lots of chemists were burgled. When dealers lose business they get into debt and steal to pay back suppliers, he said. But beyond that, its pretty quiet around here. To be honest, people are more worried about the recent damage to vineyards from hail than showers of bullets. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.) in a Sunday interview blasted Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito for blaming his wife for displaying the upside-down flag outside his home in the days following the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol. In an interview on NewsNations The Hill Sunday, Dean invoked Memorial Day and stressed the importance of abiding by a code of ethics when asked to respond to the latest Alito controversy. I think Ill end where I started, which is: How do we honor the war dead in this country? We honor the war dead in this country by upholding our Constitution, by abiding by a code of ethics, which Justice Alito seems like he doesnt care for, Dean said. He has shown bias, he has shown impropriety, strangely tried to blame it on his wife, Dean continued. Arent we above that? We honor our war dead by upholding the rule of law and the Constitution. The New York Times reported that an upside-down American flag flew outside Alitos Virginia home in January 2021 around the time rioters stormed the Capitol when Congress was set to certify Joe Bidens 2020 election win over then-President Trump. The upside-down flag is also associated with the Stop the Steal movement that emerged from false election fraud claims in 2020. Alito said his wife hung the flag during a spat with neighbors. I had no involvement whatsoever in the flying of the flag, Alito told the Times last week. It was briefly placed by Mrs. Alito in response to a neighbors use of objectionable and personally insulting language on yard signs. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. The China Development Bank (CDB), a major policy bank in the country, has stepped up its medium- and long-term financing support for science and technology enterprises. From January to April this year, the CDB issued science and technology loans worth 40.6 billion yuan (about 5.7 billion U.S. dollars), among which 16.5 billion yuan went to supporting the development of integrated circuits, mechanical equipment and industrial automation, basic materials, new energy technology applications, biomedicine and other fields. Since 2021, the CDB has set up special loans for scientific and technological innovation and basic research. To date, it has issued more than 277 billion yuan to support the research and development of key technologies and basic frontier technologies, help promote the layout and construction of major scientific and technological infrastructure, and serve to enhance national strategic scientific and technological developments. DAR ES SALAAM, May 26 (Xinhua) -- At least four farmers drowned and three others are missing after their boat capsized in a river in the Katavi region in southern Tanzania, a Tanzanian official said on Sunday night. Mwanamvua Mrindoko, the Katavi regional commissioner, told Xinhua by telephone that the accident occurred on Friday evening. The boat, which was also carrying 10 bags of paddy, capsized in the Ukingwamizi River in Mlele district. Seven people managed to swim to safety. Rescuers, led by the Tanzania Fire and Rescue Force, found the body of one farmer on Saturday, and three more bodies were recovered on Sunday, Mrindoko said. "Rescuers are still searching for the three missing farmers," said Mrindoko, adding that the river was over-flooded due to ongoing heavy rains last month. WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) Several KSN viewers sent in photos of the aftermath of Saturdays storm in Wichita. Many trees split or had damage to their limbs, which fell and caused even further damage. Matt Kiser sent in photos of a tree that split down the middle and fell on a fence near North Maize Road and West 13th Street North. (Courtesy: Matt Kiser) (Courtesy: Matt Kiser) (Courtesy: Matt Kiser) (Courtesy: Matt Kiser) Lina Rattana, who lives near East Lincoln Street and South Hillside Street, had a tree fall on the roof of her house. It caused a crack in her ceiling, which led to water damage. (Courtesy: Lina Rattana) (Courtesy: Lina Rattana) (Courtesy: Lina Rattana) (Courtesy: Lina Rattana) (Courtesy: Lina Rattana) (Courtesy: Lina Rattana) (Courtesy: Lina Rattana) Storm Track 3 Forecast: A few showers today, sunny and warm Memorial Da Dallas Pauda shared photos of her mothers car that was crushed by a fallen tree near West 61st Street North and North Seneca Street. (Courtesy: Dallas Pauda) (Courtesy: Dallas Pauda) (Courtesy: Dallas Pauda) A tree limb fell on a power line on West 14th Street North between North Woodrow Avenue and Coolidge Street. Although Evergy states crews have restored over 50% of their customers impacted by the severe weather, they still have hundreds of customers without power in Wichita and even more throughout south-central Kansas. Click here for the latest outage update. The City of Wichita wants to remind residents and business owners that they are responsible for the removal and disposal of any downed limbs and branches on their properties. The City of Wichita has an on-call crew assisting with branches in the streets where needed, said the City of Wichita. If downed trees or limbs are blocking a public right-of-way, residents may call 268-4003 between the hours of 7 am and 3:30 p.m. or 911 who will direct reports to the park and Recreation Forestry Department. How do I submit photos/videos? To submit your photos/videos, send them in an email to connect3news@ksn.com, along with where they were taken, the date they were taken, and your name. Terms: If we decide that we would like to use your photo, you will receive a permission form from KSN to confirm that you acknowledge that you are the copyright holder and are over 13 years of age. You also give KSN/Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. full ownership of the information, images, videos and any other files submitted for use on our platforms. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) A historic church scheduled for demolition in the Liberty Wells neighborhood burned down Sunday morning with two persons being rescued from a balcony. Responders were on the scene around 5:30 a.m. Sunday morning, May 26 at the Wells Ward Chapel, at the intersection of E. Hollywood Ave. and S. 500 East. The chapel is a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints structure that has been out of use since 2020. The four-alarm fire saw three ladder trucks and 12 engines, according to Salt Lake City Fire Dept. Batallion Chief Ryan Miller. Immediately upon arriving on the scene, crews found two people on an outdoor balcony and then rescued them. Miller said it is currently unknown who those people were or how they were related to the fire. Miller said it took crews about two hours to knock the fire under control. As of noon, the condition of the building has not allowed investigators safe entry to be able to determine the fires cause. Once theyre safely able to investigate, the building will be demolished. Miller said the chapel had already been condemned and was scheduled for demolition in the coming weeks. Neighborhood resident Kyle Pecora said he used to attend church in the chapel. To see it go down in flames, he said, was very sad. It was a grand building, the inside was beautiful, said Pecora. The building has been closed down since it was damaged in a 2020 earthquake. Pecora said neighbors had noticed vagrants staying inside the building and noted they had done damage to the inside of the structure. Neighborhood resident Jonnae Nardone echoed Pecoras sadness, sharing that she had hoped there could have been a way to preserve the chapel in some way. I think its really said, said Nardone. Its destiny had already been determined, but its sad to see it go down in a fire. My understanding is a lot of significant people in Utahs history had attended that ward. Last year, Building Salt Lake profiled the church, noting the structure was built in 1926. The Salt Lake Tribune reported at the time that the chapel cost $45,000 to build. The LDS Church was in the process of selling it with the condition that the chapel be demolished as part of the sale. Miller said its been a while since the city has seen a four-alarm fire, but with current conditions, its not surprising that it got out of control so quickly. Were making a transition out of the winter months and into the summer months, things are going to start drying out, said Miller. Fires like this can start a lot easier and once they start easier, theyll move a lot faster. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. COLUMBIA, Mo. (KTVI) Its been nearly three years since a Mizzou freshman was fighting for his life in the ICU after being hazed at a fraternity event. This week, the victims pledge dad was sentenced to six months in jail. Ryan Delanty was the pledge dad of Danny Santulli in the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, known as FIJI, at the University of Missouri. On Oct. 19, 2021, Santulli was forced to drink a liter of vodka during a Pledge Dad Reveal Night event with the fraternity. His blood alcohol level was at .486%, which is nearly six times the legal limit in Missouri. He was found later on the couch in distress, but no one called 911. The incident left Santulli unable to walk, talk, or see. Sinkhole collapses road in Ohio Delanty was sentenced Wednesday to six months in jail and another six months under house arrest after pleading guilty earlier this month to hazing and supplying alcohol to a minor. Dannys mom, Mary Pat, held back tears as she told the courtroom how she was forced to quit her job to become Dannys full-time caregiver. However the most rewarding job Ive ever had, not one I ever imagined I would be doing, she said. Its a job that requires countless doctor appointments, communicating with doctors, (and) monitoring medications. One by one, each member of Dannys family read statements, telling Delanty how their lives were forever changed. Do I think Ryan Delanty wanted Danny handicapped for the rest of his life? No, I dont. Do I think Ryan intended to cause serious bodily injury towards Danny? Yes, I do. And he did so by making him drink, so much he passed out, Dannys dad, Tom, said. Delantys lawyer, Stephanie Howlett, addressed the courtroom saying he is remorseful and accepts the fault of this tragedy. Why is the sparkle emoji often used to represent AI? Know that Mr. Delanty will live with this for the rest of his life and there will not be a wedding, or an event, or a joyous occasion that goes by that wont be tainted by this night in October, she said. Delanty will spend six months in the Boone County Jail before returning home to serve six months under house arrest. Five other fraternity brothers have pleaded guilty in this case. Four others have cases pending, but the Santulli family says they have their eyes focused on this specific fraternity brother, since he was responsible for him that night in 2021. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11. COLUMBIA, Mo. (KTVI) Its been nearly three years since a Mizzou freshman was fighting for his life in the ICU after being hazed at a fraternity event. This week, the victims pledge dad was sentenced to six months in jail. Ryan Delanty was the pledge dad of Danny Santulli in the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, known as FIJI, at the University of Missouri. On Oct. 19, 2021, Santulli was forced to drink a liter of vodka during a Pledge Dad Reveal Night event with the fraternity. His blood alcohol level was at .486%, which is nearly six times the legal limit in Missouri. He was found later on the couch in distress, but no one called 911. The incident left Santulli unable to walk, talk, or see. Sinkhole collapses road in Ohio Delanty was sentenced Wednesday to six months in jail and another six months under house arrest after pleading guilty earlier this month to hazing and supplying alcohol to a minor. Dannys mom, Mary Pat, held back tears as she told the courtroom how she was forced to quit her job to become Dannys full-time caregiver. However the most rewarding job Ive ever had, not one I ever imagined I would be doing, she said. Its a job that requires countless doctor appointments, communicating with doctors, (and) monitoring medications. One by one, each member of Dannys family read statements, telling Delanty how their lives were forever changed. Do I think Ryan Delanty wanted Danny handicapped for the rest of his life? No, I dont. Do I think Ryan intended to cause serious bodily injury towards Danny? Yes, I do. And he did so by making him drink, so much he passed out, Dannys dad, Tom, said. Delantys lawyer, Stephanie Howlett, addressed the courtroom saying he is remorseful and accepts the fault of this tragedy. Why is the sparkle emoji often used to represent AI? Know that Mr. Delanty will live with this for the rest of his life and there will not be a wedding, or an event, or a joyous occasion that goes by that wont be tainted by this night in October, she said. Delanty will spend six months in the Boone County Jail before returning home to serve six months under house arrest. Five other fraternity brothers have pleaded guilty in this case. Four others have cases pending, but the Santulli family says they have their eyes focused on this specific fraternity brother, since he was responsible for him that night in 2021. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. Poland scrambles jets to secure airspace from Russian attacks on Ukraine Poland scrambles jets to secure airspace from Russian attacks on Ukraine Polands air force has scrambled jets to protect the country's airspace from Russian missiles targeting western Ukraine. Airforce patrols were conducted on Saturday in southeast Poland, which borders war-torn Ukraine. Poland was left unscathed, but a Russian strike on a large DIY store in the northern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv killed 12 people and wounded 43. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the airstrike a "manifestation of Russian madness". Poland's Operational Command announced the defensive operation had ended on Sunday, but said its forces remained vigilant. "Due to the end of long-range missile strikes of the Russian Federation on targets in the western part of Ukraine, the operation of military aviation in Polish airspace has been ended and the deployed forces and resources have returned to standard operational activities," it wrote on X. "The #PolishArmy monitors the situation on the territory of Ukraine on an ongoing basis and remains constantly ready to ensure the safety of Polish airspace." In a statement on Saturday, Poland's military said locals could notice increased noise from Polish and allied aircraft. The statement said the army had taken all necessary measures to secure Poland's airspace. Separately on Saturday, Poland's foreign minister Radoslaw Sikorski warned Russia wanted to destabilise Europe. He claimed Moscow was trying to influence the outcome of upcoming European parliamentary elections in June. Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has sent security concerns skyrocketing in the region, with eastern European countries fearing a revisionist Kremlin. Warsaw put its forces on alert in March when a Russian missile entered Polish airspace before striking Ukraines western Lviv region. Poland has also ramped up its military presence on its western border with Belarus, a staunch ally of Moscow. A previous report can be seen in the player above. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Central Ohio Crime Stoppers are asking for help from the community as the investigation into a 2017 homicide in east Columbus continues. On June 29, 2017, a shooting was reported at East Main Street and James Road near a BP gas station just before 2 a.m. Officers found a teenager who had multiple gunshot wounds and transported that victim to Grant Medical Center in stable condition. At around 3 a.m. police found a second victim, 16-year-old Marquelis Barnes, who was found in the front yard of a nearby address with multiple gunshot wounds. Barnes was pronounced dead by medics at 3:06 a.m. According to Crime Stoppers, police revealed in its investigation that both victims were in an altercation with another group of men. No suspects have been identified at this time. Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward for any information that leads to the arrest of any person(s) responsible for this homicide. Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477 or submit a tip at stopcrime.org. All tips are anonymous. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) Two teenagers have been arrested after shot were fired at Easton Town Center on Saturday night. Police said they received reports of shots being fired in the West Parking Garage around 8:49 p.m. Nobody was injured, according to the Columbus Division of Police. This embedded content is not available in your region. Five in custody after stolen Kia strikes police cruiser Columbus police said the incident started as an altercation between two groups that escalated and they have have arrested two teenage boys. Each has been charged with four counts of felonious assault, two counts of discharging firearms on prohibited premises and one count of improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle. Both have been placed in the Franklin County Juvenile Detention Center. Law enforcement officials evacuated the malls parking garages and increased their presence in the area after the incident. Officers working at Easton were the first to hear shots and responded in minutes. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) Oklahoma City Police are currently investigating a homicide in South Oklahoma City. At around 3:30 PM, OKCPD were called to the scene of a homicide near SW 15th Street and Pettee Avenue. Police confirmed that a woman was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds. This is an ongoing investigation, and police have no information on a suspect at this time. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City. Police in Lancaster County offer reward for tips in shooting investigation QUARRYVILLE, Pa. (WHTM) A Lancaster County police department says a reward is being offered for tips that lead to the arrest of whoever fired shots at a house last month. The shooting happened around 9:13 p.m. on April 15. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now WHTM Daily Digest Quarryville Police said Saturday they were called to a home in the 200 block of Meadow Lane for a report of shots fired on April 15. Police said a home there was struck multiple times, and no one was injured. A $1,000 cash reward is being offered for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information should call Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers at 1-800-4PA-TIPS. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. by Naim-Ul-Karim DHAKA, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Bangladesh has begun evacuating millions of people ahead of Cyclone Remal, which is expected to bring winds as fast as 130 kmph when it makes landfall. The cyclonic storm in the Bay of Bengal is poised to cross the country's coastlines between Sunday evening and midnight. Bangladesh Meteorological Department on Sunday warned of the danger of flooding, landslides and a storm surge. The great danger signal No. 10 has been sounded for the country's coastal districts and seaports where fishing boats, trawlers and maritime vessels have been advised to remain in shelter till further notice. At 9:00 a.m. local time Sunday, the cyclone was centered 295 km south of Bangladesh's Mongla port in the southern Khulna region and 380 km southwest of Chattogram port in southeastern Bangladesh, said the bulletin signed by Kh Hafizur Rahman, a meteorologist at BMD. Bangladeshi State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Md Mohibur Rahman told Xinhua that at least 800,000 people from 10 most vulnerable districts have already been evacuated to shelters. He said Bangladesh's navy, coast guard, police, voluntary organizations and political parties were supporting the ongoing massive evacuation efforts. Television footage showed widespread flooding in the low-lying areas of coastal districts. Due to the peripheral effect of the severe cyclone and steep pressure gradient, the low-lying areas of the coastal districts of Khulna and Chattogram are likely to be inundated by a wind-driven surge of 8-12 feet height above normal astronomical tide, reads the bulletin. Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority has suspended operations of all types of river vessels on all inner routes. Authorities of Chattogram Seaport have ordered to stop unloading of cargo at the outer anchorage and asked all the vessels anchored there to go to the deep sea. Shah Amanat International Airport in Chattogram has suspended its flight operation for eight hours from Sunday afternoon. In 2007, Cyclone Sidr hit the country's southwestern coastal belt, leaving more than 4,000 people dead or missing. Police threaten to kill mans dog if he does not falsely confess to killing father Thomas Perez Jr started pulling his hair and tearing off his shirt in distress as police falsely accused him of murder - FONTANA POLICE DEPARTMENT RELEASED BY ATTORNEY JERRY STEERING Police officers in California threatened to euthanise a mans dog if he did not confess to killing his father who was alive. In an interrogation in 2018, Thomas Perez Jr was told by officers that his dog would need to be put down due to depression from witnessing a murder that had not actually occurred. After 17 hours of interrogation, Mr Perez falsely confessed and tried to kill himself. Footage of the coerced false confession has sparked outrage in the US, and the city of Fontana has now agreed to pay Mr Perez $898,000 (704,755) after a judge ruled that the questioning appeared to be unconstitutional psychological torture. The ordeal began on August 7 2018 when Mr Perezs father left home with their dog to collect his post and the dog returned alone. The following day Mr Perez called the police to report his father missing and was taken in for questioning. Police claimed to find bloodstains in the house and said a police dog smelled the presence of a corpse. Mr Perez screamed and attempted to pull out his hair as police continue to pressure him into a confession - FONTANA POLICE DEPARTMENT RELEASED BY ATTORNEY JERRY STEERING During the interrogation where two officers accused Mr Perez of murder, he started pulling at his hair, hitting himself and tearing off his shirt. Mr Perez also begged for medical attention and was reportedly told he did not need his psychiatric medication. The judge noted that Mr Perez was sleep deprived, mentally ill, and, significantly, undergoing symptoms of withdrawal from his psychiatric medications. After several hours, detectives falsely told Mr Perez that his fathers body had been located with stab wounds, the complaint says. At this point, Mr Perez falsely confessed and was left alone in the room, where he then tried to hang himself. Jerry Steering, Mr Perezs lawyer said: This case shows that if the police are skilled enough, and they grill you hard enough, they can get anybody to confess to anything. Mr Perez when he arrived at the police department - FONTANA POLICE DEPARTMENT RELEASED BY ATTORNEY JERRY STEERING Mr Perez was taken to a hospital on an involuntary psychiatric hold and read his rights for the first time. Later that night, one of the detectives received a call that Mr Perezs father had been located and was alive. Mr Steering said that police did not inform his client that his father was alive. Instead, Mr Perez was kept isolated in a psychiatric hold for three days, believing both his father and dog had been killed. The dog had been taken to a pound but was later rescued. Fontana police have not issued a statement or said whether any officers faced disciplinary action. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Polish Foreign Minister supports permission to attack Russia with Western weapons: Moscow does not restrain itself Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski has backed the proposal to allow Ukraine to strike with Western weapons on Russian territory. Source: Sikorski in an interview with The Guardian, European Pravda reports Details: He said that Europe must learn to play the escalation game better, keeping Russian ruler Vladimir Putin guessing about its intentions. When asked whether it is acceptable for Ukraine to strike military targets on Russian territory, Sikorski emphasised: "The Russians are striking the Ukrainian power grid, grain terminals and gas storage facilities, and civilian infrastructure. The Russian operation is being conducted from the headquarters in Rostov-on-Don. Apart from the fact that Russia does not use nuclear weapons, it does not limit itself to anything." He said the constant proclamation of "what our own red line is only encourages Moscow to adapt its hostile actions to our ever-changing self-imposed restrictions". Background: NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg believes it is high time for some allies to reconsider restrictions on the use of weapons provided to Ukraine against targets in Russia. Recently, the New York Times reported that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken wants to ensure that Ukraine is allowed to strike Russian territory with US weapons. He wants to convince President Joe Biden to lift the restrictions. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has spoken out against Ukraine using weapons provided by Western allies to strike Russia. Support UP or become our patron! Col. Porcher L. Taylor Jr., shown in this Progress-Index photo from 2013, wore many hats in the communities of Petersburg and Virginia State University. Taylor died Sunday, May 26, 2024, at the age of 98. PETERSBURG City leaders are remembering Col. Porcher L. Taylor Jr. as a true community leader who made profound contributions to not just his country but also to his community. Taylor, known around Petersburg by the initials "P.T.," died Sunday morning, city officials announced. He was 98. "Throughout his life and career, Colonel Taylor exemplified the values of dedication, excellence, and service," the city said in its announcement. "He served as a positive role model for the youth of Petersburg, inspiring them to strive for success and make meaningful contributions to society." He was. the city said, "a true community leader." Colonel Taylor's legacy is one of a well-lived life marked by profound contributions to Petersburg and beyond," Petersburg Mayor Sam Parham said in a statement accompanying the announcement. A Florida native, Taylor served in the Navy during World War II, seeing action in the Pacific Theater for three years. After his discharge, he enrolled at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama on the G.I Bill. He was a member of the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II, and was deployed during the Korean Conflict as a member of the 82nd Airborne Division. In 1971, during the Vietnam War, Taylor became the first African American promoted to the rank of Army colonel at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He wound up serving a total of 28 years in the armed services, 25 of them with the Army. He also was one of a few men to see action in three wars. He received his master's degree in 1961 from then-Virginia State College, and was the first Black student to earn a doctorate from the University of South Carolina. He continued to serve VSU as director of counseling and then as vice president for student affairs. During that time, Taylor was active in the Petersburg community. He was a former chairman of the Petersburg School Board and for many years was the driving force behind the Downtown Churches United's Walk Against Hunger, which was later named in his honor. On the subject of honors, Taylor received many during his lifetime the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal and Army Commendation Medal. He was also presented with the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award, an honor he shares with former President Gerald Ford and former astronaut Neil Armstrong. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Colonel Taylor for his endless contributions that have made Petersburg a better place for all, Parham said in the city statement. May his spirit of commitment and compassion continue to inspire us. Taylor is surived by his wife, Ann, and his children and grandchildren. Memorial services have not yet been announced. Bill Atkinson (he/him/his) is an award-winning journalist who covers breaking news, government and politics. Reach him at batkinson@progress-index.com or on X (formerly known as Twitter) at @BAtkinson_PI. This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: Longtime Petersburg community leader dead at 98 In any other year, the trial of a United States senator accused of aiding a foreign government would be the trial of the year or maybe even the decade. But 2024 is not any other year and Sen. Bob Menendez's federal corruption trial isnt even the trial of the month. It began last week in a federal courtroom just a New York City block from former President Donald Trumps state criminal trial. Prosecutors in both courthouses, a brisk two-minute walk from each other, are unspooling allegations about a pair of politicians one a Republican, the other a Democrat whose fates have been strangely intertwined, and may remain that way. The salacious nature of both cases will likely end up in some sort of political hall of infamy. Trump is accused of falsifying business records while paying off a porn star. Menendez is accused of acting as foreign agent and being paid off in gold bars. And both say they have been targeted by overzealous prosecutors who have long tried to nail them in court and end their political careers. He's an American patriot, Menendez attorney Avi Weitzman said in his opening statement last week. He did not violate the law. Period. And the United States Attorney's Office allegations otherwise [are] wrong. Dead wrong. Far from a bribe taker, Senator Menendez is a lifelong public servant. Menendez seems much more vulnerable given the severity of the allegations, which come with decades of prison time compared to four years maximum for Trump, which he is considered unlikely to serve even if found guilty. Menendez also lacks political support from his party and voters, which Trump maintains. While the Trump trial is winding down, it's possible some attention could turn toward Menendez. But, for now, Trump as usual has been consuming nearly all the oxygen. There is a bank of TV cameras outside the Trump courthouse filled by anchors and all-day coverage. Outside of the Menendez trial, its a handful of correspondents and photographers. The only anchor to show up in court during his trial has been his own daughter, who works at MSNBC and has recused herself from covering the case. During a lunch break this week, a crowd did form outside of the courthouse where Menendez is. But they were there to get photos of Trumps motorcade. Still, for a politician who puts a lot of stock in crowd size, Trump is not exactly being greeted by a ticker tape parade each morning. There was 100,000 people in Jersey Saturday, and theres five people here today. Its very disappointing, Brooklyn resident Dion Cini said one morning, using Trumps overcount at a recent rally in Wildwood, New Jersey. Thankfully, Im un-cancelable; you cant cancel me. But most MAGA people are afraid just to have their picture taken and lose their job. Trump loyalists would do anything for the presumptive Republican nominee for president, but theyve opted thus far not to show up en masse to protest the criminal proceedings that he and surrogates have sought denounced as a sham. They would like to show their support, Trump told reporters recently in a courthouse hallway, but its like an armed camp outside; you cant get within three blocks of this courthouse. But high-profile surrogates are taking turns accompanying the former president in court and have hosted short news conferences in a neary park. House Speaker Mike Johnson and names floated as potential Trump running mates, like North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, have cycled through. The highest profile Democrat to appear in the Menendez courtroom is probably Damian Williams the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York who is prosecuting him. There is more than just coincidence that binds Menendez and Trump. Both mens current charges will be another test of the nations ability to bring public corruption cases. In recent years, prosecutors have lost a series of high-profile corruption cases against a range of political figures from both parties, including Republican Gov. Chris Christie aides involved in Bridgegate, former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, a Republican, and former New York Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin, a Democrat. Menendezs legal team, which was involved in some of those cases before they began representing him, will, of course, be trying to avoid a guilty verdict, but they will also be looking to keep open legal avenues for an appeal that would overturn any conviction. While both men have pleaded not guilty and denied the charges against them, Trump has been more bombastic, attacking the Democratic state prosecutor who filed the charges and the state judge overseeing the trial. Menendez has lodged a few complaints about prosecutors, especially since this is his second corruption trial in less than a decade. The first ended in a mistrial. But he cant use the partisan witch hunt line because the Department of Justice is led by Democrats, like he is. Yes, Menendezs attorneys have accused prosecutors of bringing the charges in New York to avoid having a trial on the senators home turf in New Jersey. They have also accused prosecutors of attempting to take down Menendez. But their sharp words have been buried in legal filings, not broadcast during rallies, press conferences and social media, like Trumps attacks. When he was president, one of Trumps final acts was to commute the lengthy Medicare fraud prison sentence of Menendezs friend and former co-defendant in a separate corruption case. That case ended in a mistrial but the friend, Florida Dr. Salomon Melgen, went to prison in a related case. Perhaps the most consistent group providing moral support to Trump outside the courthouse: New Yorkers of Chinese descent. At the end of the day, when their numbers swell to one or two dozen, they like to scoot from the park to an intersection nearby where they can see the former presidents motorcade and wave to him. We want to show the court: Stop political persecution, Ai Wang, 67, of Queens, said. If you do political persecution, that is the Chinese Communist Party. This is America. Thats probably something both men could agree on. A family of four from Nashville recently took selfies with the state courthouse as a backdrop. They said they were neither for or against Trump. Its just observing history in the making, said Bobby Robertson, who traveled to Manhattan to celebrate his daughters 10th birthday with tickets to the Westminster dog show. The child didnt hesitate when asked which news event she found more momentous, chirping, The dog show! German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stands on stage during an event as part of the Democracy Festival to mark the 75th anniversary of the Basic Law. Fatima Abbas/dpa Pro-Palestinian demonstrators angry at the German government's handling of Israel's war in Gaza disrupted a citizens' forum featuring Germany's foreign minister on Sunday. Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock was participating in a discussion titled "Stormy times - how foreign policy ensures the security of our democracy" as part of weekend of events to celebrate the adoption of Germany's constitution, known as the Basic Law, 75 years ago. Several demonstrators in the theatre began shouting at Baerbock, accusing the German government of one-sidedness in the war and demanding that Berlin halt arms deliveries to Israel. Some held banners reading "Stop the genocide." Baerbock responded calmly at first, saying Germany was working to ensure that both Israelis and Palestinians could live in peace. But she clearly grew frustrated as the tumult in the theatre increased. "There are no threats here!" she shouted at one participant. One protester who identified herself as an "anti-Zionist Jew" said that, when it came to the war, freedom of expression was being restricted in Germany. With Germany's help, she said, Gaza was being reduced to "rubble and ashes." At least eight participants were forced out of the venue by dpa's count. In some cases, there were scuffles and physical altercations with security staff. Baerbock asked security not to use any violence against the demonstrators. Meanwhile, large sections of the rest of the audience reacted to the protest with loud booing. Prosecutors in Feeding Our Future trial rest their case this week after calling more than 30 witnesses in brazen fraud scheme Did six Twin Cities men and a woman brazenly steal money from programs feeding kids in need, as prosecutors allege, or were they operating growing businesses with informal bookkeeping, as their attorneys claim? Those are the conflicting arguments jurors have heard over a month of testimony in the Feeding Our Future trial. In the last four weeks, federal prosecutors have displayed hundreds of pages of financial records and child nutrition program forms, aiming to show that the seven defendants tied to a Shakopee restaurant defrauded the government of millions of dollars by creating shell companies, rosters of fake children's names and inflated meal claims. This week, prosecutors will rest their case and defense attorneys will start calling witnesses who received the meals and their own experts including a former IRS agent, a former FBI forensic accountant and a University of Minnesota professor to make the case that their clients provided real food to real children across Minnesota. They plan to show jurors reams of paperwork, as well as photos of pallets of food and videos of meal distributions. The high-profile trial the first in a broader fraud investigation that's led to charges against 70 people has revealed new details in what prosecutors say is one of the largest pandemic-related fraud cases in the country, totaling more than $250 million. Prosecutors have called more than 30 witnesses, ranging from FBI and IRS agents and accountants who investigated the allegations, to bankers and meal program experts, witnesses from across Minnesota who saw few to no meals distributed, and a former Feeding Our Future employee who testified about a "booming" fraud scheme known for rampant kickbacks and bribes. Prosecutors showed the jury hundreds of pages of checks and bank records, meal program forms and dozens of emails and text messages between the defendants, aiming to prove that defendants submitted phony or duplicate food invoices, rosters of made-up names and payments disguised as "consulting" fees. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reimburses schools, day cares and nonprofits for feeding low-income children after school and during the summer. Instead, prosecutors said, defendants used the meal programs as "their own endless ATM," spending the money on lavish expenses, including a $1 million lakefront Prior Lake property, luxury cars and an $11,000 vacation to a Maldives ocean villa. Last week, two FBI forensic accountants testified for four days about their extensive work tracing a complicated paper trail of 300 bank accounts and other records, revealing that about $3 million out of $30 million sent to the restaurant at the center of the case Empire Cuisine and Market went to food purchases. Some of it supplied the restaurant with food to sell rather than free meals for kids, FBI accountant Pauline Roase testified. On Friday, FBI accountant Lacra Blackwell testified she traced $41 million in federal money received by defendants back to $8 million in real estate, new cars, Timberwolves tickets and other purchases, mostly derived from federal funds. Defense attorneys countered in their cross examination of Roase that bank records also prove their clients spent money on costs associated with running growing businesses, including payroll for employees, transportation of meals and warehouse rentals. They will cross-examine Blackwell on Tuesday. The defendants Said Shafii Farah, Abdiaziz Shafii Farah, Mohamed Jama Ismail, Abdimajid Mohamed Nur, Abdiwahab Maalim Aftin, Mukhtar Mohamed Shariff and Hayat Mohamed Nur were charged in 2022 with 43 counts, including wire fraud and money laundering. They received more than $40 million for claiming to serve 18 million meals at 50 food sites from Rochester to St. Cloud. Since the trial started on April 22, the seven defense teams have argued in opening statements and cross examinations that the government's case involves "sweeping conspiracy allegations" based on speculation and suspicion. They've reiterated that their clients served food and earned a fair profit. "He worked very hard to follow the contracts and he took enormous financial risks to be part of the food program," defense attorney Andrew Birrell said in his opening statements about his client, Abdiaziz Farah of Savage, who started Empire Cuisine. Defense attorneys have shown witnesses photos of bags of groceries that defendants gave out, stocked with cereal, juice, potatoes and other produce matching food invoices. They also displayed photos of people lined up outside a Minneapolis event venue to get food. They've sought to cast doubt on the thoroughness of the FBI investigation, blasting investigators for not visiting food sites to verify if meals were in fact served. Defense attorneys also have questioned some witnesses about how they were just contacted by prosecutors before the trial started and asked to recall details from two to three years ago. They've sought to discredit the former employee who testified because he could get a shorter prison sentence for cooperating with authorities, and questioned other witnesses' lack of knowledge about the meal programs. Defense attorneys have also scrutinized state leaders and investigators about their lack of knowledge of East African business culture since the defendants immigrated to the United States. Attorney Andrew Mohring, who represents Shariff, asked Roase last week if she was aware East African cultures have informal transactions based on trust and tribal affiliations. "Sometimes things aren't written down," Steve Schleicher, who represents Farah's brother, vendor Said Farah, added in his questioning of her Friday. Roase agreed. So the financial data may only tell a portion of the story? he asked. "It may not tell the whole picture, but it tells a lot," Roase answered. Growing food programs The defendants' food sites were largely overseen by St. Paul nonprofit Partners in Nutrition (also known as Partners in Quality Care), as well as St. Anthony nonprofit Feeding Our Future, which is at the center of the case. Some defense attorneys have sought to distance their clients from the allegations. They've shifted blame to the two women who led Partners in Nutrition and Feeding Our Future, and the Minnesota Department of Education, which administers the funding. If the Education Department or USDA had concerns, why didn't they claw back funds or stop approving reimbursements, defense attorneys have repeatedly asked witnesses. The Education Department was entangled in lawsuits for years with Partners in Nutrition and Feeding Our Future. In early 2020, the department had concerns about "unexplained growth" in reimbursements. Feeding Our Future sued the agency in 2020 for not approving meal sites. In 2021, the Education Department stopped its payments, but a Ramsey County judge said he saw no regulations giving the state the authority to do so at that point. The Education Department restarted payments and alerted the FBI about its concerns. Another central issue in the trial: USDA waivers that relaxed oversight and rules in the pandemic to quickly get food to children when schools shuttered. Investigators argued the waivers made the programs vulnerable to abuse, such as fewer monitoring visits to make sure programs were operating properly. Defense attorneys countered that those relaxed rules allowed defendants' for-profit restaurants to temporarily participate in the programs and dole out seven days' worth of groceries at once, instead of the usual hot meals served in person that rapidly increased the number of meals their clients served. They added that defendants didn't need to check IDs and used a clicker to count the number of people who picked up meals. (Bloomberg) -- South African President Cyril Ramaphosa urged citizens to vote this week as his party prepares for its toughest election since the advent of democracy three decades ago. Most Read from Bloomberg Turnout as a percentage of the voting-age population plummeted to 47.3% at the last national election in 2019, compared with 85.5% at the nations first democratic vote in 1994, according to the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance. The May 29 national election is set to be the most hotly contested since apartheid ended, with a series of opinion polls showing Ramaphosas ruling African National Congress risks losing its parliamentary majority for the first time. Bloomberg Terminal clients can click on ELEC ZA for more on South Africas elections. Voters have stayed away as Africas most-industrialized economy stagnated over the past decade, with power cuts and logistics snarl-ups curtailing output, while poverty, unemployment and crime are rife. A Bloomberg survey of fund managers this month found that crime, fiscal risk and the electricity supply are their biggest long-term concerns about South Africa. Ramaphosa used an address on state television to list a series of programs his government has undertaken to create jobs, attract foreign investment and rebuild fraying infrastructure. On Friday, he enacted legislation that will establish the National Prosecuting Authoritys Investigating Directorate against Corruption as a permanent entity. I call upon all South Africans to out in their numbers to cast their votes in these elections, he said on Sunday. Let us build on the progress that we have made at this moment on our path to renewal. Ramaphosa expressed concern about reports of attempts to disrupt election activity in the KwaZulu-Natal province, a stronghold of his predecessor Jacob Zuma, who leads the opposition uMkhonto weSizwe party. The electoral commission said in a statement on Sunday that its officials had faced threats in the province. We once again call on all candidates, supporters and every South African to refrain from any action that could interfere with the due electoral process, Ramaphosa said. Sign up here for the twice-weekly Next Africa newsletter --With assistance from Arijit Ghosh. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Rear Adm. John Hewitt relieved Rear Adm. Ian Johnson as Commander, Navy Region Southeast (CNRSE) during a ceremony aboard Naval Air Station Jacksonville today, Thursday, May 23. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< The ceremony marked the end of Johnsons command leadership that supported and guided 18 installations throughout the Southeastern United States and the Caribbean. Navy Region Southeast is home to some of the most important work in the United States Navy, Johnson said. It gives me a great deal of pride and satisfaction to have led Region Southeast in support of the Fleet, our warfighters, and their families. I will miss working with all of the incredible leaders here, Sailors and civilians alike all who embody character, competence, and dedication to our mission -- aligning what we do ashore with the warfighting needs of our Fleet. Johnson has commanded CNRSE since May 2023. Under his leadership, warships deployed from Mayport to the Red Sea as part of Operation Prosperity Guardian, and ballistic missile submarines patrolled the seas from Kings Bay for strategic deterrence. From Texas to Mississippi and across the Emerald Coast, his work expanded airfield operations to bolster the Navys pilot production needed to protect the nation. Johnson provided strong and steady leadership advancing the Navys most important priorities, including infrastructure investment, barracks upgrades, Sailor quality-of-service, utilities resilience, recruitment, environmental stewardship, and climate change. Johnson solved complex problems and applied sound decision-making skills across the entire spectrum of shore operations. His attention to detail significantly enhanced overall mission readiness and support to the Fleet Fighter, and Family. Johnson next reports as Commander, Navy Region Japan in Yokosuka, Japan. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Hewitt is reporting from his former position as chief of staff to Commander, Navy Installations Command. At sea, he has served with the VAW-117 Wallbangers, Commander, Cruiser Destroyer Group 2, the VAW-112 Golden Hawks, and was the executive and commanding officer of the VAW-126 Seahawks, where he saw the squadron awarded the 2013 Commander, Naval Air Forces Atlantic Battle Efficiency Award. Hewitt also commanded the VAW-120 Greyhawks Fleet Replacement Squadron. He has accumulated 2,500 flight hours, 450 arrested landings, and 62 combat missions in the E-2 Hawkeye and is a graduate of the E-2 Weapons School. Hewitt has deployed worldwide aboard numerous aircraft carriers and supported Operations Southern Watch, Desert Fox, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. Ashore, Hewitt has served with VAW-120 as a Fleet Replacement Squadron instructor, with U.S. Joint Forces Commands Joint Deployment Training Center, with the Joint Staff J-7s Deployable Training Division, as the executive officer and commanding officer of Naval Air Station Oceana, as the chief of staff for Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, and as the executive assistant and chief of staff to Commander, Navy Installations Command. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. For the past decade, Louisianas program for coastal protection has been hailed as one of the best in the country, after the devastation from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita pushed the state to shore up coastlines, repair levees and protect natural habitats. But now, environmental advocates and experts say the states new Republican governor is undermining its coastal protection agency - the states first and strongest line of defense against climate change-induced sea level rise. In an open letter published this week and signed by more than 200 business leaders, environmental advocates and other experts, various groups warned against Gov. Jeff Landrys plans to transform the states Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority. Subscribe to The Post Most newsletter for the most important and interesting stories from The Washington Post. The very future of our state is at stake, the letter read. Environmentalists say that the new governors actions could hobble the agency just as its work is most needed. The moves come as other right-leaning states are also cutting back on climate goals and even references to climate change. This month, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) signed a bill erasing most mentions of climate change from state law. DeSantis is also poised to nullify the states targets for 100 percent renewable energy by 2050. Since 2005, when Louisiana was devastated by two hurricanes, the coastal restoration agency has built or revamped over 300 miles of levees that hold back floodwaters, and restored dozens of miles of barrier islands that can absorb the pressure of waves and rising seas. The agency works to shore up these defenses in the face of future, stronger storms and higher seas. Its work is critical, experts say: Louisiana is losing coastline at a dramatic rate. In the past century, the state has lost over 2,000 square miles of land; it could lose 2,000 more in the next 50 years, scientists predict. As sea level rise has accelerated, so has the loss of land. Wetlands are drowning in many areas of the state - covered by sea level rise faster than they can grow. In the coming decades, scientists say, the state could lose up to 75 percent of its natural buffer against hurricanes and storms. Landry, who took office in January, has removed six members of the coastal restoration agencys board and suggested subsuming it into another, larger department. In a memo, the governor said that such moves could help avoid government operations existing in distinct silos and improve efficiency. Environmental groups, on the other hand, say the shake-ups are undermining the work of an agency that is vitally important. The leadership and structural change could distract the agency from its plan for the coastline, slow down essential projects that can prevent flooding and allow politics to creep into the work of the science-based agency, experts and environmentalists say. It just seems like its chaotic at a time when we do not need that kind of chaos, said Rebecca Triche, executive director of the Louisiana Wildlife Federation and one of the signatories on the letter. Triche said that some of the experts taken off the board could have helped provide needed perspectives on the states coastal plans. The board is made up of some political appointees and some publicly elected government officials. It just appears that independent voices are being removed, she said. Landrys office did not respond to a request for comment. Environmentalists are also concerned about the new governors position on a project to divert part of the Mississippi River, which scientists say is critical to restore coastal wetlands. The region, known as middle Barataria, is sinking faster than 75 percent of all other wetlands in the state. The project would help bring new sediment to the area and, ideally, prevent further land loss. The project, organized by the coastal restoration agency, has been in the works for over a decade. It is facing a lawsuit from Plaquemines Parish, where locals worry that the incoming freshwater could impact fishing. Experts say the state appears to no longer be actively fighting the lawsuit - and as a result, has put the project on hold. For the last three administrations, they really havent played politics with the coastal restoration agency, said Christopher Dalbom, a senior research fellow at Tulane University. Theyve tried really hard to maintain it as a science-based effort. But the lack of progress on the project, he added, seems to tell a new story. It seems as if now theres politics being played with it. In a state Senate hearing earlier this month, the agency said that if the project is halted, almost $1 billion could go to waste. Many experts worry about undermining an agency that has become a hallmark of the states battle against climate change and rising seas. Compared to other states we have one of the best, deepest coastal restoration authorities in the country, said Dalbom. Theres a real strength there thats not to be blithely frittered away. Related Content Fentanyl is fueling a record number of youth drug deaths In a place with a history of hate, an unlikely fight against GOP extremism Life in Taiwan is rowdy and proud, never mind Chinas threats SEOUL, May 26 (Xinhua) -- After a hiatus of more than four years, leaders from China, Japan, and South Korea will convene here for the ninth Trilateral Summit Meeting. The restart of the trilateral meeting takes place against the backdrop of rising protectionism, armed conflicts, and supply chain restructuring. As major countries in Asia and leading economies in the world, the three countries carry a profound responsibility to articulate an unwavering commitment to bolstering trilateral cooperation. Born amidst the tumult of the Asian financial crisis in 1999, the three countries' cooperative framework stands out as an epitome of multilateral cooperation in East Asia, anchored by leaders' meetings and fortified by a network of ministerial gatherings, senior officials' assemblies, and more than 70 working-level mechanisms. The summit meeting was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, challenges impeding its resumption were complicated by bilateral disputes and tensions. Above all those, persistent external interference has added to the instability of trilateral cooperation. Restarting the trilateral cooperation mechanism is inevitable because the shared interests and benefits of cooperation among China, Japan, and South Korea have made the renewal of dialogue and collaboration compelling. After all, the three countries are neighbors that cannot be moved away, and East Asia is the shared home of the three. The benefits of trilateral cooperation far outweigh the discord among the three close neighbors. Deepening trilateral cooperation among China, Japan, and South Korea serves the common interests of all three parties. In terms of trade and economy, China is the largest trading partner of the other two. The signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), inclusive of China, Japan, and South Korea, further accentuates the need to heighten economic integration among these key stakeholders. This tripartite cooperation has facilitated the advancement of the participating nations and yielded tangible benefits for the wider regional populace. The combined population of China, Japan, and South Korea accounts for one-fifth of the global total, and their combined GDP makes up about one-fourth of the global total. The three countries are undoubtedly the main economic engines in East Asia and beyond. Enhanced trilateral cooperation among the three will contribute positively to regional and global development. In the Trilateral Cooperation Vision for the Next Decade, a cooperation document released during the last Trilateral Summit Meeting in 2019, the three countries pledged to work to develop a future-oriented cooperation model featuring peace, friendship and mutual benefit to make the trilateral cooperation a platform for peace, stability and regional cooperation and an important force for world development and prosperity. The three countries should prioritize deeper cooperation across various sectors, including but not limited to economy, trade, culture, and technology. By leveraging their respective strengths and resources, they can bolster regional stability and prosperity while also fostering an environment conducive to peace and cooperation. In recent years, Washington has played up ideological disparities and formed exclusive cliques, seeking to supplant cooperation and harmony with confrontation and discord to further its own geopolitical agenda. By fanning division and animosity, such hegemonic tactics not only disrupt the stability and prosperity of the region but also impair genuine cooperation and progress. As major economies in Asia, China, Japan, and South Korea hold a special responsibility to champion the inclusive values inherent to Asia. This entails nurturing a sense of strategic independence, preserving regional harmony and stability, and adamantly rejecting any revival of Cold War mentality. In their inaugural joint declaration issued 21 years ago, the three countries committed to advancing development, enhancing cooperation in East Asia, and safeguarding peace and prosperity both regionally and globally through their trilateral collaboration. Let this pledge serve as a reminder of the vital role that China-Japan-South Korea trilateral cooperation plays in shaping the future of the region and beyond. A refugee has hopes and dreams to bring his family to Phoenix through Welcome Corps, a service opportunity that allows refugees to be sponsored by Americans and resettle in the United States. Wayi Aguer, 23, is originally from South Sudan, but has lived as a refugee in countries such as Egypt, Uganda and Israel. Aguer shared that throughout his life, he had to migrate for his safety, and at times, he was unsure if he and his family would survive. His family is currently located in Uganda and they have been since the outbreak of the South Sudanese Civil War in 2013. His brothers are receiving education assistance from Become and his mother works as a nanny. But as the oldest brother, he said he feels a deep responsibility to provide a better life for them. He chose Phoenix because his mom's cousin lives in the city and also lived with them while they were in Israel, so Aguer is hopeful they will be able to help his mom better integrate into society. Wayi and his mother Nyanthel. Aguer is optimistic about his family's resettlement. "It's very scary to hand in [the application] and then wait and then you get rejected on something small, or something unexpected happens, but I've always been optimistic, and I think I'll continue to be optimistic," Aguer said. "Me and my friends are determined to make this happen. It might take a little bit of time." 'Where they don't feel like they need to run away' A year ago, Aguer said he had the opportunity to learn about Welcome Corps. "The moment I saw that was a possibility, I really really wanted to relocate my mom and my brothers, give them a different life," Aguer said. "Maybe put them in a place that is more stable where they don't feel like they need to run away every moment, where you need to feel like you need to pack everything and be ready to go at a moment's notice." Wayi's brothers Aguer and Padiet. To complete the application, Aguer must raise approximately $2,145 per person and present a plan to the administration detailing their schooling, healthcare arrangements, accommodation, and potential employment. Additionally, he needs to secure sponsors to help raise the necessary funds. Thanks to "generous people," Aguer said the fundraising stage is nearly complete. They now aim to apply along with the plan. Once submitted, the entire process could take anywhere from six months to two years to complete. 'We have three chances to get you to Israel' Aguer was born in Sudan during the second Sudanese Civil War. He said his family decided Sudan was no longer a safe place for them, so they decided to move to Egypt when he was around one year old. In Egypt, Aguer said there was no war, but there was a lot of tension and the South Sudanese refugee community felt it was being neglected by the Egyptian government. "I remember one time we went to protest against the treatment of refugees in Egypt and the Egyptian government responded by basically sending in anti-riot police and from a group of 200 protesters, 75 ended up dead," Aguer said. "It was a very violent episode." Aguer said his mother thought the best way to ensure their safety was to move to Israel. They walked through the Sinai desert from Egypt to Israel. When he was six years old, he woke up on a dark alley road in Egypt, where a Bedouin with a pickup truck loaded everyone inside, covering them with vegetables to help them cross the border. They arrived at a house in the middle of the desert and the man told them the plan. "We are going to try to get you to Israel," Aguer said the Bedouin told them. "We have three chances to get you to Israel because we cannot take you back to Egypt. If you do not make it on your third try we're going to have to shoot you since we can't take you back." Wayi's family: Tony, Aguer, Nyanthel (Wayi's mother) and Padiet. They started walking from the desert into Israel. Aguer said they walked mainly at night so they would not be shot by the Egyptian Army. The first night they tried, they did not reach their destination due to a member in their group experiencing back pain. The second night they did not reach their destination because Aguer's legs were hurting him so bad he was screaming in pain. The Bedouin said they could not continue because the Egyptian Army may be on the lookout for them. On the third night, they made it to Israel. "I just remember everyone smiling and happy and full of euphoria and I didn't understand why," Aguer said. "And they said, oh yeah we got to Israel, we are now in a safer place." Family struggles: For years, they were trapped by a land dispute. Some Navajo families still wait for help 'Just chaos, chaos' After arriving in Israel, Aguer and his family spent a month in a refugee camp before being transferred to the city. They lived in Israel from 2007 to 2011. However, in 2011, when South Sudan gained independence, Israel wanted to repatriate the refugees. Aguer and his family were sent back to South Sudan, where they soon realized the education system was underdeveloped due to the countrys recent independence. Aguer attended school in Uganda but returned to South Sudan for Christmas, only for another civil war to erupt. Consequently, he and his family had to seek refuge in a UN camp. "And I would remember stray bullets spilling into the camp and it would kill a kid or it would shoot someone in the head or something," Aguer said. "Just chaos, chaos." Aguer said they had the chance to run away to Uganda where they all became refugees again. Aguer applied to a school in Israel where he got a scholarship. He is currently studying In Israel through a program called Become and is enrolled at Reichman University studying Government and Sustainability. Now, he wants his family to have more opportunities. Aguer created a GoFundMe with the help of his friend Ben Vorspan to help raise the money needed for his family to resettle in Phoenix. Vorspan met Aguer while working for an organization called Become. Although Vorspan currently lives in Boston, he spent several years in Jerusalem, as well as in Madagascar, Cameroon, and Kenya. During his time in Jerusalem, he worked on initiatives to help refugees and asylum seekers navigate life there. Wayi's brothers Padiet, Aguer and Tony. Vorspan said he has "had the honor" to work with Aguer and his group of sponsors to prepare logistics for the process of resettling his family. Jesse Clements, 26, a friend of Aguer's, met him when they were both working for a camp in 2020 called the Leuthi Peterson Camp. Through email, Clements said Leuthi Peterson Camp started in 1949 as a way to promote peace between children in Europe by having them camp together and share their culture. Clements lives in Berkley and is an associate elementary school teacher in California. Clements has helped connect Aguer to some Americans she knows who have been able to donate money or sponsor him. Clements said Aguer was adored by the kids at the camp and was one of the favorite staff members. "I enjoy connecting with humans because of my refugee upbringing I ended up in so many countries and in so many different cultures and different languages and that kind of taught me how to see the beauty in the differences of each culture or each person I come across," Aguer said. Vorspan described Aguer as brilliant, quick-witted, motivated, thoughtful and a kid. He said he is probably just like anyone else close to you, if those people are kind, smart and ambitious. Clements said Aguer was hard working and would often go to study for exams after full workdays which ended around 10 or 11 at night. She also said he was kind. "I had a hard summer for personal reasons outside of camp, and Wayi was just the most gentle and kind and understanding person to be working with," Clements said. "I have a lot of gratitude and love for him.' How to help refugees Refugees are pillars of the community, in the words of Aguer. He said people should be willing to let refugees integrate and be of help to their new communities. "Seeing where these communities can help the Phoenix community. I'm sure there's places where they could help," Aguer said. "And maybe not immediately, but with time they could be pillars of the community itself." As a refugee, Aguer has experienced people who don't want refugees around and are racist, but he has also experienced welcoming people who showed empathy. He said resettlement is hard but can be done. To help those looking to resettle or to better understand refugees, Vorspan said people should empathize with what they have been through and acknowledge it can happen to anyone. He suggested donating to those who need it. "Understand that the only thing that differentiates refugees - and the profoundly difficult lives they live - and non-refugees is the luck to have been born with a passport from a country that offers stability and safety," Vorpsan said. "And that leaving home, no matter how dangerous or conflict-ridden it is, is [a] deeply painful process. Wayi's family: Padiet, Aguer, Nyanthel (Wayi's mother) and Tony. Clements said she believes a right "to a safe harbor" should not be about worthiness, but rather just be a right. But she said she was moved by Aguer's story and said everyone must have their own. To help out, Clements suggested people donate to his GoFundMe. She said raising money is a requirement to apply for the refugee visa he is applying for and is essential. Clements said people need to support politicians and policies that make it possible for refugees to resettle. Aguer said he can't come with his mother and brothers to Phoenix because the application requires all the applicants to live in the same country. He said he is not sure what is in the future for him, aside from completing his master's degree in Germany. He said he learned to be independent, but he misses and loves his mom and would love to be reunited. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Wayi Aguer wants to relocate family from Uganda to Phoenix This Memorial Day, as our nation collectively recalls its war dead, there has been an increased interest in the diminished number of World War II veterans. This welcomed and necessary attention honors the ones who sacrificed so much, both the living and the dead. The men and boys that manned the bombers over the European, Pacific, and China-Burma theatres were undoubtedly a special breed in dedication, skill and bravery. The sheer losses they absorbed in the very unforgiving skies over enemy territory bespeaks of these attributes. The Army Air Corps, the predecessor to the Air Force was populated by high school dropouts, college graduates, and men of every stratum and locale of the nation. The common ingredient was to get the job started, and victory at any cost. The Bomber commands in the different theatres had similar tasks, however dynamically different opposition, and strategies. How the air crews developed a esprit de corps The familiar B-17 was joined by the heavy bombers of the B-24 Liberator and B-29 Superfortress units as the war progressed. Yvetta Goodman sits and looks down at her grandfathers grave after the 2023 Memorial Day Ceremony at the West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery in Memphis, Tenn., on Monday, May 29, 2023. Goodmans grandmother is buried on the other side and she said she and her husband Melvin, who is a Navy veteran, come to visit them all the time. Memorial Day especially because I recognize all the military men not just grandaddy but all the people who sacrificed, she said. It means a whole lot to us both. Together they formed the nexus of all strategic bombing of U.S. forces in the war. The typical B17 crew consisted of ten men: two pilots; navigator; bombardier; and six gunners, two of which ran radio and engineer operations. Crews would occasionally switch up, however they typically stayed together in these All-Volunteer units. The closeness of working together affirmed the esprit de corps these crews developed. The initial US bombing runs excluding the famous Doolittle Raid of April of 1942 were in the summer of 1942. As time progressed tactics would change with bomber formations utilizing different flight ceilings, innovative formations, and avenues of approach. The US was the first of the allied air to initiate daylight bombing campaigns, and this undoubtedly increased the dangers of an already treacherous endeavor! A critical point of the Korean War: Remembering the Battle of the Chosin Reservoir Pilots risked life and limb in dangerous missions By mid-1943, the life expectancy of a bomber crew was 11 missions, certainly enhancing in the minds of the men, the precarious nature of this business. As raids became more frequent and larger, losing 10%-plus-or-minus of the aircraft with another 25% damaged became normal. The learning curve was steep among both the commanders and crews and begotten at great cost in lives. Men in both the European and Pacific theaters faced a multitude of dangers when approaching targets. Highly effective anti-aircraft fire (flak) in Holland, Belgium, France, and Germany was ever-present. In the first two years of the war, bombers flew with extremely limited fighter escorts, and when they had this accompaniment, it was only for certain distances due to fuel constraints by the fighter aircraft. It wasnt until January of 1944, and the introduction of the P-51 Mustang, that the deep penetration raids into Germany and beyond could expect the much-needed fighter support. The men of the Memphis Belle was one such crew that game fame The raids into Germany encountered an assortment of dense anti-aircraft fire, never seen at this level in combat; then waves of Luftwaffe fighters would swarm the formations from every side with canon and machine-gun fire, as well as rockets- all the while strafing the planes and crews alike. The Memphis Belle gets a bath and sprucing up on November 10, 1966, as it sits atop its pedestal in front of the National Guard Armory at the corner of Central and Hollywood. The large raids at Munster, Ploesti Oil Fields, Berlin and dozens of factories, railyards and munitions depots highlighted stories of horror and bravery into the annals of history. One such campaign, which achieved the moniker of Black Thursday, involved two Bomber groups of the celebrated 8th Air Force. The task was to hit the ball-bearing plants at Schweinfurt and Regensburg. Of the 376 planes involved, nearly 70 were shot down, with another 25 percent damaged beyond repair. Six hundred fifty airmen were either killed, captured or wounded on the terrible day. The weeks total was 148 planes lost, along with 1,500 crew members. It was during these necessary and desperate times that long-range bombing was suspended until fighter escorts had the requisite fuel capacity to stay with the Flying Fortresses the entire flight. These air-to-air encounters with German or Japanese fighters were dramatic scenes at a maddening pace, with the gunners in the back, belly and doors exposed to this onslaught of fire. One such crew of fame in Europe, were the men of the celebrated Memphis Belle. The first to make the minimum twenty-five missions. Enshrined into history, the crew of the Belle came home to a heros welcome and has become a part of the American lexicon. As the beloved Flyboys of this era dwindle in number, may we never forget- nor surrender to time their memory. Their faith, strength and sacrifice are too precious. Cobb Hammond, a longtime financial adviser in Memphis, writes regularly about military history. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Memorial Day: Remember the sacrifices of the World War II airmen Reports of flooding in parts of Hampton Roads NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) Flooding has impacted parts of Hampton Roads as a result of heavy rain and thunderstorms that hit the region Sunday. There is currently a flash flood warning in effect for Chesapeake and Portsmouth until 6 p.m. A flash flood warning is in effect for northeastern Isle of Wight County and eastern Surry County until 7:15 p.m. As of 3:26 p.m., there were reports of flash flooding in a number of areas of Hampton Roads and Western Tidewater, with between one and two inches of rain having fallen. WAVY viewer Daniel Yohn sent video of the rainy weather in Smithfield. Another WAVY viewer, Nicole Sporn, documented hail falling in the Grassfield area of Chesapeake. WAVY viewers have sent a number of photos and videos showing the flooding impacts across the region. WAVY viewer Jordan Palomares sent in this video of hail falling in South Norfolk. WAVY viewer Mercy Ofosu of Portsmouth sent in this video of hail falling there. The National Weather Service said flooding impacts will continue, but the heaviest rain has ended. It said some of the locations that will experience flash flooding include: Virginia Beach, Virginia Wesleyan University, Norfolk State University, Regent University, Kempsville, downtown Norfolk, Ocean View, downtown Portsmouth, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Norfolk International, Norview, Ghent, Norfolk NAS, Cradock, Wards Corner, Bayside and South Norfolk. If you encounter a flooded road, the advice is to turn around, dont drown. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. The gunfluencer turned Texas Republican congressional candidate Brandon Herrera posted to YouTube a video in which he wears a balaclava, fires an Armalite rifle, uses Irish stereotypes while joking about the IRA, and says he fucking hate[s] the British. Im not doing it because I like or support the IRA, says Herrera, now 28 and a candidate for the Republican nomination in Texas 23rd U.S. House district, in the video posted on March 17, 2023St Patricks Dayand titled The AR-180: The IRAs Lucky Charm. They were pretty heavily socialist. Of course they really hurt a lot of innocent people sometimes. Im not doing this video because I like the IRA or I support them. Im doing this video because I fucking hate the British. Guys, Im kidding, Im kidding. Mostly. On Tuesday, Herrera will face incumbent Tony Gonzales in a primary runoff. Gonzalez, a U.S. Navy veteran, has represented the district, an agricultural swath of south-west Texas and parts of San Antonio, since 2021. Texas 23 includes Uvalde, where 19 children and two teachers were shot dead in May 2022 at an elementary school. Gonzales vote for gun control reform in the aftermath of the massacre has helped make him a target for far-right attacks. Matt Gaetz of Florida and Andy Biggs of Arizona are among far-right members of Congress now supporting Herrera. The actor Matthew McConaughey is among figures supporting Gonzales. Speaking to The Daily Beast, Aidan McQuade, from Northern Ireland and a former director of Anti-Slavery International, the worlds oldest human rights group, condemned Herrera for displaying jaw-dropping stupidity in his IRA-themed video. It is quite an achievement to make a video of which the anti-Irish stereotyping is the least offensive part, McQuade said. Other remarks by Herrera in the video include a promise to get belligerently drunk to celebrate St Patricks Day and, The IRA [were] very famously unhappy for a certain group of folks going after their Lucky Charms, a reference to famous ads for a U.S. breakfast cereal featuring a leprechaun character. Over footage of a gun jamming, meanwhile, Herrera says: This is why Ireland isnt free. McQuade said: From a historical perspective it is jaw-droppingly stupid to suggest that the course of the Troubles could have been changed with a more dependable Armalite. From a human perspective, Herreras attitude to violence seems that of an adolescent video-gamer blissfully ignorant of the trauma that war inflicts on a society, and the unending grief of victims devastated families. The Armalite assault rifle was an American gun that became synonymous with the Provisional Irish Republican Army or IRA, the dominant republican terror group during the Troubles, the period of violent unrest in Northern Ireland and mainland Britain from 1968 to 1998. The accepted death toll from the Troubles, established in the book Lost Lives by authors David McKittrick, Seamus Kelters, Brian Feeney, Chris Thornton and David McVea, is 3,720. The Provisional IRA killed more than 1,700 peoplehundreds of them civilians. According to Ulster University, a college in Northern Ireland, more than 47,000 people were injured in shootings, bombings and other acts of violence. McQuade grew up in South Armagh, on the border between Northern Ireland and Ireland, during the Troubles, seeing violence close up. A former winner of the BBCs Mastermind quiz show, answering questions about the Irish independence leader Michael Collins and the U.S. president Abraham Lincoln, McQuade is now an independent human rights consultant and the author of historical novels including Some Service to the State, set in 1925, an earlier period of Irish civil strife. McQuade added: Coming from a comedian, as Herrera attempts to be, such attitudes would be tiresome. But coming from someone who hopes to be an elected representative such callous and facile thinking is inexcusable. Also known as the AK Guy, Herrera has more than 3.4 million followers on YouTube. His videos have courted trouble before. Earlier this year, in response to a video in which Herrera fires a German World War II submachine gun (which he calls the original ghetto blaster) and goose-steps while an associate wears a German uniform, Gonzales branded his opponent a known neo-Nazi. Herrera denied the charge, saying: This is the death spiral ladies and gentlemen. He has to cry to his liberal friends about me, because Republicans wont listen anymore. Herrera has also attracted criticism after joking about suicides among military veterans and previous links to neo-Confederate groups. His IRA-themed video runs more than 19 minutes. It includes discussion and demonstrations of different versions of the Armalite rifle and is scored by a version of Come Out Ye Black and Tans, a rebel song attributed to the Irish writer Dominic Behan. Herrera says: Todays topic for our range video is the AR-180, aka my little Armalite. Little Armalite, sometimes known as My Little Armalite, is another Irish rebel song. Herreras campaign manager Kimmie Gonzalez responded to an email from The Daily Beast but did not offer comment on the video or McQuades response. A representative for Gonzales did not respond to a request for comment. Chris Harris, vice-president of communications for Giffords, a gun control group founded by Gabby Giffords, a former Democratic congresswoman who was shot and seriously wounded while in office, said: Brandon Herrera is reckless and dangerous. He gleefully promotes violence and extremism. Read more at The Daily Beast. Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now. Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now. In the early 1980s, Robert Kennedy Jr. told a story to journalists about being ambushed in a bow-and-arrow attack by Indigenous people during a 1974 whitewater rafting trip in Peru. Kennedys account of the incident, which is detailed in the 1984 book The Kennedys: An American Drama, describes how one of his friends was nearly hit in the leg with an arrow, which penetrated a canteen nearby. Kennedy said he and his cousin, Christopher Kennedy Lawford, retaliated by picking up a stick of dynamite they found, lighting it and throwing it at their attackers: Bobby rummaged for the bow and arrows he had earlier obtained in a trade. He hadnt brought them. Chris found a stick of dynamite and held it up. Lawford was standing there holding it, telling me to hurry, Bobby recalled later. We could hear the Indians coming at us through the bush. We put a blasting cap and a fuse on the dynamite. As the Indian whod shot at us stepped out on the bank of the river, I lit the dynamite. Lawford held it until the fuse had almost burned down, then threw it. It landed in the water right next to the Indian. Then it exploded, sending water thirty feet in the air. He and all the rest of them took off. Its a wild story from Kennedy, who is currently running for president as an independent and it also appears to be wildly exaggerated or entirely made up. Lawford, who died in 2018, offered a brief and far less dramatic account of this incident in his 2005 memoir, Symptoms of Withdrawal: A Memoir of Snapshots and Redemption. He made no mention of a near-miss arrow strike or dynamite. He wrote only: We floated by Indian villages, once having to avoid the arrows being shot in our direction by a drunken tribe on the shore. A longtime Kennedy friend who was alsoon the rafting trip, Blake Fleetwood, said as soon as the 1984 book came out that theincident never happened. Fleetwood said yesterday that the river was calm, and that the Indian attack never occurred, according to a 1984 Washington Post article about the Kennedy book. In the same article, Fleetwood said a number of Kennedys other claims in the book were distorted or just fantasy. Kennedys campaign did not respond to repeated requests for comment on whether he stands by his detailed account of the bow-and-arrow ambush. A request for comment from Fleetwood was not immediately returned. Was there really a stick of dynamite lying around when you were white water rafting in Peru, sir? Roy Rochlin via Getty Images The son of former U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of former President John F. Kennedy, the 2024 independent presidential candidate has earned a reputation for his controversial views on a number of topics. Kennedy is a prominent peddler of conspiracy theories and anti-vaccine misinformation. Kennedy is hoping his famous last name can help him defeat President Joe Biden and Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump in November. Hell likely function as a spoiler for one of them, and its not clear which one hell take away more votes from. The Kennedy family has overwhelmingly endorsed Biden for president. If the 70-year-old presidential hopeful did make up the story about the ambush and the dynamite, a possible reason why is that he wanted to boost his political prospects and stand out from his cousin, John F. Kennedy, Jr. The authors of the 1984 book, Peter Collier and David Horowitz, said years later that Kennedy agreed to interviews for their book because he was thinking about his legacy and believed his cousin had been unfairly anointed as the familys political heir. (JFK Jr., a Democrat, died in 1999.) Bobby had a bit of an agenda with us, Collier told author Jerry Oppenheimer in his 2015 book, RFK Jr.: Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the Dark Side of the Dream. He wanted to be seen as the sort of real heir to Camelot. The RFK kids were very, very anxious about the fact that John-John, whom they saw as sort of a foreigner, was seen as the heir to Camelot, and they felt that it was their father who had really made Camelot in some sense. Horowitz similarly said Kennedy was looking for a journalist gun, his own biographer when he agreed to talk to them for their book. He was told [by longtime JFK associateLem Billings] he could be president one day, and that has an effect, Horowitz said. [JFK] surrounded himself with writers who were instrumental in his rise, so that could have been an aspect of [RFK Jr.s] cooperating. He had a twisted mind. Other tales Kennedy and his Peru travel companions offered in the 1984 book include claims that Kennedy used bows and arrows to shoot tree monkeys, which they roasted and ate, and an incident where a drunk Indigenous person charged Kennedy with a machete, gashing him in the back; he was aiming a coup de grace at his neck when Chris Lawford jumped him from behind and wrestled him to the ground. Kennedy also reportedly kept eating strange things on the trip, including a boiled rat and one of its eyeballs: Bobby ate anything and everything, even though he had a bad case of dysentery. Hed take these pills of paregoric, but he claimed that the only thing that worked was some tincture of opium wed brought along. But he kept eating strange things-another of his dares. At one point we were at some peasants house and boiled rat was served for dinner. Bobby ate it. Not only that, he sat there with this weird smile and then pulled one of the eyes out of the rats head and ate that too. Road rage: Two charged with attempted murder after shooting into SUV occupied by 3 children Two Brevard County men have been arrested and charged with attempted murder in the road-rage shooting of an SUV carrying a couple and three young children Saturday, according to a police report provided by the Volusia Sheriff's Office. Deputies responded to the shooting around 6:45 p.m. Saturday, which occurred in the Mims area along State Road 46. Multiple shots fired in road rage incident near Mims, endangering 3 children. Two men are charged with attempted murder. The victims were traveling east on State Road 46 when a black Dodge pickup towing a boat began tailgating them. According to a statement by the woman driving the SUV, the truck passed, forcing them halfway off the road, and then came to a stop in front of them near 9437 S.R. 46. The men got out of the truck and fired several shots at the front passenger side of the vehicle, a gold GMC Yukon, striking it several times, according to the report. The woman's boyfriend was in the passenger seat of the SUV and her three children, ages 6, 4, and 18 months, were in the back seat. Chad Edward Gaylon Morrow, in a 2023 mug shot. Morrow, was the driver of the car in the suspected road rage episode. He's been charged with multiple traffic violations over the years, according to court records. Nine bullet holes were found in the SUV, according to the report. A shot shattered the front passenger window but miraculously, there were no injuries. The couple said they ducked below the dashboard in an attempt to keep from getting shot. Deputies determined that the shots were aimed at the passenger of the GMC and only the engine block kept him from being hit. After firing the shots, two men got back in their truck and left the scene. The victims called 911 and followed at a distance as the truck headed into Brevard County where Brevard County sheriffs deputies located it and conducted a traffic stop. The drive-by shooting occurred on State Road 46. The alleged shooters were identified as Chad Morrow, 45, of Cocoa, the driver, and Chad McAninch, 52, of Port St. John, the passenger. They were taken into custody and each charged with two counts of attempted murder and three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Brevard County jail records show both men were in custody Sunday morning without bond. McAninch claimed the passenger of the SUV, while it was ahead of the truck, was hanging out of the window, yelling and throwing beer bottles and oil cans at the pickup. McAninch denied "owning, possessing, handling or shooting a firearm," according to the report, and said he didn't know how the GMC had "sustained gunshots." Morrow declined to speak to deputies and asked for a lawyer. Court records show nearly two dozen charges have been filed against Morrow since 2000 in Brevard County, mostly misdemeanor traffic violations. He was found guilty of driving under the influence in 2017 and driving on a sidewalk in 2008. This story has been updated to include details from the police affidavit. This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Shots fired at SUV carrying 3 small children in road rage incident Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wisc.) claimed the failed U.S.-Mexico border bill, which was downed again in the Senate this week, was a political ploy for Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) in comments that aired Sunday. Johnson slammed Schumer for bringing the border bill again for a vote, saying the Democrats are trying to obtain political cover over the current developments at the southern border and that the Senate majority leader is disingenuous regarding his negotiations on this issue. We just had to witness another charade a political ploy on the part of Chuck Schumer as theyre trying to obtain political cover for their open-border policies that is a catastrophe and a clear and present danger to America, Johnson said in an interview with radio talk show host John Catsimatidis on WABC 770 AMs Cats Roundtable. So, he brought back up the bill that failed [] in February, Johnson continued. Just to prove how disingenuous he is, after the bill failed the last time, Chuck Schumer [said] We are playing chess. They are playing checkers. And we got our Ukraine bill. And we are in much better shape on the border than we were three months ago. Johnson also claimed the negotiations were not done in good faith by Schumer. If youre negotiating in good faith [] if those negotiations fail, are you going to rub your negotiating partners nose in the failure the way Chuck Schumer was rubbing McConnells nose [in it]? No. So, they werent good-faith negotiations. The upper chamber voted down, again, the bipartisan border legislation on Thursday with a 43-50 vote. The bill, which was negotiated for months by Sens. James Lankford (R-Okla.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), was already expected to fail. This time around, fewer members supported the legislation as the last time as it was quashed with a 49-50 tally in February. Lankford, who was the lead negotiator on the GOP side, said the legislation was a prop before voting against it on Thursday. Schumer repeatedly mentioned in the last few weeks that he wanted to put the border bill up for a vote to try to emphasize that former President Trump and his backers shut down the legislation for political purposes and that Democrats want to take the initiative on the issue. Johnson, a Wisconsin Republican, told Catsimatidis that Biden, who has been criticized by Republicans over his administrations handling of the issue, will not secure the U.S.-Mexico border and the president has better standing on the issue now since he has political cover. Secondly, if he really wants to secure the border, how can he make that last statement, Johnson said. The Democrats are in better shape on the border than they were three months ago? [Their bill] didnt pass! Biden is not going to secure the border. The only reason that hes in better shape is that he got the political cover he was looking for. And thats all hes doing here hes trying to reinforce that political cover that unfortunately those negotiations gave him. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Three people were killed and 35 others injured in a highway accident in southern Afghanistan's Kandahar province, a local police official said Sunday. The traffic accident took place when a bus veered off the road due to overspeeding and overturned in the province's Shahr-e-Safa district along a highway linking Kandahar with the national capital Kabul, spokesperson for provincial police Zabihullah Jawhar said. Among the injured, 15 were reported in critical condition, Jawhar added. BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. (WKRG) Dozens of military veterans spent part of their Memorial Day weekend on the march. About 100 people took part in the annual Gulf Coast Silkies Ruck March Saturday morning. Veterans marched with heavy packs a distance of 10 miles from the Wharf in Orange Beach to the Flora-Bama bar on the Florida state line. The event is meant to raise awareness of veteran suicide. They were also raising money to build a memorial in honor of fallen Mobile Police Officer Sean Tudor. He was killed in the line of duty in 2019. Tudor was also a member of the Alabama Army National Guard. Theyre planning another ruck march for Veterans Day. For more information on the Gulf Coast Silkies organization click here. You can find a link to their fundraising page here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, a new workplace anti-discrimination law that was passed by Congress with wide bipartisan support, has become fodder in the abortion rights battle between Republican-led states and the federal government. (Getty Images) Natasha Jackson was four months pregnant when she told her supervisor she was expecting. It was 2008, and Jackson was an account executive at a rental furniture store in Charleston, South Carolina the only female employee there. I actually hid my pregnancy as long as I could because I was scared about what could happen, she said. When her doctor recommended that she not lift more than 25 pounds, her employer wouldnt let her move temporarily to a role where she didnt need to lift furniture, even though those roles were available, she said. She was forced to go on leave and then lost her job. Her marriage unraveled and she spent time after the birth in emergency housing. That hardship affected me years on, and it took away the joy of being pregnant, said Jackson. They made me feel guilty and ashamed for having a baby. Jackson, now 41 and a mother of four who owns her own cleaning company, has spent years working with advocacy groups to fight for better laws to protect pregnant workers. Last year, she was invited to speak at a White House event celebrating the passage of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, a new workplace anti-discrimination law for which she had advocated. But now this law, passed with wide bipartisan support, has become fodder in the bitter battle over abortion rights between Republican-led states and the federal government. The act fills gaps in state and federal protections by requiring employers with 15 or more employees to provide reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers and those who have recently given birth or have related medical conditions unless the employer can prove it would cause undue hardship on the business. Accommodations can include allowing an employee to take additional bathroom breaks, carry a water bottle, or sit instead of stand while on the job. After years of lobbying by nonprofit organizations and business groups, the federal law passed in December 2022. It went into effect last June. In its rulemaking process, the Biden administration included abortion as a related medical condition covered by the law. That means employees seeking abortion care can ask for accommodations from their employers, such as time off work for an appointment or recovery. This year, 19 Republican attorneys general including from Jacksons home state of South Carolina have sued the administration over that interpretation. The AGs argue the Biden administration is forcing abortion accommodations even in states where abortions are illegal. Under this radical interpretation of the PWFA, business owners will face federal lawsuits if they dont accommodate employees abortions, even if those abortions are illegal under state law, Arkansas Republican Attorney General Tim Griffin said in a statement last month announcing the lawsuit filed by Arkansas and 16 other Republican-led states. But some advocates say the lawsuit threatens protections for all pregnant workers covered under the new law not just the small subset who need abortion care. These states are cutting off their noses to spite their faces, said Elizabeth Gedmark, an attorney and vice president of A Better Balance, a national nonprofit advocacy organization that provides legal services and has long pushed for a national Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. These attacks have very real consequences for peoples lives and for their economic security and health, she said. Jackson fears the lawsuit could lead to fewer workers accessing the care they need to be healthy. [Workers] should have the right to proper medical care during pregnancy, after childbirth, after having a miscarriage, or having an abortion, she said. It seems quite ridiculous to me that some employers want so much control over employees to the point that they feel like they have the right to threaten their job security because of pregnancy or anything associated with it. Into the fray After Congress passed the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, a federal agency known as the EEOC, had to hammer out a set of rules that clarify what employers can and cant do under the law. So last summer, the EEOC sought public comment on its proposed rules for how the new law would work. More than 100,000 comments were submitted over a two-month period. The flood of comments stemmed from opinions about whether the EEOC should include abortion in its definition of pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions that are covered under the new law. The vast majority were nearly identical form comments, according to the EEOC. About 54,000 of the comments urged the EEOC to exclude abortion, while about 40,000 supported its inclusion. In a 3-2 vote, the EEOC ultimately adopted new rules that included abortion care in its definition of conditions covered under the law. The rules are set to go into effect June 18. But in April, a week after the EEOC announced its final rules, the 17-state coalition of GOP attorneys general argued in its lawsuit that the agencys erroneous interpretation of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act creates an abortion accommodation mandate. When the law was passed by Congress, it was explicitly understood not to address abortion at all, and the text of the statute does not address abortion, said Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, who is co-leading the lawsuit with Arkansas Griffin. Skrmetti and the other Republican attorneys general point to comments made by lawmakers during debate on the measure that appear to signal Congress intent was not to impose abortion-related requirements in states where those abortions would be illegal. Pennsylvania Democratic U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, who sponsored the pregnant workers bill, said during debate that the EEOC could not issue any regulation that requires abortion leave, nor does the act permit the EEOC to require employers to provide abortions in violation of state law. The 15 other states joining the lawsuit are Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah and West Virginia. More states have jumped into the fray. In mid-May, Louisianas and Mississippis attorneys general, both Republicans, filed their own lawsuit challenging the same provision. And in February, a federal judge in Texas blocked the EEOC from accepting complaints filed by Texas state employees under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. It was a win for Texas Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton, who had sued the Biden administration last year. Protections at risk Skrmetti, the Tennessee attorney general, believes the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act is a good law. It was passed with a degree of bipartisanship that you rarely see, he told Stateline, and it undermines the efforts of Congress and the popular will when agencies take laws and change them without the authority of the peoples representatives. But Gedmark, of A Better Balance, said decades of legal precedent support including abortion as a related medical condition for pregnant workers. The Pregnancy Discrimination Act, a federal law passed in 1978, prohibits sex discrimination based on pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions a definition that the EEOC has long interpreted to include abortion. Proponents of the new Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and the EEOCs rules worry the lawsuits will sow confusion among employers and employees. Theres concern, Gedmark said, that a court could render more of the regulations invalid, beyond those that mention abortion. Skrmetti doesnt think the 17-state lawsuit will hurt the laws protections for pregnant, postpartum and lactating workers. The optimal outcome would be for the abortion-related pieces of the rule that arent supported by the statute to be vacated, he said. But the law remains the law regardless of what the [EEOCs] rules are. While states and the feds clash in court, Jackson said shes focused on making sure as many women as possible know about their new rights. Whenever shes out shopping and spots a pregnant store employee, she asks how theyre doing. She asks if they know about their workplace rights, and how to ask their employers for the accommodations they need. Whether a mother decides to have an abortion or not, she still needs medical care after the procedure, the same as she would need medical care if she had a miscarriage or regular childbirth, Jackson said. I believe that employers need to know the difference between personal [ideology] and business. Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. Follow Stateline on Facebook and Twitter. The post New rules protect pregnant workers, but red states sue over abortion provisions appeared first on Pennsylvania Capital-Star. Russian forces attacked 10 settlements along the Sumy Oblast border on May 25, the regional military administration reported. The communities of Znob-Novhorodske, Krasnopillia, Myropillia, Seredyna-Buda, Esman, Bilopillia, Velyka Pysarivka, Shalyhyne, Khotin, and Nova Sloboda came under fire throughout the day. The attacks caused 174 recorded explosions in the area. The village of Znob-Novhorodske endured the heaviest assault, with 59 explosions caused by Russian artillery, mortars, and Grad MLRS. No casualties or damage to civilian infrastructure were reported. Daily attacks are a matter of course in the heavily assailed communities along Ukraine's northeastern border with Russia. Russian strikes against Sumy Oblast have become increasingly destructive in recent months, with Ukrainian authorities ordering further evacuations from the region. The State Border Guard Service warned on May 21 that the possibility of a new Russian offensive against Sumy Oblast cannot be ruled out. Read also: One night with Ukrainian drone hunters near Russia Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russian secret services are extending the scale of their European sabotage operations aimed at disrupting the supply of military aid to Ukraine. Source: European Pravda with reference to The New York Times Details: The NYT has reported that representatives of US and allied intelligence services are tracking an increase in the number of low-level sabotage operations in Europe, which they believe are part of a Russian campaign to undermine support for Ukraines war effort. These operations have mostly been arson or attempted arson, including a warehouse in the UK, a paint factory in Poland, houses in Latvia and an IKEA store in Lithuania. Russian operatives are also reported to have been arrested on charges of plotting attacks on US military bases. These actions may appear random, but the American and European security officials said they are part of a concerted Russian campaign to slow the supply of weapons to Kyiv and make it look as if opposition to support for Ukraine is growing. The campaign is being run by Russias military intelligence, the officials said. The attacks have not at least so far interrupted the flow of weapons to Ukraine, and indeed many of the targets are not directly related to the war. But some security officials say Russia is trying to sow fear and force European nations to up security measures throughout the weapons supply chain, increasing costs and slowing the pace of transfers. The US and European officials said Russia is quite cautious when it comes to its sabotage operations. Russia wants to attract attention to the mystery blazes, but not so much that Moscow is directly blamed. A characteristic feature of Russias sabotage campaign is its use of locals recruited from European countries. This is done partly to make it harder to detect attacks and to create the impression that they are the result of opposition to support for Ukraine within that country. Amid the growing concern about sabotage, NATO ambassadors will meet with Avril Haines, US Director of National Intelligence, who will provide an intelligence briefing on Russias war in Ukraine and discuss Moscows covert sabotage campaign in Europe. Background: Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk conceded that Russian secret services may have been behind an arson attack on a Warsaw shopping mall earlier this month, but he urged the public to refrain from speculation until the investigation is complete. There have been several cases of arson in European countries, and some states, particularly Lithuania and Estonia, have publicly speculated that Russia may have been behind them. Support UP or become our patron! Editor's Note: This is a developing story and is being updated. Russian forces launched a large-scale aerial attack against Ukraine the night of May 26, causing explosions in multiple regions and injuring at least three people. The Air Force announced an aerial alert throughout the country, including the far-western oblasts, in the early hours of May 26, citing the threat of Russian missiles, drones, Tu-95MS bombers, and later, Kinzhal ballistic missiles. Russian forces attacked Vinnytsia Oblast in the early hours of May 25, hitting residential buildings and injuring three people, Governor Serhii Borzov reported. The attack struck an apartment building, Borzov reported at 4:23 a.m. local time. Three people were injured and residents were evacuated from the building. The State Emergency Service said the attack targeted the town of Zhmerynka, and that several buildings sustained damage. In Mykolaiv Oblast, Governor Vitalii Kim reported that Russian drones damaged the windows of a preschool building. He also said air defense units destroyed three drones over the region. Explosions were heard in Khmelnytskyi Oblast at around 3:30 a.m. local time, according to a correspondent from the news outlet Suspilne. Shortly thereafter, explosions were reported in Zhytomyr and Kyiv oblasts. Residents of Starokostiantyniv in Khmelnytskyi Oblast also reported power outages, according to Suspilne. Poland announced that it had scrambled military jets in order to ensure the safety of Polish airspace amid Russia's attack against Ukraine. The Air Force reported the morning of May 26 that over the course of the night, Ukrainian air defense units intercepted 31 Shahed drones and 12 Kh-101/Kh-555 cruise missiles over Mykolaiv, Odesa, Dnipropetrovsk, Poltava, Zaporizhzhia, Khmelnytskyi, Kirovohrad, Vinnytsia and Chernihiv oblasts. Russia's massive aerial assault follows the deadly bombing of a busy shopping center in Kharkiv in the middle of the day on May 25. The attack killed at least 12 people and injured 43. Hours later, a second Russian attack injured 25 people. Read also: At least 6 killed, 40 injured in Russian strike on Kharkiv hypermarket Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. The rubble being cleared after the Russian strike on the Epicentr hypermarket in Kharkiv. Photo: Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne The death toll from the Russian attack on the Epicentr hypermarket in Kharkiv has risen to 12, while 43 people have been injured. Source: Oleh Syniehubov, Head of Kharkiv Oblast State Administration; Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutors Office Quote: "Unfortunately, the death toll at Epicentr has risen to 11 people." Details: Later, the prosecutor's office reported that the death toll from Russian airstrikes on the hypermarket had risen to 12. Ten bodies are still unidentified. Forty-three people were injured. More updates on this topic: Death toll from Russian attack on Kharkiv hypermarket rises to 14 Background: Support UP or become our patron! Russia launched an attack on the village of Bohuslavka in Kharkiv Oblast killing one civilian and injuring two others, the Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration reported on May 26. The attack killed a 72-year-old woman and a nine-year-old boy was one of the two injured residents. Another strike set fire to three houses in the nearby village of Kupyansk-Vuzlovyi. Russia launched a new offensive in northern Kharkiv Oblast on May 10. Russian troops have reportedly suffered heavy losses during street battles in the town of Vovchansk, Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine's Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi said on May 23. President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Russian troops were stopped by Ukraines first line of defense after advancing 10 kilometers (6 miles) into the region. However, he later said on May 26 that Russia is forming another grouping of troops near Ukraine's northern border "Right now, these days, we are defending ourselves 60 kilometers northeast from this place from yet another attempt of the Russian assault," Zelensky said in an address recorded at the Kharkiv printing house destroyed in a Russian May 23 strike that killed seven people. "Russia is preparing for offensive actions also 90 kilometers northwest from here they gather another group of troops near our border." The regional capital Kharkiv, Ukraines second-largest city, has come under heavy attacks in recent days. Russian troops fired on a hypermarket in the city on May 25, with the death toll reaching 16 as of the time of writing. Ukrainian authorities ordered the evacuation of 123 children from 36 settlements in the country's northeastern Kharkiv Oblast, the Reintegration Ministry announced on May 24. Over 11,000 people have evacuated from Kharkiv Oblast since May 10. Read also: Russias new Kharkiv offensive pushes Vovchansk to the brink of annihilation Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Editor's Note: This is a developing story and is being updated. Russian forces attacked the town of Zhmerynka in Vinnytsia Oblast in the early hours of May 25, hitting residential buildings and injuring three people, local authorities reported. The attack struck an apartment building in Zhmerynka, Governor Serhii Borzov said at 4:23 a.m. local time. Three people were injured and residents are being evacuated. Emergency services are at work on site, he said. The injured victims were examined by doctors and did not require hospitalization, Borzov reported. The State Emergency Service of Ukraine later reported that falling drone debris damaged three four-story residential buildings, seven homes, and six cars. Forty people were evacuated from the damaged units. The Air Force announced an aerial alert throughout the country, including the far-western oblasts, overnight on May 26 due to the threat of Russian missiles, drones, and Tu-95MS bombers. Explosions were also reported in Khmelnytskyi, Zhytomyr, and Kyiv oblasts. Read also: At least 6 killed, 40 injured in Russian strike on Kharkiv hypermarket Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russian attacks across the settlements in Donetsk Oblast killed three people and injured two on May 26, the Donetsk Oblast Prosecutors Office reported. According to the report, an 86-year-old woman was killed in the town of Siversk. Russian artillery shelling killed a 42-year-old man and injured a 54-year-old woman in Chasiv Yar. Another attack targeted the town of Krasnohorivka, killing a 46-year-old man and injuring a 66-year-old man, the prosecutors said. Settlements in Donetsk Oblast suffer from daily Russian strikes due to their proximity to the front line. Heavy fighting continues in Donetsk Oblast as Russia seeks to occupy the entire region. Russian forces shifted their focus toward Chasiv Yar, an elevated town that potentially opens the way to further advances into the oblast, after capturing Avdiivka in February. Earlier on May 21, President Volodymyr Zelensky said the situation on the front line in the direction of Pokrovsk, Kramatorsk, and Kurakhove in Donetsk Oblast remains extremely difficult. Read also: Zelensky: Russia forming another grouping of forces near Ukraines northern border Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Vyacheslav Gladkov, governor of Russia's Belgorod Oblast, has claimed that the city of Belgorod and its district were attacked and that Russian air defence units shot down 29 aerial targets approaching the city. Source: Gladkov on Telegram; Belgorod Mayor Valentin Demidov Quote from Gladkov: "Our air defence system responded over Belgorod and the Belgorod district, downing 29 aerial targets on the approach to the city." Details: Gladkov claimed that, based on early reports, four civilians had been injured. The official added that direct hits also occurred, causing damage to houses and burning down cars. Demidov said all the injured were outside during the attack. In addition, Gladkov claimed that Belgorod Oblast had been attacked on Saturday evening, claiming the lives of four people. Support UP or become our patron! BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, May 26 (Xinhua) -- The Narcotics Control Bureau of Brunei Darussalam dismantled a drug syndicate and arrested 16 individuals in a recent operation, the local daily Borneo Bulletin reported on Sunday. The syndicate was led by a 60-year-old local resident who had been arrested and imprisoned for drug trafficking several times before. In the operation, Brunei authorities seized methylamphetamine, cannabis and tools such as digital scales, scissors and transparent packets. The 59.13-gram methylamphetamine was estimated to be worth more than 10,000 Brunei dollars (7,400 U.S. dollars) in the local market. This amount could sustain at least 590 drug addicts, the Borneo Bulletin reported. A law enforcement officer examines a crater in an office building that was destroyed by a Russian missile strike in the center of Kharkiv in northeastern Ukraine. -/Ukrinform/dpa Ukrainian authorities say the death toll from the Russian bombing of a DIY store in the north-eastern city of Kharkiv stands at 12 people. Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Kylmenko wrote on the social media platform Telegram on Sunday that the number of injured in the attack has risen to 43, with 16 people still missing. The fire that broke out after the airstrike was finally put out early in the day, Klymenko said, after 16 hours of work by firefighters. Russia attacked the store with at least one glide bomb on Saturday. It later claimed Ukraine had hidden an arms depot in the store. "The tactic of human shields is being used in Kharkiv - they [the Ukrainians] have set up a military camp and a command post in a shopping centre, which was discovered by our intelligence service," the state agency TASS quoted an unnamed representative of the Russian leadership as saying. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said around 200 people were in the Epicentr home improvement store at the time of the attack. Zelensky described the attack as "another manifestation of Russian madness" and once again asked Ukraine's allies to supply air defence systems to protect its civilians. European Council President Charles Michel condemned the airstrike as "atrocious," saying "Russias efforts to terrorize Ukrainian civilians as part of its war of aggression against Ukraine are criminal." Kharkiv, which lies only 30 kilometres from the Russian border, has been one of the worst-hit cities in Moscow's bombing campaign since its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Overnight raids across Ukraine Other cities across Ukraine were also targeted by Russia on Saturday night, Kiev said. The Ukrainian air force said a range of missiles, including Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, rockets and drones were fired at western Ukraine. Explosions were reported from the Khmelnytskyi region, where the Starokostiantyniv air force base is also located. According to the regional administration, a residential building was hit in the Vinnytsia region. Three people were injured in the attack, Governor Serhiy Borzov wrote on Telegram. The Lviv region on the border with Poland was also attacked, Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyi wrote on Telegram. An explosion was heard near the capital Kiev, reported the public broadcaster Suspilne. Air raid warnings sounded across the country. The heavy night-time air raid was preceded by the launch of Tu-95 strategic bombers in Russia, which fire cruise missiles. Later, MiG-31 fighter jets, which are the carrier systems for the Kinzhal, also took off. Zelensky's appeals to Biden and Xi over peace summit Zelensky meanwhile also appealed for US President Joe Biden and China's Xi Jinping to participate in a planned peace summit in Switzerland in June. "We do not want the UN Charter to be burnt down just like these books, and I hope you don't want to either," said Zelensky against the backdrop of a printing plant destroyed by a Russian missile attack in Kharkiv. "The efforts of the global majority are the best guarantee that all commitments will be fulfilled. Please, support the peace summit with your personal leadership and participation," Zelensky added, addressing Biden and Xi directly in English in a video posted on the social media platform Telegram. Switzerland has invited around 160 countries to a peace summit on June 15-16 to discuss possible ways to achieve lasting peace in Ukraine. Russia, which invaded Ukraine more than two years ago, has not received an invitation. According to Zelensky, Moscow is currently preparing another attack in northern Ukraine after a recent offensive near the north-eastern city of Kharkiv. Military experts say another Russian offensive in the northern Sumy region is possible. Russia's aim could be to exploit its manpower and material superiority, overstretch the Ukrainian defence lines and thus achieve the collapse of the Ukrainian front line. According to Zelensky, the preparations for the attack and the ongoing "terrorist" shelling of cities in Ukraine show that Russia - contrary to its rhetoric - is not ready for negotiations on a real peace. At best, he argued, the Kremlin is seeking a ceasefire which will then be broken again by Russian missiles. A law enforcement officer examines a crater in an office building that was destroyed by a Russian missile strike in the center of Kharkiv in northeastern Ukraine. -/Ukrinform/dpa Ukrainian authorities say the death toll from the Russian bombing of a DIY store in the north-eastern city of Kharkiv stands at least 14 people. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his nightly address on Sunday at least 14 people had died and warned the death toll may be higher. "Today, the rubble at the site of a Russian bomb attack on a hypermarket in Kharkiv is being cleared all day long, as the building has burned to the ground," he said. "My condolences to all the families and friends. The death toll may be higher as additional examinations and further work are needed after the fire to provide full information about the deceased." Governor of the Kharkiv region Oleh Syniehubov wrote on the social media platform Telegram that eight people were missing. Russia attacked the store with at least one glide bomb on Saturday. It later claimed Ukraine had hidden an arms depot in the store. "The tactic of human shields is being used in Kharkiv - they [the Ukrainians] have set up a military camp and a command post in a shopping centre, which was discovered by our intelligence service," the state agency TASS quoted an unnamed representative of the Russian leadership as saying. European Council President Charles Michel condemned the airstrike as "atrocious," saying "Russia's efforts to terrorize Ukrainian civilians as part of its war of aggression against Ukraine are criminal." Kharkiv, which lies only 30 kilometres from the Russian border, has been one of the worst-hit cities in Moscow's bombing campaign since its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Overnight raids across Ukraine Other cities across Ukraine were also targeted by Russia on Saturday night, Kiev said. The Ukrainian air force said a range of missiles, including Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, rockets and drones were fired at western Ukraine. Explosions were reported from the Khmelnytskyi region, where the Starokostiantyniv air force base is also located. According to the regional administration, a residential building was hit in the Vinnytsia region. Three people were injured in the attack, Governor Serhiy Borzov wrote on Telegram. The Lviv region on the border with Poland was also attacked, Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovyi wrote on Telegram. An explosion was heard near the capital Kiev, reported the public broadcaster Suspilne. Air raid warnings sounded across the country. The heavy night-time air raid was preceded by the launch of Tu-95 strategic bombers in Russia, which fire cruise missiles. Later, MiG-31 fighter jets, which are the carrier systems for the Kinzhal, also took off. Zelensky's appeals to Biden and Xi over peace summit Zelensky meanwhile also appealed for US President Joe Biden and China's Xi Jinping to participate in a planned peace summit in Switzerland in June. "We do not want the UN Charter to be burnt down just like these books, and I hope you don't want to either," said Zelensky against the backdrop of a printing plant destroyed by a Russian missile attack in Kharkiv. "The efforts of the global majority are the best guarantee that all commitments will be fulfilled. Please, support the peace summit with your personal leadership and participation," Zelensky added, addressing Biden and Xi directly in English in a video posted on Telegram. Switzerland has invited around 160 countries to a peace summit on June 15-16 to discuss possible ways to achieve lasting peace in Ukraine. Russia has not received an invitation. According to Zelensky, Moscow is currently preparing another attack in northern Ukraine after a recent offensive near the north-eastern city of Kharkiv. Military experts say another Russian offensive in the northern Sumy region is possible. Russia's aim could be to exploit its manpower and material superiority, overstretch the Ukrainian defence lines and thus achieve the collapse of the Ukrainian front line. According to Zelensky, the preparations for the attack and the ongoing "terrorist" shelling of cities in Ukraine show that Russia - contrary to its rhetoric - is not ready for negotiations on a real peace. At best, he argued, the Kremlin is seeking a ceasefire which will then be broken again by Russian missiles. (Bloomberg) -- A large number of Russian experts went to North Korea to help with its spy satellite development, South Koreas Yonhap News Agency reported, as Pyongyang looks set to soon try to put another reconnaissance probe into orbit. Most Read from Bloomberg Russia dispatched the experts after President Vladimir Putin met leader Kim Jong Un in September and pledged to help North Korea with its space program, Yonhap reported Sunday, citing a senior defense official it did not name. North Korea has conducted multiple rocket engine tests since then, likely to meet the standards of the visiting Russian technicians, Yonhap cited the official as saying. The report did not say how many Russian experts have visited or when exactly any visit took place. South Korean Ministry of Defense officials were not immediately available for comment on the report. While Seoul believes any North Korean satellite would be rudimentary at best, such technology could help Kims regime in its targeting as it steps up its ability to deliver a nuclear strike. North Korea may launch a spy satellite as soon as this month, Japanese TV network FNN reported Friday, citing Japanese government officials it did not name. Japanese and South Korean media reported last week that authorities have detected signs at a North Korean space center of a satellite launch. Equipment used to measure and assess the trajectory of a space rocket has been recently spotted at the launch site, Yonhap said. North Korea last launched a rocket in November to deploy a spy satellite, after two failed attempts earlier that year. Pyongyang has pledged to put three more spy satellites into orbit this year. Read more: Kim Jong Un Tests Rockets to Hit Seoul and Perhaps Sell to Putin The US, South Korea and others have accused North Korea of sending to Russia massive amounts of artillery shells along with its newest family of short-range nuclear-capable ballistic missiles for use in its war on Ukraine. Russia in return is providing North Korea with food, raw materials and parts used in weapons manufacturing, South Korean Defense Minister Shin Wonsik has said. Pyongyang and Moscow have denied the charges. Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. Attacks against the Russian city of Belgorod and settlements in Belgorod Oblast on May 25 damaged multiple buildings, vehicles, and a gas supply line, Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov claimed. Reports of aerial attacks against Belgorod Oblast, which borders Ukraine's Sumy, Kharkiv, and Luhansk oblasts, have become a common occurrence in recent months. Russian air defense units shot down 29 targets over the course of the day, Gladkov reported. Four civilians sustained injuries and have received medical treatment, he said. According to Gladkov, attacks against the city of Belgorod caused severe damage to two apartment buildings and shattered windows in 10 others. He also said the attacks damaged two schools, three commercial properties, and several cars. In the village of Dubove in Belgorod Oblast, a direct hit to a townhouse caused a fire that spread to two neighboring townhouses, Gladkov claimed. He also said that attacks in the village of Shebekino damaged multiple apartment buildings and a local gas line. Emergency workers are at the site working to restore the gas supply line, he said. Join our community Support independent journalism in Ukraine. Join us in this fight. Support us The Kyiv Independent could not verify Gladkov's claims. Ukraine has targeted Russia's oil infrastructure and defense industry with increasing attacks throughout winter and spring. Kyiv does not always claim official responsibility for reported attacks on Russian soil. In some cases, Ukraine has disputed Russian allegations regarding attacks in Belgorod Oblast. Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed on May 17 that Moscow's recent offensive against Kharkiv was intended to create a regional buffer zone to prevent shelling in Belgorod Oblast. Moscow launched a new offensive with 30,000 troops on May 10, targeting Kharkiv Oblast, which is situated at the border with Russia in northeastern Ukraine. A guided bomb attack against a Kharkiv hypermarket on May 25 left at least six civilians dead and 40 injured. Read also: Russias latest offensive into Kharkiv Oblast is stretching Ukrainian defenses Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russia is managing to produce artillery shells at triple the speed of Ukraines allies for a quarter of the price, Sky News reported on May 26, referencing analysis from management consulting firm Bain & Company. Using publicly available data, the firm claims that Russian factories can produce or refurbish 4.5 million 152 mm shells this year for $1,000 per round. European countries and the U.S. are only expected to produce 1.3 million 155 mm shells combined, at an average cost of $4,000 per unit. Slow artillery production has hindered Ukraines progress on the battlefield. Soldiers claim that for every round they fire, Russia launches around five back. A Senior Lieutenant with the 57th Brigade in Kharkiv Oblast, where Russia launched a new offensive on May 10, told Sky News that Ukraine urgently needs more supplies. However, he added that Ukrainian soldiers are making every round count and are able to destroy a target with one, two, or three shells. An ammunition shortage has long been a cause for concern in Ukraine but has escalated this year. The EU failed to deliver on its promise to produce 1 million artillery shells between March 2023 and 2024 while disputes in Washington led to a severe delay in a $61 billion aid package. Several countries have backed a Czech-led initiative to procure 800,000 shells for Ukraine proposed in February this year. In March, the EU allocated 500 million euros ($544 million) to bolster the EU's ammunition production capacity to 2 million shells per year by the end of 2025. Ukraine will also begin domestic production of NATO-standard 155 mm shells in the second half of 2024, at the earliest, according to the Washington Post. Read also: Inside the Swedish ammunition plant at the forefront of Europes push to ramp up shell production Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. On the afternoon of 26 May, Russian forces attacked Bohuslavka, Izium District, Kharkiv Oblast, killing a civilian. Source: Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration on Telegram Details: The deceased woman was 72 years old. Two more civilians were injured, one of them being a nine-year-old boy. In addition, at 13:40, the Russians opened fire on the village of Kupiansk-Vuzlovyi, causing three houses to burn. Support UP or become our patron! One man killed and four people injured as Russians continue attacks on Kharkiv Oblast A man was killed and four civilians were injured in a Russian attack on Kharkiv Oblast on 26 May. Source: Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutors Office Quote: "On 26 May, Russian forces once again struck the city of Vovchansk. Two women aged 65 and 63 were injured. A 76-year-old man was killed in the village of Starytsia in the Chuhuiv district, and a 77-year-old woman was injured. Also today, at about 16:00, a strike by an enemy FPV drone was documented in the village of Ivashky in the Zolochiv territorial hromada [an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories ed.]. Houses and outbuildings were damaged. A 29-year-old man suffered a shrapnel wound and received medical attention at the scene." Background: On the afternoon of 26 May, Russian forces attacked Bohuslavka, Izium district, Kharkiv Oblast, killing a civilian woman. Two other people, including a nine-year-old boy, were injured. Support UP or become our patron! Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) believe that Russia's premature start of offensive operations has derailed its success in the north of Kharkiv Oblast. Source: ISW Details: Based on the data analysed, the ISW noted that Russian troops launched their offensive in northern Kharkiv Oblast with limited forces and have not yet moved significant reserves there, leading to a slowdown in Russian advance and offensive operations. "This decreasing tempo is likely presenting Ukrainian forces with tactical opportunities to counterattack, although Ukrainian forces are not yet conducting a limited counteroffensive operation that aims to push Russian forces completely out of northern Kharkiv Oblast," the report said. The fragmented distribution of Russian units currently operating in northern Kharkiv Oblast and the apparent hesitation of the Russian military to engage available reserves in combat suggests that Russian forces are likely trying to bring their Northern Grouping of Forces (NGF) to its planned final strength before intensifying offensive operations in the north of Kharkiv Oblast. The NGF reportedly had around 35,000 troops in the border area at the start of the offensive on 10 May, while Ukrainian sources indicated that the Russian military intended to deploy between 50,000 and 70,000 soldiers there. Analysts suggest that Russian forces may have launched the offensive in northern Kharkiv Oblast earlier than planned, employing an insufficient number of personnel, and that hoping to gain a foothold before the arrival of US military assistance to the front makes the task even more challenging. The ISW report therefore concludes that Russia's premature launch of offensive operations has likely derailed its success in northern Kharkiv Oblast. Russian forces reportedly succeeded in taking Ukrainian forces by surprise on 10 May and made tactically significant gains in areas that Ukrainian officials said were less well-defended. Ukraine's State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) reported that it had opened an investigation into the inadequate preparation of Ukrainian defences in this area and the abandonment of Ukrainian positions on the Lypky and Vovchansk fronts. The SBI noted that this had allowed Russian forces to advance towards the second line of Ukrainian defence in the area, although limited human resources appear to have prevented the Russians from achieving deeper penetration. Although it is possible that Russia's military commanders considered that the concentration of a larger force would alert Ukrainian defenders and prevent an opportunity for an operational surprise, Russia's decision not to immediately bring in significant reserves likely prevented it from making rapid gains and deeper penetration. "Ukrainian forces have now established themselves at defensive positions in the area, and Russian forces have likely expended their tactical opportunity to make relatively rapid gains against lightly-held positions in this area," the report concluded. To quote the ISWs Key Takeaways on 25 May: Ukrainian and Russian sources stated that Ukrainian forces are increasingly contesting the tactical initiative in northern Kharkiv Oblast and characterised Russian operations in the area as defensive, although Russian forces are likely attempting to bring the Northern Grouping of Forces up closer to its reported planned end strength before possibly intensifying offensive operations in the area. The likely premature start of Russian offensive operations appears to have undermined Russian success in northern Kharkiv Oblast. Russian forces continue to leverage their sanctuary in Russian airspace to strike Kharkiv City to devastating effect, likely as part of efforts to depopulate the city and demoralise Ukrainians. Russian electronic warfare (EW) capabilities reportedly impacted the effectiveness of select Western weapon systems in Ukraine in 2023 as Ukraine and Russia continue to compete in a technical offence-defence race. Russian Ambassador to the US Anatoly Antonov categorically rejected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's legitimacy and outlined Russia's maximalist conditions for peace negotiations during an interview with Newsweek on 25 May. Russia is likely helping North Korea develop its defence industrial base (DIB) in exchange for North Korean munitions supplies, and US officials reportedly assess that Russia may also be supplying North Korea with military equipment, weapons, or technology. Russian forces recently made confirmed advances near Donetsk City. The Russian Ministry of Defence (MoD) has cancelled its annual "Army Games" international competition for the second year in a row, prompting celebration among critical Russian ultranationalist milbloggers. Support UP or become our patron! (FOX40.COM) Memorial Day is finally here and agencies throughout Sacramento are reminding residents to prioritize safety as they start to enjoy their three-day weekend. Sacramento Metro Fire took to social media to share some fire-tastic tips to help families throughout the region stay safe. Whats open and closed on Memorial Day Grill Master Dos and Donts, Metro Fire said on X. Do: Channel your inner grill master by keeping your BBQ at least 10 feet away from your home, fences, and anything flammableDont: Use gasoline to light your charcoal. Sure, itll start a fire, but its the kind that requires a fire truck, not a spatula. Metro Fire continued to remind everyone to watch children around pools, designate a water watcher and not to dive into the shallow end. Trust us, your head and the pool floor will thank us. For those planning to spend time on the American River or any other waterway in the area, wear a life jacket, even if youre a strong swimmer. The rivers current and snags can be sneaky, and we want you to float, not flounder, Metro Fire said. The agency also says mixing alcohol with river activities is not a good idea. Save the drinks for homenobody wants to see your epic belly flop turn into a rescue mission. Memorial Day and Veterans Day, whats the difference? Finally, Metro Fire said residents should remember that roasting marshmallows on a fire pit is a safe activity involving fire, but launching fireworks is not. California says no, and so does your insurance policy. Metro Fire did have one more remark before finishing its social media post, saying, Stay safe, stay awesome, and remember: The only hot thing this weekend should be the weather! Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40. VIENTIANE, May 26 (Xinhua) -- China's GX Foundation and the Laos-China Railway Co., Ltd. (LCRC) have launched a project to help combat dengue fever and control insect-borne diseases along the lao section of the China-Laos Railway. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed in Lao capital Vientiane on Friday. The signing ceremony was attended by Leung Chun-ying, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and chairman of the foundation, Liu Hong, general manager of the LCRC, and Lao Deputy Minister of Health Phayvanh Keopaseuth. Speaking at the event, Leung Chun-ying said the project will gradually deploy mosquito-killing lamps donated by the foundation along the China-Laos Railway to prevent and control the spread of dengue fever and insect-borne infectious diseases. The number of dengue cases in Laos reached 1,837 between January and March in 2024, with three deaths. Lao health officials and medical staff have been working to increase public understanding of the danger of this potentially deadly disease. Two men and a youth landed in area hospitals Saturday after gunshots were reported in the Oak Park neighborhood, said Officer Cody Tapley, a spokesman for the Sacramento Police Department. This is still an active investigation, and our investigators are currently working to determine the involvement of all three individuals and if they are all connected to this shooting, Tapley said. Officers went to the 3000 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard at 1:07 p.m. after receiving reports of gunfire, Tapley said, and they found a juvenile male there suffering from at least one gunshot wound. He said that police officers later discovered that two adult males also had been shot around the same time. During the investigation, officers located two male adults at an area hospital, Tapley said. Both had at least one non-life-threatening gunshot wound. It appears that they either drove themselves to the hospital or someone else drove them, Tapley said. Bullets also struck a nearby building, Tapley said. The 3000 block of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard is near the intersection with Broadway. SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) San Angelo ISD proudly congratulated the Central High School Class of 2024. The graduation ceremony for the 626 future-ready graduates was held this morning May 25th at the Angelo State University Junell Center/Stephens Arena. CHS Principal Jill Ross welcomed attendees, followed by the CHS JROTCs presentation and posting of colors, a rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner by senior members of the Bobcat Choir, national and state pledges led by Naudya Alvarado, and an invocation by Tatiana Castaneda. Mrs. Ross introduced special guests, including SAISD Board Trustees and district leadership, before SAISD Superintendent Dr. Christopher Moran addressed the class. Do not become discouraged, encourage yourself and those around you, and never, ever give upMeet your problems head-on and you will be victorious in life, said Dr. Moran. Valedictorian Ann White urged her peers to be thankful, highlighting the support from teachers, extracurricular activities, and the unity of the senior class. The ceremony also featured a heartfelt moment as graduates, wearing orange ribbons, honored Carlie Jo Johnson, a fellow graduate battling leukemia, who walked the stage to receive her diploma. Following the presentation of diplomas, Salutatorian Mariel Harzke delivered the benediction, emphasizing the importance of gratitude and relationships. The ceremony concluded with the CHS School Song and a cap toss led by the Top Ten graduates. A full recording of the CHS graduation ceremony is available on the SAISD YouTube channel and will be broadcast on SAISDtv, Optimum Channel 4, for two weeks following the ceremony. San Angelo ISD celebrates the achievements of the CHS Class of 2024 and wishes them success in their future endeavors. For more information, visit the SAISD website at www.saisd.org and follow on Facebook and Twitter. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com. SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) San Angelo ISD proudly congratulates the Lake View High School Class of 2024. The graduation ceremony for 205 future-ready graduates was held Saturday morning at the Foster Communications Coliseum. The ceremony commenced with the Chieftain Band, led by Director Franklin Piland, performing Pomp and Circumstance during the graduates procession. Friends and family cheered as the graduates entered and took their seats. Lake View HS Principal Zach Ramirez welcomed attendees, followed by the LVHS JROTCs presentation and posting of colors. Graduate Aaron Munoz led the Pledge of Allegiance, Dalila Davis led the Texas Pledge, and Victoriah Villa provided the invocation. Valedictorian Gabrielle Flores encouraged her peers to remain ambitious and appreciate life. Your mind is a terrible thing to waste. So stay sharp, dont stop dreaming, and most of all, have a good time, she said. Remember to be human. Take a breath, laugh, joke, smile, and talk to friends and family. Live in the moment and appreciate what life has already given you. Class Salutatorian Ian Cortez added humor to his speech by quoting Ricky Bobby: If you aint first, youre last. He continued, We are all winners in our rights, through various personal challenges and struggles. In my eyes, we are all winners. Following the presentation of diplomas, Juan Ledesma delivered the benediction. The ceremony concluded with the Class of 2024 singing the LVHS School Song, accompanied by the Chieftain Band, before tossing their caps and celebrating with loved ones. A full livestream recording of the LVHS graduation ceremony is available on the SAISD YouTube channel and will be broadcast on SAISDtv, Optimum Channel 4, for two weeks following the ceremony. San Angelo ISD celebrates the achievements of the LVHS Class of 2024 and honors this significant milestone. For more information, visit the SAISD website at www.saisd.org and follow on Facebook and Twitter. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ConchoValleyHomepage.com. Chaplain Samuel J.T. Boone salutes as service members fold the flag from the casket of Rick Leiderman, an Air Force veteran, during a service on Friday, May 24, 2024, at the Fort Jackson National Cemetery. (Abraham Kenmore/SC Daily Gazette) COLUMBIA, S.C. Rick Leiderman, a 71-year-old former nuclear weapons specialist in the Air Force, was laid to rest Friday at Fort Jackson National Cemetery. With no living family, his short ceremony was attended instead by volunteers, including members of the motorcycle-riding Patriot Guard. The folded flag from Leidermans casket was presented to representatives of the Spartanburg coroners office, who had searched for any living family and confirmed Leidermans military service after he died in a nursing facility in the county. Without their work and their investigation to make sure he was a veteran, we would not be here, William Lynch, program director for the Homeless Veterans Burial Program with Dunbar funeral homes, told those at the service. Up until a few days ago it was not required for a coroners office to search and see if someone was a veteran. On May 13, Gov. Henry McMaster signed a law mandating that coroners and funeral home directors determine if unclaimed remains belong to a veteran, and if so, contact an organization that arranges burials for veterans within 120 days. Lynch, who is a manager of the Dunbar Funeral Home in Irmo, said hes been advocating for the law for five years. It got put on the backburner amid the pandemic, he said. I was very excited to see that come to fruition, he said. Chaplain Samuel J.T. Boone delivers the message at the memorial for Rick Leiderman, an Air Force veteran, at Fort Jackson National Cemetery in Columbia, South Carolina, on Friday, May 24, 2024. Lynch is not a veteran himself but has been arranging services for veterans whose remains are unclaimed almost as long as he has been a funeral director. He got his license as a funeral director in January 2017 and set up the South Carolina Homeless Veterans Burial Program in July of that year. Both of his grandfathers were veterans, Lynch said. In January 2018, he saw news coverage of Dennis Reidy, a homeless veteran who died without family, which inspired his work. Since then, he estimates he has organized roughly 20 services for unclaimed veterans. Tom Yeoman, a retired lieutenant colonel in the Marine Corp and now a ride captain for the Patriot Guard, attended the service Friday. Yeoman said he appreciates that coroners now have to check if a deceased person was a veteran. Why would you not do that? he said. But Im glad it is, because theres always someone out there who goes, Thats not important. But its important to somebody. Rusty Clevenger, the coroner for Spartanburg County, said the new law gave them a clear way to make sure that any veterans without family can be laid to rest with other service members. All 46 counties can now participate in one central location for our veterans, and I think thats exceptionally important, he told the SC Daily Gazette. He also said he plans to display the folded flag in the coroners office. Other new SC laws concerning veterans The law on unclaimed veterans was just one of several measures signed into law this year that are designed to ensure veterans receive proper services in the Palmetto State. Rep. Bobby Cox, R-Greer, lead sponsor of the unclaimed remains law, is the chair of a House subcommittee on military and veterans affairs. The former Army Ranger worked closely with the Department of Veterans Affairs to identify issues and sponsored two other bills as well. One of these allows veterans to be buried in military cemeteries in South Carolina without meeting a residency requirement. Previously, state law required veterans to either live in South Carolina when they joined the military, when they died, or for at least five years during their life. Im a veteran myself. I changed my state of residency when I was traveling throughout the Army, Cox said, adding he wouldnt have wanted his family to have to prove residency for him to be buried in South Carolina where my family lives where I was born. The law did not arise from any particular situation: Cox said he does not know of any out-of-state veterans whose families wanted to bury them in South Carolina but were denied. Making the change brought South Carolina in line with federal guidelines, so the state could continue to receive federal funds for veteran cemeteries. South Carolina was one of eight states with a residency requirement for these cemeteries, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Cox also sponsored legislation to revitalize the Veteran Trust Fund, allowing trustees to spend money on fundraising. The trust is designed to distribute grants to nonprofits that serve veterans. But the trustees were limited to distributing funds received mostly through voluntary contributions from state tax forms. This only amounted to $20,000 a year in grants, according to the Department. The Legislature also passed an update that allowed disabled veterans to immediately take an existing property tax exemption on their home, rather than waiting until the first full year they owned the home. Rep. Raye Felder, R-Fort Mill, who sponsored the bill, said she had a constituent who bought a home in February one year and was required to escrow the property taxes for the remainder of the year. The tax requirement endangered the loan. My local veterans group was very appreciative, Felder said of the new law. The intent of original law it updated was that veterans get the benefit from day one, she said, but it just wasnt worded that way. State Veterans Affairs Secretary Todd McCaffrey expressed appreciation for the work of the Legislature in passing the new laws. These key pieces of legislation not only improve the quality of life for our military and families but also champions our states progress of ensuring our veterans receive the aid and benefits they deserve with ease, he said in a statement to the Gazette. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE SC Daily Gazette is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. SC Daily Gazette maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Seanna Adcox for questions: info@scdailygazette.com. Follow SC Daily Gazette on Facebook and X. The post New law aims to ensure no veteran dies without proper recognition appeared first on Louisiana Illuminator. BENNETTSVILLE, S.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) If the tension between Bennettsvilles city hall and the citys top law enforcer wasnt tight before, it is now. Last week, Chief Kevin Miller filed a lawsuit against the city administrator and city leaders, accusing the administrator of targeting him to force the chief out of his job. Bennettsville Police Chief Kevin Miller filed a civil lawsuit against his boss and the city on May 14, 2024. Miller was handed a five-day unpaid suspension in March over an outside assessors police assessment report. (WJZY Photo/Jody Barr) It was no secret that former Mayor Carolyn Prince, who was in office when the city hired Administrator William Simon Jr., wasnt a fan of her police chief. Princes dislike for Miller was documented in a police assessment published by city hall in February. It is widely known that the mayor does not support the chief of police, said Stephen Campbell, an assessor with Legal and Liability Risk Management, a risk assessment firm the city paid $22,500 to issue an opinion on the departments policies and practices. LLRMI compiled a 46-page report and delivered it to the city in February. Queen City News Investigations The report misspelled the former mayors name, writing Mayor Caroline Prince. During the interview, she affirmed that widely held belief herself, Campbell wrote, continuing to describe the former mayors feelings toward the chief. Prince didnt think Miller had the experience to be the chief of the Bennettsville PD. Carolyn Prince, former Mayor of Bennettsville, told an outside assessor she did not support Chief Kevin Miller during her four-year term as the citys top elected official. Prince said she hasnt spoken to Miller in nearly four years, which would span her entire term in office. (WJZY Photo/Jody Barr) She has not spoken to the Chief in nearly four years, Campbell wrote in his report. Prince was defeated as mayor in November 2023. Prince would not agree to schedule an interview with us or to provide a statement for this report. Simon also declined our interview request, and no other member of the council responded to our request to interview them about the chiefs suspension and lawsuit. The city redacted multiple pages and names of four former officers who gave statements to the assessor, which are included in the report. SC city refuses to give details on missing COVID tax dollars There appears to be little support for the chief of police. A frequent concern was low morale and lack of leadership, Campbell wrote. However, we spoke with two former BPD officers: Bob Hale and Dozier Rhames. Both men said the assessment mischaracterized their interviews and that their statements werent meant to be as harsh as the report detailed. The chief is vindictive, egotistical, and a narcissist, Rhames is quoted in the assessment, saying he left solely because of Chief Miller. BPD-On-Site-Assessment_RedactedDownload Rhames said he is adamant he never called the chief vindictive, I dont remember using those exact words, but I wont say I didnt, Rhames told QCNs Chief Investigative Reporter Jody Barr during a May 24 phone call. Im adamant that I didnt say it; if I did say it, I stand corrected. Rhames, who left BPD in 2023, is now a captain with the McColl Police Department and is currently on administrative leave pending the outcome of a S.C. Law Enforcement Division (SLED) investigation into a use-of-force complaint against him from McColl. Rhames said he expects the state investigation to soon end and hell be back to work. McColl PD Captain Dozier Rhames applied for a K-9 handler job at the Bennettsville PD in January 2024, just months after telling an outside assessor Chief Kevin Miller was vindictive, egotistical, and a narcissist. Rhames said he stands behind his comments to the assessor that Miller fostered a toxic work environment, but that Chief Miller wasnt his only reason for leaving BPD. Miller, he said, promised Rhames a K-9 handler position that would allow him to earn 17.5 hours of overtime each week, but the chief never kept that promise, according to Rhames. Despite his belief that BPD was a toxic work environment, Rhames filed an application to return to the agency in January, a few months after his interview with the outside assessor. Bob Hale also left BPD in 2023 and took over as chief of the McColl PD, where he remains today. I left because of the bad culture created by Chief Miller. Chief Miller created a cesspool of a work environment, Hale told the assessor. McColl PD Chief Bob Hale talks to Marlboro County Sheriff Larry McNeil during a meeting at the Marlboro County Sheriffs Office on August 9, 2023. (Source: Marlboro County Sheriffs Office) Hale told QCN in a phone call on May 21 that he wouldnt explicitly rule out returning to BPD to work under Chief Miller. Ive told several people that if circumstances were different, Id go back, Hale said his decision to leave BPD wasnt all on the chief. I cant put that all on the chief. It was a position where I could be a chief, get training and make some connections. It did weigh on my decision, but I cant put it all on the chief, Hale said in the call. Hale said he stands behind his statement on the work environment at BPD, as well as his belief that Chief Miller is arrogant. In January, just a few months after giving those statements to the assessor, Hale texted Chief Miller, asking for the number of open positions at BPD. Miller, who would not see the officers statements in the assessors report for another month, said he asked Hale who wanted to come back. UNDER THE INFLUENCE: Judges question cops over family members DUI, charge dropped days later Hale told QCN he was asking the question to find positions for the three other officers who left BPD with him when he took over the McColl PD. Miller said Hale also asked for a job for himself, something Hale denied in the call with Barr. They [the city] shouldnt have leaked out the names. It makes it seem like I hell hated Kevin Miller, and thats not the case. It comes across extremely personal and thats not what I wanted to convey, Hale told Barr about the assessment. That assessment led to Chief Kevin Miller losing a weeks pay in March. City records show Administrator Simon sent Miller a copy of the assessment on Feb. 16, writing in the internal memorandum that he wanted to use the assessors opinion for good, This is a fantastic opportunity for us to make improvements, Simon wrote. This Feb. 16, 2024, memorandum shows City Administrator William Simons intent to use the police department assessment to make improvements. However, Simon used the assessment as the basis to suspend Chief Kevin Miller just 16 days later. The memo included a list of next steps, which included meetings between Miller and Simon. Miller told Barr that those meetings never happened and that the administrator told him in person that the assessment wouldnt be used against him. On the order of city hall, acting Assistant Chief Sammy Crosland went to Millers home on March 4, 2024, and confiscated Millers gun and badge. Miller was locked out of his own department from March 4 until March 12, 2024. Bennettsville City Administrator William Simon Jr. ordered a five-day, unpaid suspension for Chief Kevin Miller in March 2024 and placed Miller on six months probation. The disciplinary action came after Simon decided an outside assessors report on the police department showed a lack of leadership and accountability on the chiefs part. (WJZY Photo/Jody Barr) But the chief believes a Queen City News investigation that aired the night of that assessment email, his refusal to write a reference letter for Simons fraternity brother, and a series of other events led to the administrators decision to use the assessment against him. That decision has led to Kevin J. Miller v. The City of Bennettsville and William Simon Jr. This video report contains the chiefs story and the evidence he believes shows he was a target for standing up and speaking out. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News. This article first appeared at ProPublica. ProPublica is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative newsroom. Sign up for The Big Story newsletter to receive stories like this one in your inbox. Standing in a cafe decorated with tiny American flags and antique cabinets as big as bodyguards, Peter Meijer paused as he considered what to say to the man in the Stand for God shirt who had just called for his bodily harm. It was a snowy morning in February. Meijer was the keynote speaker at a coffee-and-donuts meeting hosted by the Republican Party chapter in Kent County, Michigan, the most populous county on the west side of the state. Dressed in a candidate-casual uniform of jeans, a flannel shirt and an outdoorsy blazer, Meijer was seeking the Republican nomination for an open U.S. Senate seat, a race that could determine control of Congresss upper chamber, in a state that could decide the presidential election. If Republicans wanted to win in November, Meijer told the 40-odd people in attendance, they needed to move on from the past and focus on their shared enemy. Is there anyone who thought that Jan. 6th was good for the Republican Party? he asked. Did it help us win in 2022? We werent gonna win, someone yelled. It was rigged. The election was stolen, another person said. It doesnt matter. I watched this exchange from a table near the back of the room. Until that moment, the crowd met Meijers stump speech with polite nods and gentle applause. But when he brought up elections and Jan. 6th, the mood turned from Midwest nice to hostile. Not long ago, this setting was friendly terrain for Meijer. For decades, voters here rewarded sensible, pro-business, avowedly conservative politicians. Meijer fit the archetype of a West Michigan Republican when he first ran for Congress in 2020. He was also basically Michigan royalty as an heir to the Meijer grocery store fortune. In one of the states most competitive districts, he won his debut congressional race by a comfortable 6-point margin. At the Kent County event, however, many attendees seemed to feel nothing but scorn for him. That anger flowed from a single decision Meijer had made in Congress: He voted to impeach then-President Donald Trump. In response, he faced a far-right primary challenger who had served in the Trump administration and said Bidens 2020 victory was simply mathematically impossible. Meijer narrowly lost. Now, as a Senate candidate, he was trying to make amends, even pledging to vote for Trump whom he had once called unfit for office if the former president won the Republican nomination. But to some, he was still a traitor. How did you vote to impeach Trump when he said in his [Jan. 6] speech, I want a peaceful demonstration, a man angrily asked. You dont have to go any further than that to know that he was right and that he shouldnt have been impeached. I was there, another man called out. We were peaceful. No shouting now, the emcee said. Then-Rep. Peter Meijer (R-MI) on Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2022 in Grand Rapids. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) One audience member accused Meijer of taking a bribe in exchange for his impeachment vote. Another challenged him to name five political prisoners from Jan. 6 who were sitting in prison and falsely accused. I watched Meijer struggle to complete a sentence before being cut off. A third person pointed a finger at him as he questioned whether Meijer was actually in the Capitol complex on Jan. 6, 2021, as hed claimed. I have a photo I took in the House, Meijer said, trying to defend himself without sounding defensive. Mostly, he listened wide-eyed, sipping coffee from a Styrofoam cup. An older woman asked, in a gentler tone, if Meijer would redo his impeachment vote if he could. Would he at least have abstained instead of voting yes? Meijer responded by saying that when he was in Congress, someone had once joked that theyd throw him off a bridge if he ever voted present. A deep voice rang out on the far side of the room. The man in the Stand for God shirt. Sorry? Meijer said, not hearing him. The man repeated himself: You shouldve gotten thrown off the bridge. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) The System Falls Apart What divides the Republican Party of 2024 is not any one policy or ideology. It is not whether to support Donald Trump. The most important fault line in the party now is democracy itself. Todays Republican insurgents believe democracy has been stolen, and they dont trust the ability of democratic processes to restore it. This phenomenon is evident across the country, in Georgia and Nevada, in Arizona, Idaho and Florida. But its perhaps the starkest in Michigan, a place long associated with political pragmatism and a business-friendly GOP, embodied by governors George Romney, John Engler and, most recently, Rick Snyder. It was a son of Michigan, former President Gerald Ford, who once said, I have never mistaken moderation for weakness, nor civility for surrender. I grew up in Michigan. My own political education and my early years as a journalist coincided with a stunning Republican resurgence in my home state. Over several decades, Michigans dynastic families the DeVoses and Meijers and Van Andels on the west side, the Romneys and Fords on the east poured money and manpower into the Michigan Republican Party, building it into one of the most vaunted political operations in the country. They transformed Michigan from a bastion of organized labor that leaned Democratic into a toss-up state that, until recently, had a right-to-work law and put Republicans in control of all three branches of government for eight of the last 14 years. Michigan Republicans were so successful that other states copied their tactics. As Dick DeVos, heir to the Amway fortune and a prolific Republican donor, once told a gathering of conservative activists, If we can do it in Michigan, you can do it anywhere. Several years ago, however, my home state stopped making sense to me. I watched as thousands of political newcomers, whose sole qualification appeared to be fervor of belief, declared war on the Republican establishment that had been so dominant. Calling themselves the America First movement, these unknowns treated the DeVoses and other party leaders as the enemy. I had covered the DeVoses and the Michigan Republican Party long enough to know that they were not just pro-business but staunch conservatives who wanted to slash taxes, abolish regulations and remake the public education system in favor of vouchers and parochial schools. Yet the new America First activists disparaged prominent Michigan Republicans as globalist elites who belonged to a corrupt uniparty cabal. That cabal had denied Trump a rightful second term and needed to be purged from the party. With a consequential election looming, I traveled back to Michigan earlier this year to understand how this all happened. I sought out the activists waging this struggle, a group of people who dont trust institutions or individuals except Trump and one another and sometimes not even that. Could they triumph over the elites? I found chaos, incompetence, strife, a glimpse of a future post-Trump Republican Party and, all around me, danger for our system of government and the state of the country. We cant keep going through election after election like this where a large plurality of the country just does not accept the outcome of the majority and refuses to abide by it, said Jeff Timmer, a former executive director of the Michigan Republican Party who now works with the anti-Trump Lincoln Project. Thats when the system falls apart. Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks to supporters during a rally on February 17, 2024 in Waterford, Michigan. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) A Call From God After Peter Meijers event in Kent County, I drove west toward Lake Michigan to meet a plumber named Ken Beyer for lunch. Barrel-chested and with a neatly trimmed goatee, Beyer is in his late 50s but looks younger. Hes disarmingly earnest, the kind of guy whod offer to help you fix a flat tire in a snowstorm. In less than two years, Beyer had risen from a political nobody to a district chair in the state GOP and a leader of the America First movement in Michigan. He is known for his fiery videos, in which he might equate a rival to Adolf Hitler or warn that the storm is upon us. Like many of his America First allies, he questions whether democracy still exists in this country. I dont know if any election is fair anymore, he said. Over chicken tenders and iced tea, Beyer, a church-going Christian, told me about a series of what he saw as divine revelations that had delivered him to this point. The pandemic and 2020 election had shaken him. He no longer recognized his own country. He feared that the moment had come, he said, where freedom and the American dream end. His next revelation happened on Jan. 6, 2021. Because he was convinced that Democrats stole the White House from Trump, he had gone to Washington to make his voice heard and show support for the president. Standing on the steps of the Capitol, he encountered a reporter with the conservative outlet Newsmax who needed help carrying gear. Beyer grabbed a tripod and backpack and filled in as a makeshift field producer for one of the biggest events of the 21st century. What God wanted me to do, he later said, was help capture the history of whats happening and get the truth out of what really was going on there. Back in Michigan, Beyer enlisted the help of a young videographer who had produced content for Beyers plumbing business, and together they churned out videos about COVID-19 (overblown), election fraud (rampant) and the truth of Jan. 6 (a big prayer meeting). He read about disturbing allegations about voting-machine software changing votes. He listened to poll workers allege that mysterious suitcases of mail-in ballots had arrived overnight at the states largest ballot-processing site in downtown Detroit (a claim that was later debunked). The more he heard, the more he came to believe that his home state had been central to the Democrats plan to steal the 2020 election. In his free time, Beyer urged Republican lawmakers to investigate the allegations of fraud made by Trump and his allies. Most Republicans brushed him off. A few, like Peter Meijer, had openly turned on Trump, voting for impeachment or dismissing Trumps stolen-election theories. Beyer couldnt understand it. Why werent they fighting for him? he said. According to more experienced people in the party, there was a simple answer: Many of the claims brought forward werent true. A long-awaited investigation by a Republican-led state Senate committee found no evidence of widespread or systematic fraud in Michigan. If Republicans wouldnt act, Beyer reasoned, then they were just as bad as the Democrats. Trump supporters in other states had also encountered Republican indifference in response to Trumps fraud allegations. What were they supposed to do now? Patriotically dressed delegates on the floor at the Michigan Republican Convention in Lansing, Michigan, on Saturday, February 18, 2023. (Photo by Sarah Rice for The Washington Post via Getty Images) The Re-Founding Fathers A solution arrived in the form of the precinct strategy. It was a plan promoted by former Trump adviser Steve Bannon to ensure that the political establishment in both parties didnt steal future elections. Precincts are the smallest geographical unit in American elections. In Michigan, there are roughly 4,700 precincts typically made up of a few thousand active registered voters. Each precinct elects at least one delegate as its representative to a county convention, and sometimes three or four. In all, there are upwards of 8,000 delegate positions in Michigan. If a state political party is a pyramid with a chairperson at the top, precinct delegates occupy the lowest, broadest tier. Until recently, it was an obscure position. Thousands of the seats often sit empty. If enough Trump supporters filled them, Bannon said, they could form a majority within the party, elect allies to leadership positions and, eventually, take control. Ken Beyer had never heard of a precinct delegate until he stumbled across the website for MI Precinct First, a group inspired by Bannons plan. He decided to run. He believed that this, too, must be part of Gods plan for him. I believe that Hes using people like me throughout the United States to become the re-founding fathers, he told me. The precinct strategy proved successful. In Michigan, thousands of new activists, many recruited by America First groups, became precinct delegates in 2022. In Ottawa County, a deeply conservative enclave along Lake Michigan, the number of delegates leapt from 170 to 330. The same trend played out in other battleground states. The Trump apparatus did very little correct except infiltrate the party right down to the precinct level, said Timmer, the former executive director of the Michigan Republican Party. Not just in Michigan but all over. The first test for the new America First delegates came in late August 2022. In Michigan, the voters select most nominees for elected office in a normal primary election. But for two key positions with oversight of elections attorney general and secretary of state the precinct delegates decide the partys nominees at a statewide convention. These conventions were often sleepy affairs, the outcome predetermined. But this time, when the partys chair, a wealthy donor and former U.S. ambassador named Ron Weiser, took the stage, the cavernous ballroom filled with boos and jeers. How many of you believe we can sweep in November? Weiser asked. With the new people! a woman wearing a Keep America Great hat yelled. With America First! Over the opposition of Weiser and other longtime party operatives, the America First contingent nominated two election deniers for attorney general and secretary of state. Matthew DePerno, a combative lawyer who had promoted a viral yet baseless theory about voting fraud in tiny Antrim County, Michigan, vowed to use the power of the attorney generals office to investigate election crimes. Kristina Karamo, a tall, commanding woman in her late 30s with a breathless speaking style, was the America First pick for secretary of state. A community college instructor and live-trivia host, Karamo had come to prominence after she testified before the Michigan Legislature about irregularities involving ballot counting and voting machines she said shed witnessed as a poll challenger in Detroit in 2020. Kristina Karamo addresses the delegates before they vote for Michigan Republican Party Chair at the Michigan Republican Convention in Lansing, Michigan, on Saturday, February 18, 2023. (Photo by Sarah Rice for The Washington Post via Getty Images) As a show of political force, nominating DePerno and Karamo was impressive. As an electoral strategy, it was disastrous. Both candidates were trounced in November, and Michigan Democrats won control of all three branches of government for the first time in more than 30 years. DePerno conceded defeat right away. Karamo did not. To outside observers, her stance was laughable: She had lost by 615,000 votes, roughly the population of Detroit. But Beyer and many other America First delegates saw Karamos actions as brave and principled, the opposite of DePernos cowardly and hypocritical concession. Several months later, she and DePerno ran against each other to be the next chair of the Michigan Republican Party. DePerno won endorsements from Trump and Mike Lindell, the MyPillow CEO and a funder of the election-fraud movement. But the delegates rallied behind Karamo and delivered her the victory. In just two years, Bannons precinct strategy had gone from a quixotic scheme to a reality. No sooner had Karamo won than paranoia set in. Standing on the convention floor just before her victory, a well-connected precinct delegate approached Beyer to deliver a message. He says, Leadership is going to let you guys have this one, Beyer recalled. Karamo would be chair, in other words, because party leaders let it happen. Whyd they do that, Beyer asked. Because they believe that they can make her fail quicker than they can Matt DePerno. File Number One A state political party is like the HVAC unit of American politics. When it does its job, you dont think about it. It hums away in the background, as unsexy as it is essential. State parties recruit candidates to run for office. They mobilize voters. They raise money that helps candidates spread their message and win elections. Karamo had other priorities when she took over the Michigan Republican Party. Top of the list: election integrity. She created a new election security operations team to recruit hundreds of volunteers as poll challengers, dropbox monitors and recount specialists, and to serve on county canvassing boards, which certify the final vote count. To oversee this work, she enlisted grassroots activists best known for filing a lawsuit that accused Detroits election clerk of running an illegal election in 2022. (A judge dismissed the case, calling it frivolous and rife with speculation.) Training and embedding America First activists in every part of the election process was critical to the future of the party and the state. Otherwise, one of Karamos advisers told a group of activists, the big money is going to come right back in and start doing all this for us and selecting all the candidates for us again. Karamos plan to secure elections had two objectives: Not only did she and her team hope to catch future cheating by the Democrats, but they sought revenge against the Republican establishment. To do that, Karamo turned to a lawyer and political outsider named James Copas. He was given a special project: write a new constitution for the state Republican Party that would give as much power as possible to precinct delegates. People like Ken Beyer. There was no greater priority for Karamos team. If you were to look in my records, I opened 82 different project files, Copas told me. The constitution was file number one. Karamo showed little interest in the day-to-day work of running the party. Bills went unpaid, emails unanswered. When members of the partys state committee, in effect the board of directors, questioned her, she ignored them or removed them from leadership positions. Even her allies were critical. I can tell you unequivocally that there was no chance that Kristina was qualified to be the chair, Copas said. So what? She was elected. (Karamo did not respond to multiple requests for comment.) Near the end of 2023, Copas circulated a draft of his proposed overhaul of the party constitution. The new constitution proposed a radical change: Eliminate open primary elections and replace them with closed caucuses. Under the current system, about a million people voted in an August GOP primary to choose nominees for local elected offices, state legislative seats, judgeships and federal House and Senate races. Instead of those million or so voters casting ballots, fewer than 10,000 precinct delegates the same precinct delegates who had powered Karamo to victory would meet behind closed doors and select the candidates. The aim of this proposal, said Joel Studebaker, who was Karamos chief of staff, was to break up the corruption club that had ruled Michigan Republican politics for far too long. We want something thats pure, he told me. The best answer for that is putting power in the hands of the people. The irony, critics pointed out, was that Karamos proposal would disenfranchise far more people than it empowered. There was another reason the closed-caucus model appealed to the America First faithful: It meant there was no need for voting machines, mail-in ballots, high-speed scanners or any of the other technologies that election-fraud believers had spent the last two years railing against. Youre eliminating cheating in the election system, Beyer told me. The backlash was fierce. Nothing says we respect democracy like cutting out millions of Michigan voters, wrote one prominent Michigan conservative activist. Karamos proposed voting reforms and the partys dire finances plunged the organization into turmoil with the 2024 elections less than a year away. Even some of Karamos own supporters turned against her. Privately, a group of delegates discussed whether to urge her to step down for the good of the party. Karamo had no plans to resign. If her enemies wanted her gone, they would have to try to remove her. And so they did: On Jan. 6, 2024, a group of anti-Karamo delegates on the Republican state committee invoked party bylaws and voted to remove Karamo as chair. Two weeks later, the same faction elected former U.S. representative Pete Hoekstra to replace her. Former U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, the new Chairman of the Michigan Republican Party, talks with the media about the vote results at the MI GOP State Convention on March 2, 2024 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. (Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty Images) Up From the Ashes By the time Trump walked onstage in Waterford Township, Michigan, in mid-February with his red hat pulled low, the Michigan Republican Party was a national punchline. Karamo had refused to leave office, saying the vote to oust her was illegitimate. An unsigned statement issued by the state GOP called it a political lynching. Her critics filed a lawsuit in state court to enforce the removal vote, and Karamo said only a judges order could make her leave. In the meantime, she urged her followers to travel to Detroit on March 2 for a special convention. There, they would vote on her controversial plan to rewrite the Michigan GOPs constitution. At his mid-February rally, Trump waded into the chaotic mess that was the Michigan Republican Party despite his supporters urging him not to. He described Hoekstra as your new Michigan Republican Party chairman, a line that was greeted with a mix of cheers and boos. The boos continued as Trump said hed recommended Hoekstra for the job. I said, Do you think you could ever get this guy Hoekstra? Hes unbelievable, Trump said. The Trump campaign seemed to recognize that the longer Karamo remained in charge, the weaker the state party was and the less chance he had to win Michigan. For both Trump and Biden, Michigan is arguably a must-win state. Still, some of Trumps most ardent supporters saw his support for Hoekstra as a betrayal. Im not happy with Mr. Trump right now, one voter said at a Republican town hall I attended. I think he should keep his nose out of Michigan politics. When I asked Beyer what he thought, he said he suspected Trump was playing a double game. If you know anything about election integrity, you know its a rigged program here, he said. For Trump to win, hes gotta join the riggers. I heard a Karamo supporter say she had read on Truth meaning Truth Social, the social media platform partly owned by Trump that Trump hadnt even written the endorsement of Hoekstra that appeared on his account. Around the time of Trumps visit to Michigan, I went to hear Karamo speak in Saginaw County, an hour and a half north of Detroit. The event was part of a barnstorming tour of the state meant to rally her supporters and assure them that she remained the partys legitimate leader. To her supporters, the date of the vote to remove her, Jan. 6, 2024, had taken on a mythological quality it was the new Jan. 6. Their Jan. 6. The audience sat rapt as Karamo told them that it wasnt just 2020 and 2022 that were rigged. Our election system has been corrupted for decades. Theres an entire network protecting the corrupt system. At the end of her remarks, she reminded her supporters to go to Detroit on March 2. The date had taken on an outsize significance. Not only would delegates choose which presidential candidate received Michigans 39 remaining delegates on the path to the Republican nomination, but they would vote on Karamos constitution plan. Hoekstra, who was calling himself the rightful chair, was planning a separate event on the same day in Grand Rapids. The schism in the party would be on full display. A few days before the dueling conventions, a judge issued a preliminary ruling that Karamo had been properly removed. The Detroit convention was called off, and her constitutional overhaul was shelved for the time being. With Karamos event canceled, Beyer, now a regional GOP chairman as well as a delegate, said he would carry the torch for the America First movement. In an act of defiance aimed at Adolf Hoekstra, as Beyer called him, he and Studebaker announced their own miniconvention. On the morning of March 2, Beyer picked me up at a Wendys on the drive to his breakaway convention. A deluge of text messages lit up his phone as we drove down the highway. Beyer told me that the theme for Hoekstras convention was Up From the Ashes. Its fitting, he said. Because they lit the match. They dont like the new group of people that have come in over the last two years. He paused. Theyre burning down the Republican Party to get rid of people like me. After Beyer and Studebaker had run their protest convention, they jumped in Studebakers truck and drove to Hoekstras event in Grand Rapids. There, Studebaker ran into some operatives aligned with Trumps team in Michigan. Studebaker was furious with them and with Trump for abandoning Karamo and for, as he saw it, thwarting the will of the delegates. Hes going to lose Michigan if he keeps doing this, Studebaker said. The delegates will still vote for Trump, he added, but theyre not going to knock doors and theyre not going to give money. They might tune out of state and national elections and focus on local races. The operatives were unmoved. We gotta go, one of them said. Trump stuff. Guests attend a rally hosted by Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump on February 17, 2024 in Waterford, Michigan. People waited in lines for hours outside the event as temperatures held in the mid-20s and a strong wind cut through the crowd. The Michigan primary election is scheduled for February 27. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images) A Future Without Trump Not long afterward, Trump disappointed his grassroots followers again. In Michigans high-stakes Republican Senate contest, Trump endorsed Mike Rogers, a former representative, all but assuring that Rogers would clinch the nomination in the August primary. As for Peter Meijer, that throw-you-off-the-bridge exchange in the cafe in February had proved prophetic: His comeback bid was doomed. In late April, he dropped out. Trumps endorsement of Rogers left his supporters mystified. Like Meijer, he had been a vocal critic of Trump, once calling the former president more gangster than presidential. He had chaired the powerful House intelligence committee, which led Trump followers to label him a member of the deep state. A former aide to Trump had tweeted: Cant imagine a worse or more dangerous Republican candidate for Senate than Mike Rogers. Jim Copas, who quit his role with the party shortly before Karamo was forced out, told me he was disgusted with Trumps actions. Ive lost complete faith in the state GOP and Ive lost complete faith in the national GOP, he said. Speaking of Trump, he added: To be honest, I think Don has learned a little bit about being a politician and hes forgotten his soul. Beyer hadnt given up on Trump. He still loved the man, he said, but he wasnt taking direction from Trump. Im not gonna always listen to him, Beyer told me. Im not part of a cult. He had his own plans. In one of our last conversations, he laid out a more religious, more uncompromising version of the America First movement. He had started his own PAC called Faith Family Freedom and he planned to target the precinct delegates around the state who had opposed Karamo and replace them with America First allies in the next round of delegate elections this August. He had already signed up 350 supporters in various counties, he said, to help with his efforts. If the Republican establishment the DeVoses and the Meijers, Pete Hoekstra and the people who had voted to remove Karamo fought him and his compatriots, Beyer stood ready. Theyre not after Trump. Theyre not after Kristina, he told me. Theyre after me. Theyre after everybody like me. Thats what this is all about. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is against Ukraine using Western weapons to target Russian territory, the German public-service broadcaster ARD reported on May 26. Speaking at an event in Berlin, Scholz said that Germany gave clear rules to Ukraine prohibiting the use of German weapons on Russian soil and that he sees no reason to change this. He added that his policy is to prevent escalation into a really big war. Ukraines allies have discussed Kyivs calls to greenlight the use of Western weapons on military targeting within Russia. German Green Party politician Anton Hofreiter recently spoke in favor of the idea in order to protect Ukrainian civilians. "We should therefore not prevent Ukraine from using the weapons supplied to repel Russian fighter jets in Russian airspace," said Hofreiter, ARD reported on May 25. Ukrainian member of parliament Yehor Cherniev claimed that Washington has begun to discuss the decision to allow Ukraine to use U.S. weapons on Russian territory, citing informal conversations on the sidelines of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. The problem so far is that decisions there are made by a team that currently lacks consensus. But there is pressure from all sides. There are chances, so we are not slowing down, he wrote on Telegram on May 26. U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson appeared to endorse enabling Ukraine to strike targets in Russian territory with U.S.-supplied weapons on May 22 after claiming that Washington shouldnt micromanage Ukraines war effort. A bipartisan group of congressmen also urged the Pentagon to change the restriction, saying that it has prevented Ukrainians from being able to "defend themselves." Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis recently said that the U.S. restriction on using long-range ATACMS missiles inside Russia was a "mistake." U.S. officials have repeatedly said that they do not support or encourage Kyiv's strikes with American weapons deep inside Russia, while Ukrainian officials are reportedly trying to convince Washington to lift this ban. Ukraine recently said that Washington's ban meant Ukraine was unable to attack Russian forces as they were building up before crossing the border into Kharkiv Oblast in the renewed Russian offensive that began earlier in May. Read also: Zelensky: Russia forming another grouping of forces near Ukraines northern border Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) speaks at the Democracy Festival to mark the 75th anniversary of the Basic Law in Germany. Michael Kappeler/dpa German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is resisting a possible Western expansion in military backing for Ukraine, saying on Sunday he does not favour allowing Kiev to use German weapons to hit targets in Russia. "We have clear rules agreed with Ukraine for the arms deliveries we have made so far. And they work. At least that's my theory," Scholz said at a Berlin event marking the 75th anniversary of Germany's constitution, or Basic Law. Germany has supplied Kiev with long-range artillery pieces such as the Mars II rocket launcher, which has a range of more than 80 kilometres, since Russia invaded Ukraine more than two years ago. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukrainian armed forces have been prohibited from using Western weapons to hit targets within Russia. In a recent interview with the New York Times, Zelensky urgently requested that Ukraine's allies grant permission for weapons to be used to target Russian artillery positions near the Ukrainian border. Until now, Ukraine has only been able to hit targets in Russia using drones produced within its own territory. Green Party politician Anton Hofreiter recently became the first member of Germany's governing coalition to publicly support loosening restrictions on Ukraine's use of Western arms. "This is about protecting the Ukrainian population," he said in an interview published by Germany's Funke media group on Saturday. "International law allows an attacked state to attack military targets in the aggressor's country," he added. According to a report in the New York Times, the US government is already considering authorizing the use of Western weapons on Russian territory. British Foreign Secretary David Cameron said during a recent visit to Kiev that it was up to Ukraine to decide whether to use British weapons against positions in Russia. In response, Moscow summoned the British ambassador and threatened retaliation in the event of an attack with British weapons. Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz speaks at the constituency meeting at the Bornstedt Crown Estate in Potsdam. Michael Bahlo/dpa Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz speaks at the constituency meeting at the Bornstedt Crown Estate in Potsdam. Michael Bahlo/dpa Scholz reminisces about how Putin tried to persuade him that Ukraine "belongs" to Russia Russian leader Vladimir Putin told German Chancellor Olaf Scholz that Ukraine apparently "belongs" to Russia shortly before his full-scale invasion of Ukraine began. Source: Scholz, speaking to the public on Sunday at the Festival of Democracy (a three-day festival in Berlin to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Germanys Basic Law); Ukrinform news agency Details: The chancellor described meeting Putin in the Kremlin in February 2022 "at that long table that everyone remembers". Scholz said Putin had expounded his imperial ideas that borders "can be changed by force" without regard to the law. During the four-hour meeting, which took place just before the war broke out, Putin tried to prove that "Ukraine and Belarus are parts of Russia". Self-proclaimed Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko is aware of this and is under no illusions about it, the chancellor added. Among other reasons for the war, Putin said that "Ukraine is heading towards NATO". Scholz said he had told Putin plainly that "this is out of the question for at least another 30 years". The Kremlin leader also told his German guest about the "Nazi regime in Ukraine". "To say that when the president is Jewish... Imagine how absurd and shameful that explanation is to justify the war," Scholz said. The chancellor disagreed with a member of the audience who claimed that by helping Kyiv with weapons, Germany was "fuelling the war". "We are giving Ukraine the opportunity to defend itself... We are providing maximum support to prevent this imperialist attack on a neighbouring state from succeeding... But at the same time, we are making sure that it does not escalate into a major war between Russia and NATO," Scholz said. He added that the war is taking Russian as well as Ukrainian lives, "purely so that one day, 100 years from now, history books that he [Putin ed.] will not even be able to read will say that he gained a couple of kilometres [of land]." Background: Scholz said on Sunday that he opposes Ukraine using weapons provided by its partners to strike Russia because he wants to prevent "the conflict from escalating into a major war". Support UP or become our patron! This photo taken on May 26, 2024 shows the Sadarghat terminal in Dhaka, Bangladesh. (Xinhua) DHAKA, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Cyclone Remal smashed Bangladeshi and Indian coasts Sunday night, said a senior official of Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD). Strong winds and storm surged along the coasts of southern Bangladesh and India's West Bengal after the storm came ashore at 8:00 p.m. local time, Md Shamim Ahsan, deputy director of the Cyclone Warning Center at the BMD, told Xinhua. No casualties have so far been reported. The cyclone's center is expected to move further north and fully cross the Bangladeshi coast, he said, adding that the eye of the cyclone is scheduled to cross Bangladesh between midnight and 1:00 am local time Monday after which it is expected to weaken. In its latest special bulletin, under the influence of the storm, some low-lying areas and their offshore islands are likely to be inundated by storm surge of several feet height above normal astronomical tide. The great danger signal No. 10 has been sounded for all the districts and ports where fishing boats, trawlers and maritime vessels over the north bay have been advised to remain in shelter till further notice. Bangladesh on Sunday completed evacuation of about 1 million people from its coastlines. Television footage showed widespread flooding in coastal areas of Cox's Bazaar, Chattogram, Patuakhali and other districts where more than 800,000 people have been evacuated. This photo taken on May 26, 2024 shows the Sadarghat terminal in Dhaka, Bangladesh. (Xinhua) People take boats before Cyclone Remal arrives at the Sadarghat terminal in Dhaka, Bangladesh, May 26, 2024. (Xinhua) Gov. Ron DeSantis and Florida Republicans have spent years aggressively turning the state into a haven for school choice. They have been wildly successful, with tens of thousands more children enrolling in private or charter schools or homeschooling. Now as those programs balloon, some of Floridas largest school districts are facing staggering enrollment declines and grappling with the possibility of campus closures as dollars follow the increasing number of parents opting out of traditional public schools. The emphasis on these programs has been central to DeSantis' goals of remaking the Florida education system, and they are poised for another year of growth. DeSantis' school policies are already influencing other GOP-leaning states, many of which have pursued similar voucher programs. But Florida has served as a conservative laboratory for a suite of other policies, ranging from attacking public- and private-sector diversity programs to fighting the Biden administration on immigration. We need some big changes throughout the country, DeSantis said Thursday evening at the Florida Homeschool Convention in Kissimmee. Florida has shown a blueprint, and we really can be an engine for that as other states work to adopt a lot of the policies that weve done. Education officials in some of the states largest counties are looking to scale back costs by repurposing or outright closing campuses including in Broward, Duval and Miami-Dade counties. Even as some communities rally to try to save their local public schools, traditional public schools are left with empty seats and budget crunches. Since 2019-20, when the pandemic upended education, some 53,000 students have left traditional public schools in these counties, a sizable total that is forcing school leaders to consider closing campuses that have been entrenched in local communities for years. In Broward County, Floridas second-largest school district, officials have floated plans to close up to 42 campuses over the next few years, moves that would have a ripple effect across Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood. The district has lost more than 20,000 students over the last five years, a decline that comes as charter schools in particular experienced sizable growth in the area. Enrollment in charters, which are public schools operating under performance contracts freeing them of many state regulations, increased by nearly 27,000 students since 2010, according to Broward school officials. Broward County Public Schools claims to have more than 49,000 classroom seats sitting empty this year, a number that closely matches the 49,833 students attending charter schools in the area, officials noted in anenrollment overview. These enrollment swings are pressing Broward leaders to combine and condense dozens of schools, efforts that would save the district on major operating costs. So far, some of the ideas are meeting heavy resistance. One proposal aiming to turn a popular Fort Lauderdale magnet school that focuses on the Montessori teaching method into a neighborhood school brought a crowd nearing 200 people in opposition at a recent town hall. There, dozens of audience members, a sea of blue VSY'' shirts representing Virginia Shuman Young elementary, contended the plan would cause an unnecessary disruption for a top-rated school. You are trying to create school communities that attract families, Erin Gohl, the PTA president at VSY, said during the May 6 town hall. Look at what you have before you replicate, dont dismantle and destroy this incredible school community. The strong opposition to school closures prompted Broward Superintendent Howard Hepburn to abruptly back away from the idea for the upcoming school year. But school board members instead directed Hepburn to formulate a plan to close eight schools in 2025 or 2026, contending it was a tough, yet appropriate, decision. "If you want us to offer great education to your children and create the Broward County of tomorrow, you want us to close campuses," school board member Allen Zeman said during a May 14 meeting. "And you want us to spend that money educating your students." Where students are going The enrollment declines for Broward, Duval and Miami coincide with the Covid-19 pandemic, which sent parents seeking new education choices for their children. How traditional public schools handled the pandemic, as well as disagreements over curriculum and subject matter, have also contributed to parents leaving, according to school choice advocates. If your product is better, youll be fine. The problem is, they are a relic of the past a monopolized system where you have one option, Chris Moya, a Florida lobbyist representing charter schools and the states top voucher administering organization, said of traditional public schools. And when parents have options, they vote with their feet. Enrollment among charters has increased by more than 68,000 students statewide from 2019-20 to this school year, according to data from the Florida Department of Education. More than a third of that rise happened in Broward, Duval and Miami counties alone. Private school enrollment across Florida rose by 47,000 students to 445,000 students from 2019-20 to 2022-23, according to the latest data available from the state. Much of that growth is from newly enrolled kindergartners, with only a small fraction of these students having been previously enrolled in public schools, according to Step Up for Students, the preeminent administrator of state-sponsored scholarships in Florida. A growing number of families also chose to homeschool their children during this span, as this population grew by nearly 50,000 students between 2019-20 and 2022-23, totaling 154,000 students in the latest Florida Department of Education data. As all of these choice options ascend, enrollment in traditional public schools across the state decreased by 55,000 students from 2019-20 to this year, state data shows. But enrollment isnt down everywhere. While Duval County has lost thousands of students, enrollment is up by more than 7,700 students at neighboring St. Johns County, the states top-ranked school district. The money follows the student and the family. Its not embedded in a certain system or a certain framework, DeSantis said in April when asked about potential school closures in Duval. And so, the student and the family will be making those decisions. In Miami-Dade, there are expected to be nearly 15,000 new students receiving state funding for education this fall. But all of that growth is flowing to private and charter schools, leaving Miami Dade Public Schools bracing for a decline of more than 4,000 students next year. What may appear to be a great story for a school district on paper actually represents a sizable enrollment dip, Ron Steiger, Chief Financial Officer for Miami Dade Public Schools, told school board members during a May 22 workshop. Those students are not ours, he said. The states scholarship program is expected to grow, which could lead to more students leaving traditional public schools. While most new scholarship recipients previously attended private schools already, there is space for 82,000 more statewide nearly 217,000 total to attend private school or find a different schooling option on the states dime next school year. Further, there will be 22,000 additional scholarships available for families choosing to homeschool up to 40,000 and 16,000 more for students with special needs, according toprojections from state economists. School districts grapple with the decline While school leaders in Miami arent considering closing schools amid an enrollment decline, the district is preparing to repurpose several campuses. The plans are already riling parents who worry about what their new schools could look like. And the growth of school choice programs in Duval County is a key factor behind a budget crisis gripping the school district, according to school officials. Traditional public schools in the area are projected to enroll some 10,000 less students in 2024-25, compared with five years ago, according to Dana Kriznar, interim superintendent of Duval County Public Schools. Similar to Broward, school leaders in Duval are pushing to consolidate and close schools due to the enrollment decline, and preparing to cut more than 700 positions. The district is also expected to run out of federal Covid-19 dollars and is dealing with increased construction costs forpreviously planned projects, adding to the budget crunch. Local communities are scrambling to head off cuts. Near Floridas Atlantic Coast and surrounded by palm trees, Atlantic Beach Elementary has served generations of Floridians in the area just north of Jacksonville since 1939 with a signature art-deco style. But its one of many at risk of closure in Duval County, prompting city commissioners in Atlantic Beach to pass a resolution to save their little pink school from the chopping block. Yet even if the Duval school board spares the classic pink campus, or Broward backs off from Virginia Shuman Young elementary, changes and closures are still bound to happen at traditional public schools in these areas. Its a financial decision that we are making, but we are also not making it without compassion and engaging the community, Duval County school board member Charlotte Joyce said during a recent workshop meeting. If we dont do something about this problem, then it could be the demise of traditional public education in Duval County. Scientists race to prevent invasive coral from smothering native reefs: 'It will invade the entirety of the Caribbean' In the heart of Venezuela, a dedicated team is fighting against a formidable foe threatening the vibrant underwater ecosystems of the Caribbean, as reported by The Washington Post. Estrella Villamizar, a tropical ecology professor at the Central University of Venezuela, is among the leaders in this endeavor. Alongside biologists, chemists, villagers, and entrepreneurs, she's taking on Unomia stolonifera, an invasive coral species threatening the native varieties. "At this point, it is almost certain that it will invade the entirety of the Caribbean," Villamizar said. Invasive species are often referred to as ecological homewreckers because of their ability to disrupt the balance of natural ecosystems. The trouble with invasive species is that they can outcompete native plants and animals for resources like food and water. Since they're not from the area, they often don't have natural predators to keep their populations in check, which can lead to them multiplying rapidly and taking over. This can result in native species declining or even going extinct, which is a big problem for biodiversity. A diverse ecosystem is crucial for things like food production, clean water, and disease regulation all of which are essential for our well-being and the planet's health. Unomia's rapid spread covers vast stretches of coastline totaling around 1,000 square miles. Originating from Indonesia, this slimy coral suffocates local reefs, depriving marine life of crucial habitats. This not only endangers biodiversity but also impacts the livelihoods of people who rely on fishing and tourism. Jorge Garcia, an industrial designer, has developed new machinery to remove Unomia efficiently. His ultrasound technology targets and dislodges the invasive coral, offering a more effective alternative to manual extraction. Garcia's dedication, coupled with personal investment nearing $1 million, showcases a grassroots approach to conservation. Additionally, Project Coralien, a collaborative initiative of marine biologists and chemists, explores novel solutions to make Unomia into waterproofing or fluorescent materials. Finally, The Unomia Project, spearheaded by marine biologist Juan Pedro Ruiz-Allais, expands public awareness of the problem through education and prevention efforts. Despite limited resources, Ruiz-Allais and his team provide essential guidance to fishermen and beachgoers on identifying and containing Unomia. The resilience and determination of local communities and conservationists offer hope for the future of Venezuela's marine ecosystems. As Garcia aptly puts it, "This is a fight for decades, generations." Join our free newsletter for cool news and cool tips that make it easy to help yourself while helping the planet. Secession is here: States, cities and the wealthy are already withdrawing from America Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Republican from Georgia, wants a national divorce. In her view, another Civil War is inevitable unless red and blue states form separate countries. She has plenty of company on the right, where a host of others 52% of Trump voters, Donald Trump himself and prominent Texas Republicans have endorsed various forms of secession in recent years. Roughly 40% of Biden voters have fantasized about a national divorce as well. Some on the left urge a domestic breakup so that a new egalitarian nation might be, as Lincoln said at Gettysburg, brought forth on this continent. The American Civil War was a national trauma precipitated by the secession of 11 Southern states over slavery. It is, therefore, understandable that many pundits and commentators would weigh in about the legality, feasibility and wisdom of secession when others clamor for divorce. But all this secession talk misses a key point that every troubled couple knows. Just as there are ways to withdraw from a marriage before any formal divorce, there are also ways to exit a nation before officially seceding. I have studied secession for 20 years, and I think that it is not just a what if? scenario anymore. In We Are Not One People: Secession and Separatism in American Politics Since 1776, my co-author and I go beyond narrow discussions of secession and the Civil War to frame secession as an extreme end point on a scale that includes various acts of exit that have already taken place across the U.S. GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene wants red and blue states to separate. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images Scaled secession This scale begins with smaller, targeted exits, like a person getting out of jury duty, and progresses to include the larger ways that communities refuse to comply with state and federal authorities. Such refusals could involve legal maneuvers like interposition, in which a community delays or constrains the enforcement of a law it opposes, or nullification, in which a community explicitly declares a law to be null and void within its borders. At the end of the scale, theres secession. From this wider perspective, it is clear that many acts of departure call them secession lite, de facto secession or soft separatism are occurring right now. Americans have responded to increasing polarization by exploring the gradations between soft separatism and hard secession. These escalating exits make sense in a polarized nation whose citizens are sorting themselves into like-minded neighbhorhoods. When compromise is elusive and coexistence is unpleasant, citizens have three options to get their way: Defeat the other side, eliminate the other side or get away from the other side. Imagine a national law; it could be a mandate that citizens brush their teeth twice a day or a statute criminalizing texting while driving. Then imagine that a special group of people did not have to obey that law. This quasi-secession can be achieved in several ways. Maybe this special group moves off the grid into the boondocks where they could text and drive without fear of oversight. Maybe this special group wields political power and can buy, bribe or lawyer their way out of any legal jam. Maybe this special group has persuaded a powerful authority, say Congress or the Supreme Court, to grant them unique legal exemptions. These are hypothetical scenarios, but not imaginary ones. When groups exit public life and its civic duties and burdens, when they live under their own sets of rules, when they do not have to live with fellow citizens they have not chosen or listen to authorities they do not like, they have already seceded. Schools to taxes Present-day America offers numerous hard examples of soft separatism. Over the past two decades, scores of wealthy white communities have separated from more diverse school districts. Advocates cite local control to justify these acts of school secession. But the result is the creation of parallel school districts, both relatively homogeneous but vastly different in racial makeup and economic background. Several prominent district exits have occurred in the South places like St. George, Louisiana but instances from northern Maine to Southern California show that school splintering is happening nationwide. As one reporter wrote, If you didnt want to attend school with certain people in your district, you just needed to find a way to put a district line between you and them. Many other examples of legalized separatism revolve around taxes. Disney World, for example, was classified as a special tax district in Florida in 1967. These special districts are functionally separate local governments and can provide public services and build and maintain their own infrastructure. The company has saved millions by avoiding typical zoning, permitting and inspection processes for decades, although Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has recently challenged Disneys special designation. Disney was only one of 1,800 special tax districts in Florida; there are over 35,000 in the nation. Jeff Bezos paid no federal income taxes in 2011. Elon Musk paid almost none in 2018. Tales of wealthy individuals avoiding taxes are as common as stories of rich Americans buying their way out of jail. Wealthier Americans, Robert Reich lamented as far back as the early 1990s, have been withdrawing into their own neighborhoods and clubs for generations. Reich worried that a new secession allowed the rich to inhabit a different economy from other Americans. Some of the nations wealthiest citizens pay an effective tax rate close to zero. As one investigative reporter put it, the ultrawealthy sidestep the system in an entirely legal way. Spectators applaud after the Buckingham County Board of Supervisors unanimously votes to pass a Second Amendment sanctuary resolution at a meeting in Buckingham, Va., Dec. 9, 2019. AP Photo/Steve Helber One nation, divisible Schools and taxes are just a start. Eleven states dub themselves Second Amendment sanctuaries and refuse to enforce federal gun restrictions. Movements aiming to carve off rural, more politically conservative portions of blue states are growing; 11 counties in Eastern Oregon support seceding and reclassifying themselves as Greater Idaho, a move that Idahos state government supports. Hoping to become a separate state independent of Chicagos political influence, over two dozen rural Illinois counties have passed pro-secession referendums. Some Texas Republicans back Texit, where the state becomes an independent nation. Separatist ideas come from the Left, too. Cal-exit, a plan for California to leave the union after 2016, was the most acute recent attempt at secession. And separatist acts have reshaped life and law in many states. Since 2012, 21 states have legalized marijuana, which is federally illegal. Sanctuary cities and states have emerged since 2016 to combat aggressive federal immigration laws and policies. Some prosecutors and judges refuse to prosecute women and medical providers for newly illegal abortions in some states. Estimates vary, but some Americans are increasingly opting out of hypermodern, hyperpolarized life entirely. Intentional communities, rural, sustainable, cooperative communes like East Wind in the Ozarks, are, as The New York Times reported in 2020, proliferating across the country. In many ways, America is already broken apart. When secession is portrayed in its strictest sense, as a group of people declaring independence and taking a portion of a nation as they depart, the discussion is myopic, and current acts of exit hide in plain sight. When it comes to secession, the question is not just What if? but What now? This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Michael J. Lee, College of Charleston Read more: Michael J. Lee does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. On Friday, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) celebrated a provision he secured in the 2024 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill that will help protect local control of Atlantas Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL). The Senators provision provides additional protections and clarity in the event that the state legislature attempts to wrestle control of ATL away from the City of Atlanta, as it often threatens. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Hartsfield-Jackson is the busiest airport in the world, connecting tens of millions of travelers to the incredible history, culture, and businesses that make up The A. Its only right that the City of Atlanta continues to control this gateway to the city, said Senator Reverend Warnock. My provision helps protect millions in revenue flowing from Hartsfield-Jackson to Atlanta, and helps enable the city to continue supporting minority-owned small businesses. I was proud to secure these meaningful protections to guard against cynical state politicians trying to seize control of the airport. The Georgia State Legislature passed a measure in 2019 to take over control of ATL from the city of Atlanta. The Senators provision, which he secured after offering it as an amendment during the Commerce Committees FAA markup earlier this year, codifies certain protections and processes in the event of a disputed change of sponsorship at a federally obligated, publicly owned airport. This provision would make it harder for a hostile FAA to support such a takeover. It also protects millions in revenue for the city of Atlanta and ensures the airport can continue to promote contracts with minority-owned businesses and contractors. TRENDING STORIES: Owning and operating the worlds busiest airport is something the City of Atlanta takes great pride in. ATL is the regions premier economic generator, providing roughly 63,000 jobs with an annual $66 Billion economic impact on the state of Georgia, said Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. Because of former Mayor Jacksons vision for equity and inclusion, women and minority-owned businesses are guaranteed a seat at the table of ATLs growth and success. Thank you to Senator Warnock for his leadership and all who worked on guaranteeing additional protections for the City to keep ensuring equitable excellence at ATL at the federal level. The provision passed as part of the 2024 FAA reauthorization bill, which included provisions championed by Senator Warnock that will transform the aviation industry. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] IN OTHER NEWS: Severe storms are possible overnight, but tornado risk is low The National Weather Service warns of possible severe storms late Saturday night into Sunday morning. In a social media post on Saturday afternoon, NWS Des Moines posted an update for the forecast of Saturday night's chance of storms. A few strong to severe storms possible LATE tonight. After midnight, moving from SW to NE across the area. Main threat will be for strong to damaging winds and smaller hail. Conditions clear out through Sunday morning. #iawx pic.twitter.com/nUkBWBOZSv NWS Des Moines (@NWSDesMoines) May 25, 2024 Storms will move northeast through the night, according to the post. Southwestern Iowa, including the southern part of the Des Moines metro area, is included in a slight risk (level 2 of 5). Strong storms and heavy rain are possible further north. Strong gusts are the primary threat of these incoming storms, but heavy rain, hail and even tornadoes are possible. There is a much smaller chance of things going awry, said Allan Curtis, a meteorologist at the weather service's Des Moines office. The strongest storms are expected between 1 a.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday. What to do if storms get severe in Iowa "The good news with this threat is that the greatest threat is going to be south of the state, kind of back towards Kansas, Missouri, and even back down in Oklahoma," Curtis said. "Generally speaking, there really isn't much of a tornado threat with this, so mainly a wind threat overnight." There isn't much of a threat for tornadoes, Curtis said. However, it's important to know what's coming. "The best way to kind of stay aware is understanding that there may be some stronger storms or severe storms overnight," he said. "Be prepared to take action if you have to." What's the Des Moines radar show? The National Weather Service recommends keeping an eye on radar and making sure you have weather alerts pushed through. You can stay up to date on forecasts on the NWS website. Weather Embedded content: https://radar.weather.gov/ridge/standard/KDMX_loop.gif What's the weather supposed to be like for Memorial Day? Conditions are expected to clear out through Sunday morning, according to the NWS Des Moines' social media post, Monday has a small chance of showers and possible thunderstorms in the afternoon. But, for the most part, Memorial Day get-togethers and celebrations are expected to have the sun shine down on them with a high of 77 and a breeze blowing in from the west. Kyle Werner is a reporter for the Register. Reach him at kwerner@dmreg.com. This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Severe storms could hit Iowa early Sunday, but tornado risk low The Vietnam War was one of the longest, costliest, deadliest wars the United States has ever fought. It was one of the most protested, brutal and complex wars in our history. It is a story of death, sorrow and pain. The war was different in many ways from World War II. During World War II, the United States declared war on Japan and Germany, had a plan to win the war, had the complete support of the people and had the atomic bomb, which it used on Japan to end the war. The United States never declared war on North Vietnam, did not have the full support of the people, and did not have the option of using the atomic bomb. World War II veterans came home as heroes. Vietnam Veterans came home losers. For the United States Marine Corps, it was the costliest war we ever fought. We lost five times more Marines than in World War I, three times more than in Korea, and had more Marines killed and wounded than in all of World War II. For 13 months, the North Vietnam Army and Viet Cong were trying to kill us [my fellow Marines and me] and the only way to survive was to kill them first. You change under pressure seeing death up close every day and pushed to the limits of what the human body and soul can endure. I don't know if it was worth my soul. I can never get that back. Coming home from the war did something to my generation of veterans that the war never could. We came home to anger and hate and were called losers, drug addicts and baby killers. Military organizations turned their backs on us. Employers wanted nothing to do with those who were exposed to the demoralizing effects of drugs and defeat. We soon realized we had not defeated all our enemies. The media publicized the war and told many lies and made those fighting the war look bad. One of the biggest tragedies of war is not the bullets or shrapnel that tear into your flesh. Sometimes, even dying is not the worst thing that can happen to you. 'From these honored dead': Finding America's memory on Memorial Day | R. Bruce Anderson But killing to survive and putting your friends into body bags and knowing you cannot stop the horror and madness can destroy your soul and make you a casualty of war for years to come. The war and homecoming made us what we are, whether we like it or not. It shaped our lives mentally, physically and spiritually, and rarely for the good. War is a nightmare 24 hours a day, and at any moment, that nightmare could turn into reality. Ken Leland of Lakeland served as a Marine Corps sergeant and squad leader in Vietnam from 1966 to 1967. Wounded twice, his 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation. He has been a speaker for Vietnam Veterans of America for 23 years speaking in high schools, universities, civic organizations and others about his service before, during and after the Vietnam War. This article originally appeared on The Ledger: Lakeland Vietnam veteran recalls death, sorrow and pain DODGE COUNTY, Wis. (WFRV) A man from De Pere who is a suspect in an attempted homicide case from Shawano County was arrested after a pursuit with deputies in the southern part of Wisconsin on Saturday. According to the Dodge County Sheriffs Office, deputies were warned by the Shawano County Sheriffs Office that the attempted homicide suspect may have fled south in a white Ford Focus. Brown County youth tennis coach in custody as investigation into growing number of young victims continues Around 3 p.m. on May 25, a Flock Camera within Dodge County captured the suspects vehicle on USH 151 southbound. Deputies responded to USH 151 north of Beaver Dam along with officers from the Beaver Dam Police Department. Shortly after, a second Flock Camera captured the suspect vehicle southbound on County Highway A. Deputies would then find the suspect vehicle, later identified as being driven by 31-year-old De Pere man Jordan K. Feemster, on STH 16/26 southbound near West Clymet Road in the Town of Clyman. Feemster then allegedly took off at a high rate of speed, leading to a pursuit. Deputies say Feemster accelerated to around 125mph, almost hit two vehicles, and exited at STH 16 eastbound on the north side of Watertown. Pickup truck collides with 145-pound black bear on a Wisconsin highway After exiting at CTH L and turning northbound, Feemster reportedly almost hit another driver. The suspect went through a second roundabout and went the wrong way on the off-ramp to STH 16 westbound to CTH L. A foot pursuit was then initiated after Feemster got out of the vehicle. Feemster was taken to the Dodge County Jail on felony charges of Knowingly Fleeing an Officer and Recklessly Endangering Safety, and misdemeanor charges of Reckless Driving and Resisting/ Obstructing an Officer. No additional information was provided. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. She was beautiful: A mother deep in grief over loss of her daughter, allegedly slain by a man she had reported for harassing her In the small back bedroom of a West Side apartment, the ceiling light stays on. Day and night, rain or shine, the light falls on an elaborate tribute to Rickisha King-Tiggs: her backpack, her graduation regalia, the expensive Fendi bag she once hid under her bed. It sits on the dresser, never used, protective wrapping still on its handles. There is a tall stand-up cutout of Rickisha in long braids and a blue dress, the one she wore to Gibsons on her last birthday. Dried roses, more after each visit to the cemetery. A stack of small Bibles in the corner by the window. The bed is covered in neatly arranged clothes from all eras of Rickishas life: gym shorts from grammar school, her beret from high school, college sweatshirts. Next to the bed are two laundry bags stuffed full. Rickisha was shot dead in October 2022, at age 25. Her mother Misty Tiggs washed the dirty clothes she left behind; she hasnt yet found the strength to fold them. Before Misty leaves the house, she gives the figure of Rickisha a goodbye kiss. And then she steps outside, lonely and grieving, furious and fragile and desolate, with a bone-deep belief that it all could have been avoided. The man charged in Rickishas killing was their neighbor. Misty and Rickisha had reported him to law enforcement at least twice before for threatening incidents, one of which allegedly turned violent. The system has limits, even against a known potential threat a reality underscored in March when a pregnant woman in Edgewater was allegedly stabbed by a man who had harassed her for years, killing her 11-year-old son when he came to her aid. But Misty lives with all the ifs: If police had taken her complaints more seriously in the weeks before the shooting, if they had come faster after she repeatedly called 911 the day of the shooting, or if Rickishas father was still alive to handle things his way, she thinks, everything might be different. Like a diamond She shined so bright, Misty recalls. Like a diamond. Like a diamond, too, Rickisha was strong and sharp, smart beyond her years even as a very young child. She was brainy and confident and fanatically determined. After playing an attorney in a school mock trial, the judge was so impressed he shook her hand and told her she should be a lawyer, said Misty, who recounts that story often and with pride. Rickisha was Mistys only child, and whatever she wanted, she got. Misty talked so much about gifts for her baby Christmas presents, Easter baskets that one new friend finally asked her girl, how old is your baby? Her baby was, at that point, long grown. Misty scrolls through her iPhone photos and little fragments of Rickisha come alive again: In a Cubs jersey, eating chicken wings with a sly smile. Posing with Midnight, the black cat she somehow persuaded Misty to let her keep for a while. Graduations, formal dances, the time she came home with her hair in a bouncy ginger bob: Ma, I look like a red Marilyn! Pearls, purses, manicures. Military-school posture and a confident look in her eye. Every day was picture day with Misty and Rickisha. Rickisha was born of a special love, as Misty called it, between her and her longtime partner Rickey Jayson King, who had fallen for each other in their teens. Rickey was smart and magnetic, everyone said, with a charisma that made people want to know him. He also had a fierce protective streak, especially when it came to Misty and Rickisha; on his hand was tattooed family first. His street hustle supported his loved ones and then some: One Christmas, Misty recalled, he bought presents for every single kid in her apartment building. Rickey was a street guy, nobody denies that. On Monopoly night, he and Rickisha played with real $20s. But he always pushed Rickisha to go to school and study hard: Be great, Misty remembers him telling her. Be great. Rickey and Rickisha were closer than close. Rickisha would confide in her father things she would never tell her mother; sometimes, if Misty had kicked him out of the house, Rickisha would stealthily let him back in. And in turn, Rickey was incredibly protective of Rickisha. He and Misty put her in a CPS military school, Carver Military Academy, to help give her structure and discipline; at her graduation, Rickey cheered loudest. She got a scholarship to Illinois State University and moved downstate. She was thriving there until Rickey was killed. He was on the parkway near Adams and Hamlin one afternoon in November 2016 when someone opened fire from across the street and shot him in the head. And Rickey charismatic, beaming Rickey, Rickey who took his little brothers calculator away to teach him to do math homework in his head Rickey was gone. Everything turned to chaos. Misty was inconsolable. Rickisha was shattered. She couldnt function at school, lost her scholarship, and moved back home in a profound depression. She barely ate. Misty, herself hurt and grieving, did her best to guide her through. It took a year and a half for Rickishas fog to start lifting. On the other side, she found Jesus. She became so intensely devout that people in the neighborhood started calling her the God child. Every day she said, Ma, you pray today? Misty recalled. Did you pray last night? Did you say your prayers before you went to sleep? Say your prayers, Ma, God coming back for all his angels. Who would have thought she was talking about herself? The neighbor Rickisha healed enough to re-enroll in school, getting an associate degree from City Colleges. Her graduation photos show her beaming in a cap and gown. She found jobs and worked hard, but still lived with Misty; the two were too close to think about her moving away again. Misty and Rickisha lived together in a brick courtyard building on Drexel Avenue in Chatham. The street was quiet enough, and the apartment was spacious and tidy. But one of their neighbors in the same building was causing problems, Misty said. Rickisha had called police to complain about Eugene Arnold as far back as June 2021, records show. According to a police report, Rickisha told officers Arnold had walked up to her as she entered the gate to the apartment complex; when she asked him to leave her alone he threatened to blow (her) brains out and jumped toward her in an intimidating fashion, a police report states. It had been an ongoing problem, Rickisha told police he had twice before followed her from the Green Line to the bus stop; one of those times, he walked so close behind her she could sense him in her personal space, she said, according to the report. She had also caught him looking from his apartment into her bedroom window, which was across from his, the report states. Misty had to go to Walmart for blackout curtains she found some in pink, Rickishas favorite color. Officers told Misty and Rickisha how to go ask a judge for an order of protection and get a warrant, the report states. They didnt end up doing so, a choice Misty said she now regrets. Most of the time, though, Misty just tried to ignore him. He dont exist to me, she said. That aggravates him. She wanted to avoid him one evening in early October of 2022, she said. She was on her way into the building when she saw him; as soon as he saw her, Misty said, he started yelling: dumb bitch, ugly-ass bitch. She had enough. What is wrong with you? she remembers asking him. Why the (expletive) you keep doing this? He advanced toward her, she says, and she picked up a nearby brick and hurled it but missed. He began hitting her with a bottle, striking and punching her while she tucked herself into a ball, she said. He took off before police arrived, and while police went to his apartment they couldnt contact him, records state. The officers told Misty how to get a warrant or summons, according to a police report. She could have gone to the hood, she told the Tribune; she knew where he lived, she knew people who could have torn the building apart to find him. But she was trying to live right, you know? she said. And I was doing it wrong. I did it wrong. Cause now my baby gone. She went to the domestic violence courthouse the next day, she said, and they gave her contact information for a detective. Building a case would take time, Misty said the detective told her; he needed to get security video from the building manager, he needed to get other things sorted out. Misty took photos of Arnolds van and license plate herself one night, she said. Misty called the detectives desk repeatedly, at Rickishas urging, to try to check in, but often had a difficult time reaching him, she told the Tribune. Meanwhile, Misty started using the back gate in an attempt to avoid Eugene Arnold. Rickisha would walk with her, the daughter protecting the mother. Three weeks later, the detective hadnt met her face to face, or taken her statement, Misty said. Misty and Rickisha were walking together near the building when they saw Arnolds van. Records from Chicago police and the Office of Emergency Management and Communications describe what happened next: Misty called 911 at 4:19 p.m. She told the call-taker she had just seen the man who had attacked her a few weeks ago; she gave the calltaker the license plate and the Records Division number under which the battery was logged. Send police, she said. Shortly afterward she called Area 2 detectives and asked for the detective who had been assigned to the battery. He was not working, she was told; she told the detective who picked up the phone what was happening, including the license plate, records state. If police did not show up in 10 minutes, he told her to call 911 again, according to the report. The detective then called OEMC himself and asked for officers to be sent to meet Misty, records show. At 4:29 p.m. Misty called 911 again. Arnold was still circling the area, she said. Misty told the Tribune that the call-taker asked, didnt you just call? and said she had to give police time to get there. At 4:50, she called 911 again, and asked if the police were coming. And then, while she was on the phone, she told the call-taker that she saw Arnolds van, coming toward her. Even in the sterile language of a police report, the despair comes through. TIGGS then began to scream that ARNOLD had a gun and just shot at them TIGGS then further screamed that he had shot her baby. All these months later, sitting on a couch in her lawyers office, Misty describes it unprompted, and its happening in front of her all over again. I begged Jehovah to save my baby. I just didnt want her to leave, I begged and begged and begged. I didnt know put my hand on the blood? Dont put my hand on the blood? Screamed and ran, I didnt know what to do shut her eyes? In her voice there is a rising panic. She hunches over, her whole body shaking, and she claws at her bracelet. She tried, she tried, she tried to just breathe, she tried to breathe. She was just hurt. Officers arrived to find her lying on the sidewalk next to Rickisha, distraught. One officer, then another, tried to gently pry her away. She didnt move. It took a group of police officers to help her to her feet. At the hospital she got the terrible news: Rickisha was dead. We dropped the ball, Misty said a detective told her. The grief For a couple of weeks after the shooting Misty didnt shower. She couldnt bring herself to live in the building on Drexel, and she couldnt bear to stay with friends who had children I dont got my baby. What I want to be around other babies for? She stayed in Milwaukee with her cousin Titus for a few months, the cousin who had sped to her side and supported her after the shooting. She lived with her mother for awhile, but all she wanted to do was sleep and cry, and she could see the toll that took on her mother. Eventually she spent about six months and too much money in a hotel, she said. When she found the new place on the West Side she set up the bedroom for Rickisha. She slept in there once, right in the middle so as not to disturb the clothes and pillows she had put there in memoriam. She didnt do it again. But she doesnt really sleep much anymore anyway, she said. She was prescribed pills to help with that, but sometimes also drinks more than she used to. Her mind hasnt been the same since the shooting. She easily loses her train of thought. She cant always form words without stuttering. She visits the grave, where her daughter was laid to rest in silver shoes and a dress so expensive Mistys friends were shocked. But Rickisha was a princess, Misty says, and she was buried like a princess: Pearls on her neck. Ring on her finger and her hair was beautiful. She was beautiful she wasnt going to have it no other way. Misty has visited Rickishas gravesite at all hours, bringing flowers and Rickishas favorite food. When its cold she sets up a fire pit and goes home smelling of smoke. In late March, on Rickishas birthday, she decorated the gravesite with flowers and posters and invited loved ones to meet her there for cake. Once, she admits a little drunk, she laid down next to Rickishas grave and slept for 45 minutes. It was some the best rest she had in a long time. Rickisha was laid to rest next to her father: as close in death as they were in life. If he had been around, everyone agrees, nothing ever would have happened to Rickisha. Anyone giving Misty or Rickisha trouble would have found themselves in Rickeys way. If anything, Misty speculates, Rickey would be in jail now for what he would have done to her attacker. So Misty visits the gravesites, often with food and flowers, and thinks and cries. Rickisha found comfort in God after Rickeys death, a solace Misty cant quite find it all feels too unfair for a loving God to have allowed. People tell her to channel her grief into something productive, maybe work with other mourning mothers, but helping others feels impossible when she cant help herself. About a year after the shooting came a particularly jarring phone call, Misty said. It was from from the detective who had been assigned to investigate her beating. Did she, he asked, still want to make a statement? The aftermath Eugene Arnold was arrested in the hours after Rickishas shooting and charged with murder and attempted murder. His case has been messy in the usual Cook County ways. Its first judge was reassigned after allegations of misconduct unrelated to the case. After more than a year and a half, prosecutors and defense still have not exchanged all the potential evidence. There is no realistic prospect of trial anytime soon. Arnold is represented by a public defender but has flooded the court file with handwritten paperwork as if he is his own attorney. A county psychiatrist found him fit to stand trial, saying that he is not exhibiting signs of mental illness and any statements to the contrary should be deemed volitional that is, he is trying to seem as if he is mentally ill. His public defender wants a second opinion defense attorneys widely regard the county doctors as rubber stamps but the process is slow. The Cook County public defenders office declined to comment for this story. Misty has gotten a lawyer to represent her as a victim in the criminal case. She knew Steve Greenberg since he had done some legal work for Rickey, and she called him to ask for help just a few days after the shooting. For 35 years Ive been hearing sad stories, and this is right up there at the top, Greenberg told the Tribune. There were so many chances to avoid this, and they just failed her at every turn. Chicago police declined to comment for this story, citing the pending litigation. Misty got another set of attorneys to file a wrongful-death lawsuit against the Drexel buildings management; the building attorneys deny any wrongdoing, noting that the shooting itself didnt happen in the building. Mistys attorneys have declared an intention to sue the city as well. But Misty focuses on criminal court. Very little happens in the typical pretrial hearing, even in a murder case. Victims families rarely attend each court date. It is a significant stressor with very little payoff: A long trip to the courthouse, a long security line, a long wait until the courtroom doors are unlocked, and a long wait for the case to be called, only for it to be over in a couple of jargon-filled minutes. Misty has attended nearly every hearing, even though it rips her up every time. Sometimes she wears a force field, a piece of clothing with her daughters name or photo on it. One sweatshirt reads JUSTICE FOR RICKISHA. Next to her on the bench she drapes a white necktie a stand-in for Rickey. At a hearing this month she waited hours, tense and trembling, through a litany of other peoples cases. When the case was called, Arnold walked into the room and looked out into the gallery. Misty turned her face toward the wall. As the attorneys updated the judge on the status of the case still seeking discovery, still hoping to get Arnold a second mental health examination Arnold kept interjecting. Misty hunched over and plugged her ears with her fingers. He objected to being called the public defenders client, he said he was perplexed that he was still there. And then he started to scream he had been shot by these people, indicating the gallery where Misty was sitting, yelling that they tried to assassinate a United States presidential candidate. Misty got up and sped out of the courtroom, crying. Yeah, leave! Arnold screamed, and accused her of having shot him which she said confused and upset her. Mistys cries were audible from the hallway as Arnold was escorted back, still yelling, into the lockup. Misty walked out of the courthouse with tears on her face. On the plaza she pulled out a small creased cigarette and asked for a light from an off-duty sheriffs deputy, who offered her the ashen end of his cigar. She made her way down the steps and walked north into the spring sunshine, still shaken. mcrepeau@chicagotribune.com Silvestre S. Herrera, one of Arizona's greatest World War II heroes, was born in Mexico A gray marble monument on state Capitol grounds was installed in 1963. Inscribed into the monument is the name of the late Silvestre S. Herrera, a Mexican-born soldier who received the Congressional Medal of Honor for outstanding service during World War II. The medal is the country's highest award for military valor in action. U.S. Army Pvt. Herrera defended his platoon against heavy machine-gun fire March 15, 1945, near Merzwiller, France, leading to eight German soldiers surrendering, according to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. Just after his feet were severed when he moved through a minefield, Herrera stopped enemy combatants at a second emplacement. President Harry Truman handed Herrera the medal, telling him he would have preferred being a Medal of Honor recipient over being president. "That made me even more proud," Herrera once told The Republic. In 1986, in another interview, he would tell a Republic reporter, "I don't consider myself a hero." Herrera was born in 1916 in the Mexican state of Chihuahua. His family moved to El Paso before settling in the Phoenix area, according to historian Pete Dimas. Despite being a Mexican national, Herrera was drafted. "Didnt have to go but went anyway,' Dimas said of Herrera, who died in November 2007 in Glendale. The Migration Policy Institute tabulated 2022 data from the U.S. Census Bureau and found Mexico is the country of birth of 15% of foreign-born U.S. armed forces veterans. As of 2022, there were nearly 731,000 U.S. veterans born outside the country, according to the Migration Policy Institute. Honor guard prepares for the funeral of Silvestre S. Herrera at St. Thomas More Church in Glendale on Dec. 8, 2007. Silvestre S. Herrera was a Mexican-born recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor. First Arizonan to win the award during WWII. Since 2002, the U.S. military has naturalized more than 170,000 service members, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Frank Luke: A look back at the WWI ace posthumously awarded a Medal of Honor Army sergeant, Marine posthumously honored for WWI heroism Another World War II soldier of Mexican descent who received the Medal of Honor was the Arizona-born Manuel V. Mendoza, who in 2014 was posthumously honored by President Barack Obama. Mendoza was born in 1922 in Gila County and died in 2001 in Mesa. Army Staff Sgt. Mendozas actions led to the killing of 30 German soldiers on Oct. 4, 1944, near Mount Battaglia, Italy, according to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. Mortars struck his platoon, wounding him in the arm and leg. Mendoza took a submachine gun and ran toward enemy fire, alternating weapons multiple times. Mendoza had lived under segregation in the Gila County town of Miami, said Christine Marin, a professor emeritus at Arizona State University, A clipping from the Sept. 19, 1986, issue of The Arizona Republic showing Silvestre S. Herrera. "Miami ... has this terrible history that people don't talk about much anymore of how Mexican, Mexican Americans faced racism and discrimination in schools, in the community, at work," Marin said. A state law that was struck down in 1952 had segregated Black students and was used as the rationale for separating Mexican, Mexican American and Native American children into one school in Miami before they entered an integrated high school, Marin said. Army Staff Sgt. Kazuo Otani rounds out the three World War II Medal of Honor recipients assigned to Arizona by the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. A resident California's Central Valley, Otaini joined the Army and served while his family members were detained at the Gila River internment camp in Arizona. He visited his parents one last time at the camp before sailing overseas. Otani was 26 when he died July 15, 1944, near Pieve Santa Luce, Italy, as he rendered aid to a wounded soldier after fighting off enemy combatants, according to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society. He was awarded the medal posthumously in 2000 by President Bill Clinton. Otani is the only Asian American and Pacific Islander honoree out of Arizona. U.S. Marine Oscar P. Austin, who died on Feb. 23, 1969, in the Vietnam War, is the only Black honoree. Who are Arizona's Congressional Medal of Honor recipients? According to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society website, Arizona is assigned 15 recipients, including Herrera and Mendoza. Here are some of the other men who have received a Medal of Honor on behalf of Arizona, along with the conflict and the date for which they earned commendation. Frank Luke Jr., U.S. Army Air Service; World War I; Sept. 29, 1918. John H. Pruitt, Marines; World War I; Oct. 3, 1918. Billy L. Lauffer, Army; Vietnam War; Sept. 21, 1966. Frederick E. Ferguson, Army; Vietnam War; Jan. 31, 1968. Jay R. Vargas, Marines; Vietnam War; April 30-May 2, 1968. Nicky D. Bacon, Army; Vietnam War; Aug. 26, 1968. Jose F. Jimenez, Marines; Vietnam War; Aug. 28, 1969. Luke Air Force Base: Luke Air Force Base is named after Frank Luke Jr., who Was a World War I ace pilot shot down over France. He was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and Medal of Honor, the first airman to be awarded the nation's highest medal. Tough measure on immigration enforcement A little less than 100 feet away from the monument with Herrera's inscription is the Arizona Senate building. Republicans on May 22 passed House Concurrent Resolution 2060 to send the bill to a vote in the House chamber. The ballot measure on immigration enforcement, which could appear on the Nov. 5 ballot, would target Latinos, critics have argued. "No matter how much good we do, there's always going to be people that will try and find a way to push our community out," Cesar Fierros, Living United for Change in Arizona (LUCHA) communications director, said in an interview. HCR 2060 would make crossing the Arizona-Mexico border a state crime, permit border crossers to be arrested and deported by state officials, block undocumented migrants from state benefits and push for verification of employee immigration status. Reach breaking news reporter Jose R. Gonzalez at jose.gonzalez@gannett.com or on X, formerly Twitter: @jrgzztx. This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Congressional Medal of Honor heroes assigned to Arizona LONDON, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Twelve people were injured on Sunday after a Qatar Airways flight from Doha to Dublin hit turbulence. The Boeing 787-9 dreamliner experienced turbulence while flying over Turkey, according to the operator of Dublin Airport, the DAA. "Qatar Airways flight QR017 from Doha landed safely as scheduled at Dublin Airport shortly before 1 p.m. (1200 GMT) on Sunday, said Graeme McQueen, the media relations manager at the DAA. "Upon landing, the aircraft was met by emergency services, including Airport Police and our Fire and Rescue department, due to six passengers and six crew (12 total) on board reporting injuries," said McQueen. Operations at the airport are unaffected, according to the DAA. The incident came just days after severe turbulence on a Singapore Airlines flight from London to Singapore left one passenger dead and dozens of others injured, forcing an emergency landing at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Thailand's capital Bangkok. SLED called in to assist following officer-involved shooting in Florence County FLORENCE COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is aiding the Florence County Sheriffs Office in an investigation following an officer-involved shooting, authorities said on Sunday. Details are limited, but Maj. Michael Nunn said SLEDs assistance was requested as is standard procedure. The incident happened along National Cemetery Road, and Sheriff T.J. Joye requested SLEDs help, Nunn said in an email. Count on News13 for updates to this developing story. * * * Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW. PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) A man suffered facial injuries in a carjacking in Southeast Portland early Saturday morning and the suspect remains on the run. The carjacking happened around 4:30 a.m. and officers went to the scene near Southeast 42nd and Woodstock Boulevard after a report about shots being fired. On arrival, they found a man who said he was sleeping in the car when the carjacker approached and fired a shot through the cars window, then stole the car, officials said. The glass shards had also cut the mans face. Protesters accused of kicking PSU campus police chief during confrontation Authorities added the man didnt own the car he was sleeping in. A man, who identifies himself as Robot, told KOIN 6 News he knows the victim. He was also in the nearby Plaid Pantry returning cans when the victim came into the store after the carjacking. He was just really worried that he had wounds and he was bleeding a lot in the face and all over, he recalled. Hes a really good guy and I didnt like seeing that happen to him, because he didnt deserve it at all. He was just resting. According to PPB, no immediate arrests were made and the case is still under investigation. No further information has been released at this time. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com. New Smyrna Beach High School seniors celebrate graduation 2024 at the Ocean Center New Smyrna Beach High School seniors turned their tassels and celebrated as the Class of 2024 Saturday night at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach. Of the 452 graduates, 100 received scholar designations; 230 received industry scholar designations; 14 received the Florida Seal of Biliteracy; 16 earned an associate degree; and 42 were named AICE Cambridge graduates. New Smyrna Beach High School, Class of 2024 Commencement Program, Saturday May 25, 2025 at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach. Nine students are entering the military. The senior class as a whole earned 23,260 hours of community service and more than $1.1 million in scholarships. This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: NSB High School graduation photos live from the Ocean Center President of the ANC Cyril Ramaphosa attends a rally ahead of the upcoming election at FNB stadium in Johannesburg By Tim Cocks JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) -South Africans will vote on Wednesday with widespread anger over power cuts, joblessness and corruption threatening to end the dominance of the African National Congress, thirty years after Nelson Mandela led it into power. At no point since world media beamed iconic images of Black South African voters queueing to cast ballots for the first time following the end of white-minority rule has the ANC looked so likely to lose its parliamentary majority. Polls suggest the ANC's share of the vote could fall as low as 40%, compared with 57.5% in 2019, which would force the party into a wobbly coalition with rivals - and potentially expose President Cyril Ramaphosa to a leadership challenge. Yet a survey released earlier this week by Afrobarometer suggested a third of voters were undecided, making this poll the most unpredictable in South Africa's democratic history. Nicole Beardsworth, politics researcher at the University of the Witwatersrand, sees the ANC getting "a bit of a bump" on the day, confounding the worst predictions - especially with Ramaphosa's introduction this month of popular measures such as a national health insurance law and proposed basic income grant. "But I don't think we're going to see the ANC get over 50%," she said. "They're ... going to have negotiate a coalition. The big question is: with whom?" Much will depend on how well or badly they do, she said. A small margin would enable them to do a deal with a marginal party with limited leverage to make significant demands. Bigger losses could mean a coalition with the Marxist Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) - a prospect that makes business leaders and South Africa's privileged white minority shudder - or with several small parties that could thwart decision-making. Yet some think punishment at the polls could be a catalyst for the ANC to clean itself up: "A different party might come out of it," independent analyst Ralph Mathekga said. ACHIEVEMENTS AND FAILURES For three decades the ANC has traded off its legacy of freeing the Black majority from white rulers whose apartheid system took their land, kept them poor and uneducated, and forbade them to visit most of the country except to clean houses or dig gold mines. In its early years in government, it began reversing these inequities - bringing electricity, water and half-decent housing to millions. But corruption and incompetence have eroded some of those gains. State power provider Eskom's creaking coal-fired power stations haven't kept up with demand, causing frequent blackouts, while roads, sewage treatment plants and schools rot from the inside. A third of South Africans are jobless. "I don't see what I'm voting for. We don't have roads (or decent) houses," Zinhle Nyakenye, 31 and unemployed, told Reuters in Mandela's home town of Qunu, as she fetched water for household use from a stream. Corruption has spread, although a strong rule of law - one of the ANC's most enduring legacies - has resulted in legal proceedings against powerful people such as ex-president Jacob Zuma, while the parliamentary speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula resigned last month. Both deny wrongdoing. Zuma in December created a breakaway party called uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) that could take votes from the ANC in its eastern Zulu heartlands. It may also stir up trouble if Zuma's supporters - who rioted and looted for days when he was arrested for contempt of court in July 2021 - don't like the results. But South Africa's robust legal system also means rules for coalition building are clear, even if the players have never done it, said Chatham House's Chris Vandome. "South Africa's system was designed so that political parties in a very fractured country could work together," Vandome said. "It was never designed for a dominant party to maintain absolute control ... for 30 years." (Additional reporting by Nellie Peyton and Nqobile Dludla; Editing by Estelle Shirbon and Toby Chopra) Supporters of the main opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) party attend a final election rally in Benoni, South Africa, Sunday, May 26, 2024. South Africa's four main political parties began the final weekend of campaigning Saturday before a possibly pivotal election that could bring the country's most important change in three decades. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe) JOHANNESBURG (AP) South Africa's main opposition party Democratic Alliance on Sunday made its final appeal to voters to help it unseat the ruling African National Congress as it concluded its campaign ahead of elections this week. The Democratic Alliance is the biggest opposition party in South Africa and has gathered some smaller opposition parties to form a pact known as the Multi-Party Charter for South Africa, which will see the group combine their votes to challenge the ANC after the elections. Sunday's rally coincided with that of the smaller opposition Inkatha Freedom Party, which has the populous KwaZulu-Natal province as its stronghold and has committed to work with the main opposition. Recent polls have put the ANC's support at less than 50% of the national vote ahead of the election, putting it in danger of possibly losing its majority. The Democratic Alliance is also under pressure after its support declined in the last national elections and a number of its leaders left to form new parties that will be competing in the polls. Supporters came out in the thousands Sunday in Benoni, east of Johannesburg, where the DA's blue colored flags and party memorabilia decorated a small stadium in the town. Make no mistake, if DA voters stay at home, or they split the vote among many small parties on the ballot, then our country's next chapter could be even uglier than the past, said party leader John Steenhuisen. If we sit back and allow a coalition between the ANC, the (Economic Freedom Fighters) and the (uMkhonto weSizwe), aided by the sell-outs in the Patriotic Alliance, then our tomorrow will be far, far worse than yesterday. It will be doomsday for South Africa, he said to loud applause. A coalition between the DA and other parties including the Patriotic Alliance in the Johannesburg council after the 2021 local government elections collapsed, handing power back to an ANC-led coalition and resulting in political animosity between the two parties. Steenhuisen has repeatedly accused the ruling ANC and the leftist opposition party Economic Freedom Fighters of planning to go into coalition after the elections. Speaking ahead of its final rally in the city of Richards Bay in KwaZulu-Natal on Sunday, Inkatha Freedom Party leader Velenkosini Hlabisa said their main objective was to see the current government removed. The IFP is campaigning to remove the ANC from power and become part of the government at a policy making level and also cut the ANC to below 50% at national level. We are calling on people to take action and vote IFP to remove the government that has failed them, said Hlabisa. He said most negotiations would take place after the results were in. Hlabisa highlighted unemployment, poverty, crime and the country's electricity crisis as some of the major problems South Africans are facing. We all know the crisis we are facing, we all know the depth of the struggle in South Africa and the daily trauma so many people endure. What the country needs to hear is that there is a way out, he said. ___ Mutsaka reported from Richards Bay, South Africa. ___ AP Africa news: https://apnews.com/hub/africa South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (R) poses for a photo with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the presidential office in Seoul. -/YNA POOL/dpa Chinese Premier Li Qiang and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol agreed to start a dialogue on diplomatic and security issues at a meeting in Seoul on Sunday, Yoon's office said. The security dialogue will start in mid-June with the involvement of the foreign and defence ministries. Both sides also agreed to resume talks to extend and upgrade a free trade agreement between China and South Korea that went into effect in 2015. Further, a bilateral investment cooperation committee, which has been dormant since 2011, is to be revived. Li was in South Korea for the first time since taking office in March of last year. Yoon and Li reached the agreements before their three-way summit on Monday with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Japan's prime minister travelled from Tokyo and also held one-on-one talks with Yoon and Li on Sunday. The situation in East Asia and beyond has changed dramatically in the years since the last tripartite meeting at the end of 2019, Kishida told The Japan Times newspaper before his departure for Seoul. The summit aims to improve trilateral cooperation with the economy, trade and climate change on the agenda. Such three-way meetings were originally due to be held annually but the pandemic, coupled with tensions between South Korea and Japan, derailed plans. Relations have since improved between the two nations, both close allies of the US. Both are linked to China through close trade ties while also sharing Washington's concerns about Beijing's expanding reach. South Korean media reported that Yoon told Li that China, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, must play a "role as a bastion of peace." He also reportedly asked Li for Beijing to use its influence over North Korean leader Kim Jong Un with regards to the regime's nuclear weapons and missile programmes. The programmes are perceived as a direct threat by the United States and its allies South Korea and Japan. Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol (3rd from L) holds talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang (3rd from R) at the presidential office in Seoul on May 26, 2024, in this photo provided by the office. -/YNA POOL/dpa MADRID (Reuters) - Spain's foreign minister condemned as "scandalous and execrable" a video posted by his Israeli counterpart suggesting Hamas would be grateful to Spain, in a growing spat between the two countries over the Gaza war. Spain last week announced it would recognise Palestine as a state and in recent days two Spanish government ministers referred to a genocide in Gaza. A short video posted by Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz on the social media platform X on Sunday says "Hamas: Gracias Espana" ("Hamas: Thanks Spain"). The video shows the Spanish flag then a couple dancing to flamenco music. Film of Hamas fighters is interspersed including people fleeing during the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel that triggered Israel's military campaign in Gaza. "We are not going to fall into provocations. The video is scandalous and execrable," Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares told a news conference in Brussels. "Its scandalous because all the world knows, including my colleague in Israel, that Spain condemned the actions of Hamas from the first moment. And execrable for the use of one of those symbols of Spanish culture." Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles said on Saturday that the conflict in Gaza is a "real genocide", echoing a comment by Spanish Deputy Prime Minister Yolanda Diaz who last week also described the conflict as a genocide. Israel has strongly rejected accusations made against it by South Africa at the International Court of Justice that it is committing a genocide against Palestinians, arguing it is acting to defend itself and fighting Hamas. The Israeli embassy in Madrid responded to Robles' comments in a statement posted on Saturday on X. "We regret that ... Robles has endorsed the false and unfounded story of the terrorist organization Hamas. Israel fights in Gaza in accordance with international law in a war against Hamas that it neither started nor wanted, a consequence of the unprecedented massacre perpetrated last Oct. 7." The EU, like the United States, deems Hamas a terrorist organisation. Spain, along with Ireland and Norway, declared this week it would recognise a Palestinian state on May 28. Israel said this amounted to a "reward for terrorism" and recalled its ambassadors from the three capitals. In her remarks in a television interview on Saturday, Robles said Madrid's recognition of Palestine was not a move against Israel but was aimed at helping end violence in Gaza. Israel's campaign in Gaza has killed nearly 36,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials, and destroyed much of the enclave. Israel launched the operation to try to eliminate Hamas after the Oct. 7 attack in which some 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 were taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies. (Reporting by Graham Keeley; Editing by Frances Kerry) Spitfire in fatal crash was used in D-Day operation The Spitfire came down in a field near RAF Coningsby on Saturday - Jake Zuckerman/BBC The RAF Spitfire which crashed on Saturday killing the pilot flew over Normandy during D-Day and shot down German aircraft. The pilot died after what the Ministry of Defence (MoD) described as a tragic accident shortly after take-off from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire. On Saturday night, the Prince and Princess of Wales paid tribute, and said: Our thoughts this evening are with the pilots loved ones, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and the wider RAF family. MoD sources said the pilots identity would be released to the public on Sunday afternoon. The Defence Accident Investigation Branch is understood to have launched a formal investigation. The fatal crash happened at around 1.15pm on Saturday. It is believed that a catastrophic failure occurred immediately after take-off, leaving the pilot with few options to avoid crashing. The Spitfire was due to appear at an airshow being held at East Kirkby, a nearby former RAF airfield which now houses an aviation museum. RAF Coningsby was its home base. Pictures from the crash scene showed the yellow-camouflaged Spitfire appearing to be resting on its side, with a tarpaulin covering the cockpit. MK356 airborne on May 20 this year - Bav Media Police closed roads around Dogdyke Road and Sandy Bank and asked motorists to stay away from the area. The Spitfire, a Mark IX built in February 1944 and given the military serial number MK356, was flown operationally on D-Day. It was fitted with a 27-litre Rolls-Royce Merlin 66 engine, rated at 1,705 horsepower. All modern Spitfire operators run their engines at reduced power settings to preserve their useful life, however. Engines are typically overhauled after around 500 hours of continuous running. The Spitfire carries enough fuel to fly for around 90 minutes. The Telegraph understands MK356 was due to appear over the Normandy beaches again as part of the 80th anniversary commemorations of the invasion, which freed occupied Europe from Nazi Germany, in June. Two years ago, MK356 was involved in a landing incident when its brakes locked on, forcing the pilot Flt Lt Andy Preece, MBE to land on the grass beside Coningsbys tarmac runway. The aeroplane was undamaged except for needing a new set of tyres, earning Flt Lt Preece an air safety commendation for his impeccable airmanship. During its wartime career, MK356 shot down a German Messerschmitt during its five months on the front line with 443 Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Force. One of its regular pilots, Flying Officer Gordon Ockenden, claimed a shared kill against a German Bf109 over Caen on June 7th 1944, the day after D-Day. Warbirds The squadrons war diary records: B Flight spotted four Me109s east of Caen. Bounced over Caen, one destroyed by Flight Lieutenant H Russell shared with Flying Officer GF Ockenden. After sixty operational flights, MK356 was force-landed with its wheels up on 14th June 1944. It then remained on the ground for the next 53 years. After being restored to flying condition, the Spitfire joined the Royal Air Forces Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) in November 1997. The BBMF exists to commemorate all the RAF personnel who served during the Second World War. It has ten aircraft, including six Spitfires, two Hurricanes, a twin-engined Dakota transport aeroplane and the iconic Lancaster bomber, one of just two flyable examples in the world. The flight also has two Chipmunk training aircraft on charge, although these are generally not given star billing at airshows in the same way as the so-called warbirds. A schedule published a few weeks ago showed that the BBMF was due to display its aircraft on 72 occasions during this summers airshow season. The RAF declined to comment on the cause of the crash. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. St. Johns Riverkeeper heading out on second year of 5-year SAVe Our Rivers Grasses Expedition The St. Johns Riverkeeper is setting off on its second year of a 5-year expedition to save threatened aquatic grasses. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< The St. Johns Riverkeeper launched the SAVe Our Rivers Grasses Expedition, seeking answers and solutions to the massive loss of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) that has occurred in the St. Johns River in recent years. The SJRK advocacy team is headed out from May 28-31 for the second year of its study. Submerged river grasses are critical to the health of our river, providing biofiltration, fish habitat, flood protection and more. Without it, the St. Johns could turn into a dead zone, which is absolutely unacceptable, urged Lisa Rinaman, the St. Johns Riverkeeper. Read: JSO: 2 men in hospital after shots fired at BP gas station on Jacksonvilles Northside SJRK has committed to continuing this expedition for a total of 5 years to investigate the case of the lost grasses and collect data over time, all while working with local river communities and state and federal agencies to better preserve the health of the St. Johns River. Aboard SJRKs patrol boat, the Kingfisher, the expedition group will visit the following sites: Tuesday, May 28: Clay County - Doctors Lake; St. Johns County - Fruit Cove, Orangedale, Colee Cove, Bayard Conservation Area Wednesday, May 29: Putnam County - Mays Cove, Dancy Point, Forrester Point, San Mateo Thursday, May 30: Putnam County - Floridian Club, Beechers Point, Jenerson Point Friday, May 31: Putnam County - Drayton Island, Georgetown North, Georgetown South Field visit findings, data collected, next steps, potential solutions and opportunities and testimonials from local residents from SJRKs first year of the expedition have all been compiled on the SJRK website. Read: All gave some, some gave all: Jacksonville Memorial Day service honors ultimate sacrifice [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) A St. Petersburg man was killed after being hit by two cars early Sunday morning, troopers said. A release from the Florida Highway Patrol said at 1:25 a.m., the pedestrian, a 46-year-old man, walked into the path of a Chevrolet Bolt driven by a Los Angeles man who was heading east on 54th Avenue North. Tampa motorcyclist killed in crash off I-75 in Riverview After being hit by the first car, the pedestrian was hit again by a Civic driven by a Seminole man. Both vehicles stopped at the scene. According to the FHP, the pedestrian died at the scene. The first driver was injured and taken to a local hospital. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. A contestant demonstrates traditional Chinese paper-cutting during the national qualifiers for the 17th "Chinese Bridge" contest for foreign students in Brussels, Belgium, May 26, 2024. Twenty primary and secondary school students from across Belgium participated in the national qualifiers, hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Belgium. (Xinhua/Pan Geping) BRUSSELS, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Only two years into her Chinese study, Belgian schoolgirl Anahita Hamidi Nejad stood out among 20 candidates in Sunday's national qualifiers for the 17th "Chinese Bridge" contest for foreign students. The student from Athenee Royal Crommelynck in Brussels won first place after a series of competitions including written tests, speeches and talent shows. She will represent Belgium at the finals of the prestigious "Chinese Bridge" competition for foreign high school students. "I love Chinese culture and the Chinese people. I dream of having many Chinese friends and visiting China someday," she said. Twenty primary and secondary school students from across Belgium participated in the national qualifiers, hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Belgium. They captivated the audience by singing Chinese songs, playing traditional instruments, reciting classics and with a host of other talents including calligraphy, painting and martial arts. Anne-Marie Moingeon from the city of Namur won the first prize in Chinese Show for primary school students. Wu Gang, charge d'affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Belgium, stressed the embassy's unwavering support for young Belgians to learn Chinese and experience Chinese culture. A contestant gives a speech during the national qualifiers for the 17th "Chinese Bridge" contest for foreign students in Brussels, Belgium, May 26, 2024. Twenty primary and secondary school students from across Belgium participated in the national qualifiers, hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Belgium. (Xinhua/Pan Geping) Four secretaries of state are speaking out about the threats they receive regularly simply for doing their jobs, thanks in large part to election denialism perpetuated by Donald Trump and members of the Republican Party. Threats against elections officials in the United States of America is domestic terrorism. Terrorism is defined as a threat or violence for a political outcome. Thats what this is, Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes said on Meet the Press. He spoke as part of a panel of four secretaries of state who appeared on the show Sunday. WATCH: @kwelkernbc asked four secretaries of state to raise their hands if theyve received threats for doing their jobs. They all did. Arizona Sec. @Adrian_Fontes: It has impacted not just us, but also our families. pic.twitter.com/SbN4BTNQRv Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) May 26, 2024 Fontes added that he and other secretaries of state are collaborating with law enforcement and the Justice Department to really start to address these things. He said he and his family have spoken to neighbors who can take care of their kids in case he needs to go into hiding and that he has go bags prepared. It strikes me how so much of these tactics to try to delegitimize democracy, attack election officials, said Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson. Its about instilling fear instilling fear into us as professionals, in our local election officials, and instilling fear in voters. Its really scary when people show up with guns outside your home in the middle of the night and youve got a kid inside youre trying to protect, Benson added. Many of the threats against election officials are due to Trumps false claims that the 2020 election was stolen from him. He has repeatedly claimed the election was rigged, which led many of his supporters to descend on the Capitol in a violent attack on Jan. 6 while Congress was certifying Bidens win. We said a lot in our darkest moments after the 2020 election, when we were just inundated with lies and misinformation in an effort to overturn a valid and legitimate election, that the truth is on our side and that transparency is our friend, Benson said. Those dark moments have carried forward into 2024. Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold told Rolling Stone in March that she saw a 600 percent increase in threats against her since residents sued the state to block Trump from appearing on the 2024 ballot because he incited an insurrection. The 14th Amendment bars insurrectionists from holding office. Their suit was ultimately rejected by the U.S. Supreme Court. The point of these threats is really to terrorize and is to intimidate and to try to keep any of us and our election officials at the county level and at the precinct level from doing or not doing something that is their responsibility, which is such a core foundation of our system of government, Pennsylvania Secretary of State Al Schmidt said. Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, who Trump called in 2020, begging him to find more votes for him, was also on the panel and said his family members have received threats. As it relates to threats, said Raffensperger, really what bothered me the most is the ones against my wife and the ones against my daughter-in-law. Fontes said that the perpetuation of the mis- and disinformation from government officials poses the biggest challenge to the upcoming November elections. Fontes even created an AI version of himself in order to warn voters about how easy it is to create and distribute disinformation. WATCH: Arizona Sec. of State @Adrian_Fontes created an AI version of himself to warn voters about fake election content.@kwelkernbc: "Why did you feel that was necessary?" Fontes: "In bootcamp we looked at the weapons of our enemies and we trained against them." pic.twitter.com/KtRHhpo4Rh Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) May 26, 2024 We continue to provide good, solid elections across the United States of America, Fontes said. We all check our voter registration rolls to make sure only valid folks get on the voter rolls. We audit those. There are checks and balances all the way through the system to the end. And were going to keep providing good elections for all of our voters across the country. Elections have never been more safe and secure, Schmidt added. More from Rolling Stone Best of Rolling Stone Pennsylvania State Police are asking residents help to identify a motorcyclist and passenger involved with dragging a trooper who attempted to remove them from the bike Saturday morning. At 10:35 a.m., three motorcycles were observed by a trooper traveling at 121 mph on Route 22 Eastbound in a posted 55 mph zone. State police were conducting radar traffic monitoring on Route 22 Eastbound east of Route 72 in Swatara Township. "Troopers attempted to stop the motorcycles, however a pursuit ensued," state police said in a release Sunday morning. "Two of the motorcycles, one including a passenger, double backed Westbound on Route 22, the third went south on Route 343." Officials said troopers continued onto Route 343 and then discontinued their pursuit. Pennsylvania State Police are asking residents help to identify a motorcyclist and passenger involved with dragging a trooper who attempted to remove them from the bike Saturday morning. Upon returning to their original location, troopers observed the motorcycle with the passenger pass them again, and were able to stop the motorcycle in the left lane of Route 22 Eastbound. "This Trooper attempted to remove the operator from the motorcycle," state police said. "The Operator accelerated, dragging said Trooper a short distance causing minor injuries to the Trooper." That's when the motorcycle again doubled back westbound on Route 22 and exited towards Route 934 where troopers terminated the pursuit. No registration plates were observed on the motorcycles. State police believe the driver is a male with a female passenger. Anyone with information on the motorcycle and/or the operator and passenger are encouraged to contact the Pennsylvania State Police Jonestown Station at 717-865-2194 and reference Incident #PA2024-685735. Matthew Toth is a reporter for the Lebanon Daily News. Reach him at mtoth@ldnews.com or on X at @DAMattToth. This article originally appeared on Lebanon Daily News: Fleeing motorcyclist dragged trooper during traffic stop on Route 22 States need to keep PFAS forever chemicals out of the water. It wont be cheap. Jackson Quinn brings PFAS water samples into a temperature-controlled room at a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency lab in Cincinnati in April. In the coming years, states will need to enforce new federal rules that require drinking water systems to test for PFAS and clean up their water if contamination is found. (Photo by Joshua A. Bickel/The Associated Press) In recent years, Michigan has spent tens of millions of dollars to limit residents exposure to the harmful forever chemicals called PFAS. And some cities there have spent millions of their own to filter contaminated drinking water or connect to new, less-polluted sources. Weve made significant investments to get up to speed, said Abigail Hendershott, executive director of the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team, which serves as a coordinating group for the states testing, cleanup and public education efforts. Theres still a good chunk of the country that hasnt taken on anything. Thats about to change. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued new standards last month for PFAS levels in drinking water, giving water systems three years to conduct testing, and another two years to install treatment systems if contaminants are detected. State officials and utilities say its going to be difficult and costly to meet the requirements. This is going to take a lot more investment at the state level, said Alan Roberson, executive director of the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators, a group that convenes leaders in state health and environmental agencies. It creates a big workload for everybody. PFAS chemicals are widespread, found in a host of everyday products and industrial uses, and they dont break down naturally, meaning they stay in human bodies and the environment indefinitely. Exposure has been shown to increase the risk of cancer, decrease fertility, cause metabolic disorders and damage the immune system. To date, 11 states have set limits for PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, in drinking water. Several others have pending rules or levels that require public notice. While the federal rule builds on those efforts, it also sets limits that are stricter than the state-issued rules. !function(){use strict;window.addEventListener(message,(function(a){if(void 0!==a.data[datawrapper-height]){var e=document.querySelectorAll(iframe);for(var t in a.data[datawrapper-height])for(var r=0;r Kribi port is one of the Belt and Road Initiative projects that illustrate a financing model gaining usage among Chinese companies and lenders, in which Chinese companies move beyond just engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contracts to diversify into direct ownership and operations. According to the China Africa Research Initiative (CARI) at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, the Cameroon government initially intended to award the operation of Kribi port to a consortium of two French companies. But when Eximbank demanded that CHEC also participate, the Chinese contractor joined as a minor shareholder in the port operation joint venture with a 20 per cent stake. CHEC, together with French group CMA CGM and its subsidiary Bollore Transport & Logistics, were granted the funding and operational rights of Kribi Container Terminal for 25 years under a public-private partnership. Over the past decade, Cameroon has borrowed around US$1.48 billion from China Eximbank to build the first and second phases of the port, as well as a major highway leading up to it. China Eximbank is providing two loans worth US$674.5 million in all - a US$524.5 million preferential export buyer's credit and a US$150 million concessional loan for the expansion of the port. It had advanced US$423 million for the building of the first phase. A 2023 study by CARI said Chinese banks required Chinese contractor's involvement in both construction and operation as a prerequisite for lending to overseas railway projects. Ondoua said the Chinese company also built the Kribi-Lolabe highway to connect the port to other parts of the country. China Eximbank advanced US$385.8 million for the construction of the highway, which serves as an important traffic artery in the Kribi region. "They are also helping us develop land at the port. They are good partners in developing our port," Ondoua said, referring to CHEC. "Our cooperation with China already has good results." He said the first phase of the port has already attracted investors in cement, agribusiness and cocoa processing. "We want to develop more spaces for investors," he said, flagging a major plan to develop 1,500 hectares of land in the Kribi Industrial Zone. The Kribi Port Authority has since signed memorandums of understanding with firms including CHEC, pan-African industrial zones developer Arise, and Tanger-Med, a Moroccan industrial port complex, to develop the Kribi Industrial Zone. Ondoua said a number of other Chinese companies had shown interest in Kribi port. "We have been receiving delegations of Chinese companies who want to set up factories," Ondoua said. "One of the main areas of development in our port is minerals, especially iron ore. One of the companies that will develop and manage iron ore is a Chinese company," he said, referring to the massive iron ore projects near Kribi that have attracted Chinese businesses. A subsidiary of the state-owned Chinese miner Sinosteel Corporation Limited is developing the Kribi-Lobe iron ore mine, just 40km from Kribi. In 2022, the Cameroonian government signed a US$680 million iron ore mining deal with Sinosteel to extract 10 million tonnes of iron ore each year for 20 years. This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright 2024 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Copyright (c) 2024. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Ukrainian and Russian forces clash 57 times across war zone since start of Sunday Ukrainian and Russian forces have clashed 57 times across the war zone from early morning until afternoon on Sunday. Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook, information as of 13:00 on 26 May Details: Russian forces have been the most active on the Pokrovsk front since the beginning of the day. Russia's increased activity is also observed in Kharkiv Oblast. On the Kharkiv front, Russian troops mounted eight assault and offensive operations. Ukrainian forces pushed them back six times near the settlements of Terniv and Lyptsi. Ukrainian troops are continuing to repel one Russian attack each near Vovchansk and Lyptsi. The Russians conducted a total of eight airstrikes on the same localities and near the settlements of Neskuchne, Zelene and Hlyboke, dropping almost two dozen guided aerial bombs. On the Kupiansk front, the Russians made 10 attempts to advance near the settlements of Synkivka, Novoiehorivka and Nevske. Ukrainian forces repelled seven Russian attacks, and combat actions are ongoing. The situation is under control. On the Siversk front, fighting continues near the settlement of Bilohorivka. The Russians bombarded the area of the settlement of Spirne with unguided aerial missiles. On the Kramatorsk front, the Russians mounted two attacks near the settlements of Ivanivske and Andriivka. Combat engagement continues in the area of the latter. The Russians are actively using aircraft in the area, delivering four airstrikes near the settlements of Druzhba, Chasiv Yar and Pivdenne. The Pokrovsk front is the most intense in terms of Russian attacks, with a total of 24 attempts by Russian forces to improve their tactical situation. Five combat engagements are currently taking place near Novooleksandrivka and Yasnobrodivka, and one more each in the areas of Kalynove, Sokil and Umanske. Russian troops launched four assault attempts on the Kurakhove front near the settlements of Krasnohorivka, Heorhiivka, Paraskoviivka and Kostiantynivka since the beginning of the day. All attacks were repelled. On the Vremivka front, the Russians used eight unguided missiles near the settlement of Staromaiorske. Three Russian attacks were unsuccessful near Staromaiorske and in the vicinity of Rozdilne. On the Orikhiv front, the Russians fired almost three dozen unguided aerial missiles on the area of Lobkove and conducted one assault towards Mala Tokmachka. The Russians received a decent rebuff and retreated. On the Prydniprovske front, the number of combat engagements increased to three. Russian terrorists dropped eight guided aerial bombs near the settlements of Beryslav, Vysoke, Tiahynka and Veletenske. Support UP or become our patron! A satellite image taken on May 23 showing damage to the radar station - 2024 Planet Labs Inc. A Ukrainian drone strike on a Russian radar station that can track nuclear missiles has sparked alarm in the West. Kyiv hit the Armavir radar station in the Krasnodar border region on May 23, damaging the state-of-the-art facility, which provides conventional air-defence as well as forming part of Moscows nuclear warning system. Ukrainian officials confirmed on Saturday that their forces had carried out the strike, saying the facility monitors airspace over the country and occupied Crimea. The radar station has reportedly been able to track long-range Atacms missiles, delivered by the US to Ukraine earlier this year. Mauro Gilli, a senior researcher at the Centre for Security Studies at ETH Zurich, said the drone strike had been a tactical success because it will force Russia to redeploy air defence systems and it also put down a marker that no Russian military site was untouchable. We can debate the effectiveness and merit but strategically there is logic, he said. Other Western analysts, though, were more hesitant and said that Ukraine should avoid striking Russias nuclear infrastructure. Not a wise decision on the part of Ukraine, said Hans Kristensen, a nuclear arsenal expert at the Federation of American Scientists. Bombers and military sites in general are different because theyre used to attack Ukraine. Thord Are Iversen, a Norwegian military analyst, said striking a part of Russias nuclear-warning system was not a particularly good idea especially in times of tension. Its in everyones best interest that Russias ballistic missile warning system works well, he said. One of Russias most modern radar systems, the Kremlin has deployed 10 Voronezh class installations along the Russian border. Each has a range of around 4,000 miles and can track 500 objects simultaneously. Russia has yet to comment on the alleged attack, but it fits a pattern of intensified Ukrainian drone strikes this year on targets deep inside Russia, including oil refineries and transport hubs. The strike came shortly after Moscow began tactical nuclear missile exercises in its Southern Military District. Olaf Scholz has pointedly refused to deliver Germanys long-range Taurus missiles to Ukraine, saying he fears potential nuclear escalation. The US has so far not relented to Ukrainian requests that it be allowed to use Western weapons in cross-border strikes. Frustrated Ukrainian military commanders said they had to watch as Russia built up forces across the border in a de facto harbour area that they were not allowed to strike. Since then, Russian forces have captured several villages and pounded Kharkiv with missiles fired from launch sites and warplanes inside Russia. Britain has already given permission to Ukraine to use its missiles to strike Russia and now pressure is building on the White House to follow. Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State, is reportedly in favour of the change and this weekend Jens Stoltenberg, the Nato Secretary General, told the Economist that it was time to lift some of the restrictions. Ukraine and its Nato allies still need to be cautious, said Fabian Hoffmann, a missile technology doctoral research fellow at the University of Oslo, because some US officials and some of Ukraines European allies will view the radar strike as reckless. I have some concerns about how politically wise this decision was, as it may have negative repercussions for Ukraine down the road in terms of targeting restrictions, he said. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Russia's deadly strike against a crowded shopping center in Kharkiv on May 25 violates international law, the United Nations' humanitarian coordinator in Ukraine, Denise Brown, said in a statement condemning the attack. Russian forces attacked a busy building materials hypermarket in Kharkiv with two guided bombs in the middle of the day on May 25, killing at least six people and injuring at least 40 others. "I am appalled and shocked by the terrifying news arriving from Kharkiv." Brown said in a statement issued shortly after the bombing. "This afternoon, in broad daylight as people despite all the horrors they endure every day in this city were trying to go about their day, their lives were shattered by yet another attack by the Russian Armed Forces. The strike hit a busy shopping centre with scores of civilian casualties and massive damage to civilian facilities." Brown called the attacks "utterly unacceptable" and demanded an end to Russian strikes against civilian targets and critical infrastructure. "Intentionally directing an attack against civilian infrastructure is strictly prohibited under international humanitarian law," she said. The bombing of the hypermarket comes amid intensifying attacks against Kharkiv. Russia launched a new offensive on May 10 in northern Kharkiv Oblast with a reported 30,000 troops. Russian forces regularly conduct ground shelling and aerial attacks against population centers in Kharkiv Oblast. Read also: Russias latest offensive into Kharkiv Oblast is stretching Ukrainian defenses Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Under the Dome: What AG Josh Stein does, and doesnt, say about the ICE cooperation bill Welcome to your governors race edition of our Under the Dome newsletter. Im Dawn Vaughan, Capitol bureau chief at The News & Observer. Immigration is a national topic this election year in the presidential campaign, and its showing up in the governors race, too. Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein is running against Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson. Immigration is also an ongoing topic at the General Assembly, and a bill that requires sheriffs to cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainers passed the House last session and is on the move again this session. House Bill 10 is now waiting for the Senate to appoint conference committee members so Senate and House members can sort out what they want the final bill to look like before it goes to a vote. It is likely to pass once Republicans, who control both chambers, come to an agreement. Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper is likely to veto it, but Republicans have enough votes to override vetoes. One version of the bill involved the attorney general being the one to enforce the law. The candidates for attorney general are Democratic U.S. Rep. Jeff Jackson and Republican U.S. Rep. Dan Bishop. Stein, who is attorney general until the end of the year, has been asked multiple times by The News & Observer and other news outlets about his stance on the bill. He hasnt answered directly with an affirmative or negative. This past week I asked him again, as he led a news conference with several sheriffs talking about public safety. ICE issues detainer requests to law enforcement agencies that have arrested people on criminal charges who the agency, it says, has probable cause to believe are removable non-citizens. This came up in March when ICE requested a detainer after the arrest of a man in Gates County, which Robinson held a news conference about asking more information about the suspect. As I noted then, ICE is empowered to take custody of some immigrants, but courts have ruled that law enforcement agencies have the right to ignore the detainers because theyre requests seeking voluntary compliance. The push for the ICE bill is led by House Rules Chair Destin Hall and generally supported by Republicans. I asked Stein what he thinks of the ICE bill and the U.S. southern border. Border control We need to strengthen controls at the border, Stein said. ... We have to do it from an immigration perspective. Folks who come to this country should come invited, they shouldnt come of their own accord crossing the border. In connection to the ICE bill, Stein responded by saying that when he talks with law enforcement, he asks, What do they need? And what I hear time and time again, is we want to keep people safe by having enough people on the job. And this is what folks are talking about. I trust them to be able to make the right decisions in their communities about keeping people safe. Stein, who is the states top cop, wouldnt answer specifically about HB 10. Folks need to understand that if you commit a crime in this state, no matter your immigration status, you will be held accountable, Stein said. Durham County Sheriff Clarence Birkhead said that HB 10 will not have an impact on this crisis were dealing with involving fentanyl, which some have pointed to as a reason to strengthen the southern border. Fentanyl and the drugs that are coming to our communities are already here. The precursor for fentanyl comes from China. So passing a bill to force sheriffs to cooperate with ICE is not going to be effective at all, Birkhead said. What it will do is damage our relationship with our immigrant communities. Robinson rarely presiding over the Senate One of the few duties of the lieutenant governor is to preside over the Senate. But for at least the past five years, including when former Lt. Gov. Dan Forest was in office, the person presiding over the Senate on most days is Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger, who holds the most power at the General Assembly along with House Speaker Tim Moore. The lieutenant governor is the president of the Senate, but his or her only role there aside from presiding is to vote if there is a tie. There is an office near the Senate chamber designated for the lieutenant governors use. Robinson presides only occasionally, though Senate sessions are on his official calendar, according to records obtained by The N&O that I wrote about earlier this year. I asked Berger this past week how he and Robinson sort out who will preside over the Senate sessions. So generally, Berger said, if he wants to preside, hell call the clerks office and let them know that hes planning to come. And Ill hear from the clerks office, generally in advance of the days session whether hes going to be here or not, whether or not Ill preside. Stay informed Dont forget to follow our Under the Dome tweets and listen to our Under the Dome podcast to stay up to date. Our new episode posts Monday morning, and Im joined by state Rep. Caleb Rudow, an Asheville Democrat. Rudow led a bipartisan sing-along outside the Legislative Building this past week, and the podcast includes a clip of lawmakers singing. I interviewed Rudow in his legislative office the next day about why he wants to do bipartisan events, how friendships are maintained in both parties and why he decided not to run for reelection. Instead, hes running for Congress in a district that heavily favors a Republican. You can sign up to receive the Under the Dome newsletter at newsobserver.com/newsletters. Want your friends to get our email, too? Forward them this newsletter so they can sign up. US confirms its participation in Peace Summit, but does not reveal who will go The United States government has said that it will be represented at the Peace Summit in Switzerland next month, but it is not yet known who will go there. Source: an unnamed American official in a comment for Reuters, European Pravda reports Details: Following the sources data, the United States will participate in the summit, but the official refused to say who will represent the country. So far, representatives of more than 80 countries have confirmed their participation in the summit. Earlier, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on the leaders of the United States and China to personally attend the Peace Summit. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasised at a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Kyiv in May that it was important for President Joe Biden to be present at the Peace Summit. At the same time, media reports indicate that Biden is likely to skip the Peace Summit as it overlaps with a campaign fundraiser in California. Support UP or become our patron! US expected to lift ban on sale of offensive weapons to Saudi Arabia, FT reports (Reuters) - The United States is expected to lift a ban on the sale of offensive weapons to Saudi Arabia, potentially in the coming weeks, the Financial Times reported on Sunday. Washington has already signaled to Saudi Arabia that it was prepared to lift the ban, the newspaper reported, citing a person familiar with the matter. Soon after taking office in 2021, Biden adopted a tougher stance over Saudi Arabia's campaign against the Iran-aligned Houthis in Yemen, which has inflicted heavy civilian casualties, and over Riyadh's human rights record, in particular the 2018 killing of Washington Post journalist and political opponent Jamal Khashoggi. Saudi Arabia, the biggest U.S. arms customer, has chafed under those restrictions, which froze the kind of weapons sales that previous U.S. administrations had provided for decades. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday said the U.S. and Saudi Arabia were very close to concluding a set of agreements on nuclear energy, security and defense cooperation, the bilateral component of a wider normalisation deal with Riyadh and Israel. However, lifting the ban on offensive weapons sales were not directly linked to these talks, FT said. The White House and Saudi Arabias government communication office did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. (Reporting by Chandni Shah in Bengaluru; Editing by David Holmes) The US gave up sending Ukraine Excalibur guided artillery shells costing $100,000 because they rarely hit their target, report says The US halted deliveries of GPS-guided Excalibur shells to Ukraine due to high failure rates. Russia had achieved success in jamming of US-supplied weapons, reports said. Classified reports revealed the Excalibur shell strike success dropped from 55% to 6% last summer. The US halted deliveries of Excalibur extended-range guided artillery shells to Ukraine after Kyiv reported high failure rates, anonymous Ukrainian officials told The Washington Post. Six months ago, Ukraine told Washington that Russia's jamming of the guidance systems in several US-supplied weapons had eroded its ability to defend its territory, the officials told the Post. The weapons most affected by the jamming were the Excalibur shells a GPS-guided 155-mm artillery shell supplied to Ukraine and the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS. In response, the US simply stopped further deliveries of the Excalibur shells, the Ukrainian officials said. The cost of the Excalibur has soared, according to a Government Accountability Office report , to roughly $100,000 per shell in 2022, as much as 50 times the cost of an unguided 155mm shell, before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Business Insider has reached out to the US Department of Defense for comment on the matter. At one point, only 1 in 19 Excalibur rounds was hitting its target Two classified Ukrainian weapons reports seen by The New York Times have since revealed the extent of the issue caused by Russian jamming. From January to August 2023 the proportion of confirmed successful strikes with Excalibur shells dropped from a high of 55% to a low of 7% in July and 6% in August. During this time, Ukraine was attempting to wage its summer counteroffensive which ultimately failed. Researchers collected data on the use of some 3,000 Excalibur shells fired by American-supplied M777 howitzers on the front lines in Ukraine's southern city of Kherson, the northern city of Kharkiv, and the eastern city of Bakhmut. According to a person familiar with the report who spoke to The Times, at one point, only one in 19 Excalibur rounds was hitting its target. One of the classified reports stated that at this rate, the price of a successful strike increased from $300,000 to $1.9 million. When first delivered, the M982 Excalibur shells were hailed as a game changer for Ukraine. The GPS-guided 155 mm shells offered an accurate, longer-range alternative to conventional artillery shells, capable of hitting within seven feet of their target. The Excalibur has a range of 25 miles, according to Pentagon budget documents from 2022 that first confirmed the shells had been sent to Ukraine. Russian jamming has also affected HIMARS missile and glide bombs The HIMARS system, which can fire rockets up to 50 miles, has also been hampered by Russian jamming, a Ukrainian military source told The Post. "The Russians deployed electronic warfare, disabled satellite signals, and HIMARS became completely ineffective," the source told The Post. According to the assessment, Russian jamming can cause the missiles to miss a target by 50 feet or more. M142 HIMARS launches a rocket on Russian position on December 29, 2023 in Ukraine. Serhii Mykhalchuk/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images The HIMARS system, which can fire rockets up to 50 miles, has also been hampered by Russian jamming, a Ukrainian military source told The Post. "The Russians deployed electronic warfare, disabled satellite signals, and HIMARS became completely ineffective," the source told the Post. According to the assessment, Russian jamming can cause the missiles to miss a target by 50 feet or more. Earlier this week, a report revealed that US-supplied glide bombs were continually missing their targets as a result of Russian jamming, too. A senior US official, who was not named, told the Post that Russia "has continued to expand their use of electronic warfare, and we continue to evolve and make sure that Ukraine has the capabilities they need to be effective." However, earlier this month Mike Nagata, a retired US Army lieutenant general who led special operations in the Middle East, said that the US is "still falling behind" in its electronic warfare capabilities, Defense One reported. "The gap between where the United States should be and where we are, in my judgment, continues to expand not everywhere, but in far too many places," Nagata said at the SOF Week conference in Tampa, Florida. He called on the US to get more creative to regain its dominance in electronic warfare. Read the original article on Business Insider (Bloomberg) -- A bipartisan delegation of US lawmakers and Nvidia boss Jensen Huang arrived separately in Taiwan on Sunday, a day after China ended its biggest military exercise in a year around the island. Most Read from Bloomberg The delegation was led by Representative Michael McCaul, Republican of Texas, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. It was the first congressional group to visit Taiwan since the inauguration of President Lai Ching-te on May 20. Lai is scheduled to meet with the lawmakers on Monday to discuss peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, Taiwan-US trade relations and other issues, according to a readout from his office. Also in the group were Representative Young Kim, Republican of California; Representative Joe Wilson, Republican of South Carolina; Representative Jimmy Panetta, Democrat of California; Representative Andy Barr, Republican of Kentucky, and Representative Chrissy Houlahan, Democrat of Pennsylvania. The US State Department on Saturday accused China of military provocations for staging expansive military exercises around Taiwan in the wake of the Lai inauguration. Meanwhile, Nvidias Huang landed in Taipei on Sunday evening, local cable news station TVBS reported. He is expected to make public appearances in an upcoming tech expo in Taipei. Huang has frequently mentioned the critical role Taiwan plays in the global AI supply chain, as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. makes the bulk of the worlds cutting-edge chips, including those designed by Nvidia. Taiwan is at the epicenter of the worlds technology supply chain, Huang said in an interview with Bloomberg Television on May 20. The technology industry depends very heavily on Taiwan and continues to for some time. The trip is part of a broader visit by the delegation to the Indo-Pacific region, according to the American Institute in Taiwan, the de facto US embassy in Taipei. (Adds context of regional visit in final paragraph. A previous version of the story corrected the spelling of Republican.) Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek 2024 Bloomberg L.P. FILE PHOTO: Press conference on the impeachment of U.S. Secretary of Department of Homeland Security Mayorkas on Capitol Hill in Washington TAIPEI (Reuters) - A delegation of U.S. lawmakers led by Michael McCaul, chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, is visiting Taiwan this week, the de facto U.S. embassy said on Sunday. The delegation is in Taiwan from Sunday to Thursday, the American Institute in Taiwan said in a statement, a trip that comes shortly after China ended two days of war games around the island. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Kirsten Donovan) Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) hit a new all-time high on Tuesday in lockstep with a broader market rally. A few days earlier, during an event at the new Microsoft campus on May 20, the tech giant introduced a lineup of Windows personal computers (PCs) designed for artificial intelligence (AI). Dubbed Copilot + PC, the product offering includes Microsoft Surface and manufacturing partners Acer, ASUS, Dell Technologies, HP, Lenovo, and Samsung with prices starting at $999 and availability as early as June 18. Here's what Copilot + PC adds to Microsoft's already strong investment thesis and why the growth stock has what it takes to hit a $10 trillion market cap by 2035. Image source: Getty Images. The next step for everyday AI On its third-quarter fiscal 2024 earnings call, Microsoft said that Copilot in Windows is now available on nearly 225 million Windows 10 and Windows 11 PCs -- double the amount of the prior quarter. Copilot is Microsoft's AI-powered chatbot assistant for Microsoft 365 apps and more. According to the May 20 press release: Copilot+ PCs are the fastest, most intelligent Windows PCs ever built. With powerful new silicon capable of an incredible 40+ TOPS (trillion operations per second), all-day battery life and access to the most advanced AI models, Copilot+ PCs will enable you to do things you can't on any other PC. Easily find and remember what you have seen in your PC with Recall, generate and refine AI images in near real-time directly on the device using Cocreator, and bridge language barriers with Live Captions, translating audio from 40+ languages into English. Building PCs with AI in mind is a boon for the industry because it supports the demand for AI-powered chips, can increase users' productivity, and creates opportunities for developers and consumer electronics companies. In its recent earnings call, Microsoft said it offers a diverse set of AI accelerators made by Nvidia, Advanced Micro Devices, and its own "first-party silicon." A big test for the AI growth narrative is adoption. If consumers embrace these latest AI-focused products, it will validate that AI is not a fad but the next information revolution. The ultimate AI play Microsoft may not be the purest AI play out there (Nvidia would take the title in my opinion). However, Microsoft is arguably the most multilayered AI opportunity because it is monetizing new technology in so many ways. In addition to the PC market, Microsoft has integrated AI into its Intelligent Cloud business through Azure OpenAI, which is used by over 65% of Fortune 500 companies. Story continues GitHub Copilot continues to grow at a blistering rate. Two quarters ago, in Q2 of fiscal 2024, Microsoft reported a 30% quarter-over-quarter increase in subscribers, bringing the total number of paid subscribers to 1.3 million. Yet somehow, it posted even faster growth in Q3, growing paid subscribers to 1.8 million -- a 35% increase. Microsoft also offers custom AI assistance with Copilot Studio. It reported a 175% quarter-over-quarter increase in Copilot Studio adoption, bringing the total number of organizations that use the service to over 30,000. Power Platform is a similar tool for businesses to build AI-powered applications. In the recent quarter, Microsoft said that over 330,000 organizations, including over half of Fortune 100 companies, use Power Platform. Power Apps, which uses Copilot to help users write code for app designs, grew over 40% year-over-year to over 25 million monthly active users. The key takeaway from the last few earnings calls is that Microsoft is rapidly monetizing AI across its business. This isn't a pie-in-the-sky idea; it's developing, implementing, and marketing solutions right now. The power of deep pockets Spanning cloud computing, enterprise and consumer software and hardware, gaming, social media, and more, Microsoft has a wide array of touchpoints to engage with a variety of customers. In addition to its industry-leading position in so many end markets, the company's greatest advantage is its margin of error. AI and the tech sector, in general, will eventually undergo a cyclical downturn. When that happens, the companies with the cash flow and balance sheets to invest through the cycle will emerge stronger. No company is better positioned to endure and probably benefit from a downturn than Microsoft. It finished the recent quarter with just over $80 billion in cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments on the balance sheet, compared to $42.7 billion in long-term debt. Its revenue, net income, and operating margin are all at 10-year highs. It has generated $86.2 billion in trailing-12-month (TTM) net income, which is more than double the $21.3 billion it has spent on dividends and the $16.8 billion spent on buybacks. The company has the means to invest aggressively in organic growth, make strategic acquisitions, raise the dividend, and buy back its stock. Microsoft pays more in dividends than any other U.S.-based company and is spending more on buybacks than it pays in stock-based compensation. It is now reducing its outstanding share count, reversing a dilution trend due to stock-based compensation. Microsoft is at the top of its game. But it also has what it takes to endure a downturn while rewarding shareholders through buybacks and dividends and investing in its long-term growth. The path to $10 trillion In August 2018, Apple became the first U.S.-based company to exceed $1 trillion in market cap -- a feat that once seemed impossible. However, Nvidia has gained over $1 trillion in market cap this year alone. With a $3.2 trillion market cap, Microsoft is currently the most valuable company in the world. The stock is up over 1,100% in the last 11 years. Thanks to the power of compound growth, it doesn't need anything close to that gain to reach a $10 trillion market cap by 2035. Microsoft's market cap only needs to grow at a 10.9% compound annual growth rate over the next 11 years to reach a $10 trillion market cap. There are a few ways that could happen. The first and most straightforward is earnings growth. If Microsoft maintains the same price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio, the stock price would hypothetically increase at the same rate as earnings. Microsoft's current P/E is 37.2. If it grows earnings by 10%, the stock will have to go up by 10%, or the P/E would drop. Now, I'd argue that Microsoft will be able to grow earnings per share (EPS) at more like a 15% CAGR over the next 11 years, especially when factoring in buybacks. However, I could also see the valuation coming down if growth and investor optimism begin to cool. Assuming a P/E of 30 and a 15% earnings CAGR over the next 11 years, Microsoft would grow EPS from $11.54 to $54. Apply a 30 P/E on that figure, and the stock price would be $1,620 -- giving Microsoft a market cap of just over $12 trillion. So, even if Microsoft's P/E comes down, it could still get to $10 trillion by 2035 if it grows annual EPS at a low to mid-teens rate. For context, Microsoft's TTM EPS is up 19.2% in the last year. Microsoft is worth buying and holding Microsoft is the best all-around AI play to buy now because it blends a proven track record, size, and growth. AI is driving margin expansion and fueling Microsoft's sales growth. However, AI adoption is still in the early stages. Investors should pay close attention to Microsoft's sustained growth in its cloud business and how consumers and businesses receive its new AI-powered Copilot + PCs. If adoption is strong, Microsoft could enjoy even faster growth than anticipated. Add it all up, and Microsoft is a medium risk/high potential reward opportunity with the best chance of being the most valuable company in the world by 2035. Should you invest $1,000 in Microsoft right now? Before you buy stock in Microsoft, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Microsoft wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $652,342!* Stock Advisor provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month. The Stock Advisor service has more than quadrupled the return of S&P 500 since 2002*. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of May 13, 2024 Daniel Foelber has positions in Advanced Micro Devices. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Advanced Micro Devices, Apple, HP, Microsoft, and Nvidia. The Motley Fool recommends the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Could This "Magnificent Seven" Stock Become the First $10 Trillion Company by 2035? was originally published by The Motley Fool How Uvaldes GOP congressman is navigating a tense runoff and plotting to take out right-wing anarchists For more on Rep. Tony Gonzales reelection fight, watch Inside Politics with Manu Raju Sunday at 8 a.m. ET and 11 a.m. ET. Rep. Tony Gonzales called his GOP opponent in Texas a neo-Nazi and an anarchist intent on burning the place down and said Republican hardliners seeking to oust him are a bunch of scumbags and MAGA wannabes. In an interview with CNN, the two-term Texas GOP congressman said the outcome of Tuesdays runoff against gun activist Brandon Herrera will send a clear message to Republicans amid a period of bitter intraparty infighting that has led to an ousted speaker, a stalled agenda and roiled relations across the House GOP Conference. Are we going to be the party that governs and gets things done in a conservative manner? Gonzales said. Or are we going to be the party that has jesters that come up here and say wild and crazy outrageous things and just try to burn the place down? Gonzales runoff underscores the intense GOP divide in the narrowly divided House, where hard-right members have grown more emboldened and willing to derail their partys agenda if theres a whiff of compromise with Democrats. And the fight is playing out in GOP primaries across the country, the outcome of which will have major ramifications for the direction of the House Republican Conference and the agenda it pursues in the next Congress. Gonzales race has become ground zero for that fight. Gonzales, whose district includes Uvalde, which witnessed one of the worst school shootings in history two years ago, later voted for a bipartisan gun safety bill that has become a centerpiece of Herreras campaign against him. Gonzales said, I dont regret any of my votes. Something has to change, he said, noting his constituents were clamoring for action and that even his kids wear bulletproof backpacks to school. Its unfair. But it was that vote that has generated backlash on the right on top of his handling of talks over a GOP immigration bill last year that grew tense and that some hardliners havent forgotten. And the insults Gonzales has leveled have only enraged his GOP critics. He is a RINO-establishment moderate who is about to be voted out of office by his constituents who are going to vote for Brandon Herrera, said Rep. Bob Good, the leader of the hard-right House Freedom Caucus, whom Gonzales referred to as one of the scumbags in Congress. Gonzales said if he wins Tuesday, he plans to respond in kind by campaigning in the districts of Good and Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, both of whom are backing Herrera and also led the charge to oust Kevin McCarthy from the speakership last fall. Gonzales said that after Tuesday he will seek to purge the party of mischief-making members. I plan to spend a lot of time in Pensacola, Gonzales said, referring to the city in Gaetzs Florida Panhandle. I plan to spend a lot of time in Virginia and some of these other places. So I think my race is only the beginning, right? You can send everything you got at me. Youre never going to beat me, right? Youre just not. Herrera declined to be interviewed for this story. Money pours into Texas race Gonzales massive district which spans the border with Mexico has emerged as one of the most expensive House primaries in the country, with nearly $8 million spent on TV ads. His situation is part of a larger trend of House GOP members seeking to purge their own colleagues in their primaries, even though that has long been viewed as a serious breach of protocol. Its never good to be shooting inside the tent, said Gonzales, 43, a military veteran who has been in Congress since 2021. So far, hard-right candidates have been unsuccessful in defeating their more moderate opponents this cycle. An effort to take out GOP Rep. Don Bacon in Nebraska failed earlier this month when he defeated his conservative challenger, Dan Frei, who was endorsed by Good. In Illinois, GOP Rep. Mike Bost won after Gaetz tried to prop up his challenger, a fight that prompted Speaker Mike Johnson to lobby former President Donald Trump to intervene on Bosts behalf. In South Carolina, members of the House Freedom Caucus are rallying around conservative state Rep. Adam Morgan, who is trying to knock off Rep. William Timmons in the June 11 primary. In Virginia, center-right Republicans and McCarthy are seeking some payback in helping Republican challenger John McGuire ahead of the June 18 primary against Good, one of eight Republicans who voted to oust McCarthy last fall. Ahead of Tuesdays race, Republican backers of Gonzales are optimistic, but low-turnout runoffs make such contests hard to handicap. Its just going to add more to the dysfunction in the House, said Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas, referring to a potential Herrera victory. I dont see him being a productive member of Congress, and (he) will be an agent of chaos. Rep. Richard Hudson, the chairman of National Republican Congressional Committee, added: I wish Republicans would focus on beating Democrats and growing the majority. You know, any time an incumbent is in a runoff primary were concerned, but Im very confident Tony will prevail. GOP Rep. Max Miller of Ohio said he thinks its disgusting that Gaetz is targeting Gonzales. You have over 200 Republicans that need to work together every single day, Miller said. And if youre in an environment where you have to work with somebody on legislation to move the country forward in a pragmatic and sensible way, and theyre literally trying to take you out to replace you because youre not hard-core enough. What the hell does that even mean anymore? Gonzales vote in 2022 for a gun safety law that was enacted in the wake of the Uvalde school shooting is in part to blame for GOP hardliners beef with him. Gonzales also tangled with his right flank as they were negotiating the House Republicans immigration proposal, even as he voted for the final product. And in 2022, the Texas Republican voted with a minority of his conference to codify same-sex marriage. Tony Gonzales called the tough border protections that we were looking for un-Christian; thats not how voters feel in his district, Gaetz said. Asked about Gonzales calling him a scumbag, Gaetz said: So, you know, the personal insults against me, thats not going to solve any problems for voters in Texas. Rep. Chip Roy, a fellow Texas Republican who sparred with Gonzales over border legislation, said he is staying neutral in the primary. Asked about Gonzales, Roy said: Hes made some comments that I dont think are particularly helpful. One of those comments calling his detractors scumbags was something that really upset GOP Rep. Eli Crane of Arizona, who endorsed Herrera and who described Gonzales comments as garbage that is so beneath the conference. You got the largely conservative House Freedom Caucus, going up against moderates in the conference, Crane told CNN. Were outnumbered. Thats why my voters sent me up here to try and change the way this town works. And I dont think were going to change it with guys like Tony. Gonzales said he doesnt take back his harsh words against some of his GOP colleagues. Not all of them are rewarding citizens, productive members of society here. And some of them are scumbags. I mentioned a couple of them. Theres probably a laundry list of folks, Gonzales said, declining to name other names. He added: Some of these people that are running throughout the country, theyre not MAGA folks. Bob Good, hes not a MAGA guy thats supporting my opponent, and some other people theyre basically libertarians or anarchists or they just want to see the place burn down. I will never bow down to these people Gonzales was in El Paso when he received a text about the mass shooting that killed 19 children and two teachers. He drove to Uvalde that night after speaking with the sheriff there. Two years later, Gonzales said he thinks a lot needs to change but argues there have been positive developments. What Ive learned is this: You can do all the things that they want you to do, and it will never be enough. And I will never bow down to these people. I will always do what I think is right, Gonzales said. Herrera, a gun rights activist with a YouTube channel with millions of subscribers, has seized on Gonzales vote on the gun safety bill in his campaign to oust Gonzales in the runoff, arguing its an infringement of the Second Amendment. But Gonzales said he was getting calls from people nonstop in the wake of the Uvalde massacre. The calls were, Tony, you have to do something, but dont take my guns away, he said. Ultimately, what transpired was a compromise that fell short of restricting weapons and imposing universal background checks but authorized grants for states to bolster red flag laws; included money for school safety and mental health programs; expanded background checks for gun purchasers under 21; and toughened gun-trafficking penalties. Gonzales said he got a lot of flak for his support. Crazy people should not have access to guns, period, he said. Overall, people are angry and theyre angry for a reason, Gonzales said of voters. But are they going to be angry and then they want to see outrage by setting stuff on fire? Or are we going to help quell that anger by delivering results? That is whats at stake, not only in this race, but other races across the country. CNNs Sheden Tesfaldet and Morgan Rimmer contributed to this story. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) A 15-year-old girl is dead and a man has been injured in shootings at Mount Trashmore Saturday, Virginia Beach Police said. Police said the girl died at the hospital and the 18-year-old is in critical condition. Around 8:30 p.m. police were called for a shooting in the 300 block of Edwin Drive the site of Mount Trashmore just outside the Summer Carnival area. According to VBPD, a fight began at the carnival but was quickly broken up by off-duty Virginia Beach Sheriffs Office deputies who were working security at the event. However, the fight later started again in the parking lot on Edwin Drive. During the fight someone pulled out a gun and fired shots, police said. VBPD said that due to the proximity of the carnival, units arrived quickly and rendered aid, establish the crime scene, exfiltrated an exorbitant amount of traffic, and began the process of locating suspects. This is a chaotic scene which will [take] some time to investigate. @vbpd tell me two people were shot here at Mount Trashmore. A juvenile female died from her injuries at the hospital and a man remains in the hospital. @WAVY_News pic.twitter.com/eralY3OxE3 Raven Payne (@RavenPayneTV) May 26, 2024 I overheard people talking about all sorts of fights and whatnot occurring, said a man who declined to give his name. So Im standing out there, and not even two minutes after that, I hear a gunshot, some people scurrying toward me. and on the other side of the road, more gunshots. And after that, a few more fights broke out. The Summer Carnival was scheduled to operate from 2 to 10 p.m. Saturday evening. The day after the shooting, groups of people still attended the carnival. Regan Schutte told 10 On Your Side that she tried to bring her daughter to the event Saturday night, but turned around when she saw the large police presence and later found out what happened. It did make me hesitant even to bring her back at first but then when I kind of heard that it was not at the fair, it was something else removed, I said were going to be there during the day, so we decided to do that, Schutte said. But she didnt know the young ages of the victims. She was shocked when she found out. Oh my gosh, I did not know the age of the girl until now, she said. Thats terrible. Police Chief Paul Neudigate said the increase in youth gun violence in the community is disturbing and reprehensible. It is heartbreaking to continue to see young lives being lost and families torn apart by these senseless acts, Neudigate said. Police said there is no suspect information at this time. Anyone with information about this incident should contact the VBPD Detective Bureau at 757-385-4101 or anonymously through Crime Solvers at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP or P3tips.com. Virginia Beach Police have also created an evidence submission portal for people to submit videos or photos of anyone, or vehicles, that were involved in any fights/shootings or any other crimes at the Summer Carnival, as well as outside the venue in the parking lots. No amount of information is insignificant, and we encourage all with any knowledge of this crime to contact us. VBPD Check with WAVY.com for updates Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com. Rodney Temple, left, is shown giving a guitar lesson to Kevin Watter at the West Bend Music Academy through the Guitars 4 Vets program. Guitars 4 Vets is a nonprofit organization that teaches veterans to play the guitar and cope with PTSD through music. Washington County started a Guitars 4 Vets chapter on April 1. When West Bend veteran Kevin Watter saw how learning and playing the guitar helped save the life of a fellow Marine who was suicidal, Watter thought that Guitars 4 Vets, which helps veterans cope with PTSD through music, could help him, too. Watter's "Marine brother," as Watter calls him, was close to taking his own life when he reached out to a fellow Marine for help. That resulted in a quick call to police, who saved him. Watter's friend then sought help through the VA Medical Center, which told him about Guitars 4 Vets, a nonprofit organization that allows veterans to join a community where they learn to play the guitar and "find solace in the songs they love as well as the songs they have yet to write," according to the Guitars 4 Vets website. Since Watter saw how his friend enjoyed learning the guitar and how it helped him, Watter himself started learning the guitar to improve his overall mental health. Until that point, Watter said to handle any kind of mental health situations that stemmed from being in combat, he worked all the time. "I worked two jobs, and I would just run, run and run." He said he did not realize how much work had become a coping mechanism until the pandemic, when he suddenly had all this free time. But he said he and his military brothers, after all these years, are in this together. "We have your six" similar to "We have your back" is the message for their close-knit group. Through Guitars 4 Vets, Watter is hoping to share with his music with his Marine brothers as they all enjoy the healing process through music and pay tribute to their time together. How did the Washington County chapter of Guitars 4 Vets get started? Guitars 4 Vets began in Milwaukee in 2007 and has grown to 200 chapters in 40 states, including six chapters in Wisconsin, according to its website. The Washington County chapter, of which Watter is a participant, began April 1. One of the organization's founders is Al Schoessow, past commander of Hartford's VFW. Schoessow, who served in the Marine Corps from 1964 to 1968, said driving to Milwaukee to take lessons just wasn't feasible for area veterans. "We need to get a group started," he said. He started the chapter with Donna Kleinmaus, past commander of the West Bend VFW, who served from 1968 to 1970 in the Women's Army Corps, working in finance. Kleinmaus emphasized that the program is needed to provide mental health through music to area veterans. In the program, Schoessow said the veterans complete 10 lessons where they learn the guitar basics. After they complete the program, they get a free guitar to continue playing. He added that it is ideal for these volunteer teachers to be other veterans. Each volunteer works with two students, he said. Kurt Rusch, volunteer coordinator for the Washington County Guitars 4 Vets, said the chapter currently has two volunteer teachers and a waiting list for veterans who want to participate. He said they're also looking for more volunteer instructors. Kevin Watter, a participant in Washington County's Guitars 4 Vets, served in the Marines from 1990 to 1994. He served in both Kuwait and Somalia. At first, just holding the guitar was a challenge, Watter said Watter said he "knew nothing" about playing the guitar when he signed up for Guitars 4 Vets. He said holding the guitar alone was a challenge. He needed to position it so the pick did not fall out of his hand and make sure he was only grabbing one string instead of two. "He keeps reassuring me," Watter said about his guitar teacher Rodney Temple. Temple said he focuses on teaching the students five chords. "We get the chords to sound clean, and it is really satisfying when they play a beautiful chord," he said. Temple, who has played guitar for 50 years, including in a band, said he wants his students to see the healing aspect and the love of music, he said. "We focus on the enjoyment," he said. Student says Guitars for Vets has numerous benefits Another student, Matthew Miller, said one of the benefits of the program is that the teachers are veterans. Temple, for example, was in the Army Reserves from 1984 to 1990, the Army from 1991 to 1993 and in the Army Reserves from 1993 to 2001. Miller, who served in the Marines from 1994 to 2007 and the Army from 2008 to 2015, said the guitar is a "nice, soothing and relaxing" instrument. "My goal is just to learn, relax and pull it out and play," Miller said. He said he also likes the connection Guitars 4 Vets gives him with other veterans in the program. "I miss the camaraderie the most," he said of his experience in the service. Miller said he wants to have a lifelong hobby, and this program will provide that. "I can just see taking it out around the campfire," he said. 'A great outlet in dealing with emotions' Temple said that he is passionate about teaching the guitar as that got him through his years of service. When Temple served overseas, despite limited space, he found ways to pack his guitar and played it to unwind. He learned guitar from his stepfather, Robert Langer, who served in Vietnam. "He taught me and introduced me to it," Temple said. He said music has been a great outlet to deal with his emotions. "You can talk to your guitar and feel your feelings. It helps with anxiety so veterans can cope better," he added. Teaching guitar is a way for him to give back, Temple said. "(Langer) taught me and that lit a fire," he said. "It is so awesome. I can't put it into words." Temple added that there is a lot of depression with veterans, and it is often hard for them to talk about it. He said some may drink or do other unhealthy activities. "If they chose to play the guitar, you can save a few people," he said. Kevin Watter, who served in the Marines from 1990 to 1994, created a coin for remembrance of the time he and his "Marine brother" served in Somalia. Watter is a participant in the newly-formed Washington County chapter of Guitars 4 Vets. Kevin Watter changed the lyrics to 'Under the Bridge' to pay tribute to his and his Marine brothers' service in Somalia Watter, who served in the Marines from 1990 to 1994, wants his guitar playing and songwriting experience to serve as a remembrance he had with his Marine brothers in Somalia. He said Somalia is often seen as "the forgotten war," and that their service there helped save Somalians from famine. Although Watter said they helped save lives, being in combat was still dangerous, especially at a bridge in Afgooye, Somalia. Watter described it as a "rickety" bridge where only one Marine vehicle could cross at a time. He said the vehicles were a target and would often get shot at. The Marines' ambush on the bridge served as an inspiration for a song that Watter wrote with about 15 fellow Marines. It was set to the music of Red Hot Chili Peppers' famous 1992 song: "Under the Bridge." The lyrics reflect that Watter wanted to finish the job in Somalia and help the people there before returning to the U.S. The refrain, he said, says it all: "We don't want to feel like we did that day to take us back to the USA." Watter said he wants to play at least the opening guitar solo of the song at the 30th reunion of his "Marine brothers," an event planned for September. "I know we will all be singing it together, as we always do, and our emotions will fly high, but we will be there ready for each other, have each other's six, as always. (Music) is truly food for our souls," he said. "Music can take you to so many places and back to good places." For more information For more information about Guitars 4 Vets, volunteering, making a donation and learning more about the program, email wi.westbend@guitarsforvets.org or visit: guitars4vets.org. Cathy Kozlowicz can be reached at 262-361-9132 or cathy.kozlowicz@jrn.com. Follow her on X at @kozlowicz_cathy. More: Check out these 2024 Memorial Day events in the greater Milwaukee area More: On the heels of Bockfest, West Bend announces another new festival coming in 2025 This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Washington County starts Guitars 4 Vets to help veterans through music Water systems warn Americans could soon see major rate hikes to filter out toxic forever chemicals In exchange for cleaner water, Americans around the nation may soon have to pay hefty prices. Water systems are starting to warn residents of massive rate hikes as they prepare to install technology to filter out toxic chemicals in a family known as PFAS. Utilities from South Florida to upstate New York have warned customers that they could see significant price increases after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandated that they remove the substances, which have been linked to a number of cancers and other diseases, from their systems. Last month, the EPA said it will require utilities whose water systems contain high levels of six types of PFAS to remove them from the water. PFAS, which stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of thousands of chemicals that have been used to make a variety of nonstick and waterproof products and firefighting foam. The substances have also become ubiquitous in the environment, due in part to the fact that they tend to persist for a long time instead of breaking down. Exposure to these so-called forever chemicals has been linked to increased risks of prostate, kidney and testicular cancers, weakened immune systems, high cholesterol, and developmental issues in children. Now, for the first time, utilities around the nation will be required to get them out of their drinking water to prevent customers exposure. But that will come at a price. Last month, officials with Broward County, a populous South Florida locale, warned residents that those on county water could see double or triple water rates for users. Alan Garcia, director of Broward County Water and Wastewater Services, told The Hill an average monthly bill for water is currently around $26. He agreed that amount could potentially triple as the county filters out PFAS though he said its not clear whether rates will actually increase by that much. His utility has 66,000 accounts representing an estimated 230,000 people. Fort Worth, Texas, officials also warned of consequences for ratepayers ahead of the EPA setting the rule last month. Its going to be expensive, and its going to impact our ratepayers, and were going to be doing everything we possibly can to get some federal support in terms of the funding, but were going to have to move forward, Fort Worth Water Director Chris Harder told Fort Worth Report. In the wake of the rule, water suppliers in the Buffalo, N.Y., area also said PFAS filtration could affect rates, according to The Buffalo News. And high water bills will not be contained to these few communities in the years ahead. A lot of systems are going to be faced with having to increase rates as a result of the rule, said Chris Moody, regulatory technical manager at the American Water Works Association, a lobby group representing water providers. Its not entirely clear yet which water systems will need to filter out PFAS. The rule gives utilities a few years to test their water to determine if their levels of the chemicals fall above federal thresholds. If they do, utilities will then have to install technology to get rid of them. That means the locales that have informed their consumers of rate increases may only be the first of many. The EPA, in its rule, estimated that about 6 percent to 10 percent of water systems will ultimately be found to contain PFAS at levels requiring action. Moody said he believes this is an undercount and that more of the nations water systems could be contaminated. He added that much of the expense will come from the cost of installing and maintaining filters capable of eliminating the toxic substances. Water providers recently settled a major class action lawsuit against manufacturers of PFAS, and chemical giants could have to collectively pay billions of dollars to offset treatment costs. But, Moody said, the settlements are not expected to be enough to defray the expense. If you do get money through it, itll likely only help you with maybe a third or a fourth of the costs, he said. The added costs do come with the notable benefit of lowering communities exposure to the harmful substances: Garcia described PFAS treatment as probably something important to do. But, he said, were sort of paying the price of companies PFAS use. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Watermelon Man honored by family nearly a year after his death MEMPHIS, Tenn. Its been one year since a beloved street vendor known as the Watermelon Man was shot and killed during an attempted robbery. This Saturday, his family is honoring his memory. Watermelons are once again being sold at the corner of Homer Street and Wayne Avenue on Saturday morning. The faces behind the watermelons greet everyone passing by with waves and smiles. Family of Watermelon Man honors his memory. Family of Watermelon Man honors his memory. Family of Watermelon Man honors his memory. Family of Watermelon Man honors his memory. Family of Watermelon Man honors his memory. Daniel Materna and April Stokes said theyre selling watermelons in honor of their father John Materna. Just want to keep his memory alive. He loved sitting out here, waving at people, selling his watermelons. Just having a good day, Daniel Materna said. On May 15, 2023, John Materna was shot while selling watermelons on the same corner that his family convened at this weekend. He died weeks later after being taken off life support. Demarion Tackett was charged with first-degree murder in Maternas death. At the time of the shooting, he was only 15. 15-year-old charged in fatal shooting of watermelon man John Materna, police say Tackett is currently out on bond. He will be back in court on June 21. Less than a year after his passing, Maternas children admit that they are still trying to cope with the loss of their father. I dont think you can move forward. I really dont, Stokes said. Just hope for justice and keep his memory alive, Daniel Materna said. Hopefully, the people out here still think about him every once in a while. While the family knew Materna as a dad, granddad, brother and husband, people stopping by say they knew him as their Watermelon Man. Hell stand right here and hell wave to get the peoples attention. He also used to do cantaloupes, resident Carolina Flowers said. Buying them at the store, its not the same at the store. His children told WREG that the outpour of support from the community has been overwhelming, and his death has brought them closer as a family. We knew he was loved by us, but knowing how much everybody else loved him too, its unbelievable, Stokes said. They add that while he may be gone, his impact will last forever. Were not going to let it go. Were going to keep fighting for him, Stokes said. No matter what. He wont be forgotten. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com. COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) A long line of strong storms moved into central Ohio Sunday afternoon and evening, bringing damaging winds with some of the downpours. A lull developed in the evening in the wake of a disturbance lifting northward with a warm front. Now a second round of strong storms is moving in, with low pressure tracking across the lower Great Lakes. The latest round of rain and storms, with heavy rain and gusty winds, will arrive by 2 a.m. The greatest risk of severe weather will be in southern Ohio, but pockets of heavy rain and strong winds will accompany clusters of storms as far north as the Columbus area. Rain and weakening storms will taper off to a few showers toward daybreak. Winds will increase from the west, gusting between 15 and 25 mph, and temperatures will stay in the 70s on Memorial Day, with lingering clouds. A few periods of sunshine will provide opportunities for outdoor activities throughout the day, despite a stray shower or two. This week will be noticeably cooler, as upper-level low pressure hangs around, along with a few scattered showers Tuesday and Wednesday. Highs will only reach the low 70s. Sunshine will return later in the week, with a gradual weekend warming trend. Forecast Tonight: Showers, storms late. Low 66 Memorial Day: Early showers, mix clouds and sun, breezy. High 77 Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, few showers p.m. High 75 (61) Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, cool, shower possible. High 68 (57) Thursday: Partly cloudy. High 72 (49) Friday: Sunny. High 77 (51) Saturday: Partly cloudy. High 80 (54) Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV. This Week in Louisiana Politics: abortion pill, death penalty, and southern border This Week in Louisiana Politics: abortion pill, death penalty, and southern border BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) On This Week in Louisiana Politics, the Louisiana Legislature makes national waves for a bill that will change the schedule of two abortion-inducing drugs as controlled dangerous substances. The President of the United States chimes in. Also, some lawmakers changed their minds about allowing gas executions, but others want it to stay. Elected officials held an anti-semitism rally at the state capitol after nationwide pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses. Gov. Jeff Landry signed a State of Emergency Declaration after severe weather and tornadoes. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is now accepting mobile drivers licenses using the LA Wallet application. In Washington, congressmen are debating how to secure the nations border. But no agreement has been reached. Latest News Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to BRProud.com. Critics said HB 198 would allow for more pruning along highways threatening native trees and plants. (Photo: Getty Images) a gavel and the scales of justice By Lynn Bonner Autopsy results would be kept secret from the public in cases under criminal investigation, under a proposed change to North Carolina law discussed Tuesday. Autopsy results in cases that could be homicides would not be released until criminal charges are filed, said Sen. Danny Britt, a Robeson County Republican. Family members would not have access to autopsy reports, but district attorneys would be able to describe their contents to family members of the deceased. [Read more...] UNC System President Peter Hans (Screengrab PBS NC/UNC Board of Governors) By Clayton Henkel and Ahmed Jallow The UNC Board of Governors voted Thursday to repeal the UNC Systems policy on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). The motion was passed on a voice vote as part of the consent agenda, which included multiple action items. Two board members Joel Ford and Sonja Phillips Nichols, who are both Black asked to be recorded as having voted no. Neither spoke publicly to explain their vote. Prior to the action, UNC System President Peter Hans sought to frame the boards action as advancing the cause of neutrality. [Read more...] Bonus read: House Democrats, business leaders condemn plan to repeal DEI initiatives at NC universities By Lisa Sorg Lawyers with the North Carolina Attorney Generals office tried three times to convince a federal court the states ag-gag law should stand. They lost in U.S. District Court, which ruled the law violated the constitution. They lost at the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, which upheld the lower court. They petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case, which declined. Now the state will pay nearly $885,000 in attorneys fees to the plaintiffs, including the ASPCA, the Government Accountability Project and Food & Water Watch, who successfully argued that the ag-gag law ran afoul of the First Amendment. [Read more...] An airline passenger waiting for his flight looks at his phone while wearing a protective face mask. By Ahmed Jallow The North Carolina House on Wednesday rejected controversial Senate amendments to a bill that would, among other things, ban wearing masks in public, even for health reasons. The bill now goes to a conference committee for possible changes. Current state law allows people to wear masks in public for health reasons, an exemption added during the pandemic, but the Senate last week voted to repeal that exemption along party lines.[Read more] a redbud tree in bloom By Clayton Henkel Governor Roy Cooper on Thursday vetoed House Bill 198, an omnibus transportation bill that would have resulted in more pruning along roadways to benefit outdoor advertisers. Cooper said in his veto statement that protecting North Carolinas beauty should be a top priority, not legislation that allows for more tree cutting and the destruction of native plants around billboards.[Read more] NC period poverty news conference By Lynn Bonner Every day, North Carolina students who cannot afford period supplies are forced to ask teachers or school staff for feminine hygiene products. Some students miss school because they dont have tampons or menstrual pads at home. Advocates for ending period poverty, the lack of access to supplies due to lack of income, met at the Legislative Building on Wednesday to emphasize the importance the issue has for education and student health.[Read more] The front of the North Carolina Supreme Court building By Lynn Bonner Individuals and law firms making false claims of fraudulent voting cannot be sued for defamation, the NC Supreme Court ruled Thursday. The state Supreme Courts five Republican justices ruled unanimously that people and entities bringing election protests enjoy absolute privilege that protects them from defamation lawsuits. The case stems from false claims of double voting in 2016 after Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper defeated incumbent Republican Gov. Pat McCrory in a close election.[Read more.] a pile of buttons in which each reads: "I'm for second chances" By Greg Childress The North Carolina House Judiciary 2 Committee approved a bill on Wednesday that would repeal automatic expungements of not guilty or dismissed charges from criminal records. The committee approved a committee substitute for Senate Bill 565 on a voice vote. As NC Newsline previously reported, the original bill proposed to restart automatic expungements the legislature approved in 2020, but that were paused months later and have now been on hold for nearly two years.[Read more...] Rep. Edward Goodwin speaks at a press conference By Ahmed Jallow Members of the Tuscarora Nation of North Carolina held a press conference Tuesday morning at the North Carolina General Assembly to urge lawmakers to support House Bill 970. The bill would grant state recognition to the Tuscarora Nation. [Read more] By Rob Schofield The North Carolina legislature has enacted a lot of half-baked and destructive laws over the last 13-plus years of conservative rule. There was the HB2 debacle in which lawmakers made the state a national pariah and laughingstock by promoting the preposterous notion that male sexual predators[were diabolically masquerading as transgender women in order to gain access to womens public restrooms. There was the infamous Monster Voting Law that a federal court determined targeted Black voters for disenfranchisement with surgical precision. [Read more] Listen to this weeks podcast episodes: * Dr. Lauren Fox of the Public School Forum on NCs progress on Top Education issues * Charlotte preschool director Emma Biggs on the impending crisis in NCs childcare industry. * Cannabis consultant Chris Suttle on SB3 and whether NC could become the 39th state to legalize medical marijuana The post Weekend reads: UNC drops DEI, autopsy results obscured, and Coopers veto to protect native trees appeared first on NC Newsline. Nearly half of all credit reports may contain errors, some of them costly to your credit score, according to a new watchdog report. Two consumer groups, Consumer Reports and WorkMoney, invited more than 4,300 volunteers to check their credit reports for accuracy, as a sort of performance review of the three major credit agencies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Heres what they found: One-quarter of the consumers were unable to access their credit reports, which are supposed to be available to all. Among those who read their reports, 44% found errors. Of the errors, 27% were potentially damaging to the consumers credit. The findings, released in late April, suggest that American consumers would be wise to read their reports. The credit agencies allow free access to them on a site called AnnualCreditReport.com. People dont volunteer to be a part of this system, and a lot of decisions are made about you based on whats in your account, said Lisa Gill, an investigative reporter at Consumer Reports. Related story: What information is on your credit report? Here's what I found when I read my own. Credit scores are part of 'being able to afford life' Credit reports factor into a dizzying array of consumer transactions. If you want to rent an apartment, buy a house, take a new job or negotiate a better rate on a car loan, insurance premium or cellphone contract, your credit score may determine your success. People with weak credit may get turned down, or penalized with higher rates and more stringent terms. Its such an important part of people being able to afford life, said Carrie Joy Grimes, CEO of WorkMoney, a nonprofit that helps consumers with their finances. This is not a partisan issue. This is everyone in America. Consumer advocates acknowledge that it has probably never been easier to access your credit score, a metric of creditworthiness that ranges from 300 to 850, and the report upon which the score is based. Long ago, consumers werent permitted to read their credit reports. Americans eventually gained the right to see their credit dossier, typically for a $15 fee. A 2003 law guaranteed access to free credit reports once a year. Today, consumers may see their reports once a week. Industry leaders say they want consumers to read their reports, and to help credit agencies spot and fix potential errors. The consumer reporting industry shares the same goal as consumers, advocates, and regulators when it comes to credit reports: they should be accurate and complete, the Consumer Data Industry Association, a group that represents the credit bureaus, said about the new report in a statement to USA Today. Story continues The nationwide credit reporting agencies are working diligently across the financial ecosystem to achieve that goal, the statement said. The entire business model of these companies is predicated on accuracy: when the information is accurate, everyone wins. Evaluate your credit score before you search for a home. Credit agency complaints nearly doubled in a year Consumer watchdogs say the credit bureaus should do a better job. Credit agencies are the most common subject of complaints filed to the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, according to research by the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG). Complaints about credit reporting nearly doubled between 2021 and 2022, the nonprofit found. Most complaints concerned allegations of improper use of credit reports, errors, or problems with getting an agency to correct mistakes, said Teresa Murray, consumer watchdog director at PIRG. The credit bureaus have not served consumers well for decades, Murray said. Its gotten better, but its still a huge problem. Complaints are increasing, in part, because consumers have better access to their credit reports and are more keenly aware of them, she said. The massive Equifax data breach in 2017 raised public awareness of credit reports and their vulnerability. In the Consumer Reports investigation, 872 consumers said they found errors in their credit reports about financial information: accounts they didnt recognize, payments wrongly reported as late or missed, and debt-collection efforts of which they were not aware, among other issues. Tammy Chambers of Tacoma, Washington, found some big errors in her credit report. 'I had no idea this could happen' One consumer volunteer in the watchdog study was Tammy Chambers, 55, of Tacoma, Washington. When Chambers reviewed her Experian credit report, earlier this year, she found four delinquent loans totaling more than $2,000. None of them were hers. Chambers said an identity thief took out the consumer installment loans in her name more than a year ago. When the loans went delinquent, her credit score sank from nearly 800 to maybe 520, she said. She spent months working with the loan company and the credit agency, trying to get the debts removed, to no avail. I did my due diligence, she said. I had no idea this could happen. Chambers finally got the debts expunged this spring. According to Consumer Reports, most of the fault lay not with Experian but with the company that issued the loans, which kept reporting them on Chamberss account long after she had filed disputes. Hundreds of other consumers in the watchdog study found mistaken personal information, including incorrect addresses and wrong or misspelled names. Errors on credit reports can unfairly damage your credit score Financial errors involving delinquent accounts are worrisome, consumer advocates say, because they can unfairly damage your credit score. Anything thats reporting debt and collections thats not yours, that is going to pull that score down 30, 40, 50 points, sometimes more, Gill said. An unfamiliar name or address or account on a credit report, meanwhile, can be a signal of identity theft, Gill said. Roughly one-quarter of consumers in the watchdog study were unable to access their credit reports in the first place. Many couldnt get past the screening questions, which asked them to identify a familiar car loan or home mortgage on a multiple-choice list. Others got past those questions only to hit an error message, saying their credit reports were unavailable. If you're concerned about your credit report, consumer advocates offer these tips: Freeze your credit Freezing your credit means no one can open a new account in your name. Its free, and a great way to combat identity theft, Murray said. PIRG offers a step-by-step guide. One downside: If you want to open a new account, you will have to temporarily unfreeze your credit. Read your credit reports Consumers should review their credit reports at least once a year, looking for errors and anything unfamiliar, Murray said. If you want to over-achieve, stagger them, she said: Read a report from a different agency every four months. Report any errors If you find an error on a credit report, especially something that could affect your credit score or signal possible identity theft, you should report it. The bureaus are responsible for providing accurate information on the report, Gill said. You can report errors at any of the three credit bureau websites. If the error is on a specific account, consider contacting that company directly. If necessary, file a complaint If you find an error in a credit report, give the credit bureau time to fix it. If that doesnt work, Murray said, file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Complaints matter, Murray said: The more of them the agency receives, the more likely policymakers will step in to make it easier for future consumers to review and correct their credit reports. Daniel de Vise covers personal finance for USA Today. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Credit report errors are shockingly common: What to do if you find one This well is so important to Lacey, the city may use eminent domain to take private property A water well in Lacey is so important the city will seek eminent domain authorization from the city council on June 4 so it can take the private property around the well. Eminent domain is the government power to acquire private property necessary for public use following due process of law and payment of just compensation. If the council authorizes that step, city attorney Dave Schneider could pursue an eminent domain petition in Thurston County Superior Court. At issue is Well No. 7, located between Bowker and Lacey streets, an area north of Pacific Avenue and east of Saint Martins University. It was drilled to a depth of 480 feet and has been in operation since 1976. It also is the citys largest well, which produced 480 million gallons of water in 2023, or one-sixth of the citys yearly water supply. However, the well is slowing, which means the city needs land near it to both rehabilitate the well and dig a new one. So far, though, the city has not been able to reach a deal with the two landowners, one of whom is Ron Ryder, Lacey Mayor Andy Ryders father. The other owner, according to parcel owner information, is Firehouse 5608 Partners LLC. Schneider said the properties have been appraised and the following offers were made: $346,200 for the Ryder property and $617,200 for the Firehouse land. A Firehouse representative could not be reached, but The Olympian did hear from Ron Ryder, who declined to speak at length about the situation. He said negotiations have been cordial and that he might attend the June 4 meeting. If negotiations have been cordial, why is the city seeking eminent domain authorization? Schneider said theres some urgency because the citys public works department needs to begin design work for the new well. We need to know we have access to the property before we start constructing a new well, Schneider said. Lacey City Council was briefed on the well situation in February. During that meeting, council member Robin Vazquez asked how often the city has used eminent domain. Schneider said only once, and even then the dispute was resolved before it worked its way through the court process. A new well could be constructed in 18 months to two years, water resources manager Peter Brooks said, once the city acquires the property. The citys 20 wells produced a little more than 3 billion gallons of water in 2023. There are unofficial signals from the United States that the White House has already begun discussing a decision to allow Ukraine to use US-supplied weapons on Russian territory, although there is no consensus yet. Source: Ukrainian MP Yehor Cherniev, who is the head of Ukraine's permanent delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, on Telegram, as reported by European Pravda Details: The MP noted that in informal conversations on the sidelines of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, Americans are saying that the White House has already "started the process" of allowing Ukraine to use US-supplied weapons on Russian territory. "The problem so far is that decisions are being made by a team that does not have a consensus at the moment. But there is pressure from all sides. There are chances, so we are not slowing down," Cherniev added. Background: The US Congress has already called for Ukraine to be authorised to use US-supplied weapons to hit military targets in Russia. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg believes it is high time for some allies to reconsider restrictions on the use of weapons provided to Ukraine against targets in Russia. The New York Times reported that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken wants to persuade President Joe Biden to lift these restrictions. Support UP or become our patron! Why Did Andrea Yates Drown Her Five Children? Inside the Shocking Case 23 Years Later Yates, who signed a friends high school yearbook as the struggling butterfly, suffered from postpartum psychosis when she killed her children in 2001 Courtesy of Yates Family/Getty Andrea Yates and her family On June 20, 2001, police responded to a 911 call from the home of Andrea Yates in the Houston suburb of Clear Lake, Texas, and found the mother of five standing in front of the house in a soaking wet blue and white shirt. I just killed my children, she told the officers. Shortly after Yates husband Rusty Yates left for work at the Johnson Space Center, the unthinkable happened. Yates told police she filled the bathtub in her familys three-bedroom, brick home and drowned her children, one by one, taking the lives of sons Luke, 2, Paul, 3, John, 5 and daughter Mary, who was just 6 months old. Her son Noah, 7, saw his baby sister dead in the tub and ran. But his mother wrestled him into the tub and ended his life, too. HOUSTON POLICE/AFP via Getty Andrea Yates She carefully placed the bodies of the four youngest children on her bed, covered them with a sheet and called 911 over and over again. Found guilty of capital murder in 2002, she was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 40 years. Yates' attorneys appealed and the verdict was overturned. The case was retried in 2006, when Yates was found not guilty by reason of insanity. In 2007, Yates was remanded to Kerrville State Hospital, a mental facility in Kerrville, Texas, opting to stay there and continue treatment, PEOPLE previously confirmed. Related: Andrea Yates, Who Drowned Her 5 Kids in a Tub in 2001, Annually Declines Release from Mental Hospital But the question remains about what drove Yates to kill her five children. Earlier Signs of Distress Immediately after the shocking murders, people wondered what went so awry. "Something had to have snapped," Cheryl Johnson, the Yates neighbor at the time, told PEOPLE in the aftermath. "She was no monster." Yates, it was later learned, had struggled for years with mental health issues, suffering from severe depression after the birth of her fourth child, Rusty Yates said. After the birth of her first child, she was very happy, very strong, her longtime friend, Marlene Wark, told PEOPLE previously. BRETT COOMER/AFP via Getty Andrea Yates But in 1999, just months after Luke was born, Yates attempted suicide by taking an overdose of medication prescribed for her father, who was ill. She was hospitalized following the incident. After her release, "there was no concern on the hospital's part that she was a risk to her children, so it was never assigned to a caseworker," a spokeswoman for Harris County Children's Protective Services told PEOPLE previously. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Click here to get breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases in the True Crime Newsletter. Yates was prescribed antidepressants and the antipsychotic medication Haldol, which helped her keep the depression at bay, for a time. Two weeks after she came off the powerful drug, which in itself can have adverse effects, her mental illness worsened, her attorney George Parnham told jurors during her trial. He told them she believed drowning her children was the right thing to do." A Stay-at-Home Mom of 5 Young Children When the couple wed in 1993, Rusty told Andrea he wanted her to stay home and that he wanted a big family. "He was adamant that they were going to have six kids," neighbor Sylvia Cole told PEOPLE previously. "She was really meek and easygoing, so I'm not sure if it was a joint decision." Pam Francis/Getty Images (L) Mug Shot ( Andrea Yates Wedding Day in 1993 and After her 2001 Arrest When she killed the children, she was also under a lot of pressure, neighbor Mike Clay said at the time. "They had five kids. That's a lot of people in a small space, and she was there 24-7, and home schooling. That's a lot to handle." The Aftermath Rusty Yates has since divorced Yates and remarried. Asked by Oprah Winfrey in 2015 if he forgave his ex-wife, he replied Yes, adding: Forgiveness kind of implies that I have ever really blamed her. In some sense Ive never really blamed her because Ive always blamed her illness. Yates waived her right to annual review for consideration for release, PEOPLE previously confirmed. She "grieves for her children" every day, often watching home videos of them, Parnham, who supports The Yates Children Memorial Fund, previously told PEOPLE. Related: Andrea Yates' Life in Prison After Drowning Her 5 Children: She 'Misses Them Every Day' Yates' attorney, husband and a former doctor did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs requests for interviews. If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages. For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on People. The Maine state flag flies outside the State House in Augusta. (Jim Neuger/ Maine Morning Star) For its 2023-24 Voice of Democracy audio essay competition, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States asked students about the greatest attributes of our democracy. One student was selected as the winner from each state. Maines top essay came from Anna Seavey. Below is a transcript of her essay. The audio is available on the VFW website. As former president Ronald Reagan once said, Democracy is worth dying for because its the most deeply honorable form of government ever devised by a man. Why is our democracy worth dying for? Why is our democracy one to regard as deeply honorable? One word: Freedom. An estimated 6,800 American soldiers died in battle and another 6,100 were wounded just so that our country could be free. As an American, I do not take lightly how my freedom came to be. It is the result of those brave warriors that we have freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of religion, freedom of assembly and the freedom to petition. These five freedoms are essential to our democracy. They honor our human rights, fundamental rights that every person is entitled to regardless of race, gender, status, nationality or religion. The Founding Fathers value of human rights is the reason we can live with the protection of what these freedoms hold. The freedom of speech protects our democracy because citizens have the right to discuss important matters. In writing the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson recognized the importance of speaking freely when he wrote, Whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it and to institute new government. Freedom of speech, but also the writing down of our thoughts with the freedom of the press, protects our right to discuss the things that potentially need to be altered in our government without fear of repercussion. Equally, significant protection comes from the freedoms of religion and assembly. I am personally thankful for the freedom of religion. The fact that I can wake up every morning and not be in danger of practicing my religion is so meaningful. I am aware that only some countries have that protection. There are several countries where different religions face persecution, including, but not limited to, China, Iran, India, North Korea, Nigeria and Pakistan. Not only can we practice our religion, but we can assemble with others to do so. The freedom to assemble makes it possible to discuss and defend ideas without consequence. It also gives the opportunity to spread awareness of current events. The freedom to petition aids in that awareness by safely protesting concerns in our country or individual states. I had a personal experience with exercising this right just this year. I was able to stand alongside thousands of people at our State House in protest of a bill in the process of becoming a law. This peaceful petition would not be possible without those who have fought for us to have freedom. As Thomas Jefferson observed: All men are created equal. The origin of our freedom was from the Founding Fathers value of equality. That equality is the reason soldiers continue to fight for our country. That is the reason our democracy is honorable and worth dying for. SUPPORT NEWS YOU TRUST. DONATE The post Why one young Mainer believes our democracy is deeply honorable appeared first on Maine Morning Star. Ohio is in a race to certify Joe Biden on the ballot as the Democratic presidential candidate. There have been holdups in Ohio that may threaten President Joe Biden's name from being on the state's ballot for the 2024 presidential election. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images) President Joe Biden has yet to be certified as the Democratic presidential nominee in the state of Ohio, and leaders from both political parties are getting antsy. Ohios Republican Gov. Mike DeWine has called for a rare special session of the states General Assembly set for Tuesday, May 28 to vote on legislation ensuring that Biden will be on the states 2024 presidential ballot, but stressed in a May 23 post on X that Ohio is running out of time to make it happen. The measure has already encountered several challenges that have kept it from moving forward. Heres what you need to know. Why isnt Biden on the Ohio ballot yet? In Ohio, both parties must certify their presidential candidates with Secretary of State Frank LaRoses office 90 days before the Nov. 5 general election, which in this case would be Aug. 7. However, the Democratic National Convention, scheduled for Aug. 19 to Aug. 22 in Chicago, where Biden is to be formally nominated, falls after the states ballot deadline. LaRose, a Republican, warned Ohio Democrats on April 5 that legislation to extend that deadline needed to be presented and voted on by May 9, which is 90 days out from Aug. 7, since thats how long it would take for such legislation to take effect after its signed by DeWine. During the General Assembly session on May 9, the Senate passed legislation to address the deadline extension. But the House never took it up for a vote, which caused legislators to miss the deadline previously set forth by LaRose. Former President Donald Trump and Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine. (Drew Angerer/Getty Images) Whats been the holdup? There have been two competing proposals one in the House and one in the Senate that would have extended the deadline to certify both Trump and Bidens place on the November ballot. Theyve both reached a standstill. The Senates bill, which Democrats oppose, links the extension deadline proposal with an amendment banning political campaigns from accepting donations from foreign entities one year after a Swiss billionaires donations helped enshrine abortion rights in the state. The House proposed a straightforward bill that would permanently change the deadline from 90 days to 74 days before the election.. The Senate passed its version on May 9, but House Speaker Jason Stephens adjourned without putting it to vote, upsetting numerous Ohio Democrats. Stephens told the press there was just not the will to pass the solution in the legislature. DeWine has had enough On Thursday, DeWine announced the special legislative session to ensure that the issue is resolved in a timely manner. I've waited. I've been patient. And my patience has run out, he said at a news conference, according to the Associated Press. Ohio is running out of time to get Joe Biden on the ballot this fall. Failing to do so is simply not acceptable. This is a ridiculous this is an absurd situation. Whats the purpose of the special session? As DeWine explained on X, the special session allows for the General Assembly to pass legislation that would ensure that both major party candidates will be on the states ballot in November, and prohibit foreign nationals from contributing to campaign spending in the state. Ohio has been here before Ohio changed its certification deadline from 75 days to 90 days before election day in 2010, and ever since, the state has had to make short-term fixes to accommodate both parties before each general election. Former President Barack Obama and Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney faced a similar challenge in Ohio in 2012, when lawmakers passed a temporary deadline change as part of an unrelated bill, according to Cleveland.com. The state did the same thing in 2020 for Biden and Donald Trumps first presidential face-off. Other states made similar moves this year but faster Alabama experienced the same dilemma this year, but in April, unanimously voted to waive the deadline so that Biden can be on the ballot. Washington state did as well, but the state resolved it fairly quickly. According to ABC News, Stuart Holmes, the director of elections under Washingtons Democratic Secretary of State Steve Hobbs, said his office is making an exception to the deadline that would allow Washington Democrats to certify Biden as their nominee so long as they submit it before Aug. 20. Ohio Republicans agree with DeWine Although we are confident that Donald Trump will win decisively in November, we agree wholeheartedly with the Governors decision to call the legislature into an emergency session to place Joe Biden on the November ballot, the Ohio Republican Party said in a statement. [We] strongly support the idea that Ohioans deserve the opportunity to cast their votes for their preferred major-party candidate and that we also deserve to have elections that are free from foreign financial interests, it continued. We encourage all legislators to get this done for the good of all Ohioans. Ohio Democrats are unimpressed Ohios House Minority Leader, Democrat Allison Russo, suggested in a post on X that DeWines motivation to hold the special session was not really about Biden but rather to hold gerrymandered power by pushing the deadline even further. The fix would take effect (around Aug. 29) AFTER the bills new presidential certification date (Aug. 23), she pointed out. Re @GovMikeDeWine proclamation: this is like being sold spoiled milk at the grocery store. Only one of the Senate-led bills he mentions actually contains a Biden fix in it (Sub.HB114). In addition to HB114s poison pill language chilling Ohioans right to direct democracy, the pic.twitter.com/1SMExBGuZ7 Allison Russo (@Russo4Ohio) May 24, 2024 Elizabeth Walters, the Ohio Democratic Party chair, told the Ohio Capital Journal that the constant delays are an attempt by Republicans to take Biden off the ballot. Republican politicians at the statehouse made clear that they want to take away Ohioans ability to choose who they want to be president, she said. Throughout this process, corrupt politicians in Columbus have politicized the process and used it to play political games. Meanwhile, Charles Lutvak, a spokesman for the Biden campaign, said that Bidens name will be on the ballot in all 50 states. Election after election, states across the country have acted in line with the bipartisan consensus and taken the necessary steps to ensure the presidential nominees from both parties will be on the ballot. And this election is no different, he said in a statement to the New York Times. Wisconsin man arrested for OWI twice in same night, roughly 5 hours apart JANESVILLE, Wis. (WFRV) A southern Wisconsin man was pulled over and arrested twice for OWI in the same evening, with the arrests happening roughly five hours apart from one another. According to a release from the Janesville Police Department, 53-year-old Jeffery Janecek, was seen near Milton Avenue and Blackbridge Road after a witness reported him being all over the roadway around 5:15 p.m. on May 24. Brown County youth tennis coach in custody as investigation into growing number of young victims continues Janesville officers pulled Janecek over in the 1200 block of North Ringold Street. Janecek, a Janesville resident, was arrested after allegedly failing standardized field sobriety testing. [Janecek] was charged with operating while intoxicated 1st offense, which is a traffic forfeiture. A sober, responsible party, came to the Janesville Police Department and took custody of Janecek around 6:00 p.m. This is normal procedure for an OWI 1st arrest. Janesville Police Department Roughly four and a half hours after Janecek was picked up, a different Janesville officer spotted a vehicle allegedly deviating from its lane and traveling 15mph under the speed limit on Milton Avenue near Mt. Zion Avenue. When the officer pulled the vehicle over, the driver was identified as Janecek, who was reportedly still under the influence of alcohol and had allegedly just left a local bar, officers say. Shawano County attempted homicide suspect captured in southern Wisconsin, pursuit reached speeds of 125mph After failing field sobriety testing yet again, Janecek was arrested once more and is being held at the Rock County Jail for what officers called his continued dangerous behavior. It was stated in the release that Janecek was charged with two counts of Operating While Intoxicated 1st Offense. No other details were released. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. Woman, 98, who left Russian occupation on her own received certificate of honorary train conductor Lidiia, 98, had worked as a conductor at the Donetsk railway for 40 years. Ukrainian Railways/Telegram Lidiia, 98, a woman who travelled almost 10 kilometres to leave the Russian-occupied settlement of Ocheretyne for Ukraine-controlled territory, has been awarded a certificate of honour as a train conductor. Source: Ukrainian Railways (Ukrzaliznytsia) Details: It turned out that the woman had been working as a conductor on the Donetsk railway for 40 years. "We immediately felt the familiar toughness, checked it out, and we were right," the statement said. In addition, the woman received a certificate of honour from Ukrzaliznytsia as the honorary head of train No. 111/112, which used to run from Kyiv to Avdiivka through Lidiia's native Ocheretyne. Representatives of the railway also brought Lidiia a bouquet of flowers from her grandson. The man continues the family business as a conductor of diplomatic flights. "She sincerely dreams of coming back. Now only by train, following the Armed Forces of Ukraine!" Ukrzaliznytsia wrote. Background: In late April, Lidiia walked almost 10 kilometres under fire to leave the temporarily occupied territory. The woman was forced to leave her native Ocheretyne (Donetsk Oblast) after Russian forces destroyed her house. Earlier, an 88-year-old resident of the same village had managed to get to the government-controlled territory under fire. Before that, the Russians took away his Ukrainian passport. Support UP or become our patron! LEMONT, Ill. A woman is dead after she was struck by an Amtrak train in the southwest suburbs on Saturday afternoon. According to police, the victim, a 47-year-old woman, was hit by the train in Lemont, near the intersection of Main Street and Stephen Street around 3:30 p.m. Read more: Latest Chicago news headlines A spokesperson for Amtrak said the victim was trespassing on the track when they were hit by the 22 train, which was traveling from San Antonio to Chicago. Officials said no other injuries were reported and the Amtrak is working with local law enforcement. It is the fifth time a person has been hit by a train in Chicagoland in the last month. LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland On Monday, May 6, a 56-year-old man from Des Plaines was fatally hit by the #666 train in the 1500 block of Miner Street, on Friday, May 10, a pedestrian was struck near Palatine just before rush hour, on Saturday, May 18, a person was fatally struck by a Metra train in Des Plaines and on Thursday, May 23, a 48-year-old woman was hit and killed by a Metra train in Bartlett. Currently, it is unclear what led to the incident and authorities have not yet identified the victim. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. Woman wanted for questioning after suspicious death in Oakhurst, deputies say Woman wanted for questioning after suspicious death in Oakhurst, deputies say MADERA COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) The Madera County Sheriffs Office is actively searching for a person of interest regarding the death of a 24-year-old in Oakhurst on Friday. Deputies say Friday morning they responded to the 42000 block of Shady Lane in Oakhurst for a medical aid request. Upon arrival, deputies performed lifesaving measures on a 24-year-old man who they ultimately pronounced dead at the scene. Detectives say wounds on the victim caused them some concern and are treating the death as a homicide. On Saturday, the Sheriffs Office called for public assistance in locating Kaicey Bos. Investigators identified Bos as a person of interest and is wanted for questioning. Kaicey Bos, wanted for questioning following a homicide in Oakhurst on May 25 (image provided by the Madera County Sheriffs Office) Anyone with any information regarding Bos whereabouts is asked to contact the Madera County Sheriffs Office at 559-676-7770. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to YourCentralValley.com | KSEE24 and CBS47. MANILA, Philippines, May 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- An increasing trend of older fatherhood is potentially creating a global genetic disaster with devastating health consequences for offspring. ASPIRE 2024 Congress Logo (PRNewsfoto/Asia Pacific Initiative on Reproduction) A major conference of human reproductive health in the Philippines will hear of mounting evidence that paternal ageing is associated with a profound increase in sperm DNA damage that can burden offspring with mutational impacts including schizophrenia, autism and childhood cancers. Speaking at the 2024 Congress of the Asia Pacific Initiative on Reproduction (ASPIRE) in Manila today, Indian fertility specialist, Dr Ameet Patki, said that sperm DNA damage in older men also contributes to an increased risk of pregnancy loss and a decrease in live births. "It is imperative that clinicians advise couples where the man is aged 40 or more that there is an increased risk of adverse health outcomes in offspring, and potentially on future generations," Dr Patki said. "Over the past 50 years there has been a significant increase in the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders in children and an eight-fold increase in childhood cancers. It is reasonable to assume that advanced paternal age is a contributor to this disturbing global trend. "The average age of fathers is increasing, as it is among mothers as couples delay parenthood because of economic, social and lifestyle issues, and sperm counts in men in many countries are declining at an accelerated pace. "We know that sperm count, volume and motility decrease with age, but the focus should also be on genomic defects in sperm." Dr Patki, who is President of the Indian Society for Assisted Reproduction (ISAR), said there had been major international studies on the impacts of maternal ageing and reproductive health, but research and clinical trials on paternal ageing were scant by comparison. "In many societies, infertility is perceived as a female issue and many men are unwilling to accept that they may be a contributor to adverse reproductive outcomes," he said. "However, the biological clock also ticks for men particularly in terms of sperm DNA fragmentation that occurs exponentially after the age of 40. "Paternal ageing is associated with a profound increase in sperm DNA damage, the appearance of multiple epigenetic changes in the germ line, and an elevated mutational load in the offspring. "The net result of such changes is an increase in the disease burden carried by the male and female progeny of ageing men including autism, attention deficit disorder and schizophrenia. Story continues "The impacts of male biological time keeping are entirely different than maternal ageing. "Genetic counselling should be considered for couples with advanced paternal ageing along with testing for sperm DNA fragmentation, particularly in cases of recurrent pregnancy loss." Dr Patki said treatment with antioxidants, such as vitamins E and C and CQ10, could improve sperm DNA integrity and enhance semen parameters in men above the age of 40. "Carefully designed clinical trials are now needed if we are to realise the therapeutic potential of this approach," he explained. Meanwhile, a major focus of the Fertility Counts initiative being advanced by ASPIRE at the Manila Congress is that raising a family at a younger age is medically desirable, while understanding and addressing social and economic barriers to couples seeking parenthood in their prime reproductive years. The ASPIRE Congress is being held at the Philippine International Convention Centre in Manila. For further information, go to the Congress website www.aspire2024.com Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/critical-need-for-doctors-to-counsel-couples-on-potential-genetic-burden-in-offspring-of-older-dads-302155700.html SOURCE Asia Pacific Initiative on Reproduction Former President Donald Trump salutes at a campaign rally on March 16, 2024, in Vandalia, Ohio. Jeff Dean via Associated Press NEW YORK Donald Trump, who is accused of dozens of felonies and literally salutes violent rioters who assaulted police officers, has nevertheless been treated like a hero by New York City police officers during his criminal trial possibly because many are unaware of his pledge to pardon those who attacked officers during his Jan. 6, 2021, coup attempt. Thats news to me, said one on a lower Manhattan street corner that the former presidents motorcade had just driven past. I had not heard that, said another near the parked black shuttle buses that have been ferrying Trumps congressional supporters who attack the trial judge and district attorney on his behalf to and from Trump Tower. In fact, of two dozen New York City police officers interviewed by HuffPost within a few blocks of the Centre Street courthouse where a jury will soon decide his fate, only one said he knew that Trump routinely honors the Jan. 6 police-assaulters and plans to pardon them. I dont think that should happen, said the officer who, like the others, spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not permitted to talk to the press while in uniform and on duty. I think that sets a bad example. If you do a crime, you should be held accountable for it. At his rallies, the former and would-be future president stands at attention and even salutes while a recording of the national anthem, sung by Jan. 6 jail detainees who violently assaulted police on that day, is played over the loudspeakers. In speech after speech, he has called those accused and, in many cases, convicted of felonies hostages and political prisoners, and has vowed to grant them pardons if he is elected. Trump, who faces 88 felony charges himself, throughout his criminal trial has been treated like a celebrity by New York City police officers, nonetheless. Video from April 16, for example, shows him shaking hands and taking photos with a group of officers outside a campaign stop following that days court proceedings. Thats not the police officers initiative. Thats him wanting to shake hands, said one officer last week, adding that he also did not know about Trumps promise to pardon those who had assaulted his fellow officers. I dont know anything about that. The New York Police Department did not respond to HuffPost queries about officers interactions with an accused criminal currently on trial, particularly one who promises to pardon those convicted of assaulting police officers. The citys Police Benevolent Association, which endorsed Trump in 2020, also did not respond to HuffPost queries on those same topics. The group typically issues fiery responses when someone accused of assaulting an officer is not kept in jail pending trial or is otherwise treated leniently. Criminals who assault police officers are seeing no jail time, the union wrote in a Jan. 3 press release earlier this year. A month later, upon the announcement of additional indictments against gang members who had attacked officers in Times Square in late January, the union said: They should be in jail. We wont call it justice until they are all behind bars. The groups website does not indicate whether the union has condemned Trump for his stance on those who assaulted police on Jan. 6. It also did not issue a statement condemning the Jan. 6 rioters whose actions injured 140 police officers and led to the deaths of five in the following days and months. The unions then-president did criticize the mob two days later but, notably, did not criticize Trump for having instigated the attack. Trumps reception from police officers in New York is similar to the one he gets from officers around the country. He typically has a line of officers willing to shake his hand and be photographed with him when he boards his plane after a campaign visit. The Trump campaign has over a period of many months never responded to HuffPost questions about his praise for and promises to pardon Jan. 6 rioters who assaulted police, and did not respond this time, either. The affinity of many police officers for Trump, despite Jan. 6 and despite all the charges he faces, does not surprise Zachary Carter, a former U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York in Brooklyn who more recently led New York Citys legal office. He gives cops permission to give in to their worst impulses, Carter said of Trump, recalling a speech in which Trump told police they didnt need to be so careful about preventing head injuries to people they arrest as they put them in the back seat of their cruisers. Is there a certain kind of cop receptive to someone who gives out that signal? Yes. Carter said Trump also enjoys the sort of admiration some people have for members of the Mafia. Organized crime figures have a cult following. Even people in law enforcement are drawn to it, he said. Trump is currently on trial on charges that he falsified business records to hide a $130,000 hush payment to a porn star to keep her claim about a sexual encounter with him from coming out before the 2016 election. Closing arguments are scheduled for Tuesday morning, with the jury set to receive the case for deliberations after that. If convicted, Trump could receive up to four years in prison. Trump is also facing prosecutions in three other jurisdictions. A federal indictment in Washington, D.C., and a state court indictment in Georgia are both based on his actions leading up to his coup attempt. A second federal indictment in South Florida is based on his refusal to turn over secret documents he took with him to his Palm Beach country club when he left the White House. If convicted on the more serious charges in these cases, he could receive decades in prison. Despite all these cases, though, Trump was overwhelmingly chosen by Republican primary voters as their presidential nominee for November. Young peacock seriously injured after being struck by car in Tampa Bay area: FHP Young peacock seriously injured after being struck by car in Tampa Bay area: FHP Video above: Incredibly rare white peacock spotted in New Port Richey TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) A seriously injured peacock was rescued Sunday just a few days after an incredibly rare white peacock was spotted in the Tampa Bay area. A passerby found the young majestic bird with serious injuries after it was struck by a car, the Florida Highway Patrol in Tampa shared on social media. Credit: FHP Tampa The peacock was later given to bird rescue personnel, where it will most likely undergo rehabilitation. Troopers did not specify on what road the bird was struck. The discovery of the young peacock follows the sighting of a rare white peacock in New Port Richey. News Channel 8 producer Sally Durwald snapped a photo of the beautiful bird in her backyard. (WFLA) According to Treehugger, white peacocks are incredibly rare as their feathers are white due to a genetic mutation known as leucism, which inhibits melanin from being deposited in their feathers. In Florida, peacocks are classified as a domestic species in the Sunshine State, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission states. The birds have become established across the state by escaping from properties or by being released. They can also exhibit nuisance behaviors when their numbers multiply or when they are being fed by people, according to the FWC. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA. Ukrainian President Zelenskiy appeals to U.S. President Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping to join upcoming peace summit Ukrainian President Zelenskiy appeals to U.S. President Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping to join upcoming peace summit By Dan Peleschuk KYIV (Reuters) -President Volodymyr Zelenskiy appealed to U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Sunday to attend his peace summit as Ukraine struggles to stave off unrelenting attacks by Russia in its 27-month-old invasion. Ukraine hopes to host as many countries as possible at Kyiv-led talks in Switzerland next month aimed at uniting global opinion on how to halt the war and piling pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has not been invited. Zelenskiy spoke in an English-language video recorded in the northeastern city of Kharkiv, inside the charred remains of a printing house that was destroyed on Thursday in a Russian missile strike. He said more than 80 countries would attend. But it was unclear whether Biden would be there, nor has Beijing, which maintains close ties with Moscow, said whether it would attend. A U.S. official said on Sunday that the United States will participate in the summit, but declined to say who or at what level. "I am appealing to the leaders of the world who are still aside from the global efforts of the Global Peace Summit to President Biden, the leader of the United States, and to President Xi, the leader of China," said Zelenskiy. "Please, show your leadership in advancing the peace the real peace and not just a pause between the strikes," he said. Zelenskiy added that the summit would "show who in the world really wants to end the war." Kyiv, in its peace plan, calls for a full withdrawal of Russian troops and a restoration of its internationally recognised borders, something Moscow considers a non-starter. Last week, Russian sources told Reuters that Putin was ready to halt the war in Ukraine with a negotiated ceasefire that recognises the current battlefield lines. In response, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said that the Russian leader was "trying to derail" the Switzerland event because he was "scared of its success." "His entourage sends these phony signals of alleged readiness for a cease-fire despite the fact that Russian troops continue to brutally attack Ukraine while their missiles and drones rain down on Ukrainian cities and communities," he wrote on X. Russia has previously said it sees no point in Ukraine's conference. RUSSIAN ADVANCES In recent months Moscow's forces have made slow but steady gains along several parts of the sprawling eastern front and are attempting to push deeper into the northeastern Kharkiv region after a ground incursion launched earlier this month. The regional capital has been repeatedly hit by Russian bombs and missile strikes, including the attack on the printing house that killed seven and another on a DIY hardware store on Saturday that killed at least 14. In his video address, Zelenskiy also said that Moscow was gathering troops for new "offensive actions" further northwest of Kharkiv along the Russian-Ukrainian border. Ukraine's army chief last week said his forces were preparing for a possible Russian assault on the Sumy region that neighbours Kharkiv. (Reporting by Dan Peleschuk; Additional reporting by Jarrett Renshaw in Wilmington, Delaware; Editing by Toby Chopra, Frances Kerry and Mark Porter) Zelensky calls on allies to allow Ukraine to strike military targets on Russian soil with Western arms President Volodymyr Zelensky called on Ukraine's partners to allow Kyiv to use Western weapons to strike military targets in Russia on May 26. "We see every point of concentration of Russian troops. We know all the areas where Russian missiles and combat aircraft are launched," Zelensky said in his evening address. "Destroying this terrorist force, and thus saving thousands of lives and guaranteeing that the expansion of the war will be stopped, is purely a political decision. A decision that needs to be made." Ukraines allies have discussed Kyivs calls to greenlight the use of Western weapons on military targeting within Russia. German Green Party politician Anton Hofreiter recently spoke in favor of the idea in order to protect Ukrainian civilians. In his address, Zelensky also urged Ukraines partners to "speed up" and increase the supply of F-16s to Ukraine, as well as thanking them for their condolence and condemnation of the Russian May 25 strike on a hypermarket in Kharkiv that killed 16 people but said that "its important that this condemnation leads to entirely fair consequences." "That we finally get a sufficient number of air defense systems to protect Ukraine and our cities. And that our partners have enough determination for preemptive protection against Russian terrorists, just as they would strike at any other terrorists destroying them before they start taking lives," he said. Ukrainian member of parliament Yehor Cherniev claimed that Washington has begun to discuss the decision to allow Ukraine to use U.S. weapons on Russian territory, citing informal conversations on the sidelines of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. "The problem so far is that decisions there are made by a team that currently lacks consensus. But there is pressure from all sides. There are chances, so we are not slowing down," he wrote on Telegram on May 26. Earlier in the day, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said he was against Ukraine using Western weapons to target Russian territory. Speaking at an event in Berlin, Scholz said that Germany gave clear rules to Ukraine prohibiting the use of German weapons on Russian soil and that he sees no reason to change this. He added that his policy is to prevent escalation into a really big war. Ukraine recently said that Washington's ban meant Ukraine was unable to attack Russian forces as they were building up before crossing the border into Kharkiv Oblast in the renewed Russian offensive that began earlier in May. Read also: Zelensky: Russia forming another grouping of forces near Ukraines northern border Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Russia is forming another grouping of troops near Ukraine's northern border amid the ongoing offensive in Kharkiv Oblast, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a video address to the world leaders on May 26. Russia launched a new offensive on May 10 in northern Kharkiv Oblast. Moscow's forces had reportedly managed to advance as far as 10 kilometers (6 miles) into the region but had been halted by the first line of defense. "Right now, these days, we are defending ourselves 60 kilometers northeast from this place from yet another attempt of the Russian assault," Zelensky said in the address recorded at the Kharkiv printing house destroyed in a Russian May 23 strike that killed seven people. "Russia is preparing for offensive actions also 90 kilometers northwest from here they gather another group of troops near our border... The one who does all this doesn't want peace." Read also: Russias latest offensive into Kharkiv Oblast is stretching Ukrainian defenses Zelensky emphasized the scale of Russia's daily air attacks against Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, located less than 30 kilometers from the border with Russia. "More than a million people in this city. And every night and every day, the Russian army is shelling the city, mostly with S-300 missiles. These are air defense missiles that Russia employs to terrorize the land. There is not a single district or street in Kharkiv that hasn't suffered from this regular cruelty," the president said. Zelensky called world leaders to participate in Ukraine's upcoming peace summit to be held on June 15-16 in Switzerland. He particularly appealed to U.S. President Joe Biden who according to reports is likely to miss the event, and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, whose country's participance is still in question. "Please, show your leadership in advancing the peace the real peace and not just a pause between the strikes. The efforts of the global majority are the best guarantee that all commitments will be fulfilled," said Zelensky. While Russia has not been invited to the summit, Ukraine's Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak said that China's attendance would be very important and that Ukraine is making every effort to engage Chinese delegates in participating in the event. The summit will be centered around Ukraine's 10-point peace formula, a plan first outlined by Zelensky in fall 2022 that calls for a complete withdrawal of Russian troops from occupied Ukrainian lands. According to Zelensky, over 80 countries have confirmed their participation in the global peace summit, including India. Read also: 48 hours in Kharkiv, Ukraines most-bombed major city Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent. Volodymyr Zelenskyy in an address on 26 May. Photo: the Presidents Office The hottest spot on the battlefield in Ukraine on 26 May is the Pokrovsk front, and there has been no let-up in the Russians attempts to mount attacks in the northern part of Kharkiv Oblast. Source: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his evening address Quote: "Today I spoke with General Syrskyi [Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine ed.]. The Pokrovsk front in Donetsk Oblast has been the hottest one today. But the occupiers have not given up their attempts to mount attacks in Kharkiv Oblast either, especially near the settlements of Vovchansk and Lyptsi. Our units, our soldiers, are doing incredible work they are holding back this Russian pressure and proving once again that while Russian madmen can plan different schemes against Ukraine, Ukrainians endurance and the courage of our soldiers are indeed decisive in this war." Support UP or become our patron! Zelenskyy in an interview for Central Asian media representatives in Kharkiv. Photo: Vlast.kz Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine, considers the Central Asian countries non-participation in the Peace Summit to be a sign of weakness and has urged them to join, even if they hold dissenting views. Source: Zelenskyy in an interview for Central Asian media representatives, a full video of which was posted by the Presidents press service on 26 May Quote: "We are organising the Peace Summit, we are taking steps forward. They are unsteady, like the steps of a small child, but its important to support them. These are the right steps, and these are steps forward, definitely towards peace, not war. We are inviting all the leaders; they have not sat at the same table before, as everyone has their own interests; some have imposed sanctions, some have not. Were inviting everyone, including the leaders of Central Asia. Were inviting everyone, and we want to see them at this summit. What is scary about that? The only scary thing is that Putin wont be there. Thats all. Might Putin invade one of the Central Asian countries with tanks because of that? No, its not enough for that kind of reaction. So what are those refusing to join in afraid of? Theyre afraid of losing something, afraid of losing their relationship with todays Kremlin." Details: Zelenskyy urged the journalists from Central Asian media outlets to imagine a situation in which one of their countries was in Ukraines shoes, and to imagine how they would feel about countries who did not support them or "did not join in". "Just imagine that youre alone in a war against an aggressor it doesnt matter which. I consider this a sign of weakness," Zelenskyy said. "We would like the leaders of Central Asian countries to be there, we would like them to support this event. I dont even mind if they say: We have our own perspective. Thats fine, but share that perspective with others," Zelenskyy added. Background: On 26 May, Zelenskyy reported that over 80 countries have confirmed their participation in the Peace Summit in Switzerland and urged the leaders of the US and China to personally attend the event. Ukraine anticipates that the participants of the Global Peace Summit in Switzerland will draw up an action plan together on three points: free shipping; nuclear and energy security; and prisoners of war swaps and bringing back illegally deported children. The Global Peace Summit will be held on 15-16 June in Burgenstock, Switzerland. Support UP or become our patron! Zelenskyy: Russia is gathering new group of troops near Ukraine-Russia border Russian troops are gathering a new grouping near the border, 90 kilometres from Kharkiv, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said. Source: Zelenskyy in a video address to world leaders Quote from Zelenskyy: "Russia is the only source of aggression and constantly tries to expand the war. Right now, these days, we are defending ourselves 60 kilometres north-east from this place from yet another attempt of the Russian assault. Russia is preparing for offensive actions also 90 kilometres north-west from here they gather another group of troops near our border The one who does all this doesnt want peace. Does Russia want a dialogue? Ukraine has the worlds largest experience of lies from Russia during negotiations Lies that in particular were Russian cover-ups for preparing this war." Background: In this address, Zelenskyy called on world leaders, including the leaders of the United States and China, to participate in the Peace Summit. Support UP or become our patron! Zelenskyy says what he expects from NATO summit and what he will talk about with Macron President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Ukraine would like to receive seven Patriot air defence systems and a decision by the United States to provide Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets as important outcomes from the NATO summit in July. Source: Zelenskyy in an interview with The New York Times Quote: "Then we can eventually get seven Patriot systems from NATO countries? Seven. We would like to close the airspace over all our regions and have 20 to 30. Lets forget about that. Can we get seven? Do you think it is too much for the NATO anniversary summit in Washington? For a country that has been trying to become a NATO member since 2008? For a country that is fighting for freedom and democracy around the world today? This is just the practical result of the summit. And an American decision to give us its F-16s. Because without them, Ukraine will not have a fleet of 130 aircraft." Details: Zelenskyy explained that seven Patriot systems are needed to cover several cities in Ukraine, "without which we will completely lose our economy and energy sector". He also noted that Ukraine would like to be invited to join the Alliance, understanding that it will become a member only after the war is over, but "the US and Germany are not ready for this". Zelenskyy said he plans to talk to French President Emmanuel Macron about the possibility of shooting down Russian missiles in Ukraine from NATO countries. "When we talk about NATO countries discussing troops on Ukrainian territory, these are living people. Im just responding to you, lets take the first practical step. Shoot down whats in the sky over Ukraine. And give us the weapons to use against Russian forces on the borders," he said. When asked if he had asked Macron about this, Zelenskyy replied: "About the aircraft? No, Im going to talk about it, but I asked other partners. I conveyed to all key partners that I believe its fair to shoot them down with aircraft. Lets agree: The Russian Federation has a fleet with 300 aircraft that the Russian fleet uses against Ukraine. Three hundred aircraft. Our analysis told us that we need 120 to 130 F-16s or aircraft with high technical characteristics. Lets agree: If Ukraine doesnt receive such a quantity of aircraft for various reasons, why cant a smaller number of aircraft located in NATO countries close our airspace? This is a reasonable option for today until we have F-16s. Not just that, I would say, until we have a number of F-16s adequate to the Russian fleet. Because when you only have a small number of F-16s, its undoubtedly insufficient to counter significant, serious attacks in many cases." Support UP or become our patron! President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged Ukraines partners to adopt a decision that would allow preventive attacks to be launched on clusters of Russian troops, and to speed up the supply of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. Source: Zelenskyys evening address Quote: "Many leaders, representatives of states and international organisations, and public figures have expressed their condolences to Ukraine and the city of Kharkiv, and have condemned Russian terror. It is important that this condemnation should lead to just consequences. That we finally receive enough air defence systems to protect Ukraine and our cities. And that our partners have enough determination for preemptive protection against Russian terrorists, just as on any other terrorists killing them before they start taking lives. We see every location of Russian personnel clusters; we know all the districts from which Russian missiles and attack aircraft are launched. Destroying this terrorist force, and thus saving thousands of lives and preventing the war from expanding, is a purely political decision the decision that must be taken. Im grateful to everybody who supports us in this. We will work with [our] partners to speed up and increase the supply of F-16s for Ukraine. This will also strengthen our protection from terrorist attacks on our cities, and from the pressure of the Russian army on the front line." Details: Zelenskyy also said work on clearing away the rubble at the site of the Russian bomb attack on a Kharkiv hypermarket that burned to the ground had continued the whole day today. "As of now, 14 people have been reported dead. My condolences go out to their families and friends. The death toll may be higher further analyses and work will have to be done after the fire in order to provide full information about the deceased. More than 40 people have been injured," Zelenskyy said. Background: The Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration has reported that the death toll from the Russian strike on the Epicentr home improvement hypermarket in Kharkiv on Saturday has risen to 16, including a 12-year-old girl and her mother. Background: NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg believes that some allies of Ukraine should reconsider their restrictions on the use of weapons supplied to Ukraine against targets in Russia. The New York Times recently reported that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is seeking permission for Ukraine to launch attacks on Russian territory using American weapons. He wants to convince President Joe Biden to lift the restrictions. Meanwhile, German chancellor Olaf Scholz has objected to Ukraine using weapons provided by its Western allies for strikes on Russia. Support UP or become our patron! Key Insights Using the 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity, Dayang Enterprise Holdings Bhd fair value estimate is RM3.03 With RM2.82 share price, Dayang Enterprise Holdings Bhd appears to be trading close to its estimated fair value Analyst price target for DAYANG is RM3.12, which is 3.1% above our fair value estimate Today we will run through one way of estimating the intrinsic value of Dayang Enterprise Holdings Bhd (KLSE:DAYANG) by taking the expected future cash flows and discounting them to their present value. The Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model is the tool we will apply to do this. There's really not all that much to it, even though it might appear quite complex. We generally believe that a company's value is the present value of all of the cash it will generate in the future. However, a DCF is just one valuation metric among many, and it is not without flaws. If you still have some burning questions about this type of valuation, take a look at the Simply Wall St analysis model. Check out our latest analysis for Dayang Enterprise Holdings Bhd What's The Estimated Valuation? We're using the 2-stage growth model, which simply means we take in account two stages of company's growth. In the initial period the company may have a higher growth rate and the second stage is usually assumed to have a stable growth rate. To start off with, we need to estimate the next ten years of cash flows. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years. Generally we assume that a dollar today is more valuable than a dollar in the future, and so the sum of these future cash flows is then discounted to today's value: 10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF (MYR, Millions) RM399.6m RM485.7m RM411.8m RM372.5m RM351.6m RM341.5m RM338.3m RM339.6m RM344.2m RM351.1m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Analyst x1 Est @ -9.55% Est @ -5.62% Est @ -2.87% Est @ -0.94% Est @ 0.41% Est @ 1.35% Est @ 2.01% Present Value (MYR, Millions) Discounted @ 12% RM356 RM386 RM292 RM236 RM198 RM172 RM152 RM136 RM123 RM112 ("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St) Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = RM2.2b We now need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all the future cash flows after this ten year period. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 3.6%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 12%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033 (1 + g) (r g) = RM351m (1 + 3.6%) (12% 3.6%) = RM4.2b Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= RM4.2b ( 1 + 12%)10= RM1.3b The total value, or equity value, is then the sum of the present value of the future cash flows, which in this case is RM3.5b. The last step is to then divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of RM2.8, the company appears about fair value at a 6.9% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Remember though, that this is just an approximate valuation, and like any complex formula - garbage in, garbage out. dcf Important Assumptions We would point out that the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate and of course the actual cash flows. If you don't agree with these result, have a go at the calculation yourself and play with the assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Dayang Enterprise Holdings Bhd as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 12%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.353. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business. SWOT Analysis for Dayang Enterprise Holdings Bhd Strength Earnings growth over the past year exceeded the industry. Debt is not viewed as a risk. Dividends are covered by earnings and cash flows. Weakness Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Energy Services market. Opportunity Annual revenue is forecast to grow faster than the Malaysian market. Good value based on P/E ratio and estimated fair value. Threat Annual earnings are forecast to grow slower than the Malaysian market. Moving On: Although the valuation of a company is important, it shouldn't be the only metric you look at when researching a company. The DCF model is not a perfect stock valuation tool. Instead the best use for a DCF model is to test certain assumptions and theories to see if they would lead to the company being undervalued or overvalued. For instance, if the terminal value growth rate is adjusted slightly, it can dramatically alter the overall result. For Dayang Enterprise Holdings Bhd, we've compiled three important aspects you should consider: Risks: As an example, we've found 1 warning sign for Dayang Enterprise Holdings Bhd that you need to consider before investing here. Future Earnings: How does DAYANG's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered! PS. The Simply Wall St app conducts a discounted cash flow valuation for every stock on the KLSE every day. If you want to find the calculation for other stocks just search here. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. Bill Gates, the Microsoft cofounder, shares three kids with his ex-wife Melinda French Gates. They include a recent med school graduate and a fashion startup cofounder. Here's what we know about the children of one of the world's richest men. Bill Gates' story is a quintessential example of the American entrepreneurial dream: A brilliant math whiz, Gates was 19 when he dropped out of Harvard and cofounded Microsoft with his friend Paul Allen in 1975. Nearly 50 years later, he's one of the richest and most famous men on Earth, with a fortune of about $131 billion, per Forbes. He stepped down from Microsoft's board in 2020 and has cultivated his brand of philanthropy with the Gates Foundation a venture he formerly ran with his now ex-wife Melinda French Gates, who resigned in May. Even before founding one of the world's most valuable companies, Gates' life was anything but ordinary. He grew up in a well-off and well-connected family, surrounded by his parents' rarefied personal and professional network. Their circle included a Cabinet secretary and a governor of Washington, according to "Hard Drive," the 1992 biography of Gates by James Wallace and Jim Erickson. (Brock Adams, who went on to become the transportation secretary in the Carter administration, is said to have introduced Gates' parents.) His father, William Gates Sr., was a prominent corporate lawyer in Seattle and the president of the Washington State Bar Association. His mother, Mary Gates, came from a line of successful bankers and sat on the boards of important financial and social institutions, including the nonprofit United Way. It was there, according to her New York Times obituary, that she met the former IBM chairman John Opel a fateful connection thought to have led to IBM enlisting Microsoft to provide an operating system in the 1980s. "My parents were well off my dad did well as a lawyer, took us on great trips, we had a really nice house," Gates said in the 2019 Netflix documentary "Inside Bill's Brain." "And I've had so much luck in terms of all these opportunities." Despite his very public life, his three children with French Gates Jennifer, Rory, and Phoebe largely avoided the spotlight for most of their upbringing. Like their father, the three Gates children attended Seattle's elite Lakeside School, a private high school that has been recognized for excellence in STEM subjects and that received a $40 million donation from Bill Gates in 2005 to build its financial aid fund. (Bill Gates and Paul Allen met at Lakeside and went on to build Microsoft together.) But as they have become adults, more details have emerged about their interests, professions, and family life. While they have chosen different career paths, all three children are active in philanthropy a space in which they will likely wield immense influence as they grow older. While their father has reportedly said that he plans to leave each of the Gates three children $10 million a fraction of his fortune they may inherit the family foundation, where most of his money will go. Here's all we know about the Gates children. Gates and his children did not respond to requests for comment for this story. Jennifer Gates Nassar Jennifer and Bill in Monaco on June 30, 2018. fotopress/Getty Images Jennifer Gates Nassar, who goes by Jenn, is the oldest of the Gates children at 28 years old. A decorated equestrian, Gates Nassar started riding horses when she was six. Her father has shelled out millions of dollars to support her passion, including buying a California horse farm for $18 million and acquiring several parcels of land in Wellington, Florida, to build an equestrian facility. In 2018, Gates Nassar received her undergraduate degree in human biology from Stanford University, where a computer science building was named for her father after he donated $6 million to the project in 1996. She then attended the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, from which she graduated in May. She will continue at Mt. Sinai for her residency in pediatric research. During medical school, she also completed a Master's in Public Health at Columbia University perhaps a natural interest given her parents' extensive philanthropic activity in the space. "Can't believe we've reached this moment, a little girl's childhood aspiration come true," she wrote on Instagram. "It's been a whirlwind of learning, exams, late nights, tears, discipline, and many moments of self-doubt, but the highs certainly outweighed the lows these past 5 years." In October 2021, she married Egyptian equestrian Nayel Nassar. In February 2023, reports surfaced that they bought a $51 million New York City penthouse with six bedrooms and a plunge pool. The next month, they welcomed their first child, Leila. In June, she announced she was pregnant with her second child. "Leila, being promoted to big sister," she captioned an Instagram photo of herself and her daughter. In a 2020 interview with the equestrian lifestyle publication Sidelines, Gates Nassar discussed growing up wealthy. "I was born into a huge situation of privilege," she said. "I think it's about using those opportunities and learning from them to find things that I'm passionate about and hopefully make the world a little bit of a better place." She recently posted about visiting Kenya, where she learned about childhood health and development in the country. Rory John Gates Rory Gates, the least public of the Gates children, has reportedly infiltrated powerful circles of Washington, D.C. Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images Rory John Gates, who is in his mid-20s, is Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates' only son and the most private of their children. He maintains private social media accounts, and his sisters and parents rarely post photos of him. His mother did, however, write an essay about him in 2017. Titled "How I Raised a Feminist Son," she describes as a "great son and a great brother" who "inherited his parents' obsessive love of puzzles." In 2022, he graduated from the University of Chicago, where, based on a photo posted on Facebook, he appears to have been active in moot court. At the time of his graduation, Jennifer Gates Nassar wrote that he had achieved a double major and master's degree. Little is publicly known about what the middle Gates child has been up to since he graduated, but a Puck report from last year gave some clues, saying that he is seen as a "rich target for Democratic social-climbers, influence-peddlers, and all variety of money chasers." According to OpenSecrets, his most recent public giving was to Nikki Haley last year. The same report says he works as a congressional analyst while also completing a doctorate. Phoebe Gates Phoebe Gates with her mother, Melinda French Gates, at New York Fashion Week. Rebecca Smeyne/WWD via Getty Images Phoebe Gates, 22, is the youngest of the Gates children. After graduating from high school in 2021, she followed her sister to Stanford. She graduated in June after three years with a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology. Her mom, Melinda French-Gates, delivered the university's commencement address. In a story that Gates wrote for Nylon about her graduation day, she documented her graduation day, including a party she cohosted that featured speeches from her famous parents and a piggyback ride from her boyfriend Arthur Donald the grandson of Sir Paul McCartney. She has long shown an interest in fashion, interning at British Vogue and posting on social media from fashion weeks in Copenhagen, New York, and Paris. Sustainability is often a theme of her content, which highlights vintage and secondhand stores and celebrates designers who don't use real leather and fur. That has culminated in her cofounding Phia, a sustainable fashion tech platform that is set to launch later this year, with her former college roommate. Gates shares her parents' passion for public health. She's attended the UN General Assembly with her mother and spent time in Rwanda with Partners in Health, a nonprofit that has received funding from the Gates Foundation. Like her mother, Gates often publicly discusses issues of gender equality, including in essays for Vogue and Teen Vogue, at philanthropic gatherings, and on social media, where she frequently posts about reproductive rights. She's given thousands to Democrats and Democratic causes, including to Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Democratic Party of Montana, per data from OpenSecrets. According to Puck, she receives a "giving allowance" that makes it possible for her to cut the checks. Perhaps the most public of the Gates children she's got over 450,000 Instagram followers and a partnership with Tiffany & Co. she's given glimpses into their upbringing, including strict rules around technology. The siblings were not allowed to use their phones before bed, she told Bustle, and to get around the rule, she created a cardboard decoy. "I thought I could dupe my dad, and it worked, actually, for a couple nights," she told the outlet earlier this year. "And then my mom came home and was like, 'This is literally a piece of cardboard you're plugging in. You're using your phone in your room.' Oh, my gosh, I remember getting in trouble for that." It hasn't always been easy being Gates's daughter. In the Netflix documentary "What's Next? The Future With Bill Gates," she said she lost friends because of a conspiracy theory suggesting her father used COVID-19 vaccines to implant microchips into recipients. "I've even had friends cut me off because of these vaccine rumors," she said. Read the original article on Business Insider Research team develops new material that could help revive lithium-ion batteries here's how spent batteries could get second chance Overworked lithium-ion batteries that power drones now have a stress management plan and a retirement option thanks to researchers who published their findings with the American Chemical Society. It's part of an analysis of how lithium-ion battery strain in electric flying machines shortens their lifespans. The experiment also highlighted why the lithium packs may not be suited for long-term, high-stress use, particularly in regard to heavy-duty drones that carry cargo. During a test, experts Ilias Belharouak, Marm Dixit, and others pushed a set of battery cells with a specially made electrolyte to the limit. In lithium-ion batteries, ions move between the electrodes in a substance called electrolyte. This version was made to power up and down quickly. According to a lab summary, they "drained 15 times the battery's optimal capacity, the total amount of energy it could store, for 45 seconds." The simulated rapid discharge of energy was similar to what would be needed for a vertical takeoff. The cells didn't get a chance to rest, because the experts then drained them even more at typical rates, followed by a recharge cycle. "The team found that none of the tested cells lasted more than 100 cycles under these high-stress conditions, with most starting to show decreased performance around 85 cycles," per the summary. The analysis provides a better understanding of battery requirements for vertical takeoff vehicles (eVTOLs), paving the way for more suitable innovations down the road, the team concludes. "We conducted extensive electrochemical testing to assess the long-term stability of a lithium-ion battery under these high-strain conditions," the researchers said in their report. A promising second life in energy storage, or even in hybrid-electric vehicles, was also discovered for the batteries. But the lab report notes that the infrastructure to ensure the packs can integrate into other systems would be needed. "Repurposing these batteries for low-rate applications presents a sustainable solution, aligning with environmental goals or they can be used for hybrid-electric propulsion systems where the discharge rates can be optimized not to deteriorate the battery materials," according to the summary. Energy storage is important as our electricity system incorporates more intermittent renewable power from the wind and sun into the grid. More than 20% of U.S. electricity is already generated by sustainable sources. The good news is that you don't have to live near a wind or solar farm or have equipment hooked up to your house, to take advantage of the cleaner power and associated savings. Community solar programs let you tap into clean energy without much hassle. A little research online could help you cut 15% off your power bill while preventing thousands of pounds of pollution from harming the air. This move provides a healthier atmosphere for our lungs and minds, as planet-warming gases are linked to many health problems, including dementia. Perhaps stressed-out drone power packs will one day help deliver more clean electricity to your block as part of a unique second life. "These results serve as a crucial reminder of the nuanced balance between eVTOL power requirements, battery lifespan, and the potential for repurposing," the experts wrote. The research was completed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee with funding from the United States Army. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the coolest innovations improving our lives and saving our planet. Tablets are great if youre the sort of person who doesnt want to lug around a laptop all the time and finds having a tablet an excellent alternative. If thats the case and you want to use a tablet as a laptop replacement, then youll want to go for one of the best tablets on the market, such as the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra. Luckily, theres a pretty substantial Memorial Day offer from Samsung that gives you a straight discount from $950 to $1,200, as well as up to $800 worth of trade-in credit. That means you could potentially get the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra for as low as $150, assuming you trade in a high-end tablet, although youre more likely to get half of that if yours is a couple of years old. Still, the original $250 discount plus another $400-$800 can be pretty substantial. Buy Now Why you should buy the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra When we originally reviewed the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9, our conclusion was that it was a hard tablet to recommend, primarily because it was outrageously expensive, especially since the iPad Pro is cheaper. That said, with the discount and potential trade-in credit, the price isnt so bad, and some of the other excellent features start to stand out, such as the truly massive 14.6-inch screen, which is bigger than the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. Of course, that does come with its own problem, which is that its pretty heavy to hold, especially for long periods, although if you use it with a case that has a stand, that issue can be substantially mitigated. Another great thing about the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is that it has excellent performance, and while it wont quite compete with something like the M2, its certainly up there in terms of power, especially for those who only want to deal with Android tablets. Another great thing is the truly massive 11,200 mAh battery that it comes with, making it perfect for those who want to use the tablet as their main work machine, especially since it should last you at least until the evening with heavy use and a full charge. All in all, the Galaxy Tab S9 Ultra is a tablet that can be a bit controversial; its heavy and expensive, but it comes with a lot of great perks and features. Luckily, the $250 discount that brings it down to $950, and potentially up to $800 off in trade-in credit, means that the only big downside is the weight, at which point it makes it much easier to decide if its for you or not. If its not, well, there are a lot of other great tablet deals you can take advantage of. Buy Now Startup plans to revolutionize clean energy industry with space-based solar power: 'Can be twice as efficient or more' Virtus Solis believes that getting closer to the source could unlock a new era of reliable low-cost solar power for everyone around the globe. This Michigan-based startup isn't planning a new Earth-bound tower, though. Instead, it hopes to build the first-ever solar farm in space. According to Interesting Engineering, the idea of Virtus Solis was presented in April at the International Conference on Energy from Space in London. John Bucknell, a former SpaceX rocket engineer who founded Virtus Solis in 2019, suggested using SpaceX's Starship to position a massive solar array in the Molniya orbit. The startup says this orbit would keep "one or more arrays in line of sight of ground stations 100% of the time." In theory, after the spaceship sends hundreds of satellites to space in a single journey, in-orbit robots would then help assemble the system, which would convert sunlight into electricity and use a microwave receiver to beam focused energy to select stations equipped with rectennas. "A rectenna it's like an antenna with another circuit added to it that can convert RF into something usable. In fact, the receivers that we've got can be twice as efficient or more than a typical solar plant on the ground," Dr. Edward Tate told Interesting Engineering's Lexicon podcast. Virtus Solis says on its website that "each 1.65-meter satellite delivers 1 kilowatt (kW) of power to ground," with its power beam able to "instantaneously" deliver energy to 50% of the Earth's surface at a given time. According to NASA satellites in the "highly eccentric" Molniya orbit take roughly 12 hours to complete a cycle. If the system is ultimately successful, this could be an enticing clean energy solution. On its website, the company explains why it decided a solar farm in space was the best option. In part, it points to the harmful nature of dirty fuels, which release heat-trapping gases and toxic particles when burned. This pollution has led to an increase in crop-destroying weather events and been linked to severe health issues, including some cancers. Meanwhile, on-planet solar farms are unable to harvest energy from the sun around the clock, meaning that battery storage is essential for a grid to provide consistent power. Virtus Solis believes its technology is scalable, able to integrate with our current solar farms, and will address the challenge of providing reliable solar energy in regions that have long winters with limited daylight. The startup surely has many years if not decades of research on the horizon before its system could be ready for safe and meaningful use. Interesting Engineering reported that the startup won't launch its first testing satellite until 2027. However, researchers have been steadily working on Earth-bound solar solutions. These appear to be much more feasible options to ensure our planet has reliable, non-polluting energy at a low cost. For example, existing solar systems already save homeowners around $1,500 on their electric bills every year, and they can keep the lights on during climate-caused power outages. And while battery storage is traditionally expensive, as Virtus Solis notes, a number of companies have had success using cheap, abundant materials, like crushed rocks or pebbles, to ensure excess renewable power is available for future use. Early modeling for a twin tower project in Saudi Arabia has also shown promise for 24/7 clean energy generation. In the meantime, science fiction lovers will surely be keeping their eyes on Virtus Solis' proposal. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the coolest innovations improving our lives and saving our planet. Elon Musk. Ebrahim Noroozi/AP Glass Lewis has advised Tesla shareholders to vote against Elon Musk's $56 billion pay package. The proxy advisor also urged them to reject a proposal to reincorporate the EV maker in Texas. Glass Lewis said in a report that the share options deal was of "excessive size" and "dilutive." A top proxy advisory firm has urged Tesla shareholders to vote against Elon Musk's $56 billion pay deal and a proposal to reincorporate the EV maker in Texas. Glass Lewis said in a report that the compensation package was of "excessive size" and "dilutive" while also raising concerns over Musk's numerous other projects particularly the social media platform X. ADVERTISEMENT "Mr. Musk's slate of extraordinarily time-consuming projects unrelated to the Company was well-documented before the 2018 grant, and only expanded with his high-profile purchase of the company now known as X," Glass Lewis said in the report, per Bloomberg. The Tesla CEO also runs SpaceX, Neuralink, and the Boring Company. Glass Lewis added that the proposed move to Texas offered shareholders "uncertain benefits and additional risk," the Financial Times reported. Proxy advisor firms guide shareholders on how to vote at shareholder meetings, helping them "make educated decisions that benefit the company as well as their own investments," Glass Lewis says on its website. A report published on the Harvard Law School Forum on Corporate Governance said that proxy advisory firms can have "significant influence" over institutional investors' voting decisions as well as the governance choices of publicly traded companies. The Glass Lewis report comes ahead of Tesla's annual meeting on June 13, when investors will vote on the proposed package of share options, which was initially outlined in 2018. A Tesla car charging up at a Tesla Supercharger. Justin Sullivan via Getty Images Musk has previously threatened to develop future products elsewhere if his bid to gain more control of Tesla by increasing his stake is blocked. Story continues "I am uncomfortable growing Tesla to be a leader in AI & robotics without having ~25% voting control. Enough to be influential, but not so much that I can't be overturned," he wrote on X in January. "Unless that is the case, I would prefer to build products outside of Tesla." Tesla's board has been attempting to persuade investors to support the controversial package since it was struck down by a Delaware judge in January over concerns about its size and the board's independence. In the ruling, Court of Chancery Judge Kathleen St. J. McCormick said, "The process leading to the approval of Musk's compensation plan was deeply flawed," adding that "Musk had extensive ties with the persons tasked with negotiating on Tesla's behalf." The SpaceX CEO was quick to express his view on the ruling on X, writing, "Never incorporate your company in the state of Delaware." In 2018, 73% of investors approved Musk's pay proposal, per the FT. If Tesla's board can now prove investors still back the deal, it may help an appeal case against the decision to void it. Losing the vote would be a major blow to the board and could call Musk's leadership into question. Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider, which was made outside regular working hours. Read the original article on Business Insider Whats the right way to use AI in classrooms? The OpenAI logo is seen on a mobile phone in front of a computer screen that displays output from ChatGPT, Tuesday, March 21, 2023, in Boston. OpenAI recently announced the new model of its AI program ChatGPT-4o. | Michael Dwyer, Associated Press The AI research and development company OpenAI recently announced the newest model of its AI program: ChatGPT-4o. GPT-4o (o for omni) is a step towards much more natural human-computer interaction, OpenAI said on its website. AI models like ChatGPT work by receiving a prompt from a user and generating a response from its vast collection of internet data. More advanced models can respond to increasingly complex prompts. Alongside the models introduction, OpenAI released several demonstration videos showcasing GPT-4os capabilities. The videos highlighted the AIs potential in various scenarios, including human-like conversations, interactions between two AIs, real-time translation, interview preparation and even a customer service proof of concept. Perhaps one of the most notable features was GPT-4os ability to function as an educational tool. How will AI change education? The use of AI in education has been a contentious topic. Critics argue that AI may facilitate cheating and undermine students learning abilities, which has led to it being banned in some schools. The New York Times, however, reported in December on research that claimed these concerns were overblown. The researchers concluded that cheating in schools has not risen with AI development. In surveys this year of more than 40 U.S. high schools, some 60 to 70 percent of students said they had recently engaged in cheating about the same percent as in previous years, The New York Times reported. GPT-4o, which is free to use, adds more complexity to this debate, but it also offers promising possibilities. OpenAIs demonstration of GPT-4os educational capabilities emphasizes the potential this technology has to assist individuals in learning through personalized teaching. The demo shows a father and son using GPT-4o to tackle a challenging problem. The father, who is Sal Kahn of the Khan Academy, instructs the AI not to provide the answer but to guide his son towards discovering it himself. By sharing a tablet screen, GPT-4o engages the child with questions, encouraging him through mistakes until he arrives at the correct solution. According to Inside Higher Ed, AI can assist in various educational tasks, including administering assessments, providing personalized tutoring, generating educational materials and analyzing data. These capabilities suggest a transformative potential for AI in education, fostering personalized and adaptive learning experiences. Will AI be used in schools? As AI technology evolves, educators are exploring how to integrate it into classrooms effectively. Some schools have already adopted an approach known as blended learning, a hybrid of online and traditional education methods. Earlier this month, USA Today reported that Pease Elementary School, under Principal Micah Arrott, has embraced AI, transforming their classroom dynamics and enhancing student engagement. AI and adaptive software have completely changed how our classrooms look, our school climate, and culture. The student engagement is absolutely magnificent, Arrott told USA Today. Even schools that have banned AI tools like ChatGPT recognize the potential benefits of future AI advancements. As previously reported by the Deseret News, Jordan School District, under Superintendent Anthony Godfrey, originally blocked access to ChatGPT, but has since made SchoolAI, an AI-based learning platform, available across its 67 schools. SchoolAI aims to support teachers by providing curated content tailored to each students needs. Caleb Hicks, founder of SchoolAI, told the Deseret News, While many school districts have banned ChatGPT, weve found theyre eager to adopt SchoolAI in their classrooms once they see an AI-driven interface that enables teachers and students to connect with daily check-ins, tailored tutoring, simulations, and games that adapt to every students interests and skill level. Will AI replace teachers? The rise of AI in education raises concerns about whether it could replace teachers. This anxiety extends beyond education, as some fear that AI could take jobs in programming, the arts and other fields. The 2023 writers strike highlighted these concerns with one of their major areas of contention being over how to protect their jobs from AI, per The Associated Press. However, educators and AI developers stress that current AI models cannot replace teachers and are, instead, a tool that can be used to enhance their effectiveness. For example, SchoolAI aims to help students stay engaged and productive in moments when their teacher isnt available, as the Deseret News previously reported. Hicks said that SchoolAI aims to facilitate better connections between students and teachers, not replace teachers. Godfrey said, Teachers can never be replaced. The relationship between teachers and students is essential. SchoolAI enhances that as an effective teachers aid and student tutor. While others believe that AI models will be more central to education one day than traditional teachers, most would simply say that the future is uncertain. Schools will continue to adjust their approach to AI models, as companies like OpenAI continue to adjust the models themselves. Interest in rural living bringing new faces and new money to the Yakima Valley Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. Experts from the Chinese mainland and Taiwan on Saturday held a dialogue on the one-China principle from the context of the Cairo Declaration in Xiamen University, in east China's Fujian Province. Chi Chia-lin, who heads the reunification alliance party in Taiwan, combed the historical context of a series of documents and announcements including the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation. Quoting and interpreting the original text, he analyzed that these documents have, from a legal point of view, "clarified the illegality of Japan's occupation of Taiwan and confirmed that Taiwan is Chinese territory." Chi demonstrated that the Cairo Declaration is a legal document with the effect of international law, adding that it not only has legal effect in form, but is also supported by historical legitimacy. Zhang Haipeng, member of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, reviewed the history of the adoption of UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 and spoke highly of its significance. Zhang said the resolution has made it clear that there is only one China in the world, and Taiwan is a part of China, not a country. It has also clearly stated that the government of the People's Republic of China is the only legitimate representative of China in the United Nations, and that there are no "two Chinas" or "one China, one Taiwan." The dialogue was part of a cross-Strait academic event co-hosted by Xiamen University and the Academy of Chinese Culture. Image source: Upsplash/The Motley Fool Costco is a great place to find discounts on everyday groceries and household items and even some big-ticket purchases like TVs, furniture, and cars. But did you know that Costco can help book your vacation? That's right: Costco Travel offers member-exclusive deals on hotels, rental cars, cruises, and vacation packages. This could be another great reason to buy a Costco membership. Let's look at how Costco Travel works, and why it could be a good choice to book your vacation with Costco. Costco Travel: A travel agency for Costco members Costco Travel is part of the larger Costco Wholesale company, and you'll see big signs for Costco Travel at every Costco warehouse location. Basically, Costco Travel is like an in-house travel agency just for Costco members. In the same way that Costco warehouse stores give Costco members exclusive deals on groceries, laptop computers, and rotisserie chickens, Costco Travel offers special travel discounts. Costco Travel does not offer standalone flights. If you just want to book a flight, you'll have to use a different travel website or search tool. But Costco Travel does offer: Cruises Hotels (which can include flights) Rental cars Vacation packages (which can include flights) Costco Travel might not be the best deal for standalone hotel bookings. I'm going to be traveling and staying at a hotel next month, and I did a price check to compare my existing reservation's rate (that I got from my hotel loyalty program) with Costco Travel's hotel price. Costco's price was the same as the hotel loyalty program. Instead, the best value with Costco Travel might come from booking cruises or entire vacation packages. Many vacation bookings on Costco will give you a special discount in the form of a Digital Costco Shop Card based on the cost of your travel package. This could be a better reward than even the best credit cards! Fortunately, Costco offers a wide selection of places you can travel if you let Costco book your vacation for you. Where can you go with Costco Travel? Costco Travel offers a wide range of vacation destinations in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, and as far away as Fiji. You can also use Costco to book cruises all over the world, from Alaska to the Mediterranean to Bali and Western Australia. Here are a few exciting travel experiences that you can enjoy when Costco books your vacation (listed on the Costco Travel website as of May 20, 2024). Alaska: Kirkland Signature Denali Explorer Cruisetour Want to see some of the most wondrous sites of Alaska, while also enjoying a cruise through the Pacific Northwest? This Kirkland Signature cruise experience departs from Vancouver and gives you 11 nights of travel adventures -- including an Alaska train ride to Denali and adventurous tours of Denali National Park. Story continues Dominican Republic: Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana Resort Package This all-inclusive resort package gives you a Caribbean beachfront experience, with unlimited food and (nearly) unlimited drinks. Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana is a resort for all ages, and it offers some impressive amenities like swim-up bars, infinity pools, and a water park. The resort gets great reviews from Costco members, who say it's family-friendly and an easy place to take kids. Portugal: 10-night Group Luxury Tour Portugal has a sunny Mediterranean climate, delicious food and wine, and gorgeous historic architecture. This 10-night tour gives you exclusive experiences and encounters with Portuguese culture, like live Fado music, wine tastings, private cruises, and cave outings, a cooking class to learn how to make pasteis de nata (Portuguese custard tarts), and before-hours access to Livraria Lello, one of the world's oldest bookstores. Costco Travel: High marks for customer service Based on the Costco member reviews, Costco's vacation picks are generally excellent. And in case you run into issues or need help, Costco Travel gets high praise for its customer service. Costco Travel members on Reddit have commented about how helpful the customer service was, such as a time when a rental car company issued unfair charges, and Costco quickly got the charges refunded. If you're on the fence about whether you feel comfortable booking a vacation with Costco, you can feel confident that -- just like with Costco's generous returns policy -- Costco customer service will have your back. Bottom line I'm a longtime Costco member and I love Costco for thousands of reasons, but I personally have not tried Costco Travel (yet). However, I have a friend who used Costco Travel to book a family vacation in London, including hotels and flights. He said it was a marvelous experience and a great value for money! I would totally try Costco Travel, because I trust Costco to give me a great experience at a lower-than-expected price. With Costco, the biggest value of membership is not just the price, it's trusting Costco to "curate" great deals for you -- and this can be especially helpful if you want to go on a cruise, or go on an all-inclusive resort vacation in another country where you haven't been before. Costco Travel can be your concierge to help you find great places that you can trust, at a lower price than you could get for yourself. Top credit card to use at Costco (and everywhere else!) If youre shopping with a debit card, you could be missing out on hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year. These versatile credit cards offer huge rewards everywhere, including Costco, and are rated the best cards of 2024 by our experts because they offer hefty sign-up bonuses and outstanding cash rewards. Plus, youll save on credit card interest because all of these recommendations include a competitive 0% interest period. Click here to read our expert recommendations for free! We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Here's What Happens When Costco Books Your Vacation was originally published by The Motley Fool The following questions were asked recently on the Wonderline: Q. What did the county end up spending their ARPA funds on? Dont they have until the end of this year to do that? A. You are correct, the York County Commissioners will have until the end of 2024 to use the countys remaining ARPA (federal COVID relief) dollars. They have slowly been using the funds for special projects since receiving it several years ago. York County Commissioner Chairman Randy Obermier said about $800,000 will be held in the ARPA fund at the end of the year. And we have about $1.39 million in prioritized road/bridge projects we want to do, Obermier said. These will have to be considered and prioritized further as we work through the budget process, so we can decide which road/bridge projects we want to do using these remaining funds. The projects have to be identified by the end of the year, as the ARPA funds have to be fully earmarked by then. The projects can be accomplished later but the funds have to be identified and earmarked by the end of the calendar year. The matter was discussed during the county boards committee reports. Q. Ive heard about the Nebraska Passport program but recently saw a sign for WanderNebraska, what exactly is the difference? A. The WanderNebraska Travel Adventure Program was created by the Nebraska State Historical Society Foundation (NSHSF) and will kick off their season on Memorial Weekend. This is the third year for the program which was created to promote the work of local museums, historical societies, and libraries and increase awareness of what is found in the local sites along Nebraskas backroads and in communities that are often overlooked by the typical tourist. This years program features 195 sites across the state of Nebraska, including 33 new locations, and will run from Memorial Day through November 30, 2024. Visitors can pre-order their WanderNebraska booklet through the NSHSF website at NSHSF.org. Booklets contain information about each site, and include a map showing the seven different regions, which can be used to help visitors plan their trip. We are thrilled to kick off the third year of this program, said Leslie Fattig, Executive Director at NSHSF. The fact that we have 195 organizations participating in the program shows a high level of excitement. These organizations are committed to preserving their local history and their place in the development of Nebraska. We are proud to support their work. The WanderNebraska website is available for those who prefer to use their electronic devices. Each listing includes the sites name and summary, hours of operation, contact information, a Google map for directions, upcoming events, and a list of nearby WanderNebraska sites. Prizes have been brought back for the 2024 program year. Prizes include magnets, keychains, Tshirts, socks, ballcaps, books, and more. Prize levels are awarded by the number of stops visited. The top 5 visitors will receive a special gift basket from NSHSF. Participants register their site visits by using the booklet or scanning a QR code located at each historical location. Visit WanderNebraska.com or see the booklet for more information. Watch for information about the historical focused, fun WanderNebraska Adventure Tours coming soon with Dr. Sara Crook on social media and the nshsf.org website. Q. Why is 3 p.m. important on Memorial Day? A. The National Moment of Remembrance, established by Congress, asks Americans wherever they are at 3 p.m., local time, on Memorial Day to pause in an act of national unity (duration: one minute). The time 3 p.m. was chosen because it is the time when most Americans are enjoying their freedoms on the national holiday. Q. Who invented the Polka? A. Polka is a popular dance that has its roots in Czech culture. Polka began as a Czech dance that originated amongst peasants before becoming popular with nobles in the country, and then expanding outside of the country. Rumor has it that it was invented by a peasant girl named Anna Slezakova as a unique set of steps to go along with a local folk song Strycek Nimra koupil simla (Uncle Nimra Bought a White Horse). Her music teacher Josef Neruda noticed the uniqueness of the dance and recorded the music and steps carefully. He then began teaching this to others in Bohemia. The dance soon began to propagate. It reached Prague ballrooms in 1835 and Paris ballrooms by 1840. Since then, Poland has adopted the dance as its national dance.Even the name of the dance has Czech roots. Many attribute the origin of the word polka to the Czech word pulka, which means half, and refers to the half step typically used in the polka dance. Over time, polka has evolved to become part of the tradition of many European countries, each with its own distinct flavor. Immigrants from various European countries also brought the polka to the United States in the 1840s and after. There, styles of polka from various countries merged and new styles developed, with Chicago and Cleveland becoming two of the polka centers within the United States. The music related to polka became popular in the United States in particular after World War II, when many soldiers were exposed to the European traditions during the war. Polka continues to be popular today and is one of the few dances from the nineteenth century to survive to present day. And in present day York, Nebraska get ready to dance the night away at the Polka Extravaganza on Friday, May 31 at 6 p.m. at the York City Auditorium! Come and enjoy a night filled with lively music and energetic polka dancing. Kriz and the Polkatoons will be opening the event then the Chardon Polka Band will be sharing their unique brand of Polka music. Blended Distillery will be serving beer and moonshine. There will be food served in the North Dining Room. This is a 21+ event. IDs will be checked at the door. Tickets can be bought online at Eventbrite. You can also get your tickets at the York Area Senior Center Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. 4 p.m. Tickets will be $20 ($25 at the door). There will be additional charges for food and drink. Get your dancing shoes ready and join in for a night you wont forget! New Delhi: History was created as Payal Kapadia's 'All We Imagine As Light' won at the prestigious Grand Prix at the 77th Cannes Film Festival. Payal was present with the cast including Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha and Chhaya Kadam at the awards ceremony held on the last day of the Cannes 2024 festival. But did you know, this is not the first time India has won this title! The first iteration of the Cannes Film Festival, planned for 1939, was scuppered when Germany invaded Poland to trigger the start of World War II. Later when the festival finally got off the ground in 1946, Indian cinema came out swinging. In the spirit of post-war peace and reconciliation, the competition jury handed the top prize, then the Grand Prix, to films from 11 of the 18 countries represented that year, including India. Chetan Anands social-realist drama Neecha Nagar won the Grand Prix and, for a decade at least, the country was a regular fixture in Competition. The film that put India on the map in Cannes was the debut feature by director Satyajit Ray, whose film Pather Panchali won the one-off honor of Best Human Document. India has finally broken its 30-year hiatus with Mumbai-based filmmaker Payal Kapadias ambitious fiction feature debut All We Imagine As Light. Shot over 25 late summer days in Mumbai, followed by an extra 15 in the rainy western port town of Ratnagiri, the Malayalam-Hindi language feature tells the story of two young women Prabha, a nurse from Mumbai, and Anu, her roommate. The film bagged the award, which is the second-most prestigious prize of the festival after the Palme d'Or, during the closing ceremony of the 77th edition. The main competition jury was chaired by filmmaker Greta Gerwig and also included Spanish director Juan Antonio Bayona, Turkish actor-screenwriter Ebru Ceylan, Italian actor Pierfrancesco Favino, American actor Lily Gladstone, Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda, Lebanese actor-director Nadine Labaki and French stars Eva Green and French actor Omar Sy. New Delhi: When you have a clear goal and a determined mindset, age becomes just a number. This success story showcases how passion and hardwork can lead to remarkable achievements regardless of age. Meet, Krishnadas Paul at the age of 60 he launched his own company named SAJ Food which is inspired by the initials of his children Sharmistha, Arpan and Jayeeta. His main aim was to produce sugar-free biscuits which led to the establishment of Bisk Farm in 2000. Overcoming Financial Hurdles However, the journey for the companys success wasnt easy and Bisk Farm faced financial difficulties recording a loss of Rs 15 crore. Krishnadas Paul focused on Eastern India and introduced seven new biscuit varieties with unique local flavours. This move paid off making his biscuits popular across West Bengal, Jharkhand, Bihar and Odisha. (Also Read: Swiss Cheese, Chocolate, And Watches To Get Cheaper For Indian Consumers) Arpan Paul Takes the Helm Amid Pandemic Loss Unfortunately, Krishnadas Paul passed away in 2010 during the first wave of Covid-10 pandemic. Despite his loss his legacy continues. His son, Arpan Paul has taken over as executive chairman and is committed to carrying forward his fathers vision. SAJ Food concluded the fiscal 2023 with a turnover of Rs 2,100 crore, as per Economic Times. (Also Read: GAIL Inaugurates 10 MW Green Hydrogen Plant In Madhya Pradesh) Early Life Krishnadas Paul was born in Kamarkita village, Burdwan. After studying law he joined his fathers trading and distribution company which was founded in 1947. When the family business was divided among his five brothers, Krishnadas Paul started his own company, Aparna Agency in 1974. He started distributing products for Nestle, Dabur and Reckitt & Colman. In 2000 he founded Bisk Farm which now operates five five factories. It is the second-largest biscuit brand in the East after Britannia. New Delhi: The Indian government has offered tariff reductions on 82.7 percent of its lines and covering 95.3 percent of EFTA exports. This means that products from EFTA countries such as Swiss cheese, chocolate, wine, watches and more will become more affordable for Indian customers. Further, India has granted concessions in 105 sub-sectors including IT, healthcare and accounting which is expected to boost ts services exports to EFTA countries. The agreement will boostIndias services exports in key areas such as IT, business, personal, cultural, sports, recreational, educational and audio-visual services. This will enable EFTA countries to expand their operations in India. A distinctive aspect of the India-EFTA trade deal is EFTA's binding commitment to invest USD 100 billion in India over the next 15 years. These investments will focus on manufacturing sectors like chemicals, pharmaceuticals, machinery, and food processing--key Indian export industries. They will also extend to service exports such as IT and accounting, as well as infrastructural sectors. (Also Read: GAIL Inaugurates 10 MW Green Hydrogen Plant In Madhya Pradesh) The trade deal is expected to enhance India's manufacturing and services infrastructure, spur innovation, create jobs, and upskill the workforce. It aims to boost domestic manufacturing in areas like infrastructure, connectivity, machinery, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, transport, logistics, banking, financial services, and insurance. (Also Read: Furthermore, it offers Indian companies a gateway to the EU market, particularly through Switzerland, which exports over 40 per cent of its global services to the EU. The agreement is set to strengthen India's trade relations with Europe by improving market access for both India and EFTA members. With the EFTA bloc now having secured an FTA with India, it gains access to a burgeoning market estimated to become the world's fifth-largest consumer market by 2025. For India, the deal provides access to Europe, especially for manufacturers and exporters in food processing, pharmaceuticals, and organic chemicals. EFTA has offered 92.2 per cent of its tariff lines to Indian exporters, granting 100 per cent market access for non-agricultural products and significant tariff concessions on Processed Agricultural Products (PAP). The trade deal prioritizes tariff reductions and the simplification of trade procedures between India and EFTA, specifically targeting high-value items like fish from Iceland and Norway, advanced chemicals, pharmaceuticals, machine equipment, and Swiss chocolate. EFTA countries can now export processed foods, electrical machinery, and engineering items to a vast market of 1.4 billion people at low tariffs. Simultaneously, India seeks foreign investments from EFTA countries in manufacturing and aims to leverage the EFTA bloc for better market access to other European nations. The trade deal is anticipated to increase foreign investments from EFTA nations, leveraging funds like the Norwegian Sovereign Wealth Fund and Switzerland's established trade interests in India. This inflow of investment and job creation is expected to bolster India's economy and provide revenue stability. Moreover, the agreement is projected to enhance bilateral trade in technology and knowledge within the manufacturing sector, encompassing pharmaceuticals, food processing, and automobiles. India signed a free trade agreement with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) on March 10, concluding 21 rounds of negotiations that spanned 15 years. The agreement is set to bring USD 100 billion in investments and generate one million direct jobs in India over the next 15 years. As part of the deal, India has opened 105 sub-sectors to EFTA and secured commitments in 128 from Switzerland, 114 from Norway, 107 from Liechtenstein, and 110 from Iceland. With a combined population of 13 million, the EFTA countries rank as the world's tenth-largest traders of merchandise and eighth-largest providers of commercial services. (With ANI Inputs) New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said the fire tragedy at a hospital in east Delhi is "heart-rending" and announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased. A massive fire broke out at a children's hospital in east Delhi's Vivek Vihar, leaving seven newborns dead, officials said. "The fire tragedy at a hospital in Delhi is heart-rending. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this incredibly difficult time. I pray that those injured recover at the earliest," Modi said in a post on X. The officials of the Delhi Fire Services (DFS) said the blaze broke out at the children's hospital in Shahdara on Saturday night. In the wake of the fire tragedy at a hospital in Delhi, Prime Minister Modi has announced that an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh from Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) would be given to the next of kin of each deceased, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said in a post on X. The PMO further said Rs 50,000 would be given to each of those injured. Hours after the tragic Rajkot gaming zone fire, a children's hospital in Delhi got engulfed in fire leading to the death of six babies while several others suffered injuries. A total of 11 babies were rescued after the fire broke out at the children's hospital - New Born Baby Care Hospital - in Delhi's Vivek Vihar area last night. The Delhi Fire Services officials rushed to the spot and the rescue and relief operations are still underway. The Delhi Police have registered an FIR against Naveen Chheenchin, the owner of Baby Care New Born Hospital, under IPC sections 336, 304A, and 34. An investigation is underway to determine whether the hospital had a fire NOC. The hospital owner is currently absconding. #WATCH | Delhi: Morning visuals from a newborn Baby Care Hospital in Vivek Vihar where a massive fire broke out last night claiming the lives of 6 newborn babies. One newborn baby is on the ventilator and 5 others are admitted to a hospital. pic.twitter.com/cLvIUWIx9e ANI (@ANI) May 26, 2024 Rajendra Atwal, Fire Officer said that the fire department received distress call at 11:32 pm. " A total 16 fire tenders reached the spot and fire has been extinguished completely. 2 buildings were affected by the fire, one is the hospital building and 2 floors of a residential building on the right side also caught fire...11-12 people were rescued and they were taken to hospital." #WATCH | Delhi: A massive fire broke out at a New Born Baby Care Hospital in Vivek Vihar; more details awaited. pic.twitter.com/8tSIE2BnB9 May 25, 2024 The rescued newborns have been shifted to East Delhi Advance NICU hospital where they are being provided required healthcare assistance. The tragic incident in Delhi happened hours after the Rajkot gaming zone fire claiming the lives of 28 including 14 children. A massive fire broke out at the gaming zone last evening resulting in several casualties. Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi has announced probe by an SIT. Reacting to the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "The fire tragedy at a hospital in Delhi is heart-rending. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this incredibly difficult time. I pray that those injured recover at the earliest." Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal reacted to the incident and said, "This incident of fire in a children's hospital is heartbreaking. We all stand with those who lost their innocent children in this accident. Government and administration officials are busy providing treatment to the injured at the spot. The causes of the incident are being investigated and whoever is responsible for this negligence will not be spared." Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu have expressed grief on the incident. The fire tragedy in Rajkot has saddened us all. In my telephone conversation with him a short while ago, Gujarat CM Bhupendrabhai Patel Ji told me about the efforts underway to ensure all possible assistance is provided to those who have been affected," said Modi in a tweet. New Delhi: The tragic incident took place at an industrial estate in the South Goa district after a private bus rammed into two roadside shanties which caused the death of Four labourers and five others were critically injured, police said. The accident took place at around 11.30 pm on Saturday when labourers were sleeping in the shanties, all the labourers were engaged in road construction work, police said, PTI reported. Deputy Superintendent of Police Santosh Desai said the bus driver's medical examination confirmed he was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident and police have taken him into custody for interrogation. The bus driver was identified as Bharat Govekar, a resident of the nearby Cartolim village. A labourer declared that the bus driver threatened the other labourers present at the site to kill them if they complained to anyone about the incident, a police official said. "Four labourers died on the spot while five were critically injured and admitted to the Goa Medical College and Hospital," he said. The police informed that the labourers were employed by a contractor. "After the incident, the bus driver threatened to kill us if we complained to anyone. The driver was under the influence of alcohol," claimed Rupender Kumar Mathur, whose uncle Ramesh Mathur and brother Anil Mathur were among those killed in the incident. He also claimed that due delay in medical help at the accident place caused a delay in taking the victims to the District Hospital in Margao. Rupender Mathur also said he was staying in one of the accident-affected shanties but at the time of the incident, he had come out to attend a mobile phone call. The Supreme Court of India has asked the government and the Election Commission of India to facilitate assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir before September 2024. When the Election Commission announced dates for the Lok Sabha polls, CEC Kumar maintained that the assembly polls could not be held simultaneously due to a lack of resources as candidates in J&K require adequate security. He said that resources would be free after the parliamentary polls and then the date of polls for the J&K would be announced. Jammu And Kashmir Lok Sabha Polls The voter turnout in Kashmir has been impressive as some of the seats in the valley recorded the highest turnout in several decades. Of the six Lok Sabha seats in the region, Anantnag-Rajouri recorded a 54.46% turnout, Udhampur 68.27%, Jammu 72.22%, Srinagar 38.49%, Baramulla 59.10% and the Union Territory of Ladakh (earlier part of J&K), recorded around 71.82% turnout. CEC's Response To Turnout Chief Election Commissioner of India Rajiv Kumar said that the turnout is encouraging and indicated holding early assembly polls. "We are very encouraged. The turnout is music to the ears. So many people are coming happily - young, elderly, women. People are strengthening the roots of democracy through their participation. They (Kashmir) deserve their government and we will initiate the process for assembly elections very soon, said Rajiv Kumar. Jammu And Kashmir Assembly Polls The last time when an assembly election was held in Jammu and Kashmir was in December 2014. Of the 87 seats, the PDP won 28, BJP 25, National Conference 15 and Congress two. The BJP and the PDP had then formed a coalition government but in 2018, the alliance collapsed. In August 2019, the Central government abrogated Article 370, creating two UTs out of the state of Jammu and Kashmir - UT of Ladakh and UT of Jammu and Kashmir. New Delhi: Aiming for a third consecutive term, Prime Minister and BJP senior Leader Narendra Modi accused the INDIA alliance of receiving support from Pakistan and jihadis. On Sunday, while addressing the rally at Uttar Pradesh's Bansgaon rally BJP leader said that prayers are being read in Pakistan for the Samajwadi Party and the Congress who are appealing for "vote jihad" here. "Prayers are being read for the win of the INDI alliance of SP and Congress in Pakistan. Jihadis are supporting them from beyond the borders. SP and Congress are appealing for 'Vote-Jihad'," he said. #WATCH | Uttar Pradesh | In his Bansgaon rally, PM Narendra Modi says, "'Lekin kuch taakatein aisi bhi hain jinhein Bharat ki pragati se pet me dard ho raha hai, ye log 4 June ko lekar alag hi sapne dekh rahe hain'. Prayers are being read for the win of the INDI alliance of SP pic.twitter.com/icRGUVdY1t ANI (@ANI) May 26, 2024 Addressing a rally in Bansgaon, PM Modi asserted that June 4 is going to decide the future of India and on the same day India's race to become the third-largest economy will also begin. "June 4, 2024, is going to decide the future of India. The country will spread its wings and take a new flight on June 4 towards the resolve of 'Amrit Kaal', building a developed India, and fulfilling the dreams of 140 crore Indians. Millions of people are eagerly waiting for that day. On June 4, the countdown of India's race to become the third largest economy will also begin," he said. Modi also said that there are many youths are getting benefits out of the Mudra scheme, "Those 3 crore poor who will get pucca houses, elderly people above 70 years of age who will get free treatment of up to Rs 5 lakhs, crores of youth who will be benefitted out of Mudra scheme," he said. "Those 3 crore sisters of self-help groups who will become 'Lakhpati didi' and crores of people who will be getting free electricity under PM Surya Ghar scheme are waiting for June 4," he also added. Rachel Reeves has vowed to set up a British sovereign wealth fund akin to Norway's - Leon Neal/Getty Images Precise details of Labours policy plans are hard to come by, but one thing is clear: The National Wealth Fund will be a crucial tool in our armoury towards bringing about growth, according to shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves. Reeves has vowed to set up a British sovereign wealth fund if Labour wins power, using it to create good jobs and spread productivity in every part of the country. There is just one rather large problem: where will the money come from? It is hard not to be drawn to the overawing power and scale of sovereign wealth funds. Globally, 175 such funds manage almost $12 trillion (9.4 trillion). Typically they are ways for nations to invest oil wealth, ensuring countries stay rich even if the fossil fuel revenues dry up. Norways fund is the biggest in the world, worth around $1.3 trillion. This war chest is underpinned by the countrys North Sea industry: Oslo raked in the equivalent of 72.5bn from oil in 2023. The sovereign wealth fund has helped keep the countrys public finances healthy. Aside from the pandemic year of 2020, Norway has steadily run a budget surplus of between 4pc and 26pc of GDP every year of this century. By contrast, Britains public finances have been in the red every year since 2001. The Exchequer received 10.6bn from the North Sea even after the windfall tax, but this is not enough to stop the state running a deficit. It is not really a wealth fund for that you need a source of wealth, says one investment bank executive. Reeves is seeking to get around this by making the bulk of the wealth in the National Wealth Fund private rather than national. Her hope is that the Government can stump up 7.3bn and that the fund will then be able to raise another 22bn from the private sector. It is a cunning way to boost spending at a time when the public purse is empty, without breaking promises to stick to tight limits on borrowing. Charles Hall at Peel Hunt has suggested government shares in NatWest, worth around 7.4bn, can be used to kickstart her new fund. As for the 22bn from the private sector? Reeves has enlisted a host of City grandees to advise on the project. Labours Wealth Fund task force includes Mark Carney, the former Bank of England governor who now chairs Canadas Brookfield Asset Management, which specialises in green investments. Also advising are CS Venkatakrishnan, the chief executive of Barclays, and Carol Young, who heads up USS, the UKs largest pension scheme. Ex-Bank of England governor Mark Carney is advising on Reeves' wealth fund - Hollie Adams/Bloomberg Top bosses from Aviva, Equitix and Brunel Pensions are also involved, giving an indication of the type of institutional investors Labour is courting. Story continues Once raised, the fund could be used to invest in Labours priorities, particularly low-carbon manufacturing in poorer areas of Britain as a new variant of levelling up. However, the investment banker says: This is more like an investment fund, but it is not clear why, if these are good investments, the private sector would not be backing them already. The Institute for Public Policy Research, a Left-leaning think tank, has suggested a system of joint ventures in which the Government invests with businesses to build new factories that would not have existed without the support. Effectively, this would mean subsidies to make heat pumps, wind turbines or car batteries in deprived parts of the country in a manner Reeves could compare to the wave of US and EU aid for the same industries. The think tank argues that giving the Government a minority stake in each company would spread the states cash further while injecting some commercial discipline. The joint ventures with private players would ensure the long-term economic viability of the investment projects, said the IPPRs report. Funding would aim to reduce regional economic inequalities preferencing investment projects in places in need of levelling up. This is closer to the industrial strategy of Theresa May combined with Boris Johnsons levelling up with a Labour price tag. Those close to the policy suggest Reeves wants to focus on boosting regional industry first to create jobs and growth. Yes it would be nice if it makes a return, but the first and foremost objective should be investing in green manufacturing, and increasing our economic activity, says a source. However, a lack of focus on financial returns raises the question: why would private sector money managers, who have a fiduciary duty to their own investors, back such a fund? What will the Government offer investors? says the bank executive. It can only be tax breaks. Doubts abound can you really rely on a national wealth fund when the nation is not wealthy? Reeves is clearly hoping her canny workaround will not prove too clever by half. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. New Delhi: With the start of a campaign of the seventh phase of the Lok Sabha election, Samajwadi Party leader and leading opposition leader from Uttar Pradesh, Akhilesh Yadav expressed his confidence over the victory of the INDIA Bloc and announced that June 4 will be a day of freedom for many. In an interview with TOI, Yadav said that June 4 will be a day of freedom for many and June 5 INDIA Bloc and Samajwadi party's PDA bouquet will prevail. It is going to be a historical day and a day of celebration, he said. Reacting to the India bloc strategies to attract the electorate, he said that BJP lies have worked the most. It sounds a bit unparliamentary but their lies have worked the most, their performance was zero and left with little political credibility, he said. Yadav further said that the BJP has been heading the government at the centre for the past 10 years and 7 years of UP government to it. he alleged that they made a 17-year governance turned out to be false and so did their claims. The Prime Minister of United Kingdom Rishi Sunak recently announced the date for UK General elections, scheduled to happen on July 4, this year. While the 44-year-old, Sunak faced a major setback ahead of polling as 78 MPs resigned from his party. Following this big blow, he is spending some private time with his aides and family while his beleaguered Conservative Party experiences a significant departure of senior members of Parliament. According to sources referenced by the Guardian, PTI reported that Sunak is taking the unusual step of a day away from public events over the first weekend of the election campaign and instead will spend it in discussion on election strategy with his closest advisers. One source of the agency dismissed the notion that Sunak was trying to reset his campaign as "ridiculous," while another campaign operative noted that prime ministers dont normally spend the first weekend of the campaign at home talking to their advisers. Cabinet ministers Michael Gove and Andrea Leadsom are the latest prominent Conservative Party members to announce that they will not run in this summers elections, bringing the total number of members stepping down to 78. Goves decision, shared in a letter on social media Friday evening, was expected due to significant competition facing current Tory members in various areas across the country. Among the MPs who decided to step down is Former prime minister Theresa May and former defence minister Ben Wallace already having announced his decision to leave frontline politics. The crime against women and kids has become common in many parts of the state. Recently, shocking news came from Rajasthan where a minor girl (Dimple Meena) was set afire in the Karauli district of Rajasthan earlier this week. An 11-year-old mute and deaf girl was doused in petrol and burned alive. She succumbed to her injuries in the hospital 11 days after the incident. The girl's father, who is mourning the loss of his fifth-grade daughter, submitted a memorandum to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate addressed to the Chief Minister, demanding immediate arrest and stringent action against the culprits. In the memorandum, he detailed that he had reported the incident to the New Mandi Police Station in Hindaun City on May 11, 2024, informing them that unknown assailants had set his daughter on fire and left her in a burnt state near their home. Despite his report, he stated that the police did not file his complaint and only acted on their own accord. In his plea to the Chief Minister, the grieving father expressed suspicion of sexual assault, noting that it has been 11 days since the incident, yet no arrests or legal actions have been taken. He mentioned that his daughter had identified the culprits through gestures, yet no arrests followed. Even though experts recorded her statements, the New Mandi Police displayed complete negligence. He demanded a thorough investigation and swift, harsh punishment for those responsible. After submitting the memorandum, the girl was cremated. The New Mandi Hindaun police promptly provided medical assistance by taking the girl to the hospital considering the severity of her injuries. In a tweet, Karauli police stated that recognizing the gravity of the incident, the police swiftly transported the girl to the hospital for medical care. Skin and clothing samples have been sent for forensic testing (FSL). Further investigation will proceed based on scientific expert advice. In a significant development, Indian pilgrims participating in Hajj 2024 will, for the first time, have the opportunity to travel directly from Jeddah Airport to Makkah via a high-speed train. This milestone was announced by the Indian Embassy in Riyadh. "History is being made! For the first time, Indian pilgrims will utilize a high-speed train directly from Jeddah Airport to Makkah," the Indian Embassy in Riyadh shared in a post on X (formerly Twitter). Ambassador Dr. Suhel Khan and Consul General Mohd Shahid accompanied the first group of Indian pilgrims on this inaugural journey on May 26. The train operates at a speed of 300 km/h. The Embassy highlighted that the new train service will significantly reduce travel time and enhance the comfort of the pilgrimage experience. Approximately 32,000 Indian pilgrims are expected to benefit from this exclusive service this year. "About 32,000 Indian pilgrims will use this service this year, reducing travel time from Jeddah to Makkah and improving their overall experience. The @hajmission has closely coordinated logistics with Saudi authorities to ensure the success of this initiative," the Embassy stated. The introduction of the high-speed train service comes as part of the broader Bilateral Haj Agreement 2024, signed between India and Saudi Arabia in January. The agreement was formalized by Union Minister for Women and Child Development and Minority Affairs, Smriti Irani, along with Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, V. Muraleedharan, and Saudi Arabia's Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah. Under this agreement, India has been allocated a total quota of 175,025 pilgrims for Hajj 2024. Of these, 140,020 seats are reserved for those travelling through the Haj Committee of India, which is expected to benefit many first-time pilgrims. An additional 35,005 pilgrims will travel via Haj Group Operators, according to the Ministry of Minority Affairs. Every year, millions of Muslims undertake the sacred pilgrimage of Hajj, which holds profound spiritual significance. This journey allows believers to connect with Allah, seek forgiveness, and renew their faith. The aspiration to join the throng of pilgrims walking to Mina, chanting the Labaik, and performing the Hajj rituals is deeply cherished by many. In preparation for Hajj 2024, Union Minority Affairs Minister Smriti Irani launched the Haj Guide 2024 and the Haj Suvidha Mobile Application in March. During the launch, she emphasized the coordinated efforts of various ministries within the NDA government to ensure a smooth and convenient pilgrimage experience for all participants. Tulsa-based TruCore Investments has acquired the Farmers Brothers plant at 13131 Broadway Extension from the coffee roaster for $5.8 million with plans to improve the property after the company vacates it in a year. PROVIDED BY TRUCORE INVESTMENTS Cain's Coffee Co.'s last grounds have been filtered through several owners through the years, and next year the 8.5 acres and big coffee-roasting plant that was its last headquarters in Oklahoma City, where Cain's was founded in 1919, will be deposited onto the industrial property market. Tulsa-based TruCore Investments paid Farmer Brothers Coffee $5.8 million for the land and 142,115-square-foot warehouse and distribution center that Cain's Coffee Co. built at 13131 Broadway Extension just north of Kilpatrick Turnpike. It will remain as Texas-based Farmer Brothers' Oklahoma City branch until 2025. It's a Class B industrial property, which means it's older, with visible signs of age, but still of good quality. It's in a prime location for redevelopment, said Zach Harris, TruCore Investments partner and managing director. TruCore plans to upgrade the exterior and interior lighting, among other improvements, he said. Farmer Brothers Coffee is looking to relocate in Oklahoma City Tulsa-based TruCore Investments has acquired the Farmers Brothers plant at 13131 Broadway Extension from the coffee roaster for $5.8 million with plans to improve the property after the company vacates it in a year. Harris said the property had an inviting aroma for TruCore. This acquisition supports our highly targeted investment strategy in Class B industrial, Harris said. Oklahoma City is an attractive, business-friendly market with a central national location, steady job growth, and low energy costs, making the property desirable for a broad range of tenants into the future. That will come after a year-long leaseback to Farmers Brothers negotiated by brokers Rusty Smith and Allan Meadors at Cushman & Wakefield-Commercial Oklahoma. In the meantime, Farmer Brothers will continue to operate as its looks for a new location in the OKC area that "better fits our current business needs," spokesman Brandi Wessel said. "Oklahoma City remains a key location for our Revive equipment services and direct store delivery network." Farmer Brothers Coffee likely to be the last roaster to own Cain's Coffee Co.'s last plant In this photo from 1964, Jack Durland, president of Cain's Coffee Co., watches the coffee packaging operation in the company's new $2 million plant at 13131 Broadway Extension. The Cain family's connections to the 60-year-old site may be tenuous, and feelings may have faded since the company changed hands so long ago, but emotions do linger, said William Curtis Cain, 62, a grandson of founder William Morgan Cain. He goes by Curtis. He is a senior vice president and trust officer at Arvest Bank. Cain's Coffee Co. sold to Nestle Beverage Co. in 1961, but continued to operate independently with Jack Durland Sr., the husband of June Cain, the founder's eldest daughter, Curtis Cain said. Then Cain's sold to Chock full o' Nuts Corp. in 1992, then to Sara Lee Corp. in 2002, then to Farmer Brothers in 2009. The plant on Broadway Extension, built in 1964, went with each sale. Farmer Brothers will almost surely be the last coffee roaster to own it. Story continues Cain's Coffee Co. founder remembered as a pioneer of Oklahoma City's 'progressive coffee culture' Jack Durland, president of Cain's Coffee Co., is shown in this 1958 photo. "I think it is a bit sad that the last icon of Cains existence will be gone and ultimately forgotten," Curtis Cain said. "William Morgan Cain was an interesting man and extremely industrious. He was the epitome of a self-made man." Clarity Coffee, which has shops in downtown OKC and in the Wheeler District, once lauded William Morgan Cain in a blog post by Paul Zimmerman as a pioneer of Oklahoma City's "progressive coffee culture." "I suppose everyone in the family had a sense of pride in his accomplishments, even though the family no longer had an interest in the company," the founder's grandson said. RELATED: PRAISING CAIN'S: Historic Cain's Coffee building to be renovated after recent sale Cain's Coffee Co. had several corporate homes and roasting plants in OKC In this photo from 1946, the processing area at Cain's Coffee Co. is shown. In 1964, the company moved to a new plant at 13131 Broadway Extension. Cain's Coffee Co.'s first home was at 204 W 2, on the Rock Island railroad tracks, in the 1920s. That street is now Park Avenue. Cain's imported raw coffee beans through New Orleans, then roasted, packaged and shipped products to retail distributors. By 1925, the growing company needed more space, so it built a new warehouse at 512 W 2 (Park Avenue), also on the Rock Island tracks. "Through hard work and conservative growth, Cain's Coffee Company survived and even prospered during the 1930s. By 1941, with the demands of an intensifying world war, and with new retail outlets in Tulsa, William Cain needed a larger plant for his operations; he found it at 1 W. 12th Street on the Santa Fe tracks," according to the National Register of Historic Places nomination for the building at what is now 1 NW 12. Still known as the Cain's Building, 1 NW 12 is a five-story, 42,240-square-foot office building, recently renovated by Midwest City's HGL Construction, with space for lease. Cain grandson saddened to see family's and coffee company's name fade A can of Cain's Delux Coffee. Curtis Cain, who lives in Edmond, was a toddler when Cain's Coffee Co. built the plant on Broadway Extension. He only recently saw its interior for the first time. "I mustve driven by the plant on Broadway 1,000 times or more in my lifetime," he said, "but Ive never been in that building until about two weeks ago. Isnt that strange? I simply wandered in until I found someone who was willing to show me around the plant. "There was sadness in seeing such a large building where so little was happening. Vacant offices that had not been updated in decades. The name on the building had borne the name of Cains Coffee Co. for a very long time, but had been removed years ago and replaced with Farmer Brothers. The trucks that deliver product around the city also no longer bear the name of Cains Coffee." He came across a small coffee roaster dating to the 1860s. "While I cant confirm, Ill wager this was the roaster that 'Mr. Cain' used in the beginning," Curtis Cain said. He added, "William Morgan Cain was a pioneer of sorts. He was a contemporary of the likes of Stanton L. Young who were so instrumental in OKCs early growth. He deserves to be remembered." Sign Up: Weekly newsletter Real Estate with Richard Mize A coffee roaster that W. Curtis Cain, a grandson of Cain's Coffee Co. founder William Morgan Cain, snapped a picture of on a recent impromptu tour of the Farmers Brothers plant, formerly belonging to Cain's, at 13131 Broadway Extension, which recently sold to a redeveloper. Senior Business Writer Richard Mize has covered housing, construction, commercial real estate and related topics for the newspaper and Oklahoman.com since 1999. Contact him at rmize@oklahoman.com. Sign up for his weekly newsletter, Real Estate with Richard Mize. You can support Richard's work, and that of his colleagues, by purchasing a digital subscription to The Oklahoman. Right now, you can get 6 months of subscriber-only access for $1. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Tulsa investors buy Farmer Brothers plant, former Cain's Coffee in OKC Many low-income Americans are struggling to pay for basic necessities, like groceries. d3sign / Getty Images Many low-income Americans can't afford groceries despite working full-time jobs. Some families rely on food pantries and alternate income sources to get by. SNAP benefits are based on the federal poverty threshold, leaving ALICE households without help. The discounted employee meal that Cherie Tobias gets at Applebee's is usually the only time she can eat every day. A resident of Hastings, Michigan, the 48-year-old does her best to make ends meet on her full-time server salary of $25,064 a year. She's the main household income earner for her 19-year-old and her fiance. Tobias previously told Business Insider that she hasn't been grocery shopping in over a year because she can't afford it. Typically, she has to rely on Applebee's or the few stand-alone ingredients she occasionally gets at the store to eat. Even then, Tobias said she often is limited to one meal a day. "I don't want to be rich," she said. "I just want to be able to get by comfortably without the stress. That would be my wish: being able to open the cupboard and know that there's food there for the day." Tobias is one of over 40 million Americans who are food insecure. She's also what economists call ALICE asset-limited, income-constrained, and employed. At least 29% of US households live paycheck to paycheck but have an income that is too high for most government assistance, per Census Bureau data and cost-of-living estimates analyzed by the nonprofit United Way. This compares to 13% of Americans who live at or below the federal poverty line, which is $31,200 for a family of four. Many ALICEs, like Tobias, are also out of reach of America's financial safety nets. SNAP benefits or food stamps, for example, base criteria on the federal poverty threshold, which is not adjusted based on location or cost of living. A family of four must make less than $39,000 to qualify and then would receive a maximum allotment of $973 a month for food. However, this criteria leaves low-income households who don't qualify relying on thinly stretched grocery budgets, food pantries, or employer meal discounts. Many ALICEs worry their family will go hungry, but they're running out of options to put food on the table. Tobias said she's tried applying for SNAP she just needs "a little bit of help with food." But her fiance receives disability checks and her son is no longer a minor, so she might only receive $18 a month worth of assistance. "That's not helpful," she said. Many ALICE families face a 'scary' level of food security Melinda Binkley, 56, shared a similar experience. The Stillwater, Minnesota, resident previously told BI her household income is usually less than $100 too high to qualify for programs like SNAP. She is sometimes able to buy basic and perishable goods like bread, milk, and fruit from the grocery store but often relies on her local food pantry. Story continues Still, Binkley said she had more food pantry options during the pandemic when "everybody was having issues." Lately, she said there are more limits on how often she can visit pantries and how many canned goods she can take, even if she needs the food. She has even considered traveling to multiple pantries to ensure she can feed herself and her husband. Right now, she describes her level of food security as "scary." "It'll be interesting to see our food situation here in the near future," Binkley said. Food banks and pantries across the US saw a major rise in demand as millions of Americans experienced financial hardship during the pandemic. And, when emergency SNAP ended in February 2023, millions of families were left without benefits or had their allotments drastically cut. Some local banks and pantries have also reported budget challenges and a decline in donations in recent years. With limited options, ALICEs have sold plasma and filed for unemployment to afford food Some ALICEs told BI that they've had to scrape together additional incomes to eat. With a tight budget and no SNAP support, Cincinnati resident Lisa Kelley, 47, told BI she has started selling her plasma in order to afford food, rent, and utilities for herself and her mother. It takes a toll on her body, but Kelley said she can earn between $65 and $125 each time she donates. Kelley also said she doesn't live near many food pantries and has to drive long distances to reach a grocery store or Walmart. Her budget is limited when she can shop, even with her extra plasma income. "It's been rough," she said. "We have to make that stretch as much as possible, and the quality of the food is not the same. We have to get cheaper things and less meat and vegetables." Melissa Hedden, a 41-year-old living in Wilmington, North Carolina, said she made the decision to quit her job during COVID because her children needed care and support with online school. At the time, she realized she could earn a higher income through filing for pandemic reemployment assistance. Documents reviewed by BI show she took home $15,901 in 2020. The reemployment money which she received from summer 2020 to summer 2021 gave her whole family the extra funds they needed to afford expenses and buy nutritious food. Hedden herself said she felt physically and mentally healthier, was able to better support her family, and she even went back to school. "I lost over 80 pounds, I went from a pre-diabetic to completely healthy because I was able to change my eating habits," she said. "I didn't have to buy so many processed foods." But, since Hedden stopped receiving the checks, she said it's become difficult for her to maintain her health in the same way. In addition to facing housing insecurity, she worries about affording groceries again. She has tried to qualify for SNAP in the past, but isn't currently enrolled. Her household income is now considered too high because her teenage son works a part-time job. "I went from being approved for $600 a month on food stamps, to 'Oh wait, your son is 17, he makes money, so we're counting that against you,"' she said. "And I'm not taking his money from him." Do you live paycheck to paycheck? Are you open to sharing how you afford food, housing, and other expenses? If so, reach out to this reporter at allisonkelly@businessinsider.com. Read the original article on Business Insider The pace at which artificial intelligence (AI) has become the dominant trend in technology has been truly astounding to watch. AI has been part of our everyday lives for years now, underpinning everything from online searches to mapping programs and from smart home devices to product and streaming recommendations. Yet recent developments in generative AI have taken these algorithms to the next level. At the Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) Build developers conference this week, CEO Satya Nadella addressed these advances, calling this the "golden age" of AI. He then asked this rhetorical question: "In a world where we have this ever-increasing information about people, places, and things, can computers help us reason, plan, and act more effectively on all that information?" As recent developments have made clear, the answer is a resounding "yes." The spread of AI will result in a windfall for the companies best positioned to leverage this groundbreaking technology. The global AI market was estimated at $2.4 trillion in 2023 and is expected to climb to $30.1 trillion over the ensuing decade, according to Expert Market Research. My portfolio is chock-full of AI stocks, but Microsoft is among those I'm most excited about right now. Image source: Getty Images. Ringing the cash register Many companies are moving quickly to adopt AI, but it may well have been Microsoft that sparked this mad rush. The company's $13 billion stake in ChatGPT creator OpenAI gave it early access to these advanced algorithms, which it quickly infused into many of its products and services. The poster child for these efforts is Microsoft Copilot, the company's growing suite of AI-powered digital assistants. What began as an experiment at GitHub soon morphed into a full-blown AI strategy. In addition to Copilots for GitHub and Microsoft 365, there are AI-fueled assistants for sales, service, and finance, with more on the drawing board. Customers pay $30 per user per month for Microsoft 365 Copilot, and the company says adoption has been strong. While it hasn't shared precise numbers, several analysts have calculated that Copilot could be worth as much as $100 billion in annual revenue over the next few years. Cloudy with a chance of profits Copilot isn't the only way Microsoft is playing the AI card to boost its business. While the company has long trailed Amazon Web Services (AWS) in the cloud infrastructure space, recent moves in AI have helped Microsoft gain ground. In Microsoft's fiscal 2024 third quarter (ended March 31), Azure Cloud took market share at the expense of the competition, climbing 31% year over year, outpacing AWS and Alphabet's Google Cloud, which grew 17% and 28%, respectively. Microsoft said AI services "contributed seven points" to Azure's growth. Story continues Furthermore, in the calendar first quarter, AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud controlled 31%, 25%, and 10%, respectively, of global cloud infrastructure spending, according to market research firm Canalys. If Microsoft can continue to steal share from the competition, it could eventually become the cloud infrastructure leader. Other opportunities abound Back in 2016, Nadella said that "AI is at the intersection of [Microsoft's] ambitions." It seems that nearly a decade ago, Microsoft was setting the stage for the AI revolution to come. That said, the company is making the most of its prescient moves. One example is the company's personal computing (PC) segment. The business is cyclical, and the last big upgrade cycle occurred at the peak of the pandemic, roughly four years ago. That was followed by the worst economic downturn in more than a decade, convincing PC owners to keep those devices a bit longer. PC sales have finally begun growing again, so it's no coincidence that Microsoft just unveiled its line of Copilot+ PCs, which feature the company's AI-powered assistant and process many AI functions locally. This should help fuel what's already expected to be a robust demand cycle over the next couple of years. Despite generating gains of 35% over the past year, Microsoft's valuation is still fairly reasonable, selling for 37 times earnings. While that represents a premium to the multiple of 28 for the S&P 500, the company's track record of growth and the magnitude of the AI opportunity suggests it's worthy of a premium. Should you invest $1,000 in Microsoft right now? Before you buy stock in Microsoft, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Microsoft wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, youd have $652,342!* Stock Advisor provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month. The Stock Advisor service has more than quadrupled the return of S&P 500 since 2002*. See the 10 stocks *Stock Advisor returns as of May 13, 2024 Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fools board of directors. John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fools board of directors. Danny Vena has positions in Alphabet, Amazon, and Microsoft. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet, Amazon, and Microsoft. The Motley Fool recommends the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. A Once-in-a-Generation Investment Opportunity: 1 Artificial Intelligence (AI) Growth Stock to Buy Now and Hold for a Decade was originally published by The Motley Fool Key Insights The projected fair value for Stabilus is 102 based on 2 Stage Free Cash Flow to Equity Current share price of 57.50 suggests Stabilus is potentially 44% undervalued Analyst price target for STM is 74.17 which is 27% below our fair value estimate How far off is Stabilus SE (ETR:STM) from its intrinsic value? Using the most recent financial data, we'll take a look at whether the stock is fairly priced by taking the forecast future cash flows of the company and discounting them back to today's value. We will take advantage of the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model for this purpose. Models like these may appear beyond the comprehension of a lay person, but they're fairly easy to follow. We would caution that there are many ways of valuing a company and, like the DCF, each technique has advantages and disadvantages in certain scenarios. If you want to learn more about discounted cash flow, the rationale behind this calculation can be read in detail in the Simply Wall St analysis model. View our latest analysis for Stabilus Step By Step Through The Calculation We're using the 2-stage growth model, which simply means we take in account two stages of company's growth. In the initial period the company may have a higher growth rate and the second stage is usually assumed to have a stable growth rate. In the first stage we need to estimate the cash flows to the business over the next ten years. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years. Generally we assume that a dollar today is more valuable than a dollar in the future, and so the sum of these future cash flows is then discounted to today's value: 10-year free cash flow (FCF) estimate 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 Levered FCF (, Millions) 110.4m 137.4m 146.5m 152.8m 157.7m 161.6m 164.7m 167.3m 169.5m 171.3m Growth Rate Estimate Source Analyst x5 Analyst x5 Analyst x4 Est @ 4.32% Est @ 3.23% Est @ 2.46% Est @ 1.93% Est @ 1.55% Est @ 1.29% Est @ 1.11% Present Value (, Millions) Discounted @ 6.8% 103 120 120 117 113 109 104 98.8 93.7 88.7 ("Est" = FCF growth rate estimated by Simply Wall St) Present Value of 10-year Cash Flow (PVCF) = 1.1b After calculating the present value of future cash flows in the initial 10-year period, we need to calculate the Terminal Value, which accounts for all future cash flows beyond the first stage. For a number of reasons a very conservative growth rate is used that cannot exceed that of a country's GDP growth. In this case we have used the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield (0.7%) to estimate future growth. In the same way as with the 10-year 'growth' period, we discount future cash flows to today's value, using a cost of equity of 6.8%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2033 (1 + g) (r g) = 171m (1 + 0.7%) (6.8% 0.7%) = 2.8b Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= 2.8b ( 1 + 6.8%)10= 1.5b The total value is the sum of cash flows for the next ten years plus the discounted terminal value, which results in the Total Equity Value, which in this case is 2.5b. In the final step we divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Compared to the current share price of 57.5, the company appears quite good value at a 44% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Remember though, that this is just an approximate valuation, and like any complex formula - garbage in, garbage out. dcf Important Assumptions The calculation above is very dependent on two assumptions. The first is the discount rate and the other is the cash flows. If you don't agree with these result, have a go at the calculation yourself and play with the assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Stabilus as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 6.8%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.333. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business. SWOT Analysis for Stabilus Strength Debt is well covered by earnings and cashflows. Dividends are covered by earnings and cash flows. Weakness Earnings declined over the past year. Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Machinery market. Opportunity Annual earnings are forecast to grow faster than the German market. Good value based on P/E ratio and estimated fair value. Threat Revenue is forecast to grow slower than 20% per year. Moving On: Although the valuation of a company is important, it is only one of many factors that you need to assess for a company. The DCF model is not a perfect stock valuation tool. Preferably you'd apply different cases and assumptions and see how they would impact the company's valuation. If a company grows at a different rate, or if its cost of equity or risk free rate changes sharply, the output can look very different. What is the reason for the share price sitting below the intrinsic value? For Stabilus, we've put together three important items you should consider: Risks: You should be aware of the 3 warning signs for Stabilus we've uncovered before considering an investment in the company. Future Earnings: How does STM's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other High Quality Alternatives: Do you like a good all-rounder? Explore our interactive list of high quality stocks to get an idea of what else is out there you may be missing! PS. The Simply Wall St app conducts a discounted cash flow valuation for every stock on the XTRA every day. If you want to find the calculation for other stocks just search here. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. LITTLE ROCK, Ark. Women in Arkansas have been making their mark on the Natural State, with a group of women being honored soon for their contributions to advances in the overall landscape. Talk Business & Politics host Roby Brock talked with Womens Foundation of America CEO Anna Beth Gorman to discuss this years Power of the Purse honorees. Arkansas lawmakers plan to hold special session in June Roby then talks with Arkansas Advocates for Children & Families Executive Director Keesa Smith about a new report on Arkansas economy. Talk Business & Politics airs Sunday at 9:30 a.m. on FOX 16. For more coverage, head to TalkBusiness.net. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLRT - FOX16.com. The advice service says the pay package has so far failed to sharpen Mr Musk's focus on Tesla - David Swanson/REUTERS One of the worlds biggest investors has been advised to vote against a historic $56bn (44bn) bonus for Elon Musk amid a looming battle at Tesla. Vanguard, the second largest shareholder in Tesla after Musk himself, is among clients of the advice service Glass Lewis to be sent a report encouraging it to block the pay deal. Glass Lewis described the payment as excessive, warning it would dilute the stakes of existing investors and concentrate power with Mr Musk. It comes ahead of a vote by Tesla shareholders on June 13, that risks throwing the future of the company into question. Investors signed off on the $56bn payment in 2018, provided Mr Musk hit certain targets. However, the agreement was voided in January this year by a Delaware judge who warned that Tesla directors negotiating the package had failed to fully inform shareholders. She also said the deal was unfathomable and suggested the board had been blinded by Mr Musks superstar appeal. On Saturday, Glass Lewis said that the pay package had so far failed to sharpen Mr Musks focus on Tesla as he pursued side projects including his Space X rocket venture and the takeover of Twitter, now rebranded as X. It said: Mr Musks slate of extraordinarily time-consuming projects unrelated to the company was well-documented before the 2018 grant, and only expanded with his high-profile purchase of the company now known as X. The report noted that while it was unreasonable to expect unwavering focus at all times, Tesla had become reliant on the presence of one individual for its success, and the lucrative pay deal appeared ineffective in keeping Mr Musk focused. Projects outside of Tesla had been attracting criticism and raised concerns over the risk to shareholder value, it added. The worlds largest maker of electric vehicles could choose to ignore the outcome of next months pay vote, as it is advisory. However if the carmakers board can illustrate the deal still has widespread backing, it may help launch an effective legal appeal against the Delaware judgement. Mr Musk vowed to move the electric vehicle giants legal incorporation to Texas after the ruling. Shareholders will also vote on this at the annual meeting in two weeks, but Glass Lewis warned it brought uncertain benefits and risk for investors. Mr Musk has threatened to develop artificial intelligence products elsewhere without greater control of Tesla, which is seeking to become an AI and robotics firm as well as a carmaker. If Mr Musk receives the pay package, his stake in the company will rise from 13pc to 20pc. Story continues Teslas board, which has repeatedly been accused of being too close to the eccentric billionaire, had suggested the record-breaking payout. The deal would set rewards based on Teslas market value rising to as much as $650bn (513bn) over 10 years from 2018. At the time when it was agreed such targets appeared outlandish.. However, Teslas valuation went on to peak at more than $1.2 trillion during the 2021 Covid trading boom and it is currently valued at $571.6bn. Robyn Denholm, the chairman of Teslas board, earlier this month insisted that Musk deserved the package after hitting ambitious targets for revenue and stock price. Mr Musk became Teslas largest shareholder in 2004, the year after it was founded, and was named chief executive in 2008. Glass Lewis also urged shareholders to block the reelection of Mr Musks brother Kimbal to the board over independence concerns. It recommended re-electing Rupert Murdochs son James, the former chief executive of 21st Century Fox. Glass Lewis said that it raised several concerns over the pay deal in 2018 and while many had been addressed, most were still causing concern. The report said: The excessive size of the award, both on a pure dollar basis and in terms of the dilutive effect upon exercise, remains very much top of mind. The companys provided rationale does little to combat these concerns given their proportionate magnitude. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more. Flash Leaders of China, Japan and South Korea will meet in Seoul from Sunday to Monday for a trilateral summit, more than four years after it was last held in 2019. The resumed gathering through the established framework among the three neighbors is significant, as it heralds the trio's willingness to redirect focus on dialogue and cooperation and navigate through ruffled waters of the regional landscape and beyond. People of the three countries hope that the meeting will boost trilateral cooperation, deliver win-win results and help to promote regional prosperity and stability. People visit Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul, South Korea, on May 24, 2024. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin) More Necessary Than Ever Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol will attend the trilateral summit meeting, the trilateral business summit and other events. It is prevailingly believed that cooperation and solidarity among countries are desperately needed to address major challenges facing this region and the world, including protectionist trends, armed conflicts, supply chain restructuring and climate change. In an ever-evolving global and regional landscape featuring economic uncertainty and geopolitical volatility, the three-way cooperative network in Northeast Asia, which was stalled due to geopolitical interferences and the pandemic, is more necessary than ever. Trilateral relations have been facing fluctuations for a while, but recent high-level interactions indicate that the trio is making an effort to fix them. Liu Qing, vice president of the China Institute of International Studies, said the resumption of the trilateral talks sends "a strong message" that the three countries are committed to resolving disputes through diplomatic means. "It is hoped that the leaders of the three countries will discuss critical issues including rebuilding trust, expanding economic and trade cooperation as well as cultural exchanges, and strengthening current cooperation mechanisms," Liu said. Though it is still early to predict concrete results, the convening of the meeting "will be an accomplishment in its own right," said the Japan Times. People visit Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul, South Korea, on May 24, 2024. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin) Lee Hee-sup, secretary-general of the Trilateral Cooperation Secretariat (TCS), told Xinhua that the upcoming meeting "will serve as an opportunity to revive various cooperation projects and revitalize trilateral cooperation." "The three countries need to share a clear perception that win-win-win through cooperation, not confrontation and conflict, is the only way forward for national interests and the happiness of their peoples," Lee noted. Wide-ranging Cooperation Twenty-five years after its inception, the trilateral meeting has grown from an economy-focused gathering aimed at countering the financial crisis into a full-fledged, multi-tier mechanism that promotes cooperation in a spectrum of areas. Analysts said that after a hiatus of more than four years, the forthcoming ninth edition of the meeting will focus on re-establishing and enhancing collaborative mechanisms. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said that China stands ready to work with Japan and South Korea to implement the Trilateral Cooperation Vision for the Next Decade and other important common understandings. Wang was talking about the document released at the eighth summit in China's Chengdu in December 2019, which mapped out the route for trilateral cooperation. The trio agreed to expand cooperation in environmental protection, climate change, health, aging population, scientific and technological innovation, sports, youth and other fields. Strengthening people-to-people exchanges is expected to be a palpable focus for this year's summit. Tourism, for instance, continues to be a main driver in this regard. According to Ctrip, an online travel agency in China, Japan ranked first among foreign countries in attracting Chinese tourists during the Golden Week holiday in May. Panda fever, meanwhile, has made panda-themed tours to China's Sichuan province a popular option for South Koreans. People visit Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul, South Korea, on May 24, 2024. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin) Noting that the three neighbors share many cultural similarities, Lee said that the TCS, launched in 2011 to promote peace, prosperity and shared culture among the three nations, is ready to foster closer ties among their people. The institution plans to expand youth exchanges through projects such as the youth summit, the youth ambassador program, and the youth speech contest this year. Scholars predicted that strengthening supply chain stability, expanding markets, and increasing investment will remain high on this year's agenda to boost economic integration and enhance regional economic resilience. Hwang Jae-ho, director of the Seoul-based Institute for Global Strategy and Cooperation, said attention is also on whether the three parties will be able to speed up the negotiations over the China-Japan-South Korea free trade agreement and enhance cooperation in supply chains. Citing the semiconductor sector as an example, Liu said that despite pressures from the United States, China's industrial chain continues to benefit Japanese and South Korean companies. While competition between the three countries remains a constant, the potential for cooperation is increasingly critical, as each of the three brings unique strengths to the table, Liu said. Pivotal Role of Asia The three countries have overcome economic, public health and other crises through mutual support, demonstrating the importance of trilateral cooperation as the frontrunner for the benefit of the region and the world. As major economies in Asia, the trio accounted for 20 percent of the global population, 23.4 percent of the world's GDP, and 18.7 percent of world trade as of 2022, according to the latest data from the TCS. Highlighting Asia's burgeoning economic power, Liu said the collaboration within the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) not only fosters economic cohesion in Asia, but also enhances the region's role as a vital engine for global growth. People visit the Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, South Korea, on May 24, 2024. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin) "As Asia strengthens its economic ties and continues on this trajectory, its influence on the world stage is expected to expand, cementing the 21st century as the era of Asian ascendancy," he said. Despite ups and downs in ties among the three countries due to outside interference and their historical factors, Hwang emphasized "the synergy that will be created if the three countries cooperate." "Asia is re-emerging as a pivot of the world history," he said. "It is necessary to make pan-Asian discussions, in which Asians themselves can create visions and action plans for the future of Asia." Lee noted the key role the three nations can play in safeguarding globalization and multilateralism. "The three countries, which have achieved economic growth through free trade and globalization, need to cooperate closely for the protection of free trade and the multilateral trade systems in a world where the free trade order is being threatened," he said. Liu said that by committing to regular dialogue and collaboration, the trio can address common challenges and leverage their collective strengths for mutual benefit. "The renewed focus on cooperation sets a hopeful tone for the future, where Asia can become a cornerstone of peace and development in the global arena," Liu said. Flash Beijing has made an open gesture to other countries to join the latest proposal jointly put forward by China and Brazil that includes their six-point consensus on the Ukraine crisis' political settlement. The proposal is addressed to the international community, and "we welcome more countries, both developing and developed ones, to support and join the consensus", China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said on Friday. The two countries arrived at the consensus during the meeting between Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, and Celso Amorim, special adviser to the president of Brazil, in Beijing on Thursday. "Dialogue and negotiation are the only viable way out of the crisis," said the Foreign Ministry's statement about the consensus. "All parties should create conditions for the resumption of direct dialogue." Both sides also stated their support for "an international peace conference recognized by Russia and Ukraine at an appropriate time, with the equal participation of all parties, and fair discussion of all peace proposals". They have asked for humanitarian aid to be stepped up, oppose weapons of mass destruction, and refrain from escalating or fueling the crisis. The two nations also urged to avoid attacks on nuclear facilities for peaceful use, such as nuclear plants, and oppose exclusive political or economic blocs. Analysts said the consensus came amid a full-blown escalation of the Ukraine crisis that is currently in its third year, with continued fighting and increasing spillover effects that could lead to the conflict's further escalation. Six-point consensus The spokesman said the six-point consensus "also represents the widespread concern and sincere desire among the vast majority of members of the international community to promote a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis". China welcomes various countries to "jointly play a constructive role in cooling down the situation and promoting peace and negotiation", he said. The spokesman noted that the international community widely recognizes that the most urgent task now is to cool down the situation and create more conditions for a cease-fire. "Many developing countries, including China and Brazil, have called for an objective and impartial stance on the Ukraine crisis, and they all seek to further consolidate the consensus of the international community in order to seek the biggest common ground for making peace," he said. Flash Chinese Premier Li Qiang arrived on Sunday to attend the ninth Trilateral Summit Meeting among China, Japan and South Korea from Sunday to Monday. The trilateral summit resumes more than four years after it was last held in 2019. Li, together with the leaders of Japan and South Korea, will attend key events including the trilateral summit meeting and the China-Japan-South Korea business summit where they will exchange views on trilateral cooperation. George Brauchler is the former district attorney for the 18th Judicial District and is a candidate for district attorney in the newly created 23rd Judicial District. He has served as an Owens Early Criminal Justice Fellow at the Common Sense Institute. Follow him on Twitter(X): @GeorgeBrauchler. Jon Caldara is president of the Independence Institute in Denver and hosts The Devils Advocate with Jon Caldara on Colorado Public Television Channel 12. His column appears Sundays in Colorado Politics. Bernadette Guthrie, right, speaks at a recent District 20 school board meeting as board member Derrick Wilburn looks on. Memorial Day is specifically a holiday generated from the expansive death and destruction from Americas Civil War. It has been a tradition in this country, from village to town to city, to honor the sacrifices of the men and women who paid the ultimate price for their love and patriotism and service for the nation. Such traditions continued during the Civil War with the creation of seven national cemeteries to hold the remains of the dead, but to honor the will and the spirit of those honored dead as Abraham Lincoln described them. After the war, civilians, particularly young women and children, honored their dead by placing wreaths and garlands on graves. Memorial Day has also been celebrated as Decoration Day in past years. While many towns lay claim to the first Memorial Day following the war, history suggests the first formal celebration and remembrance of its kind occurred in Charleston, South Carolina, in May of 1865 in an area very close to The Citadel today. During the war, the area known as the Washington Race Track housed Union prisoners of war. The racetrack was a popular place in the city since the late 1700s. The grounds not only held a track, but a structure and grandstand. Like many Civil War prisons on both sides, there was often not enough shelter to keep prisoners dry and not enough supplies to shelter, clothe, or feed them. Prisoners were forced to camp out in the open air. Many died. Hundreds of Union dead were buried behind the grandstands at the track. As Charleston capitulated to federal forces, the bodies of over 265 men were exhumed from the mass grave housing the unknown Union dead. The area was probably about 100 yards long and about 50 feet deep. Subsequently, each exhumed soldier was buried individually in a new cemetery laid out on the track. The graves were surrounded by a whitewashed wooden fence. A sign noted the heroism of the Union men. It simply read Martyrs of the Race Course. In late May of 1865, following the surrender of Confederate forces, a grand ceremony was held to not only announce the end of the war, but to also remember the dead. Women and children carried hundreds of flowers. Two African American regiments paraded in gilded military attire while practicing drills, songs were performed. Many of the participants were former slaves enjoying their freedom in the wake of the Emancipation Proclamation from 1863. They continued to experience the first things about freedom, and one of the ways they did so was by honoring the dead. Historian Jamelle Bouie has a nice short essay about the impact of Black troops in a compilation called Four Hundred Souls. Six years later, the bodies of the Union soldiers were exhumed again and moved to other cemeteries in Beaufort and Florence. Over time, the racetrack and country club structure were torn down and many people, both Black and white, forgot the story of the parade involving 10,000 people. Almost 30 years ago, a Yale historian rediscovered newspaper stories of the event while researching notes for a book on Civil War memory. One can find a better accounting of the parade at the racetrack in David W. Blights Race and Reunion. Tragically, but heroically, Americans are still burying the dead from Americas conflicts. Moreover, as a result, we are also remembering the courage and sacrifices of our men and women at arms. We should not neglect the families either. At present, with heavy experiences from two recent wars, Americans understand that entire families can suffer from PTSD and that soldiers, in some ways, never get over the loss of a buddy and a comrade. Soldiers battle many other things besides an immediate enemy. A lot of people seek to walk a cemetery and argue the merits of a conflict. There is nothing innately wrong in doing so. However, it would be better and wiser to look at a grave and remember where the soldier was from and how the conflict shaped his or her family, their hometown, and their country. Unlike many in Charleston throughout the years who either forgot or were not exposed to the story of the martyrs, we cannot forget, and we must remember the sacrifices of all of our warriors. In between each Memorial Day, Americans have the opportunity to know and understand more about our countrys people and those men and women whose lives were taken in its defense. Lincoln was right at Gettysburg. There is nothing we can do to add or to detract from the works of our honored dead, but we can dedicate ourselves to preserving their memory, and honoring them, by continuing the work of freedom they died to protect. Some celebrate with parades. Others do it silently and solemnly. Let us make sure we take time to remember. Digital creators need more and more space - and importantly, robust, reliable storage space - to manage and preserve it. Western Digital has announced it's pushed physics to create an incredible 6TB capacity across its WD, WD_Black, and SanDisk Professional products, giving the world's highest storage capacity in a 2.5" portable HDD format. Graphic design, multimedia, generative AI - you name it, it needs data. Western Digital's announcement means the whole range of WD My Passport portable HDD line, WD_BLACK P10 Game Drive and SanDisk Professional G-DRIVE ArmorATD will all now be available in cavernous 6TB capacities. Expanding our portfolio with the worlds first 2.5 6TB* portable hard drive is an incredible technological achievement, and it enables us to continue pushing the boundaries of what's possible, said Western Digital director of product management Nitin Kachhwaha. Offering up to 6TB* in such a small form factor and accessible price point gives everyonefrom students, gamers, professional videographers, and moregreater flexibility to create and keep even more of their essential content in one portable drive. The new, record-breaking 6TB* capacity point is now available across Western Digital's premier brands, offering a more robust, purpose-built solution for consumers, gamers and professionals. With up to 6TB capacities now available for the WD My Passport hard drive line, adventurers can store more and effortlessly back up their digital memories with peace of mind. The My Passport Ultra drive is a trusted, portable storage solution that is equipped with USB-C technology and a modern metal design. It is ready right out of the box and features a convenient, slim form factor that is easily transportable. Its password protection with 256-bit AES hardware encryption helps keep precious content safe and secure. The My Passport hard drives are available in different colours to suit any style. The 6TB WD My Passport retails for $299.00 MSRP and the WD My Passport for Mac retails for $309.00 MSRP. All products will be available in Australia from October 2024 at select Western Digital retailers, e-tailers and on the Western Digital Store. Meanwhile, the WD_BLACK P10 Game Drive allows gamers to furnish their console or PC with performance-enhancing tools to keep up with the pace of todays complex AAA titles. With the 6TB capacities now available that can store up to 150 games, the drive is built for players looking to upgrade the storage of their console or PC and enjoy gaming without having to compromise which games to delete or updates to forgo to make room for new titles. Availability for the 6TB WD_BLACK P10 Game Drive will be confirmed later this year. And, with SanDisk Professionals G-DRIVE ArmorATD drive, consumers get an all-terrain drive with shock, IP54 rain and dust, and crush resistance to help protect valuable footage from out in the wild to back in the studio. The 6TB SanDisk Professional G-DRIVE ArmorATD provides a trusted and portable way to back up photos, video footage and files wherever adventure leads. Availability of the 6TB SanDisk Professional G-DRIVE ArmorATD will also be confirmed later this year. A former DuPage County prosecutor was arrested and charged with threatening two Illinois state representatives in a social media post earlier this year, federal prosecutors announced. Authorities also connected Samuel J. Cundari with another social media post imagining someone leaving a bomb at an LGBTQ event in the state capitol. Cundari, 30, of DuPage County, has been charged with transmitting in interstate commerce a threat to injure another person. He was serving as an assistant states attorney when the threats were made, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Central District of Illinois. It was unclear exactly when Cundari left the states attorneys office. A criminal complaint filed Friday alleges that Illinois state police were contacted by the two representatives on March 17 about a threatening message posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. Five other accounts were tagged, including the Illinois attorney general, leading FBI Springfield to launch an investigation, officials said. Our patience grows short with you, the post read. The day we put your kids feet first into a woodchipper so we can enjoy their last few screams is coming. The complaint does not name the legislators. The FBIs National Threat Operation Center also received a tip May 15 about a post on X in response to an advertisement for Springfield PrideFest. I sure hope NOBODY leaves a pressure cooker filled with bail bearings, glass, and nails, filled with diesel fuel and fertilizer, with the over pressure safety valve disabled, near a natural gas line line [sic], the post read. That would be VERY sad and VERY unfortunate. Law enforcement traced both social media posts to Cundari, officials said. If convicted, Cundari faces a maximum of five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a possible fine of up to $250,000. The federal charges come just two years since Cundari was first admitted to the Illinois Bar in May 2022. 2024 Eclipse: See photos from around Illinois Total Solar Eclipse Illinois Total Solar Eclipse Illinois Total Solar Eclipse Illinois Total Solar Eclipse Illinois Total Solar Eclipse Illinois Total Solar Eclipse Illinois Total Solar Eclipse Illinois Total Solar Eclipse Illinois Solar Eclipse Bloomington Illinois Solar Eclipse Bloomington Illinois Solar Eclipse Bloomington Illinois Solar Eclipse Bloomington Illinois Total Solar Eclipse Illinois Total Solar Eclipse Illinois Total Solar Eclipse Illinois Total Solar Eclipse Illinois Total Solar Eclipse Chicago Solar Eclipse Decatur Illinois Solar Eclipse Decatur Illinois Solar Eclipse Decatur Illinois Solar Eclipse Decatur Illinois Solar Eclipse Mattoon Illinois Solar Eclipse Mattoon Illinois Solar Eclipse Mattoon Illinois Solar Eclipse Mattoon Illinois Total Solar Eclipse Makanda Total Solar Eclipse Makanda Solar Eclipse Eureka Solar Eclipse Eureka Specialty cars cruised into Lincoln for the Museum of American Speed's second annual Wheel Hub Live event over Memorial Day weekend. The two days of festivities brought cars previously featured in Wheel Hub magazine for an exciting weekend for car lovers. On Friday, ticket holders were able to participate in the Wheel Hub Reliability Run. This full-day event had car enthusiasts cruising to local builders and shops that have been considered the best hot rod spots in the state. The 200-mile road trip included stops at the Kuck car collection in Lincoln, the Peter Fink collection in Omaha and Cal Automotive Creations in Bennington, followed by a dinner at the museum. On Saturday morning, guests could visit the Wheel Hub Live car show and exhibit at the Museum of American Speed. The exhibit featured specialty vehicles that had previously been highlighted by Wheel Hub. Attendees could get a close-up view of the impressive vehicles and the opportunity to speak with some of their owners. Keith and Jody Hill traveled from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, to show their 1933 Ford three-door coupe. The car that the couple has owned for four years had been featured in the magazine and was used in some of the promotional material for Wheel Hub Live. Everybody has been very friendly, Keith told the Journal Star about his experience at Wheel Hub live. The hospitality has been second to none. We've had huge crowds, and everything has been very well organized. The car show was followed by an after-party at Nebraska Innovation Campus featuring food trucks, live music and even more cars. The parking lot along Transformation Drive was filled with car lovers perusing a wide variety of specialty cars from Mustangs to Model Ts. John Sanders enjoys bringing his 1967 Volkswagen Deluxe Microbus to car shows because he is able to connect with other car lovers. A lot of people will come up to me and tell me about how theyve ridden in a VW bus, or that their parents or grandparents owned one, said Sanders. Ill even have people telling me about their experiences with the VW Beetles. They all have stories, and I like to hear their stories. He had his own stories to share after his 40 years driving the bus. Some of these adventures include hauling firewood and pianos, cross country treks, and camping with his kids and dogs. It's been a fun vehicle. Alex Hagemans Ford F-100 also carries some stories. The truck was bought by Hagemans grandfather in 1960. His father restored the truck in 1982 while he was in high school. Hageman is carrying on their tradition to bring the truck from Ceresco for the car show. Fred Gay, president of the Capitol City Ford and Mustang Club, was in attendance to show his 2019 GT Mustang, which he likes to go cruising with. Weve got 10 people out here today helping, said Gay of himself and his fellow CCFMC members. Its nice to get to be involved with the event and at the same time get to show our cars. Auto enthusiasts continued to converse and celebrate as they finished off a weekend of successful car showing. Top Journal Star photos for May 2024 TREMMEL, 60th Lloyd and Jane Tremmel celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary by attending a performance of Beautiful at the Fireside Theater in Fort Atkinson. The couple, who has lived in the Racine area for 40 years, was married May 16, 1964, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Lake Geneva and are members of Racine Assembly of God. Lloyd served as a fighter pilot in the Air Force for 21 years, during which time he flew 150 combat missions in Vietnam. Following his retirement from the military in 1983, Lloyd eared a computer science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside. He then worked as a programmer analyst for several health insurance companies. Lloyd enjoys woodworking, photography, reading, playing the accordion, flying his drone, operating with his O-gauge trains, playing cards and creating videos. He loves Christmas, and the Christmas Treasure Hunt that he puts together every year is a treasured family tradition. Jane worked as a bank teller and beauty salon manager before retiring in 2005. She has a long history of volunteering, having assisted teachers at schools in South Carolina, Nebraska and Wisconsin. Jane also is a staunch prayer warrior, who manages the prayer chain for the members of her church and anyone else in need of prayers. Jane has crocheted more than 170 afghan blankets, which she has given as gifts to relatives and friends, and knitted more than 200 caps for children, which she has donated to charitable causes. Jane loves Bible studies and crafts of any kind, including needlepoint, sewing, decoupage, tole painting, quilt making, rug hooking and ceramics. The couple has two children, Joe (Leslie) Tremmell of Springboro, Ohio, and John (Ann) Tremmel of Racine. They also have five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. RACINE Maria Del Mar Rivera-Ortiz had two weeks to travel thousands of miles for the new job. She moved from her native Puerto Rico to Racine to be an elementary school teacher. Adjusting to a new culture and educational system was difficult, but Del Mar Rivera-Ortiz said her coworkers provided crucial assistance in that first year. I grew so much, and Im so thankful to the teachers that helped me at the beginning, Del Mar Rivera-Ortiz said. Her efforts in the classroom were recently recognized. Del Mar Rivera-Ortiz was one of four Racine Unified teachers named 2024 Bilingual Educators of the Year last month by the Wisconsin Association for Bilingual Education. The other three RUSD award winners were Oralia Orozco, Mitchell K-8 School kindergarten teacher; Margarita Ramos, S.C. Johnson Elementary kindergarten teacher; and Marisol Vasquez, Wadewitz Elementary third grade teacher. They were four of 25 Wisconsin teachers awarded this year. The educators were recognized at the May 20 RUSD Board meeting. RUSD Board President Jane Barbian called it a wonderful honor for the four instructors. Were very proud of you ladies, Barbian said. For the youngest grades in RUSDs dual language program, 80% of classroom content like math and reading is taught in Spanish and 20% is taught in English. Each year, progressively more content is taught in English until 50% is taught in English and 50% is taught in Spanish from fourth through eighth grade. Orozco said at the board meeting that it is rewarding to help students whose first language is English learn Spanish. To be able to teach them in Spanish and then to catch on and really excel in that is wonderful, Orozco said. School administrators nominated the four teachers for the award. Kathleen Sura, Mitchell assistant principal, wrote in her nomination that Orozco is a dedicated, passionate instructor. She daily pushes her students to higher levels, Sura wrote. She continues to help her students to strive for greatness in the classroom. S.C. Johnson Principal Kat Hoffman wrote that Ramos develops an excellent foundation for students. She is well-planned and organized, ensuring her classroom runs smoothly and has rigorous learning, Hoffman wrote. She is a valued member of our team and a role model for all. Wadewitz Principal Don Katzer wrote that Vasquez works tirelessly to reach students. Even with challenging students, she finds ways to push them forward toward success, Katzer wrote. She develops great relationships with the family and works collaboratively with others with the idea that together, we can achieve more. Del Mar Rivera-Ortiz, who has taught at RUSD for six years, was happy and proud to earn the award. She was also surprised to be nominated because she said there are numerous quality dual language instructors at Julian Thomas. Julian Thomas Principal Danielle Dekker-Shircel wrote in her nomination that Del Mar Rivera-Ortiz is an exceptional teacher with rigorous, engaging lessons who also works tirelessly to support her families and students. In addition to classroom teaching, Del Mar Rivera-Ortiz is involved with community events and often volunteers to work with students and families. She emphasizes communication with parents so they know she is taking care of their children. I like to be involved with the families and the community, Del Mar Rivera-Ortiz said. Being a teacher, you have to have that communication with parents all the time. Thats the most important thing to me. Del Mar Rivera-Ortiz teaches second grade, which she has done for the past five years. She has 15 students this year, a slightly smaller class than usual. She said 12 of her students are native Spanish speakers, while three have English as their first language. Students come from a variety of backgrounds and cultures, and she enjoys connecting with diverse families. This school year, Del Mar Rivera-Ortiz has students from the U.S., Puerto Rico, Mexico, Honduras, Nicaragua and Colombia. Del Mar Rivera-Ortiz was born and raised in Puerto Rico. Several family members were teachers, including her aunt and grandmother. She taught for a year in Puerto Rico, then worked in human resources for eight years before coming to Racine. All of Del Mar Rivera-Ortizs family members still live in Puerto Rico, where she plans to go right after this school year ends. It is difficult to rarely visit her family. For example, she hasnt seen her parents in 18 months. Thats the hard part, but I love what I do, Del Mar Rivera-Ortiz said. This year has also involved a college education student interning with her, a first for Del Mar Rivera-Ortiz. Alejandra Guadarrama has assisted in her classroom since early February. Guadarrama said she has learned so much from Del Mar Rivera-Ortiz, such as how to do hands-on activities to ensure students are engaged. Del Mar Rivera-Ortiz has enjoyed having an intern and explaining her occupation. She said one key to doing the job well is adaptability. I flow with the wave, Del Mar Rivera-Ortiz said. After uprooting her life in two weeks, Del Mar Rivera-Ortiz has become an adaptable, dedicated teacher who recently received recognition with colleagues. Nine photos of early literacy at Wadewitz Melani Raditz Teacher Melani Raditz gives a reading lesson Wednesday at Wadewitz Elementary, 2700 Yout St. Students verbalized vowels, like what sound two E Casey Prohaska Casey Prohaska teaches a literacy lesson at Wadewitz Elementary, 2700 Yout St. Students clapped the syllables of words like turbulence and Raditz Teacher Melani Raditz instructs students during a literacy lesson at Wadewitz Elementary. The lessons are part of a science of reading curri Decker, Underly Janell Decker, Racine Unified acting chief academic officer, left, talks with State Superintendent Jill Underly on Wednesday at Wadewitz Eleme Jeff Neubauer Jeff Neubauer, Higher Expectations for Racine County co-executive director, talks about early literacy Wednesday at Wadewitz Elementary, 2700 Neubauer Jeff Neubauer, Higher Expectations for Racine County co-executive director, takes notes during an early literacy presentation Wednesday at Wad Janell Decker Janell Decker, Racine Unified acting chief academic officer, gives a presentation Wednesday at Wadewitz Elementary, 2700 Yout St. Don Katzer Principal Don Katzer said moving to "science of reading" curriculum was initially difficult for literacy educators, but they have embraced it Jill Underly State Superintendent Jill Underly listens to an early literacy presentation at Wadewitz Elementary. Wadewitz early literacy Wadewitz early literacy RACINE State Superintendent Jill Underly said going all in on a new initiative can be scary. The Racine Unified School District has done that with its approach to early literacy, which appears to be working. The district saw improvement in elementary school reading comprehension in recent years, which is a crucial indicator of a students academic and career success. Underly received a tour of early literacy in action Wednesday morning at Wadewitz Elementary, 2700 Yout St. In one classroom, students verbalized vowels, like what sound two Es make in the word sheep. In another classroom, students clapped the syllables of words like turbulence and wintertime. They also made words with sounds that were either added to or subtracted from the end of another word, such as adding d to mine to create mind and subtracting k from stork to create store. Science of reading The lessons Underly viewed are part of a science of reading curriculum Racine Unified has used for the past few years. Under the science of reading, students learn what sounds individual letters make and how letters combine into words. Act 20, a state law passed in 2023, will go into effect during the 2024-25 school year. It is aimed at improving Wisconsin students ability to read by requiring public schools and private schools participating in parental choice programs to use curriculum backed by the science of reading. Since RUSD is already using the science of reading, it will have minimal early literacy changes next school year. Our teachers are well-versed and ready to roll, said Janell Decker, RUSD acting chief academic officer. The district will, however, need to essentially retrain teachers on the science of reading through an approved curriculum vendor as part of the new law. There will be some repetitive things but we did already lay a really good base to all of our staff, Decker said. Underly has two children and wishes they learned through the science of reading in elementary school. Science of reading works, Underly said. I commend RUSD for seeing that urgency and acting on it, using the resources that they had The impact has been profound on kids. In 2022-23, RUSD improved on the annual state report card for the first time in six years. RUSD Superintendent Soren Gajewski attributed the improvement partly to the districts early literacy emphasis. In October, Gajewski said it is RUSDs absolute No. 1 goal to improve early literacy, because reading impacts all learning in higher grades. Broadly speaking, students learn to read from kindergarten through second grade and read to learn starting in third grade. As part of the districts strategic plan, RUSD aims to have 75% of pre-K to third grade students meeting internal benchmarks by reading at a proficient or advanced level by 2027. Wave of momentum Underly was impressed by the attentiveness and focus of instructors and students Wednesday. The kids were just really engaged, Underly said. That was really great to see You just see so much progress. That progress is the result of diligent, collective effort. Wadewitz Principal Don Katzer said moving to the science of reading was initially difficult for literacy educators, but they have embraced the new curriculum and seen positive results. They dont accept any reasons why (students) cant learn, Katzer said. Instead they enforce the fact that they can learn and will learn. In 2022-23, the most recent school year for which state data is available, 76% of Wadewitzs 546 students were economically disadvantaged, and 21% were English language learners. About 30% of students receive special education, according to Katzer. Historically, you would believe these are kids that cant learn, Katzer said. That couldnt be further from the case. In 2022-23, 49.1% of Wadewitz students were below basic in English language arts, according to data from the state Department of Public Instruction. That is an improvement from prior years. In 2021-22, 52.9% of Wadewitz students were below basic in English language arts. In 2020-21, 61% of Wadewitz students were below basic in ELA. The trend at Wadewitz is similar to the school district overall. In 2022-23, 48.5% RUSD students were below basic in English language arts. In 2021-22 54.1% of RUSD students were below basic in ELA. In 2020-21, the figure was 50.3%. We are riding a huge wave of momentum thats moving in the right direction. Katzer said. This is community transformative-type momentum that we are seeing. Early literacy is a key indicator of a childs educational future. According to a 2012 study, students who are not reading proficiently by the end of third grade are four times more likely to not graduate high school than proficient readers. Underly said improving early literacy can hugely affect students and the state. Theyre going to enter the workforce well-prepared, theyre going to be productive citizens, and just overall a much healthier and happier Wisconsin, Underly said. Challenges The main challenges to continued literacy growth are the impacts of overarching financial issues faced by public schools across Wisconsin. In the last few years, RUSD used federal COVID-19 pandemic dollars to fund 36 early literacy educational assistant positions to help improve its reading results. That federal money expires at the end of this school year, but the district plans to fund 25 of the 36 early literacy EA positions next school year. To me, this was worth it, Gajewski said. Then weve got to make the decision again and again with continuously slimming resources. Indeed, school district officials will likely have to make tough budget choices every year unless funding from the Wisconsin Legislature improves. RUSD, like many state districts, is facing a fiscal cliff starting next year. The school district has projected annual deficits of at least $34 million in the next few years. That is partly because the state revenue limit for schools has not increased in several years, despite a $7 billion surplus in the state general fund. Underly said the lack of increased funding will make it tougher for districts like RUSD to keep improving on early literacy. They have to put resources where they will have the most impact, and thats what theyre doing, Underly said. What concerns me is that with budget cuts and with the legislature not fully funding this kind of initiative, were going to have to make some changes. We know what works, and you can see the urgency in the school district but its going to be tough to maintain. Nine photos of early literacy at Wadewitz Melani Raditz Teacher Melani Raditz gives a reading lesson Wednesday at Wadewitz Elementary, 2700 Yout St. Students verbalized vowels, like what sound two E Casey Prohaska Casey Prohaska teaches a literacy lesson at Wadewitz Elementary, 2700 Yout St. Students clapped the syllables of words like turbulence and Raditz Teacher Melani Raditz instructs students during a literacy lesson at Wadewitz Elementary. The lessons are part of a science of reading curri Decker, Underly Janell Decker, Racine Unified acting chief academic officer, left, talks with State Superintendent Jill Underly on Wednesday at Wadewitz Eleme Jeff Neubauer Jeff Neubauer, Higher Expectations for Racine County co-executive director, talks about early literacy Wednesday at Wadewitz Elementary, 2700 Neubauer Jeff Neubauer, Higher Expectations for Racine County co-executive director, takes notes during an early literacy presentation Wednesday at Wad Janell Decker Janell Decker, Racine Unified acting chief academic officer, gives a presentation Wednesday at Wadewitz Elementary, 2700 Yout St. Don Katzer Principal Don Katzer said moving to "science of reading" curriculum was initially difficult for literacy educators, but they have embraced it Jill Underly State Superintendent Jill Underly listens to an early literacy presentation at Wadewitz Elementary. Wadewitz early literacy Wadewitz early literacy CALEDONIA The recent enforcement of a Caledonia village ordinance is limiting the number of horses residents can have on their properties. Multiple Caledonia horse owners who have either received a citation or are concerned about receiving one spoke about the issue May 14 during a Committee of the Whole meeting. The ordinance has been in place since 2005, but it was not enforced until recently when the village received a complaint from a resident in March claiming a neighbor had too many horses, according to the village. Generally, code enforcement happens as a result to a complaint, Village Administrator Kathy Kasper said. Staff has not traced back to when exactly the code changed, but our belief is that (it) has remained static since 2006. The village ordinance follows a state administrative code that defines one unit of livestock as 1,000 pounds worth of livestock, according to village documents. It allows for livestock to be kept on land zoned for agricultural use if the area is at least two acres. The first two acres can contain no more than one unit of livestock. Each additional unit of livestock requires one additional acre of land, according to village documents, unless otherwise allowed by a conditional use permit. Livestock may be kept on parcels zoned for residential use if the area is at least five acres and the livestock is housed more than 150 feet from every residence not on that parcel. The exception for pre-existing uses states that livestock legally kept on a parcel prior to the adoption of the ordinance are allowed to remain on a parcel as long as the livestock are not determined by the Village Board to be a nuisance. Kasper said village staff believes that since there have historically not been complaints about this specific issue, the code was never looked at closely. Village Trustee Fran Martin said at the meeting that she believes the ordinance was mistakenly drafted to follow a Wisconsin administrative code that applied to feedlots, rather than to properties with horses used recreationally. I dont think it was an intentional attempt to shrink the number of horses, but that was the effect, she said. Caledonia resident Eric Roberson said during the meeting that he received a letter from the village April 30 stating that he was in violation of the animal ordinance. Roberson said when he built his home in 2010 on 5.6 acres, he was allowed to have four horses. With the ordinance enforcement, he is now only allowed two, he said. The village literally took my property, which I did my due diligence on and was allowed to have four horses (on) and knocked it down to two, Roberson said at the meeting. Whats that gonna do to the resale value on my home? Amy Schlager, a Caledonia resident who breeds horses, said she and her husband built their property in 2014 with the purpose of having horses in their backyard. She said they looked at multiple communities near Milwaukee, including Union Grove and Raymond. As a breeder, she said there are sometimes many horses on her property; however, newborn fouls are often only temporary members of the farm because other people buy them. I started my farm with the plan of breeding and selling horses, and I just wanted that taken into consideration when we think about the rural character of Caledonia, Schlager said. Village Trustee Nancy Pierce said she is aware of a horse owner in Caledonia who sold one of their horses because of the ordinance enforcement. Martin suggested the ordinance be adjusted to allow one horse for each additional unit on a property. She also suggested that there be no difference in the code between land zoned as residential and land zoned as agricultural. So if you had 10 acres, you could have nine horses. If you had 20 acres, you could have 19 horses and so on, she said. Village staff plans to make recommendations to change the ordinance as directed by the Committee of the Whole. The committee will then provide final input before the adjusted ordinance goes to the Village Board for consideration. The committee directed staff to draft ordinance changes and present them to members in a month. Village Development Director Peter Wagner said the village has reached out to property owners who received citations recently and said they will not be enforcing the horse density ordinance until the village adjusts the ordinance. Researchers in Australia recently announced the launch of a new device that, they say, absorbs water from air to produce drinkable water. Researchers at the University of Newcastle call the device the Hydro Harvester. They said it can produce up to 1,000 liters of drinkable water a day, adding that it could be lifesaving during drought or emergencies. The Australian team said that unlike other atmospheric water generators, their invention works by heating air instead of cooling it. The device absorbs water from the atmosphere. Solar energy or heat from other industrial processes can be used to produce hot, wet air. After heating, the air cools, producing water for drinking or watering crops. Behdad Moghtaderi of the University of Newcastles Centre for Innovative Energy Technologies told VOA how the technology operates. Hydro Harvester uses an absorbing material to absorb and dissolve moisture from air. Sowe use renewable energy..." Moghtaderi said. He added, "When you condense water contained in that air you would have the drinking water at your disposal. The researchers say the device can produce enough drinking water each day for a small rural town of up to 400 people. It could also help farmers keep livestock alive during droughts. Moghtaderi said the technology could be used in parts of the world where water is limited. Researchers thought their device would be useful because Australias climate is dry. "More than 2 billion people around the world, they are in a similar situation where they do not have access tohigh-quality water and they deal with water scarcity, Moghtaderi said Studies of the technology will be done in several Australian communities this year. The World Economic Forum (WEF), a nonprofit group based in Switzerland, says water scarcity continues to be a problem worldwide The WEF said getting water from the atmosphere is a promising emergency solution that can immediately generate drinkable water using moisture in the air. However, the group warns that the technology is costly. It estimates that one mid-sized device could cost between $30,000 and $50,000. Im John Russell. Phil Mercer reported on this story for VOA News. John Russell adapted it for VOA Learning English. ______________________________________________ Words in This Story absorb v. to take something in, such as a liquid drought n. a period of time with too little rain generator n. a machines whose processes produce energy or a material dissolve v. to become mixed into and part of a liquid condense v. to change from a gas to a liquid at (ones) disposal idiom to be able to use scarcity n. the condition of having very little of something moisture n. wetness or water in small amounts Dakar, SenegalMali and Russia on Friday launched the construction of the largest solar power plant in West Africa, Malian Energy Minister Bintou Camara said on national television. It comes as the country continues to be plagued by electricity supply problems with only half of the population having access to electricity. - Advertisement - The power station, the first (in terms of size) in the country and even in the sub-region will greatly reduce the electricity shortage currently affecting our country, Camara told Malian TV station ORTM. Grigory Nazarov, director of Novawind, the Russian company in charge of the construction said it is expected to increase the Malis electricity production by 10 percent. Novawind is a subsidiary of Russias nuclear agency Rosatom. The 200-megawatt solar station will cover 314 hectares in Sanankoroba, south-western Mali, close to the capital Bamako. The work, which is costing over 200 million euros ($217 million), will take a year to complete, Nazarov said. The solar power plant is designed for stable operation for 20 years and will come under full control of the Malian Ministry of Energy after 10 years, he added. Malian electricity production is 70 percent thermal which is extremely costly, finance minister Alousseni Sanou said in March when the deal with Novawind was signed. AFP Burdened with a debt of more than $330 million, Malis national energy company is no longer able to supply electricity to the capital and other towns around the country. Construction of two other solar plants near Bamako is scheduled to start on May 28 and June 1 and be built by Chinese and Emirati companies. Moscow has steadily gained influence in Mali through deployment of Wagner group mercenaries, unofficially serving the Kremlins aims in resource-rich Africa since the 2010s. During a call in March, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Malian junta, Colonel Assimi Goita, discussed strengthening cooperation in energy, agricultural and mining projects, the Kremlin said. AFP San Francisco, United StatesGoogle on Friday said it is taking swift action to improve AI summaries of search results, after users mocked blunders like Barack Obama being the first Muslim US president. Google users took to social media to lampoon erroneous AI Overview responses to queries such as whether people should eat stones or stare into the sun, or how many Muslim US presidents there have been. - Advertisement - Many of the examples weve seen have been uncommon queries, and weve also seen examples that were doctored or that we couldnt reproduce, a Google spokesperson said in response to an Agence France Presse (AFP) inquiry. Were taking swift action where appropriate under our content policies and using these examples to develop broader improvements to our systems, some of which have already started to roll out. The Obama example pointed out to Google violated its policies and was taken down, according to the spokesperson. An Overview response that adding non-toxic glue to pizza sauce was a way to stop cheese from sliding off was evidently traced to a childs Reddit post, prompting some on social media to question whether AI was gullible enough to believe everything it reads online. The vast majority of AI Overviews provide reliable information and guardrails built into the technology are designed to prevent harmful content from appearing, according to the Silicon Valley internet titan. Google recently rolled out AI-generated answers to searches in the United States, in one of the biggest changes to its world leading search engine in 25 years. Googles search results began featuring an AI summary at the top of the page before the more typical unfurling of links. The change will soon spread to other countries, Google chief executive Sundar Pichai said at the time. The change comes as Google feels growing pressure from AI-powered search engines like Perplexity, and from the repeated rumors that OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, is building its own AI search tool. Searches through AI chats have also appeared on Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, with users able to get information from the web without Google. These alternatives are praised by some for their cleaner experience than the often-cluttered results of a classic query. The Department of Foreign Affairs lauded the advisory opinion issued by the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), which declared key parts of the 2016 South China Sea arbitration ruling as authoritative. According to the DFA, the advisory opinion was in response to the request submitted by the Commission of Small Island States on Climate Change and International Law in December 2022. - Advertisement - As a state party to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the Philippines participated in the proceedings in September 2023 to support the call of small island states for protection against the impact of climate change. This bolsters and reinforces the legitimacy of the final and binding 2016 Arbitration Award and its unassailable status as part of the corpus of international law, the DFA said in a statement. The Philippines therefore takes this opportunity to reiterate its continuing call for full compliance with the Award, it added. In 2016, the United Nations-backed Permanent Court of Arbitration has rendered an Arbitral Ruling upholding the Philippines exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea, part of which is continuously being claimed by China through its nine-dash line in the South China Sea. However, Beijing has never recognized the decision. The DFA said that the Philippines is diligently studying the advisory opinion and its implications for the state parties to UNCLOS, particularly on the duty to protect and preserve the marine environment in the context of greenhouse gas emissions, climate change impacts, and ocean acidification. The Philippines recognizes that advisory opinions are significant contributions to the clarification and development of international law, the DFA said. The Philippines reiterates that the rule of law ensures equity in the global commons and a fair, just, and peaceful multilateral world order, the DFA statement added. It also invited other countries to join in a constructive dialogue and thorough study of the ITLOS advisory opinion. Meanwhile, the Philippines on Sunday reiterated its calls for China to desist from any action that would undermine peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the Philippine government is seriously concerned over the new China Coast Guard regulations, saying it is a direct violation of international law as it cannot be enforced in the high seas. The department was referring to the Regulations on Administrative Law Enforcement Procedures for Coast Guard Agencies that was approved and announced on May 15, and is supposed to take effect on June 15. Under the new Chinese regulation, the China Coast Guard is authorized to detain those who will illegally enter the waters under its jurisdiction for up to 60 days without trial. Every sovereign state has the right to formulate and enact laws, including the enforcement of domestic legislation within its jurisdiction. However, a states domestic laws may not be applied and enforced in the territory, maritime zones or jurisdiction of other states, nor violate other sovereign states rights and entitlements under international law, the DFA said in a statement. These same domestic laws cannot be applied nor enforced in the high seas under international law, it added. According to the DFA, the regulations are issued on the basis of the 2021 Coast Guard law, which also illegally expanded the maritime law enforcement powers of Chinas Coast Guard. China would be in direct violation of international law should it enforce these new regulations in the waters and maritime features within the illegal, null and void, and expansive 10-dash line, which would effectively cover areas of the West Philippine Sea, where the Philippines has sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction, or in the high seas, the DFA emphasized. The department also said China must ensure that its relevant legislation clearly reflect and abide by its commitments and obligations under international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and the binding 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea, as well as the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC). Earlier, President Marcos called the policy unacceptable. SEOUL North Korea on Sunday accused the United States and South Korea of conducting more aerial espionage around the peninsula, warning it would take immediate action if its sovereignty was breached. America has deployed dozens of military planes in air espionage against the DPRK from May 13 to 24, the Norths vice defense minister Kim Kang Il said in a statement, referring to his country by its official name. - Advertisement - The espionage activities observed over the 12-day time frame were at a level beyond the wartime situation, he said in the statement, which was carried by the official Korean Central News Agency. Such hostile military espionage, together with various military drills, has become the root cause of ever-escalating regional military tensions, he added. The official also lashed out at the South Korean navy for what he called enemy intrusion across our maritime border, claiming such acts were conducted under the guise of mobile patrols. The vice minister said the Norths military would take necessary military measures, adding: Dangerous consequences will ensue from such frequent intrusions across our maritime border. He also targeted the sending of balloons containing anti-regime leaflets by South Korean civic groups across the border, calling it a dangerous provocation and warning of tit-for-tat action. Despite a ban that took effect in 2021, South Korean activists have for years flown balloons containing propaganda leaflets and US dollars over the border, a tactic against which Pyongyang has long protested. Inter-Korean relations are at one of their lowest points in years, with Pyongyang declaring Seoul its principal enemy. It has dismantled agencies dedicated to reunification and threatened war over even 0.001 mm of territorial infringement. South Korea and its key security ally America routinely conduct joint military drills, which they say are necessary to guard against growing threats from the nuclear-armed North. Pyongyang regards all such drills as rehearsals for invasion, and has been known to conduct weapons tests and live-fire counter-drills in response. Two Martinsville teenagers died in a fiery car crash on Figsboro Road on Saturday morning. Azetta Stone Hairston, 17, and Jahnavia Sadee Rose Hairston, 19, both females, died at the scene of the crash, a Virginia State Police release stated. The single-vehicle crash occurred at 12:20 a.m. on Figsboro Road, three tenths of a mile south of Virginia 928 in Henry County. A 2014 Chevrolet Impala, driven by Azetta Hairston, ran off the right side of the roadway and struck several trees. The vehicle caught fire and became fully engulfed in flames, the release stated. Rescue, fire, and police responded to the crash. It was a single-vehicle crash and it looks like a hybrid vehicle, so were concerned about a flare-up from the battery, a Virginia State Trooper said at the scene. Its totaled, the cars gone, the fire got it. The name of the trooper on the scene was not made available. The Dyers Store Volunteer Fire Department extinguished the fire and two deceased bodies were located inside. Police were able to determine the license plate on the vehicle and visited the home at the address connected to the license plate. Figsboro Road was blocked off at the site of the crash, and a crash-reconstruction team was called in to investigate. The Henry County Sheriffs Office provided traffic control while the crash was being investigated. The release stated that the crash remains under investigation. Major cyclone hits Bangaldesh as almost a million flee People gather their belongings to head inland in Satkhira, Bangladesh. Photo: Reuters An intense cyclone smashed into the low-lying coast of Bangladesh on Sunday, with nearly a million people fleeing inland for concrete storm shelters away from howling gales and crashing waves. "The severe Cyclone Remal has started crossing the Bangladesh coast," Bangladesh Meteorological Department Director Azizur Rahman said, adding the raging storm could continue hammering the coast until at least the early hours of Monday morning. "We have so far recorded maximum wind speeds of 90 kilometres per hour, but the wind speed may pick up more pace." Forecasters predicted gusts of up to 130 kilometres per hour, with heavy rain and winds also lashing neighbouring India. Authorities have raised the danger signal to its highest level. Cyclones have killed hundreds of thousands of people in Bangladesh in recent decades, but the number of superstorms hitting its densely populated coast has increased sharply, from one a year to as many as three, due to the impact of climate change. "The cyclone could unleash a storm surge of up to four metres above normal astronomical tide, which can be dangerous," Bangladeshi senior weather official Muhammad Abul Kalam Mallik said. Most of Bangladesh's coastal areas are a metre or two above sea level and high storm surges can devastate villages. "We are terrified," said 35-year-old fisherman Yusuf Fakir at Kuakata, a town on the very southern tip of Bangladesh in the predicted route of the storm, speaking just before its arrival. At least 800,000 Bangladeshis fled their coastal villages, while more than 50,000 people in India also moved inland from the vast Sundarbans mangrove forest, where the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna rivers meet the sea, government ministers and disaster officials said. "We want to ensure that a single life is not lost," said Bankim Chandra Hazra, a senior minister in India's West Bengal state. India's Kolkata airport closed on Sunday, while the Indian navy readied two ships with aid and medical supplies for "immediate deployment". (AFP) Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri lauded the government's efforts to strengthen the Indian economy in the past 10 years under the Prime Ministership of Narendra Modi. While speaking in Chandigarh on Sunday, Puri said, "As per the public data released by IMF, our GDP is USD 3.95 trillion, and we are in the fifth position. Japan is in the fourth position with a GDP of USD 4.1 trillion. If our growth rate is going on at 7-8 percent and Japan's is flat, it's a matter of a few months, if not a year, and our economy will reach fourth place." Puri accused the Congress-led UPA government of ignoring investments in urban space. He said, "during the UPA government between 2004 and 2014, the expenditure on urban space was less than one lakh seventy thousand crores, and in the Modi government, in these 10 years, it has increased by 11-12 times to reach 18-19 lakh crores." The minister said capital expenditure will increase in the coming time, which is already increasing by 30 percent. In the interim budget, the union government announced capital expenditures of over Rs 11 lakh crore, an increase of 11.1 percent. Pointing out the expansion of metro projects by the government, he highlighted that the total metro length is now 945 km and is expected to reach 1,000 km, after which the country will have the tag of second largest metro train system. Puri added that in the last 10 years of PM Modi's tenure, 4 crore people have been allocated houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, adding that the government will add another 3 crore beneficiaries. Justifying the fuel prices in the country, he said that South Asian countries such as Pakistan and Sri Lanka have seen higher fuel prices with a jump of almost 70-80 percent. Canada, Australia, the US, Europe have also seen jumps in fuel prices of 30-40 percent. But, due to the central excise duty reduction by the central government, we have not had that much heat. The PM Modi-led government is seeking a third term in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, for which six phases of the elections have been completed. The seventh phase of the election is scheduled for June 1 in 57 constituencies in 8 states. The final result of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections will be announced on June 4. (ANI) After decades of negotiations, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), an arm of the United Nations, has finally adopted a new treaty on intellectual property, genetic resources, and associated traditional knowledge. WIPO is one of the 15 specialized agencies of the United Nations (UN) that works to promote and protect intellectual property (IP) across the world by cooperating with countries as well as international organizations. India also lauded the efforts of member states by recognising the efforts of the UN body. "India congratulated member states on fostering robust discussions and creating an equitable framework that respects all parties involved at the WIPO Diplomatic Conference on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge," the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) said in a post on X. India also praised Daren Tang, DG, WIPO, and his team for the meticulous preparation and conduct of the conference. The recently concluded treaty is the first WIPO Treaty to address the interface between intellectual property, genetic resources and traditional knowledge and the first WIPO Treaty to include provisions specifically for Indigenous Peoples as well as local communities, the UN arm said in a blog post. The treaty will bind member countries to establish an international law to disclose patent applicants whose inventions are based on genetic resources and/or associated traditional knowledge, as per the blog post. India has long been in dispute with countries and patent rights organizations because of the patent rights of Indian products awarded to foreign entities. The patent rights of turmeric, a tropical herb grown in east India and widely used as a medicine and food ingredient, among other uses, were awarded to the University of Mississippi Medical Center in 1995 for its wound-healing property by the United States. Two years later, India's Council of Scientific and Industrial Research challenged the university regarding the novelty of the discovery. The USPTO cancelled the patent due to a lack of novelty. In another case, patent rights of Indian Basmati rice were granted to a Texan company in the USA, to which India objected and the USPTO accepted the petition. Neem is another example on which an application was filed by the USA with the European Patent Office. A legal opposition has been filed by India against the grant of the patent. In this matter, the EPO revoked the patent application citing the lack of novelty and inventive steps, among others. After repeated objections from India on moves to patent its traditionally known natural products, EPO decided to check with the country's database that lists traditionally known drug formulations before granting patent rights. In addition, the National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources has created the Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) which contains over 24 million-page searchable databases that translate text from Sanskrit into English, German, French, Spanish, and Japanese. (ANI) 'Star Wars' creator George Lucas was felicitated with an honorary Palme d'Or at the closing ceremony of the 77th Cannes Film Festival. And it was his collaborator, Francis Ford Coppola who presented the award. Lucas received a heartfelt tribute from the audience as they gave him a several-minute standing ovation. When Coppola came on stage, the two embraced and exchanged some private remarks. https://www.instagram.com/p/C7Z65RECUJ9/ While presenting the award to Lucas, Coppola in his speech recalled his first meeting with the 'Star Wars' creator, who shadowed him on the set of his film 'Finian's Rainbow' in 1968, as per Variety. "Pleased to have someone in my own generation, I suggested he come every day, but only on one condition: That he come up with a brilliant suggestion every day, which he consistently did. And with that began an association that has lasted a lifetime," Coppola said. "And he went on and on, making film history, story history, business history and now history in France." Coppola also mentioned the time Lucas was rejected by the owners of the "Flash Gordon" comic strip when he pitched a film adaptation. "He looked at me and he said, 'Well, I'll make my own movie, I'll call it 'Star Battles' or 'Star Wars' or something.' And so he did, and in the process risked everything he had to make it," Coppola said. "Congratulations George, not only am I and your many friends proud of you, but the world is here, proud to honor you." Accepting the award, Lucas said, "I can't thank all of you enough because I'm just a kid that grew up in a vineyard in Modesto, Calif., who makes movies in San Francisco with Francis." Looking back on his nearly 60 years in the film industry, Lucas added that "it's definitely a different world" now. "I've actually never made a film in Hollywood as a director, so it's a real honour to be here," he concluded. "Thank you so much." Lucas credited-movies have been to Cannes four times: THX 1138 in 1971, Star Wars, Episode III - Revenge of the Sith in 2005, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull in 2008 and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny in 2023 (he wasn't in attendance last year). (ANI) On the 79th birth anniversary of former Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, his family paid floral tributes to him. Riteish, son of late Vilasrao Deshmukh, took to Instagram and shared a few pictures in which he along with his kids and wife Genelia can be seen with folded hands as they remembered the late leader. https://www.instagram.com/p/C7a69Hvy8xL/?hl=en&img_index=2 The last photo featured the entire family members including his brothers Dhiraj Deshmukh with wife Deepshikha Deshmukh, Amit Deshmukh, and others. "Happy Birthday Pappa #vilasraodeshmukh," Riteish captioned the post. Born on May 26, 1945, in Latur, Vilasrao Deshmukh was a two-time Chief Minister of Maharashtra and a former minister in the UPA government led by Dr Manmohan Singh. He died on August 14, 2012. Earlier in February, Riteish attended an event in Latur to unveil the statue of his late father and veteran Congressman. A video of the actor's speech where he was seen bursting into tears was widely shared on social media. "Tough twelve years have passed since Saheb [Vilasrao Deshmukh] left us. Occasionally, the pain surfaces. He always used to shine, and even now, he shines. This shine never fades. He stayed strong, so that we, his children, feel the need to stand tall. To stand tall not just for ourselves, but for the responsibilities that come with being his children. Today, although he is not physically present, his love for us is evident, and it burns brightly on this stage," Riteish said. (ANI) Jessica Chastain recently shared a glimpse of her honorary doctorate ceremony held at her alma mater, The Juilliard School, reported People. The Oscar winner attended Juilliard from 1999 to 2003 and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. The 'Zero Dark Thirty' actor received her honorary doctorate from The Juilliard School for her "outstanding contributions" to the fields of film and theatre, the university said in an announcement. In the video, she shared a glimpse of the entire ceremony, from receiving her official ceremony ticket to putting on her cap and gown. Although she joked her head was too big for the doctoral tam. "It's too tight," the Oscar-winner could be seen telling staff members who were helping her get ready for her honor. "I have a huge head. It's a shocking thing ... I think it's like long." After her tam was cut to make it bigger, Chastain posed for photos with the rest of the honorees before marching over to the auditorium for the ceremony, waving goodbye and blowing the camera a kiss before receiving her hood and honorary degree. "Dr. Chastain has a nice ring to it," she wrote in the caption of the post. "thank you @juilliardschool for this honor and for the custom hat congrats class of 2024!" https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7ZaOluOH2G/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== In addition to being an honorary doctor, the Eyes of Tammy Faye actor is a Juilliard graduate, having earned her BFA in 2003. In a 2012 interview with The New York Times, she discussed going to New York City from her little northern California community for the first time in 1999, when she began school. "It was hard," she told the Times. "I had never really spent any time in a city like this. But everything I was craving was here. I had never seen a foreign movie, and Lincoln Center was across the street. I was sitting in the cafeteria one day, and Baryshnikov was at my table. It was everything I had dreamed of since I was a little girl." Chastain also said that Juilliard was notoriously competitive at the time, and students could be cut at any moment if they weren't doing well. "I worried all the time about being cut. It was unfounded, because in my second year I actually got a scholarship," Chastain said in the interview, recalling how she hardly hung out with friends because she was studying so much during her college years. "...There was a bar here called Malachy's, where everyone went to hang out, and I think I only went twice in four years. I'm just obsessive. I'd be doing my reading or watching movies. My whole life I wanted to be here, and so when I was, I wanted to suck up every bit of it." She also had several renowned classmates at school, including Oscar Isaac, her Scenes from a Marriage costar. Some of Chastain's other famous friends chimed in underneath her video to send their congratulations on her big academic achievement. Julianne Hough wished her a big "congratulations " and Tatum O'Neal left lots of hearts and praising hands emojis in the comments. Among the other honorary degree recipients on Thursday were dancer Carolyn Adams, members of the Emerson String Quartet and composer and conductor Tania Leon, reported People. (ANI) Actor Glen Powell, who portrayed astronaut John Glenn in the movie 'Hidden Figures', made a recent appearance on the Therapuss with Jake Shane podcast where he recalled his first time watching a rough cut of the historical drama, as per The Hollywood Reporter. "It does get in your own head," Powell explained. "People forget that when you're watching a rough cut of a movie, it's probably like watching the footage of yourself that you're having to edit. So you sit there and you're like, 'I hate myself.'" He continued, "I remember watching 'Hidden Figures' for the first time on the Fox lot -- and this was before all the effects were done, the music was in [and] the sound design -- and I literally left the movie, and I puked in the bushes." The 'Anyone But You' star said that he truly believed that he "ruined" the Theodore Melfi-directed movie starring Octavia Spencer, Taraji P Henson and Janelle Monae. "I was like, 'All these women put in these great performances,' and it's like the legacy of these women. I was like, 'I literally ruined this movie,'" Powell said. "It feels like the most atrocious thing you can do as an actor is just being terrible in a movie about real-life people that need a real-life story." However, he is opinion changed after he watched the final cut of 'Hidden Figures' with all the other elements added in. "Once the music gets in there, it starts being polished a little bit," he said. "We all want to be good ... and nobody wants to be the weak point in a movie, especially when you're talking about real-life stories." Earlier, Powell opened up about his journey to Hollywood and why he's now leaving to return to his native Texas to be closer to his family. "That's the funniest part about this moment," the Top Gun: Maverick actor said. "I've worked really hard for a long time, putting things together and just trying to get them in shape enough for people to give a shit. Then you get to a place where people are just like, 'Yeah, let's do it,' and suddenly you're playing musical chairs with yourself. You're like, 'Wait, do I sit in all these chairs right now?'," according to The Hollywood Reporter. (ANI) On information, police officials and firefighters reached the spot and doused the fire. As per a Fire Officer, the fire was extinguished completely, 11 newborns were rescued and taken to another hospital. Fire Officer Rajesh, said, "At 11:32 pm, Fire Service Control Room received information that fire broke out at a hospital...total 16 fire tenders reached the spot and fire has been extinguished completely. 2 buildings were affected by the fire, one is the hospital building and 2 floors of a residential building on the right side also caught fire...11-12 people were rescued and they were taken to hospital. Further details will be shared later". The rescued newborns have been shifted to East Delhi Advance NICU hospital. Further details are awaited. The incident comes on a day when 27 persons were killed in Gujarat's Rajkot city when a massive fire swept through a game zone. (ANI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday expressed his condolences on the loss of life in the Rajkot fire incident which has claimed at least 25 lives including children. "I express my deepest condolences on the loss of life in the fierce fire in Rajkot. My deepest condolences to all those affected by this tragedy," Jaishankar said in a post on 'X'. A massive fire broke out at a gaming zone in Gujarat's Rajkot city on May 25 evening. "Deeply grieved at the loss of lives in the terrible fire in Rajkot. Our thoughts are very much with all those impacted by this tragedy," the Union Minister had earlier posted on 'X'. The head of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed to investigate the Rajkot fire tragedy case on Sunday said that a detailed probe will be conducted and responsible persons will be identified. "It is an unfortunate incident...for the inquiry into this an SIT team has been formed...which department has done what all, a full probe will be conducted on this. Who is responsible for this and what all mistakes have happened, to prevent such incidents from happening in the future, what needs to be done, all these things, we will go to the root of the matter. A complete probe will be conducted," Subhash Trivedi, SIT Head Subhash Trivedi said while talking to ANI. Earlier, Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi on Sunday took stock of the area where the fire broke out and said that one person is still missing after the tragic incident. He said that it is on priority to find the missing person. "Our first priority is that...as per the information we have, one person is still missing and it is our responsibility to look for the person. We are deploying maximum teams for that...," Sanghvi told reporters.Sanghvi also informed that all officials have been instructed to be present at the Collector's office by 3 am and he will also be sitting in the Collector's office. "A very sad incident took place at Rajkot, many family members lost their loved ones and many children have also died in the incident...SIT has been instructed to start the investigation by 3 am... all officials of those depts under which the responsibility of game zone construction lies, have been instructed to be present at the Collector's office by 3 am today. All types of investigations will begin today itself and soon action will be taken to serve justice. After doing the inspection here I will be sitting in Collector's office," Harsh Sanghvi said. Meanwhile, two people, including the owner and manager of the TRP game zone in Rajkot, have been taken to police station for interrogation into the fire incident. (ANI) Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel along with Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi inspected the Rajkot TRP gaming zone on Sunday where a massive fire claimed the lives of 27 people, including children. Visuals from the spot showed the Chief Minister and the Home Minister taking stock of the area along with their team. Security personnel have also been deployed at the Civil Hospital in Rajkot where those who were injured in yesterday's fire incident have been admitted. Chief Minister Patel and Home Minister Sanghavi also met the injured at Rajkot's Giriraj Hospital. Earlier, Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi took stock of the area where the massive fire broke out inside a gaming zone and said that one person is still missing after the tragic incident. "Our first priority is that...as per the information we have, one person is still missing and it is our responsibility to look for the person. We are deploying maximum teams for that...," Sanghvi told reporters. Sanghvi also informed that all officials have been instructed to be present at the Collector's office by 3 am and he will also be sitting in the Collector's office. "A very sad incident took place at Rajkot, many family members lost their loved ones and many children have also died in the incident...SIT has been instructed to start the investigation by 3 am... all officials of those depts under which the responsibility of game zone construction lies, have been instructed to be present at the Collector's office by 3 am today. All types of investigations will begin today itself and soon action will be taken to serve justice. After doing the inspection here I will be sitting in Collector's office," Harsh Sanghvi had said. Meanwhile, two people, including the owner and manager of the TRP game zone in Rajkot, have been taken to a police station for interrogation. (ANI) President Droupadi Murmu on Sunday expressed her condolences after seven newborns lost their lives in fire at New Born Baby Care Hospital in Delhi's Vivek Vihar. In a post on X, the President said, "The news of the death of many children due to a fire in a hospital in Vivek Vihar, Delhi is heart-rending. May God give strength to the bereaved parents and relatives to bear this shock. I pray for the speedy recovery of other children injured in this incident." Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also expressed his condolences on the incident. In a post on X, Kejriwal said, "This incident of fire in a children's hospital is heartbreaking. We all stand with those who lost their innocent children in this accident. Government and administration officials are busy providing treatment to the injured at the spot. The causes of the incident are being investigated and whoever is responsible for this negligence will not be spared." Delhi health minister Saurabh Bharadwaj also took cognisance of the incident and assured strict action. "Very unfortunate incident reported. I have asked the Secretary(Health) to update me about the current situation. Culprits will not be spared. Strictest punishment will be ensured for those found negligent or involved in any wrongdoing," Bharadwaj said. According to the officials, 12 children were rescued from the incident site where one was already dead before the fire call was made. "Six newborn babies lost their lives after the fire broke out and five others have been admitted to the hospital," Delhi Police said. The owner of the care centre is Naveen Kichi who is still absconding. As per the Delhi police, an FIR under sections 336 and 304A is being registered against him. Atul Garg, Director of the Delhi Fire Department, said, "It was a very tough operation. We made two teams. One team started firefighting because there was a blast of cylinders, we can say the chain of blast of cylinders. So we had to save ourselves also. We started rescue operations for babies as well. Unfortunately, we could not save all the children. We removed all the twelve babies to the hospital. But after arrival, they declared that 6 were dead. That is a regrettable incident." The rescued newborns were shifted to East Delhi Advance NICU hospital. All of them are on oxygen support and their treatment is underway. (ANI) The severe heat wave in Rajasthan will continue for next two to three days, said India Meteorological Department on Sunday. Maximum temperature of 50 degrees celsius has reached for the first time in this summer season in Rajasthan. The 50 degrees celsius was recorded in Phalodi in the last 24 hours. "Maximum temperature has reached 50 degrees celsius for the first time in this summer season in Rajasthan. The highest temperature of 50 degrees was recorded in Phalodi in the last 24 hours," Radheshyam Sharma, Director, Jaipur Meteorological Centre told ANI. He said that temperature is likely to fall by about 2-3 degrees from 28-29 May. The scorching heat continues in most parts of Rajasthan and the average humidity level in most parts of the state has been recorded between 15 and 30 per cent, the IMD said. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), On Saturday, Jaisalmer recorded 48.0 degrees Celsius, Bikaner 47.2 degrees Celsius, Churu 47.0 degrees Celsius, Jodhpur 46.9 degrees Celsius, Ganganagar 46.5 degrees Celsius, Kota 46.3 degrees Celsius, and Jaipur 43.8 degrees Celsius. According to the observation recorded at 1730 IST on Saturday, the maximum temperature has been recorded as a severe heat wave to most of the places in Chhotapur, Bikaner, and Kota divisions. Warm nights have been recorded at most places in the Choipur division and some places in Udaipur and Bikaner. Also, the IMD on its official X handle issued a heatwave alert for Rajasthan and said, "Heatwave to severe heatwave conditions very likely in many parts of West Rajasthan, a few parts of Punjab, East Rajasthan, Haryana-Chandigarh-Delhi, West Madhya Pradesh, and heatwave conditions very likely in isolated pockets of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, East Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Vidarbha on May 29, 2024. (ANI) With the Cyclonic Storm "Remal," now centred over the Bay of Bengal intensifying into a Severe Cyclonic Storm, urgent preparatory measures across Tripura are being put in place. The storm, expected to bring maximum sustained wind speeds of 110-120 kmph with gusts up to 135 kmph, is likely to make landfall around 11 pm on Sunday near Khepupara and Sagar Island. In anticipation of the storm's impact, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) have issued advisories predicting increased rainfall and heavy winds in Tripura from the night of May 26 to May 29. The state is bracing for heavy rainfall and gusty winds in isolated areas during this period. Following the advisories, the Revenue Department of Tripura issued instructions to District Magistrates and Collectors on May 24 to initiate preparatory measures. The Secretary of Revenue (RR&DM) is in constant communication with district officials to ensure comprehensive mitigation efforts. State and District Emergency Operation Centres are operating 24x7 to manage the situation. An urgent meeting of the State Executive Committee (SEC) was convened on May 26 at 10:30 am, chaired by the Chief Secretary at the Civil Secretariat. Key officials, including the Director General of Police (DGP), Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), and representatives from IMD, the Airport Authority, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), attended the meeting. The SEC has asked all schools, educational institutions, and Anganwadi centres to be closed on May 27 and May 28. The Transport Department is coordinating with Railways, the Airport Authority, and road transport services to ensure public safety and inform the public about any cancellations. The NDRF has been requested to deploy a team to Santirbazar to assist South Tripura and Gomati Districts, with State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams on standby. The Food Department will ensure the availability of food and essential supplies. The Fishery Department has alerted fishing communities to avoid lakes, rivers, and reservoirs from May 26 to May 28. The Airport Authority of India, Agartala, announced that all flights arriving from Kolkata to Agartala are cancelled until 9 am on May 27. Passengers are being notified by the respective airlines, while flights from Delhi, Bangalore, and Guwahati are currently operating as scheduled, with further updates expected. The State Government of Tripura urged all citizens to remain calm and assured them that all necessary measures are in place to handle the cyclone's impact effectively. As the state prepares for the cyclone, citizens are advised to stay informed through official channels and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. The state is expected to witness heavy rainfall accompanied by speedy wind. Red alert was issued for four Tripura districts. Secretary Tripura Revenue Department Brijesh Pandey on Sunday said that the Indian Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for four Tripura districts for May 27 in the light of Cyclonic storm "Remal". For two other districts an orange alert has been issued. Speaking to media persons at civil secretariat, Pandey said, "The Cyclonic Storm 'Remal' is now centred over Bay of Bengal and has been intensified into a Severe Cyclonic Storm. It is very likely to continue to move nearly northwards and intensify further into a Severe Cyclonic Storm with maximum sustained wind speed of 110- 120 kmph gusting to 135 kmph." "It is expected that the landfall of the cyclone will be about 11:00 PM on Sunday night near Khepupara and Sagar Island. Because of this, an increase in rainfall actively accompanied with heavy rainfall and gusty wind at isolated places is to occur during 26 to 29 May, 2024 Under the influence of the cyclonic storm in Tripura. The rainfall is expected to start in Tripura from 26th May 2024 night and will continue upto 29th May 2024," Pandey said. According to the Revenue Secretary, a slew of decisions were taken immediately after the IMD predictions were received. Chief Secretary JK Sinha chaired the meeting of state Disaster Management Authority to assess the situation and plan remedial and preemptive measures. "Considering the severity of the cyclone an urgent Meeting of the State Executive Committee was also held Sunday under the stewardship of the Chief Secretary in the Civil Secretariat. The DGP, PCCF, Secretaries, and Heads of relevant Departments and senior officers from other agencies such as IMD, Airport Authority, NDRF etc attended the meeting. Some of the key decisions of the meeting are the schools, educational institutions and Anganwadi Centres had been ordered to remain closed on 27th and 28th May 2024. NDRF has been requested to mobilise one team to the southern side specifically at Santirbazar to cater to South Tripura and Gomati Districts. SDRF teams will remain ready to respond to any crisis situation. Food Department has to ensure availability of food and essential supplies," he pointed out. On the transport front, he said, "Transport Department has been advised to coordinate with Railways, Airport Authority and Road Transports for public safety and inform the public if there is any cancellation of flights, trains and other transports." "Airport Authority of India, Agartala has informed that all flights arriving from Kolkata to Agartala are cancelled till 0900hrs on 27 May 2024. Passengers are being informed by the concerned airlines. Other flights arriving from Delhi, Bangalore and Guwahati are operating normally. Updates for air traffic will be updated further," he added. On being asked about the funds available for the operations during emergency situations, he said, "All the districts collectively has more than Rs 50 crore for disaster management activities. There is no scarcity of funds with the state as well." Speaking at the same press conference, KC Meena, Director MBB Airport Agartala said that only flights operating between Kolkata and Agartala airports stand cancelled while other flights are operating as per the normal routine. The districts for which red alert is issued included: West Tripura, Khowai, South Tripura and Dhalai district. North Tripura and Unakoti districts are under Orange alert. (ANI) Launching a scathing attack on Samajwadi Party-Congress and the INDIA bloc, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that these INDI alliance people want to make the majority society of India a second class citizen, adding that the Opposition is conspiring to create to division among the people based on their castes. Addressing a rally here today, PM Modi said the Samajwadi Party kept Purvanchal backwards under a conspiracy. "Purvanchal will repeatedly punish such people who betrayed this region. Today I have come to Purvanchal to alert the people of Ghosi about the conspiracy of the INDI alliance. The INDI alliance of SP and Congress is making all the castes fight among themselves. These people want Dalit, Brahmin, Rajputs, Chauhan, Yadav, Kurmi etc to become weak by fighting among themselves," he said. "When the people of the society will not remain united then your attention will be diverted from the real issues and only then the evil people will implement their conspiracy," PM Modi added. Further, the Prime Minister pointed out that the INDIA bloc is aiming to complete its three big conspiracies. "First, by changing the Constitution, it will be written in it that reservation will be given based on religion in India. Secondly, the reservation given to OBC will be wiped out and full reservation will be given to Muslims. These INDI alliance people want to make the majority society of India a second-class citizen," PM Modi said in Ghosi. He also mentioned that the SP-Congress family, their 'parivarvaad' had made Purvanchal an area of mafia, an area of poverty, and helplessness. "But for the last 10 years, Purvanchal has been electing the Prime Minister of the country, and for the last 7 years Purvanchal has been electing the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh hence Purvanchal is the most special. Ghosi, Ballia and Salempur are electing not just the MP but the PM of the country," the Prime Minister added. "The first-time voters here might not remember the 2012 manifesto of SP. In 2012, SP wrote in its manifesto that just as Baba Saheb Ambedkar gave reservations to Dalits, similar reservations will be given to Muslims. This is against the spirit of the Constitution, but the people of the INDIA alliance do not care about it," PM Modi said. The Prime Minister also pointed out that before 2014, they (the INDIA bloc) made the institutions of the country as minority favoured and for that laws were changed. "Now they are looting the OBC quota and declaring Muslim castes as OBC. Recently, Calcutta High Court has cancelled the OBS reservation of 77 Muslim castes," PM Modi added. He also accused the opposition of abusing the Ram Temple and finding faults in it. "During elections, they (INDI alliance) pretend to visit temples, but after 500 years, when such a big moment of our civilization and our faith came, they started abusing the Ram temple and finding faults in it. These people were very angry with the construction of the Ram temple. These people are continuously putting pressure, just as the Shah Bano decision was overturned, similarly the Supreme Court decision on Ram Temple should be overturned," PM Modi said. (ANI) Following the recent launch of the Edge 50 Fusion, the brand is set to captivate consumers once again with its upcoming release, as confirmed by GSM Arena. Flipkart, the leading Indian e-commerce platform, has teased enthusiasts with a sneak peek, setting up a promo page that hints at the Moto G04s' grand arrival on May 30. Crafted to redefine user experience, the Motorola Moto G04s boasts impressive specifications and features. Powered by the robust Unisoc T606 SoC and running on the latest Android 14 operating system, this device promises seamless performance. Equipped with 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage, users can expect a smooth multitasking experience, though details regarding additional memory options remain undisclosed, as per GSM Arena. The centrepiece of the Moto G04s is its immersive 6.6-inch 90Hz HD+ LCD display, shielded by Gorilla Glass 3 for enhanced durability. Sporting a sleek design, the device features a centred punch-hole housing a 5MP selfie camera, while the rear flaunts a high-resolution 50MP sensor for stunning photography. Designed for convenience, the Moto G04s incorporates a side-mounted fingerprint scanner for swift unlocking, along with Dolby Atmos technology for an immersive audio experience. Furthermore, it retains the classic 3.5mm headphone jack alongside modern USB-C connectivity, as confirmed by GSM Arena. Powering through the day is made effortless with its robust 5,000mAh battery, complemented by 15W fast charging support. Adding a splash of personality, the Motorola Moto G04s will be available in an array of vibrant colours including black, blue, orange, and green, offering users the opportunity to express their style. However, the suspense surrounding its pricing continues to pique curiosity, leaving enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the official announcement. As anticipation builds up, tech enthusiasts and smartphone aficionados across India gear up to witness the unveiling of the Motorola Moto G04s. (ANI) Accusing the INDIA bloc of receiving support from Pakistan and jihadis, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday claimed that prayers are being read in Pakistan for the Samajwadi Party and the Congress who are appealing for "vote jihad" here. Addressing a rally in Bansgaon, PM Modi said that June 4 (result day), is going to decide the future of India. "June 4, 2024, is going to decide the future of India. The country will spread its wings and take a new flight on June 4 towards the resolve of 'Amrit Kaal', building a developed India, and fulfilling the dreams of 140 crore Indians. Millions of people are eagerly waiting for that day. On June 4, the countdown of India's race to become the third largest economy will also begin," PM Modi said. The Prime Minister said that "INDI jamaat is abusing" him for "opposing reservation on the basis of religion". "Lekin kuch taakatein (powers) aisi bhi hain jinhein Bharat ki pragati se pet me dard ho raha hai, ye log 4 June ko lekar alag hi sapne dekh rahe hain'. In Pakistan, 'duas' (prayers) are being made for the INDI alliance of Samajwadi Party and Congress. Jihadis from across borders supporting SP and Congress; these parties are appealing for 'vote jihad' here," PM Modi said. Jihadis from across borders supporting SP and Congress; these parties are appealing for 'vote jihad' here: PM Modi in Gorakhpur Highlighting the opposition's stance on Article 370 and the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), Modi said, "The INDI alliance says they will reinstate Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and repeal the CAA, which grants citizenship to refugees. This is exactly what anti-India forces want; why does the INDI bloc want the same?" The Prime Minister praised Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and said that CM Yogi is an "expert" in teaching lessons to "Mafias." "Mafias have built mansions even on the government's land under the Samajwadi party. Palaces of mafia built on public land during SP rule are being torn down to make houses for poor. 'Lekin jab se Yogi ji aaye hain, mahaul hi badal gya, mausam bhi badal gya. Hamare Yogi ji, acche acchon ki garmi utaarne me expert hain'," he said. He accused the Congress of obstructing India's defence sector progress and said that Congress created roadblocks for countries wanting to purchase BrahMos missiles. "It won't be long before BrahMos missiles are manufactured in UP. The BrahMos missile is in demand worldwide, but Congress created roadblocks for countries wanting to purchase it. The INDI bloc doesn't want India to become self-reliant in defence or to export weapons; they prefer foreign arms deals that bring them commissions. Under the rule of the previous governments, the farmers here suffered a lot, most of the sugar mills were closed, and farmers had stopped cultivating sugarcane. Our government is also filling these potholes of SP," he said. PM Modi Modi emphasised the benefits of his government's schemes and said that all the people who are getting benefits of government schemes are waiting for June 4. "Those 3 crore poor who will get pucca houses, elderly people above 70 years of age who will get free treatment of up to Rs 5 lakhs, crores of youth who will be benefitted out of Mudra scheme, those 3 crore sisters of self-help groups who will become 'Lakhpati didi' and crores of people who will be getting free electricity under PM Surya Ghar scheme are waiting for June 4," he said. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged as the winner by securing the majority of seats. Of 80 seats, the BJP won 62, followed by the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) with 10 seats, the Samajwadi Party (SP) with 5 seats, and the Apna Dal with 2 seats. Bansgaon is one of the 80 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh. The Bansgaon parliamentary constituency is represented by BJP leader Kamlesh Paswan. The voting will be held on June 1. (ANI) Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, who completed two years in office on Sunday, said that his tenure has been challenging since he assumed charge in 2022. Saxena said that various works in the national capital got stalled while the city continued to remain in a state of regression. "The last 2 years since I took over as LG have been challenging. In a City regressing due to various reasons, while we could achieve much visibly, there was much more that got stalled. There is far more that needs to be addressed and healed. I look forward and thank the people of Delhi from the bottom of my heart for their love, affection and support," Delhi LG posted on X. LG Saxena and the ruling Aam Aadmi Party-led Delhi government have been at loggerheads in recent times on various issues. Earlier this month, Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena recommended a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for allegedly receiving political funding from the banned terrorist organization "Sikhs for Justice. LG had received a complaint that Arvind Kejriwal-led AAP had received huge funds - USD 16 million - from the extremist Khalistani groups for facilitating the release of Devendra Pal Bhullar and espousing the Pro-Khalistani sentiments. In a letter to the Union Home Secretary, Saxena referred to a video (which he said was enclosed with the missive) in which Pannun declares Arvind Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party "received a staggering amount of USD 16 million dollars in funding from Khalistani groups." In April, following the open letter by Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over "water-crisis" in the city, AAP minister Atishi hit back at the LG, holding him responsible for not averting the issue with a delay in the suspension of CEO of the Delhi Jal Board. Atishi accused Saxena of encouraging the officers who obstructed work and did not take any action against them despite repeated requests, the Delhi water minister alleged. As the Delhi LG accused the AAP government of its failure, Atishi further said that the current crisis of water in Delhi has been artificially created. (ANI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Sunday, launched a scathing attack on the Congress and the Samajwadi Party (SP), describing them as "incapable of ensuring security, fostering development, and promoting the welfare of the underprivileged." Addressing an election rally in Shivpur, Varanasi, CM Yogi emphasized that an alliance between SP and Congress would lead to increased terrorism, mafia dominance, exploitation of the underprivileged, and hindrances to development. "Upon examining the manifestos of Congress and SP, one might infer a pro-Pakistan stance. They propose extending reservation benefits meant for backward classes, scheduled castes, and tribes to Muslims. Nonetheless, Modi ji has emphatically stated that no force on earth can undermine the existing structure of reservations," he said. The Chief Minister denounced the proposed alliance between Congress and SP, citing their alleged inclination towards implementing an inheritance tax. Likening it to Aurangzeb's Jizya tax, he remarked that it reflected the opposition parties' indicating a regressive approach. Alleging a sinister agenda, he claimed, "These parties intend to seize ancestral properties through coercive means and distribute them among infiltrators and Rohingya Muslims." CM Yogi claimed that the INDI alliance cannot build the Ram Temple in Ayodhya or the Vishwanath Dham in Kashi and is not worth supporting. He alleged that these parties cannot even enhance the holy places of worship. "The Modi government is poised for reelection, with Chandauli set to play a significant part of 'Abki Baar 400 Paar'. Over the past decade, India's stature has flourished under Prime Minister Modi's stewardship, heralding a new era for the nation," he said. Highlighting the BJP-led central government's achievements in the past 10 years, the Chief Minister said, "Menaces like terrorism and Naxalism have been quelled. The underprivileged have received vital support such as free rations and the Kisan Samman Nidhi, while healthcare has been bolstered with a Rs 5 lakh insurance cover. The PM Awas Yojana has extended housing benefits to many. With Modi at the helm, development, welfare, security, and preserving India's cultural heritage are assured." "The magnificence of Kashi Vishwanath Dham, the grandeur of Lord Shri Ram's temple in Ayodhya, and initiatives like the Vindhyavasini Dham corridor and Markandeya Dham beckon us. Even the centuries-old Samadhi of Kachcha Baba has been revitalized. A society that reveres its heritage is impervious to external pressures. BJP's legacy includes the preservation of our rich cultural heritage," he added. CM Yogi further said that under PM Modi's guidance, Kashi is undergoing comprehensive development, with infrastructural enhancements such as four-lane connectivity. "Introducing high-quality trains like Namo Bharat, Amrit Bharat, and Vande Bharat further underscores the government's commitment to elevating India's transportation standards," he said. The Chief Minister highlighted the manifold advantages of the waterway for the inhabitants of Kashi and Chandauli and said, "Under the double-engine governance of the BJP, significant strides have been made to enhance the cultural and spiritual heritage of the region. Sarnath, revered as the site of Lord Buddha's teachings, has been adorned with splendour." "Likewise, Lahartara, associated with Sant Kabir Das, has undergone a magnificent transformation, while Seer Govardhan, the birthplace of Sant Ravidas, exudes a divine grandeur. The remarkable makeover of temples, riverfronts, and overall development in Kashi has left onlookers awe-struck, prompting them to question whether this is the same city as it was a decade ago," CM Yogi said. He further asserted that the development pace in Kashi and Chandauli is akin to a bullet train. Union Minister and Chandauli MP Mahendra Nath Pandey, UP Cabinet Minister and Shivpur MLA Anil Rajbhar, Rajya Sabha MP Darshana Singh, Sadhna Singh, Legislative Council member Mahendra Singh, Hansraj Vishwakarma, MLA Sushil Singh, Ramesh Jaiswal, Tribhuvan were present in the public meeting. Ram, District Panchayat President Poonam Maurya, Lok Sabha convenor Sarvesh Kushwaha, Lok Sabha in-charge Omkar Kesari, Satua Baba etc were present at the rally. (ANI) Rebutting Home Minister Amit Shah's accusation of misappropriation of Rs 3,200 crore during the monsoon calamity in Himachal Pradesh, Congress leader Vikramaditya Singh said that only Rs 300 crore was given by the Centre to the state. "We received only Rs 300 crores during the disaster. We received these funds through the SDRF and NDRF. Apart from this, no money was given. Money coming through centrally sponsored schemes is being given to other states also. During the disaster, not even a single paisa more than Rs 300 crores was given to the state government," Vikramaditya Singh claimed while speaking to ANI. On Saturday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah alleged that the Congress party misappropriated Rs 3,200 crore during the monsoon disaster in Himachal Pradesh. "Modi Ji sent Rs. 3,200 crore during the disaster, but the Congress government spent the entire amount on corruption. The MLAs who have joined the BJP have resigned from the assembly. They will be re-elected by the people as BJP's nominated candidates, and once they are elected, the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh will collapse like a house of cards. Modi Ji has developed the nation by 100%, but Himachal Pradesh by 150%," Shah said in an election rally in Shimla on Saturday. Addressing an election rally in Himachal Pradesh's Una district, Home Minister Amit Shah also castigated the Congress for trying to "frighten us" by saying that the neighboring country possesses atom bombs and asserted that Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) is a part of India and "we will take it." Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) hamara hai, hamara rahega aur hum ise lekar rahenge (PoK is ours and it will remain ours. We will take it," Shah told a rally at Amb in Una district in support of Union minister Anurag Thakur, the BJP candidate from the Hamirpur Lok Sabha seat. Polling in all four seats in Himachal is scheduled for June 1. It will not only pit candidates vying for Lok Sabha membership from four seats but also elect members for six assembly seats that fell vacant following the resignation and switchover of dissident Congress lawmakers.The BJP, which won all four Lok Sabha constituencies in the state in the 2019 elections, is eyeing an encore this time. (ANI) In anticipation of the landfall of cyclonic storm Remal likely between Bangladesh and the adjoining West Bengal coast on Sunday midnight, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed a total of 14 teams in the state. These teams are on standby to assist in rescue and relief operations as Remal approaches the region and it is now centred over the Bay of Bengal intensifying into a severe cyclonic storm. "A total of 14 NDRF teams are deployed in West Bengal to assist in rescue and relief operations considering landfall of cyclonic storm Remal," NDRF said. The 14 NDRF teams have been deployed to vulnerable areas of nine districts (Hooghly-1, Howrah-1, South 24 Parganas-3, North 24 Parganas-2, Purba Medinipur -2, Paschim Meddanipur-2, Kolkata-1, Murshidabad -1, Nadia-1) of West Bengal. Since the issuance of early warning from India Meteorological Department and NDRF teams have been made available to the state and district administration for evacuating people to safer places and cyclone shelters wherever required and sensitizing localities about the preventive measures. As per the force, the NDRF teams have been strategically positioned across the state, particularly in areas predicted to be most affected by the storm. "The NDRF units are equipped with boats, life jackets, and other essential rescue equipment, prepared to respond to emergencies as the cyclone makes landfall." Officials in NDRF said the teams deployed on the ground are fully prepared to handle any situation that arises from Cyclone Remal. "Our teams are trained and ready to ensure the safety and security of the residents of West Bengal." NDRF is closely monitoring development and coordination has been made at all levels. NDRF's positioning was stated a few hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting to review the response and preparedness for Remal. The state government has also ramped up its preparedness efforts, with local authorities advising residents in vulnerable areas to evacuate and take necessary precautions. Shelters have been set up, and essential supplies are being stockpiled to support those who may be displaced by the storm. Residents are being urged to stay informed through official channels and to follow safety advisories. The storm is predicted to hit with maximum sustained wind speeds of 110-120 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 135 kmph, around 11 pm on May 26 near Khepupara and Sagar Island. The IMD has issued warnings of extremely heavy rainfall in West Bengal's coastal districts and heavy to very heavy rainfall in northern Odisha on May 26 and 27 due to the weather system. Assam and Meghalaya are also expected to experience extremely heavy precipitation, while heavy to very heavy rains are anticipated in Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, and Tripura on Monday and Tuesday. (ANI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Sunday that while the Ram Temple in Ayodhya is being built under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it is the public who should be credited for its construction. The construction work at the Ram Temple complex in Ayodhya is expected to be completed by the end of this year. While addressing a public rally in Gorakhpur in support of BJP candidate Ravi Kishan, Yogi Adityanath said, "If you go to Ayodhya today, it will feel as if this is the Ayodhya of the time when Lord Ram was born there. The Ram Temple has been built under the leadership of PM Modi, but it's you who should be credited because you people gave the strength to Modi ji and Yogi ji." He added further, "You (people) can say to your future generation that you have made the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. If they ask how tell them that you have made the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya by making Narendra Modi Prime Minister and Yogi Adityanath Chief Minister..." Praising the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the UP CM said, "Under the leadership of Modi, the country is gaining respect, the borders are being secured, terrorism and Naxalism have been finished, and big development works are ongoing... We are educating poor and orphan children." The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister also launched a scathing attack on Congress and the Samajwadi Party (SP), saying, "They (Congress-SP) say that if they form the government, they will implement personal law. Personal law means dictatorship rule. Daughters will not be able to go to school, and women will not be able to go out of their houses." Reiterating the BJP's commitment to follow the principles of the Constitution, Yogi Adityanath said, "The country will work on the principles of the Constitution by BR Ambedkar and not any Sharia law. The BJP will run the country based on the Constitution of BR Ambedkar." Meanwhile, Yogi Adityanath also took to his official X handle and posted about his public rally in Gorakhpur. He said, "BJP's victory is already certain in Gorakhpur, the holy city of Shiva avatar Mahayogi Guru Shri Gorakhnath ji, but on June 1, the people here will vote to create a new record. The result coming on June 4 will be historic because the people of the country are going to form the Modi government for the third time..." Ravi Kishan also took to his official X handle and posted about Adityanath's address in Gorakhpur. He said, "The resolution of developed India will be realized, 'Phir ek baar Modi Sarkar.' Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath addressed a huge public gathering at Adarsh Inter College in Belwar, Gorakhpur..."The BJP candidate asserted that Gorakhpur Lok Sabha has become completely Modi and BJP-oriented and added, "Efforts are on to make the country corruption-free under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi... During the campaigning, the support of the people of Gorakhpur Lok Sabha to BJP and the immense enthusiasm of all the workers is indicating that the people have made up their mind to make every booth full of lotus." 13 parliamentary constituencies in Uttar Pradesh will go to the polls in the last phase of Lok Sabha elections on June 1. The results will be announced on June 4. (ANI) United Nations agencies have said that the restrictions imposed by the Taliban on women and girls will increase the number of child marriages among Afghan girls by 25 per cent, Afghanistan-based TOLO News reported. UN Women, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) have released a joint two-page brief. In the brief, the UN agencies have highlighted the issues faced by Afghan women and their demands of the international community. According to the two-page brief, the continuation of restrictions by Taliban on women and girls will impact child marriages by an increase of 25 per cent, increase early childbearing by 45 per cent, increase the risk of maternal mortality by 50 per cent. Currently, 82 per cent of Afghan women consider their mental health to be bad, according to the brief. It further noted that Afghanistan is the only nation in the world that bans girls from studying in schools beyond the sixth class. Moreover, Afghan women have been banned from attending university, according to TOLO News report. According to the joint brief released by UN agencies, Afghan women have not given up fighting for their right to live life with dignity despite the restrictions imposed on them by Taliban. The brief said, "Afghan women are still forming civil society organizations, still running businesses, and still providing services to their communities; most importantly, Afghan women have continued to find ways to make their demands to the international community clear." In the brief, UN Women, IOM and the UNAMA have said that Afghan women have urged international community to remain focused on the situation in Afghanistan and restore the rights of women, including the rights to education and work, TOLO News reported. UN Women, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) in the brief said that Afghan women ask the international community to remain focused on the situation in Afghanistan and to restore women's rights, including the rights to education and work, in addition to women's participation in public decision-making. Meanwhile, a number of analysts stated that the world does not have a policy to address these restrictions. Nesar Ahmad Sherzai, a political analyst, stressed that forced marriages can be considered a very small part of the obstacles preventing girls from continuing their educaation "Forced marriages can be considered a very small part of the obstacles preventing girls from continuing their education, but what the United Nations Women's Section claims is not like that. The main and significant obstacles to girls' education are known by the United Nations, credible international institutions, and major powers, but they are wasting time. They do not have fundamental and principled work in hand to remove these limitations from the girls and women of Afghanistan," TOLO News quoted Nesar Ahmad Sherzai as saying. Soraya Paikan, a women's rights activist, said, "Now that school and education have been restricted for girls and they have been deprived, families are once again forcing their daughters into marriage against the principles and civil law of Afghanistan, which sets the minimum age of marriage for girls at 16," TOLO News reported. Earlier, several nations, including the US called for the lifting of bans against women in Afghanistan and stated that Taliban will not be formally recognised until the women's rights are observed. (ANI) Mexican cartel figure, known as 'El Nini,' once a top target on America's most-wanted list for his alleged involvement in the fentanyl trade, has now been successfully extradited to the United States, CNN reported. US President Joe Biden, in a speech underscoring the collaborative efforts between the US and Mexico, celebrated the extradition of El Nini, also identified as Nestor Isidro Perez Salas, as a significant stride towards justice. "El Nini played a prominent role in the notorious Sinaloa cartel, one of the deadliest drug trafficking enterprises in the world. The United States has charged him for his role in illicit fentanyl trafficking and for murdering, torturing, and kidnapping numerous rivals, witnesses, and others," Biden said, thanking Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, as reported by CNN. "Our governments will continue to work together to attack the fentanyl and synthetic drug epidemic that is killing so many people in our homelands and globally, and to bring to justice the criminals and organisations producing, smuggling, and selling these lethal poisons in both of our countries," he added. According to the US Department of Justice, Nestor Isidro Perez Salas "was one of the Sinaloa cartel's lead sicarios, or assassins" and was involved in the "production and sale of fentanyl" in the United States. Previously identified by Biden as one of America's most-wanted criminals, Perez Salas faced charges in the US, including conspiracy to traffic cocaine and methamphetamine, possession of illegal firearms and explosive devices, and witness intimidation, dating back to February 2021. The US State Department had issued a reward of up to USD 3 million for information leading to his capture, with Perez Salas eventually apprehended in Mexico in November of the preceding year. According to State Department sources, Perez Salas collaborated closely with Oscar Noe Medina Gonzalez, a subordinate of Ivan Archivaldo Guzman Salazar, one of the sons of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, currently serving a prison sentence in the US since 2019, according to CNN. Furthermore, Perez Salas was attributed responsibility for overseeing the security operations of Los Chapitos, a faction within the Sinaloa cartel. Allegedly serving as one of the commanders of the "Ninis" cell, described as an exceptionally violent contingent within Los Chapitos' security personnel. "I am grateful to our Mexican government counterparts for their extraordinary efforts in apprehending and extraditing El Nini," US Attorney General Merrick Garland's office said in a statement. "The Justice Department will continue to go after the cartels responsible for flooding our communities with fentanyl and other drugs," it also said, CNN reported. (ANI) The bill has already drawn tens of thousands of people to the streets. Tuesday's first reading of the bill coincided with a protest, which was held outside the legislature. On Friday, lawmakers continued debating the issue during its second reading as well. The Kuomintang (KMT), which is supporting the measure, claims the changes are required to "consolidate and refine" Taiwan's democracy, reported Al Jazeera. However, many legal professors and members of civil society are against it. Protesters are also against another bill that would enable a contentious but ambitious infrastructure project to connect the island's east and west shores. Protests this week came after a fight over the same issue broke out in the legislature last Friday; this kind of fighting is something of a political tradition in Taiwan. In the January election, William Lai Ching-te of the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) won the presidency while the opposing KMT and smaller Taiwan People's Party (TPP) won a majority in parliament. Citing a US-based political scientist, Austin Wang, who specialises in Taiwanese politics, Al Jazeera reported that the critics worry that it (the bill) would force government officials to provide sensitive information, endangering Taiwan's national security. The critics of the bill, further claim that it is unconstitutional and that its scope is excessively broad. The bill would theoretically give lawmakers the authority to look into, question, or demand documents from any president, military general, or government official. (ANI) Building pressure from all fronts, the Nepali Congress has launched a full-fledged protest from parliament to the roads, demanding an investigation into Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane. This comes ahead of the Budget announcement for the upcoming fiscal year 2024-25 which is slated for Tuesday-May 28. Congress has been demanding the formation of a parliamentary investigation committee to investigate the misappropriation of cooperative funds which also involves Home Minister Lamichhane. On Sunday, hundreds of opposition cadres from the Kathmandu Valley hit the streets of Kathmandu demanding action against individuals involved in the embezzlement of cooperative funds. "The biggest of all, those who wanted a parliamentary committee to investigate certain issues in the past are refraining from forming the committee now and are sheltering those alleged in the cooperative scams. So, the protest that we have started now would go further depending on the moves that are taken. They (the ruling alliance) in past wanted a parliamentary investigation committee on certain issues and now they've stood against its formation and they're proceeding further with the proceedings in parliament by hook and crook. We now have started the protest both in parliament as well as the roads against the move (by ruling alliance)," Prabin Maharjan, one of the protesting cadres of Nepali Congress told ANI. During the protest, leaders and cadres of the party marched from various locations inside Kathmandu with some travelling from Lalitpur and Bhaktapur as well as demanding action against those guilty of cooperative fraud. Holding the flag of the Nepali Congress as well as its student and women wing, the cadres chanted slogans demanding the resignation of Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane. The protestors from the opposition party have vowed to continue the protest till Lamichhane steps down from his post and facilitates the investigation."We will continue the protest until and unless the Home Minister resigns we will continue with the protest in various forms," Goma Baral, another protesting cadre told ANI.Home Minister Lamichhane is accused of embezzling large funds from the cooperative when he was the managing director of Gorkha Media and other people have been also accused of their involvement in such misappropriations.While the cadres were protesting on the streets of Kathmandu, lawmakers from the opposition were also protesting in the parliament by picketing the well of the House of Representatives.The lawmakers in parliament have been obstructing the budget session of the parliament since the first day of the session that commenced on May 10. However, the opposition parties had allowed the President to table policies and programs of the government.But their demands are unheard by the house speaker and the parliamentary procession has gone forward. Amidst the protest and absence of opposition in the process of acquiring a vote of confidence earlier this month, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal passed the motion from the parliament deploying marshals. On Sunday (May 26), as well, house speaker Deb Raj Ghimire alleged of working on the directives of the ruling alliance moved forward with the schedule endorsing the government's policies and programs amid obstruction from the Nepali Congress. Marshals escorted Finance Minister Barshaman Pun to the rostrum of the parliament to table the Economic Survey of Fiscal Year 2023/24 ahead of the presentation of budget for the coming fiscal year on Tuesday. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal in Sunday's meeting also proposed the lower house to initiate discussions on the policies and the programs for the fiscal year 2024-25 presented by President Ramchandra Paudel before the joint sitting of both houses of the Federal Parliament on May 14. The House discussed the policies and programs for one hour amid protests from the Congress lawmakers. No agreement has been reached between the opposition and ruling alliance over the Terms of Reference (ToR) of the parliamentary committee. Opposition and the ruling alliance are at loggerheads over naming the cooperatives which have duped billions of rupees from the public. Opposition Nepali Congress has been demanding to name the cooperatives and those involved in the embezzlement while the ruling alliance has stood against it.Meanwhile, Prime Minister Dahal on Sunday addressed the house amid the protestby opposition expressed his confidence in a political development to put an end tothe ongoing parliamentary obstructions by Monday, or tomorrow. "I have been holding talks with the opposition leaders as well about ending the houseimpasse; attempts to end it have continued. At the time we felt that we wereinching closer to an agreement and understanding over the issue. Earlier this (May 26) morning only, I held talks with Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and other leaders at the latter residence in an attempt to strike an agreement. By tomorrow(27 May), the budget announcement day (May 28) I am confident that we will reach an agreement," Dahal said while addressing the parliament amid the protest and sloganeering by opposition lawmakers. It should be noted that Home Minister Lamichhane has been accused of fraud in a cooperative duping millions of rupees of savers conspirating with others. Lamichhane has been denying the allegation stating he was unaware of it but evidences of his involvement in the fraud have come forward with the investigation continuing over. Lamichhane had earlier worked with GB Rai, one of the conspirators in the fraud of millions of rupees before he entered politics in the last election, who as of now has gone underground with police widening search for him. An investigative report conducted by Pokhara Metropolis over the alleged fraud in the the cooperative has just been completed this week and submitted to the Police where hundreds of applications naming Lamichhane as one of the involved in fraud hasbeen filed. Home Minister Lamichhane has been accused of misusing his authority to transfer top-positioned police personnel who have been investigating the case. Along with this, he has been blamed for misuse of authority by coercing and forcing the Office of the Attorney General to give him a clean chit on the issue of cooperative fraud. (ANI) Andreas Pernerstorfer was renovating his wine cellar in Gobelsburg, Austria when he made an astounding discovery. It wasn't vintage wine it was the giant bones of an extinct mammoth that date back 30,000 to 40,000 years. He reported the bones to the Austrian Archaeological Institute of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, which began excavating the Stone Age bones. The researchers realized other artifacts like jewelry and fossils had been discovered 150 years prior in the wine cellar next door. Bones of this significance haven't been found in more than 100 years, according to the researchers. Archeologist Hannah Parow-Souchon (right) explains the bone location to Langenlois' city councilor for culture Sonja Fragner (center) and wine grower Andreas Pernestorfer. / Credit: OeAW-OeAl/Th. Einwogerer "Such a dense bone layer of mammoths is rare," says Hannah Parow-Souchon, who is leading the excavation. "It's the first time we've been able to investigate something like this in Austria using modern methods." They have found a layer of bones from three different mammoths laying on top of each other, a discovery that raises many questions about how humans in the Stone Age hunted mammoths. The researchers say the mammoths could've been trapped at the site by humans. "We know that humans hunted mammoths, but we still know very little about how they did it," researcher Parow-Souchon said. Thomas Einwogerer and Hannah Parow-Souchon preparing the bones for recovery / Credit: Yannik Merkl After the researchers examine the bones, they will be given to the Natural History Museum Vienna. Mammoths lived in Africa about 3 or 4 million years ago and their descendants moved to Europe and Asia, according to the University of California Museum of Paleontology. The mammoth species in on these continents lived from 200,000 to 135,000 years ago and after another Ice Age, wooly mammoths traveled to North America, crossing the Bering Straight between what is now Russia and Alaska when sea level were low. These mammoths lived as far inland as what is now Kansas. Archeologist Marc Handel is unearthing the mammoth bones. / Credit: OeAW-OeAl/H. Parow-Souchon According to the Penn State University Mammoth Genome Project, during the Pleistocene epoch 1.8 million to 10,000 years ago humans hunted mammoths for their meat and for building materials. Researchers estimate there were several million mammoths during the early to mid Pleistocene epoch, but in the later years of this epoch, hunting could have affected the mammoth population. First Black female pilot in U.S. Air Force makes her final flight How China and Russia fight a propaganda war with the U.S. FAA predicting busiest Memorial Day weekend travel since 2010 What Oregon House races encompassing Marion County look like after the primary election Primary elections for Oregons 60 seats in the state House of Representatives were largely uncompetitive. Nine House districts cover portions of Marion County, but only two had more than one candidate in each primary: House District 21, which encompasses Keizer and North Salem, and House District 57, which encompasses all of Morrow, Gilliam, Sherman, Wheeler, and portions of Wasco, Jefferson, Marion, Umatilla, and Clackamas counties. Salem City Council President Virginia Stapleton will face Rep. Kevin Mannix, R-Salem, for House District 21. Virginia Stapleton versus Kevin Mannix for House District 21 Salem City Council President Virginia Stapleton defeated former legislative aide Keith Haxton for the Democratic nomination in HD 21. The district had been long held by Democrats before the 2022 election when it flipped Republican with the election of Kevin Mannix, who Stapleton will challenge in the general election. Stapleton said as a state representative she would continue fighting to solve our mental health and homelessness crisis, lower costs for families, fully fund our public schools, make our streets and neighborhoods safer, defend access to reproductive health care, and build a thriving economy that helps people get ahead. Mannix, a Keizer resident who runs a law firm in Salem, returned to the Oregon Legislature in 2023 after previously serving in the House and Oregon Senate as a Democrat and Republican from 1989 through 2000. Mannix has received $53,648 in contributions this year while Stapleton has received $27,935. Greg Smith, R, District 57 Incumbent in House District 57 will run unopposed in November In House District 57, incumbent Rep. Greg Smith, R-Heppner, easily defeated Republican primary challenger Raymond Aker, a local union operating engineer. Smith is the longest-serving representative in the Legislature. He has represented the vast district since 2002. According to campaign finance records, Smith has received $63,594 in contributions this year. Dianne Lugo covers the Oregon Legislature and equity issues. Reach her at dlugo@statesmanjournal.com or on X @DianneLugo This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: What two Oregon House races look like after primary election The Southwest and High Plains will see weather conditions that could lead to wildfires over the Memorial Day weekend, while the central and eastern U.S. could see severe thunderstorms. Low humidity, gusty winds and dry vegetation in the Southwest could cause new fires to spread rapidly, the National Weather Services Weather Prediction Center said in a Saturday morning forecast. There are red flag warnings denoting increased risk of fire issued from southeast Arizona to West Texas and the western Oklahoma Panhandle. In New Mexico, a blaze dubbed the Blue 2 Fire has already burned an estimated 3,300 acres in the remote White Mountain Wilderness, located west of Roswell. The fire began from a May 17 lightning strike in an area that previously burned, but wind and dry conditions are affecting firefighters response, said Amanda Fry, a spokesperson for the U.S. Forest Service at Lincoln National Forest, where the fire is burning. Memorial Day weekend: Severe weather pounds central US, Northeast; rough holiday weekend ahead This 2022 file photo shows a wildfire raging in southern New Mexico as thousands were ordered to evacuate. New Mexico is seeing wildfires over Memorial Day weekend that could worsen due to dry, windy conditions. The fire is also in rugged terrain, making it difficult for firefighters to access the area. Containment is at 0%. But a fire that burns the dead or downed trees from the previous fire is inevitably going to occur, Fry said, adding that its a natural part of how the forest cleans itself. There are evacuation orders in place. Our concern is keeping homes and the community safe, while allowing the forest to do what it does naturally, which is wildfire, she told USA TODAY. Thats just part of a forests lifecycle. Further north, the 1,800-acre Indios Fire northwest of Santa Fe, started from lightning on May 18, also had limited containment in the Chama River Canyon Wilderness. Fire weather watch was in effect Saturday due to dry conditions and winds. In southwestern Colorado, the Spruce Creek Fire burned 5,699 acres after a lightning strike caused the fire on May 17, in an area that hadnt seen fire in decades. Containment was at 38% as of Friday, but San Juan National Forest spokesperson Lorena Williams said there likely wont be increased spread due to containment lines and a road system acting as a barrier for the fires spread. There havent been red flag warnings for the fire, but milder winds have lifted smoke from communities. The area is used to wildfires, particularly from lightning strikes, Williams said. Having a fire now, versus during more extreme fire conditions, gives first responders a better opportunity to prepare for future blazes. The landscape, ecosystem and communities will benefit from this long-term," she said. Swimming lessons: Drowning is a top cause of death for young children. Here's what parents should know. Severe weather in central, eastern and southern U.S. over Memorial Day weekend Severe weather is affecting the central and eastern U.S. over the weekend, federal forecasters said. A storm system is strengthening across the central and southern Plains, which could create thunderstorms with chances for intense tornadoes, giant hail and destructive winds later Saturday. After the storm system shifts eastward Sunday, there could be damaging wind gusts as a complex of thunderstorms moves from Missouri through Kentucky, with potential for flash floods, hail and a few tornadoes. High temperatures and humidity continue to keep a Heat Advisory for all of coastal and inland Deep South Texas till 11 AM and for all coastal Deep South Texas till 7 PM. An Excessive Heat Warning is effective for inland Deep South Texas from 11 AM to 7 PM. #RGVwx #TXwx pic.twitter.com/Bq1KGNiM7c NWS Brownsville (@NWSBrownsville) May 25, 2024 By Memorial Day, the storm is expected to turn toward the eastern U.S. Low pressure will move into the Great Lakes, and a strong cold front could move along the Appalachians. Memorial Day barbecues could face showers and storms with lightning, rain and gusty winds, forecasters warned. In the South, forecasters warned of heat reaching oppressive levels in southern Florida, the Gulf Coast and South Texas that could break daily record highs. Excessive heat warnings remained in effect in South Texas. Heat indices could reach around 115 degrees, a level considered dangerous for people spending extended time outside. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Memorial Day weekend weather could fuel wildfires, severe storms SHIZUOKA, May 27 (News On Japan) - Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) conducted its largest live-fire exercise, the 'Fuji Comprehensive Firepower Exercise,' on Sunday. This annual exercise, now in its 66th iteration, sees the participation of approximately 3,000 personnel. Over the course of a single day, around 68.4 tons of ammunition, worth an estimated 8.4 billion yen, will be used. This year's exercise is designed with a focus on island defense, particularly in the southwestern islands. Activities include the deployment of troops from helicopters, tank firing drills, and the flight of the Osprey, which had temporarily halted operations due to a U.S. military accident but has resumed participation in this major exercise for the first time. It is the first time since the resumption of Osprey flights that the GSDF has included them in a large-scale exercise. The primary objective of this exercise is to educate GSDF personnel. Similar to last year, the event is not open to the general public. Source: TBS The Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU) reaffirmed, Saturday in Dar Es Salaam in Tanzania, respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of States and the primacy of the UN Security Council which has the primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. In the Dar Es Salaam Declaration adopted at the High-Level 20th anniversary colloquium of the PSC under the theme 20 Years of the AU PSC as a Standing Decision-Making Organ: The Next 2 Decades of the Peace and Security We Want in Africa, the PSC expressed its commitment to respect the principles enshrined in the constitutive act, conventions and protocols of the AU, namely respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty of States, as well as the non-interference of a State in the internal affairs of another State. The AUPSC also reiterated the primacy of the United Nations Security Council which has the primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. The AUPSC stressed the need to forge closer cooperation and partnership between the United Nations, other international organizations and the AU, to promote governance, peace and security in Africa. The PSC also stressed the need for AU Member States to further strengthen governance institutions, accelerate socio-economic development programs and comprehensively address the root and structural causes of conflicts, reaffirming in this regard the link between peace, security, stability and development. During this High-level colloquium, Morocco called in particular for adopting a multidimensional approach based on the peace, security and development nexus. Moroccos active role within the PSC was highlighted, the kingdom having a rich experience and awareness of security challenges in Africa. The Moroccan delegation to the colloquium said Morocco will spare no effort, in concert with SPC member States, to help lay new, strong and lasting foundations for a stable, prosperous and united Africa. Six years after its return to its institutional family, Moroccos election for two successive mandates, respectively of 2 years then 3 years (2018-2020 then 2022-2025), to the AUPSC, testifies to the trust, credibility, esteem and recognition given to the African Vision of King Mohammed VI, and to the action carried out, under his leadership to enable Africa believe in its potential and build a more promising future, the delegation underlined. They also attest to Moroccan expertise unanimously recognized, in Africa and around the world, in promoting peace and stability, and constitute a consolidation of its efforts aimed at contributing, in a constructive and positive manner, to promoting security in Africa. It is also a recognition of the Kingdoms active role, its credible and solidarity-based initiatives for the stability of Africa and the well-being of African citizens. The Moroccan delegation reaffirmed that the Kingdom has always called for peace and security in Africa, a goal that can only be achieved through political stability, respect for the principles of non-interference, sovereignty and territorial integrity of States, neighborliness, as well as the consolidation of the rule of law in Africa. Oh, the irony . In that same vein, Tom is kind of a coward. I know that things couldve been said in person and theres not always a need for public declarations and maybe Francesca specifically asked him not to say anything on her behalf, but his voice couldve been used to quell the racist abuse shes received online. Reply Thread Link Yeah, like you said, unless she privately asked him not to comment, absolutely. People always argue that saying something doesn't actually work to change people's minds, but to me it's not necessarily about changing people's minds, but about signaling to your colleague that you have their back. Edited at 2024-05-26 06:44 pm (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link i think it's more enjoyable if you view it as a satire about how stupid and melodramatic teenagers are. That's literally what Romeo and Juliet is, though. The whole point is that because of their families' unwillingness to put their petty feud aside, two dumb teenagers end up making increasingly rash decisions that ultimately lead to their death. That's why Romeo moves on from Rosaline so quickly despite waxing poetic over her at first; it's to illustrate his impulsivity. Same with him stabbing himself when Juliet was just fake dead; if he'd just wait a few minutes then they'd both be fine. Reply Parent Thread Link I like Baz Luhrmans because Leo and Claire do seem really childish in the beginning so that really comes across. Reply Parent Thread Link "it has taylor swift energy." I've never thought about it that way and now I can't wait to put it in a sentence Reply Parent Thread Link You can say many things about Tom Holland and his Britishness and I wont disagree but I think he looks his age Reply Parent Thread Expand Link I made a longer comment down the thread I think we're too hasty to judge Romeo and Juliet by modern standards - by modern standards it is a terrible love story because we expect more from the people in love and a "believable" timeline. In more classical plays, the characters often end up feeling like caricatures to our eyes because they often lack dimension, feel things suddenly, or make seemingly terrible decisions because that is what the story requires. But that's what the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet is - that the irrational hatred between these two families destines them all to lose what they love. When Romeo and Juliet seek love and try and find it in one another (impulsively, stupidly, too quickly, and whether you believe what they find is love or not) - they are doomed by the narrative. They can't act otherwise. It's not my favorite Shakespeare play though, and I do get viewing it as a satire if that makes it more enjoyable, that's just likely a more modern interpretation rather than the original intention (though we'll never know for sure). Edited at 2024-05-26 02:08 pm (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link not the good sis shakespeares hundred year old formative work getting hit with the swift energy I am shrieking. that hamlet and his fuckboy zayn shtick aint shit either Reply Parent Thread Link no, that's a very reductive way of interpreting it. it's not just about the love story, they are children who were impacted by a very violent environment, everything about their lives is revolved around a war nobody could explain how it started. they are doomed by their own families egoistical objectives and betrayed by their society. their rash impulsive decisions are a reflection of their wish to get out of that mentality and the fact that they are young just makes it more tragic. they see in eachother a way out of that place and falling in love is an act of rebellion. and the fact they didn't manage to do that is Shakespeare's biggest criticism on his own society. why couldn't two teenagers fall in love? if you think about it, you could cast two gay men to be Romeo and Juliet and it would fit perfectly. there's a reason why people still study it and produce thousands new versions. it works and it's modern. but yeah, Tom Holland ain't shit lol Reply Parent Thread Link To be fair, even in the play, Romeo was always a little leaf that wents wherever the wind blowed. Juliet has always been the one who did all of the heavy lifting. Reply Thread Link Literally came here to say Romeo is a complete soggy biscuit of a character. So based on that review hes kind of nailing it. Reply Parent Thread Link Seriously. There's a reason Juliet gets all the best speeches and poetry too. Reply Parent Thread Link I saw Hirano Ryuichi from the Royal Ballet play Romeo and he was so charismatic and fuckbo-y that you know most people... They would, yanno. And for once I kinda get why Juliet would get swept away Reply Parent Thread Link Out of all the (mostly great) reviews this THR trash gets posted here. Reply Thread Link Go find them and post them. Battle of the Romeo and Juliet revival reviews. Reply Parent Thread Link This was the review posted on fauxmoi and once something is posted on fauxmoi a few hours later it gets posted here lol Reply Parent Thread Link there is so much overlap between here, fauxmoi and popculturechat Reply Parent Thread Link Oh he cant catch a break lol Reply Thread Link its kind of funny at this point. hell peak his lil head out of hiatushiatus carrying zendayas bag and carpenting in england or whatever just to try again and gets slammed down every time. youll never be anything but spiderman kid. Reply Parent Thread Link Eh. The UK and Broadway press have been praising the play and the cast (Tom included) for the most part. So it's not the flop people are thinking it is. Maybe it's a "Hollywood press wanted another Leo Dicaprio copy for Romeo" thing. Because Romeo has been a pathetic bitch, what are they talking about? I'm happy for Francesca tho. Obviously, she's a star and the racists can cry about it. Edited at 2024-05-26 09:27 am (UTC) Reply Thread Link To be fair, I think Leo really nailed that aspect of his character, too, we were just kids who saw a fuckwit smoking and writing bullshit in a journal and were like damn, this guy is on his shit Reply Parent Thread Link I haven't seen this movie in years, so you may be right. Reply Parent Thread Link Romeo has always been a wet blanket. I love how media thinks by trashing one actor you can lift another. No you can lift both together. But also Tom is not a good actor. And the amount of reviews over a tedious play is interesting. Reply Thread Link vindication!!! personally this whole thing really made me think differently of him. i wasn't expecting him to say anything to defend francesca (it could very well be that she asked him not to) but he could have at least closed the comment section when he posted photos of her. if he has time to post photos of zendaya he could do that i also think he's at best a fine actor, nothing more than that. and nowadays directors are more likely to go for other actors in his age range who have proven themselves. if you want critical acclaim, you have actors like paul mescal or josh o'connor. if you want commercial performance you could go for timothee chalamet (i know uncharted made profit but i feel like it barely had any impact, unlike wonka). Reply Thread Link Imma say wonka had very little impact besides the memes as well like I was blown away by how well it didnt bc I heard fck all about it Reply Parent Thread Link this is going to sound pretentious or whatever but tom doesn't come across to me as someone who's necessarily a huge film lover and i think it really shows in his choices (and in interviews). i don't necessarily think he HAS to be super knowledgeable about film or anything but i do think there's a lack of curiosity in comparison to his peers (not all of his peers i'm sure but the peers you mentioned like mescal and o'connor, etc.) who make more interesting choices and actively cares about seeking out working with the right director, etc. i really think he would have been far better off attaching himself to smaller indies from first time directors when he wasn't working on spider-man instead of working with the russo's or doing ya/video game adaptations and now he has far more competition in terms of roles (although idk if him and paul are really up for the same things but he and chalamet definitely are and chalamet has the box office numbers now AND the prestige). Reply Parent Thread Link yeah he didn't even know who almodovar was and allegedly he passed on the hamnet adaptation once chloe zhao replaced sam mendes Reply Parent Thread Expand Link this is what i thought a few months back when millie bobby brown was promoting her shitty netflix movie by saying she doesn't watch movies like. yeah it shows girl! same for tom holland, i think he has very basic taste and also has a very bad nose for picking scripts. jennifer lawrence had the same issue but like. she at least liked actresses and saw the fun in comedy, i don't even think tom has that. austin butler by comparison, the way he talks about movies is so wonderful. zendaya didn't share her favorite movies with letterboxd but she has her bag of references and her directors think she'll direct one day. saoirse, florence, timothee, jenna ortega...all movie lovers! Reply Parent Thread Link I'm sorry but the recency bias that 1) Timothee is some box office powerhouse and that 2) Tom is a bad actor (seriously, the other reviews are praising him, THR is being bitchy) is very weird. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Same. I used to like Tom (though more as a celebrity than as an actor), but his silence as his costar has been getting racist hate made me think differently about him. Especially since he spoke out with his whole chest when the Lions players were getting the same treatment a few years ago. And his stans being like hdu suggest he doesn't support Black women, hes dating one!!1! Like please, don't piss me off. Anyway, I'm glad Francesca is getting raves. Reply Parent Thread Link Ooof what a review. Reply Thread Link happy for francesca getting raves at the very least. i wonder if tom would have been better off picking a musical to go back on stage with. i don't think choosing a jamie lloyd production as his first role back on-stage is a bad one, people tend to be mixed on his productions but for the most part he seems to really get the most of his actors, but maybe shakespear and this particular version of r&j isn't doing him any favors. but then again this is one review out of what seems like a couple more positive ones? so who knows. speaking of romeo and juliet i've always been kind of sad that this one with jessie buckley and josh o'connor had to be cancelled due to covid but i'm glad they managed to film it at the very least: their chemistry was sooooooo good. so natural. Edited at 2024-05-26 09:09 am (UTC) Reply Thread Link Omg I had no idea this existed! I love the both of them so much! Reply Parent Thread Link I watched the filmed version and man at some point it was rly dark I was squinting like me circa game of thrones years Reply Parent Thread Link Yay for Francesca!! Reply Thread Link considering how minimalist jamie lloyd is, im surprised he didnt make it punch hard like sunset blvd. Legit thought he'd make tom pull something unexpected out of him. Reply Thread Link i think it helps a lot that the sunset blvd revival is soooooo different from its original staging whereas romeo and juliet has been done numerous times and has had so many interpretations i can understand a bit of fatigue and also boredom from if the staging isn't wildly inventive. Edited at 2024-05-26 12:40 pm (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link "to mute the action, quite literally, since much of it is played in whispers and mumbles; even miked, at times the actors are barely audible." what an extremely dumb decision. It's like the opposite of accessibility, and for no good reason at all. Reply Thread Link This would drive me absolutely bonkers. Id already be struggling without being able to read subtitles. If I cant hear what theyre saying what is the point Reply Parent Thread Link The United States appears to be inclined to let international oil companies with existing operations in Venezuela continue pumping crude in the country holding the worlds largest crude oil reserves. Despite the recent return of the U.S. sanctions on Venezuelas crude production and exports, the White House seems unwilling to rattle the oil market and pricesand by extension, U.S. gasoline pricestoo much ahead of the November U.S. presidential election. In October 2023, the U.S. introduced a temporary sanctions relief until April 2024 that allowed the production, lifting, sale, and exportation of oil or gas from Venezuela, and the provision of related goods and services, as well as payment of invoices for goods or services related to oil or gas sector operations in Venezuela. The six-month sanctions relief followed commitments by Venezuelas Nicolas Maduro to ensure fair elections this year. As a result, the top international oil trading houses returned to the business of trading with oil from Venezuela, and so did some oilfield services providers to help international majors extract crude from their joint-venture operations with Venezuelan state oil firm PDVSA. However, given the lack of progress in Maduros promises for fair elections, the U.S. snapped back the sanctions on Venezuelas oil. But this time, more special licenses exempting foreign oil producers from the sanctions could be coming. The previous sanction period before October 2023 had carved out a license only to U.S. supermajor Chevron. Related: Oil Prices Remain Under Pressure Despite Rising Gasoline Demand In the middle of April, the six-month temporary oil sanctions relief the U.S. granted Venezuela last October expired, and the Biden Administration moved to reimpose those sanctions. The move was met with backlash in Caracas, which described the return of the sanctions as a U.S. attempt to control and manipulate the Venezuelan oil industry. Nicolas Maduro was given every opportunity to comply with the conditions of the sanctions relief, but has continued to work to ban, arrest, or otherwise prevent the rise of a solid opposition candidate for presidential elections scheduled for July 28. The General License 44, which authorized transactions related to oil or gas sector operations in Venezuela, expired at 12:01 a.m. on April 18. However, the United States issued a 45-day wind-down license and Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) also will consider requests for specific licenses to continue activities beyond the end of the wind-down period on a case-by-case basis, the State Department said. One of these specific licenses has been granted to Spanish energy major Repsol, which has existing oil production in Venezuela, alongside U.S. Chevron, Italys Eni, Maurel & Prom, and Shell. Repsol has been granted a license from the U.S. Treasury Department to continue and expand its oil and gas business in Venezuela, sources with knowledge of the decision told Reuters this week. Repsol, in joint ventures with PDVSA, has stakes in the offshore gas Perla Field (Cardon IV), one of Latin Americas largest offshore gas fields, a 60% stake in the onshore Quiriquire gas project, and interests in the Petrocarabobo heavy crude project and the Petroquiriquire joint venture. Just before the expiry of the six-month U.S. General License, Repsol signed an agreement with PDVSA to add two fields to its joint operations in Venezuela, which would double its oil production in the country. More special licenses could follow for oil majors to operate in Venezuelas oil industry. The U.S. Treasury is currently reviewing up to 50 individual license requests from companies willing to do energy business in Venezuela, a U.S. official said this week. The U.S. is seeking a Goldilocks solution to sanctions on Venezuela, said David L. Goldwyn, chair of the Atlantic Councils Energy Advisory Group and a nonresident senior fellow with the Councils Global Energy Center. Despite the return of the sanctions, the US Treasury Department was clear that it welcomes, within the next forty-five days, requests for specific licenses that serve US interests, Goldwyn said. The impact on the global oil market remains to be seen. Much depends on how many private companies apply for debt or product swaps and on whether the small but significant oil projects in Venezuela apply for licenses as well. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC), Joseph Dadzie, recently conducted his first working visit to the Western Region, where he inspected the progress of work at the site of the Corporations Operational Headquarters in Takoradi. During the visit, Mr. Dadzie engaged with the media, sharing insights into the projects significance for the Corporation and the local community. In his opening remarks, Mr. Dadzie expressed his satisfaction with the work done so far, commending the contractors for exceeding his expectations. He emphasized the state-of-the-art infrastructure and modern facilities that the new GNPC Operational Headquarters will provide. The CEO stated that the facility reflects the Corporations commitment to creating a conducive work environment for its employees, fostering efficiency and innovation that will ultimately boost productivity. Mr. Dadzie noted that the impressive edifice employs eco-friendly features such as natural lighting and ventilation, intelligent security and systems, water storage systems, and smart management systems. He added that the building highlighted will not only house GNPC operational staff but will also be leased out to some of GNPCs partners and other organizations. Mr. Dadzie underscored GNPCs dedication to promoting local content and community development. He emphasized that the construction of the Operational Headquarters in Takoradi exemplifies the Corporations commitment to extending significant investments in the oil and gas sector beyond the industrial sphere, positively impacting the immediate community. Responding to concerns about the reduction in the volume of oil being produced in the country, Mr. Dadzie acknowledged the need to increase production. He explained that revenue is determined by both price and volume, and although the countrys production has been low, the high oil prices have helped maintain relatively stable revenue for the Corporation. He further emphasized the critical need for the corporation to increase its reserves and production. He was hopeful that the Voltaian Basin project will be a game-changer for Ghana. He added that GNPCs inland Voltaian Basin Project (VBP), which spans 103,000 sq km (approximately 40% of the land area of Ghana), marks a truly significant milestone in our quest for energy exploration and development to increase hydrocarbon reserves and production. We have made substantial progress in the VBP, starting with the acquisition of a reconnaissance license from the Minister for Energy. This paved the way for extensive exploration activities, including the collection and analysis of geochemical soil and gas samples, as well as the acquisition and processing of 2D seismic data spanning over 5,000 -line km across the basin. Interpretation of acquired data led to the identification of 29 potential leads, with further evaluation narrowing this down to six promising sites for exploration drilling. Mr. Dadzie pointed out that, the aim is to improve productivity to enhance the Corporations vision of becoming a stand-alone operator in the oil and gas industry. He expressed confidence that the Corporation is on the right trajectory and will achieve this objective in due course. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Interior Minister, Henry Quartey has strongly warned all persons not to misbehave during the December 7 polls. The Minister, in an interview on Peace FM's "Kokrokoo" show with Kwami Sefa Kayi, issued a stern warning to whoever wants to perpetrate violence or a criminal activity in the elections to, with immediate effect, rethink their plans, stressing the security and intelligence agencies have their orders to swoop down on such persons. This year's presidential election is described as a crucial election because of its historic impact. It is the first ever to see Vice President of a governing party, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, and a former President, John Dramani Mahama, enter into head-to-head contest. Some people have termed it the "Clash of the Titans" while others call it "Clash of the Northerners" because both candidates hail from the northern sector. As the nation marches forward to the general elections, the Minister calls for peace and stability as well as transparency before, during and after the elections. "It is not just the Interior Ministry. The President has given his marching orders. He says ensure free, fair and a transparent elections and even if and God forbid, the good people of this country decide to vote for NDC, we should ensure a peaceful transition and handing over power and go back to do our calculations to find out where did we go wrong. But the security and intelligence agencies will not sit and watch the D-day for someone to misbehave", he cautioned. Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video On May 25, 2024, Ghanaians woke up to the shocking news that renowned Kumawood actor and comedian, Kwadwo Nkansah, widely known as LilWin, was involved in a car accident. Videos trending on social media showed LilWin being carried out of a branded car into a waiting car. While no official statement has been released from the camp of LilWin, here's what has been gathered so far about the accident. The accident happened in front of the Grace Baptist Church at Amakom in Kumasi. LilWin, who was travelling with two others, collided head-on with another vehicle while driving his Benz. All occupants, including LilWin, sustained injuries and were promptly rushed to the Accident and Emergency Unit of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. According to eyewitnesses, LilWin suffered minor injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment. His road manager and bodyguard, who were also in the car, sustained minor injuries as well. At the time of the accident, LilWin was en route to the funeral of actress Matilda Asares mother. He was also scheduled to hold the second premiere of his latest movie, "A Country Called Ghana," later in the day at the KNUST CCB Auditorium. The status of the premiere following the accident remains uncertain. The accident has sparked a wave of support and well-wishes for the actor's swift recovery across social media platforms. Source: Ghanaweb Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: CC0 Public Domain Life-changing events like the birth of a child, the purchase of a new home, or a lottery win could threaten the survival of a new business venture, research from Edith Cowan University (ECU) has found. The work is published in the International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal. A recent study led by ECU's Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Pi-Shen Seet with Associate Professor Wee-Liang Tan from the Singapore Management University found that positive family events had a comparatively greater influence, albeit negatively, on the survival of a new venture, compared with negative events. "A positive family event, like the birth of a child, often has an emotional spin-on effect for an entrepreneur and could lead to greater confidence. This ego boost could result in an entrepreneur being overconfident and making poor business decisions. "On the other hand, entrepreneurs that are impacted by divorce or financial difficulty, or even a death in the family, tend to put more consideration into business ventures and may make more considered and better business decisions," said Professor Seet. While good fortune often translates into entrepreneurs becoming more passionate, alert to new opportunities and more creative, this was in no way an indicator of future business success. "Just because overconfident entrepreneurs are better at exploiting opportunities does not mean they will succeed. The tendency to exaggerate personal qualities and capabilities and underestimate the competition and difficulty of tasks often leads entrepreneurs to make fatal errors in judgment and decision-making. "In short, there is a negative association shown in research between entrepreneur overconfidence and new venture survival," said Professor Seet. When family events come about during the venture creation process, they potentially act on entrepreneurs' overconfidencespontaneously and automatically fine-tuning how opportunities versus risks are evaluated and decisions are made for the venture. "Positive family events would induce a more global thinking style focusing on abstract, high-level features of the problem and picking the first acceptable alternative solution that comes to mind. This may prove useful for entrepreneurs to make necessary decisions quickly and efficiently under tight time and resource pressures. "However, if the positive family events lead to overconfidence, which our research has shown, entrepreneurs may believe that their talents and skills alone were enough to compensate for any lack of information and overcome real difficulties in the venture creation process and this will reinforce such errors in judgment and inferior decision-making. The net result is an increased vulnerability for making mistakes that can cause serious harm to the new venture," Professor Seet said. The research also noted that a changing family dynamic could further impact a new venture. "Entrepreneurs are not alone in the venture creation processthe entire family is drawn along on the journeyand they are all involved in the feelings, emotions, and stresses that go along with the ups and downs of an entrepreneurial business, and vice versa. "Changes within the family, events such as birth, marriage and death interrupt the family system and encroach on the entrepreneur. They change the structure and alter roles played by family members; they modify their interactions." More information: Pi-Shen Seet et al, The impact of positive and negative psychological affect and overconfidence from major family events on new venture survival, International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal (2024). DOI: 10.1007/s11365-024-00970-w This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Six monotremes living in the same place at the same time, 100 million years ago at Lightning Ridge, NSW. Clockwise from lower left: Opalios splendens, a newly described species dubbed an 'echidnapus'; Stirtodon elizabethae, the largest monotreme of the time; Kollikodon ritchiei, with hot-cross-bun shaped molars; Steropodon galmani, now known from additional opalised fossils; Parvopalus clytiei, the smallest monotreme of the time; and Dharragarra aurora, the earliest known species of platypus. Credit: Peter Shouten Published today in the Alcheringa: An Australasian Journal of Palaeontology, evidence of an "Age of Monotremes" has been unearthed by a team of Australian scientists at the Australian Museum (AM), Museums Victoria and Australian Opal Centre. The findings were led by two mammalogists, Honorary Associate of the Australian Museum, Professor Tim Flannery; and Professor Kris Helgen, Chief Scientist and Director of the Australian Museum Research Institute (AMRI). Found in the Lightning Ridge opal fields, NSW, the opalized jaws date back to the Cenomanian Age of the Cretaceous Period, between 102 million to 96.6 million years ago. Professor Flannery said the research reveals that 100 million years ago, Australia was home to a diversity of monotremes, of which the platypus and the echidna are the only surviving descendants. "Today, Australia is known as a land of marsupials, but discovering these new fossils is the first indication that Australia was previously home to a diversity of monotremes. It's like discovering a whole new civilization," Professor Flannery said. Chief Scientist and Director of the Australian Museum Research Institute, Professor Helgen, said the three new species demonstrate combinations of features not previously seen before in other living or fossil monotremes. One of the most striking of the new monotremes, Opalios splendens, retains characteristics of the earliest known monotremes, but also some that foreshadow adaptations in the living monotremes, the echidnas and platypus. "Opalios splendens sits on a place in the evolutionary tree prior to the evolution of the common ancestor of the monotremes we have today. Its overall anatomy is probably quite like the platypus, but with features of the jaw and snout a bit more like an echidnayou might call it an 'echidnapus,'" Professor Helgen said. "The story of how our egg-laying mammals evolved is 'toothy to toothless' on the oldest monotreme, Teinolophos trusleri, which dates back to Victoria 130 million years ago. What we see at Lightning Ridge is that by 100 million years ago, some of the monotremes still have five molars but some of them are down to three," Professor Helgen said. Professor Flannery highlighted that today, echidnas have no teeth, and platypuses too are essentially toothless. "Adult platypus have no teeth, though juveniles have rudimentary molars. Just when and why adult platypus lost their teeth after nearly 100 million years is a mystery we think we have solved. It may have been competition with the Australian water rat, which arrived in Australia within the last 2 million years, which caused platypus to seek out softer, slipperier food best processed with the leathery pads that adults use today," Professor Flannery said. Portrait of Paleontologist Professor Tim Flannery holding a tiny tooth fragment dated at one hundred million years old (and projected at scale in background) on site at the Australian Museum in Sydney where much of the academic work about the finding was made. May 22, 2024. Credit: James Alcock / Australian Museum "What is so unusual about this uniquely Australian story is that in one snapshot we see six different egg-laying mammals living together in Lightning Ridge over 100 million years ago. All of them are holding potential evolutionary destinies that can go off in different directions, and all of them are deep distant ancestors and relatives of the current living monotremes." Dr. Matthew McCurry, Curator of Palaeontology, Australian Museum, said the discovery of three new genera of monotremes helps to piece together their remarkable evolutionary story. "There are six species of monotremes, including the three newly described here, within the Cenomanian Lightning Ridge fauna of New South Wales making it the most diverse monotreme assemblage on record. Four species are known from a single specimen, suggesting that diversity remains underrepresented. This discovery adds more than 20% to the previously known diversity of monotremes," Dr. McCurry said. "We have very few monotreme fossils, and so finding new fossils can tell us more about where they lived, what they looked like and how changes in the environment influenced their evolution. Every significant monotreme fossil currently known fits into this evolutionary story, from Teinolophos, the tiny shrew-like creature in Antarctica 130 million years ago to the present day," Dr. McCurry said. Co-authors from Museums Victoria Research Institute, Dr. Thomas Rich, Senior Curator of Vertebrate Palaeontology, and Honorary Associate Professor Patricia Vickers-Rich AO said these curious, unique and ancient Australian animals still have the power to interest the scientific world. "The platypus and echidna are iconic Australian species. The discovery of these several new species in one small area suggest that the family tree of the egg laying monotremes is far more complicated than the living platypus and echidna alone suggest," Dr. Rich said. "As the fieldwork continues in the Mesozoic of Australia, we continue to increase our understanding of how life changed over time. This, to me, is what makes science so exciting," Professor Vickers-Rich AO said. The fossils were found by Elizabeth Smith and her daughter Clytie of the Australian Opal Centre in Lightning Ridge, who have spent decades working and searching over the opal fields. "Opal fossils are rare, but opalized monotreme fossils are infinitely more rare, as there's one monotreme fragment to a million other pieces. We don't know when, or exactly where, they'll turn up," Smith said. "These specimens are a revelation. They show the world that long before Australia became the land of pouched mammals, marsupials, this was a land of furry egg-layersmonotremes. It seems that 100 million years ago, there were more monotremes at Lightning Ridge than anywhere else on earth, past or present," Smith said. More information: A diverse assemblage of monotremes (Monotremata) from the Cenomanian Lightning Ridge fauna, New South Wales, Australia, Alcheringa An Australasian Journal of Palaeontology (2024). DOI: 10.1080/03115518.2024.2348753. www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/1 3115518.2024.2348753 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Although the grizzly is featured prominently on the California state flag, the golden bear has been extinct in the wild since the 1920s. In response, some conservation advocates have promoted the idea of returning it to the California wilderness, modeled on other wildlife-reintroduction efforts. And while there are instances in which large mammals have been restored to their historic range, there also are hidden obstructions keeping bears on the flag but off the land, according to Benjamin Hale. Hale is an associate professor of philosophy who teaches in the Department of Environmental Studies at the University of Colorado Boulder, where his focus is on environmental ethics. In a recently published paper, "The Bear Minimum: Reintroduction and the Weakness of Minimalist Conservation," Hale and co-authors Lee Brann and Alexander Lee argue that conservation policies too often gauge the success of conservation initiatives by setting minimum targets for conservation, which can be short-sighted. The paper is published in the Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences. "When conservation policy sets minimum standards for the protection of nature, objectives like restoration, novel ecosystem management, rewilding and other novel issues in intervention ecology become unsupported and underrepresented," the authors note. Recently, Colorado Arts and Sciences Magazine asked Hale to expand on these topics. His responses were lightly edited and condensed for space. What, specifically, is wrong with doing the bare minimum when it comes to conservation? Well, first of all, it's a losing proposition for conservation to do as little as possible or to only set a minimum goal and not aspire to something greater. I think that it ultimately ends up being self-undermining of conservationist efforts. As it is, many times the protections kick in once it's already pretty late in the process. That doesn't leave a lot of time for error, partly because we tend to focus efforts on protecting what little remaining value there is in the world. That is to say, Here is a valuable entity, let's try to protect it and prevent harm from coming to it. And once these minimums are imposed, very often the discussions about how conservation can best proceed are effectively over, even in the face of new developments. From the standpoint of keeping the discussion open, I and my co-authors have suggested that we should take steps to focus more on establishing communities of experts offering their expertise in an ongoing way. Why do you believe many conservation efforts seem to focus on minimum goals rather than something more expansive? I think it's just the direction we've been going since the Endangered Species Act was passed. When policies are set, they impose restrictions on whole groups of people, and when groups of people object to the imposition of those policies, generally the question becomes something like, "Well, how much can we do?" That question, I think, yields the minimalist position. There's some minimum threshold that you're aiming for, resulting from a practical concern, which ends up being a sort of default position for a lot of conservationists. In your paper, you talk about 'new conservation science.' How is it different from traditional conservation, and how does it fit into minimalist conservation? New conservation sort of burst onto the scene in the past 10 or 15 years with some work by folks like Peter Kareiva, the former chief scientist and vice president of The Nature Conservancy. He and some other folks basically thought that traditional approaches to conservation were protectionist and that traditional conservationists were using the Endangered Species Act in ways that were absolutist. The "new conservationist" science advocates thought we should be more careful to triage conservation efforts, given that there is a limited amount of natural resources. New conservation scientists also suggested we redirect conservation efforts for more anthropocentric concerns. A lot of people in the old conservation community saw those ideas as a kind of threat to what they had committed their lives to do, which is to protect nature for its own sake. This has been a very hotly debated topic, and in fact, I co-authored another paper with some of my other CU colleagues, including Dan Doak and Bruce Goldstein, in which we directly challenged the ideas put forth by Peter Kareiva. That article was heavily cited at the time we published it. Even today, the debate is ongoing. Conservation minimalism can take a number of different forms; are there also a number of alternatives to minimalism? Yes. I guess the first thing I should say is that when we are outlining these varieties of minimalism, we don't intend to suggest that all of these are descriptive of actual, deeply held commitments on the part of some in the conservation community. Rather, we're sort of using some methodologies of philosophy to try to explore the idea of minimalism in its various forms and to highlight potential issues with those concepts. This allows us to then make the argument, "OK, if I can't be a minimalist, then what should I do?" And it is also worth pointing out that the alternatives to minimalism (presented) are not widely held beliefs. Some are conceptually absurd. For example, we introduce the idea of maximalism, which is the idea that we should protect all of nature. A maximalist about grizzly bears might say, "Let's maximize grizzly bears. How many grizzlies can we pack onto this planet?" Nobody in the conservation community today is really advocating for that. We're introducing this idea so that the reader can challenge it and then dispense with it. In your paper, you put forward the idea of using 'reasonabilism' to make decisions about conservation. What, exactly, is reasonabilism and why is it a better alternative to the other methods? Well, it is a made-up term. We created it as a way of talking about getting us to consider a reasonable approach to conservation in which all participants are engaging with one another in a kind of deliberative, discursive exchange, almost like a town hall. The idea behind reasonabilism is that it's not dependent upon a small panel of experts to dictate what the ultimate outcome is going to be. Conservation is better served when we take more aggressive steps to democratize the process through which conservation decisions are made. Reasonabilism is sort of a playful term, but the hope is really that it can serve as a useful contrast to rationalism, which is actually quite common in the environmental policy discourse. Would reasonabilism suggest that grizzly bear reintroduction in California is possible, maybe with certain stipulations or limitations? I think it's possible, although maybe politically challenging. If you were to get all the communities together that are going to be affected by grizzly reintroduction and try to develop a process for the reintroduction of the grizzly that would help justify it, the outcome of that process wouldn't necessarily make everyone happy, but it would at least provide a process for deliberation. It's important to have all voices at the table. I will say by way of comparison that it's relevant that the recent effort to reintroduce the wolf to Colorado was determined by plebiscite (a popular vote). I think Colorado, in some ways, is doing it right by trying to get as many people as possible involved in the discussion. Again, this is not to say that we're going to avoid all conflict, because conflict is common with these kinds of pretty significant environmental changes, but it is important to make these decisions through the democratic process. That's the kind of idea we're after. We think this is what would make it "reasonable": because people can reason through it. Do you think the idea of reasonabilism could catch on with conservationists, if not broader parties that would be involved in conservation discussions? It may or may not catch on. I don't know about the idea itself, but I think that the objective of the paper is to say, There is an alternative to imposing of the standard value propositions that dominate the conservation discussion and then insisting upon one of the varieties of minimalism or maximalism or rationalism. Part of the job of the conservationists and wildlife managers is to pay attention to the variety of voices that contribute to this efforteven if they're dead set against the grizzly's reintroduction, or wolves, or whatever the case may be. In a way, that's what we're doing in CU's environmental studies department. We have faculty from across campus with diverse areas of expertise, but we're all coming together in one unit with the objective of expanding the discourse. More information: Lee Brann et al, The bear minimum: reintroduction and the weaknesses of minimalist conservation, Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences (2023). DOI: 10.1007/s13412-023-00865-2 Journal information: Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Two orphaned Black bears have been released back into the wild, ending their nearly year-long rehabilitation at the San Diego Humane Society's Ramona Wildlife Center, according to officials. The brother bears were rescued last July by California Department of Fish and Wildlife after their mother had died in the San Bernardino mountains and it was determined the two undersized, 5-month-old cubs could not survive on their own. On May 15, after spending nearly a year at the Ramona wildlife center, the bears were released near where they were originally found. "It's a delicate skill to raise wild bears in captivity," said Andy Blue, campus director of the wildlife center. "Bears eat more than 10 pounds of food per day, so to ensure they are fed without our staff ever being seen, and that they have plenty of enrichment to exhibit their natural behaviors without leaving human scents behind, takes meticulous planning." The bears' journey back to their native habitat began soon after state officials captured the malnourished cubs and took them to Ramona. One bear weighed 12 pounds and the other weighed 15 pounds the typical weight for a male Black bear that age is 25 pounds, Blue said. "In the wild, they would've been preyed upon by other bears, coyotes, mountain lions and bobcats," Blue said. "They were about the smallest I've seen come through our facility." The bears were taken to the wildlife animal hospital to be treated and fed. Once the specialists were comfortable with the cubs' recovery, the brothers were placed together in a large enclosure that mimicked their natural environment with native plants, officials said. The enclosure allowed the bears to learn how to forage and eat a mixture of food including fruits, vegetables, nuts, peanut butter and bear chow daily. An Escondido family also donated a 467-pound, homegrown pumpkin to the wildlife center for the bears to play with and eat inside their enclosure. The center's veterinarians also ensured that they reduced contact with the bears as much as possible so that the wild animals would not become habituated to humans. "We don't want them associating with something like a pickup truck that pulls up that has food in the back," Blue said. "So we just have to get really creative, even with remote feeders that spread food throughout the enclosure." During their rehabilitation, the bears gained about 80 pounds and are on track to reach full sizeupward of 400 pounds. Then, after the veterinarians gave them a clean bill of health, the bears were microchipped, fitted with GPS collars and released back into the wild earlier this month. The wildlife center takes in approximately 1,000 wildlife patients a years, including six other bear cubs in 2022 and a 3-month-old mountain lion cub earlier this year. "These are very rewarding cases," Blue said. "They came to us as orphans and we put a tremendous amount of effort and resources into them. It's a great feeling to release them back into the wild." 2024 The San Diego Union-Tribune. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Kevin Bidwell from Pexels Just southwest of Boise lies one of the last vast swaths of solitude in the United States. The Owyhee Canyonlands, with stunning red gulches, winding rivers and a moon-like landscape where a volcano with a caldera once 600 times larger than Mount St. Helens erupted, stands as the largest unprotected wilderness area in the American West. Locals might have once seen the Owyhees as the area's best-kept secret: national park-quality wilderness without the tourists. Advocates say those days are gone. The secret is out, they say, and the repercussions of not enacting federal protections could be irreversibleto the point that even those most skeptical of government regulation agree that the Owyhees are facing unprecedented change. The number of people visiting the Owyhees has grown along with the Treasure Valley's population. The Lower Owyhee Canyon and Lake Owyhee have seen an average of 250,000 visitors per year for the past seven years, according to the nonprofit group Friends of the Owyhee. A viral social media video of Leslie Gulch garnered more than 21 million views and attracted international travelers. Advocates say that influxalong with a complicated mix of unregulated recreation, invasive species, wildfires and mining claimscould irrevocably damage the pristine beauty of the 7 million-acre wilderness. The edge of the Owyhees is located about 60 miles southwest of Boise and extends past the Nevada-Oregon state line. Just 5% of that public land, most of which falls under the Bureau of Land Management, is permanently protected. Stakeholders want that to change. Last month, Protect the Owyhee Canyonlands, a coalition of at least 14 groups, including the National Wildlife Federation, invited the Idaho Statesman to tour the Owyhees for an inside look at the deserts, plants, farmland and wildlife, and offer a glimpse at what conservation groups are hoping to modify when it comes to protection for the land. Protection push faced decade of ups and downs Advocates have been fighting to protect the land for nearly a decade. In 2015, groups petitioned former President Barack Obama to designate the Owyhees as a national monument. Efforts seemed promising until January 2016, when the armed occupation of the nearby Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, led by far-right activist Ammon Bundy, made any type of environmental protection of the area too contentious an issue for politicians, according to Ryan Houston, executive director at the Oregon Natural Desert Association. Bundy's fight against federal public land regulations garnered support and sympathy from some factions. In 2019, a coalition of local ranchers and business leaders joined with environmental groups to seek protections that both sides agreed were needed. They worked with Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon to draft legislation, leading to last year's Malheur Community Empowerment for the Owyhee Act. The bill would create a wilderness designation with a "monitoring network" of local ranchers, environmental organizations and tribal representatives to oversee the protection of one million acres of the Owyhees. The bill's lack of movement, however, is worrying conservationists. It hasn't progressed since passing the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee in December. Aaron Kindle, National Wildlife Federation director of sporting advocacy, said environmental pushes can make legislators nervous, especially during a big election year. Now, Protect the Owyhee Canyonlands, an alliance of at least 14 different groups, has made the next pushasking President Joe Biden to designate the Owyhee Canyonlands as a national monument. "Conservation, for those of us who've been in it for a long time, is an interesting game," Kindle said. "I think right now, folks know things aren't exactly functional in Congress at times. You've got to be creative and think of different ways to get these things done." Ranchers in Malheur County, Oregon, home to much of the Owyhees, remain skeptical of too many restrictions and are wary of monument status. Elias Eiguren, a fourth-generation Malheur County rancher, is treasurer of the Owyhee Basin Stewardship Coalition, the group that worked with conservationists on Wyden's bill. The group first came together as a voice against the Owyhees becoming a national monument nearly a decade ago. While advocates say they are seeking a plan that would keep ranchers' rights intact, Eiguren said it's hard to trust that will happen when his family's livelihood depends on their roughly 500 cattle having access to Bureau of Land Management grazing land. "There's been a lot of history between us and some of the environmental groups that we're working with, and over the past two or three decades, it hasn't been very good," Eiguren told the Idaho Statesman by phone. "They've gone down the route of lawsuits and taking us to court." Yet even those in the Owyhee Basin Stewardship acknowledge that the Owyhees land is changing at an alarming rate, and protections are needed. Eiguren said that as he's gotten older, he's seen more tourists, more wildfire, more invasive weeds and less wildlife. "There was nobody out there when I was a kid," Eiguren said. "We never saw anybody. It was just a handful of cattle ranchers. Now, especially in the summer months, you'll see vehicles three, four times a week. Convoys coming through, groups of people that are going on tours. So it's changed quite a bit." The idea of the Owyhees becoming a national monument isn't implausible. In 2022, Biden launched the billion-dollar America the Beautiful Initiative through an executive order that, among other things, looks to support "locally led conservation efforts across the country with a goal to conserve and restore 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030," according to the White House. Over the past year the president has created five national monuments and expanded two others. John Podesta, President Biden's senior adviser on climate change, said in April that Biden has preserved more land than Obama or former President Bill Clinton, with "more to come, including better use and better protection of public lands," the New York Times reported. Should Biden fail to get reelected, conservation advocates are wary that Republican Donald Trump will be less receptive to protecting the Owyheesor any land. Trump famously reduced the 1.3 million-acre Bears Ears National Monument in Utah by 85% in 2017, less than a year after Obama established it, and the Grand StaircaseEscalante in Utah by 47%. Biden restored the complete monuments in 2021. "No matter who's president or who's in Congress, the value is still here," Kindle said. "We will continue to champion conservation of this landscape, regardless of who is in office." Native wildlife under threat in Owyhees Skyler Vold, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife's greater sage grouse expert, wakes up before the sun each spring morning to watch the sage grouse dance. He finds a lekan annual sage grouse mating spotand trains his scope on the shimmying male birds, famous for their unique mating ritual that involves inflating balloon-like air sacs on their chest and thrusting them out to impress the hens. On April 23, Vold took the Statesman to an Owyhees lek before dawn. There, Vold counted 22 birdsa record for that lek and an exciting sight for someone who knows the bird's numbers have declined by 80% since 1965. The Owyhees area is one of six greater sage-grouse strongholds left in the world. If the sage grouse aren't doing well, everyone should be worried, according to Vold. The birds are an "indicator species," serving as something of a canary in a coal mine. If the sage grouse are suffering, other high-desert species in the area probably are suffering, Vold said. In addition, more than 1,200 species of plants call the Owyhees home, including 26 plants that can't be found anywhere else in the world. "It's our job to protect these habitats for these native species," Vold said. "We have kind of messed up this ecosystem, and it's our job to do our best to manage it to where it was historically." The sage seas of the Owyhees are facing two significant threats: fire and grass. The Western United States has experienced an unprecedented number of wildfires in recent years, and some have ripped across the Owyhees, leaving splotches of burned land behind. Normally, the sage would slowly regrow, as it has for centuries. But cheatgrass, an invasive species native to Eurasia and the Mediterranean, has made that nearly impossible. After a fire, cheatgrass sprouts quickly, hoarding the small amount of water available in the desert soil and preventing slower-growing native plants from getting the hydration needed to sprout. Cheatgrass has taken over large chunks of the Owyhees, and wildlife advocates say federal protection is needed to stop the weed from forever changing the landscape. More concerning to ranchers than cheatgrass, which cows will happily munch on, is another plant-choking invasive grass species known as medusahead, according to Eiguren. Animals won't eat the mature plant, and one study found that that grazing capacities were reduced by up to 80% when medusahead was present, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Either form of protection, whether it be legislative or executive, would create a vegetation management plan focused on managing the spread of invasive species and provide more resources than possible under BLM management, according to the National Wildlife Federation. Tribal leaders seek regulation for mining, recreation Longtime Idahoans might remember a time before the state's population blew up and brought so many new residents within spitting distance of the Owyhees. The cultural memories of local Native American tribes go back even further. "That's our old territory out there," Buster Gibson, director of Nevada's Fish and Game Department for the Shoshone-Paiute Tribe, told the Statesman in an interview. "A lot of our battlegrounds, our burial sites, our prayer sites, that's all tied to there. It's not just specific to where our reservation is." Gibson and Reginald Sope, councilman for the Shoshone-Paiute of the Duck Valley Indian Reservationwhich straddles the Idaho-Nevada state line south of Boise and Mountain Homesaid one of the biggest reasons they support a national monument is to prevent new mining claims. People first became interested in mining the area in 1863, when rich deposits of gold were discovered in the Owyhees. Under its current unprotected status, the Owyhees remain open to new mining claims. That door would be closed under either Wyden's legislation or as a national monument. Protected areas would be subject to a mineral withdrawal that would prevent new claims from being made, while existing claims would be grandfathered in, according to Protect the Owyhee Canyonlands. Australia-based Jindalee Resources, which holds the more than 6,000-acre McDermitt Caldera mining claim in McDermitt, Nevada, about 10 miles from the end of the West Little Owyhee River in Oregon, said last year that its surveys indicate the land holds the largest lithium deposit in the United States. Gibson and Sope said they worry about the damage mining could do to both the land and tribe's health. "It might look like a lot of mining claims out there right now," Gibson said. "But in 20 years it could triple by then." The Owyhee Basin Stewardship Coalition has a more nuanced perspective. Eiguren pointed out that Malheur is the poorest county in Oregon and mining could help the local economy, though he does have concerns. "We need a little boost to what our local economy is," Eiguren said. "At the same time, the base of our economy is agriculture, and that (revolves) around our water resources and our land resources. The last thing we would want to do is contaminate that in a long-term or irreparable fashion." Gibson and Sope also would like to see more regulation of recreators in the area. At the moment, people are free to drive recreational vehicles wherever they want in the Owyhees. Gibson said it's disturbing to see hikers post photos of tribal artifacts they brought home from the Owyhees, or people driving dirt bikes in sacred places, calling it a "desecration." "We wouldn't go look for some artifacts in the cemeteries," Gibson said. "It would feel pretty sick to do something like that, but it's allowed to be done on our homelands. We don't really have a say. We don't have resources." Gibson hopes that more protections and resources will preserve the land for future generations of tribe members, so they can be taken out into the Owyhees. "When they show you a family member's grave or something that is significant to you, that lasts within you as a child," Gibson said. "When you come back to the world out here, you think back on it like that's the only clean place you can ever think of." 2024 The Idaho Statesman. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Cyclone Remal is set to hit the southern coast and parts of neighboring India on Sunday evening. Tens of thousands of Bangladeshis left their coastal villages Sunday for concrete storm shelters further inland as the low-lying nation prepared for the expected landfall of an intense cyclone, officials said. Cyclone Remal is set to hit the southern coast and parts of neighboring India on Sunday evening, with Bangladesh's weather department predicting crashing waves and howling gales with gusts of up to 130 kilometers (81 miles) per hour. Cyclones have killed hundreds of thousands of people in Bangladesh in recent decades, but the number of superstorms hitting its low-lying, densely populated coast have increased sharplyfrom one a year to as many as threedue to the impact of climate change. "The cyclone could unleash a storm surge of up to 12 feet (four meters) above normal astronomical tide, which can be dangerous," senior weather official Muhammad Abul Kalam Mallik told AFP. Most of Bangladesh's coastal areas are a meter or two above sea level and high storm surges can devastate villages. Authorities have raised the danger signal to its highest level, warning fishermen against going to the sea and triggering an evacuation order for those in at-risk areas. Ferry sinks As people fled, police said that a heavily laden ferry carrying more than 50 passengersdouble its capacitywas swamped by rough waters and sank near Mongla, a port in the expected path of the storm. "At least 13 people were injured and were taken to a hospital," local police chief Mushfiqur Rahman Tushar told AFP, adding that other boats plucked the passengers to safety. Bangladeshi authorities have mobilized tens of thousands of volunteers to alert people to the danger of the cyclone. "Our plan is to evacuate hundreds of thousands of people from unsafe and vulnerable homes to the cyclone shelters," the government's disaster management secretary Kamrul Hasan told AFP. The authorities have mobilized tens of thousands of volunteers to alert people to the danger. He said some 4,000 cyclone shelters have been readied along the country's lengthy coast on the Bay of Bengal, with the cyclone expected to hit a 220-kilometer stretch from India's Sagar Island to Khepupara in Bangladesh. The state-run Bangladesh Meteorological Department said Cyclone Remal would make landfall Sunday between 6:00 pm and midnight (1200-1800 GMT). 'Vulnerable' In addition to the villagers and fishermen, many of the multi-story centers have space to shelter their cattle, buffaloes and goats, as well as their pets. "Some 78,000 volunteers have been mobilized to alert coastal people and evacuate the vulnerable people," Hasan said. Helal Mahmud Sharif, the chief government administrator of Khulna province, told AFP some 20,000 people had been evacuated to shelters in the most vulnerable coastal regions. Another 15,000 people and about 400 domesticated animals have been evacuated in the coastal Patuakhali and Bhola districts. Men push a fishing boat to a sea shore as a preventive measure during rainfall in Kuakata on May 26, 2024, ahead of cyclone Remal's landfall in Bangladesh. On the low-lying Bhashan Char island, which is home to 36,000 Rohingya refugees from Myanmar, 57 cyclone centers have been readied, deputy refugee commissioner Mohammad Rafiqul Haque told AFP. The country's three seaports and the airport in the second-largest city Chittagong were closed, officials said. India's Kolkata airport closed from noon Sunday until Monday morning "predicted heavy winds and heavy to very heavy rainfall", airport authorities said, while beaches near the area have been ordered shut. While scientists say climate change is fueling more storms, better forecasting and more effective evacuation planning have dramatically reduced the death toll. In the Great Bhola Cyclone in November 1970 an estimated half a million people diedmostly drowned by the storm surge. In May last year, Cyclone Mocha became the most powerful storm to hit Bangladesh since Cyclone Sidr in November 2007. Sidr killed more than 3,000 people and caused billions of dollars in damage. Last October, at least two people were killed and nearly 300,000 fled their homes for storm shelters when Cyclone Hamoon hit the country's southeastern coast. 2024 AFP ATLANTIC CITY Bob DAntonio was thinking about how far support for veterans has come as he waited for the start of the Saracini-ONeill Atlantic City 9/11 Memorial Day ceremony Saturday. Prior to (the Saracini-ONeill celebrations), there was a lot of people that snubbed the veterans and didnt really like what was going on, and especially during that Vietnam War, said DAntonio, 77, of Atlantic City. It was a war that you could have been settled a lot quicker or shouldnt have even been entered, but the atmosphere that they looked down upon the veterans with was really no good. It was a disgrace, more or less, because if it wasnt for our veterans we wouldnt have the freedom that we have today. DAntonio was part of the crowd of approximately 100 who gathered at the Saracini-ONeill Atlantic City 9/11 Memorial on the Boardwalk to honor those who served the country. The memorial was dedicated to Atlantic City natives Victor Saracini, captain of United Airlines Flight 175, which hijackers crashed into the World Trade Centers South Tower, and John P. ONeill, a former FBI agent who was director of security at the WTC and died while helping evacuate the South Tower. Nearly 3,000 people died in the 9/11 terrorism attacks. What started as an effort to memorialize the two fallen natives has evolved into several ceremonies across the year that honor not just Saracini and ONeill but also all of those who have given their lives in service to the country. Saturdays event featured the presentation of military dog tags to the families of William H. Simpkins and Floyd M. Conover, both of whom served in the Eighth Army Air Force, otherwise known as the Mighty Eighth, during World War II. It means the world. ... He went through so much when he was shot down over Germany, and its just fantastic, said Kirk Conover, 70, of Absecon, the son of the late Floyd Conover. When Bob (Pantalena) called me in the middle of the winter and said they were gonna do this, I was just overwhelmed. Pantalena is a co-director of the all-volunteer Sarcini-ONeill 9/11 Memorial organization. At Saturdays ceremony, Sandpipers Pipes and Drums of Atlantic County played patriotic songs to honor those who have served. Just taking a moment to reflect upon our freedoms by those who gave the ultimate price for us to have them, said the Sandpipers Jeff MacNeill, 70. During the event, Purple Heart recipient Marco Polo Smigliani and Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. announced the unveiling of the Bernie Friedenberg Memorial statue. The unveiling will take place June 6, the anniversary of D-Day, the Allied invasion of Normandy during World War II. Friedenberg grew up in Atlantic City and was a freshman at Temple University in Philadelphia when Pearl Harbor was attacked Dec. 7, 1941. The following day, Friedenberg tried to enlist in the military but was rejected by the Marines, Navy and Army due to poor vision. He remained committed to serving his country, and his persistence paid off when the Army brought him in as a medic. Friedenberg served in many of the wars major battles, including Operation Torch in Algeria in 1942, the Fighting First campaign in Sicily in 1943, D-Day in 1944 and the Battle of the Bulge later that year. They approached me with a financial shortfall, Small told the crowd about efforts to establish the Friedenberg memorial, and I said we are going to do any and everything to support and protect the people who protected and served this country. (The Friends of Bernie Friedenberg committee members) were going to ShopRites around the area every weekend trying to raise money. My administration stepped up with American Rescue Plan funding, and and $480,000 later, we will be unveiling that statue on D-Day. The Friendenberg statue will serve as a permanent memorial to those who lost their lives during the war, a far cry from the citys former WWII memorial. Right after the war, (the city) decided to do something different for veterans. They did a plaque for every veteran that died and planted a tree, Assemblyman and former Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian said. The tree had a 50-year life. So by the 1990s, all the trees were dead. ... And someone stole all the plaques. So we really have no memorial from World War II. So its fitting that (well have something) on the 6th, on D-Day. I know its the Jersey Shore, and its the beginning of the summer, but its nice to take two hours out to remember those that kept us free. For DAntonio, a city resident at Saturdays ceremony, the event brought to light the sacrifices veterans have made in service to this country. Ive been (coming) for the past 10 years, roughly after I met Bob (Pantalena), who does a great job, I love the people coming out here to honor our veterans. That means a lot for this country right now and the shape that its in. If we dont honor our veterans and keep them in good shape and take care of them, even the ones who are retired now, the countrys going to go to hell, more or less, so I appreciate all the people that came out, he said. PHOTOS Saracini-ONeill 9/11 Atlantic City Memorial WASHINGTON A New Jersey electrician who repeatedly attacked police officers during the Jan. 6, 2021, siege at the U.S. Capitol was sentenced on Friday to 12 years in prison by a judge who called him "a menace to our society." Christopher Joseph Quaglin argued with and insulted U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden before and after the judge handed him one of the longest prison sentences among hundreds of Capitol riot cases. "You're Trump's worst mistake of 2016," Quaglin told McFadden, who was nominated to the court by then-President Donald Trump in 2017. Quaglin, 38, joined the mob of Trump supporters who stormed the Capitol. He injured a police officer when he choked and tackled him to the ground. Quaglin assaulted other officers with stolen police shields, metal bike racks and pepper spray. He clashed with police for roughly three hours while wearing an American flag-themed "Make America Great Again" sweatshirt. "What an outrage. What a disgrace," the judge said. Quaglin complained about his jail conditions and pushed conspiracy theories about the Jan. 6 siege during his rambling remarks in the courtroom. He also took issue with labeling the Jan. 6 attack as an insurrection. "If I wanted to bring an insurrection, I would have brought a long gun," he said. The judge, who cut him off after several minutes, told Quaglin that his combative remarks were a "really bad idea" before sentencing. "It's a kangaroo court," Quaglin responded. Prosecutors urged the judge to sentence Quaglin to 14 years in prison. They said he was one of the most violent rioters on Jan. 6, when a mob of Donald Trump supporters disrupted the joint session of Congress for certifying President Joe Biden's 2020 electoral victory. The judge convicted Quaglin of six separate assaults on police. Prosecutors say he struck or pushed another dozen officers. "Quaglin understood the constitutional significance of January 6, and intended to disrupt Congress' certification of the 2020 election by any means necessary, including by viciously assaulting police officers for hours," prosecutors wrote. Approximately 1,400 people have been charged with Capitol riot-related federal crimes. Nearly 900 of them have been sentenced, with roughly two-thirds receiving a term of imprisonment ranging from a few days to 22 years. Only seven Capitol riot defendants have received a longer prison sentence than Quaglin, according to an Associated Press review of court records. McFadden convicted Quaglin of 14 counts last July after a "stipulated bench trial," which means the judge decided the case without a jury and based on facts that both sides agreed to before the trial. Such trials allow defendants to maintain appeal rights that are waived by a guilty plea. Quaglin traveled from his home in North Brunswick, New Jersey, to attend then-President Donald Trump's "Stop the Steal" rally near the White House on Jan. 6. Leaving the rally early, Quaglin recorded a video of himself as he marched to the Capitol wearing a helmet, a gas mask and a backpack. After storming barricades near Peace Circle, Quaglin repeatedly attacked officers who were trying to hold off the mob. Capitol Police Sgt. Troy Robinson was injured when Quaglin grabbed him by the neck and tackled him to the ground. "Quaglin's attack ignited a short brawl," prosecutors wrote. "With Quaglin on top of Sergeant Robinson, other rioters came to Quaglin's assistance and chaos broke loose." Quaglin "waged a relentless siege" as he joined other rioters in attacking police in a tunnel on the Capitol's Lower West Terrace, prosecutors said. He helped another rioter steal a shield from an officer. He pepper sprayed several officers in the face. And he joined the mob's collective "heave ho" push against a police line. "Quaglin was part of some of the most gruesome attacks in the tunnel as he worked with other rioters to ensure that officers were under constant attack," prosecutors wrote. Quaglin later celebrated and bragged about his participation in the riot. "It was a great time. I got bumps and bruises. And we're having a good time," he said in a video posted on social media. Defense attorney Kristi Fulnecky claims Quaglin has received inadequate medical treatment while jailed for the past three years. Fulnecky also said one of Quaglin's former attorneys coerced him into accepting a stipulated bench trial instead of a contested trial. McFadden told Quaglin that his actions on Jan. 6 were "shocking and lawless." "January 6th is not simply an anomaly for you," the judge said. "You've allowed it to define you." Whats on the brunch menu in Chesterfield Countys Rockwood Park? The answer if you go on a Saturday morning is smashed plantain breakfast sandwiches, Venezuelan tequenos made with pizza dough, and arepas as far as the eye can see. For a little more than six weeks now, Rockwood Park has been home to central Virginias first Latino farmers market, a south-of-the-border twist on the markets that command crowds of weekend early risers. Sweet, salty and scintillating, this farmers market swaps out kombucha and bagels for micheladas and arepas. Its a tour of Latin America, with stops in Mexico, Venezuela, Puerto Rico and more. The market was organized by America DeLoach. It debuted on April 6 and runs every Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon, when the tents, generators and savory scents fade away. DeLoach, the owner of Salsas Don Sebastian, said she organized the market to bring Chesterfields growing Latin American community together around food. Its a Latino community looking for their own food. So I said, OK, we need to have a place, a hub, for an opportunity, said DeLoach, who is originally from Venezuela. While visiting other farmers markets, DeLoach would always see one or two Hispanic vendors. There were not enough, but I knew, I knew there were more than that, DeLoach said. And also, I knew that we are good at food. DeLoach says she believes the market that comes together every weekend is unique. Here, visitors can find empanadas from Venezuela a distinct variety known as tequenos alongside empanadas from Argentina and Colombia. I cannot find that anywhere, DeLoach said. This is a beautiful hub where you can buy directly from the producer. On Saturday, one of those producers was Courtney Ramirez. Ramirez is half of the husband-wife duo behind Loquito Coquito RVA. Coquito is a traditional Puerto Rican holiday drink made with spices, coconut milk and rum. Its a passion project for the couple, who work separate day jobs as well. Their product is a 10th-generation recipe handed down from the Ramirez family, who hail from Ponce in southern Puerto Rico. The couple, who live in Bon Air, try to visit this market once a month. The business is mostly virtual and visible at pop-ups and farmers markets around the Richmond region. The two are playing with variations on the classic Puerto Rican drink, with black cherry and leche flavors that they say even catch Boricuas by surprise. Across the market is a pop-up run by newcomer restaurant La Dona Cocina, which opened in Henrico County in 2023. Owner Daniel Gutierrez says the restaurant serves strictly authentic food from the Guerrero region of Mexico known for delicacies like picaditas corn cakes topped with cheese and salsa. We want to skip the fajitas and burritos. We want it to be authentic, Gutierrez said. The market had 30 vendors on Saturday. DeLoach says it is growing rapidly, with 10 more vendors in the process of completing paperwork to join. From the Archives: Richmond's 200th Birthday Arresting officers find womans dead body on Cancun patio during search Cancun, Q.R. Two males remain in custody after arresting officers found a dead body. The deceased body was located on the patio of a home one of the men ran to during his subsequent arrest. The pair were initially stopped for driving a motorcycle on Cancun streets without a license plate. During their search, officers located a short black firearm with the legend BKTE742 caliber 9 mm, with a metallic black charger and 11 9 mm cartridges. The search took place outside a home from which one of the searched men had run. During the search, one of the arresting officers noticed a dead body on the patio. Police found the body of a deceased woman who had been shot. At the scene, police located several shell casings around the body. The two men were taken into custody. At the same time the search of these people was being carried out, one of the officers observed that inside the home from which one of the men had run, a lifeless person was found, specifically on the patio which had gunshot wounds on her body and there were shell casings around her, the Secretaria de Seguridad Ciudadana (SSC) reported in a statement Sunday. The detainees were taken to the facilities of the State Attorney General (FGE) facilities for carrying a firearm and alleged involvement in the crime of homicide. State seizes unfinished Tulum condo project after investigation opened for fraud Tulum, Q.R. An unfinished condominium property in Tulum has been seized by the state. The weekend seizure took place after its developer was reported for fraud. According to information available, personnel from the State Attorney Generals Office seized the property May 23. The property is located in region 15 of the town of Tulum. Seizure seals were placed across the property Thursday by state personnel belonging to the Special Prosecutors Office in Combating Patrimonial Crimes. The seizure stems from a complaint (investigation number FGE/QROO/BJ/01/2066/2024) by condo buyers against the developer. The State seized the unfinished condo May 23, 2024. Clients affected by this real estate project have reported a series of irregularities including non-compliance with the agreed qualities for the homes, as well as unjustified penalties and non-payment of commissions to real estate advisors. Appalachian Power is planning a significant line rebuild for parts of Christiansburg and Montgomery County. The project involves, according to an Appalachian news release: Rebuilding approximately four miles of 69-kilovolt (kV) transmission line. Building approximately a half-mile of 69-kV transmission line. Retiring approximately a half-mile of 69-kV transmission line. Upgrading the Midway, Cambria, Tech Drive and Hans Meadow substations. The upgrades to the local electric transmission system will benefit area customers by replacing deteriorating equipment with modern technology, according to the release. Modernizing the aging transmission line and area electrical infrastructure strengthens the local electrical grid and reduces the likelihood and duration of outages for area customers, said George Porter, spokesperson for the power company. As the area grows, we need to be sure our equipment is flexible and dependable enough to handle a changing electrical load. The project team has developed preliminary routes designed to minimize effects to the community and representatives plan to utilize existing rights-of-way where possible while reviewing areas where there are obstructions such as homes, sheds or pools and potentially shift the line in those select areas, according to the release. Landowners and community members are invited to an open house to provide feedback Tuesday, June 4, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Montgomery Museum of Art and History, 4 East Main St in Christiansburg. There is no formal presentation, so attendees may come and go any time during the three-hour event to talk to project representatives and view detailed maps. Attending the open house and sharing feedback on route options helps the project team to rebuild the transmission line while reducing impacts on the community, according to the release. Residents who cannot attend the open house may visit the project website and virtual open house at AppalachianPower.com/Midway. Landowners within the project area can expect to receive a packet in the mail that includes additional project details and a comment card to provide feedback on or before Friday, June 14. Construction is expected to start in late 2026 and conclude by the end of 2028. The Roanoke Times Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Local Weather Get the daily forecast and severe weather alerts in your inbox! Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy One of its editors has the same name as a Fico aide but refuses to confirm if he advises the premier. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share A periodical entitled 'Medical News' that uncritically promotes the views of anti-vaxxer and Slovak National Party (SNS) MP Peter Kotlar can currently be found in the waiting rooms of state hospitals. Kotlar was appointed in January as the government's special envoy for the investigation of the Covid-19 pandemic, but has not yet officially presented his team or any assessment of the pandemic period. Before accepting the role, he was mainly known in conspiracy circles, where he campaigned against vaccines, calling Covid-19 a biological weapon developed by "satanic bases." One of the editors of 'Medical News' (its Slovak title is 'Lekarske Noviny') has the same first name and surname as one of Prime Minister Robert Fico's advisors from the Smer party. When asked if he is indeed advising him, he did not respond. The Sme daily spoke to several doctors who are unhappy that the newspaper is promoting the views of people who reject evidence-based science. Medical news is controversial news Medical News is a monthly publication that is not audited, making it impossible to verify its actual circulation or sales. It is published by the company Veevent, which is registered to an address in Bratislava's Old Town borough. Karolina Kolesarova is listed as the editor-in-chief and Radoslav Kolesar as the owner. "It is important to open old wounds, clean them, and let them heal completely," the April edition of Medical News quotes Kotlar as saying in a speech to a conference reviewing the Covid-19 pandemic. Medical News dedicated three pages to the conference. The article in question, written by Marica Pirosikova, an advisor to Justice Minister Boris Susko (Smer), compiles quotes from conference participants. All the conference contributors criticised the management of the pandemic response in Slovakia and public health officials for pandemic management, claiming their emergency actions violated constitutional rights. "From a legal standpoint, I consider the Covid-19 period and the inability to conduct a judicial review of anti-pandemic measures a dark period in Slovak history," the newspaper quotes conference participant Judge Dana Jelinkova Dudzikova, suggesting comparing the anti-pandemic measures to totalitarianism before 1989. Slovak doctors are ready to oppose Doctor Milan Kulkovsky told Sme that "Medical News occasionally comes into my hands, and I believe they have their reasons. However, I must honestly say that I am disappointed by the promotion of a person who denies the principles of evidence-based medicine." Another doctor, who asked to remain anonymous, said it was inappropriate for newspapers with such views to be freely available to patients, especially in places like the waiting rooms at the National Institute of Children's Diseases in Bratislava's Kramare district. "The National Institute of Children's Diseases does not subscribe to Medical News," said its spokesperson Dana Kamenicka, when Sme enquired. "It is distributed to us for free and, in many cases, delivered to the institute addressed to specific doctors by name," she added. Medical News defended its promotion of Kotlar by citing its inclusion of other voices, like President Caputova's. Is one of the editors Fico's adviser? Despite repeated inquiries, the Sme daily was not able confirm if Medical News editor Jozef Dermek is the same Jozef Dermek who is an official advisor to Prime Minister Robert Fico. Dermek the editor spoke to a Sme reporter, but he refused to clarify if he was also working for the prime minister, stating that he is not the paper's publisher or employee, just an external collaborator. His commentaries appear prominently on the paper's website. A creeping Orbanification of Slovak broadcasting is under way, says popular TV debate host. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Share Welcome to your weekly commentary and overview of news from Slovakia. Politicians continue to point the finger at the media after the attack on Fico, even in a conciliatory parliamentary resolution. The law allowing for the political takeover of the public-service broadcaster RTVS advanced to its second reading unamended. TV Markiza prematurely halts the countrys most influential political debate show, with its host warning that the media is battling creeping Orbanification. If you have a suggestion on how to make this overview better, let me know at michaela.terenzani@spectator.sk. Its not just RTVS: private TV stations are under pressure too The government must continue doing the work it started before the attack, otherwise it would mean the Handlova attacker had succeeded in intimidating it, argues Deputy Prime Minister Robert Kalinak, of the Smer party. His party leader, Prime Minister Robert Fico, was seriously injured in a shooting attack in the small town of Handlova on May 15; he remains in hospital. The sentiment expressed by Kalinak last week resulted in, among other things, coalition MPs advancing to its second reading a proposed law that will allow ministers to dissolve the independent public-service broadcaster RTVS and replace it with a state media outfit that falls under their control. But by the end of last week, the Slovak public learned that media freedom concerns have now spread way beyond just the public-service broadcaster. Parliament says no to violence, and lectures journalists An initiative launched by the president and president-elect just after the shooting, to bring representatives of all the parties represented in parliament around one table for a good-faith discussion, fizzled within days. However, parliament did manage to agree on the text of a resolution condemning the attack and calling on society to reject violence, embrace pluralism and accept differing opinions. Out of 150 MPs, 130 were present for the vote and all voted in favour of the resolution. Distilling the many post-attack calls for reconciliation into a single act was something of success albeit a symbolic one. That is the good news. The not-so-good news is that the media and non-governmental organisations feature prominently in the document that both coalition and opposition politicians voted for as targets of blame. In line with the politics of pointing the finger at the media as being somehow responsible for the attack, a tactic practised to both more and less subtle degrees by politicians from all three coalition parties, the parliament in its document states, that the role of responsible and critical journalists is irreplaceable for a healthy society, but their work must be based on facts and not on spreading hate. Going beyond symbolic statements, Slovak National Party (SNS) leader Andrej Danko is promising measures that will put the media and NGOs in their place. We have yet to see a concrete proposal, though SNS politicians have already outlined some raw ideas about how they would like to control the online space, introduce a new form of right of reply and, for instance, oblige the media to publish information about where to contact the editorial office if someone say, an SNS politician wants them to make a correction. The latter is one of the less controversial ideas that Danko has unveiled so far, since any bona fide newspaper, news website, radio or television station would already have such contact information stated clearly on its website or in its pages. The absence of such information is in fact the hallmark of self-proclaimed alternative journalists who feed the public half-truths, outright lies or localised versions of Kremlin propaganda narratives. What goes on with Markiza Steer and Benson homer and the Reds get another solid start from Greene in a 3-1 win over Dodgers Cincinnati Reds' Will Benson tosses his bat after hitting a solo home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the second inning of a baseball game Saturday, May 25, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean) CINCINNATI (AP) Spencer Steer and Will Benson homered, Hunter Greene pitched six innings of one-run ball and the Cincinnati Reds dealt the Los Angeles Dodgers a season-high fourth straight loss, securing the weekend series with a 3-1 victory Saturday night. After outlasting the Dodgers 9-6 on Friday, the Reds got some big hits and shutdown relief pitching to clinch a season series for the first time in over a month. We know weve been struggling with it, but at the same time weve remained confident, and we take the field every day believing in what were capable of doing, Cincinnati manager David Bell said. But the results obviously matter, you know, and its important to have what youre working toward show up and get that feeling of winning. And that can go a long way." Greene (3-2) allowed five hits and struck out five in six innings. The Reds got scoreless innings of relief from Fernando Cruz, Sam Moll and closer Alexis Diaz, who retired the Dodgers in order in the ninth for his ninth save. After Steers solo homer in the first, Greene got into a jam in the second. Two singles and a walk loaded the bases for the Dodgers with no outs, but they came away with just one run as Greene got Jason Heyward to hit into a double-play after an eight-pitch at-bat, and Kike Hernandez grounded out. I think it was important to the team to keep the momentum on our side, Greene said of escaping the 32-pitch inning. With two outs in the second, Benson crushed a fastball from Buehler 411 feet into the upper deck in left field for a 2-1 Cincinnati lead. Elly De La Cruz drove in another run with a single in the sixth. The Dodgers threatened again in the sixth when Shohei Ohtani cracked a one-out triple into the right-field corner, but he was stranded there when Greene got Freddie Freeman and Will Smith on flyouts. Ohtani struck out in his other three plate appearances. Los Angeles got a second straight decent outing from Walker Buehler (1-2), who allowed three runs and six hits in 5 2/3 innings. I dont know the answer to why were in a lull," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. I think you can sort of dissect each game and then figure out whether it was situational hitting or we didnt take good at-bats or giving credit to the opposing staff. I thought today Hunter threw the baseball well. The Reds won back-to-back games for the first time since April 23-24. TRAINERS ROOM Ohtani has been slowed by a bruised hamstring suffered during the last Dodgers homestand, Roberts said, and has been told to be smart with it. Ohtani was clearly not at full speed when he legged out his triple. UP NEXT The Dodgers send RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto (5-1, 3.17 ERA) to the mound against Reds LHP Brent Suter for the series finale Sunday. Game time was changed to 12:10 p.m. EDT from 1:40 p.m. because severe weather is predicted. ___ AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB We get asked by friends and family where to buy coffee a lot. Its a tough question! Its easy to lose track of just how many incredible, fresh, vibrant coffees are out there. Every week, we ask our advertising roasting partners for coffee recommendations theyre most excited about. Heres this weeks collection of some of the most interesting whole bean coffee offerings available from talented roasters across the globe. Amavida Coffee Roasters CXFFEEBLACK Equator Coffees Greater Goods Coffee Co. Joe Coffee Company Madcap Coffee Company Monogram Coffee Night Swim Coffee Olympia Coffee Roasters Onyx Coffee Lab Partners Coffee PERC Coffee Portland Coffee Roasters Stumptown Coffee Roasters Verve Coffee Roasters Our coffee newsletter subscribers get this list each week, a few days before anyone elsecheck it out over at Substack. Amavida Coffee Roasters : Burundi Nemba This beautiful lot represents the unique flavors available in coffees from the region. It comes from the Nemba washing station in the Hills of Kayanza in Burundi. Its sugary aroma is reminiscent of ginger, molasses and red fruit. Unique flavors of gingersnap cookies, apricot and molasses are balanced by a pleasantly citric cup. Cxffeeblack : Fatherland Kenya, Lions Hill Farm, Tinderet Nandi County, Solai Coffee Junt, Washed Peaberry. My fathers first connection to coffee, my first connection to coffee. When my dad went to Africa while in college, Kenya changed his life. Years later, he introduced Kenyan coffee to our household. I didnt know it then, but this was the first clue that coffee, like me, was black. This cxffee is our latest from the all black supply chain, sourced by the Kuria family. They are a multi-generational African-owned Kenyan importing company bringing over coffee from their families and neighbors farms. We met the Kuria family at the second inaugural Color of Coffee Collective, and were so excited to be able to share the the first of our collaborative offerings with you. Equator Coffees Equator Coffees: Colombia Cerro Azul EnanoA returning single origin favorite, Cerro Azul Enano is a complex Colombian coffee featuring the mysterious Enano coffee variety from our quality-obsessed friends at Granja La Esperanza. We love this coffee so much that we bought their entire harvest! This Equator Coffees exclusive is now roasting, available in 6oz, 12oz, and 2lb bags. Greater Goods Coffee Co. Greater Goods Coffee Roasters: Basha Bekele Who doesnt like candy?! Our latest release from Ethiopia is a juicy fruit bomb from the Sidama region. Grown at the mid-bending altitude of 2000 plus meters above sea level, this coffee is a great example of how clean and beautiful extremely highgrown coffee can be. If youre someone who sees a naturally processed Ethiopian coffee and says, yes, please, then this lot from legendary produced, Basha Bekele, will be a coffee youll be thinking about for a long time. In the cup we got mouth-watering notes of dried strawberry, grape candy, and star jasmine. Takes it from us, this coffee as a pour over is a special event. Back to top. Joe Coffee Company Joe Coffee: Half Moon (half caff) Whether its your first cup of the morning or an afternoon pick-me-up, some moments call for a gentler cup of coffee. Thats where Half Moon comes in: this half-caff blend delivers all the comfort of your favorite coffee with only half the caffeine. To create Half Moon, we pair our beloved decaf offering, Nightcap, in a 50/50 blend with a fully caffeinated coffee from Brazil. The resulting profile is sweet and medium-bodied, with notes of walnut, sticky toffee pudding, and vanilla beanso delicious youll want a second cup! The decaffeinated component of this coffee is grown by the CORO Organic Coffee Growers in Oaxaca, Mexico, and decaffeinated at Decamex, a water-process decaffeination plant in Mexico. Back to top. Madcap Coffee Company Madcap Coffee Company: Ejo HezaIndependently owned, the Kopakama Cooperative is made up of 1025 members, 400 of them women. In 2011, the board of Kopakama directors agreed to create a womens group, giving them two plots of land. With only 200 members at the time, they called themselves Ejo Heza, which translates to Bright Tomorrow in Kinyarwanda, the national language of Rwanda. This is our fifth year working with Ejo Heza. Today the farms reputation spans far and wide, and womens groups from other cooperatives now visit Ejo Heza to see how they are organized and study their techniques. We hope you can taste the immense effort their co-op puts into every pound of coffee. This year, enjoy notes of floral hibiscus, juicy plum, and brown sugar. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240526/donbass-conscript-survives-after-being-tortured-in-ukrainian-captivity-1118641499.html Donbass Conscript Survives After Being Tortured in Ukrainian Captivity Donbass Conscript Survives After Being Tortured in Ukrainian Captivity Sputnik International A Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) conscript has survived after being shot in the head and later in the leg while being tortured in Ukrainian captivity, the survivor, Sergei Belitsa, told Sputnik. 2024-05-26T11:08+0000 2024-05-26T11:08+0000 2024-05-26T11:08+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine ukrainian crisis war crimes war crimes investigation war criminals https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/101568/23/1015682311_0:14:5531:3125_1920x0_80_0_0_59a1c4d81452e72b2adf8758d106fd3b.jpg The bullet went through the head, entering near the left ear and exiting near the right cheekbone, the conscript said, adding that he later woke up and was able to free himself.When he tried to return to Russian positions, he encountered Ukrainian soldiers and was initially mistaken for one of their own, so they called in medics, Belitsa said. But after they gave him first aid, they discovered Russian markings under his jacket, and Belitsa was interrogated and tortured, he added. During the torture, Belitsa repeatedly lost consciousness and was revived with water, and the interrogator also shot him in the leg, Belitsa recalled. He was soon transferred to a hospital in the city of Kharkov, where he received medical care. After the hospital, he spent about two months in Ukrainian prisons and was exchanged for Ukrainian prisoners of war in March 2023. After returning to Russia, Belitsa once again received medical help and his jaw was fused, but his left ear will never be restored. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230713/blood-on-the-walls-inside-ukraines-torture-chambers-1111796712.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240328/ukraine-tortures-russian-prisoners-of-war-in-2023-2024---unhrc-1117594220.html Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International ukrainian crisis, ukrainian war crimes. ukraine torture, ukraine war criminals, ukraine cruelty, ukraine crimes against humanity https://sputnikglobe.com/20240526/expired-why-is-zelensky-no-longer-ukraines-legitimate-president-1118642457.html Expired: Why is Zelensky No Longer Ukraine's Legitimate President? Expired: Why is Zelensky No Longer Ukraine's Legitimate President? Sputnik International Volodymyr Zelenskys presidential term ran out on Monday, while no elections were held under the pretext of a martial law introduced by the Kiev regime shortly after the beginning of the Russian special military operation. 2024-05-26T14:52+0000 2024-05-26T14:52+0000 2024-05-26T14:52+0000 analysis ukraine volodymyr zelensky presidential election term legitimacy https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/05/1a/1118642300_0:0:3071:1728_1920x0_80_0_0_90936e6c85083884ba418862ab9af643.jpg Volodymyr Zelensky's term in office ran out on May 20, so speaking of his legitimacy makes no sense, Andrey Yakovlev, chairman of the Yakovlev and Partners Moscow Bar Association, told Sputnik.In turn, President Vladimir Putin has said that Russia will proceed from the fact that Zelensky's legitimacy as Ukrainian head of state has expired.What Does Ukrainian Constitution Stipulate?According to Yakovlev, Ukraines Constitution does not contain any other instruments to extend the legitimate five-year term of the president, except for early elections, in line with a 2014 Constitutional Court ruling.On the other hand, he went on, it was impossible to try to amend the Constitution because Article 157 stipulates that the document cannot be changed under martial law or a state of emergency.The 2015 martial law legislation, cited by Kiev to defend the president's mandate, contradicts the Constitution, which directly refers to the preservation of the parliaments legitimacy and makes no mention of the presidents status. Apparently, the Constitutional Court never checked the legislation, per Yakovlev.Even if Zelensky may be "recognized" by some, any act signed by him after May 20 - without any clarification from the Constitutional Court - is unlikely to have legal force, the chairman of the Moscow Bar Association argued.He was echoed by Alexander Ignatov, executive director of the Russian Public Institute of Electoral Law, who recalled in an interview with Sputnik that Article 103 of Ukraines Constitution determines the presidential term to be five years.At the same time, Article 5 of the Constitution obliges the president and the parliament to act in accordance with the law, prohibiting, in particular, the usurpation of power, according to the expert.Who Decides on Zelensky's Legitimacy?When asked on what can be said about Zelenskys legitimacy, Ignatov emphasized that "the final assessment of the issue, in fact, should be given, as President Putin said, by the legal system of Ukraine."The expert recalled that under the countrys Electoral Code, the expiration of the presidential term envisages the next election, which can only be held on one day - on the last Sunday in March of the presidents last year in office.Does Anyone See 'Expired President' Zelensky as Legitimate?Alexander Dudchak, a leading researcher at the Institute for CIS Studies, has, meanwhile, told Sputnik that Ukrainian authorities have, in principle, been illegitimate since February 22, 2014, when a bloody coup carefully orchestrated by the West occurred in Kiev."Why was the Kiev regime recognized at the time? This was quite accurately formulated by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Moscow only contacts Kiev because Ukrainian authorities have millions of people under their control. But now all the deadlines have really expired, Dudchak pointed out, recalling that even in Ukraine, Zelensky is nicknamed the expired president."Commenting on Putins remarks about Moscows possible peace talks with Kiev, the expert said: "There is no one to negotiate with in Ukraine, which is also the case with the West.""If a regime remains on any Ukrainian territory that the West will see as a successor to the current government the Zelensky regime or that of similar functionaries whom the collective West could put in power it would be a constant threat to Russia because the West will pump this territory with weapons," Dudchak said. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240525/zelenskys-unconstitutional-power-grab-amidst-ukraines-military-failures-1118636828.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240520/nebenzia-warns-signing-any-documents-with-illegitimate-zelensky-against-common-sense-1118547233.html ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.jpg Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Oleg Burunov https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e4/09/0b/1080424846_0:0:2048:2048_100x100_80_0_0_3d7b461f8a98586fa3fe739930816aea.jpg expiration of volodymyr zelensky's term, ukraines constitutional court, russian president vladimir putin's statement on expiration of volodymyr zelensky's presidential term, the issue of volodymyr zelensky's legitimacy https://sputnikglobe.com/20240526/frances-macron-on-first-visit-to-berlin-in-24-years-to-mend-cracks-in-franco-german-unity-1118643358.html France's Macron on First Visit to Berlin in 24 Years to Mend Cracks in 'Franco-German Unity' France's Macron on First Visit to Berlin in 24 Years to Mend Cracks in 'Franco-German Unity' Sputnik International Emmanuel Macron has arrived in Germany on an official state visit on Sunday. 2024-05-26T16:10+0000 2024-05-26T16:10+0000 2024-05-26T16:10+0000 world europe germany france emmanuel macron visit https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/05/1a/1118643200_0:0:3144:1770_1920x0_80_0_0_9e6f69170a133a650335de1b7f18a2e5.jpg This trip has become the first official visit by a French president to Germany since 2000, with Reuters reporting that the visit is apparently meant as a show of unity between Berlin and Paris amid unresolved tensions. Managing Director for Europe at the Eurasia Group think tank Mujtaba Rahman told the media outlet that Macrons visit is "an attempt at the highest political level to demonstrate that the relationship is working." Meanwhile, Berlin and Paris keep disagreeing on many issues - such as the defense and security situation in Europe. Whereas Germany is keen to rely on the US military protection, France favors self-reliance, with Macron consistently advocating for Europes greater autonomy in defense matters. Paris recent belligerence extremely obvious in comparison to Berlins slow pace may be well explained by the fact that France has its own, albeit small, nuclear arsenal while Germany has no nukes of its own. During a cabinet meeting slated to take place on Tuesday, May 28, top French and German officials are expected to discuss important matters related to the bilateral relations between the two countries. The French presidents visit takes place mere days before the elections for the EU Parliament, scheduled on June 6 through 9, with a report suggesting that France and Germany are now seeking to find common ground on the EU agenda for the next five years. A year earlier, Macron had to scrap plans for his visit to Berlin originally expected to take place in July 2023 amid protests that broke out in France over the death of a 17-year-old teenager who was killed by police. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240522/france-conducts-test-launch-of-updated-supersonic-asmpa-missile---defense-minister-1118587612.html germany france Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International france germany relations, emmanuel macron official visit, macron visit to germany https://sputnikglobe.com/20240526/germany-pushes-solidarity-distribution-of-ukraine-migrants-as-social-services-strained-1118637156.html Germany Pushes Solidarity Distribution of Ukraine Migrants as Social Services Strained Germany Pushes Solidarity Distribution of Ukraine Migrants as Social Services Strained Sputnik International Anti-immigrant politics is on the rise in Europe, with a flood of refugees from Ukraine causing repercussions throughout the continent. 2024-05-26T01:27+0000 2024-05-26T01:27+0000 2024-05-26T01:27+0000 world robert fico olaf scholz europe ukraine germany european union (eu) die welt deutsche welle interior ministry https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/0b/1a/1104721131_0:160:3072:1888_1920x0_80_0_0_48942f7e977b0f332c04d0c3f50af888.jpg The German government has announced its support for a more even distribution of refugees throughout the European Union as the country copes with more than 1.3 million Ukrainian migrants.Germany has been the primary destination for Ukrainian refugees amid the countrys Western-backed proxy war against Russia. Poland and Czechia have welcomed the second and third-largest cohorts of migrants, hosting 960,000 and 360,000 Ukrainians, respectively.The country offers generous benefits, with a monthly stipend of 563 euros or $610. Meanwhile, the employment rate for Ukrainian refugees in Germany stands at just 20% far lower than in other EU countries, according to German state broadcaster Deutsche Welle.Berlins proposed policy would see Ukraine migrants who have illegally moved to other EU states be returned to the countries where they originally sought asylum. Some fighting-age refugees could be returned to Ukraine, according to an expert quoted by Die Welt.Kiev has made efforts to seek the return of military-age citizens as draft dodging remains a major concern. In April, the country announced a plan to deny consular assistance to draft-age Ukrainians abroad, forcing them to visit conscription centers in Ukraine to access services.Ukraine has taken to forcefully press ganging Ukrainians as opposition to its war with Russia grows within the country, detaining fighting-age men in public venues and submitting them to a brief period of training before they are sent to the front lines. A scandal ensued last month after a 14-year-old boy was assaulted and detained by conscription officers, before subsequently being released after the teenager produced identification proving his age.The strain of accommodating Ukrainian refugees has stoked tensions throughout Europe, where anti-immigrant politics are on the rise. The Republic of Ireland recently announced cuts to welfare payments for the migrants amid a major housing shortage in the country.Other domestic policy imposed in light of the conflict between Kiev and Moscow has proven highly controversial; projected German GDP growth for 2024 has shrunk to just .3% as sanctions on Russian gas continue to batter the countrys industry. The elimination of tariffs on Ukrainian agricultural goods has led to farmers protests throughout the continent.Political tensions have mounted within the European Union as well, with Hungary, Serbia and Slovakia among the member states voicing opposition to the arming of Ukraine. Last week, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico was shot by an assailant unhappy with the governments policy regarding the Western proxy war. Footage has emerged of the would-be assailant at a protest calling Ficos government traitors for refusing to provide military aid to the Kiev regime.Fico has insisted Slovakia will continue to provide humanitarian aid to Ukraine, but the populist leader claims it is not in the small Central European countrys interest to send armaments to the country. https://sputnikglobe.com/20230610/ukraine-strikes-flood-refugees-in-kherson-region-killing-one-1111042610.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20231108/unemployed-ukrainian-refugees-become-drain-on-germanys-finances-1114825253.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240228/we-have-become-our-own-enemy-polish-farmers-remarkable-protest-against-europes-self-destruction-1117028033.html ukraine germany Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 John Miles https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/19/1116388787_0:0:1316:1316_100x100_80_0_0_77e70d36afd983012b1c5d38ddb84156.jpg John Miles https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/19/1116388787_0:0:1316:1316_100x100_80_0_0_77e70d36afd983012b1c5d38ddb84156.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 John Miles https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/19/1116388787_0:0:1316:1316_100x100_80_0_0_77e70d36afd983012b1c5d38ddb84156.jpg germany ukraine refugees, germany ukrainian migrants, europe immigration crisis, eu ukraine refugees, ukraine draft dodgers, ukraine press gang, european union ukraine policy, ukrainian migrants, ukrainian immigrants, illegal migrants, illegal immigrants, ukrainian men, draft dodgers, conscription in ukraine https://sputnikglobe.com/20240526/icj-orders-israel-to-halt-military-offensive-in-rafah-1118637426.html ICJ Orders Israel to Halt Military Offensive in Rafah ICJ Orders Israel to Halt Military Offensive in Rafah Sputnik International The panel voted 13 - 2 in favor of the order for Israel to halt its military offensive. 2024-05-26T05:35+0000 2024-05-26T05:35+0000 2024-05-26T05:35+0000 world israel israel-gaza conflict israel defense forces (idf) palestinians benjamin netanyahu joe biden rafah international criminal court (icc) international court of justice https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/05/1a/1118639711_0:320:3072:2048_1920x0_80_0_0_3aa105a6f486fe10641706a2d4f115ee.jpg On Friday, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered an immediate halt to Israels military offensive in Rafah. The court has said that the attack on Gazas southernmost city has already displaced more than 800,000 people less than 20 days after it first began its assault. Israeli officials have indicated that they will ignore the ruling, even as their actions continue to garner critical attention across the globe.In a statement, ICJ President Nawaf Salam said that the court was not convinced by measures that Israel said it had taken to ensure the safety of Palestinian citizens. The panel voted 13 - 2 in favor of the order for Israel to halt its military offensive and for any other action in the Rafah Governorate, which may inflict on the Palestinian group in Gaza conditions of life that could bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part.The courts decision has added to the increasing pressure that Israel now faces, following arrest warrants that were issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, as well as Hamas leader Yehiya Sinwar and two others for war crimes and crimes against humanity.Additionally, this month the countries of Norway, Ireland and Spain said that they would recognize the Palestinian state, while Egypt announced that it would seek permission to join South Africas case against Israel at the ICJ in which Israel has been accused of violating its obligations under the Genocide Convention. Earlier this year, Colombia and Turkiye also asked to join the case which was brought in January.However, the Biden administration and other US government officials have elected to continue their support of Israel, even as they have expressed opposition to a military campaign in Rafah. The White House announced earlier this month that it would be pausing a shipment of some 3,500 bombs if Israel decided to invade Rafah.After returning from a visit to Israel, Sullivan said he had been briefed on changes that Israel had made to their plans in order to better root out Hamas fighters.The day prior, Blinken said the Biden administration would be willing to work with congress on a way to impose sanctions against officials who belong to the ICC.Rafah has been the last safe zone for many Palestinians fleeing Israeli fire in the Gaza Strip. More than 1 million people first sought refuge there in recent months but more than 800,000 have fled the city since the assault began earlier this month.Palestinian authorities have reported that over 35,000 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict first broke out in October. A majority of those who have been killed are believed to be women and children. Cindy McCain, the head of the United Nations World Food Program has also warned that Gaza has now entered a full-blown famine. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240525/us-v-icc-1118621908.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240524/netanyahu-to-hold-urgent-cabinet-consultation-after-un-court-ruling-on-rafah---reports-1118618082.html israel rafah palestine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Mary Manley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/0b/1092187887_0:0:2048:2049_100x100_80_0_0_0c2cc4c84f89aff034cc55bb01fb6697.jpg Mary Manley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/0b/1092187887_0:0:2048:2049_100x100_80_0_0_0c2cc4c84f89aff034cc55bb01fb6697.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Mary Manley https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e6/01/0b/1092187887_0:0:2048:2049_100x100_80_0_0_0c2cc4c84f89aff034cc55bb01fb6697.jpg icj, icc, rafah, rafah assault, israeli aggression, genocide, ethnic cleansing, humanitarian disaster, humanitarian catastrophe, humanitarian ceasefire, israel-hamas conflict, gaza strip crisis, shelling of gaza, gaza devastation, israel-palestine conflict, palestine-israel conflict, israeli-palestinian conflict, palestinian-israeli, zionist regime, zionists, hamas attack, israeli strikes, israeli forces https://sputnikglobe.com/20240526/new-zealand-spends-113-million-to-use-us-military-satellites---reports-1118641080.html New Zealand Spends $113 Million to Use US Military Satellites - Reports New Zealand Spends $113 Million to Use US Military Satellites - Reports Sputnik International New Zealand is paying US for access to a network of 10 satellites built by Boeing and managed by the US Department of Defense. 2024-05-26T10:43+0000 2024-05-26T10:43+0000 2024-05-26T10:43+0000 military new zealand us department of defense (dod) satellite new satellites spy satellite https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/05/1a/1118641313_0:541:2049:1693_1920x0_80_0_0_1d050066d84456e85d61c0dbcbc4919f.jpg In 2012, New Zealand spent $83 million to gain access to a network of 10 satellites built by Boeing and managed by the US Department of Defense, which it has used for 12 years, the report released on Saturday said. New Zealand also said it would allocate $15 million to launch two more satellites to expand the network, the broadcaster reported. Commenting on the document, the RNZ reported that the New Zealand defense force was looking to expand its moderate space capabilities and is interested in more ground-based space infrastructure at a time of rapid growth for the country's commercial space operators. The New Zealand Defense Ministry told the broadcaster that its updated Defense Capability Plan will include all indicative space-related investments up to 2040. The new plan will be presented to the defense minister in June. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240525/everything-we-know-about-russias-sphera-satellite-internet-and-earth-imaging-program-1118631750.html new zealand Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International new zealand satellites, new zealand boeing, satellites boeing, military satellites https://sputnikglobe.com/20240526/prelude-to-wwiii-italy-slams-natos-chief-idea-to-allow-ukraine-strikes-deep-into-russia-1118640193.html Prelude to WWIII: Italy Slams NATO Chief's Proposal to Allow Ukraine to Strike Deep Into Russia Prelude to WWIII: Italy Slams NATO Chief's Proposal to Allow Ukraine to Strike Deep Into Russia Sputnik International The Italian government has declined NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenbergs plea to lift restrictions on the use of Western weapons, supplied to Kiev regime. 2024-05-26T09:00+0000 2024-05-26T09:00+0000 2024-05-26T09:23+0000 world ukrainian crisis russia-nato showdown jens stoltenberg antonio tajani matteo salvini nato ukraine italy us arms for ukraine https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/101664/22/1016642244_0:845:1500:1689_1920x0_80_0_0_853e37694c5435a9bcedb48f1265e25e.jpg The Italian government has slammed NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenbergs plea to lift restrictions on the use of Western weapons supplied to Kiev regime. He added that Italy must always work for peace and lower the tone. While Italy is a part of NATO, every decision must be made collectively, he pointed out.Italy's Deputy Prime Minister and leader of the Lega party Matteo Salvini voiced the same position, stressing that no one seeks a prelude to a Third World War.Earlier, NATOs Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg urged partners to formally allow Kiev to use Western-supplied long-range missile systems to strike deep into Russian territory.Russian officials repeatedly warned against military supplies to the Kiev regime, stressing that this move only fuels the conflict with no chance of affecting the ultimate course of the special operation.Moscow's Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stressed that everyone who goes to the so-called 'peaceful conference' in Switzerland on Ukraine should be well aware of Stoltenbergs recent words.Russian parliamentary representative from the Crimea region in turn dubbed Stoltenberg's words an obsession with war and desire to harm Russia at any cost with no regard to catastrophic consequences for the population of Western nations. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240525/stoltenbergs-call-to-untie-ukraines-hands-to-strike-russia-shows-nato-is-desperate-1118635150.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240525/peace-summit-moscow-slams-nato-chiefs-call-to-let-ukraine-hit-deep-into-russia-1118629904.html ukraine italy Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sergey Lebedev Sergey Lebedev News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sergey Lebedev russia-nato showdown, ukrainian crisis, us arms for ukraine, strikes inside russia ukraine, strikes russian territory, stoltenberg russia, italy stoltenberg https://sputnikglobe.com/20240526/prewar-generation-uk-tories-propose-mandatory-national-service-1118639401.html Prewar Generation: UK Tories Propose Mandatory National Service Prewar Generation: UK Tories Propose Mandatory National Service Sputnik International The Conservative Party has unveiled the plan in an effort to strengthen the countrys military, while the Labour Party faulted its opposition for not investing more in the countrys armed forces. 2024-05-26T04:27+0000 2024-05-26T04:27+0000 2024-05-26T04:27+0000 world rishi sunak keir starmer united kingdom (uk) conservative party labour party ukraine russia wikipedia cyber war https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e7/08/06/1112419908_0:0:1400:789_1920x0_80_0_0_85c9879e11b3742fdc8e1ab26ff2c568.jpg The head of the UKs Conservative Party proposed mandatory national service Saturday in the latest indication that European leaders see a major global conflict on the horizon.Under the plan, 18-year-old UK citizens would be required to complete 12 months of service in the countrys armed forces. Alternatively, the young adults could complete one year of community service, volunteering for one weekend each month.The proposal is Sunaks first of this years political campaign after calling for national elections to be held on July 4.A statement by the opposition Labour Party criticized the idea, claiming, this is not a plan its a review which could cost billions. The party said the proposal is only needed because the Tories hollowed out the armed forces to their smallest size since Napoleon, suggesting Labour leader Keir Starmer would seek increased military funding.Young adults opting for the year of military service could fulfill the obligation by working in the UK militarys so-called cyber defense operations, it was reported, assisting in cyber security and civil response operations. Western countries have increasingly focused on cyber warfare amid a social panic over alleged foreign disinformation online.The US military has been operating bot accounts to influence opinion on social media for more than a decade, and Wikipedia co-founder Larry Sanger has claimed the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) maintains a presence on Wikipedia to wage information warfare.Sunaks proposal is the latest step towards what observers fear could be a third world war as European countries maintain support for Ukraines proxy conflict against Russia. British military chief Gen. Patrick Sanders recently claimed the UKs prewar generation should prepare for a possible war, saying it would be a whole of nation undertaking. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240228/world-war-iii-watch-us-army-restructuring-to-focus-on-large-scale-combat-1117030444.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240525/will-western-leaders-start-world-war-iii-to-distract-from-their-political-failure-1118621432.html united kingdom (uk) ukraine russia Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 John Miles https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/19/1116388787_0:0:1316:1316_100x100_80_0_0_77e70d36afd983012b1c5d38ddb84156.jpg John Miles https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/19/1116388787_0:0:1316:1316_100x100_80_0_0_77e70d36afd983012b1c5d38ddb84156.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 John Miles https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/19/1116388787_0:0:1316:1316_100x100_80_0_0_77e70d36afd983012b1c5d38ddb84156.jpg uk national service, rishi sunak mandatory military service, uk mandatory community service, uk cyber defense, uk cyber defence, world war iii, uk prewar generation comment, military conscription, military draft, british army, british forces, world war 3, world war three, 3 world war, third world war, world war iii https://sputnikglobe.com/20240526/remain-mobilized-pro-independence-protesters-in-new-caledonia-stand-their-ground-1118638624.html Remain Mobilized: Pro-Independence Protesters in New Caledonia Stand Their Ground Report Remain Mobilized: Pro-Independence Protesters in New Caledonia Stand Their Ground Report Sputnik International France is keeping a tight grip on a remnant of its former colonial empire as indigenous demonstrators fear being politically sidelined. 2024-05-26T03:45+0000 2024-05-26T03:45+0000 2024-05-26T22:15+0000 europe emmanuel macron france new caledonia pacific european court of human rights (echr) independence sovereignty colonialism political unrest https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/05/1a/1118638975_0:141:3072:1869_1920x0_80_0_0_563ab08e83300bd7d9c98d7e0dccf980.jpg A leader of pro-independence forces in the French overseas territory of New Caledonia is calling on protesters to remain mobilized and maintain resistance as French President Emmanuel Macron enforces a state of emergency in response to massive demonstrations.Christian Tein, the head of the Pacific archipelagos Field Action Coordination Unit party, made the call in a video posted to social media.Riots and demonstrations broke out in New Caledonias capital of Noumea earlier this month after Macron proposed a reform to the countrys electoral system that is perceived as tightening Frances colonial grip on the territory.Since 1998, New Caledonias electorate has been limited to its indigenous inhabitants plus pre-1998 residents and their descendants who have lived there continuously for at least 10 years. The European Court of Human Rights ruled the arrangement was acceptable as a provisional move towards decolonization of the territory.But Macrons proposal aims to grant the vote to more migrants living there, a move indigenous inhabitants say is a step away from self-rule and towards renewed European control.The French president met Wednesday with pro-independence leaders, but the summit failed to end the unrest. Macron called on protesters to remove barricades that have brought the territorys economy to a standstill.Tein called on demonstrators to allow vehicles carrying food, fuel and medicine to move freely, but Macron has insisted the roadblocks must be dismantled entirely. The French president has imposed a state of emergency on the territory until the demand is met, deploying the French military to maintain a curfew, a ban on public gatherings and the prohibition of the sale of alcohol. Residents have also been blocked from accessing TikTok.Three independence referendums were held in New Caledonia in recent years, with the first two being narrowly defeated despite strong support in the territorys indigenous-majority provinces. A third referendum held amid COVID-19 restrictions was boycotted by independence advocates.The development comes after a series of governments of former French colonies in North Africa have forced French and US troops to abandon their military presence in the region. France has been criticized for its treatment of former territories in Africa, which it forces to pay a colonial tax for the alleged benefits of French subjugation. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240516/why-cant-macron-afford-to-lose-french-pacific-territory-of-new-caledonia-1118471324.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240518/shake-off-the-shackles-france-struggles-to-keep-its-colonies-1118510358.html https://sputnikglobe.com/20240521/frances-counterterrorism-operations-in-africa-failed-led-to-conflict---nebenzia-1118570331.html france new caledonia pacific Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 John Miles https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/19/1116388787_0:0:1316:1316_100x100_80_0_0_77e70d36afd983012b1c5d38ddb84156.jpg John Miles https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/19/1116388787_0:0:1316:1316_100x100_80_0_0_77e70d36afd983012b1c5d38ddb84156.jpg News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 John Miles https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/01/19/1116388787_0:0:1316:1316_100x100_80_0_0_77e70d36afd983012b1c5d38ddb84156.jpg new caledonia protests, new caledonia riots 2024, new caledonia independence demonstrations, new caledonia roadblocks, new caledonia barricades, new caledonia french colony, new caledonia independence, macron tiktok ban, neo-colonialism, colonialism, french colony, free caledonia, freedom for new caledonia, freedom for caledonia, independent new caledonia, french empire, civil unrest https://sputnikglobe.com/20240526/russia-strikes-ukrainian-airport-adapted-for-f-16-jets-blasts-energy-infrastructure-1118640860.html Russia Strikes Ukrainian Airport Adapted For F-16 Jets, Blasts Energy Infrastructure Russia Strikes Ukrainian Airport Adapted For F-16 Jets, Blasts Energy Infrastructure Sputnik International Russia conducted a series of strikes on Ukrainian military airfield adjusted for Western F-16 and blasted energy infrastructure. 2024-05-26T10:14+0000 2024-05-26T10:14+0000 2024-05-26T10:14+0000 russia's special operation in ukraine russian armed forces ukrainian crisis high precision missiles high precision russia ukraine https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/03/09/1117228523_0:0:1920:1080_1920x0_80_0_0_74edfe813f118a6bd5c5c4c63456f042.jpg The Russian Armed Forces hit military and energy infrastructure in the city of Starokonstantinov, the representative of the underground resistance told Sputnik. He added that Moscow struck a military airfield that is currently being prepared for Western F-16 fighter jets.The source added that the Russian military targeted an electrical substation and hit the bulls eye with a very powerful explosion" being heard, and the city's power was cut off. Ukrainian media also published reports about the number of other blasts there.Earlier in May, media outlets reported that the first batches of F-16 fighter jets would be delivered to Ukraine by June or July. In a conversation with military pilots that took place in March, Russian President Vladimir Putin explained that the supply of F-16s would not change the situation on the battlefield. Nevertheless, Moscow stressed it would treat the jets as nuclear-capable assets due to their dual-purpose nature. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240328/ukraine-may-use-f-16s-as-kamikazes-to-rev-up-rockets-but-russia-has-means-to-counter-threat-1117614782.html russia ukraine Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sergey Lebedev Sergey Lebedev News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sergey Lebedev russian special military operation, russian armed forces, ukrainian crisis, russia's strikes on ukraine, russia strikes ukraine, ukraine updates https://sputnikglobe.com/20240526/why-eu-attempts-to-develop-new-main-battle-tank-unlikely-to-succeed-1118643596.html Why EU Attempts to Develop New Main Battle Tank Unlikely to Succeed Why EU Attempts to Develop New Main Battle Tank Unlikely to Succeed Sputnik International Moves by the European Union to design a new main battle tank for the EU members militaries are unlikely to produce any meaningful results in the immediate future, says retired US Army Lt. Colonel and veteran international consultant Earl Rasmussen. 2024-05-26T18:57+0000 2024-05-26T18:57+0000 2024-05-26T18:57+0000 analysis military & intelligence earl rasmussen european union (eu) main battle tank development https://cdn1.img.sputnikglobe.com/img/07e8/05/06/1118281824_0:46:3479:2003_1920x0_80_0_0_260e1eca4ff3d72167a400fedc94cd44.jpg Europe is considering building a new main battle tank, a European one. Already we've seen discussions of France and Germany going on in this project. And now it appears that Poland's largest military company PGZ is decided to join the project as well. I'm not sure the likelihood of success on this. If it is successful, it will take many years, Rasmussen tells Sputnik. According to him, the development of a weapon system usually takes between 7 to 10 years. Aside from the actual development and prototyping, the parties involved in this undertaking would also have to ensure that they have sufficient production capabilities. Training in the use of the new tank would also have to be provided to the buyers militaries, and the whole supply chain needs to be coordinated and integrated as well, Rasmussen notes. Commenting on Polands apparent involvement in the European tank scheme, despite the fact that until now Warsaw seemed keen to rely on purchasing US and South Korean military hardware, Rasmussen says that it remains to be seen how it may affect US-Polish relations. Regarding the purpose of this tank development project, Rasmussen postulates that the EU likely came up with this idea after considering all the logistical complications the Ukrainian military faces after being supplied with a mish-mash of US and European weapon systems that often require different ammunition and parts. It's going to be a long road to haul. And then there's a lot of stumbling blocks along the way and we'll see how it ends up. But the likelihood of this being successes is probably slim and it will cost a lot of money. And it'll probably be delayed is significantly as well, Rasmussen surmises. https://sputnikglobe.com/20240524/poland-baltics-join-forces-to-build-maginot-style-defensive-line-on-border-with-russia-belarus-1118615830.html Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 2024 Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 News en_EN Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 1920 1080 true 1920 1440 true 1920 1920 true Sputnik International feedback@sputniknews.com +74956456601 MIA Rossiya Segodnya 252 60 Sputnik International europe main battle tank, eu weapon development, eu tank production Outlawguns N Roses blazed a trail to victory as she wired eight foes in the $56,900 final of the Alberta Sires Stakes Alberta Diamond Series for three-year-old pacing fillies. The brown daughter of Captive Audience served notice that she came to play as soon as the gate swung away, clearing the two rivals to her immediate inside, even-money favourite Over Ice (Philip Giesbrecht) and Byby Baby Byby (Michael Hennessy) at the entry to the first turn. Those three were 1-2-3 through an opening quarter of :27.2 and a half-mile timed in :56.4. On the approach to three-quarters, Over Ice went first over to challenge the leader, who promptly rebuffed the mild threat from the favourite while posting a three-quarter clocking of 1:25.4. It was smooth sailing from that point as driver Dave Kelly guided Outlawguns N Roses to a 10-length victory in a seasonal best 1:52.4. Outlawguns N Roses is out of the Cams Card Shark mare Gunslingin Gal and was bred by Outlaw Stable of Falun, Alta. Trainer Rod Starkewski of Lamont, Alta. co-owns the filly with Clauzette Byckal of Onoway, Alta Outlawguns N Roses paid $4.80 to win as the 7-5 second choice, and is now three-for-three in 2024, with seven wins in 12 lifetime starts and total earnings of $132,490. The $12,500 Preferred Pace on the Saturday card was also a speed show as Michael Hennessy guided Blue Star Mercury to a 6-1 score from post seven. Icy Blue Scooter (Nathan Sobey) took advantage of post one to take the early lead. That lead was short-lived as Blue Star Mercury took over at the end of the first eighth, leading the field through early fractions of :27.1 and :56.1. Blue Star Mercury was pressured by No Collusion (Brandon Campbell) on the way to three-quarters. After reaching that station in 1:24.3, Blue Star Mercury shook off No Collusion and held off Icy Blue Scooter, who scooted up the passing lane only to come up a nose short. Mylittle Gingerman (Kelly Hoerdt) was third. The final time was 1:53.2. Blue Star Mercury is a four-year-old bay gelding by Mystician out of the Rocknroll Hanover mare Lucky Lucka. The win is the second in a row for this gelding, third in nine starts in 2024 and ninth in 34 lifetime starts. In eking out the win, Blue Star Mercury rewarded his backers with a $14.10 payout and upped his bankroll to $149,362. Rod Hennessy trains Blue Star Mercury for owners Lorne Duffield of Edmonton and Jean Crochetiere of Beaumont, Alta. Earlier on the card, the second $12,500 elimination of the Alberta Marksman was conducted after the race was declared a no contest one week ago. One Hot Minute took a bit more than a minute to deliver on his 7-5 favouritism, but his performance was closer to a 1-9 winner. In his second card of racing since returning from injury, trainer Brandon Campbell handled the controls on the son of Westwardho Hanover-One Hot Majorette. The duo cleared to the top through the opening turn from post six, then played a cruel game of 'catch me if you can' from there. The first quarter was the slowest, reached in a half minute, and then the fractions got faster from there. A :59.3 half was followed by a 1:27.2 third station, and it became clear that One Hot Minute was just toying with the competition. Sprinting home in :28.3, One Hot Minute broke his maiden impressively, winning by nearly six lengths in a time of 1:56. Rememberthecustard (Mike Hennessy) was next best with One More Rocky (Logan Gillis) and YYC On The Horizon (Jamie Gray) completing the top four advancers to next week's final. One Hot Minute is a homebred owned by Jodi Loftus of Calgary and Timothy Kane of St. Albert, Alta. His first win came in his seventh start and lifted his purse earnings to $11,769. To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Century Downs. (Standardbred Canada) The connections of Horsy Dream lived out their Elitloppet dream, winning the 2024 edition of Sweden's premier trotting race on Sunday, May 26 at Solvalla Racecourse. After having to withdraw from last year's Elitloppet barely two weeks before that race due to a paddock injury, the seven-year-old French trotting stallion swept his elimination heat and the final in his first Elitloppet appearance on the last Sunday of May with Eric Raffin driving for trainer Pierre Belloche and owner Ecurie Du Closet. Horsy Dream blew by his rivals with a sweeping three-wide move heading to the final turn and drew off in front of a packed grandstand for an emphatic finish, winning in a race record 1:08 km rate (1:49.2 mile rate). He bested the 1,609-metre race record of 1:08.9 km rate (1:50.4 mile rate) set in 2021 by Don Fanucci Zet and equalled in 2023 by Hohneck. Swedish favourite Francesco Zet (Orjan Kihlstrom) took the lead from early leaver Denver Gio (Bjorn Goop) off the first turn with outsider Onas Prince (Per Nordstrom) landing third in front of Horsy Dream. Racing for a purse of nearly $630,000, Horsy Dream tracked the cover of Onas Prince heading into the backstretch before taking aim on the leader with his winning three-wide move. Borups Victory (Daniel Wajersten) found clearance off a ground-saving trip midway down the stretch and rallied on for second outside of Denver Gio and Francesco Zet. Defending Elitloppet champion Hohneck (Gabriele Gelormini) rounded out the top five finish order. Earlier in the day, Horsy Dream had secured his spot in the final with a victory in his elimination heat, holding off Hohneck and Francesco Zet. Bred by Jean Marie Deschamps and Ecurie Du Closet, the son of Scipion du Goutier out of Bonanza du Closet has won 20 of his 43 starts lifetime. Posts Drawn For 2024 Elitloppet Final The field is now set for the 2024 Elitloppet after the two trials were contested for Sweden's premier trotting event on Sunday morning, May 26 at Solvalla Race Course in Stockholm. In the first elimination heat, last year's Elitloppet runner-up Go On Boy and trainer/driver Roman Derieux rallied three-wide from third-over turning for home and swept by down the stretch for the victory with Capital Mail (Antonio Di Nardo) chasing in second. Denver Gio (Bjorn Goop) held on for third after leading most of the way. Onas Prince (Per Nordstrom) shook loose late off a ground-saving trip to finish fourth and secure a spot in the final, edging out the late-closing former North American stakes star, Joviality S (Erik Adielsson). The winning time was a 1:08.7 km rate (1:50.3 mile rate). Horsy Dream prevailed off an overland journey in a four-across finish in the second elimination heat for driver Eric Raffin and trainer Pierre Belloche. Three-wide through the first turn, Horsey Dream advanced into the first-over position, pressing the front-striding Decision Maker (Carl Johan Jepson) the rest of the way with rivals stacking up to his outside turning for home. He prevailed in a 1:09 km rate (1:51 mile rate), holding off defending Elitloppet champion Hohneck (Gabriele Gelormini), favourite Francesco Zet (Orjan Kihlstrom) and Borups Victory (Daniel Wajersten), all advancing to the final. The top four finishers from the elimination heats will advance to the final competing for a purse of approximately $630,000 later in the day. The field is listed below for the final of the Elitloppet, which is scheduled as Race 11 with an approximate post time of 11:45 a.m. (EDT). The connections of the elimination winners had first pick of their posts. Elitloppet Post Horse (Country) Driver 1. Hohneck (France) Gabriele Gelormini 2. Go On Boy (France) Roman Derieux 3. Horsy Dream (France) Eric Raffin 4. Capital Mail (Italy) Antonio Di Nardo 5. Denver Gio (Italy) Bjorn Goop 6. Francesco Zet (Sweden) Orjan Kihlstrom 7. Borups Victory (Sweden) Daniel Wajersten 8. Onas Prince (Sweden) Per Nordstrom (Standardbred Canada) Fresh off a 1:52.4 triumph in the $136,986 Kentucky Sire Stakes final for four-year-old trotting mares on May 13, Mambacita has drawn the pole in the first step toward defending her title: a $50,000 USD Kentucky Sire Stakes summer series preliminary on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27 at Oak Grove. A 14-time winner with $948,575 in lifetime earnings, Mambacita swept the spring Kentucky Sire Stakes series, winning both preliminary events by 2-1/4 lengths before keeping Railee Something three-quarters of a length at bay in the final. The daughter of Tactical Landing-Bills Lady looks to keep her perfect four-year-old record intact, having been installed as the even-money morning line favourite in Monday's fifth of 12 races with Daniel Dube at the lines for trainer Tony Alagna. Railee Something (Andy McCarthy, post two) is the 5-2 second choice in a field that also includes Cessna Pride, Picaboo Lady, Muscling Vegas and Canterbury Hanover. The four-year-old male pace, carded as race six, has attracted a field of nine. While spring series winner Combustion is not among them, the second, third and fourth-place finishers in the final Tip Top Cat, Admiral Hill and Blue Lou are. Admiral Hill, who tasted defeat for the first time this season in the final, is the 5-2 morning line favourite from post two, kicking off 2024 by winning a Meadowlands Winners-Over event and both his spring series preliminaries before only missing Combustion by a length in the final. Yannick Gingras will drive the Sweet Lou-Laura Hill gelding for trainer Per Engblom from post two. Spring series runner-up and Ron Burke trainee Tip Top Cat (Andy McCarthy, post five) is the 7-2 second choice after just missing Combustion by a head. El Rey (David Miller, post six) is the 4-1 third choice, having recorded a win and a narrow miss in preliminary action before finishing a traffic-troubled seventh in the final. A total of 17 horses were entered for the four-year-old male trot, requiring three divisions. French Wine is the 6-5 early favourite in the first split (race one), starting from the pole with Dube aboard for trainer Julie Miller. Spring series runner-up Once In A Lifetime is the 9-5 choice in the second division (race three) with Todd McCarthy driving for trainer Jim Campbell. Ron Burke trainee The Hazelton (Gingras) is the 8-5 choice in the third division (race six) after a 1:53.1 win in a local Open 2 Trot on May 21. The overnight portion of the program is buoyed by a pair of $37,000 USD Open Paces. Among the 10 entered in the Fillies and Mares Open (race seven) are Meadows invaders Marloe Hanover and Racin Hungry, both of whom beat Open company earlier this month; local Open winners Yankee B Something, Southwind Bella and Ainthesamewithoutu; and Miami Valley shipper Anns Marina Delray, who won two of her last four races in high-level conditioned claiming events. The Open (race nine) features the winners of this event in the last three weeks Odds On Blockchain, Rocks Shining Star and Muskateer Hanover joined by the likes of Chase H Hanover, who ships in from Scioto off a 1:49.3 win in a high-level conditioned pace. First post for Monday's program is 3 p.m. CDT. Free past performance pages and The Players' Guide, featuring commentary from racing analyst Ray Cotolo, are available on the Oak Grove website at oakgrovegaming.com. (Oak Grove) MANILA, May 26 (Xinhua) -- Philippine troops have killed a suspected militant in a clash in Maguindanao del Sur province in the southern Philippines, the Philippine Army said on Sunday. In a report, the Army said that the alleged Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) militant was killed early Saturday morning after a five-minute clash in the village in Datu Salibo town following a tip from the villagers about the militants' presence in the area. Troops seized a 45 caliber pistol and explosives from the clashed site, read the report. The BIFF, a small armed group aligned with the Islamic State group, is blamed for bombings and other atrocities in the Central Mindanao region in the southern Philippines. The group broke off from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front when the latter agreed to negotiate a peace pact with the government in 2014. Woodbine Mohawk Park hosted a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Ontario Sires Stakes (OSS) program on Saturday, May 25. There was indeed a lot to celebrate, with five OSS events and several impressive performances. Convoy Hall (Sylvain Filion) trotted to a lifetime best with a 1:52.3 win in the first division of the first leg of the Gold Series for three-year-old trotting colts and geldings, contested for a purse of $95,000. The gelded Muscle Mass bay son out of Constance Hall made the lead before the quarter, reaching that station in :27.1 before cutting out a half in :56.4 and three-quarters in 1:25.1 en route to the winning mile in the evening's second race. Myretirementdream (Trevor Henry) challenged in deep stretch but came up three-quarters of a length short. Willowtime (Bob McClure) was third. Trainer Bob McIntosh was thrilled with the performance of his charge, who has now won seven of eight lifetime starts and banked $144,300. McIntosh explained in a post-race interview, "I was really high on him as a two-year-old at first, but then he started to grow and I had to let Mother Nature do her thing." McIntosh trains for Robert McIntosh Stables Inc. of Windsor, Douglas John McIntosh of Wheatley, Ont., Randy Liepa of Livonia, Mich. and Beverley Snobelen of Ridgetown, Ont. Convoy Hall paid $3.70 to win as the 4-5 favourite. One race later, Its A Love Thing showed some speed of her own, setting an OSS record for pacing mares on a seven-eighths-mile track as James MacDonald steered her to a 1:49 triumph in the Gold Series leg for three-year-old pacing fillies. There was $140,000 was on the line in this event. MacDonald was content to sit seventh in the early going as Pass Line (Louis-Philippe Roy) set sizzling splits of :25.3, :53.3 and 1:21.4 before giving way in the stretch. Its A Love Thing rode third-over cover around the final turn before accelerating to the lead in the stretch and notching the one-length win over Odds On Platinum (Sylvain Filion), with Lightning Lizzie (Brett MacDonald) third. After steering Its A Love Thing to an OSS record and lifetime best, James MacDonald said that he was "licking [his] chops the whole way," adding that the filly "comes off a helmet like a jet." David Menary trains the Bettors Delight-Love For Sail filly for Erik Good of Davidsonville, Md., Thomas Biederman of Lexington, Ky., Joshua Green of Midway, Ky. and Rich Lombardo Racing LLC of Solon, Ohio. Its A Love Thing has won two of her three starts this year and eight of her 15 lifetime outings, banking a total of $707,656. The next Gold division, for a purse of $95,000, had another group of three-year-old trotting colts and geldings contest race six. Griff showed grit by wearing down Ways And Means (Doug McNair) to set a new lifetime mark in 1:53.2. Captain Wania (Trevor Henry), who had led to the opening quarter in 27.1, finished third. Griff rode the three-hole around the first turn behind Masstercraft (Sylvain Filion) and in front of Ways And Means. Griff brushed to the lead along the backstretch, but it was short-lived as Ways And Means was put in motion and made the lead at the half in :56.2. Ways And Means led to three-quarters in 1:24.4 before being hauled down in the shadow of the wire by the Muscle Mass-Renegade Magic gelding. Griff is two-for-two in 2024, with five wins in nine lifetime starts and total earnings of $332,700. Bettors were rewarded with a $3.30 payout. Trainer Murray Brethour co-owns with Jeffrey and Lori Thomson of Chesley, Ont. and Kyle Northover of Sunderland, Ont. One race later, $95,000 was again on the line when the glamour boys got to strut their stuff in the first of two divisions of the first Gold Series leg for three-year-old colt and gelding pacers. Trophy Taker (All Bets Off - Shadow Claire) gave James MacDonald another OSS driving victory on the night, this one a 10-1 upset with a $22.10 win payout. Trophy Taker was assertively pointed to the lead from post eight before Louis-Philippe Roy sent 26-1 shot Best Night Ever to the lead, arriving first at the opening quarter in :26.2. Unrivaled Hanover (Jonathan Drury) briefly led on the approach to the half before even-money favourite Storm Shadow (Bob McClure) brushed to the lead, tripping the half-mile teletimer beam in :54.1 and posting three-quarters in 1:22.2. Trophy Taker vacated the four-hole and went first over with less than three-eighths of a mile to go. Trophy Taker wore down Storm Shadow in deep stretch for the 1:50 win, earning a new lifetime mark. Unrivaled Hanover was third. David Menary trains for Burke Racing LLC, Weaver Bruscemi LLC, Frank Baldachino, Harvey Cedars and Lawrence Karr. Trophy Taker is three-for-13 lifetime with career earnings of $106,138. The 2-1 upset posted by Nijinsky (Louis-Philippe Roy) in the other $95,000 division for three-year-old colt and gelding pacers was not as big a bonanza for bettors -0 just a $6 payout. It was nonetheless a triumph for the Bettors Delight colt over the heavily-touted Funtime Bayama (Sylvain Filion), who went off at 1-5. Nijinsky posted the opening quarter in :27.1 before Funtime Bayama took over on the backstretch, reaching the half in :56 and getting to three-quarters in 1:24.1. Nijinsky, who rode the pocket behind Funtime Bayama, tipped out at seventh-eighths and glided past Nijinsky to win by half a length in a lifetime best 1:49.4. Do Better (James MacDonald) was third. Nijinsky is two-for-two in 2024. The Anthony Beaton pupil, owned by West Wins Stable, John Fielding and Mark Dumain, has won three of 12 lifetime starts and banked $156,862. After the OSS action, some familiar faces took to the track for the $36,000 Preferred Pace. Taurasi prevailed in a season's best 1:48.3 with Doug McNair at the lines, winning his ninth in 10 starts this year and seven of his last eight starts dating back to Feb. 3. Saulsbrook Victor (Brett MacDonald) was second and Dupree Hanover (James MacDonald) was third. Taurasi is a 21-time winner with $579,759 in the bank. The five-year-old bay gelding by Racing Hill out of the Eleven A M mare is trained by Richard Moreau for Brad Grant of Milton, Ont. and Alagna Racing LLC of New Jersey. In addition to the OSS victories with Its A Love Thing and Trophy Taker, David Menary conditioned the fourth race winner, Chalk Hanover (Bettors Delight - Current Hanover). Chalk Hanover was part of a Menary training triple on the evening and one of four driving wins for James MacDonald. To view Saturday's harness racing results, click on the following link: Saturday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park. (Standardbred Canada) Soon, students in Oregons high school class of 2024 will begin graduating but thousands of them still havent submitted applications for federal financial aid, a crucial step on the way to higher education. New data from the National College Attainment Network shows that through May 10, just 34% of Oregon high school seniors had completed their Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly shorthanded as FAFSA. That lags behind the national average of 40%, which itself is down from 50% at this time last year. In Oregon, at this time last year, 40% of seniors had completed their applications. In real terms, this years much lower rate translates to nearly 3,200 fewer seniors seeking help to pay for college. Declines are the most pronounced for students of color and those from lower-income households. Its not entirely their fault. This years FAFSA process has been nightmarish, students and college counselors alike have said, after the federal government made changes intended to streamline the application system. The goal was to make it easier to fill out, particularly for low-income students. But federal officials actions had precisely the opposite effect. The rollout was plagued with technological delays and bugs, and thousands of families nationwide found themselves kicked off the system mid-application or locked out altogether. The system was particularly buggy for students and parents who do not have Social Security numbers, spooking families who are worried about an immigration crackdown if they share too many personal details with the government. We have a lot of kids who havent completed the FAFSA, Aileen Gomez, a college and career family liaison at Parkrose High, said in mid-May. Were worried about it. Parkrose High, which serves a very diverse, predominantly lower-income population in east Portland, was a poster child for FAFSA completion rates in 2022-2023, with more than 80% of its students completing their paperwork, one of the highest rates in the state. That was thanks to huge outreach efforts, including multiple FAFSA family nights during which the school district made accountants available to help families complete their taxes on site. But this years FAFSA nights were pockmarked with frustration for families who couldnt navigate the system, Gomez said, and counselors have struggled for months to help them find timely technological fixes. I feel like it drove some families away, and were just still trying to encourage them to come back and finish the application. Its been difficult, Gomez said. Ive had some students come by and say, You know, my parent doesnt want to do it anymore. And so were trying our best to kind of work around that, to rebuild the trust for families. Its not that students in the class of 2024 arent interested in going to college or community college and in getting help to pay for it. The states Higher Education Coordinating Commission says that it has received more than 15,220 applications for Oregon Promise grants, which cover tuition costs at any Oregon community college for recent high school graduates. Thats 11% more than at this time last year. But not all of those applications are complete yet, said Endi Hartigan, a spokesperson for HECC, since applicants must also have submitted their FAFSA or a corresponding state financial aid application form to get the state aid. The deadline to submit the Oregon Promise grant application is in just 10 days, on June 3. The grant program is not need-based, but those with fewer financial resources are prioritized, raising the prospect that higher income students may find themselves cut out of the program. Hartigan said the commission intends to set a tentative income cap for new applicants to the community college grant program this year, due to the spike in interest and the volume of recent Oregon Promise recipients. Theres a lot of money on the table for those who do complete and submit all of their grant applications. Because of adjustments to the FAFSA formula, more students than ever before will be eligible to max out both federal Pell Grants and Oregon Opportunity Grants, which are need-based grants for any public, private or community college in the state. That means that almost $15,000 of college costs can be covered for lowest-income students at a four-year school and more than $11,000 for lowest-income students attending community college. Dana Richardson, the executive director of the Oregon Council of Presidents, a group that promotes partnerships among the states public universities, said schools are prepared to make allowances for students whove yet to complete and submit their FAFSA forms. We really want to let students know that its not too late to finish the FAFSA and apply for enrollment, she said. Given all of the challenges with the FAFSA, all of the public universities are prepared to accommodate students whove struggled to complete the form. OLYMPIA The state of Washington will give nearly $5 million to the Kaiser Aluminum plant in Spokane Valley to help replace two 1943-built steam boilers in an effort to reduce the massive facility's greenhouse gas emissions. As part of the deal, Kaiser Aluminum will need to match every dollar sent over by the state to replace the two boilers, which are estimated to set the company back by $4.8 million apiece. The state's half of the bargain comes from the Climate Commitment Act, a 2021 environmental law spearheaded by Gov. Jay Inslee that established a carbon credit auction to raise money and limit greenhouse gas emissions from large oil and energy companies. The first carbon auction raised $1.5 billion to go toward "climate-resiliency programs, clean transportation, and addressing health disparities," according to the state's website. Kaiser Aluminum is headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee, and operates 15 industrial facilities across the United States. In 2020, the company reported revenue surpassing $1.1 billion. The aluminum giant's Spokane-area plant employs an estimated 1,000 people in the Spokane region, said state Sen. Mike Padden, R-Spokane Valley. As part of the Climate Commitment Act, the state sends Kaiser and other large corporations money to help reduce pollution and to offset heightened costs they have incurred under the state's landmark climate policy. This is done in the hopes that large companies such as Kaiser will stick around in Washington and not pack up shop to move to a region with less stringent pollution regulations. Once installed, the new boilers at Kaiser will reduce the plant's yearly greenhouse gas emissions by about 13,000 metric tons. Reducing that quantity of emissions is equivalent to eliminating the total annual CO2 pollution emitted by more than 3,000 average gasoline-powered cars. Kaiser Aluminum has not begun installation of the two new boilers, company officials said earlier this year. The company will be required to buy the new boilers by 2027 for its deal with the state to stand. Kaiser Aluminum is an example of what the state designates as an "Emissions-Intensive, Trade-exposed entity," said Mike Faulk, spokesperson for Inslee's office. That designation is given to businesses that get most of their emissions allowances for free under the state's carbon auction program, "with the intention of convincing them to decarbonize over time rather than relocate to a state with no carbon limits." Faulk said the money sent to Kaiser is an example of the "ways the state is helping these businesses achieve decarbonization over time," adding that the funding aligns with the broader intent of the Climate Commitment Act. In an emailed statement, a Kaiser spokesperson said the money from the state will help the company "facilitate ongoing investment" at the company's local plant known as Trentwood, "on top of existing investments that will continue to reduce the carbon intensity of our products and upgrade our facility." "Since 2006, Kaiser has invested approximately $400 million toward improving the overall efficiency and the modernization of the (Spokane Valley) facility," company manufacturing spokesperson Kyle England wrote. State Sen. Mark Mullet, D-Issaquah, said he fully supports the state sending $5 million to the local plant. The investment is predicted to garner the biggest carbon pollution reduction in terms of climate policy dollars spent by the state, he added. "I think a lot of people have this pushback, saying, 'Why are we giving private industry any money?' " said Mullet, a Democratic candidate for governor, in an interview. "Well, this is the whole point. We still need aluminum. We can't do without it." Across the aisle, state Rep. Mike Volz, R-Spokane, echoed Mullet's praise of the state bankrolling Kaiser's new boilers, saying the 2021 environmental policy didn't give the company credit for its past steps to be greener. "I met with the Kaiser people a couple times and went on at least one tour," Volz said. "Kaiser has done a fantastic job of committing to an environmentally clean operation." Washington has environmental standards that are "far, far more strict" than any other state, Volz added. "The risk is they can match $5 million, or they can spend money and move somewhere else." More on the Climate Commitment Act For months, the Climate Commitment Act has sparked heated debates between policy critics who blame high gas prices on the legislation and policy supporters who say big oil companies and a complicated economy are to blame. Voters in November will choose whether to repeal or uphold the climate policy, thanks to a citizen-driven ballot initiative that amassed hundreds of thousands of signatures. Supporters of the Climate Commitment Act point to its promise for a future of fewer carbon emissions in the state and furthered responses to climate change. Revenue from the program is earmarked to go back into green state programs such as buying electric school buses and making public transit free for children. Critics of the climate policy blame the new law for driving up the cost of gas and food at the expense of working-class Washingtonians. Some argue that the program doesn't make sense while some nearby states, such as Idaho, don't have any type of carbon auction. Washington's general election is Nov. 5. An elderly Christian is fighting for his life in the hospital after a Muslim mob in Pakistan attempted to kill him due to a neighbor falsely accusing him of burning pages of the Quran, his family said. The mob also ransacked the house and burned the shoe factory of the 74-year-old victim, Nazeer Gill, in Sargodha citys Mujahid Colony, said his nephew Irfan Gill. Nazeer Gill had burned some wastepaper in the street outside his house in Mujahid Colony, Sargodha District, Punjab Province, on Saturday morning (May 25) when the Muslim neighbor accused him of desecrating the Quran and instigated local Muslims to attack him, his newphew said. Area Muslims Ayub Gondal and Muhammad Ikraam were jealous of the success of the shoe factory of Nazeer Gill and his son Sultan Gill and had pressured them to give up possession of some shops they had bought two months ago, Irfan Gill told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News by phone. The Muslims had been looking for an opportunity to attack Nazeer Gills family after they refused to surrender to their demands, he said. On Thursday [May 23], my uncle Nazeers teenage grandsons, Kashif and Jamal, had an altercation with Gondals son over the same issue, Irfan Gill said. Such clashes have been going on ever since they started to exert pressure on our family, but we didnt anticipate that they would go to this extent. Stay informed with The Christian Daily Newsletter Sign up Nazeer Gill had burned the wastepaper and gone inside his home when someone threw a copy of the Quran into the fire, burning the Muslim holy book, Irfan Gill said. We came to know about the incident around 8 a.m. when announcements were made from mosque loudspeakers urging people to gather on the scene, he told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. Within minutes, a mob assembled outside my uncles home and stormed inside. They forced him out to the street and started to hit him with bricks, stones and sticks, he said. In the meantime, some of the protesters ransacked the house and then went to the shoe factory, which is also located in the same street in a house. When they reached there, the protesters torched it, burning everything inside, Irfan Gill said. Most Christian residents fled their houses when they saw the mobs gathering and raising slogans associated with an extremist Islamist political party, he said. Some sought refuge in the nearby churches while others left after locking their homes, fearing for the safety of their families, he said. The situation would have gotten worse if the police had not arrived in time. The mob tried their best to lynch his uncle and also attempted to damage the ambulance that police summoned to evacuate him, he said. The police couldnt stop the mob from torturing my uncle and damaging the property, but they did save the lives of my cousin and his family by spiriting them away from the area, he said. Irfan Gill, a member of the local Presbyterian church, said his uncle was put on a ventilator in a hospital, where his condition was said to be critical. We are all in hiding at the moment, and the police are not allowing any relative to see my uncle, he said. He has sustained serious injuries to his head and body, and we can only pray and hope that he survives. It will be nothing short of a miracle for us. Assault Eyewitnesses described the mob as highly charged, with several people filming the incident on their phones. A local Christian resident said the mob attacked Nazeer Gill and his property without attempting to verify facts. They shouted slogans of Labbaik Ya Rasool Allah, or, Prophet Im here, as they brought out furniture and packaging material from Nazeers house and factory and burned them, the source told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News on condition of anonymity, fearing reprisal from the Muslims. The resident said an associate of Gondal, Muhammad Ikraam, was a ticket-holder of the extremist Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), and that he played a central role in mustering the mob. Several Christian families sought refuge in churches because we couldnt leave the colony in time, the source said. Inside the church, we prayed for Gods intervention because it seemed that the mob would not stop until they had destroyed everything. A large police contingent led by the district police chief eventually arrived and were able to disperse the mob by firing tear gas shells, he said, adding that the mob retaliated by pelting stones, injuring several policemen. Punjab Police Inspector General Dr. Usman Anwar and Punjab Home Secretary Noorul Amin Mengal also reached the area later in the day to investigate. Anwar said in a press statement that police arrested 15 Muslims involved in the violence and were working to identify other perpetrators. He said 2,000 police personnel were deployed to the area to restore order and urged Christians who had fled their homes to return, assuring them of their safety. Punjab Home Secretary Mengal said violence against anyone under religious pretexts would not be tolerated. He added that action would be taken against suspects accused following investigation. At the same time police have registered a case against the victim under sections 295-A and 295-B of the blasphemy laws and Section 9 of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) to placate furious Muslims. Section 295-A calls for imprisonment of up to 10 years for deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings; Section 295-B calls for life imprisonment for anyone accused of willfully defiling or desecrating the Quran; Section 9 of ATA prescribes punishment of up to five of prison for instigating sectarian hatred. Christians Demand Justice National Council of the Churches in Pakistan (NCCP) President Bishop Azad Marshall said in a press statement that the distressing incident was reminiscent of the attack on Christians in Jaranwala in August of last year. We are alarmed by the reported presence of law enforcement officers during the attack who did not take action, suggesting a grave dereliction of duty in protecting vulnerable communities, Marshall said. This occurrence underscores the critical need for decisive actions to counter extremism and safeguard religious minorities. The senior church leader called for a comprehensive and impartial investigation as per the directives of the Supreme Court into the actions of both perpetrators and negligent law enforcement officials. Furthermore, we implore the authorities to guarantee the protection of individuals falsely accused of blasphemy and to take necessary measures to reestablish peace and security in Sargodha, he said. Minorities Alliance Pakistan Chairman Akmal Bhatti said that the mob violence in Sargodha would not have happened had the government sternly dealt with perpetrators of the Jaranwala attacks. Almost all of those arrested in the Jaranwala attacks cases have walked free on bail due to poor investigation and weak prosecution, Bhatti told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. Such lapses embolden the perpetrators who exploit religious sentiments for their criminal acts. He added that if the government was serious in protecting religious minorities, then it should first ensure that the blasphemy laws are not misused and that those who incite violence are made an example for others. Advocacy movement Minority Rights March in a statement condemned the Punjab government and police for failing to learn from the Jaranwala attacks last year and taking any concrete measures to curtail the growing radicalism. We condemn the state of facilitating once-banned outfits such as TLP [Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan], resulting in a Pakistan which is becoming unlivable for religious minorities with each passing day, the group said. They demanded an expeditious inquiry and action through a judicial commission and the one-man commission led by Dr. Shoaib Suddle not only against the mob involved in the attack but against the police officials and officers of the Punjab government who failed to take preemptive measures. Pakistan ranked seventh on Open Doors 2024 World Watch List of the most difficult places to be a Christian, as it was the previous year. Update: EaseMyTrip makes another u-turn. After media reports highlighted that the travel booking platform quietly restarted flight bookings to Maldives from any city in India, EaseMyTrip CEO Nishant Pitti reinforced' the ban again without providing any explanation as to how EaseMyTrip silently moved away from its 'self-imposed ban' and restarted India to Maldives flight bookings in the first place. We will make an announcement when we remove the boycott. Attaching a screenshot taken just now for reference for flight search and hotel search page !!, said the CEO. So, how did EaseMyTrip 'unban' Maldives without the CEO of the company knowing about it? Well, Pitti said it was a tech issue! The CEO went a step further an issued a full refund to users who booked flights to Maldives from India due this tech issue . EaseMyTrip CEO Nishant Pitti makes official statement Taking note of the media reports around EaseMyTrip silently restarting flight bookings from India to Maldives, EaseMyTrip CEO Nishant Pitti issued an official statement: "We are reaching out to address a recent issue that has come to our attention regarding bookings for the Maldives. As you may know, EaseMyTrip has previously decided to boycott travel to the Maldives. Unfortunately, due to a technical glitch in our system, recently some users were able to book tickets to the Maldives despite this policy. Also read Looking for a smartphone? To check mobile finder click here. We want to assure you that this issue has now been resolved, and our team has implemented measures to prevent such occurrences in the future. We take full responsibility for this oversight and are committed to making things right for our valued customers. To address this matter, we are offering a full refund to all customers who have booked tickets to the Maldives during this period. Additionally, as a gesture of goodwill and to compensate for any inconvenience, we are pleased to offer a free domestic package ticket to each affected customer. Our customer service team will be reaching out to you with the details and next steps for claiming your refund and complimentary domestic package ticket. Your trust and satisfaction are of utmost importance to us, and we are dedicated to providing you with the best possible service. Should you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our customer service team. Thank you for your understanding and continued support." EaseMyTrip quietly restarts Maldives flight bookings- Full story Travel company EaseMyTrip has quietly resumed (As on 11AM, May 26, 2024) flight bookings from Indian cities to Maldives within months of banning all flight bookings to the island nation on January 8, 2024. EaseMyTrip was the first travel company to join the social media war' when three ministers of Maldives made disparaging remarks on India after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to Lakshadweep on January 2, 2024, where the Prime Minister posted few photographs on social media highlighting the beauty of Lakshadweep. EaseMyTrip starts Maldives flight bookings Anyone travelling to Maldives can now book their flights on the EaseMyTrip platform from any Indian city. The indefinite ban that was imposed earlier in January seems to be withdrawn. However, note that EaseMyTrip hasn't made any official announcement on the same. Also Read Maldives faced a strong backlash from India, especially on social media, due to the unwarranted comments made by three of their ministers. Many Indians responded to the insults by dropping Maldives from their travel plans altogether while EaseMyTrip took a step further and banned all flight bookings to Maldives on its platform. "Nation First, Business Later" message by EaseMyTrip With the anti-Maldives' sentiment dying down among Indian citizens of late, EaseMyTrip quietly, without making any official announcements, restarted flight bookings to Maldives. In January 2024, when the travel company went ahead with the sudden ban, it made a lot of noise on social media. EaseMyTrip even sent a message over WhatsApp to its users explaining its Nation First, Business Later stance, as to why it's banning flight booking to Maldives. Despite Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) apologising to EaseMyTrip CEO Nishant Pitti in an open letter, back in January, Pitti did not reconsider the ban and said, Starting Jan 8th, we have indefinitely suspended all travel bookings to Maldives. For us, our nation takes precedence over profitWe are immensely proud of India's stunning beaches." The company even introduced NATIONFIRST and BHARATFIRST discount coupons. After these announcements by the CEO, the company's stocks saw a noticeable surge. Many had called out the company's move as a PR activity to bank on the sentiments of Indians. The European Leadership Forum (ELF) 2024 has kicked off with more than 800 Christian leaders from all over the continent meeting from May 25-30 in Wisla, Poland. It is the 22nd annual ELF that aims to unite, equip, and resource evangelical leaders to renew the biblical church and evangelize Europe, according to organizers. Keynote speaker during the opening session was Australian author, professor, and historian John Dickson who talked about the attitude that Christian leaders should espouse in the post-Christian culture that is prevalent in Europe today. Dickson, who now lives in the United States and teaches at Wheaton College but spent most of his life and ministry in his native Australia, pointed out that already in 1975, historian Patrick OFarrell described Australia as the first genuinely post-Christian society. What does post-Christian mean? He recalled the experience of a public debate in 2008 as his personal turning point in understanding what it means to live in a formerly majority-Christian country where more than 50% of the population today no longer identify with any branch of Christianity. With the topic We'd be better off without religion in front of an audience of a thousand people and broadcasted on national television in Australia, three panelists brought arguments in favor and three against. Stay informed with The Christian Daily Newsletter Sign up Dickson said that despite brilliant arguments by John Lennox and two other panelists, polls before and after the debate clearly showed that the result was a resounding defeat for those highlighting the important contributions of Judaism and Christianity to society. A significant majority of the Australian public agreed that religion is bad. This is the night I came away able to put my finger on something that have been percolating in the back of my mind for years, Dickson said, and explained that he realized post-Christian society still retains certain Christian values but disconnects them from the Church. It [became] clear that values traditionally thought to be Christian, like humility and compassion and equality were actually presented as secular values, Enlightenment values, he said. Similarly, the culture still holds a generally high view of Jesus and retains a sense of spirituality and belief in a higher being. Yet, paradoxically, it is mixed with a strong skepticism against Christianity accusing it of being immoral and dangerous. Another sign of this seeming contradiction is a survey that asked Australians about their perception of Christians, and among the Top 10 were five negative attributes, such as traditional, judgmental, old-fashioned, opinionated, and hypocritical. Yet at the same time, the five highest scoring attributes were positive ones, including caring, loving, kind, honest, and faithful. In post Christendom, it's as if people had two Christianities sitting in their heads at the same time, Dickson commented, saying that there may be a public perception of hypocrisy but then people might remember good aunty Judy who is loving and nice. It is important for Christians to understand this mixture of perspectives in order to effectively engage with culture today, he argued. Four temptations for Christians He then went on to name four common responses among Christians who live in a post-Christian society, describing them as temptations. The first one is dooming where believers would only dwell on bad news and regard the entire world with an attitude as if it's all going to hell. This is theologically problematic because it downplays the grace and power of God, and no one knows how God might suddenly turn the situation around, Dickson argued. And he warned that it also paralyzes believers who then end up doing nothing to meaningfully contribute to society. The second temptation which may also result from the first one is compromising where believers dont want to annoy people. Therefore, they only highlight the parts of Scripture that resonate with society and leave out other elements of faith that might cause offense. He lamented that some Christian churches or ministries even consider this an effective mission strategy. Thirdly, Dickson cautioned not to fall into retreating where Christians would live a life isolated from society, like withdrawing into a monastery. And fourthly, the opposite attitude of attacking, where Christians try to reclaim a Christian heritage and highlight that hospitals, schools and other institutions were originally Christian inventions and should therefore be protected from secular influences. None of the four attitudes could ever succeed at redeeming a post-Christian society as they do not reflect the Biblical way of engaging with culture, Dickins emphasized. Cheerful confidence to stand up for Christ and to lose well Reading the well-known passage in 1 Peter 3:8-16, Dickins highlighted that despite the fiery trials that the early Church experienced during Roman times, the Apostle Peter does not endorse dooming or compromising or retreating or attacking. Instead, he offers what I've described as a double demeanor, perfectly suited for his pre-Christian context and our post-Christian context. Firstly, Peter urges a cheerful confidence to stand up for Christ in every situation. And [secondly], less popular: a cheerful humility to lose well if we must. The first one is evident in that the Apostle says believers should always be ready to share their hope with everyone, Dickins said, highlighting that both terms are absolute. But in the original Greek, that sentence is connected with the previous one where it says, in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. (Verse 15) Therefore, Dickins argues, Christians should not be made feel guilty about their failure or hesitation to share their faith, rather they should be inspired and reminded that Christ is exalted over everything and that he is Lord over all. Out of this conviction and joy, they can share their hope with everyone always, Dickins said. The second demeanor is equally important and speaks about losing well. In arguments with others, there may be a misconception that confidence could mean to be ready to attack and overpower. Dickins, however, said that the Bible teaches us that a truly confident Christian knows that Christ has won, and so we can lose. Pointing again to the passage in Peters letter, he commented, Notice there was no attack in this message, not a hint of attack. Just a cheerful humility. This is the image that Jesus Christ himself showed as he loved his enemies and prayed for forgiveness for those who crucified him, Dickins said. Losing well is not an attitude of defeat or resignation when people slander or persecute Christians, instead it is endurance in confidence and hope. It is about knowing that after the cross there is resurrection and that God can use bad situations for His good, he said. Dickins also gave examples of his personal life, such as a time when one of his books was banned in Australian schools because an atheist group said it reflected Christian values that are unwelcome. Rather than fighting back when media interviewed him about the ban, he just commented that he stood by what he wrote and believed that the truth will prevail. This then led to unexpected conversations with the education minister who called him and expressed his appreciation that Dickins didnt publicly fight back. It also opened opportunities for Dickins to share the gospel with the minister, and a few weeks later, the book ban was lifted as well. Learning from the Church Fathers Finally, Dickins also pointed to the Church Fathers in the first three centuries and their response to pressure from Roman society. While there are many examples, he specifically highlighted Lantatius, a scholar at a secular university who lost his job and had to flee for his life during a time of great persecution. Dickins said Lantatius modeled this cheerful confidence in his Divine Institutes, where he wrote: Do they [Romans] try to compel us by talk, or by offering any kind of argument? Not at all: they use violence and torture. But worship cannot be forced; it is something to be achieved by talk rather than blows. If their reasoning is sound, let them argue it! If they have any confidence in their truth, let them teach it to us: let them engage in debate of some such sort with us. Religion must be defended not by killing but by dying, not by violence but by endurance. And he goes on to add: There is a further reason why [God] lets persecution come upon us: it increases the number of Gods people, and it is not difficult to show why or how that happens. [] They want to know what that good is which is defended even unto death and which is preferred to all the happy precious things there are in this life. [] Some people standing by hear us say amidst the tortures that we do not sacrifice to stones shaped by human hands but to a living God who is in heaven. Believers should be inspired by those who effectively shared the gospel in the pre-Christian world, imitating the same two-fold attitude, Dickins concluded. Public Christianity for a post-Christian world requires of us a cheerful confidence to stand up for Christ to everyone always. And a cheerful humility to lose when we must, knowing the Father can take painful losses and turn them into a wonderful gospel witness. Too busy preparing for the long Memorial Day weekend to keep up with the weeks news? Well now that you have some time to catch up, heres what you missed. KSAT-12 television station on St. Marys Street near downtown San Antonio. Monte Bach After a combined 140 years of experience reporting on local news, five longtime personalities at KSAT will retire this summer, the station announced Wednesday. A day later, a sixth on-air personality announced her retirement. But it wasnt all bad news for KSAT folks. Anchor Max Massey announced he graduated from law school. Click to find out which journalists are leaving the news station. Construction on the Golden Pass LNG Terminal, photographed Wednesday, June 7, 2023, in Sabine Pass. The photo was taken from the Louisiana side of the Sabine River. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer San Antonios Zachry Holdings Inc. long an international force in the engineering and construction industry sought Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for itself and 20 subsidiaries Tuesday. The company blamed its insolvency on a feud over building costs for Golden Pass LNG export terminal. Click to read more about what led to its bankruptcy. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Whataburger Bacon Steakhouse Double Whataburger In a popular Tiktok video, a San Antonio entrepreneur lays out the case that Whataburger has lost their way since its founding family sold it in 2019 to a Chicago investment firm. Click to read more about how fans responded to the critique. Whataburger, meanwhile, has expanded all-day iced coffee options at all of its locations. Johnny Canales shown at the 2005 Billboard Latin Music Awards in Miami. The legendary host of The Johnny Canales Show highlighted Tejano artists for much of the 1980s and 1990s. Rodrigo Varela/WireImage In a Facebook video Monday, the host of The Johnny Canales Show responded to social media posts that reported he was gravely sick. Click to read more about Canales, whose music variety show launched many careers in the 1980s and 90s including Selenas. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Students change class at Churchill High School in the NEISD school district on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Ivan Sauceda Jr. and his sister Ximena pose for their parents, Alejandra De La Garza and Ivan Sauceda as classes start at Mora Elementary School in 2018. A recent survey shows Northside ISD families are less enthusiastic than students and teachers about any future move to a four-day week in Bexar Countys largest school district. JERRY LARA/San Antonio Express-News Majorities of staff and students in the area's largest school district are OK with moving to a four-day week -- but parents aren't sold on the idea. A recent survey of nearly 70,000 parents, caregivers, students, teachers and staff throughout Northside Independent School District found varying levels of support for confining classes to four days a week -- 68% from staff and 59% from students -- even if it meant longer days or an extended school year. But only 42% of parents and other family members favored it. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Although Northside has its calendar set at five-day weeks for the next two school years, Superintendent John Craft said he asked for a "custom question" on the possible change using the Qualtrics survey platform because he was curious. The community had never been polled on the matter, he said. Although many believe there's "no possible way this could ever happen at Northside," it was "not out of the realm of possibilities" for the future, Craft said, especially given the district's financial challenges. Northside ISD Superintendent John Craft said a move to a four-day school week is not out of the realm of possibilities. Robin Jerstad Amid a tightening budget problems, a growing number of Texas school systems have reduced their week to four days. La Vernia ISD in Wilson County made the shift last year, joining D'Hanis, Utopia, Bandera, Charlotte and Natalia ISDs among nearby rural districts that have adopted it. Proponents have said it provides efficiencies and helps retain teachers because they get more time for conferences and lesson preparation. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But the trend prompted state Sen. Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels, to file a bill last year to require all districts to operate with five instructional days per week. She said the shortened weeks have "caused hardships on working families" and hurt student achievement. The bill passed in the Senate but died in a House committee when the regular session ended. The Texas Education Agency has noticed a growing number of districts shortening their week but it doesn't track how many have made the change. "School calendar decisions are primarily local in nature, and so long as a district meets the minimum operational threshold of 75,600 minutes, they have a high degree of latitude on how they set up their calendar," said TEA spokesman Jake Kobersky. Northside, currently serving about 101,000 students, is contemplating a proposed 2024-2025 budget that could run a deficit upward of $100 million as it faces the same challenges as other districts: no new funding from the state, a decrease in Medicaid reimbursements and expiration of federal pandemic relief dollars. "If theres not some significant legislative support in the future, I wouldnt necessarily rule anything out, Craft told Northside ISD trustees at a recent board meeting. Advertisement Article continues below this ad OConnor High School students board a bus in 2021. Northside ISD might turn to a four-day school week to save money if the districts financial outlook doesnt improve. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News But the district would need to consider impacts on families, including meals, child care and schedules for working parents before he would recommend a four-day week. "Well have to have a lot of runwayfrom just a communication, prepping, planning standpoint," Craft said. The survey asked respondents to rate the school district in a number of areas. Nick Kohn, education strategist and account manager with Isobar Public Sector, who presented the results to the board, said Northside's data was "very high, if not top three, in the districts I work with in Texas." Among parents and other family members, the district and its schools got high ratings on a 10-point scale for having safe and secure learning environments and caring and engaged staff, though college preparation and job ready skills were identified as areas to improve. Well over half of open-ended comments from families were that the district could improve bullying prevention. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Steven Gearhart, left, and other educators new to Northside ISD listen at a teaching workshop at Stevens High School in 2018. In a recent survey, more than two-thirds of district employees supported a move to a four-day school week. Billy Calzada/Staff Photographer "That came up frequently," Kohn said. Among middle and high school students, survey results fell below a 70 percent benchmark on a few self-affirming statements, including "I feel safe at my school," 57%, "The skills I am learning in school are relevant to my life," 46%, and "I am happy to be at school," 41%. Advertisement Article continues below this ad District employees gave favorable responses when polled on collaboration, leadership and availability of resources, but identified increased pay and benefits and better opportunities for professional development as in need of improvement. Johnson Matthey (JM), a global leader in sustainable technologies, has announced the opening of its new offices in Riyadh, KSA. This expansion underscores JM's dedication to the region and aligns with its strategic initiatives to enhance local support and collaboration within the region. Maurits van Tol, Chief Executive, Catalyst Technologies at Johnson Matthey, marked this significant milestone at the Great Futures Festival in Riyadh, where he was part of an esteemed panel of experts discussing 'Powering a Greener Future.' During his presentation, Tol spoke about the versatility of JM's technologies, which can utilize various feedstocks to produce a broad spectrum of chemical building blocks and fuels. This feedstock-agnostic approach is pivotal for industries seeking flexible and sustainable solutions. He highlighted how JM's technologies, including its innovative Fischer-Tropsch process (FT CANS), co-developed with bp, and LCH technology for low-carbon hydrogen production, are integral to advancing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and other low-carbon solutions. Tol stated, "JM technologies will support KSA as it seeks to diversify its energy sources and reach its sustainability goals. We can and will help it make its vision to lead the world in making a Circular Carbon Economy a reality." STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE OF KSA TO JOHNSON MATTHEY The establishment of the Riyadh office is a strategic move by JM to deepen its ties with the region. For over 35 years, JM has been optimizing petrochemical operations across the region, enhancing technology performance through catalysts and licensing innovative technologies for the efficient production of chemicals and fuels. Tol said, "JM already has a strong commitment in supporting the KSA in reaching its decarbonization targets through proactive collaboration on R&D projects with local partners and universities. Our new office in Riyadh shows a deepening of this commitment and intend to do more. By localizing support and providing advanced, scalable technology, we can support the Kingdom in leading the way in tackling energy and climate challenges, meeting its Vision 2030 goals, and, ultimately, its desire to reach 'Net Zero' by 2060." --OGN/TradeArabia News Service The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) ended its participation at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) on a successful note with the sealing of a number of strategic agreements with trade partners and successfully showcasing unique summer destinations and products. The event saw one of STAs largest and most dynamic delegations to date, underlining the countrys ambitious vision and strategic efforts to innovate and expand its tourism sector. STA secured over 40 agreements, including collaborations with Flyadeal, Noon, and China i2i Group as well as major strategic partnerships with Saudia and Riyadh Air. These collaborations mark a new stage of growth for Saudi and will boost the countrys tourism sector and solidify Saudis position as a leading global tourism destination with unique year-round experiences for visitors. The Saudi delegation was led by Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and Board Member of STA, who was joined by over 72 partners from wider Saudi tourism ecosystem leaders and key partners including destination management companies, hotels, and airlines. As part of STAs participation, Hamidaddin participated in a flagship ministerial panel aimed at driving outbound tourism beyond the GCC and hosted an exclusive media event to showcase Saudi tourisms dynamic and unique summer offerings to leading global media. To promote the summer season, Hamidaddin also hosted a trade briefing at the Saudi stand, aimed at raising the profile of STAs summer campaign among key trade partners. Speaking on the events success, Hamidaddin, said: "As we conclude our participation at ATM 2024, Im filled with pride and optimism for the future of tourism in Saudi. Each partnership, each conversation, each meeting, has reaffirmed our belief that Saudi has an offer like no other." With 72 partners from the tourism ecosystem in attendance, we secured partnerships and made commitments which will further increase our connectivity and ensure the world is aware of our dynamic and diverse destinations. "We leave ATM with an ongoing promise to collaborate regionally, creating a greater tourism economy and elevating the GCC into a global magnet for international travellers," he added. Over the course of the event, over 55,000 visitors interacted with the Saudi stand, which saw a record number of Saudi partners showcasing hundreds of bookable products for partners in destinations such as Jeddah, AlUla, and the Red Sea. During ATM, STA and Riyadh Air unveiled a major strategic partnership aimed at developing and marketing new connectivity routes, which will include new sponsorship and technological opportunities. The partnership will further foster increased collaboration between STA and Riyadh Air on the Tourism Accelerator Program to boost international visits and bring more visitors than ever to Saudi. Saudi Tourism further joined forces with Saudia, which will see both entities collaborate on joint promotions, including increased marketing of the stopover visa, enabling visitors to spend up to 96 hours in Saudi. It also sealed collaboration with Flyadeal, Noon, China i2i Group, which will see new promotional campaigns designed to attract new international tourists to the region and raise awareness of Saudi as a dynamic year-round destination in key markets such as China, it stated. Having recently celebrated the surpassing of 100 million visits in 2023 and setting sights on the ambitious target of 150 million tourists by 2030, STAs presence at ATM underscored Saudis commitment to reaching new heights and setting new standards in global tourism. STA is celebrating winning ATM-awarded accolade Best Stand in Business, and three wins at the World Travel Awards, including the Middle Easts Leading Marketing Campaign 2024. STA extends its gratitude to all participants, partners, and attendees who contributed to the success of its ATM 2024 participation. With the insights gained and relationships forged, STA is more equipped than ever to propel Saudi into its next phase of tourism development.-TradeArabia News Service Jumeirah Messilah Beach has been crowned the Kuwait's Leading Business Hotel 2024 at the World Travel Awards (WTA) for the 11th consecutive year, in recognition of its operational excellence and remarkable offerings within the hospitality sector. Established in 1933, the WTA recognises pioneering forces in the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries through a public vote by trade professionals, business executives, and leisure travellers around the globe, making it one of the most popular and prominent industry recognitions worldwide. The award winners in diverse categories for the Middle East and Indian Ocean region were honoured at a ceremony organised in Dubai from May 6-9, 2024. Representing Jumeirah Messilah Beach, Nader Neishabouri, General Manager of the property, received the accolade. Neishabouri said: "Winning the award for the 11th consecutive year marks a significant milestone in our success journey. This achievement is a testament to our steadfast resolve and striving efforts to offer a memorable experience for our esteemed guests. It has also enabled us to further cement our position as the hospitality brand of choice in Kuwait for international, regional, and local business executives. Nestled on the shores of the Arabian Gulf, Jumeirah Messilah Beach is a five-star premium property that boasts 405 elegant rooms and suites as well as state-of-the-art conference and banqueting facilities. It is an ideal destination for business meetings and corporate events. Just a 20-minute drive from Kuwait International Airport, the property's proximity to the capital's major commercial, cultural, and heritage attractions complements the requirements for both business and leisure travellers. TradeArabia News Service State Sen. Brandon Creighton, shown in this 2022 photo, has asked university system leaders to give an update on how they have been implementing the state's DEI ban. Legislators have warned they may pursue new laws to enforce the ban during next year's lawmaking session. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer In the most comprehensive picture yet of how Texas DEI ban has changed campuses across the state, recent communications with lawmakers reveal the range of steps university leaders have taken to comply with the law and keep billions in state funding. University system leaders described their efforts in written responses to Sen. Brandon Creighton, the author of the DEI ban, after the Conroe Republican warned them they could lose their funding or face legal consequences if they werent following the law, which went into effect in January. In documents obtained by the Texas Tribune and in public testimony before senators, leaders from all of Texas seven university systems said they have closed multicultural offices, fired or reassigned DEI staff, and stopped requiring diversity statements, or letters in which job candidates in academia share their previous efforts to promote diverse learning spaces and help students of all backgrounds succeed. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Some described how theyve changed their operations to comply with the law and continue supporting some students. Texas Womans University leaders said they opened a center for first-generation students after closing their DEI office. More than 50% of incoming students in the system are the first in their families to attend college. A few system leaders said they did not need to make any major changes because they never had big DEI programs on their campuses. At a Texas Senate higher education subcommittee meeting this month, Texas State University System Chancellor Brian McCall said most of his schools had no DEI offices to begin with. The documents also show the guidance administrators are giving staff on how to respond to diversity-related questions in federal grant applications without running afoul of the DEI ban. Texas colleges get billions of dollars in federal grant money, which they depend on to pay for research. Securing these funds helps schools recruit high-quality faculty and build on their reputation; for some, theyre critical in their quest to elevate their status as research institutions. Many federal grants require applicants to describe their efforts to make their fields more diverse or explain how their research benefits underserved communities. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In FAQs to support staff and faculty, University of Houston administrators offered some talking points to help them keep those grants in a post-DEI reality. Officials recommended emphasizing the schools compliance with nondiscrimination laws and their efforts to support low-income and first-generation college students. Despite those efforts, university leaders have said its been difficult to strike a balance between the DEI bans requirements and grant funders expectations. Weve struggled with how to handle grants, Daniel H. Sharphorn, the vice chancellor and general counsel of the University of Texas System, told lawmakers this month. I dont know that weve learned enough to know what the impact is going to be. Texas Womans University provided similar talking points to address staff concerns about how the DEI ban might affect universities accreditation, a status that indicates schools offer quality education programs and allows their students to access federal financial aid. To get their accreditation recertified, which is required every 10 years, all public universities have to prove they are meeting an accrediting agencys standards, which can include DEI requirements. The primary agency for institutional accreditation in Texas, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, is one of the few accreditors that does not have a DEI-related standard, which means Texas colleges do not risk losing accreditation with that agency for complying with the DEI ban, said Rosalind Fuse-Hall, the accreditors director of legal and governmental affairs. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But Texas higher education institutions might still run into snags with other agencies that provide accreditation for specific college programs and do ask about schools DEI efforts, Fuse-Hall said. In addition, some university systems explained how theyve changed their training policies, revealing theyre taking different approaches to comply with the new law. The University of North Texas System eliminated any voluntary DEI training it used to offer through LinkedIn. The system said in its written response to senators that it developed a program to scan voluntary training offerings for DEI-related keywords and automatically remove any that come up as a match. Texas Womans University, meanwhile, continues to allow faculty to access professional development libraries that include DEI training modules, so long as participation in those trainings is truly voluntary, the schools response said. Lawmakers have yet to indicate whether theyre content with the universities responses but have previously said theyre ready to pass more bills to bolster enforcement if they feel schools need to do more to comply with the ban. Hasely Crawford and Keshorn Walcott are among the household names in Trinidad and Tobago who made an impact through success at elite-level sport. To date, Crawford and Walcott are the countrys only individual Olympic gold medallists. They serve as examples for young T&T athletes with big ambitions. Some will become world-beaters; others will not. And thats the reality of sport. Many participate, but a relative few reach the elite level. Even fewer get to the top of the podium in global competition. The city of Kansas City fired an employee over a social media post announcing where Harrison Butker lives. "Just a reminder that Harrison Butker lives in the City of Lee's Summit," a post shared on the city's X account last week read, before it was deleted, according to the New York Post. A subsequent post from the account read, "We apologize for our previous tweet. It was shared in error." On Thursday, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas confirmed the staffer who wrote the announcement has since been fired. "The employee has been separated from the City workforce for violation of City policy by posting outside the scope of authorized City communications. The City will have no further comment on the post or individual employees related to it," a statement from Lucas' office said, according to KCTV-TV. Lucas condemned the post last week, shortly after it was taken down, "A message appeared earlier this evening from a City public account," he wrote on X, at the time. "The message was clearly inappropriate for a public account. The City has correctly apologized for the error, will review account access, and ensure nothing like it is shared in the future from public channels." The message took aim at Butker, 28, who has been under fire since delivering a controversial May 11 commencement speech at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. While addressing female graduates, he said their "most important title" should be that of "homemaker," suggesting working women were unfulfilled. "I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolic lies told to you," Butker said. "Some of you may go on to lead successful careers in the world, but I would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world," he said. "I can tell you that my beautiful wife Isabelle would be the first to say her life truly started when she started living her vocation as a wife and as a mother." Larry and Edward Lee spent Sunday morning picking through the fragments that remained of a trailer home where their sister and her daughter-in-law were killed just before midnight. Were trying to clear the road so trucks can get through and also see if we can salvage any of their belongings thats about all we can do at this point, said Larry, shaking his head in disbelief, as Edward found a battered Barbie doll and added it to a pile of eight plastic dinosaurs and an upended pink bicycle. Larrys son owns the rural plot near West 470 Road and North 426 Road in between Claremore and Pryor. A couple of years ago, their relatives returned from Washington State and rented a single-wide mobile home there to live in. My son called them about 15 minutes before and told them it was coming their way, Larry said. The next time they spoke, my nephew said it blew him off the porch and knocked him out and when he came to, everyone was gone. He had been trying to get them in the cellar, but it was too late. Larry and Edward identified the two dead as their sister, Linda Lee, 62, and her daughter-in-law Tawna Lee, who was in her 30s. Their adult nephew and his three children who were home at the time were injured and are at a Tulsa hospital, they said. Larry said their sister often sent cell phone photos of the squirrels she like to watch on the property, and she enjoyed walking her three grandchildren she lived with down their long gravel drive to catch the school bus each morning. It used to be a really beautiful spot out here, he said. All that remains are concrete steps over a small cellar and a rectangle of bare earth where the mobile home used to rest. A co-worker of the Lees nephew drove up from Tahlequah to help any way he could. I got a call from his cousin saying they took a direct hit, said Mark Hadley, stopping to repair the chainsaw he was using to clear downed trees on the property. Theres no reason anybody survived but for the sovereignty and grace of God. This could have been so much worse. Its a tragedy, but 4 out of 6 survived it when it should have been zero. One wood-siding house to the south was badly damaged and a large metal barn was demolished from atop its concrete slab, but 23-year-old Dylan Baldridge said both of his grandparents survived inside the house. I live in Pryor and it came right over us, but the second it cleared out, I got in the car and drove out here, he said. The two neighbors to the north of the Lees had wind and tree damage and were badly shaken but grateful for their relative good fortune. Our cell phone warning went off, but our cellar is in this other building and we did not have time, said Rachel Miller, who also lives in a trailer home. Me, my husband and our three kids took cover in a closet and we didnt know what was going to happen. The next thing I knew, our neighbor the dad came running down this road saying Everyones gone! I called 9-1-1 and ambulances, police got here so fast. Miller said it was shocking that they only had the skirting on their trailer home blown in and a dumpster out front blown around, when a mother with children just like her next door died. The storm came through in such a horrible way. She was my friend our kids played together, Miller said, her voice cracking. But she wouldve wanted her kids to be safe. Millers uncle lives next door and has a massive red oak downed on the front of his wood and brick house. His American flag was tattered but still flying on an upright aluminum pole just a few feet from the 100-year-old, downed tree. I was having a hard time falling asleep because of all this weather. We lost electric maybe 10 minutes before. I heard what sounded like hail falling, but it must have been this tree, said John Cummings. We went in the bathtub and I told the wife if the house starts shaking, take cover. Its crazy everythings gone a quarter of a mile that way. In Claremore, at a Sunday afternoon news conference in front of the Rogers County Courthouse, Claremore City Manager City Manager John Feary said, Everybody in the city limits of Claremore is without power. The citys hospitals were operating off of generators, Feary added, and the expectation was that their power will be restored by the end of the day. Partial restoration of power to other parts of the city was also expected Sunday evening, Feary said. Twenty-three people were injured in the storm, including 19 who were transported to local hospitals, three of whom had possible life-threatening injuries, Feary said. We have all but finalized the search and rescue portion and, by the blessing of God, we have not found any other fatalities yet, any other casualties, Feary said. Feary said the city plans to implement a curfew from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Rogers County District 1 Commissioner Dan Delozier said the plan is to impose a similar curfew in unincorporated portions of the county to address possible looting. The fact of it is, it almost always happens in these incidents, Feary said. So were going to be really proactive. Feary said most streets in the city are passable and that the city is no longer in need of any volunteers or donations. But for many in the community, he said, it will be a long time before things get back to normal. Here in town or out east but, certainly here in town, significant, significant damage damage that changes peoples lives forever, Feary said. So we would just all ask that you continue to pray for these folks. For more information about the storm response in Claremore, including frequently asked questions, go to www.claremore.com/weatheralerts. The National Weather Service in Tulsa said on Sunday the tornado had preliminary EF-2 (winds of 111 to 135 mph) damage in Claremore, according to its survey team in the area. Steve Piltz, meteorologist in charge at the Tulsa weather service office, said in a text to the Tulsa World, Were between Pryor and Claremore now. We are at EF-2, but havent seen the worst of it yet. He later texted that survey crews found EF-3 (winds of 136-165 mph) damage in eastern Rogers County. The weather service reported that a damaging tornado was moving east of Claremore along Oklahoma 20 around 11:30 p.m. Saturday. Shortly after that, the NWS-Tulsa social advised on social media that a tornado was on the ground 6 miles west-northwest of Pryor. In the hardest hit area, 30 houses were damaged and at least 10 destroyed in a rural area just north of Oklahoma 20 in between Claremore and Pryor, according to Mayes County Emergency Management Director John Janzen. One person was killed on site, while a second person died after being transported to a nearby hospital. Five others were transported, and some are in critical condition, Janzen said. The weather service did a great job, so there was lots of warning. We had a long leadway, so we set sirens off well and advance. The fatalities and injuries were in a rural area, so they would not have sirens out there. The American Red Cross has opened evacuation centers for those affected by the storm: Claremore: Memorial Heights Baptist Church, 1500 W. Will Rogers Blvd. Pryor: Mayes County Fairgrounds, 2200 NE First St. Saturday nights tornado would be at least the 95th in the state so far this season two in March, a record 55 in April and 38 in May, according to a preliminary 2024 count by the National Weather Service. The most tornadoes ever in the month of May for Oklahoma was 105, set in 2019. The state averages 24 tornadoes per year in May, the most on average of any month, according to records that date to 1950. The fatalities in eastern Oklahoma were among at least 15 people killed in severe storms on Saturday night in Oklahoma, Texas and Arkansas, the Associated Press reported. Pryor also was the site of the fifth-deadliest tornado in Oklahoma history on April 27, 1942. That storm killed 52 people and injured 350. Tulsa World assistant editor Michael Dekker contributed to this story. Correction: This story originally misstated the preliminary figure for tornadoes so far in May, as well as the state record for tornadoes in May. The story has been corrected. Vietnam places 59th among 119 economies in this years Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI), lagging behind several of its Southeast Asian counterparts due to restricted tourism services and infrastructure. The nation earned an overall score of 3.96 points out of seven, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF)s latest report. This marks a notable decline from 2022 when the country held the 52nd position among 117 economies with an average score of 4.1 points. According to the WEF, the Vietnamese tourism industry recorded its lowest score in tourist services and infrastructure, garnering 2.2 points and landing at the 80th position out of 119 countries and territories. The countrys prioritization of tourism index scored 3.63 points, placing it 98th overall. Regarding the index of socio-economic impact, Vietnam ranked 115th out of 119 countries and territories, scoring 2.95 points. Vietnam excelled in price competitiveness, scoring 5.68 points to rank 16th globally, and safety and security, with 6.19 points placing it 23rd globally. In Southeast Asia, Singapore secured the highest ranking with its TTDI placed at 13th position out of 119 countries and territories. Countries ranking above Vietnam included Indonesia at 22nd, Malaysia at 35th, and Thailand at 47th. Vietnam was followed by the Philippines at 69th, Cambodia at 86th, and Laos at 91st. Among the Southeast Asian countries, Indonesia demonstrated the most significant improvement, climbing from 36th in 2022 to the 22nd position in 2024. The U.S. topped the ranking, followed by Spain, Japan, and France. The WEF introduced its inaugural report on the Travel & Tourism Development Index in 2007. Over the years, this report has become a leading benchmark for the global tourism industry. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Chairman of the administration in Ca Mau, the southernmost province of Vietnam, Huynh Quoc Viet on Saturday signed a decision approving a plan to develop the local shrimp sector by 2030, with a vision for 2045, at an estimated cost of VND20 trillion (US$785.2 million). Of the total, VND4.05 trillion ($159 million) will be sourced from the provinces coffers and the remaining from other resources. The province aims to become Vietnams largest shrimp hub that will employ advanced technologies to improve productivity and output, adapt to climate change, and protect the environment by 2030. Ca Mau set a target to stabilize its shrimp farming area at 280,000 hectares and develop two seafood complexes in Nam Can and Dam Doi Districts. The province will produce shrimp post-larvae to meet at least 80 percent of the demand of local farmers, while locally-produced shrimp feed can meet 40 percent of the demand. As per the provincial administrations decision, Ca Mau looks to reach a farmed shrimp output of 350,000 metric tons and an export value of $1.65 billion a year. It plans to increase the proportion of value-added shrimp products to 80 percent in the next six years. The province anticipates cultivating a sustainably developed shrimp sector characterized by high-quality products, reputable brands, and recognition in both domestic and international markets by 2050. All of its shrimp products will be traceable, while its shrimp farming facilities will be developed in a modern and synchronous manner. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister Le Minh Khai met with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister Sun Chanthol on Thursday on the sidelines the 29th Future of Asia Forum in Tokyo, Japan, during which the former insisted on Hanoi's preference for riparian countries' interests to be ensured in relation to the Funan Techo Canal project. Deputy PM Khai reiterated Vietnam's commitment to respecting Cambodia's legitimate interests in national development, including the Funan Techo Canal project, based on the longstanding bilateral friendship relations between the two countries and relevant regulations outlined by the Mekong River Commission (MRC), according to the Vietnam Government Portal. In the same vein, the Deputy PM expressed hope that the Cambodian side would maintain close coordination with Vietnam and the MRC in sharing information about the project and evaluating its impacts on water resources and the ecological environment of the Mekong River basin. Such collaborative effort aims to safeguard the shared interests of the riverine countries and their people. In recent times, Vietnams Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged Cambodia to furnish detailed information about the canal project and to collaborate in assessing its potential environmental impacts. The Cambodian mass media have continuously run news reports regarding the canal project, showing Cambodian leaders determination to implement the project that they said will benefit not only people in Cambodia but also those in other countries. In March, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet affirmed that the Funan Techo Canal would benefit about 1.6 million people living along the waterway and create many other benefits for national development. The canal is expected to be 180km long, connecting the Phnom Penh river port with the Gulf of Thailand, southwest of Cambodia. An artists rendition of the Funan Techo Canal project, released recently by the Cambodian Ministry of Public Works and Transport. Photo: Cambodian government As per its design, this canal will be 100 meters wide upstream, 80 meters wide downstream, and 5.4 meters deep upon completion. This waterway facility will run through the Cambodian provinces of Kandal, Takeo, Kampot, and Kep. The project will be implemented by Chinese contractors under the build-operate-transfer (BOT) method at an estimated cost of about US$1.7 billion, Hun Manet said recently. Construction is expected to start in late 2024 and complete after four years. However, in a May 16 speech, Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen, who was the countrys prime minister, suggested that the Cambodian government begin construction of the canal as soon as possible, according to the Phnom Penh Post. During the meeting in Tokyo, Deputy PM Khai expressed his pleasure at the stable development of cooperation between Vietnam and Cambodia in recent times, noting that economic cooperation has been a highlight, with trade turnover experiencing remarkable growth in the first quarter. He emphasized that the spirit of solidarity, attachment, and mutual sacrifice is an invaluable asset between the two nations. Deputy PM Chanthol extended his warm congratulations to President To Lam and National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man on their recent election to new positions by the Vietnamese National Assembly. Chanthol asserted that to achieve the goal of increasing trade turnover to $20 billion, the two countries need to further strengthen their economic, trade, and investment relations. He also mentioned that the Cambodian government encourages Vietnamese businesses to invest more in Cambodia. The two deputy prime ministers agreed to promote visits and interactions between high-level leaders of both countries, including high-level meetings between the two Parties, and to continue effectively implementing bilateral agreements and cooperation mechanisms. Like us on Facebook or follow us on X to get the latest news about Vietnam! Two steam locomotives manufactured in the 1960s have been restored and are expected to provide tourists with a new experience between Da Nang City and Thua Thien-Hue Province in central Vietnam, starting from the end of this year or early next year, after they are connected with carriages. Indochina Rail Tourist Service JSC said it had reached an agreement with hospitality company Wafaifo Optimisers to manage Revolution Express steam locomotives. They are the last remaining working steam engines in Vietnam. They were built in Vietnam based on a French design. The locomotives will pull two carriages that can each accommodate 57 passengers, a kitchen carriage, and a luggage carriage. A view of the space inside the steam train between Da Nang City and Thua Thien-Hue Province. Photo: D.D. / Tuoi Tre Revolution Express will go on a return trip between Da Nang City and Thua Thien-Hue Province every day, facilitating tourists admiring magnificent landscapes along the way. Michael Gebbie, a representative of Indochina Rail Tourist Service JSC, said a highlight of the service will be themed meals at restaurants at three stations on the route Kim Lien in Da Nang and Lang Co and Hue Stations in Thua Thien-Hue. We are proud to bring these old dames of rail back to life and to showcase important periods in Vietnamese history from imperial through colonial rule and finally the struggle to independence, said Gebbie. A steam locomotive which has been restored. Photo: D.D. / Tuoi Tre Earlier, Vietnam Railways had sought the Ministry of Transports permission to connect tracks for steam trains with the national railway system. Indochina Rail Tourist Service JSC has got involved in the project since 2016. Revolution Express steam trains will bring new experiences to tourists. Photo: Nhat Linh / Tuoi Tre Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Nguyen Anh Nguyet, a 42-year-old woman from a poor area in Quang Tri Province, north-central Vietnam, and her 62-year-old Australian husband Andrew Macpherson received a pair of suckling pigs gifted by the grooms friend, Peter O'Neil, former prime minister of Papua New Guinea, an Oceanian country, at their wedding in Da Nang City, central Vietnam. The pigs wiggled in a bamboo basket and screamed loudly, making guests at the wedding party laugh. After the wedding party on a beach in the city, the couple departed to Australia for their honeymoon. She used to work as a receptionist at Furama Resort Da Nang, which is also the venue of her wedding party. The wedding of Nguyen Anh Nguyet and Andrew Macpherson at Furama Resort Da Nang in Da Nang City, central Vietnam. Photo: Supplied Nguyet recalled that she came to Australia for study in 2011. She worked as an employee seeking property buyers to earn her living. Her target customers were the elite, politicians, and celebrities. While looking for customers, she chanced on Macpherson. She narrated that both she and her husband were advanced in years and understood hardships in life, so they decided to begin a serious relationship several months after getting acquainted with each other. Nguyet later introduced Macpherson to her family. At the time, she did not know Macpherson was a well-known racer and a millionaire. I was shocked when he showed me his photos, his company name, and his personal information. I could not believe that my husbands photos are plentiful on the Internet," she said. He joined world-renowned racing tournaments. He also owns a meat and seafood export company and a firm owning the Australian racing tournament GT world challenge Asia GT3. They received a pair of suckling pigs at their wedding. Photo: Supplied Macpherson told Nguyet that he loves Vietnam and Vietnamese peoples gentleness, so he wanted to hold their wedding in Vietnam instead of Australia. In late April, their wedding took place on the beach in Da Nang with some 100 guests. Nguyet said she met her husband by fate. As she could enjoy her lifes happiest moment in her homeland Vietnam, she felt everything was perfect. Over the past few years, world-renowned billionaires and celebrities have chosen Da Nang as the venue for their weddings. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! 2022 Italian crime drama Dont Leave Me premieres in a late night slot on SBS this week. Deputy Chief Elena Zonin (Vittoria Puccini) lives and works in Rome, where she deals with computer crimes and hunts down a network of paedophiles responsible for the kidnapping and sale of minors on the web. When the lifeless body of a child is found in the Venice lagoon, Elena immediately investigates the case, convinced that it can be traced back to the wider investigation she has been working on for years. But to solve the crime, shell have to face her own past. Episode One: The body of a boy is found by police divers in the waters of the Venice lagoon. On his shoulders is a backpack full of stones, which suggests that he committed suicide. Elena Zonin, deputy commissioner of the CNCPO (the national centre for the control of child pornography) thinks that the drowned boy is the victim of a paedophile network that she has been trying to destroy for years. Wednesday, 29 May at 11.10pm on SBS. Australian made adult drama fell from 570 to 300 broadcast hours between 1999 and 2023, according to a new report, and childrens drama more than halved, from 106 to 51 hours. QUTs report Australian Television Dramas Uncertain Future: How Cultural Policy is Failing Australians found that the primary beneficiaries of broadcasting and screen production policy reform have been industry interests, not the Australian community. The demise of Australian television drama is a direct consequence of a failure to adopt policies for contemporary conditions and the blurring of cultural and economic policy priorities. It claims many of the few remaining dramas today are not made for an Australian audience. Instead, they are commissioned by services targeting global markets. Australian TV drama hours, 19992023 For example, Wolf Like Me (Stan, 2022-) is a romantic comedy about two Americans set in Adelaide and Lie With Me (Network 10, 2021) is an adultery thriller set in Melbourne where a couple has recently moved from the UK, the report stated. Others yet are shot in Australia but set in other places, for example, Clickbait (Netflix, 2021) and Nine Perfect Strangers (Prime Video, 2021-). These series receive as much as 30% of their spending back in government rebates. Streaming services may be spending more per hour but their lack of meaningful engagement with any aspect of Australian society raises the question of what value the Australian community receives. It also suggested the push for streaming quotas should not be the only focus for safeguarding of Australian stories. Those efforts have been stymied by the lack of clear objectives. Policy solutions may include streamers, but the purpose of policy needs to be established first, it said. It recommended four interventions : Cultural specificity, access, and diversity should be key objectives of cultural policy for the Australian screen sector. To that end, funding to ensure Australians have access to 5075 hours of new, varied, culturally specific drama per year must be established. Cultural specificity, access, and diversity should be key objectives of cultural policy for the Australian screen sector. To that end, funding to ensure Australians have access to 5075 hours of new, varied, culturally specific drama per year must be established. Culturally specific drama provides compelling accounts of the Australian experience in all its diversity. It offers Australians ways to understand their place in the world, relationships among Australians, and the challenges we face, as in dramas such as Redfern Now (ABC, 201213), Gallipoli (Nine, 2015), The Family Law (SBS, 201619), Total Control (ABC, 201924), New Gold Mountain (SBS, 2021), Fires (ABC, 2021), The Newsreader (ABC, 2021), RFDS (Seven, 2021), In Our Blood (ABC, 2023), Safe Home (SBS, 2023), House of Gods (ABC, 2024), and Boy Swallows Universe (Netflix, 2024). To be clear, this is not a call for stories with kangaroos, koalas, accents and Australian landmarks, it said. Much like how Mr Bates vs The Post Office (ITV, 2024) recently galvanised viewers in the UK in understanding a great injustice in their society, supports for dramatic examinations of Australian crises such as Robodebt, epidemic levels of domestic violence, and accounts of ongoing struggles of cohesion in a migrant and colonialist nation deliver crucial social understanding but are often dismissed as lacking international or commercial viability. Titles receiving supports intended to deliver social and cultural value to the Australian community must be accessible to all. This could be achieved through ensuring there is a non-paywalled distribution window. Titles can also be licensed to paid services, as this makes it easier for some Australians to find and view, or be sold abroad. As an objective, accessibility demands prioritising the Australian communitys ability to watch these dramas, not industrial strategies of exclusivity and scarcity. There are multiple routes by which this can be achieved, though the most efficient is to resource Australias public service broadcasters. The provision of culturally specific drama that reflects Australian society in all its diversity aligns with both the ABCs and SBSs charter obligations, with both services being widely accessible. The ABC and SBS are key cultural institutions that should be central to delivering screen drama cultural objectives. The ABC and SBS require resourcing dedicated to this mission given they are the only institutions aligned to serving Australians and prioritising accessibility and diversity. The free-to-air availability of these broadcasters, combined with their established free-to-access, on-demand infrastructure is important given the accessibility challenges of the contemporary ecosystem, the report stated. Just as founding frameworks such as the Broadcasting Services Act 1992 warrant updating for the profoundly changed conditions, so too does the ABC Charter require modernisation to acknowledge its expanded duties given the erosion of commercial broadcasters contribution to Australian society. Crucially, policy that requires public service broadcasters to ensure culturally specific, accessible, and diverse screen stories must guarantee dedicated funding and expectations for drama objectives. Enforce prosocial obligations and/or fees on entities using broadcast spectrum. Reducing commercial broadcaster obligations over recent decades has been disastrous for the Australian community in terms of their access to freely available Australian drama. Current conditions in which commercial broadcasters access public spectrum with minimal corresponding public responsibility must be rectified, it continued. Reinstating drama quotas is not effective policy, but broadcasters should contribute funds that support cultural policy in lieu, such as through contributions to a fund that could support the hours of culturally specific drama called for here. Clarity is need regarding the cultural objectives of the producer offset and Screen Australia. Ideally social and cultural aims should be separated from economic development. Shahzeen Khan, TwoCircles.net Ahmedabad (Gujarat): Ten months after a similar incident, a man in forties was allegedly lynched to death by cow vigilantes on the morning of May 23 at Nava village in Gujarats Banaskantha while transporting buffaloes to a cattle fair. However, the police refuse to acknowledge the incident as a case of mob lynching. Support TwoCircles This incident is not a mob lynching. For an incident to be considered a mob lynching, it would need to have a communal aspect. It appears that the accused did not intend to murder but rather intimidate the deceased, ruled Banaskantha Superintendent of Police Akshayraj Makwana. The deceased, Mishrikhan Baloch, was accompanying a fellow villager Hussainkhan Hajibabukhan Baloch, who was driving a pick-up van, when they were allegedly stopped and demanded money by a group of self-claimed cow protectors. They waylaid the vehicle and asked my brother and Hussain for Rs 2 lakh. As they said they dont have the money, the goons began beating them. Though the driver somehow managed to escape, they beat up my brother black and blue. He was repeatedly hit on his head with sticks and iron rods. He later succumbed to the injuries, Sher Khan told TwoCircles.net. In his complaint to the police, Hussainkhan, who is the eyewitness of the incident, described the turn of events in detail. At around 5 am, Mishrikhan, Jume Khan, our mother Biki and I set out in my pickup truck to the market in Gawadi. We noticed that a Scorpio was chasing us. Inside the SUV were Akheraj Singh Prabat Singh and others from Vatamwala. They were threatening to kill us. I accelerated the vehicle, but the tire burst near the Bhawani Hotel (along the Deesa-Tharad road in Deodar taluka) forced us to stop. I took cover in a nearby thicket while Mishrikhan, Rahim Khan and Baloch remained in the van. Akheraj Singh and his accomplices attacked them with iron pipes and bars, beating them and vandalizing the vehicle, he continued. I watched the scene by hiding behind the bushes and later found Mishrikhan dead. He suffered severe head injuries. As I reported the incident to the Agathala police station, the police immediately arrived there, he concluded. Based on the complaint, the police lodged a first information report (FIR) under sections of 302 (murder), 341 (wrongful restraint), 147 (rioting), 148 (rioting, being armed with a deadly weapon), 149 (unlawful assembly), 506 (2) (criminal intimidation) and 120B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) against five accused Akherajsinh Parbatsinh Vaghela, Nikulsinh, Jagatsinh, Pravinsinh and Hamirbhai Thakor. While search teams have been dispatched to Vadodara and Rajasthan to apprehend the remaining three accused, two of the five have been detained. However, the police have dismissed a communal angle by stating that the incident cannot be described as a mob lynching. Notably, accused, Akheraj, was also allegedly in a similar lynching case that took place in July 2023 in Banaskantha. However, the Gujarat High Court had quashed his detention in November last year, stating that there is no evidence on record to suggest that the detainee is engaging in behaviour that would pose a threat to public order. Mujahid Nafees, convener of the Minority Coordination Committee, said a large number of people living in the Banaskantha are involved in the cattle trade, selling livestock across the state. And therefore, vigilante gangs in the district frequently target the animal traders to extort money. Those who refuse to pay are publicly beaten up, he alleged. Referring to Akheraj, he said an animal trader was severely beaten at Sesan village, and the main accused of the incident is also the principal accused of the latest incident. The police should identify and hunt down these groups and deal with them sternly to ensure such incidents are not repeated in future, he said, demanding the harshest possible punishment for the criminals that can serve as a deterrent. Inspector Amit Desai of the Deesa (rural) police, who is investigating the case, also maintained that the incident was not a typical case of mob lynching, but rather stemmed from a long-standing dispute between the accused and the victims. While Indian law does not specifically address mob lynching, the recently enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita provides for life imprisonment or the death penalty in cases where a group of five or more individuals, acting jointly, commit murder based on factors such as race, caste, religion or other similar grounds. Referring to mob violence as a creeping threat, the Supreme Court, in the 2018 Tehseen Poonawalla judgment, had stated, The authorities responsible for maintaining law and order in the states have a primary obligation to ensure that vigilantism, whether it be cow vigilantism or any other type, does not occur. The top court had also expressed concern over the growing intolerance and polarization in the country, stating that this should not become a norm. However, such a strongly worded verdict did not change much on the ground. Lynching and mob violence, targeting Muslims and Dalits, continue unabated. The Supreme Court, in the same judgment, had also noted that some states are categorizing mob lynching cases as brawls or accidents to evade responsibility for preventing communal violence. Since 2010, there have been 28 cow-related killings, resulting in 24 deaths and 124 injuries. The massive fire, which broke out at Newborn Baby Care Hospital at Vivek Vihar, exposes several lapses non-registration, no NOC, single narrow exit, congested space, alleged illegal oxygen refilling, etc. Devanshi Batra, TwoCircles.net Support TwoCircles They set my five days-old on fire, lamented an inconsolable mother outside the citys Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, where bodies of seven deceased infants were sent for postmortem examination. A massive blaze erupted at the Newborn Baby Care Hospital in East Delhis Vivek Vihar, resulting in the deaths of seven newborns. While 12 children were rescued from the burning building, seven died and the remaining five are battling for life. Six infants were brought dead to the hospital, while one was kept on a ventilator who later succumbed to injuries. The fire is believed to have broken out at 11:30 pm on May 25 at the top floor of the hospital, where 12 children were admitted. Waiting outside the GTB Hospital to receive charred remains of their dear ones, the parents and relatives were overwhelmed with grief. The grieving mothers were wailing, struggling to comprehend the tragic events. The five rescued infants were shifted to the nearby Advanced Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the same hospital. Their parents and relatives complained that they did not receive any information about the incident from the hospital administration. When they came to know about the massive fire, they began making frantic calls to the hospital but allegedly did not get any response. They claimed they were not allowed to stay with the babies at the hospital. Sindhu, 38, the relative of a six-day-old boy, who was undergoing treatment at the Newborn Baby Care Hospital, narrated the horror. I rushed there in the morning after learning about the incident from media reports. The hospital did not inform us. Fortunately, he was rescued and is alive, she said. Suresh, 68, grandmother of a five-day-old baby girl, also claimed that she was not informed and learnt about the incident through TV news. Our granddaughter had a minor illness, and we were expecting her to be discharged today (May 26). We had no idea that an incident like this would happen. We werent even informed. We found out this morning through the news. The hospital didnt notify us. Though she is safe, she is experiencing breathing difficulties, she added. The hospital authorities stated a total of five children are receiving care at the NICU, and all are in stable condition. Some are experiencing breathing issues; but otherwise, all are out of danger. The two-storeyed medical facility where the fire broke out has only one narrow exit. Local residents also claimed that the authorities did not have a no objection certificate. The Delhi governments health department is entirely responsible for the incident. Why was this hospital given a license when it was not fulfilling the eligibility criteria? The exit is congested and has a single staircase. There is no alternate arrangement for emergency evacuation, said Pushpendra Kumar Gupta, a local. Residents also alleged oxygen cylinders were being illegally traded at the hospital, and they had previously reported it to the owner as well. Aman Jain, who lives in a house adjacent to the hospital, said, They used to refill small cylinders from the bigger ones. And the fire erupted following an explosion during the refilling. The hospital has been indulging in this illegal trade for three years. The hospital gets oxygen supply every day. We could see trucks and vans loading and unloading oxygen cylinders. This is a baby care hospital; how much oxygen does a small baby need? Abid Ali, who witnessed the entire incident at night and helped in the rescue operation, said that there were at least seven explosions and that the hospital staff fled when the fire erupted. He along with a few others went to the back of the hospital building, set up a ladder, broke windows and rescued the infants. I didnt even know there were newborns inside. As I noticed flames and black smoke rising from the top floor of the hospital, I informed the staff. One of them came out, then went back inside to alert others. To my surprise, instead of calling the fire brigade, raising alarms and making attempts to douse the fire, they all escaped. There were at least seven explosions. Cylinders began exploding one after another. One even landed on the nearby ITI premise. The fire kept engulfing the entire building for half an hour before it was extinguished by fire fighters. The children were rescued around midnight. he added. According to news agency ANI, the hospital had not obtained a mandatory No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the fire department. Delhi Fire Services chief Atul Garg said, No NOC was issued by the DFS (Delhi Fire Service) to the Baby Care Newborn Hospital in Vivek Vihar. The matter is currently under investigation. According to a police official close to the development, a first information report (FIR) has been lodged against the owner of the hospital under sections of 336 (endangering life of personal safety of others), 304A (death by negligence) and 34 (criminal activity) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The owner, Naveen Kichi, a resident of Paschim Vihar, is absconding. According to the hospitals website, Khichi serves as both a paediatrician and the director of the facility. The owner has a previous criminal record, including a case regarding non-registration of the hospital. He is also accused of wrongly treating a newborn. Investigations are going on, and we are probing into the previous cases as well, said a senior police official on condition of anonymity. By Andy Bruce (Reuters) - Britain's Conservative Party will introduce mandatory national service for 18-year-olds if it wins the national election on July 4, comprising military or community participation, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said on Sunday. Young adults will be able to choose between spending one weekend a month volunteering over the course of a year, or take up one of 30,000 spaces to spend a year in the armed forces, Sunak said. The announcement followed Labour Party leader Keir Starmer's comments on Saturday that he was in favour of allowing 16 and 17-year-olds to vote. Sunak's Conservatives lag Labour by a wide margin in opinion polls, which have shown little change in fortunes for the prime minister since his surprise election call last Wednesday. "Britain today faces a future that is more dangerous and more divided. There's no doubt that our democratic values are under threat. That is why we will introduce a bold new model of national service for 18-year-olds," Sunak said in a statement. The Conservative Party said the proposal would be funded by cracking down on tax avoidance and evasion, and by diverting money from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which existed to reduce regional economic inequality. Labour politicians derided the announcement. "The national service we need from our young people is to vote for change on 4th July," said Andy Burnham, mayor of Greater Manchester. Interior minister James Cleverly told broadcasters there would be no criminal sanctions for skipping mandatory service but that people will be compelled to do it, without providing further details. Asked by the BBC if forcing adults to volunteer was at odds with the Conservative Party's liberal tradition, Cleverly said: "We force people to do things all the time." He cited compulsory education or training for teenagers until the age of 18 as an example. (Editing by Elaine Hardcastle) I dont envy anyone who takes on the task of creating and crafting a biopic about one of the most famous and impactful musicians of a generation. For a writer or director, it cant be easy facing the pressures of staying true to the person, warts and all, while also conforming to the typical rousing Hollywood structure. Its equally difficult to cast these roles and deliver a true character for the audience to follow that isnt a caricature of the person theyre portraying. Thanks to Kingsley Ben-Adirs excellent performance in the lead role, Bob Marley: One Love is elevated from being a typical routine into something worth watching. As with most biopics, Bob Marley: One Love finds the most fraught and desperate time in our subjects life to frame its story. In this case, our film explores the turbulent times of political unrest in Jamaica coinciding with Marley releasing his most famous album - Exodus - during his exile in London. With some flashbacks, we see Bob find his voice as a young man, meeting his wife Rita (Lashana Lynch) and working with Island Records founder Chris Blackwell (James Norton). Within this structure, the film touches on his attempted assassination, performing within days of being shot, his time abroad, and then the unfortunate diagnosis that would lead to his early death. The worst thing I can say about Bob Marley: One Love is that all of the standard biopic plot beats are hit. I wouldnt call myself an overly educated individual about the life and times of Bob Marley. Through the osmosis of listening to the mans music and hanging out with some die-hard fans, I had at least a cursory understanding of the mans life. A greatest hits of key moments, if you will. And that is the folly of so many biopics, a cursory knowledge is all you need to stay ahead of the plot. From Point A to Point B, I knew where this movie was going. I got to sit back and enjoy some great performances, again Kingsley Ben-Adir nails it, but I didnt come out of this, learning anything new or exciting that I didnt already learn by reading album liner notes. That isnt to say the film is a waste of time or anything, it isnt, but its also not very remarkable when it comes to bringing a remarkable man and musician to life. I think my measured indifference to Bob Marley: One Love is that it follows the path of so many biopics. Considering how early and quickly the moment is run through, I was shocked that the film didnt spend more time with Marleys attempted assassination and subsequent performance two days later. That, to me at least, is a more exciting and dramatically fulfilling film. Marleys message and mission was of peace, love, and perseverance. By trying to show a life in its entirety in under two hours, the impact of that message gets lost. Two hours dedicated to the political turmoil of the island, the genesis of the Smile concert, the shooting, and Marley performing two days later backed by Zap Pow would have been a hell of a picture! Vital Disc Stats: The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Bob Marley: One Love lets fans know everything is gonna be all right with a 4K UHD + Blu-ray + Digital SteelBook release from Paramount. The 4K is pressed on a BD-66 disc with a BD-50 serving up the 1080p. Bonus features are found on both discs. The discs load to a standard static image main menu with traditional navigation options. The SteelBook is a classy piece of work, all black with Kingsley Ben-Adirs Bob Marley done up in negative space red, yellow, green colors. Pretty damn stylish. compiled by Thu Tra HA NOI Viet Nam is gradually changing its economic growth model, shifting the structure towards creating high-added value. This means it needs to attract new generation investment and technology exchange in order to create sustainable development for domestic enterprises. The race with many advantages According to experts, Viet Nam is being welcomed as a new production link in Asia, playing an increasingly important role in the global smart manufacturing chain thanks in part to its natural resources. Viet Nam is one of the few countries in the world to have vast rare earth reserves - an important raw material in semiconductor chip production. Those reserves are 22 million tonnes, ranking second only to China. Thanks to this advantage several leading corporations in the semiconductor industry such as those from the US, Europe, China, Japan and South Korea plan to carry out a series of joint ventures and direct investment projects. Nguyen Anh Tuan, Deputy Director of the Ministry of Planning and Investment's Foreign Investment Agency (FIA) told Haiquanonline.com.vn that many investors had selected Viet Nam as an investment destination for high-tech industries, including the semiconductor industry. He said that this was an important starting point from which to realise the Government's strategic goal, making the semiconductor industry a leader in the drive to create growth. Along with the potential of the semiconductor industry, many international experts and organisations have perceived that the country has emerged as a bright spot for foreign investment attraction. According to HSBC's global research department, Viet Nam is among the three countries that excel in ASEAN in attracting foreign investment in the technology sector, along with Singapore and Malaysia. Meanwhile, Lim Dyi Chang, head of commercial banking at UOB Vietnam said a remarkable investment shift was being seen in Viet Nam, away from industries using a large number of workers, into technology and service sectors. He saw Viet Nam as a production base for many high-tech products. Identifying barriers Experts forecast that foreign investors will continue to see Viet Nam as an attractive destination, considering it a strategic location for relocating their production bases. However, administrative procedures and heavy regulations remain the issues that foreign investors are most concerned about. Many foreign businesses said they were keeping a close watch on upcoming regulatory changes that are likely to have a significant impact on their investments, such as the implementation of the National Electricity Development Plan for the 2021-30 period with a vision to 2050, a mechanism allowing the purchase of electricity directly and the implementation and impact of the Land Law 2024. According to Joseph Uddo, chairman of the American Chamber of Commerce, the most important factor for a favourable investment climate is a fair, transparent, predictable and streamlined regulatory environment that values innovation - not only to attract new interest, but also to maintain and grow existing investment. During the annual Viet Nam Business Forum (VBF) held in March in Ha Noi, the chairman recommended that all the new laws and regulations be reviewed and restricted to new administrative procedures. He also highlighted the need for consistent, affordable, reliable and sustainable electricity, adding that investors need more streamlined regulations in order to install and provide access to renewable energy in Viet Nam. Denzel Eades, deputy chairman of the British Chamber of Commerce in Viet Nam said at the VBF that stronger administrative reforms were still needed to better serve business. Foreign investment inflows into Viet Nam in the first four months of this year saw a yearly increase of 4.5 per cent to nearly US$9.27 billion, according to figures from the FIA. A total of 966 new foreign-invested projects were licensed during this period, with a combined registered capital of over $7.11 billion, representing increases of 29 per cent and 73 per cent, respectively. Additionally, 345 operating projects were permitted to raise their capital by over $1.23 billion, down 26 per cent year-on-year. Meanwhile, foreign investors allocated over $929.6 million to contributing capital to and purchasing shares of domestic companies via 902 transactions, a decline of 70 per cent compared to the same period last year. The report also indicates that foreign investment disbursement in the reviewed period reached an estimated US$6.28 billion, marking a record high over the past five years. The manufacturing and processing sector attracted the largest share of foreign investment, $5 billion, accounting for 70.2 per cent of the total. Real estate followed with nearly $1.6 billion (22.5 per cent), while other sectors accounted for the remaining $519.6 million (7.3 per cent). Among the 50 countries and territories investing in Viet Nam, Singapore led with over $2.59 billion, representing 36.4 per cent of the total, followed by Hong Kong with nearly $898.6 million (12.6 per cent), mainland China ($740.2 million or 10.4 per cent), Turkey ($730 million or 10.3 per cent) and Taiwan ($512.3 million or 7.2 per cent). VNS HA NOI Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Sunday asked for more efforts to further improve the quality and effectiveness of coordination between the Government and the Viet Nam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL) for a strong and modern working class. Addressing a conference evaluating the results of implementing the statute on the working relationship between the government and the VGCL, PM Chinh requested the organisation to listen to and grasp the thoughts and aspirations of the working class and promptly reflect them to the Party, government, and businesses to promptly find solutions. It is also essential to continue the focus on protecting the legitimate rights and interests of labourers in accordance with the Constitution, laws and the Party's guidelines and policies, and at the same time, strengthen inspections to promptly detect and recommend strict handling of any violations, he stressed. Accordingly, the Government leader required the promotion of researching, developing and perfecting labour-related laws, mechanisms and policies, and the dissemination of the Party's guidelines and resolutions, and the State's policies and laws to union members and workers. He also emphasised the effective organisation and implementation of emulation movements; the building and development of a modern and strong working class to meet the country's development requirements in the new era, including improving labour productivity; and enhancing the role of trade unions, which is an important bridge between the Party and the state with the working class and Vietnamese workers. Trade unions at all levels need to strictly manage public financing and assets, including the effective exploitation of trade unions accommodation and resort facilities, under the leadership of the Party, and the management of the Constitution and laws, the PM said. He also noted that the increasingly close-knit, quality and effective coordination between the government and the VGCL has contributed positively to the overall success of the country. VNS By Nguyen Binh The life of the last queen consort of Viet Nam, Queen Nam Phuong (1913-1963) is set to be portrayed in a motion picture for the first time, focusing on her 10 years in Hue Imperial City before she left Viet Nam to settle in France with her children. The film will be shot next year in collaboration with Galaxy Studio, HKFilm and MAR6 Studios. The script is inspired by the novel Tinh Su Nam Phuong Hoang Hau (Queen Nam Phuong's Love Story) by Tran Thi Hao, and a history book by Le Lan Khanh. "The Imperial City of Hue is where the Queen had the most beautiful memories in her life," said the film directors Bao Nhan and Namcito at a working session with Thua Thien Hue People's Committee [provincial government] this month. "Queen Nam Phuong always shone with intellect, virtue, talent, and agility to survive amid the turmoil of her time." Bao Nhan and Namcito will co-direct the film. They have worked together before, making the well-known chick-flick series Gai Gia Lam Chieu (Camellia Sisters). Director Nhan provided an overview of the film project The Last Queen and introduced the directorial, production, distribution team, and film production plan. The Last Queen has been prepared and invested in since 2020, drawing from a vast historical archive about Queen Nam Phuong and the Nguyen Dynasty. The film aims not to reflect a specific period in the nation's history, but rather to draw inspiration from the life story of Queen Nam Phuong to portray a real historical figure on screen. It focuses on the period of over 10 years that the Queen spent in the royal palace, exploring various aspects of her married life, from happiness to sorrow, with King Bao ai, until the day the royal family left the Imperial City to start a quiet life abroad. Nguyen Thanh Binh, the provincial permanent deputy chairman, said he appreciated the film shooting in Hue City. Binh suggested that the film crew needed to have their own perspective of the land and people of Hue so would have their personal feelings in the process of developing the film's script. "The relevant bodies in the province will create better conditions for the film crew, and we hope that the film will help publicise the scenery, history and people of Hue City," Binh said. "The film crew needs to develop detailed plans to execute the scenes. They must coordinate with all sections to carefully prepare." Through the project, Thua Thien Hue will become a giant film studio for filmmakers amid a widespread lack of locations for shooting historical movies with natural landscapes and ancient architectural sites. A board has been set up under the provincial umbrella to support the filmmakers. Deputy director of Thua Thien Hue Institute for Research and Development Phan Thuy Van has been appointed head of the board. The Last Queen will mainly be shot at Kien Trung Palace - the living and working space of King Bao ai and Queen Nam Phuong and their children. Kien Trung Palace was built between 1921 and 1923 during the reign of King Khai inh (1885-1925). The palace is an important historical work, marking a unique and special period that complements the traditional Hue royal design. Its architecture meets the characteristics of an Indochina-style building, with a combination of Asian and European influences. The film also portrays uc Tu Cung - the mother of King Bao ai, a traditional Vietnamese woman, who showed much love and sacrifice for her family and resolute determination to protect and preserve the cultural values and beliefs of the royal family and the nation. Queen Nam Phuong, born Marie-Therese Nguyen Huu Thi Lan, was the first and primary wife of the last King Bao ai of Viet Nam from 1934 until her death. She also was the first and only queen consort of the Nguyen Dynasty. The Last Queen will be shot in Hue City, Central Highlands city of a Lat, HCM City and Chabrignac - a small rural village in Correze, France, where the Queen stayed during her last days. The film crew is planning the casting and the picture will be released in 2026 by Galaxy Studio and HK Film. VNS Associate Professor Pham Minh Son has just been awarded the 2024 Young Innovator in the Materials Science Award by The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (TMS), one of the largest professional organisations for material scientists and engineers. Son's research combines 3D printing technology with metal science to create crystal microstructures that are lightweight yet highly durable and programmable to become intelligent by simulating structures and principles of natural crystals. This is expected to have wide applications in aviation and space exploration. Thanh Nga asks Son about his research. Inner Sanctum: Could you tell us a little about yourself? I'm currently a senior lecturer and associate professor in the Department of Materials at Imperial College London, leading a research team on advanced materials, structural system safety, and metal 3D printing. Previously, I spent three years working in the US, implementing a cooperation project between Carnegie Mellon University, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and car companies like General Motors and Ford. I hold a doctorate in mechanical engineering from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, where my PhD thesis on the destruction of steam turbines in nuclear power plants was awarded the ETH-ETHz medal. I also have a master's degree from Korea University and an engineering degree from Ha Noi University of Science and Technology. Inner Sanctum: What led you to choose materials science as your field of study? I chose materials science because it is a multidisciplinary field that combines mechanics, mathematics, physics, and chemistry. Understanding the behaviour and safety mechanisms of components operating in extreme conditions requires in-depth knowledge of materials science, particularly the internal microcrystalline structure and its interaction with various physical, chemical, and mechanical factors. For example, the turbine wing of an aircraft engine must withstand extremely high loads and temperatures (up to 2,000C behind the combustion chamber). Similarly, in metal 3D printing, producing high-quality parts requires understanding the solid freezing mechanism and crystal formation process during heat changes. My research directions have always started with mechanical, physical, chemical, and manufacturing problems, but have ultimately led me to materials science. Inner Sanctum: Can you tell us more about the work of your research group at Imperial College London? The main objective of my research team is to develop super-lightweight, yet efficient, durable, and safe materials for use in harsh conditions, particularly in aviation, space, and energy systems. In the past five years, we have made several breakthroughs, creating smart, programmable materials that open new applications for devices, improve environmental compatibility, reduce energy consumption, increase the lifespan of parts, and help enable space exploration. Another important focus of our group is to evaluate the aging and prevent the risk of destruction to extend the life of structural mechanical components. By understanding the behaviour and safety mechanisms of materials at the microcrystalline level, we aim to create innovative solutions that address the challenges in these critical industries. Inner Sanctum: What are the outstanding research works your group has achieved? Our group has made several notable achievements. In TiAl alloy research, we used electron microscopy modelling based on experimental results to elucidate the twinning mechanism that reduces pressure in TiAl alloy, an important material for aircraft engines. Looking at turbine blade fatigue, our recent study has clarified the mechanism of fatigue formation in turbine blades, right after the combustion chamber where the highest loads occur in aircraft engines. This has allowed us to propose solutions to prevent destruction and improve engine safety. Metal 3D printing for space is another area. We've been collaborating with the European Space Agency to research the melting and freezing mechanisms of metals during 3D printing. This technology has great potential for fabricating components for future space stations on the Moon or Mars. In hydrogen storage materials, our group has worked with an energy company to evaluate materials for hydrogen storage, as hydrogen is considered a key solution for reducing emissions. We've also received funding from the UK government to establish an expert network between the UK and Viet Nam, focused on solving challenges across the green hydrogen value chain. Inner Sanctum: Regarding the crystal microstructure project published in Nature, please tell us more about it and its potential applications. The crystal microstructure work combines principles of metamaterials and crystal science to create self-similar structures from atomic to macro scales. This allows for precise control over material properties. When integrated with 3D printing and shape memory alloys, it enables programming of "smart" material behaviours, like the ability to change shape or communicate information within the material itself. This technology has great potential for medical devices, transportation, and space exploration. For space, programmable high-strength materials could be used to construct facilities for future lunar or Martian space stations. We are in discussions with partners at NASA and ESA to explore real-world applications. We've also collaborated with doctors at Hammersmith Hospital in London to apply the crystal microstructure approach to programme the shape of catheter tips, improving resolution and signals for cardiac surgery. Inner Sanctum: How have your collaboration with leading companies and organisations like Rolls Royce and ESA influenced your research and the development of practical applications? Collaboration with industrial partners is crucial for our research. Real-world application problems are highly complex, and studying material behaviour under realistic, challenging conditions provides much more comprehensive scientific knowledge than idealised lab experiments. Working with industry partners like Rolls Royce and ESA has several key benefits. It helps us identify the most relevant and impactful research problems to tackle, directly aligned with industry needs. The support and resources from these partners enable us to deploy our research findings much faster, accelerating the transition to practical applications. Dealing with the constraints and requirements of real-world usage scenarios pushes our fundamental understanding of materials science in new directions. In addition, the collaboration allows us to more quickly iterate on solutions and closely monitor their performance and suitability for industrial implementation. In short, these partnerships are invaluable for ensuring our advanced materials research has maximum real-world relevance and impact. The insights we gain from working with leading companies and organisations are essential for advancing the field. Inner Sanctum: What are your future plans and research directions in advanced materials for aviation, aerospace, automotive, energy, and medicine? One particularly exciting future direction is the combination of three key technologies: metamaterials, 3D printing, and crystal phase transition phenomena. By integrating these cutting-edge concepts, we hope to create a new class of lightweight, super-durable materials with truly intelligent capabilities. These "smart" materials could actively sense their environment, receive and transmit signals, and even evolve and adapt their properties over time - almost like living entities. Parts and components made from these advanced materials would be able to perform their functions with greatly improved efficiency, reduced energy consumption, and extended lifespans. This could have transformative impacts across industries like aviation, aerospace, automotive, energy, and medicine. The prospect of programming complex, responsive behaviours directly into the microstructure and composition of these materials is incredibly promising. We're still in the early stages, but we believe this integrated approach has enormous potential to drive sustainability and innovation in a wide range of critical application areas. VNS Donald Trump was relentlessly booed and jeered during a speech Saturday night at the Libertarian National Convention, driving him from the stage in 34 minutes. "Liar!" "Panderer!" "You crushed our rights!" members of the crowd shouted out as he pleaded for their support at the convention in the Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C. Libertarian Party presidential candidate Michael Rectenwald said earlier from the stage that Trump had "violated the basic premises of libertarianism," which supports as little government as possible. Trump mocked the party's poor performance even as he asked for the crowd to back him in the presidential election. "What's the purpose of the Libertarian Party of getting 3 percent?" Trump asked the crowd. "You should nominate Trump for president only if you want to win." He pleaded: "You should nominate me or at least vote for me. We want Libertarian votes. Don't waste your vote." If "we unite, we are unstoppable," Trump cajoled. "You have to combine with us." As the crowd booed he taunted: "Maybe you don't want to win. Keep getting your 3 percent every four years." Trump tried everything: He promised to appoint Libertarians to his Cabinet and other senior roles if he makes it to the White House, and promised to commute the sentence of Ross Ulbricht, founder of the illicit online marketplace Silk Road. Ulbricht was sentenced to life in prison in 2015 following his conviction on charges including money laundering and drug trafficking. The Ulbricht horse-trade offer was reportedly a rare moment Trump drew cheers. Each time Trump supporters in the room launched the chant "We want Trump," they were shouted down by Libertarians. Some of them shouted "swamp creature" at Trump. After getting booed for 20 minutes Trump finally gets pissed and snaps on them. pic.twitter.com/OuB20ksmip Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) May 26, 2024 Trumps speech gets drowned out by chants of HYPOCRITE! pic.twitter.com/8qEwK9JLl3 Kamala HQ (@KamalaHQ) May 26, 2024 Trump LOUDLY booed when he claims how much hes being persecuted. pic.twitter.com/a1SXftBylP Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) May 26, 2024 Physical fights erupted at times on the floor between Trump backers and die-hard Libertarians. On Libertarian hoisted a sign saying: MAGA = socialism. The Libertarians are fed up with Trump because of issues including restrictions imposed during the Covid-19 pandemic and the very existence of the Federal Reserve. "If he thinks he is going to win our nomination, he's more delusional than I thought," said Chase Oliver, one of the presidential candidates for the Libertarian Party, at a press conference after Trump spoke, Politico reported. Another candidate, Michael Rectenwald, declared that there are "no people in this room in the Libertarian Party at risk of falling for Trump's bulls--t." The Libertarian vote could be important to Trump. In some states in the 2020 election, the Libertarian candidate won more votes than the margin between Trump and Joe Biden, Politico noted. Far more popular at the convention on Saturday was Robert Kennedy Jr., who frequently bashed Trump in his speech. Polls indicate that the independent presidential candidate is presenting more of a threat to Trump than to Biden. In exchange for less than $53,000, federal officials have agreed to settle civil claims against a Des Moines nurse accused of participating in a million-dollar scheme to defraud Medicare. Ashley Brown, an advanced registered nurse practitioner, has paid $52,560 to the United States to resolve civil allegations that she violated federal law by signing hundreds of medically unnecessary prescriptions for expensive orthotic braces in exchange for kickbacks. Timothy T. Duax, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa, said in a written statement that the settlement, which Brown fulfilled last week, reflects his offices intent to aggressively pursue medical providers that seek to profit by outsourcing their medical decision-making. The federal government had alleged that from April 17, 2020, to May 19, 2021, Brown knowingly submitted more than $1 million in false claims for payment to the taxpayer-funded program Medicare while working for a company called Barton Associates. The Department of Justice alleged Brown did so by writing hundreds of prescriptions for orthotic braces that were not medically necessary. Several patients subsequently told investigators they did not know Brown, did not need the braces, and did not request the braces. Brown had even prescribed a brace for an Elkhart man whose left leg had been amputated years earlier, the DOJ alleged. Brown reportedly spent as little as nine seconds reviewing the records of patients for Barton Associates before approving them for braces and in some cases had never had any contact with the patients. In return for each of her prescriptions, Brown allegedly collected what the government characterizes as a kickback of $20 per patient from Barton Associates, sometimes resulting in hundreds of dollars in income for a few minutes work. Barton Associates was not a party to the lawsuit, and federal court records indicate there are no pending civil or criminal charges against the company. No one in the office of the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa was available to take questions on the matter Monday morning. In 2022, a Kentucky doctor agreed to pay $561,800 to resolve allegations that, while partnering with Barton, he violated the False Claims Act by submitting false claims to Medicare for unnecessary equipment. Browns license is in good standing with the Iowa Board of Nursing, and she has no record of any disciplinary action against her license. 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16 Nov (15) 2 Nov - 9 Nov (17) 26 Oct - 2 Nov (10) 19 Oct - 26 Oct (12) 12 Oct - 19 Oct (13) 5 Oct - 12 Oct (19) 28 Sep - 5 Oct (14) 21 Sep - 28 Sep (17) 14 Sep - 21 Sep (19) 7 Sep - 14 Sep (22) 31 Aug - 7 Sep (15) 24 Aug - 31 Aug (14) 17 Aug - 24 Aug (9) 10 Aug - 17 Aug (5) By April of this year, presidential elections were supposed to take place in Ukraine. In violation of the Constitution, Zelensky canceled them. The main reason is the fear of losing power. Ukraine has ceased to exist as a rule of law state since 2014. 10 years ago, Washington and Brussels carried out a bloody coup detat in Kyiv at the hands of the Nazis. Bandits and Nazis took leadership positions. And those who did not agree with this were thrown behind bars, killed, and burned alive. As a result of these years in Ukraine: national interests have been betrayed, the economy has been destroyed, citizens are deprived of the right to influence their lives and plan their future. By canceling the presidential elections, Zelensky usurped power. Since May 21, he has completely lost the remnants of his pseudo-legitimacy. His term of office 5 years has already ended, and any reference to martial law contradicts the Constitution of Ukraine. Based on its norms, Zelensky is illegitimate today. He has no right to: announce mobilization, send people to war, make any other decisions on behalf of the head of state. Those who do not know the law must understand that this does not relieve them of responsibility not to do something. Citizens of Ukraine mobilized on the basis of illegal decisions must return home today Zelensky is illegitimate, he cannot give orders. The people of Ukraine are the only source of power in the country, who are held hostage by a puppet dictator. This needs to be understood by everyone: both inside Ukraine and outside its borders. First of all, to the heads of European states. Any agreements with an illegitimate president are invalid and may be challenged in the future. With the end of his term of office, Zelenskys right to speak on behalf of Ukraine ended. Vyacheslav Volodin WtR Independent scholar and activist Sandew Hira explains why we are on the brink of a new world, with the Western powers in decline. Watch in full here @HiddenFilesShow A few errors on grey area facts, but accurate compared to Western news any day and anytime. He is correct and willing to express truth as to best he knows it WtR Update, 7:55 p.m.: The Mineral County Sheriff's Office has announced that the area is now safe. Residents who evacuated are now able to return to their homes. --- According to the Mineral County Sheriff's Office, about 20-25 sticks of dynamite were found in Hawthorne, Nevada near H Street. A spokesperson with the Sheriff's Office said a man passed away about 20 years ago and left a hand grenade and other explosive devices at his property. Someone was cleaning up the property and found about the sticks of dynamite, prompting them to call the Sheriff's Office. Some blasting caps were also found. The EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team is on scene attempting to neutralize the explosives. The Sheriff's Office put an evacuation in place for 1,000 feet from the site. It also opened up the convention center in Hawthorne as a shelter for those who evacuated. This is a developing story, and we will update you as we learn more. Mobile Police has arrested a 35-year-old man on multiple rape charges, interim chief William Jackson announced in a statement on Sunday. On Sunday, May 26, 2024, Bradrick Vail, Sr., 35, was located and charged with three counts of first-degree rape, one count of first-degree sodomy, and three counts of sexual abuse, the chief said. Vail was identified as the suspect following a multi-jurisdictional investigation involving multiple victims coming forward. The preliminary investigation suggests that Vail contacted some of his victims through a church in Mobile, AL. Investigators believe there may be more victims. The department urges other victims, witnesses, and anyone with information to contact the Mobile Police Department at 251-208-7211 or the Prichard Police Department at 251-452-7900. One of Alabamas oldest hydroelectric dams is slated to be torn down, thanks to a collaboration between federal and state wildlife authorities, universities and non-profit groups. The Elba Hydroelectric Dam in Coffee County was finished in 1913 and provided electricity to southeast Alabama cities like Troy and Dothan when rural electrification was rare, before operating in a private capacity in its later years. However, the dam breached and has been inoperable since a severe flooding event in December 2015. Water is actually going around the dam, and it poses a safety hazard for fishermen or anybody else on the water, said Lisa Harris, executive director of the Choctawhatchee, Pea and Yellow Rivers Watershed Management Authority, a state agency created in 1991 to manage watershed issues in the area. The Elba dam, located on the Pea River about five miles south of Elba, is the only dam in the watershed area. After this removal, well have all free-flowing river, with no structures, Harris said. That will allow imperiled species like the Gulf sturgeon and the Alabama shad to freely travel the entire length of the river. Both species spend most of their time in the Gulf, but travel upriver to spawn. The Gulf sturgeon, listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, is a particularly memorable fish for anyone whos ever seen one. They can grow up to nine feet long and weigh more than 300 pounds. Its a pretty cool species, Harris said. They really look kind of like a dinosaur a little bit if you look at pictures of them. A NOAA Fisheries scientist releases a Gulf sturgeon after measurement and tagging.NOAA Conservation groups have asked the Fish and Wildlife Service to add the Alabama shad to the endangered species list, though it is not currently listed. The removal is made possible thanks to about $3.7 million in federal grant money -- $1.93 million from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and $1.7 million from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration -- and additional participation from The Nature Conservancy, Troy University, the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and others. According to NOAA, the dam removal will open up 34 miles of river habitat that the sturgeon and the shad can use for spawning, nursery and refuge. Harris said the dam was under private ownership when it was damaged in 2015, and that the owners have donated the land to The Nature Conservancy in order to allow the dam removal, which will likely take about three years, she said. Some details are still to be worked out, for instance what happens to the power house once the dam is removed. Some believe it is a hazard while others say it is a historic structure that should be preserved. According to Auburn University, the Elba dam is the oldest reinforced concrete hydroelectric dam in the state. Months after a Fort Lauderdale woman went missing in Spain, a grand jury indicted her husband on kidnapping charges, prosecutors announced Friday. Meanwhile, his defense attorney has filed a motion arguing for his release from a Miami prison. The motion and a recent cross examination bring new details to light about what might or might not have happened the day that Ana Knezevich disappeared in Madrid. Blood was found in her apartment, and yet detectives have not concluded whose it is. Knezevich had been feeling suicidal, but because of her husband, investigators said. Meanwhile, defense attorneys argued that her husband, David Knezevich, flew to Serbia days before her disappearance, not as part of a kidnapping plot, but to take care of his disabled, elderly mother. David Knezevich, 36, was arrested at Miami International Airport on May 4, months after Anas disappearance in early February. He is accused in a federal complaint of driving from Serbia to Madrid, where his 40-year-old wife was staying, spray-painting the cameras at her building, and leaving with a suitcase. He also had a woman translate a message for him into Spanish; the same message was later sent to Anas friends and family from her phone the last time anyone ever heard from her. Last week, a grand jury indicted David Knezevich on one count of kidnapping, the U.S Attorneys Office announced Friday. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, with a likely sentence of 10 to 12 years, Assistant U.S Attorney Lacee Monk said at the court hearing over his detention earlier this month. But if Ana Knezevich is found dead, he could face the death penalty. Chief Magistrate Judge Edwin G. Torres ultimately ruled in favor of keeping David Knezevich jailed because he is a flight risk, though he said the decision was a close call and that the evidence is largely circumstantial. On Thursday, Knezevichs defense attorney, Jayne Weintraub, filed a motion opposing the ruling, pointing to Torres own comment and arguing that her client has no reason to leave South Florida, where he has a brother and two businesses. There are significant legal issues presented in this case and, as Magistrate Judge Torres noted, it is a defensible case, which is a reason for Defendant to stay and fight the charges and not to flee, the motion concludes. Prior to Torres ruling, Weintraub cross examined Agent Alexandra Montilla, one of the lead Federal Bureau of Investigations agents on the case, pointing to the limitations of the evidence investigators currently have on David Knezevich. Some of the details raised in the cross examination paint a more harrowing picture than previously known. Ana Knezevich had gone to Madrid not just for a vacation but to escape her husband, who she was afraid of, Montilla said, according to a transcript of the cross examination. Despite reports earlier on that there was no sign of struggle in the apartment, police had found blood in various places of the apartment, though Montilla said they did not include that in the complaint because they do not have the DNA results yet. Weintraub pointed out other details to complicate the story. The two were in an open relationship and Ana Knezevich was dating other men, Montilla confirmed. Ana Knezevich also had a history mental health issues and had described herself as suicidal in messages with other people, though Montilla said that was because of the issues she was having with David. Investigators have interviewed all of the men Knezevich went on dates with, Montilla said. Another issue raised in the defense motion was whether the case should be tried in the U.S in the first place. Prosecutors had argued during the hearing that it should because David Knezevich only flew to Serbia from the U.S to commit a crime. But the defense said that he went to Serbia to visit his mother, and investigators do not have enough evidence to suggest that he went to Spain for criminal purposes. The defendants mother lives in Serbia, she is an amputee, shes elderly and sick and disabled. Shes in a wheelchair and he tries to see her as often as he can and take care of her properly. He goes there frequently through the years to see his mom and thats why he flew into Serbia, Weintraub said, according to the transcript. He did not go to Serbia to go to Spain. Investigators had written in the complaint that David Knezevich was shown on surveillance video purchasing spray paint and duct tape in Madrid, evidence they used to connect him to his wifes disappearance. Weintraub argued that still does not mean he traveled to Spain to commit a crime. But you wouldnt drive 7,000 kilometers to buy paint and duct tape, Torres said. Judge, maybe he was going to paint the apartment, Weintraub said. " Maybe he was going to visit somebody. Maybe they were getting back together again. Maybe Ana said come see me. Maybe he never went to see Ana and he saw somebody else. We dont know. Ultimately, Torres chose to keep David Knezevich imprisoned because of his history of travel and the nature of the charges against him, which could become murder charges depending on what investigators find. Knezevich is being held in the Federal Detention Center in Miami. His arraignment has been set for June 3. 2024 South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Visit sun-sentinel.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Sirens were sounding in Tel Aviv Sunday after Hamas launched a rocket atttack at the nation's largest city. Israeli authorities reported that at least eight rockets were launched from the Rafah area in southern Gaza, where Israel is conducting its own military attack. Israeli military officals said that a number of the rockets were intercepted, but at least one large bomb crater was shown on Israeli media near the central town of Kfar Saba. No injuries were immediately reported. Israel's ambulance service, Magen David Adom, said many people were being treated for acute anxiety, the BBC reported. Rocket warning sirens also sounded in other cities and towns, including Herzliya and Petah Tikva. The military wing of Hamas, the al-Qassam Brigades, earlier boasted of launching a "big" missile attack on Tel Aviv on its Telegram channel. Tel Aviv was the site Saturday of protests by thousands demanding Israel work to release hostages taken by Hamas during its October attack. They also demanded the resignation of Israeli pime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who they accuse of prolonging the Gaza war for his own political gain. This story is developing. Please check back for updates. This is an opinion Memorial Day tribute. Sign up for JD Crowes newsletter: Enter your email to subscribe to JDs weekly newsletter, Crowe Jam. Monday is Memorial Day. I am forever grateful for those who made the ultimate sacrifice so we can live in freedom. The heroes who gave their life in service to our country didnt hand out any Get Out of Jail Free cards. We all need to earn their sacrifices. By helping others and treating each other with respect. I am also forever grateful for one special day I was blessed to walk among Americas greatest generation of heroes. May 4, 2011, will remain one of the most special days of my life. It was a day I was honored to serve as a guardian on the 5th trip of Honor Flight South Alabama. Nine Honor Flight South Alabama missions were flown from Mobile to Washington from 2008-2013, taking more than 950 WWII veterans to see the memorials. Almost all the WWII veterans were well into their 80s and 90s. Guardians were assigned to assist the veterans. Its their ticker tape parade they did not get when they returned from the war in 1945, said Dr. Barry Booth, one of the key organizers of Honor Flight South Alabama. Booth gave us basic instructions in a training course. His voice was ablaze with passion as he talked about the generation who sacrificed their youth to save our country. He spoke of the Higgins Boats - like the one depicted in the tribute above - that hauled young troops into the hell fire of war on beaches during the Normandy Invasion. Related: Veterans have no greater friend on earth than this Alabama dentist - al.com They were children when they got in those boats, Booth said, his voice cracking. When the ramp dropped, they became men on a mission. They werent fighting what was in front of them, he said. They were fighting for what was behind them. Family. Freedom. Life. Very soon, theyll be just like the eagles and fly away. Their every need is your entire focus, Booth said, engraving each word. You have one job: Bring them home safely. Related: Read the Honor Flight South Alabama V story here I was assigned as a guardian for two wonderful men: Waid Butch Turner and Fred Fritz Witzel. These fellows were a delight, and we became fast friends. But the sly Witzel kept me on my toes with his frequent disappearing act. He would slip into the crowd and vanish, then magically re-appear, the first to arrive at our next destination. Grinning ear-to-ear, he sat back and waited for the rest of us to get there. Nobody was happier to see him than me. Lots of close calls, but I DID NOT lose him. Mr. Witzel was a fighter pilot instructor for the Army Air Corps. As a young man, he says he was gung-ho to fly planes into war. But because he could speak French, he was deemed more valuable as a flight instructor. He taught French cadets to fly at Craig Field in Selma, Alabama. Looking back, he said, things worked out pretty well. Mr. Turner, a quiet, jovial man with an easy smile, was a Seaman First Class in the U.S. Navy. When I asked him about his service, he pulled me in closer. In a hushed tone, he said I witnessed an awful lot of death. Mr. Turner saw action in the North African Campaign and in the Pacific Theater with Combat Amphibious Force, USS LST 1021. He drove one of the Higgins Boats filled with young troops. When those men charged down the ramp, too many young heroes met their fate immediately. Blood in the water, Turner backed the boat out and quickly returned with a fresh load of young soldiers. Over and over again. That was my job, he said, eyes watering. There was nothing I could do ... Related: The Higgins Boat 9 Things You Might Not Know About the Landing Craft That Changed History - MilitaryHistoryNow.com All day long, from the pre-dawn police escort to the airport, the quick-pass through security, to the heros welcome home parade, the veterans were given first class attention. It was heart-warming to see the adulation these veterans received, especially from young people. Teenagers rushed up to thank them for their service. It made a huge impression. It gives me hope for the future, one veteran said. Its like they think were celebrities, another one mused. Many others shared similar feelings. Related: An Alabama WWII veterans long-awaited homecoming - al.com After a long day of somber reflection at war memorials and being treated like rock stars at every stop, the veterans were bonding like long-lost blood brothers. This was the first time since the war many were able to talk about their experiences. On the flight home the plane was abuzz with war stories. Mr. Turner was having a good time swapping tales with his new buddies. Mr. Witzel was still grinning and playing hide and seek. Where can you hide on a plane? It was a day of long-overdue liberation. By the time the plane took a final victory lap around the runway in Mobile, we were all tired. But the mood was electric. Related: Honor Flight South Alabama: 10 Year Legacy Reunion - al.com It was time for the grand finale. The airport was filled with thousands of people - families, loved ones, cheerleaders, a band, Trail Maids - everybody and their neighbor and their neighbors neighbor turned out to give these heroes the welcome they never received but so richly deserved. According to the radiant smiles all around, it was worth the wait. After the parade, Mr. Turners wife, Thelma, asked me if he talked about his service. He did, I said. They all did. You should have heard them telling stories on the plane! Her tears of joy were the perfect ending to a wonderful day of honor. Both these fine gentlemen, Mr. Witzel and Mr. Turner - Fritz and Butch - have since been promoted to their final resting place. Fritz, as spry as he was on our Honor Flight mission, died not long afterwards. I visited with Butch a time or two and we talked on the phone a few times and always on Veterans Day. He had a beautiful lawn, and he took great pride in cutting it himself. Every time we talked, I could see him beaming: Still cutting my yard! Butch died on a warm summer day in 2015. While cutting his yard. At age 89. It was a perfectly peaceful earthly exit for a perfectly sweet man. His funeral was full of fond memories, joy and love. Waid Butch Turner lived a full life. He earned the sacrifices of all those young heroes he saw die in the water. Their nightmares were over in an instant. His were just beginning. 17 1 / 17 Memorial Day tributes by JD Crowe On Memorial Day and every day, I am grateful for those who were willing to pay the ultimate price for our freedom. We can only repay them by living honorably, treating everyone with respect and defending our democracy. Thats America. Related: Memorial day events coming to Alabamas state veterans homes, cemetery - al.com My generation has had it pretty easy. Vietnam and the draft hung over the heads of 10-year-old boys like me in the late 60s and early 70s, but the storm passed before we came of age. Compared to these men I hung out with on Honor Flight, Im a wimp. I am humbled and happy for the chance I was given to serve those who served. If only as a visitor, if only for a day. One very special day I was blessed to walk and talk with history. With heroes. I am forever grateful. Tomorrow is Memorial Day. The ceremony at the Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Spanish Fort starts Monday at 11 a.m. The address is 34904 Alabama Highway 225 in Spanish Fort. We officially honor those who gave their life for this country one day a year. But, as my friend Dr. Booth says, Every day should be Veterans Day. Never forget. True stories and stuff by JD Crowe The mysterious Bubble Guy of Fairhope and the art of bubble Zen - al.com How I met Dr. Seuss Robert Plant head-butted me. Thanks, David Coverdale I was ZZ Tops drummer for a night and got kidnapped by groupies Check out more cartoons and stuff by JD Crowe JD Crowe is the cartoonist for Alabama Media Group and AL.com. He won the RFK Human Rights Award for Editorial Cartoons in 2020. In 2018, he was awarded the Rex Babin Memorial Award for local and state cartoons by the Association of American Editorial Cartoonists. Follow JD on Facebook, Twitter @Crowejam and Instagram @JDCrowepix. Give him a holler @jdcrowe@al.com. Plaintiffs in a federal lawsuit filed against an Alabama library board argued for parental rights in an interview with MSNBC host Charles Coleman on Sunday morning. The Autauga-Prattville Public Library Board of Trustees, in February, enacted a policy prohibiting books that have contents regarding sexual conduct, sexual intercourse, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender discordance. On the Velshi show on MSNBC, Matthew Layne, former president of the Alabama Library Association, said, It is our feeling as librarians that parents have the right to choose for their children what is the right type of material for them to read as a family. The association is one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit filed on May 9. Other plaintiffs include Read Freely Alabama, Amber Frey, and parents Samantha Diamond, John Craig, and Almut Haboeck. AL.coms Williesha Morris reported that Prattville has been the epicenter of book challenges and bans that have spread statewide in the last year. A group, Clean Up Alabama, has targeted library books as being inappropriate for children, Morris wrote. Layne argues that the Autauga-Prattville Public Library policy essentially prohibits all childrens books. By their criteria, basically no book should be allowed on the shelves of their childrens section, he said on the MSNBC show. Any book that mentions a boy or a girl, any book that has a mom and a dad. Theyre trying to say gay without saying gay. I mean, thats the long and short of it. But what theyve done is written a policy so incredibly broad that really no childrens book now qualifies to be on the shelves of the Autauga-Prattville Library. So, as far as compromise on this policy, if they rewrite it but as its written, it really needs to be thrown in the trash and they need to actually consult real librarians in writing their next attempt at a policy. Angie Hayden, a founding member of Read Freely Alabama, urged people to support librarians on the Velshi show this morning. I think the most important thing is to show up, form a relationship with your librarians because the year has been incredibly difficult for them, and show up to your library board meetings because the extremists certainly are showing up in numbers, she said. It is kind of ironic because Alabama is such an individual rights kind of state, a small government is often the cry, and what we have discovered is that a lot of people only, only mean that when it applies to viewpoints they agree with. Layne said that a book in the library does not imply that the librarians adhere to the concept while explaining their role. We are there to get the right book and the right patrons hands, Layne said. And when, when you come in, if you were to come into my library and say, I want to get something for my child. I dont want it to have anything to do with magic or witchcraft. Im not going to give you a Harry Potter. The idea that one other person can choose for another individual what they should read is absurd. Its unacceptable and we will take this fight as far as we have to, to defend the rights of Alabamians to read what they choose to read. Host Coleman said at the close of that segment of the Sunday morning show, I may not like what you choose to read, but I certainly respect your right to read it. One woman was killed and another injured in a shooting Sunday in Birmingham. Birmingham police identified the victim as Mya Parker. She was 19 and lived in Birmingham. Parker was one of at least three teens shot in the city early Sunday. West Precinct officers were dispatched at 4:30 a.m. to a report of a person shot at 10th Street West and Graymont Avenue. Officer Truman Fitzgerald said police got on the scene and located a vehicle off the road. Inside they found two women wounded. Both women were taken to area hospitals. Parker was pronounced dead at UAB Hospital. The second woman sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Fitzgerald said details are limited in the investigation. Parker is Birminghams 56th homicide of 2024. Of those, five have been ruled justifiable and therefore arent deemed criminal. There were 51 homicides as of May 26, 2023, in Birmingham. In all of Jefferson County, there have been 79th homicides including the 56 in Birmingham. On this date last year, there had been 68 killings countywide. Anyone with information to call detectives at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. Trump began his speech with boos and Trump ends his speech with boos Consistent pic.twitter.com/Yco7c6y3Uy Acyn (@Acyn) May 26, 2024 Donald Trump was booed repeatedly while addressing the Libertarian Party National Convention on Saturday night, with many in the crowd shouting insults and decrying him for things like his COVID-19 policies, running up towering federal deficits and lying about his political record. When he took the stage, many jeered while some supporters clad in Make America Great hats and T-shirts cheered and chanted USA! USA! It was a rare moment of Trump coming face-to-face with open detractors, which is highly unusual for someone accustomed to staging rallies in front of ever-adoring crowds. Libertarians, who prioritize small government and individual freedoms, are often skeptical of the former president, and his invitation to address the convention has divided the party. Trump tried to make light of that by referring to the four criminal indictments against him and joking, If I wasnt a Libertarian before, I sure as hell am a Libertarian now. Trump tried to praise fierce champions of freedom in this room and called President Joe Biden a tyrant and the worst president in the history of the United States, prompting some in the audience to scream back: Thats you. As the insults continued, Trump eventually hit back, saying you dont want to win and suggesting that some Libertarians want to keep getting your 3% every four years. Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson won about 3% of the national vote in 2016, but nominee Jo Jorgensen got only a bit more than 1% during 2020s close contest. WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 25: Former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump addresses the Libertarian Party National Convention at the Washington Hilton on May 25, 2024 in Washington, DC. Trump addressed the convention one day after Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the independent candidate for president. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)Getty Images Libertarians will pick their White House nominee during their convention, which wraps on Sunday. Trumps appearance also gave him a chance to court voters who might otherwise support independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. who gave his own Libertarian convention speech on Friday. Polls have shown for months that most voters do not want a 2020 rematch between Trump and President Joe Biden. That dynamic could potentially boost support for an alternative like the Libertarian nominee or Kennedy, whose candidacy has allies of Biden and Trump concerned that he could be a spoiler. Despite the raucous atmosphere, Trump continued to press on with his speech, saying hed come to extend a hand of friendship in common opposition to Biden. That prompted a chant of We want Trump! from supporters, but more cries of End the Fed! a common refrain from Libertarians who oppose the Federal Reserve. One person who held up a sign reading No wannabe dictators! was dragged away by security. Trump tried to win over the crowd by pledging to include a Libertarian in his Cabinet, but many in the crowd hissed in disbelief. The former president did get a big cheer when he promised to commute the life sentence of the convicted founder of the drug-selling website Silk Road, Ross Ulbricht, and potentially release him on time served. That was designed to energize Libertarian activists who believe government investigators overreached in building their case against Silk Road, and who generally oppose criminal drug policies more broadly. Ulbrichts case was much-discussed during the Libertarian convention, and many of the hundreds in the crowd for Trumps speech hoisted Free Ross signs and chanted the phrase as he spoke. Despite those promises, many in the crowd remained antagonistic. One of the candidates vying for the Libertarian presidential nomination, Michael Rectenwald, declared from the stage before the former president arrived that none of us are great fans of Donald Trump. After his speech, Rectenwald and other Libertarian White House hopefuls took the stage to scoff at Trump and his speech. Those for and against Trump even clashed over seating arrangements. About two hours before the former presidents arrival, Libertarian organizers asked Trump supporters in the crowd to vacate the first four rows. They wanted convention delegates many of whom said theyd traveled from around the country and bought expensive tickets to the proceedings could sit close enough to hear the speech. Many of the original seat occupants moved, but organizers eventually brought in more seats to calm things down. The Libertarian split over Trump was reflected by Peter Goettler, president and chief executive of the libertarian Cato Institute, who suggested in a Washington Post column that the former presidents appearance violated the gatherings core values and that the political party pretending to be libertarian has transitioned to a different identity. Trumps campaign noted that Biden didnt attend the Libertarian convention himself, and argued that the former presidents doing so was part of an ongoing effort to reach would-be supporters in places that are not heavily Republican including the former presidents rally Thursday in the Bronx during a pause in his New York hush money trial. The Libertarian ticket will try to draw support from disaffected Republicans as well as people on the left. Such voters could also gravitate toward Kennedy. Trump didnt dwell on Kennedy on Saturday night. But, after previously praising him and once considering him for a commission on vaccination safety, the former president has gone on the attack against Kennedy. He suggested on social media that a vote for Kennedy would be a wasted protest vote and that he would even take Biden over Junior. The former president, while in office, referred to the COVID-19 vaccine as one of the greatest miracles in the history of modern-day medicine. Hes since accused Kennedy of being a fake opponent of vaccines. In his speech at the Libertarian convention, Kennedy accused Trump and Biden of trampling on personal liberties in response to the pandemic. Trump bowed to pressure from public health officials and shut down businesses, Kennedy said, while Biden was wrong to mandate vaccines for millions of workers. For his part, Biden has promoted winning the endorsement of many high-profile members of the Kennedy family, in an attempt to marginalize their relatives candidacy. Kevin Munoz, a spokesperson for Bidens reelection campaign, slammed Trump and top Republicans for opposing access to abortion and supporting limits on civil society, saying in a statement Saturday, that freedom isnt free in Trumps Republican Party and this weekend will be just one more reminder of that. The First Baptist Church of Richmond last Sunday morning voted to withdraw as a cooperating Southern Baptist Convention congregation, ending the Virginia churchs 179 year connection to the nations largest Protestant denomination. We believe every Baptist church has the right to determine its own mission and ministry and to ordain whomever it perceives to be gifted for ministry, whether male or female, senior pastor Jim Somerville wrote this week. The Southern Baptist Convention cant tell us what to do, but it can tell us that it doesnt want to have anything to do with churches like ours, and it has. The move comes as the SBC, at its annual meeting in Indianapolis in June, is expected to vote on -- and approve -- the Law Amendment, Baptist News reports. The Importance of the Law Amendment. From my Statement on Doctrinal Clarity Before the 2024 Annual Meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention. You can listen to it in full at the link: https://t.co/6LM67Jb4m9 pic.twitter.com/PMpaTS3o9e Albert Mohler (@albertmohler) May 24, 2024 The constitutional amendment would declare that no SBC church that allows women to preach or to hold jobs with the title pastor may remain affiliated with the SBC. It passed handily on first reading last year but requires two votes to pass. Mark Wingfield, executive director and publisher of Baptist News Global, wrote that the vote on the Law Amendment will likely overshadow the vote on SBC president at the meeting, although Southern Baptists have for years said women cannot pastor a church. The SBC in 2023 soundly voted to uphold bans on churches that employ women pastors. Rick Warren, founder of megachurch Saddleback, that year defended the right of Baptist churches to have women pastors after his church, the largest in California, was disfellowshipped. Saddleback began ordaining women in 2021 and had a woman as campus pastor and as a teaching pastor. We should remove churches for all kinds of sexual sin, racial sin, financial sin and leadership sin sins that harm the testimony of our convention, Warren told the convention. But churches with women on pastoral staff have not sinned, he said. If doctrinal disagreements between Baptists are considered sin, we all get kicked out. This vote (on Law Amendment) will be the ultimate litmus test for whether the modern-day SBC will be defined by missional cooperation or by doctrinal conformity. And yet it is a vote about something most inside the SBC thought already was settled doctrine until it suddenly wasnt, Wingfield wrote: The Law Amendment would add a new membership requirement: Does not affirm, appoint or employ a woman as a pastor of any kind. Only churches may be affiliated with the SBC, so this requirement would apply to any church seeking to be in friendly cooperation with the denomination. Bart Barber, the outgoing Southern Baptist Convention president, told Baptist News that if the Law Amendment passes thats not going to mean that suddenly, automatically, every church that has a childrens pastor or a preschool pastor whos a woman is automatically kicked out of the SBC. Because its still the case that somebody has to submit a church like that to the Credentials Committee. And it still has to go through Credentials Committee deliberation, and the Credentials Committee has to form an opinion, and that has to go to the Executive Committee, and the Executive Committee can vote any way they want to. Barber has said of the amendment that I dont want us to just keep growing a laundry list of things in Article Three of the Baptist Faith and Message, that were just adding something every couple of years. People living in Huntsville are at greater risk of developing Parkinsons disease than those in most places in the United States, according to a study that found links between the neurological disease and air quality. In Huntsville, the relative risk of Parkinsons disease is higher compared to the rest of the nation so the relative risk of Parkinsons disease in Huntsville is 16% greater compared to the rest of the nation, said Brittany Krzyzanowski, a geographer and researcher at Barrow Neurological Institute, who led the study. That said, its sort of difficult to ascertain the association between air pollution and Parkinsons disease in areas that have relatively high air pollution, which includes Huntsville. The study, published in October in Neurology, a peer-reviewed journal from the American Academy of Neurology, found that rates of Parkinsons correspond to air pollution levels. Kryzyzanowski worked with Brad A. Racette of the Barrow Institute in Phoenix and Washington University researchers Susan Searles Nielsen and Jay R. Turner to study the relationship between Parkinsons disease and air pollution using Medicare beneficiaries data . Krzyzanowski told AL.com in an interview that Huntsville is a part of the Parkinsons disease hotspot region. The study analyzed county and zip-code level data and shows that certain kinds of air pollution between 1998 and 2000 correlate with the number of people who received a Parkinsons diagnosis in 2009. Huntsville had high air pollution levels between 1998 and 2000, related to a high rate of Parkinsons diagnosis in 2009, the study reveals. In Huntsville, the relative risk of Parkinson's disease is higher compared to the rest of the nation, Geographer Brittany Krzyzanowski (pictured) said.Barrow Neurological Institute Krzyzanowski said about 120 people in Madison County received Parkinsons diagnosis in 2009 based on the Medicare data. She, however, could not identify the number of cases specific to Huntsville. She also did not share the raw data based on privacy agreement with Medicare. The researchers worked with the 2009 Medicare data because more current ones are unavailable at the Barrow Neurological Institute, Krzyzanowski said. She said they are trying to obtain newer Medicare information which would make their research more relevant. Fine particles in the air that are 2.5 micrograms or less in diameter (PM2.5) are in a particular category and scientists cautioned on their health implications. They come from industrial emissions, motor vehicle traffic, farming practices, and fuel combustion. Krzyzanowski and her co-researchers focused on those kinds of particles in the study. Past studies have shown fine particulate matter causes inflammation in the brain, which is a way Parkinsons disease can develop , Krzyzanowski said. Krzyzanowski told AL.com that what makes this study compelling is that its the first nationwide population-based study of air pollution and Parkinsons disease risk in the United States. We took high-resolution exposure data, neighborhood-level information on air pollution and we also used a data set of millions of Medicare beneficiaries, so this is a high-resolution case-control study thats nationwide on incident Parkinsons disease, she added. About 90,000 out of 22 million identified Medicare beneficiaries between 66 and 90 years of age got Parkinsons disease diagnosis for the first time in 2009, the researchers said in the study. Nine years before, from 1998 to 2000, the United States had average annual estimated fine particle levels of 8.17 micrograms per cubic meter. Alabamas levels were almost double that at 15.12 micrograms per cubic meter and Huntsvilles was even higher . But the citys levels dropped to an average of 7.5 micrograms per cubic meter in 2021, below the national average of 8.5 micrograms per cubic meter. Chart showing annual mean concentration of PM2.5 in Huntsville, Ala. Credit:City of Huntsville Huntsvilles communication director told AL.com that the City of Huntsville is an attainment area, which means our air quality is cleaner than the national standard. In February , the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the lowering of the guideline for small particles in the air from an annual average of 12 micrograms per cubic meter to 9. Particle or soot pollution is one of the most dangerous forms of air pollution, and an extensive body of science links it to a range of serious and sometimes deadly illnesses, the EPA said . Meanwhile, the recommended WHO air quality guideline is 5 micrograms per cubic meter. The study that Krzyzanowski led lends credence to a lowering of the guideline because of a strong association between air pollution and Parkinsons disease, even at 2.6 micrograms per cubic meter, the lowest end of relevant research data in the study. What Id want to kind of like underscore right now is that the most compelling thing about this study is that we found that strong association between air pollution and Parkinsons disease in places with even the lowest levels of air pollution, Krzyzanowski said. This relationship exists in the regions that have air pollution levels that are lower than the standards set by the EPA, she said. We found that the relationship is strongest in the lower ends of the distribution of air pollution, and its notable. Parkinsons disease risk is lower overall in areas with low air pollution, but the fact that we still can detect a relationship, thats meaningful. Parkinson's disease risk is lower overall in areas with low air pollution, but the fact that we still can detect a relationship, that's meaningful, said Barrow Neurological Institute researcher Brittany Krzyzanowski.Neurology Journal Krzyzanowski said the research has social justice and environmental justice implications because low socioeconomic communities tend to have higher levels of air pollution. And so that means that there are disparities in exposure of air pollution by social class; so this is something thats important to know, especially when we start thinking about public health policy, she said. People should limit exposure to pollution by refraining from spending time outdoors when air quality is poor, the researcher said. And we found that the Parkinsons disease hotspots were primarily located in the southeast central portion of the United States, she said. And this is an area that has some of the highest levels of air pollution in the nation. Fuel combustion for electricity, generating steam, providing heat or energy, or burning waste constitutes about 45% of PM2.5, about 40% from industrial processes by-products, 7.9% from other sources like recreational and construction equipment, marine vessels, aircraft and locomotives and 6.7% from highway vehicles, according to the Environmental Protection Agency National Emissions Inventory. Krzyzanowski said, One of the things we know is that in your typical urban areas, you have these heavy traffic, dense road networks, and one of the contributors to air pollution is combustion particles from motor vehicle exhaust and we also know that theres high road network density in the eastern half of the United States relative to the western, and that seems to align fairly well with what were seeing in our Parkinsons disease hotspot maps. We also found that people living in neighborhoods with the median level of air pollution had a 56% greater risk of incident Parkinsons disease compared to those living in neighborhoods with the lowest levels of air pollution, she added. An afternoon shooting in an Alabama mall damaged several businesses, but left no injuries, according to officials. Montgomery police responded to calls about a shooting in the 1000 block of Eastdale Mall around 3:45 p.m. Saturday. Upon arrival, police found that numerous businesses had been damaged by gunfire. Further investigation found that there were no reported injuries nearby or on the scene. Eastdale Mall General Manager Richard Holman told WSFA that the shots were fired near the malls movie theater and a barbershop. The Montgomery Police Department is still investigating the incident. RELATED: 3 men wounded in predawn shooting near Birmingham nightclub Man accused of shooting Auburns Brian Battie, killing his brother claims self-defense The cancel culture is nothing new. It is prevalent today but has existed in the past. St. Paul warned his protege, Timothy, about the deceitful world and its effect. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own likings, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander into myths. (2 Tim 4:3-4) Those who consider the Bible as myth and outdated without any application to todays world are misguided, possibly ignorant (of the Bible), and in many cases, deceitful. As St. Augustine pointed out in his Confessions, Therefore, do they hate the truth for the sake if that thing which they love instead of the truth. They love the truth when she shines on them and hate her when she rebukes them. For, because they are not willing to be deceived, and wish to deceive, they love her when she reveals herself, and hate her when she reveals them. They only like the truth when it works for them. Otherwise, they live in a world of lies and deceit, a dark world. Yet they claim to hold the truth by denying that there are absolute truths. They push the idea that science is the only truth and yet deny science when it does not suit their desires, as in the cases of transgenderism, sexuality, and abortion. The cancel culture rallied its forces recently when the star kicker of the Kansas City Chiefs, Harrison Butker, spoke at the commencement exercises of a small Catholic college in Kansas. The problem? Butker spoke the truth. Even though his remarks were directed at Catholics graduating from a Catholic college, and speaking as an individual, the fact that this was public riled the progressives who deny the truth. So what truths did Butker mention? He mentioned the truth that men are important in society, yet todays world has emasculated them and tried to make them unimportant. The real truth is that, without true men (not macho men) and fathers society is crumbling as evidenced by crime statistics among other things. He also mentioned the importance of true womanhood and motherhood and the scourge of abortion and the culture of death in general. These and other truths he mentioned opened him to attacks from the extreme Left who deny God who then reacted as then Cardinal Ratzinger (later Pope Benedict XVI) predicted decades ago. It is not Christians who oppose the world, but rather the world which opposes itself to them when the truth about God, about Christ and about man is proclaimed. The world waxes indignant when sin and grace are called by their names. (then) Cardinal Ratzinger, The Ratzinger Report (1985). While proclaiming science as the only truth (and at the same time denying so many of its truths) they overlook the fact that science has not disproved the existence of God. In fact, the deeper scientists study the world and the universe, the more obvious it becomes that there had to be a first cause that put the whole universe (or multiverse if you like) into being. That first cause had to be outside the whole thing and the only explanation is an intelligent omnipresent being: God! The statistics of random effects are so miniscule as to be impossible. Consequently, there are more scientists who believe in a first cause being than do not. Of course, God already told us this. In the book of Exodus when Moses asked who was he to say sent him to the Israelites, God replied, I am who am. Then he added, This is what you shall tell the Israelites: I AM sent me to you. (Exodus 3:13-14) This simple expression of being tells it all. As Dr. Peter Kreeft says, God has to keep reminding us of the two most obvious truths in the world: that we are not him, and that he is not us. Dr. Peter Kreeft, Food for the Soul, Cycle C, p. 548 However, people today are so wrapped up in themselves, their wants and desires, their lust for power and pleasure that they cannot open their minds and hearts to the truth. Many want to deny God because they see the darkness of humanity everywhere they turn. They dont understand how God could allow such things. Yet, these are the same people who insist that freedom means they can do whatever they please, regardless of how it affects others. They totally misconstrue the meaning of free will and the fact that God so wants our love returned to him freely, that he will not mess with that freedom of our wills. Perhaps we can find some insights in the writings of St. Paul. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and wickedness of men who by their wickedness suppress the truth... Ever since the creation of the world his invisible nature... has been clearly perceived in the things that have been made... Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie... For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. Their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural, and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in their own persons the due penalty for their error. And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a base mind and to improper conduct. They were filled with all manner of wickedness, evil, covetousness, malice. Full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malignity, they are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Though they know Gods decree that those who do such things deserve to die, they not only do them but approve those who practice them. (Romans 1:18-32) Fr. Amorth, former chief exorcist of Rome, summed it up this way, The most frequent weak points in man are, from time to time, always the same: pride, money, and lust. Many have observed this dilemma and having sought truth found it in God. For where I found truth, there found I my God, who is truth itself. (St. Augustine, Confessions) Cardinal Raymond Burke reiterated this fact in his book, Hope for the World. Truth and meaning are found only in the Lord and in a relationship with Him. By denying the truth, they will remain in darkness, and continue to bring darkness to the world. Jesus tried to tell us that when he told the apostles, I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now. But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth. (John 16:12-13) Let us turn to God and the truth. Jesus said, I am the way, and the truth, and the life ... (Jn 14:6) Image: Unsplash The hopeful family of a Utah rodeo star's son has been "shattered" by disappointing MRI results after the little boy was found unresponsive in a river near his home. Doctors initially told the family of 3-year-old Levi Wright, son of rodeo cowboy Spencer Wright, that the little boy prognosis was grim. They were hopeful when doctors gave them more news. But his MRI brain scan was upsetting, according to his mom. "The MRI wasn't good, we're shattered but it is just images that suggest a certain quality of life. Our real teller of all will be what Levi does over the course of a few days," Levi's mother, Kallie, wrote in a Facebook post. "I'm not giving up on my baby just yet. I'm working on getting any and all neurologists or other educated professionals with expertise in this area who are willing to view his MRI. Then just seeing what my strong boy does in the next few days," she added. Levi was rushed to the hospital after he accidentally drove his toy tractor into a river on the family's property. Kallie called 911 and began searching for her son. He was discovered unconscious in the water a mile away from where he initially fell in. The family has received an outpouring of support, particularly from the rodeo community. Levi's dad is ranked the 40th best bronc rider in the world, according to the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. Bronc Riding Nation a nonprofit organization that supports rodeo athletes shared an Instagram post supporting the Wright family on Wednesday. "We're asking you to join the massive prayer effort for three-year-old Levi Wright, Kallie and Spencer Wright and everybody who knows and loves them," the organization wrote. "Kallie and Spencer were holding him and getting prepared for the worst then the hospital shift change brought a new doctor to the sweet little boy's side." Though the Wrights initially shared that Levi's brain had been deprived of oxygen for too long, they received a revised prediction about the boy's chances of survival. "We have received multiple small miracles along the way and doctors are certainly surprised by the strides he has made," Kallie wrote before the MRI. "He is getting an EEG to monitor any brain activity and we haven't heard much on what they're seeing yet." She added: "We are unbelievably humbled by the love and prayers we have received, the help in all forms flooding our way is surreal." What does it take to make a good society? In the West, not only liberals, but even conservatives of the activist disposition, have tended to think that we have really succeeded in creating a just society, if not a good society, in the Platonic-idealist (and illiberal) sense. As outlined in his dialogue Republic, Socratess famous pupil originally envisioned an ascetic warrior society without the right to family and private property. We have gone about it in another way. Arguably, the Western society, a product of innumerable, intertwined trade-offs, represents the pinnacle of social adaptation and civilized compliance. Resting on a foundation of Judeo-Christian ethics and ideas of the Enlightenment, we have built an orderly society with a tripartite separation of powers. Since the post-war years, we have also had redistribution of wealth to show for it also known as welfare. At least, we are on our way to reaching the political-moral goals of our secularized culture or so we are told by those pushing for ever greater degrees of economic equality (or equity), regardless of the personal contributions of the individual citizens to the community. Progress, as they say. Convinced of our ideological victory (and the end of history as prematurely declared by Francis Fukuyama) after the collapse of the Soviet empire, we have tried in the bidding way to export our social order to the Muslim world, following military campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq. (Neocon state-building proved an expensive adventure!) For several decades, we have also worked in the alluring way to sway African states from tyrannical forms of government towards our own by offering help to develop agriculture, fishing, and industry. We have put our faith in our Western value system, believing it to provide a universal cure for social misery and injustice. The steady influx of migrants from the Third World has been taken as indisputable evidence of our superiority as social engineers. As soon as people in other parts of the world have a choice, they are willing to break up and defy all kinds of dangers to get here. No wonder that we have been in the habit of thinking that our way of life has won once and for all. Accordingly, we have been seduced by the narcissistic delusion that everybody else must have an irresistible urge to become like us. However, there is a bit of a paradox calling for reflection in the relationship between the West and the rest. At the same time as we reckon Western standards of social order to be victorious in the world, we continue to criticize ourselves for past crimes against other peoples. And in belligerent manifestos, where the conspirators claim to be particularly perceptive of hidden power structures and are used to operating with conflated ideas of class and race conflicts as the driving forces of history, deliberately inciting one group against the other, Westerners are accused of still succumbing to white privilege etc. The Marxist-Leninists, orphaned and forced to work in the shadows since the ban on the Bolshevik mother party in 1991, have been waiting for their chance and found a new home for the maladapted social-justice warriors in the struggle for the Third World (in addition to the struggle for ethnic and sexual minorities). In the absence of timely exposure and intellectual resistance, the subversive forces working single-mindedly on the downfall of the West have been allowed to organize and disrupt life in the cities and on the campuses. It has gotten to the point where Western civilization seems to be committing a protracted suicide while the rest of the world looks on with a mixture of amazement and glee. Making up for the unpardonable sins of Western colonialism (i.e. as opposed to, say, Arab, Chinese, and Japanese colonialism), whose severity is nothing but increased by the (suspected) racist element, we Western taxpayers have invested outrageous sums in the development of Third-World countries. (In the Western countries, where it used to be the Christian mission that attracted the professional benefactors, an entire foreign-aid industry, the counterpart of our social industry, has been set up for the purpose of charitable distribution.) We try our best to imagine that we are supporting a process towards democratic societies with independent courts and incorruptible law enforcement. What happens right before our eyes, however, is something completely different. On a continent, where tradition in most places divides power between tribes and dictates that the tribe put its own members above others, there is no real openness to Western ideas of liberty, equality, and fraternity as demanded by enlightened citizens during the French Revolution. Life goes on as usual, albeit with showcase changes on the surface to attract Western sponsors. (Those of us, who have dedicated our lives to spreading civilization to the darkest parts of the world and even make a living from it, simply love the little sunbeam stories that dazzle public opinion in the West, creating the illusion of real change.) Of course, no exotic tyrant in his right mind, whether socialist or Muslim, refuses to accept money from masochistic Westerners trying to buy a better conscience. While they shower us with rehearsed complaints about past exploitation of their resources, the tyrants take our money without blinking an eye. As of late, African tyrants, initiators of Marxist-collectivist experiments, depleting natural resources and killing private enterprise, have grown tired of listening to Western human rights defenders and feminists. The obsession with sexual minorities a phenomenon likely to turn any morality upside down, as if it had been planted as a hybrid-warfare bomb by malicious strategists we have all to ourselves in the West. However, unable to organize beyond village level the UN-recognized member states, which they run like slave plantations, the tyrants are as always in need of help from outside. Preoccupied with political survival (and existential survival after harassing opponents), they expectantly turn to new masters: Russians and Chinese. While the former deliver on the promise of military expertise, the latter undertake the development of infrastructure, e.g. asphalted roads and railways, in the African wilderness. In return, the tyrants, selling out their countrymen, give the new colonizers access to the riches of the underground. As far as a free press, democratic institutions, and the rule of law are concerned, we pretty much stand alone in the West. Victims of our own (self-righteous) naivety, we have vastly underestimated the importance of religion, customs, and history for Third-World resistance to change, especially outside interference. So, after all, we have not really won the war of ideologies. Disillusioned and disgraced after his failure as an adviser to the tyrannical ruler (Dionysius I) of Syracuse, Plato died in Athens. In the work of his old age, the dialogue Laws, which testifies to the empirical modification of his thinking, there is a noteworthy softening of his attitude to human needs and the organization of society. As something new, compared to the militarist-communist recommendations from Republic, he stresses the necessity of written laws, besides allowing families and private property rights. Neither happiness nor peace awaits humanity in the utopian ideal society. The fantasy of total or final solutions invariably ends in suffering and death. Democracy, as invented by the Greeks, is the formula. In biological terms, we are not created equal: some are healthier, smarter, or more beautiful than others. However, it is in our power to insist on human freedom and dignity. We do not create each other, but what we can do together is to create institutions that secure the individual citizens (a) right of participation in social affairs, (b) equality before the law, and (c) protection against injustice from other citizens. In order to resist the temptation to become dogmatically insistent in the totalitarian way when dealing with our fellow citizens, we must come to terms with the reality of an imperfect world inhabited by imperfect people. Quoting Thomas Sowell: There are no solutions, there are only trade-offs; and you try to get the best trade-off you can get, thats all you can hope for. Image: Public domain. In the United States, between 40-50 percent of first marriages end in divorce. Its even higher for second marriages: a whopping 60-70%. American Thinker contributor Robin Itzler recently met with First Lady Jill Biden to learn more about her and Joe and the secrets of their successful long-time marriage. (This is satire, for those who may be unsure.) ME: You and President Biden have been married since 1977. Thereve been numerous stories about how you met. Some scenarios raise eyebrows and others are heartwarming. Can you take a few minutes to share how you met your future husband? JILL: Yes. ME: Go ahead... JILL: Yes. ME: Please take your time... JILL: Yes. ME: Okay, moving along. Americans have always been intrigued by our First Ladies, especially their tastes in fashion. Can you tell us when you became fascinated by sofa prints? JILL: For some reason, the best dress designs are on couches. ME: As our nations First Couple, much is done for you. Are there any tasks you continue to do on your own? JILL: I like doing some things around our Delaware house. For example, when our daughter Ashley comes for a visit, I always make sure the shower is sparkling clean. ME: Do you think working Americans identify with you and Joe? JILL: Lunch Pail Joe and I are just like regular folks who shop at Balmart ME: You mean Walmart. JILL: Yeah, Galmart. We are like average working Americans except most of our friends are in China, Iran, and Ukraine. ME: Some Americans believe the Biden family partners with the Communist Chinese. JILL: (Never) ME: Some Americans believe the Biden administration is too cozy with the Islamic terrorist regime in Iran. JILL: (Never) ME: Certainly, theres reason for suspicion about President Biden being involved with Hunter in Ukraine. JILL: (No) ME: Joe Biden has been in public office most of his adult life. Some people say he doesnt understand what its like to work in the private sector and live paycheck to paycheck. JILL: Joe knows what hard work is since he once drove an 18-wheeler. ME: Besides patriotic Americans, what else does Joe hate? JILL: Well, he hated that Special Counsel Robert Hur asked him when his son Beau died. ME: Excuse me, Mrs. . JILL: Thats DOCTOR Biden!!! Not, Mrs. I spent several hours writing that dissertation paper with all the spelling mistakes and typos so people would have to call me DOCTOR Jill Biden!!!! ME: My apologies, DOCTOR Biden. But the official transcript shows that Special Counsel Hur never asked President Biden when his son Beau died. It was your husband who brought it up. JILL: That might be true. However, most of the media is on our side and they will say Hur brought it up. You need to watch The View. ME: Speaking of the The View, what programs do you and President Biden watch together? JILL: Our television viewing is limited to when Joe isnt conducting presidential duties. Joe conducts presidential business between 10 AM and noon with one hour for lunch. ME: After the horrific Hamas attack on Israel last October 7, it seems to many people that your husband supports the Hamas terrorists. JILL: Is this interview going to be published in Michigan and Minnesota? ME: Yes, American Thinker is a leading national conservative website with millions of readers across the United States. JILL: Well, as Joe said, there are good people on both sides. You have innocent Israelis who were mutilated, tortured, raped, kidnapped or killed, and you have innocent Hamas folks who did all the mutilating, torturing, raping, kidnapping and killing. ME: Are you and President Biden upset about all the antisemitic protests taking place on college campuses? JILL: Joe and I think its great when college students enjoy the outdoors. ME: They say surprises are important for a long, loving marriage. Can you share with us a recent surprise gift that Joe gave you? JILL: Yes, Joe bought me the most beautiful keffiyeh to wear when we visit Michigan and Minnesota. ME: Special Counsel Hur wrote in his report and repeated before Congress that Joe Biden is an elderly man with a poor memory. This is very sensitive, DOCTOR Biden, but there are some people who think President Biden has dementia and JILL: Ridiculous! That makes as much sense as saying he wears wide soles to maintain his balance. Or uses the shorter rear stairs on Air Force One to keep from falling. Or hides his slow and shuffling gait, by having others walk with him to and from helicopter Marine One. Or shakes his hand with the air after giving speeches. Or wanders on stage because he doesnt know to go left or right. Or walks off the stage in the middle of a speech to sniff a childs hair. Or turns his back on the audience while giving a speech where I need to turn him around. ME: What was the most frightening moment in all your years together? JILL: The horrific kitchen fire that lasted 20 minutes and almost resulted in Joe losing his beloved Corvette. You know the Corvette in the garage that protected all the classified documents that Joe took home when he was senator and vice president. Joe said that our small kitchen fire reminded him of the devastating Maui wildfires that killed more than 100 people, destroyed more than 2,200 structures and caused about $5.5 billion in damages. And lets mention Beau, too. ME: Besides you, who has most influenced President Biden? JILL: Corn Pop and Nelson Mandela. Joe was arrested trying to see Mandela in prison. ME: Even the liberal media says thats not true. JILL: But the intelligent gals on the critically acclaimed The View say its true. ME: Does the president have any hobbies? JILL: Sniffing childrens hair. Would you like to see some photos? ME: No, thank you. I can find them on the internet. ME: DOCTOR Biden, some people say you are the driving force behind the President running for re-election. JILL: Malarkey! That makes as much sense as Joe saying, pause when reading the teleprompter. ME: After 48+ years of marriage, what do you treasure most about Joe Biden? JILL: Being First Lady. ME: What do you love most about being Joes wife? JILL: Being First Lady. ME: What are you most thankful for? JILL: Being First Lady. ME: What gives you the most satisfaction in life? JILL: Being First Lady. ME: How do you want to be remembered? JILL: Being First Lady. ME: Does it bother you that some people accuse you of elder abuse since its obvious President Biden suffers from dementia or some mental acuity issue and yet you still want him to run for re-election? JILL: Being First Lady. ME: Any final thoughts? JILL: Being First Lady. Robin M. Itzler is a regular contributor to American Thinker. She can be reached at PatriotNeighbors@yahoo.com. Image: YouTube screen grab (edited). This week, a lot of people and institutions got punked, that is, humiliated, by their own actions. Of course, the eternal punkees, as Hussein Aboubakar so brilliantly notes, are those who bought the Nakba myth by which Arab rulers instrumentalized the Palestinians for their own ends, a myth which ended with the Abraham Accords. There are so many hoist by their own petard this week, Im faced with an embarrassment of riches. Lets start with the attack on Justice Samuel Alito. The Left simply cannot abide the fact that it doesnt control all branches of the government, and threatens to pack the court and, barring that, disparages and tries to force the recusal of justices Clarence Thomas and Alito from the presidential immunity case, if not their removal from the court altogether. They promote one pretext after another. Someone -- maybe a dummy or a prankster determined to expose them as idiots -- reported that once the American flag at Alitos home in Virginia briefly was flown upside down. In the fevered world of the Left, this represented Justice Alitos support of the January 6 Insurrection. For people with any military or historical background, an upside-down flag is a distress symbol, and Alito responded that it was his wifes response to some incivility by neighbors. Not satisfied with this first, not terribly successful, smear of the justice, a second flag, a pine tree with the words An appeal to God flown at the familys vacation home, became the get-Alito rallying point. The usual media mob, and even the once sane Bill Kristol (who years before had endorsed Alito for the court) argued this was further evidence of disqualifying bias by Alito because one person on January 6 waved such a flag. In fact, the flag is an historic one. It was created during the Revolutionary War and was used by George Washingtons troops. It has been seen flying over the office of the San Francisco government and remains the official naval and maritime flag of Massachusetts. Anyone and any media outlet which reported that these flags were controversial or provocative chiseled away any remaining credibility he or it still had. (On any day anything may be proof of wrongthink. Remember when it was the AOK sign?) President Donald Trump is the greatest punker of all. Just as Democrats like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez were patting themselves on their brilliant strategy of tying him down in New Yorks courtroom defending against a preposterous lawsuit and under gag orders from a demonstrably prejudiced judge, he announced a rally in the very blue Bronx at a venue which normally accommodates 3500 participants. At least 25,000 enthusiastic Trump fans showed up, fans of all races, mostly working-class Bronx residents. This cannot be of comfort to the Democrats. The Internationalists and the Death of Raisi Irans president Ebrahim Raisi died in a helicopter crash this week along with several other officials of the Iranian government, including Irans foreign minister. Raisi was a monster, a man who murdered by slow strangulation thousands of Iranians, and who tortured and murdered a pregnant woman. He was known as the butcher of Tehran. If, like me, you think the international organizations created after World War II have outlived their purpose, have admitted members of failed states who hold views antithetical to the organizations stated missions, and need to be abolished and recast, this week, they punked themselves and made our case. Among those offering condolences and tributes were NATO, the European Union, the Secretary-General of the UN, the UN Security Council, and the International Atomic Energy Commission (IAEA) which Iran has made a monkey of for years. Even our own State Department joined in this absurd sympathy charade. The supportive message repulsed many who follow US-Iran relations, including commentator Katie Pavlich, who said the statement made no sense. There should be no word of sympathy from any member of the Biden administration for Raisi, former National Security Council official Richard Goldberg, now a senior adviser at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told The Post before the State Department statement came out. If a mass murderer in the United States died, no one would issue sympathy statements; they would issue statements of support for the victims. Thats exactly what we should be doing now. Around the same time the State Departments message went out, US Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations Robert Wood stood to observe a moment of silence for Raisi during a meeting of the UN Security Council. Just as the bodies of four people who were murdered on October 7 were discovered secreted beneath an UNRWA facility in Gaza, the prosecutor of an outfit called the International Criminal Court, a creation of the UN General Assembly, sought arrest warrants for Yahya Sinwar, Benjamin Netanyahu, and others in connection with the attack on Israel and the response in Gaza. Apparently, this was after consultation with luminaries like jet-setting fashion plate and international lawyer (whatever that means) Amal Clooney. Neither the U.S. nor Israel are signatories to the treaty which created the ICC. This overstep by the ICC, was roundly condemned in the U.S. The decision has earned near-total condemnation in Washington, with President Joe Biden slamming the prospect of warrants against Israeli leaders as outrageous and Secretary of State Antony Blinken saying the administration is ready to work with Congress on a bipartisan effort to appropriately respond.[snip] Because the court lacks a police force, it relies on the 124 member states that have signed on to the statute to execute any warrants it issues. Four major countries -- the United States, Israel, Russia and China have not signed the treaty and do not accept the courts jurisdiction. The satire site Babylon Bee nails the significance of this self-punking by the ICC: HARTFORD, CT -- Sources within Jimmy Carter Hillary Clinton Harvey Milk Elementary School are claiming Mrs. O'Leary's third-graders have just voted 18-2 to pass a powerful, landmark resolution ordering Israel to withdraw all troops from Rafah, a city in southern Gaza. In addition to calling for all Israeli troops to stand down immediately, the official, strongly-worded resolution from the third-grade social studies class helpfully suggests that Israel "just be nice to the poor Palestinians" and calls for Benjamin Netanyahu to "maybe try sharing the land." Additionally, the statement points out that "perhaps Hamas just needs its voice to be heard" and calls for Israel to "stop denying the Palestinians their truth." "This class has really made a significant contribution to the cause of freedom and world peace," said Mrs. O'Leary as she adjusted the Palestinian flag kerchief covering her light-blue hair. "We hope that the Israeli government will give this ground-breaking intervention the recognition and compliance it deserves." Jack Smith, who previously served as a prosecutor in the Hague, pursued cases against more than one Republican political figure. In one such case in which the Supreme Court reversed the conviction, he was rebuked for overstepping his boundless interpretation of the law. Such fanciful notions of law may work at the ICC but not here. But even as his documents case against President Trump is on rocky shoals, hes not giving up. This week, Judge Aileen Cannon released some previously redacted materials which showed that the FBI agents who conducted the raid on Mar-a-Lago had authorization to use deadly force against anyone who might obstruct the raid, including Trumps Secret Service detail. The raid was for materials which may or may not have been declassified, which admittedly had been manipulated by the prosecution. There was understandable outrage at the news. While the Attorney General said this is standard form in such raids and was also a provision in the raid on Bidens classified document cache, no evidence was provided in support of that, and certainly it appears the retrieval of documents held by Biden was conducted far differently. Smith is seeking an order gagging Trump from discussing the deadly force directive. In my view hes just keeping the issue alive. (In any event, as Julie Kelly reports, in his motion for a gag order, Smith does not repeat Garlands claim that the same directive went to FBI agents retrieving classified documents from Biden, another indication that the agency was accomodating to Biden.) Mike Davis has as good an explanation as any of why the Administration is flogging this weak case and why it is seeking a gag order: Naturally, Jack Smith and Jay Bratt's motion to gag Trump is wholly devoid of required facts and law. They point to no instance of any threat -- let alone how Trump incited any threat. Their motion is frivolous. The bottom line is this: The Biden Justice Department wants to unconstitutionally gag Trump to control their political narrative. They pretend criticism of government officials equates to threats. That's a very dangerous mindset. In America, a defendant -- more than anyone -- must have the constitutional right to publicly speak out against the judge, prosecutors, investigators, staff, witnesses, biases, and the process. If a defendant obstructs justice by threatening witnesses, charge him with obstruction of justice. Jack Smith and Jay Bratt know they cannot do that, as they have zero evidence. Instead, they are conspiring to impose an unconstitutional -- and un-American -- gag order on Trump. The Biden White House and Justice Department pretend their supporters have a First Amendment right to obstruct justice by doxxing and intimidating Supreme Court justices and their families in their homes. Even after justices and their families went to safe houses. And even after Justice Kavanaugh and his family faced a 1 am assassination attempt. But the Biden Justice Department now wants to gag Trump for criticizing the FBI's unprecedented raid on him. Which Biden and Garland knew included the potential of deadly force when they authorized it. To get damning Crossfire Hurricane presidential records Trump was allowed to have under the Presidential Records Act. Add all this to the overwhelming evidence of Biden Democrats' criminal conspiracy against Trump. Last, I want to bring your attention to the incredible article in Mosaic about the Nakba, The Perennial Power of the Nakba. How after facing humiliation after humiliation on the battlefield against Israel, Arab leaders deflected attention away from their own failures and the weaknesses of their societies by using the myth of a return to the land held by Israel and how this mythologizing has been (at least until the Abraham Accords upended the fantasy) an unmitigated catastrophe for the Arabs. The progressive anti-white platform sweeping away Western civilization owes its origins to what the authors shall refer to as the White Left, who originally founded, organized, promoted, and funded the anti-white movement that is now fully adopted and embraced by the United States government and most major media, academic, and business institutions. It is primarily the White Left who advocate and agitate for the anti-white hate we see on a daily basis in mainstream media outlets, schools and colleges, and corporate and government environments. And it is these people who, by dint of their skin color, lend their imprimatur (and thus enormous credibility) to the progressive anti-white movement. (If these powerful and influential white people are saying white people are racist and evil, then it must be true, right?) Who, exactly, are the White Left, and what do they gain from spawning the anti-white hate they promote? In broad terms, the White Left fall into three categories: (1) Tenured government employees and politicians who are basically set for life (with lifelong taxpayer-funded job security and government pensions, early retirement at 50 if they wish, etc.). This category would include the likes of Merrick Garland (the proudly anti-white attorney general of the United States) and Dick Durbin (Illinois senator and anti-white advocate) and their legions of federal and state government colleagues (2) Whites who have inherited their fortunes through generational wealth (trust fund babies) and those who are so wealthy that they are insulated from the anti-white policies they advocate. This second category would include the likes of George Soros, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Tim Cook, Jack Krawczyk (Googles anti-white artificial intelligence leader), and nearly the entire population of Marthas Vineyard, along with most every white mainstream media anchor, news editor, Hollywood producer, and corporate CEO. These double-talking racial demagogues and provocateurs drive the anti-white narrative and are responsible for the plague of anti-white violence and intolerance in the world today. (3) The third category, while largest in sheer numbers, can be characterized as the street-level foot soldiers of the movement. This growing base of Caucasians is easily dismissed on intellectual grounds as useful idiots, but they nevertheless influence, incite, and persuade others by endlessly parroting the bigoted rhetoric of those who inhabit the first two categories. This latter category includes many white university students and young people who have come of age with technological skills but acquired no wisdom or actual knowledge along the way, in addition to no small number of self-abasing whites who think they can dodge the blood libel of racism as long as they trash and dehumanize other whites. This brainwashed third group, which numbers in the millions, could reasonably be compared to the mindless Borg of Star Trek, or the unthinking ummah of the Muslim world who support terrorism. Why, one wonders, would the White Left advance racial division in such unrelenting fashion, stoking hatred and hostility toward whites? Indeed, why make it the single most important organizing principle of society, the animating moral imperative and centerpiece of Western civilization? Using Occams razor as our guide, the answer is more prosaic than sexy: money, profit, and power, with a heavy dose of exhilarating nihilism and civilization-destroying anarchy for good measure. Government gains profit and power by encouraging dependency on the state. If you are employed by one of the countless welfare agencies affiliated with government, you want more (predominantly minority) people on the welfare rolls, more dependency, more single motherhood, more children in broken homes or foster care, as these social pathologies ensure your own livelihood (ironclad job security, larger budgets, salaries, et al.). If you work for one of Americas now numberless government spy agencies, you want more money from taxpayers, bigger budgets, higher payrolls, better facilities, a surveillance state that encroaches on citizens even more than now. To justify such an expensive wish list, maybe more security threats are needed? To that end, you declare that America desperately needs lots more refugees from Gaza, or Afghanistan, or that racial and ethnic diversity is our greatest strength, or engage in similar self-serving psychobabble. Plus, you can experience the frisson of being an altruistic superhero with a white savior complex as you pretend to care for underserved communities of color or other boilerplate progressive nonsense. If you are a trust fund NGO or Silicon Valley executive promoting unlimited immigration into the United States and other majority-white Western countries, and you derive power, profit, cheap labor, and government grants from the same, you desire more of all those things. The material and human costs to the host nation are irrelevant to your concerns. You arent bothered by children being trafficked and raped along Americas southern border; indeed, youll deny its happening at all, or seek to minimize awareness of it. You dont care if gangs and criminals bring fentanyl that kills roughly 100,000 American citizens annually. You are unmoved by and will ignore or rationalize reports of U.S. citizens being murdered by illegal migrants. You arent troubled that illegals just show up at the border and are ushered unvetted through the turnstiles by the millions. All that matters is that you continue to expand your power and profit while bleating endlessly about how only white racists and xenophobes could find your compassionate, humane approach to globalism and mass migration objectionable. If you are a reprehensible hagiographer for the anti-white left say, a Scott Pelley of CBS News you go on the air and broadcast that a developmentally disabled youth has been scalped and tortured by people who uttered the N-word, and invoked the name of Donald Trump as they livestreamed their depravity. And if you are a shameless shill like Pelley, you leave out the fact that the tortured youth was white, and that his tormentors were black. Instead, you deliberately lie by omission, knowing your captive viewing audience will wrongly infer evil white gargoyles tortured a disabled, helpless black youth the exact opposite of what really happened. Consider the canonization of various black criminals who lost their lives while violently assaulting or resisting law enforcement. George Floyd, Michael Brown, Freddie Gray we all know their names. Now, among the tens of thousands of whites murdered by blacks over the past 50 years, try to think of a single name that has been similarly beatified. Or, failing that, try to name a single white cop ambushed and murdered while eating a donut in his squad car, or out on routine patrol. Has there been a single national or global march or demand for justice or racial reconciliation in their honor? No, theyre just a statistic, because white lives matter to the anti-white White Left only insofar as they can serve their assigned role as global villains to be racially demonized and exploited for power and profit. America and the West already crossed the racial Rubicon; we are well beyond slippery slopes, inflection points, points of no return, and are freefalling into the racial void, which will end badly for white people including, ironically, whites of the left. The authors are brothers and previous contributors to American Thinker. Image: stevepb via Pixabay, Pixabay license. When the internet first came along, it seemed like a magical place that would make wisdom instantly accessible to all. We soon learned that, while wisdom exists, the internet has...um, issues. It makes it easy for the government to spy on us, helps pedophiles find children, and has too many porn and cat videos. It thrives on pushing cheap emotion the way a drug dealer pushes heroin. Sometimes, though, those selling emotions get stopped by hard facts, as was the case recently with the sobbing young mother allegedly abandoned by her family on her birthday. Last week, Richard Hanania, a smart man and no ones pushover, was representative of the literally millions (45 million on TikTok alone) who watched and were moved by this sad womans plight: Make sure to give the single mother in your life a hug today pic.twitter.com/XAdtULhokq Richard Hanania (@RichardHanania) May 21, 2024 Some, though, were a little more cynical, for they recognized that a video like this doesnt just happen: This woman set up her tripod, pressed record, stepped back, began crying, made her cake, pressed stop record, went to her room, uploaded her file to CapCut, edited the video, added captions, added a sad song, saved the video, and uploaded it to TikTok pic.twitter.com/2kkYHGvyxZ Mr Overprayed (@MrOverprayed) May 22, 2024 The cynics won on this one for all is not as it seems. It turns out that the young woman, Elizabeth Teckenbrock, of Florida, is a con artist, a very serious con artistor at least, thats what Andrew Cormier, her ex-husband, claims. He also seems to have the receipts to back up his claims, including her arrest records from last Fall: Teckenbrock promptly pushed back, claiming that Cormier was an abusive husband and that she got the short end of the custody stick because she lacked the resources for a good attorney. Cormier, naturally, denied Teckenbrocks charges. If you check out Cormiers TikTok page, you learn that this bitter once-married couple has been having a long-running public battle about who is the worst in the relationship. Currently, Cormier wins but only because Teckenbrocks TikTok page seems to have vanished. Custody and child support fights are always ugly, and this one is exceptionally so. My heart bleeds for the children at the center of all this. But the really important takeaway for us, the ones not involved in this custody battle, is to be very careful about any emotional pleas on the internet. Maybe theyre real, and maybe youre being conned. Image: X screen grab. Among the realities of military life on Continental United States (CONUS) military installations is the disarmament of military members. The only service members allowed to carry arms are those whose Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) requires it. For the most part, that means only military police officers can carry arms, and even those troops are restricted as to time and place. They pick up their arms and ammunition just before going on duty, and return them to the armory immediately after going off duty. It's one of the ironies of military life that those trusted with military grade weapons to protect American liberty are not allowed to carry the common handguns civilians take for granted. They are, on our military installations, less safe than civilians shopping at WalMart. Military dependents are likewise prohibited from carrying arms on base and are equally vulnerable. Graphic: Ellsworth AFB Gate. Wikimedia Commons.org. Public Domain. Attacks on military installations such as the Ft. Hood attack on November 5, 2009 where a Muslim Army psychiatristtheres ironykilled 13, and the Washington Navy Yard attack of Sept. 16, 2013, where 12 were killed and more were injured have drawn attention to the vulnerability of our service members. Were currently seeing multiple attempts every week. During Donald Trumps presidency there was some talk of significantly expanding the numbers of armed service members, but little or nothing came of it. Even then, the Obama fundamental transformation of our military from war fighters to social justice warriors had done enormous damage, and the possibility of protecting our service members under the Biden Administration is nonexistent. Security at US installations, many of which are huge, is lacking. Ft. Bragg is 254.6 square miles. Ft. Campbell is 164 square miles and Ft. Hood is 335 square miles. Most of our installations are protected primarily by chain link fencing, with several entry points manned by troops armed primarily with handguns. With few exceptions, the troops manning such entry points are the lowest ranking, least experienced military police officers. Few installations have rapid response forces equipped with heavier armament and armored vehicles. Considering even our feckless FBI Director has been repeatedly warning of an unprecedented danger of terrorist attacks, this state of affairs is unconscionable. The government is not, however, mentioning that heightened threat of attacks is due to our wide-open borders. On May 3, 2024, a hard to ignore attempt to breach the Quantico Marine Corps Base reminded us yet again of the danger. Hard to ignore for rational people, but the Administration is doing its best to ignore it, and is withholding information. Two Jordanians who may have been doing a dry run for Al Qaeda or ISIS have been arrested after allegedly trying to scam and then ram their way onto a US marine base in Virginia with a truck. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed to The Post two Jordanian nationals are now in custody after being stopped at the front gate of Quantico Marine Corps Base, 35 miles southwest of Washington DC. On May 3, 2024, Marine Corps Base Quanticos Criminal Investigations Division arrested two Jordanian noncitizens for trespassing, ICE Washington spokesperson James Covington said. Apparently the two potential terrorists drove a box truck to the front gate and told sentries they were subcontracting with Amazon and needed to make a delivery. The two ignored directions and tried to drive onto the base but were stopped by an area denial system, which is likely a retractable vehicle barrier. Quantico Marine brass didnt widely notify even their own command for several weeks. This is all we know about the two: Fox News reports that one of the men had crossed the border illegally, yet was allowed to stay. The other reportedly overstayed his visa. Its yet more proof of the national security dangers of President Bidens wave-them-in border policies. Indeed, sources told a local news outlet that one was on the terror watchlist. Was this a dry run for a car bombing attack? Obviously it was an intelligence gathering mission, but to what end and for which terrorist group(s)? Thus far, all the Biden Terrorist Welcoming Administration has suggested is both will be deported. Deported?! Two illegals, almost certainly Muslims from a nation not particularly fond of America, try to force their way onto a Marine base, and the government isnt releasing any additional information and is sending them back to their handlers? Despite increasing warnings about imminent terrorist attacks, the Biden Administration obviously doesnt consider informing the public politically smart. Trying to preserve and protect Hamas doesnt fit well with effectively dealing with terrorist dry runs on CONUS military installations. Not only is Biden negotiating for terrorists, hes making more than clear Muslim votes are far more important than the lives of our CONUS troops and dependents. What a surprise. Mike McDaniel is a USAF veteran, classically trained musician, Japanese and European fencer, life-long athlete, firearm instructor, retired police officer and high school and college English teacher. He is a published author and blogger. His home blog is Stately McDaniel Manor. Literally less than 72 hours after being sworn in in January 2009, Barack Obama was in federal court arguing he had the right to spy on us. Did you know that? Perhaps you did and you forgot. Seemed a worthwhile thing to bring up in light of all weve learned these last several years. And in case anyone hasnt read it recently, lets refresh our memories on what weve lost: The Fourth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America: The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized. But back to the matter at hand: In January 2008, and throughout his entire presidential campaign, then-Sen. Barack Obama was objectively consistent: Wiretaps without warrants = bad. ...Under an Obama presidency, Americans will be able to leave behind the era of George W. Bush, Dick Cheney and wiretaps without warrants." He could not have been more clear, nor could the headline from CNET: Obama: No Warrantless Wiretaps if You Elect Me If you recall, there was quite the brouhaha about library book privacy. Remember? We were so innocent back then just 16 years ago. Obama campaigned on it. Privacy matters. Your ability to be secure in your papers mattered, intoned the Constitutional law professor. Month after month after month ... Until he was sworn in on Jan. 20, 2009. Then, like a sore on your privates after a one night stand, it appeared; on the morning of Jan. 23, 2009, Obamas freshly-minted DOJ was in federal court saying the exact opposite. Wiretaps without warrants = GOOD. Gotta love the Wired headline: Obama Sides with Bush in Spy Case. Literally less than 72 hours after having his hand on the Bible. ...Weighing [in on] whether a U.S. president may bypass Congress and establish a program of eavesdropping on Americans without warrants... the Obama administration... ask[ed] the courts to rule on [its] constitutionality Obama was sworn in at noon on January 20. The brief was filed at 10:30 a.m. on January 23. Half of D.C. was still hung over from all the inauguration parties at that point. (The other half was still drunk.) And the entire media, ideologically drunk on The One being immaculated" (h/t Rush Limbaugh, R.I.P.) in the White House, just breezed right by it, their cognitive dissonance combined with being pickled was just too much. But then a remarkable thing happened on the way to the OPromised Land it got worse. Much, much worse. As Sundance at The Conservative Treehouse has rightly observed on many occasions, the George W. Bush presidency formalized the spying-on-us-all architecture post 9/11 with the Patriot Act, but it was the Barack H. Obama presidency which injected and animated the progressive virus to weaponize it against the regimes enemies and the viral particles, like viral particles do, have mutated and multiplied. They say personnel is policy? Well, Obama planted thousands of his ideological allies throughout every agency then made them nearly impossible to fire, and the Biden regime is, even as we speak, installing mechanisms to make them even more impervious to dismissal should, God forbid (to them!), Trump win this Novembers election. If theres anything weve learned from these people, its that they never sleep. Progressivism is ideological herpes: once you get it, you can never get rid of it. Oh, you can treat the symptoms of it, hope for fewer outbreaks, but outright kill it? Oh no, it never dies. It remains, waiting Should this Novembers election turn out to be too big to rig (as Trump is fond of saying), we can only hope his DOJ is in federal court just as expeditiously in January 2025 to begin to suffocate that federal virus as much as humanly possible. Our nations health, our Liberty, depends on it. Image: Ari Levinson, via Wikimedia Commons // CC BY-SA 3.0 As I was hunting for blog topics, my colleague, Andrea Widburg, looked at my lineup and said we had quite a snapshot of Joe Biden's America in those news items. What's this single day's news? What a wretched state of affairs. No wonder Biden keeps falling in the polls. Image: Screen shot from a camera aimed at a television set during a live broadcast, filtered. Hedge fund big Bill Ackman, who's lit a fire under Harvard over its antisemitism, seems to be still mulling the problems with universities. He noted this, from the analysis of Washington Monthly:

The correlation between the cost of going to college and the intensity of the protests is an important reflection on entitlement.

I have experienced this empirically. I spoke at @PaceUniversity and @Columbia within 10 days of each other. Pace students were focused on learning https://t.co/QxY0nWxGoc

Bill Ackman (@BillAckman) May 25, 2024
According to Washington Monthly: Student protestors at college campuses nationwide, united by their outrage at Israels actions in Gaza, can rightly be described as diverse. Despite the masks, its clear that they come from different racial backgrounds, and their views range from the belief that Israel should give up on its war effort to the conviction that Israel should be destroyed entirely. But one thing is not especially diverse about the protests: the campuses on which theyve been happening. Many of the most high-profile protests have occurred at highly selective colleges, like Columbia University. But since the national media is famously obsessed with these schools and gives far less attention to the thousands of other colleges where most Americans get their postsecondary educations, its hard to know how widespread the campus unrest has really been. We at the Washington Monthly tried to get to the bottom of this question: Have pro-Palestinian protests taken place disproportionately at elite colleges, where few students come from lower-income families? The answer is a resounding yes. I think the Washington Monthly analysis is sound, and intuitively. Ackman's view about why this is so makes sense. But my own experience is that students in both kinds of schools work pretty hard. I've taken mostly tech courses at San Diego College of Continuing Education, and agree that yes, the vast majority of students are career-focused, often young and even older immigrants looking to upgrade their skills in order to work hard and achieve their American dream. They are fantastic people and while they aren't discussing Romantic poetry, they are getting their work done which is demanding and considerable. Meanwhile, at Columbia's Graduate School of Journalism, where I went in the 1990s, the work was exhaustively hard with no slack whatsoever tolerated. However, we did have what was openly called a trade-school model of education, which may have fostered the same attitudes. That said, the School for International and Public Affairs students worked hard, I remember several who struggled; the law school students worked like grinds; the engineering students worked hard, filling their labs on Friday nights, so it may not be entirely the case that ivies are lazy schools, though there may be differences in different schools, particularly graduate schools and undergraduate ones. There are the majors, after all, where one wonders what they do over there, in some of the undergraduate areas, in the teachers college, in the social sciences. Sometimes, it's just a matter of learning to speak 'woke' in the right way, having experienced some of those, too. Mastering the language is more important than adding value. In any case, the Monthly does seem to think it's a matter of entitlement, which seems to be the right vein to explore. That said, it's also know that the outside organizers have targeted the fanciest schools in order to lay them low, and Middle Eastern money has flooded these places as well, more so than the trade schools, which may be more the root of the problem than how focused the students are. Cut off that money and shut the outside agitators out, and see whether the nonsense continues. Image: Pixabay / Pixabay License At the end of April, Hamas mortared Joe Bidens pier under construction in Gaza. Supposedly, no one was injured, though there was much running for cover. But on May 23, three US troops were injured, one critically. News reports characterize those injuries as non-combat. Surprisingly (snicker), no specific details have been released. Graphic: US Central Command. Public Domain. How much has this floating pier cost? Stripes.com, at the end of April, provided this: The U.S. militarys initial cost of the temporary floating pier off Gazas coast is about $320 million, a Pentagon official said Monday. Weve been very clear this is a temporary solution to help get humanitarian aid into Gaza. This is just one other way of getting aid in, Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh told reporters. The figure, first reported by Reuters, has not previously been disclosed about the operation that includes about 1,000 American troops. If that figure can be believed, one has to keep in mind that was the cost of building and maintaining the pier to that point. A month on, God only know how much more has been spent. Also unknown is whether that figure includes bunker fuel for the ships, wear and tear on their systems, and the other, astronomic, costs of any large-scale military deployment, particularly since not a single American boot has ever touched the beaches of Gaza. We know thats true because Joe Biden said so. For those with short memories, why is Joe building the pier? And of course were spending money we dont have to sort of supply a population that hates us and supports Hamas by an 80%+ margin. The pier, known as Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore, or JLOTS, is meant to provide a new way to deliver badly needed aid into Gaza. The World Health Organization has warned some 2.3 million Gaza inhabitants face extreme hunger that could become a full-blown famine by next month as Israel continues its war against Hamas militants, who launched a surprise assault in October from the enclave. President Joe Biden first announced the JLOTS operation on March 7 during his State of the Union speech. Oh. Right. Politics. Optics. Muslim votes in Michigan. An alternate way for Hamas to steal aid. Was the pier necessary? Consider this from the end of March: Israel does not impose limits on the amount of aid entering Gaza. All aid entering Gaza undergoes Israeli security screening at either Nitzana or Kerem Shalom Crossings. From there, aid is sent to the Gaza Strip. To date, over 20,00 trucks on the ground have delivered over 375,000 tons of aid. That includes 240,960 tons of food, 27,760 tons of water, 19,510 tons of medical supplies, 39,080 tons of shelter equipment, 200 tanks of fuel, and 385 tanks of cooking gas. And this from the end of April: "Over the last few weeks, the amount of humanitarian aid going into Gaza has significantly increased. In the coming days, the amount of aid going into Gaza will continue to scale up even more," spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said in a statement. "Food, water, medical supplies, shelter equipment and other aid - more of it is going into Gaza than ever before," Hagari said. Whats clear is Israel has consistently supplied aid to people that want to kill every Jew. Israel has also consistently allowed aid from the UN and various NGOs and governments, many of which also want to kill every Jew. It has been widely reported that most, if not all, of that aid has been stolen by Hamas. Presumably, the aid from the pier is doing better? Graphic: X Screenshot Close to three-fourths of the humanitarian aid transported from a new $320 million floating pier built by the U.S. military off the Gaza coast was stolen on Saturday en route to a U.N. warehouse, Reuters reported on Tuesday. Eleven trucks "were cleaned out by Palestinians" on the journey to the World Food Programme warehouse in Deir El Balah in the central Strip, with only five truckloads making it to the destination. Anyone care to place any bets on all of the humanitarian aid transported from a new $320 million floating pier built by the U.S. military off the Gaza coast was stolen on Saturday? On May 23, USA Today delivered an assessment that must have been painful for them: Hijacking, mobs, and combat are creating a significant stumbling block to humanitarian aid delivered to Gaza, forcing officials to develop alternative routes for trucks arriving by the Pentagon's newly-built pier, U.S. officials said Thursday. But other than that, Joes pier building effort is going great. Information on his Muslim vote-buying effort is harder to come by. Mike McDaniel is a USAF veteran, classically trained musician, Japanese and European fencer, life-long athlete, firearm instructor, retired police officer and high school and college English teacher. He is a published author and blogger. His home blog is Stately McDaniel Manor. The man jailed for life in connection with the darknet marketplace he founded could be a free man again if Donald Trump is reelected as president. The FBI shut down the clandestine Silk Road web operation in 2013. It allowed its users to trade in illegal drugs, using Bitcoin as the currency for transactions. Donald Trump promised to commute the sentence of Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht during an address Saturday at the Libertarian National Convention. Ulbricht was sentenced to life in prison in 2015 following his conviction on charges including money laundering, drug trafficking and computer hacking. Trump said he could potentially release Ulbricht on time served. Libertarian activists believe the government overreached in building its case against Silk Road. They also generally oppose criminal drug policies more broadly, the Associated Press noted. Ulbricht's case was much-discussed this weekend the Libertarian Annual Convention in Washington, D.C., and many in the crowd for Trump's speech hoisted "Free Ross" signs. "If you vote for me, on day one I will commute the sentence of Ross Ulbricht," Trump said in one of the few moments during his speech when he wasn't booed. Who is Ross Ulbricht? Ulbricht grew up in Austin, Texas, and graduated from high school in 2002. He attended the University of Texas at Dallas and graduated in 2006 with a bachelor's degree in physics. He attended Penn State for graduate studies and became interested in Libertarian topics before graduating in 2009 and moving back to Austin. What was Silk Road? Ulbricht started the site in 2011. In a diary entry that was read at his trial, he described the idea for what he wanted to create as a "website where people could buy anything anonymously, with no trail whatsoever that could lead back to them." He ran it under the pseudonym "Dread Pirate Roberts," after a character from the movie "The Princess Bride." How was Silk Road brought down? Law enforcement began investigating Silk Road for possible criminal activity. They said Silk Road was used by numerous drug dealers and other unlawful vendors to distribute massive quantities of illegal drugs and other illicit goods and services to many buyers and to launder all funds passing through it. A federal drug agency investigator was able to infiltrate the leadership of the site and became an administrator. Investigators were able to eventually zone in on Ulbricht by going through chat logs and other information on the server. Ulbricht was charged with engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise and other charges in 2014. He was convicted in 2015 and sentenced to two life terms. The federal government later snagged $48,238,116 in proceeds from the sale of the 144,336 Bitcoins that were found on Ulbricht's computer. On May 3, two Jordanian nationals who were here illegally attempted to enter a Marine base in Virginia. Both were arrested. Weve just learned that something else happened on May 3: Two Chechen nationals who were here illegally were caught skulking around the home of a special forces Army officer. The officer killed one. The other was arrested...and released. Ian Fleming wrote in Goldfinger, Once is happenstance. Twice is coincidence. The third time is enemy action. Call me cynical and paranoid, but Im going to assume that were long past happenstance and that what happened on May 3 may well have been enemy action. According to the Marine Times: The two people whom the Marine Corps prevented from breaking onto an installation in Virginia on May 3 were Jordanian nationals, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. [snip] The pair had driven up to a gate of the base in a box truck and, when questioned by military sentries, claimed to be Amazon subcontractors making a delivery to the town of Quantico, Virginia, which is accessed through the base, Marine spokesman Capt. Michael Curtis told Marine Corps Times on Tuesday. When military police directed the two to go to a holding area to undergo standard vetting procedures, the driver instead went past that area and attempted to drive onto the base, Curtis said. The bases law enforcement put up the vehicle denial barriers, blocking the truck from getting farther onto the base, and detained the pair. Thats a fairly straightforward story. What happened in North Carolina was much weirder. A special forces officer found two Chechen nationals on his property operating cameras with long-range lenses. In the ensuing scuffle, the officer killed one of the men. Then, the police released the other man...despite his being an illegal alien who ought to have been detained on that basis alone. The dead mans family has now launched a GoFundMe, which is also weird considering, as a baseline, that the guy was here illegally: oh shooting in Carthage, North Carolina that involves an elite SF Army Colonel and two Chechens in the US reportedly here illegally. pic.twitter.com/2Pd7QjTv8s TruthWyspr (@whysprtech) May 25, 2024 It also turns out that other special forces military operatives have found themselves being spied upon. If you want more details about the incident in North Carolina, I recommend Kevin Downey Jr.s essay at PJ Media. In his essay, he notes, Law enforcement also found two Russian-language cell phones in the car and camera equipment. The phone hints that the menif they were indeed engaged in enemy action rather than being coincidental hikerswere working for the Russians. After all, thanks to Bidens foreign affairs expertise, we are embroiled in a warm-to-hot war with Russia. However, the way I see it, its a little more complicated than that. You see, despite the Russian-language phones, when I think of Chechnya, I think Islam. Thats because 95% of the population practices Sunni Islam. When I combine that with Jordanians in Virginia, I wonder if were looking not at Russian reprisals but at jihadist action. Or, of course, these stories may simply reflect something between happenstance and coincidence, with none of this meaning anything at all. Its certainly easy when you spend your life reading the news and looking at the chaos Biden has created in the world, generally, and at our border, specifically, to get very paranoid and start connecting imaginary dots with nonexistent lines. Image by AI. Andy Murray waved goodbye to the big stage at Roland Garros for probably the final time after a first-round defeat to Stan Wawrinka at the French Open. The former world number one was well beaten 6-4 6-4 6-2 under the lights on Court Philippe Chatrier. It was a familiar feeling for Murray, whose last three matches on the Paris clay have now ended in defeat to his Swiss rival. Stan defeats Andy in straight sets to reach Round 2 in Paris! #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/pVG9H0A3ul Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 26, 2024 The first was the epic semi-final defeat in five brutal sets in 2017, a match which ultimately proved too much for Murrays hip and almost forced him into retirement. This one was more like the second, a straight-sets first-round defeat in 2020, but it has probably still nudged Murray another step closer to calling it a day. Murray has, of course, provided plenty of unforgettable late-night drama over the years. But sadly, it looks as though the well has finally run dry. In fairness, the 37-year-old Scot had done well just to get here having ruptured ankle ligaments nine weeks ago. It meant that the two old warriors, greats of the modern game, with a combined age of 76 and just three original hips between them, met for the 23rd time in their illustrious careers. Wawrinka is, like Murray, a three-time grand slam winner and was the French Open champion in 2015. Having broken the Murray serve in the first game, the 39-year-old turned the opening set into a masterclass in the dying art of the one-handed backhand. It was, and probably still is, one of the best on the Tour, showcased by one sizzling winner down the line which brought Chatrier to its feet. Switzerlands Stan Wawrinka eased into round two (Thibault Camus/AP) Wawrinka should have clinched the set when he toyed with Murray with a drop shot followed by a lob, only to push an easy winner long. But he wrapped it up at the next attempt as Murray sent a forehand long and looked at the sky in disgust. Murrays frustration grew when a volley into the net gifted Wawrinka break point for 2-1 in the second, which the Swiss gratefully accepted. The shoulders slumped a little further with every shot that went wide and every winner that flew just out of his reach. The second set went Wawrinkas way after another makeable Murray forehand whistled into the net, and the third was frankly a procession, won with, predictably, a backhand. So Murray, a popular runner-up here in 2016, exited stage left with a lingering wave to loud, appreciative applause. He still has the mens doubles to play, with Dan Evans, but the British pair would have to get a very long way to return to the main show court. Plus, Murray is entered into Surbiton next week, suggesting that he had not expected to be at Roland Garros very long anyway. British equestrian Georgie Campbell has died after a fall at the Bicton International Horse Trials in Devon, British Eventing has announced. Campbell (nee Strang), who was competing on the fourth and final day of the event, was immediately attended to by medical staff but could not be saved. A British Eventing statement read: It is with deepest regret that we announce that Georgie Campbell (GBR) suffered a fatal accident whilst competing at the Bicton International Horse Trials in Devon, England on Sunday 26 May 2024. Medical professionals attended immediately following her fall at fence 5b, however, unfortunately, she could not be saved. The horse, Global Quest, was assessed by the on-site vets and walked back to the stable and is uninjured. To respect the familys privacy at this extremely difficult and sad time, no further details will be shared. Campbell, 36, was two when she was first taught to ride by her mother Debbie, a former GB endurance rider, in her native Kent and was initially a top-level showing rider before turning to eventing. Shortlisted for the British junior team in her teens, Campbell made her five-star debut in 2009 and quickly progressed, representing Great Britain numerous times on Nations Cup teams. In 2010, with Master Monarch, Campbell won the prize for the highest-placed rider under 25 in the British Open at Gatcombe and made her four-star debut at Burghley. She competed at Badminton, Burghley and Pau five-star events, but in an Equine America interview last year also cited winning the 4* Long in 2022 at Ligniers on Global Quest as a career highlight. She most recently placed third with the same horse in the CCI3*-S class at Osberton. Campbell wed fellow equestrian Jesse Campbell, a member of the New Zealand team for the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, in December 2020. Together the pair joined personal and professional forces to create Team Campbell Eventing. In a joint interview with her husband last summer, Campbell told Equine America that three top items on her bucket list were win(ing) a 5*, (to) compete at an Olympic Games (and) go on safari. Asked what she had wished she had learned earlier in her career, Campbell replied: Not to compare yourself to others. Have faith in your own system and enjoy the little things every day. Residents in a London block owned by the housing association Notting Hill Genesis claim that successions of guests arriving at one illegal sublet cause regular disturbances. Photograph: Alexey_Fedoren/Getty Images/iStockphoto Airbnb and Booking.com have been accused of facilitating fraud by refusing to take action against social housing tenants who illegally sublet properties to holidaymakers. Local authorities and social housing providers claim the platforms are refusing to cooperate with requests to remove illegally listed holiday lets and, as a result, are depriving homeless families of secure housing. It is a criminal offence for tenants to rent out council or housing association accommodation. Tenants are required to notify councils and housing associations if a property is no longer required as a permanent residence, but some are retaining them illegally to earn an income. One tenant was found to be advertising his housing association property for 4,000 a week, having never lived in it, according to the campaign group the Tenancy Fraud Forum (TFF). It estimates each fraudulently let home costs taxpayers an average of 42,000 over three years. The fraud can also invalidate buildings insurance and expose neighbours to antisocial behaviour. I recently reported an illegal sublet to Airbnb and explained it was a criminal offence, but they refused to remove the listing and told me to talk to the host, said the housing association lawyer and TFF chair, Katrina Robinson. Airbnb puts profit before conscience. The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in London spent an estimated 20,000 securing a court order before Airbnb would cooperate with a fraud crackdown on two of its estates in 2022. It said the US lettings giant was still refusing to remove listings that fell foul of the Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act. We have tried to establish a landmark data-sharing pilot with Airbnb to help us uncover reported tenancy fraud, said a council spokesperson. Currently this isnt working as we would have wished and data is not being shared with us. We have 3,000 people on our housing register, and we know that holiday lettings companies have data which will help us tackle cases of tenancy fraud and free up much-needed homes. Airbnbs terms and conditions state that hosts personal information may be shared for fraud prevention, but the company insists that privacy laws forbid it from passing details to landlords without a court order. Under the Data Protection Act, personal data can legitimately be shared with relevant authorities for law enforcement. Airbnb seems to think the Data Protection Act doesnt apply to them, said Stephanie Toghill, housing investigations manager for Islington council. The north London council has also had to spend thousands of pounds applying for a court order so that the firm would help it identify suspected illegal sublets. The impact of each case of tenancy fraud is huge on council budgets, which have to fund temporary accommodation for the thousands of people on housing waiting lists. Booking.com has also refused to remove illegal listings or share information, according to housing providers who spoke to the Guardian. Residents in a London block owned by the housing association Notting Hill Genesis claim that successions of guests arriving at one illegal sublet cause regular disturbances and have damaged communal areas. We are fearful living here due to the unsavoury people that run the lettings and the multiple guests who arrive day and night, said one resident, who did not wish to be named. Notting Hill Genesis told the Guardian that Booking.com said it would not remove the listing without permission from the fraudulent host. Critics said Airbnb and Booking.com could prevent property fraud by requesting proof of ownership from hosts. Both companies have so far refused to do so, despite the Accommodation Agencies Act requiring owner consent before a property is advertised. They claim they are not accommodation agents, but the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities told the Guardian that it expected firms to abide by the applicable terms of the act. Airbnb said in a statement: Airbnb requires all hosts to have the relevant permissions to share their homes. Issues are rare and we take appropriate action where concerns are raised. Airbnb is also leading our industry in working with governments and authorities to help them access data and enforce the rules, including supporting the UK governments work on a host register, and working with numerous local councils and the Public Sector Fraud Authority to tackle social housing abuse. Booking.com said it had suspended the listing reported by Notting Hill Genesis pending an investigation. When a property owner chooses to list with us, they must confirm that they have the right to list their property, said a spokesperson. We do have a solid process in place for authorities to report any listings they might have concerns about and are looking into why the complaint by Notting Hill Genesis does not appear to have been escalated through our correct internal channels, which potentially resulted in a delay. South China Sea and China flag China is preparing an armada of ferries and civilian vessels to invade Taiwan as Beijing steps up its pressure campaign against the island nation. While the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) lacks the numbers of amphibious landing craft needed to stage the sort of invasion seen during the D-Day landings, it could bridge the gap with civilian vessels, including dozens of gigantic roll-on, roll-off ferries that can each carry hundreds of armoured vehicles. Amphibious landings under fire are among the most difficult of military manoeuvres, said Ray Powell, the director of SeaLight, a Stanford University project focused on grey zone activities in the South China Sea. Civilian ferries would normally be poor choices for such a mission but could be used to transport troops en masse across the Taiwan strait after its coastal defences are destroyed, or to overwhelm the islands military with sheer mass, he said. Beijing launched two days of military drills in the waters around Taiwan on Thursday in what it said was a strong punishment for separatist acts after a fiery inauguration address in Taipei earlier this week by Lai Ching-te, who was sworn in as president for a four-year term. It was the third set of exercises encircling the island in the past two years. We urge China to exercise self-restraint and stop undermining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and beyond, Taiwans ministry of foreign affairs said. China regards democratic Taiwan as part of its territory and has vowed to bring the island under its control, possibly by force, and US intelligence believes that Xi Jinping has ordered the PLA to be ready to take the island by 2027. In the meantime, Taipei has had to react to a campaign of so-called grey zone activities including frequent cyber-attacks, regular incursions by military jets in its airspace, and harassment by Chinese vessels in its waters. Taiwans military is vastly smaller than Chinas, but it is protected by formidable mountainous terrain and the treacherous 110-mile Taiwan Strait. The Chinese navy already has the worlds biggest surface fleet, and it has also built dozens of dual-use vessels capable of acting during peacetime and in war. A decade ago, Beijing issued technical guidelines for shipbuilders that would enable many of its civilian vessels to be suitable for military uses and is believed to have integrated its ferries, tankers and container ships within its military command structure, according to a report from the US Naval War Colleges China Maritime Studies Institute. Ferries join the army Chinese state media has touted these efforts for years, regularly hailing the participation of ferries in cross-sea landing drills, with broadcaster CCTV praising the 135-metre Bang Chui Dao after it joined the army for military exercises in 2019, or the 164-metre Bohai Pearl in 2021, which Global Times said would make a good addition for transporting troops on a large scale in amphibious landing missions, citing an anonymous Chinese military expert. Another Chinese shipping news service gushed over the Chang Da Long, a civilian ferry which is large enough to carry enough heavy tanks and other vehicles to fill two mechanised infantry battalions, writing that it is dressed in a civilian shell, but it has a military heart!. Tom Shugart, an analyst at the Center for a New American Security think tank, estimated in 2022 that Chinas civilian vessels could dramatically increase the tonnage of military material that can be moved by its existing military amphibious assault craft, giving it capacity to transport about 300,000 troops and their vehicles across the Taiwan strait in about 10 days. Both the Taiwanese and American intelligence communities should start watching Chinas key civilian shipping in the same way they watch its naval vessels, he wrote at the time. While the idea of passenger ferries being kitted out to use in a conflict zone might sound unusual, it reflects the degree to which Chinas private sector is enmeshed with the ruling communist party and the military policy of the government in Beijing. It also makes planning a defence much more complex, analysts said. Civilian ferries are part of the broader Chinese concept of military-civil fusion, one in which civilian assets and capabilities are an inherent part of a whole of nation effort in national security, said Alessio Patalano, professor of war and strategy in East Asia at the Department of War Studies, Kings College London. Including these assets represents a significant complicating factor in those who need to think about how to meet the challenge of their use. But though it may be hard to tell whether a passenger ferrys movements are part of a build-up for war, Chinas broader intentions are clear, he added. There is nothing concealed about the Chinese military build-up, he added. Donald Trump was heckled and repeatedly booed at the Libertarian National Convention on Saturday. Angry delegates at the gathering in Washington DC dubbed him the worst president in history as scuffles broke out between his supporters and libertarian activists. Despite the presence of some delegates wearing MAGA hats, the former president faced an unusual barrage of hostility as he took to the stage. This is the first time in US history that the presidential candidate of a rival party will address the convention of a party that is presumably gathering to nominate its own candidate, he said. Now I think you should nominate me or at least vote for me, we should win together. Supporters and opponents of Donald Trump fight in the crowd during the Libertarian Party's national convention - Brian Snyder/Reuters It did not go down well with the audience, with the barrage of booing intensifying. I am asking for the libertarian endorsement or at least lots of your votes, lots and lots of libertarian votes on my outstanding four-year presidential record. The audience was unimpressed. When Mr Trump called Joe Biden the worst president in the history of the US, some shouted back Its you. The former president seized on his legal problems in an attempt to identify with his raucous audience, adding: If I wasnt a libertarian before, I sure as hell am a libertarian now. An audience member holds a banner reading 'No Wannabe Dictators!' as Donald Trump speaks - Brian Snyder/Reuters He tried to woo the crowd with a pledge to appoint a libertarian to his cabinet and others to senior posts in his administration. He was cheered when he promised to commute the life sentence of Ross Ulbricht, who founded the drug-selling website Silk Road. However, Mr Trump eventually lost patience with the audience, snapping You dont want to win, and adding that the Libertarian Party was happy with the three per cent support it gathered every four years. According to the FiveThirtyEight poll average, Mr Trump is backed by 41.4 per cent of voters and Mr Biden by 39.9 per cent. Robert Kennedy Jr, who had a far friendlier reception when he addressed the convention on Friday night, is backed by 9.9 per cent. He attacked both Mr Trump and Mr Biden for their response to the Covid pandemic, accusing the former president of caving into health officials and condemning his successor for mandating vaccines for millions of workers. Donald Trump pledged to appoint a libertarian to his cabinet - Will Oliver/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Given that the election appears to be on a knife edge, the votes of libertarians could prove pivotal in swing states such as Pennsylvania. Trump campaign strategists hope that his belief in small government would chime with libertarians. But many made clear that they doubted his credentials. Hes going to make himself sound libertarian, DAnne Welch, a delegate from Texas, told the New York Times. But hes the ultimate authoritarian. Democrats seized on Mr Trumps discomfort. An audience member is removed by private security at the convention - Brian Snyder/Reuters I find it ironic he was at the Libertarian convention, Minnesota governor Tim Walz told CNN. No one has been more restrictive in terms of womens reproductive rights or the right to vote. Christopher Galdieri, a professor of politics at Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire, believed the bruising encounter could be damaging. A lot of Trumps appeal has been that he is seen as an outsider who is brash, ready to say things outside normal bounds, he told The Telegraph. Delegates at the convention heckled Mr Trump - Jose Luis Magana/AP That should be appealing to libertarians, particularly those who go to the national convention. He didnt seem to know what to do when he was getting booed. He is so used to surrounding himself with admirers. He started trash-talking, which might have been cathartic but its not going to win over dedicated activists. In a tight race, everything is significant. Polls show this is incredibly close, it could be like 2016 or 2020 where it comes down to a few thousand votes in swing states. At least 35 people have been killed after an Israeli airstrike in the southern Gaza city of Rafah hit tents housing displaced people, Palestinian medics have said, hours after Hamas launched a barrage of rockets at Tel Aviv for the first time in months. Footage from the scene showed widespread destruction at the camp with a large fire overtaking the area. The Israeli military said its air force struck a Hamas compound and that the attack was carried out with precise ammunition and on the basis of precise intelligence. Israel has pressed ahead with an offensive on the southernmost part of the strip despite an order from the UNs top court on Friday to halt the assault, which it said was worsening an already disastrous humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian territory. A spokesperson from the Palestinian Red Crescent Society said the death toll was likely to rise as search and rescue efforts continued in Rafahs Tal al-Sultan neighbourhood about 1.2 miles (2km) north-west of the city centre. Currently, numerous individuals remain trapped under the flames and in the tents destroyed by the bombardment, they said. The group added that the location of the strike had been designated by Israel as a humanitarian area, adding: Citizens were coerced into evacuating to it. The Red Cross said its field hospital in Rafah was receiving an influx of casualties, and that other hospitals also were taking in a large number of patients. Israel has repeatedly said a ground operation in Rafah, where it believes Hamass leadership and four battalions of fighters are camped out using Israeli hostages as human shields, is necessary to achieve total victory over the group. More than half of the Palestinian territorys 2.3 million population had sought shelter in the Rafah area over nearly nine months of fighting, and about 1 million people have been forced to flee again since Israel began moving into the southern and eastern edges of the city earlier this month. Desperately needed aid deliveries have ground to a halt, as the Rafah border crossing, and the nearby Kerem Shalom, a goods crossing connecting Gaza with Israel, are in effect blocked by the fierce fighting. About 200 aid trucks were supposed to enter Gaza through Kerem Shalom on Sunday after an agreement was reached with Egypt, although it remained unclear whether relief agencies would be able to reach it. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said Sundays strike on Rafah had taken out Hamass chief of staff for the West Bank and another senior official behind deadly attacks on Israelis, adding it was aware of reports indicating that as a result of the strike and fire that was ignited, several civilians in the area were harmed. The incident is under review. The deadly attack came hours after air raid sirens had sounded in Tel Aviv and across central Israel for the first time since January after what the IDF said was a salvo of eight rockets were fired from the Rafah area. Hamass ability to fire rockets and drones towards Israeli territory has steadily diminished over eight months of war, but Sundays barrage appeared intended to show that the groups command and operational infrastructure was still intact. Most of the rockets were intercepted, though there were reports that two women suffered minor injuries on their way to a shelter. Several flights from Ben Gurion airport were delayed or cancelled. In a statement on its Telegram channel, Hamass military wing said the rockets were launched in response to Zionist massacres against civilians. At least five Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Rafah earlier on Sunday, first responders said. Israels far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, responded to the attack with a post on X that said: Rafah! With full force! Related: UNs top court orders Israel to immediately halt Rafah offensive Also on Sunday, the IDF denied that an Israeli soldier had been abducted by Hamas, after unverified video footage published by the militant group on Saturday appeared to show Palestinian fighters dragging an unconscious soldier through a tunnel. Residents in Jabaliya in northern Gaza also reported ground fighting earlier on Sunday. In recent months, Hamas has been able to regroup and launch attacks across northern and central areas of the territory that are supposedly under Israeli control. Israels long-threatened plan to attack the border town had drawn intense opposition from even the countrys staunchest allies, such as the US, although Washington has noticeably blurred its red lines since the operation began. About 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed in Hamass surprise assault on 7 October, with a further 250 taken hostage. Almost 36,000 people have been killed in the ensuing war in Gaza, according to the Palestinian health ministry, which does not differentiate between civilian and combatant deaths. Several attempts at brokering a new truce, after a week-long cessation of hostilities in November, have foundered. The last round of talks, mediated by the US, Egypt and Qatar, quickly drew to a stalemate after Israel launched its Rafah operation. US intelligence officials met Israeli and Qatari delegations in Paris on Friday in an attempt to get negotiations back on track. However, Hamas downplayed reports of tentative progress, telling Reuters on Sunday that the group had not received anything from the mediators on new dates for the resumption of talks, as Israeli media had reported. The Gardai said those found refused leave to land and were returned to the UK across four days - Dan Kitwood Irish police detected 50 people attempting to enter Ireland from the UK illegally last week. The Gardai said they were refused leave to land and were returned to the UK across four days. The force said 107 people had been detected, without the correct visas or identity papers, across 21 days of action since the start of October last year. Four additional days of action took place in the week commencing May 20, when a further 50 people were detected without the correct paperwork. It comes after Ireland claimed up to 90 per cent of asylum seekers arriving in Dublin have crossed the open border with Northern Ireland because they fear the Rwanda plan. Many asylum seekers have set up camp in Dublin - Hannah McKay Ireland rejected an offer by Rishi Sunak to join the scheme and insisted that Rishi Sunak uphold an agreement to take back migrants, which the Prime Minister insists is not legally binding. During these operations, persons entering Ireland illegally and were refused leave to land (RLTL) and returned to the UK by ferry from Dublin Port to Holyhead or returned to Belfast, as appropriate depending on the individual circumstances, Gardai said. In a statement, they added that officers carry out immigration checks along the border on a regular basis to detect breaches of immigration legislation and abuses of the Common Travel Area (CTA). These include checkpoints on roads and checks on the train line through Louth, close to the border with Northern Ireland. Ireland rejected an offer by Rishi Sunak to join the Rwanda scheme - TOLGA AKMEN/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Gardai said they have significant operational co-operation with the UK Border Force, UK policing services and the Police Service of Northern Ireland, supported organisationally by the Cross Border Joint Action Task Force. Our Immigration officers work in close collaboration with personnel operating buses and trains in the area, they added. A human rights-based approach is adopted in relation to every individual stopped. Immigration officers will clearly identify themselves to all passengers on buses or trains. All Gardai members have completed training in the Gardai Code of Ethics and the Gardai Decision Making Model. All checks carried out are lawful, objective and respectful. Gillian Keegan says Labour does not have a plan for education - Tayfun Salci/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock Labours tax raid on private schools is the politics of envy ahead of evidence, the Education Secretary has said after a school announced it will close in the summer. Families with children at Alton School in Hampshire, which announced the closure last week, have blamed the Labour Partys tax policies for forcing parents to remove their children and place them in the state sector. The school said in a statement on its website that adverse political and economic factors had drained pupil numbers, leaving it unviable to run. Gillian Keegan, the Education Secretary said of The Telegraphs report on Alton School: This is why you dont put politics of envy ahead of evidence. In a post on X, formerly Twitter, she claimed that Labours plans would mean slashing special education needs provision, increasing pressure on state schools and potentially costing taxpayers up to 1.6 billion. This is why you don't put the politics of envy ahead of evidence. Slashing special educational needs provision Increasing pressure on state schools Potentially costing taxpayers up to 1.6bn Labour have no plan for education.https://t.co/k8VCLJeCvd pic.twitter.com/pyYLKeNq2U Gillian Keegan MP (@GillianKeegan) May 26, 2024 Classroom doors at the 18,000-a-year Catholic school, which caters for 370 pupils, will close for the final time at the end of the academic year. The school has suffered from falling pupil numbers in recent years, but the likelihood of a Labour victory in the general election is said to have exacerbated the issue, with parents describing it as the final nail in the coffin. Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to roll out the planned tax raid straight away if Labour were to win the next general election. Asked last week whether the plan would be implemented on day one of being in power, Sir Keir told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme: As soon as it can be done. Obviously, there will have to be financial statements etc. It is a question of the timetable in Parliament, but these first steps are intended to be done straight away. The VAT raid is one of Sir Keirs longest-standing policy pledges and is one of the starkest dividing lines between Labour and the Tories. Alton School, in Hampshire, announced it will close in the summer Labour has claimed that the policy would generate 1.7 billion to spend on state education, which the party has said would be used on hiring 6,500 more teachers, among other policies. However, it is feared that the policy could cause a significant increase in demand for state school places, as a result of an exodus of families from the independent school sector because of a rise in fees. Rudolf Eliott Lockhart, the chief executive of the Independent Schools Association, warned that the raid would force private schools to shut, with many smaller institutions already on a knife edge. Headteachers have told The Telegraph that parents were already cancelling places for September following news of the July election, with others scrambling to pay fees in advance to avoid the tax. The Adam Smith Institute, a free market think tank, suggested in a report in March that the plan was based on flawed assumptions and could ultimately cost the taxpayer 1.6 billion a year. Labour has previously said that independent schools do not have to pass on the change in fees to parents. Labour has been contacted for comment. Colombia has launched the exploration of the wreckage of a Spanish galleon that sank more than three centuries ago carrying an estimated $20 billion worth of treasure. Juan David Correa, Colombia's culture minister, described the underwater expedition of the San Jose off the coast of Cartagena as "unprecedented," according to the BBC. The vessel, which was destroyed during a 1708 battle with the British navy in the Caribbean Sea, has been called the "holy grail" of shipwrecks due to the trove of gold, silver and jewels it was bringing back to Spain. Correa announced the start of the project on Wednesday while declaring the site a "protected archaeological area," CBS News reported. The first phase of the potentially lucrative effort reportedly involves using remote sensors to create images of the seabed around the remnants of the San Jose to determine what's down there. The hoard was intended to help finance the War of Spanish Succession that followed the death of childless King Charles II, the last monarch of the Spanish Habsburg dynasty. Both Colombia and Spain claim ownership of the San Jose, and the Colombian government is keeping the search location a secret on grounds of national security, the New York Times has reported. A U.S.-based salvage company, Sea Search Armada, which claimed to have found the San Jose in 1981, is also seeking $10 million from Colombia in the United Nations' Permanent Court of Arbitration, according to CBS News. The initiative could force school leavers to complete a 12-month military placement or spend one weekend each month volunteering in their community - Simon Dawson / No 10 Downing Street Labour has rejected the Tories plans to bring back National Service, branding it a headline-grabbing gimmick. Rishi Sunak has vowed to bring in a new scheme forcing school leavers to complete a 12-month military placement or spend one weekend each month volunteering in their community, in a bid to create a renewed sense of pride in our country. But Labour immediately criticised the proposals, claiming the Conservatives had been driven to take desperate action because they have hollowed out the Armed Forces to their smallest size since Napoleon. Dismissing the plans, Liz Kendall, the shadow work and pensions secretary, said elections should be about the countrys future, not fighting for a better past. She told Sky Newss Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips: This is an unfunded commitment, a headline-grabbing gimmick, it is not a proper plan to deliver it, it doesnt deal with the big challenges facing young people who are desperate to get the skills and qualifications they need to get good jobs, to have a home they can call their own. The Conservatives have said the National Service programme will cost 2.5 billion a year by 2029-30 - UNPIXS The Conservatives hope the policy will mark a clear dividing line between them and Labour as they seek to present themselves as the only party that can be trusted with the UKs security and defence. So far, both major parties have committed to increase defence spending to 2.5 per cent of GDP, but only the Tories have set a deadline of 2030. It comes as a recruitment crisis is threatening to engulf the military. Earlier this year, The Telegraph revealed the Navy has so few sailors it has had to decommission ships to staff its new fleet of frigates, while employment for both the RAF and Army has also fallen. The Conservatives have said the National Service programme will cost 2.5 billion a year by 2029-30, funded by a crackdown on tax avoidance and evasion and cash previously dedicated to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Responding to the proposals on Saturday night, a Labour spokesman said: This is another desperate 2.5 billion unfunded commitment from a Tory Party which already crashed the economy, sending mortgages rocketing, and now theyre spoiling for more. This is not a plan its a review which could cost billions and is only needed because the Tories hollowed out the Armed Forces to their smallest size since Napoleon. On Sunday, James Cleverly, the Home Secretary, insisted that no one is going to jail if they refuse to take part in National Service, but that the Tories would compel young people to participate. It is unclear how this would be achieved, if not through criminal sanctions. The Tories would set up a Royal Commission to design the programme, with a pilot scheme opening for applications in September 2025 ahead of a national rollout by 2029. The military placements, which would be open to 30,000 youngsters, would involve residential stays at army barracks or other military facilities around the country. The volunteering route would see 18-year-olds spend one weekend each month working in the fire services, police, the NHS as well as local charities tackling loneliness and supporting older, isolated people. A YouGov poll from last September found that the majority of adults opposed plans for compulsory National Service including one year of military or community service. Nigel Farage, Reform UKs honorary president, also described the plans as a joke and totally impractical. He accused Mr Sunak of gearing the pledge towards Reform voters, telling Sky News: They (the Conservatives) dont support it either its a joke, isnt it? You get a focus group of half a dozen Reform voters in a room, the chairman says Now, what about National Service? When youre a weak leader and Sunak is not a leader in any way at all youre a follower, so you follow what the focus groups say, and you say by doing this I can attack the Reform vote. Thats what its all about. Look, its totally impractical the Army has shrunk from 100,000 to 75,000 in 14 years of conservatism and, most interestingly, we have a growing number of young people in this country who do not subscribe to British values, in fact, loathe much of what we stand for. Judge Nawaf Salam, Judge Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf and Judge Georg Nolte attend a hearing at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as part of South Africa's request on a Gaza ceasefire in The Hague, on May 24, 2024 South Africas lawfare initiative against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) continues to damage the rule of law. Journalists and lawyers who should know better are helping it on its merry way. Much of the media reporting of the courts latest Provisional Measures Order against Israel misrepresents a document written in clear, plain English. As I watched this weekends car crash of reporting and analysis of this latest order, I felt the same incredulity as I did at the obvious misreporting of the first Provisional Measures Order in this case, at the start of the year. The day that the January 26 order was handed down by the ICJ, I began to point out the error of those who interpreted the courts finding as one of a plausible risk of genocide. My analysis, that the court had only assessed whether the rights claimed by South Africa plausibly fell under the Genocide Convention, was ultimately vindicated when Joan Donoghue, the former president of the court and author of the order, in an unprecedented interview on the BBCs Hard Talk, explained that the court had only considered plausible rights. But that was not before my correct analysis had been branded as barely arguable by former Supreme Court Justice Jonathan Sumption, and dismissed by numerous journalists and academics. Some Kool-Aid drinkers had the imprudence, after the judges interview, to suggest that Judge Donoghue did not understand her own order. Those eager to smear Israel have once again misrepresented an order of the ICJ, shrieking that the court has demanded that Israel immediately cease its operation in Rafah. This is not what the court ordered. In its latest application, South Africa sought an order that Israel cease its military operations in the Gaza Strip and immediately, totally and unconditionally withdraw the Israeli army from the entirety of the Gaza Strip. Judge Nawaf Salam, the current president of the ICJ, clearly stated the court would not grant this measure. Instead, the court required that Israel shall, in conformity with its obligations under [the Genocide Convention] halt its military offensive, and any other action in the Rafah Governorate, which may inflict on the Palestinian group in Gaza conditions of life that could bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part. This amounts to a directive by the court, consistent with its previous approach, that Israel abide by the Genocide Convention. Israel has been clear that it has always done so, as have international military experts such as Major John Spencer and Colonel Richard Kemp. They have testified that no other army in the history of warfare has taken the measures Israel does to protect civilians in armed conflict. In this context, the pointlessness of the courts order simply underscores the political game the ICJ is engaging in at the behest of South Africa. The courts decision to reaffirm Israels existing obligations under the convention is necessarily as far as it can go, in light of Israels inherent right to defend its citizens from Hamas and free the hostages who have spent more than 230 days in brutal captivity. Hamas continues to indiscriminately fire rockets onto Israeli civilian communities from Rafah, where its remaining battalions are based. As Israel is not violating and has never violated the Genocide Convention, its operation in Rafah to find the 120-plus remaining hostages and destroy the terrorists military capability does not fall foul of this latest pointless order. This much is also clear from the separate opinions of Judges Nolte and Aurescu, who supported the order, and vice-president Judge Sebutinde and Judge Barak, who objected to it. Judge Salam previously served as Lebanons ambassador to the UN. His track record of accusing Israel of apartheid, war crimes and terror would have required his recusal under Article 17 of the ICJs statute in any case where law, as opposed to politics, was the order of the day. The credibility of the ICJ evaporated years ago. The medias determination to continue to misrepresent its rulings in respect of Israel are hammering the last few nails into its coffin. Natasha Hausdorff is a barrister and legal director at UK Lawyers for Israel Charitable Trust The Princess bows her head as she pays tribute at the memorial - Stian Lysberg Solum The Princess Royal has visited the site of a secret operation to stop the Nazi atomic bomb in Norway as she celebrated the very special people involved in the countrys wartime relationship with the UK. The Princess spent two days in Norway, with a visit to the site of the little-known Operation Gunnerside where she laid flowers at the memorial. The Second World War operation in 1943 saw a Norwegian team dropped by parachute to infiltrate a hydroelectric plant where the Nazis were developing heavy water to build an atomic bomb. They destroyed the containers, escaping on skis for the 200 miles to Sweden, with the Special Operations Executive (SOE) action later considered the most successful sabotage of the war. Soon afterwards, German forces attempted to move the remaining supplies of heavy water, which were used to create a heavy hydrogen isotope to use as a moderator in nuclear reactors, by ferrying the Hydro. It was sunk by a resistance bomb with passengers including Norwegian families on board. During her visit, the Princess met a senior local police officer who had a relative who survived the Hydro sinking as well as members of the Norwegian armed forces. The royal visit was intended to raise public awareness of the operation and was arranged by John Andrews and Dr Tony Insall, the British author of Secret Alliances: Special Operations and Intelligence in Norway 1940-1945. The Princess Anne met Crown Prince Haakon Magnus of Norway (L) during her trip - Per Ole Hagen/Getty Images In a speech at the Industrial Workers Museum in Vemork, where there is a memorial to Operation Gunnerside, Princess Anne said: There is always more that can be done to remind future generations just how remarkable the wartime relationship between our two countries was and the very special people involved. The Princess, who is patron of the Anglo-Norwegian Resistance Commemoration Project, went on to launch a competition to select a Norwegian sculptor to create a statue to commemorate the bravery of those Norwegians and British who risked their lives in the campaign to restore freedom in Norway. Previously she had met Joachim Rnneberg, a leading figure of the Norwegian resistance, and members of the Linge Company, a Norwegian unit of the SOE. I know, from having spoken to Joachim and others, just how important Op Gunnerside was in disrupting the supply of heavy water to the Germans and helping to prevent Germany from acquiring atomic weapons, said the Princess. But success came at a cost, and we remember the tragic loss of life of both commandos and aircrew involved in Op Freshman, the first attempt to sabotage the plant which sadly failed. We remember also those who died later on the Hydro ferry. The building we are standing in today and the displays in the main museum are a wonderful tribute to those brave men and those who helped them who risked everything. Writing about the visit, Dr Insall and Mr Andrews said: At the end of World War Two neither the British nor Norwegian governments made any public acknowledgement of the close cooperation between SIS [Secret Intelligent Services] and SOE, and the Norwegian resistance groups, the Linge Company and Milorg. This was unfortunate given the significant contribution of their work to the Allied war effort but was due to the secrecy surrounding British intelligence operations. The situation has now changed, and it has become possible to acknowledge the extent of the remarkable achievements on which Britain and Norway cooperated. Volodymyr Zelensky records a video address to the world leaders in Kharkiv - Ukraine's Presidential Office Russias defence ministry says its forces have captured a village in the northeastern Kharkiv region. Russian troops as a result of successful combat actions liberated the settlement of Berestove in the Kharkiv region, the ministry said. The battlefield reports have yet to be verified. Berestove is located on the eastern front line close to the Lugansk region, which is almost entirely under Russian control. Russia this month launched an offensive in the north of the Kharkiv region close to the Russian border, making its largest territorial advances for 18 months. The push has marked an inflection point in the conflict, with analysts saying Moscow has gained more territory in 2024 than it lost control of during Ukraines much-hyped counteroffensive in the summer of 2023. Ukraine said Friday that it had managed to stop Russia from advancing further and was counter-attacking, but that Moscow was now intensifying its assault at other parts of the front. Follow the latest updates below 05:34 PM BST Thats all for today Thank you for following our live coverage. On Sunday, Russia claimed to have taken another village in Kharkiv as Volodymyr Zelensky warned a fresh offensive is looming. Kyiv is struggling to hold the eastern front and the push has marked an inflection point in the conflict, with analysts saying Moscow has gained more territory in 2024 than it lost control of during Ukraines much-hyped counteroffensive in the summer of 2023. The key developments from the day were: The death toll from Russian strikes on a hardware store in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv rose to 14, the regional governor said, as rescuers searched the charred debris for bodies. Russian troops are gathering troops 90 kilometres from Kharkiv for another push into Ukraine, president Volodymyr Zelensky warned. The United States will participate in a peace summit being organised by Ukraine in Switzerland next month, a US official said, but declined to say who or at what level. Italys prime minister Giorgia Meloni reiterated her opposition to the use of weapons supplied to Ukraine on Russia soil, after the Nato chief reportedly suggested letting Kyiv strike targets beyond its border. Argentina is expected to join the international coalition for the return of Ukrainian children forcibly deported from Russia. Ukrainian forces destroyed 12 missiles and all 31 drones launched by Russia during its latest overnight air strike, Ukraines air force said. 05:12 PM BST Italy opposes use of weapons supplied to Ukraine in Russia Italys prime minister Giorgia Meloni has reiterated her opposition to the use of weapons supplied to Ukraine on Russia soil, after the Nato chief reportedly suggested letting Kyiv strike targets beyond its border. Nato secretary general Jens Stoltenberg reportedly said that Ukraines allies should consider letting it use Nato-supplied weapons to hit targets in Russia, rather than restricting use to Ukrainian territory. I dont know why Stoltenberg said such a thing, I think we have to be very careful, Ms Meloni told Italian television, adding that I agree that Nato must remain firm, not give the signal that it is giving in. Ukraine regularly launches strikes across the border into Russia, particularly into the Belgorod region, a tactic it views as fair retaliation in the fighting since Moscow launched its invasion in February 2022. 04:19 PM BST US will participate in Ukraine-led peace summit, official says The United States will participate in a peace summit being organised by Ukraine in Switzerland next month, a US official said on Sunday, but declined to say who or at what level. The official was responding to a question about Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiys appeal to US president Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Sunday to attend the conference. 03:35 PM BST Ukraine peace conference could be hit by Russian hackers There is an increased risk of cyberattacks from Russian hackers at the Ukraine peace meeting to be held in Switzerland in June, Switzerlands top newspaper has reported. Russia, which has not been invited to the June 15-16 event in Burgenstock, is likely to seek ways to disrupt the gathering, NZZ am Sonntag reported, citing IT experts and people within the Swiss Federal Office of Cybersecurity. About one-third of Russias diplomatic contingent in Switzerland is believed to work in parallel with its military, foreign or domestic intelligence units, a Swiss intelligence official told the newspaper. 02:58 PM BST Sudans army deepens ties with Russia Sudans army said it is poised to get weapons from Russia in return for letting Moscow establish a military fueling station on the Red Sea coast, Bloomberg has reported. A military delegation will travel to Russia this week to conclude the deal, assistant commander-in-chief Yasser Al-Atta told the Gulf-based Al-Hadath TV channel on Saturday. Authorities will get vital weapons and munitions, he said, describing the planned Russian outpost as not exactly a military base. 02:21 PM BST Statement from Ministry of Defence The UKs Ministry of Defence has said Russias labour shortage is a growing problem. As Putins three-day war enters its third year, Russias cost of war exceeds $211 billion, it said in a statement. The militarisation of the economy continues to build problems for the future of the Russian people. Russia's labour shortage is a growing problem. As Putin's three-day war enters its third year, Russia's cost of war exceeds $211 billion. The militarisation of the economy continues to build problems for the future of the Russian people.#StandWithUkraine pic.twitter.com/ArYcbzbjgC Ministry of Defence (@DefenceHQ) May 26, 2024 01:30 PM BST Putin to pay state visit to Uzbekistan Vladimir Putin is expected visit Uzbekistan today where he will hold talks with the countrys leader Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Russian news agency Tass has reported. Mr Putin and Mr Mirziyoyev will discuss their bilateral relations, the strategic partnership and allies relations, and will exchange opinions on current regional problems, the Kremlins press service said. 12:52 PM BST Toll from Russian strike on Kharkiv hardware store rises to 14 The death toll from Russian strikes on a hardware store in the eastern Ukrainian city of Kharkiv rose to 14 Sunday, the regional governor said as rescuers searched the charred debris for bodies. The number of dead has grown to 14, Oleg Synegubov, Kharkiv regional governor, said on Telegram, as nearly 200 rescuers worked at the scene. Interior minister Igor Klymenko said earlier that 43 were injured and 16 people are considered missing, after Russian strikes hit the Epitsentr superstore on Saturday, sparking a massive fire. 12:33 PM BST Russia troops preparing another attack near Kharkiv, says Zelensky Russian troops are gathering troops 90 kilometres from Kharkiv for another push into Ukraine, president Volodymyr Zelensky warned on Sunday. In a video address to world leaders, Mr Zelensky said: Russia is preparing for offensive actions also 90 kilometres north-west from here they gather another group of troops near our border. Addressing suggestions this week that Russian president Vladimir Putin could be open to peace talks, Mr Zelensky added: The one who does all this doesnt want peace. Kyiv is struggling to hold the eastern front as the Kremlins forces advance. Russia has gained more territory in 2024 than it lost control of during Ukraines much-hyped counteroffensive in the summer of 2023, according to analysts. 12:11 PM BST Pictures from Kharkiv Rescuers outside an office building destroyed by a Russian missile strike in central Kharkiv - Vyacheslav Madiyevskyy / Ukrinform/Future Publishing via Getty Images Firefighters work at the hardware store hit by a Russian airstrike - REUTERS/Sofiia Gatilova A local woman after providing a DNA sample for identifying a deceased relative - Kostiantyn Liberov/Libkos/Getty Images 11:46 AM BST Russia says its forces take over village in Kharkiv Russian forces have taken over the village of Berestove in Ukraines northeastern Kharkiv region, Russias defence ministry said on Sunday. Russian troops as a result of successful combat actions liberated the settlement of Berestove in the Kharkiv region, the ministry said. The battlefield reports have yet to be verified. It comes as the Kremlins forces have advanced on the battlefield and stepped up air strikes on cities in recent weeks. The push has marked an inflection point in the conflict, with analysts saying Moscow has gained more territory in 2024 than it lost control of during Ukraines much-hyped counteroffensive in the summer of 2023. 11:40 AM BST Argentina to join coalition for the return of kidnapped Ukrainian children Argentina is expected to join the international coalition for the return of Ukrainian children forcibly deported from Russia. At least 19,500 Ukrainian children have been confirmed as abducted by Russia since the start of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and less than 400 have been returned home, according to the Ukrainian government. Argentina said it hopes to join the international coalition for the return of Ukrainian children in the near future, and that legislators have already submitted a draft declaration to parliament regarding membership in the coalition. In March, local media reported that Argentinas president, Javier Milei, may visit Kyiv in June. It would be the first visit by a South American leader to Ukraine since the outbreak of the full-scale war. 11:22 AM BST Russia is producing artillery shells around three times faster than Ukraines Western allies Russia is producing artillery shells around three times faster than Ukraines Western allies and for around a quarter of the cost, according to an analysis shared with Sky News. The figures underline a major challenge for Ukraine, which relies on supplies of ammunition from the United States and Europe. The research by Bain & Company found that Russian factories were forecast to manufacture or refurbish about 4.5 million artillery shells this year compared with a combined production of about 1.3 million rounds across European nations and the US. On cost, it said the average production cost per 155 mm shell produced by Nato countries was about 3,160 per unit, compared with a reported Russian production cost of around 790 per 152 mm shell that the Russian armed forces use. 11:10 AM BST South Korea and China agree to launch diplomatic and security dialogue South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol and Chinese premier Li Qiang agreed on Sunday to launch a diplomatic and security dialogue and resume talks on a free trade agreement, Yoons office said. Yoon and Li held talks a day ahead of a summit with their Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida, their first three-way talks in more than four years. Japanese primemMinister Fumio Kishida (2-R) speaks to South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol (2-L) during a meeting in Seoul on Sunday - AHN YOUNG-JOON/POOL/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Yoon told Li the two countries should work together not only to promote shared interests based on mutual respect, but also on regional and global issues to tackle common challenges, citing the Ukraine war, the Israel-Hamas conflict and global economic uncertainties. Just as Korea and China have overcome various difficulties together over the past 30 years and contributed to each others development and growth, I hope to continue to strengthen bilateral cooperation even in the face of todays global complex crises, Yoon said, according to his office. 10:55 AM BST Watch: Russian strike hits busy shopping centre in Kharkiv 10:34 AM BST Sixteen still missing from hardware store attack Igor Klymenko, the Ukrainian interior minister, has said that the fire in the Epitsentr superstore had spread over 13,000 square metres and injured 43 people. Another 16 are still missing, he said Sunday. It took more than 16 hours to extinguish a fire in a Kharkiv construction hypermarket caused by targeted Russian strikes, he said on Telegram. Russian shelling killed 12 people and injured 43 others. Forensics experts and investigators were still working to identify bodies in the ruins of the Epitsentr DIY store in the northeastern outskirts of the city, Mr Klymenko said. Still wearing her uniform, Lyubov, a cleaner at the store, told AFP how she escaped the building. It happened all of a sudden. We didnt understand at first, everything went dark and everything started falling on our heads, she said. It was good that my phone lit up, thanks to the flashlight I found where to go, but in front of us everything was burning already. 10:17 AM BST Russian forces continue offensive into northern Kharkiv, says MoD In its latest update, the UKs Ministry of Defence said that Moscows forces are continuing to attack the town of Vovchansk as part of its offensive into northern Kharkiv, which began on 10 May 2024. It said the town remains contested with defending Ukrainian forces repelling the majority of Russian assaults, but that the village of Buhruvatka is likely under their control. Russian forces are attempting to achieve physical control of the nearby crossing over the Siverskiy Donets river, thereby threatening the flank and rear of defending Ukrainian forces in Vovchansk itself, it added. The MoD also said that the northern Kharkiv front has likely stabilised with Russian territorial control fragmented. Russias gains in this axis will be limited in the coming week, as Russias initial momentum has been contained by Ukrainian resistance, the MoD said. Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine 26 May 2024. Find out more about Defence Intelligence's use of language: https://t.co/FKmfJZTMbN#StandWithUkraine pic.twitter.com/hvkVUYgi4K Ministry of Defence (@DefenceHQ) May 26, 2024 09:54 AM BST At least 12 killed in Russian strike on hardware store in Kharkiv A Russian strike on a crowded DIY hardware store in Kharkiv killed 12 people and wounded dozens more, Ukrainian prosecutors said on Sunday morning, the death toll rising as the countrys second-largest city reeled from two attacks a day earlier. Rescuers fight to extinguish the fire on Saturday - State Emergency Service of Ukraine / Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images The strikes caused a massive fire which sent a column of thick, black smoke billowing hundreds of metres into the air. Forty-three people were injured, the local prosecutors office said, adding that ten of the twelve dead had still not been identified. 09:50 AM BST Zelensky invites Biden and Xi to attend Ukraine peace summit Volodymyr Zelensky has urged US president Joe Biden and Chinas president Xi Jinping to attend a peace summit in Switzerland next month. I am appealing to the leaders of the world who are still aside from the global efforts of the global peace summit: to president Biden, the leader of the United States, and to president Xi, the leader of China, Mr Zelensky said in a video message. Mr Zelensky records a video address to the world leaders from Kharkiv - Ukraine's Presidential Office Please support the peace summit with your personal leadership and participation, Mr Zelensky asked, saying that the efforts of the global majority are the best guarantee that all commitments will be fulfilled. The conference on the Ukraine war is to be held in Lucerne June 15-16. The Swiss government has said it has invited 160 delegations but Russia will not attend. Mr Zelensky said more than 80 countries confirmed they will come. 09:36 AM BST Ukraine destroys 12 missiles and 31 drones during Russian air strike, military says Ukrainian forces destroyed 12 missiles and all 31 drones launched by Russia during its latest overnight air strike, Ukraines air force said on Sunday. Two hypersonic Kinzhal missiles remained unaccounted for, but authorities did not immediately provide details of where they had struck. The air force said the missiles and drones had been shot down over parts of southern, central, western and northern Ukraine. Keir Starmer hit the campaign trail in Stafford, West Midlands, on Saturday with Labour's candidate there, Leigh Ingham. He says he has changed this party. Photograph: Jacob King/PA Keir Starmer will declare on Monday that Labour has changed permanently under his stewardship, after the party ruled out raising income tax or national insurance if it wins the election. In his first keynote speech of the general election campaign, the Labour leader will seek to reassure nervous voters that transforming his party has been his driving mission since day one. Speaking in the south-east, where Labour is targeting swing voters in Conservative-held seats, Starmer will say: Whatever the polls say, I know there are countless people who havent decided how theyll vote in this election. Related: Corbyn influence on Labour policy well and truly over, says Starmer Theyre fed up with the failure, chaos and division of the Tories, but they still have questions about us. Has Labour changed enough? Do I trust them with my money, our borders, and our security? My answer is yes, you can because I have changed this party. Permanently. This has been my driving mission since day one. I was determined to change Labour so that it could serve the British people. Rachel Reeves has vowed that Labour would not raise income tax or national insurance in the next parliament. She said there would be no return to austerity under Labour and that the party had committed to an immediate injection of cash into public services. But the shadow chancellor stressed there would be no unfunded proposals in the Labour manifesto. Money for our NHS, the additional police 13,000 additional police and community officers and the 6,500 additional teachers in our schools, they are all fully costed and fully funded promises, because unless things are fully costed and fully funded, frankly, you cant believe theyre going to happen, Reeves told the BBCs Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg. She added: What I want and Keir wants is taxes on working people to be lower, and we certainly wont be increasing income tax or national insurance if we win at the election. Speaking in the south-east, Starmer will say Labour has been ruthless in making sure these policies are deliverable, fully funded and ready to go. A Labour campaign source said: The Tories have spent 14 years burning down the country. Now they want you to hand them another box of matches and a jerry can of petrol. This election is the chance to remove the arsonists and rebuild Britain. The party will reportedly carry out a 100-day review of threats facing Britain, in a pledge that would underline the partys commitment to national security. Yvette Cooper, the shadow home secretary, told the Times the policy would involve MI5, the police and Whitehall conducting a security sprint to identify threats from hostile states, including Russia and Iran, from extremism and artificial intelligence. This will be Starmers third visit to the south-east in as many weeks, as he targets Tory-held seats in Kent and Essex which havent returned Labour MPs since the New Labour years. In his speech the Labour leader will make a personal pledge to wavering voters who are considering backing him, saying: I know those people are looking at this election, looking at me personally. So, I make this promise: I will fight for you. I took this Labour party four years ago, and I changed it into the party you see today. I was criticised for some of the changes Ive made, change is always like that. There are always people who say, dont do that, dont go so fast. But whenever I face a fork in the road, it always comes back to this: the golden thread: country first, party second. Related: Labour vows to ban fire and rehire after war of words with unions Reeves defended Labours plans to end fire and rehire practices after Unite criticised the party for excluding an outright ban from the final version of its workers rights package. The unions secretary general, Sharon Graham, said the proposal now had more holes than Swiss cheese. Reeves insisted that Labour retained the support of trade unions for the biggest ever extension of workplace rights thats ever been introduced. Labour insiders said the party had gone further in its attempt to outlaw fire and rehire practices by changing the language used in its final workers rights package from banning to ending. But they said they would not allow situations where employers and workers were not able to negotiate contractual terms to save jobs if they were genuinely facing insolvency. Reeves told the BBC: When a companys facing bankruptcy and there is no alternative, they will have to consult with their workers and their trade unions. Those are very, very limited circumstances. Labour published its workers rights package on Friday under the new branding Labours plan to make work pay: delivering a new deal for working people. Emergency services met the plane at the airport Eight people have been taken to hospital after a bout of heavy turbulence onboard a flight from Doha to Dublin. Twelve people, six passengers and six crew members, reported injuries after a Qatar Airways flight was caught in turbulence over Turkey. The flight landed safely as scheduled at Dublin Airport with emergency services ready at the scene. Dublin airport said in a statement: Qatar Airways flight QR017 from Doha landed safely as scheduled at Dublin Airport shortly before 1pm on Sunday. Upon landing, the aircraft was met by emergency services, including airport police and our fire and rescue department, due to six passengers and six crew on board reporting injuries after the aircraft experienced turbulence while airborne over Turkey. Dublin Airport later confirmed that eight passengers were taken to hospital. They said: All passengers were assessed for injury prior to disembarking the aircraft. Eight passengers were subsequently taken to hospital. The return flight to Doha (flight QR018) is scheduled to operate as normal this afternoon, albeit with a delay. Flight operations at Dublin Airport were unaffected and continue as normal this afternoon. The flight landed safely as scheduled at Dublin Airport In a statement Qatar Airways said that a small number of passengers and crew sustained minor injuries in flight and are now receiving medical attention, adding: The matter is now subject to an internal investigation. One of the passengers on the flight, Paul Mocc told RTE that he saw people hitting the roof and food and drink going everywhere. He paid praised the staff for continuing with the flight service despite some limping afterwards and wearing bandages. The incident follows the severe turbulence experienced last week by passengers on board a flight from London to Singapore in which one man died from a suspected heart attack and dozens of people were injured. Irish broadcaster RTE, citing passengers arriving at Dublin Airport, said the incident lasted less than 20 seconds and occurred during food and drinks service. Dublin Airport said: All passengers were assessed for injury prior to disembarking the aircraft. Eight passengers were subsequently taken to hospital. The return flight to Doha (flight QR018) is scheduled to operate as normal this afternoon, albeit with a delay. Flight operations at Dublin Airport were unaffected and continue as normal this afternoon. Sally Ferns Barnes working at her award-winning Woodstock Smokery in West Cork, Ireland. Photograph: @woodcocksmokery/instagram The Great Taste awards are a British success story the worlds largest food awards, celebrating the best products on the planet. But new post-Brexit import controls have forced the organisers to hold a judging panel outside the UK for the first time in the awards 30-year history. On Sunday, judges from the Guild of Fine Foods panel will travel to County Tipperary in Ireland to spend three days tasting products that have become much harder to bring to the UK. Since January, anyone sending meat, dairy or fish products to the UK has to find a vet to fill out a seven-page form showing that the product is disease-free. And since April, exporters have also had to pay a fee of 29 for each product, whether its a container full of Irish beef or a single packet of Tayto cheese and onion crisps, unless they are for personal use. This includes the 13,672 samples sent to the Great Taste judges from 115 countries. John Farrand, the managing director of the Guild of Fine Food, said: The friction at the borders has tripped us up this year. Were a bellwether for the wider problems in the market. Its irritating for us because its going to cost us a lot more money to go and judge in Ireland. Were going to judge [in Clonmel, Co Tipperary] to help the smaller food and drink producers who cant cope with the paperwork and the cost. Some judging will still take place in the UK. Sally Ferns Barnes, a Scot who founded the Woodcock Smokery in West Cork in 1981 and won supreme champion at the 2006 Great Taste awards for her cold-smoked wild Atlantic salmon, is not entering this year. We used to send entries every year, she said. It was a wonderful yardstick for us because youre up against [about] 10,000 other products. When you win, you think, I must be doing something right here. I didnt enter because I thought, whats the point I cant offer it to customers in the UK any more. Barnes is the last Irish producer working exclusively with wild salmon she refuses to use farmed salmon, and this creates a problem with the paperwork to export to the UK. Fish get a catch certificate when they are landed to prove their origin, and Barnes needs this certificate to be able to apply for a vets health certificate to export to the UK. An issue with wild salmon is that you dont get catch certificates because its a freshwater fishery, she said. Its not sea fisheries. So Ive been trying to pester the [Irish] inland fisheries for information. They dont know. Theyve never dealt with this. So they dont know what to do. Neals Yard Dairy has previously sold Barness salmon and had offered to include her in a regular shipment it is running for seven Irish cheesemakers, but she has not felt able to accept. If I dont get it [the paperwork] 100% right and theres one tiny thing wrong, the entire consignment would be delayed, she said. And you cant do that with cheeses. I would be so deeply unpopular with all my cheesemaker friends. Ive spoken to other producers who would have been exporting, and most of them are not interested any more. Well look to Europe instead. The possibility that a paperwork error will mean that entire consignments are delayed or even destroyed is a major risk for small food exporters like Barnes. Border controls for the new Brexit red tape will cost at least 4.7bn, the National Audit Office said last week, and importers have complained that perishable shipments of food and flowers have faced delays, some up to 20 hours long, because computer systems have failed. Overall, the cost of importing alone is likely to add 1bn to the UKs food bill, according to the Cold Chain Federation, although the government estimates the cost will be 330m a year. Fruit and vegetables are not yet subject to the new rules but are expected to be included from October. The import controls also affect suppliers to larger retailers, including supermarkets, who may need to send samples out to dozens of product buyers at different organisations on several occasions before they are accepted on to the supermarket shelves. So while someone sending a pot of French jam to a supermarket buyer in the UK would have spent a few euros per sample before Brexit, now they would spend closer to 100. There is a huge irony here that the government is telling us to do more trade with Europe and the rest of the world in light of Brexit, Farrand said. And were busy trying to get business with retailers, but the movement of samples is being affected by border controls. We are removing the colour, diversity and interest in our food and drink. Were going to end up with fewer suppliers. Thats bad for our economy and for our nutrition. A government spokesperson said: These border checks are fundamental to protecting the UKs food supply chain, farmers and natural environment against costly diseases reaching our shores. Our robust analysis has shown they will have minimal impact on food prices and consumers, with just a 0.2% point increase on food prices over the next three years. The cost of checks is negligible compared to the impact of a major disease outbreak, such as foot and mouth disease in 2001, which cost our economy more than 12.8bn in 2022 prices. Nicki Minaj addressed fans outside her Manchester hotel after her gig in the city was axed following her arrest. The rapper and singer, 41, was detained at Amsterdams Schiphol Airport on Saturday and says she spent around six hours in custody before leaving the Netherlands for the UK. Fans were let into the Co-op Live Arena for her show at around 7pm on Saturday, before the promoter Live Nation announced at around 9.40pm that it would be postponed. In a message on social media site X, Minaj said she had arrived at her hotel in Manchester early on Sunday after spending 5-6 hours in a cell and a delay to her flight from Amsterdam. Minaj invited her fans, known as Barbz, to her hotel in the centre of the city and according to videos on social media she then spoke to the crowds outside. She told them: I wanted to honestly tell you that I love you. On X, she wrote the venue was willing to go past 11pm, and she pointed the finger at unidentified figures who she said had succeeded at their plan to not let me get on that stage tonight. She said a new date for the show would be announced on Sunday. She wrote: One July option & one June option is currently being discussed. Ill find a way to not only make up the date with the performance but Im going to create an added bonus for everyone that had a (ticket) for this show. Promise. Minaj said she will continue with her other scheduled shows, including in Birmingham on Sunday and a second night at the Co-op Live Arena on Thursday. Nicki Minaj at the Met Gala (Matt Crossick/PA) A statement from Live Nation said on Saturday: Despite Nickis best efforts to explore every possible avenue to make tonights show happen, the events of today have made it impossible. We are deeply disappointed by the inconvenience this has caused. Trinidad-born Minaj, who grew up in the US and is known for the songs Starships, Super Bass and Anaconda, livestreamed being arrested and claimed that drugs were found in her luggage, which did not belong to her. Dutch police said a woman, 41, was arrested on Saturday after allegedly trying to take what it described as soft drugs from Schiphol Airport to another country. An update from the force at around 9pm said it had released the suspect and she can now move on after paying a fine. This is the latest postponed gig at Co-op Live Arena, which has been plagued by issues since trying to open in April, and having to reschedule its first official gig several times. US rapper A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie moved his performance to rival AO Arena over the delays, and Co-op Live began having live music shows from May 14, when British rock band Elbow took to the stage. Fans of Nicki Minaj have said cancelling her gig at Manchesters Co-op Live at short notice was absolutely ridiculous following her arrest. The rapper and singer, 41, was detained at Amsterdams Schiphol Airport on Saturday and says she spent around six hours in custody before leaving the Netherlands for the UK. Fans were let into the Co-op Live Arena for her show at around 7pm on Saturday, before the promoter Live Nation announced at around 9.40pm that it would be postponed. The Co-op Live in Manchester has faced a number of issues since it opened (Peter Byrne/PA) Alvin Christie told the PA news agency he was waiting from 9am to attend the concert. The 29-year-old, from Liverpool, did not blame Minaj and says fans want her to be in a good place and were just more concerned that she was okay. He said: I would say it was very poorly managed. When we arrived into the event, they were actively telling fans that she had arrived and that everyone was going to dance tonight. For a lot of people that were asking those questions, thats obviously (keeping) peoples hopes up. I understand that maybe they wanted to get people into the arena for health and safety risks to stop people being outside. But I think most importantly, they maybe could have advised people as soon as theyve known that the show was postponed and we should be turned away when were outside the arena, rather than holding loads of people in the arena. Alvin Christie, 29, from Liverpool, and his friend Connor (Alvin Christie/PA) Eileen Allardyce, 32, a hotel manager from Edinburgh, spent around 2,500 on tickets, travel and hotel costs and says she will not be able to make a rescheduled date. Ms Allardyce said that since Co-op Live announced its first delay in April to an event, where comedian Peter Kay was due to perform, she has been on eggshells along with her friends who also had tickets for Minaj. Obviously, its not Co-ops fault what happened in Amsterdam, and its not Nickis fault either, like, obviously, no blame for her at all, she said. But as I say, I just feel like the way they (the venue) handled it was just absolutely ridiculous. They have no clue, absolutely no clue. I dont think they were prepared for anything, to be honest. She and Mr Christie also claimed there were no toilets outside the arena for fans to use while queuing, and felt more facilities are needed at the new venue. Mr Christie, who went to the hotel in the city centre where Minaj addressed disappointed fans, contrasted his experience at Co-op Live with Manchesters AO Arena, where he said there are general public facilities and coffee shops. In a message on social media site X, Minaj said she had arrived at her hotel in Manchester early on Sunday after spending 5-6 hours in a cell and a delay to her flight from Amsterdam. Minaj invited her fans, known as Barbz, to her hotel in the centre of the city and according to videos on social media she then spoke to the crowds outside. She told them: I wanted to honestly tell you that I love you. On X, she wrote the venue was willing to go past 11pm, and she pointed the finger at unidentified figures who she said had succeeded at their plan to not let me get on that stage tonight. She said a new date for the show would be announced on Sunday. Inside the Co-op Live arena on Saturday night (Alvin Christie/PA) She wrote: One July option & one June option is currently being discussed. Ill find a way to not only make up the date with the performance but Im going to create an added bonus for everyone that had a (ticket) for this show. Promise. Minaj said she will continue with her other scheduled shows, including in Birmingham on Sunday and a second night at the Co-op Live Arena on Thursday. A statement from Live Nation said on Saturday: Despite Nickis best efforts to explore every possible avenue to make tonights show happen, the events of today have made it impossible. We are deeply disappointed by the inconvenience this has caused. Trinidad-born Minaj, who grew up in the US and is known for the songs Starships, Super Bass and Anaconda, livestreamed being arrested and claimed that drugs were found in her luggage, which did not belong to her. Nicki Minaj at the Met Gala (Matt Crossick/PA) Dutch police said a woman, 41, was arrested on Saturday after allegedly trying to take what it described as soft drugs from Schiphol Airport to another country. An update from the force at around 9pm said it had released the suspect and she can now move on after paying a fine. This is the latest postponed gig at Co-op Live Arena, which has been plagued by issues since trying to open in April, and having to reschedule its first official gig several times. US rapper A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie moved his performance to rival AO Arena over the delays, and Co-op Live began having live music shows from May 14, when British rock band Elbow took to the stage. Co-op Live, Minaj and Live Nation have all been contacted for additional comment. Nicki Minaj has praised her fans for being a class act and understanding that her gig in Manchester had to be rescheduled after her arrest in the Netherlands. The rapper and singer, 41, said she spent around six hours in custody at Amsterdams Schiphol Airport on Saturday before being able to fly to the UK for her gig at Co-op Live arena. Fans were let into the venue at around 7pm on Saturday for her show, before promoter Live Nation announced at around 9.40pm that it was being postponed. Co-op Live in Manchester has faced a number of issues since it opened (Peter Byrne/PA) Dutch police said a woman aged 41 was arrested on Saturday after allegedly trying to take what it described as soft drugs from Schiphol Airport to another country. An update from the force at around 9pm said it had released the suspect and she can now move on after paying a fine. Minaj wrote on X: Manchester I appreciate you. Class act. Give me until (tomorrow) for the update on our new date (please). It will be sometime in June or July like I mentioned last night. She also promised an added surprise bonus for fans and said she was looking forward to returning to Manchester for an already scheduled second night at Co-op Live on Thursday. Minaj followed by saying that Birminghams Resorts World Arena date on Sunday would be a magical beautiful happy fun unforgettable night. Alvin Christie, 29, from Liverpool, and his friend Connor (Alvin Christie/PA) She had invited her fans, known as Barbz, to her hotel in the centre of Manchester and spoke to the crowds outside including Alvin Christie, from Liverpool, who defended her. The 29-year-old told the PA news agency that fans want her to be in a good place and were just more concerned that she was OK, placing the blame on the venue, which he was waiting outside from 9am to attend the concert. He said: I would say it was very poorly managed. When we arrived into the event, they were actively telling fans that she had arrived and that everyone was going to dance tonight. For a lot of people that were asking those questions, thats obviously (keeping) peoples hopes up. I understand that maybe they wanted to get people into the arena for health and safety risks to stop people being outside. But I think, most importantly, they maybe could have advised people as soon as theyve known that the show was postponed and we should be turned away when were outside the arena, rather than holding loads of people in the arena. Eileen Allardyce, 32, a hotel manager from Edinburgh, spent around 2,500 on tickets, travel and hotel costs and says she will not be able to make a rescheduled date. She said that since Co-op Live announced its first delay to its live events in April, when comedian Peter Kay was due to perform, she had been on eggshells with her friends who also had tickets for Minaj. Obviously, its not Co-ops fault what happened in Amsterdam, and its not Nickis fault either, like, obviously, no blame for her at all, she said. But as I say, I just feel like the way they (the venue) handled it was just absolutely ridiculous. They have no clue, absolutely no clue. I dont think they were prepared for anything, to be honest. She and Mr Christie claimed there were no toilets outside the arena for fans to use while queuing, and said more facilities are needed at the venue. Mr Christie contrasted his experience at Co-op Live with Manchesters AO Arena, where he said there are general public facilities and coffee shops. Minaj wrote on X that she had arrived at her hotel in Manchester early on Sunday after spending 5-6 hours in a cell and a delay to her flight from Amsterdam. Inside the Co-op Live arena on Saturday night (Alvin Christie/PA) She said the venue was willing to go past 11pm, and she pointed the finger at unidentified figures who had succeeded at their plan to not let me get on that stage tonight. A statement from Live Nation said on Saturday: Despite Nickis best efforts to explore every possible avenue to make tonights show happen, the events of today have made it impossible. We are deeply disappointed by the inconvenience this has caused. Trinidad-born Minaj, who grew up in the US and is known for the songs Starships, Super Bass and Anaconda, livestreamed being arrested and claimed that drugs were found in her luggage which did not belong to her. This is the latest postponed gig at Co-op Live, which has been plagued by issues since trying to open in April, and having to reschedule its first official gig several times. US rapper A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie moved his performance to the AO Arena over the delays, and Co-op Live began live music shows on May 14 when British rock band Elbow took to the stage. Co-op Live, Minaj and Live Nation have all been contacted for additional comment. One of the world's most famous boulevards was the scene of a massive picnic Sunday as more than 4,000 people sat down on a 700-foot-long, red-and-white checkered "tablecloth" to feast on free food. The event on the Champs-Elysees in Paris, dubbed "Le Grand Pique-Nique des Champs," drew applications from more than 270,000 people who hoped to take part, the French newspaper Le Monde reported. One of the lucky winners, Yasmina Train of Paris, told the Associated Press that picnicking on the City of Lights' iconic street between the Arc de Triomphe and Avenue Georges V was "a dream coming true." "I took some pictures and I sent that to friends, you know, all over the world," Train said. The meals, served in wicker picnic baskets, were prepared in eight "temporary kitchens" that were "organized and managed by the grand chefs" of eateries along the avenue, Marc-Antoine Jamet, chairperson of the Champs-Elysees Committee, told AP. The offerings included creative sandwiches and puff pastries from restaurants that ranged from the famed Brasserie Foquet's to McDonald's, AP said. Two sittings were scheduled at noon and 2 p.m. and the tablecloth was assembled on-site by 150 people from 25 pieces of recycled material, according to Le Monde. The event, held exactly two months before Paris will host the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympcis, was aimed at boosting local interest in the Champs-Elysees, a popular tourist destination due to its designer boutiques and gourmet restaurants. But it has fallen out of favor among Parisians, with the historic UGC Normandie movie theater, which opened in 1937, set to close next month following a decline in business, Le Monde reported. The Champs-Elysees Committee is scheduled to present an 1,800-page study with revitalization plans on Monday. The Royal Air Force pilot who died in a Spitfire crash near RAF Coningsby has been named as Mark Long. Police and emergency services rushed to the scene on Langrick Road in Lincolnshire just before 1.20pm on Saturday. The Spitfire of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) was flying near the air station when the crash took place. Group Captain Robbie Lees, Commander Display Air Wing, said in a statement: It is with great sorrow that I must confirm the death of Squadron Leader Mark Long. Mark was a Typhoon pilot here at RAF Coningsby and for the last four years he has been a pilot with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. A great friend, colleague, and a passionate, professional aviator he will be sorely missed by all that knew him. An investigation into the crash has begun. Mr Long was declared dead at the scene. On Saturday, William and Kate said on their Kensington Palace X account: Incredibly sad to hear of the news this afternoon from RAF Coningsby. Our thoughts this evening are with the pilots loved ones, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and the wider RAF family. W & C. Incredibly sad to hear of the news this afternoon from RAF Coningsby. Our thoughts this evening are with the pilots loved ones, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and the wider RAF family. W & C The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) May 25, 2024 William was Honorary Air Commodore of RAF Coningsby from 2008 to August 2023, when he handed the role over to Kate. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer also paid tribute. Lincolnshire Police said it was a single occupant aircraft and nobody else was involved. The East Midlands Ambulance Service sent a number of resources, including a paramedic and a helicopter ambulance. Road closures were in place in the areas of Dogdyke Road and Sandy Bank, with motorists urged to avoid the area. RAF Coningsby is home to the BBMF, a collection of wartime fighter and bomber aircraft that take part in air shows and memorial displays. Only a few dozen airworthy Spitfires remain, including six that belong to the BBMF. Mr Sunak said in a post on X: Awful news to see the life of a serving RAF pilot cut short in this tragic event. My thoughts are with their family and loved ones. Sir Keir said: Deeply saddened by news from Lincolnshire. Thank you to the emergency services for their response. My thoughts are with the pilots family at this awful time. A suspect was arrested Saturday after six people including four girls between the ages of 9 and 17 were stabbed in separate attacks that Massachusetts authorities say are likely connected. The girls, who were attacked at a movie theater, suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to Boston hospitals for treatment, according to police in Braintree. About an hour later, a 21-year-old woman and a 29-year-old man were stabbed at a Plymouth McDonalds and taken to hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. A suspect in the McDonalds stabbings, Jared Ravizza, was arrested 15 minutes after fleeing the scene Saturday night and faces multiple assault charges, the Plymouth County District Attorneys Office announced in a news release. Ravizza, 26, is the suspect in multiple South Shore stabbing incidents, the attorneys office said, though no details on the other incidents were provided. Braintree police have said it appears as though the attacks at the movie theater and McDonalds, which occurred about an hour apart, are related. The stabbing of the four girls at the AMC happened around 6 p.m. in Braintree. The theater was placed in lockdown shortly after the incident, an AMC employee told CNN. Without saying anything and without any warning, he suddenly attacked and stabbed the four young females, police said of the suspect. The attack appeared to be unprovoked. After the attack, the man ran out of the theater and left in a vehicle. Police discovered the suspect had left the theater in what appeared to be a black SUV, and video footage allowed authorities to capture its license plate, the release says. A vehicle matching the description was reportedly involved in similar assault in Plymouth, which is about a 30-minute drive south of Braintree, police said. Ravizza allegedly arrived at the scene of the Plymouth McDonalds stabbings in a black Porsche Macan SUV, according to prosecutors. Police were called to the scene around 7 p.m., about an hour after the AMC attack in Braintree, the district attorneys office said. Surveillance footage from the McDonalds appears to show Ravizza reach through the drive-through window and stab the male victim with a large knife, prosecutors allege. Video then shows the suspect park his car, enter the restaurant and stab the female victim before fleeing in the car, according to the district attorneys office. Within minutes, state troopers located the suspects car, but it failed to stop when they tried to pull it over. Police chased the vehicle, which crashed in Sandwich, about a 25-minute drive south of Plymouth, according to police. Preliminary investigation suggests a likely connection to an earlier incident at a movie theatre in Braintree resulting in non-life threatening injuries to four juveniles, state police said. Ravizza was being treated for non-life-threatening injuries at a hospital on Sunday, the prosecutors office said. Ravizza will face multiple charges related to the McDonalds stabbings, including assault with intent to murder and two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, prosecutors said. He is expected to appear in court Tuesday. CNN has been unable to identify an attorney for Ravizza but has sought further information from the Massachusetts State Police, Plymouth County District Attorneys Office and Braintree Police. The Massachusetts State Polices investigation is active and ongoing. Separately, Connecticut State Police said a suspect linked to a death in the town of Deep River had been taken into custody in Massachusetts. Police in neither state have confirmed whether the Connecticut case is connected to those in Massachusetts. In a statement released late Saturday, Connecticut State Police said they responded Saturday afternoon to a disturbance at an address within the town. There, police found a deceased individual whose identity has not been confirmed, Connecticut State Police said. A suspect in this investigation has been taken into custody in the State of Massachusetts and there is no active threat to the public, the release said. It did not name the suspect. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins called out former President Trump during the opening of her Friday show for a claim that Judge Juan Merchan, who is presiding over his hush-money trial, is blocking him from bringing in an election expert to testify. In one post, tonight, hes ranting that the judge blocked him from having an election expert testify, Collins said during Fridays edition of her show The Source with Kaitlan Collins. But thats not true, she said. We were there! We witnessed this discussion that happened inside the courtroom. Trumps attorneys, in the end, chose not to call that election expert, because the judge refused to broaden the scope of what he could testify to. He was worried it would become, as the judge put it, a battle of the experts. The presumptive GOP nominee has been continuously putting out posts on Truth Social going after Merchan, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and others as the defense rested its case on Tuesday in the hush-money trial where Trump faces 34 felony counts. The closing arguments in the criminal case will be delivered following Memorial Day Weekend, after which the jury will start deliberating. He is denying me the opportunity to put on a Highly Respected Election Law Expert who will say, once again, that THERE WAS NO CRIME, Trump said in a Friday post on Truth Social. This Judge, whose conflicts are completely disqualifying, isnt even requiring a unanimous decision by the jury on key portions of this Criminal Hoax, which is UNCONSTITUTIONAL AND UNAMERICAN. During her Friday remarks, Collins said that history might be made by the end of next week considering that the 12-person jury, selected in mid-April, will decide if the former president is guilty. Were really finding ourselves on the cusp of history tonight, because by this time, next week, we may finally know whether or not Donald Trump will be a convicted felon, or whether a jury of his peers, here in Manhattan, will find him not guilty. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. You can shop at Costco without a membership, but it doesn't really make sense to. Gary Hershorn/Getty Images Costco has been clamping down shoppers using membership cards that don't belong to them. There are still ways to shop without a membership: online, with a gift card, or as a member's guest. The extra charges and hassle of workarounds can quickly add up to more than the annual fee, though. Costco's Netflix-style crackdown on unauthorized membership sharing over the past year raises a perennial question about how to access the jumbo packs of toilet paper, tubs of peanut-butter pretzels, 40-pound bags of dog food, and other staples without signing up for a membership. Access to the warehouse club and its bulk-price deals is primarily reserved for card-carrying shoppers with Gold Star, Executive, or Business memberships, which start at $60 per year and include two access for two shoppers who live in the same household (or work for the same business). Still, there are a few ways to shop Costco's selection without paying the fee. Here are three: 1. Shop online without a Costco membership While some of Costco.com is reserved for members, non-members are able to buy items through the site's Same-Day option, on Instacart, or with a brand new partnership with Uber Eats, where about 2,000 fresh, frozen, grocery, and household items are available for delivery. The best prices on those platforms are reserved for members only, so the savings compared to another retailer, like Walmart or Amazon, might not be as substantial for non-members. Uber says members will pay 15% to 20% less than non-members, and non-members may be assessed a 5% surcharge on some orders processed through Instacart. Analysis from Insider's Reviews team found the best prices on Costco items are found in-person at a warehouse, while online member pricing was slightly higher, and non-member prices were higher still. For example, a 30-roll pack of toilet paper was available in-store for $19.99, but on Instacart cost $21.85 for members and $24.87 for non-members. The Insider team created a sample shopping cart of popular items that totaled $131.10 for a non-member shopping via Instacart, but just $96.60 for a member shopping in-store, a savings of $34.50. In that scenario, the $60 membership fee basically pays for itself after just two trips to a warehouse. 2. Use a Costco gift card without a membership Another popular workaround is to use a Costco gift card, known as a Shop Card, which allows shoppers to access the warehouse to use the funds. The hitch with this approach is that Shop Cards are only available for members to purchase and have a minimum value of $25. That $25 would quickly be used up in one visit, and could be a useful hack for helping friends and family stock up on back-to-school supplies, though you might catch some pushback trying to buy $200 more stuff than your gift card is loaded for. It's an easy a way to let someone explore the club on their own, without the commitment of a membership, and if they do decide to sign up, the Shop Card funds are redeemable toward the annual fee. 3. Visit the Costco warehouse as the guest of a member Costco's policy allows members to bring two guests with them to the warehouse, but once again there is a hitch: technically only the member is allowed to pay for purchases. As with the Shop Card hack, this approach depends on a fair amount of trust between the member and the non-member, not to mention coordinating schedules to make a trip to the warehouse and sort everything out on Venmo afterward. Bottom line: It probably makes sense to just pay the fee it's refundable anyway Given the costs and complications of trying to avoid shelling out the $60 membership fee, it actually makes financial sense to just pay the charge for shoppers who will make more than a couple Costco trips per year. An Insider's Reviews team found, the prices of bulk-size items can add up quickly, and shaving a few percent off in fees means the breakeven point comes after just a few trips. As the company puts it, "rest assured that the cost of membership can be recovered quickly thanks to massive price savings once you start shopping." The math starts to get even more interesting when considering whether to upgrade to the $120 Executive level. Either way, the real kicker is even simpler: if you don't think the membership is worth it, you can get a refund. Read the original article on Business Insider From tropical sorbet cups to mochi ice cream. costco Summer is on the horizon, and that means many of us are preparing for barbecues, graduation parties, and last-minute just because get-togethers. And one of the best things to look forward to on a warm night is indulging in a cold, sweet treat after a fresh summertime meal. Weve already had a handful of warmer days here in the New York City area, and the moment that forecast rings true, people are scurrying to party plan and enjoy the sun. The first thing friends and family want to know when you ask them to come over is what they can bring. With a moments notice, its tough to find the right item and you may not have time to cook. Luckily, something sweet is always a good idea, and weve rounded up our favorite frozen desserts available at your nearest Costco. The next time you get a summer party invite, you'll know exactly what to bring. The Best Frozen Costco Desserts 1. Island Way Sorbet Dotdash Meredith / Janet Maples These individual sorbet cups come in four heavenly flavorscoconut (now my personal obsession), mango passionfruit, grapefruit, and pomegranatemaking it easy for guests to find something they love. Each sorbet is served in a hand-cut shell of its featured fruit, making it even more fun to eat. The sorbet itself is refreshing, flavorful, and made from real fruit, so they're sweet enough to feel like dessert, but also light and refreshing. 2. Nightingale Cookie Monster Sandwiches Dotdash Meredith / Janet Maples The memory: Youre sitting on the beach. Its a hot summer day. A bell rings, summoning kids to the ice cream truck that awaits them beyond the hot sand. This is my memory, at least, as a Jersey kid who enjoyed beach day ice cream sandwiches throughout the summer. If you're looking for a dose of nostalgia this summer, pick up a box of Nightingale Cookie Monster Sandwiches. The mini sandwiches feature a copious scoop of chocolate chip vanilla ice cream tucked between two soft and chewy chocolate chip cookies. They're perfectly sized for barbecues and other outdoor gatherings. Plus, not only are the sandwiches delicious, but Nightingale is a female and veteran-owned company. 3. Bubbies Mochi Dotdash Meredith / Janet Maples We dont know about you, but we never turn down a soft, chewy mochi ice cream when the opportunity to enjoy one arises. And thanks to Costco, it's easy to get enough for a group. The warehouse-sized package of Bubbies Mochi offers three flavors in each boxstrawberry, green tea, and mangoand boasts a generous 18 count per box. Luscious ice cream is wrapped in sweet, stretchy mochi, making this the perfect dessert if youre looking for a fruity, fun, and texture-packed treat. 4. Dole Whip Pineapple Cups Dotdash Meredith / Janet Maples We all know there is an endless list of reasons to love Disney, but the food and snacks should get a list of their own. Dole Whip cups are something youll often hear Disney lovers raving about, and you can now find them in the freezer at Costco! Just pick up a package of eight cups, stick them in the freezer, and thaw for 5 to 10 minutes before enjoying. Youll close your eyes and be transported back to Disney in no time at all. 5. Chocolate Honeycomb Sandwiches Dotdash Meredith / Janet Maples If you, like me, are a texture person when it comes to sweet treats, this dessert is for you. Costco shoppers have described these "incredible" ice cream sandwiches as two desserts in one. Two Biscoff cookies sandwich vanilla ice cream and half of the sandwich dipped in chocolate. They're delicious as is, but Costco fans suggest crushing this sandwich in a bowl to form an ice cream sundae of sortsthat way you can enjoy each component with every single bite. I havent tried this yet, but its definitely on my list of things to do this summer! 6. JonnyPops Popsicles Dotdash Meredith / Janet Maples Costco shoppers praise these natural fruit bars for being refreshing, just the right amount of sweet, and the right size for ending a meal. With a wide variety of flavor options (Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry and Watermelon have been spotted at stores), theres likely something for everyone to enjoy. These fruit bars are also vegan, organic, and free of artificial ingredients, making them a wonderful option if youre searching for a healthier or more natural dessert. 7. Haagen-Dazs Mini Vanilla Milk Chocolate Bars Dotdash Meredith / Janet Maples The goodness that comes with Haagen-Dazs products needs no introduction, but were going to give this bite-sized version of the brands traditional ice cream bar the love it deserves! Here, a smaller serving of creamy vanilla ice cream is covered in a rich and decadent milk chocolate shell. The 20-count box of mini ice cream bars will be on call whether you have a dessert craving or need to bring a treat to a party. Read the original article on All Recipes. Indianapolis Motor Speedway delayed the start of the Indianapolis 500 and pre-race traditions Sunday just before noon as a strong storm pushed into the area. Over 125,000 fans who had already arrived at the speedway were forced to evacuate the grandstands and Snake Pit area. In a social media post, track personnel said, "Given the proximity of lightning moving toward the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a decision has been made to pause the pre-race ceremonies and move fans out of the grandstands and Snake Pit. Spectators are encouraged to follow the instructions of IMS team members. They should exit the grandstands in an orderly fashion and implement their personal safety plans. The start of the 108th Running of the Indianapolis 500 will also be delayed. Additional updates on timing will be communicated." Severe storm clouds move across the northwest edge of Davenport, Iowa Weather AP via Scripps News Over 10 dead in Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas after severe weather Indianapolis Motor Speedway President Doug Boles said they would continue to monitor the conditions and it was unclear how long the delay would last. The brunt of the storm was expected to hit about 12:45 p.m. ET, right when the race was due to begin, The Associated Press reported. At least 16 people have been killed and dozens injured after a Russian strike hit a large hardware store in Kharkiv, Ukraine, on Saturday, according to officials. Among the dead is a 12-year-old girl, police said Sunday. The attack came as Russian forces continue to advance in northeastern Ukraine after crossing the border earlier this month and opening a new front in the two-year-old conflict. Kharkiv has seen a spate of Russian attacks, as Russia seeks to tie up Ukrainian forces elsewhere and create a buffer zone. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the strike a brutal attack in a post on X, later writing that Russia is run by men who want to make it a norm burning lives, destroying cities and villages, dividing people, and erasing national borders through war. In his nightly address on Sunday, he said hundreds of personnel from State Emergency Services, police, and local authorities were involved in the response efforts. He also reiterated his calls for more air defense systems and stronger preventative measures against Russian forces. Officials have said there were nearly 200 people inside the building when the strike occurred. According to Chief of the Investigative Department of the Kharkiv Regional Police Serhii Bolvinov, investigators and forensic experts spent the night searching the ruins of the store for human remains. We fear that they will have to sift through the ashes to find the remains and identify the victims, he continued. Ukraines Interior Minister, Ihor Klymenko, said Sunday that the hours following the strike were hellish and thanked everyone who helped to put out the flames that engulfed the hardware store after the attack. Oleh Syniehubov, head of the Kharkiv regional military administration, noted that there is not a single military object nearby the site of the strike. He said the remains of 10 people who died in the strike had been identified and eight people were still missing. Meanwhile, further south in the Kherson region, authorities warned residents to avoid open spaces as there have been reports of explosions. The enemy is attacking from the temporarily occupied left bank, Roman Mrochko, the head of the Kherson City Military Administration, said in a Telegram post Sunday. Do not stay in open areas. Take care of yourself and your loved ones, he wrote. Fire spread through the hypermarket after the rocket attack. - Kostiantyn Liberov/Libkos/Getty Images Investigators and forensic experts are searching the ruins of the hardware store for human remains, authorities said. - Kostiantyn Liberov/Libkos/Getty Images Russian forces attacked Ukrainian frontline positions in Kharkiv 15 times over the weekend, General Serhii Marcel Melnyk, Commander of the Kharkiv city defense forces, said earlier on Sunday, adding that some of the attacks are still ongoing. Overnight Saturday into Sunday, Russian forces launched 14 missiles and over 30 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) at Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian military. Seven people were killed in Russian strikes on the city Thursday, after locations including a printing house were targeted. Russia continues its savage attacks on Kharkiv this week, striking a busy shopping center, a book publishing house and other civilian targets, US Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink said Saturday. We condemn these attacks and commit to holding Russia accountable for its unprovoked war, she added. After Saturdays attack, Zelensky reiterated that if Ukraine had enough air defense systems and modern combat aircraft, such Russian strikes would have been impossible. That is why we are appealing to all leaders, to all states: we need a significant strengthening of air defense, he said. Zelensky has since appealed to US President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping to attend a peace summit in Switzerland next month. Please, show your leadership in advancing the peace the real peace and not just a pause between the strikes, Zelensky said. The efforts of the global majority are the best guarantee that all commitments will be fulfilled, he added. Meanwhile, at least two people were killed and at least 10 injured as a result of a Ukrainian strike on a Russian village in the Belgorod region, the regions governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said Saturday. Among the injured is an 8-year-old boy, he said, adding that all victims had shrapnel wounds in various parts of the body. As a result of the strike, a private residential building caught fire, and about 20 other buildings and 23 cars sustained damage. All operational services are working on site, Gladkov said. This story has been updated with new information. Darya Tarasova contributed reporting. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Martha-Ann Alito, Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alitos wife, previously said hanging the American flag upside-down at their home in January of 2021 was an international signal of distress, according to a Saturday report from The Washington Post. According to the Post report, a former reporter for the paper went to the Alitos northern Virginia home when tracking down a tip on the flag, a symbol connected with the Stop the Steal efforts. The flag wasnt flying anymore when the reporter got to the house on the day of President Bidens inauguration, but when the reporter encountered the Alito couple exiting the house, Martha-Ann told him to get off my property. When the Post reporter questioned Martha-Ann about the upside-down flag, she reportedly responded, Its an international signal of distress! Samuel Alito has previously said he had no involvement in the flag flying upside-down at his home, which was reported by The New York Times last week to have flown on Jan. 17, 2021. I had no involvement whatsoever in the flying of the flag, the justice said to the Times when questioned on the flag. It was briefly placed by Mrs. Alito in response to a neighbors use of objectionable and personally insulting language on yard signs. Alito faced another flag-based controversy this week when a second flag used by rioters that stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021 was reported by the Times to have been displayed outside of a vacation home of the justice. Democrats have come out swinging against Alito over reports of the flags, with Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) saying that they show a pattern. The first instance of the American flag in distress mode [Alito] dismissed as a chance indiscretion by his wife who was emotional about a confrontation with a neighbor. The second one really shows a pattern, Durbin said. This is not a chance indiscretion. This is a conscious decision by the Alito family to advertise their political feelings. That doesnt help the Supreme Court one whit, and he ought to accept the responsibility of recusing himself from cases involving the Trump administration, the Illinois Democrat said. Former national security adviser John Bolton is among those defending Alito against the claims, calling the attacks on the justice outrageous, outrageous and unacceptable in Wednesday comments. The Hill has reached out to Alito for comment. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Rapper Nicki Minaj apologized to fans outside her hotel in Manchester early Sunday morning for postponing a UK show after she was stopped by Dutch authorities on allegations she was carrying drugs. I love you and Im so sorry this happened tonight, Minaj said in a video posted on social media. Minaj had earlier revealed the name of her Manchester hotel in a post on X, and invited fans to see her. Im going on the balcony so if youre outside Ill be able to see you & I may come downstairs. Ill be out there for about an hour. Rlly (really) wanted to at least get to see you, she said. Though Minaj was released from police custody on Saturday evening, the concert, set to be held in Manchester on the same night, was unable to go ahead. In a statement published by both Live Nation and the concerts venue Co-op Live, organizers said they were deeply disappointed by the inconvenience caused. Despite Nickis best efforts to explore every possible avenue to make tonights show happen, the events of today have made it impossible, the statement, published on Saturday evening, said. In a video captured on the hip-hop artists Instagram Live which was later disseminated online by various social media accounts Minaj is heard speaking with police at Amsterdams Schiphol Airport while holding her camera phone. In the clip, Minaj mentions pre-rolls they found, and is then seen being ushered out of her vehicle and urged to get in a police van. When she asks why she is being told to board the van, an official informs her she is under arrest, later adding, for carrying drugs. Minaj replies, Im not carrying drugs. Minaj repeatedly asks for the address of the police station and to have a lawyer present throughout the clip, while the police ask her to stop filming. In this still from Nicki Minaj's Instagram Live, the rapper is ushered out of her vehicle by police at Amsterdams Schiphol Airport. CNN has blurred the comments on the livestream. - From Nicki Minaj/Instagram When CNN reached out to Amsterdam authorities with Minajs given name Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty, the Netherlands military police, known as the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee, said they arrested a 41-year-old American woman with soft drugs at Schiphol Airport. Later on Saturday, the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee said the woman detained in their custody on suspicion of exporting soft drugs has been released. Following consultation with the Public Prosecutors Office, the suspect received a monetary fine and is now permitted to continue her journey, the statement continued. CNN has reached out to representatives for Minaj for comment. Minaj is currently on her Pink Friday 2 World Tour in support of her latest album, released late last year. Minaj performed in Amsterdam on Thursday night, and is set to perform in Birmingham, UK, Sunday night. Another Nicki Minaj concert is scheduled at the Co-op Live, Manchester, for Thursday, May 30. CNNs Caitlin Danaher contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we believe in. Pricing and availability are subject to change. Start the summer in style Nordstrom's Half Yearly sale is here just in time for Memorial Day weekend! (Nordstrom) The long weekend is here and a ton of our favorite retailers are having epic Memorial Day sales to mark the occasion is there anything better? Nope! While it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the massive amount of sales happening, there is one shopping event you can't miss Nordstrom's Half-Yearly sale. There are nearly 30,000 (yes, that many!) items from top brands on sale for up to 50% off think epic deals from Kate Spade, Tory Burch, Ugg, Zella, Clinique, Le Creuset and more. A slew of steals this big can be stressful to sort through, but don't worry I've done the leg work for you and rounded up 20 of the very best discounts that you should take advantage of ASAP. Even better, the Nordstrom Memorial Day sale deals start at just $15! Keep scrolling to check out my list of editor-approved favorites that you'll want to add to your cart. But don't wait too long I have a feeling things will sell out quickly. Looking for more savings? Don't miss our roundup of the overall best Memorial Day sales of 2024. Nordstrom Memorial Day sale deals to shop right now Loveapella Maxi Dress $48 $68 Save $20 See at Nordstrom Zella Studio Luxe High-Waist Leggings $59 $79 Save $20 See at Nordstrom Sam Edelman Irina Slide Sandal $90 $130 Save $40 See at Nordstrom Tory Burch McGraw Leather Tote $279 $398 Save $119 See at Nordstrom Le Creuset Signature 6 3/4-Quart Round Wide Dutch Oven $280 $430 Save $150 See at Nordstrom Nordstrom Memorial Day sale clothing deals Nordstrom Skims Fits Everybody Scoop Bralette $25 $34 Save $9 Ditch your constricting wired bras this summer in favor of this silky smooth bralette from Skims. This adjustable nylon design has a scoop neck that'll blend easily under your go-to tees while still offering support. Make sure to grab one while it's marked down to $25. $25 at Nordstrom Nordstrom Halogen Twist Knit Top $44 $59 Save $15 From days at the office to dinners with friends, this black twist top can be styled for any occasion. The front twist keeps the deep V-neck from feeling too revealing and the flattering shape is easy to pair with jeans, skirts or trousers. It's on sale in white, too. $44 at Nordstrom Nordstrom Caslon Tulip Hem Linen Pants $45 $60 Save $15 Every closet needs a pair of lightweight linen pants for the summer. This favorite from Caslon has a cute, slightly cropped tulip hem which will flatter sandals, flip-flops, sneakers and everything in between. If you're worried about staining these crisp white pants, you can snag the style in black, tan and olive. $45 at Nordstrom Nordstrom Loveapella Maxi Dress $48 $68 Save $20 This smooth maxi dress on sale for under $50 is made with a soft stretch-knit fabric that will feel like a second skin as soon as you slip it on. With an ultra-flattering round V-neck, thin straps and swingy skirt, you're never going to want to take it off. While I'm partial to this red color, this dress also comes in black, olive and khaki. $48 at Nordstrom Nordstrom Zella Studio Luxe High-Waist Leggings $59 $79 Save $20 When it comes to go-to buys for Nordstrom shoppers, Zella leggings are actually worth the hype especially the buttery-soft Studio Luxe high-waisted pair. Not only are they flattering and stylish, but everyone says they are very much squat-proof. This blue shade is giving off the best summer energy, too. $59 at Nordstrom Nordstrom Memorial Day sale accessory deals Nordstrom Toms Diana Platform Wedge Sandal $67 $90 Save $23 When it comes to classic comfort, you can't go wrong with pair of Toms. The wedge heel and classic straps of this sandal are both chic and sturdy enough for walking around in them all day. Choose from neutrals like black, tan and white plus a pretty pastel blue. $67 at Nordstrom Nordstrom Sam Edelman Irina Slide Sandal $90 $130 Save $40 Who says brown is a fall color? These rich chocolate-colored slides look just as pretty with a sundress as they do with white pants. And while heeled sandals are all well and good, you'll be able to wear this flat pair all day. $90 at Nordstrom Nordstrom Tory Burch McGraw Leather Tote $279 $398 Save $119 When Tory Burch bags go on sale, they shoot right to the top of our wish list. This roomy leather tote keeps its classic shape, thanks to its flat bottom, no matter how much you fill it. Plus, this pretty taupe shade can be worn all year long. $279 at Nordstrom Nordstrom Memorial Day sale beauty deals Nordstrom Lancome Hypnose Drama Instant Volumizing Mascara $17 $33 Save $16 Get long, fluffy lashes with just a few swipes of Lancome's Hypnose Drama Instant Volumizing Mascara now 50% off. The mascara wand has a unique curved shape to help coat even tiny lashes and fan them out for a bold look. $17 at Nordstrom Nordstrom Bobbi Brown Best in Brow Set $50 $72 Save $22 Give your eyebrows a boost with this easy-to-use set from Bobbi Brown. This kit includes an eyebrow pencil (and a refill!) as well as a clear eyebrow gel. Together the pencil and gel can make your brows look full and stay in place. $50 at Nordstrom Nordstrom Dyson Airstrait Hair Straightener $400 $500 Save $100 Dyson hair tools rarely go on sale, so if you've been eyeing the Airstrait, today's your lucky day you can bring it home for $100 off. This hot tool dries and straightens hair at the same time so you can majorly shorten your hair styling routine. $400 at Nordstrom Nordstrom Memorial Day sale home deals Nordstrom Nordstrom 14-Inch Wood Serving Bowl $39 $65 Save $26 Whether you're hosting at home this summer or don't go anywhere empty-handed, this gorgeous wood serving bowl is sure to come in handy. Fill it up with pasta, salad or another favorite dish just be sure to spot-clean it at the end of the night and avoid the dishwasher. $39 at Nordstrom Nordstrom Ugg Miriam Throw Blanket $90 $128 Save $38 When the AC gets cranked up and the sun sets, you'll appreciate having a cozy throw blanket nearby. This waffle knit option marked down by nearly $40 from Ugg is on the lighter side so you don't have to worry about overheating. $90 at Nordstrom Fatima Jouhari, originally from Morocco, was among more than 1,300 people who became naturalized citizens at a ceremony in Houston earlier this year. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Former President Donald Trump and Gov. Greg Abbott tour Shelby Park along the Rio Grande in Eagle Pass on Feb. 29. The Republican presidential candidate and Texas governor gave speeches about immigration at the park, which was the epicenter of an immigration enforcement battle between Texas officials and the federal government. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News Community members and activists held a rally outside Houston City Hall on April 30 to demand that Mayor John Whitmire and the Houston Police Department develop a comprehensive plan to protect community members from anti-immigrant legislation like Senate Bill 4. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer WASHINGTON From citrus farms in South Texas to tech offices in Austin and construction sites in Houston, much of the Texas economy runs on immigrant labor. Immigrants make up 24% of Houstons population and 11% of the overall states population, more than any state except California, according to estimates by the nonprofits Migration Policy Center and the American Immigration Council. And with the Texas economy booming and the unemployment rate near historic lows, businesses across the spectrum are eager to expand foreign worker programs to get many more immigrants to come to the Lone Star State. We need labor, said Glenn Hamer, president of the Texas Business Association, the states largest business lobbyist. We have more jobs open than people to fill them. Every unemployed person could get a job and wed still have hundreds of thousands of jobs open. The best and brightest people in the world want to come here and contribute, and we need them. Advertisement Article continues below this ad But that line of thinking is increasingly out of step with the states Republican leadership, who after a long history of expanding legal pathways for immigrants to work in the United States are increasingly silent on the issue or turning the other way as thousands of immigrants pour across the U.S.-Mexico border illegally each day. Earlier this month Rep. Chip Roy, the San Antonio Republican, was standing on the floor of the U.S. Capitol railing against the Biden administrations handling of border security when he questioned the necessity of immigrants in the first place. We have 51.5 million people who are foreign-born in the United States. They have about 20 to 25 million kids. That puts that well over 20 something percent of the population and its the highest such number in the history of our country. People say, 'Well isnt that great? ' Is it? he said. Are we teaching people about Western civilization? Are we teaching people about the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the rule of law? That line of thinking is a stark shift from Texas Republicans' messaging on immigration earlier this century. When George W. Bush, a former governor of Texas, was trying to pass immigration reform as president in the mid-2000s, he called the Untied States a nation of immigrants, and said immigrants are just what theyve always been: people willing to risk everything for the dream of freedom. The change comes amid a populist shift in the Republican Party, led by former President Donald Trump, who has drawn controversy and as well as disaffected voters for his criticism of immigrants coming across the border with Mexico. While in office, Trump increased denials for H-1B visas, which allow corporations to hire a fixed number of highly skilled workers from abroad. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The swell of migrants crossing the border is only fanning those flames. U.S. Customs and Border Protection recorded more than 300,000 migrant encounters on the U.S. Mexico border in December, more than four times the amount recorded three years earlier. And while numbers have moderated slightly this year, to less than 180,000 encounters in April, they still remain far above historical norms. Now Republicans across the board are less willing to engage on any legislation that might expand immigrant worker programs, lest they be challenged by a staunchly anti-immigrant candidate in a primary, said Mark Jones, a political science professor at Rice University. In the past, worker visas were not intertwined with the larger debate about immigration. You could be pro agriculture visas without being seen as soft on border security, he said. Its become a punitive issue for Republicans and made it hard to pass legislation which in the past had a lot of bipartisan agreement. Texas Republicans and Democrats alike are generally loath to talk on the states need for immigrant workers. Neither of the states Republican senators, John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, or a single Congress member from the Houston areas agreed to be interviewed for this story. Cruz, who in 2015 proposed new restrictions on legal immigration, said in a statement that as the son of a Cuban immigrant he is proud to support legal immigration and visa work programs, but added, the most urgent problem facing the U.S. immigration system is border security. Rep. Lizzie Fletcher, D-Houston, said while immigration reform was needed, partisan politics have gotten in the way. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Cornyn, who has long been allied with Texas business and farmers to improve temporary workers programs, declined to comment. In a speech last year he blamed Democratic leadership for holding up efforts to expand the H-1A program for farm workers and questioned whether the two sides would come together anytime soon. Im not optimistic that we are somehow, all of a sudden going to have an epiphany and figure out how to do comprehensive immigration reform, he said. On Thursday the Senate voted not to advance bipartisan immigration legislation that would have limited illegal immigrants' ability to stay in the United States while also improving legal immigration programs, with almost every Republican, including Cornyn and Cruz, voting against it. In the meantime, states and cities are taking their own approach to immigration, in ways which do not always comport with party politics. Texas and Florida are focused on cracking down on illegal immigration, with the Texas Legislature passing SB4 earlier this year, which authorizes state and local police to arrest migrants that have crossed the border illegally typically the purview of federal authorities. Advertisement Article continues below this ad At the same time, Republican led-states including Ohio, North Dakota and Virginia have created government offices to assist immigrants in finding jobs and navigating professional licensing procedures as they seek to grow their labor pool and find workers for undermanned industries like health care. Theres a a cognitive dissonance happening where immigrants are clearly vital to the states economy but lawmakers prioritize anti-immigrant policy that creates fear and unwelcomeness in the community, said Victoria Francis, a deputy director at the American Immigration Council. But even as weve seen these awful things happening, weve seen business allies really stepping up to talk about the benefits that comes with newcomers, even in Texas. So far, such efforts are not having much of an impact on the debate in Washington. With the volume of immigrants coming across the border, border security has become the focal point, causing some Democrats, including New York City Mayor Eric Adams, to question the Biden administrations border strategy. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Even lobbyists representing farmers, a popular constituency in Washington, are having a hard time getting anyone in Congress to listen to their pleas for reforming an agriculture worker program they say doesnt make sense for the majority of farms. President Biden goes by Scranton Joe, he references Pennsylvania often in speeches and his campaigns have spent millions of dollars there in political ads. In 2020, the president set up his campaign headquarters in Philadelphia before the COVID-19 pandemic and he visited the state more than any other battleground that cycle. It was also the state that catapulted him to the White House, after he won the state and clinched the electoral college. But now, some Democrats say its a state that could cause Bidens blue wall to rupture. They point to a pair of recent polls that show former President Trump with a narrow lead in what amounts to a near tie. But whats concerning to them isnt the top-line numbers, but the erosion happening within the Democratic base. A New York Times/Siena College/Philadelphia Inquirer poll out earlier this month showed Bidens support among young voters in the state has slipped since 2020 from 62 percent to 47 percent. And his backing from Black and Hispanic voters has also waned from 71 percent to 57 percent. The Times/Siena/Inquirer survey also showed Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) who is running for reelection against Republican Dave McCormick outrunning Biden by as many as 10 points. If Biden is performing so poorly, in a state where he has strong ties, what does that say about the rest of the blue wall? Statewide Democrats have done very well in the state in recent years and theres no reason Biden couldnt do the same, said one top strategist, pointing to the elections of Gov. Josh Shapiro and Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.). We all know its a battleground state but it should never be a dead heat. Biden should always be ahead and the fact that hes not should sound alarm bells. Former Rep. Jason Altmire (D-Pa.) said he has also found the recent polls perplexing. Im surprised that things arent going so well, Altmire said. If theres any place where he should be doing well or better than President Trump, its Pennsylvania because of the personal connection, because of the work hes been putting in for decades, and because the state is trending blue. Still, Altmire said he thinks Biden will ultimately prevail: I think hes doing everything he can do. Theyve pulled out all the stops. Biden will be back in the state Wednesday, when he will campaign in Philadelphia. Biden aides say they have poured significant resources into the state, including opening 24 field offices, giving them what they say is a significant infrastructure advantage over Trump. Those in Biden world say voters still arent tuned in to the campaign, but as they start to pay more attention to the race, theyll recognize the accomplishments Biden has made since taking office. The campaign also said they launched key coalitions across the state to organize in communities that will be key to winning the state, including Out for Biden-Harris, Women for Biden-Harris and Latinos Con Biden-Harris. Campaign aides also say they are making a significant play for voters who supported Nikki Haley during the Republican primary. Haley received 157,000 voters in the Pennsylvania primary, and the Biden campaign says it can peel off some of those voters who dont want to support Trump. In 2020, Donald Trump lost Pennsylvania and the White House. Since then, he has only become more extreme, embracing January 6th and bragging about overturning Roe v. Wade, said Jack Doyle, the Biden campaigns communications director in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvanians will reject Trumps chaos and will deliver for Joe Biden again this November. But as of now, the most recent polls in Pennsylvania show a tight race. A Muhlenberg College poll of voters in the state out earlier this month showed Trump leading Biden 44 percent to 41 percent in a head-to-head match-up. The previous survey done by the college showed Biden ahead by 42 percent to 41 percent. Christopher Borick, the director of the Muhlenberg College Institute of Public Opinion, said Biden was underperforming particularly with young voters and Black voters compared to his 2020 results. He is also underperforming compared with other Democrats in the state in recent statewide elections. The most loyal Democratic voters and the share we see within that group is lower than what we have traditionally seen and thats very problematic for Biden, Borick said. He attributed the lag in support during this election cycle to the economy. Just as troubling from the Biden perspective, while the president is losing support among specific voting blocs key to a Democratic victory, Trump is making inroads. In recent days, the former president has made direct appeals to Black and Hispanic voters while seeking to slam Bidens handling of immigration, which has become a top issue to voters. Speaking at a rally in New York on Thursday, Trump said the biggest negative impact of undocumented workers is against our Black population and our Hispanic population who are losing their jobs, losing their housing, losing everything they can lose. Theyre the ones that are affected most by whats happening. The Biden campaign says they arent taking voters for granted, and theyve opened offices in Black neighborhoods earlier than ever before. The campaign says it is communicating with local communities about Bidens accomplishments, including record low unemployment. Former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell (D) insisted that overall, Biden is in fairly good shape in the state. I am confident if the election were held tomorrow, he would win, Rendell said in an interview, adding that Biden has had some legislative wins, particularly on infrastructure, that are having major impact. But the former governor acknowledged some worry about Bidens waning support among key demographics. Its worrisome because its so tight, he said of the recent polls. Rendell and other Democrats said the Biden campaign should continue to run ads targeting groups like young voters and pointing to their successes on the environment and student loan debt. Likewise, he said, they should target Black voters to highlight Bidens accomplishments. Altmire predicted that Pennsylvania would be the least likely of the Northern blue wall states, which also include Wisconsin and Michigan, to flip back to Trump since his 2016 victory there over Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. But he added, If Biden loses Pennsylvania, he will lose the presidency. I can say that with 100 percent confidence, he said. I dont think Pennsylvania itself is the deal breaker but the trend would carry over to other states. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Nestor Isidro Perez is belived to be one of the leaders in the Chapitos' security apparatus. - United States Drug Enforcement Administration A top Mexican cartel member known as El Nini, who was one of Americas most-wanted criminals for his alleged role in the fentanyl trade, has been extradited to the United States. In a speech celebrating US-Mexico cooperation on the case, US President Joe Biden on Saturday hailed the extradition of El Nini also known as Nestor Isidro Perez Salas as a good day for justice. El Nini played a prominent role in the notorious Sinaloa cartel, one of the deadliest drug trafficking enterprises in the world. The United States has charged him for his role in illicit fentanyl trafficking and for murdering, torturing, and kidnapping numerous rivals, witnesses, and others, Biden said, thanking Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. Our governments will continue to work together to attack the fentanyl and synthetic drug epidemic that is killing so many people in our homelands and globally, and to bring to justice the criminals and organizations producing, smuggling, and selling these lethal poisons in both of our countries, he added. According to the US Department of Justice, Nestor Isidro Perez Salas was one of the Sinaloa cartels lead sicarios, or assassins and was involved in the production and sale of fentanyl in the United States. Biden has previously described El Nini as one of Americas most-wanted criminals. Perez Salas was charged in the US with cocaine and methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and witness retaliation in February 2021. The US State Department offered a reward of up to $3 million for information leading to his arrest and he was detained in Mexico in November of last year. According to the State Department, Perez Salas worked directly with Oscar Noe Medina Gonzalez, a subordinate of Ivan Archivaldo Guzman Salazar, one of the sons of Joaquin El Chapo Guzman, who was sentenced to prison in the US in 2019. The State Department also said Perez Salas was responsible for the security apparatus of Los Chapitos, a faction of the Sinaloa cartel. He is accused of being one of the commanders of the Ninis cell, described as a particularly violent group of security personnel for Los Chapitos. I am grateful to our Mexican government counterparts for their extraordinary efforts in apprehending and extraditing El Nini, US Attorney General Merrick Garlands office said in a statement. The Justice Department will continue to go after the cartels responsible for flooding our communities with fentanyl and other drugs. CNNs Evan Perez and Zoe Sottile contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Beachgoers may be flocking to the shorelines this Memorial Day weekend but so might white sharks, which have been spotted recently in New England, scientists in Massachusetts have warned. The New England Aquarium in Boston urged the public to be on the lookout for sharks while enjoying the water as the unofficial start of summer gets underway, the non-profit shared in a news release Thursday. The aquariums scientists said multiple marine mammals were discovered with shark bites recently off the Massachusetts coast, according to the release. White sharks are drawn to New Englands inshore waters to prey on seals and other marine life through summer and into fall when activity peaks, the aquarium said in a Facebook post, and scientists expect to see a rise in sharks with the rise in warmer temperatures. Although scientists and fishers have not photographed a white shark yet this season, we know that they are here, New England Aquarium said on Facebook. Aquarium officials added hundreds of seals were recently sighted along area beaches and two white sharks were briefly spotted from an aerial survey off Monomoy Island in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Depending on the time of year, more than 15 shark species live in New Englands waters, the New England Aquarium said. We had a white shark eat a seal in front of some whale watchers this time last year, John Chisholm, an adjunct scientist in the aquariums Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, told CNN via email. May is when white shark activity typically picks up, so its nothing out of the norm, he said. A deceased minke whale was spotted with a white shark bite off Chatham, Massachusetts, on May 21, 2024. - John Chisholm A fishing charter company reported a minke whale with a shark bite earlier this week off Chatham, Massachusetts, and Chisholm took photos showing a freshly shark-bitten seal in Plymouth, Massachusetts, according to the aquarium. With beach weather in the forecast this is a good reminder for people to review shark safety guidelines and be shark smart, Chisholm said in the release. Cape Cod National Seashore officials reported sharks are active in the park waters of each of its beaches, according to the National Park Service. The aquarium reported four confirmed white whale sightings so far this season as of Saturday, according to Chisholm. The New England Aquarium urged people to be aware of sharks swimming in shallow waters, avoiding spots where schools of fish or seals are visible, and remaining close to the shoreline so emergency responders can help if necessary, according to the release. People who spot sharks can report sightings through the Atlantic White Shark Conservancys Sharktivity app, according to the conservancy and the aquarium. A 2023 study found a superpopulation size of around 800 white sharks in the Cape Cod area between 2015 and 2018. While the total number of unprovoked shark bites reported globally remains extremely low, according to the Florida Museum of Natural Historys International Shark Attack File, unprovoked shark bite deaths rose over the past year with most of the deaths caused by white shark bites. Three of those deaths occurred in Australia and one person was killed in California, according to the Florida Museum of Natural History. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com So it is official at last. If, after having watched the largest and most complex election in the world, you may want to enjoy a somewhat more polite, quiet and orderly election, fly off to UK and for one day July 4 you can watch a very unique experience. Only 50 million voters and only about 10 political parties. No EVM either as votes are counted slip by slip by hand by a group of volunteers sitting up all night. Though you do not have to wait that long for the result. At 10 pm (on the day of the election), the BBC announces the result based on its calculation of exit vote and it has so far been always accurate. Of course the exit poll in India has also had a high degree of accuracy but in both countries (India and the UK) the broader result is already known. With a 20-point lead the next Prime Minister will be Keir Starmer though the incumbent is determined to give a good fight, and why not? And in India the outcome is a given. Of course, the margins we expect may differ in both cases. Thus far the election in the UK promises to be as predictable as the weather. As you may have noticed, Rishi Sunak made the announcement on a rainy day. That is the beauty of the English summer. Entirely predictable you always know that you never know when it may rain. I would imagine the outgoing PM had not planned on a wet farewell speech. But then what could be more memorable and British? However, thanks to him, you will enjoy a not very noisy, not very controversial, election. They do not make them like that anymore. There some other startling, but still predictable news. Spoiler warning as this is bad news for the monarchy. Our King Charles the Third is not, sadly, the richest person in the land. On the Sunday Times Rich List, King Charles is the 258th richest person. He has only 610 million in net worth. Mind you this is just his personal wealth. As a King, his estate is worth 600 billion. And Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is just ahead of the monarch. He is 245th in the ranking and has 651 million. On the top as always are the Hinduja brothers. Very nice. Incidentally Paul McCartney is at 165. But then he has just become a billionaire. Most recently Taylor Swift sang one of McCartneys song and put it on the cover. That alone tipped him into being a billionaire. Incidentally, Taylor Swift sang in Paris recently at a giant concert. But the French fans are cross as most tickets were bought by Americans who thought Taylor in Paris was a bargain what with the ticket price and trans-Atlantic fares being so cheap. The French realised how poor their country has become compared to the Americans. So what is new? All good literary festival come packaged with controversy. And so while the Hay festival is facing some walkouts over Palestine it is the Edinburgh Festival this year that has a play about an erstwhile heroine-author. J.K. Rowling who transformed the way children read books and became the recipient of worldwide adulation is being ruthlessly trolled by those who feel she has a bias against transwomen. The question is: Are you a woman based on your biology at birth or by how you feel? The world is being divided on this issue. Not J.K who has insisted that gender allocation depends entirely on your biology. Trans-groups are angry with her. Thus, there is a special event inspired by J.K. Rowlings battle about who can be called a woman? The young actors who had starred in the Harry Potter films have denounced her for she insists biological women are different from transwomen. So Joshua Kaplan has written a play around this battle which promises to be a hit item at Edinburgh. The play is called TERF (Trans-Exclusionary Radical Feminist that is how JK is described). Should be a riot ummm hopefully, only metaphorically speaking. Another spoiler alert a big wedding on the horizon may steal away publicity from the elections! King Charles godson is getting married but he cannot go because of his cancer. Neither will Kate, as she has cancer, too. But the Prince of Wales has stepped into the breach. William knows Hugh in any case. Hugh Grosvenor, the groom, holds one of the richest titles in the land. Hugh has 140,000 acres of land in his possession and a family estate of 11,000 acres. He is marrying Olivia Henson at the Chester Cathedral followed by a vast celebration at Eaton Hall. It will not be the same without Kate or the King but this is the new reality we live with, still dominated by the Emperor of Maladies, which triumphs kings and commoners. by Joseph Masilamany As Buddhists and Christians, our religious principles and moral responsibilities motivate us to help mankind in its search for truth and peace, said Card William Goh of Singapore. May this celebration inspire us to cultivate greater understanding, kindness, and harmony within our communities, said Archbishop Julian Leow of Kuala Lumpur. Kuala Lumpur (AsiaNews) As Buddhists today mark the start of Vesak, their most important holy day, some Christian leaders in Southeast Asia have sent messages of good wishes as a way to promote interfaith dialogue. The Association of Churches of Sarawak (ACS) extended its best wishes to the Buddhist community in the Malaysian state and throughout the Southeast Asian country. In view of many international crises, wars, and dissensions, as well as aggressions, divisions, and conflicts, the Buddhas teachings and message of peace, compassion and devotion to humanity are something that must be heard more and more, this according to the Rt Rev Danald Jute, ACS president and Anglican Bishop of Kuching. In a multi-cultural, multi-religious and multi-ethnic nation such as Malaysia, it is essential that we respect and celebrate our similarities as well as our differences, the prelate said. Let us affirm the good in each one of us. In this way, we can all help to build a more peaceful, respected, and prosperous nation. Cardinal William Goh, Catholic Archbishop of Singapore also issued a message for the city-states Buddhist community. As you celebrate the birth, enlightenment, and final nirvana of Gautama Buddha, may your hearts be filled with peace and joy, he said. In todays world, many pursue material wealth while relegating spiritual values and their sense of morality to the back seat. As Buddhists and Christians, our religious principles and moral responsibilities motivate us to help mankind in its search for truth and peace. According to the cardinal, Constant care and attention are needed to preserve trust among the different faith communities in Singapore. This is especially important when our world is experiencing increasing levels of geopolitical tension and ethnic and religious polarisation today. With this in mind, Let our communities continue to adopt a way of life that seeks truth over falsehood, compassion over hatred, and forgiveness over revenge to ensure lasting peace and prosperity, he added. Catholic Archbishop Julian Leow of Kuala Lumpur also issued a brief message to Malaysian Buddhists. May this celebration inspire us to cultivate greater understanding, kindness, and harmony within our communities. May we also strengthen our commitment to work for reconciliation and resilience. In Malaysia Buddhists make up 18.7 per cent of the population of 34 million people, while in Singapore they represent 31.1 per cent of its four million residents. Buddhism is predominantly practiced by ethnic Chinese, but some members are Malaysian Siamese, Malaysian Sri Lankans, and Malaysian Burmese. Vesak is a national holiday in both Singapore and Malaysia. On this occasion, devotees perform colourful rituals and ceremonies at temples, such as lighting hundreds of oil lamps that symbolise Buddha's enlightenment. Kink Myths It's Time We Stopped Believing 5 Myths Far Too Many People Still Believe About Kink, Debunked So, you think you might be kinky. Perhaps you find yourself aroused at the possibility of tying your partner up. Or you want to be tied up. Congrats on living life to the fullest and trying a flavor other than vanilla! While being kinky is totally normal (research shows that 4560% of the population is kinky), given the mass representation in the media, not to mention the fact that until recently, certain kinks were considered mental illness (ridiculous!), it's normal to feel uneasy about your chocolate side. RELATED: How to Explain Your Fetish to Your Partner "Kinks and fetishes are often unfairly pathologized when, in reality, they're a normal aspect of human sexuality," says clinical psychologist and sexologist Dr. Denise Renye. Kink Basics to Understand Before we dive into the myths, lets review some of the types of kink. A kink is consensual erotic behavior that falls outside of the traditional cultural norm. Common kinks include impact play (like spanking), role-playing, and bondage. But they can also include balloon fetishes, latex fetishes, and group sex. There are tons of wild kinks and fetishes out there that you might never even guess existed. RELATED: Wild Sex Fetishes You've Never Heard Of When getting kinky, its recommended to follow the RACK guidelines (that stands for risk-aware consensual kink). That means that the partners involved are all educated about the risks associated. (For example: If youre trying spanking, there might be bruises; if youre trying blood play, the risks are significantly more serious) Given these risks, all partners give informed consent. Most kink practitioners follow a model of engagement that centers risk-aware informed consent to mitigate danger and reduce harm, says Dr. Dulcinea Alex Pitagora, an NYC-based psychotherapist and sex therapist. As for danger, theres no such thing as a danger-free interaction among humans. In the best of circumstances, humans can make mistakes in interactions, that goes for within kink scenes and also any other sort of human interaction. RELATED: Mistakes to Avoid When Trying Out Kink Youll want to pick a safe word (make it something non-sexual, so theres no mistaking whats being invoked), and be sure to practice aftercare. Aftercare involves taking care of one another after the kink goes down, whether thats bringing ice for any bruises, cuddling, discussing the scene (the kinky play), and definitely enjoying snacks. RELATED: What to Know About Sexual Aftercare If youre not sure where to start, what youre into, or your partners limits, it can be helpful to make green/yellow/red lists together. Anything you absolutely want to try falls in the green list. Activities you may be curious about but arent sure about yet fall into the yellow column. Red is whats off-limits. Creating a green/yellow/red list sometimes called a yes/no/maybe list and comparing yours with your partners (or partners) is an excellent way to find your footing and help avoid misunderstandings. 5 Kink Myths Its Time People Stopped Believing Now, lets dive into five of the most common kink myths: Myth No. 1: Kink and BDSM Are the Same Thing According to Dr. Pitagora, some people do consider kink and BDSM to be the same thing, which is why its crucial to communicate with partners about what the terms youre using mean before jumping into things. I always say you need to ask the person in question how they feel about it, and theres no wrong answer, they explain. BDSM is a specific acronym, so in some ways, kink seems broader, but any term can be defined differently by participants or the person identifying that way, so its always important to ask someone how they feel about their identity and how they define what they do. BDSM stands for bondage, discipline, dominance, submission, sadism and masochism, while kink is a term that encompasses all non-vanilla erotic activity. In short, all BDSM could be considered kinky, but not all kink falls under the umbrella of BDSM. Myth No. 2: Being Kinky Means You Have Mental Health Issues or Trauma Back in 1886, the German psychiatrist Richard Freiherr von Krafft-Ebing published "Psychopathia Sexualis," which is one of the first books to describe and diagnose what were (erroneously) considered unusual sexual behaviors. It was also one of the first works to discuss male homosexuality, and introduced terms like masochism (deriving pleasure from one's own pain or humiliation) and sadism (deriving pleasure from others' consensual pain or humiliation). At the time, Freiherr von Krafft-Ebing saw sexual deviance as a mental illness that could be treated and cured, while we know now that its simply a normal and healthy expression of the infinite possibilities of human sexuality. RELATED: Exploring Different Kinds of Taboo Sex As a result of this history, however, people often think that being kinky means that there's something unhealthy going on psychologically, or that kinky people have trauma. It can get a little bit more confusing because plenty of kinky people do have trauma, and when done healthily, getting kinky can be a healthy (and fun) way to work through some of it. But that doesn't mean that they're always correlated. There are so many more people who have trauma who aren't kinky because, unfortunately, there's just a lot of trauma happening in the world, explains Dr. Pitagora. If someone is kinky and does have trauma, its good for them to engage in kink as long as they're aware of their limits and boundaries and play with partners who they trust (this all goes for kinky or non-kinky people who have trauma or don't have trauma). RELATED: How to Support a Partner Who Was Abused as a Child According to Dr. Pitagora, people working through their trauma can do kink scenes that confront or mirror an aspect of their trauma, as long as it's done with intention and the informed consent of the partner involved. Myth No. 3: Kink Is a 24/7 Lifestyle Kink is couture. You can design it to fit your body, schedule, and needs. For folks who engage in BDSM, or D/S (domination and submission), theres often a misconception that folks stay in these roles constantly. And its true that 24/7 agreements between partners do exist, but that doesnt mean thats what everyone does or even the majority. BDSM agreements can vary widely depending on the individuals involved and their preferences, explains Renye. Many BDSM dynamics are limited to specific scenes, sessions, or negotiated periods of time, allowing individuals to explore power dynamics within defined boundaries while maintaining autonomy outside of those parameters. RELATED: Best BDSM Toys for Getting a Little Kinky in the Bedroom Ultimately, both the structure and duration of any BDSM or kink agreements are decided by those involved. Myth No. 4: Being a Sub Means You Give Up All Your Power Within D/S dynamics, there is a dominant partner and a submissive partner. (Of course, those in non-monogamous relationships with more than one partner can enjoy more than one sub or dom(me).) Remember, kink is couture, but submissives, despite consensually relinquishing control in bed, do not give up their power. Nobody is really giving up power in the context of a power exchange, Dr. Pitagora says. Theres an exchange of power role dynamics that I like to think of as a synergetic power equilibrium among partners. Having said that, since the person assigned the submissive role can stop a scene for any reason at any time by withdrawing consent, calling a safe word, or just stopping, it can sometimes feel like they actually have more power than the person assuming the dominant role, Dr. Pitagora adds. Of course, the dominant partner can stop a scene, too, but in practice, its actually usually the submissive who calls those shots. Myth No. 5: BDSM Always Leads to More Intense Sex Acts Another myth that Dr. Pitagora encounters in their practice is that BDSM is similar to addiction, in that participants will always want to try something more extreme. This myth refers to the fear that if you start, you will need to escalate. For instance, one may be afraid that if theyre into spanking, next theyll escalate to choking, and before too long, theyll be desiring blood play. While theres nothing wrong with allowing your kink palate to expand, this isnt something one should be truly concerned about. Again, there is no reported evidence of this phenomenon; in fact, many report reaching a plateau during exploration that varies according to the individual, Dr. Pitagora says. Only in the case of those who prioritize novelty will it seem like exploration is escalating in intensity, but not necessarily, and intensity is relative and subjective. RELATED: Your Guide to Having Fun & Consensual Rough Sex With those kink myths out of the way, go ahead and make green/yellow/red lists, establish a safe word, and get an aftercare plan in place. You Might Also Dig: The pond and waterfall at Mystic Lake Park are visible and provide fishing opportunities along Cochran's Crossing Drive near Research Forest Drive. The Woodlands offers dozens of sites to fish across lakes and ponds in the township. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer A catfish is weighed during the annual The Woodlands Kiwanis Clubs kid fishing tournament at Creekwood Park in 2022. The Woodlands offers dozens of sites to fish across lakes and ponds in the township. Jason Fochtman, Houston Chronicle / Staff phaotographer Families fish at Creekwood Park during the annual The Woodlands Kiwanis Clubs kid fishing tournament in 2022. The Woodlands offers dozens of sites to fish across lakes and ponds in the township. Jason Fochtman, Houston Chronicle / Staff phaotographer Sammy Johnson puts a hook on a fishing pole during the annual The Woodlands Kiwanis Clubs kid fishing tournament at Creekwood Park in 2022. The Woodlands offers dozens of sites to fish across lakes and ponds in the township. Jason Fochtman, Houston Chronicle / Staff phaotographer The pond and waterfall at Mystic Lake Park are visible and provide fishing opportunities along Cochrans Crossing Drive near Research Forest Drive. The Woodlands offers dozens of sites to fish across lakes and ponds in the township. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer The Woodlands became the subject of yet another online ranking when it was named one of the top 10 fishing destinations for Memorial Day in the country by a fishing charter website this year. While it may seem that state parks and the Gulf Coast are more apt for fishing trips The Woodlands offers dozens of sites to fish across lakes and ponds in the township. In the mid-2010s, The Woodlands township began stocking 30 ponds per year with bass, catfish and carp, leading to a significant fishing boom. Here's what to know about fishing in The Woodlands: Advertisement Article continues below this ad Where can you fish? A quicker answer may come from the question, "Where can't you fish?" Fishing is available in most of The Woodlands' 70 lakes and ponds. Fishing is not allowed, however, on the upper section of The Woodlands Waterway and Lake Robbins, which is a protected area. Residents can still drop a line in portions of The Waterway from Riva Row Park West to Lake Woodlands. All fishing sites are catch-and-release, meaning fish must be returned to the water after removing the hook and taking pictures. Three of The Woodlands' larger bodies of water, including Lake Woodlands, Bear Branch Reservoir and Lake Paloma, are "catch and keep." Advertisement Article continues below this ad What fish are out there? The most commonly caught species on Lake Woodlands logged on Fishbrain include largemouth bass, American gizzard shad, crappie and catfish. Spotted bass, yellow bullhead and bluegill have also been hooked, according to the site. According to Richard Haag's Fishing in The Woodlands, all 40 bodies of water studied host various species of bream, including blue-gill and sunfish. All but Evergreen Pond, Marquise Oaks Pond and a few other unconfirmed spots host bass, and at least 10 are confirmed to have catfish. Crappie and gar have been recorded at Alden Bridge Pond, Bear Branch Reservoir, Bedias Lake, the Kuykendahl retention pond and Lake Woodlands. Pastoral and Wentwoods Ponds host crappie but not gar. Head to Bedias Lake or Lake Woodlands for bowfin and drum. The township's largest lake is home to even more adventurous finds, including yellow bass and carp. Advertisement Article continues below this ad For an even more unique experience, head to the waterfall-crested Mystic Lake for both yellow bass and koi. Cast a line at Venter Tech Pond for a chance to snag the colorful aquarium fish as well. Do you need a fishing license? Since almost all of The Woodlands' lakes and ponds are catch-and-release and on private waters, they do not require a fishing license. A license is required, however, on Bear Branch Reservoir and Lake Woodlands. Bear Branch Reservoir is the only body of water managed by the San Jacinto River Authority and monitored by game wardens. All catch-and-keep spots have bag limits specific to each species. Learn more about those here. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Fishing tournaments and events The Woodlands is host to a school of fishing tournaments, clubs and events each year. Kid-friendly fishing events include the Sterling Ridge Village Association's annual Fishing Festival for kids and Kiwanis Club's Kids' Fishing Tournament, both hosted in the spring. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Local organizations, Facebook groups and the township all host tournaments, and The Woodlands Township hosted its 17th annual Creekwood Fishing Derby in March. 26 May 2024 19:30 (UTC+04:00) By Farman Aydin, AZERNEWS Recently, the trend of increasing sympathy for Islam among the Christian community in Europe has begun to be a concern for some radical groups. Islam accepted naturally and freely in Europe and Western countries, makes a good impression on most people. Because Islam strongly condemns coercion, violence, and, most importantly, violations of human and women's rights. Unfortunately, Islamophobic, racist, and radical forces exist today, as always in history. Social networks promote Islamophobia in society every day in the posts of those radical anti-Islamists. With this, they exhibit their radical positions under the guise of Christianity and gather partners. Azerbaijan is also an Islamic country and at the same time, it is a home for nations from different religions. In particular, there have been no problems related to religious radicalism in the country. But the fact that radical religious groups attempted to riot in front of our diplomatic corps in London today suggests that the matter is somewhat different. Islamophobic and racist forces living in London held a gathering in front of the building of the Azerbaijani Embassy in London, located in Holland Park. Among the participants of the action was Stephen Christopher Yaxley-Lennon, known as an Islamophobic propagandist in Britain and one of the most famous right-wing activists in Great Britain, who was previously convicted. The radical Islamist criminal activist is also known as Tommy Robinson. Although he was banned from entering London for a long time, he did not step back from his biased position and took the initiative to hold illegal protests. However, certain reasons connecting Robinson with Azerbaijan have not gone unnoticed. If we take into account that Azerbaijan is the homeland of other religions, in addition to Islam, then the claim of a radical anti-Islamist activist like Tommy Robinson against Azerbaijan does not seem very realistic. What is real is the presence of Armenian flags in the action. It means that the Armenian lobby tried to get an opportunity from the processes that took place in London, and in order to take advantage of this, with the support of radical groups in London, they managed to hold an action in front of the Azerbaijani embassy in Great Britain. Although the movement did not cause serious consequences, it attracted the public's attention with unpleasant impressions. This meeting, which reflects both religion and anti-Azerbaijani spirit, is undoubtedly one of the goals of the Armenian lobby organization against Azerbaijan. Despite all the efforts, the hopes of the radical brains have failed this time. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 26 May 2024 20:00 (UTC+04:00) In January-March, Azerbaijan has imported 224.2 tons of hazelnuts from Kyrgyzstan, Azernews reports with reference to the Kyrgyzstan National Statistical Committee of Kyrgyzstan. In total, during the reporting period, Kyrgyzstan exported 13.5 thousand tons of hazelnuts, which is 3.4 times more than during the same period in 2023. The main importers of hazelnuts from Kyrgyzstan in the first quarter were Russia (4.8 thousand tons), Uzbekistan (2.5 thousand tons) and China (2.1 thousand tons). --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 26 May 2024 18:20 (UTC+04:00) Azercell-hosted GSMA M360 Eurasia 2024 concluded in Baku. The GSMA M360 Eurasia conference, organized by GSMA with the support of the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of the Republic of Azerbaijan and hosted by "Azercell Telecom" LLC, concluded successfully. The event attracted regional and international experts in telecommunications and digital technologies, as well as representatives of regional regulatory bodies. During the conference, the management teams of Azercell and GSMA held strategic discussions, focusing on the priority areas and future frameworks of their partnership. ne of the key topics on the agenda was the integration of AI in telecom and exploring opportunities for collaboration in this sector. The organizations also discussed the details of new cooperative programs that will further strengthen their partnership. Thus, as part of the new agreement, Azercell employees will participate in specialized training programs developed by GSMA for mobile operators. These training initiatives will facilitate the successful adaptation of Azercell's workforce to the evolving job market and contribute to enhancing the companys human capital. The M360 conference also served as an effective platform for discussing ongoing cooperation in addressing climate change within the industry. Thus, Azercell joined GSMA's climate action task group within COP29 and is committed to advancing the mobile industry towards achieving net zero carbon emissions. It is worth mentioning that Azercell has been actively participating in GSMA's Climate Action Taskforce since December of last year, highlighting its dedication to environmental sustainability. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Made in Azerbaijan brand has showcased its products at Saudi Food Show 2024 international food exhibition, Azernews reports. A total of 20 Azerbaijani companies displayed their products at the Made in Azerbaijan stand organized with the support of the Azerbaijan Ministry of Economy and the Export and Investment Promotion Agency ( AZPROMO). The Azerbaijani stand demonstrated natural honey, confectionery, tea, caviar, various carbonated drinks, ice creams, fruits and vegetables and other products manufactured in the country. Local products, such as black caviar, fruits and vegetables, confectionery and non-alcoholic beverages aroused great interest among potential importers. The exhibition also featured meetings between local and foreign entrepreneurs. Over 1000 exhibitors from 97 countries, including Turkiye, the U.S., Poland, Switzerland, France, Korea, Spain, Pakistan, Brazil, Malaysia, Qatar, Iraq and Cambodia also presented their stands at Saudi Food Show 2024. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 26 May 2024 10:20 (UTC+04:00) An Azerbaijani delegation led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Fariz Rzayev has met with Egypt's Minister of International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat in Cairo, Azernews reports. The sides discussed the ties between the two countries in the fields of digital development, transport, investment promotion, renewable energy, oil, healthcare, industry and construction. Egyptian Minister Rania Al-Mashat stressed that the meeting of Abdul Fattah Al-Sisi with his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev during his visit to Baku in January last year, as well as the signed documents opened up new opportunities for further development of cooperation. During the meeting, the sides explored the preparation for the next meeting of the Joint Commission on Intergovernmental economic, technical and scientific cooperation between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Arab Republic of Egypt. They also exchanged views on setting up of the Egyptian-Azerbaijani Business Council, cooperation in the realms of trade, investment, pharmaceuticals, aviation and maritime transport. The meeting also focused on an active participation of Egypt, who has successfully hosted the COP27, in the COP29 climate conference to be held in Azerbaijan this November. The Egyptian side underlined that discussions on climate finance, which took centre stage at climate talks in Cairo and then in Dubai, will be continued in Baku, adding that Egypt will share its experience in this field with Azerbaijan. The Azerbaijani Ambassador to Egypt Elkhan Polukhov was also participated in the meeting. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 25 May 2024 18:29 (UTC+04:00) President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to President of Vietnam To Lam on the occasion of his election as president, Azernews reports. The letter reads as follows: Dear Mr. President, I sincerely congratulate you on your election as the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The relations of friendship and cooperation between Azerbaijan and Vietnam have good traditions. We attach great importance to the comprehensive development of these relations, which are built on solid foundations. I believe that we will make joint efforts to further expand Azerbaijan-Vietnam relations for the benefit of our friendly peoples, and to successfully continue our cooperation based on mutual respect and support, both bilaterally and multilaterally. I wish you robust health, happiness, and success in your upcoming presidential activities for the prosperity of the friendly people of Vietnam. Sincerely, Ilham Aliyev President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Baku, 25 May 2024 --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz A large number of Russian experts have entered North Korea to support its spy satellite launch efforts, and Pyongyang has staged more engine tests than expected to likely meet their "high" standards, a senior South Korean defense official said Sunday. Speculation has persisted over the timing of the North's highly anticipated launch as it vowed last December to place three more military spy satellites in orbit this year, a month after successfully launching its first one. On Friday, South Korea's military said it had detected apparent signs of preparations for a new launch after previously stating that there were no indications of an imminent one. "North Korea has very carefully conducted (rocket) engine tests much more than expected," the official told Yonhap News Agency. "Looking at North Korea's activities last year, it should have already staged a (launch)." The November launch of the Malligyong-1 satellite took place after two failed attempts in May and August, respectively. The official said many Russian technicians have entered North Korea after Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged to support the North's satellite program last year, and they likely have "high" standards, prompting the delay. "North Korea might have been brave enough to stage launches when it didn't know much, but the (Russian) experts likely told them not to," the official said. Last September, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un met Putin for a summit at a spaceport in Russia's Far East, where the Russian leader said he would help the North build satellites. Compared to last year, North Korea likely faces more pressure to stage a successful launch for its next attempt, the official said, with both the space rocket and the satellite said to have issues. The North's three-stage space rocket is said to have problems in its second and third stage engines, and the tests could be aimed at addressing the issues, and possibly lead to improvements to the North's engines. Meanwhile, South Korea's Defense Minister Shin Won-sik told reporters in February that the Malligyong-1 appears to be orbiting Earth without activity, suggesting the satellite is not functioning properly. The South's military has recently strengthened monitoring of Tongchang-ri in the North's northwestern coast, where its satellite launch site is located, after detecting signs of launch preparations. Equipment used to measure and assess the launch trajectory of a space rocket is said to have been detected at the site, indicating that the North's launch could take place soon. The suspected preparations come ahead of major diplomatic events involving South Korea, raising concern the North may time the launch to coincide with one of them to maximize its political impact. The leaders of South Korea, China and Japan will meet for a trilateral summit in Seoul on Monday, while the defense chiefs of South Korea, the United States and Japan will hold trilateral talks during a security forum in Singapore set to take place from May 31-June 2. South Korea, the United States and others have condemned the North's space rocket launches, calling them violations of U.N. Security Council resolutions banning it from any launches using ballistic missile technology. (Yonhap) 26 May 2024 10:00 (UTC+04:00) As part of the working visit to Berlin, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, founder and head of the IDEA Public Union Leyla Aliyeva has attended an event titled "Back to Nature: Revival of bison population in Azerbaijan", Azernews reports. The event was organized ahead of the International Biodiversity Day by the IDEA PU at the Azerbaijan Culture Center. In their remarks, Leyla Aliyeva, Director of the Berlin Zoo Andreas Knieriem,Head of nature conservation department of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) in Germany Kathrin Samson emphasized the importance of the event and the progress made in reviving and increasing the bison population in Azerbaijan. Leyla Aliyeva also held meetings with Andreas Knieriem, Kathrin Samson as well as Founder of the Succow Foundation Michael Succow and Head of the Zoology and Veterinary Department of the Lisbon Zoo Rui Bernardino. The sides exchanged views on cooperation in nature protection, conservation, and wildlife revival. The visit also saw the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Baku and Berlin Zoos. The document envisages the exchange of experience, knowledge and information, as well as joint training sessions for zoo personnel. Since 2012, the IDEA Public Union, the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Azerbaijan office have been intensively working together for the reintroduction of bison into the wild in Azerbaijan. The current number of bison in the Shahdag National Park has reached 61. Founded in 2011 by the Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva, IDEA Public Union aims at promoting public awareness on environmental issues, the education of environmental problems and finding proper solutions for them. The union successfully collaborates with young people and calls upon each individual to care about the environment and to contribute to ongoing efforts against ecological problems. Since 2014, annually, IDEA Public Union organizes camps on the theme of environmental protection and expansion of biodiversity. Over these years, schoolchildren from Ismayilli, Salyan, Neftchala, Goranboy, Samukh, Gakh, Shaki, Masalli, Jalilabad, Yardimli, Lankaran, Astara, Goygol, Lerik and other regions took part in the camps. ---- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @lmntypewriterrr Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 26 May 2024 14:00 (UTC+04:00) A reception has been organized at the Rixos Marine Hotel in Abu Dhabi to mark Azerbaijan Independence Day (May 28), Azernews reports. The event, jointly organized by the Azerbaijani Embassy in the United Arab Emirates and the Consulate General of Azerbaijan in Dubai, was attended by the UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail Mohammed Faraj Al Mazroui as an honored guest. The Azerbaijani Ambassador to the UAE Elchin Bagirov, who spoke at the event, welcomed the UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail Mohammed Faraj Al Mazroui, heads and representatives of diplomatic missions of various countries, representatives of the local public and the Azerbaijani Diaspora. In his speech, the ambassador spoke about the history of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic - the first democratic republic in the Muslim East. He emphasized that the country, which restored state independence after the collapse of the USSR, retained its sovereignty thanks to the wise policy of the national leader of the Azerbaijani people, Heydar Aliyev, and became the most rapidly developing and internationally influential member of the world community. According to Elchin Bagirov, great successes have been achieved as a result of the efforts of the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, who continues the wise policy of the great leader Heydar Aliyev. Under his leadership, the glorious Azerbaijani army liberated the lands that had been under Armenian occupation for almost 30 years, and the territorial integrity of the country was ensured. He added that today large-scale restoration work is being carried out in these territories, and Azerbaijan continues to make efforts to achieve sustainable peace in the South Caucasus region. In his speech, the ambassador also focused on the importance of the COP29 climate conference, which will be held in Baku in November this year. The State Flag of Azerbaijan was installed on the hotel building where the event took place. At the end of the event, Azerbaijani art masters performed a concert program, after which the guests were offered a variety of national cuisine. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 26 May 2024 11:14 (UTC+04:00) President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze on the occasion of Georgia's Independence Day, Azernews reports. The letter reads as follows: Dear Mr. Prime Minister, On behalf of myself and the people of Azerbaijan, I extend my sincerest congratulations to you and all your people on the occasion of the national day of our friendly country, Georgia Independence Day. The relations between Azerbaijan and Georgia stem from the unshakable will and intentions of our friendly peoples, who have lived in a spirit of good neighborliness and mutual understanding for centuries. It is gratifying that our interstate relations have gained new momentum today, and that our partnership, based on mutual trust and support, has successfully developed and been enriched with new content. The transportation, energy, and other infrastructure projects of strategic importance, which we are jointly implementing, not only serve the interests of our peoples but also play a significant role in the broader region Eurasia, creating invaluable opportunities. I am confident that we will successfully continue our joint efforts to expand Azerbaijan-Georgia relations in all areas, realize our joint initiatives, and deepen our mutually beneficial cooperation and strategic partnership for the welfare of our peoples and the stability and security of our region On this festive day, I wish you strong health and success in your endeavors, and the friendly people of Georgia everlasting peace and prosperity. Sincerely, Ilham Aliyev President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Baku, 23 May 2024 --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 26 May 2024 11:50 (UTC+04:00) King of Morocco Mohammed VI has sent a letter of congratulations to the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of May 28 - Azerbaijan Independence Day, Azernews reports. The letter reads as follows: His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Excellency, My Dear Brother, As the Republic of Azerbaijan celebrates its National Day, it gives me great pleasure to send you, on my own behalf and on behalf of the Moroccan people, our warmest congratulations, along with our best wishes for good health and happiness. I also wish your people further progress and prosperity under your wise leadership. I would like to take this opportunity to express how much I value the special relations rooted in close friendship between our countries. I know Your Excellency is as keen as I am to broaden and diversify our ties in all sectors for the mutual benefit of our peoples. Yours sincerely, Mohammed VI King of Morocco --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 26 May 2024 12:21 (UTC+04:00) President of Mongolia Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh has congratulated President Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of Azerbaijan Independence Day, Azernews reports. The letter reads as follows: His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Your Excellency, Mr. President, On the occasion of the National Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan, I wish to extend my sincere greetings to you and, through you, to the friendly people of Azerbaijan. I am delighted to note that the traditionally friendly relations and cooperation between Mongolia and Azerbaijan have been steadily broadening. Taking this opportunity, I wish to offer our sincere congratulations and success for the hosting of the 29th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UNFCCC in Baku this year. Your Excellency, you may be assured of the Mongolias contribution to the conference. I wish you, Your Excellency, Mr. President, and your family good health and well-being, and prosperity to the friendly people of Azerbaijan. Yours sincerely, Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh President of Mongolia --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 26 May 2024 13:23 (UTC+04:00) President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa has congratulated President Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of Azerbaijan Independence Day, Azernews reports. The letter reads as follows: His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Excellency, On the auspicious occasion of the celebration of the Independence Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan on May 28, the Government and people of the Republic of South Africa join me in conveying to Your Excellency, the Government, and people of the Republic of Azerbaijan, our warmest greetings and sincere congratulations. May I take this opportunity to express the wish for Your Excellencys good health and also reaffirm our desire to further enhance and consolidate the excellent bond of friendship that exists between our countries. Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration. Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa President of the Republic of South Africa --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 26 May 2024 17:50 (UTC+04:00) Naval Forces' military unit has held Open Doors Day on the eve of Azerbaijan Independence Day ( May 28), Azernews reports citing the Defense Ministry. First, flowers were laid in front of the monument erected in the military units territory in memory of the Shehids, and tribute was paid to their memory. At the event, attended by representatives of the Ministry of Defense and the public, media representatives, Shehids families and relatives of servicemen, the memory of the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev, and the Shehids, who sacrificed their lives for the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, was honored with observing a minute of silence. The National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan was performed. Congratulations of the Minister of Defense and other senior officials of the Ministry were conveyed to the military units personnel. It was noted that the Azerbaijan Army is becoming stronger and its combat readiness is increasing daily under the leadership of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Mr. Ilham Aliyev. It was also emphasized that the Army is consistently capable of defending the country's territorial integrity. The participants were provided with detailed information about the military units formation and combat path. It was noted that since its establishment, the military unit has constantly courageously fought in battles for the territorial integrity of our lands. Many servicemen of the military unit were awarded various orders and medals for the worthy fulfillment of the tasks set during the defense of the Motherland. Then the guests watched the exemplary performances of the marine special forces. The distinguished servicemen were awarded with honorary diplomas and valuable gifts. Following the completion of the official part, a festive table was organized for military personnel and guests with the participation of the military units command. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 26 May 2024 17:44 (UTC+04:00) King of Thailand Maha Vajiralongkorn has congratulated President Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of Azerbaijan Independence Day, Azernews reports. The letter reads as follows: His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan On the occasion of the Independence Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan, allow me to extend my cordial congratulations and best wishes for the good health and happiness of Your Excellency, as well as for the peace, progress, and prosperity of the Republic of Azerbaijan and its people. Thailand and the Republic of Azerbaijan have enjoyed a fast-growing relationship in multiple areas of common endeavor. I am confident that, with our shared commitment and mutual support, we will continue working closely together to seek more opportunities to strengthen and expand our cooperation in trade, tourism, education, and clean energy, thereby yielding greater benefits for our countries and peoples. Sincerely, Maha Vajiralongkorn King of Thailand --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 26 May 2024 09:00 (UTC+04:00) By Farman Aydin, AZERNEWS The Kanaks, the indigenous people of New Caledonia, have been continuing to fight against French colonialism for almost two centuries. Having been always under pressure, the local people, who were oppressed and suffered from the cruelty and barbarity of colonialism could not defend their rights. And now, having been fed up with the injustice of Macron's policy peaceful people hold protests in France and all over the world today. A couple of weeks ago, against the backdrop of the protests that took place on the French-ruled island, the French government pointed to Azerbaijan as a center of condemnation. Macron's administration, with its erroneous domestic and foreign policy parameters, claimed that Azerbaijan was behind the New Caledonian people's attempt to protest against oppression. Such a ridiculous claim can only be attributed to political figures with strong anti-Azerbaijan sentiment in France who cannot manage power properly. However, instead of taking the right step and appeasing the local people, France, on the contrary, is trying to damage the political relations with Azerbaijan, the leading state of the South Caucasus. It is no coincidence that protests for the liberation of New Caledonia from French oppression continue today - right in the heart of the French capital city. Well, a demonstration of support for the participants of the 13-day independence movement in New Caledonia was held in Paris, the capital of France. According to Azernews, hundreds of people gathered at the Bastille Square and expressed their support for the Kanaks, the local population of New Caledonia. Demonstrators advanced towards the Opera Square. "Long live the struggle of the Kanak people!", "Independence of New Caledonia", "Solidarity with the Kanak people!", "Time for colonialism is over: independence for the Kanaks" posters were raised in the march. The organizer of the action was the Committee of Solidarity with the Kanak people. The participants condemned French President Emmanuel Macron's policy regarding New Caledonia, including the reforms applied to him in municipal elections. It should be noted that the protests in New Caledonia started on May 13. Locals are unhappy with a proposed amendment to the constitution that would give French residents who have lived on the island for more than 10 years broad voting rights in provincial elections. Protesters have repeatedly emphasized the inadmissibility of the French government changing the legislation without taking into account the opinions of the local population, saying that this is against the Noumea agreement signed in 1998 between France and New Caledonia. French President Emmanuel Macron, who visited the island, said that 3,000 policemen, 130 members of the special gendarmerie, as well as armored vehicles and helicopters will remain on the island to maintain order. Noumea International Airport will remain closed until May 28. But why are the waves of protest growing in France? One of the main reasons for this is France's inability to change its outdated and embarrassing policies. Colonialism is already two centuries behind. Although the world is entering an era where it wants to see democracy, France is still unable to move on from the mood of the 1800s. On the other hand, Makron's inability to solve internal problems is beginning to reveal his flaws more and more in the face of rapidly changing times. The Macron administration can no longer hide anything, and the waves of protest against it are spreading beyond the borders of France. One of the most serious mistakes of the French government is its anti-Azerbaijani position in parallel with its pro-Armenian policy. By pursuing such a policy, Macron lowers his reputation and destroys his future political career. However, by abandoning such a position, France could contribute more to the processes in the South Caucasus. Nevertheless, Armenia turned out to be smarter than France, and despite all the influences, today Yerevan and Baku can jointly solve regional issues. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 26 May 2024 21:40 (UTC+04:00) U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is expected to meet with his Chinese counterpart, Admiral Dong Jun, at a major defense conference in Singapore next week, Azernews reports citing AP News. It will be the first meeting between the two defense leaders following a phone call in April. It comes as the U.S. and China have gradually worked to warm relations, which had been largely frozen since a controversial visit to Taiwan by former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in 2022 resulted in China temporarily stopping most military-to-military communications. The announcement came shortly before the Pentagon said Austin would undergo a medical procedure at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Friday evening and transfer power temporarily to his deputy. Austin is dealing with bladder issues that arose in December following his treatment for prostate cancer. Later Friday, the Pentagon said the procedure was successful and Austin had resumed duty and returned home. No changes in his official schedule are anticipated at this time, to include his participation in scheduled Memorial Day events, Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said. Austin and Dong, Chinas minister of national defense, are expected to meet during the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore next week, an annual meeting of defense ministers and government officials from more than 50 countries. The meeting also comes, however, as China has engaged in aggressive military drills around Taiwan, resulting in Taiwan scrambling jets and putting missile, naval and land units on alert Thursday. China launched the exercises after the islands new president, Lai Ching-te, was inaugurated and delivered a speech asking Beijing to cease its intimidation against the island but face the reality of its existence. Beijing rejected his remarks as advocating for separatism and launched the military drills. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and vows to seize it by force if necessary to achieve unification. The U.S. is obligated under federal law to ensure the island can defend itself. In the wake of those exercises, the U.S. has cautioned China not to use Taiwans political transition as a pretext or excuse for provocative or coercive measures, a defense official said. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity to provide details that had not been made public. The two governments began to engage each other more after President Biden hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping in November in California and stressed the need to keep communications open. Dong is a former naval commander who was appointed in late December after his predecessor, Li Shangfu, was removed from office. Dong spoke with Austin by phone in April over issues including the war in Ukraine, freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, Taiwan and North Korea. Austin last met a Chinese defense minister in November 2022, when he and Wei Fenghe, then Chinas defense minister, were in Cambodia for a regional defense minister meeting. No U.S. defense secretary has visited China since Jim Mattis visited in 2018. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz North Korea threatened Sunday to take action against South Korea over what it claims is violations of the de facto western maritime border, ratcheting up tensions ahead of a trilateral summit in Seoul. North Korea's supreme military leadership instructed its army on Friday to take offensive action against the encroachment upon its sovereignty, North Korea's Vice Defense Minister Kim Kang-il said, according to the country's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). "We officially warn that we can never tolerate such continued encroachment on our maritime sovereignty and that we may exercise our self-defensive power on or under the water at any moment," Kim said in a statement carried by the KCNA. The statement came hours before South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol will have back-to-back bilateral talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the presidential office. The three leaders will hold a trilateral summit on Monday. It marks the first three-way summit among the Asian countries since December 2019, after a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic and strained Seoul-Tokyo relations over historical disputes. Tension remains high along the Northern Limit Line (NLL) in the Yellow Sea, the de facto maritime border. North Korea has never recognized the NLL, demanding that it be re-drawn further south. Waters near the NLL have been a flashpoint between the two Koreas, where three bloody naval skirmishes took place in 1999, 2002 and 2009. In March 2010, Pyongyang torpedoed a South Korean warship near the sea border, killing 46 sailors on board. In November that year, the North bombarded the South's border island of Yeonpyeong, killing two civilians and two Marines. North Korea also accused South Korea and the United States of intensifying their hostile aerial espionage as it vowed to scatter "mounds of wastepaper and filth" over the inter-Korean border areas in retaliation against anti-Pyongyang leaflets. For years, North Korean defectors in South Korea and conservative activists have sent balloons carrying leaflets critical of the North's leader Kim Jong-un into North Korea. Pyongyang has bristled at the propaganda campaign amid concern that an influx of outside information could pose a threat to the Kim regime. North Korea blew up the joint liaison office in the now-shuttered inter-Korean factory park in the North Korean border city of Kaesong in 2020 in anger over Seoul's failure to stop North Korean defectors from sending anti-Pyongyang leaflets across the border. (Yonhap) 26 May 2024 23:00 (UTC+04:00) Chris Hemsworth received his Hollywood Walk of Fame star today. Instead of carrying a hammer like his multi-film character, Thor, he received a good-natured hammering from his Avengers film colleagues, Azernews reports citing Deadline. Robert Downey Jr., who played Iron Man in the films, was in-person at the unveiling. But before jetting in, he surveyed the rest of the super-hero team for their reactions to the moment. I reached out to his fellow Avengers to distill to three simple describing words, What is Chris Hemsworth?' Downey said to the assembled. First off, [Jeremy] Renner says, Absurdly annoyingly amazing. [Mark] Ruffalo came in strong with, Friend from work.' Scarlett [Johansson] got to the heart of it with, Sensitive leading lady.' But Chris Evans came in with the ultimate zinger. Captain America calls him, Second best Chris,' Downey said. For Downeys own three words, he was sentimental: Hollywood star recipient. The two actors then shared a hug as Hemsworth thanked him. -- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Crook County has become the thirteenth county in rural Oregon to vote in favor of leaving liberal Oregon and joining conservative Idaho. The referendum was part of the Greater idaho Movement which asserts that rural eastern and central Oregon counties have more in common with Idaho than with Oregon, objecting to the very "woke" policies supported by the counties closer to the Pacific coast and then forced on the rural counties. The Idaho state house has passed a resolution welcoming the move to bring these counties into Idaho. https://www.zerohedge.com/political/13th-oregon-county-votes-secede-and-join-greater-idaho https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13452561/Divided-states-America-Oregon-Louisiana-campaigns-secession-taking-place-local-state-levels-succeeding.html https://greateridaho.org/ There are also counties in Washington state and California seeking to join Idaho In nearby westen Canada, a similar secession movement is afoot, the Wexit (western exit) movement, which seeks the secession of Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatcewan, and British Columbia from Canada to form a new nation. The movement is particularly strong in oil rich Alberta which last year passed the Alberta Sovereignty Act which allows the provincial government to nullify federal Canadian laws within the province and also allows local governments within Alberta to nullify federal laws within their territory. There are other secession movements afoot in the USA, as pointed out by the UK's Daily Mail, although they missed the one in Alaska, which has a registered Alaksa Independence Party: Conservative candidates did very well in legslative primaries in Idaho and Kentucky, as Texas conservatives are ready to finish the job in primary runoffs for legislative seats there on Tuesday. Texas also has a key runoff for Congress between conservatives and the establishment GOP. The legislative battle in Texas began when a group of establishment GOP state house members led by the House speaker voted against Governor Abbot's school choice bill and the governor targeted them for replacement in the primaries. National conservative groups joined in backing the conservative challengers, as some establishment national groups backed the incumbents. Many of the renegades fell to the governor's candidates in the first round and most of the rest were forced into runoffs. Among the eight forced into a runoff was RINO State House Speaker Dade Phelan, who finished second behind a conservative challenger. Only one more seat needs to be flipped to get a majority for school choice. In Kentucky, while the establishment went after staunch conservative Congressman Thomas Massie in his primary, Massie himself endorsed a list of eight staunch conservatives in state legislative primaries against establishment candidates. Massie won his own race in a landslide and all eight of his endorsed legislative canddidates won. Massie is expected to run for Kentucky's US Senate seat now held by Mitch McConnell when McConnell leaves. In Idaho, the conservative Citizens Allilance of Idaho saw all 36 of their candidates in contested primaries win state legislative nominations. Now it is up to Texas to finish the job. Governor Abbot has stepped up the pace campaigning for his candidates who are supporting school choice in what has become Texas' most expensive legislative runoff season. In addition, an establishment congressman who has been censured by the Texas Republican Party for voting on key policy issues with the Democrats, Tony Gonzales, faces a runoff with a conservative challenger, Brandon Herrera, a gun manufacturer and political newcomer. The other candidate in the first round ran to Gonzalez's right and did not make the runoff. His votes are expected to go to Herrera. https://bigleaguepolitics.com/citizens-alliance-of-idaho-dominates-in-may-primaries/ https://bigleaguepolitics.com/liberty-candidate-tj-roberts-crushes-ed-massey-after-heated-primary/ By: Mark Alexander in the Patriot Post writes: There are four national days each year when I have both the pleasure and privilege of dedicating columns to the military service of American Patriots: National Medal of Honor Day (March 25), Armed Forces Day (third Saturday in May), Memorial Day (last Monday in May), and Veterans Day (November 11). Much as is the case with researching and writing our Profiles of Valor each week, I look forward to these four columns as a break from the rigors of political and cultural analysis. It is a blessing to focus on the goodness of American Patriots who have served all of us with honor and distinction, many at mortal risk to their own lives. Memorial Day, as detailed in our tribute page, is reserved to honor those who have given their lives in the uniformed services of our nation those who died in combat defending their brothers in arms to sustain the Liberty we enjoy in accordance with their oaths to Support and Defend our Constitution. Unfortunately, there will be mixed messages this weekend, and we should call them what they are. One mixed message will be the presence of Joe Biden on hallowed ground, assuming he will be propped up to deliver some remarks at Arlington National Cemetery. His hollow words will be against a backdrop of administrative ineptitude. His record of undermining military morale and readiness, and the national security of our nation, is rivaled only by two former presidents in the last century: Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton. Another mixed message will be the saturation of consumers with Memorial Day Sales, disgracefully using the blood of our nations Patriot sons and daughters as fodder for profiteering. Fact is, as I wrote years ago, Memorial Day Is NOT on Sale. More than 1.3 million American Patriots have already paid the full price. And there are the mixed messages propagated by a handful of organizations that continue to dishonor our fallen by promoting high-profile hero receptions for service personnel who did not perish in combat or service-related accidents. After my recent profile of one such organization, a Marine combat pilot brought to our attention more recent instances of airport hero receptions for domestic non-combat deaths. While we grieve for any family who has suffered the loss of a loved one, the organizers and promoters of these receptions dishonor our combat fallen. We should not tolerate any debasement of the proper and profound observance of Memorial Day. In his essay The Contest in America, the 19th-century libertarian philosopher John Stuart Mill wrote, War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things; the decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks nothing worth a war is worse. A man who has nothing which he cares more about than he does about his personal safety is a miserable creature who has no chance at being free, unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself. It is that decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling that accounts for why so many miserable creatures have downgraded Memorial Day to nothing more than a date to exploit for political charades and commercial greed. Many Americans will be too preoccupied with celebrations to recognize the priceless burden borne by generations of our uniformed Patriots. Likewise, many politicos will use Memorial Day as a soapbox to feign Patriotism, while in reality, they constantly violate their oaths to support and defend our Constitution as affirmed by generations of military casualties. Those distractions notwithstanding, looking back over many years of Memorial Day observances, I re-read the farewell tribute to our friend, Medal of Honor recipient Leo Thorsness (Col. USAF/POW). His Medal citation profiles Leos valorous actions over Vietnam on 19 April 1967. Eleven days later, he was shot down and captured, becoming a POW for six brutal years. Leo was a past president of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, a rather exclusive group whose only membership requirement is a Medal of Honor. He was a lifelong faithful Patriot and genuine hero, a humble conservative advocate for family, faith, and freedom, and a strong supporter of the National Medal of Honor Heritage Center. He was the author of Surviving Hell, a remarkable testament to all Vietnam POWs and the brutality of their incarceration. His years as a POW overlapped with those of several other friends, including Col Roger Ingvalson and LtCol Bill Gauntt. He also wrote Mikes Flag, the preface to the childrens book Im Your Flag, sponsored by the Patriot Foundation Trust. Ahead of Memorial Day, its worth revisiting Leos preface: What do you think of when you see a little American flag in front of a grave marker? Let me tell you a story about one little flag. As a fighter pilot on my 93rd mission over North Vietnam, my F-105 was hit by an air-to-air missile and my Electronic Warfare Officer Harold Johnson and I were forced to eject. After unsuccessful rescue attempts, we were captured by enemy forces and imprisoned in the infamous Hanoi Hilton for the next six years. One day in our sixth year of imprisonment, a young Navy pilot named Mike Christian found a piece of cloth in a gutter. After we collected some other small rags, he worked secretly at night to piece them together into a flag. He made red from ground-up roof tiles and blue from tiny amounts of ink, then used rice glue to paste the colors onto the rags. Using thread from his blanket and a homemade bamboo needle, he sewed the pieces together, adding white fragments for stars. One morning he whispered from the back of our cell, Hey gang, look here, and proudly held up that tattered American flag, waving it as if in a breeze. We all snapped to attention and saluted with tears in our eyes. A week later, the guards were searching our cells and found Mikes flag and tore it to pieces. That night they pulled him out of the cell and, for his simple gesture of patriotism, they tortured him. At daylight they pushed what was left of Mike back through the cell door. Despite the torture, the next day Mike gathered the shredded remains of that little flag and pieced it back together. Today, whenever I see our flag, I think of Mike and the morning he first waved that tattered emblem of our great nation. It was then, thousands of miles from home, imprisoned by a brutal enemy, that he courageously demonstrated the liberty it represents, and that is what I see in every American flag. It is this same flag that drapes the coffins of American service personnel killed in action, and Veterans laid to rest. Fact is, there are tens of millions of genuine American Patriots who will properly honor all our fallen Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen who have refreshed the Tree of Liberty with their blood indeed with their lives so that we might remain the proud and the free. Since the opening salvos of the American Revolution, more than 1.3 million American Patriots have died in defense of Liberty. Additionally, 1.4 million have been wounded in combat, and tens of millions more have served honorably, surviving without physical wounds but many with wounds unseen. These numbers, of course, offer no reckoning of the inestimable value of their service or the sacrifices borne by their families, but we do know that the value of Liberty extended to their posterity to us is priceless. Who were these brave souls? On 12 May 1962, Gen. Douglas MacArthur addressed the cadets at the U.S. Military Academy, delivering his farewell speech, Duty, Honor, Country. He described the legions of uniformed American Patriots as follows: Their story is known to all of you. It is the story of the American man at arms. My estimate of him was formed on the battlefields many, many years ago and has never changed. I regarded him then, as I regard him now, as one of the worlds noblest figures not only as one of the finest military characters, but also as one of the most stainless. Gen. MacArthur continued: His name and fame are the birthright of every American citizen. In his youth and strength, his love and loyalty, he gave all that mortality can give. He needs no eulogy from me, or from any other man. He has written his own history and written it in red on his enemys breast. But when I think of his patience under adversity, of his courage under fire, and of his modesty in victory, I am filled with an emotion of admiration I cannot put into words. He belongs to history as furnishing one of the greatest examples of successful patriotism. He belongs to posterity as the instructor of future generations in the principles of liberty and freedom. He belongs to the present, to us, by his virtues and by his achievements. In twenty campaigns, on a hundred battlefields, around a thousand campfires, I have witnessed that enduring fortitude, that patriotic self-abnegation, and that invincible determination which have carved his statue in the hearts of his people. From one end of the world to the other, he has drained deep the chalice of courage. As I listened to those songs of the glee club, in memorys eye I could see those staggering columns of the First World War, bending under soggy packs on many a weary march, from dripping dusk to drizzling dawn, slogging ankle deep through mire of shell-pocked roads; to form grimly for the attack, blue-lipped, covered with sludge and mud, chilled by the wind and rain, driving home to their objective, and for many, to the judgment seat of God. I do not know the dignity of their birth, but I do know the glory of their death. They died unquestioning, uncomplaining, with faith in their hearts, and on their lips the hope that we would go on to victory. Always for them: Duty, Honor, Country. Always their blood, and sweat, and tears, as they saw the way and the light. Duty. Honor. Country. Hold fast to these foundational principles. On Memorial Day two decades later, Ronald Reagan offered these words in honor of Patriots interred at Arlington National Cemetery: I have no illusions about what little I can add now to the silent testimony of those who gave their lives willingly for their country. Words are even more feeble on this Memorial Day, for the sight before us is that of a strong and good nation that stands in silence and remembers those who were loved and who, in return, loved their countrymen enough to die for them. Yet, we must try to honor them not for their sakes alone, but for our own. And if words cannot repay the debt we owe these men, surely with our actions we must strive to keep faith with them and with the vision that led them to battle and to final sacrifice. President Reagan continued: Our first obligation to them and ourselves is plain enough: The United States and the freedom for which it stands, the freedom for which they died, must endure and prosper. Their lives remind us that freedom is not bought cheaply. It has a cost; it imposes a burden. And just as they whom we commemorate were willing to sacrifice, so too must we in a less final, less heroic way be willing to give of ourselves. The willingness of some to give their lives so that others might live never fails to evoke in us a sense of wonder and mystery. One gets that feeling here on this hallowed ground, and I have known that same poignant feeling as I looked out across the rows of white crosses and Stars of David in Europe, in the Philippines, and the military cemeteries here in our own land. Each one marks the resting place of an American hero and, in my lifetime, the heroes of World War I, the Doughboys, the GIs of World War II or Korea or Vietnam. They span several generations of young Americans, all different and yet all alike, like the markers above their resting places, all alike in a truly meaningful way. As we honor their memory today, let us pledge that their lives, their sacrifices, their valor shall be justified and remembered for as long as God gives life to this nation. I cant claim to know the words of all the national anthems in the world, but I dont know of any other that ends with a question and a challenge as ours does: O! say does that Star-Spangled Banner yet wave, O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave? That is what we must all ask. American Patriots must all ask that question today and act accordingly. Thomas Jefferson offered this enduring advice to all generations of Patriots: Honor, justice, and humanity, forbid us tamely to surrender that freedom which we received from our gallant ancestors, and which our innocent posterity have a right to receive from us. We cannot endure the infamy and guilt of resigning succeeding generations to that wretchedness which inevitably awaits them if we basely entail hereditary bondage on them. We owe a great debt of gratitude to all those generations that have passed the Torch of Liberty to succeeding generations. In accordance, I humbly ask that each of you call upon all those around you to observe Memorial Day with reverence. In honor of American Patriots who have died in defense of our great nation, lower your flag to half-staff from sunrise to 1200 on Monday. (Read about proper flag etiquette and protocol.) Join us by observing a time of silence at 1500 (your local time) for remembrance and prayer. Offer a personal word of gratitude and comfort to any surviving family members you know who are grieving for a beloved warrior fallen in battle. Finally, as I contemplate the current state of national patriotism on this Memorial Day, to genuinely demonstrate gratitude to all those who gave the last full measure and paid the highest price to sustain American Liberty: Strive to be, first and foremost, American citizens worthy of their sacrifice. On this Memorial Day and every day of the year, may God bless our men and women in uniform who have stood and continue to stand in harms way. More than 41 million Veterans have served our nation since the American Revolution. For their steadfast devotion to duty, honor, and country, we, the American people, offer them and their families our humble gratitude and heartfelt thanks. It is with eternal gratitude that we remember those who have paid the ultimate price in service to our nation. Greater love has no one than this, to lay down ones life for his friends. (John 15:13) (To help others understand the honorable context for Memorial Day, invite them to visit our Memorial Day tribute page.) Semper Vigilans Fortis Paratus et Fidelis Pro Deo et Libertate 1776 Hat tip to Carol Gunn for sending us this article. Bruno Tonioli, Simon Cowell, and Amanda Holden, the judges of Britains Got Talent. (Aaron Chown/PA) Simon Cowell and Amanda Holdens children have pushed the golden buzzer on Britains Got Talent as the auditions for the series come to an end. The ITV talent show returned on Sunday, with judges Cowell, Holden, Alesha Dixon and Bruno Tonioli, and presenters Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly and the last few hopefuls for the semi-final week were revealed. During the episode, Japanese skipping dancers Haribow, who somersaulted across the stage doing various tricks, left the judges almost speechless. They received a standing ovation from the audience and numerous pleas for a golden buzzer, which would put them straight through to the semi-finals and are generally used only by the judges and hosts, from the BGT fans. Amanda Holden with her two daughters, Alexa Louise Florence Hughes (left) and Hollie Rose Hughes. (Isabel Infantes/PA) Dixon said she had none left regarding the buzzers along with Tonioli, while Cowell said that he did not know what to say. My son is literally going crazy right now, Cowell added. His son Eric, who he shares with wife Lauren Silverman, then went over and pushed the buzzer along with Holdens daughter Hollie, who she shares with record producer husband Chris Hughes. They pressed it for the audience, Holden said before calling the dancers unbelievable. Congratulating the dance troupe, Donnelly told them: Thats never happened before. Simon Cowell and Lauren Silverman along with their children Eric and Adam. (John Walton/PA) Elsewhere, actor and comedian Dave Bibby also claimed he was trying to break a record by having custard pies thrown at him by McPartlin and Donnelly. However, it had actually been a prank so that Cowell could throw custard pies at the Geordie presenting duo, who have previously played tricks on him. Dave you had us, Donnelly said. Also making into the next stage was an ensemble of women and a few men called Midlife Movers, who strutted their stuff to Relight My Fire, a nine-year-old magician, called Ella Rose, from Tamworth, and recorder player Richard Lindesay, 45. Also receiving praise from the judges was Leightonjay Halliday, 23, a dancer from Scottish village Douglas, who used a small pool while expressing the vocals of Kodi Lees Change and ending up completely soaked. Dixon said that even if we took away the water the dance would got through to the next stage, while Cowell said Americas Got Talent star Lee would be so blown away when I call him and say someone has just done the most unbelievable audition to your song'. Anthony McPartlin (left) and Declan Donnelly. (Jonathan Brady/PA) American sword swallower Heather Holliday, 38, demonstrated putting a long blade into her mouth along with eight swords all at once, while turning around the stage and was given a standing ovation by some in the audiences and judges. Cowell told Heather, wearing a gold dress, that she had a star glow around you and called her act unbelievable. Heather and Leightonjay were both able to progress on the show. Not making another round was the Radetzky Quartet from the Netherlands who played their instruments while engaging in slapstick comedy. Britains Got Talent returns for the live semi-final on Monday at 8pm. How powerhouses Mary McAleese and Mary Kennedy joined forces to add podcast host to their CVs Already celebrated in a number of fields, Mary Kennedy and Mary McAleese can now add podcast host to their already-glittering CVs. But how did these two powerhouses first come together? Behind the scenes with Mary Kennedy and Mary McAleese Bairbre Power Sun 26 May 2024 at 20:15 The two Marys, Mary Kennedy and Mary McAleese, have been in the public eye for decades. But they still have the power to surprise both publicly, with the launch of their joint podcast earlier this year, and in one-on-one conversation. DUP interim leader Gavin Robinson speaking to the media during a press conference at a Sure Start centre in east Belfast (Liam McBurney/PA) The DUP would be willing to stand aside in Fermanagh-South Tyrone for a non-party pro-union candidate, interim leader Gavin Robinson has said. There were phone calls between unionist leaders on Friday evening around the potential of an agreed candidate for the seat which Sinn Fein won by just 57 votes at the last general election in 2019. On Sunday TUV leader Jim Allister said he would back a non-party candidate who could embrace the support of all unionists. Later Mr Robinson said in a statement that the DUP would stand aside for a non-party pro-union candidate. UUP leader Doug Beattie previously indicated he is not in favour of unionist electoral pacts, and said his party has already selected local councillor Dianne Armstrong to stand in Fermanagh-South Tyrone. Sinn Feins Michelle Gildernew (Dominic Lipinski/PA) Sinn Feins Michelle Gildernew narrowly defeated then agreed candidate, the former UUP leader, Tom Elliott in 2019. In the 2015 poll, Mr Elliott became the first unionist to hold the constituency since 2001, before Ms Gildernew won it back for Sinn Fein two years later. Ms Gildernew has ruled herself out of defending the seat because she is standing in the European elections for the Irish Midlands-North West constituency instead. Sinn Fein has not yet announced its candidate for Fermanagh South Tyrone. Last week, the DUP and the TUV announced they would not run candidates in the North Down constituency in favour of independent unionist Alex Easton who is challenging the incumbent Stephen Farry (Alliance), and where former military leader Tim Collins is the UUP candidate. TUV Leader Jim Allister (PA) Mr Robinson said his party believe in cooperation across the unionist family and maximising the pro-Union vote. Weve been speaking to all shades of unionism about more than one seat, he said. The DUP would step aside in Fermanagh-South Tyrone if there was a non-party pro-union candidate. We have not contested this seat in a Westminster election since 2005. Sinn Fein has held the seat for all but two of the last 23 years yet many across the constituency question what their absentee MP has delivered for the area. He added: The DUP can point to more than 15,000 homes now receiving fibre broadband in Fermanagh & South Tyrone due to funding delivered through our Westminster Confidence & Supply Agreement yet what has Sinn Fein delivered in 20 years? UUP Leader Doug Beattie (PA) Mr Beattie told the PA news agency on Sunday: The UUP came within 57 votes of beating Sinn Fein at the last Westminster election and therefore represent the best chance of returning an MP who will show up and represent constituents. Mr Allister told the BBCs Sunday Politics programme: I think the best idea would be a non-party candidate who could embrace the support of all unionists. If that can be achieved, well and good, but thats the vision and the mission at present. Whether or not it is obtainable remains to be seen because it only takes one of the three parties to say no. Mr Allister, has not indicated yet whether he will be standing in this General Election, also said his party will not support any candidates who back the Windsor Framework deal. The North Antrim MLA said decisions are being made around candidate selections for the TUV and are set to be announced within the next week. The TUV has also recently announced an electoral link-up with Reform UK. The Richard Tice-lead party did not have enough time to register to run in Northern Ireland constituencies, but has pledged to fully support TUV candidates in the campaign, including with financial backing. A teenage boy is in serious condition in hospital following an assault in west Belfast. The 15-year-old was beaten unconscious in Falls Park at around 9.20pm on Saturday after being attacked by a number of youths in the area. Police responded within a minute of receiving a report of the incident as it was happening. PSNI Inspector Roisin Brown said further altercations broke out among a large group of young people as officers administered first aid to the victim who was subsequently rushed to hospital. Further policing resources were deployed into the park and the young people eventually dispersed from the area, she added. Police are very aware of the ongoing issues in Falls Park and are committed to finding solutions for the whole community. "We want young people to gather and enjoy the park responsibly, however this type of violence is unacceptable. Local residents also have the right to feel safe where they live. Those who engage in anti-social behaviour and other forms of criminality are only hurting their own communities, and unfortunately sometimes themselves. I appeal to parents and guardians again to know where your young people are. Ms Brown described the environment police were working in as very hostile but promised that officers will continue to carry out additional patrols across west Belfast. "Anyone who witnesses anti-social or criminal behaviour to contact police on 101 so that we can respond, she said. We would also ask parents and guardians to speak to their young people and to know where they are to prevent them from engaging in behaviour which could result in injury or a criminal record. South Korea vows to address North Korea's cyberattacks as global issue South Korea vowed to address and raise awareness of North Korea's cybercriminal activities in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to educate other U.N. member countries about the disruptive impacts on their economies, as well as international security. This is the right move by the right player. Cyberattacks and their harmful impacts are the issues that need to be addressed promptly and properly by countries like South Korea. South Korea is one of the countries hit by the most cyberattacks in the world and therefore knows better than others how destructive the consequences of cyberattacks can be and why cybersecurity is significant. Hwang Joon-kook, South Korea's permanent representative to the United Nations, said that cyberattacks are a transnational issue that necessitates global debate. "Destruction of major infrastructure, private information theft and heists of virtual assets through cyberattacks are transborder problems and pose a serious security threat to all countries," he said during a press conference held in his New York office on Friday. He unveiled South Korea's plan to initiate an awareness campaign to address cyberattacks on the UNSC's agenda, as the country is set to assume the rotating presidency of the UNSC next month. Each member state holds the UNSC presidency in turn for one month, in accordance with the alphabetical order of their names. Technically speaking, there is not much South Korea can do about North Korea's cyberattacks with its one-month UNSC presidency. One month is too short to rally support from other U.N. member states to join efforts for drawing up concrete measures to fight illicit cyber activities. Despite time constraints, however, South Korea's pledge to raise awareness of cyberattacks at the UNSC is meaningful because some countries, including North Korea, have weaponized cyberattacks to disrupt their enemies and major infrastructure. As seen in the war in Ukraine and several other conflicts that have occurred in other parts of the world in the past decades, cyberwarfare is a critical part of military operations. In South Korea, cyberattacks have become part of everyday life even in peacetime. The worst part is that many entities, both in the public and private sectors, don't even know that they have been hacked even after their systems have been infiltrated. The culprit, most of the time, is North Korea. China and Russia are also responsible for malicious cyber operations in South Korea. Hackers affiliated with Russia's military launched cyberattacks during the opening ceremony of the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics. Chinese hackers, meanwhile, created and ran dozens of fake news sites ahead of the April 10 National Assembly elections to spread disinformation. On Friday, SBS reported that North Korean hackers launched a cyberattack on an unnamed polling agency in the South in February, weeks before the National Assembly elections. Using a stolen administrator's ID, they infiltrated the agency's system and tried in vain to steal sensitive information. The report came days after media reports about military brass' hacked emails. North Korea's cyberattacks are pervasive, going far beyond theft of sensitive information and disruptions to major facilities. Since the 2010s, North Korea has prioritized cyberattacks to earn cash through heists of virtual assets. The North, which is under layered sanctions, uses the money to sponsor its nuclear and missile programs. Cyberattacks help North Korea keep developing and upgrading its weapons of mass destruction, threatening international security. This financial incentive has motivated North Korean hackers to keep expanding their "business areas" into many other countries, helping the North earn an estimated $630 million in 2022. Although North Korea's cyberattacks have become a global threat, the international community's responses to prevent its malicious cyber operations have been slow, if not non-existent. There is a role South Korea can play to motivate the inactive international community to start holding North Korea accountable for its malicious cyberspace activities. During its one-month period holding the UNSC presidency, South Korea can share its experiences with other U.N. member states to educate them about the significant fallout of the North Korean cyberattacks the country has gone through and rally support from them to lay the groundwork for a global cybersecurity regime to better protect them from malicious cyber activities. Gilbert Clarke, who was born in Montego Bay, Jamaica, in 1925 and lied about his age to join the Royal Air Force in 1943 (Jordan Pettitt/PA) A Jamaican Second World War veteran has described lying about his age to join the Royal Air Force at 16 after reading newspaper reports of ships being sighted in the Caribbean. Gilbert Clarke, 98, who was born in Montego Bay, Jamaica, described feeling very excited when he joined the RAF as a mechanic and was then posted to South Virginia in the United States. Mr Clarke recalled feeling a sense of duty to help stop Hitler and rejoicing as he heard planes flying towards Europe on D-Day in 1944. He told the PA news agency that he lied about his age when he applied to join the war effort. Mr Clarke said: I had just left school at 16 and I thought why not?. In the newspapers and radio they said theyd sighted a few boats in the Caribbean so I thought Id join up. Mr Clarke, who now lives in London, went on to describe hearing planes flying towards Europe on D-Day (Jordan Pettitt/PA) Speaking at an event organised by the Spirit of Normandy Trust, Mr Clarke continued: Everyone was doing their bit, you know. It was important not to do nothing because Hitler there was word in the Caribbean saying any time he could be colonising the Caribbean and South America, and so we had to do something. Talking about the journey from Jamaica to the US, he said: In the Atlantic, many, many ships joined us and every now and again, the ships were torpedoed. Mr Clarke lied about his age to join the Royal Air Force in 1943 (Jordan Pettitt/PA) Mr Clarke, who now lives in London, went on to describe hearing planes flying towards Europe on D-Day. He recalled: It started with that noise you hear. It was the planes going towards Europe massive, massive planes. All the boys shouted Give them hell boys!, and then we thought that should be the end of the war, hopefully. I felt very happy because I thought now maybe the war was coming to an end. (PA Graphics) While based at British and American air bases, Mr Clarke fitted, serviced and repaired radar and other electronic equipment for planes including Hurricanes and Spitfires. Regarding the importance of commemorating the war and sharing memories with his fellow veterans, the former mechanic who will travel to Normandy for the 80th anniversary of D-Day on June 6 said: I am happy to associate with people like us in remembrance of the D-Day invasion. Most of us ex-veterans, we all die off. We are the last few left. Cancer Research UK recommends using a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and 4 or 5 stars, applied often (Alamy/PA) Melanoma skin cancer cases are at an all-time high, with 20,800 people expected to be diagnosed this year in the UK. Analysis by Cancer Research UK shows rates of melanoma have increased by almost a third over a decade, from 21 to 28 per 100,000 people between 2007-09 and 2017-19. Among those aged over 80, there was a 57% rise, while among those aged 25 to 49 there was a 7% increase. Cancer Research UK said around 17,000 melanoma cases every year are preventable, with almost nine in 10 caused by too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV from the sun can damage DNA in skin cells and cause skin cancer. The charity advises people spend time in the shade, especially between 11am and 3pm; cover up with clothes, a wide-brimmed hat, UV-protection sunglasses and a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and 4 or 5 stars, applied often. Cancer Research UKs chief executive, Michelle Mitchell, said: Survival from cancers including melanoma continues to improve, demonstrating the substantial progress made possible by research. But its vital that people try to reduce their risk of getting the disease in the first place. Make sure to take care in the sun and contact your GP if you notice any unusual changes to your skin whether a new or changing mole, a sore that doesnt heal, or an area of your skin that looks out of the ordinary. Spotting cancer early can make all the difference. According to the charity, younger people are more aware of the link between the sun and skin cancer than those who are older, who may have taken advantage of the cheap package holiday boom from the 1960s onwards. Other factors driving up cases include a growing and ageing population and improved awareness of the symptoms of skin cancer. Figures show, however, that more people are surviving melanoma, with deaths expected to continue to fall. Almost nine in 10 adults diagnosed with melanoma in England will now survive their disease for a decade or more. Dr Claire Knight, senior health information manager at Cancer Research UK, said: Getting sunburnt just once every two years can triple the risk of developing skin cancer, compared to never being burnt. Whether you are enjoying the good weather abroad or here at home, its important to protect yourself from too much sun, especially if you burn easily. Remember that sunburn doesnt only happen when its hot it can happen on cooler or cloudier days too. The best way to protect your skin when the sun is strong is to use shade, clothing and sunscreen together. Seek shade in the middle of the day, cover up with a shirt that covers your shoulders, a hat and sunglasses and wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and 4 or 5 stars. Make sure you put plenty on and reapply it regularly. Last month, experts told how the worlds first personalised mRNA cancer jab for melanoma which also has the potential to stop lung, bladder and kidney cancer is being tested in British patients. The gamechanger jab, which offers hope of a cure, is custom-built for each person in just a few weeks. A stage 2 trial of the jab, involving pharma firms Moderna and MSD, found it dramatically reduced the risk of the cancer returning in melanoma patients. A final phase 3 trial is now running, led by University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH). Israeli soldiers drive a tank in a staging area near the Gaza border (Tsafrir Abayov/AP) By Wafaa Shurafa, Tia Goldenberg and Samy Magdy, Associated Press By Wafaa Shurafa, Tia Goldenberg and Samy Magdy, Associated Press Palestinian medics said an Israeli air strike killed at least 22 people when it hit tents for displaced people in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, and numerous others were trapped in the debris. The strike came two days after the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to end its military offensive in Rafah, where more than half of Gazas population had sought shelter before Israels recent incursion. Tens of thousands of people remain in the area while many others have fled. Footage from the scene showed heavy destruction and flames. There were no immediate details on the target. The Israeli army said it was unaware of anything occurring in the area. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant was in Rafah on Sunday and was briefed on the deepening of operations there, his office said. A spokesperson with the Palestinian Red Crescent Society said the death toll was likely to rise as search and rescue efforts continued in Rafahs Tal al-Sultan neighbourhood about 1.2 miles northwest of the city centre. The society asserted that the location had been designated by Israel as a humanitarian area. The neighbourhood is part of areas that Israels military ordered evacuated earlier this month. The airstrike was reported hours after Hamas fired a barrage of rockets from Gaza that set off air raid sirens as far away as Tel Aviv for the first time in months in a show of resilience more than seven months into Israels massive air, sea and ground offensive. There were no immediate reports of casualties in what appeared to be the first long-range rocket attack from Gaza since January. Hamas military wing claimed the attack. Palestinian militants have sporadically fired rockets and mortar rounds at communities along the Gaza border, and the military arm of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group later on Sunday said it fired rockets at nearby communities. The Israeli military said eight projectiles crossed into Israel after being launched from Rafah. It said a number of the projectiles were intercepted, and military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said the launcher in Rafah was destroyed. Earlier on Sunday, aid lorries entered Gaza from southern Israel under a new agreement to bypass the Rafah crossing with Egypt after Israeli forces seized the Palestinian side of it earlier this month. But it was not immediately clear if humanitarian groups could access the aid because of fighting. Egypt refuses to reopen its side of the Rafah crossing until control of the Gaza side is handed back to Palestinians. It agreed to temporarily divert traffic through Israels Kerem Shalom crossing, Gazas main cargo terminal, after a call between US President Joe Biden and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi. But the Kerem Shalom crossing has been largely inaccessible because of Israels offensive in Rafah. Israel says it has allowed hundreds of lorries to enter, but United Nations agencies say it is usually too dangerous to retrieve the aid. With the humanitarian operation near collapse, the secretary-general emphasizes that the Israeli authorities must facilitate the safe pickup and delivery of humanitarian supplies from Egypt entering Kerem Shalom, the spokesperson for UN chief Antonio Guterres said in a statement. Demonstrators burn fire during a protest against Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahus government, and calling for the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip (Ariel Schalit/AP) The war between Israel and Hamas has killed nearly 36,000 Palestinians, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and fighters in its count. The Health Ministry said the bodies of 81 people killed by Israeli strikes had been brought to hospitals over the past 24 hours. Israel blames civilian deaths on Hamas because the militants operate in dense, residential areas. Around 80% of Gazas 2.3 million people have fled their homes, severe hunger is widespread and UN officials say parts of the territory are experiencing famine. Hamas triggered the war with its October 7 attack into Israel, in which Palestinian militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and seized some 250 hostages. Hamas still holds some 100 hostages and the remains of around 30 others after most of the rest were released during a ceasefire last year. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel must take over Rafah to eliminate Hamas remaining battalions and achieve total victory over the militants, who recently regrouped in other parts of Gaza where the military has operated. The war has also heightened tensions in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Palestinian authorities on Sunday said Israeli forces shot dead a 14-year-old boy near the southern West Bank town of Saeer. The Israeli army said the Palestinian male was shot dead after trying to stab Israeli forces at Beit Einun Junction. Scuffles between Israeli police and protesters erupted in Tel Aviv after thousands gathered to demonstrate against the government and demand it brings back the hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza. Some protesters carried photos of the female soldiers who appeared in a video earlier in the week showing them soon after they were abducted during the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7 which started the war between Israel and Hamas. Others held banners reading Stop the war and Help. They called on the government to reach a deal to release the dozens of hostages still in captivity. The protesters also called for the resignation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and demanded an election. We all saw the video, we could not stay at home after the government abandoned all these people, said Hilit Sagi, from the campaign group Women Protest for the Return of All Hostages. Demonstrators voiced anger at the actions of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government (Ariel Schalit/AP) Divisions among Israelis have deepened over how Mr Netanyahu has handled the war against Hamas after the attack that killed about 1,200 people and saw 250 others taken hostage. Israel says around 100 hostages are still being held in Gaza, along with the bodies of around 30 more. Snir Dahan, the uncle of hostage Carmel Gat who remains in captivity in Gaza, said: They are not doing enough in order for the hostages to come back, either with military force, with (a) hostages deal, negotiating. Nothing is being done. Earlier in the week, the bodies of three hostages were recovered from Gaza, Israels army said on Friday. The army said they were killed on the day of the attack and their bodies were taken to Gaza. The announcement came less than a week after the army said it had found the bodies of three other Israeli hostages killed on October 7. Around half of the 250 hostages taken by Hamas and other militants have been freed, most in swaps for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel during a brief ceasefire in November. Protesters called for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resign (Abir Sultan/AP) Mr Netanyahus government has faced increasing pressure, both at home and abroad, to stop the war and allow humanitarian aid into the enclave that is home to 2.3 million Palestinians, almost 80% of whom have been displaced. Also this week, three European countries announced they would recognise a Palestinian state, and the chief prosecutor for the International Criminal Court requested arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, along with Hamas officials. On Friday, the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to end its military offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah and to open the nearby border crossing for crucial humanitarian aid. The top United Nations court also said Israel must give war crimes investigators access to Gaza. However, the judges stopped short of ordering a full ceasefire across the entire Palestinian territory, and Israel is unlikely to comply with the courts ruling. Israel says it makes every effort to avoid harming civilians and blames their deaths on Hamas because the militants operate in dense, residential areas. In the past two weeks, more than a million Palestinians have fled Rafah as Israeli forces pressed deeper into the city. Israels takeover this month of the Rafah border crossing, a key transit point for fuel and supplies for Gaza, has contributed to bringing aid operations to near collapse, the UN and relief groups say. There were scuffles between protesters and police during the protest on Saturday night (Ariel Schalit/AP) Israel says it needs to invade Rafah to destroy Hamass last stronghold. Egypt has agreed to send UN humanitarian aid trucks through the Kerem Shalom border crossing, Israels main entry point into southern Gaza, but it remains unclear if the trucks will be able to enter because fighting still rages in Rafah. Israel said aid is moving into the Palestinian territory through northern Gaza and though a US-built pier. On Saturday, a small US military boat and what appeared to be a strip of docking area washed up on a beach near the southern Israeli city of Ashdod. The US Central Command said four of its vessels supporting the humanitarian aid mission were affected by rough seas, with two of them anchoring near the pier off the Gaza coast and another two in Israel. US officials said no injuries were reported and they are working with the Israeli army to recover the vessels. Meanwhile, Israeli bombardments are continuing in Gaza, and the health ministry said on Sunday the bodies of 81 people killed by Israeli strikes have been brought to local hospitals over the past 24 hours. That brings the overall Palestinian death toll from the war to at least 35,984, said the ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and fighters in its count. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Russia is preparing to intensify its offensive along his countrys northern border, as the death toll rose to 14 in an aerial bomb attack on a shop in the city of Kharkiv. The bombing of the large construction supplies store on Saturday afternoon also left 43 injured and 16 missing, Kharkivs governor Oleh Syniehubov said. In a video statement from the city, Mr Zelensky said Russia is preparing offensive action 55 miles north-west of Ukraines second largest city. He did not specify where Russian troops are being assembled, but Ukrainian officials have expressed strong concern about the Sumy region. Both Kharkiv city and Sumy, with about 250,000 people, are within 15 miles of the Russian border. A street in Kharkiv was left covered with debris after a Russian missile attack on Saturday (Andrii Marienko/AP) Moscows troops have in recent weeks captured villages in the Kharkiv area as part of a broad push, and analysts say they may be trying to get within artillery range of the city. Ukrainian authorities have evacuated more than 11,000 people from the region since the start of the offensive on May 10. Russian forces are carrying out offensive attacks across the 620-mile front line, with pitched battles in the Chasiv Yar direction of the Donetsk region, where the intensity of the hostilities is quite high, according to a statement from Ukraines General Staff. The defence forces are taking measures to prevent the advance of the enemy, the statement said. Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky warned of a new Russian offensive (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office/PA) Russia launched wide missile and drone attacks on much of Ukraine during the night into Sunday. Ukrainian officials said air defence units intercepted 31 Shahed drones and 12 cruise missiles launched by Russia in the Mykolaiv, Odesa, Dnipropetrovsk, Poltava, Zaporizhzhia, Khmelnytskyi, Kirovohrad, Vinnytsia and Chernihiv regions. In total Russia launched 14 missiles and more than three dozen drones, according to a statement from Ukraines air force. It was not clear what damage may have been caused by missiles and drones that were not shot down. Meanwhile, the governor of Russias Belgorod region, which lies across the border from Ukraine, said four people were injured in Ukrainian attacks during the night. The Russian Defence Ministry said seven drones were shot down over the Kursk region and three over Oryol, both of which are to the north of Belgorod. Kathryn Parton murder: Man accused of beating Belfast mum to death under threat in prison Picture exclusive: First image of 23-year-old charged over killing Jamie Love (23), who is originally from Carrickfergus, is charged with beating his partner Kathryn Parton (inset) to death on a date between May 9 and 15 Ciaran Barnes Sun 26 May 2024 at 08:00 A man charged with the murder of a popular mum is under threat from other inmates in Maghaberry Prison. Murdered drug dealers son back in NI to face court after fleeing to Australia Ebony Hughes is charged with careless driving, failing to stop for police and carrying a child below the age of 12 without proper restraint Ebony Hughes Paul Higgins Sun 26 May 2024 at 08:00 A man who fled to Australia after his drug-dealing father was shot dead has appeared in court following his return to Northern Ireland. Pat Buckleys partner breaks silence after rebel bishops death: The greatest commandment is love Rebel bishop Buckley laid to rest in Larne after death at age of 72 Pat Buckley (left) with his partner Eduardo Yanga Christopher Woodhouse Sun 26 May 2024 at 08:00 The partner of late independent bishop Pat Buckley has said he was made a better person by his relationship with the controversial cleric. Pervert behind Portadown window sex act jailed after failed appeal Man exposed himself and masturbated as people passed his home Robert Vorosmarty Paul Higgins Sun 26 May 2024 at 08:00 A pervert seen masturbating at a window in the middle of the afternoon has been handed a three-month prison sentence following a failed appeal. Van Morrison museum may be on the way to Belfast at last Fans told to watch this space for news on visitor centre in Belfast Van Morrison Ivan Little Sun 26 May 2024 at 08:00 Speculation is growing that a Sir Van Morrison museum and visitor centre could be opened in his native Belfast. With the opening of the nation's full-fledged space agency, Korea is set to make its mark on the global space stage, aiming to transform into a powerhouse and join the elite space race led by the private industry. The Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA) will open its doors Monday, focusing on fostering local companies that can play key roles in space development projects, and helping the country develop a global-level space industry and space economy. "Until now, the country's space development projects have been led by the government," Yoon Young-bin, KASA's inaugural chief, said earlier. "The most important role of the space agency will be supporting the private sector to lead space development." He pointed out that the world's space industry is moving toward the so-called "new space" era, where private companies are actively leading innovation in space technologies with more economic feasibility. "The global paradigm is shifting," Yoon said, noting that top space companies, such as SpaceX, have developed reusable space rockets and launched a group of small satellites with capabilities similar to medium- and large-sized satellites. To keep up with this trend, Korea established KASA, the Korean version of the United States' National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), located in Sacheon, approximately 300 kilometers south of Seoul. The 293-member agency will lead the nation's space programs, such as the moon and Mars exploration, and bolster Korean companies' competitiveness in the global space industry. Two years ago, the Korean government announced its plan to land a homegrown spacecraft on the moon in 2032 and Mars in 2045 as part of efforts to become one of the top-five global space powers. Korea was a latecomer in the highly advanced industry but is currently considered the seventh-strongest space power after having successfully developed the 200-ton space rocket Nuri in recent years. The country also plans to develop a next-generation rocket, named KSLV-III, and make three launches in 2030, 2031 and 2032, with the third launch carrying a moon spacecraft aboard. Experts at home and abroad welcomed the establishment of KASA, expecting the agency to help Korea make a significant leap in the space sector and participate more in international cooperative research projects. "It is difficult to have international competitiveness in the space industry without technological development in various related fields," Kim Seung-jo, former chief of the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, said. "But Korea has the world-best level of cutting-edge technologies in most of the fields." He called on KASA to set future-oriented goals for space projects that need patience and passion from a long-term perspective. Earlier this month, NASA officials also expressed expectations for expanded space cooperation with Seoul following the establishment of KASA, underscoring the importance of Korea's expertise for international space projects. They also advised KASA to "learn lessons" from failures. To leverage expertise and experience from the world's top space power, KASA has named John Lee, a retired senior executive from NASA, as its deputy administrator in charge of space missions and policies, the second-highest position at the new institution. John Lee said he will work to adapt the U.S. space agency's strengths to KASA in a Korean context and align Korea's space projects with international standards. Meanwhile, the local space industry voiced hopes for KASA, asking it to provide more consistent support to big and small companies, and facilitate their participation in international space projects. "The country's space projects have been centered around the government and big companies until now, but I hope KASA can also support smaller-sized companies that have been overlooked," Park Jae-pil, the founder of space startup Nara Space, said. "There are many Korean companies with space technologies that can contribute to international projects, and I believe KASA will open a channel for that," he added. KASA aims to foster more than 2,000 space-related companies and create about 500,000 new jobs in the field. (Yonhap) If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom. It takes a lot of work to get Bascom Lodge atop Mount Greylock in shape for the season, which began Saturday. Thankfully, operator Peter Dudek had a little more help getting the place ready. The DUP would be willing to stand aside in Fermanagh-South Tyrone for a non-party pro-union candidate, interim leader Gavin Robinson has said. There were phone calls between unionist leaders on Friday evening around the potential of an agreed candidate for the seat which Sinn Fein won by just 57 votes at the last general election in 2019. Advertisement On Sunday, TUV leader Jim Allister said he would back a non-party candidate who could embrace the support of all unionists. Later Mr Robinson said in a statement that the DUP would stand aside for a non-party pro-union candidate. UUP leader Doug Beattie previously indicated he is not in favour of unionist electoral pacts, and said his party has already selected local councillor Dianne Armstrong to stand in Fermanagh-South Tyrone. Advertisement Sinn Feins Michelle Gildernew. Photo: Dominic Lipinski/PA. Sinn Feins Michelle Gildernew narrowly defeated then agreed candidate, the former UUP leader, Tom Elliott in 2019. In the 2015 poll, Mr Elliott became the first unionist to hold the constituency since 1983, before Ms Gildernew won it back for Sinn Fein two years later. Ms Gildernew has ruled herself out of defending the seat because she is standing in the European elections for the Irish Midlands-North West constituency instead. Advertisement Sinn Fein has not yet announced its candidate for Fermanagh South Tyrone. Last week, the DUP and the TUV announced they would not run candidates in the North Down constituency in favour of independent unionist Alex Easton who is challenging the incumbent Stephen Farry (Alliance), and where former military leader Tim Collins is the UUP candidate. TUV Leader Jim Allister. Photo: PA. Advertisement Mr Robinson said his party believe in cooperation across the unionist family and maximising the pro-Union vote. Weve been speaking to all shades of unionism about more than one seat, he said. The DUP would step aside in Fermanagh-South Tyrone if there was a non-party pro-union candidate. We have not contested this seat in a Westminster election since 2005. Advertisement Sinn Fein has held the seat for all but two of the last 23 years yet many across the constituency question what their absentee MP has delivered for the area. He added: The DUP can point to more than 15,000 homes now receiving fibre broadband in Fermanagh & South Tyrone due to funding delivered through our Westminster Confidence & Supply Agreement yet what has Sinn Fein delivered in 20 years? UUP Leader Doug Beattie. Photo: PA. Mr Beattie told the PA news agency on Sunday: The UUP came within 57 votes of beating Sinn Fein at the last Westminster election and therefore represent the best chance of returning an MP who will show up and represent constituents. Mr Allister told the BBCs Sunday Politics programme: I think the best idea would be a non-party candidate who could embrace the support of all unionists. If that can be achieved, well and good, but thats the vision and the mission at present. Whether or not it is obtainable remains to be seen because it only takes one of the three parties to say no. Mr Allister, has not indicated yet whether he will be standing in this General Election, also said his party will not support any candidates who back the Windsor Framework deal. The North Antrim MLA said decisions are being made around candidate selections for the TUV and are set to be announced within the next week. The TUV has also recently announced an electoral link-up with Reform UK. The Richard Tice-lead party did not have enough time to register to run in Northern Ireland constituencies, but has pledged to fully support TUV candidates in the campaign, including with financial backing. A man who was arrested in connection with criminal damage caused by a fire at a property in Tallaght, County Dublin, has been charged. The incident happened at a premises on Tuesday night May 21st. Advertisement The man, in his late teens, was detained in a Garda station in Dublin. He has been charged in relation to the incident on Sunday and will appear before Tallaght District Court on Monday morning. Gardai say investigations are ongoing. Palestinian medics said an Israeli air strike killed at least 22 people when it hit tents for displaced people in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, and numerous others were trapped in the debris. The strike came two days after the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to end its military offensive in Rafah, where more than half of Gazas population had sought shelter before Israels recent incursion. Advertisement Tens of thousands of people remain in the area while many others have fled. Footage from the scene showed heavy destruction and flames. There were no immediate details on the target. The Israeli army said it was unaware of anything occurring in the area. Advertisement Defence Minister Yoav Gallant was in Rafah on Sunday and was briefed on the deepening of operations there, his office said. Advertisement A spokesperson with the Palestinian Red Crescent Society said the death toll was likely to rise as search and rescue efforts continued in Rafahs Tal al-Sultan neighbourhood about 1.2 miles northwest of the city centre. The society asserted that the location had been designated by Israel as a humanitarian area. The neighbourhood is part of areas that Israels military ordered evacuated earlier this month. The airstrike was reported hours after Hamas fired a barrage of rockets from Gaza that set off air raid sirens as far away as Tel Aviv for the first time in months in a show of resilience more than seven months into Israels massive air, sea and ground offensive. Advertisement There were no immediate reports of casualties in what appeared to be the first long-range rocket attack from Gaza since January. Hamas military wing claimed the attack. Palestinian militants have sporadically fired rockets and mortar rounds at communities along the Gaza border, and the military arm of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group later on Sunday said it fired rockets at nearby communities. The Israeli military said eight projectiles crossed into Israel after being launched from Rafah. Advertisement It said a number of the projectiles were intercepted, and military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said the launcher in Rafah was destroyed. Earlier on Sunday, aid lorries entered Gaza from southern Israel under a new agreement to bypass the Rafah crossing with Egypt after Israeli forces seized the Palestinian side of it earlier this month. But it was not immediately clear if humanitarian groups could access the aid because of fighting. Egypt refuses to reopen its side of the Rafah crossing until control of the Gaza side is handed back to Palestinians. It agreed to temporarily divert traffic through Israels Kerem Shalom crossing, Gazas main cargo terminal, after a call between US president Joe Biden and Egyptian president Abdel Fattah el-Sissi. But the Kerem Shalom crossing has been largely inaccessible because of Israels offensive in Rafah. Israel says it has allowed hundreds of lorries to enter, but United Nations agencies say it is usually too dangerous to retrieve the aid. With the humanitarian operation near collapse, the secretary-general emphasizes that the Israeli authorities must facilitate the safe pickup and delivery of humanitarian supplies from Egypt entering Kerem Shalom, the spokesperson for UN chief Antonio Guterres said in a statement. Demonstrators burn fire during a protest against Israeli prime minister Binyamin Netanyahus government, and calling for the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip (Ariel Schalit/AP) The war between Israel and Hamas has killed nearly 36,000 Palestinians, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and fighters in its count. The Health Ministry said the bodies of 81 people killed by Israeli strikes had been brought to hospitals over the past 24 hours. Israel blames civilian deaths on Hamas because the militants operate in dense, residential areas. Around 80% of Gazas 2.3 million people have fled their homes, severe hunger is widespread and UN officials say parts of the territory are experiencing famine. Hamas triggered the war with its October 7th attack into Israel, in which Palestinian militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and seized some 250 hostages. Hamas still holds some 100 hostages and the remains of around 30 others after most of the rest were released during a ceasefire last year. Israeli prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu has said Israel must take over Rafah to eliminate Hamas remaining battalions and achieve total victory over the militants, who recently regrouped in other parts of Gaza where the military has operated. The war has also heightened tensions in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Palestinian authorities on Sunday said Israeli forces shot dead a 14-year-old boy near the southern West Bank town of Saeer. The Israeli army said the Palestinian male was shot dead after trying to stab Israeli forces at Beit Einun Junction. At least five people are dead after powerful storms tore through a rural area of Texas, obliterating homes and leaving thousands without power. Sheriff Ray Sappington said the victims include three family members who were found in one home near Valley View, a rural community near the border with Oklahoma. Advertisement The destructive storms began on Saturday night. Officials said a tornado north of Dallas overturned heavy vehicles, shut down an interstate and caused extensive damage to a rest stop on a main road where drivers had rushed to take shelter. Speaking on Sunday morning, Mr Sappington said: Search and rescue is ongoing but weve already started to do recovery of the deceased. We have five confirmed (dead), but sadly we think that number is probably going to go up. 3:11pm CDT #SPC Day1 Outlook Moderate Risk: for much of Oklahoma, central and eastern Kansas, southwest and south-central Missouri, and far northern Texas. https://t.co/TgJgC6cQZw pic.twitter.com/tTJBLRGYvb Advertisement NWS Storm Prediction Center (@NWSSPC) May 25, 2024 Forecasters had issued tornado and severe thunderstorm warnings for parts of Texas and Oklahoma on Saturday, as some heat records were broken during the day in south Texas and residents were warned the high temperatures would continue throughout the long weekend. Advertisement A tornado crossed into northern Denton County in Texas late on Saturday and overturned a number of trucks, stopping traffic on Interstate 35. Denton County community relations director Dawn Cobb said the tornado was confirmed near Valley View, moving east at 40mph, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a tornado warning for the area. The storm damaged homes, overturned motorhomes and knocked down power lines and trees throughout the area. The severe storms come after heat records were set on Saturday in parts of the south (Jon Shapley/Houston Chronicle/AP) Advertisement The fire service in the city of Denton said emergency personnel were responding to a marina for multiple victims, some reported trapped. In Claremore, Oklahoma, police announced on social media that the city has shut down as a result of storm damage, including downed power lines and trees and inaccessible roads. Excessive heat, especially for May, is the danger in south Texas, where the heat index was forecast to approach 49C in some spots during the weekend. Actual temperatures will be lower, but the humidity will make it feel that much hotter. Advertisement Sunday looks like the hottest day with record highs for late May forecast for Austin, Brownsville, Dallas and San Antonio, forecasters said. Brownsville and Harlingen near the Texas-Mexico border already set new records on Saturday for May 25 37C and 38C respectively, according to the weather service. Wildfire warnings are in place across Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arizona and Colorado. Leaders of South Korea, China and Japan are set to meet on Sunday and Monday in Seoul for summit meetings, resuming their trilateral dialogue for the first time since 2019. President Yoon Suk Yeol will have back-to-back bilateral talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the presidential office later in the day and hold a trilateral session with the two leaders on Monday. It marks the first three-way summit among the Asian countries since December 2019, after a hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic and strained Seoul-Tokyo relations over historical disputes. During a bilateral meeting with Li, Yoon is expected to discuss ways to promote strategic communication and expand economic cooperation and trade, and exchange opinions on security issues. Li arrived in Seoul around noon, which marks his first visit since taking office in March 2023. Li and Yoon held their first meeting in September 2023 in Indonesia on the sidelines of a summit of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations. In his talks with Kishida, Yoon is likely to exchange opinions on ways to deepen practical cooperation in various areas and bolster trilateral cooperation with the United States to deter North Korea's threats. Kishida arrived in Seoul in the afternoon. It marks his first visit to South Korea in a year. After the meetings, Yoon plans to host a welcome dinner for delegations of the three countries. On Monday, the three leaders will discuss six areas of cooperation: economy and trade, sustainable development, health issues, science and technology, disaster and safety management, and people-to-people exchanges. They will adopt a joint statement on the outcome of the summit. The leaders are expected to explore cooperation in economic, trade and health sectors while aiming to avoid friction, as Seoul and Tokyo have aligned more closely with Washington amid its intensifying rivalry with Beijing. While their differences over North Korea and regional security issues are not likely to be resolved at the meeting, Seoul officials say it represents a crucial step in reviving trilateral dialogue to avoid conflict and boost collaboration in economy, technology and health sectors. Principal Deputy National Security Adviser Kim Tae-hyo said the upcoming summit will serve as a "turning point" for restoring and normalizing the trilateral summit and provide an opportunity to recover "future-oriented and practical cooperation" among the three countries. (Yonhap) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Russia is preparing to intensify its offensive along his countrys northern border, as the death toll rose to 14 in an aerial bomb attack on a shop in the city of Kharkiv. The bombing of the large construction supplies store on Saturday afternoon also left 43 injured and 16 missing, Kharkivs governor Oleh Syniehubov said. Advertisement In a video statement from the city, Mr Zelensky said Russia is preparing offensive action 55 miles north-west of Ukraines second largest city. He did not specify where Russian troops are being assembled, but Ukrainian officials have expressed strong concern about the Sumy region. Both Kharkiv city and Sumy, with about 250,000 people, are within 15 miles of the Russian border. A street in Kharkiv was left covered with debris after a Russian missile attack on Saturday (Andrii Marienko/AP) Advertisement Moscows troops have in recent weeks captured villages in the Kharkiv area as part of a broad push, and analysts say they may be trying to get within artillery range of the city. Ukrainian authorities have evacuated more than 11,000 people from the region since the start of the offensive on May 10. Russian forces are carrying out offensive attacks across the 620-mile front line, with pitched battles in the Chasiv Yar direction of the Donetsk region, where the intensity of the hostilities is quite high, according to a statement from Ukraines General Staff. The defence forces are taking measures to prevent the advance of the enemy, the statement said. Advertisement Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelensky warned of a new Russian offensive (Ukrainian Presidential Press Office/PA) Russia launched wide missile and drone attacks on much of Ukraine during the night into Sunday. Ukrainian officials said air defence units intercepted 31 Shahed drones and 12 cruise missiles launched by Russia in the Mykolaiv, Odesa, Dnipropetrovsk, Poltava, Zaporizhzhia, Khmelnytskyi, Kirovohrad, Vinnytsia and Chernihiv regions. In total Russia launched 14 missiles and more than three dozen drones, according to a statement from Ukraines air force. It was not clear what damage may have been caused by missiles and drones that were not shot down. Advertisement Meanwhile, the governor of Russias Belgorod region, which lies across the border from Ukraine, said four people were injured in Ukrainian attacks during the night. The Russian Defence Ministry said seven drones were shot down over the Kursk region and three over Oryol, both of which are to the north of Belgorod. Lendlease investors are bracing for a barrage of changes which may include staff cuts, asset sales and promises by the board to simplify the business as embattled chief executive Tony Lombardo outlines the global property giants direction. Lombardo will outline the next phase for the company at its much-anticipated investor strategy update on Monday. Under pressure: Lendlease chief executive Tony Lombardo. Credit: Eamon Gallagher Disenfranchised investors are pushing for the group to exit its United States and United Kingdom construction operations, a shift that could result in the shedding of 1000 jobs. Lendlease employs about 6800 people across its global network. Citi analysts are expecting earnings downgrades after the investor update, marking the importance of the event. Premier Steven Miles has named former council CEO Emma Thomas the interim head of the newly established Games Venue and Legacy Delivery Authority. As foreshadowed last week, Thomas recently announced her departure from Sunshine Coast Council after three years and was considered a strong candidate for the powerful 2032 Games role. Loading Thomas said she was pleased to be tasked with helping Brisbane host a successful Games and ensuring the benefits flow to the wider community. Weve got a lot of work to do, Thomas said, pointing to the need to get momentum behind the delivery of the venues weve had announced already. Thomas would not be drawn on the governments choice of the Queensland Sport and Athletics Centre as the main athletics venue, saying she looked forward to starting in the role on July 1. I think its important to take in all the information thats available and also be working very strongly with the Games delivery partners, she said. The appointment, which could yet become permanent, comes after parliament last week passed the enabling legislation for the authority. Seven independent directors will also be appointed. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton is an unlikely disciple of the 18th-century economist Thomas Robert Malthus, the cravat-sporting, severely Anglican intellectual who wrote a famous treatise on population growth in 1798 not long after hordes from Englands over-stuffed prison population were transported to NSW as an overflow mechanism. Malthus believed that while technological progress might increase a societys resources, thereby improving the standard of living, this would only lead to more population growth, which would cycle people back into lower living standards. Malthus also believed that overpopulation invited the forces of natural population-slashers such as famine and pestilence. Birth rates are declining. Credit: iStock Overpopulate and perish: they dont call economics the dismal science for nothing. In the centuries since, Malthusianism has gone in and out of fashion, and has been used as an intellectual justification for nefarious purposes such as eugenics policies, and for more idealistic ones, such as environmentalism. But Mathusianism maintains its relevance we are having a variation of the debate in our politics now. Leaders of China, Japan visit Seoul for trilateral summit By Nam Hyun-woo South Korea and China agreed to set up a high-level diplomatic and security dialogue between the two countries during a meeting between President Yoon Suk Yeol and Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Seoul, Sunday. Yoon also held a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, during which he urged careful management of the dispute surrounding the popular messaging app Line to prevent it from becoming "an unnecessary pending issue" between the two countries. The bilateral meetings came a day before the three leaders sit down for their first trilateral summit in four years and five months. The trilateral summit has been widely accepted as a test bed for gauging if the Northeast Asian neighbors can normalize and restore their cooperative framework. As a prelude to the summit, the leaders engaged in bilateral meetings to narrow their differences in key areas of interest. According to South Korean First Deputy Director of National Security Kim Tae-hyo, Yoon and Li agreed to set up a Korea-China security and diplomatic dialogue, with the first session planned for next month. As a two-plus-two discussion body, the dialogue will involve Seouls vice foreign minister, a director-level official from the defense ministry and their Chinese counterparts. President Yoon stressed that the two countries should maintain close communications under all circumstances, which will enable them to respect each other, pursue common interests and shape regional peace and prosperity, Kim said, adding the leaders agreed to resume a string of bilateral dialogues involving both governments and private sectors. During his opening remarks, Yoon said South Korea and China should cooperate closely for not only our bilateral relations, but also for the peace and prosperity of the global community and he hopes the two countries will continue strengthening their exchanges and cooperation, respecting each other and pursuing mutual interests. This was Lis first visit to Korea after he became premier in March last year. The previous meeting between Yoon and Li was in September last year on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Jakarta, Indonesia. The meeting bears significance as the two countries have been working to improve their bilateral relations, which have been facing difficulties in the wake of the escalating rivalry between the United States and China, South Koreas growing inclination toward the U.S. and North Koreas increasing belligerence. Regarding North Korea, Yoon stressed that China should play its role in containing the regime's growing missile and nuclear threats. "Yoon asked China, as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, to play its role as the bastion of peace, amid the Norths repeated provocations and military cooperation with Russia, a senior presidential official said. On the economic front, Yoon and Li agreed to promote bilateral trade and economic partnerships, by resuming the second phase of their free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations. The South Korea-China FTA will mark its 10th anniversary next year, but its effectiveness has been questioned due to the relatively narrow range of products subjected to tariff benefits compared to South Korea's other free trade pacts. To this end, the two sides representatives will meet early next month to resuscitate the stalled negotiations. The second phase will cover a broader range of exchanges between the two countries in the fields of culture, tourism and legal services. To further promote exchanges, the two sides also agreed to resume the South Korea-China Investment Cooperation Committee, which has been inactive since 2011. During the past three decades of diplomatic relations between the two countries, the bilateral relations promptly achieved abundant progress, especially in the fields of economy and trade, bringing huge benefits to the people of both countries, Li said during his opening remarks. China wishes to work together with South Korea so that the two countries can become reliable and good neighbors and partners who support each other's success. Hours later, Yoon sat down with Kishida and exchanged cordial remarks over their efforts to mend the two countries soured relations last year. They also explored ideas on enhancing bilateral partnerships in practical areas before the two countries celebrate the 60th anniversary of normalizing their diplomatic ties next year. It was the first Yoon-Kishida summit this year, after they had seven summits last year alone as part of the two countries efforts to normalize their diplomatic relations. During the summit, the leaders also exchanged their opinions on the controversy surrounding the Japanese administrative guidance issued to LY Corp., the operator of the popular messaging app Line, which is controlled by a 50-50 joint venture between South Koreas Naver and Japans SoftBank. The guidance, issued in March and again in April, urged LY Corp. to review its capital relationship with Naver following a massive data leak of user information last November, triggering controversies and criticisms in South Korea that the Japanese government is seeking to take Line away from Naver. Yoon said that he understands the guidance does not mean that Naver should sell down its stake, and the South Korean government perceives this issue separately from the diplomatic relations between the two countries, the senior official said. The president thus said that the two countries should manage this issue carefully to prevent it from becoming an unnecessary pending issue. Kishida replied that the guidance is understood in line with the Japanese governments stance to promote foreign companies investments into Japan, and it is aimed at guiding the company to review its security governance related to the data leak, according to the official. During the summit, the leaders also agreed to establish a bilateral dialogue on the hydrogen economy within next month, to capitalize on the two countries respective expertise in hydrogen energy. The dialogue will explore bilateral cooperation for setting up hydrogen energy standards and policies. May 3, 2024 - Montreal, Quebec - Global Affairs Canada Today, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, accompanied by Faycal El-Khoury, Member of Parliament for Laval-Les Iles, Quebec, Lena Metlege Diab, Member of Parliament for Halifax West, Nova Scotia, as well as members of Canadas Lebanese community in Montreal, announced that Canada is providing $65 million in international assistance funding, including $27 million in humanitarian assistance funding and $38 million in development assistance funding to Lebanon. Canadas humanitarian assistance to Lebanon will be delivered through experienced humanitarian partners and will help provide food assistance, safe water and sanitation services, basic health careincluding sexual and reproductive health servicesand protection services, including for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. The development funding is allocated as follows. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations will receive $20 million to improve the performance and organizational capacities of farmers, farmers groups and micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises in selected fruit and vegetable value chains and increase the resilience of these value chains in the face of climate and economic shocks to enhance food security in Lebanon. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will receive $13 million to improve the economic security, stability and prosperity of women-led micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises and entrepreneurs in sectors with high growth and export potential. The project will strengthen financial, business, investment and export-readiness skills, helping these enterprises and entrepreneurs gain access to financial products and engage with local and international markets. UN Women and the UNDP will receive $5 million to address constraints hindering womens participation and representation in decision-making processes and leadership positions in Lebanon. It will specifically support women in parliament and municipal councils to become leaders. Canada and Lebanon share strong ties, and this year the 2 countries mark 70 years of diplomatic relations. Canada has a long history of working with Lebanon to promote womens empowerment, strengthen the resilience of individuals and communities so they can withstand crises and contribute to longer-term development. As part of its Middle East engagement strategy, Canada has since 2016 provided significant assistance to support Lebanon in recovering from political instability, the ongoing financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic and in hosting large refugee populations. Worrell 1000 2024 Final Results Brett Burvill & Max Puttman won this weekend the coastal Endurance regatta by excellence, the Worrell 1000 Race. Brett described it as the Everest of Catamaran racing, and it indeed it is a great challenge to sail 6 to 14hs hours every single day, launching from the shorebreak, and enduring any king of condition the East coast can throw at you. Brett & Max won 11 out of 12 legs, with Randy Smyth & Dalton Tebo winning the remaining. Second place overall for this 2024 edition went to Pete and Bailey Skewes, both teams sailing Brett and Max Edge/Nxt Gen Sails combo Third overall for two great guys, Mannu Boulogne & Matthieu Marfaing on board the Cirrus 901, they performed well in every condition, from light 4-5knots upwind to fast reaches and downwinds. Happy for Manu on the hard work he always do, a truly sailor builder like Brett, both putting plenty of hours on the water. Next big regatta for these teams will be F18 Worlds 2024 at Costa Brava, already 126 boats registered. I followed the Worrell each day and when waking and these guys were already on the water, at night when were having diner while the fleet was sometimes on the dark navigating in the dark to next leg finish. The Formula 18 has several raid type regattas like Archipelago Raid, St Barts, Croatian Challenge and many more, but none compare to the preparation, logistics and hard raw F18 sailing required to complete the Worrell 1000. A shout to our friend Sam Carter, racing with Ian Ray, going for good recovery after dismasting. Respect for all the teams racing the toughest F18 regatta out there. Hats off to the teams and their shore crew and of course the organization led among others by John Williams in the RC and Beverly Simmons on the media. Coverage was really good in terms of live streams (plenty of them here) and info on results, live tracking et all. Quite complete resources to follow it daily via their FB page, only thing they need to get some pics even from cels just to publish along press releases or updates. Worrell 1000 official web https://worrell1000race.com/ Worrell 1000 Fb with plenty of Live streams replays, prize ceremony and interviews here Results by leg https://worrell1000race.com/results/ Words by Brett Burvill published in his fb: Brett Burvill Worrell 1000 Race 2024 Well thats it, we have done it , Conquered the Everest of off the beach catamaran sailing , racing against legends of the sport for over 90 hrs to complete the 1000 mile Worrell 1000 Race . Huge thanks to Rod Waterhouse and wife Kerri for being our best advisers and organizers . Tony Priu from Tavernier Creek Marina, your a legend Tony, for all you help and with the container , trailer and arranging our ground movements we cant thank you enough. Max Puttman and I have done it and Pete and Bailey Skewes have come in second as Team Australia 2 also sailnig a Windrush F18 Edge built by Myself and Daniel Brown at Windrush Yachts . Dan Best pusher on the beach and looked after all the rigging tasks for the race, thanks mate . How about those sails from Next Gen Sailmakers. Max has come up with something special and there were several 1, 2 finishes for the 2 Next Gen Edges . Harken Australia Pty Ltd thanks so much for your generous support providing fit out kits for teh 2 team Australia boats. Vaikobi for helping out keeping us warm and able to complete our days work each day in comfort . Malcheski Composites for the best adjustable hiking sticks going , just awesome to use and they are Worrell tough. Hero Hoists Australia thanks for your generous support , it helped us out massively with all our ground cost in the USA. If your a handy man or workshop looking for a new hoist for your car or motorbike check them out, 10% discount I believe if you mention the Worrell 1000! Happy birthday to my son Zac 19 years old today back home. Love you mate and will have a beer for you tonight . Also to be able to share some of the race with my Brother Hayden has been great , he was able to make it our for 2/3 of the race and our great friend Alastair Caldwell came along to keep us in check incase Rod wasnt able to keep a lid on us . Thanks to everyone from Worrell 1000 Race organization for just everything , such a well run event by dedicated and super friendly and passionate people , all the social media team has been amazing and I believe this race has been blowing up online . Looking fwd to getting home to the family and back to work so we can go to Italy and Spain for the F18 Worlds next month to see all our fantastic sailing family fr around the globe. Feeilng a bit overwhelmed that we got it done in such a dominant fashion Worrell 1000 Race Overall 2024 Results. Place Team Time 1 Australia 1 90:09:11 2 Australia 2 93:11:15 3 Cirrus/MM Sailing 93:35:13 4 Rudees 94:40:16 5 TCDYC 100:23:15 6 A Gentlemans Agreement 103:01:10 7 Meerkat 103:03:28 8 Outer Banks (OBX) 103:24:33 9 Germany 103:46:35 10 MLP 105:17:34 11 Roo in the Hat 118:42:57 Team Crews: By Peter Juhl Theres no denying it: Colin Marshalls new book is a big hit. The Korean press has praised it. Sales are strong. Interview requests keep coming. The book is in Korean, a project by a publisher that wants to bring foreign perspectives to Korean-reading audiences attention. This particular foreign perspective having succeeded, its worth a look. The books title translates as "No Summarizing Korea."Its writer, Colin Marshall, has for years translated Korea for English-reading audiences, as a columnist for such places as The New Yorker, The Los Angeles Review of Books and The Guardian. He is a practitioner of informed, thoughtful, on-the-ground Korea writing. But he is neither a neutral observer nor a both-sides player. He is a fan of Korea, and of its culture. The books cover includes what appears to be a caricature of Marshall as a lanky, comic character. Huge magnifying glass in hand, he pokes around Korean culture. Such is the publishers promotional pitch. A fresh view on Korean culture, through the discerning eye of a foreign mega-fan, or "deokhu." But a more-useful framing of "No Summarizing Korea" is that its a cultural-engagement memoir. Marshall proposes the term Korea connoisseur to describe his approach to cultural engagement. He says he wants to avoid summarizing Korea, judging Korea or explaining Korea. Like any would-be connoisseur, Marshall has little time for top 10 best things about Korea-type commentary (the social media-driven, click-seeking, neo-genre of writing found all over the internet). In essay form, though, he tries it out: 43 Reasons Everything in Seoul Is Good and Nothing Is Bad (or Something Like That). Its unclear how much the semi-ironic tone Marshall tries out in that essay (originally published in English) is translatable. Marshall elsewhere says Korean culture has a relative lack of irony. Its another reason to admire Korea over the West, where irony is out of control. This tone things in Korea are special and great holds throughout "No Summarizing Korea," mostly. What made Colin Marshall so pro-Korea? Interspersed throughout the text are pieces of the answer. The earliest encounter, at about age 15, ca. 2000, was with very early K-pop (via Napster, a music-sharing internet sensation of the day). More importantly, he discovered Korean movies around 2008, at the library in University of California, Santa Barbara. Those Korean-cinema DVDs were a turning point. Metaphorically, they were seeds. A pre-existing interest in Asia was fertile soil, as were aspiring literary and film interests. Discontent with Californias direction shored everything up. (Marshall frequently uses the term the West, sometimes disparagingly and, on any matter touching urbanism, almost always disparagingly. His the West, though, often seems to mean Southern California.) Living in Santa Barbara, 2003-2011, Marshall attended university there and got his start in radio broadcasting and journalism. After that fateful encounter with Korean cinema, he took on Korean-language study as a hobby. Today, he is a committed language-learning enthusiast (studying six languages); it all started with Korean. By the early 2010s, Asia beckoned. There was Japan. But a foreigners narrative on Japan had become strong, Marshall recalls feeling. It was so strong that it would swallow any newcomer who touched it. But Korea, he sensed, was an open field. From late 2011 to late 2015, Marshall lived in Los Angeles. Most or all that time, he lived in the LA Koreatown. That choice of neighborhood symbolically confirms his man-on-a-mission status. In one telling essay, he jointly defends the honor of Seoul and Los Angeles, two unfairly maligned cities. A blending-of-worlds acculturation process began for Colin Marshall well before he left America. There are parallels, here, with the young K-culture fan archetype more familiar today. There are lots of Westerners born in the 2000s, around 20 years Marshalls junior, who will be able to write Korean cultural engagement accounts comparable to Marshalls. So far, they lack the perspective to do so, perspective which Marshall already has. If we are interested in casting Marshall as a pioneer, and in casting his book as a cultural engagement memoir, some follow-up reflections on his essays would have helped. So would firm dates attached to the essays. The book has no dates of composition. It isnt immediately clear that they were written over eight years. Its useful to know, though, that his Gangnam Style retrospective essay first appeared in The New Yorker in August 2022 and not back, say, in 2015. Marshall argues that the Wests K-culture wave started with PSY's Gangnam Style YouTube video in mid-late 2012. That is fair game for debate. But 2012 aligns nicely with Marshalls own interesting life trajectory. Around that time, he could have abandoned his Korea interest. But, no. He pursued it, with an Alice-Through-the-Looking-Glass intensity. Korean-language acquisition eventually became a major life goal. Without learning Korean, Marshall says, deep and meaningful cultural engagement with Korea(ns) is impossible. Language-acquisition reminiscences, reflections and strategies pop up throughout "No Summarizing Korea": back in LA, memorized one-liners delivered to restaurant ajummas (understanding not one word of what the ajummas said back was okay; long journey, single steps); Korean TV (a commitment to the travel-show "Hanguk Gihaeng" and a language-mastery game show); podcasts; book clubs. By the late 2010s, we find Marshall consuming books in Korean. (No wonder his writing in Korean is so strong.) About 29 of the 34 essays were originally published in English, between late 2015 to mid-2022. Marshall translated and adapted his essays into literarily eloquent Korean. About five of the essays are originally in Korean compositions, and they seem to have been made last, around 2023. The book is set primarily in late-2010s Seoul, often taking a first-person perspective. One of the composed-in-Korean original essays is a nostalgia-tribute piece to western Seoul's Sinchon area, where Marshall lived for seven years. The nostalgia is, it would seem, more for his successful cultural engagement life project than the place (now married, he lives a mere half-hour away by subway). But does Marshall go too far? He reveals, in one essay, that some fellow foreign residents think so. This view holds him to be uncritically positive about Korean society, and unfairly negative about foreigners in Korea. Its the long-standing split, long observed among Westerners in Asia: one type seeks out fellow Westerners, essentially exclusively. Another type seeks to immerse in the local culture, to the point of avoiding fellow Westerners. Marshalls essays are firmly in the immerse in local culture camp. He sometimes accuses foreigners of moral failings, or of approaching Korea too shallowly. Other times, he pities the non-Korean-engaging foreigner for being stranded out there beyond a cultural barrier. We do get criticisms of Korean society in "No Summarizing Korea." But, seen through the narrators magnifying glass, Korean society often looks absolved, even as its being criticized. Take Marshalls characterization of the hit 2019 film "Parasite," which he says visualize[s]the idea that the richer Koreans become, the more they turn into grotesque parodies of Westerners. One reviewer hailed "No Summarizing Korea" as laudably without Orientalism. Is that just a euphemism, here, for pro-Korean? Other Korean reviewers say they wish Marshall had been more critical. Marshall chides such Koreans for having too-pessimistic assessments of their own society. The least-valuable sections of "No Summarizing Korea," as an essay-collection, may be when in-the-moment Korea-boosterism comes through. But even these have value, when we view the book as a cultural engagement memoir. How shall we evaluate Marshalls Korea writing? One comparison is with the celebrated Peter Hesslers China writing. The similarities: The New Yorker publishes both Marshall and Hessler. Both men tell insider knowledge-based stories of the Asian society they know well; both combine eloquence, moral seriousness, knowledge and experience; both are sympathetic towards their subjects. The name Lafcadio Hearn also comes to mind, a famous Western Japan writer. Arriving in Japan in 1890, Hearn had had a career in U.S. journalism (like Marshall). Becoming a mega-fan of Japanese culture, Hearns writings bordered on cultural evangelism. Hearns output remains highly regarded; still today, bookstores in Japan sell his books. Or George Foulk, who had been a young U.S. Navy officer before entering Korea in the 1880s. Foulk was idealistic (same as Marshall), taught himself Korean (same as Marshall), had harsh words for some fellow Westerners and sought entry into Korean society (same as Marshall). Foulk was eventually expelled from Korea (same, incidentally, as Peter Hessler whose visa Beijing revoked recently). Marshall probably need not worry about Korea expelling him. But he may have to worry about a different problem vis-a-vis his hosts. Almost half a century ago, U.S. medical missionary Paul Crane wrote in his 1967 book "Korean Patterns" that A Westerner [in Korea] is most respected when he is first true to his own philosophy, ideals, and beliefs. Crane sought to explain Korea, yes, in a now-maybe-out-of-vogue sense. His goal was to help Westerners in Korea relate to Koreans. It pays to leave Korea from time to time, Crane added, and live for a while in ones home country, to regain ones vision of [ones] own culture. Marshall stands today as a significant figure in Korea writing. We are, truly, better for having him. He has successfully integrated, in certain respects, into Korean society. The positive acclaim flowing forth lately about his work is deserved. But, in the spirit of Paul Cranes advice from yore-times, we offer the following coda. Let the praise not be a siren song, through which vision is lost. Marshall would do well to keep in mind his true audience: the members of his own culture. Marshall will give a book talk for Royal Asiatic Society (RAS) Korea, titled "Writing About Korea for Koreans: The Making of No Summarizing Korea." The lecture starts at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday at the fifth-floor lounge of the FastFive building in Da-dong near Seoul City Hall. Entry costs 10,000 won or 5,000 won for students, and is free for RAS Korea members. Visit raskb.com for more information. Peter Juhl is a researcher focused on Korean political and security issues. Here is the latest Hamilton County arrest report. (If your case is dismissed, just email us your name and date we ran it and we will promptly take off. Email to news@chattanoogan.com) ALFORD, JARMARIOUS DELRON 727 E 11TH ST CHATTANOOGA, 37406 Age at Arrest: 28 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD FUGITIVE (ARREST FOR CRIME IN ANOTHER STATE) ANTHONY, MONTREALE KEANU 7225 SOUTHEASTERN AVE APT B HAMMOND, 46324 Age at Arrest: 19 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD DOMESTIC ASSAULT BROOKS, DYLAN ANTHONY 3617 BENTWOOD COVE DRIVE APISON, 37302 Age at Arrest: 21 years old Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff BURGLARY BROOKS, JOSEPH DANIEL 727 E 11TH ST/ HOMELESS CHATTANOOGA, 374033104 Age at Arrest: 39 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD VIOLATION OF PROBATION (AGGRAVATED ASSAULT) VIOLATION OF PROBATION (RESISTING) VIOLATION OF PROBATION (VANDALISM) VIOLATION OF PROBATION (POSS OF MARIJUANA) BROWN, LAURA ALLISON 4025 OAKWOOD DR CHATTANOOGA, 37416 Age at Arrest: 31 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD FALSE REPORTS RESISTING ARREST OR OBSTRUCTION OF LEGAL PROCESS DISORDERLY CONDUCT PUBLIC INTOXICATION CHAROENSANDORN, BUREERAT 902 BELVIOR AVE EAST RIDGE, 37412 Age at Arrest: 33 years old Arresting Agency: East Ridge DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE RESISTING ARREST OR OBSTRUCTION OF LEGAL PROCESS SPEEDING CRAYTON, JERMIAH ANTWON 2314 KIRBY AVE CHATTANOOGA, 37401 Age at Arrest: 18 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD POSS OF FIREARM DURING A FELONY POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA DRUGS GENERAL CATEGORY FOR RESALE DANIEL, BRENDA GAIL 2601 E 38 ST CHATTANOOGA, 37407 Age at Arrest: 49 years old Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff FUGITIVE (ARREST FOR CRIME IN ANOTHER STATE) FITZGERALD, JOHN DAVID 5335 SLAYTON AVE CHATTANOOGA, 374102230 Age at Arrest: 49 years old Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff Booked for Previous Charges or Other Reason(s) GODINEZ DIAZ, MARDOQUEO 704 HENDERSON AVE ROSSVILLE, 30741 Age at Arrest: 33 years old Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD VIOLATION OF TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICE DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY DRIVING WITHOUT DRIVERS LICENSE / EXPIRED LICENSE GRAHAM, ANNA JOLLENE 9328 BRANFORD DRIVE SODDY DAISY, 37379 Age at Arrest: 21 years old Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff DISORDERLY CONDUCT GREESON, BEVERLY JEANETTE 1107 PENROSE DR WHITFIELD, 30720 Age at Arrest: 46 years old Arresting Agency: Red Bank CRIMINAL IMPERSONATION TAMPERING WITH OR FABRICATING EVIDENCE POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION OF METH (SELL, DEL. OR MANUFACTURING)JACKSON, CORDARUIS DEONTA1113 MCBRIAN ROAD APT B CHATTANOOGA, 37412Age at Arrest: 32 years oldArresting Agency: Chatt Housing AuthOFF-ROAD MOTOR VEHICLE ON HIGHWAY VIOLATIONJENNINGS, NATHAN DEWAINHOMELESS CHATTANOOGA, 374102232Age at Arrest: 36 years oldArresting Agency: Chattanooga PDVIOLATION OF PROBATION (EVADING ARREST)LACKEY, VALERIA STORM4452 KOBLAN CT HIXSON, 37343Age at Arrest: 28 years oldArresting Agency: Red BankDRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCEIMPLIED CONSENT LAW - DRIVERSLAMB, TERESA KATHERINE1920 GUNBARRLE RD APT 1105 CHATTANOOGA, 37421Age at Arrest: 53 years oldArresting Agency: Chattanooga PDDRUGS GENERAL CATEGORY FOR RESALEPOSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIALEWIS, ZACKERY JAMES3285 GENEAL LN Chattanooga, 374062674Age at Arrest: 26 years oldArresting Agency: Chattanooga PDDRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSEMONTOYA-ERASO, EDGARDO5495 OAKDALE AVENUE CHATTANOOGA, 37412Age at Arrest: 41 years oldArresting Agency: East RidgeAGGRAVATED ASSAULTAGGRAVATED DOMESTIC ASSAULTVANDALISMNEWTON, MASON ROBERT6108 SAGEFIELD DRIVE HARRISON, 37341Age at Arrest: 18 years oldArresting Agency: HC SheriffBURGLARYRAMIREZ JUMENEZ, EMETRIO5330 PINELAWN AVE CHATTANOOGA, 37411Age at Arrest: 22 years oldArresting Agency: Chattanooga PDRESISTING ARREST OR OBSTRUCTION OF LEGAL PROCESSDISORDERLY CONDUCTRAMIREZ REYNOSO, REYNE MIGUEL1014 STEVESON STEVESON,Age at Arrest: 22 years oldArresting Agency: Chattanooga PDDRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCEDRIVING WITHOUT DRIVERS LICENSE / EXPIRED LICENSERAY, ALLEN2628 ANDREWS ST CHATTANOOGA, 37421Age at Arrest: 18 years oldArresting Agency: HC SheriffATTEMPTED FIRST DEGREE MURDERRECKLESS ENDANGERMENTROBERTS, GAGE EDWARD9077 SUNRIDGE DRIVE OOLTEWAH, 37363Age at Arrest: 18 years oldArresting Agency: HC SheriffBURGLARYROBINSON, CALEB NICHOLAS8322 MIDDLE ROAD OOLTEWAH, 37363Age at Arrest: 18 years oldArresting Agency: HC SheriffBURGLARYROOKS, ORIA ALOHA1719 CITICO AVE APT A CHATTANOOGA, 37404Age at Arrest: 63 years oldArresting Agency: Chattanooga PDLIGHT LAW VIOLATIONDRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCESCARBROUGH, TYLER SETH9103 GRAYSTONE VALLEY DR OOLTEWAH, 37363Age at Arrest: 25 years oldArresting Agency: Signal MountainDRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCESIMMONS, ANTHONY COLE506 RANDALL STREET HIXSON, 37343Age at Arrest: 40 years oldArresting Agency: HC SheriffBooked for Previous Charges or Other Reason(s)SOUTHERS, CEDRIC DURELL280 CROLL CROLL APT 306 CHATTANOOGA, 37410Age at Arrest: 44 years oldArresting Agency: Tenn Hwy PatrolVANDALISM/MALICIOUS MISCHIEFCRIMINAL TRESPASSINGTALLENT, TRACEY DELENE7711 SELCER RD HIXSON, 373431938Age at Arrest: 46 years oldArresting Agency: Chattanooga PDVIOLATION OF PROBATION (POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE Here are the mug shots: ALFORD, JARMARIOUS DELRON Age at Arrest: 28 Date of Birth: 09/22/1995 Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD Last Date of Arrest: 05/25/2024 Charge(s): FUGITIVE (ARREST FOR CRIME IN ANOTHER STATE) ANTHONY, MONTREALE KEANU Age at Arrest: 19 Date of Birth: 11/04/2004 Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD Last Date of Arrest: 05/25/2024 Charge(s): DOMESTIC ASSAULT BROOKS, DYLAN ANTHONY Age at Arrest: 21 Date of Birth: 05/15/2003 Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff Last Date of Arrest: 05/25/2024 Charge(s): BURGLARY BROOKS, JOSEPH DANIEL Age at Arrest: 39 Date of Birth: 07/08/1984 Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD Last Date of Arrest: 05/25/2024 Charge(s): VIOLATION OF PROBATION (AGGRAVATED ASSAULT) VIOLATION OF PROBATION (RESISTING) VIOLATION OF PROBATION (VANDALISM) VIOLATION OF PROBATION (POSS OF MARIJUANA) BROWN, DEION L Age at Arrest: 18 Date of Birth: 07/26/2005 Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff Last Date of Arrest: 05/25/2024 Charge(s): AGGRAVATED ASSAULT AGGRAVATED ASSAULT EVADING ARREST EVADING ARREST RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE BROWN, LAURA ALLISON Age at Arrest: 31 Date of Birth: 09/06/1992 Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD Last Date of Arrest: 05/25/2024 Charge(s): FALSE REPORTS RESISTING ARREST OR OBSTRUCTION OF LEGAL PROCESS DISORDERLY CONDUCT PUBLIC INTOXICATION CAREATHERS, GRADY JOE Age at Arrest: 60 Date of Birth: 08/17/1963 Arresting Agency: Chatt Housing Auth Last Date of Arrest: 05/25/2024 Charge(s): POSSESSION OF CONTRABAND IN PENAL INSTTITUTION CHAROENSANDORN, BUREERAT Age at Arrest: 33 Date of Birth: 04/12/1991 Arresting Agency: East Ridge Last Date of Arrest: 05/25/2024 Charge(s): DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE RESISTING ARREST OR OBSTRUCTION OF LEGAL PROCESS SPEEDING DANIEL, BRENDA GAIL Age at Arrest: 49 Date of Birth: 08/21/1974 Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff Last Date of Arrest: 05/25/2024 Charge(s): FUGITIVE (ARREST FOR CRIME IN ANOTHER STATE) EVANS, DAVID HAYES Age at Arrest: 44 Date of Birth: 08/17/1979 Arresting Agency: UTC Last Date of Arrest: 05/25/2024 Charge(s): FUGITIVE (CATOOSA CO GA) FITZGERALD, JOHN DAVID Age at Arrest: 49 Date of Birth: 07/26/1974 Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff Last Date of Arrest: 05/25/2024 Booked for Previous Charges or Other Reason(s) GREESON, BEVERLY JEANETTE Age at Arrest: 46 Date of Birth: 11/03/1977 Arresting Agency: Red Bank Last Date of Arrest: 05/25/2024 Charge(s): CRIMINAL IMPERSONATION TAMPERING WITH OR FABRICATING EVIDENCE POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA POSSESSION OF METH (SELL, DEL. OR MANUFACTURING) JACKSON, CORDARUIS DEONTA Age at Arrest: 32 Date of Birth: 08/21/1991 Arresting Agency: Chatt Housing Auth Last Date of Arrest: 05/25/2024 Charge(s): OFF-ROAD MOTOR VEHICLE ON HIGHWAY VIOLATION JENNINGS, NATHAN DEWAIN Age at Arrest: 36 Date of Birth: 03/28/1988 Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD Last Date of Arrest: 05/25/2024 Charge(s): VIOLATION OF PROBATION (EVADING ARREST) LACKEY, VALERIA STORM Age at Arrest: 28 Date of Birth: 08/20/1995 Arresting Agency: Red Bank Last Date of Arrest: 05/25/2024 Charge(s): DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE IMPLIED CONSENT LAW - DRIVERS LAMB, TERESA KATHERINE Age at Arrest: 53 Date of Birth: 10/01/1970 Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD Last Date of Arrest: 05/25/2024 Charge(s): DRUGS GENERAL CATEGORY FOR RESALE POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA LEWIS, ZACKERY JAMES Age at Arrest: 26 Date of Birth: 09/07/1996 Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD Last Date of Arrest: 05/25/2024 Charge(s): DRIVING ON REVOKED, SUSPENDED OR CANCELLED LICENSE MONTOYA-ERASO, EDGARDO Age at Arrest: 41 Date of Birth: 11/24/1982 Arresting Agency: East Ridge Last Date of Arrest: 05/25/2024 Charge(s): AGGRAVATED ASSAULT AGGRAVATED DOMESTIC ASSAULT VANDALISM NEWTON, MASON ROBERT Age at Arrest: 18 Date of Birth: 11/13/2005 Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff Last Date of Arrest: 05/25/2024 Charge(s): BURGLARY RAMIREZ JUMENEZ, EMETRIO Age at Arrest: 22 Date of Birth: 12/04/2001 Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD Last Date of Arrest: 05/25/2024 Charge(s): RESISTING ARREST OR OBSTRUCTION OF LEGAL PROCESS DISORDERLY CONDUCT RAMIREZ REYNOSO, REYNE MIGUEL Age at Arrest: 22 Date of Birth: 10/13/2001 Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD Last Date of Arrest: 05/25/2024 Charge(s): DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE DRIVING WITHOUT DRIVERS LICENSE / EXPIRED LICENSE RATCLIFF, CODY LYNN Age at Arrest: 30 Date of Birth: 03/23/1993 Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff Last Date of Arrest: 05/25/2024 Charge(s): POSSESSION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA ROBERTS, GAGE EDWARD Age at Arrest: 18 Date of Birth: 03/18/2006 Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff Last Date of Arrest: 05/25/2024 Charge(s): BURGLARY ROBINSON, CALEB NICHOLAS Age at Arrest: 18 Date of Birth: 02/15/2006 Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff Last Date of Arrest: 05/25/2024 Charge(s): BURGLARY SCARBROUGH, TYLER SETH Age at Arrest: 25 Date of Birth: 10/12/1998 Arresting Agency: Signal Mountain Last Date of Arrest: 05/25/2024 Charge(s): DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE SOUTHERS, CEDRIC DURELL Age at Arrest: 44 Date of Birth: 02/07/1980 Arresting Agency: Tenn Hwy Patrol Last Date of Arrest: 05/25/2024 Charge(s): VANDALISM/MALICIOUS MISCHIEF CRIMINAL TRESPASSING TALLENT, TRACEY DELENE Age at Arrest: 46 Date of Birth: 07/20/1977 Arresting Agency: Chattanooga PD Last Date of Arrest: 05/25/2024 Charge(s): VIOLATION OF PROBATION (POSSESSION OF CONTROLLED S WILEY, ISAIAH DEZMOND Age at Arrest: 23 Date of Birth: 12/12/2000 Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff Last Date of Arrest: 05/25/2024 Charge(s): FUGITIVE (FORT OGLETHORPE GA) WOOTEN, JUSTIN WAYNE Age at Arrest: 35 Date of Birth: 02/09/1988 Arresting Agency: HC Sheriff Last Date of Arrest: 05/25/2024 Charge(s): ASSAULT Playing in the longest game in Tennessee softball history and NCAA Super Regional history, the third-ranked Lady Vols fell to No. 14 Alabama, 3-2, in game two of the Knoxville Super Regional at Sherri Parker Lee Stadium. The Lady Vols (44-11) played the longest game in program history at 14 innings surpassing a 13-inning affair against Mississippi State at the 2022 SEC Tournament. When Saturday's game versus Alabama reached the 13th frame, it became the longest game ever in Super Regionals. Karlyn Pickens turned in a gutsy performance in the circle pitching 9.1 innings in relief. The sophomore scattered five hits, allowed one run, walked three and struck out 10. Pickens suffered the loss as Alabama scored the game-winning run in the bottom of the 14th. Payton Gottshall got the start for UT, tossing 3.2 innings before Pickens came on in the fourth. The graduate allowed two runs one earned on four hits. Gottshall fanned three without giving up a free pass. Alabama's (37-18) Kayla Beaver pitched 10 innings out of the bullpen Saturday en route to her 18th win of the season. UT got six hits off Beaver but the graduate pitcher was able to pitch around the trouble to keep Tennessee at bay. Beaver finished the night with four walks and four strikeouts. Jocelyn Briski started for the Crimson Tide in the circle, going four innings and surrendering two runs on five hits. The Tide scored first with a run in the first before Laura Mealer tied the game in the second with an RBI single to left. Sophia Nugent put the Lady Vols ahead with a solo home run in the top half of the fourth, but Bailey Dowling answered back with her own solo home run in the bottom half of the frame to tie the game again at 2-2. Pickens and Beaver kept the hitters guessing for the next nine innings before Alabama got back-to-back hits and an intentional base on balls to load the bases in the 14th. Kristen White then reached on a fielder's choice to drive in the game-winning run. UP NEXT Tennessee and Alabama will play game three of the best-of-three series on Sunday at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN. By Bereket Alemayehu The annual Swiss-Korean Innovation Week (SKIW) kicked off on May 20, on the topic of Building Bridges in Digital Trust. For its seventh edition, the theme was "The Trust Equation." Swiss Ambassador to Korea Dagmar Schmidt Tartagli explained that "The Trust Equation" is the center of Swiss-Korean innovation week in her welcoming speech at the Swiss Hanok in western Seoul, May 22. It was part of an event titled "DIALOGUE: Digital Trust 4 Media: Navigating the MediaTech Nexus," which looked at the evolving issue of public trust in media. Providing trustworthy information stands as one of the media's fundamental functions. However, recent years have witnessed a surge in disinformation employing sophisticated deepfakes and artificial intelligence, profoundly impacting societal discourse. Therefore, the roles of key stakeholders in the media scene, including research institutions, broadcasters, search engine portals and social media platforms, have become increasingly crucial, particularly in combating disinformation," the ambassador said. "At the same time, ensuring digital trust in the media realm also entails facilitating dialogues within civil society on the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning. The paradox lies in the dual role of technology, exploring its potential as both a threat and a tool for fostering trust. Korea and Switzerland celebrated the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations last year. When asked how such events improve relations between Korea and Switzerland, the ambassador said, "We work in culture and in promoting economic and political dialogue and cooperation. A strong part of our work here is really to connect people. This week is very much also in the spirit of connecting people. Visit swissinnovation.kr for further information. Bereket Alemayehu is an Ethiopian photo artist, social activist and writer based in Seoul. He's also co-founder of Hanokers, a refugee-led social initiative, and freelance contributor for Pressenza Press Agency. Off the coast of Morocco, a group of orcas attacked a yacht sailing in the Strait of Gibraltar. The orcas damaged the vessel so badly that it later sank, leading to an emergency evacuation for the two people who had been on board. The passengers were about 14 miles north of Cape Spartel in northern Morocco when the incident occurred. At around nine in the morning on May 19, they felt blows to the hull of the 50-foot Alboran Cognac. Afterward, they saw that the rudder had been damaged, and water started leaking onto the ship. They contacted the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center in Tarifa, Spain, and were told to ready themselves for an emergency rescue. An hour later, an oil tanker that was in the area picked up the two passengers, who were customers of Alboran Charter, a boat rental agency based in Spain, and the owner of the yacht. Soon after their rescue, the yacht sank. It is unknown exactly how many orcas were involved in the incident. The Alboran Cognac has not been the only victim of orca attacks in the Strait of Gibraltar. Last spring, the marine mammals sank the Champagne, a Swiss yacht, off the coast of Spain. In addition, they wrecked a Polish sailing yacht called the Grazie Mamma in November. This type of behavior has been going on since 2020. Overall, 700 interactions between orcas and ships have taken place in the strait. Within the last three years, the Alboran Cognac has been the fifth vessel that orcas have sunk. The Strait of Gibraltar is a narrow waterway that connects the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Less than 50 orcas swim in its waters. Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox. About four years ago, this womans brother-in-law was in a relationship with his ex-girlfriend whom he dated on and off for around six years. Then, following the separation, her brother-in-law and his ex still communicated from time to time. To be clear, they never actually lived together or had any children. Nonetheless, during their relationship, her brother-in-law would help support his ex-girlfriend and her kids from a previous marriage financially. Then, he was laid off from his job and couldnt provide the same amount financially as he was before, she recalled, She broke up with him soon after. Now, four years later, her brother-in-law recently passed away unexpectedly. And when his ex found out about the news, she was apparently devastated. Her brother-in-laws ex also reached out to her mother-in-law who is grieving via text and phone. In the beginning, his ex was really supportive, too, and spoke about how great a man her brother-in-law was over the years. However, to her, it quickly became clear that her brother-in-laws ex was just seeking money. Thats because, not long afterward, his ex brought up how, while they were dating, her brother-in-law apparently created a handwritten will. And in this handwritten will, her brother-in-laws ex claimed that hed left his entire estate to her. After telling her mother-in-law about this, her brother-in-laws ex also sent her mother-in-law a picture of the so-called will. But his estate is substantial, and he had another will made with a lawyer after they broke up, and she wasnt included, she explained. Thats why she just feels like her brother-in-laws ex is simply a gold digger. Not to mention, she thought it was super inconsiderate to send the photo of the handwritten will to her mother-in-law so soon after her brother-in-laws passing. Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox. Using DNA analysis, scientists have been able to illuminate the lifestyle and traits of a mysterious warrior people called the Avars. Once a nomadic people, the Avars ruled most of Central and Eastern Europe in the 6th century. A new study published in the journal Nature has provided details about the lives of the Avars and how they interacted with the existing population after migrating to Europe. The findings revealed their marriage customs, which are not seen very often today. Experts examined the remains of 424 individuals unearthed from four different cemeteries in Hungary. The researchers were surprised by how interconnected the people were. They discovered that Avar women had more diverse DNA backgrounds than Avar men. In addition, the men were buried with their parents, while the womens parents were nowhere to be found in their graves. This burial practice indicates that the Avar culture may have engaged in patrilocality, a term that refers to the social system in which women leave their families after getting married to live in close proximity to their new husbands community instead. Furthermore, it appeared that Avar people did not always stay with one partner for the entirety of their lives. There were several cases where different men in the same family each had a child with the same woman. Avar men likely had more freedom to participate in non-monogamy compared to women. Two cases of men with multiple older female partners, all middle-aged at death, makes a good argument for polygyny (having multiple wives), said a geneticist named Lara Cassidy, who was not involved in the study. Sign up for Chip Chicks newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox. Home News Christian family goes into hiding despite blasphemy charges being dropped over Bible verse on Facebook LAHORE, Pakistan A court in Pakistan granted bail to a Christian falsely charged with blasphemy, but he and his family have separated and gone into hiding amid threats to their lives, sources said. Haroon Shahzad, 45, was released from Sargodha District Jail on Nov. 15, said his attorney, Aneeqa Maria. Shahzad was charged with blasphemy on June 30 after posting Bible verses on Facebook that infuriated Muslims, causing dozens of Christian families in Chak 49 Shumaali, near Sargodha in Punjab Province, to flee their homes. Lahore High Court Judge Ali Baqir Najfi granted bail on Nov. 6, but the decision and his release on Nov. 15 were not made public until now due to security fears for his life, Maria said. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Shahzad told Morning Star News by telephone from an undisclosed location that the false accusation has changed his familys lives forever. My family has been on the run from the time I was implicated in this false charge and arrested by the police under mob pressure, Shahzad told Morning Star News. My eldest daughter had just started her second year in college, but its been more than four months now that she hasnt been able to return to her institution. My other children are also unable to resume their education as my family is compelled to change their location after 15-20 days as a security precaution. Though he was not tortured during incarceration, he said, the pain of being away from his family and thinking about their well-being and safety gave him countless sleepless nights. All of this is due to the fact that the complainant, Imran Ladhar, has widely shared my photo on social media and declared me liable for death for alleged blasphemy, he said in a choked voice. As soon as Ladhar heard about my bail, he and his accomplices started gathering people in the village and incited them against me and my family. Hes trying his best to ensure that we are never able to go back to the village. Shahzad has met with his family only once since his release on bail, and they are unable to return to their village in the foreseeable future, he said. We are not together, he told Morning Star News. They are living at a relatives house while Im taking refuge elsewhere. I dont know when this agonizing situation will come to an end. The Christian said the complainant, said to be a member of Islamist extremist party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan and also allegedly connected with banned terrorist group Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, filed the charge because of a grudge. Shahzad said he and his family had obtained valuable government land and allotted it for construction of a church building, and Ladhar and others had filed multiple cases against the allotment and lost all of them after a four-year legal battle. Another probable reason for Ladhars jealousy could be that we were financially better off than most Christian families of the village, he said. I was running a successful paint business in Sargodha city, but that too has shut down due to this case. Regarding the social media post, Shahzad said he had no intention of hurting Muslim sentiments by sharing the biblical verse on his Facebook page. I posted the verse a week before Eid Al Adha [Feast of the Sacrifice] but I had no idea that it would be used to target me and my family, he said. In fact, when I came to know that Ladhar was provoking the villagers against me, I deleted the post and decided to meet the village elders to explain my position. The village elders were already influenced by Ladhar and refused to listen to him, Shahzad said. I was left with no option but to flee the village when I heard that Ladhar was amassing a mob to attack me, he said. Shahzad pleaded with government authorities for justice, saying he should not be punished for sharing a verse from the Bible that in no way constituted blasphemy. Similar to other cases Shahzads attorney, Maria, told Morning Star News that events in Shahzads case were similar to other blasphemy cases filed against Christians. Defective investigation, mala fide on the part of the police and complainant, violent protests against the accused persons and threats to them and their families, forcing their displacement from their ancestral areas, have become hallmarks of all blasphemy allegations in Pakistan, said Maria, head of The Voice Society, a Christian paralegal organization. She said that the case filed against Shahzad was gross violation of Section 196 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), which states that police cannot register a case under the Section 295-A blasphemy statute against a private citizen without the approval of the provincial government or federal agencies. Maria added that Shahzad and his family have continued to suffer even though there was no evidence of blasphemy. The social stigma attached with a blasphemy accusation will likely have a long-lasting impact on their lives, whereas his accuser, Imran Ladhar, would not have to face any consequence of his false accusation, she said. The judge who granted bail noted that Shahzad was charged with blasphemy under Section 295-A, which is a non-cognizable offense, and Section 298, which is bailable. The judge also noted that police had not submitted the forensic report of Shahzads cell phone and said evidence was required to prove that the social media was blasphemous, according to Maria. Bail was set at 100,000 Pakistani rupees (US $350) and two personal sureties, and the judge ordered police to further investigate, she said. Shahzad, a paint contractor, on June 29 posted on his Facebook page 1 Cor. 10:18-21 regarding food sacrificed to idols, as Muslims were beginning the four-day festival of Eid al-Adha, which involves slaughtering an animal and sharing the meat. A Muslim villager took a screenshot of the post, sent it to local social media groups and accused Shahzad of likening Muslims to pagans and disrespecting the Abrahamic tradition of animal sacrifice. Though Shahzad made no comment in the post, inflammatory or otherwise, the situation became tense after Friday prayers when announcements were made from mosque loudspeakers telling people to gather for a protest, family sources previously told Morning Star News. Fearing violence as mobs grew in the village, most Christian families fled their homes, leaving everything behind. In a bid to restore order, the police registered a case against Shahzad under Sections 295-A and 298. Section 295-A relates to deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs and is punishable with imprisonment of up to 10 years and fine, or both. Section 298 prescribes up to one year in prison and a fine, or both, for hurting religious sentiments. Pakistan ranked seventh on Open Doors 2023 World Watch List of the most difficult places to be a Christian, up from eighth the previous year. Home News Enraged Muslim mob attacks Christians in Pakistan over blasphemy claim A Christian community was attacked by a violent Muslim mob Saturday in Pakistan's eastern Punjab province. The violence was instigated by a local cleric over allegations of blasphemy, leading to significant violence and property damage. Social media footage depicted scenes of chaos, including a mob surrounding a bloodied man and teenagers destroying furniture. The mob in Sargodha citys Mujahid Colony claimed that a 70-year-old Christian man had desecrated a copy of the Quran, Pakistans Dawn newspaper reported, adding that the attack took place on the instigation of a local cleric. The mobs fury resulted in the burning down of the mans small shoemaking factory, as reported by DW. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Tehreek-e-Labbaik Extremists are vandalizing Nazir Masih's house, setting his shoe factory on fire, His factory goods have also been looted by Muslims and attempting to break into his home. The situation is extremely tense. #blasphemy#Sargodha#Pakistan#TLPpic.twitter.com/RwibjlIPWj Faraz Pervaiz (@FarazPervaiz3) May 25, 2024 Faraz Pervaiz shared on X footage of the unrest, saying, "Tehreek-e-Labbaik Extremist Muslim mob has attacked Christians In Majaheed Colony Sargodha vandalizing several churches and setting scores of houses on fire after accusing one of Christian of desecrating a Quran." The Christian Post could not verify the authenticity of the footage shared on social media. Sargodha police chief Sariq Khan was quoted as saying that at least five people were rescued from the violence and taken to a hospital, noting the rioters had also hurled stones and bricks at the police. District Police Chief Ijaz Malhi said the situation was eventually brought under control. He added that the individual accused of blasphemy was in custody, and an investigation is underway. He added that police had been stationed throughout Sargodha to help protect the Christian community. Thanks to the timely action of the police. Sargodha was spared a great tragedy, the statement from the police said, adding that over 2,000 officers were on security duty, ensuring no further violence occurred. Footage of the incident shared on social media showed a large blaze outside a house, however. The police chief refuted the authenticity of these videos and claimed they were fake videos, insisting no one was injured, a statement contradicted by a relative of an injured person who stated his uncle was in critical condition at a hospital and the family was not allowed to see him. A statement from Minority Rights March referred to videos showing a mob attacking a 70-year-old man at the instigation of a local cleric while the mans home and factory were set ablaze. They accused the Punjab police of being passive observers during the attack, indicating tacit approval of the violence. An official from Punjabs interior ministry, Noor-ul-Amin Mengal, was quoted as saying, Pakistan belongs to all of us; no injustice will be tolerated under the guise of religion. Action will be taken according to the law after a complete investigation. A district peace committee, comprising of officials and religious scholars from both Muslim and minority communities, was announced to evaluate the situation. The blasphemy laws in Pakistan, under which the death penalty can be given for insulting Islam, have often led to mob violence. In August 2023, attacks against Christians occurred in Jaranwala town, where churches and homes were torched following blasphemy accusations against two local Christians. In December 2021, a mob killed a Sri Lankan man over blasphemy allegations. Although arrests were made, no legislative changes have occurred to curb false accusations. Christians make up roughly 1.6% of Pakistans 241 million population. Home News This week in Christian history: Battle of Avarayr, John Calvin dies, Antipope deposed Throughout the extensive history of the Church, there have been numerous events of lasting significance. Each week brings anniversaries of impressive milestones, unforgettable tragedies, amazing triumphs, memorable births and notable deaths. Some of the events drawn from over 2,000 years of history might be familiar, while others might be unknown to many people. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The following pages highlight anniversaries of memorable events that occurred this week in Christian history. They include the Battle of Avarayr, the death of John Calvin, and an antipope being deposed. Home Opinion Foster care: A model in Costa Rica for the US? When Americans think about the foster care system, its unlikely a positive image pops into their minds. Instead, they may think of a tragic story of abuse theyve heard on the news or about a troubled teen in their community ready to age out of the system. Its tempting to believe that foster care is a broken concept, doomed from the start. But there are more than 5 million children in orphanages around the world in need of safe and loving families. This astronomical number must stir us to invest in some kind of system that can sufficiently serve these children. But what does that system look like? Ive been knee-deep in that exact work in Costa Rica for the past two decades, and what Ive witnessed is that foster care can be a beautiful option for vulnerable children and families, but not on its own. When we consider all the potential downfalls and limitations of foster care, Ive learned that the solution in the U.S. and around the world isnt to throw the system out the solution is to bring Jesus in. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe Foster care works when the motivation is Jesus Psalms 68:6 speaks clearly about Gods heart for the lonely to be put in families, and theres no mistaking that caring for orphaned and vulnerable children is a part of our calling as Christians. In Costa Rica, hundreds of families have followed this call to provide a safe and loving home to vulnerable children who would otherwise be placed in orphanages, by becoming foster parents. Casa Viva, the organization where I work, currently partners with 50 churches to train and support volunteer foster families, who then must be approved by the government. And our support doesnt end when a placement is made our professionals continue to visit and train families throughout the entire process. Whether a child is with a foster family temporarily, until they can be reunified with their biological family, or until an alternative permanent family placement is available, our professionals make twice-a-month site visits. We like to joke that we have a seat at the table in each familys home. This system only works because its filled with people at every level motivated by their faith. God invited us into his family, and in response, we must work to see all of His children find famililes too. The alternative solution is broken Of course, foster care is challenging work. It requires a unique plan for each family. But we know that this Christ-centered, individualized approach to foster care is worthwhile because, in Costa Rica, we have to deal with the tragic effects of the alternative care model orphanages. Unfortunately, many still exist in our country, and we are working to change this. Research shows that an orphanage is a difficult place for a child to grow and learn. Children who grow up in institutionalized care are stunted physically, emotionally, and cognitively while in them. Without the individualized attention and nurturing that naturally happens within a family, they can have significant delays and struggle developmentally, and sometimes these effects are permanent. Thats why getting these children back into families as quickly as possible is critical. One child we worked with, James, was placed in an orphanage at the age of six, and by the time he was a teen, he was angry and troubled. But Sandra, a Christian woman and potential foster mother, felt called to take him in. She said to Casa Viva, If you are with me, then I am with him, and proceeded to welcome him into her home. The transition wasnt easy, but after a year of support from our organization and her church community, Jamess behavior began to change. Eventually, Sandra and her husband formally adopted James. Now that hes grown, hes often seen doting on his mother and has even started his own business. Family redefined Jamess future. They will know you by your love When it comes to caring for vulnerable children, pure and undefiled religion is the key. Foster care, whether bridging a gap for biological family reunification or giving children stability during a time of transition, is a beautiful display of Gods desire for children and the transformation that happens in the hearts of believers. The motivation to become foster parents that comes from obedience to Gods will, not money or benefits, will be noticeable to others. Years ago, a neighboring government official came to observe our program. It was clear from the start that he was skeptical of the partnership we, as a faith-based organization, had with the government. But after a week of meeting with foster families, seeing the children thriving, and hearing from the parents about their motivation to foster coming out of their genuine love of God, his mind was changed. At the end of his time with us, he shared that a program like ours could only happen with God. Jesus is at the center of everything we do, and it shows. While foster care may have a bad reputation in the U.S., there is a way to do it well rooted in Jesus. American Christians must understand and support this expanding option for children in other countries. Foster care is an essential alternative in a system caring for vulnerable children, and its clear that Christians who partner with organizations that love Christ can be examples of how to do foster care the right way in America, Costa Rica, and all around the globe. Home Opinion 5 reasons why large churches are having difficulty finding millennial pastors Attention church members of congregations with an average attendance of 400 or more: If you are happy with your current pastors, hold on to them. You will have a challenge finding the successor to your pastor, especially if you want them to be 35 to 45 years old and with at least 10 years of lead pastor experience. Church Answers has been following the impending pastor shortage crisis for a few years. We are ready to remove the word impending since we hear from churches every week that cant find a pastor. The crisis is particularly acute for larger churches seeking a Millennial pastor, that generation born between 1980 and 2000. We could include younger Gen X pastors born between 1975 and 1979 in this group. There are clear reasons why larger churches feel like there is a shortage of these pastors. Here are the five top reasons. Get Our Latest News for FREE Subscribe to get daily/weekly email with the top stories (plus special offers!) from The Christian Post. Be the first to know. Subscribe The five reasons These reasons are listed in order of frequency stated by Millennial pastors except for number two, which is a demographic reality. Though our information is anecdotal, we believe weve heard it enough times to be accurate. 1. Bigger is not better. For decades, pastors typically moved from smaller churches to larger churches. Many smaller churches perceived their role was to prepare the pastor for the next step, much like the next step in educational attainment. However, most Millennial pastors do not view a bigger church as the next natural step. Many of these pastors feel like the smaller church where they are serving represents the future of churches in America. They are correct in their perception. 2. Boomer pastors are retiring and dying, and there are insufficient replacements available. Its a two-edged sword. One part of the problem is that many Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) are leaving their churches within a short period. There are simply not enough Millennial and younger Gen X pastors to replace them. The oldest Boomers are 78 years old. Even those hanging on past 65 years old are ready to step down. 3. Millennial pastors feel like they are serving both a church and a community. Their sense of call is first for the church they are serving but also for the community where the church is located. Pastors who feel a powerful call to their communities are much less likely to move to another church. 4. Facility issues are a big concern. Many churches have worrisome levels of deferred maintenance. Some also have worship centers that are not even half full. Millennial and younger Gen X pastors are seasoned leaders. They know that they might spend a considerable amount of their ministry time dealing with facilities, fundraising, and debt. 5. It costs too much to relocate. The pastor said these words emphatically: I cant put my family through the financial pressure of relocating. Even though the prospective church has offered me a 20% increase in salary from my current church, it still does not cover higher house prices and mortgage rates of around 7%. And lest you judge these pastors to lack faith or be money-focused, most are seriously concerned that their decision would be one of poor stewardship. Addressing the challenge There are no simple or incremental solutions to the challenges. Our team at Church Answers gets more inquiries from search committees or their equivalent than we ever have. Typically, the conversation begins with, We cant find a pastor. Thus far, weve worked with these search committees to rethink personnel alignment, to look in an atypical pool of candidates, and to seek ways to find candidates within their own communities. We see a lot of challenges, but we dont have cookie-cutter solutions. It is indeed a challenge, but it affords new opportunities and new ways of looking at how we do church. In an upcoming article, we will address why smaller churches also have trouble finding pastors. The stated problem is similar, but the likely solutions are very different. Stay tuned. Originally published at Church Answers. Six Korean nationals have been safely evacuated from New Caledonia amid recent riots in the country, the foreign ministry said Sunday. The ministry said six individuals left the French Pacific territory via airplane with assistance from the French government. "The Korean government will continue to ensure the safety of its nationals in New Caledonia," the ministry said. New Caledonia is currently experiencing severe political unrest due to conflicts between pro-French supporters and opposition forces. (Yonhap) Sadness after missionary couple and ministry director killed in Haiti Three people, a Haitian man and an American couple who all worked for a Christian mission organization, were killed by gang members near Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on Thursday night. The group had reportedly been kidnapped earlier in the evening after leaving a youth event hosted at a church. Natalie and Davy Lloyd moved from Oklahoma to Haiti in 2022 to work for Missions in Haiti, Inc. The third person killed was the Haitian director of the organization, Jude Montis. Davy's parents, David and Alicia Lloyd, who founded the organization in 2000, shared the news of their death in a Facebook post around 2 a.m. Friday, saying the couple had been shot by gang members around 9 p.m. "We are devastated," wrote the couple in their post. Natalie's father, Missouri Representative Ben Baker, shared the news on Facebook with a picture of the couple, expressing his grief and asking for prayers. "My heart is broken in a thousand pieces," Baker posted. "I've never felt this kind of pain. Most of you know my daughter and son-in-law Davy and Natalie Lloyd are full time missionaries in Haiti. They were attacked by gangs this evening and were both killed. They went to Heaven together." The three victims had just left the youth event when they were ambushed "by a gang of 3 trucks full of guys," according to a post shared on the organization's Facebook page before their deaths were confirmed. "Their lives are in danger. I have been trying all my contacts to get a police armored car there to evacuate them out to safety but can't get anyone to do so," read the post, whose author is unclear. Missions in Haiti, an evangelistic organization, offers a number of services for children, including two permanent residence homes, a school and a bakery. "We believe the doors are still open for Haiti's children to be changed by the Gospel," reads the organization's website. The organization runs a "House of Compassion" near Port-au-Prince, where 36 children live, and the "Good Hope Boys Home," which can house up to 25. It also runs the Bon Espoir school (Good Hope School), a church and a bakery that employs adults who were previously raised in Missions in Haiti facilities and provides bread for its residential centers. While many schools have been forced to close due to the gang violence, Missions in Haiti had remained open. In a May 2023 update to the website, the organization called their area "relatively calm," saying the gang leader in their area controlled one of the "nicer gangs" in Haiti. "This gang works to keep the 'bad guys' out of our area and we pray that they will continue to be strong enough to keep some semblance of peace in this area," according to the site. An increasing number of Christian missionaries working in Haiti have been the target of kidnappings perpetrated by gang members. The criminal groups rely on kidnappings to make money through ransoms; UNICEF reported an increase in the number of abductions since 2023, noting that women and children were most at risk of being kidnapped. In October of 2021, a group of 17 Christian Aid Ministries missionaries (16 Americans and one Canadian) were kidnapped by gangs. Twelve escaped, and the others were later freed. In the past few years, the country has plunged into turmoil, aggravated by the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July 2021. In the months following the president's assassination, armed gangs vying for control of the capital banded together and took advantage of the political unrest. After Moise's death, the government was run by Prime Minister Ariel Henry, whose legitimacy was heavily contested through street protests, until he resigned in April of this year. A transitional council was named to lead the country after Henry's departure. The gangs now control 90% of the capital and have blocked several roads into Port-au-Prince and the city's main port, stalling the flow of goods into the country. Since January, gang violence has killed or injured 2,500 and displaced 35,000, according to the United Nations. In March, the country experienced a spike in violence when gang members freed thousands of inmates jailed in the capital's two largest prisons. A peacekeeping mission led by Kenyan police officers, including officers from Chile, Jamaica, Grenada, Burundi, Nigeria and others, is set to arrive in Port-au-Prince this week to help Haitian police fight the gangs. A total of 1,000 Kenyan police officers will be deployed. Religion News Service MAYFIELD VILLAGE, Ohio -- Dozens of guests celebrated the memory of U.S. veterans under a bright and hazy sky, during the Memorial Day Ceremony at Whitehaven Memorial Park on Sunday afternoon. The veterans cemetery section of the memorial park was dotted with hundreds of flags as guests sat nearby listening to speakers celebrate the lives of men and women who gave their lives in service for the country. Joshua Franey, of Tampa Bay, a U.S. Army veteran, spoke of losing his friend Brian Black, an Army Green Beret, during a training mission to Niger in October of 2017. Franeys voice cracked as he read through Blacks biography, which is written by service members and is only to be read if the writer has been killed in action. Brian, and others who have come before him, are the reason we are able to be here today, said Franey. Others who spoke included Mayfield Village Chief of Police, Paul Matis, who is a U.S. Navy veteran, and Mayfield Village Mayor Brenda Bodnar. All of you who here today had a choice, to come here, or stay home, or do whatever you wanted to do, said Bodnar. By participating in this Memorial Day ceremony, you honor the courageous men and women who gave you that choice, she added, and you recognized that patriotism does not lie so much in words as it does in actions. The number of passengers on foreign airlines for international routes outpaced those of Korea's two full-service carriers in April, data showed Sunday, amid a rise in the number of overseas tourists visiting the country. The number of passengers for routes in and out of Korea on foreign airlines came to 2.25 million in April, surpassing a combined 2.23 million posted by Korean Air and Asiana Airlines, according to data compiled by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. It marked the second time since November 2021 that the monthly number of passengers on foreign airlines has surpassed those of Korean Air and Asiana, which occurred when air travel was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In April, the number of passengers on foreign airlines increased by 50.4 percent year-on-year amid the normalizing travel, while those of the two Korean carriers increased by 32 percent. The increase in the number of passengers on foreign airlines apparently came amid the growing number of tourists visiting Korea. In April, the number of foreign airlines connecting to Incheon International Airport, the country's main gateway, came to 64, up from 40 two years earlier. Other experts noted that more travelers opted to choose foreign airlines when traveling abroad, considering they offer more affordable tickets. (Yonhap) Reports of NK soldiers in Ukraine may show Russia's 'profound' desperation: US official Presidential office says pension reform should be discussed in upcoming Assembly By Kwak Yeon-soo, Nam Hyun-woo National Assembly Speaker Kim Jin-pyo encouraged political parties Sunday to pass a pension reform plan before the conclusion of the current term of the 21st Assembly, saying it is the "golden time" for such legislation. The ongoing session of the Assembly is set to end on Wednesday. Pension reform has been one of President Yoon Suk Yeol's pledges as the country's national pension fund is projected to be depleted by 2055. During a press conference at the Assembly in Seoul, Kim emphasized the need for the two main rival parties to agree upon carrying out parametric reform during the current parliamentary session. He also suggested that discussions on structural reform could be continued in the subsequent 22nd Assembly, scheduled to convene on Thursday. The parametric reform involves raising the premium rate and income replacement rate. "Pension reform is related to benefits for all older citizens and the monthly burden of paying premiums for office workers, self-employed workers and stay-at-home spouses. This is something that must be handled during the 21st National Assembly within the scope of the agreement," Kim said. After several rounds of negotiations, the ruling People Power Party (PPP) and the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) have agreed on the need to raise the premium rate from the current 9 percent to 13 percent of income, but failed to narrow their differences on the income replacement rate. The PPP has proposed an income replacement rate of 44 percent, up from the 40 percent set for 2028, while the DPK has suggested 45 percent. The income replacement rate is a percentage indicating how much of a worker's pre-retirement income is replaced by the amount of money the worker gets paid after retirement. For example, if a worker earned an average of $1,000 per month before retirement, a 44 percent replacement rate means that the worker will be paid $440 per month after retirement. "If the 21st Assembly carries out a reform to increase the premium rate, it will have historical significance as the pension reform had not been successful for 17 years since 2007," Kim said. "If the reform plan is further postponed, public trust in the national pension fund may decline." Kim's call comes a day after DPK Chairman Rep. Lee Jae-myung said the party was willing to compromise at a 44 percent income replacement rate as long as the PPP agrees to pass the pension reform plan during a plenary session scheduled for Tuesday, the final session before the current Assembly's term expires. "The time is running out, so the DPK would accept the PPP's proposal regarding a 44 percent income replacement rate. The public opinion is divided on the pension reform plan, but our party will take full responsibility for it," Lee said during a press conference on Saturday. On Friday, Lee called for a meeting with Yoon to discuss the issue and reach an agreement regarding the differences between the reform plans of the two main parties. In response, the presidential office said the 22nd Assembly should address the issue, refusing the request for the meeting. "There are only three days left for the 21st Assembly, so there is absolutely not enough time to reach an agreement over the pension reform conflict. Rather than making a hasty decision, it is necessary to take time to fully reflect the public opinion, especially that of the younger generation," a senior official at the presidential office told reporters Sunday. The PPP suspects that Lee is abruptly pushing for pension reform merely for the political purpose of styling himself as making a compromise on behalf of the people. PPP floor leader Rep. Choo Kyung-ho called on rival parties to form a consultative body to address the issue in the 22nd Assembly. "The PPP will handle the pension reform plan with priority during the 22nd Assembly," he said. While promises of a nuclear renaissance have failed to deliver in the past, there are signals that this time around the hype may actually be real, according to Morgan Stanley. The firm's analysts see Curtiss-Wright , a company that supplies nuclear plants with crucial parts, as a potential winner in the space. The investment bank raised Curtiss-Wright's price target by $46 to $330, implying more than 17% upside from Friday's close. The price bump is in part a mark-to-market value after Curtiss-Wright rallied 26% this year and 17% over the past three months. But the company also has an underappreciated growth story as an attractive "pick-and-shovels" way to play the nuclear renaissance theme, Morgan Stanley analysts led by Kristine Liwag told clients in a research note Thursday. Curtiss-Wright builds a crucial reactor coolant pump for Westinghouse's third-generation AP1000 nuclear plants and there's growing interest in these builds in Europe in particular. "Future AP1000 sales remain an exciting source of potential upside for CW, in our view," Liwag and company said in the note. Talk of a nuclear renaissance 15 years ago fizzled due to the political emphasis on renewables and competitively priced alternatives, the Morgan Stanley analysts said. The 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan also heightened scrutiny on safety. But there are growing signs a resurgence is on the horizon. Electricity demand is forecast to surge due in part to the growth of data centers and artificial intelligence. Demand is growing at the same time that countries are in search of reliable carbon-free energy to address climate change. CW 1Y mountain Curtiss-Wright shares over the past year After a spate of nuclear plant closures over the past decade, reactors are now being modernized to extend their service life and communities are showing interest in new plants as they phase out coal, according to the Morgan Stanley analysts. Curtiss-Wright sees 20 to 25 new third-generation nuclear power plant builds on the horizon in Europe alone over the next decade as nations there try to shore up their energy independence in the wake of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In Morgan Stanley's base case, in which Westinghouse wins 50% of those contracts to build AP1000s, Curtiss-Wright would expect to book $1.5 billion in revenue for its reactor coolant pumps over a five-year horizon. Each plant requires four such pumps. In the more immediate future, Curtiss-Wight is poised to benefit from current plants modernizing to extend their service life. The company supplies all 94 reactors in the U.S. and all 19 in Canada as well as plants in South Korea. Modernization of current nuclear plants in the U.S. is a $7 billion opportunity through 2050, according to Curtiss-Wright management. In a bull case, Curtiss-Wright could realize $4.9 billion in revenue through 2050 on AP1000 builds, Morgan Stanley estimates. In this scenario, the company's valuation rises to $488 per share, implying nearly 74% upside from Friday's close. By Park Jin-wan, contributor@koreatimes.co.kr Recent polling data reveals a staggering degree of political apathy among Koreans in their 20s and 30s, commonly referred to as the "2030 generation." Ahead of April's parliamentary elections, just over half of these young individuals expressed confidence in their intention to vote, according to the National Election Commission with over a third identifying as independents, showing no support for either major party. The future does not look promising either, with extremely marginal representation of youth in the upcoming legislature. Of the 300 lawmakers elected, a mere 6 percent were aged in their 30s; not a single victorious candidate was in their 20s. At 56, the average age of elected representatives showcased the gerontocracy taking hold. Three principal factors fueled this exodus: First, a dearth of catalyzing issues relatable to young Koreans. Substantive debates over employment, affordable housing and the immense socioeconomic pressures facing Millennials and Generation Z were sorely lacking. Instead, discourse devolved into mudslinging over price levels, candidate scandals and controversies over the presidents decisions near the election significant topics but utterly disconnected from youth priorities. Second, fatigue with the nation's continued decline into partisan rancor and paralysis. Once a vibrant democratic success story, politics in Yeouido have regressed into a combination of acrimony compromised by personal scandals, corruption, abuses of power and ceaseless unproductive political maneuverings. Even in the Gallup survey conducted just before the election, which is typically a time when voters have made up their minds, 38 percent of the 2030 age group remained independent, showing how disenchanted the youth are with the current bipolarized politics. Third, and perhaps most damaging, a growing sense that the government and legislature are impotent to improve their circumstances. The 2022 presidential race witnessed a series of provocative policies ostensibly targeting youth divided starkly along gender lines as the conservatives courted young men with culture war baiting, such as promising to abolish the gender ministry, while progressives rallied young women through demonizing the PPPs young male supporters and promises of empowerment. Candidates also vowed to create youth employment opportunities and bridge the stark economic divide between the affluent capital region and other cities. Persuaded, more than 70 percent of the 2030 voters went to the polls to express their voices. Yet few of these high-profile pledges materialized into substantive policy action. Instead, the job market remains depressing, and more and more Gen Z are giving up their job seeking efforts. The entrenched gap between Seoul and the rest of the country only widened further. Left unaddressed, the marginalization of Korea's rising generation poses profound perils for its long-term trajectory. As the electorate becomes ever older, policymaking inhibited by ageist groupthink could cement a vicious cycle of worsening youth apathy, with fewer substantive political voices advocating for their interests. Already, economists and observers ring alarm bells over Korea's declining birthrate and unfavorable demographics. Without robust policies tangibly improving prospects for marriages, children and stable careers tackling skyrocketing household debt, housing inaccessibility and crushing expenses Korea faces an existential crisis sparked by its youth's pessimism over the future. While populist tactics and culture war provocations may momentarily capture the electorate's attention by deepening divisions, they fail to foster meaningful policy discussions or maintain a lasting interest in politics among the youth, as evidenced by their waning engagement following the recent election. Instead, a bipartisan consensus prioritizing youth empowerment through investment in economic dynamism, social mobility and quality of life is essential. More than optics are needed; young Koreans pragmatically demand substantive policies enhancing affordability, career trajectories, family formation incentives and upward mobility. Restoring faith that the government can uplift their fading prospects is paramount to tackling the democratic exodus. Policymakers of all stripes must engage Korea's next generation from a posture of humility crafting an inclusive, unifying national vision. Concurrently, youth voters themselves must amplify their voices and convey discontent or policy needs through all available means direct voting, formation of youth advocacy blocs, social media campaigns or even public demonstrations. The notion that indifference itself constitutes a valid form of political expression is misguided and proven to be ineffectual. Korea's youth must proactively elevate their presence as a pivotal, mobilized constituency capable of swinging the nation's polarized partisan pendulum. Ultimately, Korean democracy can ill-afford to further alienate its discontented youth. Only by demonstrating tangible commitments to revitalizing opportunity and a positive trajectory for the 2030 generation can Seoul honor its intergenerational compact and global standing. Jinwan Park is an incoming Schwarzman Scholar at Tsinghua University, China, and an East-Asia-focused researcher with works published in numerous publications including Nikkei Asia, CSIS, South China Morning Post, The National Interest and Asia Unbound by CFR. View of what appears to be an inspection test of a new surface-to-sea missile, at an undisclosed location in North Korea in this picture released by the Korean Central News Agency on February 15, 2024. North Korea has notified Japan of its plan to launch a rocket carrying a space satellite towards the Yellow Sea and east of Luzon Island between May 27 and June 4, the Japan Coast Guard said. The notice comes ahead of a trilateral summit meeting between Japan, South Korea and China scheduled to take place later on Monday. Officials from the United States, Japan, and South Korea held phone talks in response to the notice and shared a view that North Korea's satellite launch using ballistic missile technology would be in violation of U.N. resolutions, Japan's Foreign Ministry said. The officials agreed to demand North Korea cancel the planned launch, the ministry said in an emailed release. A version of this article first appeared in CNBC's Inside Wealth newsletter with Robert Frank, a weekly guide to the high net worth investor and consumer. Sign up to receive future editions, straight to your inbox. Today's workaholic wealthy rarely have time to sit back and read a good book except maybe for a few weeks in August. That's why J.P. Morgan Private Bank, every May, releases its summer reading list, often serving as a book club for billionaires. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the list, now called the J.P. Morgan Summer Reading List. The 10 books are carefully curated to match the tastes and preoccupations of J.P. Morgan's wealthy clients. This year's list includes books on effective communication, artificial intelligence, Formula One, whiskey, hidden vacation spots and the art collection of Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz. J.P. Morgan creates the list by surveying its more than 35,000 client advisors and employees globally and asking about the topics clients are talking and thinking about the most. This year, the advisors sent in more than 700 recommended book titles, which a committee whittled down based on timeliness and appeal. "Our clients run the gamut from business owners and entrepreneurs to philanthropists and art collectors," said Darin Oduyoye, chief communications officer of J.P. Morgan Asset and Wealth Management, who has spearheaded the list since its founding. "There are books to match up to each of those groups." Clients get an elegant J.P. Morgan-branded box with a book or two from the list, recommended specifically by their client advisor. The advisor also includes a handwritten note and a commemorative bookmark. The list helps advisors connect with clients during the slow summer months. It also helps with client events, since authors on the list often agree to do special dinners or speaking events for J.P. Morgan clients. Authors love being on the list as well since J.P. Morgan buys thousands of books to hand out and since clients often refer the books to others. "The list is something that both clients and colleagues, and our communities, look forward to," Oduyoye said. This year's 25th anniversary edition features a special "Anniversary Spotlight" highlighting Water.org, the charity founded by Gary White and Matt Damon, and their book "The Worth of Water." Here is J.P. Morgan's 25th Annual Summer Reading List, along with summaries of the books, provided by the bank: "Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection" by Charles Duhigg Sharing the latest research on what makes conversations effective, Charles Duhigg reveals how we can level up our communications and make stronger connections. Whether it's a divided jury room or the way a CIA officer recruits a foreign agent, Duhigg uses examples to illustrate how we can deliver effective messages by recognizing and tapping into the three layers of every conversationpractical, emotional and social. Taking us from the writers' room of one of television's most successful sitcoms to the couches of in-demand marriage counselors, Duhigg shows us that we all have supercommunicators inside of us. "The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness" by Jonathan Haidt Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt lays out urgent factsand issues a clear call to actionto focus attention on the global epidemic of teen mental illness. Haidt identifies the pervasive use of smartphones and over a dozen other mechanisms as having contributed to the "great rewiring of childhood." Arguing that these technologies have had a profound negative effect on children's social and neurological development, he explores what can be done to reverse the significant rise in sleep deprivation, fragmented attention, loneliness, addiction and social comparison. Importantly, Haidt calls for collective action and outlines steps that we all must take to end this epidemic. "Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys" published by Phaidon Celebrating selections from the world-class art collection of musical and cultural icons Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz (Kasseem Dean), "Giants" highlights 100 works by nearly 40 multigenerational Black American, African and African diasporic artists. Curated by the Brooklyn Museum for its first-ever major exhibition, the Dean Collection features works by legendaryas well as emergingartists including Gordon Parks, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Lorna Simpson, Odili Donald Odita and Kennedy Yanko. "Giants" also includes exclusive conversations between Swizz Beatz, Alicia Keys and curator Kimberli Gant, in addition to interviews with 10 of the renowned artists featured. "Brave New Words: How AI Will Revolutionize Education (and Why That's a Good Thing)" by Salman Khan Salman Khan, the visionary behind the nonprofit Khan Academy, explores how artificial intelligence (AI) is set to transform learning both in education and the workplace. Demonstrating how AI will not replace human interaction but rather enhance it with tools to encourage creativity and problem solving, he shows how AI can adapt to each student's individual pace while identifying strengths and areas of improvement. Outlining how emerging technologies can create a more accessible education system, Khan offers practical implications for administrators, counselors and hiring managers, as well as thoughtful insights on how we all can use AI in an increasingly digital world. "Love & Whiskey: The Remarkable True Story of Jack Daniel, His Master Distiller Nearest Green, and the Improbable Rise of Uncle Nearest" by Fawn Weaver Entrepreneur Fawn Weaver reveals the untold story of one of America's most iconic whiskey brands. Set in Lynchburg, Tennessee, "Love & Whiskey" follows Weaver's quest to discover the life of Nearest Green, a 19th-century African American distiller who played a pivotal role in developing Jack Daniel's whiskey. Navigating through layers of history to unlock the truth about Green's contributions to the spirits industry and his friendship with Daniels, Weaver uncovers a story that connects generations. Her findings inspire a new path forward, with Weaver spearheading the creation of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey as a way to honor and celebrate Green's legacy for generations to come. Ryanjlane | E+ | Getty Images Sometimes, it pays to pay with cash. More merchants are offering a lower price to customers who use cash rather than credit card for a purchase. That means opting for paper over plastic may save you money in some cases. Just how much? Typically, cash discounts run about 2% to 4% on purchases, though savings can be higher, experts said. The share of cash payments with a discount is still low in fact, only about 3% of all cash payments in 2022, according to data from the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. However, that share is up more than 60% from 2015, when 1.8% of all cash transactions had a discount, Atlanta Fed data shows. While not yet the norm, cash incentives are likely to become more widespread, experts said. watch now Meanwhile, other businesses add a surcharge when customers use credit cards for purchases. In such cases, paying with cash would also yield savings. Nearly 7 in 10 cardholders said a business has charged them extra for paying with a credit card, according to a recent LendingTree survey. The trend comes as consumers have steadily shifted away from using cash for purchases: Consumers made 18% of payments with cash in 2022, down from 31% in 2016, according to the Federal Reserve. Meanwhile, credit cards' share grew to 31% from 18% during that period. More from Personal Finance: How many credit cards should you have? People hate budgeting. Here's how to reframe it The myth about credit cards and credit scores that's costing you "Sometimes, it can make sense to just go ahead and pay cash," said Matt Schulz, chief credit analyst at LendingTree. That may be the case even after accounting for credit card rewards, Schulz said. The largest general cash-back return on most credit cards is 2%, for example a percentage often exceeded by cash discounts, he said. "If the merchant establishes a discount that's high enough, even if you have the best rewards card in the world you may still end up paying less if you use cash," said Adam Rust, director of financial services at the Consumer Federation of America, a consumer advocacy group. Why businesses give cash incentives Businesses that offer a break on cash purchases generally do so to reduce costs they incur for credit card transactions. Credit card-processing companies like Visa and Mastercard generally charge merchants 2% to 4% for each transaction, according to the National Retail Federation. These swipe fees are the second-highest cost for most businesses, behind labor costs, the trade group said. "The merchant is looking at your dollar and getting 98 cents in the end because you've chosen to use a card," Rust said. Businesses can take two routes to save money: offering a discount for cash purchases (thereby sidestepping those card fees), or putting a surcharge on credit card transactions to offset those fees. Either way, such practices may yield lower prices for cash users. Surcharges aren't legal in all states, though. As of May 2023, Connecticut and Massachusetts had outlawed surcharging, while Colorado and Oklahoma limited the maximum surcharge to 2%, according to the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association. Visa also capped surcharges at 3% in April 2023, down from 4%, the trade group said. "It's really important to understand what the cost of that surcharge is going to be, if there is one, before you go ahead and buy," Schulz said. When to pay with cash Consumers are often swayed by cash incentives, even "significantly likely" to switch to cash payments "specifically because of cash discounts offered," according to research by Joanna Stavins, a senior economist and policy advisor at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. When a cash discount is offered, the odds increase by 19.2% that a consumer who prefers noncash payments will instead opt to pay with cash, Stavins wrote in a 2018 paper. This research controls for transaction value and merchant type. In addition, small, independent businesses are more likely to offer cash discounts than big national chains, Consumer Federation of America's Rust said. Sometimes, it can make sense to just go ahead and pay cash. Matt Schulz chief credit analyst at LendingTree Gas stations have long offered cash incentives to customers. But a rising number are now doing so, and "some major retailers are starting to implement the ability to do this in the future," said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. The average cash discount has been about 5 cents to 10 cents per gallon, De Haan said. Meanwhile, more stations are also offering their own payment platform like branded debit and credit cards that yield even more savings than cash, he added. Discounts are also "very prevalent" when paying for health care, said Carolyn McClanahan, a certified financial planner and physician based in Jacksonville, Florida. McClanahan is also a member of the CNBC Financial Advisor Council. Some big-ticket spending like tax bills and college tuition is also generally best accomplished with cash, said Schulz. The IRS and many universities pass on payment-processing costs to the consumer. (In these cases, that might mean writing a check.) "There are certainly some bigger times when you should probably not use credit cards because of the fees involved," he said. Credit cards sometimes have advantages Giraffes have been at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo since 1954. A breeding program also has been around for almost as long, and has produced more than 200 calves. Right now, the herd stands at 17, and includes little girl BB, which stands for Bailey's Baby, who was born in September. By Park Jae-hyuk Major construction firms have replaced their chief executives and cut payrolls in apparent attempts to cope with the lingering recession in the domestic housing construction market, according to industry officials Sunday. SK ecoplant recently nominated SK E&S Chief Financial Officer Kim Hyung-keun as the new CEO to improve its financial soundness and pursue an initial public offering (IPO). The decision came as a surprise because SK Group has tended to replace the top executives of its affiliates during annual year-end reshuffles. The nomination is intended to overcome internal and external uncertainties and to push ahead with a successful IPO, an SK ecoplant official said. Earlier this year, POSCO E&C, Shinsegae E&C and Eland Construction also replaced their CEOs with financial experts. DL E&C, which hired former LG Electronics executive Seo Young-jae as the new CEO last month, streamlined its organizational structure following the resignations of former CEO Ma Chang-min and other senior executives. The company is said to be interviewing poorly performing employees to carry out a restructuring. Daewoo E&C decided to allow over 1,000 employees at its head office to take a paid leave of absence for up to two months on the condition of receiving only half of their base wages during the period. In 2018, the construction firm gave a year of paid vacations to its plant construction division employees amid worsening profits from the business at that time. However, the company denied speculation that its recent decision was intended to save costs, noting the recent trend of companies allowing their employees to go on long paid vacations for rejuvenation purposes. POSCO E&C and Hanwha Corporation E&C Division reduced payments to their executives. GS E&C decided not to pay performance-based bonuses to its employees this year, as it suffered the first yearly operating loss in 10 years in 2023 despite the record revenue. The loss is attributed mainly to the cost of rebuilding an Incheon apartment complex, whose parking garage collapsed in April last year. Unfortunately, we failed to achieve our profit goal despite the record sales last year due to the tough market conditions and unexpected problems, GS E&C CEO Huh Yoon-hong said in an email to employees last month. HDC Hyundai Development Company also refused to pay performance-based bonuses to its employees, as its profits dipped after a collapse at its apartment construction site in Gwangju in 2022, which killed six workers. In response, the construction firms unionized workers held a rally in front of the Seoul City Hall on Tuesday to protest managements decision. Well, yes, it is good in a way to see the former Post Office chief Paula Vennells publicly exposed for failing to notice or reverse the miserable injustice her organisation visited on innocent sub-postmasters. It is good to see something done at last about the revolting risks taken with NHS patients, by the use of tainted blood which should never have been allowed into this country. But how much better off are we? I am sure there are plenty of other similar scandals, of injustice combined with incompetence made worse by complacency, rumbling along, some only just beginning. One very much in the making is the steady abolition of cash in our society. This is simply bound to lead to misery and catastrophe. I wish someone in authority would grasp this. So many businesses now announce that they will not take money any more. If you say this early enough in any transaction, you can get round the normal rules about legal tender. Sooner or later, cash will become unusable. If you have any, you will have to hand it in or lose it. All the money individuals possess will exist only in some digital limbo. Former Post Office boss Paula Vennells leaves the inquiry last week flanked by police officers The Post Office's Horizon system made up terrifying lies about blameless individuals. Can you imagine the pit of doom into which the cashless society might drag you, or anyone? Can you imagine the decades which will pass before anyone in authority admits they were wrong, and the extra decades before they pay you much too little to compensate you? But this is just an example. The real problem is that our society is no longer run by intelligent or serious people. This is a dogma-driven Kingdom of Dunces, increasingly like the old Soviet Union which we claim to despise. Promotion comes to those who fulfil quotas or mouth the slogans of the Red-Green state. Or both. Since our schools were wrecked 60 years ago, there is no longer a hard core of first-class minds, properly trained in their skills, who can stand up to stupid or wrong decisions. Paula became tearful while she gave evidence to the Post Office Horizon IT inquiry as it assesses governance, redress and how the Post Office responded to the scandal Our warships conk out. We survive by importing electricity. Our Army is sent into combat with useless equipment. Our transport system is a national joke. Inquiry after inquiry reveals that our Heath Service, far from being the envy of the world, makes far too many promises that it cannot keep and, in many areas of medicine is actually going backwards. Every so often I argue on this page that some national policy or other is bound to fail. I am almost invariably right. But the elite world has no time for me or similar critics. It will go on congratulating itself and awarding itself honours until the awful day we all find that everything we have until now relied on has ceased to function, that we are not a great or powerful or rich country and we must start again from the beginning. That is what the blood scandal and Post Office disgrace really mean. How long till we can order death pills? Up and up go the abortion figures. There were 251,377 in England and Wales in 2022. It is perhaps a good thing that pro-abortionists now no longer pretend that they want this procedure to be 'safe, legal and rare', and have made it clear that they actually think abortion is an unmixed good thing so why should it be rare? You can now get abortion pills by post, after a phone 'consultation'. Back in the 1960s, when this was still controversial, it was only the crabby old stick-in-the-muds who suggested it might end like this. Just as they are the only ones warning against legalisation of 'assisted dying'. And they are right. How long before that, too, is done by ordering pills by post? All slopes are slippery, if a lot of people slide down them. Our elite have it all except some backbone There is an easy way to reduce crime, which all modern governments have discovered. You just stop bothering to enforce the law against it, or to record that it is happening at all. Abracadabra! No more shoplifting, burglaries or assaults, muggings or vandalism. The late Jose Harris, a fine historian, explained it beautifully in the Blair years: 'If late 20th Century standards of policing and sentencing had been applied in Edwardian Britain, prisons would have been virtually empty; conversely, if Edwardian standards were applied in the 1990s, most of the youth of Britain would be in jail.' There are only two problems with this clever method. First, though figures hide it, non-elite people continue to be robbed, vandalised, mugged and burgled, and besieged in or near their homes or on public transport, by drugged youths and shops continue to be pillaged. Second, even our limp, overwhelmed courts and absent police have to show signs of life from time to time. In exasperation, they pluck the occasional criminal from the streets. This is generally after 20 or so crimes that weren't recorded and a catalogue of unpaid fines. So despite the pathetic softness of the system, prisons fill up, sumps of intractable evil, full of men who might once have been deterred by a serious justice system and an active, present police force. We did it again last week, 'diverting' yet more criminals from prison because cells are full. It will not work on any terms. Those 'spared jail' will end up there in years to come. It is astonishing how, as our justice system becomes ever more liberal, numbers in prison grow. But it is easy to put right, if anyone wanted to. They just don't lacking the nerve or moral force. Words matter and last year's Coronation was the first since at least 1689 to omit the King's pledge to guard his subjects from evil. At the presentation of the Sword of State to the monarch, he has previously promised to use it 'for the terror and punishment of evildoers'. Now somebody has taken those words out of the ceremony. We have an elite which wants high office and big salaries but lacks the backbone to use its power to defend the people. You can't cut crime by pretending it's gone away. The missive fly-posted on the Tube station wall is the first clue I haven't alighted in a typical 2024 General Election constituency. 'We are an active group of fight racism, fight imperialism supporters,' it proclaims. 'We meet to plan for Palestinian events, make placards & leaflets, hold film showings, community speak-outs, discuss updates from Palestine & the Middle East, and educate ourselves on British Imperialism. Join us!' I've arrived in the People's Republic of Islington North, a few hours after former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn announced he's standing as an independent to defend the seat he's represented for the past 41 years. And I'm keen to discover if his constituents intend to stick with their controversial champion, or remain loyal to Sir Keir's Labour Party. One of my first stops is Jasmin's Choice Fabrics on Seven Sisters Road. Aik, the proprietor, seems to have limited English, but upon hearing me utter the name 'Jeremy Corbyn' he leaps to his feet and vigorously shakes my hand. 'Labour!' he says, beaming. Jeremy Corbyn takes part in a demonstration against racism, outside the Home Office when he was Labour leader Sir Keir (pictured) has made several manoeuvres to distance himself from his predecessor, and has previously said his party is now unrecognisable from 2019 I explain that this time, Corbyn, 75 today, is standing as an independent. At which point Aik's smile fades. 'In that case we'll still be voting Labour,' his colleague Haque informs me. 'We like Jeremy. But there's too much conflict in the world. And we need change.' Down the road, I wander into Gadz Coffee Shop and immediately get the sense this may be more solid Corbyn territory. On the wall are images of two global icons: Elvis Presley, grasping his Gibson J-200 Ebony Guitar, and Jeremy Corbyn, clutching his microphone at a 1980s protest rally. 'Jeremy is my friend,' the owner, Hussain, tells me. I ask if he'll vote for Corbyn despite his expulsion from Labour. 'Yes, it's like having a girlfriend who looks after you. You can't just change because you see someone more attractive. I need him. You need him. We all need him.' One person who's decided he definitely doesn't need Corbyn is Sir Keir Starmer. Though the bookies put him as odds-on favourite to defeat the Labour candidate entrepreneur Praful Nargund Starmer's team privately appear unconcerned. 'There's a bit of focus on Corbyn but that's fine by us,' one told me. 'What voters see is 'Corbyn stands against Keir'. That's precisely the message we want.' Jeremy Corbyn MP addresses demonstrators gathered at a rally in Whitehall in solidarity with the Palestinian people on May 18, 2024 Next stop is the appropriately named Corbyn Street. This leafy thoroughfare seems to have more parochial concerns than war in the Middle East. The only fly-posting I can see declaims: 'Oi! Grotbag! We've bought cameras. Take your dog dirt bags home or face an 80 fine.' Again, the street's namesake appears to enjoy significant support. Max, an events manager, dismounts his bicycle and tells me: 'Yes, I'll vote for Jeremy. He's very personable and has been a good constituency MP.' This, I suspect, holds the key to the election here in Islington North. Jeremy Corbyn is a polarising figure nationally, and has had his crusading image severely tainted by the anti-Semitism that blighted Labour during his leadership. But within this rarefied inner-London enclave, he's seen as an accessible, hard-working and empathetic constituency MP. Which could potentially pose a problem for an incoming Prime Minister Starmer. At the moment, he can point at Corbyn to prove how much Labour has changed under his leadership. And if he wins in a landslide, Corbyn would be nothing more than an historic parliamentary curiosity and possibly Labour's only defeat in London. But if Starmer falters, the Left will become emboldened. And Jeremy Corbyn will become a lightning rod for their discontent. Jeremy Corbyn sits next to Keir Starmer on November 5, 2019 MY last stop is the North Nineteen pub on Sussex Way. As drinkers enjoy the sunshine, a mural of Corbyn gazes down beneficently upon them. I ask Doreen the barmaid if she's ever met the famously vegetarian teetotaller. 'Yes, he comes in now and again,' she says. I ask if he'll get her vote. 'I think so,' she replies. 'He's for the people. He knows what we want and what we need.' At the last election, Britain's voters took a very different view as Corbyn's hard-Left internationalism was rejected decisively. But here, in the People's Republic of Islington, he cuts an iconic, even martyred figure. And despite or perhaps because of his divisive politics, they regard 'Oh Jeremy', as he was famously called at Glastonbury, as one of their own. On July 4, that may well prove to be enough. For many of its supporters, the idea harks back to an idealised 1950s those patriotic halcyon days when you could leave your front door unlocked, the police cycled around nabbing petty criminals and old maids drank warm beer. But we arent in the 1950s. And bringing back National Service is not going to magically take us back there. The problems young people face today are the same problems we all face crime, drugs, the economy, family breakdown and so on. Tackle those, and you tackle the issue of young people who feel they have no purpose. A national volunteering scheme is certainly a sensible idea. And we have one the National Citizen Service, set up by Lord Cameron in 2010. In 2019 its budget was 158.6million. Today its 50.3million, slashed by the same Rishi Sunak who is now saying he will spend 2.5billion on a compulsory scheme. Supporters of Mr Sunaks scheme cite Israel and some Nordic countries where there are forms of National Service. But we are nothing like Israel. As the current military operation in Gaza shows, Israel is a country which faces a permanent existential and terrorist threat and where national security is the most important issue by a mile. No other issue comes close. The National Citizen Service was set up by Lord Cameron in 2010 And army service in a tiny country like Israel is not really about building character or national identity those are by-products. Army service is the only way to sustain its defence and it carries on long into adulthood. The likes of Norway and Finland are not worthwhile comparisons either. Nordic countries have a very different approach to state control. Their citizens accept state diktats in so many areas, where we Britons view the state with scepticism. In that vein, one can only imagine what will happen when the first hapless army recruit breaks a leg on an assault course. It will be a lawyers bonanza. I can already see the class action suit looming. Joining the Armed Forces will not be compulsory under Mr Sunaks plan. But according to the Prime Minister, it will be mandatory for young people to give up one weekend a month for volunteering (though the concept of compulsory volunteering is a little puzzling). I am left wondering what it is about the young that so many people in power appear to dislike? It was under this government, dont forget, that so many young people were forced to miss school and stay cooped up at home during lockdown in order to protect the elderly. Now the plan is to tell them they have too many free weekends and they need to do what the Government tells them with their spare time. As one mother of an 18-year-old prison officer posted on social media yesterday: Its a tough job, and includes working every other weekend and some nights. Rishi Sunak thinks she should also give up one of her remaining free weekends each month to volunteer? Mr Sunaks bombshell plan to bring back National Service is a dismal misfire. It will do little to shore up our underfunded Armed Forces and it wont paper over the cracks in our fractured society. An entrepreneur has revealed how he chartered a private jet to bring him a first edition book after splashing out $1.5 million on the rare work, despite his wife's disapproval. Russell Brunson, 44, is a book-obsessed father of five who spent a month negotiating with the seller of a signed pre-first edition of Napoleon Hill's book The Law of Success. Although his wife, Collette Brunson, disapproved of him spending so much cash, it didn't stop the Idaho-based father from feeding into his love for rare books. The serial entrepreneur describes the 1925 tome as 'the holy grail' of entrepreneurial success, and when he spotted it for sale on eBay he knew he had to have it. After a month of negotiating with both the seller and his wife, Russell secured the book, along with a collection of other Napoleon Hill works in October 2020, which came to a total of $2.2 million. An entrepreneur has revealed how he chartered a private jet to bring him a first edition book after spending $1.5 million on the rare item, despite his wife's refusal Russell Brunson, 44, is a book-obsessed father of five who spent a month negotiating with the seller of a signed pre-first edition of Napoleon Hill's book The Law of Success The serial entrepreneur describes the 1925 tome as 'the holy grail' of entrepreneurial success and when he spotted it for sale on eBay he knew he had to have it Determined not to let the text rot behind lock and key, Russell carefully flew it home on a private jet and now vows to use it as a tool to 'wake up' and educate aspiring entrepreneurs. Given its pricey backstory, Russell, who can recite portions of the book by heart, believes it will grab people's attention and 'increase its perceived value.' However, Collette, 49, wasn't impressed by the rare find and branded her husband 'crazy' before warning him to never spend that amount of money on a book again. The full-time mom 'rolled her eyes' after discovering that Russell considered it his most prized possession. Russell said: 'It's one of the biggest purchases I've made in my life by far. It's the holy grail of entrepreneurial success and personal development. He was the first to ever write about these principles. 'Most of the things you hear about today from all the self-help gurus online are just regurgitations from what originally came from this book. 'It's the only known complete copy that's signed, when I saw it I thought, "Oh that would be so cool to have." 'I spoke to the guy selling it and said, "Someday my goal is to buy that, so just get ready for me." After a month of negotiating with both the seller and his wife, Russell secured the book, along along with a collection of other Napoleon Hill works in October 2020 (seen with private jet he chartered) Determined not to let the text rot behind lock and key, Russell carefully flew it home on a private jet and now vows to use it as a tool to 'wake up' and educate aspiring entrepreneurs 'He said he had another buyer looking at it. I thought, "Oh no, if I'm going to get this someday, that someday needs to be now." He realized he had to go against his wife's wishes and drop the cash. Russell revealed that Collette was 'stressed' about the big purchase. He said: 'My wife Collette rolled her eyes when she realized I'd spent so much on one book. She thinks I'm crazy about most of the things I do but she also trusts me and it wasn't going to damage our family, our finances or anything like that so she was fine with it. 'She's jokingly warned me "no more big book purchases." She doesn't mind the little ones, but the big ones stress her out a little bit.' The book will form the centerpiece of Russell's $25 million event center and museum. He hopes that the author's lessons will be valued more as it comes from a pricier book. Russell, who is also co-founder of ClickFunnels, said: 'If I were to say, "I bought The Law Of Success for $500 on eBay" and if I try and share that message with them now they're not very likely to listen. 'If I tell them, "I spent $1.5 million on this book," now they listen. Now, it increases the perceived value of what I'm teaching from the book. 'The story behind it helps so much because now they all pay attention. 'When they come to our offices they want to see it, they want to take a picture with it, they care about what's inside now because of the perceived value.' The book, housed in a specially made light and temperature-controlled box, is currently stored in an off-site location before it moves to its new home. The book, housed in a specially made light and temperature-controlled box, is currently stored in an off-site location before it moves to its new home The father (seen with his son) noted that he is hopeful that people will get to see the book in its final location in a year Russell said: 'It was so cool holding it in my hands for the first time, but I was so scared it was going to break. 'I love the smell of old books so I was smelling it and opened it up and seeing his signature inside was amazing. 'I thought to myself, "In 100 years time I hope somebody looks at my work the same way I'm looking at this." I was so excited about it, it was such a cool experience.' The father noted that he was hopeful that people would get to see the book in its final location in a year. He said: 'It's stored in an off-site location in a safe. We're building a museum that will be its final spot, hopefully within a year from now that will be finalized and people will have a chance to see and experience it. I'm big on creating experiences for people. 'Having definite purpose, building a mastermind group, over-delivering every single thing we do - those are the qualities we try to instate in all of our entrepreneurs and get them to really buy into. 'Those three alone, not even counting the rest of them, can shift somebody's life and relationship.' Dame Mary Archer, the 79-year-old academic wife of best-selling novelist Jeffrey, has been appointed the new Chair of The Royal Parks charity. She replaces American-born broadcaster and entrepreneur Loyd Grossman. The Royal Parks cares for the most famous collection of urban parks in the world, offering free access to 5,000 acres of London's natural green spaces with a mission to 'improve everyone's quality of life and wellbeing.' Archer's previous roles include Chair of the National Energy Foundation, co-founder of the UK Section of the International Solar Energy Society, Director of Cambridge University Health Partners, Chair of the Science Museum Group and Chair of Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. She is currently a Non-Executive Board Member of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and Chancellor of the university of Buckingham and member of the Board of the Library of Alexandria in Egypt. Dame Mary Archer (pictured, in 2012), the 79-year-old academic wife of best-selling novelist Jeffrey, has been appointed the new Chair of The Royal Parks charity The Royal Parks cares for the most famous collection of urban parks in the world, offering free access to 5,000 acres of London 's natural green spaces with a mission to 'improve everyone's quality of life and wellbeing' (pictured: Hyde Park from above) Famously, she was described as 'fragrant' by an Old Bailey judge after appearing as a dutiful wife, combatively - and elegantly - answering questions about the infidelity of her Tory peer husband who was on trial for perjury. She told the court how she first learned of her husband's affair with his former personal assistant through a newspaper gossip column. Lord Archer was jailed for four years after being found guilty of lying and cheating during a previous libel case when he won 500,000 damages from the Daily Star over an allegation that he slept with a prostitute. Last night, Lord Archer, whose 40-plus books have been published in 114 countries and 47 languages, told The Mail on Sunday: 'I'm very proud that Mary has added this latest achievement to her remarkable career.' When Lady Archer became chairman of the Science Museum in 2015, she was the first woman to have held the role at any of the six big British museums and galleries. She said: 'I greatly look forward to joining The Royal Parks, which has clearly flourished under the chairmanship of Loyd Grossman since becoming a charity in 2017. I look forward to working with the trustees and the team to continue this work and ensure the charity goes from strength.' The appointment of someone associated with the Tory party was confirmed by Downing Street and it is believed was rushed through 48 hours after the announcement of the general Election so it could not be vetoed by the Opposition. She replaces American-born broadcaster and entrepreneur Loyd Grossman (pictured, in 2013) Last night, Lord Archer (pictured, in 1987), whose 40-plus books have been published in 114 countries and 47 languages, told The Mail on Sunday: 'I'm very proud that Mary has added this latest achievement to her remarkable career' Royal Parks cultivates half a million flowers annually in eight parks, protects 7,000 wildlife species, preserves 197 historic monuments and has annual income of hundreds of millions of pounds, thanks to events such as Winter Wonderland and British Summertime. Last month, it was at the centre of controversy when the MoS revealed that it had taken the decision to cover up London's Holocaust memorial to protect it during a pro-Palestinian protest. The memorial in Hyde Park was covered with blue tarpaulin and a Royal Parks spokeswoman said: 'During demonstrations and major events, the Royal Parks works closely with the Metropolitan Police to ensure the safety of park users and its environment.' The Duchess of Edinburgh visited Ukraine in April for a emotional one-day trip The Duchess of Edinburgh said she was 'touched' by the warm reception from Ukrainian President Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska during her recent trip to the war-torn country. Sophie, 59, became the first British royal to visit Ukraine since the start of the Russian invasion last month, and said she was moved by the couple's concern for the King's health. The royal added that she gave Zelensky a letter from her brother-in-law, who is currently being treated for cancer. The mother-of-two, who often does work behind the scenes in helping young women and girls, travelled as a champion of the UK's Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative and the Women, Peace, and Security agenda. In conversation with The Times, Sophie praised Olena for adopting a leadership role following Russia's invasion. 'She has done all this with grace and determination, championing all Ukrainians affected by this conflict,' she said. Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh said President Zelensky 'beamed' as he came to greet her in Ukraine in April The Duchess praised Olena Zelenska for her 'grace and determination' following Russian's invasion Sophie sat down with Olena at the president's palace to discuss the importance of access to survivor centres as well as the training of prosecutors in ensuring justice. Despite the intense circumstances that the country is currently navigating, a 'beaming' President Zelensky ensured he took the time to greet Sophie. She added: 'He also inquired after the King's health, which gave me the opportunity to hand him a letter from His Majesty. I think he was quite touched and said he would save it for a private moment later to read.' The royal, who has pledged to continue her mission to highlight conflict-related sexual violence, rejected claims that she is courageous for her visit to war-torn Ukraine. Instead, for Sophie, the brave are those who have endured and survived the brutalities. 'I am glad to have made the journey. Inevitably it was sad and emotional, and the painful stories and images, as with all my visits to places of conflict, will live with me.' Sophie arrived in the country on the same day at least four people were killed in a barrage of Russian missile strike in the Ukrainian port city of Odesa nearly 300 miles away. The royal said she is pleased to have visited Ukraine and pledged to continue her mission of raising awareness of conflict-related sexual violence In Kyiv, the duchess listened as survivors of sexual violence, both male and female, bravely shared their stories, as well as talking to female IDPs - internally displaced persons - and volunteers who help their communities cope with the trauma of the invasion. She also met with children who have now been safely returned to Ukraine, after being forcibly separated from their families and deported by Russia as part of a sustained campaign to erase Ukrainian culture. And she paid her respects to those who lost their lives in Bucha, two years on from its liberation from Russian forces, and visited the 'Road to Life', a bridge which became a key part of the Ukrainian resistance when it was blown up to stop Russian troops proceeding to Kyiv and later became a vital route for people to flee to safety from the Russian occupation. It is understood she was particularly keen to show her support for Ukrainian women who have played important roles in the conflict and community recovery and held a meeting with female volunteers who help their communities cope with the aftermath of the attacks with mental health care activities for children. The Duchess sat with President Zelensky and Olena Zelenska in the presidential palace to discuss the importance of survivor centres Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, was seen smiling as she looked up at the ceiling of Saint Sophia Cathedral alongside Olena Zelenska She also lit a candle at Saint Andrew's Church in Bucha in memory of those who lost their lives during the brutal occupation Meeting with President Zelensky and First Lady Zelenska, Sophie discussed how best to support survivors of conflict-related sexual violence and the women peacebuilders who have a vital part to play in ensuring Ukraine's recovery and reconstruction is effective and long-lasting. Speaking at a conference in March, Her Royal Highness said: 'Survivors here and around the world have spoken out so bravely about their experiences. 'They are the most powerful advocates who remind us all that we must not turn our backs on the horrors of this crime, we must never forget survivors. 'Rather, we must stand shoulder to shoulder with all survivors to secure justice and holistic redress, and ensure that this crime isn't an accepted part of conflict. 'Their rights and their voices must be at the heart of all our efforts to consign conflict-related sexual violence to the history books.' The Duchess met children who had been returned to Ukraine after being forcibly separated from their families during the invasion Sophie was greeted by children who had drawn welcoming messages for her on a flag of Ukraine Since 2022, the UK has pledged over 4.7 billion in non-military support to Ukraine. This includes over 660 million of bilateral assistance that prioritises the needs of women and girls, for example by funding vital services for survivors of Gender Based Violence, as well as working with the Office of the Prosecutor General to put survivors at the centre of approaches to prosecuting conflict-related sexual violence crimes. The UK is also working with international partners to hold those responsible for atrocities to account. Buckingham Palace said in a statement: 'Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh is visiting Ukraine at the request of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, to demonstrate solidarity with the women, men and children impacted by the war and in a continuation of her work to champion survivors of conflict-related sexual violence. 'Her Royal Highness this morning met the President and First Lady of Ukraine and delivered a message to them on behalf of His Majesty The King.' The timing of her visit to Ukraine coincided with a Russian barrage that killed at least four people in the port city of Odesa, nearly 300 miles to the south. A turreted Gothic-style building owned by the Odesa Law Academy, known locally as the 'Harry Potter Castle,' was seen in flames after the strike on the crucial port city. Its regional governor Oleh Kiper said on the Telegram messaging site that 27 people were injured in a Russian missile strike on residential buildings and 'civil infrastructure'. He said: 'Three women and a man were killed. According to the updated toll, 27 people were wounded, including two children... and a pregnant woman. 'Four of the wounded are in a serious condition, doctors are fighting to save their lives.' The Duchess was all smiles as she speaks to a young child at the Save Ukraine family centre in Irpin The Duchess visited a memorial to the victims of the Russian occupation in the town alongside British Ambassador Martin Harris At a press conference back in Kyiv in April, the head of NATO said the military alliance hasn't delivered the aid promised to Ukraine in time as he stood alongside President Zelensky. Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg admitted that 'serious delays in support have meant serious consequences on the battlefield', allowing Russia to press its advantage while Kyiv's depleted forces wait for military supplies. Outgunned, Ukraine's troops have struggled to fend off Russian advances on the battlefield. They were recently compelled to make a tactical retreat from three villages in the east, where the Kremlin's forces have been making incremental gains, Ukraine's army chief said Sunday. The Russian Defence Ministry claimed Monday its forces had also taken the village of Semenivka. The Duchess gave a speech during a reception at the residence of the Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Ukraine in Kyiv She also visited the Car Cemetery in the town of Irpin on the outskirts of Kyiv, which was the site of a fierce battle during the early stages of the Russian invasion 'The lack of ammunition has allowed the Russians to push forward along the front line. 'Lack of air defence has made it possible for more Russian missiles to hit their targets, and the lack of deep strike capabilities has made it possible for the Russians to concentrate more forces,' Stoltenberg said. Kyiv's Western partners have repeatedly vowed to stand with Ukraine 'for as long as it takes.' But vital US military help was held up for six months by political differences in Washington, and Europe's military hardware production has not kept up with demand. Ukraine's own manufacturing of heavy weapons is only now starting to gain traction. Now, Ukraine and its Western partners are racing to deploy critical new military aid that can help check the slow and costly but steady Russian advance across eastern areas, as well as thwart drone and missile attacks. Zelensky said new Western supplies have started arriving, but slowly. 'This process must be speeded up,' he said at the news conference with Stoltenberg. By Lee Min-hyung The growing popularity of Genesis' premium vehicles is negatively impacting sales for its two major German counterparts, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. This trend comes as the Korean carmaker's premium positioning strategy has started to create tangible outcomes here and abroad, according to data and industry officials Sunday. Data from Hyundai Motor Group showed that Genesis' domestic sales reached 45,554 between January and April, up 6 percent from the previous year. However, Mercedes-Benz Korea's fell by 17.6 percent during the same period, according to data from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. BMW Korea, which is another beloved imported vehicle brand here, also suffered a sales fall of 5.2 percent for the first four months combined. Industry officials said that Genesis was able to achieve the remarkable feat, as it has been able to position itself well as a luxury brand gradually after it made its official debut in 2015. "Genesis was not preferred by customers in young age groups in their 20s and 30s about a decade ago, as they were not the carmaker's major target customers," a carmaker official said. "But the brand has made drastic progress in reshaping its brand identity targeting all the age groups with diverse vehicle lineups." It was in 2020 when the brand started to attract younger customers by launching two luxury SUVs: the GV70 and GV80. The latter debuted in January 2020 and has since achieved accumulated sales of more than 170,000 here and abroad. The GV70, a smaller SUV, also generated sensation, mostly thanks to its young and sleek design features. The growing preference of customers for Genesis vehicles also affected other luxury carmakers. Auto sales for Audi Korea also fell by 74.7 percent during the same period, losing its old glory as one of the three major German carmakers along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Sales of Lexus also declined by 6.2 percent for a similar reason. Other data from the Korea Automobile Importers & Distributors Association showed that sales of all imported vehicles combined fell by 7.8 percent between January and April from a year earlier. Genesis' growing sales in the United States also poses a threat to its German rivals. Genesis sold a total of 6,948 vehicles in 2016, but the figure achieved almost tenfold growth to 69,175 in 2023. "The rapid rise of Genesis poses a direct threat to overseas carmakers' survival here, as most of them suffer a double-digit sales fall and lose more ground to the domestic carmaker," an official from an imported carmaker said. King Frederik and Queen Mary put on a united front as they appeared on the Amalienborg Palace balcony for the monarch's birthday today. The father-of-four is celebrating his first birthday since he ascended the throne today and greeted crowds of royal fans who had gathered outside the residence. For the occasion, Mary opted for a bright pink long-sleeved dress, which perfectly matched her mother-in-law's fuchsia frock. Mary's dress featured a ruffled drop hem and voluminous gathered sleeves. The royal styled her brown hair in loose waves and wore an elegant gold bangle. Queen Mary and King Frederik have been plagued with rumours of marital struggles since the King was pictured enjoying an evening out in Madrid with Mexican socialite Genoveva Casanova last year. Pictured: King Frederik and Queen Mary of Denmark seen waving to crowds from the Amalienborg Palace balcony The publication of the photos resulted in Genoveva, 47, issuing a statement denying any kind of romantic relationship between herself and the royal and slamming the 'malicious' rumours. Frederik and Mary were joined on the balcony by their four children Crown Prince Christian, 18, Princess Isabella, 17, and twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine, 13. Isabella cut a sophisticated figure in a blue floral printed wrap dress with balloon sleeves. Meanwhile, her younger sister Josephine looked elegant in a light blue-and-white floral knee-length dress with sheer sleeves. The family-of-six were joined on the balcony by Queen Margrethe, 84, who abdicated in January following a 52-year reign. The mother-of-two looked glamorous in a bright pink midi dress with short sleeves. Sweeping her hair up into her signature bun, Margrethe showcased a dazzling flower-shaped brooch. Earlier today, the Danish Royal Household has released a new portrait of King Frederik to mark the monarch's 56th birthday. Frederik opted to wear his military uniform for the new portrait, which was posted on Instagram this morning. Pictured: Frederik and Mary were joined on the balcony by their four children Crown Prince Christian (centre), 18, Princess Isabella (far right), 17, and twins Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine (left), 13 and Queen Margrethe, 84 The father-of-four is celebrating his first birthday since he ascended the throne today and greeted crowds of royal fans who had gathered outside the residence. Pictured with daughters Josephine (left) and Isabella (right) Pictured: King Frederik seen waving to crowds of royal fans in Copenhagen who wished him a happy 56th birthday King Frederik looked dapper in a navy suit and red tie as he waves to crowds from the Amalienborg Palace balcony today The royal's black double-breasted jacket was adorned with his Air Force badge and his military citation bars. In 1995, the Crown Prince began his service as a member of Denmark's elite special operations forces, the Royal Frogmen Corps. He also completed training in both the army and air force in his younger years. Posing against a dark grey background, Frederik also opted for a plain black tie and crisp white shirt. Later today, the royal is set to appear with Queen Mary and their children on the Amalienborg Palace balcony. In the caption, the Royal Household informed royal fans of how Frederik and the family will mark his birthday today. It read: 'His Majesty the King has a birthday and is turning 56 today. Pictured: The official birthday portrait of King Frederik, which was released by the Danish Royal Household this morning 'The birthday is marked at 12.00 in Amalienborg, where the King and the Royal Family appear on the balcony of Frederik VIII's Palace. 'The audience is invited to take part in the festive celebration of the King at the Castle Square.' What's more, fans can also send their well wishes to the King via the Danish Royal Family's website. The post continued: 'In addition, everyone has the opportunity to wish His Majesty a happy birthday on the Royal House's social media as well as the website, where a digital congratulatory list has been created for the occasion.' The King ascended the Danish throne with his wife Queen Mary in January after his mother Queen Margrethe abdicated following a 52-year reign. In the caption (pictured), the Royal Household informed royal fans of how Frederik and the family will mark his birthday today Pictured: King Frederik and Queen Mary of Denmark following the monarch's proclamation in January The former monarch signed her historic abdication papers with her son and grandson Prince Christian, 18, present in Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen. The Queen's last words before leaving the Council of State were: 'God save the King.' Following this, the new King addressed the crowds that had gathered outside the royal palace from the balcony. Earlier this month, King Frederik and Queen Mary celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary during a state visit to Norway. Mary and Frederik donned matching padded navy and canary yellow gilets, with the Queen donning a black and white striped long-sleeve t-shirt and her husband wearing a plain white shirt. Australian-born Mary and Frederik's 23-year romance was often dubbed a 'real-life fairytale' after they met in a Sydney pub. But pictures emerged of the monarch having an evening out with Mexican socialite Genoveva Casanova - the former daughter-in-law of the billionaire Duchess of Alba - in November last year. The pair were seen walking through Madrid before heading to her apartment building, changing clothes and heading out again for the evening. Beatrice Borromeo looked effortlessly glamorous as she attended the Monaco Grand Prix with her husband Pierre Casiraghi today. The aristocrat, who is married to Grace Kelly's grandson, opted for a stylish houndstooth dress for the occasion. The mother-of-two's stylish sleeveless dress featured an elegant drop hem and square neckline. The 37-year-old, who was dubbed 'the most stylish European royal' by Tatler last year, opted for simple black accessories with the exception of a dainty gold watch. Beatrice completed her chic ensemble with a small black handbag, leather pumps with gold embellishment and some chunky sunglasses. Pictured: Pierre Casiraghi, son of Caroline, Princess of Hanover with wife Beatrice Borromeo before the Monaco Grand Prix The royal - who married into Monaco's glamorous royal family in 2015 - styled her blonde hair in loose waves and modelled a pair of pearl earrings. Beatrice and Pierre were initially spotted in the Ferrari garage before making their way up to a VIP balcony. Prior to marrying Pierre, Beatrice, whose family owns the Borromean Islands in Lake Maggiore near Milan, along with land in the Lombardy and Piedmont countryside, worked as a newspaper and broadcast journalist in her native Italy. On her wedding day in 2015 dubbed the chicest of the summer by Vogue - she wore four couture gowns, two by Valentino for a civil service in Monaco and two by Armani Prive for a religious service at Lake Maggiore. Her family still own the Roca Borromeo castle where the reception took place. She and Pierre have since become parents to two sons, Stefano, five, and Francesco, four. She has now turned her hand to documentary making, recently debuting the three-episode series The King Who Never Was on Netflix. The series focuses on the death of a German teenager in August 1978 which remains a mystery to this day. Pictured: the couple seen watching the Monaco Grand Prix from the VIP Ferrari area this afternoon The mother-of-two's stylish sleeveless dress featured an elegant drop hem and square neckline The aristocrat, who is married to Grace Kelly 's grandson, opted for a stylish houndstooth dress for the occasion. For her next project, Beatrice is making a film about the origins of the family she has married into: the Grimaldis of Monaco, Europes longest-standing royal family. My company Astrea Films is producing the film about the seizure of the fortress of Monaco by the Grimaldi family in the Middle Ages, she said. Pierre's grandmother Grace Kelly became Princess Grace of Monaco in 1956 when she retired from acting to marry the prince. In 1982, she tragically lost her life in a car accident. Over the course of her 50 years in the public eye, Princess Grace was pictured wearing dozens of couture Christian Dior dresses, including the famous black-and-white one she wore to the 1954 premiere of Hitchcocks Rear Window, one of her most famous films. Both Beatrice and Pierre are now ambassadors for the brand, with Beatrice starring in a glossy black-and-white campaign in 2023 to promote its 6,000 Lady Dior handbag. If I were overweight because I gorged on chocolate, I wouldnt blame Lindt in the same way that if Id done a job I loathed for the last 40 years, I wouldnt hold my school careers adviser responsible. So why writer Petronella Wyatt should blame feminism for the disappointments in her own midlife childless, manless, depressed as she did in these pages last week, I have absolutely no idea. What is feminism? To me, its the belief that women are equal to men and should have equal rights and opportunities. Its not a dirty word: its a progressive, positive, enriching, empowering belief which has improved the lives of millions of women, including my own. If, in the autumn of our years, we are disappointed with how our lives turned out, then surely we only have ourselves to blame? We made our choices in life and we must make our peace with the consequences. Some may say that feminism failed our generation: I say that it made me the woman I am proud to be, writes Mandy Appleyard Petronella argues that she is lonely and depressed because feminism taught her to prioritise a career over a family life, reducing feminism to a crude and lazy binary to bolster her argument. The truth is that millions of women who regard themselves as feminists are married with children and grandchildren its not an either/or. By the same token, millions of single, childless women like me are perfectly happy with lives which feel full and rich, free, unscripted and bold. Feminism is about enrichment and opportunity: it is the reason a small-town, working-class Yorkshire girl like me was able to go to university then enjoy a long and fulfilling career in journalism which has taken me all over the world. Had I been born 10 years earlier, my fate would have been marriage and children. When I was born in May 1960, women still promised to obey their husband: it was legal to pay a woman less than a man for the same work, abortion was against the law, a man could lawfully rape his wife, and girls were told they didnt need to concern themselves with an education because they would be getting married. By the time I was a young woman studying at the University of London in 1979, all that had changed: equal pay had been introduced, the Sex Discrimination Act of 1975 had been passed and a woman could no longer be sacked for getting pregnant. Feminism a worldwide movement of brave women agitating for much-needed change is what separated these two worlds: an old world where women were second-class citizens, and a new one where they had some independence and control over their lives in the way that men had always enjoyed. Some may say that feminism failed our generation: I say that it made me the woman I am proud to be. No husband and no children, yet I am loved and love; I am financially independent and free as a bird; I have enjoyed a long and fulfilling career which has taken me to places I never dreamed I would see, and into the company of people who have become lifelong and cherished friends. Journalism is not well paid, but Im pleased to say I own a roomy, comfortable house by the coast in Yorkshire, I have no debts, I am independent in every sense, and I have never been happier nor more at peace. When I was younger, I expected one day to be married with children. I saw that conventional life as a given, while never making it a priority. There were many relationships, none of them longer than seven years, and I had three pregnancies around the age of 40 which ended in devastating miscarriages. I dont blame any of this on feminism: I blame my turbulent relationship history on my own unwise choices, and my childless state on my biology. Now in my early 60s, I share with many other women my age the status of being single with no family. Behavioural scientist Paul Dolan, author of Happy Ever After, argues that the happiest and healthiest population sub-group are women who never married or had children If you argue that the feeling of being loved promotes happiness more than anything else, as Petronella did, it seems to suggest that you can only acknowledge and value love that comes from a spouse or a committed romantic partner. That kind of love is very special, but its not the only source of it. Love can come in many guises and from many different people from brothers and sisters, from aunts and uncles, from mothers and fathers, from friends and lovers. The latter may be fleeting, but even love in the moment can be dizzyingly intense and immensely fortifying. Love enriches us all, and its important for us to acknowledge that it exists in many more places than marriage, none of them inferior to romantic love. Petronella and I live in different worlds: she is the middle-class product of private education, while I am a working-class woman who went to the local comprehensive. What we do have in common is that we are women of a certain age walking the road less travelled: a road which is all about freedom and independence. Yet she appears profoundly ungrateful to have grown up in world where women like us had so many more opportunities than our mothers and grandmothers, who were tied to the home by the demands of husbands and children and for which we surely have feminism to thank. She tells us that financial independence was the feminist ideal but in practice it doesnt happen unless you are managing a hedge fund or able to write best-selling novels. I ask myself, what world does she live in? A gilded and expensive one, it would seem, and one which insults the millions of ordinary working women nurses and teachers, secretaries and admin assistants, retail workers and saleswomen who manage to be financially independent. Achieving that may be difficult for many of them, but through hard work and good housekeeping, they manage it. My friends are women like these. Many of them might not think of themselves as feminists, but they do acknowledge the sweeping, positive changes in the status of women over the past four decades, and relish the improvements in their lives, both domestic and professional. The article references that one in 10 British women in their 50s has never married and lives alone, which is neither pleasant nor healthy. I say, dont speak for me, nor my friends, nor the myriad women living their best lives unfettered by husbands, children and domestic drudgery. Besides, behavioural scientist Paul Dolan, author of Happy Ever After, argues that the happiest and healthiest population sub-group are women who never married or had children. Middle-aged married women, he argues, are at higher risk of physical and mental conditions than their single counterparts. Where we can agree perhaps is Petronellas assertion that loneliness is the leading cause of depression among middle-aged females. But the vast majority of them are married. I have always thought that the loneliest place in the world must be a marriage in which neither party is happy. And I say that because while I have never been married, most of my friends have, and they confide in me that spouses become the wallpaper of each others lives: that there is boredom, that sexual desire wanes, that staying married is an act of will because walking away, which often looks like the preferred option, causes too much disruption to too many people. And so, they stay, bored and dissatisfied but afraid to leave. The truth is that we all make what we believe to be the best choices on our journey through life, and often those choices turn out to have been unwise. Women like Petronella and me, different as we are, have reached an age where we take stock. Of course there are disappointments, but it is disingenuous and ungracious to blame anyone but us for them. We werent brainwashed, nor were we coerced. We had myriad more choices than any of the women who came before us had. The argument that feminism made the error of telling women to behave and think like men is hogwash. Feminism has opened doors and made new things possible for women of my generation: it brought us opportunity and something closer to equality. Most of us are immensely grateful for that. Sasha Wilkins shares her hacks so your wardrobe fits and flatters your shape If, like me, you are a middle-aged woman in a mid-sized body (Im a 14-16), you may be approaching the summer months with a familiar sense of trepidation. Clothes for covering up have been put away; ones that reveal far more are coming out. But, fear not, here are the hacks I have learned in my two decades as a fashion editor, so your wardrobe flatters and fits your shape whatever the weather. Hems should hit the knee Shift dress, 59, whitestuff.com It may be leg season, but you need to consider carefully the length of your skirts. Theres a suggestion that, after several years of sweeping maxis, hems are getting shorter this season. Whilst I spent my 20s and 30s in bottom-skimming tunics, the same shape but just above the knee now feels about right. For my fellow midlife dressers, I would suggest sneakers or a ballet flat rather than a heel with this length. Heels can feel like trying too hard. I love Jigsaws smocked linen dress in coral, which also gives a nod to this seasons love for the red palette. Ignore than XL label Top, 65, monsoon.co.uk Think about the shape of the clothes on your body, not the size shown on the label. We all know there are no standard sizes for clothing manufacturers. Take me: Im an XL in any French high street brand, but a 14 in M&S. So try on different sizes and, if in doubt, always buy larger, ignoring the inner voice that says you cant possibly be that size, as theres nothing more unflattering than too-tight clothes. Swerve ruffles and pleats. They only add bulk, and usually where women want them least on hips and shoulders. Don't be afraid of a little bikini Triangle top, 15.99, and Brazilian bottoms, 9.99, hm.com Im an apple shape, with no bum and quite a tum, so I opt for the coverage of a tankini. But, believe it or not, a bikini looks fabulous on a nice big bottom! Actually, its more flattering to have less fabric, so resist the urge to go for big pants. If youve got larger boobs, a halterneck offers the best shape and support, whether on a swimsuit or a bikini. M&S has a brilliant selection, and I particularly like its Tummy Control Halterneck Swimsuit in dark red and white. Supersize your prints Floral midi dress, 79, liveunlimitedlondon.com After several years of channelling Laura Ingalls Wilder in her Little House On The Prairie, its time to say goodbye to ditsy floral dresses. While theres nothing wrong with sticking to those longer lengths that skim the body, bolder prints and polka dots feel more modern this season and, whats more, look great on any size. Try Whistles Imie smudged spot print dress or Lexy Londons Tara dress in honeycomb. Ditch the long-style Bermudas Denim wash shorts, 55, nobodyschild.com Im not about to tell anyone to adopt the trend for buttock-hugging shorts that are basically knickers, but neither should you go in the opposite direction. Leave Bermuda shorts to actual Bermudians and opt for mid-thigh length your figure will look far more balanced with slightly less material. I pair my shorts with a loose unlined jacket (try Toast) over a striped Breton T-shirt. If you get chafing thighs, then everyone, from Tesco to Skims, sells smoothing stretch bike shorts which are invisible under clothes. It's the perfect time to wow in white Broderie cover up dress, 98, thewhitecompany.com If prints dont appeal, then minimalists should opt for the white midi shirt dress from COS and romantics for Bodens broderie midi tea dress. I know its tempting to reach for a trusted black cover-up, but where a looser black dress can look like a tent, theres an optical illusion where a breezy white dress blends with its background. Worn with bright lipstick, nothing feels more summery, and the white bounces light up to the face to give skin a lovely glow. Swerve sweaty polyesters and opt for cotton. Just dont forget to check for transparency by standing in front of a window before you buy. Bra to end back rolls Scoop bra, 95, evelynbobbie.com Middle-aged and mid-sized women know that underpinnings are key. In hot weather, a too-tight bra is torture and creates unnecessary back rolls. Get re-measured every year to avoid bulges across your back. Advances in bra engineering mean that even bigger cup sizes dont need a painful underwire these days. Try wire-free brand Evelyn & Bobbie, whose bras also have wide, seam-free straps. No cap sleeves please Fit-and-flare dress, 169, hobbs.com If, like me, you are one of the legion of women who avoid sleeveless tops, then make sure you steer clear of cap sleeves, which cut your arm off at exactly the wrong place where it is at its fullest. Look for flutter sleeves, raglan or super-flattering bracelet-length sleeves that stop just below the elbow. It's the revolutionary technology that proponents and critics alike claim will change the world upturning every industry or potentially killing us all. But Prime Minister Rishi Sunak this week hailed AI as a way to 'help millions' of Brits as he spoke ahead of a global summit on artificial intelligence in South Korea. He was speaking about a new NHS trial that will see thousands of British women have their mammograms assessed by an AI 'doctor'. It's hoped the results will not only lead to more accurate diagnoses but also speed up waiting times as stretched staff will have more time for other tasks. This is just one way, however, that proponents claim the tech will help revolutionise healthcare. Here, MailOnline explores some of the other aspects of AI-driven health care that could be coming to a hospital, GP practice or even the palm of your hand... Prime Minister Rishi Sunak this week hailed AI as a way to 'help millions' of Brits as he spoke ahead of a global summit on artificial intelligence in South Korea . He was speaking about a new NHS trial that will see thousands of British women have their mammograms assessed by an AI 'doctor' As part of the trial, Milton will navigate between the hospital's pharmacy and a selected in-patient ward a considerable distance away Reading your scans and test results Mr Sunak's flagship announcement was an example of perhaps the easiest way AI could be incorporated into healthcare. Alongside his South Korean counterpart, the PM hailed a collaboration between the NHS and Korean firm Lunit on using AI to improve the speed and accuracy of breast cancer diagnosis 'We all know how vital early detection is so just imagine what improvements here could mean for millions of women and their families,' they wrote in a joint article in The i. In the trial, medics will use AI to analyse mammograms, scans of the breast taken to spot signs of breast cancer, at a screening clinic operated by the Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. Normally, this analysis is done by two radiologists who each separately look at a scan, to double-check no signs of cancer are missed. But in the trial one of these medics with be substituted with the AI. Organisers anticipate 2,575 scans will be looked at using the system with the results compared when the trial concludes next year. It's not the first time the technology has been hailed as a game changing diagnostics tool. AI's ability to spot tiny subtle changes in tissue, almost impossible to spot with the human eye, is being used in studies and trials to detect a variety of diseases. Most of these relate to cancers and involve using AI to analyse, or help analyse scans like X-rays, MRI and CTs or blood tests. The technology has been tried on lung and bowel cancers, as well as incredibly hard to detect forms of the disease like pancreatic cancer. Previous studies using millions of old patient scans have found AI can diagnosed conditions at least as accurately as radiologists 94 per cent of the time. AI can also be used to improve cancer care using the same principles that allow it to detect subtle signs of the disease. Radiotherapy, a form of cancer treatment that uses intense blasts of targeted radiation to kill tumours can cause side effects like nausea, fatigue, sore skin and infertility as healthy tissue is caught in the crossfire. But using AI clinicians can further narrow down the sections of the body needing to be treated with radiotherapy potentially reducing the severity of side effects. Some AI proponents have even claimed the technology can be used to detect conditions like autism with '100 per cent accuracy' though independent experts have urged caution over the figure. Agonising waits in A&E, record busting backlogs, continually missed targets for timely cancer and mental health treatment, are just some of the ways this is reflected in reality. But AI could provide a solution, at least in part Boost productivity of time-poor NHS staff It's no secret that NHS staff are stretched for time, at least from a patient perspective. Agonising waits in A&E, record busting backlogs, continually missed targets for timely cancer and mental health treatment, are just some of the ways this is reflected in reality. But AI could provide a solution, at least in part. While a medic can never be in two places at once many of the same ways AI could help improve diagnostic capability also touts to help save staff time. As per Mr Sunak's breast cancer example, using AI to replace one of two radiologists interpreting scans effectively doubles the number of staff able to carry out such analyses, increasing the number of staff that can be seen. Or, as per using AI to target areas for radiotherapy, a task that used to be done by medics by hand could be sped up, again boosting productivity. All of this is, naturally, contingent on the AI actually be effective. NHS staff aren't going to be more productive if they have to spend any additional time they would save fixing algorithms' mistakes. However, some plans to use AI to boost productivity have created patient privacy and safety concerns. One Government proposal, labelled ''creepy' by critics, touted using the technology to listen in to patients' private medical appointments. Announcing the scheme, Health Secretary Victoria Atkins said having AI generate patients notes for the medic the background improve productivity by cutting the time they spent doing paperwork. However, privacy and patient safety campaigners said they had 'huge concerns' over the safety of patients' data. They also warned people could come to harm because they may be too embarrassed to discuss medical issues freely whilst being recorded. Other very high-tech robots, such as the 2ft tall Japanese nurse-bot Aeo have been hailed as a potential solution to the NHS workforce crisis. Pictured: The Mail on Sunday's Health Editor Ethan Ennals with Aeolus Robotics, Aeo The much maligned NHS 'penguin' robots NHS penguin-bots were mocked relentlessly in some NHS circles as a Government white elephant for a service which faces chronic understaffing and some cases crumbling infrastructure. Affectionally nicknamed 'Milton', the robot uses similar AI to self-driving vehicles to transport medicines around hospitals. The 'helper bot' is being used to carry and deliver prescriptions and other items around Milton Keynes University Hospital, helping to relieve pressure on human staff. There were plans to potentially roll out the robots to other NHS hospitals in the future based on this trial. But it's not the only robot, programmed with AI, to potentially slide into healthcare. Earlier this year, experts released the results of a trial using 'social assistance' robots in health care settings. These were designed to answer patients' questions freeing up time for medics. These mechanical medical assistants were also able to engage in 'general chit-chat' with patients - as well as offering quizzes, riddles and even calming breathing exercises. Other very high-tech robots, such as the 2ft tall Japanese nurse-bot Aeo have been hailed as a potential solution to the NHS workforce crisis. In addition to the functionalities of its more penguinesque cousins, Aeo can also check on patients and alert staff if something is amiss, deliver blood samples and speak to patients. The smartphone app Wysa has already been made available to thousands of teenagers in West London to help them cope with mental illness. When a user logs on, the app asks how their day is going. If theyre feeling anxious, the chatbot guides them through meditation and breathing exercises, for example, to help ease their state of mind with language designed to portray empathy and support Could AI therapists help people beat depression and eating disorders? One in four Brits are believed to experience a mental health problem every year, so could digital therapists prove the way forwards? Such are the wait times to see an NHS mental health specialist that thousands of sufferers are showing up at A&E looking for help, the Royal College of Psychiatrists have even said. The smartphone app Wysa has already been made available to thousands of teenagers in West London to help them cope with mental illness. When a user logs on, the app asks how their day is going. If theyre feeling anxious, the chatbot guides them through meditation and breathing exercises, for example, to help ease their state of mind with language designed to portray empathy and support. The app is also being used in a 1million trial for patients on the NHS mental health waiting list in North London and Milton Keynes, comparing their wellbeing with other patients on the waiting list without access to the app. But the use of digital therapists has triggered alarm among experts who fear some patients who need proper psychiatric care may resort to the apps instead of getting the help they need. Others have warned the lack of human involvement could even exacerbate mental health issues in vulnerable people. Last year National Eating Disorders Association in the US was forced to pull the plug on Tessa, a chatbot it developed to replace counsellors. It followed claims by former eating disorder sufferer Sharon Maxwell, from San Diego, that the bot had told her a good way to cope was to weigh herself regularly and even measure her body fat with callipers. And in December, NHS Dorset came under fire after it published a list of free apps it hoped could save young people from deteriorating mental health. The library, curated by an app review firm, could prevent people from needing other treatments, the trust said. However, it cautioned the apps were not an alternative to conventional therapy. Thousands of patients with a common heart problem that leaves them weak and struggling for breath are being denied a quick keyhole operation that could transform their lives and reduce their risk of death. Affecting about one in 50 people, a potentially deadly condition called mitral regurgitation (MR) is caused by a leaky heart valve and can leave sufferers exhausted even from day-to-day activities such as showering or getting dressed. Open heart surgery can fix the problem, but is often considered too risky. But now surgeons have developed a keyhole procedure they believe could treat thousands more MR patients but say they are being blocked by the NHS. Called transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER), the remarkable op inserts a thin tube called a catheter in a vein in the patient's groin to guide a small clip like a clothes peg into the heart. Clipping the faulty valve can reduce the leak and restore normal heart function, dramatically improving quality of life, even for severely ill patients. The procedure takes two hours, has minimal recovery time and, as it is less invasive, reduced complications. Called transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER), the remarkable op inserts a thin tube called a catheter in a vein in the patient's groin to guide a small clip like a clothes peg into the heart Affecting about one in 50 people, a potentially deadly condition called mitral regurgitation (MR) is caused by a leaky heart valve and can leave sufferers exhausted even from day-to-day activities such as showering or getting dressed (stock image) But at about 30,000 per patient, roughly twice the cost of open heart surgery, the NHS has only authorised the relatively new procedure for a limited category of patients. So campaigners are urging it to change the rules to make it more widely available. WHAT IS A LEAKY MITRAL VALVE? The mitral valve is a small flap in the heart that stops blood flowing the wrong way. If damaged, it can affect how blood flows around the body. A 'leaky' mitral valve is the nickname for a condition called mitral regurgitation, when it doesn't close tightly enough and blood goes the wrong way. This puts a strain on the heart and often causes symptoms such as breathlessness and fatigue, Harvard Medical School states. In the long-run, mitral regurgitation can lead to serious complications such as atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat) and heart failure. It is often caused by mitral valve prolapse, when the flaps - called leaflets - bulge back into the left atrium as the heart contracts. However, a leaky mitral valve also can happen with age, through general 'wear and tear' of the valve, the NHS says. Other causes include cardiomyopathy (stiff heart chamber muscles), an infection of the inner lining of the heart, or congenital heart disease. Statistics suggest the NHS undertakes around 2,200 mitral valve repair operations each year. Advertisement Dr Jonathan Byrne, a consultant cardiologist at King's College London and UK lead for the Valve For Life group, which aims to expand access to keyhole therapies for those with heart valve disease, warned too many patients were left suffering. He said: 'A large number of patients are excluded from this routine, safe and effective treatment. They continue to struggle with debilitating symptoms. They will need to see their GPs frequently. Many are in and out of A&E. Some will even die. 'It is very frustrating because TEER is really very straightforward, even for a patient who is very unwell.' For 44-year-old Nicolae Olifirenco, TEER gave him his life back after a heart attack. Rushed to hospital in the middle of the night, he was diagnosed with severe heart failure and a leaky mitral valve. Unlike a heart attack, which happens due to a blockage in circulation, heart failure is a fatal long-term condition where the muscle doesn't pump as well as it should, so not enough oxygenated blood gets around the body, resulting in debilitating symptoms. Struggling to breathe, Mr Olifirenco was bedbound and so weak he couldn't wash or even change his pyjamas without assistance. After a month in intensive care, he was warned he might require a heart transplant. While not technically eligible for TEER, the NHS decided to make an exception and offer him the procedure due to the severity of his condition. Last month, Dr Byrne performed the procedure which allowed Mr Olifirenco to return home and back to normal life. Mr Olifirenco, a Ukrainian living in London, said: 'The day I had a heart attack, I woke up at 1am to a strong pain in my chest and left arm. I was unable to breathe properly. My blood pressure was so high and my body was swollen my legs, arms, face. 'I needed 24-hour monitoring and I couldn't even walk. But at about 30,000 per patient, roughly twice the cost of open heart surgery, the NHS has only authorised the relatively new procedure for a limited category of patients (stock image) 'I had a very leaky heart valve and was in severe heart failure. I found myself in intensive care for about a month. 'I was so unwell that the team were considering an urgent heart transplant. I was terrified I never thought I'd leave the hospital. 'Luckily my doctor was able to offer the keyhole mitral TEER procedure and I made a full recovery.' The mitral valve is a small flap in the heart that ensures blood flows in only one direction. Mitral regurgitation occurs when the valve fails to close properly, so blood flows the wrong way. MR affects about two per cent of the population, although most are treated with drugs, not surgery. The condition is more common in older people. One variant degenerative MR (DMR) occurs when wear and tear makes the valve leaky. Another, called functional MR (FMR), occurs where the valve doesn't work because of some other condition or problem, such as heart attack or heart failure. MR affects about two per cent of the population, although most are treated with drugs, not surgery. The condition is more common in older people (stock photo) Until recently, severe MR could be fixed only by repairing or replacing the mitral valve through open heart surgery. However such major surgery is too risky for some patients. Surgeons also found that although open heart surgery is good for treating patients with DMR, it is less effective and more risky for patients with FMR. By contrast, TEER works for patients with either MR variant, and can even be used where open heart surgery would not be suitable. But in 2019, the NHS declared TEER could be used only for patients with DMR around 500 a year. Doctors believe it could also be offered to 3,000 or so FMR patients a year. Professor Dan Blackman, chairman of the British Cardiovascular Intervention Society Structural Heart Group, also believes it should be more widely available. He said: 'TEER is standard in other countries, but we have the lowest rate in Europe. I hope the NHS will reconsider.' Last week NHS England said it will look again at the use of TEER for patients with FMR. A spokesman said: 'NHS England is committed to commissioning safe and effective treatments for patients from all clinical specialities in a fair and equitable manner.' Scientists are developing a peppermint-flavoured 'yogurt' drink which can combat a debilitating and potentially fatal stomach bug which affects thousands of people in hospital every year. Clostridioides difficile also known as C. diff is the leading cause of hospital-acquired diarrhoea and can be life-threatening for older patients. Currently the infection is treated with antibiotics, however these medicines are slowly becoming less effective. This means an increasing number of patients see C. diff return, even after taking antibiotics, leading to more deaths. But in a landmark trial, partly funded by the Government, C. diff patients will be offered a first-of-its-kind medicine designed to combat severe symptoms. The drug, called OraCAb, is a drink taken three times a day which contains defensive antibody cells that seek out C. diff in the gut. Clostridioides difficile also known as C. diff is the leading cause of hospital-acquired diarrhoea and can be life-threatening for older patients (stock photo) But in a landmark trial, partly funded by the Government, C. diff patients will be offered a first-of-its-kind medicine designed to combat severe symptoms (stock photo) Taken alongside a course of antibiotics, OraCAb is not intended to destroy the C. diff infection itself. Instead, experts believe it will stop the bacteria from producing toxins which attack the stomach wall. The trial, which will take place in Kenya and Australia where the bug is particularly prevalent, will begin early next year. It is supported by the UK Health Security Agency. Experts say that, if successful OraCAb could be available on the NHS within five years. There are around 18,000 C. diff infections in the UK every year, the majority of which happen in hospitals and care homes. Roughly one in seven of these infections will be deadly. This is usually because C. diff triggers a life-threatening infection of the abdomen's inner lining called peritonitis. Experts say a number of attempts to develop a vaccine against C. diff have failed, but OraCAb is a new approach, created by repeatedly exposing sheep to C. diff. The sheep then develop protective antibodies to combat the infections. These antibodies are then collected and turned into a human medicine, which has the texture of a thick yogurt or syrup. 'It looks like Gaviscon and pours like it too,' says Ian Cameron, CEO of MicroPharm, the developer of the drug. 'We've tested it in animals and it appears to work really well.' Perhaps it is a slight exaggeration to say that when Marks & Spencer does well, the whole country feels better. In a week of political turmoil and the dispiriting spectacle of former Post Office boss Paula Vennells being eviscerated for her failure to stop the persecution of innocent postmasters, at least we had M&S to cheer us up. After years of drab fashion and dismal financial performance, it really does look as though Marks is finally back on form. When so much of national life seems to be crumbling and dysfunctional, it's comforting to hope we can at least count on M&S. Shares in the retailer have risen 65 per cent in the past 12 months as investors begin to believe chairman Archie Norman and chief executive Stuart Machin have found the right formula. Sign of the times: Marks & Spencer is providing something of an antidote to the pall surrounding the London stock market The killer question is whether this is yet another false dawn. As recently as 2018, when Norman warned it was on a 'burning platform', Marks was facing an existential crisis. There are reasons to believe recovery is built on solid foundations this time. The retailer has seen 12 quarters of sales growth, profits are up 58 per cent to 716m, which is more than the market was expecting, and it is paying its first dividend since 2019. The revival is being led by food, but clothing is also doing well so well, in some cases, that Machin is complaining about some on-trend garments selling out too fast. Not everything is rosy. The international business is disappointing and the performance of the Ocado joint venture is falling short of hopes. But the balance sheet is in its best shape for years, with debt down and a strong rise in free cash flow. It stormed back into the FTSE 100 index last year after a four-year absence, and last week was the top riser in the blue chip share index. This is all good news for investors, albeit very long-term holders are still sitting on paper losses. Marks has a formidable army of private shareholders, but its fortunes resonate much more widely. Most of us feel we have some kind of 'ownership' of the company. It is virtually synonymous with the High Street, which is why such strong emotions are provoked when the company quits a town centre. Maybe there are a few Britons who couldn't care less about our most venerated retailer, but I haven't met any. Even my husband, who loathes shopping of any kind as much as I adore it, was disappointed when he headed out to the Clapham Junction branch to buy undies only to find the shop is now entirely devoted to food. Spousal grumpiness aside, the re-shaping of the store estate to put the right type of shop in the right location is a big part of the revival. Marks is also providing something of an antidote to the pall surrounding the London stock market, where a string of companies have defected or chosen to float elsewhere. The anti-London narrative, whether justified or not, has taken root. As we reported in The Mail on Sunday, even London Tunnels a company whose ambition to turn a subterranean network used by Winston Churchill during the war into a tourist attraction screams Britishness is now planning to float in Amsterdam. At a time when the London stock market is so widely denigrated, it is cheering to see Marks, perhaps the most quintessentially British business in the Footsie, performing with such gusto. Am I biting into the worlds most expensive hash brown? Its the question that always haunts me as I tuck into one of the All You Can Eat breakfasts at the Premier Inn. Several months ago, realising that we were spending rather more of our income than I would like at the purple palace of dreams, I opted for a tactical investment that I hoped would give us jam on our toast today, rather than simply buttering our bread when were in our 60s. Whitbread, the former brewer turned hotelier and restaurant group, is one of many businesses that offers perks to its shareholders. Firstly, it gives you a 10 per cent discount at its chain restaurants but, more importantly, the company also promises a free breakfast for shareholders and up to three guests for every night that they stay in one of its hotels. if Premier Inn breakfasts arent your thing, there are a host of other perks available, from credit to spend on your Carnival Cruise to a third off Bloomsbury books With the going rate on these breakfasts at 11 an adult, I did some quick calculations to see how much the perk might be worth, and eventually took the plunge. I should explain that we spend rather more time in budget hotels than most. This year we have two Year 12 teens visiting seemingly every university in the country to decide where they might apply. And, somewhat unexpectedly, our 14-year-old daughter is currently boarding at a music school 100 miles away from us in Somerset. The local Wells Premier Inn has become a real home from home while we navigate drop-offs, pick-ups and attend our daughters many concerts. While Premier Inn rooms can be very good value, an additional cost of 22 per couple for breakfast is steep. This year alone, I expect we will have 15 stays at the hotel, so I made a decision and bought nearly 2,000 worth of Whitbread shares in March. My free breakfasts make me feel good, but what is the real cost? And is it really a solid enough motive to warrant my investment? Crunching the numbers Whitbread demands you buy 64 shares or more to be eligible for its Shareholder Benefits card, and with each share now worth just under 30, youd need to invest at least 1,870 in todays prices. Thats enough for nearly 90 breakfasts for two more, I hope, than we will ever have to eat. Plus, the thought of investing in a share because of a gimmick makes me feel queasier than an overdose of black pudding. Susannah Streeter of investment platform Hargreaves Lansdown, certainly agrees. She says: Offers and discounts should be seen as a minor and unreliable bonus of owning shares. My investment performance so far suggests I should have heeded her advice. My Whitbread shares are down 200 since March, and my breakfast count is a measly four, so each one has cost me over 50. For that price, I could have gone to the Ritz. However, Im hopeful of a better outcome over time. After all, investment is a long game. Besides, Ive bought my 64 Whitbread shares in my Sipp (Self-Invested Personal Pension), so while I can sell the investment, I cant access the money for at least another decade. As its in a pension, I have also benefited from tax breaks when I put the money in, receiving relief at my marginal rate. Thats 40 per cent tax relief on my free breakfasts 20 per cent in the Sipp, and 20 per cent claimed through my tax return. There is no guarantee the company wont change its mind especially if too many people decide to cash in on its freebies Also, I believe my Whitbread shares will do all right over time. From my frequent stays, the hotels seem busy and the companys strategy of ditching underperforming restaurants to increase space for rooms seems set to pay off. Stockbroker Liberum has a target price of over 45 on the shares. Analyst Anna Barnfather says the company is buying back shares, which will support the share price, while the disposal strategy should pay off in the long term. If shes right, my Whitbread shares could turn into the goose that lays the golden (fried) egg. Risks and pitfalls If you, too, are tempted by a free fry-up or other alluring perks, you need to do your homework first. As well as the obvious fact that your shares can fall in value, there are other pitfalls that come with buying shares with perks. The first is there is no guarantee the company wont change its mind especially if too many people decide to cash in on its freebies. Whats more, finding out whether you are eligible for perks can be a bit of a puzzle. Each company has its own rules you must usually hold a certain number of shares and may have to have held them on a qualifying date in the year. If you hold your shares via a fund, you will not be eligible for the perks. In some cases, even holding the shares on a DIY investment platform such as those offered by AJ Bell, Hargreaves Lansdown or Interactive Investor will invalidate you. Once youve negotiated these obstacles, you will need to check whether your Individual Savings Account or Sipp provider passes on the perk, and if so, how. I had to apply to Hargreaves Lansdown, where I hold my Sipp, for a Whitbread Shareholder Benefits card. Another major pitfall is that even employees of the company in which you own shares may be unfamiliar with the system. In Wells, the Premier Inn desk staff had never seen a shareholder benefit card before. After a very long time, they finally managed to find a code on the system to put the offer through. Other perks Of course, if Premier Inn breakfasts arent your thing, there are a host of other perks available, from credit to spend on your Carnival Cruise to a third off Bloomsbury books. If you already hold shares, it may be worth checking if theres a perk available. It is going to be years before I work out if my Whitbread gamble really will bring home the bacon, but for now it certainly sweetens the necessity of tucking money away for my old age. They say theres no such thing as a free lunch Ill wait and see if thats true of breakfast as well. Anne Robinson may have amassed a hefty 50 million fortune thanks to decades working as a successful TV presenter and some shrewd property purchases. But, according to comments she made this week, The Weakest Link host may not have a penny to her name. Ive given it all away, she said in an interview with Saga magazine. I dont want the tax man to have it. Ive spread it about quite a lot, to the children. They may as well enjoy it now. While few families have wealth on the level of Anne, many share her point of view. Anne Robinson is 79 years old. That means any gifts that she gave to her family when she was 72 or younger are already free of inheritance tax After years of saving and earning, they wish to pass it on to their loved ones without their estate incurring a substantial inheritance tax bill. Family members also often want to make gifts that can be enjoyed immediately especially when children and grandchildren would benefit from help for a house deposit, living costs or school fees. But is it really possible to hand over all of your money in your lifetime or is there still a risk there would be a bill to be paid on your death? And how may Anne Robinson have done it? Wealth asks the experts. Start early and beware the seven-year rule You can give away your own money to whomever you choose, whenever you like. And if you live for at least seven years after making the gift, it falls out of your estate for inheritance tax purposes, so there will be no bill to pay. Anne Robinson is 79 years old. That means any gifts that she gave to her family when she was 72 or younger are already free of inheritance tax, and any made since will be gradually falling out of her estate over the years. The seven-year rule means that it makes sense to start making gifts on the earlier side if you can afford to preferably when you are still fit and healthy. Don't worry unless you have a sizeable estate Anne had reportedly accrued a fortune of around 50 million. Without any inheritance tax planning, her family therefore may have incurred a bill of around 19 million on her estate. So you can see why she was motivated to find a way to reduce it. However, only four per cent of estates currently incur an inheritance tax bill. That is because everyone can give away up to 325,000 tax free and married couples or those in civil partnerships can share their allowances to give away a combined 650,000. A couple can pass on a family home worth up to 1 million without incurring a tax bill. So if your estate value including property, investments and all other assets is under these allowances, there is no inheritance tax to pay. Everything above will be taxed at 40 per cent. Get some good advice from an expert Giving away sizeable gifts without risking an inheritance tax bill is often complicated especially if you have a large estate. It is very likely Anne would have done it with the help of a solicitor or financial planner. Weve spoken to a number of experts to find out the types of options that are available, but in many cases you will need advice on how the rules apply directly to your own personal circumstances. Watch out when giving property away Anne reportedly owns a number of properties, including a Grade II-listed converted barn in the Cotswolds and homes in New York and the Hamptons. Ian Dyall, head of estate planning at Evelyn Partners, says that, in theory, she could give the properties to her family now and still continue to use them. However, if she did, she would have to pay the new owners for the privilege, he says. If you make a gift with strings attached such as giving someone a property but still having use of it that is what is known as a reservation of benefit. In that case, the property may still be considered as part of your estate for inheritance tax purposes. In order to prove that the gift was made without strings, Anne would have to pay market value rent when using the properties. The new owners of the properties may also face an income tax bill on the rent. Anne with daughter Emma, son-in-law Liam and their children Parker and Hudson For many families, this simply wouldnt make financial sense. There is also risk involved as once you have handed over a property, you would have no say over it. There would be nothing to stop the person you gave it to from selling up or turning you out if you were renting it from them. However, in Annes case, where she has properties that she is unlikely to use very often, Ian says handing them over now could make good financial sense. If she has several properties, there will be some that she is unlikely to use more than a few weeks every year, he says. In that case, to pay market rent and save 40 per cent of its full value in inheritance tax later on is probably a good strategy. Have trust - or create trust for loved ones Once youve handed over wealth to loved ones, you lose control of it. For many, this will not cause any problems. Anne says of her children, They may as well enjoy it now, which suggests that she was happy for them to receive a fortune already. However, sometimes it is not that simple. People worry that family members may not be in a position to deal with a large lump sum. Or they fear that a family member is in an unstable relationship and would end up losing a portion of what would have been their inheritance to a spouse should they get divorced. In these circumstances, trusts can be useful. These are a legal arrangement where you can hold assets such as cash or investments that are put aside for someone else, such as your children or grandchildren. Assets held in trust are considered as not belonging to you, so, if they are set up correctly, they shouldnt count as part of your estate when calculating if any inheritance tax is due. The trust is looked after by trustees, who are legally responsible for managing the assets for the person or people who will ultimately benefit from them. How to make their wedding day pay In addition to your 325,000 allowance, you also have a number of smaller ones that allow you to make gifts every year without worrying about inheritance tax. You can make gifts of up to 3,000 a year that are immediately exempt. You can also make unlimited small gifts of 250. If your son or daughter gets married, you can gift them up to 5,000 free of inheritance tax. You can give a grandchild 2,500 on their wedding, and 1,000 to anyone else. Rosie Hooper, financial planner at Quilter Cheviot, has a word of warning. The timing of the gift is crucial; it must be made shortly before or on the day of the wedding for the exemption to apply, she says. If the wedding does not go ahead, the exemption is lost. When you set up a trust, you decide the rules. For example, you may decide that beneficiaries can only access the assets once they reach the age of 18 or 25. Trusts vary in complexity, but even the simplest require professional help from a financial planner or lawyer to set up. There are a number of different types of trust and tax rules vary depending on which you choose. Ian Dyall shares the example of a client who used a trust to give money to their son. They have two children, he says. Their daughter is in a stable relationship and is good with money and they were happy to give her a lump sum. But the son is a bit more wayward and they were nervous about giving money to him. However, they wanted to split things equally between the two children. Ian explains the couple set up a trust for the son and put the same sum in it as they had given to their daughter. But they and other trustees controlled the trust money so the son could only access it for reasons they were happy with. Don't run out of cash you still need to live Faye Church, a senior chartered financial planner at investment manager Investec Wealth & Investment, says that her clients often say they would like to gift more, but dont know how much they can afford to give away. We can, by using assumptions, quantify this using cash flow planning to show the amounts they wish to gift shouldnt leave them destitute in their later years, she says. Dyall adds that you can create a model to show how the absolute maximum amount of money that you are likely to need to live on during your own lifetime, to pay for care fees and whatever else the future brings. Then you know anything you have on top of that you can safely give away, he says. Get your estate below 2m and save 140,000 A couple who are married or in a civil partnership can pass down the family home worth up to 1 million to direct descendants inheritance tax free, so long as their estate is worth under 2 million. If your estate exceeds 2 million then tapering will apply to the allowance that allows you to pass on a family home known as the residential nil rate band by 1 for every 2 you are over this limit until it is completely phased out. It may therefore be appropriate to give away some assets during your lifetime to bring your estate below the 2 million threshold. Michelle Holgate, financial planner at wealth manager RBC Brewin Dolphin, explains: If a widower died with an estate of 2.6 million then they are 600,000 over the limit, and tapering will apply to the residential nil rate band. If they gave away the 600,000 to a loved one before they died, then the residential nil rate band would be restored in full, saving them 140,000 in tax. Give to charity and leave a legacy Anne did not reveal whether she made charitable donations as well as giving to family members. But gifts to registered charities do not attract inheritance tax. And in addition, if you give at least ten per cent of your estate to charity, it reduces your overall inheritance bill rate from 40 to 36 per cent. Plus any money collected through inheritance tax goes towards Government spending, where around two thirds is spent on public services such as the NHS and schools and another quarter goes on social security such as universal credit and the state pension. Although families are often loath to pay inheritance tax, it can be a valuable legacy and only payable after you have handed a substantial sum to loved ones tax free. Give out income to pass on what you like As generous as Anne has been, she is still likely to be receiving an income, for example from pensions. However, there is a clever trick that allows you to give away part of your income without risking an inheritance tax bill. You can pass on as much money as you like tax-free as long as it comes from your income rather than existing assets. Gifts made this way are immediately tax-free and are not affected by the seven-year rule. In order to qualify, the gifts must follow a regular pattern and should not affect your standard of living. There is no limit to how much you can give, but it is important that you keep good records. Regular payments into loved ones savings, pension or for school fees are three popular uses. rachel.rickard@mailonsunday.co.uk Two of the biggest takeover sagas of the year look set to be resolved this week as deal mania sweeps the City. Bidders for mining giant Anglo American and Royal Mail owner International Distributions Services (IDS) must put forward formal offers in the coming days or walk away for at least six months. BHP has been set a deadline of 5pm on Wednesday to table its bid for Anglo after the miner last week rebuffed its Australian rival's third offer. Meanwhile, Daniel Kretinsky the billionaire investor dubbed the 'Czech Sphinx' has the same deadline to make an offer. It comes as a wave of take-overs have swept the City in recent months. Frenzy: Buyers have circled British firms looking for a deal, with the value of bids from overseas topping 70billion so far this year Buyers have circled British firms looking for a deal, with the value of bids from overseas topping 70billion so far this year. The IDS board last week backed a 3.5billion bid from Kretinsky the firm's biggest shareholder. Meanwhile, Anglo's board has rejected three bids from BHP worth 31billion, 34billion and 39billion but last week said it would engage with its competitor. A major hurdle to a deal has been the requirement for Anglo to sell off two of its South African businesses. In response, Anglo unveiled its own plan to split itself up, which would include the sale of diamond giant De Beers. If it goes ahead, the tie-up would be one of the biggest mining deals on record. It comes amid a crisis on the London stock exchange which has suffered a mass exodus of firms and a lack of new listings. Last week, Britain's biggest investment platform Hargreaves Lansdown became the latest London-listed company to be targeted by foreign buyers. It rejected a 4.67billion joint bid from private equity firm CVC, Nordic Capital and Platinum Ivy, which is owned by the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority. Cyber security group Darktrace has backed a 4.2billion offer by US private equity firm Thoma Bravo. London-listed firms have also been quitting the market for rival financial hubs. Gambling group Flutter and travel agent Tui have both listed overseas and Cambridge-based chipmaker Arm decided to float on Wall Street last year. One analyst has warned the market is the target of a take-over 'feeding frenzy', as buyers swoop on undervalued firms. A property investor with a staggering $85million portfolio says landlords should not be blamed for soaring rents across Australia. Pictured: Property investor Scott O'Neill Scott O'Neill, 37, is the CEO of Rethink Investing in Sydney's eastern suburbs. The father-of-two has worked tirelessly with his wife Mina for more than a decade building their portfolio of residential and commercial properties. Mr O'Neill said he could understand why landlords were being blamed for the rental crisis but said a lack of housing supply was at the core of the problem. 'I get why people would be frustrated. Our first media article was in 2016 and I got death threats, people telling me that I was the reason they can't afford houses where they live, that I was a capitalist pig,' he said. 'Nothing changes, it's the same every year. It'll be here in 10 years time. It's just a natural human response, people need a scapegoat. 'And property investors are often a scapegoat.' Mr O'Neill said some investors were greedy and didn't do the right thing by their tenants, while others subsidised the rent for long-term tenants. He blamed the reams of red tape that were stopping rental properties from being built for the anti-landlord sentiment that's rife in Australia. 'There's a reason that the market's so tight, we have 600,000 extra people in this country this year compared to last year,' he explained. 'These are the big problems and a landlord who just owns a property is not the scapegoat, they're just the infrastructure.' Mr O'Neill also shared his grim predictions for the future of the rental market. 'Rents will keep going up, prices will keep going up. Eventually the rates will drop and the prices will go up even further,' he said. 'The government's got to create supply ASAP and if they don't, there will be lifelong renters for sure.' How Scott brought his first property Mr O'Neill said he had prioritised work for most of his early twenties, sometimes skipping classes for his engineering degree to pick up an extra shift. 'I did McDonald's, I cleaned cars on the weekends and professional cleaning type things, multiple jobs while I was studying,' he said. 'I've been bartending, dealing poker machines and I was forever working. You might be only saving a few hundred a week over the years but it does add up. 'I was 23 when I bought my first property and it was done with a minimal deposit required, so I did a 90 per cent lend. There was a saving on stamp duty at the time. 'It allowed us to get into the property market with $60,000 cash at the time. And you've got to remember $60,000 in 2010 would be almost like $100,000 now.' Couple Scott and Mina O'Neill (pictured) have created a property portfolio worth $85million Pictured is one of the O'Neill's properties, a sprawling seven-bedroom home a Greek island Mr O'Neill said the nerve-wracking thing about making that first investment was ensuring he could cover the interest. 'Savings was the monotonous, slow, boring part of it, which took years, and it felt like the market was always kind of getting ahead of me, to be honest,' he said. 'But eventually we got there and it was a stretch, and it was the most stressful purchase I've ever made by an absolute mile. The first is always the worst. 'The first house had a granny flat so it had two incomes, so it was bit better than if it was a standard house. 'We still hold that property today and it's gone up more than three times its value.' Scott's message for young Aussies trying to get on the property ladder - and why boomers are wrong Mr O'Neill is confident home ownership is still possible for young Australians - as long as they can generate equity, be 'location agnostic' and do their research. 'You don't need to live in the home if it's an investment property,' he said. 'You're not going to buy Commonwealth Bank shares just because their head office is close to you, so you can walk past it every day. 'If you're a pure investor, go where the good deals are and that might take you a bit further out. But you'll get a bigger house with a better yield, and that will help you with serviceability long-term.' He said it was a 'fact' that it was harder to buy a home now than it was 10 years ago. 'Any baby boomer that says "Young people don't work hard", look at the math, the average income to the average house price is a lot further out than it used to be. 'I see it almost daily where I've got younger clients purchasing homes in different parts of the country, you know, sub $600,000 freehold houses. 'Places that I see good sub $600,000 might be north and south of Perth, you can also go to regional Queensland - places like Cairns, Ipswich, Townsville. 'If you want to stick to New South Wales, you might have to look at units.' The property power couple have spent over a decade building the impressive portfolio. Scott said he researches and buys the properties and Mina manages them The median home price in Wilmette - north of Chicago - is nearly $800,000 Residents are furious about their limited access to Lake Michigan beach Residents in a wealthy America town have been left outraged after their stunning lakefront views were ruined by an eye-sore fence erected to limit beach access. Visitors to Gillson Park's South Beach in Wilmette, Illinois, which is less than 20 miles north of Chicago, will also now have to pay a fee to access the now-fenced off area. Wilmette Park District said it had introduced the changes due to an increase in conflicts between beachgoers and park staff since the pandemic, which have resulted in police being called 'many times', Patch.com reported. But one furious resident described the new fence, which was approved at a March committee meeting and installed earlier this month, as an 'abomination'. Another compared the move to the 'defacing of a beautiful work of art so others can't enjoy it'. Gillson Beach, north of South Beach, on a summer evening. The beach is situated on Lake Michigan, one of the Great Lakes Pictured: The fence Wilmette residents have been arguing against for months, saying its an eyesore that cuts off easy access to South Beach A map of Gillson Park. The fence has been constructed on Overlook Drive, which is adjacent to South Beach Many residents describe the beachfront area as the town's 'biggest treasure' and a 'beautiful gem'. But the new charges mean it will now cost $5 for residents and $10 for nonresidents to visit the beach. The area used to prohibit swimming, but under the new rules swimming will be allowed, with lifeguards on duty from Memorial Day weekend. The arrival of the new fence means there will only be three entry points to the beach and park staff will now search bags to better control alcohol consumption. Steve Wilson, executive director of the Wilmette Park District, said: 'We understand that this change will be hard for many people, and that removing the one free beach north of Chicago's beaches is not ideal. 'But this change is needed to make sure our patrons are not only safe, but can have a pleasant time with us.' Charlotte Walker, a resident who lives nearby, told CBS Chicago that she visits South Beach and walks the Lake Michigan shoreline just about every day. 'It's amazing. It's a beautiful natural wonder,' Walker said. But the new slatted dune fence that lines Overlook Drive, where homes sell for millions of dollars, has left her outraged. 'An abomination, really. I think it's awful,' Walker said. 'Part of the reason we live here is for this gorgeous lakefront'. Wilmette resident Charlotte Walker, pictured with the fence behind her, is against the new changes the Wilmette Park District has instituted in the wake of clashes between drunk beachgoers and park staff Pictured: A 5000 square foot home in Wilmette near Gillson Park worth just over $2 million Another Wilmette home that's hit the market for a whopping $2.4 million. It's less than a mile from Gillson Park One of the most expensive homes for sale in Wilmette, coming in at $3.75 million. It has six bedrooms and seven bathrooms Wilmette residents have a median income of $183,750, with the cheapest home on the market near Gillson Park currently priced at $2.05 million. Nearby a recently remodeled brick facade home is going for nearly $2.4 million, and another six-bedroom property is selling for $3.75 million. But some of the most popular (and expensive) homes are those along Overlook Drive, which have incredible views of the beachfront - and it is here the fence has been built. Even those who do not live in these properties often walk or drive down to enjoy the view from this spot. And residents have raised concerns about how the fence will impact the elderly and disabled. Resident Anne Audy said she was 'appalled' by the new fence, Patch.com reported. In a public comment she wrote: 'Those of us who visit Gilson Park regularly (for me, practically daily), the use of Overlook Drive provides a spectacular view of the lake that is not available anywhere else in the park. 'While I am still able to walk there, you should be aware that many elderly and disabled people park there and are able to view the lake from their cars.' Another resident, Jane Oh, described seeing a 'lovely old lady sitting dismayed on one of the benches surrounded by fence on three sides - and said she felt like she 'was in a prison,' per Patch.com. Others were outraged about the new charge. Catherine Levy who has lived in Wilmette for 30 years said in a public comment: 'We pay taxes ... and the Park District always runs in the black financially so why not charge non residents the fees and let us come to the beach for free?' Meanwhile, resident Bev Pinaire, called South Beach 'a community treasure' that should remain fenceless and free to use, and opposed opening it for swimming. 'If the park district needs to beef up security to keep folks from swimming then do that. Do not destroy the beauty or our easy access to the lakefront,' she added. Wilmette's median home price is nearly $800,000, but many homes in the neighborhood are worth well into the millions A view of Lake Michigan from inside Gillson Park. According to the Gillson Park officials, if the fence were moved closer to the water, it would endanger the sand dunes and the grasses seen here The newly constructed fence runs along Overlook Drive's sidewalk, barring residents from simply walking onto the beach from wherever they want Some residents, however, were accepting of the new fence in the wake of increased incidents. 'There seems to be some negativity about the new fence on the beach but Id like to say thank you,' Sarah Condry wrote in an email dated May 16. 'As a resident Ive watched that portion of lakefront swell in nice weather. Ive also watched the beach staff be harassed, yelled at, overwhelmed with crowds and ignored when trying to manage safety rules. 'Ive seen a lot of poor behavior by beach goers over the past few years ... with that in mind, the fence and access points are within reason.' A private island with stunning views of the Miami skyline has hit the market for $31.5 million - but its potential sale has sparked outrage among environmentalists. In 1985, Miami resident Finlay Matheson spent $36,000 to buy Bird Key island, and after 40 years, he has decided now is the perfect time to sell. Speaking to DailyMail.com Matheson said: 'I'm 80 years old and the Miami real estate market is hot. Now's the time to do it'. But the island's undeveloped status means it is currently a sanctuary for birds and other wildlife. And environmental advocates fear its potential sale to a developer who may build residential property on the island, destroying the oasis. Pictured: The $31.5 million island, Bird Key listed for sale. The city of Miami is seen in the background Bird Key sits just 500 yards offshore, south of the 79th Street Causeway, according to the listing. It is 37 acres in total, with around four acres of land surrounded by about 33 acres of 'submerged land in sparkling blue water'. It has been an important bird habitat for hundreds of years, so much so that a British surveyor named it 'Bird Island' back in 1770. Christopher Boykin, chief development officer of Miami Waterkeeper, told the Guardian that losing Bird Key to residential developers would be 'too painful to bear.' 'Right now, its a natural island as its been for centuries, and to see it turned into condos would just be a blight on our community, a blight on south Florida, and would just be too painful to bear,' he said. The island is 'valuable to fish and many other species of marine life, as well as the birds. Its biodiversity, the wealth of life, makes Bird Key a really special and magical place,' he added. Bird Key is also full of Mangroves - trees that are protected by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Yet according to county property records, Bird Key is zoned for residential use which theoretically means that if it is sold, houses could be built. As the listing states: 'The ONLY privately owned island, zoned RESIDENTIAL with sights of Miamis skyline, amid the clear beautiful, blue waters of the Bay - with no traffic or people - is for sale!' 'Only four owners have been able to claim ownership to this gem,' it continues. 'It is a golden opportunity for a developer to acquire and use for environmental mitigation, or one could acquire it to donate it to the public as an environmental treasure, or finally a very lucky individual may create Miamis most exclusive address, because this gem is zoned residential'. NBC Miami reported that the island as a whole, not just its trees, is on Miami-Dade County's registry of threatened environmental lands, which could complicate things for interested buyers wanting to turn the land into a residential community. Jose Francisco Barros, president of the Tropical Audubon Society, shares Boykin's concerns and told NBC Miami that if any construction were to occur on Bird Key following a sale, it would likely involve destroying existing wetlands. Boykin hopes that a conscientious buyer, such as a government agency, will buy Bird Key with the intent to protect it. But with a $31.5 million price tag, he's doubtful. 'Itd be wonderful, of course, if the island was purchased by someone that would preserve it, whether it be the federal, state or county government,' Boykin said. Finlay Matheson has been the owner of Bird Key for nearly 40 years and has put it on the market while prices are 'hot' Bird Key sits just 500 yards offshore, south of the 79th Street Causeway, according to the listing . It is 37 acres in total, with around four acres of land surrounded by about 33 acres of 'submerged land in sparkling blue water' Christopher Boykin, is an environmental advocate who primarily tries to preserve Florida's water. Boykin was given permission to clean up Bird Key by Matheson in 2018 and proceeded to remove thousands of pounds of trash off the island NBC Miami reported that Miami-Dade County, where Bird Key is located, made an offer to buy the island 'as recently as last year' with the intent to protect it under the Environmentally Endangered Lands (EEL) Program. The mayor of Miami-Dade County, Daniella Levine Cava, told multiple local outlets that the owner rejected the offer. 'My administration has been closely following the process at Bird Key and made a purchase offer that unfortunately did not meet the owner's expectations,' Cava said in a statement. 'We are eager to find alternatives, including state or federal support, to purchase this property and expand the footprint of our Biscayne Bay protection programs.' Yet Matheson told DailyMail.com he hasn't received or heard of any such offer. 'Nobody from any governmental organization, whether it be the city, the county, or the state has ever contacted me or made me an offer,' he said. He explained that a broker had reached out last summer to ask if he'd entertain an offer that might have been from Miami-Dade County, but that he was not sure who did the appraisal as he never received a copy of the document. DailyMail.com reached out to Cava's office for comment. Matheson added that the criticism he has received from environmental groups is unfair, pointing out that Bird Key has been on the county's list of environmentally endangered lands for years. 'My attitude is, these environmental groups and the county and the state have had every opportunity to do something, and they haven't done it. So, now I put it on the market, and I'll sell it to somebody who comes in with a reasonable offer,' he said. 'I have a clear conscience in selling the island.' Matheson had previously hoped that a government agency or private environmental group would make him an offer and preserve Bird Key better than he could, the Miami Herald reported in 2012. Matheson was eager to clean up the island but said he was 'hampered by the difficulty of mooring a big enough boat nearby to transport the trash.' He went on to enlist the help of none other than Boykin, who is opposed to Matheson's decision to put Bird Key up for sale, to lead a cleanup effort. Boykin and 17 volunteers transported 1,850 pounds of trash off Bird Key in 2018, the Herald reported in 2019. A year later on Veteran's Day, Boykin and 25 volunteers returned and disposed of a further 2,700 pounds of garbage. Matheson told DailMail.com that he hasn't spoken to Boykin in 'several years.' Jose Francisco Barros, president of the Tropical Audubon Society, said any construction on Bird Key would devastate the existing wetlands, disrupting many species native to the island A glimpse at the untamed terrain on Bird Key, which is home to birds, marine life and state-protected Mangrove trees Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levina Cava has said her office has made an offer to buy Bird Key from Matheson but it was rejected. The reason for the deal falling through is unknown Matheson said he has previously paid for a bird study to be done on the island, as well as a sea grass study. He also said that he had fish and wildlife signs posted around the island to keep people away, but that those signs have since disappeared. He described himself 'a good custodian' of Bird Key, adding that he's 'been out there many times' but decided against using the land for anything. The Matheson family is a wealthy clan that's been active in Miami since at least 1908 when industrialist William John 'W.J.' Matheson (great grandfather of Finlay Matheson) bought land on Key Biscayne, a larger island off the coast of South Miami. W.J. Matheson developed a coconut plantation there that also had a school, a commissary and a zoo, according to the Village of Key Biscayne. The Matheson family later donated the 800 acres of land that used to be a coconut plantation to form what is now Crandon Park. Finlay Matheson now owns a 4,268 square foot home not too far away from where his family got their start in Key Biscayne. Read about the fascinating origins behind the names of these cities Below are the top 10 hardest Texas city names to pronounce As the second biggest state in the US, Texas is home to scores of cities you may never have heard of - or, as it appears, even know how to pronounce. A new study by the Austin American-Statesman recently revealed the 21 most commonly mispronounced city names in the Lone Star State. Here are the top ten you may discover you've been saying wrong your entire life... As the second biggest state in the US, Texas is home to scores of cities you may never have heard of - or, as it appears, even know how to pronounce The name Amarillo, meaning yellow in Spanish, was most likely chosen because of the color of the 'sub-soil in nearby Amarillo Creek,' according to the city's website 1. Amarillo: 'AM-uh-RIL-oh.' Often mispronounced as 'Ah-mah-REE-yo' or 'Am-uh-REE-yo,' the correct pronunciation is 'AM-uh-RIL-oh.' The name Amarillo, meaning yellow in Spanish, was most likely chosen because of the color of the 'sub-soil in nearby Amarillo Creek,' according to the city's website. Many houses were painted yellow in honor of the name. Even the county courthouse which was built in 1888 was made of materials from Amarillo Creek. 2. Bexar: 'Behr' or 'Bear,' The city was named after San Antonio de Bexar, one of the 23 Mexican municipalities (administrative divisions) of Texas at the time of its independence, and the first civil government established by the Spanish in the province of Texas Commonly said as 'Behr' or 'Bear,' the right way to say it is 'Bear.' The city was named after San Antonio de Bexar, one of the 23 Mexican municipalities (administrative divisions) of Texas at the time of its independence, and the first civil government established by the Spanish in the province of Texas. 3. Boerne: 'BER-nee' John James, a Bexar County surveyor, discovered the land that would be Boerne. He along with a man named Gustav Theissen established Boerne in 1852. They named it after German author and publicist, Karl Ludwig Borne This one trips up many with its appearance. It's pronounced 'BER-nee.' John James, a Bexar County surveyor, discovered the land that would be Boerne. He along with a man named Gustav Theissen established Boerne in 1852. They named it after German author and publicist, Karl Ludwig Borne, according to the city's website. 4. Humble: 'UM-bull' In 1886, when Pleasant Humble opened a post office in his home, he established the name Humble Despite the spelling, it should be pronounced 'UM-bull,' not 'HUHM-bull.' Pleasant Smith Humble arrived in the what would later be the city of Humble before the Civil War. After acquiring land along the San Jacinto River, he started operating a ferry near the area where Highway 59 crosses the river today. He also reportedly served as a 'justice for peace.' In 1886, when Pleasant Humble opened a post office in his home, he established the name Humble. 5. Iraan: 'Eye-ruh-ANN.' In 1926 an oil gusher blew in on Ira and Ann Yates' remote Pecos County ranch. Oilfield workers flooded into a new town born overnight and named Iraan In 1926 an oil gusher blew in on Ira and Ann Yates' remote Pecos County ranch. Oilfield workers flooded into a new town born overnight and named Iraan. 6. Nacogdoches: 'Na-kuh-DOH-chuhs.' Na cogdoches, one of the oldest towns in Texas, derives its name from the Caddo word 'Nacogdoche,' meaning 'the place where the prickly pear grows' Na cogdoches, one of the oldest towns in Texas, derives its name from the Caddo word 'Nacogdoche,' meaning 'the place where the prickly pear grows.' 7. Palestine: 'PAHL-uh-steen.' Unlike its Middle Eastern counterpart, this Texas city is pronounced PAHL-uh-steen. Named by settlers who admired its fertile land, Palestine, Texas, drew inspiration from the biblical land of Palestine Unlike its Middle Eastern counterpart, this Texas city is pronounced PAHL-uh-steen. Named by settlers who admired its fertile land, Palestine, Texas, drew inspiration from the biblical land of Palestine. 8. Quitaque: 'Kitty-Quay' or 'KIT-a-kway' The name 'Quitaque' is believed to come from the Comanche word 'Kwihnai Kwihnai,' meaning 'end of the trail' or 'place to stop' The name 'Quitaque' is believed to come from the Comanche word 'Kwihnai Kwihnai,' meaning 'end of the trail' or 'place to stop.' 9. Waco: 'WAY-ko.' Waco's name is derived from the Waco Native American tribe that inhabited the area. It is believed to mean 'chosen' or 'the place where we live' Waco's name is derived from the Waco Native American tribe that inhabited the area. It is believed to mean 'chosen' or 'the place where we live.' 10. Waxahachie: 'Waak-suh-HA-chee.' Waxahachie's name originates from the Native American word 'Waksahe,' which translates to 'cow' or 'buffalo' Waxahachie's name originates from the Native American word 'Waksahe,' which translates to 'cow' or 'buffalo.' The town's name reflects its early days as a trading post for cattle and buffalo hides. The baffling mystery of how four people linked to a doomsday cult vanished off the face of the earth could be solved by a work gang of prisoners who made a gruesome discovery. Chantelle McDougall was last seen alive with cult leader Gary Felton, their six-year-old daughter Leela and friend Tony Popic in a remote area of Western Australia in July 2007. Ms McDougall, 27, had fallen under the spell of 45-year-old Felton, a British-born spiritualist who had assumed the identity of an English workmate called Simon Kadwell in 1986. At the time of their disappearance, Ms McDougall and Leela had been living with Felton in a rundown farmhouse at Nannup, about 280km south of Perth, with 42-year-old Mr Popic. A coronial inquest into the foursome's disappearance held in December 2017 ended without a finding that the missing cult members were dead, let alone how they might have lost their lives. A retired policeman is on a mission to solve one of Australia's most baffling missing persons cases. Barry McIntosh's niece Chantelle McDougall (above), disappeared with her daughter Leela, Leela's father Gary Felton and their friend Tony Popic in July 2007 Chantelle McDougall, 27, had fallen under the spell of 45-year-old Gary Felton, a British-born spiritualist who had assumed the identity of an English workmate called Simon Kadwell in 1986. Felton is pictured with Leela on her second birthday Now Ms McDougall's uncle, Barry McIntosh, who served 35 years with Victoria Police, is conducting his own inquiries into the fate of the four and is pleading for help from the public. Mr McIntosh wants to locate witnesses who could shed light on what happened to his niece, her daughter, Mr Popic and Felton - and in particular a group of prisoners who were never interviewed by police. Those prisoners found clothing near where Mr McIntosh believes Ms McDougall and at least some of the others might be buried, and also reported smelling what could have been human remains. The charismatic Felton - 'Si' to his acolytes - was the founder of Truth Fellowship and had 40 online followers of what has been described as an international doomsday cult. Felton called his followers The Forecourt and spoke to them through a chatroom known as The Gateway where they would discuss teachings from his book, Servers of the Divine Plan. That book warned about Earth's pending doom but promised a new world of higher consciousness once a 75,000-year 'cycle' had run its course. Chantelle McDougall (left), her daughter Leela (front), Leela's father Gary Felton (centre) and their friend Tony Popic (right) were last seen at Busselton on the Western Australian coast At the time of their disappearance Ms McDougall and her daughter had been living with Gary Felton and Tony Popic in a rundown house at Nannup, about 280km south of Perth Felton told members of The Forecourt he was planning a suicide pact with Ms McDougall and Mr Popic which would involve the murder of his daughter. He had also spoken of moving to Brazil with his Nannup 'servers' to live an alternative lifestyle in an Amazonian commune. Felton was last seen on July 13, 2007 with Ms McDougall, Leela and Mr Popic at Busselton, a coastal city about 60km north-west of Nannup. Barry McIntosh (above) has reviewed the investigation into the disappearances of his niece, her daughter and Tony Popic They sold a car to a dealer for $4,000 and drove off in a waiting vehicle. Three days after the group walked out of their house, landlord Elizabeth Crouch found a note on the front door which said: 'Gone to Brazil'. Ms Crouch said Felton and Ms McDougall had sold their two dachshunds, given away their chickens and left the property spotless. They had taken all their clothes but left behind their credit cards, furniture and electronic gadgets. Police initially suspected the foursome had fled to New Zealand before making their way to South America. But immigration records showed no sign of any of the foursome ever having left the country and their bank accounts have remained untouched. The 2017 inquest heard evidence that the last phone calls from the Nannup address and Mr Popic's mobile were used to book trains and buses to Kalgoorlie and Northcliffe. Kalgoorlie is 790km north-east of Nannup, and Northcliffe about 100km south. Three months after the group disappeared, prison workers found scattered clothing near Northcliffe and fearing something sinister might have occurred told authorities. Barry McIntosh, the uncle of missing mother Chantelle McDougall, served 35 years with Victoria Police and hopes to search a remote patch of Western Australian bushland with cadaver dogs. Ms McDougall's daughter Leela is pictured The inmates, from Pardelup Prison Camp, had been working near rail tracks and said they had also noticed a smell of 'dead flesh' in surrounding bushland. Police who attended the scene found a woman's red shirt which was lost before it was forensically tested. Mr McIntosh plans to visit the Northcliffe bushland with cadaver dogs and undertake a fresh search. 'I fear that attending Western Australian Police may not have travelled to the correct location given by the prisoners at the time,' he said. 'Given I believe they went to the wrong location, I don't believe the loss of the shirt is a big issue. Incompetent yes, but will have no impact on the final outcome.' By the time detectives went to follow-up the prisoners' information again in 2015, major bushfires had swept through the area. Mr McIntosh had since located the prison officer who was supervising the inmates on the day they made their discovery and he supplied GPS coordinates which did not match whether the police had searched. Felton, who did not work and relied on Ms McDougall and Mr Popic for financial support, slept during the day and stayed up all night on his computer at their rented house (above) The former cop also said police had told the coroner they had been unable to track down the prisoners who found the clothing. 'I find this difficult to understand,' he said. As part of his public appeal Mr McIntosh has set up a free call number - 1800 489 819 - for witnesses such as the prisoners to leave a message. Mr McIntosh believed there were 'only one or two people who actually know what occurred and where our loved ones are'. 'I fear I will be looking for a burial site,' he said. Ms McDougall's parents Jim and Cathy initially thought their daughter was hiding out somewhere under the control of her spiritual guide. 'I think he's probably got them hiding somewhere while he is up to his usual tricks of getting money off people by scamming them over the internet with this cult stuff,' Mr McDougall said in 2010. Seven years later Detective Senior Sergeant Greg Balfour told the inquest into the foursome's disappearance that the investigation had left him perplexed. 'Chantelle was a loving mother and would not have taken the life of her daughter Leela,' Ms McDougall's uncle wrote in a GoFundMe appeal. Leela is pictured with Gary Felton 'It's such a bizarre story and we have as little an idea of their whereabouts today as we did in 2007 when they disappeared,' Senior Sergeant Balfour said. 'There's no evidence to suggest they are dead, just as there's no evidence to suggest they are alive.' In May 2018, Coroner Barry King said he could not establish beyond reasonable doubt that any of the missing four were dead. Mr King said investigative opportunities such as examining the T-shirt found near Northcliffe and the surrounding bushland had not been followed up. Mr McIntosh, who worked in Victoria's major crime squads including homicide, received a copy of the investigation file after he inquest and has conducted a review of those documents. He has launched a GoFundMe appeal to raise $5,000 so he can travel to Western Australia to make further inquiries, particularly around Northcliffe. Mr McIntosh said it was presumed his niece was dead and buried somewhere with her daughter and Mr Popic. 'I will attempt to utilise cadaver dogs to search a particular area of bush that Western Australia Police failed to properly identify,' he wrote in his appeal. Mr McIntosh is seeking $5,000 to pay for travel, hiring a vehicle and accommodation in caravan parks. Another long bank holiday weekend is in full swing and many of us will be out to do some last minute shopping. The last thing you need is to be caught out by unusual opening hours and many supermarkets up and down the country will be operating on unusual hours for the late May bank holiday. While smaller shops can open whenever they like, stores over 280 square metres must obey different trading-hour requirements. However, some exceptions could be in cases of railway, airport and service station stores. To make sure you are not caught short, see the list of major supermarket opening times below. On bank holiday Monday, May 27, Tesco stores in England and Wales will mostly be open from 8am to 6pm For today's bank holiday, larger Asda stores will open at the slightly later time of 8am before closing at 10pm Most larger Sainsbury's stores will open at 8am and close 12 hours later at 8pm Supermarket late May bank holiday weekend opening hours Tesco Larger Tesco stores tend to open, Monday to Saturday, at either 6am or 7am, before closing as late as midnight. However, on bank holiday Monday, May 27, stores in England and Wales will mostly be open from 8am to 6pm, with Scottish stores staying open until 8pm in most cases. Individual stores' opening hours may vary, so you can check your local store's specific times on Tesco's store locator. Asda For today's bank holiday, larger Asda stores will open at the slightly later time of 8am before closing at 10pm. However, this will not be universal with some opening as early as 6am. Scottish Asdas will be open as usual, meaning some will open as early as 6am and close as late as midnight. Store times can be double-checked on Asda's store locator. Sainsbury's For this month's second bank holiday, most larger Sainsbury's stores will open at 8am and close 12 hours later at 8pm. Again, Scotland's stores may be open later due to different rules north of the border with some set to open until 10pm. You can check you local Sainsbury's opening times before you go out on their store locator. Aldi Aldi is typically open from 8am to 10pm on a Monday, but for the late May bank holiday stores will only be open as late as 8pm on most occasions. However, Scottish stores will remain open later as normal. Double check your local Aldi opening times with their store finder. Waitrose The vast majority of Waitrose stores have shorter opening times on Bank Holiday Monday, but times will vary greatly from one to another. Opening will vary from 7am to 9am, with closing somewhere between 5pm and as late as 10pm. Shoppers can find which of these different times their local store will operate under on the Waitrose store finder. Morrisons Morrisons shops in England and Wales will open at 7am and close at 8pm on May 27. Scottish shops' hours are slightly different, like many other supermarkets', with these stores will open under their normal shopping hours. Morrisons also have a store finder for customers to check if theirs is in that group. Lidl On Bank Holiday Monday, Lidl stores in England which are outside the M25, and in Wales, will be open from 8am to 8pm. Within the M25, customers can head to their local Lidl between 8am and 10pm. Stores in Scotland are open as normal, but all customers are advised to check the Lidl store finder for their local store's opening hours. Co-op Co-op's website says: 'During bank holidays and special times of year some of our stores may open later and close earlier than normal.' However, with many Co-ops small enough to be exempt from the restrictions applying to their larger rivals, plenty can stay open as usual on the bank holidays. Customers can verify whether their local is one of those open as usual with the Co-op store finder online. M&S M&S stores appear to be opening at their usual times today, but look set to close an hour or two earlier. This puts the majority of M&S closing somewhere between 6pm and 9pm. If you are looking to go to one near you, you can find its opening hours on the M&S store finder. DailyMail's Shawn Cohen tracked down the men last seen with the IU student On June 3, 2011, after mixing with close Indiana University friends and less familiar acquaintances, pretty blond co-ed Lauren Spierer - just 4' 11" and 90 pounds - disappeared without a trace. In that moment, began a dark mystery - along with changing witness stories, a lackluster police investigation, bizarre leads, drunken teens with foggy memories, hard-nosed private investigators, and expensive defense attorneys. Now a new book sets out to explore the soul of this heartbreaking and fascinating mystery that remains unsolved. In College Girl, Missing: The True Story of How a Young Woman Disappeared in Plain Sight, DailyMail.com reporter Shawn Cohen revisits the case, doggedly exploring and challenging every possible angle, nuance, untested lead, and theory, uncovering new details in the process. The book - set to be released on May 28 - was written with the cooperation of Lauren's parents, Charlene and Robert Spierer, who grieve daily. Indiana University student Lauren Spierer, 20, was never to be seen again after a boozy night out with friends in Bloomington, Indiana, in June 2011 Cohen reveals how they graciously opened up their home to him, as well as boxes of their personal case files containing thousands of leads, private investigator reports, phone records, interviews, and polygraph tests stored in Lauren's bedroom along with her Hello Kitty toys. College Girl, Missing also speaks to a journalist's resolve to follow a story to the very end, no matter where the quest leads. 'I envisioned a far-reaching investigation where I'd revisit key players, chase down leads, and dredge up any new information I could find,' explains Cohen. Twenty-year-old Lauren had just completed her sophomore year when she disappeared after a night of drugs and drinking with friends near the IU campus in Bloomington, Indiana. Three male friends, fellow college students, were the last to see her alive in the early morning hours of June 3, 2011 before she vanished. At the time she disappeared, Cohen was a crime reporter at the local newspaper covering Lauren's hometown of Edgemont, Westchester County, 22 miles north of New York City. Lauren's final moments with friends have remained riddled with questions. What exactly happened to the fashion student 13 years ago? Cohen takes us on a haunting journey though Bloomington, Indiana, as he seeks to finally uncover what really happened in the college town known for booze-fueled student excesses. Did she actually set off solo into the silence of the humid night at 4:30am without shoes and cellphone after spending her last minutes with male friends at their home - or have these central figures at the heart of the mystery been hiding what really happened all along? If fate had not snatched her away, she would now be 33 years old - but her parents still haven't filed paperwork to officially declare her dead Lauren's father Robert Spierer (pictured) tells Cohen he believes she would still be alive today if she 'never met Corey Rossman' The new book was written with the cooperation of Lauren's grieving parents, Robert and Charlene Spierer (pictured in 2011) Did Lauren somehow die when she was alone with these male 'friends' and her body disposed of, as Cohen discusses? Or was the petite sophomore snatched from the street and bundled into a passing vehicle? On any normal evening it should have been a five or six minute walk home south along College Avenue, albeit uncomfortable without the shoes she'd accidentally left behind in a bar with her cell phone. At the time, the spirited 20-year-old was weary, hungover, and bruised from falling over several times during a wild night of hard partying. Then she was gone. Vanished. Lauren's story grabbed national headlines at the time and on subsequent anniversaries. Her parents 'knew she didn't just disappear, that something happened to her - something nefarious,' writes Cohen. College Girl, Missing, sets out to explore the soul of the heartbreaking and fascinating mystery that remains unsolved He was one of the first reporters on the scene in Bloomington, back in 2011, knocking on doors, speaking with Lauren's friends, family, college neighbors and police, exploring every clue and avenue. Cohen candidly reveals the drugs and alcohol Lauren had consumed during the eight hours before she vanished as well as her history of alcohol, cocaine, and Xanax abuse. He also speaks with Lauren's then boyfriend of two years Jesse Wolff - a student at Indiana with her - who has claimed all along that he was at home asleep when she disappeared. Wolff strikes a don't-mess-with-me tone, insisting he will be interviewed for the book if he is paid $100,000, adding: 'Let this be the last time you contact me in this lifetime.' But Cohen doesn't give up easily. He focuses on clarifying contradictory statements made at the time by some of the main protagonists, including teens who were last with her. He manages to connect with the last three students to have seen her alive before she supposedly walked out into the balmy night. Corey Rossman, Jay Rosenbaum, and Mike Beth have always admitted that they were the last three known people to have seen Lauren before she disappeared. Persons of interest: Fellow students Corey Rossman, left, Jay Rosenbaum, right, and Mike Beth (not pictured) were the last three people to have seen Lauren before she disappeared, but had remained tightlipped at the height of the investigation Journalist and author Shawn Cohen spoke to Lauren's then boyfriend of two years, Jesse Wolff - a fellow Indiana student who has always maintained he was at home asleep when she disappeared But at the time they quickly retained their own high priced attorneys and were largely tight-lipped. The book reveals details of a rivalry between Wolff and Rossman, who began pursuing Lauren despite her relationship with the Jesse. Lauren had been in Rossman's care towards the end of the night when she had become dangerously intoxicated and needed to be carried home. Cohen describes unreleased video evidence showing Rossman making two phone calls as Lauren is slumped on a curb, around 3am that night. When asked about the nature of those calls 12 years later, Rossman is just as defensive, according to the book. Lauren's parents sued the three men in civil court to try to get them to reveal more details about what happened. But ultimately the case was thrown out by the judge for legal technicalities. Cohen tracks down the IU grads - now grown ups well into careers - and holds their feet to the fire to try to get them to reveal more information about the last hours before Lauren vanished. 'I feel if she never met Corey Rossman, she'd be alive today,' Lauren's father tells Cohen. Lauren's story grabbed national headlines at the time and on subsequent anniversaries Over the years, Bloomington Police Department has been criticized for their lack of progress with the case over the years. These days, Lauren's name and the memory of that night have faded from around the IU campus. The missing posters plastered around Bloomington with her face seeking tips are tattered, and mostly gone. Today, time stands still for her shattered family. They grieve every day. If fate had not snatched her away, she would now be 33 years old - but her parents still haven't filed paperwork to officially declare her dead. They 'don't believe in miracles,' writes Cohen. 'They know Lauren is physically gone. 'Their hope from the early days of the investigation has long since given way to realism. 'What they want, what they need, is to learn what happened to her.' College Girl, Missing: The True Story of How a Young Woman Disappeared in Plain Sight will be released on May 28, 2014, and is available for pre-order on Amazon. Unprecedented rioting has engulfed the French overseas territory of New Caledonia, a small, idyllic island adrift in the Pacific Ocean some 850 miles off Australia's Gold Coast. Seven people have been killed, two of them police officers, and hundreds injured since early last week when furious crowds took to the streets and began setting up barricades, setting property and cars alight and launching projectiles from makeshift slingshots. The sudden spark of fury was motivated by the French parliament's approval of a bill that will, among other changes, allow non-indigenous residents who have lived in New Caledonia for at least 10 years to cast ballots in provincial elections. The move is seen as a way to limit the political power of the native Kanak people - who once suffered from strict segregation policies and widespread discrimination - in favour of pro-French politicians to scupper the plans of those with secessionist intentions. But what appeared at first glance to be a simple outburst of indigenous rage at the enduring impact of colonialism was quickly revealed as something more sinister, with the flames of discontent whipped up by a quiet enemy of France half a world away from New Caledonia. Here, MailOnline explores why this little Pacific island has become the focal point of a grand geopolitical game - and how Vladimir Putin and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping could be set to benefit. A Kanak flag waving next to a burning vehicle at a roadblock in New Caledonia on May 19, 2024 Charred vehicles are stacked on top of each other to form roadblocks across the territory A street blocked by debris and burnt out items is seen following overnight unrest in France's Pacific territory of New Caledonia, on May 18, 2024 French forces smashed through around 60 road blocks to clear the way from conflict-stricken New Caledonia's capital to the airport but have still not reopened the route Protesters are seen in New Caledonia New Caledonia is a small island that lies roughly 850 miles off Australia's Gold Coast Who is supporting the protests, and why? There have been decades of tensions over the issue of independence between the Kanaks and non-indigenous people who settled in the territory of 270,000 and want to remain part of France. But the violence of the past two weeks is the most severe in New Caledonia since the 1980s, the last time France imposed a state of emergency on the archipelago. Speaking a day after the unrest had claimed the lives of three Kanaks and a policeman last week, France's Interior Minister Gerald Darminin made an eyebrow-raising statement. 'This isn't a fantasy - I regret that some of the separatists have made a deal with Azerbaijan,' he declared solemnly. On the surface, the thought that Azerbaijan - a country with little to no influence or interest in the Pacific and located 8,500 miles away from New Caledonia - could be in any way responsible for political demonstrations in Noumea seems laughable. Baku bit back immediately with a venomous retort from foreign ministry spokesman Aykhan Hajizada. 'Instead of accusing Azerbaijan of allegedly supporting pro-independence protests... (Darminin) should focus on his country's failed policy towards the overseas territories that led to such protests,' he said. But despite the undeniable tension caused by French colonialism that has long existed among indigenous populations in New Caledonia and beyond, Darminin may have a point. The relationship between Baku and Paris has plummeted to new lows ever since Emmanuel Macron's government backed Armenia in its long-standing dispute with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh. The region is internationally recognised as part of Azerbaijan, but was heavily populated by ethnic Armenians and functioned as a de-facto self-governed republic until Azerbaijani forces seized the territory in a lightning offensive last year. In response to the support of Armenia offered by France - which has a large Armenian diaspora - Azerbaijan launched a concerted effort to stir up anti-French opinion. In 2023, Baku held a conference titled 'Towards the Complete Elimination of Colonialism', to which it invited pro-independence representatives of various French territories, including New Caledonia as well as the likes of Martinique, French Guiana, and French Polynesia. For months, pro-independence figures and media outlets in New Caledonia have waxed lyrical about the efforts of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to support the 'decolonisation process' and the 'special attention' he is paying to the cause. And during last week's protests, some participants were seen waving the Azerbaijani flag and clutching posters and flyers depicting Aliyev's likeness. Azerbaijani flag is flown by protesters in New Caledonia President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev A road is barricaded by rioters as they protest against plans to allow more people to take part in local elections in the French-ruled territory, which indigenous Kanak protesters reject, in Noumea, New Caledonia, May 15, 2024 A masked bystander poses in front of burnt vehicles in a roadblock at the entrance to Ducos, France's Pacific territory of New Caledonia, on May 21, 2024 Why is New Caledonia so important to France? New Caledonia's sandy beaches and sapphire blue seas offer residents and visitors alike prime sunbathing real estate and ample opportunity for scuba diving, windsurfing and many other delightful activities. But the same can be said for the French Riviera - and that's not reason enough for Paris to cling so desperately to the distant spit of land in the South Pacific. Besides boasting picturesque landscapes and sunny climes, New Caledonia also happens to be the world's third-largest producer of nickel - a material vital in the production of everything from electric car batteries to your stainless steel cooking pot. Not only is the island a well of invaluable resources for France, but it is also a key strategic location for France's military, and by extension, its Western partners - particularly the US which is desperate to maintain a strong presence in the Pacific to counteract the influence and expansionist tendencies of China. What's more, New Caledonia is by no means the only territory where anti-French sentiment has exploded in recent years, prompting fears that a wave of discontent could ripple across all of France's former and current colonies. In 2022, French officials and armed forces were driven out of Mali, even as the country was wracked with conflict against Islamic extremist groups, and France's ambassador was expelled shortly after. One year later, Burkina Faso followed suit, with French forces pulling out of the country following widespread protests. Burkinabe authorities earlier this year also expelled three French diplomats. In short, losing New Caledonia would be a disaster for Paris. Why do Beijing and Moscow stand to gain from anti-French protests? Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping, who were sharing warm hugs and cups of tea in Beijing as protests raged in New Caledonia last week, are likely delighted by the scenes of the Azerbaijani colours being toted in Noumea. Should New Caledonia ultimately rip itself away from France and declare independence, then Paris' loss would certainly be the gain of Moscow and Beijing. For Xi, waning French influence on the island presents an opportunity to expand China's military footprint in the Pacific - a key goal of the People's Liberation Army which aims to project Beijing's power in the region. China is locked in disputes with various territories including Taiwan, the Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia over several islands, waters and maritime trade routes and is using its naval might to slowly erode its competitors' ownership of and presence in these strategic locations. China is also far and away the world's largest importer of nickel, buying up almost $3 billion worth of the metal in 2022 along with many other rare earth materials If New Caledonia were to declare independence, Chinese companies could win much greater access to its coveted resources. Russia meanwhile is less desperate to scoop up the plentiful resources in New Caledonia, but the unrest certainly serves its broader geopolitical goals of reducing Western influence anywhere it can. Putin and Xi frame the ever-strengthening relationship between their two countries as a buttress against what they see as the meddling of the US and other Western powers in international affairs, and the West's outsized economic and political influence worldwide. Both have expressed, in no uncertain terms, a desire to reduce the West's power and tip the international order towards multipolarity. Russian President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a meeting in Beijing, China May 16, 2024 Russian President Vladimir Putin (2R) bids farewell to Chinese President Xi Jinping (L) before his departure to Harbin on the first day of his state visit in Beijing, China, 16 May 2024 Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and Chinese President Xi Jinping leave a concert marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and China and opening of China-Russia Years of Culture at the National Centre for the Performing Arts in Beijing, China, on Thursday, May 16, 2024 France's waning influence in Africa, for example, can be attributed in no small part to Russia's increasing presence. Where France's involvement in the affairs of African nations is generally associated with its chequered colonial past, Russia has presented itself as an equal partner. Moscow has, directly or indirectly via plausibly deniable outfits such as the Wagner Group, supplied favourable leaders and political candidates with economic and security support - often in exchange for influence of its own and access to natural resources and preferential investment opportunities. It would be a stretch to suggest that Azerbaijan's supposed influence on the situation in New Caledonia was prompted by direct orders from Moscow or Beijing. President Aliyev holds himself out as an independent and powerful figure who is unafraid of standing up to larger powers. This was evidenced by Azerbaijani forces facing down Russian peacekeepers tasked with maintaining the status quo in Nagorno-Karabakh. Baku ultimately succeeded, forcing Moscow's troops to stand down and surged into the territory with no meaningful reproach from the Kremlin. But Azerbaijan is on good terms with both Eastern powers. Baku and Moscow are mutual trading partners and Azerbaijan since the eruption of the war in Ukraine has proven an invaluable ally in helping Russia to overcome Western-imposed sanctions by providing a route for its exports while collaborating on the development of new trade corridors with Iran. China meanwhile was one of the first countries to recognise Azerbaijan's independence following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, and Baku in turn supports Beijing in its 'One China' policy that does not recognise Taiwan as an independent state. According to The Spectator, French President Emmanuel Macron is sometimes referred to in Beijing as President 'Macaron', a pointed reference to the French biscuit-sandwich renowned for its tough and crispy shell - but one that gives way to a soft gooey centre. Putin and Xi will be hoping that nickname proves true, and that with time the indigenous residents of New Caledonia will tear their island away from its colonial overlords. How is France handling the protests? President 'Macaroon' for now has not cracked. Earlier this week, he cancelled his presidential schedule and flew to the island to personally speak with Kanak leaders and campaign for the removal of protesters' barricades. He also declared police forces sent in to help battle deadly unrest in the French Pacific archipelago 'will stay as long as necessary,' even as French security services focus in coming weeks on safeguarding the Paris Olympics. Macron in the past has facilitated dialogue in New Caledonia between pro-independence and pro-France factions. The efforts culminated in a 2018 referendum, the first of three, in which New Caledonians voted to remain part of France by a narrow margin. This week, the pro-independence Kanak leaders, who earlier declined Macron's offer of talks by video, greeted him in Noumea and the group shared a minute of silence for the six people killed in shootings during the violence, including two gendarmes. But the French President went on to say the state of emergency imposed by Paris would only be lifted if local leaders instructed their people to clear barricades and restore order. French President Emmanuel Macron delivers a speech at New Caledonia's High Commissioner residency in Noumea, France's Pacific territory of New Caledonia Thursday May, 23, 2024 French President Emmanuel Macron, second right, delivers a speech at New Caledonia's High Commissioner residency, in Noumea, France's Pacific territory of New Caledonia Thursday May, 23, 2024 France deployed troops to New Caledonia's ports and international airport, and imposed a state of emergency on May 16 after three nights of clashes that left four dead and hundreds wounded The Pacific territory of 270,000 people has been in turmoil since May 13, when violence erupted over French plans to impose new voting rules that would give tens of thousands of non-indigenous residents voting rights The barricades, made up of charred vehicles and other debris, turned some parts of Noumea into no-go zones and made travelling around perilous, including for the sick requiring medical treatment and for families fretting about where to find food and water after shops were pillaged and torched. French authorities say more than 280 people have been arrested since violence first flared. 'Everyone has a responsibility to really call for the lifting of the barricades, the cessation of all forms of attack, not simply for calm,' Macron said. 'I will be very clear here. These forces will remain as long as necessary. Even during the Olympic Games and Paralympics,' which open in Paris on July 26, he said. At Noumea's central police station, Macron thanked officers for their work in the face of what he described as 'an absolutely unprecedented insurrection movement.' 'No one saw it coming with this level of organisation and violence,' he said. 'You did your duty. And I thank you.' Sasha put her life on hold to fight for the return of her only sister after 230 days The sister of one of the teen hostages held by Hamas who was seen in horrifying new footage released this week has revealed the heartbreaking final text message she received from her only sibling - just minutes before she was abducted to Gaza. Sasha Ariev, a 24-year-old neuroscience student, has paused her life and halted her studies to focus on bringing home her younger sister, 19-year-old Karina, with who, she shares a profound 'cosmic-like' bond. Karina Ariev was seen in the gruesome video released this week, showing Hamas terrorists taunting the five youngest women held hostage in Gaza since Oct. 7. Karina, injured and bloodied, was still wearing her Snoopy pajamas as she was threatened with rape after being snatched from her bed. Just minutes before the video was taken, Karina was able to send a last message to her best friend and only sister, Sasha. The haunting text urged Sasha to take care of their parents and to remain strong in the case she never returns home. Speaking to DailyMail.com, Sasha said she believes from the the look of despair, fear and helplessness in Karina's eyes, her sister understood that 'this could be the end'. Just minutes before the video was taken, Karina (pictured) was able to send a last text message to her best friend and only sister, Sasha The haunting message urged Sasha to take care of their parents and to remain strong in the case she never returns home (Pictured: Sasha, her father, her mother and Karina) 'I could see the understanding in her eyes, and few minutes later she sent me a message that if she won't leave, if she won't make it out alive, she asked me to keep our parents safe and to be strong and not to wallow in sorrow but to continue living,' Sasha told Dailymail.com. 'She didn't tell my parents to look after me. She told me to look after our parents. This is how we are. We are strong, and this is the bond between us and how we were holding this family together.' The parents of Karina, along with Liri Albag, 19, Naama Levy, 19, Daniela Gilboa, 20, and Agam Berger, 19, made the agonizing decision to release the footage as their daughters still remain hostages more than seven months later. 'This is the only thing that I had from my sister. They so brutally took her in her Snoopy pajamas with Kalashnikovs around - like a movie scene. But I watch it again and again and realize it's not, and you are just living this day all over again.' The decision to release the footage was a difficult one for the families of the hostages. Sasha revealed that they initially hesitated, fearing the emotional toll it would take on both families and the public. However, after months of waiting for negotiations with no change in sight, they felt compelled to share the reality of their loved ones' plight with the world. 'We just realized now that we are almost eight months, that people are forgetting and that there is no deal in the horizon and we do not know where we are going through,' Sasha explained. 'So we thought that instead of talking, we will just show this video and the evidence will talk for itself,' she added. 'We wanted people to see and to maybe feel a little of the pain that we're feeling every day. To understand that when we close our eyes, this is what we see. And even worse.' The footage released Wednesday is censored and offers just a glimpse into the terror faced by the captives. The full video was 15-minutes long and includes graphic images of dead bodies. (Pictured: Karina with her grandparents) The footage released Wednesday is censored and offers just a glimpse into the terror faced by the captives. The full video was 15-minutes long and includes graphic images of dead bodies. Sasha said the uncensored version was too graphic to share with the public. To respect the families of the dead, they cut some of the worst scenes out of the video. 'The public must remember that this is a censored video,' Sasha said. 'There are a lot of corpses of other girls who were murdered. It is much, much harder than this video.' 'If people thought this video was hard, the the full video is even harder,' she said. Sasha described a 'cosmic bond' between her and sister Karina, emphasizing their deep understanding of each other without the need for words. 'I can realize what is going on in her head just through her body movement, body language and her eye,' she said. Describing her sister's demeanor in the video, Sasha said she saw fear and helplessness in Karina's eyes. 'I could see her eyes pleading for help,' she said. 'I could see helplessness. Like she is a little baby looking for help. Like, "please help me. I don't know what is going on here. There are grenades. I'm wounded. My best friend is lying dead in front of me."' 'From this despair and fear and helplessness, I think I saw a look in her eyes that she just understood that this could be the end,' she said. 'I think she thought, "is that how death looks like?" I think she thought that this is the end, and she is all on her own now.' 'Shes scared. She wants us to be there and to hug her and to say that she is protected.' Karina Ariev was seen in the gruesome video released this week, showing Hamas terrorists taunting the five youngest women held hostage in Gaza since Oct. 7 Describing her sister's demeanor in the video, Sasha said she saw fear and helplessness in Karina's eyes (Pictured: Karina Ariev) Sasha described a 'cosmic unnatural bond' between her and sister Karina, emphasizing their deep understanding of each other without the need for words (Pictured: Karina Ariev as a baby) Karina was in an army base on the border of Gaza when she was kidnapped. The footage was taken by Hamas militants who stormed the Nahal Oz military base, part of the terrorist attack that killed roughly 1,400 people and took about 250 others hostage. Her family is from a small town in Jerusalem. Sasha opened up about the anguish her family has endured since October 7. 'You beg your government and others with power to move and change, not to be silent and to understand that we're talking about people's lives that we can save. And as long people are doing politics, people are dying there.' 'I think people must wake up and help us because we cannot fight our war and we are running out of our force, because we are despaired. And it's very hard to keep up with the hope.' 'We need people from around the world and from Israel to fight with us so people will understand. There are young girls, they're only 19-years-old, and they must come out of there. For 122 days, and they're still not here, just girls.' Sasha has conducted over 100 interviews since October 7 and traveled the world in order to spread awareness and fight for her sister's return. When she first saw the footage of her sister, Sasha said, 'It was so hard to see and to acknowledge that I'm not dreaming.' 'This is not a nightmare. It is a real life. That is my little sister in there.' When she first saw the footage of her sister from October 7, Sasha said, 'It was so hard to see and to acknowledge that I'm not dreaming' Sasha issued a heartfelt plea to the world: 'Just don't be silent' Regarding those denying the tragedies that occurred on Oct. 7, Sasha, who is a granddaughter of holocaust survivors, said: 'I think I cant really understand it but we can see from history,' People deny the Holocaust ever occurred - despite clear evidence, records, footage and testimonies. And today, we are seeing people doing the same, she explained. 'These people are hypocrites,' Sasha said. 'Maybe they know the truth inside them and they are just afraid to admit.' 'But I always say it could be anyone,' she continued. 'And that's that's what people need to understand. Today its here, and tomorrow it is in another place and another religion. And we just need to bring them back as soon as possible.' 'I just want to walk past her room to the kitchen and to see her near her from the side of my eye, knowing that shes inside the house and I can call her at any time of day.' Sasha issued a heartfelt plea to the world: 'Just don't be silent.' Despite the immense pain her family is facing, Sasha's unwavering determination to bring her sister home remains strong. 'This is my mission, and I will not stop till my last breath,' she said. 'Because she's my little sister, we are only two. I have only her in my life, and I don't see any purpose of living if she's not together with me. She stays strong for her family, especially her mother, like her sister had asked of her. 'I have no privilege to break down, even if sometimes I want to,' Sasha said. 'I haven't cried for like a lot of months. I just I just can't because I'm so pushing it so that I can act to release my sister and all the other hostages that I cannot let myself for a minute to just crawl in my bed, be under the blanket and cry.' Sasha has remained strong for her family, especially her mother, like her sister, Karina (pictured) had asked of her in her last message 'I gave my promise to my sister that I will look after them' she said. 'She's the one who is really fighting there. So I have no privilege to say that it's hard for me or something, So I'm letting my parents be more emotional, like parents are, and I'm always saying that I'm strong and no one can break me no matter what.' 'I'm doing everything I can to bring Karina back alive as soon as possible. And only afterwards will I allow myself to cry. Only tears of joy.' Finance officials from the Group of Seven rich democracies said they had moved toward agreement on a U.S. proposal to squeeze more money for Ukraine from Russian assets frozen in their countries. But the ministers left a final deal to be worked out ahead of a June summit of national leaders. We are making progress in our discussions on potential avenues to bring forward the extraordinary profits stemming from immobilized Russian sovereign assets to the benefit of Ukraine, the draft statement said, without providing details. Despite the progress made at the the meeting in Stresa, on the shores of Lago Maggiore in northern Italy, a final decision on how the assets will be used will rest with the G7 national leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden, next month at their annual summit in Fasano, in southern Italy. Host Finance Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti said that progress has been made so far but that there were legal and technical issues that have to be overcome. It is not an easy task but we are working on it, he said at a news conference following the end of the meeting. Ukrainian Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko joined the finance ministers and central bank heads at their concluding session on Saturday. I am satisfied with the progress," he told journalists afterwards. He said the G7 ministers are working very hard to find a reliable construction for Ukraine. The U.S. Congress has passed legislation allowing the Biden administration to seize the roughly $5 billion in Russian assets located in the U.S., but European countries have a strong voice in the matter since most of the $260 billion in Russian central bank assets frozen after the Feb. 24, 2022, invasion are held in their jurisdictions. Citing legal concerns, European officials have balked at outright confiscating the money and handing it to Ukraine as compensation for the destruction caused by Russia. Instead, they plan to use the interest accumulating on the assets, but thats only around $3 billion a year about one months financing needs for the Ukrainian government. U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is pushing for borrowing against the future interest income from the frozen assets. That would mean Ukraine could be given as much as $50 billion immediately. But the proposal has run into concerns from European members about the legal complexities, and about concerns that Russia could retaliate against the diminished number of Western companies and individuals who still have holdings in Russia, or against the Euroclear securities depository in Belgium where the bulk of the funds is held. Russia has published a decree from President Vladimir Putin allowing confiscation of assets of U.S. companies and individuals as compensation for any Russian assets seized in the United States. The ministers also discussed what to do about Chinas outsized, state-backed production of green energy technology, which the U.S. considers a threat to the global economy. The U.S. has imposed major new tariffs on electric vehicles , semiconductors, solar equipment and medical supplies imported from China. Included is a 100 percent tariff on Chinese-made EVs, meant to protect the U.S. economy from cheap Chinese imports. The U.S. position has been that Chinese overcapacity is an issue not just for the U.S. but also for other G7 and developing countries. Thats because Chinas selling of low-priced goods threatens the existence of competing companies around the world. The G7 is an informal forum that holds an annual summit to discuss economic policy and security issues. The member countries are Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States. Representatives of the European Union also take part, but the EU does not serve as one of the rotating chairs. (AP) In an increasingly divided United States of America, a radical solution to resolve fraught political differences is gaining momentum: secession. Be it the campaign for Texas to quit the US and form its own republic or efforts by red counties in Oregon to join Idaho, movements are gaining support at both local and state levels. In nearly every case, the campaigns have been formed in conservative areas by voters eager to break away from the progressive leaders who govern them. Some are a pipe dream. Texas is unlikely to depart the union any time soon, despite the optimism of those leading its 'Texit' independence campaign. But several localized efforts have succeeded or gained enough support to be taken seriously. DailyMail.com recently reported that voters in thirteen counties of eastern Oregon now support secession from the state to join Idaho by redrawing state lines. More than 2,000 miles away in Louisiana, the new city of St George was recently incorporated after wealthy residents controversially voted to separate from Baton Rouge over claims of crime issues and a poor education system. Here, DailyMail.com explains some of the most prominent and longstanding secession campaigns in the country. East Oregon Travel 200 miles south east of Oregon's uber-progressive capital, Portland, and you'll reach Crook County, a picturesque and sparsely populated region where agriculture and livestock drive the local economy. The way of life is vastly different from that of Portland's metropolis, which has been blighted in recent years by crime, drug use and homelessness. Earlier in May, Crook County became the 13th county in eastern Oregon to formally support starting the process of redrawing the state's border to create a Greater Idaho. More than a dozen fed-up liberal counties in eastern Oregon have voted in support of measures to start negotiations to secede from the state and join conservative Idaho Crook County became the 13th to approve the Greater Idaho Measure following a vote Supporters say they're disillusioned by the state's Democratic leaders, whose efforts to decriminalize drugs and defund police have backfired spectacularly. They want their counties to be absorbed into a 'Greater Idaho', essentially joining the neighboring state which is overwhelmingly Republican. 'The Oregon/Idaho line was established 163 years ago and is now outdated,' according to the movement. 'It makes no sense in its current location because it doesn't match the location of the cultural divide in Oregon. 'We want an economy that is not held back by Oregon regulations and taxes, including environmental regulations. 'We'll still have federal and Idaho regulations, and that's plenty. Idaho knows how to respect rural counties and their livelihoods.' The recent vote by Cook County is largely symbolic but indicates majority support in eastern Idaho to open negotiations for the Greater Idaho project. Campaigners say their wishes can no longer be ignored. St George, Louisiana St George became Louisiana's newest incorporated city in April after a years-long fight which started as a campaign to create a new school district. The predominantly white, wealthy area has seceded from Baton Rouge, Louisiana's capital. The seismic - and highly controversial - victory means St George residents are no longer Baton Rouge taxpayers and will take control of many public services. Supporters of the new city claimed that Baton Rouge's city-parish government is poorly run, with high crime rates and bad schools. Opponents labeled their campaign 'racist' and said it creates a 'white enclave'. St George's population is around 70 percent white, while an estimated 52.4 percent of Baton Rouge are black and African American. Supporters vehemently deny that race is a factor. The predominantly white, wealthy area of St George has seceded from Baton Rouge, Louisiana's capital The campaign initially started as an attempt to create a new school district for St George. It later became a bolder effort to create the new city. In April, after years of legal wrangling, the Louisiana Supreme Court ruled the City of St George could be incorporated, separating it from Baton Rouge. Their success has given hope to other similar localized campaigns but also highlights the political and economic consequences of such a radical move. A 2014 study by the Baton Rouge Area Chamber found that the effects of the partition would be economically devastating for the remainder of Baton Rouge, immediately creating a $53 million budget shortfall. Texas The 'Texit' movement to withdraw Texas from the United States and form an independent sovereign state has simmered for decades. Advocates for this radical campaign claim it has been boosted in recent years by broader political divisions in America - not least surrounding the migrant crisis. But unlike other secession campaigns at a local or state level, breaking away from the United States entirely could prove impossible. Many scholars argue that the constitution does not allow any state to quit the union. Polling has found growing support in recent years for an independent Texas. In 2009, a Rasmussen Reports survey found only 18 percent of people supported secession. A separate poll by Redfield & Wilton Strategies in February 2024 found the total had increased to 33 percent. Texas independence gained traction after the federal U.S. Border Patrol cut down razor wire along the Texas-Mexico border, only for the state to erect new fencing in defiance The leader of the Texas Nationalist Movement (TNM), Daniel Miller, told DailyMail.com in February that political tensions at the border with Mexico 'highlighted the broken relationship' between Austin and Washington, D.C. His comments came amid a stand off between Texas Governor Greg Abbott and President Joe Biden over security measures at the Mexico border. Miller also made the ambitious claim that independence could be achieved in three decades. His campaign points out that out that Texas has the 8th largest economy in the world, valued at more than $2.4trillion by the IMF, and was a net contributor to the U.S. economy But experts say it's unrealistic to expect that Texas could simply withdraw from the US and maintain its economic power. Joshua Blank, research director of the Texas Politics Project, said supporters of secession didn't like to think of the downsides, like how federal dollars that paid for public education, transportation, or border security would be replaced. 'Essentially, the belief is that you can have the same government you have now, but just remove the relationship to the federal government and stop paying federal taxes, and just live in Texas,' Blank said. 'That's just an impossibility.' Lost Creek, Texas Secession campaigns in Texas aren't confined to the statewide attempt to leave the union. Earlier this month, the wealthy Austin neighborhood of Lost Creek voted to leave the city in response to issues with crime and public services. Lost Creek was forcibly annexed by Austin in 2015. The controversial measure, which also included the annexation of several other neighborhoods, meant residents became city taxpayers. But on May 4, Lost Creek and two other areas voted to disannex, which removes them from the city limits and overhauls their taxation and the delivery of certain public services including policing. Lost Creek, a rich enclave in the west side of Austin, voted with a whooping 91 percent to break away from Austin during a May 4 election Like St George in Louisiana, Lost Creek is a wealthy area which has separated from a city where average incomes are lower and the demographics are more diverse. 'What an FU to the Mayor and Council of Austin,' tweeted local retired judge and attorney Bill Aleshire on election night. Following the vote, Lost Creek's law enforcement and fire response will now be handled by Travis County. Some public services will still be managed by the city. Austin is understaffed by 483 officers after the former mayor and city council went to war with the police in 2020, slashing the department's budget by a third. 'We are our own little community, and I think that's how we should be treated,' said Lost Creek resident Rachel Cole. 'State of Jefferson' The movement spanning swathes of Northern California and southern Oregon to create a 'State of Jefferson' epitomizes the view in many rural communities that they are neglected - and misunderstood - by elected leaders in urban capitals. Efforts to create a State of Jefferson date back to the late 19th, making it one of the oldest secession campaigns of its kind in America. Today, the movement involves rural, majority conservative areas in Northern California and southern Oregon seeking to create their own state free from their currently liberal-minded leaders. Like attempts to remove Texas from the US, the likelihood a state of Jefferson will ever be created is tiny - but that has not dampened the efforts of some campaigners. As recently as 2017, a lawsuit was filed aiming to enlarge California's legislature, arguing that the senate and assembly were too small for a state of 40 million people. The lawsuit, which gained national attention but was unsuccessful, was intended to force lawmakers into looking at splitting the state. A year earlier during the 2016 presidential election, California counties inside the proposed state of Jefferson voted overwhelmingly in favor of Donald Trump, while the rest of the state supported Hilary Clinton. The difference was touted by State of Jefferson supporters further credibility for their campaign. The State of Jefferson already has its own seal which consists of two Xs which represent a 'double cross'. The seal is intended to illustrate the regions inside the proposed state have been left behind by California and Oregon's leaders. Buckhead, Georgia The campaign to split Buckhead from the city of Atlanta has echoes of the secession efforts in St George and Lost Creek. Buckhead is an affluent area at the heart of Atlanta's economy and has more conservative and white residents than many other parts of the city. Efforts to separate Buckhead from Atlanta date to around 2008 but were delivered a catastrophic blow in March last year when Georgia lawmakers - including several Republicans - voted to reject the movement. Supporters of secession argued that Buckhead should be a city in its own right because it is responsible for 40 percent of Atlanta's tax revenues, despite making up less than one fifth of its population. Bill White, former CEO of the Buckhead Exploratory Committee which campaigned to split the area from Atlanta. White quit the campaign after the idea was rejected by lawmakers Buckhead is an affluent area at the heart of Atlanta's economy and has more conservative and white residents than many other parts of the city They argued that should give them control over their own public services - particularly the police force. But their arguments also worked against them. Allowing Buckhead to become its own city would be devastating for Atlanta due to the loss of its main commercial area and the tax revenues which come with it. There was also fierce criticism of an attempt to essentially allow a richer, majority-white neighborhood to divorce itself from the poorer, mostly black city at the heart of the Deep South's largest urban area. 'If we jerk the heart out of the city of Atlanta, which is Buckhead, I know our capital city will die,' said Georgia Senator Frank Ginn, a Danielsville Republican, last year. Weld County, Colorado Weld County in the far north of Colorado is touted as one of the richest agricultural areas east of the Rocky Mountains, leading the state's production of cattle and grain. But some residents there think state's Democratic leaders take their contributions for granted. In the words of one: 'The state of Colorado is at war with three major economic drivers for Weld County: small businesses, agriculture, and oil and gas.' That sentiment is a driver behind the ambitious campaign to separate Weld County, which has voted Republican in every presidential election since 1968, from Colorado and join Wyoming to the north. All states have at least some support for secession from the country, according to a recent poll Leaders of the campaign have registered a political committee named 'Weld County Wyoming' to try and get a referendum on the idea. But the efforts have come up against fierce opposition, even within the county itself. Tommy Butler, a councilmember in Weld County's most populous city, Greeley, said: 'I absolutely love living in Colorado. For those that dont love living here, there are certainly less ridiculous ways of moving to Wyoming.' A father, his pregnant wife and their eleven children have developed 'dangerous' coughs after being left in a council house over-run with black mould. Wahidullah Safi, 35, and his wife Bibi Safi, 45, were moved into the three-bed property in Canning Town in 2023 but quickly realised the dire state of the mice infested apartment. Mr Safi has put in multiple complaints of black mould to Newham council but despite receiving a preliminary check-up visit, claims no further action has been taken. He said: 'Newham Council has done nothing. They sent a person to take pictures of the damp, who said 'this is very dangerous for the children, we have a team we can send round'. Since then, I have not seen anyone.' His family came to the UK aided by the British Army in 2022 after the Taliban took over Afghanistan , although Mr Safi has been a resident of the UK for seven years as he works as a delivery driver He is now becoming increasingly desperate as his wife's health has deteriorated further and she is due to give birth to their 12th child 'any day'. His family came to the UK aided by the British Army in 2022 after the Taliban took over Afghanistan, although Mr Safi has been a resident of the UK for seven years as he works as a delivery driver. He has tried to relocate from his crumbling apartment, but his attempts have been rejected as they have not yet lived there for three years. He added that he has resorted to repeatedly repainting the walls in the house himself in an effort to keep the mould at bay, but 'the damp always comes again,' continuing: 'It's a difficult life.' The family lived in temporary accommodation in Central London for a year, before Greenwich Council stepped in to secure them a permanent home in Newham. However as it is only a three-bed for all 13 of them, they struggled to fit and three children are forced to sleep in the living room. As the property is located in the borough of Newham, but was found by Greenwich Council, Mr Safi claims neither local authority will take responsibility or the family's case seriously. When his application for rehousing was rejected by Newham Council, he said he was directed to speak to Greenwich Council, who he says six months later directed him back to Newham Council. A spokesperson for Newham Council said: 'Mr Safi and his family were helped to move in to this privately rented property in Newham by the London Borough of Greenwich. 'We are aware of the substandard conditions in the property. As this is a privately rented property [managed by the agency Freshview] not managed by Newham Council, our private rented sector housing enforcement team has been liaising with the landlord to address the disrepair. 'The landlord has informed us that some improvement works have been made to rectify some of these issues, but we are aware that the overcrowding in the property still remains an issue of concern. 'We are currently working with the London Borough of Greenwich to resolve the situation and we are in direct contact with the family to discuss their housing options.' A Greenwich Council spokesperson echoed this statement, adding: 'We are currently working with Newham Council to resolve the situation and we are in direct contact with Mr Safi to support him in finding more suitable accommodation, however it is harder to find larger family homes. 'Unfortunately, there is a housing crisis in London and we have more than 27,000 households on our housing waiting list, and more than 1,900 households living in temporary accommodation. With homelessness sadly at record levels, it is a huge challenge for local authorities across the capital and beyond.' Mr Safi claimed he has also taken the case to his local MP, Lyn Brown MP for West Ham, and subsequently the MP for Greenwich and Woolwich, Matthew Pennycook, to no avail. He said: 'Lyn Brown said talk to Matthew Pennycook. Matthew Pennycook said you have to talk to Lyn Brown. Greenwich Housing said talk to Newham. Newham Housing said talk to Greenwich. We are in the middle. I don't know where else we can go.' A spokesperson for Ms Brown said: 'Lyn did not advise Mr Safi to approach Greenwich Council but rather conveyed to him a response received from Newham Council following her representations on his behalf, advising that Newham Council would not be in a position to rehouse him given he has not yet lived in the borough for three years.' A spokesperson for Mr Pennycook said: 'The address and postcode provided previously by Mr Safi indicated that he and his family are actually residents of the West Ham constituency represented by Lyn Brown MP. 'While Mr Pennycook takes the issues the family raised extremely seriously, strict parliamentary rules prohibit him from making representations on behalf of or responding in full to those who are not his own constituents. 'It is also the case that Mr Pennycook is not a member of Greenwich Council nor responsible in any way for the services it provides, including in relation to housing and temporary accommodation.' Penny Kmitt, from Boston, U.S., complained that water boiled in kettle is 'too hot' An American woman has ignited a transatlantic stir after using a microwave to make her morning cup of tea - leaving horrified Britons clutching their kettles in disbelief. Penny Kmitt, a CBS News reporter from Boston, U.S., has become the fixation of the internet following a recent TikTok video shared with her 200,000 followers on her account @pennylikeacoin. In the controversial clip, Penny demonstrates her early morning tea routine, which to the dismay of many Brits, involves heating water in a microwave rather than using a traditional kettle. The video, captioned: "The only negative of microwave tea is that my cup is warm," has sparked outrage among tea purists across the pond. The footage shows Penny filling a Starbucks mug with cold tap water before placing it in the microwave. Penny Kmitt, from the U.S., has ignited a transatlantic stir after using a microwave to make her morning cup of tea - leaving horrified Britons clutching their kettles in disbelief The footage shows Penny filling a Starbucks mug with cold tap water before placing it in the microwave. After a couple of minutes, she retrieves the heated water and drops an Earl Grey teabag into it, and her cup of tea is ready to drink. Penny further discusses the inconvenience of using a kettle and insists that she doesn't have the time to wait for it to boil, unlike her microwave, which she claims can boil water much quicker. She said: 'I bought a kettle and I'm here to tell you they're overrated. Tea in the microwave literally takes me two and a half minutes.' To prove her point, she starts a timer on her phone, later showing it takes over six minutes for her kettle to boil - six minutes and 13 seconds, to be exact. Penny also mentioned that the water from the kettle is often 'too hot' and that she prefers the cooler temperature achieved through using a microwave. The reaction from British viewers has been swift and scathing, with over 200 distraught individuals taking to the comments to share their disapproval over Penny's use of a microwave. One person wrote, 'This is the most American Ive ever seen,' while another said, 'Just buy a plug in kettle. My English heart can't take this, those poor tea bags!!!!!!!!' The footage shows Penny filling a Starbucks mug with cold tap water before placing it in the microwave The reaction from British viewers has been swift and scathing, with over 200 distraught individuals taking to the comments to share their disapproval Another viewer pointed out: 'If your microwave tea is cool enough to drink right away then its not hot enough to steep your tea, tea needs to be brewed at 212f,' while another said, 'That's an old fashioned kettle get an electric one it's like 1 min.' One horrified Brit wrote, 'Sobbing and throwing up in British,' while a fourth said, 'I'm not even British but this offends me.' However, some Americans defended Penny's time-saving method, with one person writing: 'Wait... I thought doing it in the microwave was normal... was I wrong this whole time?' Another said: 'Honestly microwave is the most effective method, since it loses less energy compared to others.' It comes after another American individual, who lives in the UK, sparked a transatlantic divide among foodies after criticising how Brits prepare a classic lunch and dinnertime staple. A BBC weather forecaster and her family were kicked off a plane by the 'angry little' captain after asking passengers not to eat peanuts because of her daughter's allergy. Georgie Palmer, 49, her husband Nick Sollom, 48, and daughters Rosie, 12, and Annie, 14, were ordered off the SunExpress flight from London Gatwick to Dalaman, Turkey on Tuesday after telling the crew Rosie had an anaphylactic allergy to peanuts. It came after Ms Palmer said staff refused to make a standard announcement requesting passengers not eat peanuts because they had 'updated' their allergies policy. Instead she politely asked passengers around her not to consume any peanuts and pass the message on, which they did happily. But she says this enraged the captain who demanded they leave before the flight would take off. Georgie Palmer (centre), 49, her husband Nick Sollom (left), 48, and daughters Rosie (right), 12, and Annie, 14, were ordered off the flight after they asked passengers to not to eat peanuts because of her daughter's allergy Ms Palmer has 20 years of experience in broadcasting including working as a weather forecaster for the BBC The family had to be removed from the SunExpress flight from London Gatwick to Dalaman, Turkey on Tuesday after the captain ordered them off (stock photo of SunExpress plane) She said: 'How we were treated was disgusting. The captain decided because of my daughter's allergy he didn't want to fly with her on board. 'When he found out I had spoken to the other passengers he was screaming at me from the cockpit. He was so angry, the next thing I knew we were told to get off the plane. 'It is really beautiful how every passenger on that plane was so wonderful but nobody working on that plane showed one ounce of compassion.' 'We have spent the last 12 years trying to teach people about the allergy and to use epi-pens. It's a volatile allergen and even if Rosie didn't come into direct contact with a peanut, if somebody was eating one on board she could die. Nadim Ednan-Laperouse, OBE, co-founder of The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation, the UKs food allergy charity, said: Food allergies are an illness not a lifestyle choice, and the experience of this family on board a plane is shocking and unacceptable. The airline should immediately re-appraise the way they engage with food allergic customers and make their policies clear on their website. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. We often hear from families with food allergies who tell us their awful stories about airline travel. This is worrying as the world is becoming ever more allergic.' Ms Palmer said she politely asked passengers around her not to consume any peanuts and pass the message on, which they did happily Ms Palmer said: 'Rosie is in a terrible state about this. It has ruined her holiday' Nadim added: 'Latest figures from the Food Standards Agency show there are now 2.4 million adults in the UK with a diagnosed food allergy, in addition to huge numbers of children with food allergies. Airlines need to recognise that people with food allergies are their customers and take action to ensure everyone can travel safely. Meanwhile, the family took an EasyJet flight to the holiday resort the following day and said crew happily made several announcements asking passengers not to open packets of peanuts on board. But the family was forced to spend an extra 5,000 booking the additional flights, an airport hotel and other costs. Ms Palmer said: 'Rosie is in a terrible state about this. It has ruined her holiday. 'We don't go away all the time, we maybe fly once a year and have never had problems with other airlines. 'If we had known that policy we would never have booked with them but we have been through the website with a fine-tooth comb and there is nothing. 'There was no way to tell the airline beforehand so how many people with peanut allergies will fly on SunExpress this summer not knowing the policy. 'It's been three days and we haven't heard anything from SunExpress. Our insurance says the captain has the discretion to remove people for no reason.' In an Instagram post, Ms Palmer added: 'We gently asked the passengers at the front of the plane to share our request, and, row by row, as swift as a carefully crafted toppling domino trail, all the passengers turned back to kindly ask the row behind to please not eat nuts on the flight. The family were attempting to travel to Dalaman, Turkey (pictured), before the peanut row broke out The family was forced to spend an extra 5,000 booking the additional flights, an airport hotel and other costs Ms Palmer said her family were treated 'disgustingly' by the captain at Gatwick Airport (pictured) after he decided because of my daughter's allergy he didn't want to fly with her on board 'It was calm, earnest & with an overwhelming sense of solidarity & empathy. 'There's no beef with simple asks like these. People get it! The hand holding, tears & emotion from the passengers as we were hoofed off the plane after the angry little captain shouted at us from the cockpit.' A spokesman for SunExpress said: 'We take the safety of our passengers very seriously. Shortly after boarding our flight from London Gatwick, the passenger raised a concern about one of his family group having a serious peanut allergy and requested an announcement to other passengers. 'We refrain from making these kinds of announcements as, like many other airlines, we cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment on our flights, nor prevent other passengers from bringing food items containing allergens on board. 'Due to the insistent behaviour of the passenger to others on board that they should not consume nuts, the captain decided it would be safest if the family did not travel on our flight. 'When this was explained to the passenger, he did exhibit aggressive behaviour towards our crew members, and tried to gain access to the cockpit. 'To ensure the safety of our crew and our passengers on board, we cannot tolerate aggressive and unruly behaviour on our flights. The family took an EasyJet flight to the holiday resort the following day and said crew happily made several announcements asking passengers not to open packets of peanuts on board 'Additionally, our website states that passengers must notify us 48 hours in advance of any special care required due to a medical condition and no such notification was received from the passengers in this instance. 'However, we are fully aware that this was an upsetting situation for the family, and we are taking the incident as an opportunity to conduct a review of the information provided during our booking process to ensure more effective solutions for passengers with allergies.' In response Mr Sollom said that while he was 'irked' by the decision to end the family's holiday before it had started, 'at no point did I behave aggressively towards any of the crew'. He added that after being told his bags were to be offloaded, he asked to speak to the captain to plead his case and knocked twice on the cockpit door before leaving the plane. It's not the first time a passenger has been removed from a flight due to a peanut allergy. Last year a British Airways passenger was left feeling 'completely devastated' and 'physically sick' after she and her family were 'removed' from a flight - because her son has a severe nut allergy and there was a meal with nuts on board the plane. Alice Smith, 43, had spent days in conversation with BA arranging for her cabin on the August 24 flight from London Heathrow to Dubai to be nut-free. Last year a British Airways passenger was left feeling 'completely devastated' and 'physically sick' after she and her family were 'removed' from a flight - because her son has a severe nut allergy and there was a meal with nuts on board the plane Alice Smith's 14-year-old son is allergic to all nuts - including 'tree nuts' - and must carry an emergency adrenaline pen in case of an allergic reaction Yet when BA staff discovered that a cashew nut meal had been delivered to the galley for the meal service, Smith claims they decided to remove her group from the flight instead of the nut dish. So Smith - who has vowed never to fly with BA again - disembarked, along with her husband, 50, her two elderly parents, aged 73 and 74, and her two children, aged 14 and 18. They weren't placed on another flight to Dubai until the following day. On their replacement flight, Smith, her husband and their sons were downgraded to economy seats, despite having paid to sit in premium economy, marketed by BA as World Traveller Plus. Smith's elderly parents, however, were upgraded from premium economy to business class. As a result of the debacle, the family lost a whole day of their 10-day trip in Dubai, which had been booked along with their flights through BA Holidays. To compensate, an extra day was added on to their trip 'free of charge'. The holiday was a special one for the family, as it was Smith's elderly father's first trip after undergoing a heart bypass. Smith was recommended BA Holidays by a friend, and spent 15,500 on the package break, splashing out extra on premium economy tickets to ensure her father would be comfortable. Natasha Ednan-Laperouse, 15, died in 2016 after suffering an anaphylactic shock to sesame seeds in a Pret a Manger baguette she had bought at Heathrow before catching a flight to Nice. Her death brought about a new food safety law known as 'Natasha's Law' which requires full ingredient and allergen labelling on all food made on premises and pre-packed for direct sale. Last September, the veteran Labour MP Graham Stringer told The Mail on Sunday that 'we have to draw the line somewhere on the voting age, and I simply believe most youngsters at 16 are not mature enough to exercise that right'. He added: 'I'm afraid that, were the Labour leader to put this forward, it would smack of party-political self-interest on the basis that young people are more likely to vote Labour or Liberal Democrat than Conservative.' Now that Sir Keir Starmer has signalled quite clearly that he plans to bring in votes at 16 within a year of taking office (if he does), the existing electorate has a chance to judge the action before it is too late. Now that Sir Keir Starmer has signalled quite clearly that he plans to bring in votes at 16 within a year of taking office (if he does), the existing electorate has a chance to judge the action before it is too late. Labour beat the Conservatives by 43 percentage points among 18- to 24-year-olds at the last election Citizens might be wise to be cautious. Britain as a whole has a startling age versus youth divide in its politics. Last September, the National Centre for Social Research reported that 'age has become the biggest demographic divide in British politics, with younger people being more likely to vote Labour'. Labour beat the Conservatives by 43 percentage points among 18- to 24-year-olds at the last election. It is hard to imagine that Sir Keir would pursue this policy if young people were more Right-wing than the middle-aged or the old. Supporters of the change like to say that under-18s must face many of the responsibilities of life, so they should be allowed a part in choosing the government. But in fact the law, especially in England, still places many restrictions on them. Existing rules say under-18s cannot drink alcohol in pubs, cannot be tattooed, cannot buy cigarettes and cannot serve on juries. Is there any pressure to remove these wise limits? Although they may join up at 16, members of the Armed Forces cannot legally be deployed on the front line until they turn 18. As for marriage, English law was recently changed, with support from all major parties, to raise the minimum age from 16 to 18 (this does not apply in Scotland or Northern Ireland). This change was made to protect young people from being manipulated or exploited. We know that Gordon Brown has already set out plans for a dramatic reform of Parliament itself All these rules suggest a strong belief that 16 is too young to take some very major decisions. The case against votes at 16 is strong. The Starmer policy is both cynical and self-serving, and it is hard to claim that there is universal agreement that 16-year-olds are fully ready to take the major decisions involved in voting. But there is a deeper question. How far is Sir Keir Starmer's Labour Party willing to change the rules and move the goalposts to stay in power? The Blair government showed that Labour have a huge appetite for major and lasting constitutional change, and we know that Gordon Brown has already set out plans for a dramatic reform of Parliament itself. Some may imagine that they can give Labour a chance, and then easily remove them from office if (as is more than likely) they make the usual mess. It may not prove that easy in practice. NHS chiefs are facing landmark legal action after 26 female hospital nurses protested about being forced to share a women's changing room with a transgender colleague who is biologically male. The women complained that the transgender nurse who has not had gender reassignment surgery had taken a 'keen interest' in female staff when they were getting undressed. They say they have found the situation 'intimidating and upsetting'. In a formal complaint, the nurses say they were stunned after the 'sexually active' trans nurse admitted to trying for a baby with a female partner and had stopped taking female hormones. But a human resources manager at the hospital trust allegedly said that the female nurses need to 'be more inclusive', 'broaden their mindset' and 'be educated and attend training'. The women complained that the transgender nurse who has not had gender reassignment surgery had taken a 'keen interest' in female staff when they were getting undressed (Stock Image) In a formal complaint, the nurses say they were stunned after the 'sexually active' trans nurse admitted to trying for a baby with a female partner and had stopped taking female hormones (Stock Image) Six of the nurses are taking legal action at an employment tribunal against the NHS trust in the North East for alleged sexual harassment and sexual discrimination in what is thought to be the first case of its kind. One of the nurses told The Mail on Sunday: 'We don't feel safe because we strip down to our underwear and [the individual] doesn't just stay by his locker. 'He walks around the changing room in his boxer shorts.' Another nurse said she was 'close to tears' during one incident in the changing room. She said: 'I was rummaging in my bag trying to find my lanyard and keys for the locker when a man's voice behind me said, 'Are you not getting changed yet?' 'I found my keys and opened my locker and I was asked again, 'Are you not getting changed yet?'.' The woman, who was sexually abused as a child, has posttraumatic stress disorder and struggles to be alone around men. She said: 'He stood there, two metres away from me, with a scrub top on and with tight black boxer shorts with holes in them and asked a third time whether I was getting changed yet. 'Flight or fight mode kicked in but I felt glued to my seat, I could not move. 'My hands started to sweat. I was petrified and felt sick and began hyperventilating.' In March, 26 nurses wrote to management saying that the transgender nurse 'has made no secret' of the fact that 'he has stopped taking female hormones and is trying to inseminate his female partner'. They added: 'We do not consider it appropriate to have a sexually active biological male sharing our changing facilities.' They did not receive a written response but say there was an 'impromptu meeting' at which an HR manager told the ward manager the female nurses 'need to compromise'. The HR manager told them to 'be more inclusive', 'broaden their mindset' and 'be educated and attend training', according to a second complaint letter sent by the nurses in April. There has been controversy in the NHS during recent years over its provision of single-sex female wards and the safety of its patients. National NHS staff policy allows its workforce to identify in the opposite gender and access single-sex facilities of their choosing, and that 'alternative arrangements must be provided' if this is deemed inappropriate. The transgender nurse at the hospital has continued to be allowed access to the female changing room which is open plan and has no separate changing cubicles. The room is accessed by a key code given to staff. In March, 26 nurses wrote to management saying that the transgender nurse 'has made no secret' of the fact that 'he has stopped taking female hormones and is trying to inseminate his female partner' (Stock Image) A female nurse said: 'We work with a whole load of international nurses, some of whom have different cultural and religious beliefs, who are only allowed to strip down in front of their husbands. 'They've found this extremely difficult and they don't really want to come forward because they're frightened they're going to lose their jobs. 'One international nurse has told me that she wears a vest and uniform underneath her uniform, which is boiling for her, but it's to prevent this biological male from seeing things that she doesn't want him to see.' She said colleagues have taken to changing in the disabled toilet on the ward to avoid the trans nurse and that they fear their discomfort could impact on patient safety. 'We are not allowed to go home in our uniforms for infection control purposes, but because we're so nervous about this person walking in people have decided to maybe chance it. 'We're also dealing with patients who are already stressed coming in, and then to be presented with a nurse who is super stressed with anxiety, being in tears, it's not good at all.' Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre which is supporting the nurses' legal claim, accused the NHS trust of 'putting a dangerous and discredited transgender ideology ahead of staff and patient safety, not to mention biological reality. 'We are concerned that what the nurses are experiencing is just the tip of the iceberg. How many more people across the NHS, in other professions and in public places, are having to go through similar experiences? 'Instead of giving in to the climate of fear surrounding speaking out against transgender ideology, these nurses are now refusing to be silenced and are taking a courageous stand. We will support them at every step.' A female nurse said: 'We work with a whole load of international nurses, some of whom have different cultural and religious beliefs, who are only allowed to strip down in front of their husbands (Stock Image) A spokesperson for NHS Trust said it was 'committed to providing an inclusive and respectful work environment for all employees'. They added: 'We are aware of recent issues raised and are taking these very seriously. 'We would like to assure our employees and the wider community that as soon as these issues were brought to our attention, we initiated meetings to fully understand the needs and concerns of the staff members under our resolution policy. 'We recognise that this is a hugely sensitive issue and as well as taking into consideration the feedback and concerns raised by the team, we are working to adhere to legal requirements and best practices. 'We are committed to working together with all parties to find a solution that respects the rights and dignity of all individuals while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and fairness. 'As our internal processes continue it would not be appropriate to comment in any further detail at this stage.' Iranian dissidents gathered outside Tehran's London embassy on Saturday to protest a candlelit vigil to mourn President Ebrahim Raisi, who died last week in a helicopter crash. Organisers were attacked by supporters of the Iranian regime while protesting a service held in Wembley on Friday evening, which resulted in four being hospitalised and one arrest. Almost 100 activists were cordoned off by a strong police presence outside the embassy in Kensington last night. The protest remained peaceful and no major incidents occurred. Demonstrators danced to the song 'Helikopter' in celebration of the death of the death Raisi, 63, branded the 'Butcher of Tehran' for his mass executions of thousands in the 1988. One of the dissidents, Ellie Borhan, was sent to hospital on Friday night after she was attacked by supporters of the Islamic Republic outside the Dewan Al-Kafeel centre, in an office block on Alperton Lane, Wembley. Iranian dissidents gathered outside Tehran's London embassy on Saturday to protest a candlelit vigil to mourn President Ebrahim Raisi, who died last week in a helicopter crash. Police officers outside the Iranian Embassy in London on Saturday afternoon Ellie Borhan (pictured outside the Iranian Embassy on Saturday) was sent to hospital on Friday night after she was attacked by supporters of the Islamic Republic outside the Dewan Al-Kafeel centre, in an office block on Alperton Lane, Wembley Ms Borhan's injured foot after she was attacked by Iranian government supporters in Wembley on Friday night, and pictured on Saturday right She attended the protest on Saturday to show the world that 'Raisi is to us is like Hitler or Saddam Hussein' as she claimed he had blood on his hands for his tyrannical killing of innocents. A phone stolen from a friend of Ms Borhan's by one of the attackers on Friday has been located with the Find My Phone app to the Iranian Embassy in South Kensington, she claimed, indicating the attackers may be connected with the regime. Anti-government protesters gathered outside the venue in Wembley on Friday and were met by pro-government supporters, who then attacked them, according to witnesses. The Metropolitan Police were called to the scene outside the Dewan Al-Kafeel centre at 6.21pm that evening following reports of a disorder. Officers and Met resources attended and were joined by paramedics, who treated four people for non-life threatening or life-changing injuries. One man was also arrested on suspicion of violent disorder, the force said. Speaking to MailOnline, Ms Borhan, the founder of activist group Stage of Freedom, said that the pro-government individuals had 'tactics' to attack them on Friday night. After they went for her banner, which showed victims of the Iranian regime, she told them to get off it before several people started punching her, she claims. 'They were hitting me,' she said. 'They opened the gate - more people came out from that area to come and get us. 'The guy who came out he was punching my face, head and body then he kicked me and said "we are gonna' kill you". 'I said, "here in the UK you are threatening to kill me?" 'He tried to grab my phone and he was punching me and kicking me.' Ms Borhan (in grey) is attacked by supporters of the Iranian regime in Wembley on Friday night Four people were injured and one was arrested on Thursday after supporters of the Iranian government clashed with dissidents protesting outside a London vigil to President Ebrahim Raisi, who died last week in a helicopter crash A protester was attacked by supporters of the Iranian government and was treated by paramedics Many protesters were also carrying toy and inflatable helicopters and dancing with them Protesters over the road from the Iranian Embassy protesting the vigil to President Raisi Police officers stand guard outside the Iranian Embassy on Saturday afternoon She said that at one point three or four people were throwing punches at her and a female friend of hers who had been knocked to the floor was being kicked. Ms Borhan had to be taken to hospital to deal with her injuries but fortunately none were serious. She sustained bruising and damage to her feet, and she says it hurts to walk right now. She was given an X-ray and discharged from hospital when scans showed no broken bones. At Saturday evening's protest, people claimed they were attending in response to Friday night's attack and to make their views known about their hatred of the Iranian regime. Protesters were carrying photos of Raisi's victims and were making chants demanding that the UK put the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on the list of terrorist organisations. Many protesters were also carrying toy and inflatable helicopters and dancing with them. Later in the evening photos of Raisi were burned by protesters, which police had previously warned could lead to arrest for a public order offence. However, no arrests were made. Protesters burned photos of President Raisi, known as the 'Butcher of Tehran' Protesters brande the IRGC as a terrorist organisation and implored the UK to do the same 'Tehran's butcher got butchered': Protesters celebrate Raisi's death outside the Iranian Embassy At Saturday evening's protest, people claimed they were attending in response to Friday night's attack and to make their views known about their hatred of the Iranian regime Video shared on social media of the incident shows supporters of the Iranian regime confront protesters, who were playing music, with one repeatedly shouting 'f*** off' though the gates the the office complex. Men then rushed out and started attacking the protesters and a woman, who was filming, was pushed over and then kicked her as she lay on the floor by the man who shouted 'f*** off' through the gate. This woman was later sent to hospital for treatment, MailOnline understands. Another video showed paramedics treating a man who is lying on the ground after having been attacked. It is understood that he was also taken to hospital for his injuries. Raisi was killed after a helicopter carrying him and other officials crashed in the mountainous northwest reaches of Iran on Sunday. Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei declared on Monday that the nation will observe five days of mourning in honor of Raisi. However, Iranians across the globe took to social media using the hashtag 'Happy Helicopter Day' to share their celebrations of this death. In 2022 she discovered she had a rare, genetically-mutated form of colon cancer She was a news anchor for Indianapolis's WRTV for 10 years Tanya Sumner, 53, died on Friday after an aggressive battle with cancer A former TV news anchor died at the age of 53 after her battle with cancer. Tanya Sumner, also known as Tanya Spencer, died at her home on Friday from an aggressive form of cancer that started in her colon. Sumner was a news anchor for Indianapolis's WRTV for 10 years and was in television journalism for 20 years. In a heartbreaking final Facebook post to her friends, Sumner said: 'Time. Good health. Those are our only true commodities. Our only true currencies that matter.' The married mother of one discovered that she had a rare, genetically-mutated aggressive form of colon cancer, known as Kras G12c mutation, during an emergency surgery on November 17, 2022. Tanya Sumner, 53, died on Friday after an aggressive battle with a rare, genetically-mutated form of colon cancer According to a GoFundMe page created for Sumner on behalf of her two best friends, Julia Kathary and Jody Chiarotti, her cancer metastasized to her abdominal lining and eventually spread to her organs. Despite various chemotherapy treatments, the cancer persisted and eventually 'grew into a network of nodule tumors' that then 'wrapped around her internal organs' before spreading to her liver and lungs. In 2023, Sumner sat down and spoke about her diagnosis on WRTV and explained that in September of that year, a new round of chemotherapy also wasn't effective in fighting her cancer. 'Faith in God- If I'm going to be healed, it's gonna be God who heals me,' Sumner said during the interview. She previously encouraged others to make sure they schedule routine colonoscopies after she held off on getting one herself. Sumner was a news anchor for the Indianapolis station for 10 years and was in television journalism for 20 years. (pictured: WRTV anchor Rafael Sanchez alongside Sumner) In 2023, Sumner sat down and spoke about her diagnosis on WRTV and explained that in September of that year, a new round of chemotherapy also wasn't effective in fighting her cancer 'If you could imagine me finding this grapefruit-sized tumor six years earlier, like, we'd be having a whole different conversation,' Sumner said. 'Yeah, it's uncomfortable, it's unpleasant, nobody wants a colonoscopy, but go get the thing! It's not that bad,' she added, stating that if she had gotten the procedure earlier, she might have had more time. In 2021, the CDC announced new guidelines that called for adults to start getting colonoscopy screenings at age 45 instead of 50. Throughout her cancer battle, Sumner was supported by Kathary and Chiarotti, who met the late journalist in Evansville, Indianapolis nearly 30 years ago. 'I took Tanya to the doctor's office and told them we them are not leaving until they started something. We are fire breathing dragons,' Kathary told WRTV in November. Sumner referred to her best friends as her 'advocates' that 'lifted her up.' On the GoFundMe page, Kathary explained how Sumner's chemo treatments and medications were becoming costly, as one of the drugs was about $233,000 for a year's worth of treatment. She previously encouraged others to make sure that they schedule routine colonoscopies after she held off on getting one herself Throughout her cancer battle, Sumner (middle) has been supported by Julia Kathary (right) and Jody Chiarotti (left), who met the late journalist in Evansville, Indianapolis nearly 30 years ago 'We are tapping into all our networks, filling out every drug grant we can find, pushing and tugging with the insurance provider, looking for clinical trials and medical breakthroughs, and asking you, Tanya's friends, family, colleagues, and community for help,' Kathary wrote. As of Saturday evening, the page has raised more than $17,000. 'The past year has been a battle and Tanya has quietly waged war not wanting to alarm you, her friends and family. But it's time we rally for Tanya,' Kathary added. Following her time as an anchor, Sumner pursued a career in politics as the council vice president of District 3 in Whitestown, about 30 minutes outside of Indianapolis. After news of her tragic death was shared, former colleagues, family, friends, and fans paid tribute to her on social media. 'Sad to hear about the passing of Tanya Sumners (Spencer) who was one of my favorite reporters from WRTV 6,' Indianapolis resident, Michael Pruitt, said. 'She was fighting it with all she had and never gave up hope. God Speed Tanya,' he added. The town of Zionsville, just outside of Whitesville, also posted about Sumner's passing. Following her time as an anchor, Sumner pursued a career in politics as the council vice president of District 3 in Whitestown On her LinkedIn page, Sumner described herself as a 'storyteller at heart' who enjoyed finding stories that 'connected with people emotionally' 'Tanya was a true public servant, a wife, and mother, she will be missed by all. Both Whitestown and Zionsville are better because of her efforts,' the town said. A friend, Rhanda Stewart-Carlile said: 'She taught me that there was absolutely no talking in the morning before coffee.' 'She was sharp as a tack, the easiest news anchor to watch, and she was one of many who took me under their wing when I first moved to Evansville to work for WFIE.' Sumner's niece, Chey Smith, posted pictures of her on Facebook and said: 'Fly high auntie. Till we meet again.' On her LinkedIn page, Sumner described herself as a 'storyteller at heart' who enjoyed finding stories that 'connected with people emotionally.' The Texan was stunned to find the pooch on an adoption site a year later A Texas woman was stunned to discover the dog she scheduled to be euthanized a year ago turned up alive on an adoption site. Kristie Periera, 32, said she is desperate to get her pet Beau back and says she has no idea why the rescue center where she left the pooch now has him up for sale. After paying $450 for the hound mix in 2022, she says she instantly fell in love with the pet, but realized after several weeks that something seemed wrong with the dog. Veterinarians told her that Beau likely had neurological issues, and after holding out for several weeks she eventually succumbed to their advice that it would be more humane to put him down. Kristie Periera, 32, was stunned to discover her puppy Beau that she scheduled to be euthanized a year ago turned up alive on an adoption site Periera said she was warned that attempting to take care of the puppy could cost her upwards of $12,000, and even then vets would likely struggle to rehabilitate him. She says she was told 'there's a very slim chance of finding what is wrong', and 'even if we do, theres an even smaller chance of it being something that we can fix.' As the dog's condition deteriorated, she was told by veterinarians and an animal emergency room that his symptoms - an inability to lift its hind legs or control its bowels - meant Beau likely had a neurological issue. Periera insisted that she wasn't in favor of euthanizing the puppy, but was eventually talked into it by staff at the shelter, the Lost Dog and Cat Rescue in Maryland, where she was working at the time before moving to Texas. 'Honestly, I mean, after I talked to them is really when I felt, you know, that I was going to be doing the right thing by putting him down,' Pereira said. 'They really gave me that support and that encouragement that, although its hard, sometimes thats the best thing to do.' Vets initially believed Beau suffered from a neurological condition, but he was later found to have a liver problem She paid $15 to have the dog euthanized in late March 2023, and was told that she couldn't be with her puppy as the shelter had a policy of not allowing owners to witness the moment their pets are put down. Periera left heartbroken, and believed Beau was dead for a year until she went back to Maryland from Texas to visit her mother, when she visited the rescue shelter's website out of curiosity. She said she was stunned to see a picture of Beau, with the same markings that identified him, but with a new name of Amos Hart after a character in the musical 'Chicago.' The shelter then admitted that the puppy was never euthanized because vets changed their minds and decided he didn't need to be. The rescue added to the outlet that further tests found Beau was actually suffering from a liver problem, and was rehabilitated following a $7000 surgery paid for by a GoFundMe campaign. Periera said she was left in the dark and had no idea about the surgery, and said she would be willing to pay the $7000 cost of the surgery to get her pet back. And when she called the shelter, she said the person on the other line was 'rude and disrespectful' to her, and accused her of 'abandoning him, and that I left him to die. That I never cared about him.' In a statement, the shelter defended the decision to keep hold of the dog, saying it 'does not re-home an owner-surrendered dog with its former adopter' She was told Beau 'will never go back to you', before they hung up on her. In a statement, the shelter defended the decision to keep hold of the dog, saying it 'does not re-home an owner-surrendered dog with its former adopter/owner.' 'Our mission is to save adoptable and safe-to-the-community dogs from euthanasia.' The shelter said it had offered advice to Periera, but condemned her for not consenting to more testing to look into the suspected neurological issues. David Sharaz faces financial ruin after a judge ordered him to pay Linda Reynolds' legal costs, along with damages and interest, after he bows out of the defamation case against him. Senator Reynolds launched two defamation proceedings in the WA Supreme Court against Mr Sharaz and his fiance, Brittany Higgins, over social media posts published in 2022 and 2023 that she claimed damaged her reputation. Mr Sharaz announced in April that he would drop out of the court battle because he could not afford to fund the proceedings, while the Liberal senator remortgaged her house to pay for the case. On Friday, Justice Paul Tottle ordered Mr Sharaz be restrained from making social media posts similar to those that were alleged to have damaged Senator Reynolds' reputation. Daily Mail Australia can also reveal that Mr Sharaz has been ordered to pay damages to Ms Reynolds, along with three per cent interest per annum from the date the social media posts were written to the date of judgement or until payment. David Sharaz (pictured in Perth in March) is ordered to cover Senator Reynolds' legal fees Linda Reynolds is pictured outside court on Tuesday, with her lawyer Martin Bennett He was also ordered to pay Ms Reynolds' costs for running the case against him, which will be determined at the conclusion of her matter against Ms Higgins. The senator will have until June 4 to make an application for additional costs. Ms Reynolds said she was pleased with the judgement. 'By consenting to judgment Mr Sharaz admits the conduct I rely on in claiming aggravated damages, and I am therefore confident that the award of damages I will obtain will be significant,' she said. At the hearing on Friday, Justice Tottle also allowed Ms Higgins' defence team more time to comply with an application to accommodate for her wedding on June 1. Daily Mail Australia revealed the wedding will be held in June at The Valley Estate - a $20million luxury venue on the Gold Coast. Mr Sharaz, who has not had a job since early 2023, had attempted to resolve his matter, but those attempts were unsuccessful. In the middle of court proceedings on April 30, he posted a statement on social media revealing he had settled his own matter and urged Senator Reynolds to drop the matter against Ms Higgins. Outside court after the hearing, Ms Reynolds' lawyer Martin Bennett expressed confusion over Mr Sharaz's lawyer Jason MacLaurin's statement that his client had limited financial means. Brittany Higgins and David Sharaz are pictured at an awards ceremony in December David Sharaz released a statement during court proceedings (pictured) Mr Bennett said: 'He lives in a chateau in France. He hasn't got a job and he's got a QC and a junior solicitor, two solicitors representing him.' Mr Sharaz and Ms Higgins moved to France in December, about a year after she was awarded $2.4million in compensation from the Commonwealth over the way her rape allegations were handled in 2019. 'If he's impecunious as he asserts in France, he'll go bankrupt,' Mr Bennett said. 'He'll have to ask his trustee in bankruptcy if you can live overseas or travel overseas - you can't do it as a right if you're bankrupt in Australia.' Their house in Lunas, near Bordeaux in the south of France, is believed to have cost about $600,000. Ms Reynolds' legal team have filed an application to see documents relating to Ms Higgins' trust fund, which was set up in February last year, after she received her settlement with the Commonwealth. Senator Reynolds wants to find out who the trustee is and who to sue if Ms Higgins is unable to pay damages from the defamation case that is yet to be determined. David Sharaz and Brittany Higgins bought a house in France in December (pictured) The senator is suing Ms Higgins over a series of social media posts that she claims damaged her reputation by implying she pressured the former staffer not to proceed with a police complaint about her rape claims in 2019. At the time, Ms Higgins was a junior Liberal staffer in Parliament House working for Ms Reynolds, who was the minister for defence industry. Ms Reynolds has continually denied that both she and her former chief-of-staff Fiona Brown tried to stop Ms Higgins from going to the police about her assault, and telling her that her employment would be at stake if she tried. In December 2022, the Commonwealth awarded Ms Higgins $2.4million as compensation. In her $2.4million settlement deed with the Commonwealth, there were a number of allegations against Ms Reynolds that were untested in a court, with the senator denied the opportunity to defend herself in the mediation room. In April, Federal Court Justice Michael Lee found on a balance of probabilities that Brittany Higgins was raped by her former colleague Bruce Lehrmann in Ms Reynolds Parliament House office in March, 2019. However, he also found that Ms Higgins made a series of false representations in her $2.4million settlement deed - specifically, he found Ms Reynolds and Ms Brown did not try to cover up the rape. The defamation hearing is scheduled to begin on July 24. Russian strikes on a crowded DIY hardware store and a residential area in the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv on Saturday killed at least six people and injured dozens, local officials said. Six people were killed after two guided bombs hit the DIY hypermarket in a residential area of the city, Regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov said on national television. At least two of the dead were store employees. Forty people were injured, with at least three in serious condition. Sixteen people were still unaccounted for, Syniehubov said. Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said about 120 people had been in the hardware store when the bombs struck. "The attack targeted the shopping center, where there were many people - this is clearly terrorism," Terekhov said. The past week has seen an uptick in strikes on the city after Russian troops stormed across the border, opening a new front north of the city. Russia has bombarded Kharkiv, which lies about 30 kilometers (20 miles) from its border, throughout the war, having reached its outskirts in a failed bid to capture it in 2022. Just over the border, in Russia's Belgorod region, the regional governor said four residents died in Ukrainian attacks on Saturday. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued a plea to Ukraine's Western allies to help boost air defenses to keep the country's cities safe. French President Emmanuel Macron, writing on social media platform X, denounced the attack on the store as "unacceptable." A separate early evening missile strike hit a residential building in the center of the city of 1.3 million, injuring 18 people, Syniehubov said. The missile left a crater several meters deep in the pavement at the foot of the building, which also housed a post office, a beauty salon and a cafe. Emergency workers ushered away residents of nearby apartment buildings. Some of the injured had blood on their faces. Firefighters battle blaze Andriy Kudinov, director of the suburban shopping center, told local media the hardware store was full of shoppers buying items for their summer cottages. Huge clouds of dark smoke billowed into the sky over the shopping center. Firefighters battled many small blazes. Within 90 minutes, most were brought under control. Rescuers, medics and journalists rushed away from the scene of both strikes and lay on their stomachs, fearing a second strike, as has occurred during several recent Russian attacks. Witnesses described panicked scenes at the shopping center. "I was at my workplace. I heard the first hit and ... with my colleague, we fell to the ground. There was the second hit and we were covered with debris. Then we started to crawl to the higher ground," said Dmytro Syrotenko, 26, who had a large gash on his face. Syrotenko told Reuters he was taken to safety by a rescue worker who helped him, several colleagues, and shoppers. Zelenskyy, in his nightly video address, denounced the strike as "yet another example of Russian madness. There is no other way to describe it." "When we tell world leaders that Ukraine needs sufficient air defenses, when we say we need real decisive measures to enable us to protect our people, so that Russian terrorists cannot even approach our border, we are talking about not allowing strikes like this to happen," he said. Writing later on Telegram, Zelenskyy noted air raid alerts had been in effect in Kharkiv for more than 12 hours and 200 emergency workers and 400 policemen remained at the scene dealing with the aftermath of the attacks. Moscow denies deliberately targeting civilians, but thousands have been killed and injured during its 27-month invasion of Ukraine. (Reuters) A young Australian who was relentlessly bullied after losing his mum to cancer when he was just 13 years old is urging people to dig deep to help support Canteen Australia. Jacob Boutcher's world was turned upside down when his mum Jodie was diagnosed with the rare acute myeloid leukaemia in 2013. The Boutcher family had been celebrating Jacob's 12th birthday when his mum felt unwell. Doctors quickly discovered her cancer and she spent the next 18 months between Tasmania - where the family lived - and Melbourne for treatment, including two rounds of bone marrow transplant. Jacob Boutcher (pictured) was bullied constantly after his mum passed away from a rare blood cancer 'She was getting into a stage when we she might be put into remission that she came over to Tasmania which was a surprise,' Jacob told NewsWire. 'We got to hang out, and then mum was going over (to Melbourne) for a check-up again and everything hit the fan and her body started shutting down.' Now aged 22, Mr Boutcher recalls those final moments with his mum as she lay in an induced coma. 'At that age I was 13, I didn't really know what was going on,' he said.'Nothing really clicked until the moments are happening. 'It was a very shocking experience and obviously being in the room and her life support was being taken off had been a very vulnerable position to be in.' But as the teenager was trying to rectify his grief and learning how to move through the world without his mum, his friends weren't there to support him in his darkest hours. 'I went from being a 13-year-old boy naive to the world to being quickly mature very fast,' Mr Boutcher said. 'It was like going from a 13-year-old to a 18-year-old mindset. 'My friends were making 'your mumma' jokes and silly immature comments. Mr Boutcher, who was just a teenager (pictured right) when his mother was diagnosed with the disease said his world was turned upside down when she died 'I told them 'this isn't funny to me anymore, you don't know when the last moments are.' 'I was very much on the outside. 'I put it down to they didn't know how to express emotions to someone who has lost a parent so their default was to make fun of them. 'But people I thought were my best friends pushed me out of my friendship circle.' Struggling with learning to process all these emotions, he stumbled across Canteen Australia's Good Grief camp, which offers support to young Aussies who have dealt with cancer in their lives. 'I was trying to find a new identity and try to figure out what it meant to not have a mum, I was very lonely during that period of time,' Mr Boutcher said. 'But Canteen were able to give me people who had been through similar experiences to understand what I was going through. 'We're (now) all one big massive family, I was lucky to have made connections. 'Canteen let me build so many new connections with people who were like minded and understood the grief we were going through. 'It was a way of learning how to express the emotions I was feeling in that moment, and also grieving for having a parent pass away from cancer.' Canteen Australia has launched its latest fundraiser in the hopes of raising $416,000 for young people impacted by cancer. Mr Boutcher (pictured) said he found much needed support through Canteen Australia, a charity that helps young people impacted by cancer The campaign encourages people to make a taxable donation before June 30 to help kids like Mr Boutcher get the support they need during a difficult time in their lives. Mr Boutcher now lives in Melbourne and is studying to become a social worker to help kids going through similar experiences to him. He said he hopes to continue helping Canteen Australia and other people going through tough times. 'I just want to give back to people and know that there's kids out there might feel alone and their not, to have social worker who also has been affected by cancer and can understand,' he said. Veteran newsreader Clive Myrie has told how he avoided being pigeonholed in his career by refusing to report on the Notting Hill Carnival. He insisted to BBC bosses in 1994 that he did not want to be seen as 'a black reporter', but 'a reporter who just happens to be black'. Speaking at the Hay literature festival yesterday, Myrie, 59, said: 'There was discussion in the newsroom [about] who was going to cover Notting Hill Carnival and I thought, "Hang on a minute, you ain't sending the one black guy". 'I'm not going to allow the BBC to dictate my career when I'm just starting out. I didn't want the public to think I was only covering it because I was black and that was all I could do. 'I made it clear it wasn't going to be me I don't want lazy thinking from the BBC that black storytelling is riots I didn't want the BBC to be of that mindset.' In 2021, the Bolton-born presenter of Jamaican descent was offered a prestigious role as the presenter of Mastermind when John Humphrys, the show's host of 18 years, retired. Veteran newsreader Clive Myrie (pictured, at the Hay Festival on Saturday) has told how he avoided being pigeonholed in his career by refusing to report on the Notting Hill Carnival Speaking at the Hay literature festival yesterday, Myrie, 59, said: 'There was discussion in the newsroom [about] who was going to cover Notting Hill Carnival and I thought, "Hang on a minute, you ain't sending the one black guy" ' (pictured: Notting Hill Carnival in 2016) 'I was very, very scared,' Myrie said. 'I didn't realise how big of a deal it was I walked into the newsroom and [newsreader] George Alagaih took me to one side and said, "Do you know how important it is that the BBC is willing to give one of its crown jewels to a person of colour?" ' Myrie added that his parents, who are of the Windrush generation, did not forgive him for becoming a journalist until he was chosen as question master. 'They wanted me to do the right thing, so I studied law and got a place to become a barrister. But at the same time, I got an offer from the BBC to join them, and the rest is history,' he said. The broadcaster, who has been married to wife Catherine for 26 years, also said that if they had ever had children he would have raised them in the UK. 'We have now a Hindi prime minister and had a Buddhist home secretary in Suella Braverman the only place I would want to bring up my kids is here, because it's so multicultural.' The father of Courtney Herron has opened up on the anguish of losing a loved one five years after his daughter was brutally bashed to death by a man. John Herron said he was in 'denial' in the first six months after he lost his 25-year-old daughter in the senseless attack in a Melbourne park on May 25, 2019. Henry Hammond had approached the aspiring social worker for a cigarette before the pair got chatting and shared a meal together. Ms Herron invited him to join her at a friend's gathering that night before Hammond beat her to death with a tree branch at Royal Park and tried to hide her body under leaves and branches. Hammond was found not guilty of murder in 2021 due to his schizophrenia diagnosis and was ordered to complete a 25-year custodial supervision order at psychiatric facility Thomas Embling Hospital. The father of Courtney Herron (pictured together), who was cruelly beaten to death in 2019, has slammed lawmakers for still failing to protect women five years on from his daughter's death Courtney Herron (pictured) was killed by Henry Hammond after he approached her and asked for a cigarette on May 24, 2019 'The thing with grief is it goes through stages,' Mr Herron told news.com.au. 'The first six months you're in denial and hoping it's a nightmare. A year-and-a-half after that you're in a daze.' The only comfort Mr Herron received was from a letter from then-Victorian premier Daniel Andrews in which he promised 'to do better'. However, it's been five years since his daughter's death and Mr Herron believes barely anything has changed. Mr Herron now works as a lawyer to represent the families of women whose lives were lost due to violence perpetrated by men. 'I helped a family where their daughter was run down by a domestic violence perpetrator and she called the police to help her with three broken ribs,' he said. 'They charged her and not the perpetrator. Do you think that's uncommon? Because I see it all the time.' So far this year, 36 women have lost their lives to male violence. The incident that affected Mr Herron the most was the Westfield Bondi Junction stabbing which claimed the lives of six innocent people, five of which were women. The thing that struck a chord with Mr Herron was seeing news that knifeman Joel Cauchi, 40, suffered from schizophrenia - just like his daughter's killer. 'But as far as Courtney goes, she didn't get justice. But what's justice?' he said. 'The number one thing all these girls would say is: "I don't want the killer out doing it again".' After the death of his daughter (pictured), Mr Herron decided to represent victims families in court. He said: 'Almost all these women are killed by someone on bail. Someone that's on the radar of police' Henry Hammond had approached the aspiring social worker for a cigarette before the pair got chatting and shared a meal together Prime Minister Anthony Albanese declared violence against women a 'national crisis' following public outcry over the string of deaths this year. He announced his government $925million plan to help women, including measures to help them escape violent relationships and ban deepfake pornography. However, Mr Herron said he didn't even watch the National Cabinet meeting because he knew anything the government introduced would be 'pointless'. 'Almost all these women are killed by someone on bail. Someone that's on the radar of police,' he said. Having completely lost faith in the people in power, Mr Herron decided to take matters into his own hands and ran as a candidate for the Justice Party. 'My daughter would have wanted me to fight for her and other female victims of crime to ensure both her killer and others are not allowed to perpetrate these crimes in the first place, and to level appropriate punishment and treatment, so Victorian society can again be a functioning democracy,' he told The Guardian at the time. After failing to win a seat, Mr Herron dedicated himself to representing families of victims in court. His experience has left him with the belief lawmakers need to help women who are currently going to police as a first line of help, despite the risk of angering the abusers, only to receive no aid. 1800RESPECT 1800 737 732 A pet owner has been left devastated after her dog was run over and killed by a car while at the groomers. Chanelle Sarandis took her six-year-old cavoodle Luna and second dog Billy for a trim at the groomers in Victoria on May 11. Ms Sarandis revealed in a devastating TikTok video that she had received a call hours later informing her that Luna had been in a terrible accident. 'I had to pick up my dog Billy, who was at the same groomers with her [Luna] and the only thing that I got to take home that day was a lead and her collar,' she said. Pet owner Chanelle Sarandis (pictured) said she has been left devastated following the death of her Cavoodle, after the pooch was hit by a car in Victoria on May 11 Luna had been placed in a pen without a lead after she was given a trim. She then managed to escape while staff were returning another dog to their pet owner at the gate. A young boy opened the front door of the grooming business and Luna managed to dart outside and run onto the road. Luna was rushed to the vet, but the beloved dog could not be saved. 'My partner and some of our family went to the vet and said our goodbyes to Luna,' Ms Sarandis told Yahoo. Ms Sarandis said she has been left devastated by the loss and never imagined her Luna would meet such a grim end at the groomers. 'We miss Luna so much, she shouldn't have died like this,' she said. 'I'm overwhelmed, shocked, anxious and distraught to the point I nearly vomit. I've cried so much that I couldn't see. 'And most of all heartbroken. I miss my little girl, I am taking it day by day and grieving. I am also very scared and stressed for when I need to take Billy to get groomed but will need to make sure there are safety procedures in place.' Luna (pictured) had been dropped off at the groomers for a few hours, when the dog managed to get out of a pen it had been placed in, before she managed to leave the business through the front door Ms Sarandis urged groomers to put in place stricter safety measures to ensure dogs are kept from wandering out of their pens. 'Groomers really need to have things in place for dogs not to get out. We're in a lot of pain,' she said. 'I do feel this definitely could have been avoided. I believe if Luna didn't go to this groomers she would still be alive.' Social media users were left shocked and shared their condolences with Ms Sarandis. 'I'm so sorry. How devastating,' one said. 'This is absolutely heart breaking, so sorry for your loss,' another wrote. 'I can't even imagine the pain,' a third added. A Texas 18-year-old with autism faces permanent blindness after a supposed friend allegedly threw powdered drain cleaner into his eyes. Branden Jolly, 17, had his first court date with a judge on Friday, where he had bond set at $300,000. Brody Morgan, who has autism, was walking through his neighborhood in Friendswood when Jolly threw what turned out to be a drain de-clogger. Morgan's mother Amy said her son returned to their home screaming, initially believing it to just be salt in the boy's eyes. However, as she tried to wash his eyes with water, it only got worse, with Amy Morgan claiming it looked as if her son had two black eyes. Brody Morgan (pictured), who has autism, was walking through his neighborhood in Friendswood when Branden Jolly threw what turned out to be a drain de-clogger 'It looked like they were bruised, black,' she told ABC 13. Brody Morgan alleges that one of the teenagers had stolen a package from the house down the street. Jolly chose to open the stolen box, which contained a tube with a powder the boys didn't recognize. According to court documents, Jolly initially spilled the chemicals on Brody Morgan's shirt. Brody then tried to push Jolly away from him, which police claim led to Jolly throwing the powder back in his face. Doctors were eventually able to determine that Jolly had thrown powdered drain cleaner at Morgan. 'We went into the emergency room, and they immediately realized that it was not salt, and they kept trying to get from me what it was, and I had no idea,' Amy Morgan said. Jolly has been charged with causing injury to a disabled person on account of Morgan's autism. However, he escaped house arrest after prosecutors demanded it be added to his bond. Branden Jolly, 17, had his first date with a judge on Friday, where he had bond set at $300,000 Doctors were eventually able to determine that Jolly had thrown powdered drain cleaner at Morgan The alleged attacker's family has claimed that this is all an accident and that all the boys involved played a role. Jolly's mother claims that Brody Morgan 'attacked' her son and then the substance fell out of Jolly's hand an onto Morgan. The family also released a statement where they sympathized with Morgan but maintained Branden's innocence. 'Our family is very distraught over the details of this case, for both of our families. I'm very saddened by the entire event, and my heart goes out to Brody and his family,' his mother wrote. 'I believe this incident was NOT an act of malicious intent by my son to harm his friend but an accident resulting from the choices made by all parties involved.' However, the third teen involved in the incident - who has not been identified - told police that Jolly threw the substance intentionally. Amy Morgan told KHOU that the other two boys knew her son had autism and should've known better, even dragging them into the house to spray him with the chemicals. 'He was saying, 'You shouldn't do that. That's bad.' Something along those lines ... and I think that sort of irritated them. These boys knew Brody had autism,' Morgan said. Jolly has been charged with causing injury to a disabled person. However, he escaped house arrest after prosecutors demanded it be added to his bond Brody Morgan's parents say that he's been transferred to a burn unit and could lose his vision permanently However, she has added that she does not want to see Jolly's life completely ruined for this. 'I do feel like he should have some punishment. I don't know what that looks like because I don't want him to go to jail for the rest of his life,' Morgan said. Court documents also say that the packaging had been clearly labeled to show that it was drain cleaner. Brody Morgan's parents say that he's been transferred to a burn unit and could lose his vision permanently. A woman has died after she was struck by a car in an alleged hit-and-run. The incident unfolded on the corner of Boundary Road and Elizabeth Street, in Urangan, on the Sunshine Coast, at around midnight on Sunday. Queensland Police said the woman, aged in her 40s, was walking on Boundry Road, when she was struck and killed by a silver Ford Falcon. Paramedics rushed to the scene, but she could not be saved. A woman has died after she was struck by a car in an alleged hit-and-run (pictured stock image) Queensland Police said the woman, aged in her 40s, was walking along Boundry Road (pictured) when she was struck and killed by a silver Ford Falcon A search was launched for a 41-year-old man following the collision. Police provided an update on Sunday morning revealing the driver had been found and that he was 'assisting with their inquiries'. No charges have been laid. A crime scene has been set up between Stringybark Drive and Booral Road. Anyone with information or dashcam footage has been urged to contact police. Britain's security services have been drafted into a General Election task force to protect MPs and parliamentary candidates from violent attacks, as well as to combat online interference by Russia, China and Iran. The Mail on Sunday can reveal the secret Whitehall Joint Election and Security Preparedness (JESP) unit which includes MI5, MI6 and GCHQ will monitor extremist threats candidates may face as they canvass in their constituencies, amid heightened tensions caused by the Israel-Gaza war. JESP will also act to identify and remove fake videos and social media posts by hostile states, which are weaponising AI to spread disinformation to dupe British voters. Last night, a Government official said: If there are threats against candidates from ideological sources, like extremists, then MI5 and counter-terrorism police will become involved. If hostile states become involved in meddling in the election, then this will be flagged by the security services. JESP is part of the Governments Defending Democracy Taskforce established by Security Minister Tom Tugendhat (pictured) The SIS Building, also commonly known as the MI6 Building, is the headquarters of the British Secret Intelligence Service The Government Communication Headquarters (GCHQ) in Cheltenham Street signs showing Downing Street and Whitehall JESP is part of the Governments Defending Democracy Taskforce established by Security Minister Tom Tugendhat and which has been given 31 million to protect MPs and electoral processes. This newspaper can also reveal the MoD has drafted in the Armys 77th Brigade which specialises in information operations to combat interference and disinformation from abroad. Nigel Farage was told to 'man up' by a Reform UK MP after he announced he would not be standing at the General Election. Former Tory party deputy chairman Lee Anderson, who defected to Reform in March, phoned Mr Farage after the former Ukip leader ruled out standing. Mr Anderson, who had already lost the Tory whip, is also understood to have told Mr Farage that he had been the main reason he defected. Mr Farage, honorary president of the party, dismayed supporters by announcing he would not be making a return to front-line politics. He said he had thought 'long and hard' about standing but concluded 'it is not the right time'. Nigel Farage (pictured, in Brussels in April) was told to 'man up' by a Reform UK MP after he announced he would not be standing at the General Election Former Tory party deputy chairman Lee Anderson (pictured, in February), who defected to Reform in March, phoned Mr Farage after the former Ukip leader ruled out standing He added that although the General Election was important, the US election in November 'has huge global significance', and that he had offered to help with the grassroots campaign for Donald Trump there as a 'strong America... is vital for our peace and security'. Mr Farage has failed seven times to win election to the Commons. But Reform activists were hoping his 'stardust' would be a huge boost to their campaign. It comes as the main parties fight to exclude Mr Farage from the election TV debates by using the rule that only 'elected representatives' should take part. Last night, Mr Farage would say only that he will be campaigning for Mr Anderson in his constituency 'next Saturday', adding: 'If I had stood, I would not be able to go.' Mr Anderson could not be reached for comment. Two boutique stores are at war in one of Australia's trendiest suburbs over claims one is mimicking the other. Hands, a well established lifestyle store, has been in operation in Newtown, in Sydney's inner west, for the past two years. Sharing recently opened 500m away and has already been accused of selling 'fake copies and rip-off versions' of the products sold at Hands. 'This has been a nightmare for us,' the owners of Hands said in an Instagram post. Hands, a well established lifestyle store that's been open for two years, on Wednesday accused Sharing, a new store in the area, of copying it The comparison photos from Hands drew concerned comments from dozens of shoppers 'From first hearing from our friends and customers that there was a shop on King St that copy-pasted us, to learning how far the copying really went. 'We could not believe that someone would do this, and the more we learned, the more disbelief we felt. 'Sharing' shop has copied our brand colours, fit-out, furniture, website design, and the brands we sell - our entire concept.' The small store shared several side-by-side photos comparing the two boutiques. They showed Sharing had similar furniture and products to Hands. 'The more we find out, the more unfair it feels,' Hands said. 'Through the blood, sweat, and tears of building Hands, nothing has made us feel so truly sad and in disbelief. 'Sharing, we didn't agree to share anything with you.' Sharing hit back at the accusations and suggested Hands had actually copied its name and branding from the Japanese department store, Hands. The Japanese store has no presence in Australia and was rebranded from Tokyu Hands to Hands in late 2022. 'What position are you to say others steal?' Sharing said. 'We haven't even officially opened and we're already getting bullied. Why are you claiming we're selling fakes when you don't have any proof? 'We are very sad! We will focus on our business!' While Sharing turned comments off on its post, the comparison from Hands drew concerned comments from dozens of shoppers. Sharing recently opened 500m away and has already been accused of selling 'fake copies and rip-off versions' of the products sold at Hands Hands shared several side-by-side photos comparing its store and Sharing's, which is 500m away Hands accused Sharing of of selling 'fake copies and rip-off versions of our brands' and copying its branding The boutiques, Hands and Sharing, are just 500m from each other in Newtown, Sydney's inner-west 'The exact tables and green sign is insane, what were they thinking?' one wrote. 'Alone I would say 'coincidence' but this combination of similarities is alarming. This is so not okay and they're in the same suburb? The audacity!' another said. Sharing owner Ying Liu told ABC Radio they just wanted to do well as a small business. 'If Hands feels uncomfortable she [sic] can reach out to us directly. We will focus on our own business to satisfy everyone,' she said. Daily Mail Australia contacted Hands and Sharing for further comment. A category B prison has brought in a scheme which allows inmates to vote out troublesome cellmates in in Weakest Link-style votes. HMP Grendon in Buckinghamshire houses around 200 male inmates - many of whom are serving life for crimes including murder, rape and arson. The jail, which is known as a 'therapeutic' prison due to the methods it uses, typically only accepts prisoners from other facilities who have shown signs of good behaviour, and requires them to follow strict rules if they want to stay. Now they can be kicked out by fellow convicts at regular 'wing meetings', where a 'commitment vote' is reportedly held to decide whether an individual is 'unsuitable'. Inmates who are voted out are sent back to the jail they came from, with reports that five criminals have been ordered to leave since the meetings were brought in. Grendon prison in Buckinghamshire houses around 200 male inmates - many of whom are serving life for crimes including murder, rape and arson (file image) A source told The Mirror: 'Prison bosses will try almost any kind of innovation to maintain order. This seems to be working well. No wants to be voted out by their peers.' Another told the newspaper that the vote is reminiscent of 2000s TV quiz show The Weakest Link, in which host Anne Robinson would famously tell the contestant voted out by their peers 'You are the weakest link, goodbye.' The method is being introduced at what is the UK's only 'fully therapeutic' prison, where the incarcerated men take part in daily group therapy sessions with doctors, psychiatric nurses and counsellors. The prisoners are also taught various coping mechanisms to regulate their emotions, with the hope that they will rehabilitate themselves. Housed in a former stately home, it is complete with fish tanks and potted plants dotted about the jail to help keep inmates 'relaxed and calm'. The jail has previously come under fire for wrongly releasing a prisoner to hospital after guards mixed him up with another inmate who had the same name. The mix-up last year was the second time in four years this sort of issue had occurred at the jail. The inmate, who was referred to as a 'resident' in the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) report, was taken from his room, as the cells are called at Grendon, before being escorted to a nearby hospital. The issue was only detected after the inmate seemed 'confused' about why he was being taken to hospital. The prisoner who had been due in hospital was told about the error but missed his appointment, meaning it had to be rearranged. A Prison Service spokesperson said: 'Any final decisions on prisoner transfers are taken by staff.' Sean Baker's Anora, a comic but devastating Brooklyn odyssey about a sex worker who marries the son of a wealthy Russian oligarch, won the Cannes Film Festival's top award, the Palme d'Or. The win Saturday for Anora marked a coronation for Baker, the 53-year-old indie filmmaker of The Florida Project " who used iPhones to make his 2015 film Tangerine. Its also, remarkably, the fifth straight Palme dOr won by specialty distributor Neon, following Parasite, Titane, Triangle of Sadness and last years winner, Anatomy of a Fall. Baker accepted the prize with his movies star, Mikey Madison, watching in the audience at the Cannes closing ceremony. This, literally, has been my singular goal as a filmmaker for the past 30 years, so I'm not really sure what I'm going to do with the rest of my life, said Baker, laughing. But Baker, the first American filmmaker to win the Palme since Terrence Mallick in 2011 with The Tree of Life, quickly answered that his ambition would remain to fight to keep cinema alive." The director said the world needed reminding that watching a film at home while scrolling through your phone, answering emails and half paying attention is just not the way although some tech companies would like us to think so. So I say the future of cinema is where it started: in a movie theater, said Baker, who dedicated his award to all sex workers past, present and future. The awards were chosen by the nine-member jury led by Greta Gerwig, who told reporters she was forever changed as a filmmaker because of this experience. Gerwig praised Anora as having the feeling of classical cinema, saying it felt like an Ernst Lubitsch or Howard Hawks film that lead in unexpected directions. While Anora was arguably the most acclaimed film of the festival, its win was a slight surprise. Many expected either the gentle Indian drama All We Imagine As Light or the Iranian film The Seed of the Sacred Fig to win. Both of those films also took home prizes. It wasn't the only jolt of the closing ceremony, though. Before George Lucas was given an honorary Palme d'Or, his old friend and sometimes collaborator Francis Ford Coppol a appeared to present it to him, reuniting two of the most pivotal figures of the last half-century of American moviemaking. Coppola, who earlier in the festival premiered his self-financed sci-fi epic Megalopolis, called him his kid brother. Lucas called Coppola a big friend and a brother and a mentor. I'm just a kid who grew up in a vineyard in Modesto, California, who makes movies in San Francisco, with my friend Francis, said Lucas. It's definitely a different world. I've actually never made a film in Hollywood as a director. All We Imagine As Light, about sisterhood in modern Mumbai, won the Grand Prix, Cannes' second-highest honor. Payal Kapadia's second feature was the first Indian in competition in Cannes in 30 years. Afterward, Kapadia urged a wide understanding of Indian cinema, saying there's amazing work going on in our country. Not just Bollywood, said Kapadia. The jury awarded a special prize to Mohammad Rasoulofs The Seed of the Sacred Fig ," a drama made secretly in Iran. Days ahead of the film's premiere, Rasoulof, facing an eight-year prison sentence, fled Iran on foot. His film, which includes real footage from the 2022-2023 demonstrations in Iran, channels Iranian oppression into a family drama. The Cannes crowd met an emotional Rasoulof with a lengthy standing ovation. Coralie Fargeat's body horror film The Substance, starring Demi Moore as a Hollywood actress who goes to gory extremes to remain youthful, won for best screenplay. I really believe that movies can change the world, so I hope this movie will be a little stone to build new foundations," said Fargeat. I really think we need a revolution and I don't think it has really started yet. Some thought Moore, who attended the awards ceremony, might take best actress. But that honor instead went to an ensemble of actors: Karla Sofia Gascon, Zoe Saldana, Selena Gomez and Adriana Paz for Jacques Audiard's Emilia Perez, a Spanish-language musical about a Mexican drug lord who transitions to a woman. Gascon, who accepted the award, is the first trans actor to win a major prize at Cannes. This award is not just for me. Its for all people who are fighting for themselves and their rights," Gascon told reporters. Weve been insulted, denigrated, subjected to a lot of violence without even knowing why. I think this is award is so much more than anyone could imagine. Explaining the jury's unusual choice of giving best actress to an ensemble, Gerwig said each performer was a standout, but together they're transcendent. Emilia Perez also won Cannes' jury prize, giving it a rare two awards at a festival where prizes are usually spread around. Best actor went to Jesse Plemons for Yorgos Lanthimos' Kinds of Kindness. In the film, three stories are told with largely the same company of actors. Plemons, a standout in several chapters, didn't attend the closing ceremony. Portuguese director Miguel Gomes won best director for his Grand Tour," an Asian odyssey in which a man flees his fiancee from Rangoon in 1917. Sometimes I get lucky, shrugged Gomes. The Camera d'Or, the prize for best first feature across all of Cannes official selections, went to Halfdan Ullmann Tndel for Armand, starring The Worst Person in the World star Renate Reinsve. Tndel is the grandson of Swedish filmmaker Ingmar Bergman and Norwegian actor Liv Ullman. Last years top winners in Cannes went on to considerable arthouse success and awards-season runs through the Oscars. That included the Palme winner Anatomy of a Fall and the Grand Prix winner The Zone of Interest. Whether this years Cannes lived up to that lineup was a regular conversation topic during the festival. But it was a notably eventful Cannes not just for the some of the films including Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga and Kevin Costners Horizon: An America Saga that screened but for other surrounding dramas. After stalling for years in France, the #MeToo movement gained momentum ahead of the festival following allegations by Judith Godreche against two prominent French filmmakers. She brought her short Moi Aussi to the festival. The wars in Gaza and Ukraine were sometimes referenced in press conferences and in subtly symbolic ways on the red carpet. Festival workers, seeking better protections, protested during the opening night ceremony. The Olympic flame, ahead of its arrival in Paris for the summer games, stopped by. Honorary Palmes were also given to Meryl Streep and the Japanese anime factory Studio Ghibli. (AP) Keir Starmer's plan to give 16-year-olds the right to vote would 'rig' the electoral system against the Conservatives for years to come, Tories have claimed. The Labour leader is reportedly planning to lower the voting age in his first year in government if he wins the General Election in July. It would give the right to vote to more than 1.5million people under the age of 18, and become the largest change to the electoral system since the voting age was cut from 21 to 18 in 1969. Sir Keir said: 'Yes, I want to see 16 and 17-year-olds voting. If you can work, if you can pay tax, if you can serve in your Armed Forces, then you ought to be able to vote.' Speaking on a visit to Stafford, Sir Keir added that young people 'should have a say on how their money is being used'. Opponents argue young people are too immature to make informed political judgments, with the policy branded 'cynical' because it is expected to benefit Labour. 'Yes, I want to see 16 and 17-year-olds voting. If you can work, if you can pay tax, if you can serve in your Armed Forces, then you ought to be able to vote,' Starmer said Sunak meanwhile would like to see young people return to national service Conservative Party chairman Greg Hands said: 'This is nothing but a desperate attempt to rig the electorate' Tory MP Tom Hunt said it was 'an attempt by Labour to rig the vote in their favour', adding: 'The motivation behind this is perceived political self-interest, nothing else.' Fellow Tory MP Bob Seely said: 'Labour haven't even won and already they are trying to rig the voting system. 'Perhaps Labour think younger voters will be easier to pull the wool over than older folks with a bit of life experience.' And Sir Iain Duncan Smith accused Sir Keir of 'virtue signalling', adding: 'This is a gimmick done by those who think their party is more likely to get the vote.' Labour has been closely studying how Scotland and Wales cut the voting age. In Scotland, those aged 16 can vote in local and Scottish Parliament elections, while in Wales they can vote in local and Welsh Parliament elections. Fellow Tory MP Bob Seely said: 'Labour haven't even won and already they are trying to rig the voting system. The process took less than six months in Scotland, while in Wales the legislation passed in less than a year after being introduced. A Labour source told The Times the move 'has the double benefit of not costing very much to do but of helping secure a second Labour term'. Analysis by the newspaper showed if 16 and 17-year-olds voted in the same way as those aged 18-24, an extra eight seats would switch from the Tories to Labour. Ashfield MP Lee Anderson, while he was Tory party deputy chairman, said extending the vote to 16-year-olds would mean the Con- servatives would be 'done for'. And Patrick English, at YouGov, said: 'We would generally expect that lowering the voting age would be electorally advantageous to Labour, as younger people are significantly more likely to back them over the Conservatives.' Starmer meets a local resident during a Labour general election campaign event in Stafford Keir Starmer speaks with staff, during a visit to C&W Berry builders merchants, in Leyland, Lancashire Some parts of the UK would see a greater number of new voters able to go to the polls than others, Commons analysis has shown. In the Hodge Hill constituency in Birmingham, the voting-age population would increase by 5 per cent. But in the Cities of London and Westminster, it would increase by 1.3 per cent. Younger age groups usually see a lower turnout. In the 2010 election, 18 to 21-year-olds had a turnout rate of 40 per cent around half that of those aged over 65. Teenagers aged 16 and 17 can already vote in the Isle of Man, Jersey, Guernsey, Brazil and Austria, as well as for some elections in Germany, Malta and Norway. Sir Keir has previously faced a backlash within his party over the plans. Labour MP Graham Stringer said it would 'smack of party political self-interest on the basis that young people are more likely to vote Labour than Conservative'. An apartment complex was evacuated in the early hours of the morning after a fire erupted at an e-bike rental store. About 50 residents were evacuated from the three-storey Axis Apartments in Chippendale, Sydney, at about 12.45am on Sunday. Emergency crews were called to the shop on Shepherd Street, where they forced open a roller door and found a large lithium battery smouldering inside. Fire and Rescue NSW inspector Bryce Jonas said crews quickly located the e-bike sales and repair shop on the ground floor. 'We were struggling to find the source of the fire but after a bit of perseverance we managed to find an e-bike battery smouldering in the back of the shop,' he told Daily Mail Australia. An apartment complex has been evacuated in the early hours of the morning after a dangerous fire broke out in an e-bike rental store About 50 residents were evacuated from the three-storey Axis Apartments building in Sydney's inner city about 12.45am on Sunday 'They produce a lot of smoke and gas, so we're gonna put that in the bucket of water for 24 to 48 hours.' About 30 residents had left on their own with firefighters, wearing breathing apparatus, going upstairs to evacuate the remainder. Nathanial and his two daughters, who slept through the evacuation alarm, opened up about the moment they were rescued. 'We were asleep in the apartment building and got woken up by the fire brigade knocking on the door to evacuate and then we came out,' he said. 'When we woke up we sort of knew what was going on... the apartment was pretty smoky.' There have already been 63 lithium-ion battery fires in 2024 - or 5.7 a week - according to Fire and Rescue NSW. Many residents are furious that a shop charging lithium batteries was allowed to operate underneath a residential block. '[E-bikes are] good for the environment, but you have to think about your neighbours,' one resident, who preferred to remain anonymous, said. Another added: It is so dangerous, I dont feel safe now. How is this allowed? Jackie McPartland, a German tourist staying with her partner, said they had only arrived in Australia four days earlier Jackie McPartland, a German tourist staying with her partner, said they had only arrived in Australia four days earlier. 'We're actually flying to Uluru tomorrow morning, very early, so we're hopefully going to get back to bed soon,' she said. 'We actually just checked at the back once and then realised that there was a bit of a smoke, and then we grabbed the keys and a bag and came straight out. 'We won't have much sleep, but nobody's hurt and that's the main thing.' No injuries have been reported. An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing. An adorable 16-month-old baby boy choked to death on a piece of watermelon at a daycare in Georgia. Jamal Allen Bryant, Jr. was rushed to the hospital on Tuesday after he choked on a watermelon seed at Kids Nest Learning Center in Brunswick. The baby's mother, Taylor Hicks, and his father, Jamal Bryant, Sr. have been left with unimaginable grief since they lost their child. 'Sometimes I don't feel anything, and the next minute, I'm breaking down again,' Hicks told WJXT. Georgia's Department of Early Care and Learning quickly closed the facility following the tragic incident. The parents have not heard from the daycare since the tragedy. Jamal Allen Bryant, Jr. died on Tuesday after he choked on a watermelon seed at Kids Nest Learning Center in Brunswick, Georgia His distraught parents, Taylor Hicks (left) and Jamal Bryant Sr. (right) have not heard from the daycare since the tragedy At the time of the incident, the agency found that three employees were in the classroom, but they were not seated with the children and were talking amongst each other, WJCL reported. Further investigation found that Jamal Jr. walked up to the staffers and informed them that he was choking. They then tried to get the watermelon out of his throat, but had to call an ambulance for assistance. The child's father said that the school called him and told him that 'it would be best' to go straight to the emergency room where the paramedics were taking Jamal Jr. Once his parents got to Southeast Georgia Health System they found out that their child had coded two times and died less than three hours after it happened. The heartbroken parents said that they have not heard a word from the daycare since they lost their child. 'I trusted you all to do your job. And now I blame myself and I wish I never dropped him off that day,' Hicks said as she cried. Georgia's Department of Early Care and Learning found that three employees were in the classroom, but they were not seated with the children and were talking amongst each other. Jamal Jr. was the one who informed them that he was choking 'And I don't wanna hear anything from them because they should've called. Nothing's gonna fix this, other than them being done,' she added. Georgia's Department of Early Care and Learning closed Kids Nest Learning Center over the health, safety and welfare of children in their care - who would be in 'imminent danger' if they stayed open. Jamal Sr. said that he wasn't aware of the problems at the facility, and that he wants other parents to be cautious about where they send their children The agency discovered that the daycare was previously flagged during an inspection which showed that the facility did not meet CPR requirements. 'First aid and CPR are deferred because during the follow-up visits, we do not evaluate all rules. It would be evaluated at the next unannounced regulatory visit,' the agency said in a statement. The daycare has until May 28 to appeal the agency's decision. DailyMail.com contacted Kids Nest Learning Center. A Change.org petition was created for the 'Immediate and Permanent Closure' of the learning center. As of Saturday evening, there were 234 signatures. The petition sited other instances that took place at the daycare, including when Manjeet Grant, the director of Kid's Nest Learning Center, was arrested and charged with first degree cruelty to children following an incident that took place in March 2022. Glynn County police arrested Grant after she 'slapped (a child) across the face, knocking her to the ground,' according to an arrest report. The Brunswick News reported that the child's mother filed a civilian warrant application against Grant on May 16, the day after the alleged incident. On March 17, Georgia's Department of Early Care and Learning announced that they were investigating the alleged slapping. 'We had so many plans for him. We were just talking about his first haircut and everything. We won't be able to do that,' Hicks said A Change.org petition was created for the 'Immediate and Permanent Closure' of the learning center. As of Saturday evening, there were 234 signatures According to the petition, the facility had 22 inspection reports filed by the agency since January 2022. Jamal Sr. said that he wasn't aware of the problems at the facility, and that he wants other parents to be cautious about where they send their children. 'That's what we want going forward, like, just make sure this doesn't happen to another child again,' he said. Hicks remembered her son for loving his family and being 'full of energy.' 'We had so many plans for him. We were just talking about his first haircut and everything. We won't be able to do that,' Hicks said as Jamal Sr. embraced her. Services for the baby are expected to be announced by Darien Funeral Home, according to his obituary. 'Don't take life for granted,' the baby's father said. 'And hug your babies every day,' Hicks added. A crazed property developer who gunned down a mother and daughter while searching for his ex-wife had been stalking her for weeks, sources have revealed. Mark Bombara, 63, broke into Jennifer Petelczyc's Floreat home, in Perth's ritzy western suburbs, on Friday afternoon, looking for his estranged wife, Rowena. Unable to find his ex-wife, Bombara instead fatally shot her 53-year-old friend and the woman's daughter Gretl Petelczyc, 18, before turning the gun on himself. Ms Bombara has been staying with Ms Petelczyc, a good friend of hers, in recent weeks as she hid in fear from her ex-husband as they underwent a bitter divorce. A family friend of the Petelczycs told Daily Mail Australia Bombara had become increasingly erratic and crazed over the past six months. The revelations came to light as old photos of Bombara and his ex-wife resurfaced while it also emerged the Petelczyc girls went to the same high school as the Bombara children. Jennifer Petelczyc, 59, and her daughter Gretl, 18, were shot dead by Mark James Bombara (pictured with his ex-wife) while he looked for his former partner It's understood Bombara cable-tied the two women after being unable to find his ex (centre) Daily Mail Australia understands Ms Bombara left the couple's $4.58million dollar marital home, in Mosman Park, in April. The friend said Bombara had been trying to hunt down his ex-wife ever since as she went on the run between friend's homes and hotel rooms. 'They were going through a nasty divorce,' the friend said. 'He had put a tracker in her car. Jenny found out and told her to get rid of her car.' The friend described Ms Petelczyc as a 'strong and brave woman' who would do anything to stick up for and protect those she loved. 'She knew for the past few weeks that Bombara was driving around with his gun looking for Rowena,' the friend said. 'She was brave to have Rowena here staying with her. 'Someone stole Liesl's phone recently and they tracked it to Hamilton Hill,' the friend said. 'Jenny wasn't having any of it. She got in the car and drove to the house and demanded it back. 'A young nervous boy answered and claimed he had found it and handed it back.' A neighbour described Bombara's former partner (centre) as 'lovely' and him as 'private' Gretl, who recently got her P-plates, was only just getting started in life after graduating high school and starting a bachelor of sport degree at the University of WA The friend said Ms Petelczyc had been working hard to support her daughters after losing her husband, Jon, to pancreatic cancer five years ago. She said she heard that Ms Petelczyc and her daughter were found in separate rooms with gunshot wounds to the head. She said Ms Petelczyc would have down everything she could to protect her daughter in their final moments. The friend said she felt for Ms Petelczyc's eldest daughter, Liesl, 23, who is now the only surving member of the family, as well as Ms Bombara. While Ms Bombara, who shares four adult children with her ex-husband, had been staying at the Petelczyc home in recent weeks, the friend said she believes she had recently moved into a hotel room. 'I heard she was staying in a hotel and was meant to be going to Queensland, but it seems like she didn't go,' the friend said. 'She's also expecting a grandchild any day now.' A neighbour described Ms Bombara as 'lovely' and her ex-husband as 'private'. The shocking deaths have rattled Perth's western suburbs community, where the Petelczyc family were active and cherished members. Ms Petelczyc and Gretl's deaths are the latest tragedies to befall the family after father and husband Jon (pictured with Ms Petelczyc) died in 2019 Friday's tragedy leaves daughter Liesl as the sole surviving member of the immediate family A close friend of the family, Daele Dobsen, told Daily Mail Australia on Saturday that Ms Petelczyc was a devoted mother and lamented that Gretl, who only recently got her P-plates, was just getting started in life. Ms Dobsen said she did not want Ms Petelczyc and Gretl to be remembered as 'victims by association of domestic violence'. 'I want them to be remembered as beautiful members of our community and I am overwhelmed with their loss,' she said. 'In my friendship with Jenny, I found her to be so very kind and generous to myself and my family, even opening up her home to host my son's 18th birthday party last year when I was unable to find a venue. 'Jenny was a devoted mother who would do anything for her girls.' Ms Dobsen said Gretl had been excelling in life since graduating St Hilda's Anglican School in 2022 and starting her bachelor of sport at the University of WA. 'Gretl was just starting her life, pursuing her love of sport through her studies. She was a talented water polo player and was working locally part time to earn her independence,' Ms Dobsen said. At a press conference on Saturday afternoon, WA Police Detective Inspector David Gorton revealed Bombara, a registered gun owner, visited the house looking for his ex-wife before shooting the two women. Det Insp Gorton also confirmed that Bombara's ex-wife and a daughter were in the care of the homicide squad. Police were called to the home in the city's inner north-west at about 4.30pm local time on Friday after the gunman opened fire. A large police presence was at the scene of the shooting. A police helicopter was dispatched to the area and circled overhead at the height of the response. Lifeline 13 11 14 1800RESPECT More recently the family's dog, Sunny, had also died, family friend Daele Dobsen told Daily Mail Australia An Aussie has been left fuming after he was threatened with a $10,000 fine for using his air conditioner at night because it's too noisy. George said he has been informed he is not allowed to run his heating or cooling system at his Artarmon property, on Sydney's lower north shore, after 10pm. He claimed to have received a notification from Willoughby City Council warning him that he was also prohibited from using it before 7am. 'Warning letter: Noise disturbance' was written across the top of the letter. 'I called council and asked them, "What do you want me to do for heating and cooling",' he told 2GB on Wednesday. A resident in Artarmon, in Sydney's lower north shore, was threatened with a massive $10,000 fine by a local council, if he kept is air conditioning unit on after 10pm at night (pictured stock image) George said he was also sent an email from the council, claiming he would be hit with a $10,000 fine. According to the 2017 Protections of the Environment Operations Regulation, it is an offence to use an air conditioner that cases a noise disturbance. 'The person causes or permits an air conditioner to be used on residential premises in such a manner that it emits noise that can be heard within any room in any other residential premises,' the law states. The legislation states that the rule applies whether or not the door or window to the room affected by the noise, is open between 10pm and 7am on weekdays. The rule is also in place between 10pm and 8am on the weekends and public holidays. The maximum penalty issued to those who commit the offence is $11,000. Wakehurst Independent MP Michael Regan, who was also the mayor of the Northern Beaches, said his office used to receive multiple noise complaints about air conditioners. 'Our customer service team would probably receive several [complaints] a day,' he said. Mr Regan said it was not uncommon for residents to complain about air conditioners in neighbouring properties, particularly if the houses were really close. According to state government rules in NSW, a person can be fined a maximum penalty of $11,000, if an air conditioning system causes a disturbance to a neighbouring property (pictured stock image) 'There were legitimate noise concerns, [like] those air conditioners from Woolworths where you can plug them into your windows, they would make a lot of noise and they would be a metre or two away from a bedroom window,' Mr Regan said. Air conditioning units reach 35 decibels on average and the systems should not be louder than 40 decibels, which is the average level of background or ambient noise. Residents do not need a building or planning approval if a proposal to install an air conditioning unit complies with development regulations, which are specified in the State Environmental Planning Policy 2008. A spokesman from Willoughby City Council told Daily Mail Australia that the council could not comment on individual cases. A UFC star revealed his plans to homeschool his toddler to 'stop him becoming gay' in a rambling anti-vaccine rant. Bryce Mitchell, 29, the no.12 ranked featherweight fighter in the world, sat shirtless with his son Tucker on his lap as he spoke out about his beliefs on Instagram. 'Were gonna have to homeschool all our kids or theyre going to end up turning gay,' he began in the video, which invited mockery from viewers. 'I dont want him to be a communist, I dont want him to worship Satan, and I dont want him to be gay.' Mitchell didn't explain further, although he may have been referring to lessons on LGBT pride in schools and teachers' keeping changes to students' gender identity secret from parents, which has caused controversy in recent years. Mitchell has raised eyebrows with a number of remarks throughout his fighting career, including in 2022 when he challenged podcaster and UFC commentator Joe Rogan to a debate over whether the earth was flat, where he also revealed that he doesn't believe in gravity. Bryce Mitchell, 29, the no.12 ranked featherweight fighter in the world, sat shirtless with his son Tucker on his lap as he revealed his plans to homeschool his toddler to 'stop him becoming gay' in a rambling anti-vaccine rant In his most recent video, Mitchell told his near-half-a-million followers that he planned to educate his son himself because of his views on homosexuals and his belief that vaccines cause autism. 'I want to encourage yall not to vaccinate your children because I think its bad for their health,' he began the video. 'It could potentially kill them. Give them some type of, um, make them autistic. Seriously, these vaccines are poisonous. Dont vaccinate your kids.' Pointing to his son, the fighter said he is keeping him out of school as he claims this will stop him becoming gay, a communist or a satanist, which he linked to a lack of religious teachings in education. 'Out of the public schools, they took the most valuable book of all time. The number one selling book of all time. The oldest, most accurate historical document there ever was the bible. 'They took it out of the schools and replaced it with Edgar Allen Poe who shacked up with his cousin. My son aint gonna be reading no Edgar Allen Poe. 'Hes going to be reading the bible. Thats just how it is and Im just telling you, if you dont teach your kid these things, its gonna be fed right to the devil. Were not gonna let that happen here.' Mitchell has raised eyebrows with a number of remarks throughout his fighting career, and linked his beliefs about homosexuals to a lack of religion in education Mitchell owns a 16-3-0 record in the UFC, and most recently fought in December where he lost on the UFC 296 main card Mitchell's Instagram video drew mockery from some viewers, with one commenting: 'I wouldnt be worried about someone twisting your words when theyre already so incomprehensible.' 'Wow! As Christian, it makes me sad that you are so ignorant! I will pray for you,' said another. A third chimed in: 'I'm literally watching the dumbest, most uninformed person on the planet.' Mitchell has competed in the UFC since 2018, picking up over a dozen victories while sparking controversy with some of his views. Among those Mitchell has confronted in this time includes podcaster and UFC commentator Joe Rogan, who he challenged to a debate in 2022 as he accused Rogan of 'talking cr**' about him and his mother. The clash appeared to come over their differing views about the shape of the earth, as Mitchell said: 'Me and my mama will tell you right now the Earth is flat!' 'It ain't moving around at no 600-something miles-per-hour, spinning at no thousand-miles-an-hour and floating through the universe constantly, ok?' he added. Mitchell and his wife pictured with former Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson 'This earth is flat, it's fixed and the stars and stuff rotate around us. The sun rotates around us, and I can prove that... They're trying to feed you these lies to make you think that science is right.' The fighter particularly drew attention during the video as he claimed that not only is the earth flat, but that gravity 'ain't real.' 'It's density. This paper, when it drops it's because it's more dense than the world around it, not because of some magical thing called gravity. 'There is no proof of gravity, brother, there's only proof of density, that's why hot air balloons float, because hot air is less dense.' A woman who had just moved to Los Angeles to start a new life, but cruelly became the victim of a rape while walking along the canals in Venice Beach, has died after being in a coma for almost two months. Sarah Alden, 53, was declared brain dead earlier this week having been attacked on April 6, whilst walking along the banks of the famous canals in Southern California. Alden, who was the mother of two sons, was subjected to the most horrific attack that left her brutally raped and assaulted hours after moving into her apartment to begin a new life. She was not the only woman attacked that night - Mary Klein, 54, was the attacker's second victim. Sarah Alden, 53, was brutally assaulted in Venice and taken off life support after two months Sarah Alden, 53, was brutally assaulted in Venice and taken off life support after two months She too was sexually assaulted and left with serious injuries to her body and face believing that she was about to be killed. The suspect, thought to be a homeless man, Anthony Francisco Jones, 29, was arrested by police on April 11 for the assaults. Police confirmed that both attacks had a 'sexual element' to them. 'The level of brutality that was engaged in was very reprehensible,' said L.A. County District Attorney George Gascon. Venice Beach was supposed to be a dream, but it turned into a nightmare for the victims of these horrific crimes Jones was seen on surveillance footage carrying a bottle of liquor as he walked close to the canals. It's believed the bottle he was carrying was also used in the attack which came just as Alden had moved from Massachusetts to California to start a new life. Earlier in the day before the attack she had signed a lease for an apartment in Venice and was planning to surprise friends at a brunch the following day, when the brutal assault suddenly cut those plans short in an attack that would ultimately end her life. Following the attack she was left for dead and remained in a coma until the end of her life after sustaining a number of brain injuries. Police say Anthony Francisco Jones, 29, was seen on surveillance video stalking the area where both attacks took place Police arrested Jones, who is homeless, on April 11 after he allegedly attacked Klein and Alden within an hour of each other She was surrounded by friends and family at hospital as doctors finally took her off life support. Her organs will be donated to help save the lives of others. 'She was a lover of sunrises on the east coast and sunsets on the west coast. Sarah adored her two sons, her animals, and was blessed with a refined eye for vintage jewelry,' a tribute to Alden reads. Earlier in the day before the attack Sarah Alden had signed a lease for an apartment in Venice Beach and was planning to surprise friends the following day Alden was surrounded by friends and family at hospital as doctors finally took her off life support. Her organs will be donated to help save the lives of others Jones has been charged with forcible rape, torture, attempted murder, mayhem, sexual penetration by use of force and sodomy by use of force. 'Our hearts and deepest sympathies go out to the victim's family and friends during this unimaginably difficult time,' said the DA's office. 'Our office is evaluating how we will proceed to ensure the defendant is held fully accountable for his conduct.' 'It's very sudden and shocking,' said Cynthia King, Alden's friend to KTLA. 'She was extremely intelligent, well-educated and witty. She was stolen from us. I feel like I'm in an alternate reality. This isn't even real.' A GoFundMe to help Alden's family with medical and funeral expenses has so far raised $24,000. A second woman, Mary Klein, 54, was also brutally attacked on April 6 while walking near her home, leaving her with a fractured jaw, missing teeth and extensive bruising across her face Klein was a caregiver for an elderly woman with ALS and a soon-to-be grandmother Klein, 54, the second woman who was attacked, says she barely remembers the vicious assault which left her with a fractured jaw, missing teeth and extensive bruising across her face and chest. 'It was like being hit by a truck,' she told KTLA. 'My teeth got knocked out. My jaw is wired shut. He bashed my face in... I think he was trying to kill me.' Klein, a single mother, said she was knocked down out of the blue while walking home at around 10:30pm. 'All of a sudden, I just get knocked out,' she said from her hospital bed. She said she thought her attacker was 'trying to kill' her, as she was ruthlessly beaten across her head and torso. Her injuries include a fractured jaw, broken teeth, multiple contusions and a large gash on the back of her head. Klein (seen before the attack left) suffered extensive injuries, which saw her jaw wired shut for at least a month The single mother had several of her teeth knocked out during the attack A professional home healthcare nurse for an elderly woman with ALS and soon-to-be grandmother, Klein faces a lengthy road to recovery that will require multiple surgeries. A GoFundMe set up after the attack which has so far raised $100,000 also notes that Klein's health insurance dropped her on March 31, just a week before the attack, and she was in the middle of getting California Coverage when the assault took place. Klein's son Robert added that while he was glad to see an arrest was made, he questioned why such a 'predator' was able to walk the streets freely. 'I want predators and violent attackers to be held accountable, have longer sentences and just not be out on the streets with our family members.' Klein was attacked while walking near her home, as her son said: 'I want predators and violent attackers to be held accountable, have longer sentences and just not be out on the streets' Klein said she hopes her attacker is sentenced to prison for life, and hoped local officials would prioritize tackling homelessness and drug abuse in Southern California. In the GoFundMe to help Klein with her medical costs, it notes that the fundraising goal was increased to cover 'additional facial reconstruction' and a home security system. 'Its doubtful she will be able to return to work for at least 6-8 weeks and shes so worried about losing her small rental in Venice where she and her cat have resided for years,' the fundraiser states. 'Many may know her for the wonderful sand art she builds in Venice for all the events.' The Barefoot Investor has revealed he broke down in tears after hearing a father talk about his son who took his own life after he became the victim of a sextortion scam. Scott Pape admitted he was left heartbroken after speaking to Wayne Holdsworth several times about the death of his son Mac, 17, in October. Mac had become the victim of a sextortion scam after a 45-year-old man posing as a 15-year-old girl online managed to get hold of naked photos of him and share them with everyone he knew. Mr Holdsworth has followed Mr Pape and reached out to the Barefoot Investor to share his story. Mr Pape said the conversation hit close to home as he had children and he wanted to share advice on how parents could make sure their kids remained safe online. Mac Holdsworth's dad, Wayne (pictured together), spoke to Scott Pape after his son took his life after falling victim to a sextortion scam Pape (pictured) encouraged his readers to create 'contracts' with their children about online safety He admitted the column was the 'hardest thing I've ever written'. 'Ill admit that Ive shed more than a few tears this week talking to Wayne,' he wrote for the Daily Telegraph. 'As the father of four kids, it all hit way too close to home for me. And, if you have a young person in your life, perhaps it does for you too.' After speaking to Susan McLean, who's famous for being Australia's first 'cyber-cop', Mr Pape shared one key thing parents can do to help keep their children safe from horrific scammers online. 'Sit down with your kids and explain the concerns you have about the addictiveness of the apps, the mental health challenges they create, and the risks posed by the internet,' he said. 'Now here's the trick: Have your kids create a contract on how they'll manage their day-to-day online use.' Mr Pape recommended children should agree to scheduled tech-free times, account information - including passwords - keep phones out of bedrooms and bathrooms and learn how to ask for help if something makes them uncomfortable. 'Then, have them pick their punishment for breaking the contract they've set,' he said. 'When I get my kids to do this, it's always harsher than what I'd come up with!' 'This works because you're treating your kids with respect and that goes a long way. 'Have your kids read this article. When they do, the first thing they'll say is 'Yeah, but I'd never send a nude pic'. 'And the next thing you'll say is, "You don't have to. Scammers are now creating AI-generated fake nudes and using them to blackmail kids".' He urged parents 'don't wait for the government to protect your kids' by improving online safety laws and to 'keep your kids off social media as long as possible'. 'Nothing good is happening there,' he said. Mr Pape also instructed parents to sign the contract their children create so they can set a positive example. Wayne Holdsworth (pictured) has made it his life's mission to teach others about suicide prevention and holds online sessions about listening to children Pape said of Wayne's sessions, 'Mac (pictured) would be incredibly proud of his dad and the work he's doing' The last thing Mr Pape encouraged parents to do was watch a 40-minute session on properly listening created Mr Holdsworth at smacktalk.com.au. 'This isn't about money (he's doing it free of charge). This is about making a difference and leaving a legacy,' Mr Pape said. 'And you know what? I think Mac would be incredibly proud of his dad and the work he's doing.' If you or anyone you know needs support, contact Lifeline 131 114, or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636. As families worldwide plan their summer vacations, the average hotel room in New York City is now over $300 a night, because so many of them have had to take up business as shelters for migrants. With about 135 of the city's nearly 700 hotels being used as part of the shelter program, the average day rate for a hotel in the Big Apple rose eight percent from $277.92 in 2022 to $301.61 in 2023 as the supply of rooms slumps. That means a large family plotting their summer vacation in the city could be spending in the thousands just for somewhere to stay. In the first three months of each year, hotel rates typically drop but in the first quarter of 2024, the average room went for $230.79 a night, a rise from $216.38 for the same period last year. It comes New York City stepped up its efforts to push migrants out of its overwhelmed shelters Wednesday as it began enforcing a new rule that limits some adult asylum-seekers to a month in the system before they have to find a bed on their own. As families worldwide plan their summer vacations, the average hotel room in New York City is now over $300 a night, because so many of them - like The Row NYC Hotel at Times Square - have had to take up business as shelters for migrants Migrants without young children must now move out of the hotels, tent complexes and other shelter facilities run by the city and find other housing after 30 days - or 60 days for those aged 18-23 - unless they provide proof of 'extenuating circumstances' and are granted an exemption. According to the New York Times, the hotels participating in the program get $185 per night per room from the city. The city has lost over 16,000 hotel rooms over the program to tourists, with just 121,677 remaining. That number is already 2,812 fewer than how many there were before the pandemic. Keeping hotel rooms scarce, none of the hotels who applied to the program - like the four-star Row NYC Hotel in Times Square or the Roosevelt near Grand Central - have returned to how they did business before the crisis. Because of that, four-star hotels like citizenM in Times Square are charging at least $389 a night for a room, according to Hotels.com. At least 22 hotels are in Midtown Manhattan, which includes Times Square, the Grand Central Terminal and the Empire State Building. A three-star joint like Staypineapple is still going for no lower than $308 per night per room. The huge price hikes will hit average income families finding that a mid-range hotel room now costs close to what a luxury stay would have cost pre-crisis. 'I really believe it's enabled two-, two-and-a-half-star hotels to be a little more emboldened, to take advantage of the situation and charge prices that perhaps they wouldn't otherwise be able to,' said Sean Hennessey, a hotel industry adviser and clinical associate professor at New York University. Further increasing demand for hotels is a city-wide ban on short-term Airbnb rentals, with most of those properties now only available for stays of 30 days or more, which rules out almost all tourist bookings. Four-star hotels like citizenM in Times Square are charging at least $389 a night for a room A three-star joint like Staypineapple is still going for no lower than $308 per night per room Mayor Eric Adams, on the other hand, sees it differently, saying that tourism interest in the city has increased prices in a statement. 'The return of tourists to New York City is reflected at hotels as well, where demand is up,' the statement said. 'New York City is safer, cleaner and, as the numbers show, continues to be one of the most popular destinations in the United States.' As of late Wednesday, 192 migrants had applied for an extension after hitting their limit, and 118 had been approved, Mayor Eric Adams office said. Thousands more are expected to receive eviction notices in the coming months. The new restrictions came after Adams' administration in March succeeded in altering the citys unique ' right to shelter ' rule requiring it to provide temporary housing for every homeless person who asks for it. Before the new rule came into effect, adult migrants without children were still limited to 30 days in a shelter, but they were able to immediately reapply for a new bed with no questions asked. The city also restricts migrant families with young children to 60-day stays, but they arent impacted by the new rule and can still reapply without providing any justification. Still, an audit found that the rollout was 'haphazard,' over the past six months Mayor Eric Adams, on the other hand, sees it differently, saying that tourism interest in the city has increased prices in a statement Migrant families leave for a walk to school in front of the Row Hotel that serves as migrant shelter Immigrant rights and homeless advocates say theyre closely monitoring the eviction process, which impacts some 15,000 migrant adults. The city shelter system currently houses about 65,000 migrants, but many of those are families with kids. Adams, a Democrat, on Tuesday pushed back at critics who have called the citys increasingly restrictive migrant shelter rules inhumane and haphazardly rolled out, saying the city simply cant keep housing migrants indefinitely. New York City has provided temporary housing to nearly 200,000 migrants since the spring of 2022, with more than a thousand new arrivals coming to the city each week, he noted. 'People said its inhumane to put people out during the wintertime, so now they say its inhumane to do it in the summertime,' Adams said. 'Theres no good time. There's no good time.' The move comes as Denver, another city thats seen an influx of migrants, embarks on an ambitious migrant support program that includes six-month apartment stays and intensive job preparation for those who cant yet legally work. Meanwhile Chicago has imposed 60-day shelter limits on adult migrants with no option for renewal, and Massachusetts has capped stays for families to nine months, starting in June. Adams had asked a court in October to suspend the 'right to shelter' requirement entirely, but the move was opposed by immigrant rights and homeless advocacy groups. In March, they settled, with an agreement that set the new rules for migrants. The agreement still allows for city officials to grant extensions on shelter stays on a case-by-case basis. New York City has provided temporary housing to nearly 200,000 migrants since the spring of 2022, with more than a thousand new arrivals coming to the city each week, he noted Keeping hotel rooms scarce, none of the hotels who applied to the program - like the four-star Row NYC Hotel in Times Square or the Roosevelt near Grand Central (pictured) - have returned to how they did business before the crisis City officials say migrants need to show theyre making 'significant efforts to resettle,' such as applying for work authorization or asylum, or searching for a job or an apartment. Migrants can also get an extension if they can prove they have plans to move out of the city within 30 days, have an upcoming immigration-related hearing or have a serious medical procedure or are recovering from one. Migrants between the ages of 18 and 20 years old can also get extensions if theyre enrolled full-time in high school. New York City appears to be bracing for a 'summer surge' of migrants as some asylum seekers have reportedly been abruptly transferred from their shelters. The Department of Homeless Services handed out notices to migrant families staying at shelters in Brooklyn on Tuesday, warning them they had 24 to 48 hours to relocate. Win, the Big Apple's largest provider of family shelter, said they started receiving a list from the city of clients who will be transferred into hotels for migrants nearly two weeks ago. READ MORE: China and Russia may be working on a joint invasion of Taiwan The United States military is actively preparing to go to war with China over growing fears of an invasion of Taiwan. Marines from the US and the Philippines have been carrying out ominous war games on small islands a short distance from Taiwan, reports the Wall Street Journal. The exercises include deploying teams of marines from Chinook helicopters, readying unarmed assault rifles, and scoping out terrain that would hypothetically be used if conflict erupted. The developments are a disturbing glimpse into the perspective of US military leaders as the hostile nation continues to threaten to invade Taiwan. Any direct conflict between the US and China could easily spiral into World War Three, with both nations in possession of nuclear weapons that could destroy the planet. In anticipation of a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan, the US military has been carrying out ominous war games in the Philippines (pictured during a joint exercise with the Philippine military on May 6, 2024) Chinese President Xi Jinping has made no secret of his desire to 'reunify' Taiwan with mainland China, but has kept rivals in the dark over when he could deploy a surprise attack. Taiwan, a successful democracy, says it has no desire to become part of China. The US has not formally-said it will defend Taiwan if China invades, but President Biden has indicated he'd deploy US troops to defend the island in the event of an attack. Recently, China has made numerous moves that suggest it is preparing to invade, including just two days ago when the Chinese military encircled Taiwan. Beijing said the war games were a 'strong punishment' for Taiwan following the inauguration of its new president, Lai Ching-te, with analysts seeing it as yet another blatant show of China's military prowess. With this threat looming, the Wall Street Journal joined the 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment in its training on the Philippine islands, its fourth trip to the region. The regiment was only created two years ago to reform America's military presence in the region, and has been preparing on Hawaiian Islands and in California. US forces gained access to several Philippine military bases last year, and the training exercises were carried out further north on a string of islands around an hour from Taiwan. However, the war games have reportedly found one main, concerning conclusion: the US military needs ships to move marines between South China Sea islands, which have not even begun being constructed yet. While the training exercises didn't include real bullets or missiles, the marines were preparing for what would happen if war broke out, including leaving the Chinook helicopters and fanning out across the islands as quickly as possible. Moving around quickly and stealthily would be key to avoiding China's sensors and drones, which Col. John Lehane said was to 'complicate' the rival's decision making. US troops hope that a series of quick, nimble moves from location to location would help strain China's military capacity and potentially buy time until further backup arrives. '(China would) expend an awful lot of resources to figure out where we are and what were doing,' he said. With stealth and agility the priority for the marine regiment, Lehane said the US military is 'continually refining the balance between what is the lightest package I can put there to reduce the logistics burden while still making sure that it is combat credible and able to fight.' US military leaders have deployed at least four missions to the Philippines in recent months, with stealth and agility on scattered islands through the South China Sea a key priority U.S. and Philippine marines wait at the airport of the Philippines' northernmost town of Itbayat, Batanes province during a joint military exercise on Monday, May 6, 2024 Chinese President Xi Jinping has made no secret of his desire to reunify Taiwan with mainland China, but has kept rivals in the dark over when he could deploy a surprise attack The outbreak of direct conflict with China would be tantamount to a world war to many observers, despite a reported understanding that Beijing would hold a significant advantage fighting in its own backyard. President Biden has routinely said he would defend Taiwan if China launched an unprovoked attack, but carrying out a conflict in the various terrains of the region would be far more challenging in practice. Some islands in the South China Sea are only equipped with small helipads, roadways fail to connect many coastal areas that would be prone to fighting, and China would be fighting within the vicinity of the majority of its military arsenal. The marines were specifically training for the first stages of war, and were reportedly tasked with slowing down a potential Chinese invasion to allow other US military forces to prepare. Using small drones and sensors, the marines would provide a front-row view to the rest of the military while being able to fire at China's military with a barrage of rockets. The deployment of a small, covert group of marines at the front would serve as a tactical foundation in the event of war, Benjamin Jensen, a senior fellow at the Washington, D.C.-based Center for Strategic and International Studies, told the WSJ. 'The ideal case is that you have these fluid forces that are flowing up and down the first island chain, so youre constantly forcing [China] to look for you,' he said. 'Every sensor China tasks to look for a Marine Corps littoral regiment is a sensor that isnt tasked on another target.' Jensen added that the idea would be to impose a 'tremendous tax' on China's sprawling intelligence apparatus, and that ideally, 'You want them to go on wild-goose chases.' China routinely carries out war games in the region, pictured here firing a missile during a training exercise on the Chinese mainland in August 2022 US marines carry equipment during a joint military exercise in the Philippines on May 6, 2024 With China holding a significant territorial advantage in the region, island-hopping would be seen as a vital technique to combatting China's potential invasion. During the recent war games in the Philippines, teams flew to three small islands north of the nation, across an area known as the Luzon Strait. In the event of all-out war, the islands would find themselves in the center of the conflict, and the war games on the islands are a sign that US military leaders may see this as a possibility. Lt. Col. Mark Edgar, who helped oversee the training, said the exercises are primarily to gather data and to help anticipate, and regiments 'do assessments on the islands all the time.' 'Everything from what those airstrips can support to what a port can support to what a beach can support,' he added. The teams' work included everything from measuring roads to how much fuel they were burning, in efforts that took them to the northern tip of the islands in full view of Taiwan. For an uncertain conflict, Edgar concluded: 'Nothing replaces putting a marine on the ground and actually looking at that terrain.' Norway on Sunday handed over diplomatic papers to the Palestinian prime minister in the latest step toward recognizing a Palestinian state, a largely symbolic move that has infuriated Israel. Ireland and Spain made a concerted pledge with Norway to recognize a Palestinian state, a historic move that increases Israels isolation more than seven months into its grinding war against Hamas in Gaza. The handover of papers by Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide to the prime minister was made in Brussels, where Mohammad Mustafa is also meeting with foreign ministers of European Union nations and high-level EU officials on Monday to drum up support for the Palestinians. Norway itself is not part of the EU. The diplomatic move by the three nations was a welcome boost of support for Palestinian officials who have sought for decades to establish a statehood in east Jerusalem, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip territories Israel seized in the Six-Day War of 1967 and still controls. Recognition means a lot for us. It is the most important thing that anybody can do for the Palestinian people," said Mustafa. "It is a great deal for us. The formal recognition by Norway, Spain and Ireland which all have a record of friendly ties with both the Israelis and the Palestinians, while long advocating for a Palestinian state is planned for Tuesday. Some 140 countries more than two-thirds of the United Nations recognize a Palestinian state but a majority of the 27 EU nations still do not. Several have said they would recognize it when the conditions are right. The EU, the United States and Britain, among others, back the idea of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel but say it should come as part of a negotiated settlement. Belgium, which holds the EU presidency, has said that first the Israeli hostages held by Hamas need to be freed and the fighting in Gaza must end. Some other government favor a new initiative toward a two-state solution, 15 years after negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians collapsed. Sunday's handover of papers came only two days after the United Nations top court ordered Israel to immediately halt its military offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah in the latest move that piled more pressure on the increasingly isolated country. (AP) A 93-year-old man was targeted by a gang of three pickpockets in the parking lot of a Portland Costco and had his wallet stolen. Clear surveillance footage sees the trio sneaking up on the elderly man as he pushes a cart back to his car completely unaware is that he is being tailed by the criminals. Seizing the opportunity, one member of the gang reaches out his left hand and manages to grab the wallet from the shopper's back pocket. The gang appear to be adept at pickpocketing as the elderly gentleman is unable to detect anything going on behind him. His wallet is whipped away in an instant. A 93-year-old man was targeted by three pickpockets at a Portland Costco Clear surveillance footage shows the trio sneaking up on him and stealing his wallet out of his back pocket For a moment, the man appears to sense that something has happened and turns around only to see the three men looking to cross the road. At one stage he even pats down the rear of his pants, perhaps feeling that something is missing. Before he moves out of the sight of the surveillance camera, the man can be seen frantically looking around for something that he misplaced. Once the gang had made off with the victim's wallet, they use his credit cards to purchase $1,500 in gift cards. The elderly victim barely felt a thing as he had his wallet removed from his back pocket After his wallet is taken, the man appears confused at pats down the rear of his pants, perhaps feeling that something is missing The trio case the parking lot and move onto another target Surveillance footage that lasts for more than five minutes, sees the trio targeting several other unsuspecting members of the public as they went about shopping. The gang are seen looking for further victims as they case the parking lot. Further investigation by the Portland police bureau revealed that the suspects had in fact carried out similar crimes in the Seattle area. Detective Jordan Zaitz said Costco staff 'were able to ... show that it was the same group of people that had been going up and down the I-5 corridor to different Costco's doing similar things.' Zaitz said the group may also use other methods to steal personal information. "I received an email this morning from Winco, and it looks like the same group ... is going in and watching customers use their debit cards ... memorizing PIN numbers and then going to steal their wallets out in the parking lot," she said to KATU. Such petty thefts will be the target of newly-elected District Attorney Nathan Vasquez who is promising a tough-on-crime approach to the city. Portland's progressive District Attorney Mike Schmidt, who is the prosecutor for Multnomah County, conceded victory to Vasquez after his policies were blamed for ruining the city. Schmidt was elected May 2020 just before the death of George Floyd and the riots that pulverized cities across the country. He vowed not to prosecute rioters unless there was evidence of 'deliberate property damage, theft, or threat of force, and of 550 cases referred by police just 47 went to trial. Portland DA Mike Schmidt promised 'equity focused' policies after his 2020 election Challenger Nathan Vasquez has unseated him after promising a tough on crime approach Drugs deaths in Portland surged from 280 in 2019, to 628 in just the first six months of last year Homelessness jumped by 65 percent to more than 6,300 from 2015 to 2023 Oregon became the first state to decriminalize possession of all hard drugs in 2020 and Schmidt raced to implement the measure several months before it took effect statewide. But fatal opioid overdoses surged from 280 in 2019, to 628 in just the first six months of last year as nearly 800 homeless encampments and open-air drug markets sprang up in the city center. More than 2,600 businesses had fled the city center by September 2022 as shoppers avoided downtown areas and retail theft began to spiral. 'What I hear when I'm knocking on doors, is 'Hey, I consider myself very liberal but this is out of step we're not getting served well',' Vasquez told Politico. 'People definitely want public safety. It doesn't mean people are wholly abandoning the idea of criminal justice reform. They just want it delivered in a pragmatic, practical way. 'It's pretty clear I'm the only candidate in this race who is consistently in the office prosecuting serious cases, standing up for victims, and providing the present, dedicated leadership that my fellow prosecutors need day in and day out.' A mother-of-two gunned down alongside her daughter by her mate's crazed ex-husband was struggling to decide if she should share her concerns about the killer with her children, a friend has revealed. Mark Bombara, 63, stormed Jennifer Petelczyc's Floreat home, in Perth's ritzy western suburbs, at about 4.30pm on Friday, looking for his former wife Rowena. Unable to find his ex-wife, Bombara instead fatally shot her 53-year-old friend and her daughter Gretl Petelczyc, 18, before turning the gun on himself. A family friend of Ms Petelczyc told Daily Mail Australia the mother-of-two had confided she feared for her family's safety after learning Bombara, a registered gun owner, was driving around with a Glock under the seat in his car, in search of his ex-wife. Ms Bombara had been staying with the Petelczyc's on-and-off since fleeing her $4.58million marital home, in Mosman Park, in April amid the couple's bitter separation. The family friend said his mother was told by Ms Petelczyc, who was one of her best friends, that she was unsure if she should tell her children about Bombara being a threat to their safety. Mark Bombara, 63, stormed Jennifer Petelczyc's Floreat home, in Perth's western suburbs, about 4.30pm on Friday, looking for his estranged wife Rowena. Unable to find her, Bombara instead fatally shot her 53-year-old friend Jennifer Petelczyc and her daughter Gretl, 18, (pictured together) before turning the gun on himself Mark James Bombara had been hunting for his former partner, Rowena, who had been staying with Ms Petelczyc following their bitter divorce (Bombara and Rowena are pictured together) Pictured: mourners comfort one another after leaving floral tributes outside the murder scene He said his mother urged Ms Petelczyc that she should tell her two daughters, Gretl, 18 and Liesl, 23, about her concerns because they were now adults, prompting the widow to reveal the family were in danger and advise the girls not to open the door. The family friend said Ms Petelczyc had been frequently visiting his parents, seeking legal advice from his lawyer father about ways she could protect Rowena and her daughters. He said the last time his parents saw Ms Petelczyc, which was two weeks ago shortly before they left for a holiday, his father yelled out to her as she walked down the driveway 'don't forget to report it [Bombara driving around with a gun] to police'. Ms Petelczyc called back 'I will' before turning around and heading home. The family friend said they are unsure whether or not Ms Petelczyc had reported the matter to police. Daily Mail Australia understands WA police have been unable to locate records indicating Ms Petelczyc made a report to cops. The family friend said, if Bombara, who was part of a local gun club, was reported to police, he does not understand how he would have been permitted to keep his firearm if there were concerns of violence. Over the past six months, Bombara had been growing increasingly erratic, the friend said. The friend said he understands the property developer, who shared four children with his ex-wife, had been suffering from mini strokes and diabetes but had not been getting treatment, which had led to significant personality changes. Gretl, who recently got her P-plates, was only just getting started in life after graduating high school and starting a bachelor of sport degree at the University of WA. Her mother had been deliberating about whether to tell her daughters about the threat posed by Bombara Friday's tragedy leaves daughter Liesl as the sole surviving member of the immediate family (Gretl and Liesl are pictured together) Two young women lay a floral tribute at the murder scene It remains unclear how Bombara gained access to the home on Friday afternoon, however, neighbours reported seeing the family's alarm light flashing - suggesting he had broken in. Daily Mail Australia understands that after Bombara entered, he encountered Ms Petelczyc and her daughter in separate rooms and shot them both in the head. It is also understood he shot himself several times in the chest before making a fatal blow to his head. The friend described Ms Petelczyc as a brave woman who staunchly protected the people she loved. He said Ms Petelczyc had been working hard to support her daughters after losing her husband, Jon, to pancreatic cancer in 2019. He said Jon, a businessman, had worked his whole life to retire by 2020 but tragically died just months away from achieving his dream. Ms Petelczyc and Gretl's deaths are the latest tragedies to befall the family after father and husband Jon (pictured with Ms Petelczyc) died in 2019 A neighbour described Bombara's former partner, Rowena, (centre) as 'lovely' and him as 'private' He was so fixated with reaching his goal that he named his company 2020 business consultants and all family members' number plates included the number. The loss of Mr Petelczyc had a profound impact on the family and local community, which are now reeling from yet another tragedy. In 2017, Mr Petelczyc made headlines after voluntarily buying a defibrillator to keep in the family's car port just in case anyone in the neighbourhood ever needed it. Both Mr and Ms Petelczyc, who worked at a local surgeon's office, were active members of the community. She participated in council meetings and they both previously worked on the board of their daughters' school, St Hilda's Anglican School for girls, where Ms Bombara's daughters were also students. Meanwhile, Gretl was an avid waterpolo player and had started studying sport at the University of Western Australia, where her sister was also undertaking a degree. It's understood Bombara cable-tied the two women after being unable to find Rowena (centre) A close friend of the family, Daele Dobsen, told Daily Mail Australia on Saturday that Ms Petelczyc was a devoted mother and lamented that Gretl, who only recently got her P-plates, was just getting started in life. Ms Dobsen said she did not want Ms Petelczyc and Gretl to be remembered as 'victims by association of domestic violence'. 'I want them to be remembered as beautiful members of our community and I am overwhelmed with their loss,' she said. 'In my friendship with Jenny, I found her to be so very kind and generous to myself and my family, even opening up her home to host my son's 18th birthday party last year when I was unable to find a venue. 'Jenny was a devoted mother who would do anything for her girls.' Lifeline 13 11 14 1800 RESPECT Twelve people have been reported dead and at least 16 are still missing after new images show the deadly aftermath of a 'vile' strike carried out by Russia on a crowded DIY hardware store in Kharkiv. The country's second-largest city was still reeling from two attacks a day earlier when two guided bombs hit the Epicentr DIY hypermarket in a residential area of the city on Saturday afternoon, Regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov said on national television. The strikes caused a massive fire which sent a column of thick, black smoke billowing hundreds of metres into the air. Photographs show emergency workers at the site looking for 16 missing people. Forty-three people were injured, while 10 of the twelve dead had still not been identified, the local prosecutors' office said. Emergency service workers climb through the wreckage after Russia carried out a strike on a crowded DIY hardware store in Kharkiv, on Saturday afternoon Twelve people have been reported dead and at least 16 are still missing following the strike on Epicentr DIY hypermarket in Kharkiv The strikes caused a massive fire which sent a column of thick, black smoke billowing hundreds of metres into the air Forty-three people were injured, while 10 of the twelve dead had still not been identified, the local prosecutors' office said. Pictured: Emergency service workers look for 16 missing people Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said around 120 people had been in the hardware store when the bombs struck, though earlier estimates suggested it was closer to 200 It took emergency workers 16 hours to fully extinguish the fire at the hypermarket, which had raged over an area of 13,000 square metres Firefighters wade through the wreckage on Sunday, hours after the building was hit by a Russian airstrike Kharkiv mayor Ihor Terekhov said: 'The attack targeted the shopping centre, where there were many people - this is clearly terrorism' Regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov arrives at the scene to inspect the aftermath of the attack Health workers wait at the scene as firefighters continue to search for 16 missing people The strikes caused a massive fire, which ravaged the hypermarket in Kharkiv on Saturday Earlier reports suggested at least two of the dead were store employees. Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov said around 120 people had been in the hardware store when the bombs struck, though earlier estimates suggested it was closer to 200. 'The attack targeted the shopping centre, where there were many people - this is clearly terrorism,' Terekhov said. In a post on Telegram, Ukraine's Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said emergency services were searching for 16 people still missing after the strike. Andriy Kudinov, director of the suburban shopping centre, told local media the hardware store was full of shoppers buying items for their summer cottages. It took 16 hours to fully extinguish the fire at the centre, which had raged over an area of 13,000 square metres, Interior Minister Klymenko said. Rescuers, medics and journalists occasionally had to rush away from the scene and take cover on the ground, fearing another strike, as has occurred during several recent Russian attacks. Dmytro Syrotenko, a 26-year-old employee of the DIY centre, described panicked scenes. 'I was at my workplace. I heard the first hit and with my colleague, we fell to the ground. 'There was the second hit and we were covered with debris. Then we started to crawl to the higher ground,' said Syrotenko, who had a large gash on his face. Syrotenko told Reuters he was taken to safety by a rescue worker who helped him, several colleagues, and shoppers. Around 120 people had been in the hardware store when the bombs struck, though earlier estimates suggested it was closer to 200 Rescuers, medics and journalists occasionally had to rush away from the scene and take cover on the ground, fearing another strike The area surrounding the site was engulfed in thick black smoke rising from the burning store A huge column of black smoke billowed into the sky from a fire in the store, located in an area of large stores beside a car park Zelenskiy, in his nightly video address, denounced the latest strike as 'yet another example of Russian madness' There was extensive damage to the building, which was engulfed by intense flames following the attack A firefighter stands amongst the remains of the building, where at least 12 have been reported dead and 16 people are still missing A man watches as smoke rises from the hypermarket after being hit by a Russian air strike A firefighter tackles the fierce blaze at the superstore in Kharkiv on Saturday Bomb remnants were seen on the ground where the attack violently struck in the Kyiv district Videos posted by witnesses on social media show a huge column of black smoke billowing into the sky from a fire in the store, located in an area of large stores beside a car park. Zelenskiy, in his nightly video address, denounced the strike as 'yet another example of Russian madness. There is no other way to describe it.' He said: 'When we tell world leaders that Ukraine needs sufficient air defences, when we say we need real decisive measures to enable us to protect our people, so that Russian terrorists cannot even approach our border, we are talking about not allowing strikes like this to happen.' Writing later on Telegram, Zelenskiy noted air raid alerts had been in effect in Kharkiv for more than 12 hours and 200 emergency workers and 400 policemen remained at the scene dealing with the aftermath of the attacks. President Volodymyr Zelensky has condemned the attack - which sent a huge column of black smoke into the sky - as 'vile' He denounced th attack as 'vile' and said: 'Russia struck another brutal blow at our Kharkiv - at a construction hypermarket - on Saturday, right in the middle of the day. 'Only madmen like Putin are capable of killing and terrorising people in such a vile way. 'There were a lot of workers and shoppers inside. Now the fire is on the whole territory.' French President Emmanuel Macron, writing on social media platform X, denounced the attack on the store as 'unacceptable.' The past week has seen an uptick in strikes on the city after Russian troops stormed across the border, opening a new front north of the city. Russia has bombarded Kharkiv, which lies less than 20 miles from its border, throughout the war, having reached its outskirts in a failed bid to capture it in 2022. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy issued a plea to Ukraine's Western allies to help boost air defences to keep the country's cities safe. Firefighters work on the blaze at the household shopping centre hit by a Russian air strike French President Emmanuel Macron, writing on social media platform X, denounced the attack on the store as 'unacceptable. A separate early evening missile strike hit a residential building in the centre of the city of 1.3 million. The number of people wounded by that strike had climbed to 25 by Sunday morning. The missile left a crater several metres deep in the pavement at the foot of the building, which also housed a post office, a beauty salon and a cafe. Emergency workers ushered away residents of nearby apartment buildings. Some of the injured had blood on their faces. Just over the border, in Russia's Belgorod region, the regional governor said four residents died in Ukrainian attacks on Saturday. Moscow denies deliberately targeting civilians, but thousands have been killed and injured during its 27-month invasion of Ukraine. The latest attack came after Russia launched a ground offensive in the Kharkiv region on May 10. Ukraine said on Friday that it had managed to halt Moscow's progress and was counterattacking. On Saturday Russia shelled the village of Kupiansk-Vuzlovyi, a railway hub in the Kharkiv region near the border, wounding five, the regional prosecutor's office said in a statement. Up to 200 people and 15 staff are believed to have been inside the Epitcentr hypermarket - which sells household and DIY goods - at the time of the attack Videos posted by witnesses on social media show a huge column of black smoke billowing into the sky from a fire in the store It said that two vehicles came under fire: a car with two passengers and an ambulance with a driver, a paramedic and a 64-year-old patient. Russia also carried out air strikes on the Kupiansk district, damaging a factory and residential buildings, the prosecutor's office said. In the eastern Donetsk region, shelling on Saturday killed a 40-year-old woman and wounded four, said the head of the regional administration, Vadym Filashkin. Kharkiv Mayor Igor Terekhov said that according to the store's owner, they had lost contact with several store employees The latest attack came after Russia launched a ground offensive in the Kharkiv region on May 10 Russian forces also claimed yesterday it had captured another village in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region. The Russian defence ministry said that troops had 'taken control of the village of Arkhangelske', located to the north of the city of Donetsk. The small frontline village is near the town of Ocheretyne, which Russia said it had captured early this month. Ukraine's General Staff said on Saturday that Russian forces were 'particularly active' near the town of Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region. It said six firefights were ongoing near the villages of Kalynove, Yasnobrodivka and Sokil, south of the village of Arkhangelske. On Saturday, Ukraine said its forces had repelled two attacks in the Kharkiv region and fighting was continuing near the town of Vovchansk, which Moscow is attempting to seize. Russia's defence ministry said its troops had fought off two counter-attacks near the border, one close to Vovchansk, which Moscow is attempting to seize. The city of Kharkiv, Ukraine's second largest, regularly comes under attack from Russian missiles with strikes on the city killing at least seven people on Thursday A brutal brawl between two rival groups of youths involving a machete has left four teenagers in hospital with stab wounds. The two groups clashed at the Errington Reserve Plaza skate park in St Albans, in Melbourne's northwest, just before 8pm on Saturday. Four teenagers sustained non-life threatening stab wounds with one of those in the affray believed to have been armed with a machete. Two of the teens, aged 18 and 15, were dropped off at a nearby hospital by an anonymous driver who drove away, police said. The other boys, both 15-years-old, took themselves to a hospital about 9.45pm. Four teenage boys have been taken to hospital with stab wounds after a violent brawl between two rival groups on Saturday night (pictured, police at the scene) The groups clashed at the Errington Reserve Plaza skate park (pictured) in St Albans, Melbourne A Victoria Police spokesperson said both parties are understood to be known to one another. Those involved are not assisting Detectives from the Brimbank Crime Investigation Unit with inquiries. Spatters of blood could be seen on the skate park's concrete on Sunday morning after police were seen combing over the scene the night prior. A nearby resident, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Herald Sun that police had blocked off nearby streets into the early morning. Another local, Alan Tran, told the publication that recent violence had left his children too afraid to leave the house at night. 'I'm scared for me, and for my family and for everyone around here,' he said. No charges have yet been laid and the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. A pilot and his partner miraculously walked away unscathed after their light plane lost all power and narrowly avoided crashing into suburban homes before belly landing on a runway. Incredible video footage captured the moment pilot Jake Swanepoel desperately tried to guide his light aircraft over houses in Western Sydney after experiencing engine failure shortly before 2pm on Sunday. The small Cessna plane clipped the top of a tree and only just made it over two hangars at Bankstown Airport, in the city's west, before smashing down onto the runway and coming to a screeching halt on the grass around 150 metres later. Incredible video footage captured the moment pilot Jake Swanepoel desperately tried to guide his light aircraft over houses in Western Sydney after experiencing engine failure shortly before 2pm on Sunday (pictured: Mr Swanepoel and his partner Karin after miraculously walking away unscathed from the crash) The plane clipped the top of a tree and only just made it over two hangars at Bankstown Airport, in the city's west, before smashing down onto the runway and coming to a screeching halt on the grass around 150 metres later (pictured) 'It was gliding, there was no power,' a shaken Mr Swanepoel, who has flown for almost 30 years, told 9News. 'We clipped the trees and just made it over the hangar.' Remarkably, Mr Swanepoel and his partner Karin emerged from the damaged aircraft unharmed. Karin said they didn't think they were going to make it to the runway. 'It was very, very close,' Karin said. 'It was scary and nerve-wracking because you were thinking about all these homes that you could potentially...you know, if you don't make the runway.' NSW Ambulance said there were no injuries. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau will carry out an investigation to determine the cause of the crash. The pilot (right) walked away unscathed and there was no impact to airport operations It's understood the plane landed on the taxiway, and the airport's runway was not impacted. In 2008, two people onboard a light aircraft died after the plane they were flying collided in the air with another light aircraft before plummeting into a home near Bankstown Airport. No one was in the home at the time, while the other plane landed safely. Alton Towers crash amputee Leah Washington has tied the knot with her partner Joe Pugh in a dazzling ceremony nine years after the pair were involved in a horror smash on the theme park's The Smiler rollercoaster. The couple got engaged during a romantic getaway to Italy in 2022, before Leah, 26, enjoyed a hen do with a dozen close friends and family in the Algarve, Portugal last year. The Mail was given access to the happy couple's wedding in Yorkshire. Read an exclusive interview and see more pictures from inside the ceremony on MailOnline tomorrow. But the couple's wedding was far from always on the cards: in the aftermath of the Alton Towers crash, which saw Leah lose a leg and Joe smash both kneecaps and lose the ability to move one of his fingers, the couple drifted apart. Then aged just 17 and 18, the life-changing injuries they sustained on their first proper date occurred when the carriage they were in smashed into a second stationary car at around 50mph. But despite the horrific scale of the couple's injuries, they overcame their struggles and have now got married in a beautiful ceremony surrounded by friends and family. Joe Pugh (left) and Leah Washington (right) tied the knot in a dazzling ceremony this week, nine years after the horror Alton Towers smash. Pic from Emily Jayne Weddings Leah, 26, from Barnsley, South Yorkshire, lost a leg in the smash on The Smiler ride at Alton Towers. Pic from Emily Jayne Weddings Leah stunned in a dazzling white dress bedecked in jewels and carried a voluminous bouquet of white roses. Her now-husband Joe opted for a simple black tuxedo, with a single matching white flower adorning his buttonhole. Images from the intimate ceremony showed the couple celebrating with family friends as they shared a kiss outside the wedding venue. Leah, from Barnsley, South Yorkshire, previously shared how she and her friends were caught up in last summer's air traffic control chaos on the return from her hen party. She had shared several clips of her hen party singing, dancing and downing shots at a beach club in the Algarve in August. Her fiance Joe even ordered 15 pink shots for the group from the club, later joking he was setting up expectations for his stag party, which was yet to come. The couple got engaged during a romantic holiday away to Italy in 2022. Images from the intimate ceremony showed the couple celebrating with family friends as they shared a kiss outside the wedding venue. Picture from Emily Jayne Weddings Leah Washington and Joe Pugh shared news of their engagement to Instagram while abroad in 2022 Leah has been outspoken about her recovery since the crash on social media, sharing clips of her participating in various sports, partying and even modelling Leah took to Instagram to share adorable snaps of the couple during the trip, as well as the substantial diamond rock which sat on her finger. Speaking previously about how their relationship suffered in the aftermath of the tragic incident, Leah told Ok!: 'If you'd told either of us during the weeks that followed our horrific accident at Alton Towers that we'd be planning our wedding now, I don't think we'd have believed it.' Leah has been outspoken about her recovery since the crash on social media, sharing clips of her participating in various sports, partying and even modelling. In a post last year, she wrote: '8 years since my life flipped, how time has flown! 'A brief little journey from then until now, a 17 year old girl thinking what was going to happen next, under confident after surgery & struggling to think positive 'Fast forward 8 years and I feel the best I have in a long time, planning my dream wedding, feeling continued improvements in my fitness & us of my prosthetic along side the support from my friends, family & followers.' An investigation into the 2015 accident concluded that the crash was due to human error; an engineer had wrongly restarted the ride while a stationary carriage was on the track in front of it. The couple beamed as Leah shared their exciting news to her 25,000-strong Instagram following Leah shared a photo of her sparkling diamond ring alongside perfectly manicured nails during the couple's trip to Venice Alton Towers crash amputee Leah Washington pictured shortly after the incident, in hospital Alton Towers owner Merlin Attractions were fined 5million for health and safety breaches which were blasted by Judge Michael Chambers QC as a 'catastrophic failure'. At least 16 were injured and five people were seriously hurt. They were fined an initial 5million, and interim payments have covered Leah and Joe's medical and physio bills to date - but the pair have also submitted a 'substantial' compensation claim. Leah's 60,000 prosthetic leg - which contains a microprocessor knee - will need replacing every few years, which will amount to hundreds of thousands of pounds over her lifetime. She still suffers from crippling pain and fatigue after standing for lengthy periods of time. A second woman, Vicky Balch, from Lancashire, was also forced to undergo a leg amputation after the crash. A bushwalker who was 'too stubborn' to turn back after a wrong turning before being battered by waves and then forced to cling to a remote rock edge for almost 24 hours has given a casual, one-word description of his daring rescue mission. Daniel Hart, 27, was hurled into the ocean after he spent three hours clambering over rocks following a wrong turning on the Coast Track in the Royal National Park, 50 kilometres south of Sydney, about 4pm on Saturday. He was 'ragdolled' by the angry waves before being washed up on a rocky ledge around 20 metres below the Eagle Rock cliff face - some four kilometres through thick bush from the nearest road. Mr Hart spent a cold night 'curled up in a ball' on the cliffside before another walker heard his cries for help in the morning and alerted authorities. Shortly after lunchtime on Sunday, a crew of NSW Ambulance paramedics abseiled down the jagged cliff face to help move Mr Hart to a spot where he could be winched safely to a helicopter. But when asked about his 'remarkable' rescue, Mr Hart affected cool Aussie calm. 'Yeah... it was grouse,' he told 9News, before thanking his rescuers. Daniel Hart, 27, was hurled into the ocean after he spent three hours clambering over rocks following a wrong turning on the Coast Track in the Royal National Park Shortly after lunchtime on Sunday, a crew of NSW Ambulance paramedics abseiled down the jagged cliff face to help move Mr Hart to a spot where he could be winched safely to a helicopter Incredibly, Mr Hart only suffered only a few scratches to his knees and was just treated for mild hypothermia. Inspector Jason Rutherford from NSW AMbulance said it was a 'difficult extraction'. 'He was unable to be winched directly up the cliff, so they set up a lateral safety system to move him sideways to a place where he could be safely winched by the helicopter, Mr Rutherford told Nine News. Asked what was going through his head during his long night on the cliffside, Mr Hart said: 'You're an idiot, why are you so stubborn?' 'It could have been a lot worse,' he added. Mr Hart was uninjured and surprisingly nonchalant about his ordeal and dramatic rescue Mr Hart was 50 days into a planned 4,500-kilometre journey the length of mainland Australia, from the southern-most point in Wilson's Promontory, south-east of Melbourne to Cape York in Far North Queensland. He is undertaking it to raise awareness for a Universal Basic Income, advocating for everyone to be given an unconditional $500 a week to cover their basic needs. He later shared a selfie smiling alongside one of his rescuers on the cliff face before he was winched to safety. 'Posting this from the Sutherland Hospital,' Mr Hart captioned the picture. 'Bit of a misadventure yesterday; I've lost all my stuff, spent the night in a cave on a cliff, and had to get airlifted out today.' The post was flooded with concern for is wellbeing but people also saw the lighter side, with one joking that he had left his followers on a 'cliffhanger'. Another asked: 'The real question is: does he go back to where he was rescued since he technically didn't walk to the hospital?' A man has been jailed for his involvement in a drive-by shooting after his DNA was recovered on a McDonald's straw he ditched after the incident. Michael Alfred, 22, was found guilty by a Victorian County Court jury for being part of a shooting outside of Chasers Nightclub in South Yarra, Melbourne, in February 2020. One man, Machar Machar, 19, was injured during the shooting after prominent Melbourne rapper Sean 'BBG Smokey' Deng performed at the club. Alfred was sitting in the passenger seat of a stolen Audi used in the shooting, which was later found abandoned alongside a McDonald's cup and fake license plates, court documents state. While prosecutors couldn't prove if he shot the gun, he was tied to the incident after his DNA was found on the cup and plates. A man has been thrown in jail for his involvement in a drive-by shooting at Melbourne's Chasers Nightclub in February 2020 (pictured, police at the scene) Michael Alfred, 22, was tied to the incident by DNA evidence on a McDonald's straw (stock image) found abandoned next to the stolen vehicle used in the shooting Presiding judge, Andrew Palmer, said the DNA evidence brought forward by prosecutors was damning for Alfred. 'You were 270 times more likely than not to be a contributor to a mixed DNA profile found on screws for the fake rear number plate of the Audi while your left thumbprint was found on the number plate itself,' he said, the Herald Sun reports. Judge Palmer also noted that the stolen vehicle 'circled the block several times' before gunshots were fired. He said this suggested that Alfred and the driver were prowling for a specific person, most likely Mr Machar. Despite conceding that Alfred couldn't be found guilty of firing the weapon, Judge Palmer said he would be sentenced over the fact he 'had an understanding' of the shooting. Alfred was found guilty of theft, intentionally causing injury and possessing a firearm as a prohibited person. He received an 18 month non-parole period but has already served 264 days in custody. A child and an adult have died and three others have been rushed to hospital after a horror three car crash near a Sydney airport. Emergency crews were called to the intersection of Milperra Rd and Murray Jones Drive near Bankstown Aerodrome in Sydney's west about 7.45pm on Sunday night. NSW Ambulance Acting Superintendent, Dylan Snape, confirmed two people - an adult and a child - died at the scene while three others were taken to hospital. An ambulance spokesperson confirmed a man in his 50s and a primary school aged child were rushed to Westmead hospital in critical conditions. Another man was taken to Liverpool Hospital in a non-critical condition. A man in his 50s and a primary school aged child have been rushed to hospital in critical conditions after a horror crash on Sunday night (pictured) A black sedan involved in the crash had devastating damage to its left rear passenger door A white ute was seen nearby with damage to its front bonnet and bumper Acting Superintendent Snape said it was a 'a highly emotional scene for all first responders involved'. 'Not only NSW Ambulance but for Fire and Rescue firefighters and NSW Police, and we certainly want to recognise them for their efforts tonight,' he said at the scene. Pictures from the scene show the rear left passenger door of the sedan completely smashed in and a ute showing damage to it's bonnet and bumper. One man surrounded by paramedics was seen being put into the back of an ambulance with a brace secured around his neck. Police were seen inspecting the demolished sedan which had been forced over the curb and onto a nature strip. Both cars came to rest just outside of a business complex that includes a go-kart track and a badminton centre. Police blocked traffic from entering Murray Jones Drive and diverted eastbound traffic along Milperra Road. Tradies were also seen inspecting traffic lights at the intersection shortly after the incident while police and firefighters remained at the scene. The crash came just hours after the pilot of a light plane had to make an emergency crash landing at Bankstown Airport after the aircraft lost all power. Another man was taken to Liverpool Hospital in a non-critical condition Tradies were seen inspecting the traffic lights at the intersection where the crash occurred while police and firefighters remained at the scene (pictured) The pilot, Jake Swanepoel and his partner walked away unscathed after narrowly avoiding suburban homes, airport hangars and clipping a tree before belly landing on a runway. 'It was gliding, there was no power,' a shaken Mr Swanepoel, who has flown for almost 30 years, told 9News. 'We clipped the trees and just made it over the hangar.' His partner, Karin, said they didn't think they were going to make it to the runway. 'It was very, very close,' Karin said. 'It was scary and nerve-wracking because you were thinking about all these homes that you could potentially...you know, if you don't make the runway.' Tel Aviv has come under attack for the first time in months with at least eight rockets fired towards central Israel on Sunday originating from Gaza's far-southern city of Rafah, the Israeli military has confirmed. Hamas's military wing claimed responsibility for the attack on Sunday, according to Press Association. The Israel Defence Force (IDF) showed a map on X (formerly known as Twitter) shortly after 12pm on Sunday showing at least 26 locations where red alert sirens are in place, meaning residents should evacuate to a shelter. Photographs have emerged of commuters travelling at the time of the sirens starting taking cover next to their vehicles, in Herzliya. Areas affected by the sirens include the heavily populated areas of Petah Tikva, Herzliya and Kfar Saba. An AFP correspondent in the Gaza Strip reported seeing rockets being fired from Rafah, while the military said that 'some of the rockets were intercepted' by Israeli air defences. An official post from the IDF showed a photograph of the rockets overhead from the Rafah crossing, which lies around 60 miles away from Tel Aviv. An Israeli woman takes cover during rocket fire from the Gaza Strip near the city of Herzliya as air sirens were heard across central Israel for the first time in months A woman exits her car and lies close to the ground in Herzliya during the rocket attacks The IDF showed a map of at least 26 locations where red alert sirens are in place, meaning residents should evacuate to a shelter. Pictured: People take cover from the missiles in Herzliya An official post from the IDF showed a photograph of the rockets overhead from the Rafah crossing Posting on X, the IDF said: 'A barrage of rockets was launched from Rafah toward central Israel moments ago. 'Humanitarian aid has been going into Gaza through the Kerem Shalom Crossing this morning, and now rockets are being fired at central Israel.' There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage in what appeared to be the first long-range rocket attack from Gaza since January, although photographs have emerged showing some light damage to buildings in Herzliya. In a statement on its Telegram channel, the Hamas al-Qassam Brigades said the rockets were launched in response to 'Zionist massacres against civilians'. Earlier on Sunday, aid trucks entered Gaza from southern Israel through a new agreement to bypass the Rafah crossing with Egypt after Israeli forces seized the Palestinian side of it earlier this month. But it is unclear if humanitarian groups will be able to access the aid because of ongoing fighting in the area. Egypt refuses to reopen its side of the Rafah crossing until control of the Gaza side is handed back to Palestinians. It agreed to temporarily divert traffic through Israel's Kerem Shalom crossing, Gaza's main cargo terminal, after a call between US President Joe Biden and his Egyptian counterpart Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi. But that crossing has been largely inaccessible because of fighting linked to Israel's offensive in the nearby city of Rafah. Israel says it has allowed hundreds of trucks to enter, but United Nations agencies say it is usually too dangerous to retrieve the aid on the other side. A map on the official Israel X account shows where the air raid sirens are sounding for the first time in months across central Israel The remains of a rocket fired from Gaza lie on the pavement outside a school in Herzliya A member of the bomb squad of the Israeli police collects debris after a rocket fired by Palestinian militants struck The roof of a house in Herzliya was damaged when a rocket struck the building on Sunday A person stands in a room damaged after rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip towards Israel, amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas, in Herzliya, Israel The war between Israel and Hamas, now in its eighth month, has killed nearly 36,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials. Around 80 per cent of the population's 2.3 million people have fled their homes, with UN officials saying severe hunger is widespread and parts of the territory are experiencing famine. Hamas triggered the war with its October 7 attack into Israel, in which militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and seized 250 hostages. The terrorists are still holding some 100 hostages and the remains of around 30 others, with the remaining hostages released during a temporary ceasefire last year. This is a developing story, more to follow. The prestigious school on the Upper East Side fears there may be more victims A teacher at the elite New York school where Jeffrey Epstein once taught has resigned after being accused of sexually abusing a pupil for two years. Mara Naaman, 50, stepped down four days after Dalton School received a letter written 'on behalf of a former student' claiming the English teacher abused them between 2020 and 2022. Parents at the $61,000 a year private school were alerted three days later in an email from principal Jose De Jesus which warned them that there may be other victims. 'We are only providing the name of the teacher so anyone with relevant information can provide such information,' he wrote. 'Our priority is determining the veracity of these claims and determining whether there are other allegations of abuse from other members of the community.' Mother and former Fulbright Scholar Mara Naaman, 50, resigned from her job as an English teacher at Dalton School in New York four days after it received allegations of sexual abuse Principal Jose De Jesus told parents the school was trying to establish the number of victims A mother and former Fulbright scholar who described herself as a 'writer, scholar, humanist', Naaman was a tenured Assistant Professor of Arabic and Comparative Literature at Williams College in Massachusetts where she spent seven years before joining Dalton in 2017. At the school she taught English literature to ninth through 12th graders and was appointed a 'house advisor', responsible for 'creating a safe space for conversations around personal responsibility', according to the school's website. 'House Advisors not only advise on academic matters but are a 'sounding board' for students on all matters, including social and emotional issues,' it explains. 'Moreover, the House Advisor is the main contact between Dalton and the student's family.' Former students at the K-12 school include journalist Anderson Cooper, actresses Claire Danes and Tracee Ellis Ross, and actor Chevy Chase. The school gained notoriety during the trial of Jeffrey Epstein when it emerged that the billionaire pedophile had worked there as a physics and math teacher in 1973, tutoring the son of former Bear Stearns chairman Alan 'Ace' Greenberg among others. It was also at the center of a legal action against former principal Gardner Dunnan who was accused in a 2018 lawsuit of sexually abusing a 14-year-old student he took into his home in the 1980s. Dunnan allowed the girl to be admitted to the school without going through a formal application process, the lawsuit claimed. Given she couldn't afford the tuition, the lawsuit states that the girl was allowed to live with Dunnan and his wife provided she helped them with their newborn baby at their apartment near the school. Naaman, a Columbia University graduate, was among dozens of Dalton staff who signed an 'anti-racism manifesto' in 2020 demanding an overhaul of the curriculum before they would return to class after the pandemic. The eight-page document demanded the hiring of 12 dedicated diversity officers, giving half of all donations to New York's public schools, and the elimination of AP classes if black students' scores don't equal those of white students. School officials insisted the document was just a set of 'thought starters', and said it already had a 'commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism grounded in our deep appreciation for the dignity of all community members'. The school has reported the latest accusations to the police and have hired 'an external investigative firm T&M USA LLC, experts in the field of sexual misconduct to conduct an investigation'. The $61,000-a-year school on the Upper East Side boasts journalist Anderson Cooper, actresses Claire Danes and Tracee Ellis Ross, and actor Chevy Chase among its alumni The former Fulbright scholar, originally from Michigan, gave up a tenured role as Assistant Professor of Arabic and Comparative Literature at Williams College in Massachusetts before joining Dalton in 2017 'The school has clear policy and boundary guidelines for appropriate interactions with Dalton students,' De Jesus wrote. 'Currently at the time of hire, all employees are fingerprinted and we conduct a background check. 'Annually they attend boundaries and sexual harassment prevention trainings.' Naaman's sudden resignation has also alarmed some parents who were relying on her for college recommendations for their children. 'It was a very big surprise,' one former Dalton parent told the New York Post. 'Everyone has been talking about it but no one really knows what happened.' James Cleverly today apologised to a woman whose son was killed in the Manchester Arena terror attack after she accused the prime minister of misleading her over introducing law in his memory. The Home Secretary said he was 'particularly sorry' for Figen Murray, after plans to introduce 'Martyn's Law' before the summer were cancelled by the timing of the election. Ms Murray, whose son Martyn Hett was among the 22 killed in the 2017 blast at the Ariana Grande concert Murray said she felt 'let down' after the Prime Minister told her on Wednesday, just hours before he called the election, that he would introduce the legislation before the parliamentary summer break. Martyn's Law would require venues and local authorities in the UK to have training requirements and preventative plans against terror attacks. Asked whether the Government would apologise to Ms Murray, Mr Cleverly told Sky News's Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips programme suggested that whoever won the election it would be brought back later in the year. 'Of course we're sorry that not all the legislation has passed, and I'm particularly sorry that we weren't able to get Martyn's Law on the statute books before the General Election,' he said. Figen Murray met the Prime Minister in Downing Street on Wednesday morning, 16 days and 200 miles after setting off on a walk from the spot where her son Martyn Hett, 29, was killed alongside 21 others who attended an Ariana Grande concert in May 2017. Asked whether the Government would apologise to Ms Murray, Mr Cleverly told Sky News's Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips programme suggested that whoever won the election it would be brought back later in the year. 'But when I discussed with the family and the campaign group that it might straddle a General Election, that if we re-entered government we would prioritise this to get it on because it has taken longer than we would have wanted. 'And I said there is cross-party support, and I said I cannot envisage a world where this is not enacted, even if it is delayed because of a General Election.' Ms Murray met Mr Sunak for closed-doors talks about the legislation on Wednesday, the seventh anniversary of her son's death, after completing a 200-mile walk to Downing Street as part of her campaign. She said the Prime Minister had given his word that it would be introduced before the summer recess, but could not promise it would be passed before the next election. With Parliament prorogued and campaigning for the July 4 General Election under way, Ms Murray said she felt misled. Mr Sunak said on Friday he had not deceived Ms Murray because he could still honour the commitment, telling journalists accompanying him on his whistlestop two-day tour of the four nations: 'I said by summer recess and that will still be possible. 'The election is in the first week of July. Parliament will reconvene immediately after that, so there will still be time to bring that law in before summer recess, and that's what I remain committed to doing.' Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer avoided making a guarantee that his party would bring it to Parliament ahead of the summer recess, but said he would introduce the law 'as a priority' should he replace Mr Sunak in Number 10. A non-verbal 13-year-old boy is missing in West Yorkshire as police officers launch an urgent hunt to find him. Bailey Ferguson, who cannot communicate using speech and has autism, has not been seen since 11.30pm on Saturday, May 35. He is described as being five-foot tall, with a stocky build and light brown build. He is believed to be wearing a dark blue tracksuit with white features, white trainers and may also be wearing a dark blue hoodie. Bailey is said to be familiar with the LS16 postcode area of Leeds, as well as Holt Park Asda. Bailey Ferguson, 13, is non-verbal and autistic and has been missing since 11.30pm last night, West Yorkshire Police said A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Police said: 'Bailey Ferguson, 13yrs, has not been seen since 11.30pm last night. 'Bailey is 5ft, stocky build, light brown hair, wearing dark blue tracksuit with white on it, white trainers and possibly a dark blue hoody. 'Bailey is non verbal and autistic, he could become overwhelmed in an unfamiliar location or circumstances. 'He is familar with Holt Park Asda and the general LS16 area. 'If you have seen Bailey or know where he might be, please call 101 and quote 598 26/05/24.' At least 14 people, including two children aged two and five, have died after tornadoes ripped through northeastern Texas, Arkansas and Oklahoma over Memorial Day weekend. Seven of the fatalities, including the children, were in Cooke County, Texas, with three deaths occurring in a single household during the devastating twister, Sheriff Ray Sappington told CNN. As of Sunday afternoon, there were 20 individuals that sustained injuries, NBC Dallas Fort Worth reported. At least five people were killed in Arkansas, including a 26-year-old woman who was found dead outside a demolished home in Boone County. Another person died in Benton County, Arkansas, CBS reported, with officials confirming that multiple others were injured. Two people were also killed in Mayes County, Oklahoma due to the severe weather overnight, though details weren't immediately provided by the county's deputy director of emergency management Mike Dunham. Six others were injured. A decimated building at the Marina Circle on Lake Ray Roberts in Denton County, Texas A giant tornado is seen forming in Windhorst, Texas on Saturday. Twisters would go on to pass through areas surrounding the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth in the northeast of the state Across the central US and the Midwest, the severe weather has downed power for over 480,000 people and over 110 million Americans are under warnings for the calamitous fronts. Sappington said that most of the deaths in Texas occurred in a mobile home community called FRF Estates in Valley View, where crews continue to conduct search-and-rescue operations amid 'major damage,' WFAA reported. The twister also decimated the AP Travel Center in Valley View, where 60 to 80 people had driven to take shelter in the parking lot, in the bathrooms or in the Shell gas station that the storm has since reduced to rubble. Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick shared a statement late Sunday morning, announcing that state emergency response units had been activated. He also gave his condolences to the victims. 'Jan and I are praying for the first responders, families in all impacted areas, and victims who tragically lost their lives,' Patrick wrote on X. Outside of Cooke County, millions of Americans in mid-Mississippi and the Ohio and Tennessee River valleys are at risk of large hail storms, high-speed winds and tornadoes. People in Arkansas, Oklahoma and Kansas were also the victim of extreme weather on Saturday night, with more than 250,000 homes throughout the Plains and surrounding areas having lost power. Currently, nearly 500,000 customers in the lower-central US and the Midwest are without electricity, with the most affected state being Kentucky as the stormy weather moves east. More than 15 million Americans are under enhanced storm risk, most of them in big population centers like Indianapolis, Nashville, and Cincinnati. The 108th annual Indianapolis 500 was delayed by the impending thunder and lightning, and fans were asked to exit the grandstands. Meanwhile, local officials in Texas are picking up the pieces and continuing to search for possible victims. Sappington told WFAA Sunday morning that he expected the number of dead in Cooke County 'to go up.' A tornado ripped through this parking lot north of Denton, Texas Debris is strewn about in this parking lot and a man is seen roaming the damage early Sunday morning Pictured: The gas station in Valley View, Texas that 60 to 80 people sheltered near during the Saturday night tornado Denton County, Texas experienced a possible tornado that injured an unknown number of residents, flipped 18-wheelers and knocked down trees and powerlines, according to local officials The nearly 80 individuals at the AP Travel Center in Valley View were trapped until the storm passed further east, Sappington said. Some of the 20 total people that were injured were at the gas station within the travel center, but none of the injuries were life threatening. People's vehicles in the parking lot of the travel center were damaged or destroyed, leaving about 40 people stranded, though a bus eventually came and transported them somewhere else so they could be picked up by family members. Other parts of Texas around the Dallas Fort Worth area saw catastrophic destruction, including nearby Denton County, where a possible tornado injured an unknown number of residents, flipped 18-wheelers and knocked down trees and powerlines, CNN reported. Officials responded to a series of different locations, including 'homes and RV trailer parks,' Denton County spokesperson dawn Cobb said in a news release. Multiple homes in the neighboring city of Celina were also damaged by Saturday's 'apparent tornadic activity,' officials there said. Cooke County Sheriff Ray Sappington says he expects the death toll, which currently sits at six, will go up as search and rescue efforts continue Fox Dallas Fort Worth spoke with a Celina resident Kim Weston, who came home after the storm only to find that her home was destroyed. Weston's mother, who also lives in the area, was trapped in her home at the time but was later rescued, Fox reported. 'We have heard that everyone on the street is OK and unfortunately our house was a total loss, but you know we're grateful that we're ok,' Weston said. 'It was a godsend we weren't home. the neighbor across the street had an RV and it landed on our house the only part that's standing is where we would have been sheltered.' A probable tornado also swept through Rogers County, Oklahoma, near the city of Tulsa. The city of Claremore, a major municipality in that county, had 'a lot of damage,' authorities said, adding that electricity would be out for most residents for 'an extended period of time. WFAA obtained dramatic footage from two people driving straight through the tornado. They were identified as Valenia Gill and Brenda Procter Dance, and were driving south along I-35 toward the Texas town of Sanger at around 10:45 p.m. on Saturday. A home is reduced to nothing but a pile of debris in North Texas 'We're right in the middle of the tornado Brenda, what do I do? The car is shaking,' Valenia says, as the wind whips debris into their car. The gusts get stronger within seconds and the ladies stop the car, with Brenda repeating, 'Cover your head, cover your head.' Once the twister starts to die down a bit, Valenia keeps the car stopped and says, 'I don't want to go anywhere yet. I'm shaking.' As the various storms move into the Midwest, forecasters are saying there is a Level 3 of 5 risk of severe thunderstorms over parts of the Mississippi and Ohio valleys into Monday morning. That area could experience anywhere from EF2 to EF5 tornadoes as well. However, severe weather is lingering in the middle of the country, with a Level 4 to 5 risk of thunderstorms remaining in parts of Central and Southern Plains through Sunday morning. The thunderstorms forecasters expect to see in the Midwest by Sunday afternoon will grow and reach areas farther south and east through the evening and the nighttime hours. The width of the storm could stretch as north as the Great Lakes and as south as bits of Louisiana and the panhandle of Florida. This means major airport hubs in Chicago, Indianapolis, St. Louis and Nashville could be battered with heavy rain and lightning, leading to canceled and delayed flights on Memorial Day Weekend. Record-breaking heat waves will also be coming to the southern US during the holiday weekend. Houston, New Orleans, Miami, Mobile, Alabama; Tampa, Florida, and Charleston, South Carolina, are cities where temperatures will feel more like July than late May, CNN reported. Daily highs exceeding 115 degrees are possible in some areas, the Storm Prediction Center said. A war of words has broken out between Hamas and the Israeli military over claims the terrorist organisation 'killed, wounded and captured' an unidentified number of IDF soldiers in northern Gaza last night. Qassam Brigades spokesman Abu Obeida says Hamas fighters 'lured a Zionist force' into a tunnel in Jabalia camp. The Israeli military has denied the claim, Reuters reports. 'The IDF (Israeli Defence Forces) clarifies that there is no incident in which a soldier was abducted,' the military said in a statement. Hamas released a video late on Saturday showing a wounded man being dragged through a tunnel, but it did not provide any other evidence to substantiate its claim. The footage also shows what it purports to be military equipment assigned to an IDF soldier, including guns, helmets, protection vests and ammunition. A war of words has broken out between Hamas and the Israeli military over claims the terrorist organisation 'killed, wounded and captured' an unidentified number of IDF soldiers in northern Gaza last night. Pictured: IDF soldiers in southern Israel on 21 May The Israeli military denied the claim, issuing a statement saying 'there is no incident in which a soldier was abducted'. Pictured: An Israeli tank manouevres close to the Gaza Strip In a subsequent video statement, Obeida said: 'Our fighters lured a Zionist force into one of the tunnels in the Jabalia camp, trapping them in an ambush inside and at the entrance of this tunnel. 'They were able to clash with this force at point-blank range.' He added that Hamas fighters then set off explosive devices at the soldiers 'hitting them directly' and claiming all were 'killed, wounded and captured'. The comments by Obeida came hours after prospects for a resumption of mediated Gaza ceasefire talks grew on Saturday. An official with knowledge of the matter said a decision had been taken to resume the talks next week after the chief of Israel's Mossad intelligence agency met the head of the CIA and the prime minister of Qatar, Reuters reports. The source, who declined to be identified by name or nationality, said it had been decided that 'in the coming week negotiations will open based on new proposals led by the mediators, Egypt and Qatar and with active U.S. involvement.' A Hamas official later denied Israeli media reports the talks would resume in Cairo on Tuesday, telling Reuters: 'There is no date.' After more than seven months of war in Gaza, the mediators have struggled to secure a breakthrough, with Israel seeking the release of hostages held by Hamas and Hamas seeking an end to the war and a release of Palestinian prisoners in Israel. Israel began its operation in response to Hamas-led militants attacking the country on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people and seizing more than 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. MailOnline has reached out to the IDF for comment. President Joe Biden will address the verdict in Donald Trump's hush money case once it happens with his campaign pondering a new nickname for the former president if he's convicted. The president has, thus far, remained silent on the on-going case in New York. But that will change after the jury reaches its verdict. The exact wording is still being worked out but Biden will speak about the trial from the White House to show his statement isn't political, sources told Politico. Closing arguments in Trump's trial begin on Tuesday and there could be a verdict as early as this week. If the jury convicts Trump, Biden's re-election team will argue this shows Trump is unsuited for office. It may even refer to him online as 'Convicted Felon Donald Trump' - a move designed to infuriate the former president. President Joe Biden, who has been silent on Donald Trump's trial, will speak about it after the jury reaches its verdict A conviction does not require jail time. Judge Juan Merchan picks the punishment, which could include a fine, probation or a jail sentence. Trump would be expected to appeal. But, Biden's team is also preparing for an acquittal or hung jury, expecting a barrage of attacks from Trump and his Republican supporters. In either of those scenarios, Trump is likely to portray himself as having beaten an improper political prosecution. He has long claimed to be a victim of a political witch hunt. Not matter the verdict, Biden will argue the system works and the legal process should be respected. Trump's trial is in the final stages after more than a month of testimony. Prosecutors and his defense team will each present their closing arguments on Tuesday. The prosecution will argue that, in the weeks ahead of the 2016 election, Trump and his-then fixer Michael Coehn covered up a hush money payment to porn actor Stormy Daniels, who said she'd had an extramarital affair with Trump in 2006. Trump denies the affair. Trump is accused of falsifying business documents tied to that payment and faces 34 felony charges. His lawyers are expected to argue that the prosecutions' top witnesses - Cohen and Daniels - cannot be trusted. Hush money payments are not inherently illegal, the defense stated throughout trial, and Trump's side also claims the former president simply didn't want his wife Melania embarrassed. Donald Trump is accused of falsifying business documents tied to that payment and faces 34 felony charges The 12 jurors could head into their closed-door deliberations as early as Wednesday. The verdict could take anywhere from hours to days to reach. Whatever they decide, it will mark the first time a jury has ruled on criminal charges against a U.S. president, past or present. Trump's case has been a delicate scenario for Biden and his team to handle. Biden's son Hunter faces his own trials. Proceedings are set to begin in Delaware on June 3 on gun charges against the president's son. Special counsel David Weiss alleges that Hunter Biden unlawfully purchased and kept a Colt Cobra 388PL revolver for 11 days and made false statements on a form used for gun purchases, claiming he was not an unlawful drug user. Hunter also has been indicted on nine tax-related charges. Biden has stayed away from both men's trials to avoid perceptions of interference. President Biden faces another dilemma with son Hunter Biden's trial Additionally, neither Biden's re-election team nor political pundits see a Trump guilty verdict as having much of an impact on the presidential campaign. Many believe voters are not paying much attention to the Trump trial. And Trump's loyal MAGA supporters are not expected to be swayed. A recent CBS News/YouGov poll found that about three quarters of Americans report having heard or read at least some about the trial. But they were split almost 50-50 as to whether or not Trump is guilty. And a PBS Newshour/NPR/Marist poll in early May found that 55 percent of Americans said they weren't paying much attention to the case at all. Trump also faces more than 50 charges in three other indictments. Two involve claims of election interference and one relates to classified documents taken from the White House. Trial dates for those cases have not yet been set. The parents of a young festival-goer who was found dead with a hunting knife in his chest and his scalp separated from his body have revealed a new theory behind his death. The body of Jackson Stacker, 26, was found under a tree 120 metres from the Sleepy Hollow rest stop, 25 minutes north of Byron Bay, on August 25, 2021 with an 18cm hunting knife plunged in his chest. Even though his scalp and dreadlocks were over 10 metres away police treated the death as suicide. But in an interview with 60 Minutes on Sunday night, his grief-stricken parents Sandey MacFarlane and Ian Stacker argue that conclusion doesn't 'make sense' and raise the possibility of something much more sinister. They believe their son got involved with seedy characters on the drug scene in the idyllic coastal town's underbelly. 'Nothing made sense. I spoke to him the last day he was alive and he was fine,' Ms MacFarlane said. 'It just came across to us that there's, there's other possibilities of what could've happened here,' Ian said. In an interview with 60 Minutes on Sunday night, grief-stricken parents Sandey MacFarlane and Ian Stacker (pictured) argue a police conclusion about their son's death doesn't 'make sense' and raise the possibility of something much more sinister There is a haunting theory behind how Jackson Stacker (pictured) - whose body was found badly decomposed under a tree on August 25, 2021 - died 'We think that, perhaps he got involved with, at this doof, someone in the drug trade that had left some stuff in his van. 'You know, Jackson left that doof prematurely and left behind a few people that he transported there. 'Just the way that his van was found. It was totally trashed. You know, like, it was like it had been strip-searched.' Ian and Sandey believe Jackson's ransacked van suggests evidence of foul play. 'Everything was so violent. The van is not just messy, it was destroyed,' Ms MacFarlane added. If he was in a panic he wouldn't like a confrontation and I think that he was running.' The van was found at the Sleepy Hollow rest stop, 120 metres from where Jackson's body was discovered. Jackson had travelled to the idyllic Byron Bay in NSW from Melbourne, living out of a van and partying with friends. 'Everything was so violent. The van is not just messy, it was destroyed,' Ms MacFarlane added (pictured: Jackson's van) In a message to Sandey, he said he was mingling with 'beautiful' and 'intelligent' people. But his parents suspect something changed in the final month of his life and he may have been murdered. 'I think he was feeling used by certain people that were borrowing his van,' Sandey said. Friends told the program he had taken lsd and marijuana ... Cousin Ishtar Kenny said she had heard of 'things going on in Byron'. 'I've heard of different things going on in Byron in the last few years where all the young people have been very afraid because they've been involved in something,' she said. 'They didn't realise what it was and then they've been threatened or stuff like that. So I know it can happen in that area as well.' Jackson Stacker had been travelling in his Toyota Hiace van (pictured) since 2020 Mr Stacker's mum, Sandey MacFarlane insists her son did not take his own life, saying there was no history of suicide or poor mental health in their family Sandey and Ian believe Jackson may have run away from a confrontation and that is why he ended up in the paddock. Jackson's phone was never found in the initial investigation, but in a remarkable moment, 60 Minutes revealed its producer stumbled across a phone at the scene, within eyesight of where Jackson's body was found, during their own investigation into the story. It is not yet known to whom the phone belongs. Jackson had a Samsung phone, his parents said, and a week after he died it rebooted 200km further south near Grafton. For the next four days it connected with various cell towers, before returning to the Byron area where it stopped pinging on August 2. In their investigation, the police found Jackson was suffering mood swings and displayed erratic behaviour. Jackson also smoked marijuana and took LSD, which had affected the young man emotionally. Jackson had also been hospitalised in the past, treated for drug fuelled psychosis after bad reactions to mind altering substances, 60 Minutes revealed. Former homicide detective Gary Jubelin has evaluated the case and believes investigators did a thorough job looking into Jackson's death. 'Having worked homicide as long as I did, it's such a difficult area, there's a lot of emotions attached to it,' he said. 'It's not something that you can look at, uh, clinically and separate emotion. There is emotion involved. 'And looking at the steps that the police have taken during the course of this investigation, I think from a very early stage, they were looking at it as a potential homicide.' A coroner's findings into the manner and cause of Jackson's death is expected in the coming weeks. Passengers on a Qatar Airways flight rocked by turbulence as it approached Dublin Airport have revealed that flight attendants were injured during a terrifying five seconds which saw eight people hospitalised. Eight people have been taken to hospital after the aircraft experienced turbulence, injuring 12 on board. Now those onboard the plane have described how staff members were sent flying into the air, adding that they 'thought it was the end'. One man, who was on his way back from Perth, Australia, said that food and drink was scattered everywhere after the incident. He told RTE: 'I had to grab the seat in front, I had to put my seatbelt on.' Firefighters and a fire engine outside the a plane at Dublin airport which experienced turbulence over Turkey resulting in 12 people being injured Ambulances gathering around the plane which landed safely in Dublin airport at around 1pm. Eight passengers were taken to hospital after being checked over by medical staff The flightpath taken by the Qatar Airway plane. IT experienced turbulence over Turkey and 12 people were injured but have been attended by emergency crews ta Dublin Airport Eileen said that she had never had a worse experience onboard a flight and that her partner Tony was forced to hold her down as she had been taking a nap without a seatbelt on. 'I am not in a hurry to get back on a plane I can tell you,' she added. Meanwhile Cathal described how his meal had gone flying off his lap and that the turbulence had caused his shorts to be ripped. Paul Mocc explained how people had hit the roof during the chaos and that refreshments had ended up scattered all over the cabin. The passenger added that he had seen flight attendants limping with bandages on afterwards and that they had all handled the situation very well. Conor, who was on his way back from Thailand, also described staff going 'up in the air' when the plane suddenly dropped. And Emma recalled the fear and stress in people's faces during the turbulence. Earlier Dublin Airport said that six passengers and six crew members had been injured during the incident on the flight while it was flying over Turkey. Dublin airport has said it is continuing to provide medical assisstance to everyone on board Adam Dalton, a game developer was on the flight and described it as 'a bit of a shock' Tom took to Twitter/X to describe his experience saying that the captain was slow to explain what was happening but the air stewards were very helpful The flight experienced turbulence over Turkey a spokesperson for daa, the operator of Dublin Airport said In a statement, Dublin Airport said the Qatar Airways flight landed safely as scheduled shortly before 1pm on Sunday. Emergency services, including ambulances, were seen on the ground around the plane after it landed in the Irish capital. Passengers described food flying around and panic rippling through cabin but praised the air stewards on board. Kevin Cullinane, Deputy Director of Communications at daa, the operator of Dublin Airport said: 'The Dublin Airport team continues to provide full assistance on the ground to passengers and airline crew.' In an updated statement at 3pm, Dublin Airport said all passengers were assessed for injury before disembarking the plane, and eight were taken to hospital. 'Qatar Airways flight QR017 from Doha landed safely as scheduled at Dublin Airport shortly before 1300 on Sunday,' they said. 'Upon landing, the aircraft was met by emergency services, including airport police and our fire and rescue department, due to six passengers and six crew (12 total) on board reporting injuries after the aircraft experienced turbulence while airborne over Turkey. 'All passengers were assessed for injury prior to disembarking the aircraft. 'Eight passengers were subsequently taken to hospital.' One of the passengers on the flight, Paul Mocc told Irish broadcaster RTE that he saw people 'hitting the roof' and food and drink going everywhere. He said he saw crew members limping around afterward with bandages on but he said they did a really good job of continuing the flight service. Adam Dalton, a game developer was on the flight and described it as 'like a rollercoaster drop'. He added that it felt like it lasted three to five seconds and food and drink were everywhere. 'All a bit of a shock' he said. Tom wrote on Twitter, formerly X that there was panic when the aeroplane hit turbulence. He said: 'Captain very slow to explain what happened, said was evaluating what to do next, and then didn't hear another word from him, just kept going to Dublin. Stewards were great after initial panic though.' A spokesperson for Qatar Airways said: 'Qatar Airways can confirm that flight QR017 a Boeing B787-9 from Doha to Dublin has landed safely. A small number of passengers and crew sustained minor injuries in flight and are now receiving medical attention. 'The matter is now subject to an internal investigation. The safety and security of our passengers and crew are our top priority.' It comes after a British man died on a Singapore Airlines flight after extreme turbulence on a Heathrow-Singapore journey. Geoffrey Kitchen, a 73-year-old musical theatre director from Gloucestershire died from a suspected heart attack, officials said. Geoffrey Kitchen, 73, ran the Thornbury Musical Theatre Group in Bristol The 73-year-old died from a suspected heart attack, Thai officials said. His wife is believed to be in hospital Pictured: Passengers are seen in the cabin after the incident today, with belongings strewn across the floor and oxygen masks dangling from above More than 70 people were injured in the incident, with Mr Kitchen's wife Linda thought to be among those in hospital, she suffered serious spinal injuries. The retired insurance worker and his wife were heading abroad on a six-week holiday of a lifetime to South East Asia, Indonesia and Australia when disaster struck around 11 hours into their flight from Heathrow. The aircraft hit an air pocket and plummeted an astonishing 6,000ft in just five minutes, with the sudden drop unleashing mayhem onboard and forcing the plane to make an emergency landing at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi airport. Terrified passengers have described how they had little to no warning to put their seatbelts on before the aircraft suddenly dropped while the crew were serving breakfast, with one passenger saying people were 'launched into the ceiling' as the plane fell through the sky. Of the 211 passengers and 18 crew on board, Thai authorities said 71 people had been sent for treatment, six of whom were seriously injured, with many sustaining lacerations to the head as they were thrown upwards. Close friend Steve Dimond, 73, who lives a few doors down from Mr Kitchen's three-bed home in leafy Thornbury, said: 'You wouldn't know it, he carried on as normal and was very fit and active. 'He was very involved with amateur dramatics and was helping me make scenery for our new production. 'He was a good singer, a fine actor, he was on the committee, he loved musical theatre. 'He and his wife like live music, all sorts, folk jazz, everything. He's known his wife since they were teenagers, they are a lovely couple.' Qatar Airways ran into difficulty in February last year when one of its Boeing Dreamliners came within seconds of hitting the water after taking off from Hamad International Airport, the carrier's hub in Doha. The 787-8, registration A7-BCO, departed Doha at 2am on January 10 (11pm GMT, January 9), bound for Copenhagen. But leaving the ground the Dreamliner, with the first officer in control, climbed to around 1,800 feet but then lost 1,000 feet within 24 seconds for reasons unknown, according to the AV Herald. With the aircraft descending at a rate of 50 feet a second, the captain took over, pulling the aircraft up at around 800 feet or 16 seconds - above the Persian Gulf, narrowly missing a crash into the sea. The airline launched an investigation into the incident. Bride Katherine Asplundh has made her return to Instagram after shutting down her account when she was put on blast for attempting to bully another user into giving up her username. The Instagram bully, whose maiden name is Driscoll, married Cabot Asplundh, 27, of the Pennsylvania billionaire tree trimming family at a reception in Palm Beach, Florida, four weeks ago. She went viral in early May after aggressively messaging a stranger who shares her married name, demanding she hand over her handle, @katherineasplundh. The exchange prompted netizens to take the other Katherine's side, creating dozens of fake accounts with various spellings of the billionaire's wife's name, claiming every possible username option that includes either her maiden or married name. After her threatening DM conversation was leaked, Katherine deactivated her Instagram amid the backlash. She had 14,600 followers at the time. Now, the want-to-be influencer is back on Instagram - but has yet to post anything since the allegations came to light. The want-to-be influencer has gone viral after she aggressively messaged a stranger who shares her married name and demanded she hand over her Instagram handle - @katherineasplundh After the happy couple exchanged vows, the new Asplundh reached out another to woman of the same name in hopes of purchasing a new Instagram account name Unfortunately for the newlyweds, Asplundh's quest to acquire the Instagram handle has seemingly failed as her maiden name, @katherineasplundh, remains as her username. Despite the negative attention, Katherine has continued to post on her TikTok account @lostetiquette. Internet users dug up an old TikTok posted by Katherine, mocking new wives who can't wait to update their name on social media. 'Something that low key bothers me is when girls get married and it's not even like 10 minutes after they do their vows and they're like "Oh! going on my Instagram! Let me change my last name already,' Katherine said in a now-deleted TikTok. She then says she's 'probably going to wait a couple of months' to change her name.' 'I just think it's a little bit a lot when I see girls change it before I even knew they were f***ing married, like chill,' Katherine ironically explained.' Unfortunately for the newlyweds, Asplundh's quest to acquire the Instagram handle has seemingly failed as her maiden name, @katherineasplundh, remains as her username The exchange has prompted netizens to take the other Katherine's side, creating dozens of fake accounts with various spellings of the billionaire's wife's name, ultimately taking away every possible username option that includes either her maiden or married name Despite her rant about new wives, Katherine contacted Kate, owner of her desired IG handle asking if she could buy it, which is actually a violation of the platform's terms of service. Kate refused and explained how she feared selling the username would get her 'banned from Instagram'. This prompted Katherine to launch a tirade against her. Kate claims she was initially open to changing her username but decided against doing so after Katherine 'came off snarky,' later shared the exchange online. In the now-viral exchange, Katherine starts by asking if she can buy the Instagram handle. 'Hi I was wondering if I could purchase your username from you,' she wrote. 'Just got married and this in my new name!' Kate replied: 'That's my name too. I just googled and it said selling my username would get me banned from Instagram.' In reaching out to the woman known only as Kate, who has since shared the messages on social media, the newlywed has unintentionally gone viral In reaching out to the woman known only as Kate, who has since shared the messages on social media, the newlywed has unintentionally gone viral Asplundh then continues to question the legitimacy of her name, who confirms she is not American Katherine Asplundh, formerly Driscoll, married Cabot Asplundh, 27, at a reception in Palm Beach, Florida weeks ago But Katherine pushed back, saying: 'I purchased my username in the past actually that's not true. Celebrities do it all the time that's how they all have their handles as their full names. 'So weird, I didn't know there was another Asplundh's family out there. There [are] no Katherine Asplundh in our family.' She then adds: 'I see that you're not that active on here but started Instagram in 2018 but changed your username three times? Is there anyway I can get you to change your username one more time?' Kate responds, explaining that the @katherineasplundh account is her so-called 'finsta', a term that refers to a 'fake' or secondary account that users create to share content just with close friends and family. The conversation turns sour, with Katherine seemingly questioning Kate's identity. 'I actually don't believe that your name is Katherine Asplundh who would make their finsta their actual name?' Katherine wrote. 'I reported you to Instagram and they're actually able to tell me your real name I really hope I don't know you because that's gonna be really embarrassing for you.' Kate asks the influencer to report her, but Katherine confirms that she and her new husband have already done so. Katherine then continues to question the legitimacy of Kate's name, alleging that her husband's family are the only Asplundhs in the US. Kate confirms she is not American, to which Katherine replies: 'Do you have proof that this is your name? Would love to see that.' Kate then tells Katherine that if she had been nice about it, she would have considered giving her the account name for free. She hits back at the influencer, saying: 'But you weren't. I reported you for asking me to sell my account and another for harassing me. Have a good day.' Speaking to the Philadelphia Inquirer, Kate told the outlet: 'I was open to giving her my username. 'I just didnt want to sell it because that would get me banned. After I replied to her, her messages came off snarky so I told myself, "OK, this isnt worth it".' Kate eventually tells Asplundh that if she had been nice about it, she would have considered giving her the account name for free Katherine is seen with her wedding party at her recent nuptials in Florida According to her social media pages, Katherine is originally from New Vernon, New Jersey, having studied at College of Charleston. Her TikTok page, named Lost Etiquette, boasts over 80,000 followers with over 5.5 million likes on her profile. The family that she married into founded Asplundh Tree Expert, which in 2021 reported revenue of over $5.4 billion dollars. The tree trimming company was founded by three brothers from Sweden - Lester, Griffith and Cabot's great grandfather Carl Asplundh. Cabot's father Chris Asplundh is currently the company's CEO. Katherine and Cabot met in Prague while Katherine was studying aboard and connected over growing up at the Jersey Shore, according to their wedding website. Two years later, Cabot proposed to her in Mantoloking, New Jersey. Their extravagant wedding registry included a $600 blender and cash donations for their St Bart's honeymoon, as well as for furnishing their home. Former Senate candidate and celebrity surgeon Dr Mehmet Oz is part of the family by marriage, with his wife Lisa's grandfather cofounding the family business in 1928 with his two brothers. Cabot proposed to her in Mantoloking, New Jersey two years after they met The family that she married into founded Asplundh Tree Expert, which in 2021 reported revenue of over $5.4 billion dollars Celebrity fitness expert Tracy Anderson is also married into the family after she wed Chris Asplundh in 2015. The company, which maintains trees for electric utilities, municipalities and others, is run by the third generation of Asplundhs and owned by nearly 200 family members, who are collectively worth at least $3 billion, according to Forbes. Kate, who only told The Inquirer that her name was Katherine J. Asplundh, shared the exchange onto Reddit, telling the outlet: 'The whole thing just seemed silly and ridiculous to me. I thought theyd have a laugh and that would be it.' One user commented: 'Legitimately insane behavior "I don't believe that's your name" HUH?!?!.' Another posted: 'The pivot from hey girly to let me see your birth certificate gave me whiplash.' While another said: 'Omg this is crazy- she married into a billionaire family and is acting like theyre the only ones allowed to have that last name wtf.' Since then, Katherine's social media pages have been filled with comments and she reportedly had to privatize her page, before making it public again. Former Senate candidate and celebrity Dr Mehmet Oz is part of the family by marriage, with his wife Lisa's grandfather co-founding the family business in 1928 According to Instagram, users are forbidden from buying, selling, or transferring 'any aspect of your account'. Despite this, an investigation by Vox shone the light on an entire economy of people selling and buying names on dedicated online marketplaces. Social media handles are supposed to be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis but in some cases celebs have used their influence to pass these rules. In 2019, Kevin Keiley of West Sussex claimed that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle took his @sussexroyal handle. Instagram said that the account name being reassigned was due to Keiley's being inactive. Thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters took to the streets of Melbourne and Sydney on the weekend. The rallies were condemning Israel's war in Gaza and demanding the Albanese government take further action to sever ties with the Netanyahu government. The demonstrations on Sunday cap off a week of diplomatic blows for the Jewish state, after the United Nation's two highest courts delivered separate reprimands, admonishing Israel's military offensive in Gaza. On Friday, the International Court of Justice ordered that Israel halt any actions inside Rafah, the southernmost city in Gaza, 'which may inflict on the Palestinian group in Gaza conditions of life that could bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part'. Thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters have taken to the streets of Melbourne and Sydney, condemning Israel's war in Gaza and demanding the Albanese government take further action to sever ties with the Netanyahu government (pictured) The demonstrations on Sunday cap off a week of diplomatic blows for the Jewish state, after the United Nation's two highest courts delivered separate reprimands, admonishing Israel's military offensive in Gaza While the ICJ's ruling takes its wording from the UN's convention on genocide, it does not order Israel to halt all military operations in Rafah. Rather, it is limited to those military actions that would result in the complete or partial destruction of the people of Rafah, where thousands of civilians and units of Hamas militants remain. The order made by the ICJ is binding, however, the court has no means to enforce its ruling and there is no chance that Israel will comply. As Israel has expanded its military onslaught of Rafah in recent weeks in an attempt to root out the last of the Hamas militants taking refuge in the city, more than 800,000 Palestinians have fled the city, deepening the humanitarian crisis inside Gaza. Responding to the ICJ's ruling, Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive Peter Wertheim argued that Israel had taken more precautions than any other country in conflict to avoid harm to civilians. 'There is no gentle way of dealing with the butchers and rapists of Hamas. Their capacity for murder and mayhem needs to be destroyed, root and branch,' Mr Wertheim said. 'No democratic country faced with similar circumstances would disempower itself in the face of terrorists, or should call on Israel to do so.' But Australian Palestinian Action Network president Nasser Mashni said continued Israeli military operations demanded the Australian government take further action including via sanctions, an end to weapons export permits and cutting diplomatic ties with Israel. 'The ICJ cannot enforce these rulings - that is the work of the international community, including the Australian Government,' Mr Mashni said. 'The Australian Government must stop hiding behind diplomatic niceties and preaching about human rights, and instead take meaningful action to apply pressure to this rogue state to compel it to end its atrocities.' Pictured: protesters carry a sign that reads 'Jews in Solidarity: Palestine Will Be Free' Federal cabinet minister Chris Bowen said the Australian government supported the ICJ's ruling. 'Rafah has been the closest thing we have to a haven for people escaping within Gaza,' he said. 'We have been very consistent that Rafah should not be attacked. 'We are very consistent that the rulings, the binding rulings of the ICJ should be abided by all parties - including Israel.' The ruling is separate to an application made by the International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor on Monday seeking arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, alongside senior Hamas figures. The ICC is yet to rule on the applications, and a decision could take several months. The ICJ, which is based in the Dutch city of The Hague, rules on disputes between states, in this case between Israel and South Africa, the latter of which has petitioned the court on four separate occasions to halt the former from continuing its military offensive in Gaza. The ICJ's determination follows the October 7 attacks by Hamas on Israel that left 1200 dead, most of them civilians, with the listed terrorist organisation taking a further 250 hostages. In response, Israel has waged a military offensive inside the enclave to eradicate Hamas, resulting in the deaths of more than 35,000 people, most of whom are civilians, according to Palestinian health authorities. Approximately 121 hostages, alive and dead, remain in the enclave. National security is being jeopardized by a wave of Chinese and Russian nationals sneaking onto US military bases, a top Navy admiral has warned. US Fleet Forces Commander Daryl Caudle said that attempted infiltrations are happening 'two or three times a week' at Navy bases alone. More than 100 attempts were made by Chinese nationals alone last year, with the perpetrators often claiming to be innocent tourists when caught. 'This thing of our military bases getting penetrated by foreign nationals is happening more and more,' Caudle told Fox News. 'This is Russian, it's Chinese it comes from all these different nations.' US Fleet Forces Commander Daryl Caudle said foreign nationals are now attempting unauthorized to access US naval bases two or three times a week An unnamed illegal Chinese national was arrested at California's twenty nine Palms Marine Corps base in March after he 'ignored orders to leave' 'A lot of times they have passports, they have papers, but they are in no way shape or form authorized to be on our base and it's really hard for us to tell the underlying motive in these types of cases.' Operatives from Communist China have been caught scuba diving close to Cape Canaveral, wandered on to a missile launch site in New Mexico, and claimed to be looking for Holiday Inn when caught at an Army base in Alaska. In 2019, three Chinese nationals were sentenced to prison for illegally taking photographs of military infrastructure at the NAS Key West Navy base in Florida. That same year two Chinese citizens were expelled from the U.S. after attempting to drive on to the Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story in Virginia Beach, reported the Virginia Pilot. But most foreign nationals who are caught are cited, given small fines and asked not to return, as trespassing is generally not considered a federal crime. 'This is something we see probably two or three times a week, where we're stopping these folks at the gate, and this is just the Navy alone,' Caudle said 'And usually, the cover story is I'm a student, I'm an enthusiast I want to see the ships that type of thing. 'We have to turn them around and typically we will get the NCIS involved we will get biometrics of possible.' Concern about Beijing's intentions has ballooned in response to an 8,000 percent increase in Chinese nationals known to have crossed the southern border in the last three years. It comes amid an 8,000 percent increase in Chinese nationals known to have crossed the southern border in the last three years More than 24,000 have been intercepted in the current financial year the House Committee on Homeland Security reported last month, and more asylum claims are approved for Chinese migrants than any other nationality. Emily Harding, a former official with the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, told WSJ that the Chinese spy operation is more of a numbers game. 'The advantage the Chinese have is they are willing to throw people at collection in large numbers,' she said. Rep. Glenn Grothman, R-Wis, claims even ordinary Chinese tourists are urged to spy on trips to the US by their government 'If a few of them get caught, it will be very difficult for the US government to prove anything beyond trespassing, and those who don't get caught are likely to collect something useful.' The Navy was rocked in January when Petty Officer Wenheng Zhao, 26, was sentenced to 27 months in prison after spying for China at Naval Base Ventura County in California for more than 18 months. The officer was arrested at the same time as fellow naturalized citizen Jinchao Wei, who was seized aboard the San Diego-based USS Essex and faces trial on spying charges in December. But Rep. Glenn Grothman, R-Wis, of the House Oversight Committee said even ordinary Chinese tourists were pressured by their government to record items of military significance on trips to the US. 'When you're talking about the number of Chinese coming across the southern border, not that they're all here doing intelligence research, but when it goes up by a factor of 80 in one year, you've got to wonder what's going on here,' he told Dailymail.com last week. 'So it's of particular concern because it's so easy now to get in here. I mean, in essence, the United States has an open border. Petty Officer Wenheng Zhao, 26, was sentenced to 27 months in prison after spying for China at Naval Base Ventura County in California for more than 18 months Jinchao Wei, a fellow naturalized former Chinese citizen, was arrested in August aboard the USS Essex and will face trial on spying charges in December 'There's no time more tempting for foreign countries to come in here and say, 'let's poke around and get information on American military bases'. 'Why would a country be sending people here who are taking pictures of military bases or what have you unless it was for in preparation for or contingency for some either terrorist act, or even concerned about war,' the Wisconsin lawmaker added. 'If you were coming to United States, either for a job or for tourist reasons, I don't think you'd be hanging around outside military bases.' A spokesperson with the Chinese embassy in DC has dismissed claims that its nationals are targeting US bases as 'purely ill-intentioned fabrications'. 'We urge the relevant US officials to abandon the Cold War mentality, stop groundless accusations, and do more things that are conducive to enhancing mutual trust between the two countries and friendship between the two peoples,' Liu Pengyu said. National Service plans laid out by Rishi Sunak today gathered mixed reactions from voters - but some of the 18-year-olds it would apply to think it could be a winner. Under plans that will be in the Conservative manifesto all 18-year-olds would have to do paid military service for a year or unpaid community work one weekend a month. The Prime Minister and his senior team said the scheme would benefit those involved, with Home Secretary James Cleverly saying it would get them 'out of their bubble' and boost social cohesion. In Rishi's hometown of Southampton, as well as in London and Newcastle voters of all ages spoke to MailOnline to give their take on the radical plan. Many teenagers said they think it is a good idea and could give people their age some direction but others feel it is a 'big ask'. Under plans that will be in the Conservative manifesto all 18-year-olds would have to do paid military service for a year or unpaid community work one weekend a month. James Cleverly said that in other countries with similar schemes there is a 'very, very wide scope, take-up, acceptance and enthusiasm for this'. Older voters also expressed mixed views, with some hoping it could 'help kids with their lives' while others called it a 'gimmick'. Max Ferber, 18, from London, thought the plan was a 'good idea' and could be 'beneficial overall' for his age group and the country. He said: 'I know that other countries do the exact same thing, in particular the Norwegian countries. I think it's a good thing to have people do a service for your country, whether it's voluntary work or military work and I think it's beneficial overall.' Although Max, who has considered joining the military himself, is supportive of the idea, he expressed doubt that others his age would get on board with it. 18-year-old Max Ferber from London agrees and thinks the plan is a 'good idea' and would be 'beneficial overall' for his age group and the country Mother to two teenagers, Karen, said she would hate her sons to be in the forces but understands how the plan could give young people 'focus' and 'discipline' He said: 'I think it's a good idea, but I don't know how well it will go in practice. I just think that a lot of people probably think it's a waste of time. I personally don't. I think it would be good, but I think a lot of people would rather just focus on themselves. 'I think there's a push away from military use anyway in recent years and, I think some people argue against it and think that there's a need to have a big military. Others would say we could get rid of it totally. I just think that most 18-year-olds don't want to be in the military.' Mother to two teenagers Karen said: 'I think there's an element of that which is useful but as a mum of two sons, I would worry. I would hate my sons to be in the forces, that's something that would really frighten me. 'But I can see there being a relevance for it because there are 18-year-olds who don't have direction. Maybe that would give them some direction. Focus, discipline, that type of thing.' She added that youngsters in today's culture 'where we are a lot freer in our choices' may find the plan to 'regulatory'. Rob Docherty, 50, thinks it is a 'great idea' after being positively impacted by doing voluntary work himself at the National Trust. He said: 'I get so much out of it and it's hard work. It's real physical graft.' Rob Docherty, 50, thinks it is a 'great idea' after being positively impacted by doing voluntary work himself at the National Trust Firuza Shukurova, 31, from Azerbaijan, shared the same view that national service could be good for the younger generation and allow them to see 'real life and reality' Rob noticed that young people from inner cities who volunteer alongside him always leave with 'joy on their faces' after finding a sense of togetherness with each other and believes that national service could have the same effect. 'I've spoken to lots of people in Spain, Italy, Croatia, even Russia, that have national service as a definite thing that they have to do it. The guys and girls that do that seem to be more rounded individuals afterwards. Poll Do YOU think National Service should be brought back? Yes No Do YOU think National Service should be brought back? Yes 10196 votes No 5264 votes Now share your opinion 'They seem to be less resentful about the world in general because it makes them see a little bit of life that maybe they wouldn't have seen before. So I think it's a great idea.' Firuza Shukurova, 31, from Azerbaijan, shared the same view that national service could be good for the younger generation and allow them to see 'real life and reality'. She said: 'I think that it's not a bad thing, especially for this generation. They need some kind of social service to see the real life and reality.' However, she thinks that teenagers would be too 'scared' to take part. James Cleverly has confirmed that the military service would only be a 'small part' of the scheme and that those teens who refused to take part would not be jailed or face any other criminal sanctions. Speaking to the BBC he raised the prospect of non-military service taking the form of acting as unpaid special constables, St John's Ambulance medics or environmental workers. Mr Sunak said the 'reinvented' scheme would 'provide life-changing opportunities for our young people' In an article announcing the plan in the Mail on Sunday, Mr Sunak said he looks forward to his own two daughters doing their National Service (pictured: Mr Sunak with wife Akshata Murty, right, and daughters Krishna, second left, and Anoushka, second right, with dog Nova in May 2023) The shock move, which is modelled on systems already in place across Europe, galvanised the first full week of the election campaign. Mr Cleverly said that in other countries with similar schemes there is a 'very, very wide scope, take-up, acceptance and enthusiasm for this'. The Conservatives would want to make sure the programme 'fits with different people's attitudes and aspirations', Mr Cleverly said, adding: 'Too many people live within a bubble within their own community.' Mr Sunak today said the 'reinvented' scheme would 'provide life-changing opportunities for our young people', and declared: 'As a father, I look forward to my own two daughters doing their National Service: I think they will find it a rewarding experience.' He added: 'Being British is about more than just the queue you join at passport control.' In response to Mr Sunak's proposal, teens in his hometown of Southampton, Hants, said whilst the scheme would be good for increasing work experience among youths - it may not be accepted by all and should not be mandatory. Hugo Marcus-Chen, 19, described the proposed policy as a 'positive thing' for younger people who need a steer in the right direction. He said: 'Joining the army, royal navy, police force, I think it's quite good experience. 'It's good for those who are involved in bad things. It's better than working part time, you're also helping people out, as well. 'If you're in bad place then it's a good way to sort of turn your life around.' The mechanical engineering apprentice said he has heard a lot about the benefits of joining the Royal Navy and said national service would be a good way to develop experience across different industries. Hugo Marcus-Chen, 19, described the proposed policy as a 'positive thing' for younger people who need a steer in the right direction Student Shannon Vaugn also believed the service would be a good way to gain insight into the military Student Tom Levett admitted he has never had any interest in joining the military and said the proposal is a 'big ask' for young people. His father Richard called it a 'gimmick' Student Shannon Vaugn also believed the service would be a good way to gain insight into the military. 'I wouldn't mind doing it, especially because I want to go into the forces,' the 17 year old said. 'I think it would be a good opportunity to test it, but at the same time not many people our age [would want to]. 'I think it's a good opportunity for young people to know what they want to do, there's not many things that steer us in a direction. 'But, I think that young people that don't want to do it could mess it up for people that do want to. I think it should be more of an option than mandatory.' Another 17-year-old Southampton college student, who wished to remain anonymous, said the policy could be both positive and negative for young people. 'I wouldn't mind working at the NHS - I suppose it's helpful,' she said. 'If it helps I would be happy to do it but I don't know much about it all. 'But, what happens if you're working? Is it manageable with studying? I suppose if it goes towards your work experience that could be helpful.' Student Tom Levett admitted he has never had any interest in joining the military and said the proposal is a 'big ask' for young people. The 18-year-old said: 'I don't see many people going for it.' His father, Richard, said: 'I think it's a gimmick. It's a big ask and the fact you're having to do it voluntarily. 'I kind of understand the sentiment in one respect, trying to bring back a sense of national identity.' The 55 year old hedge fund trader said this is something that has been 'eroded for decades'. 'When I was my son's age, it was in the 1980s, and it was a very different world to what it is today,' he said. 'I think it's a gimmick, and who's going to fund it? It's going to cost billions.' The Tories estimate the programme will cost 2.5 billion a year by the end of the decade and plans to fund 1 billion through plans to 'crack down on tax avoidance and evasion'. They said the remaining 1.5 billion will be paid for with money previously used for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), which is a package to support charities and community groups. engineering student Jacob Skehan, 21, said he would 'happily do one or two weekends a month helping the NHS' Student Grace Greenway, 21, who studies history at Newcastle University, thinks the plan is 'terrible' In Newcastle, engineering student Jacob Skehan, 21, said: 'I would happily do one or two weekends a month helping the NHS or something similar if it meant doing my bit. That would be fine for me. 'I think a lot of my pals would have been relaxed about it if it got brought in when we were younger. 'A lot of younger people will probably say "yes, we will do it if you want us to", but I'm not sure if it's something that would excite them. 'I think asking people to do a bit every so often is fine, but joining the army might be too much for some people. One young woman, 20, who wished to remain anonymous, said: 'It will expand skills among young people so I agree with getting younger people into the NHS or into the policing service for a year. 'I'm not sure many people will agree with having to join the army but I still see where the government are coming from. It's also something that other countries have so it's not exactly brand new.' However, fellow student Grace Greenway, who studies history at Newcastle University, thinks Rishi Sunak has scored an own goal. The 21-year-old said: 'I think it's terrible. A lot of young people don't agree with the Tories anyway so I don't think this will help things. 'We're not in the 1940s and I think a lot of people aren't going to listen when it comes to joining the army service. 'The Prime Minister is saying it will help the youths who need more discipline but at that age, you're focusing on other things such as career paths. 'It's a campaign tactic and I've already seen people on the internet mocking it. There are other things to be worrying about.' Jack Dixon, an 18-year-old chef, will just miss out on being called up should the Conservatives remain in power but says he doesn't agree with it Sam Harrison, 76, used to be part of the territorial army as a teenager and believes National Service could 'help kids with their lives' Jack Dixon, an 18-year-old chef, will just miss out on being called up should the Conservatives remain in power. He said: 'I don't agree with it. I don't see how it's fair to get people to do this sort of thing if they already have stuff planned out. 'I would be a bit worried about it if I was 17 about to turn 18. I don't think my friends would appreciate it being brought in either.' However, the older generation in the city think the idea can only benefit the country. Sam Harrison, 76, used to be part of the territorial army as a teenager. The retired council worker, originally from Cockermouth, Cumbria, said: 'I think it's a good thing because it might help the kids with their lives. 'Whether it's within the community or the military, I don't see what harm it would do. 'I was in the territorials for a lot of years and it did me no harm. It taught me how to get on with people and how to work with them.' The plan to reintroduce National Service was drawn up in secret, with only Mr Sunak's close advisers National Service was first introduced after the Second World War for all able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 21 The plan to reintroduce National Service was drawn up in secret, with only Mr Sunak's close advisers understood to include former Tory leader William Hague privy to the details. In their confidential 40-page plan, the advisers argued that the growing international threats posed by countries such as Russia and China needed to be addressed by beefing up our Armed Forces as did the listlessness of many young adults. Nearly 750,000 18 to 24-year-olds are currently out of work, and this age group is disproportionately represented in the criminal justice system. In his article for the Mail on Sunday, Mr Sunak writes: 'Our pride in our United Kingdom should not blind us to the challenges it faces. One of those is that generations of young people have not had the opportunities, or experiences, they deserve and too much potential is wasted in purposeless lives of crime or unemployment.' He adds: 'We must do more for our young people and our young people must do more for our country. After all, our country is only as strong as what we all contribute to it. This new National Service will give the coming generation an opportunity to learn valuable life skills while contributing to our country. 'For some, it will open their eyes to potential careers. For others, it will forge a culture of service that will make our society stronger and more cohesive.' National Service was first introduced after the Second World War for all able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 21. More than two million were conscripted to the Armed Forces between 1949 and 1963 MP's from various parties and political commentators have been wading in on the conversation with views just as mixed as those of voters. Labour's Rachel Reeves branded it a 'gimmick' and Reform UK president Nigel Farage said it was a 'joke' and 'totally impractical'. Bill Maher and Megyn Kelly got into a tense argument over her support for former President Donald Trump and how much emphasis should be placed on the fact that many Republican voters deny the results of the 2020 election. Maher went on Kelly's SiriusXM radio show Tuesday, and the two started off surprisingly cordial, remarking that they both lacked a 'political home.' But when Kelly, who is a registered independent, said she would be voting for Trump in 2024, that set the liberal comedian off. 'Well, I mean, I can't even understand that, and I understand that Biden is deeply flawed, but he does believe in our way of life.' President Joe Biden has the support of Maher, who told Newsweek in March that he would vote for 'Biden's head in a jar of blue liquid' over Trump. Bill Maher and Megyn Kelly opposite one another on her SiriusXM show Trump has actually commented on Kelly's support for him, saying she was 'making a career' by 'pretending' to like him. The ex-Fox News host's feud with Trump goes back to when Kelly moderated a 2016 presidential debate and asked him a pointed question about how he treats women. Nonetheless, her support for Trump got Maher to repeatedly condemn what happened during the 2020 election. Maher said that Trump's refusal to concede the election and his claims of it being fraudulently stolen from him amount to him violating norms that have kept the country together from the beginning. 'What could possibly be more fundamental to you or anyone, than you have to concede elections?' Maher asked Kelly. 'And he hasn't conceded the last one. He's plainly not going to concede this one. 'He now has all of his sycophants around him parroting his party line, which is when they ask them, "Will you abide by the election results?" "Yes, if it's a free and fair election," which is another way of saying, "If we win." 'You really think this is a place this country should be?' Kelly responded by saying she wouldn't defend 'election denialism.' 'I'm not one of those people who believes that,' Kelly added. As of December 2023, 31 percent of Republicans believe that Biden legitimately won the 2020 election. The same poll sees a drop from December 2021 to December 2023 in all parties regarding those who think that President Joe Biden's 2020 election victory was 'legitimate' Maher then interjected, asking Kelly what's more important than 'election denialism.' 'How about my daughter not going into a locker room and seeing a man's penis?' she said right back, referring to the rash of incidents where trans women have been spotted in female locker rooms at gyms and other recreational areas. Planet Fitness is one gym that's been plagued with this problem. Most recently, a man reportedly taking advantage of the woke company's transgender locker room policy took to the ladies' facilities, stripped naked and paraded his genitalia around. A woman was banned from Planet Fitness in March for reporting a 'trans woman' shaving in the female locker room. Maher acknowledged the importance of dealing with gender and how bathroom policies should work but pivoted right back to how the upcoming election is crucial for democracy. 'I'm talking about the difference between this and something fundamental, which is our democracy. The fact that you have to respect who wins an election, or else you don't have the kind of country we've always had before,' he said. Maher repeatedly hammered away on the point that Trump's refusal to concede the 2020 election is a 'fundamental' problem more important than the suppression of the Hunter Biden laptop story Kelly argued that President Biden's policies are 'as woke as they come' and that he has chosen to keep the border open While Kelly agreed with Maher that the election wasn't stolen, adding that she didn't think there was any substance to the claim that Dominion voting machines were compromised, she did make an overture to Republican voters by saying that the 2020 election 'wasn't fair' to Trump. 'What wasn't fair?' Maher asked. 'Don't get me started, what wasn't fair? How about the suppression of the Hunter Biden laptop story?' Maher was incredulous: 'Oh, for f**k's sake, really? Then we're not as alike as you think. That's a stupid non-story.' The New York Post originally published the story in October based on documents pulled from Hunter's laptop detailing alleged corruption within the Biden family. Twitter prevented its users from sharing that story, which claimed that Hunter was involved with a Chinese oil giant and that then-presidential candidate Joe Biden potentially received money from the deal his son struck with the foreign firm. The New York Post story claimed that Hunter (left) was involved with a Chinese oil giant and that then-presidential candidate Joe Biden potentially received money from the deal his son struck with the foreign firm Images of Hunter Biden naked, smoking crack appear to be in the tweets that staffers from Joe Biden's 2020 campaign instructed Twitter to delete, according to revelations The information published by the Post was widely dismissed as fake or 'Russian disinformation,' which led to Facebook also suppressing the story. Kelly pointed to polling data that has shown if Americans had known that the contents of Hunter Biden's laptop were authentic, many of them would have voted differently. A survey from right-leaning TIPP Insights in December 2022, showed that 28 percent of adults who followed the Hunter Biden story would have voted differently had the FBI not claimed it was all Russian disinformation. Maher acknowledged that the story shouldn't have been suppressed, though he said he thinks the story wouldn't have changed the election's outcome. 'This is typical right-wing talking points, the evil Hunter Biden and the evil Joe Biden,' Maher said. 'You're obviously someone who looks at an elephant and a mouse and asks which one is bigger,' he added, comparing the issue of the Hunter Biden laptop story to the denial of the 2020 election. Kelly was quick to hit back. 'You keep saying sort of I'm nuts because I don't see the difference between the elephant and the mouse and I'm telling you I identify them differently than you do,' Kelly told Maher. 'Hillary Clinton, of course, is the original election denier. I'm sure you voted for her in '16.' Kelly was referring to Clinton's comments in 2019 on CBS' Sunday Morning show where she said Trump 'knows he's an illegitimate president.' Maher pointed out that Clinton conceded the election to Trump the day after the 2016 election, something Trump has never done after the 2020 election. Kennedy was defeated for the nomination in the first round of voting Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on Sunday became a candidate for the Libertarian Party's presidential nomination, a shocking move that could give him enough votes to defeat Donald Trump or Joe Biden in November. Kennedy, who spoke at the convention Friday, was nominated by a delegate on the convention floor on Sunday to be the party's White House standard barrier. Kennedy's candidacy was met with boos from other delegates. His candidacy was short-lived, however. He was eliminated from contention several hours later, after the first round of voting, having receiving support from 19 delegates, just 2.07% of the vote. There was initially some confusion over whether or not Kennedy, who is running an independent bid, would accept the nomination and if he had filed the necessary paperwork. Originally Kennedy had said he would remain an independent candidate and not be the Libertarian contender. Finally, party chair Angela McArdle, standing at the podium, called Kennedy to ask him. She stepped away from the microphone to speak with him but could be heard saying to him: 'I'm at the podium and need to ask you if you accept the nomination.' She then came back the microphone to inform the delegates: 'He's going to get back to us.' Kennedy ultimately accepted the nomination. McArdle also confirmed his paperwork is in order and he qualifies to be a candidate. He called into the convention, face timing to accept the nomination. His call was broadcast on the big screen to the convention center. Robert F Kennedy accepted the nomination to be the Libertarian Party's presidential candidate Libertarians spent the weekend picking their White House nominee. Trump was also nominated from the floor on Sunday. However, the former president can't the top contender because a person can't be the nominee of two parties in all but five states. Trump noted this was the reason he didn't file the paperwork for the Libertarian nomination. 'The reason I didnt file paperwork for the Libertarian Nomination, which I would have absolutely gotten if I wanted it (as everyone could tell by the enthusiasm of the Crowd last night!), was the fact that, as the Republican Nominee, I am not allowed to have the Nomination of another Party,' he wrote on Truth Social. 'Regardless, I believe I will get a Majority of the Libertarian Votes. Junior Kennedy is a Radical Left Democrat, whos destroyed everything hes touched, especially in New York and New England, and in particular, as it relates to the Cost and Practicality of Energy. Hes not a Libertarian. Only a FOOL would vote for him!' Kennedy's quick defeat in the convention hall is also a setback for his independent presidential bid. There was a large roster of candidates. Additionally, Stormy Daniels got one write-in vote as did Sean Lennon and Denali The Cat. If Kennedy had won the nomination, it would have been a boost to his effort to get on the ballot in all 50 states - and a threat to both Biden and Trump's efforts to win a second term in the White House. The Libertarian Party has election ballot access in at least 37 states, including key battlegrounds such as Georgia, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Arizona. As an independent candidate, Kennedy must get on each state's ballot separately and each state has its own procedures on how to do that. But if he were the Libertarian nominee, he would get on the ballot in enough states to theoretically net the 270 Electoral College votes needed to qualify for the presidential debate state - and even win the presidency. If Kennedy were the nominee and won in all 37 states, he would garner 380 electoral votes. The Libertarian Party's 37 states is more than double the 15 states where the Kennedy campaign currently says it is taking the steps to get on the ballot. In other scenarios, Kennedy could win enough votes in a swing state to influence whether Biden or Trump wins the battleground - which in turn could affect the winner of the general presidential election. That threat of Kennedy's candidacy is giving both Biden and Trump's teams nightmares. Each candidate's campaign has attacked Kennedy. Opinion polls suggest that he could siphon votes from both men, with a May Reuters/Ipsos survey showing he was supported by 13% of respondents. Kennedy accepted the nomination in a short video statement in which he thanked party members for the 'unexpected honor.' He said he hopes Libertarians will join 'an alliance' of third-party and independent voters to help defeat Biden and Trump. 'I'm very grateful to the Libertarian Party for this great honor, and I look forward to an alliance across the country, a fusion alliance of all of these independent parties who are now challenging the Republican-Democrat corrupt duopoly,' Kennedy said. Kennedy and Trump also each addressed the convention in person - Kennedy on Friday and Trump on Saturday. Convention organizers also invited President Biden to speak, but he declined. Both Kennedy and Trump faced a hostile reception from the Libertarian crowd - getting cat called with boos and jeers - when each gave their remarks. Kennedy, however, won some cheers by promising to pardon government whistleblower Edward Snowden, currently exiled in Russia, and drop espionage charges against Julian Assange, the WikiLeaks founder battling US attempts to extradite him from Britain. He also slammed both Trump and Biden for their response to the covid pandemic. 'Maybe a brain worm ate that part of my memory, but I dont recall any part of the United States Constitution where theres an exemption for pandemics,' Kennedy said, referencing a New York Times report that he was diagnosed more than a decade ago with a parasite that lodged in his brain. 'Neither of them upheld the Constitution when it really counted,' he said of Biden and Trump. Former President Donald battled through boos, heckling and outbursts Saturday night as he tried to ask Libertarian voters for their support However, many in the crowd are worried Kennedy, who originally ran for the Democratic nomination before switching to be an independent candidate, wasn't a true libertarian. But Kennedy has emphasized what he has in common with Libertarians, who hold strong beliefs about individual and civil liberties and free choice. They believe in even smaller government than Republicans, but are less focused on lower taxes than the GOP. 'My approach is a free-market approach, which appeals to Libertarians,' Kennedy told CNN last week. 'I'm against war, which I think is another important issue for Libertarians. I support constitutional rights. President Trump dismantled our constitutional rights during Covid. So I think Libertarians are probably more inclined to support me if they follow their philosophies.' Trump, in his remarks on Saturday, got feisty with the crowd. 'You can either nominate us and give us the position, or give us your votes,' Trump said to boos as he departed the stage. Trump repeatedly snapped back at the crowd and their hostility, telling them at one point to 'keep getting your 3% [of the national vote] every four years,' adding 'maybe you don't want to win.' This is the shocking moment two men put a watch dealer in a chokehold inside his London store before robbing him. The incident, which took place in a dealership in the affluent area of Richmond in west London at around 2.50pm yesterday, sees the pair run off with a large loot of watches. Police confirmed the two men were unarmed but that they assaulted the staff member before stealing a 'quantity of high value watches'. The victim was not seriously injured during the attack in the shop on Kew Road. Now horrifying CCTV footage has emerged of the incident which sees one robber put the dealer in a headlock while the other piles watches from the shelves into a bag. This is the shocking moment two men put a watch dealer in a chokehold inside his London store before robbing him The incident, which took place in a dealership in the affluent area of Richmond in west London at around 2.50pm yesterday, sees the pair run off with a large loot of watches The pair are initially sitting at the other side of the desk to the victim, who appears to be fixing a white watch for them. One man, wearing a grey hoodie and ripped blue jeans, is sat down on a bright orange seat as the dealer goes about his work. The other, wearing blue jeans, a blue and white t shirt and sunglasses on the top of his head, is stood leaning over the desk while the victim is distracted by the timepiece. The man on his feet then suddenly grabs the dealer by both arms and violently pushes him across the room on his chair into a corner. His accomplice then hops into action and dashes to a counter in the store and sweeps up a handful of items - all while the other keeps the victims in a chokehold. As the dealer tries to wriggle free, the man with the sunglasses seems to tighten his grasp to make sure he does not escape. The staff member watches on helplessly as the other robber crams the watches into a bag, which is on the back of the man who has him in the headlock. The victim then stops resisting as the rucksack continues to be filled with items from the store's shelves. The pair are initially sitting at the other side of the desk to the victim, who appears to be fixing a white watch for them The man on his feet then suddenly grabs the dealer by both arms and violently pushes him across the room on his chair into a corner As the dealer tries to wriggle free, the man with the sunglasses seems to tighten his grasp to make sure he does not escape The robber even grabs a couple of things to steal from the table, over which the dealer was initially fixing the watch. Throughout, the man with the sunglasses appears to be speaking to the victim while he keeps him in a firm chokehold. The other robber meanwhile keeps piling items into the bag and his accomplice turns his attention away from the dealer and starts speaking to him. The bag-filler then yanks open cabinets and pulls open drawers to grab more watches and add to the loot. At one point, he seems to take more than he can carry and drops an item onto the shop floor. The pair appear to decide that they have taken enough and, after a hand gesture from the man with sunglasses, the other robber takes a handful of zip ties from the rucksack and lays them on the table before the video ends. The Met Police have appealed for anyone who recognises the two men to get in touch. In a statement, the force said: 'The incident happened at around 14:50hrs on Saturday, 25 May in Kew Road. 'Two men, who were not armed, entered the shop and assaulted a member of staff before stealing a quantity of high value watches. 'The member of staff was not seriously injured. His accomplice then hops into action and dashes to a counter in the store and sweeps up a handful of items - all while the other keeps the victims in a chokehold The bag-filler then yanks open cabinets and pulls open drawers to grab more watches and add to the loot The robber keeps piling items into the bag and his accomplice turns his attention away from the dealer and starts speaking to him 'Anyone who recognises these two men or has information that could assist police is asked to call 101 or X @MetCC and quote CAD4555/25May. 'You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.' MailOnline has approached the Met for comment. The pilot who was tragically killed in a Spitfire crash during a Battle of Britain event has been named as a Squadron Leader due to take over the memorial flight next year. The man who died while flying the The World War Two-era fighter has been named locally as father-of-two Mark Long, who flew with the memorial flighters for four years. The RAF said in a touching statement that he was 'a great friend, colleague and a passionate, professional aviator' who will be 'sorely missed'. Sqn Ldr Long died when his plane crashed to the ground within a few minutes of takeoff from RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire yesterday afternoon. He had been taking part in an airshow just nine miles away from the base to commemorate the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. The pilot who was tragically killed in a Spitfire crash during a Battle of Britain event has been named as a Squadron Leader (pictured) due to take over the memorial fight next year The man who died has been named locally as Squadron Leader Mark Long The RAF said in a touching statement that he was 'a great friend, colleague and a passionate, professional aviator' Pictured are floral tributes and handwritten notes left at the scene today Tributes left by supporters at RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire, for renowned pilot Mark Long Grief-stricken supporters Nicki Housam, 53, a former prison officer and partner Andy George, a construction manager, pay their respects to the pilot Gp Capt Robbie Lees, commander of the RAF's Display Air Wing, said today: 'Mark was a Typhoon pilot here at RAF Coningsby and for the last four years he has been a pilot with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. 'A great friend, colleague, and a passionate, professional aviator he will be sorely missed by all that knew him.' He said an investigation into the cause of the 'tragic event' was now underway. 'I would like to extend a sincere thank you to the RAF personnel, and our emergency services colleagues who responded so swiftly yesterday. 'Our thoughts remain with Mark's family and friends to whom we offer our deepest sympathies. We ask that their privacy be respected at this tragic and shocking time.' This was the first fatality involving a BBMF aircraft since its creation in July 1957, a retired RAF leader told the BBC. BBMF operates six Spitfires, two Hurricanes, a Lancaster, a C47 Dakota, and two Chipmunk aircraft. The pilot qualified to fly Spitfires in 2021 and was lined up to take over running the BBMF next year. His most recent RAF posting was as a flight commander flying Eurofighter Typhoons. He joined the Air Force in 2003, having graduated from the University of Warwick. During his career, Sqn Ldr Long was posted to 11 Squadron at Coningsby, deploying to the Baltics and the South Atlantic. A spectator who witnessed the horrific moment the Spitfire plane nose-dived to the ground, killing the pilot instantly, said: 'Sadly he didn't stand a chance.' The former RAF air craftsman, speaking after the death of the experienced and respected flier during a Battle of Britain event, said: 'I've seen a lot of terrible things in my life but this is up there with the worst.' The scene where the pilot died in a crash during a Battle of Britain event near RAF Coningsby A Spitfire flown by the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight pilot Mark Long in April Sqn Ldr Long flying the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire MK356 last weekend Mark, who declined to be fully named, saw the horror unfold as he was plane spotting with his partner and her RAF fan 10-year-old son from a car park overlooking the base. Recalling the tragedy, he said: 'There was an event going on and I saw a Spitfire taking off and flying at about 300 feet towards East Kirkby. 'It was in the distance and suddenly it turned round and was coming back to base. It was swaying and swaying from one side to the other. He would have known there was a problem with the craft and it was awful to watch. 'The pilot would have realised there was a fault and was coming back to try and land safely but suddenly it just plummeted from about 150 feet. 'It just nose-dived, sadly the pilot didn't stand a chance. The way it went down so quickly and people were watching from the car park in horror and disbelief. 'I was hoping it would be a different outcome but I knew there was no surviving that. 'I was there with my partner and her son, who was beside himself with sadness, like many of us. It was devastating to watch. 'You just don't expect something like this to happen .' Tony, speaking today as he lay flowers at the much loved RAF base along with dozens of air enthusiasts and supporters, added: 'A Hurricane was going to take off after the Spitfire but his flight was aborted.' He said the pilot 'must have known there was a problem and he was in difficulty' and would have raised the alarm, saying: 'He would have radio called because in less than a minute the fire service and ambulances were there. 'The whole episode from take off to crash probably only lasted two and a half minutes. Tributes left by supporters at RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire to the deceased pilot Dozens of flowers have been left lined up along the fence by the airfield Heartwarming handwritten notes accompany some flowers, reading 'fly high' The location where the Spitfire crashed in a field on on Langrick Road at RAF Coningsby Emergency services arrived following reports of a crash of a single-occupant aircraft in a field on Langrick Road (stock image) 'It is too difficult to estimate the speed.' 'I couldn't clearly see the spot it came down but pictures show it was right beside a house and a tractor so no doubt other people witnessed it too. It is a terrible tragedy.' The man, who lives locally, told how he often took his step son to watch the planes in action at the airfield. He paid warm tribute to the pilot as a 'remarkable and wonderful man' and thrilled children with his 'pep talks.' He recalled: 'At the end of a flight Mark would always make a point of coming up to the big wire fence and give the kids a pep talk through it. 'He'd still be in his uniform, and he'd still have his flight maps pinned to his trousers, above the knees and would pass them to the children through the fence. 'I didn't know him personally but I knew him by reputation as a great pilot and a remarkable and wonderful man. 'He always made time to speak to people so I had to come here today to pay my respects. 'He told the kids that it was dream to become a pilot but he had failed four or five times. 'His message to them was never to give up and that you can always live your dream. 'It is such a terrible tragedy that it was to end in this way for him.' The Spitfire came down at around 1.20pm on Saturday during a display at RAF Coningsby. File image shows the Prince and Princess of Wales with Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, at RAF Fairford last year Photos from the scene show emergency services gathered around the wreckage of the plane just feet away from a house. It had been taking part in a civilian airshow just nine miles from the base to commemorate the RAF's role in fending off German attacks during the Second World War This year represents the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. The Prince and Princess of Wales have shared their condolences, saying they were 'incredibly sad' to hear of the tragedy. Kate and William, who himself served as an RAF Search and Rescue pilot, said in a joint statement that it was 'incredibly sad to hear of the news' and added that their 'thoughts this evening are with the pilot's loved ones, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and the wider RAF family.' Prime Minister Rishi Sunak wrote on X: 'Awful news to see the life of a serving RAF pilot cut short in this tragic event. My thoughts are with their family and loved ones.' Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said he was 'deeply saddened' by the news, and thanked the emergency services for their response, adding 'my thoughts are with the pilot's family at this awful time.' The crash has been described as a 'tragic accident' by officials but an investigation has been opened into the cause. Police and ambulance crews raced to the scene and a rescue helicopter was scrambled from neighbouring Humberside. A statement from the Ministry of Defence stated: 'It is with great sadness that we must confirm the death of an RAF pilot in a tragic accident near RAF Coningsby today [Saturday]. 'The pilot's family has been informed and we ask that their privacy is respected at this time.' Lincolnshire Police added: 'We are sad to confirm that a man has died after a plane crashed into a field on Langrick Road in Coningsby earlier today. 'The man was the pilot and sole occupant of the aircraft. Police are not in a position to confirm his name but his next of kin have been informed. Nobody else is thought to have been injured as a result. 'The incident was called into police just before 1.20pm today [Saturday, May 25] and emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene. 'Sadly, the injuries the pilot sustained were not survivable and he was declared deceased at the scene. 'Investigations are ongoing into the cause. Spitfires played a crucial role in the war, especially during the Battle of Britain which earned the plane's power status. Designed as a short-range, high-performance plane, over 20,300 Spitfires were built to secure British success during WW2. It proved to be a watershed moment for the Nazis' territorial aims as they then shifted their focus to conquering Britain. Aware of the resilience of the RAF, German aircrafts bombarded British airfield bases until the autumn of 1940. Eighteen-year-olds would be forced to carry out a form of national service if the Tories win the General Election, Rishi Sunak has announced. The most recent form of compulsory national service in the UK was abolished in 1960, and required all physically fit male British citizens aged between 18 and 26 to serve in the armed forces. Mr Sunak's new scheme could include other forms of service including charity and community work such as helping local fire, police and ambulance services. However, national service in various forms still exists in countries around the world including in some European countries and South Korea. Rishi Sunak has announced an election pledge to reintroduce a requirement for all 18 year olds to do National Service The UK's original National Service ran during both the world wars and was discontinued in 1960 What is National Service? Under the Conservatives' new proposal, young people would be given a choice between a full-time placement in the armed forces for 12 months or spending one weekend a month for a year 'volunteering' in their community, the Tories said. The Prime Minister said the policy would help unite society in an 'increasingly uncertain world' and give young people a 'shared sense of purpose'. Britain previously had a scheme of conscription during the First World War and from the outbreak of the Second World War until 1960, when the requirement was discontinued. How would it work? In his first TikTok video of the general election campaign, Rishi Sunak suggested that the proposed scheme would widen the original national service to include civilian service including helping charities and the elderly. He said: 'No I'm not sending everyone off to join the army. What I am doing is proposing a bold new model of national service for 18 year olds. 'They'll be able to choose to spend 12 months in a full time military commission, or one weekend per month volunteering in roles within your local community, like delivering prescriptions and food to elderly people.' Mr Sunak said the move would help young people 'valuable life skills', improve the nation's security and build a 'stronger national culture'. Are their punishments for not doing it? Non compliance with the National Service scheme introduced by the Attlee government was punished with a fine 'not exceeding five pounds'. But speaking on Sky News on Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips, the Home Secretary, James Cleverly, confirmed that teenagers would not be jailed for refusing to take part in the Prime Minister's proposed scheme. Mr Cleverly said the plans were aimed at getting young people 'out of their bubble' and would not involve the threat of criminal sanctions for those who refuse to comply. Labour criticised the scheme with shadow work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall branding the announcement a 'headline-grabbing gimmick'. Why did National Service end? After the Second World War ended in 1945, the government felt it was necessary to maintain high levels of military presence across the world, including in parts of the British Empire and in Germany. To address this, the National Service Act, requiring all physically fit male British citizens between 18 and 26 years old to serve in the armed forces for 18 months from January 1949, was passed by Clement Attlee's Labour administration in 1947. This compulsory service included varied roles at home and abroad such as fighting on the frontline or clerical work and did not extend to women. Certain groups including students and apprentices were allowed to defer their service until they had completed their education or training. Pictured: A 1939 recruitment post for what was then termed 'war service'. The scheme was extended to help the military during the Korean War in the 1950s A notice published in 1955 to men born in 1938 asking them to sign up for National Service. Punishment for non compliance is listed as a fine 'not exceeding five pounds' Also exempt from the requirement were men if they worked for eight years in three 'essential' sectors, coal mining, farming and the merchant navy. The scheme was extended to a mandatory two years in October 1950 to satisfy military demand during the UK's involvement in the Korean War. National service was abolished by Harold Macmillan's government in 1960 with the class of 1939 supplying the last servicemen, discharged in 1963. According to the Royal British Legion, between the end of the Second World War and May 1963, more than two million men took part in national service. How does it work in other countries? Many countries across the world currently have some form of national service, including military and non-military models. All able-bodied men in South Korea must serve in the armed forces for a period of 18 to 21 months under a conscription system set up in response to the threat from North Korea. Members of K-pop band BTS made headlines around the world over the last year as they began to fulfil their mandatory duties. In Israel, military service is compulsory for the majority of both men and women over the age of 18, with men expected to serve for a minimum of 32 months and women a minimum of 24 months. In Switzerland, 18 weeks of military service training is mandatory for all able-bodied men between the ages of 18 and 30, along with yearly refresher courses. Israel is one of a few countries that require citizens to do military service, which is compulsory for all men for a minimum of 32 months and women a minimum of 24 months Longer, civilian service is also possible for those unwilling to serve in the military due to their conscience and mainly involves assignments focused on social welfare, healthcare and environmental protection. Swedish citizens over 18 must complete a military enlistment form and, if selected, are obliged to enrol in basic military training. Speaking on Sky News's Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips programme, Home Secretary James Cleverly confirmed that teenagers would not be jailed for refusing to take part in the proposed scheme. Mr Cleverly said the plans were aimed at getting young people 'out of their bubble' and would not involve the threat of criminal sanctions for those who refuse to comply. Labour criticised the scheme with shadow work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall branding the announcement a 'headline-grabbing gimmick'. Customers will be entitled to a full refund, said the Food Standards Agency A 3-a-pot Italian pasta sauce sold in Waitrose was at the centre of a nationwide food scare today as it was feared to have contained shards of glass. In Sunday's alert, the UK-based Italian food brand Crosta & Mollica recalled jars of its Sugo Alla Norma Aubergine, Ricotta and Tomato pasta sauce from sale across Britain. The Government's watchdog, the Food Standards Agency (FSA), warned: 'This product may contain pieces of glass which makes it unsafe to eat. 'If you have bought the product do not eat it. 'Instead, return it to the store from where it was bought for a full refund.' The UK-based Italian food brand Crosta & Mollica recalled jars of its Sugo Alla Norma Aubergine, Ricotta and Tomato pasta sauce from sale across Britain. The product is sold for 3 in Waitrose The potentially deadly batch has a code of Y008B and a best-before date of January 8th, 2027 How slivers of glass ended up in the sauce is not made clear, with the incident becoming the second 'glass in food' scare involving Waitrose in just three months. Officials said the 340g sauce jar is sold in Waitrose stores in England, Scotland and Wales, and carries a price tag of 3. Crosta & Mollica urged shoppers to 'not consume' the product and to instead package it up and return it. The potentially deadly batch has a code of Y008B and a best-before date of January 8th, 2027. The notice says shoppers can phone or email Crosta & Mollica if needed. 'We apologise that it has been necessary to recall this product and for the inconvenience caused' the company said. The product description says 'Italy's exceptional ingredients are testament to the uncontrived perfection of the land, like the sun-ripened tomatoes, which we gently cook with crumbled ricotta salata and fried aubergine to make this Italian favourite.' In March, Waitrose, Sainsbury's and Ocado were caught up in a similar scare. That alert said Patak's Aubergine Pickle, produced by AB World Foods and selling for 2.60 a jar, might contain shards of glass. The Food Standards Agency warned anyone eating the affected pickle could start spitting blood if they slice open their mouth and throat by not spotting the glass splinters. The FSA said 'AB World Foods is recalling Patak's Aubergine Pickle because it may contain pieces of glass. 'The possible presence of glass makes this product unsafe to eat. 'The affected product has only been sold in Waitrose and Sainsbury's.' The pickle is also distributed by the online outlet Ocado. The FSA said the affected Patak's Aubergine Pickle is in 312g jars, with the batch code 3172 and a best before date of June 2026. 'The company has issued a recall notice to its customers. These notices explain to customers why the product is being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the product. 'Our advice to consumers - if you have bought the above product do not eat it. 'Instead, return it to the store from where it was bought for a full refund.' AB World Foods, based in Maidenhead, Berks, is part of Associated British Foods (ABF), a FTSE 100 company with sales of over 15.4 billion and 133,000 employees in 50 countries. AB World Foods says it is an 'international branded business, famous for flavour.' 'With approximately 700 employees and 160million turnover, we work across eight geographical locations. 'We are born of pioneers, of people who inspire us. People like L.G. Pathak, who arrived in the UK in 1957 with just 5 to his name and started a family company that became the reason the UK loves curry: Patak's. 'In the 1970s, G Costa, driven by the same entrepreneurial spirit, discovered there was nothing in the shops to help British people recreate the authentic taste of Asian food at home. 'So an adventurous team headed out to the Far East, bringing back the most authentic, exciting flavours they could. 'And with that, the Blue Dragon brand was born. Fast forward to 2007 and another inspiration appeared in the form of Levi Roots, the man who slayed the Dragon's Den on BBC with just a bottle of his Reggae Reggae sauce and a guitar.' MailOnline has contacted Waitrose for comment. Vladimir Putin must correct an 'historical mistake' by Lenin and Stalin, according to reservist tank commander Major-General Nikolay Plotnikov. He warned on state TV of the Kremlin invading three cities with substantial Russian links and populations that were formerly part of the Romanov tsarist empire and the USSR. The cities are Narva in Estonia, Daugavpils in Latvia, and Klaipeda in Lithuania. All the three Baltic republics are inside the Western defence alliance of NATO. Tank commander Plotnikov, now a political scientist and associate professor at the propagandist Institute of Oriental Studies in Moscow, told Putin-controlled state TV: 'Younger colleagues told me it is time to correct the historical injustice perpetrated by Vladimir Lenin, when the Russian Empire collapsed, and [Soviet dictator] Josef Stalin.' Vladimir Putin must correct an 'historical mistake' by Lenin and Stalin, according to reservist tank commander Major-General Nikolay Plotnikov (pictured) He crudely warned the three Baltic republics to stop offering support to Ukraine or face the consequences Latvia bolsters their border defence against Russia This amounted to a demand to 'bring back into Russia Narva [Estonia], Dvinsk, now known as Daugavpils [Latvia] and Memel, now known as Klaipeda [Lithuania]'. He crudely warned the three Baltic republics to stop offering support to Ukraine or face the consequences. 'I would therefore tell all these [Baltic people] not to stir up trouble,' said Plotnikov. 'Or else our people will bring this question up [concerning an invasion of NATO territory to subjugate the three cities].' Such a move would trigger NATO 'article 5' under which an armed attack on one Alliance state is considered a strike against all members, leading to unified action against the aggressor. But the Baltic countries and Poland intend to send their troops to help Ukraine if the Russian military can achieve significant successes at the front, according to authoritative German news outlet Der Spiegel. The four states are not intending to 'sit and wait until the Russians have to be met at their borders', says a message transmitted to the Berlin government. The Baltic republics have been boosting their land defences against Russia. Major-General Nikolay Plotnikov warned on state TV of the Kremlin invading Daugavpils in Latvia Latvian soldiers at the border with Russia Soldiers at a Latvian border defence against Russia Major-General Nikolay Plotnikov also mentioned Narva in Estonia The city of Narva is at the eastern extreme point in Estonia and borders Russia Klaipeda is a port city in Lithuania This threat to three NATO cities came as ex-president of Russia, Dmitry Medvedev, warned that a US response attacking Putin's territory in the event Moscow used battlefield nuclear weapons in Ukraine would trigger World War Three. 'The Americans hitting our targets means starting a world war,' he stated on X, formerly Twitter. NATO countries would be reduced to 'radioactive ash', he said. A Missouri fifth grader was honored for his compassion after he collected funds to help his underprivileged peers pay off their lunch dues. Daken Kramer raised more than $7,300 for Thomas Ultican Elementary in Blue Springs, surpassing his original goal of $3,500, which was just over the total of the school's debt. The fifth grader announced his lofty aspirations in an April 12 video posted to his mother's Facebook. 'This is my last year of elementary school,' Daken said. 'While I can never repay this school for all of the hard work that has gone into my education and well-being, I would like to do something to show my gratitude.' He challenged friends, families and local businesses to donate to a PayPal link or give cash as part of a fundraiser called Daken Feeds TUE. Missouri fifth grader Daken Kramer raised more than $7,300 to pay off his elementary school's lunch debt Roughly 29 percent of students in the Blue Springs School District are eligible for a free breakfast or reduced lunch Daken explained that Thomas Ultican is a Title I school, meaning a large number of students hail from low-income families. 'A lot of kids at school already benefit from reduced lunches, and some are not able to pay their lunch debt,' he said. 'Please consider helping these families relieve one stress from their lives.' According to a district website, breakfast for an elementary student costs $1.85, while lunch is $2.55. For students under the reduced-price program, however, breakfast is free and lunch costs 40 cents. Roughly 29 percent of the district's 15,000 students are eligible for a free breakfast or reduced lunch, according to a district spokesperson. 'Daken wanted to do something special as a thank you to his school, and has VERY high hopes for this project. I'm so proud of him for wanting to help others,' Daken's mother Vanessa Kramer captioned the video. 'I know the goal amount is a lot, but there are a lot of families who are unable to pay off their debt.' Daken's mother, Vanessa Kramer, shared his campaign video to Facebook last month The duo managed to raise over $7,200 on PayPal, plus more in cash donations Thomas Ultican is a Title I school, meaning a large number of students hail from low-income families and benefit from reduced-price meals Daken's good intentions caught the attention of those in his community and beyond. The campaign spread to states like neighboring Arkansas and those as far as Florida and New Jersey. In messages accompanying their PayPal donations, some people expressed how they connected personally with his mission. 'Thanks for doing this kid,' one man wrote. 'I know what it's like to sit in class with an empty stomach.' Within a matter of two weeks, Dakens fundraiser more than doubled its goal, and Kramer announced on May 11 that the mother-son duo had raised $7,470. Over $7,200 had been collected through PayPal before the campaign ended, while Daken would continue to receive cash donations until his graduation on May 21. 'Weve seen donations come from people without kids, from homeschool or private school families, and A LOT of donations from other states,' Kramer wrote. 'This has been an eye-opening situation for a lot of people and I hope it makes people in power talk about universal school lunches.' Daken managed to pay off his school's debt, and the remaining amount was distributed to Blue Springs High School, another school in the district. Daken managed to pay off his school's debt, and the remaining funds were given to Blue Springs High School His fifth-grade teacher Kristi Haley presented him with the Daken Kramer Legacy Award at his graduation on May 21 Daken thanked school staff, administrators and Haley for being 'an amazing role model'. He was then bestowed with the award, kicking off a new annual tradition Daken explained that he wanted to do a good deed to express his gratitude 'for all of the hard work that has gone into my education and well-being' At his graduation last week, the fifth grader was bestowed with the Daken Kramer Legacy Award, kicking off a new annual tradition. 'It was definitely a surprise. I had no idea that they were going to do that,' Daken told CNN. 'And I definitely started to feel a lot of emotions.' The honor came as he stood on stage alongside an enormous check, thanking school staff, administrators and his fifth-grade teacher Kristi Haley for being 'an amazing role model'. Haley praised Daken's 'heart,' 'drive' and 'determination' before making the surprise announcement that there would be an award in his honor. 'We are so proud of you for choosing to leave such an amazing legacy as you leave TUE,' Haley said. 'Needless to say, your selfless actions will impact dozens of students in our district.' The pair embraced as she presented Daken with the eponymous award. 'This will be an experience that stays with him his whole life,' Kramer wrote on Facebook. 'This has sparked something in Daken that makes him want to continue to change the world for the better.' While Dakens fundraiser took care of his schools dues, the meal debt across 20 schools in the district amounts to more than $235,000. Kramer told CNN that the mother-son duo are now working with a Missouri state representative to see if they can amplify their good deed. 'I hope this fundraiser opened some eyes and raised awareness to a very serious problem in our country,' Kramer wrote on social media. 'Its a nationwide issue, not just in Missouri. I hope this is a first step in making a change. I know government officials should be the ones making a difference. But Im teaching my boys to be the change you want to see in the world.' Donald Trump's long-time lawyer has warned that the New York jurors in his hush money case could be infected with 'Trump Derangement Syndrome' by liberal friends and families over the holiday weekend. Closing arguments are set to begin when the court returns on Tuesday before the jury is sent to consider its verdict on 34 charges of falsifying business records against the former president. And Alina Habba, who represented Trump in his civil fraud case, slammed judge Juan Merchan for not sequestering the jurors in a hotel for what could be the final weekend of the six-week trial. 'For them to be able to be out and about on a holiday weekend with friends and families who have opinions, who are watching the news, TV's on the background at the pool party, I have serious concerns,' she told Sean Duffy on Fox News. 'If they're left-winging and they're watching MSDNC, as my client calls it, or CNN, they're not going to get fair news. Alina Habba, who represented Trump in his civil fraud case, warned the jurors in his hush money trial could be infected by relatives with 'Trump Derangement Syndrome' over the long Memorial Day weekend Former President Donald Trump is likely to receive a verdict within days on the 34 charges he is facing of falsifying business records after the court returns on Tuesday 'I have worries about them going back to whatever friends might have, Trump derangement syndrome, forgetting all sense of reality and coming back and sitting in that box and saying, you know what, I've got to do, you know, take one for the DNC. 'I want law to fact, because if we can get that, we will win. We will not just get a hung jury. We will get an acquittal.' The twelve jurors were sworn in on April 22 after three days of wrangling between prosecution and defense lawyers. The seven men and five women include a corporate lawyer, an investment banker, a software engineer and a teacher. The jury foreman, when questioned about where he gets his news from, said Dailymail.com, among other outlets. But one of the female jurors called the ex-president 'selfish' as she was questioned about her opinions in court. Another said he follows former Trump lawyer and prosecution witness Michael Cohen on social media, as well as Mueller She Wrote, a popular anti-Trump account. And half of them revealed that they get at least some of their news from the left-leaning New York Times. Trump has claimed Judge Juan M. Merchan 'can't stand me', and said the trial is a political witch hunt designed to keep him off the campaign trail Joe Biden was reported to be keenly anticipating a verdict which could see Trump become the first former president ever convicted of a felony, threatening to derail his bid for the White House. The president has avoided commenting on the case but is expected to make an address at the White House after the verdict is delivered, the WSJ reported. And his campaign team is planning to start referring to the former president as 'Convicted Felon Donald Trump' in its communications if the verdict is guilty. The trial stems from a $130,000 alleged 'hush money' payment to former porn star Stormy Daniels ahead of the 2016 election The case, one of four criminal cases facing Trump, centers around the claim he tried to hide a $130,000 hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels. It has been branded a political witch hunt by the former president, designed to keep him off the campaign trail. It is also the only one likely to have come to trial by the time of November's general election. Judge Merchan, who has repeatedly clashed with Trump's defense team and issued a series of gagging orders on the former president, will deliver his instructions to the jury after both sides have concluded their summing up. Habba said the instructions serve as the 'road map' for the jury and are the most critical part of the trial. 'Judge Merchan is severely conflicted,' she claimed. 'At this point I have zero confidence that this person, who shouldn't be sitting on the bench right now, will give jury instructions in an appropriate manner without any persuasion towards the prosecution. 'The last resort for this prosecution is this judge.' Today on @SundayFutures, @AlinaHabba spoke about the NY V. Trump trial as closing arguments are set to begin on Tuesday. @FoxNews pic.twitter.com/4kw7W3QnHD SundayMorningFutures (@SundayFutures) May 26, 2024 The former president received a rapturous reception when he became the first Republican presidential candidate in 40 years to hold a rally in the Bronx, on Thursday But he could become the first former president ever to be convicted of a felony offence when the New York jury returns its verdict on the 34 charges he is facing The former president was given a rousing reception when he became the first Republican presidential candidate in 40 years to hold a rally in the Bronx on Thursday. And the Sunday Morning Futures host told his guest he was more optimistic than her about the jury. 'I want to tell you what, there's a silver lining in this, Alina,' Duffy said. 'I don't want a juror on Thursday or Friday going into Memorial Day weekend to go, you know what? I got a party going on. I want to end this case early. 'I think it could bode well for President Trump, for those people on the jury who understand the law and the facts to fight for him and fight for justice.' BBC newsreader Martine Croxall has returned to screens after launching a sexual discrimination claim against the broadcaster. She returned to BBC News following her launching a tribunal claim against her employers. The presenter, 55, has previously alleged along with other senior female BBC journalists Kasia Madera, Annita McVeigh and Karin Giannone that they were kept off air for a year. They say this was after they were snubbed for chief presenter roles following the merger of the BBC's News and World News channels. Announcing her return, Croxall wrote on X, formerly Twitter, saying: 'Ya'll ready for this? Back on BBCNews at 1100 BST.' Martine Croxall's post triggered a flood of supportive comments on X The BBC News presenter is seen leaving the Central London Employment Tribunal previously The presenter, who has worked for the BBC since October 1991 and been a chief presenter with the BBC News Channel and BBC World News since 2001, shared the message along with a video of her in the studio saying: 'Now, where were we?' Croxall, who has also appeared on BBC One network news bulletins, previously spent nearly two weeks off air in 2022 over claims she had showed bias when Boris Johnson pulled out of the Conservative leadership contest. She said she was 'gleeful' while presenting an edition of the former The Papers programme, and while responding to a guest's joke aimed at the former Prime Minister, she said: 'I shouldn't probably (laugh). I'm probably breaking some terrible due impartiality rule by giggling.' Croxall was congratulated by Madera, who returned earlier this month, Giannone and McVeigh, who came back to work on March 18. 'Great to see my friend and colleague @MartineBBC back on @BBCNews,' Madera wrote. Giannone called it a 'treat' and wrote: 'As soon as the leg mends, I'll be there too.' Earlier this month, the journalists were seen together as they attended preliminary hearings for their discrimination claims at the Central London Employment Tribunal. Croxall, McVeigh and Madera allege discrimination on the grounds of age, sex, being a union member and wages. Giannone alleges discrimination based on age, sex and wages. The women claim they have been left to suffer victimisation, harassment and reputational damage. At a preliminary hearing, the journalists, who had previously reached settlements with the broadcaster, were told they would not be able to bring a claim for equal pay. (From left) Annita McVeigh, Martine Croxall, Karin Giannone and Kasia Madera arrive at London Central Employment Tribunal for their hearing against the BBC in April A BBC spokesman said: 'We are pleased with the result and that the tribunal has accepted our position. 'We will not be commenting further at this stage.' It is believed that the BBC's position is that it had complied with equal pay legislation, and applied a rigorous and fair recruitment process, and that all managers conducted that process properly. The women were given the go-ahead to have their cases heard jointly. One of them said previously that the BBC 'grinds you down. It breaks you' when it comes to pay claims. The group are also making equal pay claims against the corporation. In their witness statements, which appear to be similar, the women said: 'I am one of five female chief presenters with BBC News, aged 48 to 55, at the time of the detriments, who have suffered (direct/indirect) discrimination on the grounds of age and sex victimisation for union rep activities, victimisation for carrying out protected acts (bringing equal pay claims), harassment (violation of dignity, creation of a hostile, degrading, intimidating environment in the workplace, causing us to suffer ill-health and reputational damage).' The women believed they have not been paid equally compared with their male counterparts since February 2020 and there was a gap of about 36,000 a year in pensionable salary as of February 2023. The BBC says the application process was 'rigorous and fair', the BBC News website reported. It also denies the four were paid less than an equivalent male colleague. Court documents, quoted by the BBC News website said: 'It is denied that [the BBC] has subjected [the presenters] to age or sex discrimination, harassment or victimisation, or has breached the sex equality clause.' (From left) Kaisa Madera, Geeta Guru-Murthy, Annita McVeigh, Karin Giannone and Martine Croxall pictured enjoying a drink together on April 5 last year It is understood that they claimed management had already chosen who they wanted before people had even applied. But BBC bosses were said to have rejected the claims after an internal review took place. Following new vacancies at the channel, Ms McVeigh is understood to have both taken chief presenter roles and recently appeared on air. Like Ms Croxall, neither Ms Giannone nor Ms Madera had appeared on the news channel in over a year. It is understood Ms Croxall, who has been at the BBC since 1991, has been discussing her future at the BBC with bosses. In Ms Croxall's original claim form, from 2023, it is alleged that just ahead of the July 2022 announcement on the reorganisation of the news channels, the BBC's channels manager Jess Brammar 'privately assured' four other chief presenters two men and two 'younger' women- that their jobs were 'safe'. In witness statements made available in the court, at London Central Employment Tribunal, the group raise serious concerns that the appointment to the roles was not conducted fairly. In Ms Croxall's statement, which is similar to those of the three other women, she claimed the women had suffered 'discrimination on the grounds of age and sex'. She claimed they had suffered 'harassment' with a 'hostile, degrading, intimidating environment in the workplace' which caused 'ill health' and 'reputational damage'. Ms Croxall said: 'This was because of a sham recruitment exercise where our jobs were closed even though the redundancies were not genuine as the work still exists.' It was claimed four of the women were demoted and three faced sizeable pay cuts. One was said to have had 'her pay cut for half of her job'. Ms Croxall's statement claims: 'No men and no women younger than us suffered these detriments.' A popular Menorcan resort known as 'Spain's Mykonos' has chained up its streets to prevent holidaymakers taking selfies on them in the latest attack on tourists. The 195 homeowners of Binibeca Vell have said they do not want any visitors before 11am and after 8pm as anti-tourist signs attached to thick rope and chains have been hung up throughout the holiday hotspot. Locals have complained of rowdy tourists disrespecting the private properties by climbing stairs, scaling picture perfect balconies and even entering doorways as they hunt down the most Instagrammable spots. Known for its whitewashed cottages and twisting walkways, Binibeca can only accommodate 500 permanent residents in the summer, but every year some 800,000 tourists pile into its pristine alleyways. But recent images show the idyllic town almost completely deserted as several alleyways have ropes and chains hanging between the entrances with round signs indicating no trespassers. A popular Menorcan resort known as 'Spain's Mykonos' has chained up its streets to prevent holidaymakers from overcrowding them as they take selfies Binibeca Vell is a popular holiday hotspot because of its winding alleyways and whitewashed homes Angry locals have attached no trespassing signs to ropes and chains around the town n a bid to deter visitors The new blockades are Binibeca's first anti-tourist measure before residents take a vote on whether to ban holidaymakers altogether in August, The Telegraph reported. Oscar Monge, president of the residents association, blamed Menorca's authorities for failing to regulate tourism in the area and leaving locals to take matters into their own hands. He said: 'Binibeca is promoted by the administration and tourism companies, but what benefit do we get out of it? 'We pay dearly for being the most potent tourist attraction in Menorca'. The residents organisation receives 25,000 annually to repair and touch up the outside painting of the town's houses but Monge believes the amount is insufficient and has demanded a plan to manage the area sustainably. He said: 'It's outrageous that the politicians who run local tourism are telling us that the only alternatives we have to keep the place clean are to close it, privatise it or start charging.' In a post on Binibeca's website, locals asked visitors to refrain from 'entering homes' and 'climbing balconies'. The message included a series of pictures showing one tourist splayed out on a stairwell and another sitting in a chair belonging to one of the locals. There are 1.2million permanent people in the Balearic Islands, which are home to Menorca, the smaller neighbour of popular tourist destinations Majorca and Ibiza. Recent images show the idyllic town almost completely deserted Oscar Monge, president of the residents association, blamed Menorca's authorities for failing to regulate tourism in the area and leaving locals to take matters into their own hands Binibeca can only accommodate 500 permanent residents in the summer, but every year some 800,000 tourists pile into its pristine alleyways In 2023, the islands saw about 18million tourists arrive, hitting a record for the archipelago. And 14.4million of these were foreign visitors, the majority of whom were Germans and Brits. It comes as Brits headed to Majorca this Bank Holiday weekend faced major disruption as thousands of people took to the streets in anti-tourist protests. The protests were held on Saturday evening, starting at 7pm, and were centred on the capital of Palma. Organisers said they were astounded by the number of groups and organisations which had pledged their support. 'Initially, we thought there would be about 2,000 people but now it is going to be considerably more,' said a spokesman for the organising group, Banc de Temps de Sencelles. Last week, a group under the slogan 'Mes turisme, menys vida', which translates to 'More tourism, less life' said it intended to cause chaos at Palma Airport over the coming weekend. Mes is calling for a reduction in the number of flights at Palma airport, saying: 'Majorca is no longer overcrowded, Majorca is experiencing collapse. You cannot have airports that, year after year, break records.' The Balearic government says it is willing to change the tourist model and has started a round of talks with the public. As yet, no concrete measures have been agreed. Banc de Temps de Sencelles has labelled its campaign 'Majorca is not for sale!' and is so surprised by the promised support that it has asked the government to lay on more buses and trains so people from all over the island can attend. 'The demonstration aims to highlight the problem of access to housing in Mallorca, a general problem, but not isolated, because it cannot be separated from tourist saturation, the purchase of properties by foreigners,' said Carme Reynes of Banc de Temps de Sencelles. The group says the protest will be followed by 'other actions' over the coming weeks. Your browser does not support iframes. Protesters flood the streets of Tenerife last month (pictured), calling on local authorities to temporarily limit visitor numbers to alleviate pressure on the islands' environment, infrastructure and housing stock, and put curbs on property purchases by foreigners 'Tourist Go Home' is seen scrawled in English over a wall underneath a real estate promotion billboard in Nou Llevant, Majorca, a neighbourhood that has seen a massive influx of foreign buyers over the past few years. It is one of many instances of anti-tourism graffiti Protests in Majorca come after more than 50,000 people took to the streets of Tenerife back in April to protest against tourism on the island in the Canaries. Demonstrators were seeing brandishing 'you enjoy, we suffer' placards, claiming that the huge influx of tourists to the island is causing major environmental damage, driving down wages and squeezing locals out of cheap affordable housing, forcing dozens to live in tents and cars instead. British visitors to Tenerife are also set to be hit with a controversial 'tourist tax' from next year, local authorities recently confirmed. The proposal is part of the island's new tourism strategy and is seen as an eco tax, but the level of charge and the formalities are yet to be agreed by Parliament. It will apply to all of Tenerife's most famous protected sites, including the volcano Mount Teide and several rural parks and hamlets like Masca. A spokesman for the Tenerife government said the introduction of this eco tax was necessary due to the vast increase of people visiting protected sites, visitors and locals alike. Travellers aged 16 and over already pay a daily charge of up to 4 (3.45) when visiting the equally popular Balearic islands, such as Majorca, Menorca and Ibiza. California cops have agreed to pay a nearly $1million settlement after they forced a confession out of a mentally unstable man by threatening to kill his dog if he did not falsely admit to murdering his father - who was alive and well. Thomas Perez Jr was questioned by police for over 17 hours in 2018 in an interrogation that amounted to 'unconstitutional psychological torture,' according to the judge. Perez reported his father missing to police. He was never formally arrested, but was still taken to the Fontana Police Department on August 8, 2018 to be questioned. He was told by officers that if he didn't confess to murdering his father, they would have to put his dog to sleep due to 'depression' over witnessing a murder that never occurred. After hours of interrogation, Perez became visibly distressed and resorted to self destructive acts including pulling his hair out, hitting himself and tearing off his shirt. He was told by officers that if he didn't confess to murdering his father, they would have to put his dog to sleep due to ' depression ' over witnessing a murder that never occurred The judge said he was 'sleep deprived, mentally ill, and, significantly, undergoing symptoms of withdrawal from his psychiatric medications.' Perez also had reportedly begged for medical attention but was never provided his psychiatric medication. He was told his father was found dead with stab wounds, however, police soon after found his father alive and well. Perez's sister said her father was with a 'lady friend.' A detective reportedly told him: 'How can you sit there, how can you sit there and say you don't know what happened, and your dog is sitting there looking at you, knowing that you killed your dad? 'Look at your dog. She knows, because she was walking through all the blood.' After 17 hours of interrogation, Perez finally admitted to the crime he didn't commit. Perez also had reportedly begged for medical attention but was never provided his psychiatric medication. When the two interrogating officers left Perez alone in the room, he attempted suicide by hanging After 17 hours of interrogation, Perez finally admitted to the crime he didn't commit When the two interrogating officers left Perez alone in the room, he attempted suicide by hanging. California Judge Dolly Gee ruled last June that the evidence in the case would convince the jury that the questioning amounted to 'unconstitutional psychological torture.' Footage of the interrogation was released, sparking outrage and a long legal battle before the city of Fontana, California, finally agreed to a $900,000 settlement. His lawyer Jerry Steering told the Orange County Register, 'Mentally torturing a false confession out of Tom Perez, concealing from him that his father was alive and well, and confining him in the psych ward because they made him suicidal.' 'In my 40 years of suing the police I have never seen that level of deliberate cruelty by the police,' he continued. 'This case shows that if the police are skilled enough, and they grill you hard enough, they can get anybody to confess to anything.' The city of Fontana, California, finally agreed to pay Thomas Perez Jr (pictured) a $900,000 settlement. Perez was questioned by police for over 17 hours in 2018 in an interrogation that amounted to 'unconstitutional psychological torture' After being coerced into confession, Perez was involuntarily admitted to a psych ward, where he remained in isolation for three days. Police never told him that his father was found alive. For three days, he sat alone in the psych unit believing that both his father and dog were dead After confessing, Perez was involuntarily locked away in a psychiatric ward. He was kept there in isolation for three straight days. Police reportedly neglected to inform Perez that his father was still alive. His dog was also given to a shelter but later rescued, according to the Telegraph. For days, Perez sat alone in the psychiatric unit believing that both his father and dog were dead. The police department has not specified whether the police officers involved will face any repercussions. Colorado Representative Lauren Boebert was attacked this week for launching a homophobic insult at Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg. In response to Buttigieg calling the Republican out for erroneously taking credit for the Glenwood Springs South Bridge in Colorado, Boebert made a comment about him 'chest-feeding.' Buttigieg made history when he became the first opening gay US cabinet secretary in 2021 - but 'chest-feeding' is a term used by many trans men and non-binary people to describe the act of feeding their newborns from their chest area. 'Mayor Pete, maybe you were out chest-feeding and missed my letter, but I personally wrote you about this in June 2022,' she wrote on X this past Wednesday. She did in fact write a letter to Buttigieg in support of the grant funding for the South Bridge. But the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was passed in 2021, a year before her letter. Colorado Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert's most recent controversy is tied to a homophobic remark she made to Secretary Pete Buttigieg on X Boebert's post from May 22 that sparked backlash against her as she is running for re-election. The primary in her district will occur on June 25 Additionally, the funding for the South Bridge that Boebert said she secured $51.4 million for actually came from a provision in that same infrastructure law, something she voted against because it 'wastes hundreds of millions on climate change instead of roads and bridges.' Boebert's original post standing with the Glenwood Springs City Councilor Jonathan Godes and taking credit for the bridge was made on May 22. Buttigieg struck back the same day. 'Congresswoman, in what way do you believe that your support helped this project? We chose it because it's a good project, and funded it using President Biden's infrastructure package, which you voted against,' he wrote on X, quoting her original post. If Boebert was trying to make a point about potentially wasteful spending that was part of the infrastructure law in her clapback to Buttigieg, that got completely lost in the shuffle with her reference to chest-feeding. Angry X users descended on her post to sound off about how she was being homophobic by mocking Buttigieg, who has two adopted children with husband Chasten. Buttigieg, pictured here in front of a Senate subcommittee, hasn't responded to Boebert's chest feeding comment Buttigieg reposted Boebert's claim of securing the $51.4 million for the South Bridge in Glenwood Springs, reminding people that she voted against the law that made that eventually dispersed that money An overhead image of the South Bridge, the piece of infrastructure Boebert took credit for in her original post despite the funding coming from a bill she voted against 'All parents do skin to skin at the birth of their children. Its normal. Its very important for parents of adopted children. Maybe if you paid attention to yours they wouldnt be going to jail,' one X user wrote. This is in reference to Boebert's son Tyler who was arrested two months ago for property theft charges. Boebert this month declined to attend her son's court hearing in favor of making an appearance at Trump's hush money trial in New York. 'Let's talk about chest feeding with #BoboTheHobo shall we?' one X user wrote, attaching the widely circulated video of Boebert groping her date at a Beetlejuice musical. In fact, many replies combined policy criticisms of her with jabs about her naughty escapades at a Denver theater in September 2023, which included her vaping and taking photos during the performance. 'You defending taking credit for money you voted against is vile. Par for the course, Gropert,' one user wrote. Another wrote: 'Stick to your theater work, bigot.' Boebert decided to switch districts and joined the race to replace outgoing Rep. Ken Buck. She's been attacked for being a carpetbagger but has the biggest campaign war chest at $1 million, Colorado News Line reported in April. Colorado's primary is scheduled for June 25. Retailers that sell knives should be licensed in the same way as those that sell guns, a former policing chief has said after it emerged that a teen killer bought 79 blades from the same website. Rayis Nibeel, 17, was one of the attackers who stabbed Omar Khan, 38, during a drug deal gone wrong. He had amassed weapons worth 1,000, including swords, machetes and the knife used in the murder. Festus Akinbusoye, Britain's first black police and crime commissioner, said this should not have been allowed, and called for more regulation including mandatory permits. Rayis Nibeel, 17, (pictured) had amassed weapons worth 1,000, including swords, machetes and the knife used in the murder Nibeel was one of the attackers who stabbed Omar Khan, 38, (pictured) during a drug deal gone wrong '[The] Government needs to urgently look at ensuring all retailers of certain knives and blades objects are licensed as are those who sell firearms for, say, hunting,' the ex-Bedfordshire PCC said. 'This will require vetting, proof of safe storage and confirmation of usage.' Nibeel, who is beginning a 20-year sentence, used his mother's ID to bypass age verification checks to buy weapons from UK-based DNA Leisure. His purchases included knife sets as well as 39 hunting knives, 15 machetes and 12 swords. Nibeel can be named after St Albans Crown Court lifted an anonymity order last week. The weapons were delivered to his home in Luton before he and Umer Choudhury, 18, stabbed their victim last September. The teenagers had bought the weapons online over 13 transactions with the intention of robbing their drug dealer, their trial heard. Nibeel, who is beginning a 20-year sentence, used his mother's ID to bypass age verification checks to buy weapons from UK-based DNA Leisure The weapons were delivered to Nibeel's home in Luton before he and Umer Choudhury, 18, (pictured) stabbed their victim last September Police only discovered the link to DNA Leisure after speaking to a neighbour who had accepted a package for the teenager. Following a BBC investigation, DNA Leisure said Nibeel had committed fraud. 'We used an age-verified courier to deliver the parcel. We did not break the law in any way,' it added. In 2022, Ronan Kanda was murdered with a sword bought from the same retailer, also using false identification. Police forces recorded 49,489 knife crimes in 2023, up from 46,153 the previous year. The number of robberies involving a knife increased by a fifth. The Labour-run Welsh NHS has failed to learn the lessons of one of Britain's most shocking hospital scandals, according to a report. The Mail on Sunday revealed in 2014 how elderly patients at a hospital in North Wales were left covered in faeces, injured themselves crawling on urine-covered floors and were physically restrained with tables and chairs. Nurses in the Tawel Fan dementia ward at Glan Clwyd Hospital, near Rhyl, were found to have threatened and sworn at patients, left them naked and taunted them about their past love lives. Almost a decade on, a fresh review commissioned by the Welsh government has found NHS bosses failed to implement a string of recommendations to prevent the appalling abuse being repeated. Health expert Donna Ockenden made 50 recommendations across two reviews into the scandal. Nurses in the Tawel Fan dementia ward at Glan Clwyd Hospital (pictured), near Rhyl, were found to have threatened and sworn at patients, left them naked and taunted them about their past love lives Health expert Donna Ockenden (pictured) made 50 recommendations across two reviews into the scandal But the new report by the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCP), seen by the Mail, could only find 'good' evidence that just 19 of her recommendations had been fully implemented by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, which manages the hospital (Stock Image) But the new report by the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCP), seen by the Mail, could only find 'good' evidence that just 19 of her recommendations had been fully implemented by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, which manages the hospital. It found 'some' evidence another 28 had been implemented. There was little evidence of progress on the other three. Ms Ockenden's second review in 2018 said the board's leadership was 'wholly inappropriate and significantly flawed' and found it employed just one consultant nurse who specialised in dementia. Six years on, the RCP could find no consultant nurse 'with specific responsibility for dementia within the mental health and disability directorate'. Relatives of former patients on the ward, which closed before the MoS expose, voiced their anger tonight. John Stewart, 59, whose late father-in-law John Martindale was on Tawel Fan, described it as a 'disgrace'. He confronted Vaughan Gething, Welsh health minister from 2016 to 2021 and now first minister, with the report as the politician kicked off Labour's election campaign in Llandudno on Thursday. 'He'd not even read it,' said Mr Stewart. Ms Ockenden's second review in 2018 said the board's leadership was 'wholly inappropriate and significantly flawed' and found it employed just one consultant nurse who specialised in dementia (Stock Image) John Stewart, 59, whose late father-in-law John Martindale was on Tawel Fan, described it as a 'disgrace'. He confronted Vaughan Gething (pictured), Welsh health minister from 2016 to 2021 and now first minister, with the report as the politician kicked off Labour's election campaign in Llandudno on Thursday In 2018, a report by the Health and Care Advisory Service found no 'institutional abuse' at Tawel Fan but accepted there were failings. It made 15 recommendations the RCP found 'good' evidence that nine had been implemented. The Welsh Government said the health board accepted the review's key findings and 'we expect them to deliver those'. Betsi Cadwaladr chief executive Carol Shillabeer said it was 'determined to take action that improves services'. U.S. lawmakers arrived on Taiwan on Sunday as Chinese fighter jets buzzed overhead and the American State Department accused Beijing of 'military provocations.' China, on Thursday and Friday, conducted expansive military exercises around the island in the wake of the President Lai Ching-te's inauguration. Beijing called the military exercises 'punishment' for Lai's inaugural address, which China described as another push for the island's formal independence. This week's visit was the first by an American congressional delegation since Lai was inaugurated on May 20th. It is meant as a show of support even after Chinese officials expressed opposition to the trip by the bipartisan group of lawmakers. 'I think it's very important that we show our strong support for Taiwan. I think it is a deterrent,' Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, told NBC News before their arrival. Taiwan defense combat helicopters fly over Taipei city during the presidential inauguration A Chinese Embassy official warned McCaul against the visit, according to an email first obtained by NBC News. The email also described Lai's inauguration speech as 'the worst speech ever by a Taiwan new leader.' 'It once again proved that Mr. Lai has chosen an independence course and is on his way to implement it,' the email read. The delegation's visit also comes after Congress recently passed about $2 billion in military aid for Taiwan in hopes of enhancing its defensive capabilities against China. Also in the delegation are Representative Young Kim, Republican of California; Representative Joe Wilson, Republican of South Carolina; Representative Jimmy Panetta, Democrat of California; Representative Andy Barr, Republican of Kentucky, and Representative Chrissy Houlahan, Democrat of Pennsylvania. Lai, 65, who was the island's vice president for the past four years, says he favors maintaining the status quo, neither formally declaring independence nor becoming part of China. He's also said only Taiwan's people can decide their future. He has repeatedly offered talks but been rebuffed by China. Lawmakers will meet with Lai on Monday. Taiwan President Lai Ching-te was inaugurated on May 20th A Chinese fighter jet preparing for the 'Joint Sword-2024A' military drill over Taiwan China has not ruled out the use of force in unifying with Taiwan. The Taiwanese Defense Ministry said it had tracked 49 Chinese military planes and 19 of China's Navy ships operating around the Island on Friday. It called Beijing's drills 'irrational provocation.' In his inauguration speech, Lai urged China to cease its political and military threats against Taiwan, which he called 'a front-line guardian of world peace.' 'I hope that China will face the reality of the Republic of China's existence, respect the choices of the people of Taiwan and in good faith choose dialogue over confrontation,' Lai said, using Taiwan's formal name. China expressed its disapproval of Lai in joint military exercises in the Taiwan Strait and around groups of Taiwan-controlled islands near the Chinese coast, leading Taiwan's military to mobilize its own forces. Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul, R-Texas, leds the U.S. delegation 'This action targets the Taiwan independence forces and deters external forces from interfering, which is entirely reasonable, legal and necessary,' Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian said at a news conference in Beijing on Friday. The U.S. State Department said on Saturday that the United States was 'deeply concerned' over China's military drills in the Taiwan Strait and strongly urged it to act with restraint. 'Using a normal, routine, and democratic transition as an excuse for military provocations risks escalation and erodes longstanding norms that for decades have maintained peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait,' the State Department said in a statement. A prison holding some of Britain's most dangerous offenders has 'unreliable and faulty' security systems that pose a serious safety risk, an inspection has revealed. Surveillance technology at HMP Long Lartin, a category A jail, is 'unserviceable' and fails to stop drones from carrying drugs and phones into the grounds, according to a report by the prisons watchdog. It revealed how jail chiefs have even tried to 'patch up' faulty kit with scrap parts salvaged from other prisons. Inspectors said security at the Worcestershire jail needs urgent upgrades so wings can be monitored adequately. Two-thirds of Long Lartin inmates are serving life sentences, with the rest serving terms of ten years or more. HMP Long Lartin (pictured), which holds some of Britain's most dangerous offenders has 'unreliable and faulty' security systems that pose a serious safety risk, an inspection has revealed An officer pictured at a gate at HMP Long Lartin. Surveillance technology at the category A jail is 'unserviceable' and fails to stop drones from carrying drugs and phones into the grounds, according to a report by the prisons watchdog Current prisoners include Vincent Tabak (pictured), who kidnapped and murdered Joanna Yeates Previous inmates have included murderer Jeremy Bamber (pictured, in a police van in 1986) Current prisoners include Vincent Tabak, who kidnapped and murdered Joanna Yeates; Jake Fahri, serving life for the murder of schoolboy Jimmy Mizen; and Suffolk Strangler Steve Wright. Previous inmates have included murderer Jeremy Bamber, terror preacher Abu Hamza, gangster Charlie Kray and Charles Bronson. Inspectors from the Independent Monitoring Board called on the Government, Prison Service and the governor at Long Lartin to 'prioritise' security at the jail. They wrote: 'Minimal attempts have been made to repair obsolete equipment. At times use has been made of outdated components removed from other prisons.' The report went on to say drone deliveries of contraband had 'widened access to drugs and mobile phones' in the jail, causing 'bullying, instability and violence'. It said 86 drones had been spotted, with 31 packages 'intercepted', and both staff and visitors had been caught bringing illicit items in. The report added that the Ministry of Justice imposes a spending limit of 750 on items of basic maintenance, and requests to spend more are 'often delayed or refused'. In a note to the prisons minister Edward Argar, the inspectors asked whether funds for a fully operational surveillance system would be provided in the next year. Suffolk Strangler Steve Wright (pictured) was another former inmate at the prison. The new report revealed how jail chiefs have even tried to 'patch up' faulty kit with scrap parts salvaged from other prisons Inspectors from the Independent Monitoring Board called on the Government, Prison Service and the governor at Long Lartin to 'prioritise' security at the jail Charles Bronson (pictured, in 2004) was behind bars at Long Lartin. The report added that the Ministry of Justice imposes a spending limit of 750 on items of basic maintenance, and requests to spend more are 'often delayed or refused' The correspondence also asked the Prison Service what measures were being taken to install effective equipment. And they asked Long Lartin's governor if repairs were to be given high priority. The Prison Service said the project to 'replace the main security systems' at Long Lartin had been 'suspended, pending a national re-bid'. An air hostess whose leg was broken in seven places during severe turbulence has won a six-figure payout after being forced to give up her dream job. Eden Garrity, 31, was pushing a trolley and serving passengers when the plane entered a tropical hailstorm over the Atlantic. She was thrown to the ground and left pinned to the floor in agony when the Thomas Cook flight from Cuba to Manchester was suddenly and violently thrust 500ft upwards. After Ms Garrity spent an hour lying on the floor, six passengers helped carry her to a row of seats, which had been cleared. She was taken to hospital upon landing in Manchester seven hours later. Ms Garrity needed numerous operations and intense rehabilitation, and was unable to walk for two months. She has been left with nerve damage which makes it painful to stand for long periods. Eden Garrity (pictured, in 2019 before the incident) air hostess whose leg was broken in seven places during severe turbulence has won a six-figure payout after being forced to give up her dream job Ms Garrity's leg pictured after she broke her ankle during turbulence in 2019. Ms Garrity, 31, was pushing a trolley and serving passengers when the plane entered a tropical hailstorm over the Atlantic The air hostess pictured with a birthday cake after her accident. She was thrown to the ground and left pinned to the floor in agony when the Thomas Cook flight from Cuba to Manchester was suddenly and violently thrust 500ft upwards Ms Garrity pictured after she broke her ankle and leg after turbulence on a plane Ms Garrity, of Leigh, near Manchester, said that while she was thankful for the payout, 'it doesn't bring back what I've lost'. She added that she felt 'bitter' and resentful' that she will 'never be able to fly for work again'. She said: 'It was the best job in the world and I feel like I've lost a piece of my personality. 'I feel lost, I've got a family and a son and it is great, but I'm very restricted in terms of what I can do. I miss making memories, seeing different countries. 'I'm 31 and I have the rest of my life ahead of me and I can't do what I want to do.' Doctors said the impact of the plane floor during the turbulence was 'like a sledgehammer' hitting her foot. Ms Garrity broke her fibula in five places, her tibia once, fractured the side of her foot and cracked her ankle bone. The flight, in August 2019, had already taken a 100-mile detour to avoid adverse weather before it hit the storm. She said she and other crew members had not been made aware of the risk of turbulence either during the journey, or at the pre-flight staff briefing. She said: 'Usually if we're going to have some turbulence, they'll tell us before the flight and let us know what the plans are.' Ms Garrity added that before she was injured, she 'absolutely loved' her job. She said: 'To suffer from injuries that were so severe that I literally couldn't return has been utterly heartbreaking. I suffered from depression and was diagnosed with PTSD and anxiety.' Ms Garrity made a compensation claim via Thomas Cook's insurers, as the company went bust in 2020. The insurers denied responsibility but agreed to pay Ms Garrity an undisclosed six-figure compensation care package. Ms Garrity, of Leigh, near Manchester, said that while she was thankful for the payout, 'it doesn't bring back what I've lost' She said: 'It was the best job in the world and I feel like I've lost a piece of my personality' Ms Garrity made a compensation claim via Thomas Cook's insurers, as the company went bust in 2020 Ms Garrity broke her fibula in five places, her tibia once, fractured the side of her foot and cracked her ankle bone Ms Garrity revealed her ordeal days after a British man died and dozens were injured when a Singapore Airlines flight hit severe turbulence last Tuesday. Geoff Kitchen, 73, from Thornbury near Bristol, is reported to have suffered a heart attack as the aircraft plunged 6,000ft in three minutes. Another Briton is understood to be among five passengers still in intensive care in hospital. Voters have snubbed a desperate bid by Nationalist MPs to fund their election campaigns by begging for cash online. Dozens of SNP candidates have launched Crowdfunder pages as they struggle to scrape together funds to pay for campaign materials. But so far, many have barely raised a fraction of the sums required with one candidate attracting only 45 from supporters by yesterday afternoon. The SNP has already given candidates campaign funds. But because of its parlous financial state, they have been forced to turn to supporters to meet the cost of materials such as election leaflets. Stephen Gethins, the SNP candidate for Arbroath and Broughty Ferry, had managed to raise only 45 of a target of 1,000 from supporters as of yesterday afternoon. A number of high-profile Nationalist MPs, including the partys Westminster leader Stephen Flynn, are scrambling for between 1,000 and 10,000 to boost their campaigns. But in the four days following the announcement of the General Election not one managed to successfully hit their fundraising target. Yesterday SNP depute leader Keith Brown said it was right for the partys candidates to raise their own funds, but blamed the lack of donations on the Tory delivered cost of living crisis. Scottish Tory chairman Craig Hoy said: The SNPs campaign has got off to a dire start but we know Nationalist supporters will dig deep and throw money at this election in the hope of putting independence back on the agenda. In total, SNP candidates are asking for a minimum of 59,500 via Crowdfunder pages. But Stephen Gethins, standing for the SNP in Arbroath and Broughty Ferry, had total donations of 45 as of 3pm yesterday, only 4 per cent of his 1,000 target. Among the 26 SNP candidates with ongoing Crowdfunder pages is Mr Flynn, who is seeking 2,000 to fight for his Aberdeen South seat. In the four days he hit 69 per cent 1,386. Anum Qaisar, defending her Airdrie and Shotts seat, had only five donations totalling 210 towards her target of 2,000. Edinburgh East MP Tommy Sheppard had raised only 70 yesterday, despite being an MP since 2015. Meanwhile, Dundee Central MP Chris Laws appeal only hit 69 per cent of his ask and Jacqueline Cameron, standing in Paisley and Renfrewshire South, hit just over 50 per cent of her target. Defending his seat in Alloa and Grangemouth, John Nicolson is asking for 10,000 but with 26 days left to hit his target, he only had 1,145. Nationalist MSP Kevin Stewart defended his partys candidates, stating that there are hundreds of thousands of pounds in reserves and this is additional to the funds they have and will be given to them from the party centrally. He added: It looks good that were not in the hands of people giving millions of pounds, or the Russians, which we are not meant to be accepting these days. Accounts filed by the SNP last year showed it recorded a total loss of 804,278 in 2022. Last week, Police Scotland submitted a standard prosecution report to the Crown Office relating to former chief executive of the SNP Peter Murrell as part of a nearly three-year investigation into party funds. Some Labour and Alba candidates have also used crowdfunding platforms. Yesterday, Albas Chris McEleny hit 2,925 of his 10,000 target and Labours Ian Murray, defending his Edinburgh South seat, raised 820 towards a 2,500 target. The Scottish Tories confirmed they are not using the platforms. A four-legged bandit has been breaking into homes in a sleepy California neighborhood, making off with groceries and its all-time favorite snack: Oreos. Neighbors on Canyon Crest Drive in Monrovia have grown accustomed to the sight of a hulking black bear strolling down the sidewalk, often with a sugary snack between its jaws. On Saturday, the furry thief tore down a window screen at one home to nab a package of its namesake sandwich cookies. This came just a week after a different bear broke into that family's car and stole groceries. 'We are very used to them,' Monrovia resident Vina Khoury told KTLA. Khoury's history with Oreo is personal. Last summer, the bear wandered into her garage, batted open the refrigerator and retrieved a box of chocolate cake. A large black bear, nicknamed 'Oreo,' has become a frequent sight on Canyon Crest Drive in Monrovia, California Neighbors have spotted the bear casually strolling through the neighborhood with packs of sugar cookies between its jaws Nestled in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, residents of Monrovia often mingle with wildlife. Signs posted around the neighborhood warn unsuspecting visitors of bear sightings. So common is Oreo's presence that residents will stand on their front porches to watch the bear make off with its spoils. While Oreo has yet to show signs of aggression, Khoury says it is still worth being cautious. 'Weve never heard of a bear attack here before but still, when theyre too close or when its a mama bear with her little ones, you dont want to be too close to them or scare them because you dont know when theyre going to charge at you,' she said. And wildlife experts agree. While black bears are known for being shy and flighty, people are encouraged to keep their distance when bears are spotted in their backyards. BearWise, an educational research that helps people live safely with the animals, instructs people to 'make loud noises, shout, or bang pots and pans together' to scare a bear off their property. If the bear is encountered inside a building, it is important to give the animal a clear escape route. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife notes that the black bear is the only bear species living in the Golden State today. They come in a range of colors and are often confused for grizzlies - like Oreo, their coats may range on the blonde or cinnamon side. The furry bandit even broke into one resident's garage and rummaged through the fridge for a box of chocolate cake Oreo and other bears will often wander down from the surrounding San Gabriel Mountains in spring, scavenging for trash and food The four-legged thief tore down a window screen at one home to nab a package of its favorite sandwich cookies, just a week after another bear broke into that family's car For years, Canyon Crest Drive has been frequented by California black bears as the weather grows warmer and the omnivores abandon their winter dens in search of food. They often follow their nose into residential neighborhoods, lured by the scent of trash and anything else they can manage to scavenge. So widespread is the problem that the City of Monrovia has posted a 'Bear Safety Guide' on its official website. 'The Monrovia Police Department would like to remind the public to act responsibly when in bear territory,' it reads. Included among the 'Tips for Bear-Proofing Your Home' are waiting to put trash out until the morning of collection day, deodorizing garbage cans and keeping barbecue grills clean and tucked away when not in use. Neighbors are discouraged from keeping food or trash in their cars and keeping doors and windows locked. As the lines between nature and civilization continue to blur, there is a risk of animals becoming habituated to the presence of humans, causing property damage or risks to public safety. But at the end of the day, it's important to remember they're just bears being bears. 'Throughout spring and summer, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife receive many calls when bears break into homes and rummage through trash bins,' the City website reads. 'These bears are often labeled nuisance bears, but in reality they are just doing what comes naturally to them - foraging for food.' Several residents are considering talking with wildlife experts about whether the bear should be relocated, but nothing official has been set in motion. For the time being, Oreo stays. Michael Mathesons refusal to resign over his 11,000 iPad bill has brought the integrity of the Scottish parliament into disrepute, it was claimed yesterday. The Nationalist former health secretary is under growing pressure to quit as MSPs are encouraged to restore public trust by voting for a motion for him to leave Holyrood. Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross will this week ask MSPs to either support a motion demanding Mr Matheson resigns as an MSP or back him despite his unacceptable conduct. John Swinney came under fire last week for rejecting the sanctions against Mr Matheson recommended by Holyrood chiefs. Michael Matheson tried to charge a near-11,000 data roaming bill racked up during a family holiday to Morocco to taxpayers And it emerged yesterday that the Scottish Greens are planning to vote against the motion, branding it nasty opportunism. Mr Matheson was forced to quit as health secretary after it emerged he had tried to charge a near-11,000 data roaming bill racked up during a family holiday to Morocco to taxpayers. Holyroods standards committee recommended a 10,936 salary fine and a 27-day suspension for Mr Matheson, after he was found guilty of multiple breaches of parliamentary rules. But the First Minister claimed the process was prejudiced and he will not back these sanctions. Mr Ross yesterday said that forcing Mr Matheson out was vital to restoring public trust in Holyrood. He said: In any other line of work, Michael Matheson would lose his job. He added: MSPs must stand up for the integrity of the Scottish parliament and restore public trust by voting in favour of our motion calling for Michael Mathesons resignation. But the Scottish Greens branded the Tory plan unscrupulous and vindictive. A spokesman said: Michael Matheson made a mistake for which he has already been punished, but it is the view of the Green group of MSPs that it is correct that he receives further parliamentary sanction, and we will vote for such action. What we will not do is support the unscrupulous and vindictive calls for him to resign from the Tories who are being not just shallow and callous, but abusing their positions as parliamentarians through partisan self-interest. Scottish Tory chairman Craig Hoy said: We can only guess at what the Greens have been promised in return for backing the disgraced MSP. A disabled Army vet has detailed how he miraculously survived a grizzly bear encounter that saw him mauled in the Wyoming wilderness. Shayne Patrick Burke, 35, suffered serious injuries as a result - revealing in a post to Instagram how he was in the 'wrong place at the wrong time' when a mother grizzly bear attacked him Sunday. The full-grown animal had been protecting her cub, he said - resulting in a vicious attack the combat veteran said was the 'most violent' thing he's ever experienced. He credited a can of bear spray with saving his life, administered as the beast was gnawing on his hands, legs, and the back of his neck, nearly ending him then and there. But the ex-Army Reservist never gave up - keeping hold of the canister as she went in for the kill. How he made it out alive? 'As she bit my hands in the back of my neck, she simultaneously bit the bear spray can, and it exploded in her mouth,' he said. Scroll down for video: Shayne Patrick Burke, 35, suffered serious injuries after being attacked by an angry mama grizzly Sunday - and revealed how he was in the 'wrong place at the wrong time' when the animal attacked. Pictured, him clutching a knife seconds after surviving the scare The attack, he added, occurred on Signal Mountain - an isolated summit standing some 7,720 feet above sea level in Grand Teton National Park. Once there for an hour in search of a Great Grey Owl to photograph, he had the surprise encounter with the brown bear, he wrote online as he continues to recover. 'I was walking through a thick wooded area in a valley,' he wrote, revealing he had parted ways with his wife just before with plans of meeting again at a nearby parking lot. 'I over came[sic] a feature in the slope to my right and I noticed a brown bear cub running up a hill about 50-70 yards in front of me. I knew this wasnt good. 'I unholstered my bear spray and saw the mother bear charging,' he continued. 'I stood my ground, shouted and attempted to deploy the bear spray but as I did she already closed the gap. 'When she pounced[,] I opted to turn and give her my back and I laid down in the prone position on my belly and braced for the ride.' He wrote how at this point, he was 'interlocking [his] hands behind my neck to protect my vitals,' with 'the first bite and slash [felt] on [his] back / right shoulder. 'I screamed,' Burke, who is from Massachusetts, wrote in a continuation seen in the post's comments. He credited a can of bear spray with saving his life, administered as the omnivore was gnawing on his hands, legs, and the back of his neck, nearly ending him then and there 'As she bit my hands in the back of my neck, she simultaneously bit the bear spray can, and it exploded in her mouth,' he said That, he said, allowed him to make it out alive, with the bear leaving him to apply improvised tourniquets to his savaged legs The ex-Army Reservist never gave up, citing his grit as what kept him alive. He also said he didn't blame the bear, and chalked his ordeal up to just plain bad luck 'She then turned, stepping on my back. She bit one of my legs, picking me up and slamming me on the ground multiple times. [S]he bit each leg from my buttocks to my inner knee about three times each. 'The final time,' he added, 'I screamed again.' This, however, brought the bear's attention to his head, he wrote, leading to the almost fatal attack to his neck. 'I still had my hands interlocked and my arms protecting my carotid arteries,' he recalled. 'I never let go of the bear spray can.' As the beast bit his hands in an attempt to get past them, she beat into the can. 'This is what saved my life from the initial attack. I heard her run away, I looked up and instantly ran in the opposite direction up a hill. 'Once I put some distance between me and the bear, I attempted to call my wife,' he added, with photos shared in the post showing him covered in blood presumably seconds after the attack. 'It didnt go through, so I texted attacked,' he went on. 'She called me back and I told her what happened as I applied improvised tourniquets to my legs.' He went on to call 911, staying on the line with the operator in hopes that a helicopter would hone in on his location. 'This is what saved my life from the initial attack. I heard her run away, I looked up and instantly ran in the opposite direction up a hill,' he said of the bear spray 'I still had my hands interlocked and my arms protecting my carotid arteries,' he recalled. ' I never let go of the bear spray can' He underwent emergency surgery, on a litany of lacerations seen in the photos above. The extent of his injuries was not immediately specified. However, officials said Friday he was in 'stable condition' and 'expected to fully recover' 'At this point I knew that I didnt have any arterial bleeds and I just needed to slow the bleeding in my legs,' he wrote, with one photo showing him desperately gripping a hunting knife while spread flat on his back. 'I laid alone in the woods gripping my knife with my back to a tree just hoping the bear wasnt to return,' he wrote of this, with wounds still fresh across his person. 'Through the phone call with 911 the helicopter was able to triangulate my location since the spotty service wasnt giving us an accurate location. 'At this point my legs were not really working,' he added - revealing how he was left hoping the bear wouldn't return. As he continued to bleed, the helicopter took hours to zero in on his location. 'In this moment, I accepted on that small hilltop that I very well could die. I recorded a short video telling my people that I loved them,' he admitted. But in a stroke of good fortune, the helicopter eventually arrived, transporting him to St John Hospital in Jackson a few miles away. Pictured is a file photo of the Grand Tetons at Grand Teton National Park, north of Jackson Hole, Wyoming There, he underwent emergency surgery, on a litany of lacerations seen in graphic photos that went up with the account. After investigating the incident, the National Park Service (NPS) said it would not attempt to capture or kill the grizzly, as the animals art typically only aggressive when threatened, especially when it comes to their young. In another excerpt of his account, Burge said nobody supports that decision more than himself, expressing understanding to the animal that came so close to claiming his live. 'Ive thought long and hard about how I would share my story about my encounter with a female grizzly and her cub,' he posted, showing the scars as proof. 'Let me preface this with how much I love and respect wildlife. What happened up on Signal Mountain was a case of wrong place, wrong time.' Mother bears aggressively defend their offspring and remain with them for two to three years after birth. The decision not to pursue the bears, which officials determined behaved naturally after being surprised, was consistent with attacks that don't involve campsite raids, eating food left out by people, or similar behaviors that make bears more dangerous. Citing the region's 1,000 or so bears, park rangers said they were not familiar with the ones responsible for the attack Sunday afternoon. Pictured: File photo of a grizzly bear Citing the region's 1,000 or so bears, park rangers said they were not familiar with the ones responsible for the attack Sunday afternoon. As mentioned, the attack happened even though the victim was carrying bear-repellant spray and made noise to alert bears in the forest - showing the dangers of such an encounter. An investigation into the incident, as of writing, remains ongoing. As for Burke, his recovery too remains ongoing. He did not specify the extent of his injuries, nor whether or not he has left the hospital. DailyMail.com has reached out to Burke for comment. In an update aired this week, officials said was in 'stable condition' and 'expected to fully recover'. A Scots mother who suffered severe paralysis after a Covid jab has been paid 120,000 in compensation. Clare Bowie was left unable to move from the chest down two weeks after getting the AstraZeneca vaccine. Three years on, the 56-year-old from Dumbarton has partially recovered but can only walk about 20 steps a day. She was awarded damages through the Governments Vaccine Damage Payment scheme. Claire Bowie was paid 120,000 by the Government through its Vaccine Damage Payment scheme, for people who are left disabled through any vaccine Ms Bowie said she felt ill a fortnight after receiving the vaccine in April 2021. She added: I was fully paralysed to chest level and it was spreading. I started to lose the ability to breathe and speak. It was scary. After six MRI scans, doctors diagnosed acute disseminated encephalitis complicated by transverse myelitis, a condition that causes inflammation in the brain and spinal cord. It can follow a minor infection and it is the result of the immune system going haywire and attacking the nerves. Eventually a combination of steroids and other drugs helped halt the deterioration. In July 2021 she was able to wiggle her toes for the first time. But, due to muscle wastage, it was a long and slow journey to recovery. She had to medically retire from her job of 37 years as a Ministry of Defence administration worker at the Faslane submarine base on the Clyde. Ms Bowie said: I do physio every day, so I can walk. But its probably maybe about 20 steps. But its actually enough to get me from my bed to the toilet and to my living room chair. If I am being perfectly honest, I am just grateful to be alive. Mrs Bowies husband Dave, 55, applied for the compensation scheme in October 2021, while she was still in hospital. But the money only arrived in her account in February 2023, a year and half after applying. Ms Bowie described the scheme as woefully inadequate. She added: You think 120,000 is massive. Ive been in the civil service all my life, I wasnt used to that money. But the bottom line is it doesnt clear your mortgage and modify your house. Around three billion doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine were given worldwide. AstraZeneca said: From the body of evidence in clinical trials and real-world data, the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine has continuously been shown to have an acceptable safety profile and regulators around the world consistently state the benefits of vaccination outweigh the risks of extremely rare potential side effects. Liberal district attorneys have left America's cities 'ruined' and would be better employed 'filling ice-cream cones', according to Judge Judy. The veteran reality TV star said the country is in worse shape than it was 30 years ago because 'a small group of people who have very loud voices created a scenario where bad people got rewarded'. And she lashed out at a culture that increasingly excuses people's behavior on the basis of their background. 'Oh I know how we got here,' she told Fox News Digital. 'When society started to make excuses for bad behavior, and react to criminality based upon the excuses, it fell apart.' Judge Judy said a 'small group of people who have very loud voices created a scenario where bad people got rewarded' The veteran reality TV star reflected on how society had deteriorated since the start of her on-screen career 30 years ago Judy, real name Judy Sheindlin, spoke out after Portland DA Mike Schmidt became the latest of the liberal prosecutors elected in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement to lose their jobs. 'When you have district attorneys who are charged, whose job it is to do justice, but to keep the community safe, when you have elected district attorneys who don't know what their job is, they should go find another job,' she said. 'Fill ice cream cones someplace. But don't ruin cities. 'And what's happened around New York City, Portland, San Francisco, you had district attorneys who didn't know what their job was. And the cities are ruined, people are leaving.' Robberies are up 5.2 percent in New York City so far this year and while recorded hate crimes have jumped 11 per cent. In Portland, larceny offenses jumped to more than 26,000 in the year to April, while arrests for prostitution more than doubled amid an ongoing drugs and homelessness crisis. Homicides jumped by 35 percent in DC last year while robberies were up 67 percent, and in San Francisco, DA Chesa Boudin lost his job in a 2022 recall election after securing just three drug convictions the previous year. Liberal DA was defeated in his Portland re-election bid last week by 'tough on crime' opponent Nathan Vasquez after being elected with 77 percent of the vote in 2020 San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin lost a 2022 recall election after securing just three drug convictions the previous year Sheindlin lashed out at New York's 2019 decision to raise the minimum age at which a suspect to be tried as an adult to 18, branding it 'ridiculous'. 'If you have family, if you have a mother who's 65 years old who's walking to the grocery store and some crazy for no reason hits her over the head with a steel pipe and kills her, and they're 17, that person should never be allowed to walk the street again, because society can't take a chance,' she said. 'If I wouldn't take a chance on him living next to me why would I take a chance on him living next to you? 'You're just as dead as somebody 18 kills you, or 17. 'And if you're 17 years old and kill somebody, you don't belong with kids who are 12, in a juvenile facility. 'But a very small group of people pushed through in New York State, for instance, raising the level of criminal responsibility.' And she insisted the explanations for why a person becomes a criminal should never be confused with excuses. 'You know there is always a reason for criminal behavior,' she said. 'Didn't have a good upbringing, didn't have two parents in the house, didn't have one parent in the house, there's always a reason. Progressive Chicago DA Kim Foxx (left) was replaced in March, and Los Angeles DA George Gascon, the self-described 'Godfather of progressive prosecutors' faces a stiff re-election challenge from Republican hardliner Nathan Hochman 'You're mentally ill. That's a reason. You took drugs, that's a reason. You took alcohol, your brain is fried, whatever it is. 'There is never an excuse for bad behavior.' And she reflected on how the situation has deteriorated since she began her TV career. 'Here we are, 30 years later, and are we in a worse shape as a country, as a world, than we were in 1993? You bet your bottom we are. 'I think we better get smarter before we get lost,' she said. 'Permanently lost.' Gloucestershire's famous cheese-rolling event is set to go ahead tomorrow despite objections which say it is a dangerous event which strains emergency services. Tewkesbury Borough Safety Advisory Group said last year's event put a strain on emergency services after a number of people suffered injuries. One senior police officer even said last year there was a 'risk of mass casualties' if something went wrong. Hundreds of people gather at Cooper's Hill, near Brockworth, to watch the event, which is thought to have its roots in a pagan festival to celebrate the return of spring. Competitors chase a 3kg Double Gloucester cheese rolling down the steep 180m hill. Many trip and tumble as they go, but pick themselves up and resume the chase. The steep gradient means the event is not for the faint-hearted, and the cheese can reach speeds of up to 70mph, with the first runner to catch it crowned the winner. Gloucestershire's famous cheese-rolling event is set to go ahead tomorrow despite objections which say it is a dangerous event which strains emergency services A participant receives medical treatment after the Cheese Rolling contest last year Many trip and tumble as they go, but pick themselves up and resume, Pictured last year The steep gradient means the event is not for the faint-hearted, and the cheese can reach speeds of up to 70mph. Pictured are scenes last year Competitors chase a 3kg Double Gloucester cheese rolling down the steep 180m hill The Safety Advisory Group said it has made 'numerous attempts' to engage with organisers but they have not shared how they plan to keep people safe this year. Assistant Chief Constable Arman Mathieson from Gloucestershire Police said the event is a 'unique tradition and we have no desire to stop it'. But police had a duty to tell the public that the council's safety group had declared it unsafe. 'Those intending to go should consider the risk they might be putting themselves at' he said. The advisory group is made up of multiple agencies, including the emergency services, who work to promote safety and welfare at events. Members say they are concerned about how emergency services would be able to respond if there was a major incident, after ambulances struggled to access the site in 2023. The winner of last year's women's race was knocked unconscious at the finish line and she only discovered she'd won when she woke up in a medical tent. Despite yearly warnings about the event, people travel from all over the world to attend. There are multiple races and the rules are simple - get to the bottom of the hill first. Gravity does most of the hard work, as competitors run - or in most cases tumble - down the steep slope. Volunteers are ready to help catch runners at the bottom but injuries are almost inevitable. On the official Facebook page, organisers say both spectators and participants attend at their own risk. One senior police officer said 'If a major incident were to occur, if people were to slip at the top of the hill and fall, we would have a crush, we would have multiple casualties and we would have a requirement to respond.' Ch Supt Mathieson said he wants to make sure that people can safely attend the event, for which he is the gold commander Participants compete in the women's downhill race during the Cheese Rolling contest, 2023 The event involves competitors chasing a 7lb Double Gloucester cheese rolling down a hill Abby Lampe from North Carolina celebrates her win in 2022 The 'lack of appropriate planning' means that emergency services would struggle to respond, he added. The wacky event is thought to have its roots in a pagan festival to celebrate the return of spring. The Safety Advisory Group said it was willing to help the organisers get the right documentation and insurance in place. 'We would like to see evidence of safety documentation and risk-assessment processes' said Tewkesbury Borough Council. It attracts competitors from around the world. In 2006, the American National Library of Medicine published a report from The Australian headlined 'Dozens injured as cheese roll goes crackers. Where did the cheese rolling tradition come from? Some say it was all about claiming grazing rights on the common and land around Cooper's Hill, others believe it could have been a fertility ritual. The cheese used is 3-4-kilogram Double Gloucester, a hard cheese traditionally made locally in a circular shape. Each is protected for the rolling by a wooden casing round the side, and is decorated with ribbons at the start of the race. The cheese can reach speeds of up to 70mph. Contestants run down the hill and the first runner to the bottom wins and the cheese is the prize. Chris Anderson first competed in 2004 at the age of 17, coming second, and he won his first race in 2005 and beat the record. Florence Early, from Stroud, first ran the race when she was 17 and is the four-time champion of the ladies' race. Advertisement 'Twenty five people were injured at an annual cheese rolling competition in which daredevils chase giant cheese wheels down a steep slope in western England. 'Dozens took part in the bizarre event at Cooper's Hill in Brockworth, Gloucestershire, before a crowd of about 3,000 cheering spectators. 'They raced for 200m down the slope after wheel-shaped Double Gloucester cheeses, decorated in a blue and red ribbon. 'Many slipped, somersaulted, and tumbled their way to the bottom during five bone-crunching races over two hours. 'Of the 25 people hurt, 12 were spectators, one of whom was hit by one of the hard, 4kg, dinner plate sized cheeses used in each race, but only two people were taken to hospital for further assessment.' The event has been celebrated for centuries and is thought to have its roots in a heathen festival to celebrate the return of spring. Cheese Rolling on Cooper's Hill was painted by Charles March Gere in 1948, but the first written evidence is found from a message written to the Gloucester town crier in 1826, however even then it was apparent the event was an old tradition, and is believed to be at least six hundred years old. Chris Anderson first competed in 2004 at the age of 17, coming second, and he won his first race in 2005 and beat the record. He has now claimed the title 23 times. The father-of-three plans to compete for another few years - until his eldest son can take over the baton. 'It's all over so quickly' he said. 'The first time I won I broke my ankle and had to get stretchered away. 'I'm from the local village, so it's good to keep the record in the village. 'For the locals, it's a massive event for us.' Preparations for the competition have been taking place all week - trimming away stinging nettles, picking up litter and cutting the grass. The winner of each race gets to keep the Double Gloucester cheese wheel. Keir Starmer will today set out Labour's stall to undecided voters as he appeals for the electorate to trust him with Britain's 'money, our borders and our security'. The Labour leader will tell the public he will fight for them, and that his reforms within his own party have all been to build a platform to 'serve the British people'. He will say the transformed Labour Party is ready to meet the 'core tests' that voters set for government 'economic security, border security and national security'. Earlier this year a poll revealed that almost a third of voters were undecided about who is best to lead the country out of Sir Keir and Rishi Sunak, while another survey suggested a fifth of those who plumped for the Conservatives in 2019 were not sure who to vote for this time. Despite Labour's consistent polling leads of 20 points or more in recent months, Sir Keir will acknowledge there are 'countless people who haven't decided how they'll vote in this election'. Keir Starmer will tell the public he will fight for them, and that his reforms within his own party have all been to build a platform to 'serve the British people' He will say the transformed Labour Party is ready to meet the 'core tests' that voters set for government 'economic security, border security and national security'. Pictured: Migrants crossing the English Channel on a small boat in March The Labour leader this month unveiled the party's 'first steps' to change in government. They included slashing NHS waiting lists, recruiting 6,500 teachers and economic stability (stock image of NHS waiting room) 'They're fed up with the failure, chaos and division of the Tories, but they still have questions about us,' he will say in today's keynote speech. 'Has Labour changed enough? Do I trust them with my money, our borders and our security? 'My answer is, yes, you can because I have changed this party. Permanently. This has been my driving mission since day one. I was determined to change Labour so that it could serve the British people.' The Labour leader this month unveiled the party's 'first steps' to change in government. They included slashing NHS waiting lists, recruiting 6,500 teachers and economic stability. But Conservative Party chairman Richard Holden said: 'He has been Labour leader for four years but has failed to set out a clear plan to secure Britain's future. 'All he has managed is to break the ten promises he made when he ran for the leadership and create a 38.5 billion black hole in his spending promises, meaning Labour would have to put up taxes by 2,094 on every hardworking family.' The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court has accused Israel of 'collectively punishing' Palestinians in Gaza. In his first comments since Karim Khan asked judged to approve arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Yoav Gallant and three top Hamas leaders Mr Khan yesterday condemned Israel's deliberate targeting of civilians. 'You can't have as a common plan collective punishment,' he told The Times. 'It's absolutely legitimate for Israel to have the objective to defeat Hamas and to get hostages out, I support that. But the way you engage must be compliant with law.' He cited Israel's targeting of bakeries and wells, suspension of water, electricity and food from Gaza and killing of aid workers and people queuing for refuge as factors in his decision. In his first comments since Karim Khan (pictured) asked judged to approve arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Yoav Gallant and three top Hamas leaders Mr Khan yesterday condemned Israel's deliberate targeting of civilians Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant (pictured) was also named in the ICC announcement last Monday, as well as three IDF leaders Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and defense minister Yoav Gallant during a press conference in the Kirya military base in Tel Aviv , Israel , 28 October 2023 Relatives mourn near the body of 16-year-old Palestinian Lama Abu Salah, killed during the Israeli attacks on the town of Abasan al-Kabira, after the body is brought to Gaza European Hospital in Khan Yunis, Gaza on May 26, 2024 Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant was also named in the ICC announcement last Monday, as well as three IDF leaders. The arrest warrants, which were made in consultation with a panel of lawyers including Amal Clooney and Israeli-American judge Theodor Meron, mark the first time a sitting western-backed leader has been targeted by the court. While acknowledging that civilian casualties are often unavoidable in war, The British barrister said he recently used the UK's restraint during The Troubles as an example of how Israel should have behaved during its bombing campaign on Gaza. Despite a number of assassinations attempts, bombings and kneecappings carried out by the IRA, he explained, Britain never simply decided to drop a 2,000lb bomb on Falls Road potentially taking out several IRA members or Republican sympathisers but killing many more civilians. 'You can't do that,' he explained, adding that law is that which separates states from terrorists. Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif and Ismail Haniyeh have also been accused of extermination, murder, taking of hostages and rape and sexual assault in detention by the ICC. If approved by the ICC judges, all five men will be subject to arrest as soon as they step foot in one of the court's 124 member states. Israel and the US are not members. David Broadway 'would've been dismissed' for misconduct if he hadn't resigned A police boss reported for sending unwanted sexualised messages after he led a talk on staff conduct following Sarah Everard's murder has quit before he could be sacked. The female worker said David Broadway's appearance at the event 'smacked of double standards' due to his behaviour towards her. A disciplinary panel said the 80,000-a-year former head of justice at Gwent Police 'would have been dismissed' for gross misconduct had he not resigned. The 51-year-old sent scores of 'sexually suggestive' texts commenting on the woman's 'sexy' body and requesting sex, even though she told him she was in a relationship and asked him to stop. She complained in August 2022 after discovering that Mr Broadway was leading a seminar with a discussion about inappropriate workplace messaging. A police boss who led a talk on conduct after Sarah Everard's death was reported for sending sex texts The talk was one of a series held by the Gwent Police as part of efforts to rebuild trust in the police after Ms Everard's murder in 2021 by Scotland Yard officer Wayne Couzens. In May 2023, a second woman came forward with complaints about Mr Broadway, who was then suspended on full pay. A third complainant emerged later. In a victim impact statement, the first woman said she had suffered 'unbearable' stress. She said: 'I still haven't recovered from the effect and impact of his behaviour towards me and still have to take medication. 'I am scarred by this harassment and I don't know when or if I ever will fully recover.' Gwent Police is understood to be holding an independent review of Mr Broadway's 30-year employment history with the force during which his roles are understood to have included victim services. A Gwent Police spokesman said: 'The hearing chair found the former staff member would have been dismissed had he not resigned from his position ahead of the hearing.' Outgoing Chief Constable Pam Kelly said: 'I would like to pay tribute to the individuals who came forward. Their courage in speaking out has allowed us to take this action. 'Both our communities and our staff deserve the highest of standards from all in our organisation.' The allegations are the latest in a line of controversies at the troubled force. Eleven current and former Gwent Police officers were investigated over WhatsApp messages which came to light after the death of retired officer Ricky Jones, who took his own life in 2020. Members of Mr Jones's family discovered the chats, which they said included horrific messages shared between officers 'that were homophobic, racist, misogynistic and laid bare a deep-rooted, toxic culture within the force'. David Broadway's speech was one of a series held by the Gwent Police as part of efforts to rebuild trust in the police after Ms Everard's murder in 2021 Three of those accused are facing gross misconduct charges. Four more serving officers have also been accused of misconduct over the WhatsApp messages. Two were handed written warning for failing to report the offensive messages, one was cleared of misconduct and a fourth officer was found to have breached rules over disclosing information and also handed a warning. The Independent Office for Police Conduct said cases against four other officers were either withdrawn or unable to proceed as they had left the force. Mr Broadway, who has the right to appeal, has not commented. His name will be added to the College of Policing's 'barred' list which covers officers and staff who are dismissed or resign before a disciplinary hearing. Such people are then blacklisted from working for police and crime commissioners, forces, watchdogs or inspection bodies. Rishi Sunak was forced to defend his National Service programme last night. Amid unanswered questions about the details of the plan and how it would work, the Prime Minister assured voters that it would open doors for teenagers that they wouldn't otherwise get through. The policy announcement sparked a heated debate over the weekend with Labour branding it 'desperate' and even some Conservatives worried that it was akin to a 'grown-up Boy Scouts'. But others in the party backed the PM, as did former defence chiefs. Under the plan, 18-year-olds will be given a choice between a full-time placement in the Armed Forces for 12 months or spending one weekend a month for a year volunteering' in their community. Last night, it was revealed that teenagers would be incentivised to sign up for the scheme with fast-tracked interviews for graduate schemes in both the private and public sectors, and the opportunity to highlight National Service on their UCAS applications to help them getting into university. Under the plan, 18-year-olds will be given a choice between a full-time placement in the Armed Forces for 12 months or spending one weekend a month for a year volunteering' in their community The policy announcement sparked a heated debate over the weekend with Labour branding it 'desperate' The policy announcement sparked a heated debate over the weekend with Labour branding it 'desperate' and even some Conservatives worried that it was akin to a 'grown-up Boy Scouts'. But others in the party backed the PM, as did former defence chiefs. How ministers rubbished Rishi's scheme only last week A Tory defence minister rejected the prospect of National Service just two days before the Tories announced they would introduce it if they win the election. Andrew Murrison said there were no plans to introduce the policy, adding that it could damage morale if potentially unwilling recruits were forced to serve alongside Armed Forces personnel. Rishi Sunak announced over the weekend plans to make 18-year-olds take part in a form of mandatory National Service, either on a 12-month placement in the military or by doing volunteer work. But just two days beforehand, Mr Murrison, responding to a written parliamentary question on behalf of the Government, expressed opposition to any restoration of National Service. In the statement published on Thursday, after Mr Sunak had called the election the minister also said that if recruits were kept apart from regular forces, it would be difficult to find meaningful roles for them, potentially harming motivation and discipline. He added: There are no current plans for the restoration of any form of National Service. Advertisement Under the plan, 18-year-olds will be given a choice between a full-time placement in the Armed Forces for 12 months or spending one weekend a month for a year The Tories would also encourage employers to consider those who complete the Armed Forces placement during job applications. However, the Armed Forces option would be selective with only around 30,000 placements for 'the brightest and best'. Studies from Norway and Israel, which have national military service schemes, suggest they give youngsters a 'leg up' into subsequent careers, the Tories said. The Conservatives have promised to establish a Royal Commission, bringing in expertise from across the military and civil society to establish the details of the programme. It will be asked to look at models in other countries to design incentives for those taking part in Britain. The party said the commission would be tasked with bringing forward a proposal for how to ensure the first pilot is open for applications in September 2025. After that, it would seek to introduce a new 'National Service Act' to make the measures compulsory by the end of the next Parliament, the party said. Mr Sunak said last night: 'National Service schemes in countries around the world show just how fulfilling it is for young people. We want to make sure Britain's future generations can get the most out of National Service, that's why we're looking into ways it can open doors they wouldn't otherwise get in work or education.' But last night the Tories refused to comment on any of the rumoured sanctions for teenagers who refuse to take part despite the party's insistence the scheme would be 'mandatory'. Home Secretary James Cleverly said the plans were aimed at getting young people 'out of their bubble' but would not involve the threat of criminal sanctions. The Tories would also encourage employers to consider those who complete the Armed Forces placement during job applications The Tories would also encourage employers to consider those who complete the Armed Forces placement during job applications Labour's work and pensions spokesman Liz Kendall branded the 'unfunded' plan a 'headline-grabbing gimmick'. She said the proposal 'doesn't deal with the big challenges facing young people who are desperate to get the skills and qualifications they need to get good jobs, to have a home they can call their own'. Senior Tories also criticised it, with a former Cabinet minister saying the proposal appeared to have been 'rushed out', and should have been 'better communicated'. But Miriam Cates, co-chairman of the New Conservatives, backed it, saying National Service would boost the UK's 'sense of national identity and cohesion' and 'bring the generations back together'. Senior Tories also criticised it, with a former Cabinet minister saying the proposal appeared to have been 'rushed out', and should have been 'better communicated' A senior Tory source said: 'Yesterday the PM hit the campaign trail two hours before Sir Keir surfaced. Today there is no sign of Starmer whatsoever' Former head of the Armed Forces, General Lord David Richards, said he thought the proposal was 'an excellent idea', which would 'instil in our well-meaning but often confused younger generation the sense of national purpose and cohesion of belonging to something bigger than themselves.' The row came as: Sir Keir Starmer prepared to make a pitch to undecided voters in a major speech today, telling the public: 'I will fight for you'; Mr Sunak hit the campaign trail in north London, accompanied by his wife Akshata Murty; Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves vowed that she would not increase income tax or National Insurance if Labour wins power. Sir Ed Davey launched the Lib Dems' campaign, claiming the party is getting its best response from voters 'for a generation'; Nigel Farage, the Reform UK honorary president, said he still had 'one more big card to play' and confirmed plans to stand as an MP candidate in the future; Labour vowed to revive Mr Sunak's plans to ban young people from ever being able to legally smoke after it failed to become law ahead of the election. Labour and the Tories accused each other of not appearing on the campaign trail at the weekend. On Saturday, Sir Keir's party said Mr Sunak was 'hiding away in his mansion'. But yesterday, the Conservatives made a counter-accusation after Ms Reeves, rather than Sir Keir, gave a stump speech to Labour Party members. A senior Tory source said: 'Yesterday the PM hit the campaign trail two hours before Sir Keir surfaced. Today there is no sign of Starmer whatsoever.' An NHS trust has come under fire over internal trans guidance policy which, campaigners warn, obliges staff to 'comply or be damned'. Senior management at Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust signed off on the 18-page document which forces medics to accept patients' choice of pronouns. It also warns they should not confront patients who use specific single-sex facilities regardless of their appearance. The policy, which came into effect in February last year, commits staff to apologise if they make mistakes relating to a patient's pronouns. It also advises they make a 'commitment to try harder' if they make errors in front of patients. Other sections of the policy, which is not due for renewal until November 2026, read: 'Patients may need to be screened for risks linked to their physiological needs based on what organs are present rather than the patient's birth or acquired gender. Senior management at Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust signed off on the 18-page document which forces medics to accept patients' choice of pronouns (file image of the University Hospital Lewisham, which is run by the Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust) It also warns they should not confront patients who use specific single-sex facilities regardless of their appearance. (File image) 'Trans men and non-binary individuals can become pregnant and should be treated with dignity while using maternity services. '[If] it is impossible to ask the view of the person because they are unconscious or incapacitated then, in the first instance, inferences should be drawn from presentation and mode of dress.' The document has been met with a wave of criticism. Heather Binning, of the Women's Rights Network, said: 'The policy incorrectly interprets UK law and places staff and patients in extraordinarily difficult positions. 'The coercion and bullying of NHS staff through these unlawful policies is clearly evident Comply or be damned. Where's the dignity and respect for women who are uncomfortable accepting men in their spaces?' James Esses, founder of Thoughtful Therapists and who first received the policy, said: 'This ideology, which threatens the wellbeing of children, the safety of women and the values of free speech and biological reality, must be driven out of our healthcare system before it is too late.' The policy is an example of what former health secretary Steve Barclay described as 'wokery' within the NHS and promised to eradicate. Last year Mr Barclay vowed to reintroduce sex-specific language when dealing with women's health a position endorsed by current Health Secretary Victoria Atkins. The document has been revealed in the wake of the landmark Cass Review into NHS England's gender identity services for children. The policy is an example of what former health secretary Steve Barclay (pictured) described as 'wokery' within the NHS and promised to eradicate Last year Mr Barclay vowed to reintroduce sex-specific language when dealing with women's health a position endorsed by current Health Secretary Victoria Atkins (pictured) Published last month, it found children had been set on the path to irreversible change despite 'remarkably weak evidence'. It is understood Lewisham and Greenwich Trust reviewed its policy in light of the Cass Review but concluded that it did not need updating. A spokesman for the trust said it 'is committed to being an anti-discriminatory organisation, ensuring that we provide an inclusive, safe environment and equitable care for all our patients in line with the Equality Act 2010. 'We are proud of our trans policy, which ensures that we treat trans patients with the same high level of dignity and respect offered to all patients.' It was only Gizem Sirmalis third day in New York City, living the dream, as she told herself, on a two-month scholarship programme with a top marketing company. But as the 27-year-old content creator from Munich was walking around the trendy SoHo neighbourhood of Manhattan near her office and taking photos for a project, the dream ended abruptly. Instead, she became a statistic in a deeply disturbing criminal trend in the Big Apple. Out of the blue, a complete stranger walked up to her and hit her in the face as he passed. The blow, which she describes as a very hard slap near her eye, that she believes would have broken her nose had she not been wearing sunglasses, made her freeze in shock and terror. Gizem told the Mail she had been so focused on looking at her mobile phone that she never saw her attackers face and, scared that she might be hit again, she didnt turn around to look at him but just kept walking. On her third day in New York, a complete stranger walked up to Gizem Sirmali and hit her in the face as he passed Hollywood actor Steve Buscemi, 66, was left bruised and bloodied after he was punched in the face in one of the latest random attacks on a Kips Bay street in New York Turkish-born Gizem said she knew of the stories about New Yorks notorious subway for instance, that you didnt stand too close to the tracks in case someone pushed you from behind but she had no idea she wouldnt be safe on a busy street just after lunch on a weekday February afternoon. I got so scared. I just kept walking really fast to my office like nothing had happened, she said. I didnt know whether this person wanted to come and hit me again, or take my phone or whatever . . . I was just in shock. It was only after shed got back to the safety of her office and horrified colleagues were applying ice to her battered face that the full impact of what had just happened finally sank in and she burst into tears. Gizem whose face was bruised for days afterwards didnt report the assault to police but, considering it would be more effective, recorded a video describing her ordeal on the social media site TikTok and asked: Is this part of NYC life?. To which, some said, yes, it was. She was astonished to discover she was far from alone in being assaulted in this way. A string of other women chimed in to say they had also been attacked by men completely at random and punched or slapped in the face on a supposedly safe Manhattan street. Although young women appear to have been the main victims of this baffling trend, celebrities are also apparently being targeted. Acclaimed actor Steve Buscemi was left with a bruised and bleeding eye after being attacked while out walking in Midtown Manhattan earlier this month. The Brooklyn-born Golden Globe and Emmy-winning star was sucker-punched and knocked to the ground by a single blow from a bearded man, who was captured on security cameras pacing around and talking to himself before the attack. Buscemis publicist confirmed the former New York fireman, whose films include Fargo, Reservoir Dogs and the TV drama series Boardwalk Empire was another victim of a random act of violence in the city. Astonishingly, he wasnt even the first Boardwalk Empire actor to be attacked. A month earlier, actor Michael Stuhlbarg was hit in the back of the neck with a rock by a homeless man near Central Park. His assailant Xavier Israel had been convicted in 2022 for beating up and stealing the wallet of a Good Samaritan, a man who had actually given him his coat as he sat on the street begging. The steady stream of random attacks, without warning let alone provocation, but often caught on CCTV cameras, has set the city on edge. One feature of the attacks is that theft does not seem to be a motive mobile phones, wallets, handbags and other valuable items are seldom stolen. And many are baffled by this unsettling wave of arbitrary violence. Some experts blame inadequate health services in the city, for many of the assailants are mentally disturbed. Even if held after such an incident and taken to hospital, attackers are often back on the streets in days or even hours after being given inadequate medical treatment. Critics complain, meanwhile, that New Yorks broken justice system is failing to bring suspects to book. Former NYPD chief Kenneth Corey, now a crime expert at the University of Chicago, told the Mail that due to a shortage of staff in prosecutors offices and recent legal reforms designed to reduce Americas vast prison population, 82 per cent of misdemeanour offences in New York state are dismissed outright. Suspects are also mostly freed immediately without bail a controversial reform introduced by Manhattans Left-wing District Attorney Alvin Bragg in order that the poor and disadvantaged are not penalised. So for these people running around punching women theres no consequences, said Mr Corey. Even if theyre caught, all they suffer is a couple of hours spent in a police station, then theyre released and they never have to account for it. Halley McGookin was sending an email on her phone while in Manhattan when a man with a dog walked up to her and punched her in the face A map of random unprovoked punch incidents in Manhattan shows at least 12 in March Bethenny Frankel says she was randomly punched in New York City a couple of months ago; The reality star, 53, made the confession in the comments section of a TikToker who said she was randomly punched in New York City Mr Corey said some of the attacks particularly those on women could be a form of TikTok challenge. Others believe they could be linked to a so-called knockout game, where people are encouraged to punch strangers, ideally knocking them unconscious with a single blow, so the footage can be shared on social media. But evidence of such a game has yet to emerge. Whatever the case, a disproportionate number of those targeted have been young, attractive women, walking in affluent New York areas in Downtown and Midtown Manhattan. Halley McGookin, a 23-year-old social media influencer, with more than a million followers, was sending an email on her phone while in Manhattan when a man with a dog walked up to her and punched her in the face, knocking her to the ground. He then screamed at her. A tearful video in which McGookin pulled back her hair to show the welt on her forehead, has been watched more than 40 million times on TikTok. Oh my God, it hurts so bad, I cant even talk, she says just minutes after being struck. Other women have also shared similar ordeals on the social media platform. Mikayla Toninato, a 27-year-old fashion student, was out near New Yorks busy Union Square on a Monday afternoon and likewise preoccupied with her phone when a man punched her so hard she suffered concussion, a black eye and a chipped tooth. I didnt see him coming at all, she said. He knocked my head back so hard I just kind of like gasped and screamed . . . I turned around and the man was staring back at me while walking away, she said. Karina Dunford, a 24-year-old model, was in Chelsea when a man approached her from behind and hit her in the back of the head with a closed fist. When she turned around, he was staring at her, holding his arm out, seemingly ready to attack again. She screamed, and bystanders physically separated him from her, before he wandered off. Olivia Brand, 25, who was hit while she was out walking her dog, said her assailant actually said sorry before punching her in the head. What the hell is happening? she asked on her TikTok post. Even a reality TV star Bethenny Frankel of The Real Housewives Of New York City hasnt been spared. This is insane because this happened to me a few months ago but I was embarrassed to say, she said. Frankel who was hit in her face while using her phone to photograph a bakery in the Upper West Side posted online after seeing the stream of similar online accounts. She had been out looking for an apartment in the city, but said she immediately texted her estate agent to say she didnt want to see any more in New York following the assault. Some of the attackers reportedly chased the women after hitting them, while others simply walked off as if nothing had happened. Many didnt utter a word to their victims, while some screamed and even spat at them. A common factor in these attacks was that the women were distracted at the time by their mobile phones. Police said last month there have been 95 unprovoked assaults of this nature in Manhattan so far this year, with 50 of them involving victims who are women. However, the true figure could be much higher as its clear that many people arent reporting these incidents. Not even children have been spared from such attacks: a month ago, a nine-year-old girl, who was with her mother in the food hall at Grand Central railway station in Manhattan, was slapped in the face by a man without warning. The homeless man had randomly punched a 54-year-old woman, breaking her nose, in the same location only nine days earlier. New York Mayor Eric Adams has admitted that the city is troubled by random acts of violence, but says that social media is making the crimes appear more common than is actually the case. Thats little consolation to the victims or, indeed, any New Yorker who worries that keeping ones head down and avoiding confrontation is no longer enough in order to avoid trouble. And while politicians claim that crime is falling in New York recent statistics show murders, shootings and burglaries in the city are down by between 12 and 17 per cent compared with last year assaults are rising. And thats particularly true of the supposedly less serious offences categorised as misdemeanour assaults that dont usually involve a weapon. They have gone up 10 per cent in a year, and nearly 16 per cent in two years. That is not to say that serious crimes arent being committed by some of the assailants involved. A 62-year-old homeless man, a repeat offender with a history of mental illness, for instance, has been charged with stabbing a female tourist in the chest near Times Square this month, after she simply walked towards where he was sitting. Days earlier, a man in the Bronx lassoed a woman around the neck from behind with his belt before dragging her between two cars and raping her. Two weeks ago in Harlem, an 11-year-old girl was randomly slashed in the head by an apparently homeless maniac as she walked down the street holding her mothers hand. Only moments earlier, the same man had sucker-punched a similarly unsuspecting 43-year-old woman in the street. A mob of outraged locals cornered the suspect, who has been arrested more than 20 times for assault and criminal mischief, forcing police officers to physically stand in their way to protect him from them. Police are reportedly investigating at least some of the attacks as possible hate crimes. The victims have mostly been white women, while their assailants have generally been black, prompting provocative claims on social media that this is a case of reverse racism. Mikayla Toninato, a 27-year-old fashion student, was out near New Yorks busy Union Square on a Monday afternoon when a man pushed her so hard she suffered concussion Others believe its about gender rather than ethnicity, and at least one of the men who has been charged with punching women has reportedly indicated that he was driven by brutal misogyny. Prosecutors say that Daquan Armstead, 31, who is accused of assaulting at least eight women in random New York attacks, told police: Its different with men, they dont challenge you like women do. His repulsive sentiment chimes somewhat with the Munich content creator Gizem Sirmalis recollection that she was looking particularly smart seemingly expensively dressed in a fake fur coat on the day she was hit by a complete stranger. She has speculated that envy may have played a part in why she was targeted by someone who could well have been homeless. Skiboky Stora, 40, who has been charged with hitting Halley McGookin, has a social media history littered with videos of him harassing women in the street or on the subway. Stora claims to be the grandson of the black nationalist and Pan-Africanist leader Marcus Garvey, and unsuccessfully ran last year for New Yorks city council. Mallik Miah, 30, who has been charged with punching Mikayla Toninato, also has a history of randomly hitting women and then being let straight back out on the streets. Hed previously been arrested for assaulting a 53-year-old woman in Brooklyn, only to be released. A judge allowed Miah out again after the vicious attack on Ms Toninato this time on supervised release. As Ms Sirmali says, in Munich, just one woman being punched by a stranger on the street would be a big scandal. In New York, it becomes more routine by the day. A five-year-old boy from Long Island, New York, who was born without a left hand has become the youngest in the world to get a bionic Hero Arm, making him 'feel like a superhero'. Jordan Marotta's mother Ashley, said the Iron Man-style arm, colored in red and gold just like his favorite superhero, was an 'instant confidence boost' for her son and he had rushed back to his school to show his friends. The custom-made, 3D printed prosthetic is produced by Open Bionics who are based in Bristol, England, which was founded in 2014 and launched four clinics in America in the last year. Jordan is the youngest ever owner of one of the firm's Hero Arms. Jordan Marotta, 5, was born without a left hand and has become the youngest in the world to get a bionic Hero Arm, making him 'feel like a superhero' Jordan Marotta could not wait to show his bionic arm to his schoolfriends, which has been made in the colors of his favorite superhero, Iron Man The non-invasive prosthetic was molded to seamlessly attach and detach from where his left arm ends. The prosthetic, which takes about a month to make runs on a 14-hour, rechargeable battery and uses special sensors which detect muscular contractions and turn them into bionic hand movements. Most children with Hero Arms are usually seven or above, but the firm said Jordan's size for his age and his high IQ meaning it was easy to teach him how to use the Hero Arm meant he could have one sooner. The previous youngest Hero Arm user was a six-year-old from Los Angeles. Several English children have received a Hero Arm at the age of seven including Louie Morgan-Kemp, of Swavesey, Cambridgeshire. Jordan is now able to grip his scooter with his new Hero Arm At the age of five, Jordan has become the youngest person in the world to get a bionic Hero Arm Jordan's mother had been following Open Bionics on Facebook and contacted the firm when they opened a clinic in New York. They travelled from their home in Dix Hills to Bionics' offices on Park Avenue. The Hero Arm was paid for by the family's health insurance policy. A clinical psychologist, Marotta, 38, said she was 'so grateful' to Open Bionics. 'Initially we were told he was too young and we convinced Open Bionics to see us and luckily he picked it up right away,' she said. 'As soon as we left with Jordan's Hero Arm, he was running around with so much confidence trying to hail New York taxis. 'It was an instant confidence boost; the Hero Arm really makes him feel like a superhero and he is superhero obsessed. 'He then wanted to rush back to his school to show his teachers and friends. 'He was so happy and so excited and so was everyone at his school. 'As a mom, you just want your child to be happy, and he is generally happy and resilient, but (after getting the Hero Arm) he was on top of the world and glowing. The prosthetic uses special sensors which detect muscular contractions and turns them into bionic hand movements British-based Open Bionics makes the Hero Arm and Jordan received his at the firm's clinic in New York. The non-invasive prosthetic was molded to seamlessly attach and detach from where his left arm ends 'He could not have been happier or more excited and he's the same today. It's amazing.' Jordan had only used one different prosthetic before but stopped using it because of the lack of functionality. Since getting his Hero Arm this week, he has been able to grab his scooter handles and go for a ride. 'He is so excited to use it and to be able to control the fingers and grab two objects now,' said mom-of-three Marotta, who found out her son would be born without his hand while 20 weeks pregnant. 'We're excited to see him get used to reaching with two hands and playing with his superhero toys with two hands.' Jordan is say to be 'glowing' and 'full of confidence' having received his new arm She said that she and Jordan's father, Josh, 42, who works in the family business, a dental laboratory, were 'blessed and the Hero Arm was covered by our insurance'. Jordan had been upset in recent months and understands that he is different. 'Recently, things have been a little bit more emotional, Jordan started to really understand and know he's different,' Marotta's said to the New York Post. 'There were plenty of times where he would sit there and ask me, "Mommy, how come my hand is not growing?"' Daniel Green, the clinician who delivered the Hero Arm and training to Jordan at Open Bionics in New York, said it was a 'pleasure' to work with him and meet his family. He said Jordan was 'very smart', had a 'great personality' and was 'really excited about his Hero Arm and couldn't wait to show his friends'. Open Bionics is a British company delivering bionic hands and partial hand prosthetics globally for amputees. It describes itself as the only company in the world making multi-articulating hands small and light enough for children as young as Jordan. It is also the only company in the world able to produce bionic arms from the Marvel, Star Wars, and Disney films thanks to a long-term collaboration with The Walt Disney Company. The firm has fitted amputees with Hero Arms in Ukraine, Germany, and Australia. Samantha Payne, co-founder at Open Bionics, said: 'We're so happy for Jordan and can't wait to see how he puts his new Iron Man arm to work.' A co-host of HGTV's Fixer to Fabulous is being sued by a couple who claims the house they purchased from his company was incomplete and riddled with defects. Dave Marrs owns several business and stars alongside his wife Jenny on renovation shows around their hometown of Bentonville, Arkansas. Benton County couple Matthew and Sarah McGrath filed a lawsuit against Marrs and his companies for breach of contract claiming the house built for them was filled with defects that have not been fixed. Court filings viewed by DailyMail.com revealed a structural investigation found 21 code violations and dozens of structural issues on the property at 6 Itetbury Lane. 'Please understand, these reports do not completely detail the remedial work that needs to be performed to rectify the many failures in workmanship but only represent my clients' current understanding of the nature and scope of repairs,' the McGraths' attorney said in a January 2023 letter to Marrs. Dave Marrs (left), who co-hosts HGTV's Fixer to Fabulous with wife Jenny (right) is being sued by a couple who claims the house they purchased from his company is faulty Matthew and Sarah McGrath purchased the property at 6 Itetbury Lane (pictured) from Marrs company Jupiter Rentals for $559,000 in 2022 The lawsuit said the McGraths' entered into a contract with Marrs company Jupiter Rentals to purchase the property in May 2022. The couple purchased the property for $559,000 and made an initial down-payment of $15,000. As part of the contract, the McGraths' requested specific upgrades to be made by Jupiter and Marrs Construction. In an agreement for additional work to be done on the house, the purchase price was increased by $10,125 according to the lawsuit. The McGraths' performed an inspection of the property prior to closing an submitted a list of repairs to Jupiter. The McGraths said Marrs agreed to perform numerous repairs on the property but failed to do so and found even more in subsequent inspections A report of the structural investigation found faults with the floor framing in the kitchen (pictured), dining room and entry area Defects with the beams and columns, footings, cracked exterior slabs, the deck, patio, retaining walls and site grading were also found Jupiter agreed make several repairs in the home subsequent to the McGraths' purchase to be completed in 30 days, with the exception of installation of replacement windows, which would be completed 90 days from closing, according to the lawsuit. The couple officially purchased the home on July 28, 2022 and said by August 28 that same year, none of the agreed upon repairs had been completed. A report of the structural investigation dated November 12, 2022 found faults with window flashing, roof framing, exterior walls, exterior stairways, floor framing in the kitchen, dining room and entry area. There were also defects with the beams and columns, footings, cracked exterior slabs, the deck, patio, retaining walls and site grading. The inspection report said, 'The problems, which we observed, will continue and worsen until they are corrected.' 'It is our judgment that the home requires repairs for the roof framing, main floor framing deflections, exterior wall framing and bracing, reinstallation of the windows, vinyl siding, window and door flashing, and brick veneer. Marrs (right) owns several business and stars alongside his wife Jenny (left) on several renovation shows around their hometown of Bentonville, Arkansas 'Repair and redesign of the back deck to eliminate the water infiltration and foundation issues. Additionally, grading and drainage modifications need to be made plus possible structural improvements to the retaining walls,' the report said. An estimate from the inspector said it would cost $38,740 to repair the drive and walkways, as well as $47,862 for landscaping and grading, including the installation of French drain. According to a letter sent by the McGraths' lawyer the estimates did not include nearly $1,900 spent by the couple 'in attempts to discovery the extent of the flaws in the construction of the home.' The McGraths are seeking all costs of the repairs to their home be paid for by Marrs companies and damages to be determined at trial. A five-day jury trial has been scheduled to begin on September 23. The Israeli military has launched a devastating airstrike on Rafah, allegedly killing 50 people who were displaced and living in tents. Palestinian medics said an Israeli air strike killed at least 22 people when it hit tents for displaced people in the southern Gaza city and 'numerous' others were trapped in the debris. The IDF said its aircraft struck a 'Hamas compound' where 'significant Hamas terrorists were operating'. Footage from the scene showed heavy destruction and flames but there were no immediate details on the target. Hamas said the attack fired on an area 'crowded with hundreds of thousands of displaced people'. And the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza said at least 50 people have died, going on to say that 'most' of them are women and children. The strike came two days after the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to end its military offensive in Rafah, where more than half of Gaza's population had sought shelter before Israel's recent incursion. MAY 26: Fire rages following an Israeli strike on an area designated for displaced Palestinians MAY 26: The Israeli military launched an airstrike on Rafah, allegedly killing 50 people MAY 25: Smoke rises from the region following the Israeli attacks on various areas in Rafah city MAY 25:The Israeli army targeted a building in the Tel al-Sultan neighborhood, located in the western part of Rafah city The Israeli army said it was unaware of anything occurring in the area. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant was in Rafah today and was briefed on the 'deepening of operations' there, his office said. A spokesperson with the Palestinian Red Crescent Society said the death toll was likely to rise as search and rescue efforts continued in Rafah's Tal al-Sultan neighbourhood about 1.2 miles northwest of the city centre. The society asserted that the location had been designated by Israel as a 'humanitarian area'. The neighbourhood is part of areas that Israel's military ordered evacuated earlier this month. The airstrike was reported hours after Hamas fired a barrage of rockets from Gaza that set off air raid sirens as far away as Tel Aviv for the first time in months in a show of resilience more than seven months into Israel's massive air, sea and ground offensive. There were no immediate reports of casualties in what appeared to be the first long-range rocket attack from Gaza since January. Hamas' military wing claimed the attack. Palestinian militants have sporadically fired rockets and mortar rounds at communities along the Gaza border, and the military arm of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group later on Sunday said it fired rockets at nearby communities. The Israeli military said eight projectiles crossed into Israel after being launched from Rafah. MAY 24: Smoke rises after an Israeli airstrike in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip MAY 7: A man stands on the rubble after an Israeli airstrike in the city of Rafah MAY 7: Smoke rises from shopping centre following Israeli airstrike on east of Rafah It said 'a number' of the projectiles were intercepted, and military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said the launcher in Rafah was destroyed. Earlier on Sunday, aid lorries entered Gaza from southern Israel under a new agreement to bypass the Rafah crossing with Egypt after Israeli forces seized the Palestinian side of it earlier this month. But it was not immediately clear if humanitarian groups could access the aid because of fighting. Egypt refuses to reopen its side of the Rafah crossing until control of the Gaza side is handed back to Palestinians. It agreed to temporarily divert traffic through Israel's Kerem Shalom crossing, Gaza's main cargo terminal, after a call between US President Joe Biden and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi. But the Kerem Shalom crossing has been largely inaccessible because of Israel's offensive in Rafah. Israel says it has allowed hundreds of lorries to enter, but United Nations agencies say it is usually too dangerous to retrieve the aid. 'With the humanitarian operation near collapse, the secretary-general emphasizes that the Israeli authorities must facilitate the safe pickup and delivery of humanitarian supplies from Egypt entering Kerem Shalom,' the spokesperson for UN chief Antonio Guterres said in a statement. The war between Israel and Hamas has killed nearly 36,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and fighters in its count. MAY 22: A Palestinian man and his children sit in a destroyed room in a residential building MAY 8: Smoke rises following Israeli airstrike on Rafah, Gaza MAY 7: Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike on buildings near the separating wall between Egypt and Rafah The Health Ministry said the bodies of 81 people killed by Israeli strikes had been brought to hospitals over the past 24 hours. Israel blames civilian deaths on Hamas because the militants operate in dense, residential areas. Around 80 per cent of Gaza's 2.3 million people have fled their homes, severe hunger is widespread and UN officials say parts of the territory are experiencing famine. Hamas triggered the war with its October 7 attack into Israel, in which Palestinian militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and seized some 250 hostages. Hamas still holds some 100 hostages and the remains of around 30 others after most of the rest were released during a ceasefire last year. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel must take over Rafah to eliminate Hamas' remaining battalions and achieve 'total victory' over the militants, who recently regrouped in other parts of Gaza where the military has operated. The war has also heightened tensions in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Palestinian authorities on Sunday said Israeli forces shot dead a 14-year-old boy near the southern West Bank town of Saeer. The Israeli army said the Palestinian male was shot dead after trying to stab Israeli forces at Beit Einun Junction. Pharmaceutical giants which supplied infected blood products should foot the estimated 10billion compensation bill, MPs and campaigners have demanded. They called on the Government to pursue legal action against the drug firms implicated in the appalling scandal. Victims in the US, Germany and Japan have received settlements worth hundreds of millions of pounds from companies whose products were contaminated. The scandal saw more than 30,000 people infected with HIV and hepatitis C at the hands of the NHS between 1970 and 1991. Victims in the US, Germany and Japan have received settlements worth hundreds of millions of pounds from companies whose products were contaminated. Demonstrators hold placards reading message related to the NHS infected blood scandal Sir Brian Langstaff's inquiry last week found that contaminated products made by subsidiaries of Bayer, Baxter and other groups should not have been licensed (stock image) Diana Johnson, who leads the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Haemophilia and Contaminated Blood, said it was 'outrageous' that payments had not been made in the UK. 'Companies need to apologise and there needs to be a claim against them for some of this money,' the Labour MP told The Observer. Sir Brian Langstaff's inquiry last week found that contaminated products made by subsidiaries of Bayer, Baxter and other groups should not have been licensed. The Government announced it would pay interim compensation of up to 2,735,000 to the victims. Sam Roddick, whose businesswoman mother Anita died from complications of hepatitis C, said: 'It should be the corporations that pay It needs to hurt and it needs to hurt the right people.' Jason Evans's father Jonathan died in 1993 after becoming infected with HIV and hepatitis C. He called for a 'proper apology from all of the pharmaceutical companies'. There's many ways you can get a fine while driving but many motorists might not realise there's a hefty price to pay if you're caught parking an unregistered vehicle on the street. In New South Wales it's illegal to park an unregistered car on a road or a road related area for more than 15 days after the vehicle's registration has expired. If you get caught, you could be facing a $704 fine and up to 20 penalty units. Penalties vary between jurisdictions but owners can be fined just as heavily as if they'd been caught driving the unregistered car. Both passengers and drivers could face a fine of $337 and a loss of three demerit points if they're caught waving out the window of the car How waving out the window could land you in big trouble with police Another little known road rule that could leave motorists out of pocket is waving out a car window. Both passengers and drivers could face a fine of $337 and a loss of three demerit points if they're caught doing the simple act, according to Budget Direct. 'Even winding down the window and stretching your arm outside to cool down could also get you in trouble,' the insurer stated. 'According to all state and territories' driving regulations, it is illegal for any part of your body to be outside a moving vehicle at any time.' How snacking at the wheel could land you a $575 fine and under a little-known Aussie road rule Australians could be fined up to $600 if they are caught eating or drinking behind the wheel under a little-known road rule. Drivers in Queensland could be slapped with a $575 fine and three demerit points for 'driving without due care or attention'. 'You can be fined $575 and three demerit points if you don't have proper control of your vehicle,' the Queensland police department explained on Facebook. 'So make sure you're not one-handing the wheel or taking your eyes off the road to eat,' the department posted. 'Obviously, you're allowed to take a hand off the wheel for a short time to operate your vehicle, but eating while you're driving could be interpreted as not having proper control of your vehicle and driving distracted,' they clarified. The penalty falls under the states driver distraction laws. In Western Australia, the fine for the same offence is even higher at $600 while in NSW drivers can cop a $469 fine and three demerit points. In the Northern Territory there is a $150 fine for careless driving - which eating or drinking while driving could be considered. South Australian drivers can be fined up to $201 for not having proper control of their vehicle, with the same offence in the ACT costing $301. Eating or drinking while driving in Tasmania could lead to a $173 fine and three demerit points for not having proper control of their vehicle or driving without due care and attention. Australians can be fined up to $600 if they are caught eating or drinking behind the wheel under a little-known road rule almost all drivers are guilty of breaking Up to 60 per cent of Australians have admitted to eating food behind the wheel in data from a new Compare the Market survey. Up to 31 per cent said they used their phone while driving, while 17 per cent had smoked or vaped and eight per cent had applied makeup. While the law doesn't explicitly state these actions are illegal, they can be considered a distraction to drivers. In 2018, a hungry teenage P-plater was fined $300 after she was pictured eating a bowl of cereal while driving on a Perth road. A hungry teenage driver (pictured) was slapped with a $300 fine after she was pictured eating cereal behind the wheel in Perth A photo of her taken by a 6PR radio listener and appeared to show the young woman steering the car with her knees. The 'cereal offender' also got three demerit points and was lambasted by then WA Police Commissioner Chris Dawson. 'You can't be driving a car and eating your brekkie at the same time. That is just ridiculously dangerous, it's incomprehensible,' he told 6PR. A 6.6 magnitude earthquake shook Tonga on Monday morning. The quake was at a depth of 112km and the epicenter was at a distance of 70km northwest of Fangale'ounga, Ha'apai on Foa Island, the U.S. Geological Survey reported. The quake was recorded around 9.30am local time and authorities believe strong shaking was probably felt near the epicentre. A second 5.0 magnitude earthquake was recorded an hour later, northeast of Ohonua on the 'Eua Island. Tsunami sirens were sounded on the island until the warning was cancelled. A 6.6 magnitude earthquake shook Tonga around 9.30am local time on Monday Tongan officials have urged people to 'evacuate immediately inland, to high ground or to the third level of a steel or concrete building until the threat has passed'. 'A strong earthquake has occurred near Tonga and felt in all of Tonga. A dangerous tsunami could occur in minutes,' the Tongan Meteorological Service said. The government urged mariners to move to deep ocean away from reefs. Tongan officials said the tsunami risks have now passed, but advised caution in unusual waves and abnormal tides which may still affect some beaches and harbours in the coming hours. There are no reports of damage or casualties. Tonga sits on the Pacific 'Ring of Fire,' the arc of seismic faults around the Pacific Ocean where much of the world's earthquake and volcanic activity occurs. The Bureau of Meteorology has said there is no tsunami warnings or immediate danger to Australia. The Royal Family is expected to maintain perfect poise on every occasion. Their role involves numerous rules and traditions, including strict adherence to etiquette and styling choices. So it's no wonder that royal women have tended to rely upon a select group of trusted hairdressers, often establishing a close working relationship. Jo Hansford confirmed to MailOnline that she has been looking after Her Majesty's hair colour for 40 years and has 'a wonderful relationship' with Camilla. Meanwhile, Denise McAdam, who notably styled Sarah, Duchess of York's hair for her wedding to Prince Andrew in 1986, said the experience was 'a real honour'. Earlier this month, Meghan Markle's hair stylist, George Northwood, was employed by Prince Harry's ex-girlfriend, Cressida Bonas. Sought-after Northwood, who is responsible for creating Meghan's signature chignon, gave Cressida a glamorous makeover, complete with a new fringe. A few talented stylists have created some of the most iconic royal hairstyles in history. We explore their work here. Jo Hansford Jo Hansford is particularly renowned for her extensive collaboration with Queen Camilla (above) Jo Hansford's client roster has included numerous A-list celebrities, such as Angelina Jolie and Gwyneth Paltrow Jo Hansford's client roster has included numerous A-list celebrities, such as Angelina Jolie and Gwyneth Paltrow. However, she is particularly renowned for her extensive collaboration with Queen Camilla. Hansford confirmed to MailOnline that she has been looking after Her Majesty's hair colour for 40 years and has 'a wonderful relationship' with Camilla. She is behind the royal's trademark blonde locks, having suggested a change from golden brown several years ago. The bright blue shade of Camilla's eyes inspired the dramatic makeover. George Northwood George Northwood is best-known for creating the 'messy bun' that Meghan wore for her wedding reception in 2018 (left). The royal has sported similar styles on royal engagements (right, in Dublin in 2018) George Northwood said he became 'very close' to Meghan when he joined her on her tour of Australia, New Zealand and Tonga with Prince Harry George Northwood is best-known for creating the 'messy bun' that Meghan wore for her wedding reception in 2018. Two years later, the stylist toured Australia, New Zealand and Tonga with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. During this time, Northwood said he became 'very close' to Meghan, who also flew him out to the Netherlands for the Invictus Games in 2022. The stylist created at least five different hairdos for Meghan over the course of the three-day event. In 2022, he visited the Sussexes in the UK during Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee celebrations. 'So nostalgic and wonderful to be reunited [with] Harry, Meghan and their family in the UK,' he posted on Instagram at the time. 'Archie has grown to be the cutest, well-mannered little boy and Lilibet is just beautiful.' Earlier this month, Cressida Bonas posted a photo of the new style given to her by Northwood. She called it 'fringe-tastic!'. George Northwood has been tending the locks of Cressida Bonas (pictured), Harry's former long-term girlfriend Ian Carmichael Queen Elizabeth's immaculate locks were styled by Ian Carmichael for more than 20 years In 2012, Ian Carmichael was awarded a Royal Warrant and, in 2017, he was made a Member of the Royal Victorian Order Ian Carmichael tended to Queen Elizabeth's immaculate locks for more than 20 years. In 2012, the hairdresser was awarded a Royal Warrant and, in 2017, he was made a Member of the Royal Victorian Order, a honour which recognised his personal service to the Queen. Carmichael accompanied Her Majesty on foreign visits to ensure she looked her best when meeting various leaders and dignitaries across the globe. He previously said: 'Of all my clients, the Queen is by far my favourite, she has wonderful hair.' However, the hair stylist remained discreet about the monarch and declined to gossip about her or reveal the topics they would discuss. 'I have done her hair for a very long time and I remain loyal to her,' he said in 2013. Carmichael used to visit Queen Elizabeth twice per week. The late monarch had her hair washed via a stand-up attachment to a sink and never experienced a blow dry, according to reports. Amanda Cook Tucker Kate's hair stylist Amanda Cook Tucker uses Kiehl's Creme with Silk Groom, Charles Worthington Volume & Bounce Body Booster Mousse and L'Oreal Elnett Supreme Hold Hairspray on the royal's locks, Above: Kate in Norway in 2018. She was accompanied by Ms Tucker Amanda Cook Tucker has been Kate Middleton's travelling stylist since 2012 Thirteen brushes, six combs, three hair tongs, two hairdryers and seven hair products. Those are the tools of the trade Amanda Cook Tucker packed for a four-day trip with Kate Middleton in 2018. 'Think that's everything! #worktrip #packing,' she captioned the post on social media, showcasing a selection of tools laid out on a wooden table. Naturally, it instantly went viral, resulting in Tucker deleting her Instagram account. The products that were revealed included Kiehl's Creme with Silk Groom, Charles Worthington Volume & Bounce Body Booster Mousse and L'Oreal Elnett Supreme Hold Hairspray. While the Princess of Wales entrusts Richard Ward to trim her locks, Cook Tucker has served as the royal's travelling stylist since 2012, when she accompanied Kate and William to South East Asia on a Diamond Jubilee tour. She is said to charge a daily rate of 300. In the years since, she has styled Kate's locks for a number of significant events, including appearances on the steps of the Lindo Wing, following the births of Prince George and Princess Charlotte. Richard Ward Richard Ward created the Princess's demi-chignon style for her wedding to Prince William in 2011 Richard Ward has been instrumental in shaping Kate Middleton's hair for more than two decades Richard Ward is renowned for creating one of the most iconic hairstyles in history. The London-based stylist has been instrumental in shaping Kate Middleton's hair for more than two decades, most notably her demi-chignon style for her wedding to Prince William in 2011. At the time, he revealed her one rule was that 'her husband must recognise her' when she reached the altar. Ward, whose salon is in Chelsea, also counts Kate's mother, Carole Middleton, and sister, Pippa, as clients. In the lead up to the Coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla, Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, was seen leaving the Richard Ward salon in London. She appeared to have had a colour refresh. Joey Wheeler After receiving advice from his wife's hairdresser, Prince William caused a sensation by appearing in 2018 with a number one buzzcut Ward's protege, Joey Wheeler, created Prince William's 2018 buzzcut during a visit to Kensington Palace After receiving advice from his wife's hairdresser, Prince William caused a sensation by appearing in 2018 with a number one buzzcut. Ward's protege, Joey Wheeler, created the infamous style, reportedly costing 180, during a visit to Kensington Palace. Having worked under Ward for 17 years, he is said to have used his 'scissor over comb' freehand technique on the royal. Denise McAdam Denise McAdam tended to Princess Anne's famous beehive - but was told not to look her in the eye during the process In 2010, Denise McAdam received the Royal Victorian Medal, along with a handwritten note of thanks from every member of the Royal Family In 2010, Denise McAdam received the Royal Victorian Medal, along with a handwritten note of thanks from every member of the Royal Family. The hairdresser tended to Princess Anne's famous beehive - but was told not to look her in the eye during the process. Of the bouffant worn by Princess Anne for the past five decades, she told Radio Times: 'I just used to go in, close my eyes and do it as quickly as possible.' McAdam also revealed that she had heard many intriguing stories from her royal clients over the years. 'There are things that William and Harry have told me. But you have to be discreet. 'That's why the Queen awarded me the Royal Victorian Medal - it was for 35 years of keeping my mouth shut,' she said. McAdam notably styled Sarah, Duchess of York's hair for her wedding to Prince Andrew in 1986. 'It was a real honour, especially at the time when I had created the hair for almost every cover of Brides magazine with the fabulous Lucy Dickons,' she told MailOnline. Richard Dalton At the height of her fame, Princess Diana was the most recognised woman in the world Richard Dalton worked with Princess Diana for more than a decade At the height of her fame, Princess Diana was the most recognised woman in the world. And Richard Dalton was the hairdresser she sought for cutting and styling her hair during this time. 'I was with her every day for 12 years,' Dalton told Town & Country. He continued: 'I met Diana when she was 17. I worked at Fenwick of Bond Street's in-store salon, and cut her sisters' hair.' The Princess once requested a shorter cut for a trip to Africa, but was concerned about the impact a dramatic change might have. Dalton, therefore, decided to trim one-fourth of an inch during each appointment over a period of several weeks. 'Whatever I did to her hair became front page news,' he recalled. 'We had to be very careful. We had to do it one-fourth of an inch at a time over several weeks.' It was about a decade ago that Hampshire healthcare professional Caroline Knight heard about an unusual new project. Tim Daw, a Wiltshire farmer, was transforming his land into a Neolithic-style burial mound a round stone structure covered by huge heap of earth. Inspired by the original burial 'barrows' or 'tumuli' dating back 5,000 years, the structure at All Cannings near Devizes would hold urns containing people's ashes. The idea instantly resonated with Mrs Knight, now 73, who was born and mostly raised on nearby Salisbury Plain when her father was in the Royal Artillery. 'Tumuli are just a natural part of the landscape there and were very familiar to us,' she told MailOnline. Caroline Knight and her husband Tony (pictured) decided to pay to have their ashes in a Neolithic-style burial mound in Wiltshire The first modern burial mound - All Cannings, near Devizes in Wiltshire (pictured) - opened around a decade ago and since then several more have been built The practice of building the large tomb to store the remains of the dead dates back more than 5,000 years. Pictured, the interior of the All Cannings burial mound with 'alcoves' set into the walls, each designed to hold urns containing people's ashes The original Neolithic burial barrows Neolithic 'barrows' are earth mounds that were built over stone structures which acted as collective tombs. They were built thousands of years ago by hand using natural limestone, lime mortar and traditional techniques. Barrows were traditionally built for the social elite while ordinary citizens were cremated or buried. They were first constructed in about 4,000 BC with the best-known site at Sutton Hoo in Suffolk. The ancient burial chambers have not been widely used in Britain since around 2,000 BC. But in the past decade new modern barrows have been constructed to store the ashes of loved-ones. Advertisement 'As my husband and I got older we did need to make a decision about what our children should do with our ashes. 'When we saw an article about the columbarium on Tim's land it just seemed a perfect solution for us.' Mrs Knight (formerly a radiographer and now retired) and her husband Tony (a forensic medical examiner) booked their place at All Cannings before it was completed. It means that after they die and their bodies are cremated, their ashes will be stored in urns that are positioned next to each other in an 'alcove' or 'niche' a little recess in the wall. Friends and family will be able to visit on certain days to pay their respects, much like visitors to a grave. What's more, their niche includes room for two more urns containing the ashes of Mrs Knight's sister and her husband too. 'When we talked to my sister and her husband about it they agreed it was a suitable place for all of us so we booked a family niche,' Mrs Knight said. In all, the four family members paid around 1,000 for a 99-year lease on their space at All Cannings. 'If the barrow fills up and our niche is required after that time the ashes will be scattered on the land around the barrow,' she added. Having visited the barrow during its opening ceremony in September 2014, she describes it as 'beautifully constructed'. 'It blends well in the landscape and inside there is a lovely peaceful feeling. The barrow at All Cannings is described on its website as 'a spiritual place where people of any or no faith can come to remember and give thanks, especially for the lives of their loved ones' The modern burial barrow at All Cannings is just north of Salisbury Plain and the world-famous Stonehenge All Cannings cross section: From the outside, barrows resemble little hills covered in grass, but inside there are rows and rows of alcoves set into stone walls, containing urns of cremated remains 'Our families are delighted that there are no decisions to be made once we are gone. 'It is paid for in full so no ongoing costs either.' Since All Cannings opened, further barrow sites have sprung up in Cambridgeshire, Dorset, Shropshire and Oxfordshire. Yet another one is planned on farmland near Milton Keynes in Weston Underwood, Buckinghamshire. Meanwhile, funeral firm AW Lymn has recently been given the green light to build a new barrow site outside of Calverton in Nottinghamshire. According to Pete Clarson, commercial director at AW Lymn, burial barrows are 'more than a place for ashes to be laid to rest'. 'The barrows offer an alternative to a burial option, yet still provide a place where the bereaved can go to understand their grief, accept their loss and celebrate a life,' he told MailOnline. The first modern barrow - All Cannings, near Marlborough in Wiltshire - opened in 2015. Since then, further barrow sites have sprung up in Cambridgeshire, Dorset, Shropshire and Oxfordshire Construction of All Cannings back in 2014, When full it contains around 600 cremated remains 'Set within a beautiful and tranquil surrounding, they are a special space made from natural materials where people can go and spend time in memory of their loved one.' The original barrows (tumuli) date from the early Neolithic to the middle Bronze Age periods, around 4000 BC to 1400 BC. These impressive earth mounds were built overs stone structures which acted as collective tombs, although they were traditionally built for the social elite. Sutton Hoo in Suffolk still has around 20 of these barrows, which were reserved for people who owned objects suggesting they had wealth or prestige. Should the travel industry do more for bigger guests? Vote in our poll... A plus-sized travel blogger who holidays 'at least once a month' has shared the changes she wants to see in the travel industry to make it more inclusive for larger people, including steps airlines and hotels could take to accommodate curvier guests. Emily Jones, who posts about her jet-set lifestyle to 332,000 Instagram followers as @miss___jones, said that when it comes to hotels, it's the little things that make all the difference. She commented: 'One small adjustment that would make people feel more comfortable would be to offer larger towels and plus-sized bathrobes. 'This would make the stay so much more comfortable and inclusive for plus-sized people.' The size 20 Instagrammer, who splits her time between Malta, the UK and Helsinki, wants airlines to make things easier on passengers, too, starting with making the process of boarding a flight easier and clearer for those who need adjustments. Emily Jones, who splits her time between Malta, the UK and Helsinki (above), posts about her jet-set lifestyle on Instagram LEFT: Emily on board a seaplane, which she took in the Maldives. She warns that the aircraft can be difficult for larger passengers. RIGHT: Emily enjoys the pool at a hotel in the Seychelles, where she recently travelled for her Instagram page Emily (pictured above in Malta) says the UK is great for plus-sized folk, but warns that some Asian countries may be more difficult to navigate Emily travels somewhere every month. She's pictured above in Dubai She told MailOnline: 'It would be great if airlines could announce during boarding that if anyone needs a seatbelt extension, that they are available. 'From my experience and what people tell me in my messages online, asking for an extension is a big fear for plus-size people. Id love to see this being de-stigmatised so people can travel comfortably and without the added anxiety.' Seatbelt extensions are available from most airlines and comprise of a clip-on, adjustable section of seatbelt that lengthens the distance the belt can extend before fastening. Earlier this year, curvy influencer Gracie Bon, 26, called for airlines to make plane seats bigger as she claims she can not fit her bum in them. Emily wants to improve the amount of 'representation' bigger holidaymakers get in travel media It seems Emily agrees. When asked about the biggest challenge the curvy influencer faces while travelling, she said: 'I think plane seats are notoriously uncomfortable for most plus-sized people. 'Besides that, there are definitely some countries that arent used to seeing plus-sized people, so you can get some awkward stares.' For any plus-sized travellers looking to book their next trip, Emily has some suggestions for which countries are the easiest to navigate in a larger body - and which are more of a challenge. Emily commented: 'The UK is really inclusive and makes things most comfortable in my opinion. 'The Maldives was tricky as the seaplanes are really tiny. I havent explored much more of Asia as yet but understand some areas can be uncomfortable for plus-size people.' Emily also recommended one destination in Africa that she claims was a good experience for her. She noted: 'I recently visited the Seychelles and had the most amazing trip. 'The nature of the islands is incredible, but the friendly and welcoming people really made it one of the best places Ive ever been! I would highly recommend it.' As part of her encouragement to other plus-sized people, Emily shares video clips of herself enjoying glam hotels, luxury pools and sandy beaches on Instagram. In one clip, where she wears a brightly coloured swimsuit, the influencer said: 'This is your Sunday reminder that you and your stretch marks, loose skin, double chin and lil belly deserve to see the world and enjoy nice things just as much as anyone else does. You belong!' And she told MailOnline: 'Id love to encourage people of all shapes and sizes not to let their insecurities hold them back, and to remind people that life is short and they deserve to be in these spaces just as much as those perfect-looking people on Instagram!' On that subject, Emily also wants to improve the 'representation' of bigger holidaymakers in travel media. She added: 'More than anything, I would like to see some more diversity in travel media - were so used to seeing only one type of look in travel adverts and on Instagram, and as a plus-sized woman Id love to see a bit more representation, particularly in luxury travel.' A polyamorous plus-size travel influencer who's demanded free airplane seats for fat fliers revealed that 'gym rats' that troll her on TikTok have also propositioned her for sex on Tinder. Jaelynn Chaney, 27, posted a video of herself strutting near an indoor pool in a white and green bikini, as she exposed 'hardcore gym enthusiasts' have been shaming her on social media, but 'sliding into her Tinder messages every single day.' In another video, the TikToker, also known as Jae Bae, who has amassed more than 136,000 followers, was seen kissing her fiance in a hot tub as she revealed they are in a polyamorous relationship. In her clip about trolls reaching out to her on the dating app, Chaney walked with a confident smile as narration and the song 'Nasty' by Tinashe played in the background. 'You gym rats love to troll in my TiKTok comments, saying all kinds of things about bigger women. But guess what? Those same guys are sliding into my Tinder messages every single day,' she said. Jaelynn Chaney, 27, posted a video of herself strutting near an indoor pool in a white and green bikini, as she exposed 'gym rats' that have been shaming her and 'sliding into her Tinder messages every single day' Chaney continued: 'Make it make sense! Society wants to convince you that only one type of body is desirable, but the truth is far more interesting.' 'Many guys, yes even those hardcore gym enthusiasts, are attracted to bigger women.' 'You can keep projecting your insecurities in my comments, but it won't change the facts,' the influencer said. Commenters quickly flocked under her post and showed support for her. 'It's a fetish. I was bigger too and a lot of gym bros fetishized me,' one wrote. Another said: 'Literallyyyy they be all up in our dms but talk sh** face to face.' Other commenters didn't agree with her claim as one wrote: 'Wait until you learn that these guys have an extremely unhealthy fetish, unhealthy mainly for the people who fall for them.' 'I'm going to call BS on this one,' another said. In another clip, she showed a video of a woman and two men dancing as the men kissed each other and pulled the woman closer to them. The clip was followed with her and her fiance kissing in a hot tub as she said: 'When you have a ride or die but are polyamorous and want a BF too.' In another clip, the plus-size travel influencer was seen kissing her fiance and sharing that they are in a polymerous relationship The influencer captioned the video: 'Plus size, Polyamorous, and Queer,' with a smirk face emoji. Chaney previously said that plane passengers should fund free seats for plus-sized travelers as she proudly sat without her oxygen tank after four years of flying with her breathing aid. She explained to her followers that she'd previously required supplemental air to ensure she could breathe comfortably in the pressurized plane cabin. In a video of her experience, Chaney held up her seatbelt and smiled as she demonstrated how much it is extended. Dramatic music played as Chaney pondered: 'What if I have a medical emergency on the plane?' She then asked: 'What if I cause an emergency landing?' But she stopped herself and announced: 'No, forget that. No matter what they say, and no matter what it looks like, travel is for everybody.' The video then showed Chaney being wheeled down an airport gate and onto the plane. Then Chaney showed hoe much her seatbelt slackened while sitting in her seat. Chaney also recently uploaded a video to her TikTok channel and showed how she flew without her portable oxygen tank for the first time in four years The plus-sized influencer, who has over 136,000 TikTok followers, has previously called on the FAA to provide overweight individuals with up to three free seats when flying In her caption, Chaney explained the context of her flight, recounting how for the past four years she has relied on 'supplemental oxygen' when flying. 'It all started back in 2019 after a hospital stay where they suspected I had a stroke,' Chaney wrote. 'Turns out, it was pulmonary hypertension, and I needed oxygen therapy ever since. Traveling just wasn't the same anymore.' She said that she went 'from chasing waterfalls in Hawaii' to 'everything being so different.' After conducting intensive research, the influencer struck on portable oxygen concentrators. 'I shared my discoveries online, thinking this was going to be my new normal.' But Chaney found portable oxygen concentrators to be 'no walk in the park.' She said that using the apparatus was 'expensive, stressful, and downright scary.' 'But guess what? I did it, and it went better than I could've imagined,' she triumphantly wrote. Chaney, of Vancouver, Washington, also used the experience to explain how she was discriminated against by an employee at SeattleTacoma International Airport who refused to push her in a wheelchair because of her weight. 'My ordeal at SeaTac Airport will shock you,' she said in a TikTok. Chaney, who can walk, then detailed how she requested wheelchair assistance on a recent flight - as she always does. However, Chaney claimed that when she tried to deplane the aircraft, the employee assigned to help assist her started to walk away when she realized she was supposed to help the plus-size woman. The travel influencer said that as the employee walked away with the wheelchair she was making comments about her size. Chaney said the ordeal left her gasping for air. Chaney created a Change.org petition in April, 2023, to demand that the FAA protects plus-size travelers. It has received more than 39,000 signatures 'Even when I told her I really needed the chair and needed her to let me sit down in it she blatantly ignored me and kept walking,' Chaney complained in the dramatic TikTok - which showed her walking up an airplane's aisles. 'I was then forced to walk up one of the longest jet bridges I've encountered and she didn't stop,' the 27-year-old continued in her rant. By the time Chaney was finally allowed to reach the wheelchair and sit down, she claimed that her lips were white, her oxygen levels had dropped and she almost fainted. According to Chaney, by assuming that she could walk and not pushing her up the jet bridge - the employee was discriminating against the plus sized woman. Staying silent isn't an option anymore,' Chaney said of the 'discrimination' she faced. 'If you've faced something similar, you're not alone.' She continued: 'Discrimination is real, and I don't want anyBODY else to ever experience something like this.' Chaney recently documented a flight where she said that she was discriminated against by an employee at SeattleTacoma International Airport who refused to push her in a wheelchair because of her weight Chaney also laid out a list of policies that would ensure that 'customers-of-size' are accommodated and treated with respect while flying, including asking the FAA to provide three seats to overweight individuals Users in the comments were quick to show their support for the 27-year-old. 'I'm so sorry honey,' one wrote. 'Sending positivity! No one should be discriminated against for their body or abilities,' another wrote. Chaney created a Change.org petition in April, 2023, to demand that the FAA protects plus-size travelers. The petition has now received more than 39,000 signatures. 'Air travel should be comfortable and accessible for everyone, regardless of size,' she wrote on the Change.org page. 'As plus-size travelers, my partner and I have unfortunately experienced discrimination and discomfort while flying.' Chaney also laid out a list of policies that would ensure that 'customers-of-size' are accommodated and treated with respect while flying. She has called for the FAA to provide three seats to overweight individuals when flying. Television's golden couple Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford have split after 27 years together and 14 years of marriage. A statement issued by the couple yesterday revealed that the former This Morning presenters are to divorce after work commitments 'took their marriage in different directions'. The pair until recently were still living together at their 3.2million home in Weybridge, Surrey, and are 'determined to stay friends and keep things amicable'. He has now moved out. The spokesman added: 'Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes have confirmed their marriage is over and they are in the process of divorcing.' Although the news is likely to come as a huge surprise to their fans, rumours that their relationship was in trouble have been circulating around the television industry for some months. Television's golden couple Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford have split after 27 years together and 14 years of marriage Sources also claim that Eamonn is furious about the split and that the break-up has 'very much been orchestrated by Ruth'. The Mail on Sunday can reveal that yesterday's statement far from being a joint effort was in fact arranged by Ruth, with Eamonn, 64, refusing to get involved. He reportedly told friends he 'didn't want to get involved' and that 'Ruth can do what she wants but keep me out of it'. It is understood he was against making the news public after spending months trying to save his marriage. Ruth though, was determined to walk away. Both Eamonn and Ruth have denied that there were any problems with their relationship when asked in recent months, although friends of the couple say that the marriage has actually been over for at least a year. One source who knows the Irish star said that Eamonn would become 'very angry indeed' when probed on the truth of his marriage. 'His language became really quite rude,' they said. 'He was struggling to accept it.' Another source added: 'Eamonn's preferred way was not to tell anyone. Deep down he knew it couldn't carry on but he was kind of sticking his head in the sand. He is very upset indeed.' Fans are now asking what could possibly have prompted the end of what has long been considered to be one of the strongest relationships in British showbusiness. Friends say the couple have been tested by health, financial and professional issues in recent issues and that 'something had to give'. In particular, Ruth has struggled to cope with Eamonn's agonising bad back following slipped discs and a fall at home in 2022. Speaking to Woman's Weekly magazine, the 64-year-old Loose Women presenter admitted his injuries had been 'testing' as they tried to 'manage as a family'. Ruth and Eamonn with their son Jack on ITV's This Morning in 2002 Eamonn, 64, revealed he's learning to walk again as he's suffered from chronic pain since 2021 and has had a dislocated pelvis, a trapped sciatic nerve and three slipped discs She added: 'I don't know how much Eamonn's mobility will improve. We live in hope. 'He does the physio, but there might have to be some acceptance that this might never be 100 per cent right. With any care situation and there are millions of carers in this country it isn't always easy.' The truth is, a friend says, is Ruth has become 'more his carer than a wife' as the Belfast-born star became 'more and more grumpy'. 'Eamonn has been thoroughly miserable,' they added. 'He has had a torrid time with his health, he's in constant pain, and the truth is he can't contain how miserable it makes him. 'He's a great broadcaster and a real professional, so he turns it on when the cameras start rolling, but immediately before and afterwards he's on painkillers and undergoing treatments just to get through each day. 'Ruth has borne the brunt of much of his anger and frustration in recent years and eventually something had to give. 'She's still a woman with a real zest for life and in the end it just started to get her down more than she could accept. 'She needs her own life. It's a case of her wanting to get out and enjoy herself. Women at Ruth's age realise that they only have ten, 20, 30 years max left and they want to have some fun. 'They go out, get fit, look amazing and go out and have the time of their lives. Meanwhile, men stay at home being grumpy.' The friend added: 'The couple have remained living under the same roof, but sleeping in separate rooms with Ruth increasingly acting more like a carer than a wife. 'She runs around making his lunch for him despite their fraught relationship. 'Meanwhile, he sits uncomfortably in a chair, limited in his mobility by chronic back pain which has left him in need of at times daily physiotherapy sessions.' It is understood that Eamonn has even joked to friends that he has been 'touched' far more by his physio than Ruth in recent years. A friend of the presenter's, however, insisted yesterday that Ruth 'gives him grief'. Neither Ruth or Eamonn have posted pictures of one another on any of their social media accounts for more than a year The pair are at least for now still living together at their 3.2million home in Weybridge, Surrey, and are 'determined to stay friends and keep things amicable' He added: 'Ruth is on his case, telling him he should be up walking but he isn't putting it on. 'He is in a lot of pain, all of the time. It isn't that easy for him.' Eamonn's battle with the taxman hasn't exactly helped his mood either, friends add. In January the presenter revealed how he had been forced to sell his beloved house in east Belfast to pay off a huge bill after a 250,000 tax fight with HMRC. He had spent more than five years at war with the agency after tax officials ruled he was a staff member with broadcasters rather than a freelancer. He was then allegedly asked for ten years of retrospective tax and national insurance payments. Friends also say that professional reasons should not be underestimated in the split. The pair were once widely regarded as 'the new Richard and Judy' the original This Morning hosts at ITV and stepped in to host the lunchtime show on Fridays, as well as covering for Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby when they were on holiday. But they were axed from the show in 2021 after a series of gaffes on air by Eamonn, when he cast doubt on media outlets that debunked the myth that 5G causes coronavirus live on air. Ruth, much loved by ITV, was kept on to host Loose Women. In response to his ousting, Eamonn accused the channel heads of hypocrisy, claiming that those who run the show are 'middle-aged white managers'. He told Weekend magazine in 2022: 'When are they going to start being diverse with their management? The diversity is only on screen. It's hypocritical.' A friend of Ruth's said: 'The whole thing was pretty embarassing for her. The fall out with ITV bosses proved hugely awkward for Ruth, who remained an employee with her role on Loose Women and other shows. 'It left her feeling very angry and, of course, prompted fears that his outbursts could damage her career. Luckily, she is so adored that she is still a regular on Loose Women, meaning she gets plenty of work.' A friend of Eamonn's even pointed to the show as a reason behind Ruth's decision to end her marriage. 'There is such a thing as the curse of Loose [Women],' they added. 'Just like the Strictly curse, there are several of its stars whose marriages of ended. You can't help but think that there is something to this.' Birds of a Feather actress Linda Robson and journalist Jane Moore have both ended their marriages in the past two years, while Coleen Nolan a mainstay of the lunchtime panel show is known for having a 'troublesome' love life. It is understood that some ITV bosses had even hoped Ruth would agree to reveal to the split being revealed live on the show but Ruth refused, knowing how much that would irritate Eamonn. It is a long way from their star-studded wedding in June 2010 by which time they had already been together for 13 years. As well as their son Jack, now 22 but eight at the time, the newlyweds were joined by friends including Royle Family star Sue Johnston, TV presenters Gloria Hunniford, Amanda Lamb and Jeremy Kyle, EastEnders actress Zoe Lucker and former champion boxer Barry McGuigan and such a lavish affair it was, they sold the rights to Hello magazine which made it into a two-parter. Eamonn was so overjoyed that he took to Twitter - now X to gush: 'Sorry if me and Ruth have been a bit quiet these past few days... but have been a bit preoccupied - we got married yesterday. 'Although it was a truly stunningly beautiful day - even the sun was eclipsed by my beautiful bride, who I love even more than before.' There were undoubtedly clues there if you looked hard enough. Tellingly, last June when Eamonn enjoyed one of the most vindicating moments of his 45-year-long career - winning best breakfast show at the prestigious TRIC awards - Ruth was notably absent. The fact that he was hobbling on crutches after suffering slipped disks in his back and a fall at home a year earlier, made her decision not to be at his side all the more curious. Instead, his new 'television wife' Isabel Webster was alongside him at the annual event, held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London's Mayfair. 'That was a real moment for Eamonn,' said a friend of his. 'He won a prize for his role at GB News, it was a moment that allowed him to both smugly and enthusiastically put two fingers up to his former employers at ITV after his super acrimonious exit from the channel. 'But Ruth was there as he hauled himself to the stage on a walking stick in front of friends and industry colleagues. At that moment all of the rumours that had been swirling began to make sense. She was with him at the year before.' Separately he has been pictured partying and enjoying days out with friends at horseracing events. Another clue is their their failure to wish one another a Happy Anniversary on their public facing social media accounts - namely Instagram. Ever since they joined the platform eight years ago, they would mark the occasion with a message to one another. That didn't happen last year. In fact, they haven't posted pictures of one another on any of their accounts for more than a year. She's the Russian bombshell expected to begin her ninth year as a Strictly pro this autumn. But Katya Jones says she's now ditched dating apps, because men always ask her for dancing lessons. Still single Ms Jones is now looking into freezing her eggs as she struggles to find Mr Right. She told the MoS: 'I'm on Hinge, I've been on Raya, it's all rubbish. Katya Jones says she's now ditched dating apps, because men always ask her for dancing lessons Still single Ms Jones is now looking into freezing her eggs as she struggles to find Mr Right 'It's just s*** chat-up lines. The worst is when they go, 'Oh, can you teach me how to dance?' That type of thing. And that's an instant no.' Ms Jones, 35, has been single since she split with fellow ballroom dancer and Strictly professional Neil Jones in 2019 after six years of marriage. She was famously caught kissing her partner from the show, Seann Walsh, in an alleyway in 2018. The star says she and Neil are still friends and 'share their dog' but as she is keen to be a mother, she is investigating freezing her eggs. She said: 'My friend spoke about it and I have looked into it, I want to know a lot more.' Ms Jones, who danced with actor Nigel Harman last year, is expected to return to Strictly this year, alongside her ex, who wasn't given a celebrity partner last year. The pair met in Blackpool in 2008 and they became dancing partners, before tying the knot in 2013 and joining Strictly in 2016. Speaking of their ongoing friendship, Ms Jones said: 'We lived a life together. It was me and him against the world. 'We were the only people there for each other. Of course there is a more profound connection, so you can't just throw that away.' Today, though, Ms Jones reveals her most unlikely hobby maths. She was an ambassador for last week's National Numeracy Day Ms Jones, who danced with actor Nigel Harman last year, is expected to return to Strictly this year, alongside her ex Today, though, Ms Jones reveals her most unlikely hobby maths. So passionate is she about the subject, she was an ambassador for last week's National Numeracy Day, which acts to build 'positive relationships and attitudes towards maths at home'. She said: 'I love numbers and I love maths. I'm a very logical person, I like finding solutions for things, even with my dancing. 'I hear people say 'I can't do maths' like they say 'I can't dance' and it's not true. Strictly is a direct example of how you can... and it's just a skill you can get better at. It's about having the confidence to do it.' Vanderpump Rules alum Jax Taylor was spotted getting close to a mystery woman at The Oaks Tavern in Sherman Oaks amid his separation from Brittany Cartwright. The reality TV star and bar owner, 44, tried to go incognito in a ball cap with friends, but TMZ reported it was clear as day that it was the father-of-one on Friday night. The outlet reported that Jax and the unidentified woman arrived at the bar together around 11:30 PM. They joined a table of friends, some of whom took part in karaoke while enjoying their night out. People on the scene reported that Jax and the woman left together about 90 minutes after arriving. They looked very cozy with each other as they hit the road at 1:00AM. Vanderpump Rules alum Jax Taylor, 44, was spotted getting close to a woman at The Oaks Tavern in Sherman Oaks on Friday night The outing comes after his estranged wife, 35, spoke with her costar Tom Schwartz on her podcast, When Reality Hits with Jax and Brittany, about the new low point she and Jax have hit in their always rocky relationship. 'Right nowI cant even be in the same room with him very long,' she said in the episode that aired earlier this week. 'Last time you were hereyou were like, "I forgot you guys were even separated." So its very up and down like that.' Schwartz said that from his point of view as both of their friends, he thought that the two 'do a good job of respecting each others boundaries.' 'He hasnt done a good job respecting mine, thats for sure,' Brittany interjected. 'But we gotta remember Im the one thats living elsewhere and I feel like Im the one thats taking all the hard hits even though I was the one who had to leave,' she explained. Tom spaced out for a minute and when he snapped back he joked: 'Im using transcendental meditation right now. 'Ive gone to another place. Im back in Florida, Im on the beach, Ive got a really cold Corona Light in my hand, a shot of Patron, and Im happy.' Jax and Brittany's relationship first started showing seismic cracks when they were both on Vanderpump Rules. Taylor recently split from his wife of nearly five years, Brittany Cartwright who currently can't stand to be in the same room as the father of her son Cruz, 3 The reality TV star and bar owner tried to go incognito in a ball cap with friends but TMZ reported it was clear as day that it was the father of one The outlet reported that Jax and the unidentified woman arrived at the bar together around 11:30 PM on Friday They joined a table of friends, some of whom took part in karaoke while enjoying their night out People on the scene reported that Jax and the woman left together about 90 minutes after arriving. They looked very cozy with each other as they hit the road at 1:00AM They ultimately announced they had separated and 'taking time apart' in a statement shared on Instagram in late February. Over the years on VPR and now The Valley fans have watched Jax criticize and berate his wife. Brittany's friends on The Valley reacted to Jax bad mouthing Brittany by criticizing her drinking. 'I would drink too if I was married to Jax,' was the sentiment shared by most of her female costars. Bridgerton favourite Golda Rosheuvel has reportedly married her long-time partner Shireen Mulan in a 'low-key' ceremony. The British actress, 54, has indeed found her true match with playwright and theatre-maker Shireen, 53, as the couple has been dating for more than a decade, and it's now emerged that the pair tied the knot at the end of last year. 'They have been through a lot together. And last year they decided the timing was right to make things official and tie the knot,' sources close to the couple have told The Mirror. They also remarked the happy couple has been going stronger than ever, way before Golda 'found fame with Bridgerton'. 'It was the complete opposite of a Bridgerton-style wedding - there were no extravagant displays or hundreds of guests. The wedding itself was incredibly low key. Bridgerton favourite Golda Rosheuvel has reportedly married her long-time partner Shireen Mulan in a 'low-key' ceremony The British actress, 54, has indeed found her true match with playwright and theatre-maker Shireen, 53, as the couple has been dating for more than a decade (pictured in Bridgerton) 'But it felt right for the two of them and their friends and family are so happy for them both.' MailOnline has contacted Golda's representatives for comment. Golda shot to fame for her theatre work and a number of on-screen roles, but most prominently became an household name with her role as Queen Charlotte in Netflix's hit drama series Bridgerton. The star's portrayal of the Queen in an alternate history was so much loved by fans that it led to a spin-off called Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, created by Shonda Rhimes, which sees the story behind the young queen's marriage to King George of England. Golda and Shireen share the same passion for the theatre and acting, and they met back in the days in the 'old-fashioned way at a mate's party', the actress told The Guardian in 2022. The Guyana-born star has often publicly praised her partner and remarked her pride had a 'grounding effect' on her. 'The attention has been a big adjustment and it's great to have somebody there who can hold you in the moments you find difficult and help you navigate the ups and downs,' she told Tatler. According to her website page, Shireen is Irish and has been playwright-on-attachment at The Royal Court Theatre and Associate Artist at both Ovalhouse and Nottle Theatre, South Korea. Bridgerton made its comeback earlier this month for its remarkable third season. 'They have been through a lot together. And last year they decided the timing was right to make things official and tie the knot,' sources close to the couple have told The Mirror Golda shot to fame for her theatre work and a number of on-screen roles, but most prominently became an household name with her role as Queen Charlotte in Netflix's hit drama series Bridgerton (pictured on the show) And according to What's On Netflix the hit romance series is back and better than ever as it pulled in a shocking 45.1M views within just four days of going global on Netflix. Within its first four days, Bridgerton Season 3 Part 1 reportedly scored 165.20 million viewing hours, equating to 45.10 million views. Netflix described the views from the opening four days as 'only the beginning' and teased more to come. In a press release released by them, they said: 'Spring has sprung, which means its finally #Polin (not pollen) season. Part 1 of Season 3 of Shonda Rhimes Bridgerton debuted at #1 on the English TV List, racking up 45.1M views. 'The series, which stars Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton, was #1 in 78 countries and reached the Top 10 in 92. And this is only the beginning. 'With Part 2 set to release on June 13, who knows how high this wallflower will climb? PSA for the millions of fans having post-binge withdrawals: find yourself a support group, put on some music, light a candle and get into something comfy more of the carriage-style scenes youre craving will be here shortly.' Nicola, 37, and Luke, 31, star in the Netflix smash hit Bridgerton as Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton, with season three following their journey from friends to lovers. After fans tuned in to watch the first part of the series, Nicola spoke about the one sex scene she felt most pressured to get right. 'The fans are horny little devils and they used to send us pictures of carriages constantly and carriages rocking,' she said. 'So, this has to be both beautiful, touching, romantic and sexy, which is a lot of things. In her mind after the kiss, its just shes messed it up completely and shes like, "He will never fancy me. He doesnt fancy me. Its embarrassing. Im going to move on," 'There's no part of her when he gets in that carriage that thinks anything like this is gonna happen.' The romp-fest came under fire for its lack of steamy scenes in the second series, with a meagre three minutes of bedroom action amid eight hours and 29 minutes of screen time. Viewers can already expect more from the first four episodes of series three, with at least six minutes of kissing, sex, threesomes and lesbian love-making. Within its first four days, Bridgerton Season 3 Part 1 reportedly scored 165.20 million viewing hours, equating to 45.10 million views Series three focuses on the will-they-won't-they flirtation between Penelope (Nicola Coughlan) and Colin (Luke Newton), but the plotline of best friends realising their true feelings proves to be a slow burner But after being promised that this season is the steamiest yet, viewers are made to wait until the closing moments of part one for the central love story to really kick off. Series three focuses on the will-they-won't-they flirtation between Penelope and Colin, but the plotline of best friends realising their true feelings proves to be a slow burner. It ends on a steamy cliffhanger as after being unable to think of anyone else, Colin eventually declares his love for Penelope in a carriage after she was left heartbroken by Lord Debling. The pair finally give into their passions, with Colin lifting up Penelope's dress in the back of the carriage for a very steamy finale, ahead of part two dropping on June 13. Nicki Minaj was briefly arrested before being fined at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport on Saturday on allegations that 'soft drugs' were found in her luggage. The Dutch national police agency shared a social media update that a 41-year-old American woman was released from custody after consultation with local prosecutors, CBS News reported. The Dutch police didn't name Nicki in the post but they didn't have to as she streamed the whole incident on Instagram Live. In the video, she explained that the police told her marijuana had been found in her bags and it would have to be weighed. She was traveling from Amsterdam to Manchester for her next Pink Friday 2 Tour show at the time. Saturday night's concert was canceled at the last moment as a result of her brief detainment. Nicki Minaj, 41, was briefly arrested before being fined at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport on Saturday on allegations that 'soft drugs' were found in her luggage; seen in 2023 Despite vehemently denying that she was carrying any drugs, the rapper was told that she needed to go to the police station in footage captured during an Instagram Live. In the recording, a man explained to her that she 'would get a lawyer at the office' and they would go 'as fast as possible.' During the Instagram Live, the Anaconda hitmaker said she was told 'to get into this [police] van and go into the precinct with no lawyer present.' She further alleged that someone working for airport security requested she made a 'statement with no lawyer present' after finding 'pre-rolls' in 'bags that they were not authorized to take.' It is currently unclear if she was booked at a police station. A spokesperson for the police in the Netherlands confirmed to NBC News that they 'arrested a 41-year-old American woman at Schiphol Airport because of possession of soft drugs.' They did not identify Minaj, or anyone else by name, as the person arrested. Before the alleged arrest, Minaj shared a series of posts on X (previously known as Twitter), about her bags getting pulled for a thorough search at the airport. 'They've been trying everything they possibly can to TRY to stop this tour,' she wrote in one tweet, before theorizing that they were trying to 'plant things' in her luggage. The Dutch national police agency shared a social media update that a 41-year-old American woman was released from custody after consultation with local prosecutors, CBS News reported The Dutch police didn't name Nicki in the post but they didn't have to as she streamed the whole incident on Instagram Live; seen in 2023 Nicki filmed herself seemingly getting arrested for allegedly 'carrying drugs' while traveling from Amsterdam to Manchester for her next show Additionally, she shared footage on her Instagram of a man telling her that police needed to take a closer look at her luggage. In the clip, an airline crew member told her that a 'police officer told' him that they had 'to offload all the luggage and to search everything.' 'I'm so sorry to say that,' he continued. She, then, asked: 'But wasn't that what you planned on doing from the get-go? Why didn't you guys search it before it went on the plane?' 'They did just a random quick check, but now they want to open it,' he insisted. After she asked why, he said: 'First of all, because you filmed him... [and] ... he doesn't believe you that you don't have more with you than you say.' 'No, he asked me 'Do I have any more in those purses' and I said, 'No,' and I asked him where are my bags,' the rapper said. 'They took my bags and put them on the plane before I could know what bags are on the plane.' The airline crew member simply said he was 'so sorry for that.' 'Okay, of course,' she said before the video ended. In Minaj's caption, she wrote 'they took my bags before I could see them' then 'put it on the plane.' 'This is what it looks like when ppl are paid big money to try to sabotage a tour after all else failed. Everything they've done is illegal,' she wrote. Despite vehemently denying that she was carrying any drugs, the rapper was told that she needed to go to the police station in footage captured during an Instagram Live In the recording, a man explained to her that she 'would get a lawyer at the office' and they would go 'as fast as possible' Before the alleged arrest, Minaj shared a series of posts on X (previously known as Twitter ), about her bags getting pulled for a thorough search at the airport 'They've been trying everything they possibly can to TRY to stop this tour,' she wrote in one tweet, before theorizing that they were trying to 'plant things' in her luggage Minaj also tweeted that her 'filming every single thing made' airline employees and police 'mad' The mother-of-one is currently on her Pink Friday 2 World Tour Minaj's most recent tweet, at the time of publication, claimed that she was told that she had five minutes 'to make a statement about' her 'security to the police precinct.' Earlier, she had noted on X that 'they said they found weed & that another group of ppl have to come here to weigh the pre-rolls.' 'Keep in mind they took my bags without consent. My security has already advised them those pre-rolls belong to him. Oh yea & the pilot wants me to take my ig [Instagram] post down,' she wrote. In another X post, she pointed out that marijuana is legal in Amsterdam. Minaj is is currently on her Pink Friday 2 World Tour and was slated to perform in Manchester, England on Saturday. However, the problems she encountered at the airport in the Netherlands caused her to miss that evening's concert in the UK. After arriving in Manchester, she posted a statement to X apologizing to fans for her failure to appear onstage that evening. 'Thank you to everyone who prayed for me today. May God cover you & all that is connected to you. May you be blessed beyond your imagination,' she wrote. 'Barbz, Im @ the stock exchange hotel in #Manchester I arrived a little over an hour ago,' she continued. 'After sitting in a jail cell for 5-6 hours, my plane still didnt take off for another 20 mins once I boarded.' Minaj noted: 'The flight was 50 mins,' repeating for emphasis: '50 mins.' She argued: 'Thats why they had to do the big song & dance b/c they knew Id still find a way to perform even if it came down to my last 90 mins in the building which would have been until 1130pm. The building was willing to go past 11pm. So grateful to them for that. 'So they succeeded at their plan to not let me get on that stage tonight. I succeeded @ getting to the root of it all by recording them & posting everything in real time. I have sooooooooo much video evidence. You wouldnt believe it if I told you. Minaj grimly resolved: 'Ill have the lawyers & GOD take it from here tho.' After arriving in Manchester, she posted a statement to X apologizing to fans for her failure to appear onstage that evening Switching gears as she addressed her ticketholders, she said: 'Please please please accept my deepest & most sincere apologies. They sure did know exactly how to hurt me today but this too, shall pass.' She continued: 'Theyve been doing this over & over & over & over & over again & Ive tried so hard to not discuss it b/c you guys deserve to just get the good stuff. I hate involving you in anything that isnt for entertainment purposes only.' The Bang Bang hitmaker promised her fans that 'we will have another date for tonights show shortly & Ill probably be able to share it tmrw. One July option & one June option is currently being discussed. 'Ill find a way to not only make up the date with the performance but Im going to create an added bonus for everyone that had a tkt for this show. Promise. She reminded her audience: 'Ill STILL be performing at the 2nd #Manchester show on the 30th. 5 days away. Ill STILL be performing in #Birmingham tmrw ok Barbz Love you'. Fans reacted on Twitter, with some calling her out for allegedly breaking the law and the Barbz showing their support. 'Weed is illegal in the UK point blank period if you have it you're going to be arrested they don't care who you are so if she was trying to leave Amsterdam with weed trying to come over here to the UK, then yes the police have got every right to stop #NICKIMINAJ,' one fan commented. 'So happy to hear Nicki is okay, sad she couldn't hit the stage, but at least she's made it safely to Manchester!' wrote another. 'We love you Nicki!!!' Hollywood star Austin Butler is heading Down Under. The award-winning American actor, 32, will jet in from the United States to attend the Australian premiere of his latest film, The Bikeriders. This much-anticipated event is part of the Special Presentations strand of the Sydney Film Festival. The red carpet will be rolled out at Sydney's State Theatre on June 6, four weeks ahead of the film's July 4 cinematic release. Butler is no stranger to Australian fans and the local industry, thanks to his standout performance as Elvis Presley in Baz Luhrmann's biopic, Elvis. Hollywood star Austin Butler, 32, (pictured) will jet in from the United States to attend the Australian premiere of his latest film, The Bikeriders He spent considerable time in Australia while shooting the film on the Gold Coast and last visited for the premiere in 2022. His portrayal of the King of Rock and Roll earned him a Golden Globe and a BAFTA, along with an Academy Award nomination. This event marks yet another star-studded occasion for Sydney, following recent high-profile premieres featuring Chris Hemsworth, Anya Taylor-Joy, and George Miller for Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, as well as Zendaya, Josh O'Connor, and Mike Faist for Challengers. This much-anticipated event is part of the Special Presentations strand of the Sydney Film Festival. (Pictured in The Bikeriders) Butler, 32, is no stranger to Australian fans and the local industry, thanks to his standout performance as Elvis Presley in Baz Luhrmann 's biopic, Elvis. (Pictured in 2022) Butler's career, which began with a role in Nickelodeon's Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide in 2005, has seen him rise to prominence with notable performances in Once Upon A Time In Hollywood and the upcoming Dune: Part Two. The Bikeriders, also featuring Norman Reedus, Tom Hardy, Jodie Comer, and Michael Shannon, delves into the gritty world of a fictional Chicago outlaw motorcycle club, The Vandals, set in the 1960s. The film promises a thrilling ride through the tumultuous rise of the club, with Butler at the helm of its star-studded cast. The Sydney Film Festival kicks off June 5th and will run until June 16th. Buy tickets here. Richard M. Sherman - known for penning songs for films such as Mary Poppins - passed away at the age of 95 on Saturday. The songwriter - who notably collaborated with his brother Robert B. Sherman over the years - died due to an 'age-related illness' in Los Angeles at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Disney announced. A funeral is set to take place later this month on Friday, May 31 at the Hillside Memorial Park Cemetery located in Culver City, California. Richard is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Gluck, whom he tied the knot with in 1957. The two welcomed two children: Gregory and Victoria. He also shared another child, Lynda, from a previous marriage to Corrine Newman. During the course of his long-lasting career, Sherman received numerous accolades, including two Oscars and three Grammy Awards. Richard M. Sherman - known for penning songs for films such as Mary Poppins - passed away at the age of 95 on Saturday; seen in 2017 in Beverly Hills The songwriter - who notably collaborated with his brother Robert B. Sherman over the years - died due to an 'age-related illness' in Los Angeles at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Disney announced; seen far right with brother Robert (far left) and Debbie Reynolds in 1965 CEO of The Walt Disney Company, Bib Iger, expressed in a statement, 'Richard Sherman was the embodiment of what it means to be a Disney Legend...' 'Creating along with his brother Robert the beloved classics that have become a cherished part of the soundtrack of our lives.' 'From films like Mary Poppins and The Jungle Book to attractions like, "It's A Small World," the music of the Sherman Brothers has captured the hearts of generations of audiences.' Iger continued, 'We are forever grateful for the mark Richard left on the world, and we extend our deepest condolences to his family.' Chief Creative Officer at Pixar Animation Studios, Pete Docter, also stated, 'You don't get songs like "Spoonful Of Sugar" without a genuine love of life, which Richard passed on to everyone lucky enough to be around him.' 'Even in his 90s he had more energy and enthusiasm than anyone, and I always left renewed by Richard's infectious joy for life.' Film historian, Leonard Maltin, also had a few words to share upon learning of Richard's passing in a statement, per Disney. 'The Sherman brothers were professional optimists who found a perfect patron in Walt Disney.' 'Their songs had an upbeat outlook that spilled over into Richard's life, which was not without its troubles and challenges.' Richard is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Gluck, whom he tied the knot with in 1957. The two welcomed two children: Gregory and Victoria. He also shared another child, Lynda, from a previous marriage to Corrine Newman; seen with Elizabeth in 2018 in Beverly Hills CEO of The Walt Disney Company, Bib Iger, expressed in a statement, 'Richard Sherman was the embodiment of what it means to be a Disney Legend...'; seen in 2009 in Hollywood Richard was born in New York City on June 12, 1928 - and both he and his brother, Robert, eventually followed in their father's footsteps, who was also a songwriter. In 1937, Richard's family moved to Beverly Hills and he later attended Beverly Hills High School where he studied various instruments, such as the piano and flute. Upon graduating in 1946, the star notably performed during the ceremony with fellow classmate Andre Previn - who went on to win four Oscars, including Best Score for My Fair Lady. In 1953, Richard was drafted into the U.S. Army and was part of the Army Band until 1955. He also attended Bard College in the state of New York where he majored in music. Not long after graduation, Richard began writing songs with his brother, Robert. In 1958, the duo founded their own music publishing company called the Music World Corporation. That same year, Richard and Robert began to gain recognition with their song, Tall Paul, which was sung by Annette Funicello and leapt to the top ten chart at the time. The Sherman brothers were soon noticed by Walt Disney - who eventually hired the pair to be songwriters for the Walt Disney Company. In 1958, the duo founded their own music publishing company called the Music World Corporation; seen with Michael Giacchino in a sound room in 2005 Also in 1964, Mary Poppins starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke premiered in theaters, with the brothers writing songs for the successful film During this time, the two penned the iconic track, It's A Small World (After All) which was shown at the New York World Fair in 1964. Also in 1964, Mary Poppins starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke premiered in theaters, with the brothers writing songs for the successful film. The following year at the Academy Awards, the Sherman brothers won two Oscars for Best Score as well as Best Original Song for Chim Chim Cher-ee. During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter's Scott Feinberg in 2011, Richard opened up about having the opportunity to work on Mary Poppins with his brother. 'One day, he had just accepted one of our songs,' he said of Walt Disney. 'I think for a Zorro episode or something - and he said, "You know what a nanny is?" And we said, "Yeah, it's a goat."' 'We thought he was going to do a picture about a nanny goat that sang or something. So he says, "No, no, no, in an English nursery!"' '"Oh, yeah, sure, in an English nursery there's a nanny, that's right,"' Richard recalled saying in response. 'So he says, "Well, I have a book. I want you to read this and tell me what you think."' 'He did not say, "I have this book, I want you to write me a title song for it," or, "I have a situation I want you to write for this character to sing." He just said, "Read the book and tell me what you think."' During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter's Scott Feinberg in 2011, Richard opened up about having the opportunity to work on Mary Poppins with his brother For Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, he was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song for a track with the same name Other major film scores Richard was involved in included Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1988) - which also starred Dick Van Dyke - The Aristocats (1970), The Jungle Book (1967) and also Charlotte's Web (1973). For Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, he was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song for a track with the same name. Throughout the course of his career, the songwriter was nominated for nine Oscars, winning two. He also received three Grammy awards, two for Mary Poppins and one for Winnie The Pooh And Tigger Too! in 1975. In 2009, a documentary called The Boys: The Sherman Brothers' Story was also released. The premise is: 'Their music is unforgettable. Their name is legend. Delve into the lives and cinematic legacy of the prolific songwriting duo whose music has been featured in classic movies such as Mary Poppins (1964) and The Jungle Book (1967),' per an IMDB synopsis. He also received three Grammy awards, two for Mary Poppins and one for Winnie The Pooh And Tigger Too! in 1975; seen in 2014 in Los Angeles Along with films, Richard has also been involved with stage musicals, such as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Mary Poppins, A Spoonful Of Sherman and also Bedknobs And Broomsticks; seen in 2018 in Burbank And the pair were portrayed by actors B.J. Novak and Jason Schwarzman in the 2013 movie, Saving Mr. Banks. In 2005, the Sherman brothers were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and years earlier in 1990, were officially named Disney Legends. Along with films, Richard has also been involved with stage musicals, such as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Mary Poppins, A Spoonful Of Sherman and also Bedknobs And Broomsticks. The brothers also wrote songs outside of the film realm, including the track You're Sixteen, which was sung by Johnny Burnette in 1960 and later covered by The Beatles members, Ringo Starr, in 1973. Fashion enthusiasts were left shocked when the Australian franchise of major fashion label Dion Lee entered administration on Thursday. It's understood the much-loved brand, worn by mega-stars like Taylor Swift and Dua Lipa, collapsed after a partnership deal with Cue Clothing Co fell through. And industry insiders have now revealed the signs that Dion Lee was heading for disaster. Speaking to News Corp on Sunday, one source claimed Lee had 'forgotten his roots' in recent years by opening too many retail stores. 'Unless you are a Zimmerman, opening too many stores is a recipe for disaster. His backers likely got sick of him not focusing on profits,' they claimed. Industry insiders have revealed the signs that Dion Lee was heading for disaster, after it was announced the brand has gone into administration. (Designer Dion Lee is pictured in 2023) Another insider pointed to Lee's botched plans for opening a retail store inside a sprawling loft space with five-metre-high ceilings and original columns in New York's SoHo district. He had planned to open the retail store after staging his Fall/Winter 2001-2002 collection at the same venue, but his plans never eventuated. 'It never opened. It is a heritage building, a 4000 square feet space and a lot of the building wasn't to code. He couldn't open the store until they sank a lot of money into it,' the source said, noting that the project put huge financial pressure on Lee. Speaking to News Corp on Sunday, one source claimed Lee had 'forgotten his roots' in recent years by opening too many retail stores. (Pictured: A model walking at Dion Lee's Spring 2004 show at New York Fashion Week) The insider also speculated that Lee's disagreements with his powerful backer Cue Clothing Co may have added to the brand's downfall. Cue became a partner with Dion Lee in 2013 and the company was also a shareholder in the business. However Cue reportedly ended its partnership agreement with Dion Lee and also cancelled their investment in the business, according to The Australian. Another insider pointed to Lee's botched plans for opening a retail storer inside a sprawling loft space with five-metre-high ceilings and original columns in New York's SoHo district (pictured) The withdrawal of Cue's investment is thought to have exacerbated the downfall of the Dion Lee brand. Announcing the relationship breakdown, a Cue spokesperson said: 'After a recent strategic review, a decision has been made by the Cue Group to focus on our local Cue and Veronika Maine operations'. Antony Resnick, a liquidator from insolvency firm dVT Group, has been appointed as the administrator for Australian Dion Lee. The insider also speculated that Lee's disagreements with his powerful backer Cue Clothing Co may have added to the brand's downfall. (Pictured: Models wearing clothing designed by Dion Lee at the Australian Fashion Week 2024) dVT Group is also in the process of considering investors for the company to strengthen their current financial position. The business is understood to continue to trade until the company is restructured Dion Lee found renewed fame after pop star Taylor Swift wore a $650 Dion Lee Crochet Corset Top at the Super Bowl as she cheered on her boyfriend Travis Kelce. Pictured right is pop star Taylor Swift wearing a Dion Lee Crochet Corset Top at the SuperBowl in February The clothing label was founded by Australian fashion designer Dion Lee in 2009. Since then the company has grown exponentially, with six outlets in Australia and 160 stores worldwide stocking the brand, including a flagship store in the US which opened in December last year. Lee, 38, has also collaborated with Kanye West on a shoe collection and designed clothing worn by pop star Dua Lipa. Some of the accessories designed by Dion Lee retail for as much as $A990. Mr Resnick said it is too early to assess the assets and the liabilities of the company. The Dion Lee brand has built global recognition and credibility in the world of high fashion,' Mr Resnick said in a statement to news.com.au. Administrators have been appointed to oversee the financial operations of the company (pictured Aussie superstars Kylie and Dannii Minogue wearing Dion Lee when they performed at the Sydney World Pride Opening Concert in 2024) 'It is regularly worn by cultural icons and influencers. It is noted in the industry for its unique designs. All of which should attract both local and international investor interest.' A Mr Resnick also said that a creditors report, which outlines the amount of money owed to the suppliers of a business, is being prepared and a meeting is yet to be held with suppliers to discuss outstanding payments. Only the operations of the Australian stores are understood to have been affected and customers are still able to access the online website of the company. The financial position of the Dion Lee store is also reportedly being evaluated. Paris Hilton took to Instagram to show off some sweet snaps she took of her adorable family as they traveled to Hawaii on Saturday. The 43-year-old socialite who recently announced a new show with her Simple Life costar Nicole Richie shared videos of her and her children Phoenix, one, and London, 6 months, enjoying the private jet ride to paradise. The blonde beauty gave a glimpse into her life of glamour, as she sat beside a window peering out into the clouds with little London in her lap. She sported a comfortable look rocking a pink varsity jacket and a grey T-shirt paired with a denim bucket hat and neon pink sweatpants. Her golden locks were tucked behind her ears and hidden in her hat as she accessorized with a pair of pink sunglasses. Paris Hilton took to Instagram to show off some sweet snaps she took of her adorable family as they traveled to Hawaii on Saturday Paris glowed in the snaps as she went barefaced showing off her natural beauty during the flight. Baby London wore a pink floral onesie and cuddled up to her mother while wrapped in a pink blanket. She looked to the camera, showing off her big blue eyes while sweetly posed next to a pink Care Bear. Phoenix was spotted in his car seat wrapped in a tan burrito printed blanket that read, 'Phoenix's Burrito Blanket.' The close friend of the Kardashian's was joined was joined by her brother Barron Hilton, 34, his wife Tessa Hilton, 30, and their daughter Milou Alizee Hilton, 4. In one of the snaps we see Tessa carrying little Phoenix as she sported a comfy white T-shirt and white leggings. Her blonde locks were straightened and let loose as she ushered her daughter off the flight. Milou rocked her bedhead and matched her mommy wearing a white jacket and matching pants while carrying a patterned blanket. The 43-year-old socialite shared videos of her and her children Phoenix, one, and London, 6 months, enjoying the private jet ride to paradise The blonde beauty gave us an glimpse into her life of glamour sat beside a window peering out into the clouds while carrying little London in her lap Baby London looked to the camera showing off her big blue eyes while sweetly posed next to a pink Care Bear Phoenix was spotted in his car seat wrapped in a tan burrito printed blanket that read, 'Phoenix's Burrito Blanket' The close friend of the Kardashian's was joined was joined by her brother Barron Hilton, 34, his wife Tessa Hilton, 30, and their daughter Milou Alizee Hilton, 4 Paris' husband Carter Reum tagged along wearing a black T-shirt and black sweatpants, tagging the Grand Wailea Resort located on the west side of The Big Island Upon arrival to the resort, the famous family showed off their luxurious accommodations in a sweet snap of their six-month-old laying on a bed in a polka-dot onesie The heiress showed off her eldest running around their bedroom in grey sheep pajamas while playing near a chair Paris' husband Carter Reum tagged along wearing a black T-shirt and black sweatpants, tagging the Grand Wailea Resort located on the west side of The Big Island. He wore his silvery-dark locks pushed back and flashed a silver wedding ring to the camera. The proud father-of-two smiled ear to ear carrying little Phoenix who wore a gray T-shirt, brown striped shorts and a navy bib. Upon arrival to the resort, the famous family showed off their luxurious accommodations in a sweet snap of their six-month-old laying on a bed in a polka-dot onesie. In other snaps, the heiress showed off her eldest running around their bedroom in grey sheep pajamas while playing near a chair. She also documented an outing on the island with little Phoenix strapped in a stroller, pushing him around the Hawaiian resort. It comes after Paris has responded to fans' concerns for her two children after they shared fears over the safety of her new car. The socialite had taken to TikTok earlier this month to post a clip of her daughter and son buckled into their car seats, but fans were quick to question the installation of her children's car seats. Comments under Paris' post noted that her children were sat in forward-facing seats, despite the website for the seat's brand stating they were 'intended for rear-ward facing only.' 'Please hire someone to install car seats,' one fan wrote while another added, 'Crazy unsafe. This is wild.' It comes after Paris has responded to fans' concerns for her two children after they shared fears over the safety of her new car Paris went onto respond to fans fears in a new TikTok post, saying she 'appreciates' their advice and she's 'still learning as a new mom.' She posted a new video showing that her children were now sat in car seats facing in the opposite direction, and captioned her post: 'Thanks for the mom advice, I'm new to this.' One commentor praised Paris for 'not taking offence,' by fans' concerns, and she responded: 'No, I'm not taking offense. I am a new mom and just learning as I go. So I appreciate advice when it is kind as I'm just trying to be the best mom I can be.' Another user added: 'I love that you showed you were vulnerable and not perfect and took the advice,' and Paris replied: 'No one is perfect, love you.' Australian influencer Jade Kevin Foster has been spotted packing on the PDA with a new beau, a year after splitting from his third fiance. The Byron Baes star confirmed his new romance with IT manager Hayden Stewart on Saturday as the couple stepped out for a romantic date night in Sydney. Looking positively smitten, the couple were seen giggling and chatting as they strolled down the footpath before escaping into a nearby alleyway for a saucy make out session. Intriguingly, Hayden flashed a gold engagement ring on his finger, sparking questions as to whether Jade has already found a new fiance following three failed engagements. Jade looked stylish in a cream shirt-jacket, black leather trousers and lace-up boots, while Hayden sported a khaki shirt and matching cargo pants paired with a cap worn backwards and Nike sneakers. Australian influencer Jade Kevin Foster (left) has been spotted packing on the PDA with a new beau Hayden Stewart (right), a year after splitting from his third fiance Jade was last engaged to Johnny Margo for two years, but the pair parted ways in April 2023. The former couple met while Jade was hosting and judging a modelling competition. At the time, Jade was still engaged to his second fiance Craig Buckley, owner of McGrath Real Estates Australia. The Byron Baes star confirmed his new romance with the IT manager on Saturday as the couple stepped out for a romantic date night in Sydney Intriguingly, Hayden also flashed a gold engagement ring on his finger, sparking questions as to whether Jade has already found a new fiance following three failed engagements Looking positively smitten, the couple were seen giggling and chatting as they strolled down the footpath before escaping into a nearby alleyway for a saucy make out session Jade looked stylish in a cream shirt-jacket, black leather trousers and lace-up boots Craig, who was 41 at the time, had bought Jade - then aged 28 - a yacht named 'Jaded' during their ill-fated romance, which lasted for three and a half years Jade's first fiance was navy officer Rhyce Noblett. 'I actually first got engaged when I was 18 years old, to a navy officer, and I was engaged to him for, like, five years,' Jade previously told Tudum by Netflix, adding that Rhyce was 41 at the time. Hayden sported a khaki shirt and matching cargo pants paired with a cap worn backwards and Nike sneakers The par put on an animated display as they enjoyed an evening out together The couple were later seen arriving at a nightclub in Sydney's CBD 'Then I split up with him because I had trust issues from watching my parents' relationship,' he confessed. Jade previously spoke to Daily Mail Australia in May last year about the breakdown of his third engagement, saying he was shattered and had fled to Bali to escape the heartbreak. 'My love life has always been all over the place. I'm on my third failed engagement,' he lamented. Hayden and Jade posed for a happy snap over drinks earlier this month. Neither wore an engagement ring for the photo Jade was last engaged to Johnny Margo for two years, but the pair parted ways in April 2023. (Pictured: Jade's engagement ring from Johnny) Jade's second fiance was Craig Buckley, owner of McGrath Real Estates Australia. (Pictured: Jade's engagement ring from Craig) Jade's first fiance was navy officer Rhyce Noblett (right) 'Now this one really broke my heart and it's really affected me in ways that I didn't think that it could. Unfortunately that relationship wasn't meant to be.' Of his ex-fiance, Jade said: 'I hope that he lives a very long, happy and fulfilled life.' 'I hope that I can also find somebody that loves me and wants to treat me the way that I think that I deserve to be treated.' Priscilla Presley celebrated her 79th birthday alongside her granddaughter Riley Keough and other close family and friends on Saturday. The ex-wife of legend Elvis Presley whose historic home Graceland was recently in danger of being sold was seen in a black patterned sweater and slacks to her dinner party in the collage posted by her son, Navarone Garcia on Instagram. She wore her signature red lock parted to the side and wore a casual makeup look that made her red lip and blue eyes pop. Her party was one to remember as she posed next to a cake that displayed an image of the businesswoman and her son that read 'Happy Birthday Priscilla Presley.' The now 79-year-old was seen in a snap accompanied by her granddaughter Riley who bears a striking resemblance to the late Lisa Marie Presley, Priscilla's daughter. Priscilla Presley celebrated her 79th birthday alongside her granddaughter Riley Keough and other close family and friends on Saturday; Priscilla and Riley pictured in 2022 in LA Riley looked radiant in a long white dress shirt and cream toned floor-length skirt as she greeted other guests. She styled her honey-brown locks in a low ponytail while sporting a light makeup look that made her natural beauty shine through. The birthday girl enjoyed the evening while jamming out at the DJ booth and taking a shot at her remixing skills. 'Happy Happy HAAAAPIEST of birthdays to the best mama in the whole world @priscillapresley, hope you enjoyed your night last night. I love you so so much thank you to everyone that came, and everyone that put everything together, and @chrisameruoso for the [photos],' Garcia wrote in the caption. The post was a hit with fans racking up over 2k likes and 235 comments. Supportive fans took to the comments to express their congratulations as one wrote, 'Your mom looks wonderful! So glad to see her surrounded by so much love. I hope she had a great day celebrating her 79th birthday.' Another top commenter added, 'I hope she had a birthday as beautiful as her!' The birthday party comes as Elvis' Tennessee Graceland estate faced a foreclosure risk. And now the FBI is reportedly investigating the attempted 'fraudulent' sale of Graceland, the former home and burial site of Elvis. Sources told TMZ that officials at Graceland and people from Riley's camp, who is the sole trustee of her grandfather's estate, have been in touch with the FBI. The outlet reported that the agency are 'interested' in launching a criminal probe into the sale. The ex-wife of legend Elvis Presley and her granddaughter were pictured in a collage posted by Priscilla's son, Navarone Garcia, on Instagram; Priscilla and Navarone seen in 2015 The birthday party comes as Elvis' Tennessee Graceland estate faced a foreclosure risk; Priscilla, Austin Butler, Riley pictured in 2022 The King of Rock 'n' Roll's Memphis estate was due to go under the hammer this week until Keough, who is the sole trustee of her grandfather's estate, launched a legal bid to block the sale; Riley and mom Lisa Marie pictured in 2017 The King of Rock 'n' Roll's Memphis estate was due to go under the hammer this week until Keough launched a legal bid to block the sale. Her lawyer Jeff Germany told a court there are 'significant serious allegations regarding the authenticity' of documents supposedly showing that her late mom Lisa Marie Presley borrowed $3.8million using Graceland as collateral. The alleged loan was taken through a Missouri company called Naussany Investments and Private Lending. Germany told the court he had had 'no contact' whatsoever with Nassauny, any lawyers acting on its behalf, or from its supposed boss Kurt Naussany. That left it a straightforward decision for Chancellor JoeDae Jenkins who said it was in the 'public interest' to uphold a temporary restraining order blocking the proposed Thursday 10am sale on the steps of the courthouse. 'The court will enjoin the sale as requested because the real estate is considered unique under Tennessee law and, in being unique, the loss of the real estate would be considered irreparable harm,' he told the ten-minute hearing. The one-page fax signed by Gregory E. Naussany and received by the court today, said: 'I respectfully deny the allegations made by Danielle Riley Keough. I believe the claims made against Naussany Investments & Private Lending are unfounded.' He said his firm was 'prepared to provide evidence and arguments' in its defense when the matter proceeds to trial. On Wednesday, the mystery lender Gregory Nassauny told DailyMail.com that the case was too complicated and that he had given up the fight for the mansion. In response to an email sent to an address on the court papers, a man purporting to be Nassauny told DailyMail.com said he was 'withdrawing all claims with prejudice.' This week's legal drama marked the second time Keough has gone to court to establish herself as Graceland's owner after a 2023 legal spat with her grandmother Priscilla They tussled over a 2016 amendment to Lisa Marie's will that removed Priscilla as a trustee but a judge ruled the paperwork was legit and that Keough was the Suspicious Minds crooner's sole trustee The shadowy outfit claimed that Lisa Marie, who died in January 2023, aged 54, defaulted on the loan. Naussany intended to claw back the funds by selling off Graceland, its note said. Prior to Wednesday's hearing, lawyers for the Mad Max: Fury Road actress obtained a temporary restraining order to block the 'non-judicial sale', arguing that the supposed loan never happened and the documents were 'forgeries'. This week's legal drama marked the second time Keough has gone to court to establish herself as Graceland's owner after a 2023 legal spat with her grandmother Priscilla. They tussled over a 2016 amendment to Lisa Marie's will that removed Priscilla as a trustee but a judge ruled the paperwork was legit and that Keough was the Suspicious Minds crooner's sole trustee. Elvis bought the eight-bed Graceland estate in 1957 for $102,500, the same year he released Jailhouse Rock, one of 18 songs of his that went to number one. He and Priscilla had Lisa Marie nine months to the day after their 1967 wedding and she spent her earliest years at her father's sprawling compound. Elvis and Priscilla divorced six years later but Lisa Marie would frequently return to Memphis to stay and would eventually inherit Graceland after her dad died there in 1977. Elvis bought the Graceland estate in 1957 for $102,500, the same year he recorded a slew of iconic hits including 'Blue Christmas' and 'All Shook Up'; Elvis pictured in 1957 in Memphis The Graceland estate is an iconic symbol of arguably the greatest pop culture figure of all time The property was eventually turned into a money-spinning tourist attraction hosting a museum, $200 VIP tours and candlelit vigils to mark each anniversary of the rock and roll icon's death, attracting 650,000 visitors annually and soaring in value to $100 million. Lisa Marie died in January 2023, at the age of 54, after suffering a cardiac arrest at her home in Calabasas, California. It was later found that she died from a 'small bowel obstruction' caused by a bariatric surgery that she had undergone according to the autopsy. Last year Priscilla confirmed it is her wish to be buried next to her late ex-husband Elvis on his Graceland estate when she dies. Elvis, Lisa Marie and her son Benjamin are all buried at Graceland. Larry Emdur opened up on Sunday about his secret to maintaining a successful career in the media for over 35 years. The Morning Show co-host, 59, revealed his success ultimately came down to a positive attitude. 'You've got no way of dictating the future. One audition to the next, those contracts can be a one month stint or even one episode,' he told The Daily Telegraph. 'I like to think I've been nice. When a show gets axed people can show varying levels of respect. I've always been grateful for any opportunity and been a reasonable character in a real cat fight of a business.' Emdur added he ensured he had a successful side gig to to fall back on should he stop getting offered presenting work. Larry Emdur (pictured) opened up on Sunday about his secret to maintaining a successful career in the media for over 35 years The TV star, who hosted The Price is Right in the early '90s on Channel Nine, revealed his success ultimately came down to a positive attitude 'I learnt very early that I can't rely on TV. I'm very interested in property, that's my side hustle. For many years of my life TV for me, as far as a bank balance, was my part-time job.' In 2021, Larry took over hosting duties on The Chase Australia and he wasn't afraid to splash some of that heard-earned salary, buying a derelict block in Berowra Waters for $1million. It was the latest in a string of acquisitions by Larry and his wife-of-29-years, Sylvie, who in recent years have been quietly assembling an impressive property portfolio across New South Wales. According to The Daily Telegraph, Larry and Sylvie purchased a 'derelict bushland block' in Neverfail Bay. The reclusive property, along the banks of Berowra Creek, is only accessible by boat and the block of land, which last sold for $575,000 in 1999, was purchased by the Emdur's for $1million. In 2017, Larry and Sylvie sold their clifftop mansion in Dover Heights for a record $11.5million to celebrity account Anthony Bell. 'You've got no way of dictating the future. One audition to the next, those contracts can be a one month stint or even one episode,' he told The Daily Telegraph. 'I like to think I've been nice. I've always been a reasonable character in a real cat fight of a business' The deal was easily the biggest ever for a house in the sought-after beachside suburb, which is home to many well-heeled socialites. Larry and Sylvie met in the 1990s on a plane while she was working as a flight attendant. They tied the knot in 1995 and went on to have two children, son Jye, 28 and daughter Tia, 23. In an interview for The Sunday Telegraph's Body+Soul, the couple revealed they have a pact to create memories by doing something crazy every year while they can. Married At First Sight lovebirds Jade Pywell and Ridge Barredo have revealed how they keep their relationship alive. Jade, 26, hosted an Instagram Q&A with fans this week and revealed she and Ridge, 27, share a 'love language' which has helped them advance their physical intimacy. 'Physical touch is important to both of us, we bond all over again each time,' she began. 'I am the happiest I have ever been and have been showered with so much love.' The loved-up couple have been constantly featured in each other's social media posts since hitting it off on the dating experiment earlier this year. Married At First Sight lovebirds Jade Pywell and Ridge Barredo have revealed how they keep their relationship alive. Both pictured Jade, 26, hosted an Instagram Q&A with fans this week and revealed she and Ridge, 27, share a 'love language' which has helped them advance their physical intimacy Earlier this month, the pair spoke exclusively to Daily Mail Australia at Australian Fashion Week, and revealed their plans to move in together. 'Your man's moving up the Gold Coast. I'll see you on the 28th on the Goldie,' Ridge shared. Jade also expressed her excitement about Ridge's move, gushing: 'I am looking forward to Ridge moving in, yes.' When asked if there was room for him at her place, she assured, 'There is space for Ridge', to which Barredo cheekily quipped: 'She's got a room for me, as Jack Dunkley would say to Tori Adams.' Jade explained that life post-MAFS has been has been a whirlwind. 'Physical touch is so important to both of us so we bond all over again each time. I am the happiest I have ever been and have been showered with so much love,' Jade began 'We have enjoyed it. It's crazy busy with everyday activities and everyday life and events here and there. It's been good,' she added. The news comes after the pair revealed their plans to start a family last month. The lovebirds said they hope to have twin babies in the near future so they could give Jade's eight-year-old daughter Victoria some siblings to play with. 'Boy and girl twins! I'll definitely be waiting for another ring before we have any kiddies,' Jade told New Idea magazine. Anna McEvoy is a married woman. The Love Island Australia star walked down the aisle with fiance Michael Staples at a glamorous ceremony at Corfu, in Greece this weekend. The couple opted to hold their ceremony at the upmarket Courti Estate, described as a 'Luxury Corfu Villa' with nine bedrooms for guests. Anna, 32, looked gorgeous in a Alin Le' Kal wedding dress from the Melbourne couture designer. The flowing gown included a long, floral embroidered train and boned corset bodice with dainty straps as well as a thigh high split. Anna McEvoy is a married woman. Pictured at her wedding with Michael Staple The Love Island Australia star walked down the aisle with fiance Michael at a glamorous ceremony at Corfu, in the Greek Islands this weekend The couple opted to hold their ceremony at the upmarket Courti Estate, described as a 'Luxury Corfu Villa' with nine bedrooms for guests For makeup, the bride glowed in a natural look with a soft pink lip, while wearing her hair up in a bun with some loose strands around her face. Anna completed her wedding ensemble with a pair of pearl earrings and carried a white rose bouquet. The groom also chose a high end look, wearing a BELANCE tuxedo from the luxury tailoring brand based in Sydney. It featured a white blazer and black trousers, accented with a white dress shirt and black bow tie. The couple were pelted with petals after they said 'I do' Anna, 32, looked gorgeous in a Alin Le' Kal wedding dress from the Melbourne couture designer The groom also chose a high end look, wearing a BELANCE tuxedo from the luxury tailoring brand based in Sydney It featured a white blazer and black trousers, accented with a white dress shirt and black bow tie The bride carried a white rose bouquet Bridesmaids looked gorgeous in soft blue satin gowns and carried bouquets of white blooms. White Volkswagens were the car of choice for guests, who took great pleasure in posing around the picturesque grounds. Friends and family offered a glimpse at preparations for the day, under the witty hashtag #annagetsstapled. 'Our wedding day at The Courti Estate was magical,' Anna told the Herald Sun on Sunday. She could not wipe the smile off her face on her big day The flowing gown included a long, floral embroidered train and boned corset bodice with dainty straps as well as a thigh high split 'Our wedding day at The Courti Estate was magical,' Anna told the Herald Sun on Sunday 'It was the idyllic European wedding of our dreams, that turned out even better than we could have imagined. Michael and I couldn't be happier,' she went on 'So overwhelmed with love from our amazing family and friends, who travelled all the way to Greece to support us,' she said 'It was the idyllic European wedding of our dreams, that turned out even better than we could have imagined. Michael and I couldn't be happier,' she went on. 'So overwhelmed with love from our amazing family and friends, who travelled all the way to Greece to support us.' Earlier this year, Anna revealed on her podcast Where's Your Head At? that her Greek wedding is in fact not legally binding. 'I have a little secret. I have only decided this morning that I'm sharing this secret. Obviously we're getting married in Greece, as you know,' she began. Bridesmaids looked gorgeous in soft blue satin gowns and carried bouquets of white blooms White Volkswagens were the car of choice for guests Attendees took great pleasure in posing around the picturesque grounds Friends and family offered a glimpse at preparations for the day, under the witty hashtag #annagetsstapled Anna then went on to say that because the celebrant she chose for the wedding in Greece is not officially recognised, she decided to actually marry Michael back home in Australia before they left. 'On the 28th of April, Michael and I went to the registry office with both of our parents in Melbourne. Our dads were the witnesses. It was actually a very special moment,' she said. Anna detailed the process of getting married in the registry office in Melbourne, explaining, 'It's a beautiful old building. The cost of the marriage registry is $500 for either a 6-person or 50-person room. Anna completed her wedding ensemble with a pair of pearl earrings For makeup, the bride glowed in a natural look with a soft pink lip, while wearing her hair up in a bun with some loose strands around her face Anna had a ball dancing with family and friends while she prepared Every detail was gorgeous including the white lace dressing gowns worn by bridesmaids as they got ready Pale blue slips were worn by the female members of the wedding party as they had their makeup done Earlier this year, Anna revealed on her podcast Where's Your Head At? that her Greek wedding is in fact not legally binding Because the celebrant she chose for the wedding in Greece is not officially recognised, she decided to actually marry Michael back home in Australia before they left According to the influencer, the couple was made to stand in front of their parents and say 'I do' in unison. 'It was so awkward. Imagine your parents and your in-laws just staring at you and you and your partner are just standing there holding hands,' Anna said. Anna reflected that the entire experience at the registry office was overly formal and 'too serious.' 'It just felt too serious, it was giving me the ick a little bit,' she said, before telling Matt that she and Michael could only bring themselves to do a 'peck' for the kiss at the end of the ceremony. 'On the 28th of April, Michael and I went to the registry office with both of our parents in Melbourne. Our dads were the witnesses. It was actually a very special moment,' she said Earlier in the episode, Anna said that they were already in Greece for the 'official wedding.' 'By the time this episode comes out, I will be officially Mrs Staples. I will be married.' Co-host Matt was astounded by the news in the pre-recorded episode: 'How cool is that?' he said. 'And today, when this episode comes out, will be our recovery. We'll be recovering from the wedding, having a little pool party,' Anna added. Anna became engaged to Michael in October 2022 and showed off her diamond ring Anna revealed she'd was getting married on the Greek island of Corfu early last year, after getting engaged to Michael in October 2022. Their wedding venue is part of a fully renovated nine-bedroom estate, where the bride and groom's family and close friends are staying. 'We put a deposit down on a wedding venue in Corfu, but Michael and I have both never been to Corfu,' she said on her podcast in 2023. The couple acknowledged a lot of people wouldn't be able to attend their wedding due to the distance. So an intimate engagement party for family and friends was held in April. Anna and Michael are planning a large affair with up to 90 guests so those who can't fly to Greece will be able to celebrate with them. Anna said she had done a lot of research on Greece, and thought there would be heaps of suitable venues, but only a few caught her eye. She rose to fame on season two of Love Island Australia, and won the show with Josh Packham but they split in December 2020. Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford shocked fans when they announced they had split after 14 years of marriage on Saturday. The TV couple revealed they 'are in the process of divorcing' after work commitments 'took their marriage in different directions'. This will be 64-year-old Eamonn's second marriage breakdown following his 1995 split - and offical 2005 divorce - from first of wife Gabrielle, who is the mother of his three eldest children, Declan, 35, Rebecca, 33, and Niall, 31. He also shares 22-year-old son Jack with Ruth, also 64. Work again contributed to his first divorce after the broadcaster's commute from his family home in Belfast to film GMTV in London took it's toll. Who is Eamonn Holmes' first Gabrielle wife and why did they break up after 10 years of marriage? (Pictured with youngest son Niall in 1993) It comes after Eamonn and Ruth Langsford shocked fans when they announced they had split after 14 years of marriage on Saturday after work commitments 'took their marriage in different directions' Writing in his 2008 memoir This Is My Life: The Autobiography Eamonn said: 'By that stage [Gabrielle and I] tended to be apart during the week because of my job, and I had no trouble with that - though Gabrielle obviously did'. 'I always believed absence would make the heart grow fonder and, in fact, the commuting heightened my desperation for her, made the time less bearable and longer. But it gave my wife a life of her own, with her children, and come weekends I was intruding on it, y'know'. He also hinted that following his father's death in 1991 and his long periods away, his partner began to grow distant and he lacked 'emotional support' at home. 'Gabrielle was increasingly indifferent and I didn't know why. I needed her close, I needed her to reach me and ease my pain, but she had concerns of her own, principal of which was an impending birth.' Eamonn is now a grandfather after son Declan and his wife Jenny welcomed daughters in November 2023 and 2021. Two years after his split from Gabrielle, Eamonn met Ruth after being introduced by a mutual friend at GMTV. And despite them feeling an instant connection, he ensured it was the nation's best-kept secret, as he did not publicly confess his love for her for two years. Eamonn even refused to hold Ruth's hand in public or attend events together for the first few years of their relationship in a bid to stay respectful to his ex. This will be 64-year-old Eamonn's second marriage breakdown following his 1995 split - and offical 2005 divorce - from first of wife Gabrielle (pictured 1993) Work also contributed to his first divorce after the broadcaster's commute from his family home in Belfast to film GMTV in London took it's toll (pictured on GMTV in 1994) Gabrielle is the mother of his three eldest children, Declan, 35, Rebecca, 33, and Niall, 31 (pictured with sons Declan and Niall) Eamonn pictured with daughter Rebecca (R) and son Jack (L) who he shares with Ruth And while some at the time believed the secrecy to be unnecessary, Ruth only fell harder for her man. She admitted to The Daily Mail in 2017: 'I thought it spoke volumes about the sort of man he was, the sort of father he was and the integrity he had. It made me love him more, not less.' Then in 2006, the TV couple soon became the nation's sweethearts as they began co-hosting ITV's This Morning. And after Eamonn spotted a couple of gentlemen flirting with Ruth at Cheltenham Races, he made an impromptu proposal. Eamon had already respectfully asked Ruth's mother for her hand in marriage because her father was in the late stages of Alzheimer's. While Ruth and Eamonn have remained silent following the split announcement, sources close to the pair say that a statement is being prepared by Ruths representatives' which will share the sad news with their followers. The beloved TV pair, who friends say were 'as close to Richard Madeley and Judy Finnegan as you could get', have sparked rumours over the last few months as neither appeared on the other's Instagram posts. Two years after his split from Gabrielle, Eamonn met Ruth after being introduced by a mutual friend at GMTV (pictured in 2001) And despite them feeling an instant connection, he ensured it was the nation's best-kept secret, as he did not publicly confess his love for her for two years. (pictured in 2007) Eamonn even refused to hold Ruth's hand in public or attend events together for the first few years of their relationship in a bid to stay respectful to his ex But now, more than 20 years the beloved pair have split, one friend told MailOnline: Ruth and her team have been telling their friends to look out for the comments, which they are planning to put on social media. Its a very sorry tale. They are both so loved by the British public, they won over so many people on This Morning which they hosted for more than a decade.' The couple, who live in Surrey, have prompted many rumours throughout the showbusiness industry in recent months by not appearing together on their individual Instagram accounts. Eamonn and Ruth tied the knot in 2010 after 13 years together, in a lavish ceremony at the grand 19th century Hampshire hotel, The Elvetham. Their split comes just days after Ruth revealed she fears Eamonn might never be 100 per cent right after undergoing back surgery due to suffering chronic back pain for almost two years. The GB News breakfast presenter is still recovering from the surgery and an injury to his shoulder, which saw him take four months off work at the end of last year. He has ongoing daily physio sessions and either uses a cane or wheelchair to get about, with the support of his estranged wife Ruth. Speaking to Womans Weekly, Ruth said: I dont know how much Eamonns mobility will improve. We live in hope. He does the physio, but there might have to be some acceptance that this might never be 100% right. With any care situation - and there are millions of carers in this country - it isnt always easy. Its testing but we manage as a family. Ruth added: I look at Eamonn, whos had his health and back problems, and it makes you realise how important your health is. On their big day, Ruth walked down the aisle in a dress and matching headdress by Italian designer Angelina Colarusso. The newlyweds were joined by famous friends including Royle Family star Sue Johnston, TV presenters Gloria Hunniford, Amanda Lamb and Jeremy Kyle, EastEnders actress Zoe Lucker and former champion boxer Barry McGuigan. Writing on his Twitter page at the time, the proud groom confirmed: Sorry if me and Ruth have been a bit quiet these past few days... but have been a bit preoccupied - we got married yesterday. Although it was a truly stunningly beautiful day - even the sun was eclipsed by my beautiful bride, who I love even more than before. Eamonn gushed about his bride in Hello! magazine, which obtained exclusive photographs of their special day. He told the magazine at the time: Ruth was the missing jigsaw piece in my life. I was meant to be married. Shes a wonderful mummy to Jack, a fantastic partner both personally and professionally and now, Im proud to say, shes my beautiful wife. It comes just days after Ruth revealed she fears Eamonn 'might never be 100 per cent right' after undergoing back surgery due to suffering chronic back pain for almost two years The GB News breakfast presenter is still recovering from the surgery and an injury to his shoulder, which saw him take four months off work at the end of last year He has ongoing daily physio sessions and either uses a cane or wheelchair to get about, with the support of his estranged wife Ruth Eamonn and Ruth also hosted This Morning together for 14 years, and were a fixture on the show both on Fridays and during the school holidays (pictured in 2007) However, in 2020 the pair were dropped from their Friday slot and replaced by Alison Hammond and Dermot OLeary (pictured) Ruth, who regularly presents Loose Women, enthused: Our relationship is very passionate. Were like Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. Although we bicker and argue, ultimately our love for each other and the bond we share is so strong. Eamonn and Ruth also hosted This Morning together for 14 years, and were a fixture on the show both on Fridays and during the school holidays. However, in 2020 the pair were dropped from their Friday slot and replaced by Alison Hammond and Dermot OLeary. A source close to the pair said at the time they were more upset than angry at being ousted from the show. Since then, Eamonn has been a presenter on GB News Breakfast Show, while Ruth has been a regular panellist and anchor on Loose Women since 1999. MasterChef Australia achieved a huge milestone last week, which went completely unnoticed by the cast and production team of the hit series. On Tuesday, the Channel Ten competitive cooking show aired its 1000th episode, since premiering in 2009, to absolutely zero fanfare. However, a handful of keen-eyed fans took to Reddit to acknowledge the milestone occasion - and question why the series' judges failed to mention it on the show. 'I noticed an amazing statistic, MCA has hit 1000 episodes! If you've watched every episode once, it's nearly 42 DAYS of programming, 24 hours a day,' one excited viewer wrote. Meanwhile, another fan questioned why the network didn't take the opportunity to publicly celebrate the show. MasterChef Australia achieved a huge milestone last week, which went completely unnoticed by the cast and production team of the hit series On Tuesday, the Channel Ten competitive cooking show aired its 1000th episode, since premiering in 2009, to absolutely zero fanfare. Pictured: judge Poh Ling Yeow 'It's a missed opportunity. They should have done something big this week, to celebrate, especially as one of the judges just mentioned this week is about something big,' they wrote. Between 60 - 80 episodes are typically produced for each series of the hit reality series, which first aired in April 2009, with judges Matt Preston, George Calombaris and Gary Mehigan. Through this achievement, the hit series - which launched the public careers of many culinary experts including Poh Ling Yeoh and Julie Goodwin - becomes the second Australian reality series ever to record 1000 episodes. However, a handful of keen-eyed fans took to Reddit to acknowledge the milestone occasion - and question why the series judges failed to mention it on the show It is second only to Big Brother, which has filmed over 1500 episodes since its 2001 debut. Meanwhile, Channel Nine's hit renovation show The Block has produced over 900 episodes and should reach the same milestone in the next few years. MasterChef's latest series is judged by food experts Andy Allen, French celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli, Melbourne-based food critic Sofia Levin, and season one runner-up Poh Ling Yeow. They replace outgoing judge Melissa Leong and the late Jock Zonfrillo, following his tragic death last year. Dr Chris Brown's new series debuted on Sunday night. Dream Home, a reality renovation show, sees the popular vet return to TV amid his $2million contract with Channel Seven. While Chris' natural charm was on full display in show's first episode, many viewers couldn't help but find the premise quite familiar. Several watching at home noted that Dream House bears more than a passing resemblance to a similar show, House Rules, which aired on Channel Seven for eight seasons from 2013. 'Dream Home is basically an upgraded version of House Rules... with a better looking host,' one person wrote on X. Dr Chris Brown's new series debuted on Sunday night. Dream Home, a reality renovation show, sees the popular vet return to TV amid his two million dollar contract with Channel Seven. Pictured Another agreed: 'Dream Home = rebranded House Rules' with someone else chiming in, 'Exactly my thoughts. Is there any difference?' Others pointed out that there was 'no drama' in the new show. 'What! Divvying up the rooms with no drama? How long will that last? Fingers crossed,' said another new fan. Some were less than impressed by the renovations, with one posting, 'Why would those girls think a teenage BOY would want an ornate ceiling!?' It comes amid news that Seven has already renewed Dream Home for a second season. While Chris' natural charm was on full display in show's first episode, many viewers couldn't help but find the premise quite familiar Several watching at home noted that Dream House bears more than a passing resemblance to a similar show, House Rules , which aired on Channel Seven for eight seasons from 2013 Based on a successful New Zealand format, the reality show will see six couples attempt to convert each other's houses room-by-room. Renovator Lana Taylor, buyer's agent Simon Cohen and interior designer Rosie Morley join Chris as judges for the debut series. Producers of the show announced the contestants will be battling out for a $100,000 cash prize. The contestants have their work cut out for them. The homes include dilapidated weatherboard suburban pads and overcrowded and old brick dwellings with outdated features and pokey backyards. The renovation series is Brown's return to prime time after his shock exit from I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! last year. Brown made the shift after he signed a two-year contract with Seven worth more than $1million a year. Former MasterChef Australia judges Gary Mehigan, George Calombaris and Matt Preston reunited on Sunday to support a very worthy cause. The veteran TV judges took over the kitchen at Hotel Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula for the Friends of George event to raise funds for Bowel Cancer Australia. The three former reality stars agreed to reunite for the cause, in support of George's late father Jim, who died of the disease in November. George, 45, admitted that he felt an instant connection with his former colleagues upon reuniting with them. 'It's really nice, it's like riding a bike with these guys. We have some great memories together,' he told the Herald Sun. Former MasterChef Australia stars Gary Mehigan (left), George Calombaris (centre) and Matt Preston (right) reunited on Sunday to support a worthy cause The veteran TV judges took over the kitchen at Hotel Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula for the Friends of George event to raise funds for Bowel Cancer Australia 'The old cliche of being like family is true. George's dad was a big part of our family, the whole thing is a community,' Preston added. The event was hosted by Eddie McGuire and photos to shared to social media captured the three judges having the time of the lives as they worked up a storm in the kitchen. Another heartfelt picture captured the trio posing up a storm with McGuire, outside the ritzy hotel. Earlier this month, it was reported the trio saw their international careers take off as they made a television comeback. The TV personalities, who rose to fame as the original judges on Channel Ten's hit cooking show, have 'developed a huge fan base in India,' the Herald Sun reports. The judges have hosted dinners and masterclasses in three cities in the region which were a huge success, as well as filming two episodes of TV series Ultimate Homechef of India. The three former reality stars agreed to reunite for the cause, in support of George's late father Jim, who died of the disease in November The event was hosted by Eddie McGuire (right) and photos to shared to social media captured the three judges having the time of the lives as they worked up a storm in the kitchen Billboards picturing the Mehigan, Calomaris and Preston were even erected around India after their final MasterChef season in 2019. Mehigan's manager Justine May told the publication that the three will return to India in August. The trio hosted the hit cooking show for a decade, from 2009 to 2019. However, in July 2019 Channel 10 announced that the three judges would not be returning for season 12 of the series - they were later replaced by Andy Allen, Jock Zonfrillo and Melissa Leong. Farmer Todd has revealed that he is planning to propose to his chosen lady, Daisy, during Sunday night's emotional Farmer Wants A Wife reunion special. Todd, 28, a cattle farmer from Baan Baa, New South Wales, admitted that he hasn't made it official, but he and Daisy, 28, a gym manager from Queensland, were looking forward to a wedding and babies. 'For me, it was just so amazing that this beautiful man took me to the place where we're going to get married,' Daisy told host Samantha Armytage. 'We want a few little rugrats sort of sooner rather than later. I've gotta put a ring on the finger,' Todd confirmed. He said they hoped for, 'marriage and kids and to start that next chapter'. Farmer Todd has revealed that he is planning to propose to his chosen lady, Daisy, during Sunday night's emotional Farmer Wants A Wife reunion special. Both pictured 'That was the agreement, yeah. I'll give him his family, but he's gotta give me a big rock,' Daisy joked. 'Yeah, ball's definitely in my court. Like I said, you know, it'll happen,' Todd added. Viewers online were less than impressed with the announcement, with several sharing their thoughts on X. 'Daisy is a walking red flag, gives me Fatal Attraction vibes,' wrote one person watching at home. Others pointed out that Daisy left a six year marriage a few years before joining the show. 'We want a few little rugrats sort of sooner rather than later. I've gotta put a ring on the finger,' Todd confirmed. He said they hoped for, 'marriage and kids and to start that next chapter' 'That was the agreement, yeah. I'll give him his family, but he's gotta give me a big rock,' Daisy joked 'No seriously, how can she come straight out of a marriage then jump straight into another, like is it not that deep to her or what?' questioned someone else. 'Is she a serial marrier or what? Calm down, you've known each other for five minutes,' another posted. 'I turned it off. I can't be doing with red flags and showmances,' yet one more chimed in. However, some fans were rooting for the pair, with one person writing, 'Todd and Daisy look so in love. Good on them.' 'They look happy but is this a honeymoon phase?' another wondered with yet one more adding, 'She makes me anxious'. Viewers online were less than impressed with the announcement, with several sharing their thoughts on X. But some were rooting for the couple Todd picked Daisy over her love rival Grace in a recent finale episode. 'We've both suffered heartbreak in the past. I think we've both learned from previous lessons,' he told her. 'You've said you are a big risk and I agree, but finding love is a big risk. And I guess I'm willing to take the risk with you, Daisy.' 'You got me crying again. I love you so much. This is where the exciting part starts, right?' Daisy wept. Viewers at home were upset with Todd's decision with several sharing their thoughts on X. Others pointed out that Daisy left a six year marriage a few years before joining the show. 'No seriously, how can she come straight out of a marriage then jump straight into another, like is it not that deep to her or what?' questioned one viewer 'How could you ever choose Daisy over Grace?! End it now Toddy,' wrote one person while another agreed, 'Yep. It's like shopping at the two dollar shop or David Jones'. 'I'm not convinced Daisy wouldn't be bored s***less five minutes after moving to Baan Baa,' someone else wrote. 'I don't think Daisy wants a farmer. Just a husband,' one more viewer watching at home chimed in. Others pointed out that Daisy did not get along with Todd's family during the home visits. 'So Todd's family and friends are not Daisy fans and she's just started a new business with significant capital costs. Lots of challenges to overcome,' said one. 'Gonna be awkward in that little town when/ if Daisy moves to Todd's small town,' another said. 'Todd's going to pick Daisy. Love to be a fly on the wall at his family reunion,' yet someone else wrote. Yet one more commented: 'What would Daisy do with the new gym 'she just built from the ground up?' I suspect she just wants to 'win the Farmer competition' and she'll delay leaving her gym until the relationship fizzles out'. Channel Seven has released a new trailer for Stranded on Honeymoon Island and it looks to be one of the spiciest reality shows yet. The steamy footage captures twelve good looking single men and woman who hope to find love while deserted on a remote island in the South Pacific. The trailer promises an equal mixture of romance and adventure, as the cast work to form romances while fighting the elements. One scene shows a new bride and groom literally taking the plunge off a yacht into the crystal clear water and then passionately kissing underwater. Another suspenseful moment captures a woman confronting her male companion, asking why he 'has a relationship on the outside of this.' Channel Seven has released a new trailer for Stranded on Honeymoon Island and it looks to be one of the spiciest reality shows yet The steamy footage captures twelve good looking single men and woman who hope to find love while deserted on a remote island in the South Pacific 'Are we on Honeymoon Island... or Nightmare Island?' another cast member asks. It looks to be a gripping reality series which combines the romance and drama of Married At First Sight with the adventure and thrills of Australian Survivor. Last year, Seven's Head of Programming Angus Ross said in a statement the network was confident viewers would fall in love with the new franchise, which is from the Danish creators of MAFS. 'There is a good reason broadcasters around the world have fallen in love with the show. We're taking the reality dating genre to a whole new addictive level,' he said. 'It blends fledging love with the adventure of a lifetime. We have no doubt viewers will lap up every minute of this bold and exciting new format.' Stranded on Honeymoon Island Australia will be broadcast on Channel Seven later this year. The trailer promises an equal mixture of romance and adventure, as the cast members work to form a romance while fighting the elements It looks to be a gripping reality series which combines the romance and drama of Married At First Sight with the adventure and thrills of Australian Survivor Earlier this month, it was announced that radio queen Jackie 'O' Henderson would lend her iconic voice to narrate the new dating series. The show, created by Snowman Productions and produced by Endemol Shine Australia, the team behind Married At First Sight, promises to deliver high drama and romance. The 12 singles who have exhausted all dating options back home will embark on a remote dating journey unlike any other. After a speed dating event, couples will be matched and hold a fake wedding on the spot - They will then be whisked away to a deserted island, where they will spend 21 days together in nothing but their wedding attire. Farmer Dustin and his chosen love Sophie Trethowan revealed that they've hit a snag in their romance during Sunday's Farmer Wants A Wife reunion special. Sophie admitted that the 'rustic cabin' Dustin has her staying in on his country property has become an issue for the pair. While she was paying him routine visits, Sophie was reluctant to move to the farm and live in the cabin. 'It's definitely a boy's house. It needs so much done to it. I don't know if it would pass a health and safety inspection at the moment,' she said. 'I moved out of my family home to another little house on the farm. It's liveable,' Dustin argued. Farmer Dustin and his chosen love Sophie Trethowan revealed that they've hit a snag in their romance during Sunday's Farmer Wants A Wife reunion special. Both pictured Sophie admitted that the 'rustic cabin' Dustin has her in staying on his country property has become an issue for the pair While she was paying him routine visits, Sophie was reluctant to move to the farm and live in the cabin However he confessed that the move 'put the brakes on' their relationship as Sophie wasn't happy with the accommodations and did not want to move to the farm. While there was some tension between the couple, they did reveal they are still together. 'Fortunately, I haven't scared her away yet,' Dustin said, but Sophie admitted the cabin 'might scare her off' if he doesn't fix it and bring in a plumber. 'It's definitely a boy's house. It needs so much done to it. I don't know if it would pass a health and safety inspection at the moment,' she said 'I moved out of my family home to another little house on the farm. It's liveable,' Dustin argued Fans online were on Sophie's side, with many pointing out the cabin looked pretty rough 'Yeah, no, there's no doubt about it. I'll do what I've got to do,' Dustin promised her. Fans online were on Sophie's side, with many pointing out the cabin looked pretty rough. 'Maybe should have showed her the dump she was going to be living in before picking her Dustin?' wrote one person on X. Another said: 'That house is a dump. Come on Dustin' while one more said, 'Its downright hazardous'. 'Sophie - imagine wanting to live in a liveable house. I mean what a city girl,' joked another. 'Apparently not even a renovated cottage, could have saved that relationship,' posted one more. Someone else wondered: 'Makes me question what was the fancy houses they stay in during filming'. 'She nailed it when she said it wouldnt pass a health and safety check,' one more laughed. Sienna Miller looked sensational as she and boyfriend Oli Green attended billionaire pal David Winter's wedding to Georgia Irwin in Venice on Saturday. The actress, 42, welcomed her second child - and first with Oli - in January, a baby girl whose name they have not revealed, went braless beneath a plunging burnt orange gown for the occasion. Sienna's bespoke silk dress, designed by her sister's brand Savannah Miller Bridal, hugged her gorgeous curves and she completed the look with a chunky gold choker and matching bracelet. The stunner, who already shares 11-year-old daughter Marlowe with ex-partner Tom Sturridge, added extra height to her frame with a pair of strappy sandals and toted her essentials for the day in a chic clutch. Meanwhile Oli, 27, cut a dapper figure in a dark tailored suit which he layered over a crisp white shirt and emerald green tie. Sienna Miller, 42, looked nothing short of sensational as she and boyfriend Oli Green, 27, attended billionaire pal David Winter's wedding in Venice on Saturday The actress, welcomed her second child - and first with Oli - in January , a baby girl whose name they have not revealed, went braless beneath a plunging burnt orange gown for the occasion Sienna's bespoke silk dress, designed by her sister's brand Savannah Miller Bridal, hugged her gorgeous curves and she completed the look with a chunky gold choker and matching bracelet Standard Industries CEO David's wedding was held on the nearby La Certosa Island with guests, and their cocktails, taken to the swanky venue via water taxi. La Certosa is an island in the Venetian Lagoon and located 500 meters northeast of Venice. Following the star-studded ceremony Sienna and Oli were spotted strolling through the sunshine hand-in-hand. Other guests included Prince Harry's ex Cressida Bonas, 35, who put on a very leggy display in a sparkly brown dress with very racy split. Just five months after having a baby, Sienna stole the show on the red carpet in Cannes last week as she promoted her new movie - Kevin Costner's western epic, Horizon: An American Saga. Her co-star summed her up by saying: 'Her outward beauty is undeniable, but she's so skilled as an actress.' Embracing being a mother again in her early forties, Sienna is undergoing a renaissance with fans and commentators declaring that the British actress has 'never looked better' despite the demands of work and having a young family. Brand and Culture Expert Nick Ede told MailOnline that he predicts that Sienna could be about to 'steal the crown to become the UKs biggest Hollywood star'. The stunner, who already shares 11-year-old daughter Marlowe with ex-partner Tom Sturridge, added extra height to her frame with a pair of strappy sandals She toted her essentials in a chic pink clutch She let her blonde locks fall in a gentle wave and completed the look with a classic red lip Sienna carried her flowing gown as she made her way to the wedding Meanwhile Oli cut a dapper figure in a dark tailored suit which he layered over a crisp white shirt and emerald green tie The couple appeared in great spirits as they celebrated their pal's big day Standard Industries CEO David's wedding was held on the nearby La Certosa Island with guests, and their cocktails, taken to the swanky venue via water taxi Sienna was helped into the boat by another guest who also kissed her on the hand Sienna and Oli were seen following the ceremony strolling together hand-in-hand through the sunshine La Certosa is an island in the Venetian Lagoon and located 500 meters northeast of Venice The couple enjoyed refreshing cocktails in the sunshine Happy couple David Winter and Georgia Irwin pictured in 2022 He said: 'Siennas been looking after herself and got herself red carpet ready knowing this is going to be her big return to the big screen and knowing all eyes will be on her. Shes done everything right and she commands The Croisette' - the beating heart of Cannes. Sienna's breakthrough roles came 20 years ago in Layer Cake and Alfie - but despite winning plaudits for American Sniper her acting career hasn't consistently hit the same heights. But the she is back in the big time despite the demands of a red carpet promotional campaign in the south of France this week, Sienna has also brought her newborn baby and 11-year-daughter with her. Sienna looks to have barely aged a day since breakthrough year of 2004. She has put her health and fitness down to regular yoga and a love of protein-rich fried eggs and vitamin-laden Marmite - ignoring trends like 'chia seed and whatever grains', Sienna said recently. Other guests included Prince Harry's ex Cressida Bonas, 35 The blonde beauty put on a very leggy display in a sparkly brown dress with racy split Cressida wore her blonde tresses loose as tumbled past her shoulders She was helped on board her water taxi by waiting stafff But she has confessed to 'cheating' by using a little fake tan to make her skin glow, her youthful appearance is down to regular facials starting at 400 for 90 minutes and her famous champagne blonde hair highlights will cost at least 500. Experts are predicting that 2024 is the year she is stepping out of the shadows having been eclipsed for years by boyfriends such as Jude Law and Orlando Bloom as well as rumoured lovers Leonardo DiCaprio, Daniel Craig and Brad Pitt. More Hollywood roles in her forties and a run on Broadway in New York, where she lives with her family, is also being predicted. Nick Ede said that years of being 'bypassed' by directors for actresses on shows like The Crown and Downton Abbey may be over. He said: 'She has always been someone that has perhaps been more associated with her partners than her work but for once and for all she's back and stealing the crown to become the UKs biggest Hollywood star. Just five months after having a baby, Sienna stole the show on the red carpet in Cannes last week as she promoted her new movie - Kevin Costner 's western epic, Horizon: An American Saga Sienna Miller was supported by family and was joined by Oli and daughter Marlowe, 11, at the premiere of her film Horizon: An American Saga premiere in Cannes 'Ms Millar is back at the top of her game and wowing the crowds in Cannes with her stylist clothes, fabulous looks and wonderful acting in the new Kevin Costner movie Horizon. 'Sienna has always been a brilliant actress but it feels that for a while she was being bypassed by UK stars who appeared in The Crown and people were not considering Sienna as one of our best actresses. 'With this new movie and her post baby glow she has the world at her feet and with the great reviews she's receiving I think she will be up for awards and be offered some meaty starring roles in the next few years. 'I can see her getting some big brand endorsements too and she's always loved treading the boards so I wouldn't be surprised if she decided to do a play on Broadway for a limited run to build her fanbase and her acting resume just gets better and better'. Katie Price has said that she 'can't wait to get out' of her Mucky Mansion as she revealed vandals 'threw acid on her Pink Range Rover' on Saturday night. The former glamour model, 46, confirmed for the first time on Thursday that she's finally moving out after she was served an eviction notice to leave the property. But Katie has now revealed that she is looking forward to leaving the house after taking to Instagram on Sunday to share a video of her car covered in splatters of a substance which has eroded the paint. Over the video Katie could be heard saying: 'It's nice to know someone in the night has come to throw acid all over my car, everywhere, all on my car. Thank you whoever that was.' Katie also included text on the clip which read: 'Scumbags outside my house on my private property. I can't wait get out of this house in a few months' time.' Katie Price said on Instagram on Sunday that she 'can't wait to get out' of her Mucky Mansion as she revealed vandals 'threw acid on her Pink Range Rover' last night Katie has now revealed that she is looking forward to leaving the house after taking to Instagram on Sunday to share a video of her car covered in splatters of a substance which has eroded the paint MailOnline has approached Katie's representatives for comment. On Thursday, Katie revealed she will soon be collecting the keys for a new home and denied recent reports she was looking to move her family into a caravan. After nine years, Katie says she 'can't wait' to relocate and admits, 'I've had nothing but bad memories in that house', insisting moving will be the start of a new chapter in her life. The former glamour model, who's currently in a relationship with Married At First Sight UK contestant JJ Slater, 30, was declared bankrupt for a second time in March over an unpaid tax bill of 761,994.05. Speaking about the West Sussex property, branded the 'Mucky Mansion' because of its constant state of disrepair, Katie said: 'I absolutely hate the Mucky Mansion, even how it's been called the Mucky Mansion because of all the stuff that happened there before. 'I can't wait to get out of that house I've had nothing but bad memories in that house for nine years. I hate the Mucky Mansion, I never want to see it again and I can't wait to move into my new place, I am so excited. New beginnings, new start, reset button, I love it. 'But don't worry, I'll be featuring my new house on my YouTube channel when I get the keys and welcoming you to my new house, I can't wait, I just want to get rid of all the bad stuff in the past and have a fresh start. Although I would love a big caravan, it wouldn't fit us all in so it's definitely not a caravan I'm moving into.' Katie, who's a mum to Harvey Price, 21, as well as Junior, 18, and Princess, 16, who she shares with Peter Andre and Jett, 10, and Bunny, nine, from her relationship with Kieran Hayler, was first declared bankrupt in 2019. Over the video Katie could be heard saying: 'It's nice to know someone in the night has come to throw acid all over my car, everywhere, all on my car. Thank you whoever that was' Katie confirmed for the first time on Thursday that she's finally moving out of her Mucky Mansion after she was served an eviction notice to leave the property In March, she became bankrupt for a second time after she failed to pay her taxes, saying the reason she has debts is because she went through a 'breakdown.' Speaking on the Stripping Off podcast with Matt Haycox, Katie said she wasn't even aware of the second bankruptcy, insisting, 'I will pay it, but it just has to be when I've got it.' She said: 'Yeah, you should always pay your tax, this and that. But obviously, I went through a breakdown so then I didn't pay tax and that's sort of where the bankruptcy thing has come from.' Katie has been given until June 26 to leave the Mucky Mansion, which became the subject of a Channel 4 documentary when she attempted to install life back into the property for the last time. During an Instagram live on Tuesday, she confirmed there will be no further renovation shows based around the house, saying, 'Is there going to be anymore Mucky Mansions shows? No.' The former glamour model, who's currently in a relationship with Married At First Sight UK contestant JJ Slater, was declared bankrupt for a second time in March over an unpaid tax bill Earlier this month it was revealed the former glamour model, 45, has reportedly been informed by lawyers she would have to move out of the property in in Dial Post, West Sussex, by May 29, after two eviction notices appeared outside her home She was served an eviction notice on April 24 and told to leave by the end of May but has been given an extension by her mortgage provider. Katie was due to give evidence at the High Court over her finances last month but failed to turn up because she was on holiday in Cyprus with boyfriend JJ. The 'Mucky Mansion' earned its nickname following years of damage to the property, including flooding, burglaries, mould and even reports of it being haunted. On Wednesday, Katie celebrated her birthday and was presented with a cake by JJ, who joined her on stage as she tours with her podcast The Katie Price Show. In an exclusive interview with MailOnline, JJ revealed he's already thinking about proposing to Katie and he sees their 14-year age difference as 'irreverent.' Jax Taylor stepped out with Paige Woolen on Sunday morning after they were reportedly spotted cozying up to each other the night before at a bar in Los Angeles. The reality TV personality, 44, was seen exiting Granville Cafe with the Instagram model, 32, after they enjoyed a long, three-hour lunch date together. For their outing, the pair wore complementary black outfits, with The Valley star sporting a trucker cap with the name of his eponymous Studio City bar across the front. Woolen picked up the Vanderpump Rules alumnus, born Jason Cauchi, from the home he still shares with estranged wife Brittany Cartwright, 35, for their lunch plans and later dropped him off at his bar down the street. The night before, Jax was seen enjoying a night out with a group of friends and a mystery woman while his wife and their three-year-old son Cruz were elsewhere. Jax Taylor stepped out with Paige Woolen the morning after they were reportedly spotted cozying up to each other at a bar in Los Angeles On Sunday, the reality TV personality, 44, was seen exiting Granville Cafe with the Instagram model, 32, after they enjoyed a long, three-hour lunch date together For his daytime outing, Jax donned a black T-shirt with tight-fitting jeans and white sneakers. Over his all-black, casual ensemble, the reality star wore a light denim button-down with the sleeves rolled up. He also sported a flashy watch on his hand while there was no sign of a wedding band on his ring finger. At his side, the OnlyFans model wore a skintight black jumpsuit with a plunging neckline. She also sported tall, white socks with matching sneakers and carried a leather shoulder bag as she strolled beside Jax. Earlier this year in February, Brittany announced that she and Jax had separated after four years of marriage. The couple previously tied the knot at the Kentucky Castle in the Cartwright's home state in June 2019. They welcomed their first child together in April 2021. At the time, she revealed that she had moved into another home and the couple were living separately. For their outing, the pair wore complementing black outfits with The Valley star sporting a trucker cap with the name of his eponymous Studio City bar across the front. He also sported a flashy watch on his hand while there was no sign of a wedding band on his ring finger Over his all-black, casual ensemble, the reality star wore a light denim button-down with the sleeves rolled up Woolen picked up the Vanderpump Rules alum, born Jason Cauchi, from the home he still shares with estranged wife Brittany Cartwright, 35, for their lunch plans and later dropped him off at his bar down the street The following month, she admitted that there was 'hope' for a possible reconciliation if Jax put in the work. However, in early April, Brittany revealed the real reason why they split and told DailyMail.com in an exclusive interview that they had issues in their marriage for years. That same month, the pair reunited to celebrate their son's third birthday and Easter together, but it appears their relationship is still on the rocks. 'Right now I can't even be in the same room with him very long,' she admitted on Friday's episode of their podcast When Reality Hits with Jax and Brittany in a conversation with her former Vanderpump Rules co-star Tom Schwartz. 'Last time you were here, you were like, "I forgot you guys were even separated." So it's very up and down like that,' she added. When Schwartz chimed in and said that he thought the estranged couple had been doing 'a good job of respecting each other's boundaries,' Cartwright wholly disagreed. Earlier this year in February, Brittany announced that she and Jax had separated after four years of marriage. At the time, she revealed that she had moved into another home and the couple were living separately; seen in March 2023 The now-estranged couple previously tied the knot at the Kentucky Castle in the Cartwright's home state in June 2019. They welcomed their first child together in April 2021; seen in May 2023 'He hasn't done a good job respecting mine,' she interjected. 'That's for sure. 'But we gotta remember I'm the one that's living elsewhere and I feel like I'm the one that's taking all the hard hits even though Iw as the one who had to leave,' she added. The cracks in their marriage were also highlighted in episodes of their new show The Valley, which premiered on Bravo weeks after Cartwright first announced their separation. Episodes of The Valley premieres on Bravo every Tuesday and are available to stream the following day on Peacock. Johnny Wactor, a long time veteran of TV soap General Hospital, was shot and killed Saturday in a Los Angeles when he confronted thieves breaking into his car. He was 37. Wactor, who appeared in 164 episodes of the soap opera from 2020 to 2022, was leaving his side job at a rooftop bar with a female colleague at around 3:25am Saturday in the area of West Pico Boulevard and South Hope Street, when he saw the three men, believing he was being towed. Police said that one of the three men, all of whom were wearing masks, shot Wactor before fleeing in a separate vehicle. Paramedics got to the scene shortly after and took him to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The masked suspects remain at large and have yet to be identified or described. Johnny Wactor, a long time veteran of TV soap General Hospital, was shot and killed Sunday afternoon in a Los Angeles robbery that turned horribly wrong. He was 37. Wactor's mother Scarlett told TMZ that her son saw three men trying to steal the catalytic converter off of his car Scarlett Wactor, Johnny's mother, said that her son didn't attempt to fight them or even stop them from stealing but they still shot him and got away. Johnny's younger brother Grant confirmed to DailyMail.com that Johnny was shot in the chest as he came upon the suspects who were trying to steal the catalytic converter from his truck. He said his brother and his co-worker had to park about two blocks from the restaurant, so they were walking to their cars after they finished their shift. Grant said they were brought up as 'Southern gentlemen,' so he was not surprised his older brother was walking his female co-worker to her car. 'We're Southern, born and raised, and we would never let a female walk to their car by herself.' The Los Angeles Police Department says it does not release the names of victims. DailyMail.com has reached out to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office for comment. Wactor appeared on over 160 episodes of General Hospital as the character Brando Corbin from 2020 to 2022. According to a KTLA report, police officers reported to the area of Pico Boulevard and Hope Street around 3:25am Wactor appeared on over 160 episodes of General Hospital as the character Brando Corbin from 2020 to 2022 The actor was also a series regular on the 2013 NBC drama series Siberia, which lasted 11 episodes. He did multi-episode arcs on TV shows like The OA, The Passenger, Westworld and Hollywood Girl. His first break into television came in a three-episode guest role on the Lifetime series Army Wives. He had also branched out into producing; his IMDb page has three upcoming projects listed. Wactor also wrote a short film called Broken Riders. Wactor's most recent work was in the horror anthology Dead Talk Tales: Volume I released earlier this year. Personally, his Instagram page often showed him engaging in extreme sports like rock climbing. He is survived by his mother Scarlett and brothers Lance and Grant. Wactor's mother described him as a loving young man whose death leaves a hole in his family's heart, per TMZ. The actor was also a series regular on the 2013 NBC drama series Siberia, which lasted 11 episodes Wactor's mother Scarlett (pictured) told TMZ that her son saw three men trying to steal the catalytic converter off of his car Co-workers have also begun giving their thoughts on the loss of the young actor. Perry Shen, a co-star on General Hospital, posted a beautiful remembrance of Wactor on X. 'Johnny Wactor was a beautiful, beautiful soul. So talented. As you can see from the promo clip, always up for anything. Funny as all heck. Fit as all hell but also loved ice cream and ate all the junk I did as well,' Shen wrote. 'We all were cheated of many years with him.' 'When the tears slow down, I am literally sick to my stomach at this news,' wrote co-star Jon Lindstrom. 'Johnny was one of those rare young men in this business who was kind, unassuming, humble, and always thought about other people. A talented young guy who just wanted to share that talent with the world.' 'I wish I had enough love to fill the hole that his loved ones must feel right now, but I know thats impossible. Johnny will be missed on this plane. For a long time to come. R.I.P.' By the end of April 2024, the LAPD said that murders were up 4.2 percent in Los Angeles over the same period last year. The LAPD reported Friday that, as of the end of April, the city's rise in the number of murders in 2024 continued to decline and, as of April 27, was only 4.2% above the number of murders reported at this time in 2023, NBC Los Angeles reported. The last time the force updated robbery statistics, at the end of March 2024, thefts were up 9.5 percent, according to ABC 7. Around 600,000 catalytic converters are stolen each year. Most cars are equipped with one converter but those with a dual exhaust system require two. Larger vehicles such as SUVs and trucks may have more than two. According to the New York Times, stolen catalytic converters are passed through 'middlemen, smelters and refineries in the United States and overseas.' They can be stolen in under a minute and cost around $1,000 to replace. Cracker Barrel hopes splashing out $700 million on refurbishing its restaurants can save the dying chain. The six-point plan includes a makeover for stores with brighter colors to make them less dated, a new logo and new menus. New items on the simplified menu include green chilli cornbread and hashbrown casserole shepherd's pie. Two stores have already been refurbished and ten others are testing a refreshed menu. But CEO Julie Masino said prices in many outlets will rise. The Southern country-themed restaurants, with 662 locations across the nation, has lost more than a sixth of its customers in just four years - and the trend is ongoing. Falling customers has led to stores shutting and bosses developing a plan to turn things around. But when Masino was outling those plans last week, she told investors the chian was 'not as relevant as it once was' - which tanked the company's stock. At Cracker Barrel, over 65s are the most common age group of customers One of the key challenges is to attract younger customers - with Cracker Barrel most loyal patrons being over-65. Masino, who joined nine months ago from Taco Bell, outlined the five pillars of improvement in the earnings call. DailyMail.com listened to it - and we summarize the plan below. 'The brand has lost some of its shine and particularly post-pandemic,' she said. 'But to ignite growth, we must revitalize the brand.' Refreshed logos 'Cracker Barrel is an iconic brand, but even iconic brands have to evolve. We know from our research that despite high levels of consumer affinity, we're just not as relevant as we once were,' Masino said. The company has engaged a branding agency to come up with a new logo and colors - but still 'continue to be rooted in our country heritage and legacy'. New menu - and prices 'Our second strategic pillar is all about what makes up about 80 per cent of our sales, our menu,' she said. She added: 'In February, we launched a core menu revamp test that included approximately 20 new items, several modified items and over 20 deletions. 'We've been pleased with the guest response. For example, eight of the new lunch and dinner entrees are in the top 20 for entree product mix at these stores. 'We're also seeing strong mix from new items in other categories, such as our green chili cornbread and our banana pudding.' Cracker Barrel now has the new menu in ten stores. Some of the items will go to all restaurants in the fall. These include premium savory chicken and rice, slow-braised pot roast and hash brown casserole shepherd's pie. To speed things up and cut costs they will no longer hand cut lettuce. Masino gave a clue that prices could go up too. Cracker Barrel has five pricing tiers for areas with different costs - but she said 60 per cent of outlets were in the lowest cost tier. She said some coud be charging more. 'We have stores in metro areas with an average annual household income of $55,000 in the same pricing tier as one with $90,000,' she said. But she added that in some areas menu prices could be cut. 'I want to emphasize that optimizing our price points across the menu doesn't mean just increasing prices,' she said. 'In several places, it may actually mean taking the opposite approach. We understand the lower-end consumer is challenged, and value is and will remain an important part of the brand, and we will work vigorously to protect it.' Cracker Barrel stores have vast menus, with items like Chicken N' Dumplins, which costs $11.49. Cracker Barrel sells food like chicken tenders for $12.99 Cracker Barrel stores will get an update. This is one of the old designs The business tanked even more when its chief executive Julie Felss Masino told investors, 'We're just not as relevant as we once were' Revamped stores Cracker Barrels are deliberately meant to reflect an old-time country store that sells bits-and-bobs, and simple comfort food. Masino said she will change the ;store design and atmosphere.' There will be investment in 'aging' stores. She hinted at a new look. 'Historically, Cracker Barrel has made limited changes to our design esthetic,' she said. 'And we've probably relied a little too much on what was perceived to be the timeless nature of our concept. 'We began conducting a pilot remodel in two test stores. This included refreshing the interior and exterior of these stores by using a different color pallet, updating lighting, offering more comfortable seating and simplifying decor and fixtures.' The stores have been a hit and are set to be rolled out. It expects to complete 25-30 remodels in fiscal 2025. Loyalty app and delivery She said that Cracker Barrel Rewards has 5 millin members after luanching in mid-September - up 25 per cent on projections. The company also plans to offer more delivery via companies like Uber Eats. Staff perks The comany plans to make it a better palce for staff to work - with better training, simpler roles and more technology to help them do their job. 'Our people are at the heart of everything we do,' she said. And ultimately, when you feel good about where you work and what you do, you're happier. And that translates to the guests. Pricing was not one of the pillars, but Masino gave a clue to price rises. Cracker Barrel has five pricing tiers for areas with different costs - but she said 60 per cent of outlets were in the lowest cost tier. She said some coud be charging more. 'We have stores in metro areas with an average annual household income of $55,000 in the same pricing tier as one with $90,000,' she said. But she added that in some areas menu prices could be cut. The company's plan has had mixed reactions. Since the call on May 16, the 54-year-old company's shares fell by nearly 20 percent. On Thursday May 24, Cracker Barrel traded as low as $45.35 - its lowest level in over a decade. It is down 40 percent in total this year. The restaurant rose to prominence after it was founded in 1969 as patrons flocked to its all-American dishes, like biscuits and gravy and fried chicken. Management don't anticipate the expensive re-brand to pay off until late 2026 and 2027. Cracker Barrel has lost a significant 16 percent of diners over the past four years - and the trend is ongoing. 'A big reason the stock is down is that there wasn't much of a plan,' Truist analyst Jake Bartlett told the New York Post. Cracker Barrel has lost a significant 16 percent of diners over the past four years - and the trend is ongoing 'They announced a plan for a plan but they didn't give investors enough information to judge whether reinvesting in the stores was a credible plan to address the traffic losses.' One particular obstacle that the company is facing is attracting young customers. 'They have a lot of senior consumers, so long term they need to migrate away from that consumer,' Bartlett said. However the company, which faced backlash for its anti-LGBT policies in the 1990s, has had a hard time keeping its senior clientele while bringing in Gen Z customers. Last year, Cracker Barrel was accused of 'going woke' when the restaurant lined its front porches with rainbow-colored rocking chairs during Pride Month - and customers even boycotted the chain, which has locations in 45 states. READ MORE: Costco fans fume as new store rules come into effect uses free fruit from the wholesaler to feed her family farm A TikTok star is going viral after revealing how she manages to scoop up to twelve bins of unsold Costco fruit every week to feed her farm animals. In a clip viewed nearly 600,000 times, Stefanie Scott explained to her followers about Costco's unsold food program which allows customers to take produce which is about to expire. The video shows Scott sourcing 12 bins' worth of fruit from her local store - though she admits it was an unusually large haul as she usually only takes seven or eight. The haul included asparagus, apples, bananas, green beans, broccoli, apples, Brussel sprouts, sweet potatoes and a 'mystery' fruit. A TikTok star is going viral after revealing how she manages to scoop up to twelve bins of unsold Costco fruit every week to feed her farm animals. The clip has been viewed nearly 600,000 times It forms part of Costco's sustainability commitment to 'keep food out of landfills, whether it's by creating a new product, donating it to needy people or feeding it to animals.' Scott, from Enumclaw, Washington, told PEOPLE: 'My dad knew a guy whose wife worked at our local Costco, and they actually already had a farmer that was picking up the [unsold] produce, but he was going to be stopping and we honestly got lucky and we were able to take over those pickups.' The 35-year-old and her husband use then use the produce to feed the family farm which is home to 18 cows which go through a full bin per day. She added: 'The Costco employees will load the pallets onto our trailer with a forklift and we take them home to unload them. 'We sometimes give fruit to our chickens (they love grapes) or our pigs, but mostly just to the cows because they eat the most. Some items are visibly moldy, some look like they have been dropped, some look completely fine.' Though it is referred to as 'unsold' fruit, she explained that most of it has never hit the shelves in the first place because it does not hit certain food safety standards. She said: 'If a package of strawberries has one moldy one, it becomes a food safety issue and they have to toss out the whole container. So, it's common for us to get one moldy strawberry in with a bunch that looks completely fine.' Other unsold Costco food items such as bread and processed items are donated to food banks and shelters. The wholesaler's unusual business model means more things end up going to waste. Scott, from Enumclaw, Washington, explained that she and her husband used the produce to feed their farm animals including 18 cows Other unsold Costco food items such as bread and processed items are donated to food banks and shelters Scott explained: 'Because of how Costco sells in bulk and everything has to be a specific weight, if a bundle of bananas has one that is damaged, they have to toss the whole bundle, unlike a grocery store that could rip off the bad one and sell the rest.' It comes after Costco made headlines last month amidst a crackdown on a loophole in its outdoor food courts. New rules require staff to ask to see a Costco membership card for purchases at its 18 outdoor food courts across America. Until now, staff had turned a blind eye to nonmembers stopping by for its iconic $1.50 hot dog and soda combo at the outdoor food courts. Staff normally check cards as customers enter stores - meaning nonmembers cannot normally eat at indoor food courts. But servers at food courts outside in car parks almost never checked. That has changed with the new rule. A group of WTO member countries, including Brazil, Canada and the European Union, have urged India to submit timely notifications on sugar subsidies in the World Trade Organisation, an official said. The issue came up for discussion during the meeting of the WTOs agriculture committee on May 23-24 in Geneva. These countries are also major sugar exporters like India and they allege that support measures by India distort global sugar trade. Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, Paraguay, New Zealand, the EU, and Guatemala have urged India to submit timely notifications on the subsidies, the Geneva-based official said. India has stated that the Indian central and state governments neither paid for nor procured sugarcane from farmers, as all purchases were made by private sugar mills, hence, this information was not included in its notifications of domestic support. The discussion assumes significance as in 2022, India has appealed against a ruling of the World Trade Organizations (WTO) trade dispute settlement panel which ruled that the countrys domestic support measures for sugar and sugarcane are inconsistent with global trade norms. The appeal was filed by India in the WTOs Appellate Body, which is the final authority on such trade disputes and is not functioning. Brazil, Australia, and Guatemala had filed the cases against India on these support measures. In its appeal, India has stated that the WTOs dispute panel ruling has made certain erroneous findings about domestic schemes to support sugarcane producers and exports and the findings of the panel are completely unacceptable to it. The US and Australia have also presented a joint counter notification regarding Indias sugar subsidies. According to their study, over the four-year period from 2018-19 to 2021-22, India has provided market price support on sugarcane in excess of the limits set out in the Agreement on Agriculture (10 per cent of the total value of sugarcane production) by a margin of 92-101 per cent. Despite the US pressure, India and Iran sign $370 million deal, reviving Chabahar Ports strategic importance, which would be beneficial for both countries The Indian Ocean-facing Iranian port of Chabahar is back in the spotlight thanks to a new 10-year, $370 million agreement between India and Iran, signed on May 13. This deal marks an important step in the long-standing partnership between the two countries, aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and economic growth. Indias Chabahar Port project in Iran is more than just a commercial endeavour-its a strategic masterstroke aimed at reshaping regional trade dynamics and strengthening geopolitical ties. Located on Irans southeastern coast in the Sistan-Baluchestan province, Chabahar Port offers India a golden gateway to Afghanistan and Central Asia, circumventing Pakistan and providing a counterbalance to Chinas influence in the region. Chabahar is the only Iranian port outside the Straits of Hormuz. The Chabahar Port stands out for several reasons. Firstly, it is the only Iranian port with direct access to the Indian Ocean, providing a critical transit hub for goods travelling between India, Iran and beyond. The project includes the development of port infrastructure and the construction of a railway linking Chabahar to the Iranian city of Zahedan, close to the Afghan border, effectively creating a new trade corridor. This port is pivotal for India as it seeks to bolster its economic and strategic presence in Central Asia. Traditionally, Indias trade routes to Afghanistan and Central Asia have been blocked by Pakistan, which does not allow Indian goods to pass through its territory. Chabahar provides a much-needed alternative route, facilitating access to these markets without relying on Pakistani cooperation. The idea for jointly developing Chabahar began during the 2003 State visit to India by Iranian President Muhammad Khatami. At that time, India and Iran shared strategic interests, viewing Pakistans political interference in Afghanistan as harmful. Both supported the Northern Alliance, led by Ahmad Shah Massoud, against Pakistan-backed Pashtun groups. Developing Chabahar on Irans Indian Ocean coast naturally extended this Indo-Iranian partnership. Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has seen substantial investments in ports and infrastructure across Asia, often referred to as the String of Pearls. Gwadar Port in Pakistan, just 72 kilometres east of Chabahar, is a cornerstone of this strategy. By developing Chabahar, India not only counters Chinas influence but also positions itself as a key player in the regional logistics network. Chabahar is also vital for Afghanistan. The landlocked nation has been heavily reliant on Pakistans Karachi Port for its imports and exports. Chabahar provides a viable alternative, potentially reducing Afghanistans economic dependence on Pakistan. In 2016, India, Iran and Afghanistan signed a trilateral agreement to develop Chabahar, demonstrating a shared commitment to regional stability and economic cooperation. The port is expected to significantly increase trade volumes and create jobs in Afghanistan, fostering economic resilience. For India, the Chabahar Port project is a testament to its ability to manoeuvre through complex diplomatic landscapes. Iran, often isolated due to international sanctions, sees India as a crucial partner in its economic development. Indias investment in Chabahar signals its intent to strengthen bilateral ties with Iran, enhancing energy security by facilitating greater access to Iranian oil and gas. The port also serves as a symbol of Indias growing assertiveness on the global stage. By investing in Chabahar, India underscores its readiness to take on infrastructure projects that have far-reaching geopolitical implications. This move aligns with Indias broader Act East and Connect Central Asia policies, aimed at deepening trade and cultural linkages with East and Central Asian countries. Despite its potential, the Chabahar project faces significant challenges. The re-imposition of US sanctions on Iran has cast a shadow over the ports future, creating uncertainty for investors and complicating financial transactions. However, India has received some exemptions from these sanctions, allowing the project to progress, albeit cautiously. Moreover, regional instability poses risks. Irans internal political dynamics and its relations with global powers add layers of complexity to the projects execution. Chabahar, the only Iranian port outside the Straits of Hormuz, is back in the news. The US-envisioned India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) is now stalled due to Gaza hostilities. The Suez Canal is also risky due to the Houthi threat. Thus, an alternative route through the Caspian Sea and Russia seems likely. The Chabahar Port project is a cornerstone of Indias strategy to enhance its regional influence and economic reach. By providing an alternative trade route to Afghanistan and Central Asia, countering Chinese influence and strengthening ties with Iran, Chabahar is much more than a port-its a pivotal piece in Indias geopolitical chessboard. While challenges persist, the successful development of Chabahar could redefine trade and economic partnerships in the region, heralding a new era of connectivity and cooperation. This situation presents a win-win for both India and Iran. For India, Chabahar offers a strategic alternative to bypass regional instability, ensuring uninterrupted trade routes to Europe and Central Asia. For Iran, the development of Chabahar boosts its economy and strengthens its regional influence by providing a vital link in global trade networks. (The writer is an associate professor, views are personal) National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval said here on Friday India would have progressed at a much faster pace if its borders had been more secure, defined and not in adversarial dispossession. He also underlined that the countrys power has grown immensely in the last 10 years. Delivering the Rustamji Memorial Lecture organised by the Border Security Force (BSF) on its 21st investiture ceremony, Doval said Indias economic progress would have been much faster if we had more secure borders. In the foreseeable future, I dont think our borders are going to be as secure as we will require for our fast economic growth. So, the responsibility on border guarding forces has become very, very heavy. They have got to remain on alert 24X7 in perpetuity. They have got to see that our national interests and country are protected, he said. Borders are important because that is the limit which defines our sovereignty, he said. Jameen par jo kabja hai wo apna hai, baki to sab adalat aur kachehri ka kaam hai, usse farak nahi padta (The land which is in our possession is ours, the rest is the matter of courts and that is immaterial), Doval said. The government has paid very, very high attention to border security during the last 10 years, a period in which our comprehensive national power has grown immensely, Doval said on Friday. The NSA said India is changing very fast and, in the next 10 years, we will be a USD 10 trillion economy and the third largest economy that he called a major achievement. He said India will have one of the largest workforces and be a hub of high-technology artificial intelligence, semiconductors, quantum computing and various other areas of defence and security manufacturing. The country, which was an importer of arms, exported USD 2.5 billion worth of arms until March 31, emerging as a big exporter because of the governments policy of self-reliance and Atmanirbhar Bharat, Doval said. In this changing India, prosperity guarantees security to some extent and increases vulnerability in much larger areas, he said. When one thinks of Varanasi, the image of Kashi Vishwanath Dham often comes to mind. However, the city is now emerging as a beacon of heritage and craftsmanship, evidenced by the rise of Geographical Indications (GI) from 2 to 32. In 2014, during his visit to Varanasi after assuming office as Prime Minister, Narendra Modi was presented with an angvastram crafted by weaver Bachche Lal Maurya, featuring a doha (couplet) by Sant Kabir intricately engraved upon it. This seemingly simple exchange laid the foundation for a transformative journey in the realm of GI in Varanasi. Rajnikant, a GI expert and Padma Shri awardee, serving as the General Secretary of the Human Welfare Association, highlights the remarkable journey from just two GI tags in 2014 to an impressive 32 designations today. These encompass a diverse array of crafts including Meenakari, wooden carving, stone craft, and the celebrated Chunar sandstone and hand-blocking technique, Rajnikant told this reporter. Prime Minister Modis presentation of Gulabi Meenakari to US President Joe Biden at the G7 meeting in 2022 propelled this GI-tagged art form onto the global stage. This small act has led to the surge in demand for Varanasis famed crafts, such as Gulabi Meenakari, and has transitioned these arts from niche markets to mainstream popularity, Himangshu Nagpal, a Government official said. Rajnikant stressed the transformative impact of GI designations on Varanasis cultural and economic landscape. The GI designation has propelled Varanasis traditional industries, particularly handloom and handicrafts, into a period of unprecedented growth, witnessing a staggering 32 to 40 percent surge, he said. This resurgence has revitalized the livelihoods of artisans and weavers, who form the backbone of Varanasis rich cultural tapestry. The economic impact of this GI revolution is profound, with an estimated annual turnover exceeding Rs 30,000 crore, benefiting approximately 20 lakh individuals engaged in these industries. Before 2014, the estimated turnover in the handicraft industry in Varanasi was between Rs 15,000 and Rs 18,000 crore. Artisan Bachche Lal Maurya highlighted the tangible improvements in the quality of life for weavers and artisans. Earlier, handloom weavers earned Rs 200 to Rs 250 per day, but with increased demand, they now command rates ranging from Rs 400 to Rs 600 daily, he said. Similarly, wooden craft artisans have seen their earnings soar from Rs 80 to Rs 150 per day to a substantial Rs 300 to Rs 500 daily, thanks to the increased demand for wooden toys. Economic Renaissance through Tourism The once quiet alleys of Varanasi have sprung to life with a surge in economic activities, ushering in a wave of financial prosperity over the past two to three years. Gokul Sharma, President of the Varanasi Hotel Association, dittoes to the remarkable growth in the hospitality and tourism sectors, particularly over the last decade. Hotels in Varanasi collectively raked in revenue exceeding Rs 2000 crore in the previous year alone. Sharma said that this figure might not fully capture the economic impact due to the absence of official data on dharamshalas (religious guesthouses) and homestays. The actual revenue would be considerably higher if these accommodations were factored in. Government statistics indicate that over 5.50 crore tourists visited the city in 2023, with 13,700 of them being foreign visitors. In response to the burgeoning tourist footfall, many residents along the banks of the Ganga have transformed their homes into homestays to capitalize on the tourism surge. However, the cumbersome registration process means the exact number of homestays and their respective revenues remain elusive. A shocking accident in Shahjahanpur has claimed the lives of at least a dozen pilgrims who were on their way to the Purnagiri temple in Uttarakhand. The incident occurred at Hajiyapur village on Saturday night as the privately-owned bus stopped at a roadside eatery. While some pilgrims had alighted for dinner, others remained inside the bus. Suddenly, an out-of-control dumper truck crashed into the bus, unloading its heavy cargo onto the waiting pilgrims. Eleven people, ranging in age from 7 to 50, were killed on the spot. One more succumbed to the injuries during treatment, bringing the total death toll to 12. Ten other pilgrims were seriously injured and rushed to the Government Medical College for treatment. The driver of the dumper truck fled the scene. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and directed the district administration to ensure proper medical care for the injured. Shahjahanpur Superintendent of Police Ashok Kumar Meena disclosed that the incident occurred at Hajiyapur village under the Khutar police station area when the privately-owned bus had halted at a roadside eatery. People living in Badajeth village of Sidhauli area of Sitapur district were going to visit Maa Purnagiri in Uttrakhand. According to Meena, Sudhanshu (7), Aditya (8), Ajit (15), Rohini (20), Pramod (30), Seema (30), Suman Devi (36), Ramgopal (48), Shiv Shankar (48), Chutki (50) died on the spot, while Sonavati (45) succumbed during treatment. DM Umesh Pratap Singh said that the rescue operation lasted for about 3 hours. The driver of the dumper fled from the spot and the police are looking for him, he said. After the accident, Rupesh, who was travelling in the bus, was searching for his son in a panic. After a long time, his son Ajit was found buried under the wheels of the dumper. Rupesh broke down on seeing his dead son. Rupesh, who reached the post-mortem house on Sunday, told that like every year, this time also he was going to visit Purnagiri with his wife and children. The bus had stopped at the dhaba. His wife and daughter were eating food. He was also there with his son. Then Ajit said, Papa, lets go and get water for mummy. Meanwhile, he got on the bus to keep some luggage. A dumper full of gravel hit him. After the accident, nothing was visible for a long time in the dust. He kept searching for his son. After a long time, Ajit was found buried under the wheels. Twin tragedies struck national Capital on Sunday in which ten people, including seven newborns, charred to deaths. In a tragic incident, a massive fire broke out at a private childrens hospital in east Delhis Vivek Vihar, leaving seven newborns dead in the facility functioning at 25 sqft plot. Police arrested the owner of the childrens hospital on Sunday. The owner Dr Naveen Kichi was on the run since the fire outbreak late on Saturday night. The blaze broke out at the Baby Care New Born Hospital Delhis Vivek Vihar at around 11:30 pm on Saturday and soon spread to two other adjacent buildings. According to Delhi Fire Service (DFS), 16 fire tenders were pressed into service to douse the blaze. DFS chief Atul Garg said 12 newborns were rescued from the medical facility but seven of them died. Two boutiques, a portion of IndusInd Bank operating from an adjacent building and a shop on the ground floor were also damaged besides an ambulance and a scooty parked outside the building. The Prime Ministers Office has announced Rs 2 lakh as compensation to the families of each of the seven victims, and Rs 50,000 for the families of the injured babies. Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj has ordered an enquiry into the matter. In the second tragic incident, three people died after a fire broke out in a four-storey residential building in Krishna Nagar area of east Delhi. The charred body of a 66-year-old woman identified as Promila Shad was recovered from the first floor of the building, while two others identified as 18-year-old Keshav Sharma and 39-year-old Anju Sharma were declared brought dead by the doctors. President Droupdi Murmu, Prime Minister Modi, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena, Union Health Minister Manshukh Mandaviya, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi Health Minister Bharadwaj condoled the deaths. Chief Minister Kejriwal said those responsible for negligence will not be spared. DCP Shahdara Surendra Choudhary said, On Saturday at about 11.30 pm a PCR call regarding fire was received at Police Station Vivek Vihar. At the spot, fire was found in Baby Care New Born Hospital at C-54, Vivek Vihar and its adjacent building. On receipt the call SHO and ATO Vivek Vihar and ACP Vivek Vihar reached the spot. He further said, In the hospital there were 12 newborns admitted. They were all rescued and shifted to the East Delhi Advance NICU Hospital, Vivek Vihar for treatment. Out of these babies, six were declared brought dead and one died earlier. The seven bodies have been further shifted to GTB Hospital for postmortem. He added that there were no reports of casualties or injuries from the building adjacent to the hospital, which was also engulfed in flames. Speaking about the fire, the father of a deceased nine-day-old baby Ritik, said, I came from Bulandshahr and our child was referred to this hospital. He had problems with oxygen. I came to know about the incident through news. The baby was 9 days old. I have spent around Rs 70,000-80,000. The hospital is responsible. They saved themselves and left the children. According to eyewitnesses, locals and members of an NGO, Shaheed Seva Dal, were the first to rush to help. Some residents climbed the building from the back side and rescued some of the newborns. Members of Shaheed Seva Dal, an NGO operating in the area, were also involved in the rescue efforts, an eyewitness said. Vijay Jain (65), a trader, and resident, said his daughter-in-law and son sustained injuries as they tried to escape. We never saw a doctor there. There were only nurses and men, who would come at night and refill 20-30 cylinders. We filed a complaint with the police and local authorities. Nothing happened. The newborn babies were kept on the first floor while the ground floor and second floor were filled with cylinders and garbage. Ravi Gupta, a local resident, said some locals climbed from the back side of the building and evacuated children one by one. Garg cited oxygen cylinder blast as the cause of the fire. He said, It was a very tough operation. We made two teams. One team started fire fighting because there was a blast of cylinders. We can say it was a chain of blasts of cylinders. We had to save ourselves also. We started rescue operations for babies as well. Unfortunately, we could not save all the children. That is a regrettable incident. Delhi Police has registered an FIR against the owner of the New Born Baby Care Hospital Naveen Kichi under sections 336 (endangering life of personal safety of others), 304A (death by negligence) and 34 (criminal activity) of the IPC. He is currently absconding and a police team has been dispatched to Jaipur, where Kichi is believed to be in hiding. The police said teams have been formed to nab the owner. Choudhary said they are checking the fire NOC of the hospital and if it is found without it, IPC sections may be added. Lieutenant Governor Saxena also directed the Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar to institute inquiry into the east Delhi hospital fire that killed seven newborns. In a heartening turn of events sure to warm the hearts of wildlife enthusiasts, a pod of nearly a dozen dolphins, with their tender calves in tow, has been rescued and returned to the waters of the Ghaghara river in Uttar Pradesh. The dolphins were stranded due to low water levels caused by pre-monsoon maintenance work at the Sharda barrage in Lakhimpuri Kheri district in the State. This uplifting saga of saving the dolphins which were declared national aquatic animals in 2009 unfolded after a relentless 24-hour operation under the scorching sun. Spearheaded by a dedicated team of wildlife officials which involved the South Kheri forest officials, WWF-India, WTI and Turtle Services Alliance (TSA) and State irrigation department, the rescue operation was completed late Saturday evening. Gangetic dolphins are considered to be reliable indicators of the health of the river ecosystem and have been categorized as schedule 1 aquatic animals in the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022. They find place under protected wildlife species. The Ganges river dolphin can only live in freshwater and is essentially blind. They hunt by emitting ultrasonic sounds, which bounces off of fish and other prey, enabling them to see an image in their mind, according to experts. Division Forest Officer (DFO), South Kheri Forest Division, Sanjay Biswal, camped at the spot along with WWF project director Dabir Hasan, WII expert Vipul Maurya, WTI expert Shruti Singh and TSA scientist Dr Shailendra Singh till all the dolphins were successfully rescued back to the Ghaghara river, their familiar home. On Friday, reports were received that a group of about ten Gangetic dolphins had been sighted stranded in the shallow waters of Sharda canal and they were unable to swim to safety owing to inadequate water level, Biswal told a news agency. Among these, four to five dolphins were stranded in 2.5 to 3 feet deep waters in the canal and their situation was reported critical owing to the presence of their calves with them and heat temperature soaring high, he added. Biswal said that under the pre-monsoon maintenance work at the Sharda barrage, the Sharda flow was regulated and the gates were opened due to which Sharda waters flowed away and the Sharda canal originating from it had a dry bed. The irrigation department was requested to release waters into the canal till the dolphins were rescued, he added. The official said the irrigation department released water into the canal on Saturday evening following which the stranded dolphins were provided passage back to the Ghaghara river. We ensured that all the dolphins in the canal safely swam back to safety into the Ghaghara river, he added. Dr Shailendra Singh from Turtle Services Alliance (TSA), said the operation teams primary aim was to facilitate the dolphins swim back to Ghaghara by increasing the water levels which was done within 24 hours which ensured they swim back to their original place. India has about 1200-1800 river water dolphins, majorly across the Ganga river in the country. A voter turnout of 54.02 per cent was recorded till 6 pm on Saturday in 14 Lok Sabha constituencies of Uttar Pradesh where polling was held in the sixth phase of parliamentary elections on Saturday. UPs Chief Electoral Officer Navdeep Rinwa said here that the polling percentage of 54 per cent was the final figure. He said polling was peaceful and no untoward incident was reported from any of the 14 Lok Sabha constituencies which went to polls on Saturday. He said complaints relating to malfunction of electronic voting machines (EVMs) were reported from several constituencies and were promptly addressed. He said the voter turnout in Sultanpur was 55.50 per cent, in Pratapgarh 51.60 per cent, in Phulpur 48.94 per cent, in Allahabad 51.75 per cent, in Ambedkar Nagar 61.54 per cent, in Shravasti 52.76 per cent, in Domariyaganj 51.94 per cent, in Basti 56.67 per cent, in Sant Kabir Nagar 52.63 per cent, in Lalganj (SC) 54.14 per cent, in Azamgarh 56.07 per cent, in Jaunpur 55.52 per cent, in Machhlishahr (SC) 54.43 per cent and in Bhadohi 53.07 per cent. In the bypoll to the Gainsari assembly seat in Balrampur district, the voter turnout was 51.10 per cent. In the repoll in a polling station falling under Farrukhabad Lok Sabha constituency where polling was held on Saturday, the voter turnout was 73.99 per cent. The CEO said webcasting was arranged for ensuring free, fair and transparent polling in 14,480 polling booths and videography was done in other 5,087 polling stations. He said the live streaming was monitored at three levels district, state and at Election Commission of India, Delhi. However, incidents of intimidation, fake voting were reported from several constituencies. The Congress and the Samajwadi Party on Saturday alleged that SPs Ambedkar Nagar candidate Lalji Verma was put under house arrest at the behest of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. Lalji Verma is locked in a direct contest with Ritesh Pandey of the BJP. SP leader Arvind Kumar Singh wrote to the chief electoral officer, alleging that the Ambedkar Nagar administration was influencing the elections by keeping the SP candidate under house arrest. In a post on X, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav said, Police were sent to raid the house of SPs winning Ambedkar Nagar candidate Lalji Verma but the police were not supposed to find anything and they did not find anything. This is an attempt to tarnish the honest image of Lalji Verma. Highly condemnable! This is the frustration of the losing BJP. In Allahabad, Phulpur and Pratapgarh, a stiff contest was witnessed between the INDIA Bloc and the BJP. Praveen Singh Patel, sitting MLA is the BJP candidate from Phulpur and he is facing Amarnath Maurya of SP. In Allahabad, Neeraj Tripathi, son of former UP Assembly Speaker Keshari Nath Tripathi, is the BJP candidate while Ujjwal Ram Singh, former SP MLA who joined the Congress ahead of the election, is the INDIA Block candidate. Sangamlal Gupta is the BJP candidate from Pratapgarh while SP Singh Patel is the SP candidate. Reoti Raman Singh, former MP and father of Congress candidate Ujjwal Raman Singh, was detained by the police for a few hours after he had a heated exchange with the police officers at Kareli polling station of Allahabad constituency. In the Phulpur Lok Sabha constituency, the SP candidate Amarnath Maurya had a heated exchange with the police over the alleged intimidation of Muslim voters. In Bhopal, a two-storey building of a bakery making biscuits and toast-bread burst into flames at 5.30 am on Saturday. The flames were so intense that 25 firefighters and water tankers were required to pacify the fire in 5 hours. The fire could be completely controlled by 10 am, for this the front part of the building also had to be demolished. The incident took place in the Old Categorised Market area of the city. Due to the narrow street and dense settlement, there was a fear of the fire spreading to the nearby houses. The bakery owner claims that goods worth Rs 80 lakh were burnt. The building also became dilapidated. The fire spread from the electric pole to the bakery. When people passed by the bakery in the morning, they saw smoke rising from the electric pole and the bakery shed. After this the fire brigade was informed. Five fire tenders from Naya Kabadkhana area, Fatehgarh, Pul Bogda and Bairagarh reached the spot. After this, 20 more fire brigades were pressed into service. According to fire brigade personnel Naushad Khan, the flames were brought under control by 8.30 am, but the fire kept smoldering from time to time. Items like oil, sugar, flour were kept in the bakery, due to which the fire spread rapidly. Bakery owner Mazhar Ali said that both the big ovens were burnt in the fire. One was bought for Rs 12 lakh, the other for Rs 6.25 lakh around 1500 trays were also burnt. Raw material (flour, sugar, oile etc) worth Rs 9 lakh was loaded. There has been a total loss of Rs 80 lakh. The owner claimed that nothing was insured and opened the business by taking a loan. The fire destroyed everything. According to Mazhar, there is an electricity pole adjacent to the bakery. Sparking was happening in this. The electricity connection in the bakery was taken from this pole. The fire from the pole reached the cable and then spread to the bakery oven through the cable. There is oil in the oven. The back was filled with wood and goods. Due to this the fire spread rapidly. To completely control the fire, the front part of the building had to be demolished. Work goes on day and night in this bakery. In the night on Friday no one was at work which saved them from any injury or casualty at the bakery. In a powerful address in Ghazipur, Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured a large gathering of his commitment to a Viksit Bharat (Developed India), pledging to overcome any obstacles posed by the opposition. He also launched a blistering attack on the Congress, accusing the party of not allowing the soldiers to get One Rank, One Pension. Prime Minister Modi began his speech by recalling a painful memory from the past, saying, Whenever I come to Ghazipur, I am reminded of a betrayal. After independence, Congress had sworn not to develop this area, forcing its people to live in suffocating poverty. This incident stands as a testament to how the INDI Alliance has consistently let Ghazipur down. The prime minister highlighted the stark contrast between past and present governance, emphasising the transformative changes brought about by his administration. Today, I feel immense satisfaction knowing our government provides free ration to every poor household. Even during the severe crisis of corona (COVID-19), we ensured no one slept hungry. Modis government is spending lakhs of crores on this free ration scheme, ensuring no one faces the hardships experienced during the Congress-Samajwadi Party rule. Prime Minister Modi engaged in an open dialogue with the audience, drawing a clear distinction between past and present leadership. He underscored the significant progress made under his tenure, stating, Congress mastered the art of delaying work and denying rights, even neglecting our soldiers One Rank One Pension (OROP) demand. It was under Modi that OROP was implemented. While the dynastic leaders built palaces, the poor, the farmers, the labourers, the Dalits and the deprived struggled. Modis government has changed lives. In 10 years, 25 crore people rose from poverty through empowering schemes. We have turned the PM Awas dream into reality, opened bank accounts, electrified every village, provided water to every household, and ensured no poor person sells land for treatment with Ayushman cards. Now, Modi guarantees free treatment for all elderly above 70 years. Highlighting the transformative impact of the current administration, Prime Minister Modi stated, In the SP era, mafias roamed freely, flaunting their power in open jeeps, and gunning down opponents with impunity. Riots defined UP, with two to three major riots every month, causing immense loss to the poor and shopkeepers. Under Yogijis government, riots and rioters have been stopped. SP-Congress will do anything for votes and power. The SP shehzade once vowed to banish mafias but ended up bowing to them, even giving them tickets. Someone who cannot keep his word can never fight your battle. Prime Minister Modi also warned of the grave threat posed by the INDI Alliance to the rights of Dalits and backward classes. The INDI Alliance is looting the reservations meant for Dalits and backward classes, conspiring to allocate them based on religion instead. They aim to strip reservations from castes like Pasi, Jatav, Lonia, Kurmi, Yadav, Bind, Nishad, and Patel. In Karnataka, they have already diverted OBC reservations to Muslims. Their scheme in Bengal has been exposed by the Calcutta High Court just two days ago. Nearly all OBC reservations in Bengal were being given to Muslims and infiltrators. Congress, Samajwadi Party, Trinamool Congress all are complicit in this assault on SC-ST-OBC reservations. In a bold declaration, Prime Minister Modi emphasised the threat of the INDI Alliances promise to reinstate Article 370 in Kashmir. This move threatens to reignite terrorism and embolden Pakistan. But Ghazipur stands firm against such perilous propositions. Witnessing its own transformation, Ghazipur now symbolises hope for Kashmirs development. The people of Ghazipur reject regression; they embrace progress, he said. Concluding his speech, Prime Minister Modi urged the people of Ghazipur to support his vision of a Viksit Bharat. He also called on the crowd to help spread his message by visiting every doorstep. Together, we will build a developed India, he declared, leaving the crowd inspired and hopeful for a brighter future. In the Ghazipur Lok Sabha constituency, the main contest is between Afzal Ansari of the Samajwadi Party and Paras Nath Rai of the Bharatiya Janata Party. Voting for the seat will take place in the seventh phase on June 1. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has said that an adequate quantity of fertilizer should be available at all places for Kharif. It should be ensured that the possibility of black marketing does not arise anywhere. Constant contact is being made with the Central Government to provide adequate fertilizer in the state. He said that farmers should be encouraged to use balanced fertilizer NPK. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav was reviewing agricultural inputs in Mantralaya. Chief Secretary Smt. Veera Rana, Agriculture Production Commissioner Shri Ashok Baranwal, Principal Secretary Cooperative Smt. Deepali Rastogi and other officers were present at the meeting. Chief Minister Yadav sought information about the demand for urea, DAP, NPK, SSP and MOP fertilizers in the state, the quantity received so far and the distribution system. Information about the availability of seeds of paddy, Kodo, Kutki, maize, jowar, millet, urad, groundnut, soybean, cotton, etc. was also given in the meeting. Chief Minister Yadav said that the process of honouring and rewarding the farmers who produce good quality crops should also be started. Chief Minister Yadav said that farmers should be motivated to increase the use of natural fertilizers in the state. A system should be developed to help the farmers use bio-fertilizers so that the farmers come forward to buy organic products. There is a need to motivate farmers to grow shree anna by coordinating animal husbandry and composting. This will help in maintaining a balanced crop cycle and ensure fertility of the land for a long time. Chief Minister Yadav said that for the safety of cows and their proper care, initiatives should be taken at the village level with gauseva sangathans and socio-religious institutions. In a strong reaction to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees controversial remarks about globally renowned Sanatani spiritual institutions like Bharat Sevashram Sangha and Ramakrishna Mission, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that the entire INDI Alliance, including the Congress, Trinamool Congress, Rashtriya Janata Dal, Samajwadi Party and others, engaged in anti-Hindu politics. Talking to the media in the Gorakhnath temple complex before leaving for Ballia to campaign for the Lok Sabha elections on Saturday morning, Chief Minister Yogi accused the INDI Alliance of prioritising power over nation. These parties want power at the cost of the country and no Indian will accept this, he remarked. Referring to the controversial statement made by TMC chief Mamata Banerjee against Bharat Sevashram Sangha and Ramakrishna Mission in West Bengal, Chief Minister Yogi emphasised that both organisations are esteemed religious and spiritual institutions in India. He praised Ramakrishna Mission, which follows the ideals of Swami Vivekananda, for its commendable work in promoting the values and principles of Sanatan Dharma and Indias spiritual heritage across the country and the world. Similarly, Bharat Sevashram Sangha is an influential spiritual organisation, which has done commendable work in promoting the values and principles of Sanatan Dharma both within India and globally, following the ideals of Swami Pranavananda. Both organisations have also advanced numerous service projects worldwide, he stated. Chief Minister Yogi further pointed that opposing Sanatan Dharma and Hindus was the foundation of the politics of the INDI Alliance and all its constituents, including Congress, SP, TMC, RJD and Aam Aadmi Party, and the statements made by its leaders, including Mamata Banerjee, reflected their frustration over impending defeat. Praising Ramakrishna Mission and Bharat Sevashram Sangha for their extensive efforts in promoting spirituality and culture through commendable service projects both in India and around the world, Chief Minister Yogi cited Swami Vivekananda, who had proudly declared, We should say with pride that we are Hindus. Chief Minister Yogi stated that the followers and devotees of these esteemed organisations will give a befitting reply to Congress, TMC and the INDI Alliance. He compared the current situation to the era of Ravana when sages were threatened, asserting that Sanatan Dharma will not be intimidated by such provocations and will respond decisively. Chief Minister Yogi stated that while the INDI Alliance parties are threatening Hindu religious and spiritual institutions, they are also undermining the rights of backward caste people. He pointed out that in 2010, the TMC government in West Bengal diluted OBC reservations by including 118 Muslim castes in the OBC category, depriving millions of individuals from backward castes of reservation benefits over the past 14 years. Yogi demanded an apology from Mamata Banerjees TMC government and Congress for this injustice meted out to the OBC community. He emphasised that taking away the rights of youth and citizens is unacceptable and contrary to the principles of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, who clearly stated that reservations should not be based on religion. The UP chief minister stated that implementing reservations based on religion is part of a conspiracy to further divide India. He praised the Kolkata High Courts decision, calling it highly commendable. This ruling, he added, is a strong rebuke to the TMC, Congress, and other INDI Alliance parties. Madhya pradesh President of Bharatiya Janata Party and Khajuraho MP Vishnudutt Sharma on Saturday held a meeting of workers in Deoghar in support of the party candidate Nishikant Dubey from Godda Lok Sabha of Jharkhand. He said that today there is an atmosphere among the general public that the work of development and poor welfare has been done at a fast pace under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi has worked to bring a smile on the face of every poor in the last ten years and this is our biggest strength. We have to go door-to-door and tell the people about the public welfare schemes of the Central Government and the development work done in this area in the last few years, so that the hands of Prime Minister Narendra Modi can be strengthened by achieving a strong victory. In the meeting, National Organization General Secretary BL Santosh ji also guided the workers.State President Sharma said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, every region of the country is developing at a fast pace and India is making its mark in the world. Many countries of the world now look towards India with hopeful eyes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set a target of making India a world leader by 2047 and India is moving rapidly in this direction. Today India has become the fifth largest economy in the world. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has guaranteed that after coming to power at the Center for the third time, India will become the third largest economy in the world in the next five years. State President Vishnudutt Sharma said that during the Lok Sabha elections, the opposition has worked to spread confusion regarding reservation. Whereas no question of ending reservation arises. From the year 1951 till date, the Constitution has been amended more than 100 times, but out of them, Congress has amended the Constitution 90 times. Sharma said that BJP does not discriminate against anyone in the name of religion and caste. The workers will have to give correct information about this to the public and expose the opposition parties who are spreading confusion. Sharma said that I am fortunate that I have got the opportunity to come and work in the land of Baba Vaidyanath. He said that MP Nishikant Dubey is contesting elections from here for the fourth consecutive time. In the last years, there has been a lot of development in this area under his leadership, due to which the public support is with him. State President Sharma said that the last phase of voting here will be held on June 1. For a big victory, the workers will have to remain active till then. While giving the mantra to the workers to increase the voting percentage, he said that Panna Pramukh, Mandal President and Booth President will have to fulfill a big responsibility along with the workers and will have to get the voters out of every house through constant contact. Only then will the party's resolve to increase vote share by 10 percent at every booth be fulfilled. Sharma said that on the day of voting, first of all the workers should vote themselves, get their families to vote and then get four families from their neighborhood to vote as well.On this occasion, Lok Sabha candidate Nishikant Dubey, Rajya Sabha MP and Jharkhand in-charge Shri Laxmikant Vajpayee were also present. A seminar was organized on the discoveries and ideologies of geographers in the development of geography by the students of the Geography Department, Graduation Semester-llll of G M. Evening College, Ichak, Hazaribag. This program was organized under the direction of Geography Department Head Deependra Kumar. In this program, college director Vinay Kumar, college principal Shambhu Kumar, college examination controller Ranjan Kumar, former head of geography department Riyaz Ahmed as well as teachers from various departments were present as chief guests in this program. Addressing this program, college director Vinay Kumar said that at present the climate is changing rapidly. Students will have to understand the contribution of geographers to understand this changing climate and will have to control the rapidly increasing global warming in time, only then human life on earth will be safe in the future.Former Head of Geography Department, Riyaz Ahmed, while addressing the children, said that through such an event, children will know the importance of geographers and will also increase their self-confidence.On this occasion, Controller of Examinations of the college Ranjan Kumar said that Geography is a subject which has a deep connection with all other subjects. Specially mentioning the views of Greek geographer Eratosthenes, he said that history should be studied by combining it with geography, whereas geography should be studied by combining it with history, only then the problems arising in the environment can be solved. In the seminar, Jyoti, Neha, Komal stood first, Neha, Priya, Monica stood second while Rahul Kumar Das stood third.In this seminar Sagar, Sakshi, Pushpa, Baby, Varsha, Roop, Pramila, Nazia. Praveen, Chandni Khatoon, Chandan, Satyam, Sujeet, Shashi, Dinesh, Ruchi Kumari participated and the work of stage management in this program was done by Shiv Shankar. Teachers from various departments of the college contributed a lot in making this program successful. Despite the blazing temperatures, the influential figures of Jamshedpur turned up in full force to exercise their franchise during the Parliamentary Election-2024. Governor of Odisha, Raghubar Das, arrived in the city the previous night specifically to cast his vote. Early in the morning, accompanied by his wife, he was seen at Booth No. 21, Harijan Middle School, Bhalubasa, Jamshedpur. Banna Gupta, Health and Disaster Management Minister and a senior leader of the Congress party, also made his presence felt. Along with his spouse and son, he cast their valuable votes at their respective polling booths. T V Narendran, CEO cum Managing Director of Tata Steel, donned in a casual cotton shirt and blue jeans, along with his spouse Ruchi Narendran, showcased their inked fingers after voting in the steel city. The couple, widely recognised in the city, managed to capture the attention of the shutterbugs as they smiled for the cameras. Despite the scorching heat, voters in line were pleasantly surprised to see Narendran and his wife standing among them, setting a notable example of civic duty. Security was notably tight at the Loyola School booth from early morning. However, this VIP status did not deter a substantial number of people from casting their votes. While some voters were unaware of the VIP attendees, others felt their presence did not significantly alter their voting experience. It is really good to see the managing director of a steel company leaving his comfort and coming out to vote on a hot and sultry day. I have seen him practicing his franchise earlier also. Narendran never misses the chance to vote and thats no doubt an inspiration for many who avoid leaving their drawing rooms to come out and vote, commented a resident of Circuit House area. Senior officials from various companies, along with their spouses, also turned up to vote, although they declined to comment on the elections, choosing instead to pose for photojournalists. Though a number of VIPs are on the list at Loyola School booth, I had little problem in casting my vote, all were treated like common citizens, remarked a voter upon exiting the booth. In addition to corporate leaders, prominent political figures also exercised their franchise. BJP leader Amarpreet Singh Kale, along with his family, voted at Sakchi Shri Sakchi Gujarati English School, designated as Booth No. 287. Kale, known for his active participation in the city's political scene, expressed his gratitude to election officials and volunteers for ensuring a smooth voting process. His presence is viewed as a motivational factor for others to vote. In a brief media interaction, Kale underscored the importance of voting and urged Jamshedpur residents to fulfill their civic duty. "If you have not voted yet, please do so and perform your duty. Every vote counts in shaping the future of our city and our nation," he appealed. Reports indicate that the voting process at Booth No. 287 has been orderly, with adequate measures in place to ensure a smooth and secure experience for all citizens. As the day progresses, it remains crucial for the remaining residents to make their voices heard by participating in this vital democratic exercise. As the 10th International Day of Yoga was commemorated by the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) on Tuesday with a distinct focus on 'Yoga for Women Empowerment', Sister BK Shivani, a motivational speaker underscored the significance of yoga in nurturing resilience and informed decision-making, especially among the younger generation. Likewise, in her inaugural speech, AIIA Director Prof. (Dr.) Tanuja Nesari, appealed to everyone to celebrate this Yoga Day for women's empowerment, for guidance and to strengthen minds, spirits, and souls, to unite within ourselves, and to unite with the outside world by following Ayurveda's way of living. Ayurveda and yoga are two sides of the same coin. . Ayurveda is the physical aspect of yoga, and yoga is the spiritual aspect of Ayurveda, she said and urged everyone not only to teach but also to practice both yoga and Ayurveda. Youth of today should understand the importance of perseverance and the significance of Yoga for bringing a change for the betterment of humanity. A peaceful mind with the practice of yoga should help the individual take an informed decision for the welfare of the society, she said. Bhavna Saxena, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of AYUSH asserted that woman empowerment is a holistic concept which includes economic as well as spiritual empowerment. She also lauded the varied performances during the occasion including by students of Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, which comprised the lively performance of Yoga Fusion Programme. As part of the International Day of Yoga celebrations, AIIA launched a booklet on Therapeutic Yoga, a 5-day Common Yoga Protocol which will be performed at various Iconic Places in Delhi by AIIA Scholars, Ayur-Yoga Promotion at international borders in collaboration with ITBP. Established in 2017 for the promotion and advancement of the knowledge and practice of Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of medicine, the AIIA . over the past six years, has become a hub for ayurvedic education and research not only in India but also on global scale. Union Minister Anurag Thakur on Sunday dubbed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's rally in Una a "flop show" and termed the BJP's rule historic for the soldiers and martyrs. The BJP leader said that Gandhi's political career was a flop and so was his Una rally. "Chhote miyan (Sukhu's) guarantees were not fulfilled in the state and now bade miyan (Rahul) gave two to four more guarantees," he said. Referring to the Agniveer Yojana, Thakur said that 25 per cent of the youth will remain permanently in the army while reservation would be given for the remaining in central para military forces and state police, and there would be 100 per cent job guarantee for those becoming Agniveer. Mentioning the works done by the BJP governments for the former and present serving soldiers in military-dominated areas, Thakur said that before 1998, when a soldier attained martyrdom, only a trunk would come to his house, indicating the sacrifice of their brother and son. However, during the tenure of BJP Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the mortal remains of those who were martyred in the Kargil war were not only taken to their homes with respect, but the government also provided compensation to the families in the form of petrol pumps or gas agencies or in lump sum, he added. The BJP leader said that Vajpayee's government strengthened the army, tested nuclear bombs while India bought Rafale aircraft during the Narendra Modi regime. "India is making the BrahMos missile, Vikrant, Tejas aircraft along with bullet proof jackets as well as modern weapons," Thakur said, adding the nation is producing defence equipments worth more than Rs 1 lakh crore. Whereas between 2004 and 2014, the Congress always kept complaining about lack of money for the purchase of defence equipments, he said. Escalating his attack on the Congress, Thakur said, "Even after 16 months of formation of the Congress government in the state, not even a single guarantee is fulfilled and the mothers and sisters are waiting for Rs 1,500 per month while the youth is awaiting five lakh jobs. The people of Himachal are waiting for 300 units of free electricity." The Congress leaders do not say anything on these issues but instead keep spreading new misconceptions, he added. Thakur said Gandhi not only bears ill will towards the media, the fourth pillar of democracy, but also incites his workers to take violent action against them. He claimed that when Gandhi was attacking the media from the stage in Una, at the same time the Congress workers were attacking the media colleagues and snatching their cameras. Meanwhile, former chief minister and BJP leader Prem Kumar Dhumal said the Congress party, which had stopped the pension of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, the great son of Mother India, does not have the right to talk about soldiers. In a statement issued here, Dhumal said that Prime Minister Modi is giving job to the youth for four years under the Agniveer Yojana and lakhs of rupees after their retirement along with assurance of next employment. He alleged the Congress, which takes money from China for the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation, often criticizes Beijing to show it to the world, but Rahul Gandhi's love for China comes to his face again and again. Three people died and another was seriously injured after a fire broke out in a four-storey residential building in Krishna Nagar area of east Delhi on Sunday, officials of the Delhi Fire Services said. Officials said the charred body of a 66-year-old woman identified as Promila Shad was recovered from the first floor of the building, while two others identified as 18-year-old Keshav Sharma and 39-year-old Anju Sharma were declared brought dead by the doctors. Five fire tenders were rushed to the spot, they said, adding 14 vehicles and two bicylces at the spot were reduced to ashes. This is the second major fire incident in the city in as many days. At least seven newborns died in a massive fire at a children's hospital in east Delhi's Vivek Vihar on Saturday night. Meanwhile, police said another fire incident was reported in the area at Krishna Nagar police station on Sunday. Chief of Delhi Fire Services Atul Garg said a call regarding a blaze at a house near the Bank of India, Krishna Nagar was received at 2.35 am. "The flames were doused by 7.20 am and it was found that the fire began in 11 two-wheelers in the stilt parking of the house and spread to the first floor. The building comprises ground (stilt) plus four floors," he said. Officials said the second, third and fourth floors were affected by heat and smoke. One charred body was found on the first floor, Garg said. "Station House Officer and other staff reached the spot. Police and firefighters rescued Sonam Sadh (24) from the first floor. Karan Raj Bhalla (56), Seema Bhalla (54), Rahul Bhalla (33), Rohit Bhalla (30), Manish Bhalla (25) were rescued from the second floor. Third floor of the building was vacant," a senior police officer said. "Some of the occupants were rescued from behind of the building. Whereas, Devender Sharma (45), Gaurav Sharma (41), Ruchika Sharma (38) and six-year-old Divyansh were rescued from the fourth floor," the officer said. According to the DFS, two persons were declared dead at the GTB Hospital while one person was referred to Max hospital in a serious condition. Police has booked the owner of the building at Krishna Nagar Police Station. "We have registered an FIR under sections 285 (negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible matter), 304A (causing death by negligence), 337 (causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 427 (mischief causing damage) of the IPC has been registered at Krishna Nagar Police Station and investigation is being carried out. Post-mortem of the dead bodies are being conducted," said the police officer. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said INDIA bloc parties want to turn the country's majority community into second-class citizens and also alleged that "jihadis" across the border are supporting the Samajwadi Party and the Congress. He attacked the parties of the opposition bloc, alleging they are planning to rewrite the Constitution to provide reservation on the basis of religion. The prime minister was in Uttar Pradesh's Purvanchal region to address rallies in Ghosi, Deoria and Mirzapur in support of BJP and NDA Lok Sabha poll candidates contesting in the seventh and last phase of the general elections on June 1. "In Pakistan, 'duas' (prayers) are being made for the INDI alliance of Samajwadi Party (SP) and Congress. Jihadis across the border are supporting them. The SP and the Congress are making an appeal for 'vote jihad'," Modi said in an apparent reference to a remark by an INDIA bloc candidate. "This (INDIA bloc) group is saying that if they come to power, they will reimpose Article 370 in Kashmir. They will repeal the CAA (Citizenship (Amendment) Act) which gives citizenship to the victims of Partition. Whose agenda is this... This is what these anti-India forces want?" he said. Hitting out at the bloc, Prime Minister Modi claimed the "INDI jamaat" has been abusing him for his opposition to reservation on the basis of religion. The prime minister listed three "big conspiracies" of the opposition bloc and said, "First, the people of INDI alliance will change the Constitution and write in it afresh that reservation should be given on the basis of religion in India. Second, these INDI people will end the reservation given to SC, ST, OBC. Third, they will give the entire reservation to Muslims on the basis of religion," Modi said. He said, "A third method has been created to circumvent the OBC reservation. They are declaring Muslim castes as OBC overnight. Recently, the Calcutta High Court has rejected OBC reservation for 77 Muslim castes." Modi went on to add, "Today, the SP, Congress and the INDI people want to make the majority community in India second-class citizens." He also branded the bloc as communal and casteist, and targetted the SP, saying people associated with it have a "'chhatees ka ankara' (animosity) with law and order". "The SP used to release captured terrorists and its government used to suspend police officials for catching terrorist," Modi said and added that the party kept Purvanchal backward under a conspiracy. "During the SP government, mafias had built palaces on public land. But since Yogi Adityanath has come (as chief minister of Uttar Pradesh) the environment has changed. Now, the 'acche din' (good days) of mafias are over. Houses of the poor are being built in place of their palaces. This is the difference between the BJP and the INDI alliance," he said. Modi alleged that the "families of the SP and the Congress had their dynastic mindset to turn Purvanchal into a region of mafia, poverty and helplessness". "I want to remind you that in 2012, the SP in its manifesto had stated that Muslim should get reservation equal to that of Dalits. The INDI jamaat wants to change the Constitution for this. When I ask them (about reservation) they abuse Modi," he said, adding he is opposing reservation on the basis of religion. The people of the Purvanchal region will punish them for these, he said. Modi also alleged that the Congress created "roadblocks" for countries that wanted to purchase the BrahMos missiles. "There has been a demand for these in many countries but the Congress does not like it. Many countries wanted to purchase the BrahMos but the Congress government created hurdles because the 'INDI' people do not want India to become self-reliant in the defence sector," Modi said. The prime minister said, "The day is not far when BrahMos missiles will also be made in Uttar Pradesh." Referring to previous poll manifestos of the SP and the Congress, Modi said, "In 2012 (assembly polls), the SP had clearly written in its manifesto that the reservation that Babasaheb gave to Dalits, similar reservation will be given to Muslims." The Congress declared educational establishments as minority institutions and gave reservation to Muslims there, he claimed. "Before 2014, the Congress changed the law overnight to declare schools, colleges and universities as minority institutions. They declared thousands of educational institutions as minority institutions. Earlier, the reservation SC, ST and OBC students were getting there was completely ended and Muslims got reservation," Modi said. "What can be a bigger betrayal than this of the sons and daughters of Dalits, backward tribals?" Modi asked and added that the INDIA bloc wants to "take back the country by several decades". Referring to the Ram temple in Ayodhya, the prime minister said people from across the world are visiting it for a 'darshan' of Ram Lalla. But those of the SP and the Congress rejected the invitation for the temple's consecration ceremony, Modi said. "They pretend to go to temples during elections. But these people started abusing the Ram temple when such a grand festival (consecration ceremony) of our faith came after 500 years. These people were angry with the construction of the Ram temple," he said. He also claimed that these opposition parties talk about reversing the verdict in the Ram temple case just as it was done in the Shah Bano case. In 1985, the Supreme Court had ruled in favour of Shah Bano, a Muslim woman from Indore who had sought maintenance from her husband after divorce, but the then-Rajiv Gandhi government overturned the judgement through an Act. In November 2019, a five-judge apex court bench had paved the way for construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya, ending a decades-long land dispute. The prime minister said when "Modi openly exposes them (opposition), they raise slogans of digging Modi's grave." "They issue fatwas of vote jihad against Modi but as long as Modi has the protective shield of mothers and sisters of the country and the blessings of all of you, no one can do any harm to Modi," he said. In Mau district's Ghosi, Modi campaigned for NDA partner SBSP's Arvind Rajbhar (Ghosi) and BJP's Neeraj Shekhar (Ballia) and Ravindra Kushwaha (Salempur). He sought support for BJP's Kamlesh Paswan (Bansgaon) and Shashank Mani Tripathi (Deoria) in Deoria in Gorakhpur district and for NDA partner Apna Dal's Anupriya Patel (Mirzapur) and Rinki Kol (Robertsganj) in Mirzapur district.